Elfbytes January '09

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE FEATURING REPTIL #1

Written by Christos Gage. Illustrated by Steve Uy. Cover by Humberto Ramos.

A one-shot featuring everyone's favourite Avenger that nobody's ever heard of: Reptil!

NEW AVENGERS #51

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Billy Tan. 

The battle to be the Sorcerer Supreme begins here! Dr. Strange has been stripped of his title as the Sorcerer Supreme for using dark magic, and now every Marvel mystic character is vying for the top job. Aren’t tryouts a bitch.

NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION #1 (of 4)

Written by Jim McCann. Illustrated by David Lopez.  Cover by Jo Chen. 

You’re either going to be excited about the idea of Hawkeye & Mockingbird alive and reunited, or you’re going to think this is simply fanboy wankery and wonder why the hell they were brought back and think about how much more you liked them when they were both dead.  And will DC notice the eerie similarities between this and GREEN ARROW & BLACK CANARY?

DARK REIGN: ELEKTRA #1 (of 5)

Written by Zeb Wells. Illustrated by Clay Mann. Cover by Lee Bermejo.

So Elektra was dead, then a Skrull, and now is alive and human. She's probably still a giant bitch, which is why everyone wants her dead again. Now that she is finally free from the Skrulls, there is no shortage of people who want to see her dead. Can a weak and wounded Elektra stay alive long enough to restore her reputation destroyed by the Skrull impostor?

DARK REIGN: FANTASTIC FOUR #1 (of 5)

Written by Jonathan Hickman. Illustrated by Sean Chen. Cover by Simone Bianchi. 

H.A.M.M.E.R. agents invade the Baxter building as Marvel’s First Family faces a dark and terrifying new status quo.

DARK TOWER: SORCERER #1 (one-shot)

Written by Robin Furth. Illustrated by Richard Isanove

Sadly, Dark Tower standouts Jae Lee and Peter David have excused themselves from this one-shot, but fear not, as Robin Furth and Richard Isanove have been there from the beginning of the DARK TOWER adaptation, and should prove more then capable of maintaining the exceptional quality we have enjoyed thus far. Exploring the motives behind one of the most devious characters in Stephen King’s twisted fantasy-verse, this issue will carefully expose just how deep the treachery and ambitions of Marten Broadcloak truly go.

THUNDERBOLTS #130

Written by Andy Diggle. Illustrated by Roberto de la Torre. Cover by Francisco Mattina.

This four part story (continued in both titles again next month) begins in DEADPOOL and crosses over into THUNDERBOLTS. Pitting everyone’s favourite mouthy mercenary against Norman Osborne’s very own attack squad, the brand new Thunderbolts, this story might be the most high octane, all out action story of 2009.

AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #30

Written by Tom DeFalco. Illustrated by Ron Frenz. 

After two series and 130 issues, Spider-Girl is coming to an end.  For the very few of you who read this title, you’re likely quite upset.  For everyone else, you’ve got to be impressed with a one-off WHAT-IF story that managed to last that long. 

SPIDER-MAN & THE HUMAN TORCH IN … !BAHIA DE LOS MUERTOS! (one-shot)

Written by Tom Beland. Illustrated by Juan Doe. 

There was a really cool Fantastic Four one-shot released last year (in both Spanish and English) about them travelling to Puerto Rico and having an adventure.  Well, here we go again, but this time with Spidey and his buddy the Human Torch.  It should be a really fun read. 

THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #1 (of 5)

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Illustrated by Mike Perkins. 

The second instalment in the latest King masterpiece to be adapted to comics starts here, in what can only be called the least uplifting story this side of Ennis. With the scattered survivors of humanity struggling to find their way in a devastated America, will anyone be prepared for the coming of Randall Flagg?

THOR #601

Written by J. Michael Strazynski. Illustrated by Marko Djurdjevic. 

Everything changes, from artist to numbering, as the God of Thunder goes it alone. Having turned his back on his former friends in the Avengers, and now, the gods of Asgard, the series will take a whole new direction. Now is the best chance for new readers to jump on board.

ULTIMATE SPIDERMAN #132

Written by Brian Michael Bendis.  Illustrated by Stuart Immonen. 

The economy must have had a terrible effect on sales, because Marvel has had to throw in the oldest trick in the book to sell this book. CATFIGHT! Literally, as MJ and Kitty go at it. Look for the limited edition Sexy Jello Variant.

ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK #3 & #4 (of 6)

Written by Damon Lindeloff. Illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu. 

Not a Hoax! Not a Dream! Not an Imaginary Story! Holy shit, they’re really going to finally put this book out.  Just think, since issue two of this series first came out America has elected its first Black President, New Orleans has been wiped off the map (and partially rebuilt), 4 major comic talents have died, DC lost the rights to Superboy, Thor died and was resurrected, 18 movies based on comics have hit theatres, Canada has held 4 federal elections, the Canucks have had 3 General Managers, and global economy has crumbled. Thankfully, Marvel reprinted the first two issues last month to remind everyone what the hell happened previously. 

WAR OF KINGS #1 (of 6)

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. Illustrated by Paul Pelletier. Covers by Brandon Peterson, Leinil Yu, and Ron Lim.

Black Bolt has returned to his people, and is now leading them on a dangerous and controversial path that will bring them into direct conflict with the insane usurper of the Shi’ar throne, Vulcan. Can the long suffering Inhumans withstand the assault of an angry mad king? Can the Shi’ar withstand the wrath of a pissed off Monarch. The greatest cosmic battle since Anakin betrayed the Jedi is about to begin. Plus, for some inexplicable reason, a Ron Lim Variant. YAY!

WAR OF KINGS: DARKHAWK #2 (of 2)

Written by C.B. Cebulski.  Illustrated by Harvey Tolibao & Bong Dazo.  Cover by Brandon Peterson. 

I don't think this should count unless he fights King Kong. Darkhawk vs King Kong.

That's the fight comic that I want to see.

X-FORCE / CABLE: MESSIAH WAR PROLOGUE (one-shot)

Written by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost. Illustrated by Mike Choi. 50/50 Covers by Kaare Andrews & Mike Choi. Variant Cover by Rob Liefeld.

Who would have thought a team full of violent stab-happy mutants and a dude who owns guns so heavy it gives him techno-organic prolapse could not get along. This month’s CABLE #12 and X-FORCE #13 lead directly into this special one-shot, which will then continue in next month’s issues of both titles. 

X-MEN: SWORD OF THE BRADDOCKS (one-shot)

Written by Chris Claremont. Illustrated by Scott Clark. 

Chris Claremont gets to spotlight his very favourite character once again in this one-shot all about Betsy Braddock, better known as Psylocke. Will this mean her return to the X-Men, or something entirely new? Read it and find out!

X-MEN: QUITTING TIME

Written by James Asmus.  Illustrated by TBD.  Cover by Brandon Peterson. 

Has the fuzzy elf been replaced by the pink haired fairy Pixie? Or is it just that no writer currently writing an X-title wants to use him? And this one-shot is illustrated by fan favourite to be determined!  Marvel is also very nervous about the title of this comic as it may have not so subliminal messages. 

YOUNG X-MEN #12

Written by Marc Guggenheim. Illustrated by Rafa Sandoval.  Cover by Pasqual Ferry. 

FINAL ISSUE! What will happen to the team? Will we see a new #1? A string of one-shots? Or will they be forever stuck in the background of panels while other mutants take center stage??? Buy this issue and shed a tear for the next generation of Mutants.  I personally think they should become true X-Men and just DIE ALREADY!  After all, you can't call yourself an X-Man unless you have died at least once.

DEADPOOL VOL. 1: SECRET INVASION PREMIERE HC

Written by Daniel Way.  Illustrated by Paco Medina.  Cover by Clayton Crain. 

The only character in comics that is even more vicious with his words then Elfsar’s own James Nadiger, made his triumphant return during the recent Skrull fiasco. And in case you missed it, Marvel has been kind enough to collect the series so far for you in this handy little hardcover. Thank you Marvel.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 1 TP: LEGACY

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. Illustrated by Paul Pelletier. 

Spinning out of the excellent ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST series, this was one of the hands down best new comics to be published by the big two in ’08.  This volume collects the first story in its entirety, and is the ideal place for you to discover how good the Guardians are! 

As an added note, this series was also colored by a fellow Elfsar Saver file customer :)

IMMORTAL IRON FIST BY MATT FRACTION & ED BRUBAKER OMNIBUS HC

Written by Matt Fraction & Ed Brubaker. Illustrated by David Aja, Travel Foreman, Russ Heath, and numerous others. 

The most glorious kick-ass goodness possible will be made available in one perfect hardcover. Two of the best talents writing for the picture pages collaborated on what was arguably the best of character revitalization in years. Under the guidance of Brubaker & Fraction, Danny Rand went from chump side kick with a cool party trick to hard core, eternal ass kicking warrior. Now is your chance to marvel at every last spectacular second of their glorious creation. If you’ve have stubbornly ignored all of our previous attempts to introduce you to this book (and there have been many), then this is your chance to make amends. Not to us, but to your own self, by properly admiring this spectacular series. We guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.  No one and I mean no one that we have recommended this series to has ever come back disappointed.

IMMORTAL IRONFIST VOL. 4: THE MORTAL IRON FIST PREMIERE HC

Written by Duane Swierczynski.  Illustrated by Travel Foreman & Giuseppe Camuncoli. 

After you’ve finished acknowledging how right all of us at Elfsar were about the Brubaker / Fraction / Aja run on this series, check out the efforts of the next great creative team, charged with continuing the momentum of this fantastic series. Although it is not yet an official religion, you are welcome to bend at the knee and worship the house of ‘Sar for our genius recommendations.

ULTIMATES BY MARK MILLAR AND BRYAN HITCH OMNIBUS HC

Written by Mark Millar.  Illustrated by Bryan Hitch & Steve Dillon. 

The stunning, awe inspiring series that proved how great the Avengers could be (albeit under a different name) is collected here in this immense giant hardcover of goodness. Not only will this book allow you to enjoy the stunning stories, and acclaimed art over and over again, but lifting the damn thing will give you the biceps to rival any self respecting superhero.

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X TP

Written & illustrated by Barry Windsor-Smith.