Welcome back to The Comic Fanatic! Got a few rather exciting titles this week.

First up is American Vampire #28. This is part one of the new arc entitled “The Blacklist”. In short, it’s war. With Henry dying, Pearl returns to where it all started all those years ago: Hollywood. There, she meets up with the Vassals who agree to help her in return for her help eliminating the local European vamps. She readily agrees, and then it’s revealed that she’ll be working with a partner: the one, the only Skinner Sweet. In short, it’s war. American Vampire VS European Vampire. And I couldn’t be more excited. This is the story a lot of us have wanted to read since the beginning, and it looks to be awesome. Pearl has a lot of great moments in this issue, it’s good to see her get her fangs out. I absolutely cannot wait for the next issue. Seriously exciting stuff. Haven’t been this thrilled since The Dark Angel Saga began. If you’re not reading American Vampire, this is a great starting spot.

Next we have the second issue of Mind the Gap. The first issue was a very hard act to follow, but I definitely enjoyed it. Still raising more questions than answers, but progress is being made slowly. That’s kinda the inherent problem with comics, you only have 25ish pages and they go by fast. We learn that there is definitely something not right at the hospital, and it seems everyone that can help won’t or is unable to. Big cast of characters, but they’re all pretty likable. Y’know, except the perpetrator, whoever he/she may be. If you missed the first issue, it’s not too late to grab it. You won’t want to miss Mind the Gap. Trust me.

Wolverine and the X-Men #12 finally gives one of my favorite characters, Rachel Grey, the spotlight. The issue starts with her tracking down Hope for Phoenix-Namor, and naturally ended up with a clash with the Avengers. She single-handedly stands up to both Captain America and Thor, then she finally meets up with Hope. One Phoenix Scion of the past , and the one of the present. It’s a brief meeting, but very interesting moment. I was glad to see Rachel in part of Wolverine and the X-Men and Legacy, but she hasn’t really shown her true potential. I thought we’d see more of her in Avengers VS X-Men, y’know, with her being a past wielder of the Phoenix. So, for Rachel Grey fans, this is a wonderful issue. All around, this is fun one. Jason Aaron can write. What else do I need to say?

Last but not least, we have Fatale #6. Another excellent issue from the great Brubaker. The first trade recently came out, so if you haven’t been reading, be sure to pick it up, and then this issue. We’re slowly learning more about Jo. Slowly but surely. A few answers are given, but mostly just more questions.

If only pick up one comic this week, make it American Vampire #28. It’s seriously one of the coolest starts, and it’s a great jumping on point for one of my favorite comics. Until next week!