In modern-day New York City, a ragtag group of rebellious teens throws its annual raucous Weimar bash filled with debauchery, booze, and bloody knuckles. Going for the first time is Locke Vinetti, a newcomer to this band of bored rich kids -- a loner who usually prefers to escape into the world of his alter ego comic book creation, . Under the tutelage of the group's charming but unpredictable ringleader Casey, Locke has learned to express his art, and his angst, in ways he never thought possible. As the violent energy of Deadlocke continues to storm up inside of him, Locke must learn to control his newfound strength at the risk of losing Renee, the darkly beautiful girl of his dreams. Determined to prove that Deadlocke's rage will overpower Locke's love, Casey provokes Locke in a brutal rooftop battle where their lives, and their souls, hang in the balance. Based on the Simon & Schuster young adult novel by Christopher Krovatin, Deadlocke teams comic writer Arvid Nelson () with Nick Stakal () in a story of a young man coming to terms with his own demons in a search for his true identity. --

has finally brought Reactron back to New Krypton so he can be held accountable for murdering her father, Zor-El. While the debate about what to do with him rages among the people of New Krypton, the planet's ruler - and Supergirl's mother - remains unsure. Should Alura have Reactron executed? And will Supergirl allow it to happen if her mother decides to go that route? By: Sterling Gates, Greg Rucka, Jamal Igle, Jon Sibal, Joshus Middleton --

is an American comic book independently-published by writer-artist Terry Moore under his Abstract Studio imprint. The first issue was released on March 5, 2008. Echo's story revolves around Julie, a young photographer who inadvertently comes into contact with the metallic remnants of a high-tech battle suit that exploded on field testing. The only thing, though, is that the metal fragments have adhered to, and is covering, her body. Moore himself says the premise of Echo is a woman living in today's America who is dealing with a sudden unbelievable change to her daily life. The issues open with different quotes: Issues 1-5 & 14 open each time with a different quote from Albert Einstein; Issues 6-10 open with different quotes from J. Robert Oppenheimer; Issue 11 opens with by Ed Oberg and Jay A. Johnson; Issue 12 opens with a quote from Stephen Hawking; Issue #13 opens with a quote by Stanley Baldwin; issue #15 opens with a quote by Jazz tenor sax legend Dexter Gordon; and this issue opens with a quote by Thomas Paine.

The issue solicitation promises a revamp of many of ol' webhead's classic foes and starting with Electro, it does exactly that. Writer Mark Waid not only manages to craft a strong detailed tale of how Max Dilon became Electro but convincingly portrays Peter Parker's persona and all his baggage and angst as well. One other great thing going is the artwork of Paul Azaceta, which is strikingly reminiscent of vintage Jack Kirby with a dash of Steve Ditko going through a dark, moody phase. As all true believers know, Steve Ditko co-plotted with Stan Lee the very first issues of Spider-Man and also drew it. It's like the Amazing Spider-Man back to its roots. Three thumbs up.