Seriously, X-writers - stop reminding us that Scott’s a dick.

Agreed, 100%.

Without an explanation, ANY explanation (as simple as "Stalin got cold feet") for the russians passivity, the series can't be considered a serious war comic.

Best,
Hunter (Pedro Bouça)

Lili had to deliver 10 souls (in the second agreement)

I think Seagle counted wrong.

3 people in issue 3

The boss, the purse stealer, and the hobo

In issue 4 we had

4) her friend
5) guy at supermarket
6) woman with dog
7) Tagger
sleaze
9) dancefloor guy
10) Taxi driver

So what the hell?

For some reason, the issue 4 black page at the start only mentioned the boss and the hobo, when the devil was in the car with her in the issue getting rid of the heat from the cops was "on the house" and had no effect on her totals.

Or have I misread this somehow?

I am of the opinion that R.E.M. have never made a bad album -- although "Monster," and even more so, "Around The Sun," were disappointing -- and a good many have been spectacularly awesome. "Be Mine" is my favorite song on "Hi-Fi." Great lyrics, and it never fails that I stop whatever I'm doing when the guitar solo starts.

Anyway, getting back to comics, even though I think the whole meta-the-story-is-the-Story thing is beginning to show a little wear, I kind of like "The Unwritten." Of course, I can't help but think, considering its lead character's similarities with a certain boy magician, that it'd be a hoot if this had come out as a reboot for Timothy Hunter, especially since Gross is involved. That would have been a lot of fun.

Hotwire has been a great series so far and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's noticed.

I've been moving away from mainstream books for years now, but this week was odd, as a TON of stuff came out that wasn't BIg Two (or even Big Four). Sometimes it just works out that way!

Would I like the second issue of The Unwritten if I didn't like the first much? I thought the story was kind of by-the-numbers and it didn't address the "power of story" theme very substantially.

Renegade Arts is smart--I wouldn't have seen their book, but I'm reading the first issue free online! That's how to build an audience and goodwill!

Alan: Beats me. I just figured it was. Maybe it's not!

Jace: New Adventures in Hi-Fi is my favorite REM album, actually. Good stuff!

Other than that, we didn't get much of the same stuff this week, Mr B. You should check out the JSA vs Kobra and Final Crisis:Escape minis, as these seem to be where you can get the story of Checkmate continues, and feature much smarter writing than those Bruce Jones issues you bought.

Is Buck Rogers really public domain?

Great song by a great band from a criminally underrated album.

Ah well.

I guess Unwritten was sold out by the time I got to my LCS because I didn't see it, and my mail order retailer didn't mention getting it in, either. I'm going to have to call again to check back. It'll probably still be there if he ordered it.

I don't know about skipping the Avengers/Uncanny cross, all parts are written by Fraction (probably with a big mandate though), but if it isn't doin if for you, it isn't doing it for you.

Also, I think Psylocke is supposed to be back in her original, British body. At least, that's what I've heard.

Yikes.