Lately there has been a little tiff on our message boards about how we feel about event comics, I for one love the s**t out of em and for a lot of reasons. I know there are great stories out there in individual books, but as far as I’m concerned the bigger the world the better. With that in mind the Book Report likes to focus on all sorts of mainstream books and of course event comics. With that being said I’m going to get off my soap box and talk to you about five of the books I picked up this week.


-Dante Maddox, Comics Editor

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Elektra #1

So the first victim of the Skrull invasion is back in action so to speak. The fall out of the Skrull Invasion is still being explored while Marvel pushes ahead with Dark Reign, which is where we find Elektra for her first issue. First she was being held by SHIELD who then got taken over by HAMMER (the group, not the MC with a twitter account). It was interesting how the transition affected her and how she was being handled. Basically it gives you a snapshot into the inner workings of HAMMER and how its run. The first issue takes it time getting going which is both good and bad. Good because it builds up things in a way and is technically interesting, bad because we didn’t really need to explore that much information.

The book drags a little but is a fun read for those interested. If you weren’t an Elektra fan before this, this book doesn’t help matters, but if you are a fan then your girl is back!

New Avengers #51

Brian Michael Bendis loves to mess with people, I’m convinced of it. The good news is when he’s not messing with us he’s being really smart. This issue of New Avengers has been spared the continuity nightmare that is Mighty Avengers and keeps things going at a good pace. While I won’t tell you what happens word for word, the world is currently without a Sorcerer Supreme and Dr. Strange is looking into finding a suitable replacement.

Personally I feel bad that they want to replace Dr. Strange, but hey if it makes for a good story then replace away.

Guardians of the Galaxy #12

This is the lead up issue to War of Kings and a lot happens in this book. I really hope your reading Nova because that really does factor into that books plot line. Since all the stars are aligned for War of Kings this is a good book to buy as a precursor. A classic character or two come back to the living and a newer hero is forever changed, what more can you ask for? I’m all for character makeovers and this issue has it in spades.

You might also really like Wes Craig’s artwork a whole lot, I know I do. Be prepared for guest stars and rebirths with this 12th issue.

Commissioner Gordon one shot (Battle for the Cowl)

Batman is dead and Gotham is falling apart, it’s a lot to take in. With Nightwing on the scene you would figure that things would eventually settle down, but no, things get progressively worse. This issue deals with the heart of the matter, a police force that has come to rely too heavily on Batman and his collection of crime fighters. What this series is serving to do is remind readers that Batman is a symbol, a symbol that represents justice and to some degree peace.

Personally I think their over doing it a bit, but I’ll reserve my judgment. So far each issue is solid and certainly worth your money.

Daredevil #117

The return of the Kingpin is under way, brought to you by Ed Brubaker. The story is gritty and complex which is what I’ve come to expect from a scribe of Brubaker’s caliber. Brought back into the fold by his enemies The Kingpin is out for vengeance, surprise surprise that it’s not Daredevil he’s interested in. Lady Bullseye is the object of Kingpins ire and it looks like war might be on its way to Hell’s Kitchen, can Daredevil stop it?

This is an issue worth keeping an eye on at least. The return of the Kingpin is rife with possibilities when you look at the Marvel landscape right now.