This Week's Comic Expectations

With so much going on this week -- and so much of it simply being first issues of something with no real expectations -- we're going to use the lightning round format this week for the Expectations...

And there is no more perfect book to begin with than...

Amazing Spider-man #546: It's the start of Peter Parker's "Brand New Day," and the start of this thrice monthly shipping schedule. Personally, I am opposed to this book and refuse to pick it up, simply based on the fact that I don't Marvel to be monetarily rewarded for shoddy storytelling. Even the mysteries and curiosities of Peter's current situation are not appealing to me, because I feel like Marvel has set themselves up with the ability to do anything they want in Spidey's life right now, and just blame magic. But, if you're a fan of the Web Head, you don't have too much choice in this matter, do you?

Hulk #1: Another Brand New Day of sorts, as nobody really knows why Hulk is now Red or what is going on since "World War Hulk." With Jeph Loeb writing, the story probably won't be horrible, but that's about all we know right now.

X-Factor #27: "Messiah Complex" rolls on, and now the question is, what is Cable's true motivation and how is the Professor going to help. The better question is, why the hell is Predator X in this damn story? But I digress. I'll be picking this up, no doubt.

The Twelve #1: J.M.S. writes the first part of a maxi-series, placing some of World War Two's greatest heroes in the 21st Century, struggling to find their way. Personally, this not only sounds exactly like Alex Ross' upcoming Avengers series, but it also sounds a lot like the main backstory of Captain America. Give it a shot, or, if you're like me, wait to hear if it is good or not, and then buy the Hardcover.

Green Arrow/Black Canary #4: It sure does look like Connor Hawke is going to die in this one. More than that, it looks like his death may be tied in to Countdown (what isn't?). If you are a fan of the Arrow-slinging family in the DCU, this is a must-read for you.

Green Lantern Corps. #20: The "Sinestro Corps. War" may be over, but this book may be worth hanging around for this month, since Mongul has himself a brand-new ring (and no, his longtime on-again, off-again girlfriend Christina Aguileria has not proposed). I am sticking around in the Green Lantern World from here on out, or until the stories start to stink again.

Nightwing #140: Much like the Hulk this week, all you really need to know, or can know, about this issue is that Peter Tomasi makes his return to the series, and everything that man writes has turned to gold lately.

Salvation Run #3: This is a great great great mini-series, folks. Almost on Par with the Black Adam mini. A deserted and dangerous planet full of villains -- anything can happen and often does. Trust me on this one.