Comics Briefly: Belated Edition: Avengers Academy Giant-Size, Avengers Academy #13, Mouse Guard: The Black Axe #2

So I was sick earlier this week, and didn't get a chance to pick up this week's books until today. Since today was Free Comic Book Day, I was off to the local stores today anyhow, so that worked out just fine.

These books are full price, standard issues; stay tuned for my report on the FCBD books in a week or so.

Favorite Issue This Week: Mouse Guard: The Black Axe #2

All books were new in stores on May 4, 2011

Avengers Academy Giant-Size

Writer: Paul Tobin, Penciler: David Baldeon, Inker: Jordi Tarragona, Colorist: Chris Sotomayor

This special one-shot teams up some of the Avengers Academy kids with a few characters from Young Allies. It's a fine little adventure, and the art was quite good. There were some awesome moments for most of the characters, but the writing was a lot weaker than in the Avengers Academy ongoing. It was an okay issue overall, fine to read, but the characters felt slightly off. (Also it has to take place at least a few issues ago in AA continuity, and doesn't really work with the arc of Reptil's power development...just sayin'.)

Avengers Academy #13

Writer: Christos Gage, Penciler: Sean Chen, Inker: Scott Hanna, Colorist: Jeromy Cox

Awwww. The plot: Super Hero Prom. It's pretty frickin' adorable; everybody's in a romantic mood. I wasn't as interested with some of the subplots that deal with characters who are visiting from other books, but the touch with the teen characters is a subtle and great as ever. The art was even good! The plot was a little heavy on the cheese by the end, though.

Mouse Guard: The Black Axe #2

Written and Illustrated by David Petersen

Oh Mouse Guard, I have missed you! There were some silly things about this issue, maybe a few weak spots, but a average Mouse Guard issue is still better than a great issue of most series. I really liked some of the details about the problems faced by mice traveling by sea. The art, as always, is glorious, and the teaser image for next time has me eagerly awaiting Issue #3!