1. The Flash #211, 27 pts
Another good Flash story. Characterization being the focus, as usual. There are many subplots moving along right now, but they all seem to be going somewhere. The only flaw I can point out is that I am more than ready to see this crisis of faith get finished already. There is some justification to the idea that Flash has conducted a lot of soul-searching throughout his history, but there is much more to life than that.

2. Astonishing X-Men #2, 20 pts
"Cassady's art really stands out with the murder scene on pg. 4 and the last four pages. The new villain plots something other than sheer terror or robbery, and a "cure" is being tossed around. You can practically feel Beast's pain on the last page, and Kitty's speech to Emma is classic." darklaw14, DC Message Boards

3. Catwoman #32, 10 pts
"Sometimes it really is the quieter moments that speak volumes. Ed Brubaker is one of the chosen few in the field who can make an ordinary date (well, to a point, anyway) or a trip to the bar with your grown son seem like... well, a full story. Plus, it looks like Holly's got some splanin' to do! And artwise, while I prefer Stefano Gaudino's inks on Gotham Central, Sean Phillips's is not diminished by their prescence. An 'A' effort on all fronts. Plus, this just reminds me that Sleeper: Season 2 is now just a week away!" creepingterror, DC Message Boards

4. Amazing Spider-Man #509, 9 pts
"Deodato's art is quite a bit different than Romita's, not that it is a bad thing. I enjoyed the way Deodato's uses a lot of shadows in his figures, and he draws great faces and expressions. Straczynski keeps the story moving along briskly, for a setup issue. This storyline has 'disaster' written all over it with the rumored return of Gwen Stacy. Unless this story is treated very carefully 'Sins of the Past' could be the biggest Spider-stinker since the Clone Saga." Jimmy King, DC Message Boards

(tied for 5th) Teen Titans #12, 6 pts
The good news is that Raven is back. That is what I hoped would happen. The bad news is that I can't stand the new Brother Blood. I had major reservations about the whole Rose-as-Ravager bit, but it has gained a little ground in believability. I think the main problem with it was that there was no way to explain it based on prior characterization. Previous appearances (in the older series) had painted her as a dull one-dimensional character, so this sudden change was too much.

(tied for 5th) Superman #206, 6 pts
"Well it's more exciting than Superman eating a peach... Actually, this issue was pretty decent for the most part. We finally had some action, and maybe a hint at the force behind the Vanishings. The take on Superman as an alien who regards himself as an outsider is refreshing, but a little at odds with the other core titles (unless this is supposed to be his viewpoint 1 year down the line, after losing Lois in the Vanishings). On the downside, I was never really clear on why Superman chose to involve himself in this particular conflict, especially without knowing any of the facts. And he switches sides pretty quickly. And I'm fuzzy on what's going on in the last couple of pages. Oh well, at least we got to see Superman hitting things." Mister Miracle, DC Messge Boards

(tied for 5th) Wonder Woman #205, 6 pts
"Rucka's script finally brings out some of his excellent storytelling skills. Superior displays of Diana's courage and cool head vs. Dr.'s manipulation and Cale's iciness. 'Bout time." darklaw14, DC Message Boards

8. John Constantine: Hellblazer #197, 5 pts
"A nice, intriguing set-up for the arc, with some sharp art by Frusin. Carey can tell a tale." ishmael1st, DC Message Boards

(tied for 9th) Conan #5, 4 pts
"- Even this middle issue of an arc was kept exciting the the interesting origin of Hyperborea littered throughout. Truely this book is great." Jack the Knife, DC Message Boards

(tied for 9th) Wanted #4, 4 pts
"The story here is moving along nicely. I wish I didn't have to wait so long between issues, but that seems to be what happens when you sign up for one of Millar's series." skyking, DC Message Boards

11. The Goon #7, The Losers #13, The Witching #1, Uncle Scrooge #331, Queen & Country #25, Basara Vol. 6, Common Grounds #6, 3 pts

18. Luba's Comics & Stories #4, Captain America & The Falcon #4, Batman Adventures #15, 2 pts

21. Mystique #16, Iron Wok Jan #9, 1 pt