Planet of the Apes #1- I kind of go into comics like this with low expectations, but I have to check them out because c’mon.........it has apes. I was pleasantly surprised though as this first issue offered up plenty of intrigue, solid art, and good storytelling. It’s also an interesting time period in the history to explore as it takes place 1200 years before Chuck Heston shows up. Humans as 2nd class citizens, a fragile peace, and an assassination that throws it all out of whack makes for good reading. 22 pages for 43.99 isn’t great, but there are no ads and it’s a solid enough story you don’t mind the extra buck. B+

FF #2- Lots of good build up in this issue and some good character payoffs, especially the Dragon Man and Spider-Man stuff. Plus, Doom and a really good teaser for the next issue. Beautiful cover as well, and can’t argue with the dropped cover price of $2.99. A-

Flash #11- More lead in to Flash, I will say that the 20 pages of reading go fast enough that I’m not sure if that’s a sign  A) I like it so much I want more, or B) It’s far too slow a development and I’m shooting through them wishing there was more to each issue. Maybe it’s both? I do like the Kolins art in this issue and it’s nice to see him draw a Reverse Flash again. B

Secret Avengers #12- I really really really don’t want Brubaker to leave, especially when he leaves on an interesting note like he did with this issue. I don’t really have anything against Nick Spencer, but Brubaker made this team work and gave us some interesting plots. I enjoy his use of the Prince of Orphans and thinks it works for the title, so seeing him take off just makes me a little nervous about losing some potential good stories down the road. B+

Locke & Key: Keys To The Kingdom #6-I’m always impressed with just how fluid Hill’s comic book scripting is without the benefit of decades of experience. Some script writers just have trouble making the transition from one format to another, yet his work is seamless and always has the perfect pacing. It doesn’t hurt that Gabriel Rodriguez totally rocks the art as well. A