SHE-HULK “Jaded” premiere hardcover

She-Hulk “Jaded” collects issues 22 to 27. This contains the beginning of the writing run of Peter David, which has earned the series an upgrade from trade paperback to Marvel’s premiere hardcover format.

Jennifer Walters is no longer a lawyer, but now working as a fugitive recovery officer, effectively working as a bounty hunter capturing villains that skip bail!

Along for the ride on her many road-trips, is her best pal Jazinda, a Skrull on the run from everyone, human and her own species included.

It’s an interesting turn in direction by Peter David, as She-Hulk’s new vocation certainly opens up more opportunities for action and adventure.

However, what we have lost from Dan Slott’s amazing run is the in-joke cleverness and overall humor that made the series a joy. Peter David definitely knows how to write funny stuff, but in this opening issues just hasn’t settled right into the character properly.

I do like where the series is going, and have faith that Peter David is too good a writer to stuff it up!

7.5 out of 10.

The EXTERMINATORS volume 4 Crossfire And Collateral

I’ve really enjoyed The Exterminators so far, even though the comic is probably the biggest “slow burn” of all time!

This volume 4 tpb collects issues 17 to 23.

Issues 17 and 18 is the 2-part story “Showdown At Scatshot”. It is possibly the most boring and annoying issues of the series, thus far. It may even be the reason why Vertigo has decided to “finish up” the series at issue 30 (instead of 50).

Issues 19 to 23 , the 5-part epic “Crossfire and Collateral”, is a great return to form and overall focus. Issue 20 in particular is one of the best issues of the entire series.

The biggest frustration with the series is that a lot more could have been done quicker. Though I do enjoy the patient, slow burn of the series, there are many times the comic appears to get side-tracked on things that are less interesting and perhaps pointless (time will tell).  I’m sure what has taken 23 issues could also be done in about 10!

There is 7 issues to go, meaning one more tpb. How this series ends will greatly determine its value and effectiveness. Let’s hope it wasn’t all just a big waste of time!

7 out of 10.

BOMB QUEEN volume 4 Suicide Bomber

Bomb Queen is one of my favorite comic book series, but I felt started to lose focus with volume 3, as it began taking itself too seriously, becoming involved within the Image Universe continuity.

Volume 4 “Suicide Bomber” is a superb return to form, as we see out Bomb Queen at her best, totally outsmarting her opposition.

Though it continues to tie into other Image Comic characters and events, I felt this was done on creator Jimmie Robinson’s terms, and was helpful to the story.

Also, its one of the comics I can dwell longer on the page, as I love looking at the background images, signs and characters.  There is plenty of in-jokes and social commentary that goes between the written script.

I love you – Bomb Queen, come back soon!

8 out of 10.

FX #3 (of 6)

Once again, I hesitated in purchasing this issue, and once again, I ended up buying it, anyway.

FX is a fun comic book to read, but it’s not brilliant nor outstanding.  It is entertaining, however.

Wayne Osborne’s script continue to be corny, but that is also its’ charm.

It’s the halfway point in the series, time will tell if I will get issue 4…

7 out of 10.

GHOST WHISPERER: The Haunted #3 (of 5)

Issue 3 is another good issue of GHOST WHISPERER, with the overall storyline progressing along nicely.

The issue’s story, another teenager girl seeking revenge against a former student rival, is starting to get monotonous, but it still fits within the aim of the series.

The interior art by Elena Casagrande continues to be excellent, and I don’t mind that that Melinda Gordon has only a mild resemblance to Jennifer Love Hewitt.

7.5 out of 10.

LOCKE & KEY #4 (of 6)

The fourth issue of LOCKE & KEY, and the series continues to be brilliant!

This is easily one of the best mini-series of 2008.

I love Joe Hill’s writing, I love the vivid art by Gabriel Rodriguez, and I love the coloring work of Jay Fotos.

We continue to get some more back-story of the principal characters, though this issue takes a noticeable darker and sinister tone to the overall story.

8 out of 10.