Picked up "Masks"#5 and found it strangely unsatisfying. Great art, great premise, yet too many characters and not enough pages. By the time the action gets started, the issue ends! (And it took a darn long time before the action started in this series.) Been following "The Shadow" since issue 1 and have not been disappointed with the series overall. The "prequel", "Shadow Year One", is another matter. Wagner seems to think he must use some pretty bad language and very adult situations to spice up the story, but to me it's just a distraction. I'm not exactly offended, but I think it's just a gimmick to cover up some rather poor writing. Also grabbed the latest "Rocketeer". Still not sold on Bone's art, but it does seem to fit the storyline. I am absolutely enjoying all the "walk-ons" and references made in this bouncy tale. Wonder if any of the younger readers have any idea who some of these characters are? Anyway, some quite enjoyable writing! Also, don't forget Free Comic Book Day this Saturday- I read some previews and saw a "Prince Valiant" I really want, along with "Buck Rogers" and something called "Steam Engines of Oz". If you happen to be in Eastern Washington state, John at Merlyn's will be running this event Sunday as well. If you're in town for Bloomsday, stop in! Cheers, Bowers