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Elfbytes March '08

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

This is for product starting to ship in May 2008.

This months Elfbyte credit goes to: Brock, Craig, & 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 Mar 26th!

INDEPENDENT COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

AARDVARK VANHEIM

JUDENHASS GN

Written & illustrated by Dave Sim.

Dave Sim examines the Holocaust in a haunting, chilling, yet beautiful graphic novel. Stunning. This is drawn in a photorealism style from period photographs.

AIT / PLANETLAR

OFFERED AGAIN!

SMOKE & GUNS GN

Written by Kirsten Baldock. Illustrated by Fabio Moon.

A gang war story like never before: this one is about a cigarette girl gang war, and is illustrated by Fabio Moon (Casanova). When you're out on the street in the middle of the night wearing your little French Maid outfit, with the short skirt and the off-the-shoulder top, Booze isn't just your friend, it's your coat.

ARCHAIA STUDIO PRESS

RUNNERS: THE BIG SNOW JOB #1

Written & illustrated by Sean Wang.

Chances are you missed the first run of this fun sci-fi adventure that has been deservedly drawing comparison to a little surprise hit from the late `70s by Mr. George Lucas. This chipper space opera is playful and fun, with unique well developed characters trying to survive a dangerous but highly profitable mission to settle a mob debt. Think Han Solo captaining the good ship Serenity. Definitely worth checking out.

ASPEN

FATHOM VOLUME 3, #0

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

Fathom gets another shot at monthly publication, in this new series featuring former Gen 13 & Teen Titans artist Garza. Complete with an additional sketchbook section, never before seen art, and a stunning cover by series artist Ale Garza. Aspen Matthews has been working hard to establish a life on the surface, only to be disrupted by an emerging new threat, and a returning old one. Oh, and there's also lots of T & A.

FATHOM VOLUME 2 TP

Written J.T. Krul & Michael Turner. Illustrated by Koi Turnbull.

Read the second hit series to make sure you're up to date and ready for the new ongoing series featuring Aspen Matthews & the peoples of the Blue. And yes, there might be some T & A.

AVATAR

DOKTOR SLEEPLESS MANUAL #1

Written By Warren Ellis. Illustrated by Ivan Rodriguez.

Reprinting the sold out, desperately sought after first issue of the twisted cleverness that is Ellis' latest masterpiece. Including previously unavailable extra material. This is freaking now ad-free, full of extra material, and still at the original cover price! As well as the full #1, the Doktor Sleepless Manual comes with ten full pages of back matter, including extended information - and perhaps a few clues!

BROADSWORD COMICS

TAROT #50

Written & illustrated by Jim Balent.

We all know where most people's minds go when they think of this book, and we can't blame you. However, a fiftieth issue from a small press publisher deserves kudos. This one is sure to have 25 pairs of naked breasts.

CARTOON BOOKS

RASL #2

Written & illustrated by Jeff Smith.

It's not too late to test out this stark sci-fi series by Bone creator Jeff Smith. The first issue is now out, and it is worth reading as it holds all of that charming simplicity that made Bone so great, yet with an edgier & unknown feeling. Highly recommended.

IDW

COMPLETE NEXT MEN VOL 1

Written & illustrated by John Byrne.

The resurgence of John Byrne continues, with his underappreciated gem from the early `90's finally being collected into “phone book” volumes. Byrne has said that if these collections do well, he might publish further adventures of the Next Men. That's reason in itself to pick this volume up.

DARK HORSE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

HELLBOY ODDEST JOBS TP

Written by Christopher Golden, Joe, R. Lansdale, China Mieville, Barbara Hambly, Ken Bruen, Tad Williams, and others. Illustrated by Mike Mignola.

The third volume in the Hellboy illustrated prose collections, with short stories from some of the best writers in the industry all with accompanying illustrations by Mignola himself. Pick this up as the perfect way to prepare for this summer's Hellboy movie.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL #1 & #2 (of 2)

Written by George Lucas, David Koepp, and John Jackson Miller. Illustrated by Luke Ross & Fabio Laguna. Covers by Hugh Fleming & Drew Struzan.

In case you haven't heard, there's another Indy movie coming out this summer. This two part adaptation of the new film is timed to perfectly coincide with the release date of the film, so there won't be any spoilers. There is a Trade paperback of this available at the same time as well.

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY: APOCALYPSE SUITE TP

Written by Gerard Way. Illustrated by Gabriel Ba.

The unexpected hit series from last year is collected into one volume for all of you who missed out on this one and are curious to find out what all of the buzz was about. Seven children are raised by an eccentric millionaire to help save the world, and reunite years later when their adoptive father dies. Will they fulfill their destiny in time to save us all? Read it and find out!

DC COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #17

Written by Fabian Nicieza. Illustrated by Kevin Maguire.

A new arc begins here, focuses on that Bat-step sister, Batgirl, as she faces off against Catwoman for the first time. Comics' sexiest red head in one of her earliest adventures, illustrated by the always fantastic Kevin Maguire!

BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #1 (of 12)

Written by Steve Niles. Illustrated by Kelley Jones.

Batman has long walked the precarious line between insane obsession and focused conviction, but when you stand that close to the edge you can't help but stare down some of the most terrifying creatures to ever plague the earth. Noted horror scribe Niles unites with Jones to explore the darkest corners of the Gotham Underworld, as Batman takes on the new villain Midnight.

DETECTIVE COMICS #844

Written by Paul Dini. Illustrated by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs.

Batman and Zatanna try to thwart Scarface and the all new Ventriloquist from slaughtering one of Gotham's most prominent crime families. As super villain abilities go, isn't speaking without moving your lips kind of like vegetarian meat loaf … utterly pointless!

THE HUNTRESS: YEAR ONE #1 & #2 (of 6)

Written by Ivory Madison. Illustrated by Cliff Richards & Art Thibert.

DC continues its “Year One” blitz, this time featuring the one time Justice Leaguer, the Huntress. Tusk (Ivory - get it?) Madison explores the childhood of the only surviving child of a murdered Mob Family that fell from grace during one of Gotham's many Gang Wars. As the young exile tries to cope with her lust for vengeance and her vow never to return to Gotham, she becomes conflicted by her growing affection for the son of the reigning Kingpin of the underworld.

BATMAN: JEKYLL AND HYDE TP

Written by Paul Jenkins. Illustrated by Jae Lee & Sean Phillips.

The stunning 6 issue mini series collected here. Batman is trying to bring down Two Face yet again, but is he getting in the way of a bigger fight; the one between mortal enemies Two Face and Harvey Dent? Jenkins ably demonstrates the struggle of two souls, both with deep seeded hate for the other, forced to inhabit the same body, ever thirsting to establish dominance. Talk about internal struggle.

BLUE BEETLE #27

Written by Will Pfeifer. Illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque.

Possibly one of the most underrated superhero series being published, this one deserves a look.

Funny, smart, and fun, this title consistently delivers, and now with this issue, it is the perfect time for new readers to jump on board.

DC SPECIAL: CYBORG #1 (of 6)

Written by Mark Sable. Illustrated by Ken Lashley & Jonathan Glapion.

Cyborg gets his own mini-series for the first time in his long comics career. A must for any fan of the Titans.

DC UNIVERSE: ZERO

Written by Grant Morrison & Geoff Johns. Illustrated by George Perez, Tony Daniel, J.G. Jones, Aaron Lopresti, Carlos Pacheco, and others.

This book was originally planned as ”Countdown” #0, but grew to become something more. It could have easily been titled “All Star DC Universe” given all of the fantastic talent contributing to it. This one-shot will serve as the perfect bridge between Countdown and Final Crisis, and at a mere 50 cents you really can't go wrong.

FINAL CRISIS #1 (of 7)

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by J.G. Jones.

Grant Morrison concludes the unprecedented Crisis Trilogy as only he could, with an inventive and engaging masterpiece that puts the entire DCU at risk. Worlds will rise and heroes shall fall as the evil Libra gathers some of the worst DC villains in a battle that will span the beginning and end of all things and a new beginning for the DCU.

FINAL CRISIS SKETCHBOOK

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by J.G. Jones.

J.G.Jones is one of the most exceptional artistic talents working in the field today, and this modest little collection will give you a wonderful look of the creative process that leads to those wonderful action packed pages Jones provides.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #21

Written by Dwayne McDuffie. Illustrated by Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino.

Libra and Human Flame (pansy cousin of Human Torch?) are going to be central villains in the upcoming Final Crisis, and in a bold foreshadowing effort DC looks to establish some serious super villain street cred by having this dastardly duo take out the entire Justice League. You know, because everyone and their dog haven't already tried that. Sorry, but didn't Pied Piper rough them up once? His power is a flute! A FLUTE! Serious cred would be if you can speak without moving your lips.

JSA CLASSIFIED #38

Written by Mike W. Barr. Illustrated by Sean Martinbrough.

A new story featuring the DCU's true heart and soul hero, Wildcat, a man who succeeds on sheer grit, determination, and training. Now he faces an organization that is stealing the skills of retired prize fighters and auctioning them off. Can Wildcat stop them before his skills are also stolen?

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #16

Written by Geoff Johns & Alex Ross. Illustrated by Dale Eaglesham.

Alex Ross has discovered the secret to a truly successful career as a comic book writer, always coauthor books with truly established talents. That aside, check out this hard nosed tale on morality and temptation as the JSA square off against GOG. But GOG doesn't want to fight, he wants to subjugate, and he's offering something most of the team is hard pressed to decline. I think it's a giant Toblerone, I mean who can turn down nougatty goodness like that?

RANN / THANAGAR: HOLY WAR #1

Written by Jim Starlin. Illustrated by Ron Lim.

The Resurrection of Ron Lim continues as the `90s standout jumps on board for round 2 of the biggest turf war since the Crips and Bloods fought over a block of East L.A. And we think this might have something to do with Final Crisis, but DC is being cautious about labeling too many titles as tie-ins.

ACTION COMICS #865

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Jesus Merino. Cover by Kevin Maguire.

Johns revitalized the entire Flash rogues gallery, making them into cool, menacing individuals, by focusing on their personal motivations, and insecurities. Now that he's on Action Comics, he's going to try and repeat his nifty trick on what can only be described as a sparse Superman rogues gallery. Seriously, how can the big blue have such a sparse group of foes? First in line for the face lift is the Toyman. Yes, the Toyman. Find out just what Johns will do to up the ante for old Winslow Schott.

SUPERMAN AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES HC

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Gary Frank & Jonathan Sibal.

The now adult Legion warns Superman to avoid travel to the future, so like a fool off Superman goes to find out why. Gary Frank and company take a serious look at how Superman will be remembered by the 31^st century. The only thing that would make this story better is if it gave Fruit Boy (or would it be Fruit Man at this point) a prominent role.

TITANS #2

Written by Judd Winick. Illustrated by Joe Benitez & Victor Llamas.

The news series continues, as anyone who has ever been a Titan is being attacked and the original group must try to solve the mystery before it's too late.

TOR #1

Written & illustrated by Joe Kubert.

The legend returns to further explore the prehistoric world of TOR. Exiled by his people Tor, struggles to survive as he quests to uncover the truths behind all humanity. The soul searching saga of one of comic's most compelling characters by one of it's few remaining fore fathers.

THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #1

Written by Bruce Jones. Illustrated by Al Barrionuevo & Jimmy Palmiotti. Cover by Neal Adams.

Warriors from all eras are thrust onto a mysterious island and forced to put aside their differences to avoid being a dino dinner. Remember when comics were just superheroes stopping bank robbers? Now it's nothing but WAR. Comics just aren't for peacenicks anymore. Civil War, Rann / Thanagar War, Secret War, World War 3, World War Hulk, Secret Invasion, Amazons Attack, Holy War, War That Time Forgot, Dream War, etc. Why can't we all just get along?

WONDER WOMAN #20

Written by Gail Simone. Illustrated by Aaron Lopresti.

A classic DC hero confronts Wonder Woman, as new monthly penciler Lopresti (Planet Hulk, Ms Marvel) makes his debut. Can you really call them monthly pencilers when you've cycled through 5 pencilers in twenty issues? With any luck, Lopresti (who besides his beautiful women, is known for being able to keep a monthly schedule) will finally bring some artistic consistency to this title.

VERTIGO

HOUSE OF MYSTERY #1

Written by Matthew Sturges & Bill Willingham. Illustrated by Luca Rossi.

Willingham and Sturges, who reinvented all the classic fairy tale characters in their much revered Fables series, re-imagine a classic DC concept. The House of Mystery, a thrilling blend of suspenseful horror, and intriguing enigma, that sees 5 unfortunate characters trapped in the house, with absolutely no contact to the outside world save for the stories that passers-through deign to share. A definite must for any Vertigo fan.

VINYL UNDERGROUND VOL. 1 TP: WATCHING THE DETECTIVES

Written by Si Spencer. Illustrated by Simon Gane & Cameron Stewart.

The first of what will hopefully be many collection of this engaging crime noir series. A great book for anyone wanting to branch out from the classic superhero genre. This series has gotten off to an interesting and very strong start, so get on board now.

Y: THE LAST MAN VOL 10 TP: WHYS AND WHEREFORES

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

The long anticipated final volume to one of the most original series in many years is finally here. Many more people have been reading this great series in trade rather than the single issues, and so we're sure this will without question be the first thing you will read the week this hits the stands.

WILDSTORM

THE LOST BOYS: REIGN OF FROGS #1

Written by Hans Rodionoff. Illustrated by Joel Gomez & Don Ho.

They're like grungy, unwashed, un-attractive Buffys, but they kick serious undead ass. A gruesome bridge story that will fill in the time between the original cult favourite Lost Boys movie and the up coming summer sequel.

THE PROGRAMME VOL 1 TP

Written by Peter Milligan. Illustrated by C.P. Smith.

One of the greatest sci-fi revisionist history stories ever, as the Cold War heats back up thanks to the accidental activation of a long forgotten Soviet Super Weapon. Will America be able to withstand this surprise soviet push?

WORLD OF WARCRAFT VOL. 1 HC

Written by Walter Simonson. Illustrated by Ludo Lullabi & Sandra Hope.

All the magic of the hit multiplayer game captured in 8 exciting issues. A young human is captured and enslave by the Orcs, and must struggle for survival and freedom against all odds. Can he and his unlikely allies survive the blood lust of the Orc Tribes, and the distrust of the Human Host? Can you really afford to log off long enough to read this? Can you afford not to?

IMAGE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

BOMB QUEEN V #1 (OF 6)

Written & illustrated by Jimmie Robinson.

Kudos to Jimmie Robison for his irreverent series that insists on constantly pushing the envelope. If you're not sure what this series is like, simply take a look at the cover for the first issue of the fifth Bomb Queen series. The sexual innuendo is about as thinly veiled as it could possibly be with a pussy (cat) between Bomb Queen's thighs. A great book for anyone who can't admit he buys comics for the hot chicks. You know who you are.

DEATH GRUB ONE SHOT #1

Written & illustrated by Ryan Ottley.

The artist of Invincible (one of Craig & Brock's favourite books) delivers a stand alone, single issue story. Ryan Ottley presents his 24 hour comic book effort (although we suspect there has been some retouching) about the Death Grub that comes to feast every century and the unfortunate sap what must stop him. Is it just us, or is One Shot #1 painfully redundant?

FIREBREATHER #1

Written by Phil Hester. Illustrated by Andy Khun.

The hit series starring everyone's favourite teenage dragon boy is back as a monthly title. Poor Fire Breather has to cope with all the angst of adolescence while being a real freak thanks to his half dragon heritage, and obsessive city destroying father's demanding expectations. Even Spidey and Invincible never had it this hard.

GEMINI #1 (of 5)

Written by Jay Faerber. Illustrated by Jon Sommariva.

If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Yet another attempt by Image to launch a superhero series, only unlike so many other attempts, this one actually looks like fun. Unwitting Dan Johnson is completely unaware that he is actually the bane of criminals, the horoscope hero Gemini. How do you balance a double life when you don't know you're leading it?

MONSTER ZOO GN

Written & illustrated by Doug Tennapel.

Doug Tennapel created Earth Worm Jim, which gives him serious cred in our books, so we're happy to pump his book. However, our endorsement is based on his previous work, from over a decade ago, so keep that in mind. That said, the idea that the zoo has much more to offer then sleeping snakes and shit tossing primates after dark could be quite fun.

PILOT SEASON: LADY PENDRAGON #1

Written by Matt Hawkins. Illustrated by Eru. Cover by Drew Struzan.

Two interlocking stories spanning centuries, about two separate heroine hotties whose destinies seem fated to intersect. It looks like it could be quite interesting. Top Cow has a well earned reputation for launching books and then not following through with actually publishing them, but they are attempting to change this with their Pilot Season project. Last Year's was evidently a big enough success to launch a round two and this is the first of the second batch.

PRETTY BABY MACHINE #1 (of 3)

Written by Clark Westerman. Illustrated by Kody Chamberlain.

In the spirit of Road to Perdition, this promising crime noir tale by two relative unknowns takes us back to the mafia hay days of the 1930s. Infamous mobsters, Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd and Machine Gun Kelly must put aside their differences to survive a Capone ordered hit. This book will either be fantastic or ridiculous, it's hard to tell.

PROOF VOL. 1 TP: GOATSUCKER

Written by Alex Grecian. Illustrated by Riley Rossmo.

One of the most pleasant surprises of the New Year, this fantastic new series has been great from the very beginning. Every single person who has bought this comic at Elfsar has loved it, and with a low price this collection is the perfect place for you to see what has made them enjoy it so much.

SCUD, THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #24

Written & illustrated by Rob Schrab.

The series finally concludes (24 issues in something like 10+ years), and with any luck that means we'll finally see some collected volumes of Scud soon.

SUBURBAN GLAMOUR VOL 1 TP

Written & illustrated by Jamie McKelvie.

A nifty tale of a young girl struggling with the pressures of being a teenager, when she finds herself suddenly juggling the interests of her no longer imaginary childhood friend. From the creator of last year's hit series Phonogram.

WILDGUARD INSIDER #1 (of 3)

Written by Todd Nauck. Illustrated by Todd Nauck, Steve Sanchez, & Justin Peterson.

Keep on trying Image. Keep on trying. Alright, technically this is not a new title, but if it didn't take the first time, why will it pick up this time? Superhero Idol returns in this latest instalment of the “made for tv” series. Still it's hard to mock a series that has a hero named Red Rover … (definitely better then American Dream).

YOUNGBLOOD VOL 1: FOCUS TESTED TP

Written by Joe Casey. Illustrated by Derec Donovan.

Buy this book and watch Ethan's head explode!

MARVEL COMICS HIGHLIGHTSHTS

AMERICAN DREAM #1 & 2 (of 5)

Written by Tom Defalco. Illustrated by Todd Nauck. Cover by Ron Frenz.

This mini-series will focus on a character from the almost defunct “M2” universe (Spider-Girl continues to surprise everyone, including their creators, and stick around), for anyone who always dreamed of seeing a female Captain America.

AVENGERS INITIATIVE #13

Written by Christos Gage. Illustrated by Steve Uy.

A whole new batch of recruits join the initiative. I guess no one told them what happened to the first group.

AVENGERS / INVADERS #1 (of 12)

Written by Alex Ross & Jim Krueger. Illustrated by (Vancouver's own) Steve Sadowski.

Marvel's original heroes, the Invaders, find themselves thrust into the modern day continuity and are shocked and dismayed to see how poorly the current crop of heroes carry themselves. The really interesting aspect of this series will be seeing the WW2 era characters interact with themselves in the modern era. Especially fun will be watching the Armoured Alcoholic try to explain to Cap how his giant, misguided ego-trip lead to the death Cap in the current day.

DAREDEVIL #107

Written by Ed Brubaker & Greg Rucka. Illustrated by Michael Lark.

Bru continues what might be the best Daredevil run since Miller (yes, we know all the Bendis-philes will be up in arms by that statement) by upping the ante and reassembling the genius team that spearheaded the fantastic Gotham Central series. This brand new arc is an excellent jumping on point for anyone who wants to see why we heap such praise upon this run. Matt Murdock must decide whether or not to defend a noted super villain who has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit.

DAREDEVIL BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Alex Maleev, David Mack, & others.

Read one of the best Daredevil runs and see how this character was taken back to his roots and re-established as one of the best characters in comics.

GENEXT #1 (of 5)

Written by Chris Claremont. Illustrated by Patrick Scherberger.

Apparently Marvel asked fans to vote on what project they wanted the once great writer to take on. We don't know what the other options were, but the winner was this disaster in the making about what the children of the original X-men would look like if the Marvel Universe aged in real time. Was “nothing” not an option?

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1

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

Marvel says in Previews that “the guy at the comic shop keeps telling you to try NOVA.” And we respectfully wish to make clear that we haven't made any such claims (we just looked through previous Elfbytes instalments, and are confident in this statement). Regardless of whether or not you read the adventures of Nova the various Annihilation series, it's nice to see Marvel making some kind of commitment to using their numerous rejuvenated space characters, and this new title looks to be alot of fun. And what this new title might lack in story, it makes up for in talking raccoon quotient. If Nova had a talking raccoon, we might even recommend it. Maybe.

HEDGE KNIGHT II: SWORN SWORD PREMIER HC

Written by George R.R. Martin. Adapted by Ben Avery. Illustrated by Mike S. Miller.

If you haven't read George R.R. Martin's thrilling epic, you're missing out on some of the best fantasy since LOTR. With an acute eye for detail, and a deft ability to tell a story from many unique perspectives, Martin crafts a fantastic story of a young knight struggling to do what is right without betraying his vows of loyalty to Ser Eustace.

KING-SIZE HULK #1

Written by Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by Art Adams, Frank Cho, & others.

This should have been called Don King Size Hulk, with all the heavy-weight bouts on the card. Hulk vs. She Hulk. Hulk vs. Wendigo. Hulk vs. whoever's still standing in the Marvel U. Plus, it features a special “mystery artist”. The newest completely unsubstantiated rumour we'd like to start is that the “mystery artist” is fan favourite Hulk artist extraordinaire Dale Keown. If we're somehow correct, Craig would like you to know the credit is all his; and if we're wrong, it was all James' idea.

GIANT-SIZE INCREDIBLE HULK #1

Written by Roger Stern. Illustrated by TBD. Cover by Gary Frank.

For those of you that don't speak Marvel, TBD stands for Tardy, Behind Schedule and Delayed.

IMMORTAL IRON FIST #15

Written by Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Khari Evans.

Do we really have to keep recommending this to you? It kicks ass, and doesn't even need to boast about it in its title. This issue focuses on one of the Iron Fists from the past, as we all catch our breath from the kick-tastic spectacle that was the previous arc.

IMMORTAL IRON FIST VOL 2 HC: THE SEVEN CAPITOL CITIES OF HEAVEN

Written by Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction. Illustrated by David Aja, Howard Chaykin, & Dan Brereton.

The second arc of this fan-freaking-tastic book features the biggest ass kicker since the karate kid hit puberty. Danny Rand desperately seeks to uncover the mysterious connection between his predecessor, the Golden Age Iron Fist, Orson Randall and the conspiracies happening around the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven.

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1

Written by Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Salvador Larroca.

Hot off the heals of making Marvel's other Iron hero cool again, Fraction takes on Hollywood's newest super hero franchise with what promises to be a fantastic and gripping run, perfect for anyone who loves to cheer for billionaire jerks. Tony Stark must overcome a man of equal wealth and ingenuity, but several years his junior, who is hell bent on his destruction. The next great Marvel villain debuts here! This promises to be like that Paris Hilton / Lindsay Lohan feud, only with big robotic armour instead of flimsy, skanky dresses. "That's Hot!"

IRON MAN: VIVA LAS VEGAS #1 (of 4)

Written by Jon Favreau. Illustrated by Adi Granov.

See the movie, read the book. It's that simple, as Iron Man director John Favreau pens this mini-series that sees Tony's Vegas vacation interrupted by a giant dragon. And you thought sunburns were bad.

MARVEL 1985 #1 (of 6)

Written by Mark Millar. Illustrated by Tommy Lee Edwards.

An intriguing (although vaguely familiar to Millar's previous series Wanted) premise, that sees the Marvel Villains strike out of the pages and try to take over the real world. Which leaves it up to one young boy to save the day, by uniting the Marvel Heroes and bringing them out of the comics and into our world.

PUNISHER #57

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Goran Parlov.

A moment of silence please, as Ennis closes out his epic run on Marvels most ill tempered mercenary. Big shoes to fill for whoever Marvel taps to follow.

SECRET INVASION #2 (of 8)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu.

The biggest conspiracy in the Marvel Universe continues in the second chapter of the mini-series, and also in the following tie-in books.

SECRET INVASION TIE INS:

-Mighty Avengers #13 & #14

-New Avengers #41

-Secret Invasion Fantastic Four #1 (of 3)

-Captain Britain and MI 13 #1

-Incredible Hercules #117

-Ms. Marvel #27

SKY DOLL #1 (of 3)

Written by Barbara Canepa. Illustrated by Alesandro Barbucci.

Marvel has entered into an unprecedented agreement with French publisher Soleil to bring you some of the best European books in English for the first time. Their first offering is the much celebrated story of an android struggling for freedom without any understanding of the consequences for the world around her. The preview pages look great, and with any hope, this ambitious partnership will last a little longer then that short lived Humanoids experiment at the other major North American publisher.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #558

Written by Bob Gale. Illustrated by Barry Kitson.

A stand alone story written by the man who helped launch the “Back to the Future” movie franchise and one of the most under appreciated artists out there, fresh off his stunning run on the no name book (the Order). A great one off, for anyone needing a quick Spidey fix, or, anyone who mourns the lost art of single issue stories instead of these long, drawn out 6, 9, 12, or 20 issue, multi title epics that promise to change things forever.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #559 & #560

Written by Dan Slott. Illustrated by Marcos Martin.

The next great Spider arc begins here, with the stunning art of one of the best young talents out there, Marcos Martin (who penciled last year's great Doctor Strange mini-series, The Oath). And Marvel is promising this arc will deliver “something that you've all been asking for”, and we're sure they're not just giving us hollow hype. They wouldn't do that to us (would they?).

X-FACTOR: THE QUICK AND THE DEAD ONE-SHOT

Written by Peter David. Illustrated by Pablo Raimondi.

A one-shot story focusing on the fallen mutant Quicksilver. Peter David consistently brings us storytelling gold every month in the regular X-Factor book, and there's no reason to expect anything less in this tale.

NEW X-MEN BY GRANT MORRISON ULTIMATE COLLECTION BOOK 1 TP

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Frank Quietly, Ethan Van Sciver, & Leinil Francis Yu.

One of the most unique and inspired “X” runs ever is finally back in print in this highly anticipated collection that will let old fans relive, and new fans experience, Morrison's ground breaking stories. With art by such noted talents as Ethan Van Sciver, Frank Quietly and Leinel Francis Yu.

X-MEN ORIGIN: COLOSSUS

Written by Chris Yost. Illustrated by Trevor Hairsine.

Yost, the man who wrote one of the best X-books post House of M, spins the yarn of Colossus' early days as Xavier tries to save the mutant with the ability to turn to steel from a devious KGB.

TOYS & MISC. HIGHLIGHTS

SECRET FILES SERIES 3: BATMAN ROGUES GALLERY 2

Hooray! A bunch of previous released action figures in one terrifying set!

JLA TROPHY ROOM: SUPERMAN'S CAPE AND BELT PROP REPLICA SET

No really. They're offering you the chance to buy an official replica of Superman's cape & belt. If this doesn't get the ladies lining up nothing will!

WARRIORS OF THE ZODIAC SERIES 1

A new line of ultra detailed figures, that are once again more like quality plastic statues then playable action figures. This time around Todd has had the great idea of tapping into the horoscope page. The first series features Gemini, Aries, Cancer and Taurus.

LEGEND OF THE BLADE HUNTERS SERIES 1 AND KING DRAAKO

Although it says series one, this is in fact an extension of the popular Dragon series that McFarlane has been producing these last few years. The exciting toy line that also helped to develop an original fantasy epic will continue in this gripping sequel.

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