We’ve got six Dark Reign issues this week, and with that comes our weekly Dark Reign update. We’ll do our best not to give away anything too major, but reader beware: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Who ordered the hit on Wade, and why did Bob show up when he did? Answers in this month’s Deadpool #7. Plus, we get action and intrigue! Who’s ready for Huey Lewis and tacos?! The Crimson Comedian is back, and he’s just about had it with this Tiger Shark guy!

I don’t know if you remember, but Norman Osborn asked Deadpool for some info during the Secret Invasion. Now that Normie’s on top of the world, Deadpool is intent on getting paid! As always, a laugh-out-loud book with great art.

I can’t wait for Deadpool #8! Now’s the perfect time to jump in on this great book.


Invincible Iron Man #10Hey true believers! We start out Invincible Iron Man #10 right where we left off: Norman Osborn is spouting shady government doublespeak, Pepper Potts is going down with the Stark Industries ship, and Tony and Maria Hill are on the run, doing their best to keep sensitive information out of evildoers’ hands–even if it means Tony has to wipe his own brain!

There are a couple of twists and turns to this issue, which made it a fun read. However, there is one major, uh, development that I’m afraid will be pretty cheesy–check out page 11 to see if you agree with me. Still, this title perfectly characterizes Norman Osborn as the ultimate crooked politician: full of his own hubris, vicious, and bound to hang himself eventually . . . right? Stay tuned for Invincible Iron Man #11.


Where do you go after you have your main character attempt an assassination, only to be thwarted (and pwned by) a super-powered bodyguard? Recovery. That’s what happens in Punisher #2. Frank’s got a new “friend” who’s gonna help him out in his . . . umm . . . time of need. There are reports that crime is down in the Big Apple, but Frank knows better. There are still murderers, terrorists, pimps, and thugs who need to be punished, and with the help of his new little buddy, Frank is gonna do just that.

There are plenty of guns in this one to satisfy even the most hardened Punisher fan. See you next month for Punisher #3.


Agents of Atlas #1What do you get when you take a Marvel team that debuted in the ’70s as a retconned supergroup from the ’50s, and then bring them into the present day? Agents of Atlas #1 is what, and it’s not nearly as confusing as it sounds.

The Agents of Atlas are Namora, Venus, Marvel Boy, Gorilla Man, M-11, and former secret agent Jimmy Woo–characters who were originally from Atlas Comics, and who debuted as a team in What If #9 in 1978. Now they’re back, and ready to fight Norman Osborn’s Dark Reign by pretending to be supervillians themselves.

This is a fun, old-fashioned romp thus far, and the artwork has a vivid, detailed look. As a bonus, there’s a secondary, “classified” tale set in the 1950s, as Jimmy Woo, Gorilla Man, and M-11 fight mind-control bugs, guest-starring Wolverine and . . . Fidel Castro? This alone has me looking forward to Agents of Atlas #2.


Marvel’s been teasing us for months about this event. There’s a new Black Panther in town, but nobody knows who it is. Tell you the truth, by the end of this issue, you still don’t know who’s going to take up the mantle. It’s kind of frustrating.

I did dig a few things about this book, though. First, it unveils another key player who’s taken Osborn’s side. Second, there’s some good background info in the back of the book that will bring new readers (like me, in the case of Black Panther) up to speed on the mythos and introduce us to T’Challa and Wakanda.

I thought the art was great and am looking forward to finding out how T’Challa and his Milaje got bested. Also, I hope they introduce us to the new Black Panther in Black Panther #2.


S.H.I.E.L.D. has been dismantled, leaving Nick Fury out of a job . . . but not down for the count. He’s gone underground, putting together a team of unknowns to take part in the resistance against Norman Osborn in Secret Warriors #1, by Brian Michael Bendis and Jonathan Hickman.

Ol’ Nick is still the unflappable, grizzled warhorse he always was, leading his team down a twisty path to stay one step ahead of the government. But even he is thrown for a loop when he discovers a secret that undermines everything he’s worked for his entire life. Obama alert! President Obama makes a guest appearance. Pre-order Secret Warriors #2 to see what happens next!

So . . . what do you all think so far? Any speculation on who the new Black Panther is? Just how far can Norman Osborn go before everyone notices that he’s a total psycho? Post your comments below!

Author : Josh@TFAW