Pretty Little Liars - Scream For Me

With both Hanna's (Ashley Benson) drunken blurb about New York getting back to A and Lt. Tanner (Roma Maffia) continuing to question Alison's (Sasha Pieterse) story about her prolonged abduction Alison takes some preemptive steps in an attempt to add credence to the elaborate lies told about her missing years. Step one involves temporarily moving in with Hanna and her mother, which only sends a spiraling Hanna further out of control. And step two involves convincing Noel Kahn (Brant Daugherty) to perform a bit of theater in order to convince Ashley Marin (Laura Leighton) of the danger not only she but all the Liars find themselves in.

Velvet #6

After a short hiatus, the second arc of Velvet begins here with Velvet Tempelton still on the run after being branded as a traitor. However, the spy has more on her mind than simply clearing her name. With the knowledge that the man she loved, and killed under orders (shattering both her life and career as a top ranking field officer), was likewise framed, Velvet has more than enough incentive to return home and begin her own counter-offensive.

Continuing the Cold War spy-story feel of the first arc, Velvet #6 features our heroine return to England, recruit an asset to help her investigation, and begin creating a list of suspects, one of whom is likely ultimately responsible for the deaths of a pair of men she cared and destroying her career within Arc-7 twice.

The brash actions taken by Velvet over the course of the issue, particularly in the final few pages, won't earn her any new friends in the spy organization still chasing her, but as long as she remains one-step ahead of her pursuers Velvet at least has a chance. Worth a look.

[Image, $3.50]

Longmire - Counting Coup

David Ridges (David Midthunder) plays one mind game too many on Branch (Bailey Chase) which leads to Walt (Robert Taylor) temporary locking up his unstable deputy but also to find proof not only that Ridges is alive but that he has been toying with Branch since the shooting with the support of Jacob Nighthorse (A Martinez). After arresting Nighthorse, who fills in the missing pieces to the story of Ridges resurrection and plan to count coup on his enemy, Walt learns Branch's life is still in great danger.

Jessica Alba is a Dame to Kill For

Promoting her role in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Jessica Alba is the cover model for the August issue of British GQ. In her interview the actress discusses building a business empire, losing her inhibitions and becoming more comfortable with herself over the years, reprising her role of Nancy Callahan in the Sin City sequel, learning to use a lasso, and her Into The Blue co-star Paul Walker.

Superman #33

Continuing the "Men of Tomorrow" storyline, Superman #33 sees both Superman and Clark investigate Ulysses' origins (which leads to a tearful reunion) while Ulysses, learning about secret identities for the first time, attempts to become acquainted with his new home.

The comic keeps the two heroes apart for much of the story while Clark pumps Perry White for information about the Ulysses Research Laboratory and follows up the leads as Superman, but writer Geoff Johns keeps the pair connected through the shared common themes of heroes raised on worlds far from home. The choice to reunite Neil with his parents is an intriguing one. Along with underlining the threat of Klerik, the comic further sells me on the idea of Ulysses as a genuine hero (while not completely removing my fear of an eventually heel turn for the character).

Clark's renewed interaction with The Daily Planet staff also brings back more classic elements of the character. Now if they could just get him out of that ridiculous armor. Worth a look.

[DC, $3.99]