Shatterstar looks like he's having the time of his life.

Artifacts #3 ****
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Michael Broussard
Cover Artist(s): Kalman Andrasofszky and John Tyler Christopher
Publisher: Top Cow

This is the third issue in the Top Cow major event and things are starting to heat up. On the one end, the good guys have all gathered together in light of Sara's missing daughter. While all gathered together, they are informed of the plot to bring all 13 artifacts together and the chaos and destruction such an act would cause. On the other end of the spectrum, team evil has gone around the world recruiting some of the wielders of the artifacts to join their cause. While this issue was mainly team building, it does set up the the future to look very interesting. The writing and the art combine to make one very beautiful book. My only concern is that somewhere along the 13 issues the story might falter. However, until that happens, if it happens at all, this book still remains a great read.

X-Factor #211 ****
Writer: Peter David
Artist(s): Emanuela Lupacchino and Pat Davidson
Cover Artist(s): David Yardin and Andrew Crossley
Publisher: Marvel

After checking in with Monet, Rictor, and Rahne in the last issue, it's back to Vegas this week. Longshot, Shatterstar, and Madrox have their hands full with an army of undead sent by Hela, who we see a little too much of in this issue, literally. Fortunately  Darwin, Guido, and Siren arrive in time to even the odds. Everything comes to a stand still when another god makes a guest appearance.
I thought that overall this issue was great. The pacing of the action was fluid and not at all repetitive. It was cool seeing Layla use powers I didn't know she had. I was thoroughly pleased with the way Madrox talked about Shatterstar during the battle and loved the part where Shatterstar almost hits on said guest. The writing in this series is fantastic and the art is quite nice as well.   

X-Men #5 ****
Writer: Victor Hischler
Artist: Paco Medina
Cover Artist: Adi Granov
Publisher: Marvel

If there was ever a doubt as to who should be leader of the free mutants, though why would you after Utopia and Second Coming, this issue definitely shows off his bits. With the Vampires itching for a fight, they send out their entire front line, which happens to be their only line of defense. Under the vampiric influence, Logan attacks his mutant brethren only to be stopped by the genius mind of Cyclops, who had planned for Logan to be turned into a vampire from the beginning.
I really liked this issue. It had just enough of a combination of action and storytelling. There were some great appearances by a couple of the X-Men who have not played a significant role in any other shows.

My DC comic reviews can be found at ComicAttack.net!