This week's comic expectations

There's not too much to speak of this week, and most of what is out there, you likely already know about. So we're hitting you short and sweet with the expectations this week.

Avengers: The Initiative #10: Part three of a pretty strong so far arc, "Killed in Action," promises, in Marvel's words, "More Death! More Mayhem! No Mercy!" Ah, you have to love the Marvel hype machine.

Booster Gold #7: Part two of the "Blue & Gold" arc promises more Booster and Beetle hi jinx in what seems to be a parallel future spawned from Ted Kord staying alive. This is a book not NEARLY enough people are buying.

Countdown to Final Crisis #7: The apocalypse bunch has returned to Earth -- Or Have They?!? Look for some good Justice League vs. Challengers action in this one, and possibly the big reveal of Earth-1.

Fantastic Four #555: In Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch's first issue, we were introduced to a space colony where humans will go when the Earth is destroyed. You should know two things from this: 1) Millar is bringing his 'A' game ideas to this title, 2) At some point in his run, there will be an ENORMOUS threat to Earth. I am hooked with curiosity, if not confidence in Millar's abilities to write the Fan Four.

Green Lantern Corps #22: The second-part of an Alpha Lantern back story... part one was good, and I wouldn't discourage you from picking this up, but don't expect the normal GL Corps cast in this one.

Salvation Run #5: The best mini-series currently in comics, and probably ties for the best in the past three or four years with the recently concluded "Black Adam" mini. Lex Luthor and the Joker are still fighting for control of the criminal planet, while a third group has apparently found the fabled "safe zone."

Superman #674: Part one of Kurt Busiek's farewell arc (before he moves over to "Trinity" after #675). Look for him to continue leaving his mark on the Man of Steel, as he introduces another new villain, Paragon.

X-Factor #29: I wasn't so nuts about the first issue of X-Factor after "Messiah CompleX," so I am hoping the title gets a little more on track this time around. Peter David's title was one of the strongest X-titles, month in and month out before the big event, so it would be a shame to see so many other X-books bloom at X-Factor's expense.