‘Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns #1’

Geoff Johns begins his “War of Light” storyline in this “Final Crisis” tie-in, that looks to have major ramifications for the Green Lantern universe outside of “Final Crisis.” The danger of telling a story about a war between eight different factions is readers might have problems following allegiances.

In order to keep the story focused, look for Johns to highlight the conflict between Hal Jordan and Sinestro. Johns also plans to keep readers relating to the space-opera by clinging to his four main characters of Hal, John, Guy and Kyle.

Johns’ writing of these characters has always been strong since he reunited them in “Green Lantern: Rebirth,” so their interactions should be a strong point of the book.

‘The Boys #24’

“We Gotta Go Now” continues with part two of the story, in which Hughie infiltrates a thinly-veiled parody of the X-Men.

Although nearly every storyline so far has involved the boys taking on a different super team, Ennis has kept the series fresh by slowly introducing new elements about Hughie’s allies in each issue, constantly expanding characterization. Expect to learn more of the enigmatic Butcher’s motivations as the series enters the second act of its approximately 60 planned issues.

‘Immortal Iron-Fist #19’

Iron Fist Danny Rand desperately attempts to find the secret to surviving a deadly attack from a new enemy who has killed every Iron Fist before — with one exception: Danny’s mentor Orson Randall. Writer Duane Swierczynski has provided a seamless takeover from Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction, keeping a solid writing quality but shifting the series’ focus from political intrigue in the mystical city of K’un Lun to Danny’s daily life in New York, as Danny attempts to refocus his struggling company and fights for his life. Travel Foreman’s art is strikingly different to the subdued work of original series artist David Aja, but brings the book an energy and attitude more fitting of the current storyline’s setting.

‘Thor #11’

J. Michael Strazynski’s reboot of Thor is a little more than a year old, but already Thor’s world has been populated with memorable characters who are both gods and humans. Although the major storylines have slowly developed, Strazynski has filled the comic with so many smaller relationships and conflicts that issues still feel dense with story. Issue 10 introduced further political intrigue in Asgard as Loki, reincarnated as a woman after Ragnarok, turns Baldur against his brother, Thor. Oliver Coipel’s art brings Asgard to life and keeps energy high during action sequences.

— Tim Bennett is a professional writing senior.