Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost #1, Army of Two #1, Conan: The Weight of the Crown, Joe the Barbarian #1, and Outsiders #26 are the five comic books Des and Mike take a look at this week.

With The Avengers: World Trust, Marvel has finally released Geoff Johns' initial Avengers storyline, but does it live up to expectations? Then in Secret Warriors: God of Fear, God of War, Nick Fury's team of underground heroes do... stuff. Supposedly. And Astro City: Life in the Big City proves that Kurt Busiek knows superheroes better than anyone else.

In the first edition of Extra Lives, genuine Aussie Aaron Robinson and wannabe Brit Damien Wilkens discuss the first hour of the immortal Chrono Trigger. But before that, there is foolishness abound, a nine-foot tall dominatrix, bikini samurais, and even a bad Michael Sims impression! There's something for everyone!

While reviewing Casanova #1, Fell #1, The Goon #1, Thunderbolts #1, Ultimate Spider-Man #1, and Wonder Woman #14, Des and Mike suffer traumatic Countdown flashbacks. Also, Mike rants about Nazis, and Des is inspired to create a new exploitation film series.

First Dan and Mike cover three trade paperbacks (Human Target: Chance Meetings, Wolverine First Class: Class Actions, and Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis - Once and Future), then Ian Wilson stops by to look at the comic book movies of 2009, 2010, and beyond!

Not only do Des and Mike review Blackest Night: JSA #1, but also four one-shots: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow, Captain America Reborn: Who Will Wield the Shield?, Hellboy: The Bride of Hell, and What If? Astonishing X-Men.

Few names are synonymous with modern comic books, but one of those very few is Brian Michael Bendis -- the man who's helped reshape Marvel. From his radical take on Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the Avengers, Bendis has firmly cemented himself as Marvel's go-to guy when it comes to superheroes. But what about his noir-laced crime fiction? In an effort to better understand his roots, Dan and Mike examine the first volumes of Jinx, Sam and Twitch, and Alias.

Des and Mike round out 2009 by discussing DC Comics' forthcoming graphic novel line. Not only do they examine the price point and format, but they also toss out a few ideas they'd love to see DC run with.

You asked for it, and now you've got it! In response to countless e-mails, James and Mike are joined by DW to discuss the 2009 direct-to-DVD animated feature Wonder Woman!

In the last 1st Issue Special of 2009, Des and Mike discuss Daytripper #1, The Last Days of American Crime #1, Nation X #1, Pilot Season: Murderer, and Spider-Man: The Secret Wars #1.