Even if I hadn't liked X-STATIX #14, I would still be in love with its cool cover featuring Spider-Man, The Orphan, and Henrietta Hunter (formerly Princess Di). Issue 14 is the second chapter of the five part "Back from the Dead," the story that was to be "Di Another Day." Controversy and changes aside, this is still a very good comic. I look forward to reading this like I do no other superhero comic.

Milligan writes the best superhero as commentary on contemporary culture aside from Frank Miller. From the almost self-righteous and too charitable Ms. Hunter to the greedy, money-ravenous Spike Freeman, Milligan pimp slaps pop culture and present-day news events with seeming bemusement and disdain through his characters.

On a regular basis, Mike Allred reminds us that we're still reading a comic book, but he does it with a disarming lack of shame. He easily shows how skillful and artful comic book art can be and still be true to the game, and he has the perfect inker in J. Bone who does nothing to take away from the genius that is Allred. GRADE A-