Over the last month, I’ve written a majority of positive reviews. I’ve had one or two books that I flat out disliked, and said as much. And in the last two weeks, two creators have come into the store I’ve worked at. Both of them very nice people whose work I just don’t enjoy.

It would not have surprised me if, yesterday Brian Michael Bendis had come in and asked me what I thought of his AvX #0 story. It’s been that kind of week. I don’t skirt around my feelings, but I’m not a dick either. I know that most creators work very hard at their art, just as they know that their audience is not required to like something just because they worked hard. If drive superseded talent, most of the commenters on this site would have million dollar contracts with Marvel & DC.

Luckily, Bendis didn’t come in last week or the week before when I bought the first New and Adjectiveless Avengers trades from the rererelaunch of 2010ish. If he came in this week, I’d have nothing but nice things to say. Loved Avengers Vs. X-Men, and I’ve finally sat down and read Brilliant, and think it’s great.

Scarlet was too fourth-wally for my taste. And Powers has been a wildly inconsistent ride for me. But these first three issues of Brilliant have hooked me. That I love Bagley’s art is no surprise. I just really appreciate that this is the Bendis who can draw you in from any issue. I didn’t read issues one and two until after reading this one, and I had no trouble following along. Recaps to the previous issue are seamlessly stitched in to the story. I look forward to reading issue four.