This week's comic book expectations

You've got to love the weeks when the big guns pull out their big guns and fight for your money. Then again, I guess you don't have to love those weeks, seeing as they normally result in spending more money... but we're not going to mention that anymore.

So what to begin with? I guess we'll start with an ending. Giant Size Astonishing X-Men #1 finishes off Joss Whedon and John Cassady's 25-issue run on the book they started FOUR YEARS AGO this month. Talk about your delays! And while the story's impact has been heavily diluted by all the waiting (to put the delays in perspective, the first 8 issues came out in the first 9 months), when you look back at this run as a whole, it will be viewed as an X-Men Masterpiece, on par with just about any short arc in the Merry Mutants' history.

This final issue will bring an end to the "Break World" storyline, and with it all the mysteries of what Peter will do to the planet and who will not make it back to Earth (Those who've read "Uncanny X-Men" lately know who that is, but I've done my best to hide from it... which also means I get to catch up on three months of "Uncanny" tomorrow too!), the story will hopefully not disappoint. When last we saw out mutants, Kitty was barrelling toward Earth inside an enormous bullet. My prediction, as I've said many times, is that Kitty phases the whole bullet through the planet, but then is left traveling through space without a way to stop, leaving a way for her to come back at some point.

Personally, I am looking forward to finding out what the deal from now on will be with Cyclops' eyes. I've always been vocal on not wanting Slim to be able to control his blasts, so I'm hoping Whedon undoes his change in Scott's physiology. But, mostly I am just thrilled that we're finally getting an ending. For as much as I've enjoyed Whedon and Cassady's work when I've seen it, the delays have just been ridiculous. Now that their story will be completed, I'm looking forward to an all-new tale (and a prompt one) penned by Warren Ellis.

Here's a quick look at other top Marvel titles to look for:

Marvel 1985 #1: The Marvel heroes come to "our world," whatever that means, and a 13-year-old boy holds the key to stopping villains. This sounds like a loser of a mini-series to me, but feel free the guess me wrong.

Daredevil #107: If you've been hearing how good "Daredevil" is but have been timid to jump into the pool, you should know this is the first part of a new story arc for the Man without Fear.

New Avengers #41: A "Secret Invasion" tie-in featuring the cast in the Savage Land. This issue promises to tie together the events of "New Avengers #1" with the current skrull situation. Still, unless you are the "New Avengers" fan, this doesn't seem to be required reading for the event.

X-Men Legacy #212: I cannot recommend this book enough, if you've an ounce of love for X-Men mythology. I have a feeling that Xavier's personal discoveries in this book are going to end up setting up the future of the mutant race. Not to mention the fact that Mike Carey is doing tremendous book-to-book work here.

OK, enough with Marvel. Especially because DC boasts FINAL CRISIS #1 this week. BAM!

Grant Morrison claims this is the story of the day evil won, and from what I've seen from the solicitations, I believe him. This first issue should set up Barry Allen's return, the return of the New Gods (or Birth of the New New Gods) and, unfortunately, be where one of DC's oldest heroes (rumored for months to be J'onn J'onzz) dies. This book should be huge.

And really, folks, Whether you are a DC fan or not, "Final Crisis" is the event to jump on board with this summer. Even if you don't trust Morrison's enthusiasm over the project (and nobody knows causing heroes misery like Morrison), trust the fact that DC is keeping this event VERY TIGHT. While there are tie-ins and ancillary titles going along with "Final Crisis," Morrison has been writing every semi-important event in his own book, his own seven issues. The other stories will be supporting tales occurring with the backdrop of "Final Crisis," not required reading. So jump in and give this 7 issue story a read, you're taking a good risk.

Personally, I just can't wait to see how Morrison finds a way for the heroes to find a way to upend Darkseid.

Other DC titles worth a look:

Batman #677: "Batman R.I.P." continues, and hopefully we'll get a small explanation as to what the heck the Joker was talking about last issue!

Green Lantern #31: "Secret Origins" continues, as we've just gotten to the good parts, Hal's beginnings in the Corps., under Sinestro. Now is where Geoff Johns really begins laying the brickroad to "Blackest Night."

Action Comics #865: A one-shot featuring Toy Man. Not required reading by any means, just a fill-in issue, but with as good as Johns has been on this title of late, I'll push it as much as anything.

Boy oh boy, I can't wait until Thursday. And not just because I get to interview Walt "Clyde" Frazier.