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Ultimate Fantastic Four #28 (Marvel)

When Ultimate Fantastic Four first came out, things looked grim. It took nearly six issues for the team to finally get their powers, let alone become superheroes, something Stan Lee accomplished in just one issue. The Doctor Doom story line was a bore: readers watched as one of the greatest comic book villains was reduced to a metal hobo. Twelve issues into the series and Marvel's first family had yet to be called the Fantastic Four. But, I'm happy to report that things have really turned around - the FF are now right where they should be, in an alternate time line. Ultimate Fantastic Four 28 continues Mark Millar's President Thor story arc in part 2, in which the FF have altered the past, creating a world where an alien race, the Skrulls, have cured all disease and given every human alive superpowers. This issue is pretty much all exposition as this new strange world is set up for the reader; with no real action until the very end it may be a bore for some. However, with the promise of a huge showdown with the Ultimate Super-Skrull, who seems to be far superior to his original incarnation, all the set-up seems worthwhile. As always, Greg Land's art is stellar, appearing at times to be photographs altered by some Photoshop filters to make them look like drawings. The only possible complaint is that his art might seem too static, especially during action sequences. This, however, is so minor that it's easily overlooked. This book has definitely improved since its debut, and if it continues to improve at this rate, it very well could be one of the best books out there.

-4.5 of 5

Chris Burke

The starting anew of the Marvel Universe over half a decade ago under the mantle of Ultimate Marvel was a stroke of marketing genius. Spider-Man has been through so much over his 40 some odd years that it could be harder for younger readers to get into, and that is bad for the future of comics. But Marvel created a new easy access universe for all ages. Now all they had to do was get some good writing to keep it going and not let it become the next New Universe-type bomb. They succeeded. After immediate success with Ultimate Spider-Man, X-Men, and the Ultimates (Ultimate Universe's answer to the Avengers) they launched a book based on Marvel's first family of heroes, the Fantastic Four. Last issue Mr. Fantastic went back in time to change the problem that caused the four to actually get their powers. What resulted in the future was a world that formed an alliance with an alien race, the Skrull, a President who thinks he's a Norse God, and a super-powered population. But things aren't what they seem, as clearly revealed in this issue. What makes the book noteworthy is the art. Greg Land has an amazing, unmistakable look. After wowing with random covers and a mini-series, it's great to see him doing a monthly book AND having it come out in time. Sure, all the women look exactly alike but everything in it is highly detailed and absolutely gorgeous. Just wait and you'll see how pretty a flesh eating zombie can look.

-3 of 5

Jo Schmidt

Robin #148 (D.C. Comics)

Tim Drake, the third robin, has spiffy new duds, a better outlook on Batman, and is one year older than when we saw him last, leading his team of Teen Titans to take care of the destruction of Bludhaven. Now he's back to working Gotham and getting his butt handed to him by an unknown assailant. Someone has set him up and now Robin is wanted for murder and strives to solve the mystery by himself. Beechen does a great job of capturing the Tim Drake Robin as a very mature, brave, young hero who knows what he's capable of and what he isn't. Everyone that has been a Robin has had a different personality: Dick Grayson, the original Robin, was always set up to be the next Batman and for the most part embraced it. But Tim Drake makes Robin his own hero, not just Batman's sidekick. Karl Kerschl is fresh off his run from Adventures of Superman and his take on Robin is clear and nice overall, but with one minor annoyance. Robin looks SO young. I don't want to be rooting for a 12 year old who should be at home watching the WB, I want a late teenager who can kick butt. Like Robin always has been able to.

-3.5 of 5

Jo Schmidt

With the One Year Later event currently in full swing, massive changes to everyone's favorite DC characters are being seen across the board. Things are different, people are different and the DC universe is different, everywhere except in the little corner of the world inhabited by the Batman family. If anything, things there are more normal than they've been in years. Robin has returned from a yearlong absence from the streets of Gotham city, and Robin #148 is his welcome home party. It kicks off with the boy wonder being set up to take the fall for the death of one of his allies, Batgirl. Writer Adam Beechen crafts a back- to- basics detective comic and steers clear of all the crazy magic plot lines that the Robin title has been tied up in as of late, which is a much-welcomed breath of fresh air. Beechen's Robin is solid; he has the attitude that we've come to expect of Tim Drake, but at the same time he doesn't seem bratty or annoying. And penciler Karl Kerschl's art is youthful and playful, perfect for a story about a teenage hero. It doesn't get too cartoony or manga-ish, which could really hurt the tone of a crime drama story like this. This new creative team and story arc are off to a great start and make Robin look to be a very promising book. Those looking for a whole new Robin in this One Year Later relaunch may be a bit disappointed, but for anyone looking for classic Robin, it's your lucky day.

-4 of 5

Chris Burke

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