Comics this week

Couple of big books out there this week and plenty to choose from for my pre-game picks. Speed round!

Astonishing X-Men 68
For real, the final issue this time. Last issue left us in a good place, wrapping up the last mini-arc and giving our team a chance to really have an issue to themselves as the long-lasting series comes to an end.

Avengers Arena 16
Another Avengers Arena issue so another Avengers Arena issue makes the pre-game (speaking of, I sure bet Captain America won't make this list! Haha, just kidding, it's totally next up). We're bound to see soon what became of Apex and Death Locket but will it come before the aftermath of Nara's death? Guys, there's seriously so much happening right now.

Captain America 12
Last issue's art change was somewhat welcomed; I liked Romita Jr.'s art on the book and it certainly managed to often fit the feel but, as great and well-respected of an artist as JRJR is, I'm not that upset to be getting a break from him. Excited to see how the new-look, no-regrets Cap will act or if last issue's symbolic history-burning was purely for the symbol of it. That's a pretty big commitment for Cap, given his history and his character. Ah, going too long on this one! Next book!

Infinity 4
We're halfway through Infinity and I think I'm finally willing to say that I'm enjoying this series and rather looking forward to the tie-in stuff. I'm about ready for some of it to come to an end (I don't need it taking up more time all the way across the universe) but it's certainly an engaging and interesting epic, worthy of the title "event." Hoping it keeps up as we pull past the halfway mark (ah, there's that negativity again! Quickly, on to the next book before it infects this post!).

Ultimate X-Men 32
Just a really, really good book. Li'l Wolverine is about to tear through Tian at Jean Grey's secret command while Utopia continues to prepare for a war they hope they can avoid with diplomacy and smart moves. The tension here is thick and I'm excited to see what use the series gets out of that.