X-Infernus #4 – Looks like Pixie is more screwed up than ever and Magik is back among the X-Men for a while. This story had some real potential, but seemed too drawn out and contrite.  I would’ve enjoyed it more if this story took place in an actual X-Title as a two issue arc rather than the four. I will say that the penciller, Giuseppe Camuncoli, should have a decent future as an artist.

X-Force/Cable: Messiah War Chapter 1 – Wooo… leading directly out of Cable # and X-Force #13, this book hits the ground running and shows just how deranged and desperate Bishop has become. SPOILERS!!! As the X-Force team is forcible shunted into the future by Cyclops before they can save Boomer (Boom-Boom) from the Leper Queen, Bishop is making a deal with baddie of this story, Stryfe (recently resurrected by the techno-virus along with some other long dead X-villains…). The best thing about this story is the fact that X-Force encounters Deadpool! Still alive in the future and crazier than ever, we’re forced to wait until next issue to see if he is helping or trying to kill the team.

Mighty Avengers #23 – Since the end of Secret Invasion, the best thing about this book has been artist Koi Pham. But, in issue #23, the story finally gets some teeth and stops being what felt like a “filler story.” With the Scarlet Witch gathering, Hank Pym (the new Wasp), Jocasta, Hulk, Hercules, Amadeus Cho, Jarvis, U.S. Agent, Statue, Iron Man and the Vision to battle Mordred and the Elder God Chthon (who’s taken over the body of Quicksilver…) this seemed like a really crappy reason to bring a new team of Avengers together. Honestly, it felt like a West Coast Avengers story from 20 years ago. As the storyline winds down in this issue, Iron Man takes charge even though Pym was “chosen” to lead them by the Scarlet Witch. When Pym asks for one reason why he shouldn’t be in charge, Stark simply answers, “Three words. You’re. Hank. Pym.” He then takes Hercules and U.S. Agent to battle Chthon and gets their butts handed to them. Pym and Cho find a way to beat Chthon and Mordred by using Pym’s Ant-Man helmet to disrupt the language centers of their brains so they are unable to recite spells. Once the crisis is over, Iron Man takes off, as does Hulk. The Scarlet Witch then sends the rest of the team back to NYC to get settled. But, the best reveal comes on the last page of the issue – Scarlet Witch is actually Loki once again manipulating the heroes of the Marvel Universe to unwittingly do his bidding!

New Avengers #51 – Another story that’s been put on the shelf since Secret Invasion, Dr. Strange is no longer the Sorcerer Supreme of this dimension. The Dread Dormammu is pushing The Hood to claim the mantle and kill Strange. All this time, Strange has been searching for the new Sorcerer Supreme himself to pass on the items of power he used. By this issue, he has met with Jennifer Kale and is meeting with Wiccan (Billy) of the Young Avengers to see if he is the one. Other possibilities are Dr. Doom, Clea, Brother Voodoo, Magik, Scarlet Witch, one of the Ghost Riders or Sebastian Druid aka: Druid of Secret Warriors. After a brief look in with the New Avengers in which Spider-Man reveals he’s Peter Parker, Dr. Strange crashes through their door asking for help and collapses. This is a Bendis must read along with Dark Avengers…

Star Wars: Legacy #34 – Finally. Now that the real creative team is back after a two issue break, we can get back to what’s happening with the galaxy after the death of Krayt at the hands of Cade in issue #31. Darth Wyyrlok is keeping the illusion that Darth Krayt stills lives by putting his body into stasis. Wyyrlok is assuming full control of the Sith in order to complete Krayt’s vision of the Sith Order. Meanwhile, Cade and the rest of the strike team is burning hard for the hideout of Bantha Rawk to get help for Azlyn Rae who was gravely injured in the battle. Cade has been keeping her alive by using the dark side to heal her the whole way. Cade then collapses from exhaustion after making Bantha promise that he won’t let Azlyn die. Bantha comes to the conclusion that the only way to save Azlyn is to encase in a suit similar to the one that kept Vader alive. This story keeps getting better with every issue and is a must for any Star Wars fan.