1 Bullet: "Shooting blanks." An instant quarter book, not worth the cover price. In fact, it might be so bad you'd skip it even if you got it for free.

2 Bullets: Disappointing. Fails in some way to utilize the artform to its potential, and may include flaws in the story, script or art that make it a waste of time to read. It does, though, have some redeeming value.

3 Bullets: An average comic. If you are a collector of the character(s) or creator(s), you won't be disappointed, but you won't be racing out to buy multiple copies to share with your friends, either.

4 Bullets: An above average comic. While it's not perfect, it's still well worth your time to pick this up and save it for future readings.

5 Bullets: An exceptionally good comic book — an entertaining story that exceeds expectations and is a terrific example of the artform of comics.