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 THUNDERBOLTS: BREAKING POINT
Written by Christos N. Gage
Art by Brian Denham, Guru eFX, RS & Comicraft's Albert Deschanesne
Reviewed by Kenne
I have to admit that I stopped picking up the regular Thunderbolts title once Warren Ellis took it over and turned it into "villains who work for the government" story. I also have to admit that the last time I really enjoyed Thunderbolts was back in the day when Kurt Busiek originally created them. However, I've got a soft spot for Songbird and Moonstone. When I learned that they were the subject of this one-shot that was NOT written by Warren Ellis, I decided to give it a shot.
The result was a fairly well-written story even if there were a few things that I felt were cliched or far-fetched. The opening pages show the Thunderbolts taking on a misguided Green Man-like character whose powers were tied into the earth. Here's where I realize that I'm not going to be reading Shakespeare or anything close. Don't get me wrong, I'm a nature-lover who can appreciate characters who's main reason for being is to preach about the evils of polution. However, aren't there enough of those types of characters around that after the 101st character it grows tiresome. Then we get into the story of how Moonstone is threatened by Songbird because not only is Songbird more liked than her with the other Thunderbolts, but Songbird is also more popular with the public. This is when Moonstone decides to try and mess with Songbird a little. However, it soon becomes apparent that while Songbird is definitely the more heroic of the two, she's not about to let Moonstone bully her. After reading this book, I can't help but wish the regular series could be written and drawn by the creative team that made Thunderbolts: Breaking Point such an enjoyable issue to read.
 INVINCIBLE #46
Written by Robert Kirkman
Art by Ryan Ottley, Bill Crabtree, and Rus Wooton
Reviewed by Kenne
Invincible is one of those little comics that prove they have the quality and longivity to run with the big dogs. Okay, granted with only 46 issues to its belt, Invincible is no rival for the longevity of many comics at Marvel or DC. However, Invincible is still impressive because it proves that not everything of quality is doomed if it doesn't carry the Marvel or DC tag to it.
For those new to Invincible, let me sum up the story. Mark Grayson is the teenaged son of Nolan Grayson, who's costumed identity of Omni-Man has left Mark feeling like he has big shoes to fill if he ever hopes to become a hero like his father. Other than his legacy, the only thing really standing in his way is the fact that he still hasn't manifested his powers. When he does, he eventually takes on the superhero name of Invincible on account that he's incredibly strong and pretty much invincible. For Invincible, being a superhero is the best thing in the world, but he soon finds his character and judgment being put to the test when he learns that his father is not the hero he pretends to be. After the dust settles, Invincible not only becomes the better hero that his father only pretended to be but Invincible must also prepare himself for the day when he must protect the earth from an invasion. Each issue, Invincible juggles his personal life, his heroic life, and the knowledge that he must be a better man if he hopes to be man's last hope against enslavement from aliens who are each just as powerful as Invincible.
Robert Kirkman creates a solid action packed super hero soap opera where even minor walk-on characters may have a bigger role to play in the future and with issue 46, it's clear that Invincible has got a major challenge to overcome before issue 50, a challenge that may leave him changed in ways he'd never expect. If you're looking for a good comic read with great artwork, then you might want to give Invincible a shot.
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