It was a quiet week last week, which was good, as Sue and I were busy with the con, but Kirk had quite a pull for me this week when I strolled into West End Comics, check out this list…

Providence (Avatar comics) issue 5, written by Alan Moore, art by Jacen Burrows, colors by Juan Rodriguez, and letters by Kurt Hathaway. Robert is still travelling the east coast and now finds himself in a small town where a meteorite has crashed and some familiar names were involved in the time following it. There are shades of Color Out of Space. There is also a very terrifying dream within a dream sequence.

This series continues to be creepy, and well-penned, the art, so me, seems a little straight and clean, not that it isn’t good, as it is, but everything is so sharp and defined that there is nowhere for the imagination to fill in which is part of the fun when it comes to a horror story. It’s just as much about what you don’t see, or think you see that plays into the terror as what you do.

Now having said that, the dream within a dream sequence in this issue, truly disturbing and it really got under my skin.

Captain America: White (Marvel) issue 2, by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, with colors by Dave Stewart and letters by Richard Starkings. After Cap and Bucky, alongside the Howling Commandoes were shot down last episode, Cap’s letter turns to a discussion of hope and loyalty as it narrates the loss of his shield, an appearance of an ally and a dizzying climb…

Loeb and Sale work really well together, and their art and versions of Cap, Bucky, Dum Dum, Fury and the rest are dead-on, and I can hear each character in my mind. I like the image Cap sets for himself in public, and the things we hear going on in his mind at the same time, thanks to the letter he’s penned.

And the final pages of this issue are great… cliffhanger, ’nuff said.

Plutona (Image) issue 2, story by Jeff Lemire and Emi Lenox, art by Emi lenox, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Steve Wands. Mie and her friends have discovered the body of deceased super heroine Plutona and have to decide what to do. Do they post photos online, tell the police or keep it secret so the villains don’t realize the city is unprotected? And what is Teddy up to?

Two issues in, and I’m finding this one really sharply written, as it walks that balance between teen angst coming of age tale with superheroes. Add in the short clips we get at the end of each issue so far of Plutona’s last adventure, and I think this one is going to have some pretty strong emotional kicks when we get to the story’s climax!

Wolf (Image) issues 2 & 3, written by Ales Kot, art by Matt Taylor, colors by Lee Loughridge, and latters by Clayton Cowles. There’s a great Exorcist reference as Wolfe continues to dig into the mystery of Anita, deal with his pal Freddy Chtonic, and the fearful approach of the Santa Ana winds.

But there are forces moving against him, and he may have to turn Anita over to sinister forces if he ever wants to get his brother free from prison. Although, it seems as if the prison is going to be drawn into the dark plans underfoot.

Love the supernatural noir bent of this book, and love the way everything is playing out. Still not the biggest fan of the art, but I can work around it.

Star Wars: Lando (Marvel) issue 5, written by Charles Soule, art by Alex Maleev, colors by Paul Mounts, and letters by Joe Caramagna.

Lando and Chanath are deep in it now, as the twins, corrupted by the dark side are intent on keeping the ship and killing everyone else.

Can they save Lobot, escape the ship and the Emperor’s wrath?

And more importantly, at what cost to all involved?

This was a great little series, and I’m sorry to see it end, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be more adventures with Lando in the future…

Star Wars: Darth Vader (Marvel) issue 10, written by Kieron Gillen, art by Salvador Larroca, colors by Edgar Delgado, and letters by Joe Caramagna.

While Vader works with Inspector Thanoth, who is getting closer to discovering who was really behind the theft, Doctor Aphra and her sadistic droids are running down a lead on Naboo to confirm what Vader already feels is true… Amidala gave birth to a son…

His son.

We also get a bit of back story on Aphra as she conducts her interrogation.

But, as the issue ends, it looks like trouble may be coming their way sooner than they think.

I haven’t been the biggest fan of Aphra, but quite liked her in this issue, especially with the fleshing out of her back story.

Star Wars (Marvel) issue 10, written by Jason Aaron, art by Stuart Immonen, inks by Wade Von Grawbadger, colors by Justin Ponsor, and letters by Chris Eliopoulos.

Han and Leia, aboard Sana’s ship the Volt Cobra, eludes the Imperials, while Chewbacca and 3PO travel to Nar Shadda in the hopes of finding and rescuing Luke.

It seems the young would-be Jedi has been captured by Grakkus the Hutt, who likes to collect Jedi artifacts, and Luke may be his newest addition.

He also quickly finds himself in training to be a bit of a  gladiator to fight for Grakkus’ pleasure. He may learn to fight, but will he survive long enough to employ his new skills.

And another familiar baddie makes an appearance…

Love the art in this issue!

Star Wars: Shattered Empire (Marvel) issue 2, written by Greg Rucka, art by Marco Checcheyyo, Angel Unzueta, and Emilio Laiso, colors by Andres Mossa, and letters by Joe Caramagna.

Pilot Shara Bey is keeping busy, she’s been in the middle of battle since Endor, while her husband is on a mission with Solo. Their son, Poe gets a brief mention before she’s given an assignment away from battle…

Flying a diplomatic mission to Naboo with Princess Leia.

And while that is going on, the Imperials are preparing for their next move, taking orders delivered by messengers of the Emperor (talk of his demise is treasonous).

I like the art, and pacing of the book so far. I’m not quite hooked like I am the other titles, but I am enjoying it…

The Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel) issue 1, written by Dan Slott, pencils by Giuseppe Camuncoli, inks by Cam Smith, colors by Marte Garcia and letters by Joe Caramagna.

I’m not sure what has happened in Peter Parker’s life since I last checked in on him, which admittedly is a while ago, but I can say categorically, this is NOT the Peter Parker I grew up with. He’s like a cross between Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne right now, too many gadgets, and way too much globetrotting.

Not quite sure about this new launch, but after this issue, I can say, it’s probably not one that is going to interest me. Sorry Spidey.

We Stand On Guard (Image) issue 4, written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Steve Skroce, colors by Matt Hollingsworth, letters by Fonografiks.

Things are getting rough for Amber and the Two-Four, the Yanks have found their underground base, and are pouring troops and drones into it.

The battle tears the place apart, and causes the loss of even more of the battle-hardened group.

How much can they take, and what happens when they decide to strike back?

Meanwhile, State-side those in power are crafting a narrative to make Canadians seem like an even larger threat…

Loving this story, the art, and the character and action beats.

So that’s what I was reading this week… what books were on your pull list?

Remember to swing by West End Comics, say hey to Kirk, pat Satchel the dog, and leave with something awesome!