“Logan” issue No. 2 of the limited series from Marvel Comics is penned Brian K. Vaughn and penciled Eduardo Risso. Issue No. 1 was pretty amazing, does issue No. 2 live up to its predecessor? Read the review Wednesday.

Marvel Comics’ take on the prince of power takes on some new twists in Incredible Hercules. When last we left Big Guy and Rusty … Sorry, Hercules and Amadeus Cho, S.H.I.E.L.D. had managed to kill Cho’s puppy. Enraged he set a virus loose through their computer systems. The series has been getting solid attention, so why not take a look below then come back Wednesday for my review.

Everyone’s favorite Norse god of thunder has recalled all the Asgardians. Well, maybe not ALL of them. Turns out Odin is still missing from this Marvel Comics title and Thor is determined to find out why. Which leads to an interesting bit of information right as the book gets started. The book also goes out with two different covers. (Read the review Tuesday.)

When last we saw Marvel’s new Star-spangled avenger he was about to go toe-to-toe with four super-villains. A task he referred to as “No problem.” With issue No. 36 you can take a peek at whether that was a line that Bucky can back up or ramblings of a cocky novice. (Read the review Monday.)

Writer Joe Casey and artist Eric Canete have teamed to make one of my favorite series, but the pair have let me down with the sixth and final issue of “Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin.”

It’s not that it’s a particularly bad, just that is seems like every other comic book when the Shellhead saves the day. It would have felt a little more impressive if his genius saved the instead of the power of his armor … again.

Still, it was a fun read to see the Mandarin raving about how cool he is only to find that his trap hadn’t accounted for all contingencies. Plus, I can’t say enough how I dig Canete’s art. Beautiful line work that’s colored wonderfully to create a modified 1950s style.

So while I felt a bit let down, I still enjoyed the book and have to say that you should pick it up, especially if you’ve picked up others from this title. But if you aren’t into Iron Man now, I’d have to say find another starting point.

‘Cable’ is a thick slice of cool, but what do you expect when you team a crime writer like Duane Swierczynski with a fantastic penciller like Ariel Olivetti.

Spoilers beyond this point, turn back if you don’t want to know anything about the story. I’ll try to keep it to a minimum though.

The story starts with the titled hero wandering through future Earth protecting the baby that he picked up at the end of the Messiah CompleX series.

We see that this takes place after he’s been on the run for about six months (his time) and we get to see him take on a small group of baddies. The big thrill comes at the end when we see who the antagonist is going to be for the first arch of the series and it’s none other than __________.

I’m not about to spoil that for you. Check it out as the series looks like it’ll be a great ride.

My weekly take on the comics on shelves and where I think you should spend your bread.

AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL 15

The one shot comic marks 10 years. The story of May “May Day” Parker, daughter of the retired Amazing Spider-Man Peter and his wife Mary Jane, struck enough of a cord with fans that the powers that be wanted more. A whole universe where the daughter of the spider went on to her own crime fighting career was created and marks a decade with this issue. Fun and touching at the same time, it’s a fun read and a fantastic intro to the universe where the heir to the red and blue tights swings on. This comic actually feels like she’s really a legacy to Spidey as it showcases the same “never give up” attitude that her father has shown time and time again in his own titles. Get it. … $3.99

FANTASTIC FOUR 552

551 ended with Reed Richards blowing Prince Namor’s head off with a big ol’ gun. The sequal to that is heavy hitting and has Ben Grimm, the Thing, in a knock-down-drag-out with Doctor Doom. And it’s just the middle of the story. You’ll love it then hate how long you’ll have to wait until next issue. Get it. … $2.99

GHOST RIDER 18

If you haven’t been reading Ghost Rider this is almost a usless issue, but it has a heck of a payoff so it may be worth the asking price If there’s another book on the shelf that you were looking forward to though, get that instead. Skip it. … $2.99

IRON MAN AND POWER PACK 2

I do dig fun, kid friendly books, and this one works really well. May be a little cute for those looking for a hard edged comic, but if you give it a chance you’ll likely dig it. Besides, this is a title that carries multiple pages of Mini Marvels which are a great bonus. Think about it. … $2.99

MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK 6

Probably one of the silliest Hulk stories ever told. I can see the selling point as it has the feel of a DC Comic in the silver age, but I can’t recommend it as it wasn’t nearly as fun. Skip it. … $2.99

MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS 4

Four stories at about a buck a piece, not a bad deal. The Hellcat story is probably my favorite and I would be willing to buy that on it’s own. Can’t say I have the same enthusiasm for the other 3 books, but they were a fun enough read for the price. Think about it. … $3.99

NEW WARRIORS 6

Digging the book and the story but not how they keep working the whole “mystery” behind who is banking the team. Still, a good read with solid characters. I think 2008 will really see this book taking off. Think about it. … $2.99

NOVA 9

After several really strong issues, this feels like a misstep. Not too fun and the “heavy” part of the story doesn’t really mean anything, even if you’ve been reading the book. Skip it. … $2.99

PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL 14

WJ has been a fun book to read since it was revived but this son of Kraven story is really interesting and funny at the same time. Kraven the Hunter eventually went crazy but his son seems to be more mad and dangerous - especially without Kraven’s sense of honor - than his father ever was. From the first page to the last you don’t know the whole story, but you’re ok with that. I’d remind you to return for issue 15 as it seems this particular story is coming to an end, but one look at the last page and I think you’ll be back. Think about it. … $2.99

SPIDER-MAN FAMILY 6

Don’t dig the Manga story but it’s worth it just to see Thor as a frog again. I thought the storyline, originally run in The Mighty Thor, was silly as all get out. But it’s pretty funny in retrospect and it’s in that spirit that this tale is toad (yes, that is a horrible pun and was almost painful to use, but it was also irresistible).Lots of good stories for a reasonable price. Think about it. … $4.99

SPIDER-MAN/RED SONJA 5

There’s so much not to like about this and yet I kind of dug the story. This is the last book in the tale and ties everything up nicely. Think about it. … $2.99

ULTIMATE IRON MAN II 1

Loved it, you should pick it up. If you want to know more about what I thought of it, read the review. Get it. … $2.99

WOLVERINE 60

I don’t really like the art and the story is taking too long but this book indicates that we’re getting close to the end of this long and overly-convoluted story. Which will be nice. If you’re a hard core Wolvie fan, pick it up, if not, it’s not easy to pass up but don’t let the gorgeous cover fool you, it’s not a great story. Skip it. … $2.99

When the Ultimates, Marvel’s Ultimate line take on the Avengers, first came out I dug the twists on many of the characters. Iron Man was the one I probably liked least of all.

The character was fun and I liked when he was on the scene, but it just seemed pretty contrived to have him dying. Seems overused, but it was something worth overlooking because really, it was a trivial thing to complain about.

But when Ultimate  Ironman came out, the character became one to really watch. Corporate espionage and a deeply troubled man with a surgically sharp mind was at the core of what had made the character great. So the return to such was really a fun read.

Now, Orson Scott Card is continuing the tale with Ultimate Iron Man II. Starting shortly after the events of the first series, we see the armor through stages of refinement and watch Tony Stark, Iron Man’s alter-ego, deal with an overbearing father, the duties of running a major corporation, the rise of a brilliant nemesis and government spooks trying to take the Iron Man, which they believe to be a robot.

Looks like it’s going to be a helluva ride. And if the writing skills of Card aren’t enough, you have the  gorgeous artwork of Pasqual Ferry, who formerly worked on Ultimate Fantastic Four. Sweetening the deal is the alternate cover by guest cover artist Gabriele Dell’Otto.

With the Iron Man movie coming out in May, it looks like Marvel is about to pull out all the stops and let the tech-knight fly.

Starting a new regular feature here on Toon Talk. Thought I’d do a weekly quick view review of the latest titles. These are the books that just came out on Wednesday. In case you’re heading to the comic shop this weekend, this may give you an idea where to spread your bread.

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST 2

Looks like this is going to be a fun comic book with whimsy and epic drama going hand in hand. If you didn’t think the idea of a rocket raccoon character was a great idea, you’re absolutely wrong. Think about it. … $2.99

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE ANNUAL 1 (SI:I)

Pretty standard origins issue with an interesting twist. But I don’t think it’ll really convince anyone that this is a must read comic. Think about it. … $3.99

HOUSE OF M: AVENGERS 2

If you thought that the House of M universe was more fun than the actual Marvel Universe, and at the time who would have blamed you, this is a fun comic to check out. Don’t think it’ll blow anyone’s skirt up, But it’s still pretty intriguing. Still, I’m getting tired of watching Tigra so horribly misused throughout the Marvel U. Didn’t need it to happen in an parallel U too. Think about it. … $2.99

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN 34

Really dig the Marvel Adventure line and this one proves a fun Spider-Man story. Peter Parker plays baseball in this issue and makes Flash Thompson jealous. Get it. … $2.99

MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE 6

This title is a revival of another Marvel Two-in-One title, it sticks to the format of rerunning two stories within one cover. This one collects Marvel Adventures Avengers #6 and X-Men First Class #6. I like the traditional U-Foes origin as opposed to the Adventures line telling but it’s still pretty fun to watch as is the run-in between the X-Men and a group of Skrull. Think about it. … $4.99

MS. MARVEL 22

Still digging on this title and this issue doesn’t disappoint. Enough fighting and sci-fi adventure for most comic fans. The story is a bit mired in a convoluted storyline but if you’re a fan of the character you’ll dig it. If not, it’s a terrible starting point. Get it. … $2.99

NORTHLANDERS 1

Takes a lot of guts to start a series with a hero you really have to work to like. But the writing is sharp (it’s Brian Wood, could you expect less) and it holds lots of promise. Definitely feels like the beginning pages of a great adventure. Get it. … $2.99

OMEGA: THE UNKNOWN 3

This is the kind of storyline that you’d usually have to go to indy comics to read but it’s lots of fun. Still pretty early in the storyline so it’s a good time to jump on and there’s only two back issues to track down if you want to get caught up. Think about it. … $2.99

SILVER SURFER: IN THY NAME 2

This title seems to be taking a great tac and is well worth a look. While many in Marvel have taken to looking at Surfer as a Zen master with the power cosmic, the character was deeply rooted in an immense feeling of solitude and even depression. This character is an idealist with a strong sense of right and wrong who travels the cosmos and constantly sees civilizations topple into barbarism while claiming themselves civilized. Much like Mr. Spock provided an outsider’s view of the human race, the intergalactic kahuna has provided a critique of humanity through his view on alien races. This title could show him in his original glory by reducing him to his core instead of the Budda many writers have penned him as recently. And the best part, this is being achieved while showing an alien race worshipping him as the second coming. Get it. … $2.99

THE ORDER 5

The fifth issue of this series doesn’t pull any punches while showcasing the pettyness of celebrity and the personal cost of such. And it manages to do this while logging a stunning entry into their storyline that is likely to up the stakes for this comic. Think about it. … $2.99

ULTIMATE X-MEN 88

Worth a read of you’re a fan of the title, and the numbers say you likely are, but not much action. This is a good title for cleaning up the storyline and getting ready for one that looks like it’ll be a lot of fun, but if you haven’t been following the story the biggest draw is a shot of the white queen in the skimpy duds she used to wear in the 1980s. Not a look worth the cover price. Think about it. … $2.99

WHAT IF? X-MEN - RISE AND FALL OF THE SHI’AR EMPIRE

Didn’t particularly dig the original story, dig the what if not at all. Skip it. … $2.99

WORLD WAR HULK: AFTERSMASH ONE-SHOT

Really dug it. This comic sets a lot of other comics in motion while tying up loose ends left in the wake of World War Hulk. Definitely a good comic. Don’t believe me, read the review. Get it. … $2.99

WYRMS 6

Interesting story but not really worth the cost unless you‘re heavily into sci-fi. Even then I don‘t really recommend it as there are several other titles that I think do a better job and are far less derivative. Skip it. … $2.99

X-MEN: DIE BY THE SWORD 4

Quite possibly one of the most convoluted premises - this storyline in particular - in comic book history. But still a load of fun. Think about it. … $2.99