Picks of the Week - October 26, 2011

A big, big week in comics, not only for the DC New 52, but Marvel, Image, and even Avatar.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW

All Star Western #2 (DC Comics) – It’s an old West gun fight as Jonah Hex and Amadeus Arkham find themselves against the followers of the Religion of Crime with no idea who they can and can’t trust.  Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti also introduce All Star Western’s back up story as El Diablo rides again.

The Flash #2 (DC Comics) – While the primary story in the Flash has been okay, it is the new details explored in this issue that stands out.  We know the Flash is the fastest man alive, but what does he think about that?

I, Vampire #2 (DC Comics) – One of the darker titles in the new 52, I, Vampire continues to explore the world of the vampire in the DC Universe.  Hint:  they are less Twilight, more 30 Days of Night.

Green Lantern New Guardians #2 (DC Comics) – Kyle Raynor has a problem.  It seems that rings from each of the Lantern Corps have chosen him for some reason.  Now, with only Blue Lantern Saint Walker at his side, he needs to find out why before the other Corps members tear him apart.

Batman The Dark Knight #2 (DC Comics) – It’s Batman versus a juiced up Two-Face, but Harvey Dent is not the only Bat-villain who has been juiced.  But who is behind it?

Aquaman #2 (DC Comics) – The small town of Beachrock has a problem.  They have been attacked by creatures that look like extras from Shadow Over Innsmouth.  But can even Aquaman and Mera defeat these monsters?

Justice League Dark #2 (DC Comics) – The darkest of the DC team titles continues its battle against the Enchantress as Deadman and Dawn come onto the scene.  But whose side is Madame Xanadu on?

Wolverine and the X-Men #1 (Marvel Comics) – The X-Men have fought many adversaries, Magneto, the Brood, Onslaught, Sentinels.  But, do they have what it takes to face the toughest of all opponents: The New York State Department of Education.

Avengers Academy #20 – It’s an issues of endings and beginnings as the Academy.  This issue does better to tie up the previous issues as well as the effects of the Fear Itself event on the Academy.  With the direction that Wolverine and the X-Men seems to be taking, this title makes a great companion title as both deal with training the next generation.

The Vault #3 of 3 (Image Comics) – Sam Sarkar and Garrie Gastonny wrap up this great monster title as the crew of the Revelation try to stop the beast they released.  This series would make an excellent movie.

Stitched #1 (Avatar) – Garth Ennis and Mike Wolfer adapt their movie to comics as an extraction mission gone wrong.  Unfortunately for the members of Idaho Six, crashing is the least of their problems.