Rant-Reviews--Nothing terrible, and a few things that are quite good.

This time we've got a mediocre panther, adventures in space with a superhero-gone-bad, yet even more Deadpool, Heroes you can hire, and everyone's favorite gang of mutants. I swear it was a coincidence the scores steadily go up as you read further down, I didn't design it that way.


Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #514
I would have liked this comic more were it not for how David Liss writes a guest appearance by Luke Cage. I don't like how he does Cage; he sounds overly aggressive, and otherwise acts like a bit of a jerk. It took me out of the comic, and that is one of the worst things a comic can do. Otherwise the comic was decent, but didn't seem to have that same spark the first issue did. Hopefully things will pick up next issue--and I won't have to worry about Luke Cage acting oddly out-of-character.
2.5 out of 5 stars.

Irredeemable #21
We pick up with earth celebrating, Survivor acting like a jerk, and the Plutonian trapped in his own mind. In other words, this issue is a lot like the one before it, excluding a scene where two characters state the obvious about why one isn't looking for his brother. That, and a turn of events with Plutonian that I didn't think would happen as soon as it did--but I did imagine would occur. A good issue, but I think things will get more interesting in the next few issues as events develop.
3 out of 5 stars.

Deadpool #31
More silly fun with "Draculas" and proof that Deadpool can cleverly plan ahead when the situation calls for it. Nothing memorable, but I had a good time reading it.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

Heroes For Hire #2
This time the characters shown on the cover actually appear in the comic, so that's a plus. Also, more fun with various less-known superheroes occurs that puts the spotlight on characters who normally don't get much attention. That, and the plot thickens as one character starts to realize all is not what it seems, and Brad Walker turns in some snazzy art. Overall a great issue.
4 out of 5 stars.

X-Factor #213
Another strong issue, with the cast all coming together as one member departs, a humorous new addition is made to the group (with hints he may not be all he seems) and Peter David continues to write great dialogue with just the right amount of humor and seriousness. I'm always pleased when a new issue of this comic comes out.
4 out of 5 stars.