Before I get to my reviews, just two points worth mentioning: Rest in peace, Alex Toth. The talented illustrator passed away the past week before this edition of Collector Times was put up. I would need an entire column to list his credits and contributions to the comic and animated industry. I first came to know of Mr. Toth's work on the '70s Super-Friends Saturday morning animated TV series. Quietly, the standard price for a DC and Marvel comic book is now up to $2.99. Most of Marvel Comics have been this price point for some time, but DC has now followed suit. I don't consider myself old, but I've been a longtime fan/collector to recall when one or both of the "big two" would put an editorial message in their publications explaining the price increase. I saw no such notice from either publisher this time. Perhaps the "big two" figure they have built-in fan bases, the majority of their buyers are thirtysomething adults, etc. Still, I thought some editorial message would be in order. This move puts the bite on my budget. I'll have to reluctantly drop some titles; and I don't know what. And now, the reviews . . . FAMILY GUY: 100 Ways to kill Lois  by Stewie Griffin (Devil's Due Publishing) -- The bad: The $6.95 cost. The good: There's a pretty healthy page count to account for the price. I'm a fan of the tv series and worried this wouldn't translate well to comicbook form. Actually, there's a lot of sight gags to go around and a bit more swearing that I didn't expect to find. Aside from Stewie's list, the actual story has to with the Griffins helping out Quahog's homeless. Manhunter #22 (DC)  -- I found out this title just got cancelled last month. I think it's a damn shame. This is one of my favorite comics that gives a blend of realism to the DCU with good characterization, language and situations. Our heroine has to come to terms with her family history while trying to defend Dr. Pyscho in her real-life identity. There's a one page nod to Wonder Woman and the tv show which I enjoyed. All-Star Batman & Robin #4 (DC)  -- I don't recall reading a book where there has been such a mismatch in quality in terms of writing and artwork. Frank Miller's writing is so over the top, it's laughable; while Jim Lee's artwork is gorgeous. There's little progression of "story" and the characterization of Batman is a mockery. The only thing worthwhile here was Lee's depiction of the Batcave in a gatefold spread. Marvel Adventures: The Avengers #1 (Marvel)  -- This title joins Spider-Man and Fantastic Four to the Marvel "All Ages" lineup. The roster: Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Storm, Wolverine, and Giant Girl. Interesting lineup. I have NO idea who Giant Girl really is; her secrety identity isn't mentioned. I don't know if it's supposed to be Janet (the Wasp) Pym or Scott Lang's daughter as an adult. The team takes on a group of rogue Ultrons first up here. I thought there was a bit more action in this Marvel book, opposed to any of DC's "kids" titles. Spider-Man Unlimited #15  -- I hate to use the adjective "amazing" to describe a Spider-Man book. Still, I find it incredible that this title manages to put out consistently good stories that don't directly involved Spider-Man per se, but rather others who he's an influence on (a child fan) or who he's helped (the Lizard/Curt Connors' family). Civil War #1 (Marvel)  -- Marvel's "event" of the moment. The government is asking heroes to voluntary register themselves and reveal their identities (something DC had the JSA do back in the '50s) after the teen hero group New Warriors shoot their reality tv show and they wind up dead. Marvel's heroes debate the issue and divide into sides. I like how it's being executed so far; able storytelling and art. However, with many crossovers in the works, Marvel is going to milk this for all it's worth. 52 Weeks 1 thru 3 (DC)  -- DC's "event" of the moment. While the stable of DC's titles are in "one year later" mode, this weekly series fills in the blanks. I like the $2.50 price, but the story seems a bit muddled at this point, as well as the DCU history back-up feature. Ralph (Elongated Man) is suicidal, someone desecrates his wife's gravestone. After a serious Booster Gold after Blue Beetle's death, he's reverted back to huckster form with lots of foreshadowing something bad is about to happen. The new Batwoman will appear in this series next month. And finally, some bullet comments on some of last month's offerings . . . Batman #653 (DC)  -- Harvey Dent becomes Two-Face again. The weakest chapter of the "Face to Face" story thus far. Birds of Prey #94 (DC)  -- Is it just me, or is it weird seeing Lady Shiva, er, the Jade Canary in fishnet stockings? Firestorm #25 (DC)  -- Mr. Freeze shows up (with Killer Frost), proving he's DC's most popular villain, appearance-wise. Teen Titans #36 (DC)  -- This issue reveals how Bumblebee and Vox (Mal Duncan) came to join the Doom Patrol -- filling in the blanks like a good "one year later" title should. Ultimate X-Men #70 (Marvel)  -- Part 2 of "Phoenix." Jean is not having fun, as you might guess. Batman Strikes #21 (DC)  -- I've said it before, this is a boring kids comic. I don't know how you can make an uninteresting story with Batgirl subbing for Batman vs. Mr. Freeze and the Firefly, but it's accomplished here. JSA #85 (DC)  -- The Gentlemen Ghost origin continues and the deceased Earth 2 Batman makes a cameo. Nightwing #120 (DC)  -- Dick Grayson becomes a runway model, and someone else discovers his identity. No, really! Superman/Batman #25 (DC)  -- Scheduling problems really hampered my interest in the multi-part story, so much so that even the appearances of female versions of Bats and Supes, and Bat-Mite couldn't renew it. Veronica #170 (Archie)  -- Veronica dreams she's in ancient Egypt in one tale; in another, she helps her dad to decide whether to invest in a minor league baseball team. Betty #155 (Archie)  -- Betty envisions herself living through the ages of American inventions. In another story, she thinks she's too perfect.

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