“Ultimatum” follows up on Holly’s decision to force her fiancée AJ to either marry her or leave her, and no one’s more excited to know how that played out than Michael, who’s already gone overboard before even hearing the news and prepared (with the ever-adorable help of Erin) two emergency boxes: a happy one for if Holly’s left AJ (including streamers, champagne, a rubber mallet, etc.), and a sad one if she hasn’t (gummy bears, a sponge “to dry my tears,” and two fifths of scotch).

Meanwhile, Pam, taking a cue from the evidently more chipper staff of Bob Vance’s office (am I the only one who wants to see the inner workings of Vance Refrigeration?) sets up a “resolution board” for the rest of the office. The premise is that each member of the office writes down their New Year’s resolutions on a 3X5 card and posts it on the board. Then the board will be hung somewhere ostentatious to keep everyone committed to their word.

Holly shows up, and, after a quick tease as to whether she has an engagement ring (she doesn’t), she tells the nosier element of the office that AJ has not, in fact, committed, but she’s staying with him anyway, which naturally sends Michael into another depression.

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Buffy’s got a brand new bag, Superman makes his pitch for “World’s Greatest Detective” and the Sentry gets to the heart of the matter in this latest edition of The Pull List Comic Reviews! As always, WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

PULL OF THE WEEK:

Buffy The Vampire Slayer #32
Dark Horse Comics – $2.99 US
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Score: 9/10

While the ongoing war against Twilight hits a lull, Buffy and Xander take the break to examine the Slayer’s new power set, much to Dawn’s chagrin. Meanwhile, Giles – along with Faith and Andrew – find themselves in Twilight’s grip and Willow makes a horrifying discovery.

Best-selling author Brad Meltzer – no stranger to comics – kicks off the “Twilight” story arc with this issue in a round-about way. Twilight himself doesn’t factor into the story much, but Meltzer took the “maximum fun” approach in setting up the pieces via tiny revelations sprinkled throughout the issue while focusing on Buffy’s new powers. The result is an incredibly enjoyable read that’s sure to please virtually any fan of comics or comics-related media.

Artist Georges Jeanty continues to pump out the work that has become the glue that holds everything together for this series, and this latest issue is no different. The scenes involving Buffy and Xander, especially, were a hoot, and how could you not love Buffy hovering in mid-air while asking the General to step outside? If this issue doesn’t symbolize having fun while making a comic, I don’t know what will.

Other issues came close – it was a really good week for comics – but this issue took home the Pull of the Week title thanks to an offering that was part major story arc launch and part open love letter to comics; it’s been quite some time that a comic has made me smile this much.

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As we get back to normal (whatever that is) now that Comic-Con has ended, let’s not forget that one of the great things about the Con is all the comics you can read and purchase. Marvel certainly had its share of books at the Con but it still found time to have a whole bunch more ready to come out this Wednesday, July 29th.

Following is a list of all the Marvel comics on sale this week via the official press release. Plus, covers from some of the new books after the jump.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #598 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)

DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE #4 (DR)

DARK REIGN: LETHAL LEGION #2

DARK REIGN: THE GOBLIN LEGACY ONE-SHOT

DARK REIGN: THE HOOD #3

DARK REIGN: THE SINISTER SPIDER-MAN #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT

DARK REIGN: THE SINISTER SPIDER-MAN #2

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Are you a Spider-Man fan? Of course you are. Are you disappointed that you didn’t get a chance to pick up Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #1 and feel there’s now something missing in your life? Of course you do.

But don’t worry, Marvel knows your pain and is doing something about it.

Here’s all the info from the official Marvel press release:

Marvel is pleased to announce that Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #1 has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level) and will return with Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #1 Second Printing Variant! The end of the Ultimate Universe is upon us! Spider-Man has vanished, presumed dead amongst the wreckage of Dr. Strange’s home. How will his closest of kin deal with his disappearance?

The Ultimate Spider-Man All Stars of award-winners Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley and Stuart Immonen deliver a powerful story of a city mourning its friendly neighborhood protector. Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #1 Second Printing Variant features the interior art of Immonen on a new wraparound cover!

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