Comic Catch: August 20, 2008

Guardians of the Galaxy #4 - When their HQ is sabotaged, the universe’s scrappiest squad of butt-kickers must ask themselves: “Who do you trust?” Is there a Skrull amongst the Guardians? Maybe the recently returned and revamped Adam Warlock? Or Star-Lord, who now hides behind a mask? And a talking raccoon and a telepathic dog? C’mon, people, you just know they’re evil infiltrators!

By Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Paul Pelletier

Comments from the Blog: Rocket Raccoon is a big draw here, though Abnett and Lanning's ability to make for a charming and amusing team interaction helps boost the Raccoon's profile.







Helm #2 - The Helm, an enchanted artifact of countless legendary heroes, has learned that its latest Chosen One is a chubby, unemployed fantasy addict . . . who lives in his mother's basement. Defying all odds, however, Matt Blurdy managed both to defeat a bloodthirsty hobgoblin and thwart the Helm's scheme to have him killed. Now the hero's training begins in earnest: workouts, retrieval of a magic flaming sword, battles with wraiths, and a showdown with a sorcerer in mortal combat. But when the media starts reporting Matt's victories as murders, an old flame reenters the picture, and true darkness looms on the horizon, even a replica Highlander trench coat might not be enough to save Matt's hide!

by Jim Hardison and Barts Spears

Comments from the Blog: Talk about our dream! Gamer geek finds enchanted helmet and becomes hero! Funny stuff, and a cathartic escape.

Justice League of America #24 - Vixen's power issues come to the forefront as Vixen, Black Canary, Zatanna, Hal and The Flash pay a visit to Animal Man. The team must team up with Animal Man to battle a new Justice League villain – and at stake is control of the Tantu Totem!

By Dwayne McDuffie and Ed Benes

Comments from the Blog: I've been enjoying the new Justice League series, but let's face it...Vixen's power issues have been at the forefront from the beginning.








Pistolfist #2 - This action-packed second issue ignites when our hero’s escape attempt results in deadly, unforeseen repercussions. Meanwhile, Benjamin Franklin is forced to consider his son’s involvement with the Redcoats’ lethal agenda. Further revelations of Pistolfist’s past and a surprise ending complete this follow-up to the stunning debut! this day.

By J.S. Earls, David A. Flanery, Jr., and Andres Guinaldo

Comments from the Blog: C'mon! How cool would history be if we could learn about superheroes! And with this series, you might actually learn something!







Project: Superpowers #5 - The Saga continues as we focus this issue on The Arrow and The Target! In New Shagri-La, the Black Terror leaves his companions and strikes out across the world as more and more heroes are appearing broken free from the power of the Urn! The Terror isn't the only one on the hunt though as Dynamic Family seek the heroes for their own means!

By Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, and Carlos Paul

Comments from the Blog: Golden age heroes lapsed into free market brought back into the modern day! I love it!







Uncanny X-Men #501 - Things start out grim for the newest X-Girl as the team gets settled into its new secret headquarters. Scott and Emma do what Scott and Emma do best-- but what's the secret project Scott's been building? And is anyone prepared for the menace of the Hellfire Cult? Mysteries, riddles, enigmas, and pain freaks all converge in the brave new world of San Francisco

by Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker, and Greg Land

Comments from the Blog: Ok, I'm a big X-Men fan, but I'm intrigued by Brubaker's direction.







X-Factor #34 - X-Factor is in pursuit of Darwin, whose father is looking for him. She-Hulk and Jazinda are in pursuit of Longshot, who may hold the key to defeating the Skrull invasion. With Darwin and Longshot on the run, neither of them wanting to be found, you'd just assume that X-Factor and She-Hulk will work together smoothly to accomplish both their goals. But what fun would that be?

by Peter David and Larry Stroman

Comments from the Blog: Peter David is great at making interesting team dynamics. Since he started this last X-Factor series, they've barely been a team, which makes me wonder how good he'd do with the original non-team, the Defenders.





X-Factor Special: Layla Miller #1 - Trapped in a future she never made, Layla Miller finds herself smack in the middle of the Summers rebellion that was responsible for the eventual liberation of mutants from the camps. The only question is, will she survive it?

By Peter David and Valentine de Landro

Comments from the Blog: One of the great characters from X-Factor was Layla Miller. But then she got stuck in the future. Hopefully, this is the first step in bringing her back.