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Elfbytes June '08

(Note: this is not your average cut and paste, we actually write this stuff.)

This is for product starting to ship in August 2008.

This months Elfbyte credit goes to: Brock, James, Craig, Omar, Sean, Jeffery & Ethan.

For your convenience, click links below to jump to a certain Publisher.

Independent Comics | Dark Horse Comics | DC Comics
Image Comics | Marvel Comics | Toys & Stuff

Remember to get your orders in ASAP! Initial orders due June 26th!

INDEPENDENT COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

TERRY MOORE’S ECHO VOLUME 1: SILVER RAIN TP

Written & illustrated by Terry Moore.

This is the story of a woman who witnesses a strange explosion in the sky, and becomes covered in a strange silver metal from the fall-out and becomes a sort-of super-hero. Read this first collection of Terry Moore’s brand new creator owned series to discover how this event changes everything for this woman.

ADHOUSE BOOKS

PULPHOPE: THE ART OF PAUL POPE

by. Paul Pope

Paul Pope gets his own art book, yay! I’ve come to really enjoy Mr. Pope’s art, there’s just something about it which is hypnotizing. Definitely worth checking out, just flip through Batman Year 100 and you’ll know what I mean.

ARDDEN ENTERTAINMENT

FLASH GORDON #1

Written by Brendan Deneen. Illustrated by Paul Green.

A new presentation of the classic Alex Raymond creation, this series promises to be faithful to the numerous versions of the character and his universe over the years, while infusing the stories with a modern sensibility. That sounds like an awfully big challenge, but the ride looks like it could be a lot of fun. Definitely worth a try.

ASPEN MLT INC.

FATHOM VOL 3 #1

Written by J.T. Krul. Illustrated by Ale Garza.

Even if you don’t really give a crap about Fathom, you should take a look at this for Ale Garza’s art, seen previously in BATGIRL, GEN 13, and TEEN TITANS. Hopefully, he can manage to stay on more than four issues.

AVATAR PRESS INC.

CROSSED #0

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Jacen Burrows.

This aims to be Ennis’ most disturbing and twisted work of his career. When the entire human race becomes completely evil, there is no escape, and only the weird mind of Garth Ennis can chronicle the horror. Like most Avatar titles, this issue zero is not a preview of fluff, but the start of the meat of the story, so make sure you don’t miss it. And it’s priced at only a dollar, so there’s simply no excuse to not pick this one up.

GRAVEL: NEVER A DULL DAY SIGNED HC

Written by Warren Ellis. Illustrated by Mike Wolfer.

A supersized hardcover that collects the six William Gravel trade paperbacks. Roll on, Summer of Expensive Hardcovers!

CARTOON BOOKS

JEFF SMITH: BONE & BEYOND HC

By Jeff Smith, Dave Filipi, Neil Gaiman, & Scott McCloud.

Behind the scenes artwork from the Bone series, as well as interviews and essays by Neil Gaiman & Scott McCloud.

DEVIL’S DUE PUBLISHING

MERCY SPARX #0

Written by Josh Blaylock. Illustrated by Matt Merhoff.

Blaylock's first creator owned project since 2005 introduces us to Mercy Sparx: a devil child hired by heaven to take down and take out rogue Angel's. Sounds like a movie to us! But hey, this issue is only 99 cents, so give it a shot!

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

THE BOYS DEFINITIVE EDITION VOL 1 HC

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Darick Robertson.

The first fourteen issues are collected in an oversized slipcase hardcover that includes behind the scenes artwork, commentary, and Ennis’ complete script to the Boys #1. All your asses belong to the Summer of Expensive Hardcovers.

NOTE: This is limited to initial orders only!

DRAWN & QUARTERLY

JAMILTI & OTHER STORIES HC

Written & illustrated by Rutu Modan.

Short stories by the Israeli dude who did the critically acclaimed EXIT WOUNDS.

FANTAGRAPHICS

GHOST WORLD: THE SPECIAL EDITION HC

Written & illustrated by Dan Clowes.

Even depressed art-house girls get their own special book in the magical Summer of Expensive Hardcovers. Actually, this one isn’t that expensive.

ONI PRESS

LOCAL HC

Written by Brian Wood & Ryan Kelly. Illustrated by Ryan Kelly.

Brian Wood is an awesome writer. Just check out DMZ or NORTHLANDERS or CHANNEL ZERO or THE COURIERS or any of the others. Local is the story of young runaway Megan McKenna as she leaves Portland, Oregon with nothing but a backpack and a bad case of wanderlust. This series was a critical hit while being published as individual issues, and is now collected into one hard cover volume so that you can discover for yourself why this was considered such a good book.

TITAN PUBLISHING

TANK GIRL ANNIVERSARY EDITION VOL 1 TP

Written by Alan Martin. Illustrated by Jamie Hewlett.

Hard to believe Tank Girl’s been around for 20 years. As usual, a whole lot of bonus stuff at the back of the book.

UDON ENTERTAINMNET

STREET FIGHTER REMIX #0

Written by Ken Siu-Chong. Illustrated by Eric Ko, Joe Ng, & Omar Dogan.

There are three new Street Fighter comics coming our way next year and here’s a short preview of all of them: “Street Fighter III”, “Street Fighter II Turbo”, and “Street Fighter Legends: Chun Li”.

VIZ

SLAM DUNK VOL 1 GN

Written & illustrated by Takehiko Inoue.

The legendary basketball manga is finally translated. Less stabby than Inoue’s other work, VAGABOND.

VAGABOND VIZBIG EDITION VOL 1 GN

Written & illustrated by Takehiko Inoue.

The comic book biography of Japan’s most famous Samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, is presented in a lovely compendium edition. Stabby stabby stabby.

THE ART OF VAGABOND: SUMI HC

Written & illustrated by Takehiko Inoue.

Lovely black & white pen and brush work, as well as behind-the-scenes sketches from Inoue’s Vagabond book.

Viz is offering some of its best-selling manga as neat little Collector’s Edition hardcovers:

Naruto Vol 1 by Masashi Kishimoto
Yu-Gi-Oh Vol 1 by Kazuki Takahashi
Death Note Vol 1 by Tagumi & Takeshi Obata

ZENESCOPE

BEYOND WONDERLAND #1

Written by Raven Gregory. Illustrated by Dan Liester. Cover by David Finch.

This is the sequel to Zenescope's fan-favorite mini-series RETURN TO WONDERLAND. Months have passed since Calie Liddle returned from the terror that is Wonderland, but her nightmare isn't over: not by a long shot!

DARK HORSE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

ABE SAPIEN VOLUME 1: THE DROWNING TP

Written by Mike Mignola. Illustrated by Jason Shawn Alexander.

This volume collects the most recent BPRD series, spotlighting Abe Sapien for his first solo series. Written by Mignola himself, and featuring the stunning and atmospheric artwork of Jason Shawn Alexander, this collection is worth picking up even if you’re not a regular reader of the various HELLBOY series.

THE ART OF TONY MILLIONAIRE HC

Written and illustrated by Tony Millionaire.

Picture after picture of a stuffed monkey and a crow that drinks itself into oblivion. Hooray for comics!

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #17

Written by Joss Whedon. Illustrated by Karl Moline.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a monthly must read comic, and issue 17 is the second issue in a story arc that unites Buffy with Joss Whedon comic creation Fray making it even more of a must read. Worried about what you might have missed? No problem. Just make sure you pick issue #16 up off the racks when you come in to get this one.

THE END LEAGUE VOLUME 1: BALLAD OF BIG NOTHING TP

Written by Rick Remender. Illustrated by Mat Broome.

The first volume of Remender’s epic tale of the end of the world, and the super-humans who destroy it. Broome’s return to comics was stunning to look at, and the story aims at some big themes. If you missed the individual issues, this is the ideal time to check out what this is all about.

BERNIE WRIGHTSON’S FRANKENSTEIN HC

Written by Mary Shelley. Illustrated by Bernie Wrightson.

The now classic illustrated adaptation of one of the timeless horror novels finally returns to print, to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Wrightson’s original graphic novel. This hard cover is a must for any fan of Wrightson’s beautifully detailed illustrations, or of Shelley’s masterpiece.

GHOST OMNIBUS VOLUME 1

Written by Eric Luke. Illustrated by Adam Hughes, Terry Dodson, Scott Benefiel, Matt Haley, and others.

If you know nothing of this classic Dark Horse series by writer Eric Luke, know this: this edition contains some of the best comic artist superstars such as Adam Hughes and Terry Dodson before they were superstars. And they sure do know how to draw a lady. It's also a great read, if you're into that sort of thing. This volume contains 13 issues of the first series.

HELLBOY LIBRARY EDITION VOLUME 2 HC

Written and illustrated by Mike Mignola.

This gorgeous hardcover which collects the 3^rd and 4^th Hellboy trades (“The Chained Coffin”, “The Right Hand of Doom”) is being advance solicited for October. If you’re a Hellboy fan, there’s nothing like cracking into one of these oversized tomes and experiencing Mignola’s beautiful expressionistic art in all of its oversized glory.

SERENITY: BETTER DAYS TP

Written by Joss Whedon & Brett Matthews. Illustrated by Will Conrad.

It’s like a lost episode of FIREFLY, as Mal Reynold’s crew takes the heist of the their lives – and get away with it. What do they do now that they’re rich?

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY: APOCALYPSE SUITE LIMITED EDITION HC

Written by Gerard Way. Illustrated by Gabriel Ba.

Confess your undying love for My Chemical Romance and buy this outlandishly expensive volume chock full of emo-extra features, including sketches and the short story from Free Comic Book Day.

DC COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

It's FINAL CRISIS month, as the actual mini-series takes a one month planned mini-break. Issue #4 returns in September. In the meantime, a gaggle of tie-ins come to life in August that add more meat to the overall story that Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones have built up till now.

FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #1 (of 5)

Written by Greg Rucka. Illustrated by Phillip Tan, Jeff De Los Santos, & Jonathan Glapion.

Former Gotham City detectives Renee Montoya and Crispus Allen are reunited for perhaps a special Final Crisis, um, crisis. Only this time, Montoya is the Question, and Allen is The Spectre, a dead guy in a green blanket. The world is doomed.

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #1 (of 3)

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by George Perez & Scott Koblish.

A dream creative pairing, as Johns and Perez bring us an epic story focusing on not one, not two, but three versions of the Legion teaming up with Kal-El (as in Superman, not Nicholas Cage’s son) against Superboy-Prime and the villains of the 31^st century. This one will be worth reading even if you’re not doing the whole Final Crisis thing. Unless of course you don’t like the Legion, in which case it might seem like it’s three times as lame. Your call.

DC UNIVERSE: LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT #1

Written by Brad Meltzer. Illustrated by Adam Kubert & John Dell.

Metzer and Kubert present a story that takes us away from the chaos and into the hearts and minds of the most courageous members of the DC Universe. As the final battle approaches we will witness how our favorites prepare for the end in this character driven one-shot. How will they spend what might be their final minutes? Probably not reading a comic book.

FINAL CRISIS: SUPERMAN BEYOND #1 (of 2)

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy.

Superman collects his Multiverse counterparts and leads an army of Supermen to save the cosmos. And part of his journey requires him to journey somewhere that will require you to use the pair of 3-D glasses included with this issue.

FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES’ REVENGE #2 (of 3)

Witten by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Scott Kolins.

The team of Johns and Kolins, who made The Flash popular again in their historic run, return to focus on the Rogues! You can't have a Crisis without a Flash ... wait for it ...

FINAL CRISIS #1: DIRECTOR’S CUT

By the exact same people that brought you Final Crisis #1.

Everything happens exactly the same, except JG Jones and Grant Morrison will point out everything you should have noticed but didn’t.

BOOSTER GOLD #11

Written by Chuck Dixon. Illustrated by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund.

Dixon remains one of the most underappreciated writers of the 90s, despite very strong runs on BATMAN and NIGHTWING, and now he has a guest stint on one of the most underappreciated titles on the shelf today. Booster Gold finds himself in Gotham trying to stop a time traveling villain from Batman’s past; and to do it he’ll need an assist from Batgirl.

BRAVE AND THE BOLD #16

Written by Mark Waid. Illustrated by Scott Kolins.

If you’ve ever suspected that Catwoman was the slut of the DCU, this cover just might prove that she’ll though herself at any old superhero.

FAMILY DYNAMIC #1 (of 6)

Written by J. Torres. Illustrated by Tim Levins & Dan Davis.

A new series focusing on a super-powered family with the powers of the four elements. Okay, we admit, that might not be the most original of ideas (with the FANTASTIC FOUR, and Bill Willingham’s 80’s series THE ELEMENTALS being two notable examples), but the direction this mini-series intends to take looks like it could be entertaining and worth exploring.

HAWKMAN SPECIAL #1

Written by Jim Starlin. Illustrated by Jim Starlin & Al Milgrom.

DC’s character most in need of a revamp. This exciting tale of revelations ties directly into Rann / Thanagar Holy War, as Hawkman faces off against Synnar. Assuming Hawkman survives, what he discovers will affect him forever, and maybe lead to him getting his own book back.

ALL STAR SUPERMAN #12

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Frank Quitely & Jamie Grant.

This is it: the dramatic conclusion this wonderful series has been building towards. This book is a must for everyone.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #51

Written by Michael Green & Mike Johnson. Illustrated by Rafael Albuequerque.

Am we the only ones that remember the heady days when top talent like Mcguiness, Pacheco or Turner teamed with Jeph Loeb to bring you original and engaging stories that both excited and provoked? Well those days are over, as instead we get this, um, different story about a little league (no, not Baseball, an actual Mini-Justice League) playing in Metropolis. Sure have fallen hard, eh? Although the crossover potential with the X-babies is exceptional.

BATMAN BLACK & WHITE VOL. 2 TP – NEW EDITION

Written by. Brian Azzarello, Harlan Ellison, Paul Levitz, Paul Dini & Others Illustrated by. Mike Mignola, Alex Ross, Jim Lee, Tim Sale, Kyle Baker, Dave Gibbons, Mark Buckingham & Others

If you’ve never read this great series presenting different takes on Batman, then you’re missing out. Great art and great writing make this worthwhile and there is definitely something for everyone to be found in these pages.

BATMAN BLACK & WHITE VOL 3 TP – NEW EDITION

Written by. Ed Brubkaer, Darwyn Cooke, Dwayne McDuffie, Mike Mignola & Others Illustrated by. John Bolton, Alan Davis, Darwyn Cooke, Jason Pearson, Whilce Portacio, Jill Thompson & Others

Even more Batman black and white goodness. Honestly how can you go wrong?

TITANS #5

Written by Judd Winnick. Illustrated by Rodney Buchemi.

DC promises a mysterious stranger will visit Titans Tower in this story called “Date Night”. The cover features Nightwing exploring Starfire’s throat with his tongue, so my bet is on either the Trojan Man or Cupid.

TRINITY #10 - #13

Written by Kurt Busiek & Fabian Nicieza. Illustrated by Mark Bagley, Art Thibert, Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens.

In case you somehow missed the news, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman have their own weekly series. There’s magic when these three get together, so get on board this series now while it’s still early on, and you won’t regret it.

MINX

EMIKO SUPERSTAR

Written by Mariko Tamaki. Illustrated by Steve Rolston.

Ordinarily, a story about teenage girls’ identity issues wouldn’t be on my recommended list, but this one is illustrated by Vancouver artist Steve Rolston.

VERTIGO

100 BULLETS VOLUME 12: DIRTY TP

Written by Brian Azzarello. Illustrated by Eduardo Risso.

Oh my god! Are you as excited as we are for this 12th volume? No? What the hell man? This volume collects #84 to #88 of the 100 Bullets series, and how oddly coincidental that it brings us just 12 issues away from the grand finale?

AIR #1

Written by G. Willow Wilson. Illustrated by M. K. Perker.

An interesting premise touching on the idea of terrorism and airlines, but promising (like most Vertigo titles) to be something much more complicated and deeper. Worth giving a try for anyone who likes their Vertigo fix, or enjoyed last year’s “Cairo” graphic novel, from the same creative team.

FABLES: COVERS BY JAMES JEAN HC

Written illustrated by James Jean. Forward by Bill Willingham.

Um, kind of self explanatory, no? This books is perfect for any of you who read comics for the pictures and not the story (come on, admit, you know who you are), anyone who enjoys beautiful art, and an absolute must for anyone who reads Fables. James Jean’s work has become synonymous with the series, and this book will provide never-before-seen sketch work, in addition to the oh-so-pretty art. A stunning addition to any collection.

NORTHLANDERS #9

Written by. Jason Aaron Illustrated by. Dean Ormston

This series about Vikings gets guest writer Jason Aaron on board for an all new story arc, so this is a good time to jump on board. This should be a hack and slashing good time.

SCALPED #19

Written by. Jason Aaron Illustrated by. Davide Furno Cover by. Tim Bradstreet

Why are you not reading this series! Why damn you! If you are checking out Scalped then you know what I’m talking about.

SCALPED VOLUME 3: DEAD MOTHERS TP

Written by Jason Aaron. Illustrated by R. M. Guera & John Paul Leon.

This series has been a fantastic ride thus far, and this third volume promises to keep the tension high and the revelations and plot twists coming. Do yourself a favour and pick up the first two volumes now, and order this one so that you can stay on top of this excellent new series.

Y THE LAST MAN DELUXE EDITION BOOK 1 HC

Written by Brian K. Vaughn. Illustrated by Pia Guerra & Jose Marzan Jr.

Any one else disappointed this isn’t going to be a series of Absolute Editions? It deserves the absolute treatment, but the deluxe editions will be nice.

WILDSTORM

FREDDY VS JASON VS ASH TP

Written by. Jeff Katz & James Kuhoric Illustrated by. Jason Craig Cover by. Eric Powell

The fanboys will be pleased. Honestly, if you’re a fan of either three characters you will be pleased with this whacked out horror romp.

NUMBER OF THE BEAST TP

Written by Scott Beatty. Illustrated by Chris Sprouse.

Fifty years ago, the WildStorm Earth was protected by The Paladins, who vanished without a trace after World War II. Now, they’re back, and their return will usher in the biblical apocalypse that not even the Authority will be able to prevent.

THE AUTHORITY: WORLD’S END #1

Start reading here!

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. Illustrated by Simon Coleby.

So yeah, the Authority couldn’t prevent the total destruction of the planet. Now in a Mad Max world, they don’t have an interdimensional fortress, they don’t have their most powerful members, and they don’t have the right to be such arrogant pricks anymore. Plus, a John Lynch backup story by Christos Gage & Trevor Hairsine.

GEN 13: WORLD’S END #21

Start reading here!

Written by Scott Beatty. Illustrated by Mike Huddleston.

“Teenage Wasteland part 1” The Gen 13 emerge into a post-apocalyptic New York City filled with hideous mutants. Plus, a John Lynch backup story by Christos Gage & Trevor Hairsine.

STORMWATCH PHD: WORLD’ END #13

Start reading here!

Written by Ian Edginton. Illustrated by Leandro Fernandez.

After Earth’s destruction, StormWatch watches over earth in their orbital satellite and sends out teams of superhumans to protect the last surviving human beings. In a bitter irony, StormWatch is the new Authority. Plus, a John Lynch backup story by Christos Gage & Trevor Hairsine.

WILDCATS: WORLD’S END #2

Written by Christos Gage. Illustrated by Neil Googe.

In the ruins of Los Angeles, the Wildcats fight a powerful former ally. Also, part 1 of a Wetworks backup story written by Gage & illustrated by Brandon Baddeaux.

X-FILES #0

By Frank Spotnitz and Brian Denham

DC and WILDSTORM try to use the Buffy recipe, and tap celebrated series writer Spotnitz to expand the Mulder and Scully universe with this new and exciting tale. The only questions now are whether anyone still cares? Or if anyone remembers Spotnitz is a writer, not a Russian satellite circa 1972.

IMAGE COMICS HIGHLIGHTSS

GODLAND CELESTIAL EDITION, BOOK ONE HC

Written by Joe Caey. Illustrated by Tom Scioli.

Collecting the first 12 issues of the fantastic Eisner award winning series that explores the beginning of everything. This is a series many people missed, but is well worth a gander.

GUERILLAS #1 (of 9)

Written & illustrated by Brahm Revel.

This mini-series examines the U.S. military’s use of a top secret weapon in the middle of the war in Vietnam: a group of chimpanzees with military training. Get it? Guerillas / Gorillas. And you wonder why Vietnam was such a gong show. Hey, do you think they’ve got monkeys in the Middle East?

INVINCIBLE: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION VOLUME 4 HC

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Ryan Otley & Bill Crabtree.

Still the best superhero book in comics!

NOBLE CAUSES #37

Written by Jay Faerber. Illustrated by Ryan Vera & Yildiray Cinar.

Image tries to give Invincible the Wolverine treatment tossing him into everything. All that means is that this pretty decent series gets just a little bit better. And if you don’t believe this series is worth a look, jus remember that Marvel felt compelled to re-launch Clandestine to counter this series family of heroes theme.

SAVAGE DRAGON #139

Written & illustrated by Erik Larsen.

Erik Larsen once said he wouldn’t stop making this book because he’ll never get bored of it. Too bad he never accounted for everyone else. Still, this toss in of Invincible (we told you he was popping up everywhere this month) might boost sales.

SPAWN #184

Written by David Hine. Illustrated by Brian Haberlin & Geirrod van Dyke.

Is this issue the end of Al Simmons and his role as Spawn? This issue marks the last by the current creative team, with the next issue to feature a “refocused” direction and a creative team promised to feature at least one of the founders of Image Comics. So don’t miss this issue!

MARVEL COMICS HIGHLIGHTSHTS

SECRET INVASION TIE INS:

SECRET INVASION #5

MIGHTY AVENGERS #17

NEW AVENGERS #44

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #16

SECRET INVASION: INHUMANS #1 (of 4)

SECRET INVASION: THOR #1 (of 3)

SECRET INVASION: X-MEN #1 (of 4)

SECRET INVASION: SPIDER MAN: BRAND NEW DAY #1 (of 3)

SECRET INVASION: RUNAWAYS / YOUNG AVENGERS #3 (of 3)

SECRET INVASION: FRONT LINE #2 (of 5)

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #4

NOVA #16

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #120

MS. MARVEL #30

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #4

X-FACTOR #34

SHE HULK #32

THUNDERBOLTS #123

NEW WARRIORS #15

BLACK PANTHER #40

{whew – that’s a hell of a lot!}

Apparently, all three of Mark Millar’s current titles are going to combine to create one mega-story, like a low-rent Marvel version of Grant Morrison’s SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY. This month:

FANTASTIC FOUR #560, illustrated by Bryan Hitch.
MARVEL 1985 #4 (of 6), illustrated by Tommy Lee Edwards.
WOLVERINE #68, illustrated by Steve McNiven.

DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME HC

Written by Peter David & Robin Furth. Illustrated by Jae Lee & Richard Isanove.

In this second absolutely amazing mini-series spinning off from the hit novels by Stephen King, the Gunslinger Roland is in a coma, and his friends have been forced to carry him in to the desert fleeing from the men who killed his lover Susan Delgado. A must if you haven’t been reading this in the individual issues.

ELEKTRA BY FRANK MILLER OMNIBUS HC

Written by Frank Miller. Illustrated by Frank Miller & Bill Sienkiewicz.

All the cool, pre-Skrull adventures of Elektra are here: Assassin, Elektra Lives Again, and What If #35. All Glory to the Summer of Expensive Hardcovers!

IRON FIST: THE ORIGIN OF DANNY RAND (ONE-SHOT)

Written by Matt Fraction, Roy Thomas, & Len Wein. Illustrated by Kano, Gil Kane, and Larry Hamma. Cover by Gil Kane.

This one-shot re-presents the origin of the current Iron Fist Danny Rand, as told by Matt Fraction and in keeping with the rich history he & Brubaker have created for the character in their ongoing Iron-Fist series. And it also re-prints the classic Iron-Fist story from Marvel Premiere #15 & #16.

MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #12

Written & illustrated by various.

Two of MCP's epic storylines come to a conclusion: VANGUARD and WEAPON OMEGA. MACHINE MAN's tale wraps up here as well. Plus in the 4th story, a never before seen tale brings to light when Man-Thing joined the Iniatiative!!!

NYX: NO WAY HOME #1 (of 6)

Written by Marjorie Liu. Illustrated by Kalman Andrasofszky.

Kiden Nixon returns with the rest of her NYX crew. You can bet this series will be on time, as Quesada is not touching it this time around (there was a court order). Pick it up; it'll be good.

PUNISHER #60

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Goran Parlov.

The end of an era, as Ennis wraps up his seminal run on the character.

PUNISHER #61

Written by Gregg Hurwitz. Illustrated by Laurence Campbell.

A NEW PUNISHMENT ERA BEGINS!!!

Marvel has said they will have different creative teams handling different arcs, with this first post-Ennis story being handled by crime novelist Gregg Hurwitz. Don’t worry, there’s no pressure Gregg, no pressure at all. Many of our customers are giving this a chance so aim well Gregg, you better hit a bull's-eye. Please no hanging from chandeliers spinning in slow motion. Thank you.

PUNISHER KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Dougie Braithwaite.

With out question the most popular “What If” story ever, this tale sees Frank Castle go to town on the entire Super Hero population for the death of his family. And in case that’s not enough reason to buy it, there’s even a Skrull variant cover!

PATSY WALKER: HELLCAT #2

Written by. Kathryn Immonen Illustrated by. David LaFuente Cover by. Stuart Immonen

This title brought to you by the Immonen’s will probably go under a lot of people’s radars, but after checking out the interior art I’m pretty excited. If Kathryn Immonen can write as well as Stuart can draw then this should be fun. I’ll use the Iron Fist as an example and say give lower key books a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised.

RUNAWAYS #1

Written by Terry Moore. Illustrated by Humberto Ramos.

The third volume (or “season”) of Runaways starts here, with the team returning to their home town of LA and attempting to stay off the radar of grownups and superheroes. But of course, it would be boring if that happened. The stellar new team of Moore (STRANGERS IN PARADISE, ECHO) & Ramos (X-MEN, WOLVERINE) look to inject a jolt of energy into the title after the much delayed previous New York storyline.

AMAZING SPIDERMAN #567

Written by Marc Guggenheim. Illustrated by Phil Jiminez.

Daredevil and Spidey are at the mercy of a re-imagined villain who wants nothing more then to kill Spider-Man (as if that makes her special). Meanwhile Peter Parker’s roommate’s life hangs in the balance. 10 – 1 odds that the “re-imagined” villain is a post op Kraven.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #568 & #569

Written by Dan Slott & Mark Waid. Illustrated by John Romita Jr. & Adi Granov. 50 / 50 Covers by John Romita Jr. & Alex Ross.

The “Brand New Day” promised a new direction and new characters, with a moratorium on the use of any of the “classic Spider-villains” for the initial stories. Regardless of what you think of the direction of the title or the stories themselves, they have succeeded in doing just that. But as of issue #568, we start the “New Ways to Die” story that’s going to bring The Thunderbolts, two Venoms, and a new foe the Anti-Venom into Peter Parker’s life. All drawn by John Romita Jr, which is about as good as it gets for Spidey fans.

SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #1 (of 5)

Written by Terry Moore. Illustrated by Craig Rousseau.

Mary Jane continues to be torn between Spider-Man & Peter Parker, unaware that they are the same person, and that she is, in fact, deeply stupid.

VENOM: DARK ORIGIN #1

Written by Zeb Wells. Illustrated by Angel Medina.

Marvel tries to mimic the ever successful DC Year One Format, this time providing us insight into the beginnings of one of their most conflicted and popular villains.

SPIDER_MAN: KRAVEN’S LAST HUNT TP

Written by. J.M. DeMatteis Illustrated by. Mike Zeck

The definitive and unfortunately last story of the original Kraven the Hunter. This arc was the first I collected as a kid and still has a resonating effect on me to this day. A dark tale of revenge on the Hunter’s most elusive prey, Spider-man. If you’ve never read it or haven’t in a long time pick it up, you won’t be disappointed.

X-FACTOR SPECIAL: LAYLA MILLER (ONE-SHOT)

Written by Peter David. Illustrated by Valentine De Landro.

Remember in “Messiah Complex” how Madrox & Layla Miller went into the future timeline? Well Layla’s still there, and just because her story hasn’t been continued in the pages of the monthly X-Factor title doesn’t mean Peter David has forgotten about her. This one-shot focuses on Layla in that alternate future and her presence for the “Summers rebellion”.

UNCANNY X-MEN #501

Written by Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Greg Land.

A new X-Event kicks off here: Manifest Destiny, but seriously who cares, let's concentrate on the fact the Brubaker teams up with his Best Boy Matt Fraction and artist extrordinare Greg Land do it X-Style!!!

X-MEN ORIGINS: JEAN GREY (ONE-SHOT)

Written by Sean McKeever. Illustrated by Mike Mayhew.

Following in the footsteps of the fan favorite one-shot “X-Men Origins: Colossus”, Jean Grey, the girl that would become the Phoenix, has her day in this origin tale. Plus, Mike Mayhew is back!

TOYS & MISC. HIGHLIGHTS

STARK INDUSTRIES T-SHIRT

If you’re an Iron Man fan then should give you a thrill. Previews, gives you this exclusive Tee of Stark Industries. Great for the casual and Hardcore fans, and even those who keep their love for comics on the down low.

INDIANA JONES ARTIFACT DESK ACCESSORIES

Even cooler than the new movie these desk accessories are great pieces to show off your love for Indy at home or at the office.

FINAL FANTASY XII SCULPTURE ARTS – BALTHIER & FRAN STATUE

Now this is one hell of a dynamic statue! It really captures that excitement you get while playing a Final Fantasy game. Truly awesome.

FUTURAMA: SLURM ENERGY DRINK

For all fans of Futurama you now get this exciting energy drink in the vein of the Simpsons Duff drink. Just remember it’s highly addictive.

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