“TWO DOWN…” The Punisher has cut a bloody swath through the organized crime families of prohibition-era New York City and now they’re starting to fight back. Does Frank have what it takes to take down Jigsaw and Barracuda? The real question is, will there be anything left of him, if he does? Story by Frank Tieri; Art by Paul Azaceta; Colors by Nick FIlardi; Letters by VC - Joe Sabino --

"Storybook legends remain known amongst readers of all stripes as being equal parts fairy tales and horrific snapshots of the past. And while many a little kid have acted out the ups and downs of classically creepy stories with their action figure collection, new independent publisher Th3rd World Studios' July-launching "The Stuff of Legend" places an army of toys front and center in a storybook battle chock full of resonant themes and raucous action." Thus goes Comic Book Resources' News Editor Phil Kegley's review of the Free Comic Book Day Preview Issue (the first 20 pages) of issue #1 of the two-part Volume 1 of , entitled "The Dark." Suffice it to say that it is one of the most interesting storylines of this year, lovingly done by master-storytellers aided by some of the most beautifully rendered artwork on comic books, ever. On the surface, you'll think of Disney's with a twist but upon further reading you'll realize it receives inspiration not only from "Toy Story," but also from "Small Soldiers". "Indian in the Cupboard", "The Wizard of Oz", "Harry Potter", mythology, and more. It more than breathes with a life of its own, and everyone, skeptics and critics alike, are being won over. Think of it as meets Zenescope's delivered in a square format and you'll get the idea.

is an ongoing comic book series published by DC Comics as part of the Vertigo imprint. It was created by writer G. Willow Wilson and artist M. K. Perker. It follows Blythe, an acrophobic flight attendant for the fictional Clearfleet Airlines, who is caught between two forces, the mysterious Etesians and an equally mysterious entity called Zayn. Critics were ambivalent about the first issue but the comic book increasingly gained positive feedback as the succeeding issues came out. Now even multi-awarded Neil Gaiman has compared Air to the works of Salman Rushdie and Thomas Pynchon. Anyhow, here's your chance to see what the fuss is all about--the series current and complete here at Avaxhome.

I like comics specials. More pages--hence, stories--in between pages. I also prefer non-continuity one-shot specials, the kind you just sit sit down with and read from cover to cover without trying to remember which event is being referred to or figuring out who did what to whom where or when. This one is just that, and what's more, it's another comic book in our countdown towards Halloween. 13 (get it?) tales on the theme--some skirting 'round it or simply flitting by, but over-all one you'll like. Check out "Superman and Flash Race." I think it's the best of the whole lot.

finally got back her own ongoing series after more than 26 years. In between there had been a miniseries and various appearances in other Marvel titles. Until recently she had been held captive by Skrulls and her good name had been dragged through the mud. Spider-Woman aka Jessica Drew sits around feeling sorry for herself until Abigail Brand offers her the chance to exact a little revenge on the alien race who wronged her by becoming an agent of S.W.O.R.D. and hunting down the remaining Skrulls who are still in hiding. Considering the creative team involved, issue #1 was a very good first issue. There's the origin of Spider-Woman in a nutshell, a recap of the whole Skrull invasion story that nicely sets up the status quo, fight scenes and tease to segue with the next issue. And of course there's Spider-Woman costume. As for the rest--the art (much too reminiscent of Daredevil for me, but Jessica has a face!), the way it's written (Bendis' first-person approach, for instance), etc., you have to read this series yourselves and form your own opinions.