When I first heard that the Hulk would no longer be the star of this title and in fact that the name would, in a fashion, be changed to The Incredible Herc, I let a very loud groan of disgust. I actually like Hercules but I’m a huge Hulk fan and I thought that this was one of the most f*cked up ideas Marvel has come up with yet. It’s not bad, in fact, I actually like it. Writer Greg Pak is the only reason I gave this a chance and it was a fun read and artist Khoi Pham does a decent job. I miss the Hulk but I’ll hang in there to see where this goes. Grade: B-

Dark Horse Comics: Conan -The Frazetta Cover Series #1 (of 8 )

This is cut and dry. Conan the Barbarian has never been handled better than by the fine folks at Dark Horse and with a cover by the legendary Frank Frazetta, a great adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s The Frost-Giant’s Daughter by Kurt Busiek and kinetic art by the masterful Cary Nord makes this a must have. It’s simple–get this, even if you got it when if originally came out. Grade: A+

Marvel Comics: The Mighty Avengers #6

I wonder what the f*ck happened to writer Brian Michael Bendis. The man was at the top of his game just a couple of years ago but now he frequently puts out books that you think a no-name is writing. The first two issues of this title were pretty frickin’ cool but then the lame idea of bringing back thought balloons (there’s no need for them!) started to grate on my nerves, especially when it seems out of character, and then the lateness of the issues. This issue, writing wise, is very mediocre as it ties up the storyline of the return of Ultron and the fate of Tony Stark. At least the art by Frank Cho is very pleasing to the eye and Ares is one of my new favorite characters. But, Mr. Bendis, you can do better. And Mr. Quesada, Head of Marvel? WTF with the lateness of books? Grade: C-

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas—

Until next time—Peace….