THIS WEEK AT YOUR COMIC SHOP 10/15/14

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

PUBLISHER
TITLE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE IN U.S. DOLLARS (“AR” means “ask your retailer for the price”)

DARK HORSE COMICS
Action Philosophers HC, $29.99
B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth #124, $3.50
Black Sky Sampler (One Shot), $4.99
Criminal Macabre The Third Child #2 (Of 4), $3.99
Dark Horse Presents #3, $4.99
Star Wars Legacy II Volume 4 Empire Of One TP, $16.99
Star Wars Volume 4 A Shattered Hope TP, $16.99

DC COMICS
Adventures Of Superman Volume 2 TP, $14.99
Batman ’66 Volume 1 TP, $14.99
Batman ’66 Volume 2 HC, $19.99
Batman And Robin #35 (Patrick Gleason & Mick Gray Regular Cover), $2.99
Batman Eternal #28, $2.99
Batwoman #35, $2.99
Earth 2 World’s End #2, $2.99
Justice League #35 (Ivan Reis & Joe Prado Regular Cover), $3.99
New 52 Futures End #24, $2.99

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

Walt Disneys Uncle Scrooge Volume 2 Seven Cities Of Gold HC, $29.99

MARVEL COMICS
Avengers And X-Men Axis #2 (Of 9)(Jim Cheung Regular Cover), $3.99
Avengers World #14, $3.99
Daredevil #9, $3.99
Deadly Hands Of Kung Fu Out Of The Past TP, $16.99
Fantastic Four #11, $3.99
New Avengers #25 (Jackson Guice Regular Cover), $3.99
Original Sin Annual #1 (Julian Totino Tedesco Regular Cover), $4.99
Thor Epic Collection Volume 1 The God Of Thunder TP, $34.99
Uncanny X-Men #27 (Chris Bachalo Regular Cover), $3.99

TITAN BOOKS
Planet Of The Apes The Evolution Of The Legend HC, $39.95

TITAN COMICS
Black Dragon HC, $19.99
Complete Johnny Nemo HC, $22.99
Doctor Who The Twelfth Doctor #1 (Alice X. Zhang Regular Cover), $3.99

Videos
Mystery Science Theater 3000 Volume 30 DVD, AR
Star Blazers 2199 Volume 3 DVD, AR

Merchandise
Back To The Future Time Machine Mark I Car, $60.00
Batman 1966 TV Retro Action Figure Accessory Pack, AR
Batman Desktop Standee, $5.99
Bioshock Infinite Booker 7-Inch Action Figure, $24.99
FW Gundam Standart Trading Figure 6-Piece Assortment Series 21, AR
Guardians Of The Galaxy Drax The Destroyer Dagger, $12.00
Guardians Of The Galaxy Fully Loaded Previews Exclusive Black Spiral T-Shirt SM, $20.99
Guardians Of The Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Lanyard With PVC Dangle, $5.99
Guardians Of The Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Previews Exclusive Snap Back Cap, $26.99
M.O.D.O.K. Previews Exclusive Navy Black Heather T-Shirt XXL, $17.99
Marvel Weapon Plus Steve Rogers Previews Exclusive Navy T-Shirt LG, $18.99
Masters Of The Universe Snake Mountain Statue, AR
Star Trek Dr McCoy Desktop Standee, $5.99
Star Trek Mr Spock Desktop Standee, $5.99
Star Wars Black 6-Inch Action Figure Assortment 201404, AR
Star Wars Kenner-Inspired Wampa Jumbo Action Figure, AR
Star Wars Life-Size Vintage Stormtrooper Monument, AR
Steampunk Inverness Jacket Gray, $65.00

This week at your comic shop – 3/20/13

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

_____________________________________

Action Comics #18

Action Comics #18
The lead story, written by Grant Morrison with art by Rags Morales, Brad Walker, Cam Smith and Andrew Hennessy, is destined to be a milestone in The New 52 – and that’s all we can say about it for now!

Plus, in the backup story, written by Sholly Fisch with art by Chris Sprouse and Karl Story, learn how Superman’s battle against the Little Man has some very far-reaching consequences.

The new creative team of writer Andy Diggle and artist Tony S. Daniel now will make its debut in Action Comics #19.
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Doctor Who Ark In Space DVD

Doctor Who Ark In Space DVD
From BBC Video! The fourth Doctor’s first trip in the TARDIS brings him, Sarah Jane, and Harry Sullivan many thousand years into the future to Nerva, a space station in Earth’s orbit. Having evacuated Earth when solar activity threatened all life on the planet, a few hundred survivors have been drifting in suspended animation for thousands of years. Even more perplexing is the discovery that someone has sabotaged Nerva’s vital systems. The Doctor reactivates the systems, and one by one, the human race begins to awake from its enforced deep sleep. The future of humankind appears secure until the Doctor learns that the larvae of the Wirrn, a hostile insect race, are also aboard.
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Son Of Satan Previews Exclusive Blk T-Shirt

Son Of Satan Previews Exclusive Blk T-Shirt
The Son of Satan rides on this black t-shirt that features vintage Marvel Comics artwork!
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All New X-Men #9

All New X-Men #9
By: Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez, Stuart Immonen
The Original Five X-Men get new costumes!

Series main-artist Stuart Immonen returns!

Mystique makes her big move.
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Saga #11

Saga #11
By: Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples
It’s an intergalactic family reunion, as Hazel’s parents and grandparents join forces to escape a dying world.
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Avengers #8

Avengers #8
By: Jonathan Hickman, Dustin Weaver
‘SYSTEM FAILURE’

The Avengers face off against the World Breaker.

Discover the imminent threat to the Avengers World.

Watch as we get our first hints as the hidden connections between the events of Avengers and New Avengers.
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Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #3 (of 12)

Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #3 (of 12)
By: David Tipton, Mike Collins, Francesco Francavilla
Our yearlong celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary continues! ‘Now listen to me!’ It’s time to fire up Bessie, as the Third Doctor takes the spotlight in this issue of a 12-part epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the Doctor!

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Cable And X-Force #6

Cable And X-Force #6
By: Dennis Hopeless, Salvador Larroca
A new arc begins! Great jumping on point!

Cable’s team loses a member as Colossus goes to jail.
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It Girl & The Atomics #8

It Girl & The Atomics #8
By: Jamie S. Rich, Mike Norton, Laura Allred
‘THE WORLD IS FLAT,’ Conclusion

It Girl is trapped in the alps trying to rescue a kidnapped scientist from a slippery supervillain, a scary gangster lady, and her two giant robot sons. Is the scientist’s coveted device the secret to getting out alive?

It Girl’s just going to have to turn it on and find out!

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Captain America #5

Captain America #5
By: Rick Remender, John Romita, Jr.
Zola’s terrible experiments on the indigenous creatures give birth to a terrible new foe! No flesh escapes The Patchwork!

Captain America vs Jet Black, with the fate of Ian in the balance.

A young Steve Rogers must help his family to survive their worst year of the Great Depression, but how far will he go?
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Elephantmen #47

Elephantmen #47
By: Richard Starkings, Axel Medellin, Camille D’Errico
‘SLEEPING PARTNERS,’ Part Six Sahara must give up her baby, before it is even born.

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Daredevil #24

Daredevil #24
By: Mark Waid, Chris Samnee
Fateful news about someone close to Daredevil!

Will Matt be forced to abandon his Daredevil identity?
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Nightwing #18

Nightwing #18
By: Kyle Higgins, Roger Bonet Martinez, Juan Jose Ryp
Dick Grayson lost so much during ‘DEATH OF THE FAMILY’ that some new events are going to push him right over the edge!

Nightwing has almost no hope left until the chance for vengeance presents itself.

What decisions will he make?
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Indestructible Hulk #5

Indestructible Hulk #5
By: Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu
Hulk versus Attuma!

What is the secret of Lost Lemuria?

Attuma’s schemes guarantee death for all air-breathers!
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Legion Of Super Heroes #18

Legion Of Super Heroes #18
By: Paul Levitz, Scott Kolins, Keith Giffen
Separated and in great danger, the Legionnaires must face their greatest foes yet: the new FATAL FIVE!

Can the Legion’s newly appointed leader handle their greatest enemies?
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New Avengers #4

New Avengers #4
By: Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Jock
‘WORLD EATER’

The Illuminati have learned that Earth is the center point for the death of the Universe.

If this is true, doesn’t that mean destroying it might save everything else?

Enter the world eater, Galactus.
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Justice League #18

Justice League #18
By: Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis
Cyborg takes center stage as events fall into place for next month’s massive new story arc: ‘OFF THE GRID’!

Also, Batman continues to be question the Superman/Wonder Woman alliance and Aquaman’s future with the League.

Plus: The Shazam backup story reveals the origin of Black Adam-and what it means for Billy Batson’s survival!
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Doctor Who Destiny Of The Daleks Audio CD Set

Doctor Who Destiny Of The Daleks Audio CD Set
Tom Baker stars as the Doctor in this four-part TV serial from 1979, in which the Daleks return to their home planet of Skaro, in search of their entombed creator Davros. The Doctor and Romana soon find themselves caught in the middle of a war between two different races. This full-cast drama includes special linking narration by a member of the original TV cast.
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Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #6

Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #6
By: Caleb Monroe, Lorena Carvalho
Adding a touch of class to outer spaceÖ The conclusion of our super-spies’ foray into space!

John Steed and Emma Peel have gotten entangled with an eccentric figure that is determined to see Britain lead in space, no matter the cost.

Rising star Caleb Monroe brings us a story of defending Queen & Country in Zero-G!
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Nova #2

Nova #2
By: Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness
A boy, a helmet, and an intergalactic legacy!

Sam Alexander isn’t just any 15-year old, he’s just been recruited to the Nova Corps: the Universe’s police force.

What do you get when you pair a raccoon, a green alien lady and a scared teenager? An amazingly awesome origin tale!
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Batwoman #18

Batwoman #18
By: J. H. Williams, Trevor McCarthy
A new story arc begins here as Batwoman adjusts to her new partner and her new role in the war on crime.

Guest-starring Batman!
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Savage Wolverine #3

Savage Wolverine #3
By: Frank Cho
Shanna and Wolverine are separated, and Shanna teams up with. . . Amadeus Cho?

Secrets about the island are revealed, but only bring up more questions.

And, in this issue, a hero will fall!
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All Crime #1

All Crime #1
By: Erik Warfield, Edward Laroche, Bruce Timm
A look into the lives of two men drawn into a friendship through a life of crime, and driven to murder over the love of a woman. Thirty-six full-color pages of crime, cars, and killings. With a cover by Bruce Timm!

“Art of Fiction are combining all of my favorite elements into one: crime, noir, pulp, and gorgeous artwork. How can you go wrong? Check out All Crime–you won’t regret it!”
-Steve Niles (30 Days of Night)

“A fantastic addition to any crime comics shelf, and I can’t wait to read the next issue!”
-Ed Brubaker (Criminal, Fatale)
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Outer Limits Creature Collection Alien Thetan Pvc Figure

Outer Limits Creature Collection Alien Thetan Pvc Figure
Imported from Japan! There is nothing wrong with your PREVIEWS. It’s The Outer Limits Creature Collection Series! A true masterpiece of American science-fiction television drama, The Outer Limites began broadcasting in September, 1963, and each episode featured marvelous creatures and aliens that would challenge the mind! The Outer Limits Creature Collection accurately reproduces the creatures and aiens as a 1/8 scale collectible figure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to the Outer Limits, and it starts with the Alien Thetan! Window box packaging.
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X-termination #1

X-termination #1
By: David Lapham, David Lopez, Ed McGuinness
THE X-TERMINATION EVENT STARTS HERE!

Joining together the teams from ASTONISHING X-MEN, AGE OF APOCALYPSE and X-TREME X-MEN, and spinning out of the pages of UNCANNY X-FORCE.

AOA Nightcrawler just wants to get home and he doesn’t care if he takes out our world to get there.

Wolverine versus Nightcrawler!
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Doctor Who Aztecs DVD

Doctor Who Aztecs DVD
From BBC Video! The TARDIS arrives in 15th-century Mexico inside the tomb of one-time Aztec High Priest Yetaxa. The travellers become cut off from the ship when they explore the temple outside and the tomb door closes behind them. Barbara is proclaimed by the High Priest of Knowledge, Autloc, as Yetaxa’s divine reincarnation. However, she incurs the enmity of the High Priest of Sacrifice, Tlotoxl, when – against the Doctor’s advice – she attempts to use her new-found authority to put an end to the Aztec practice of human sacrifice.

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Doctor Doom Bust Bank

Doctor Doom Bust Bank
A genius inventor and a sorcerer, Doctor Doom combined technology and sorcery together to fight against the Fantastic Four. Ranked as the #3 top villain in IGN’s Top 100 Villains, Doctor Doom has been well-regarded in the Marvel Comics fan community. This highly-detailed sculpt of Otto Octavius features an impeccable attention to detail and is made of roto plastic. It can be used either as a bank or a display piece.
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Doctor Who Reign Of Terror DVD

Doctor Who Reign Of Terror DVD
From BBC Video! The TARDIS materializes not far from Paris in 1794. The travelers become involved with an escape chain rescuing prisoners from the guillotine and get caught up in the machinations of an English undercover spy, James Stirling – alias Lemaitre, governor of the Conciergerie Prison. The Doctor, posing as a Regional Officer of the Provinces, is twice brought before the great tyrant, Robespierre himself, and has to talk himself out of trouble. Ian and Barbara, meanwhile, have a close encounter with a future ruler of France, Napoleon Bonaparte.
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This week at your comic shop – 3/13/13

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

_____________________________________

Doctor Who K-9 Action Figure W/TARDIS Play Set

Doctor Who K-9 Action Figure W/TARDIS Play Set
Travel through time and space with the Doctor! This extraordinary TARDIS Playset based on the sci-fi TV series Doctor Who. The TARDIS Playset’s amazing interior features a detailed Master Control Console! Made of thick dollhouse-like cardboard in a retro 1970s style, in scale with Bif Bang Pow!’s 8″ Doctor Who action figures, the playset includes a bonus figurine of the Doctor’s trusty cyberdog, K-9! Playset measures 11″ tall x 5 1/2″ wide x 5 1/2″ long.
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Wolverine #1

Wolverine #1
By: Paul Cornell, Alan Davis
IT’S HUNTING SEASON!

The best there is at what he does gets an all-new on-going! Pay attention very closely: there’s a mystery here that even Wolverine hasn’t sniffed out yet. When Wolverine finds himself the bargaining chip in a hostage situation, he must make a decision to save a little boy that will follow him forever. . . literally!

How can a berserker fight what he can’t see? And how far will he go to assert his humanity in the face of the Unknown?

Find out when superstars Paul Cornell (CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI:13, Doctor Who, Action Comics) and Alan Davis (AVENGERS, CLANDESTINE, EXCALIBUR, UNCANNY X-MEN) take on the Wolverine!

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The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 (2nd Printing)

The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 (2nd Printing)
By: Francesco Francavilla
* After launching to rave reviews The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 sells out!

*Dark Horse goes back to press for a 2nd printing, this time with a completely new cover by Eisner Award winner Francesco Francavilla!

Black Beetle’s investigation of two local mob bosses is interrupted when a mysterious explosion murders them and a pub full of gangsters-taking out most of Colt City’s organized crime in one fell swoop. Who could pull off such a coup, and what danger might that murderous bomber do to Colt City and Black Beetle?

“Francavilla delivers the pulp noir that suits his style perfectly.”-Comic Book Resources

“The hard-boiled mystery hits the ground running and doesn’t pause to catch its breath.”-Nerdist
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Star Wars #3

Star Wars #3
By: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, Gabe Eltaeb, Alex Ross
Princess Leia formed a secret squadron of stealth X-wings to help expose a spy within the Rebel ranks. But taking command puts her at odds with Luke Skywalker at a time they need solidarity more than ever-especially when the spy has alerted the Empire to Han Solo’s latest venture!

* Dream team: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, and cover artist Alex Ross!

* Perfect starting point for new readers!

* Fan-favorite Star Wars classic-era characters!
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Batman #18 Variant Ed

Batman #18 Variant Ed
By: Scott Snyder, Andy Kubert
Welcome guest-artist Andy Kubert!

In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, Batman is in danger of losing his humanity!

Fan-favorite character Harper Row returns-will she be able to pull Batman back from the brink?
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Crime Does Not Pay Archives Volume 4 HC

Crime Does Not Pay Archives Volume 4 HC
By: Dick Wood, Lev Gleason, Rudy Palais, Charles Biro, Bob Q. Siegel, Richard “Dick” Briefer, R.W. Hall, ARt Gates, Art Mann, Alan Mandel
Crime Does Not Pay-the true-crime comic that enjoyed massive circulation throughout the forties and fifties-was a hit with readers. Issues #34-#37 of this visceral, provocative series are now collected into one fine, head-walloping hardcover.

* new foreword by David Lapham (Stray Bullets, The Strain)!

* Set the pace for the violent pre-Code comics era.

* Look for new Crime Does Not Pay in Dark Horse Presents!
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Monsters From The Vault #31

Monsters From The Vault #31
The issue will feature first-time MFTV contributor, John McElwee’s look at the Ballyhoo that helped promote Bride of Frankenstein during its original release as well as re-releases over the years. Greg Mank returns to our pages with a look at the James Whale film, One More River (1934). Rounding out the issue is Gary Rhodes’ article on the 1947 Bela Lugosi Film, Scared to Death, an excerpt from Candace Hilligoss’s upcoming memoir on the making of Carnival of Souls, and Larry Underwood’s article on who’s truly responsible for the Monster’s look in 1931’s Frankenstein.
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Green Lantern Corps #18

Green Lantern Corps #18
By: Peter J. Tomasi, Fernando Pasarin, Juan Jose Ryp
‘WRATH OF THE FIRST LANTERN’ continues!

The First Lantern has already devastated Kyle Rayner. Now he sets his sights on Carol Ferris and the rest of the New Guardians.

How will the First Lantern’s unique, sadistic power shatter the lives of Larfleeze, Saint Walker, Arkillo and the rest?

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X-Men Legacy #7

X-Men Legacy #7
By: Simon Spurrier, Tan Eng Huat, Mike Del Mundo
Refusing Wolverine’s offer to join the X-Men, David Haller must now decide exactly how he will carry out his father’s legacy.

But upon venturing into the world on his own, will he be beaconed back to Westchester by his budding fascination with young X-Man Blindfold? And more importantly: How will their future together change the fate of mutantkind?

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Fantastic Four #5

Fantastic Four #5
By: Matt Fraction, Mark Bagley
The F4 travel back to ancient Rome and dine with Caesar on the Ides of March.

Did somebody say, ‘Pass the knife’?

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Ghostbusters Elite Ecto-1 1/18 Hotwheels

Ghostbusters Elite Ecto-1 1/18 Hotwheels

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Uncanny X-Men #3

Uncanny X-Men #3
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo
Everything has changed for Magneto in the last few weeks. Can he prove he is still the Master of Magnetism?

Cyclops and the rest of his crew take the revolution on the road gathering up more new mutants.

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Saucer Country #13

Saucer Country #13
By: Paul Cornell, Ryan Kelly
On election night, Arcadia’s chances of reaching the highest office in the land are too close to call. . . just like Prof Kidd’s chances of holding on to his sanity. In Part Two of ‘President’s Day,’ our heroes are forced to ask: Whose side are the flying saucers on?
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Thunderbolts #6

Thunderbolts #6
By: Daniel Way, Steve Dillon, Julian Totino Tedesco
The team reaches the bloody end of their first mission! The final deadly team member is revealed!
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Threshold #3

Threshold #3
By: Keith Giffen, Tom Raney, Howard Porter
Former Green Lantern Jediah Caul leads an assault on the powers behind the game. . . a very ill advised assault.

Introducing CAPTAIN K’ROT!

In the backup feature, the hunt for Larfleeze’s stuff turns up evidence that the theft was an inside job!

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Thor God Of Thunder #6

Thor God Of Thunder #6
By: Jason Aaron, Esad Ribic
GODBOMB Part One

Somewhere at the end of the time, all the gods of the universe are enslaved, working to build a machine that will forever change the face of creation.

What is. . . the Godbomb? And what can Thor, the last free god in all the cosmos, do to stop it?
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Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #7

Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #7
By: Steve Darnell, Jonathan Lau, Alex Ross
In ‘Pyramid Schemes,’ Peter Cannon is in Egypt, where he learns some disturbing facts about the missing Princess Ahmoset.

Meanwhile, as Thunderbolt, his plans to summon the dragon once more bring him into contact with the explosive Sons of Adam!
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Fearless Defenders #2

Fearless Defenders #2
By: Cullen Bunn, Will Sliney, Mark Brooks
DANI MOONSTAR joins the Defenders!

Valkyrie and Misty prepare to take on the Doom Maidens.

Plus: A closer look at our sadistic new villain!
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Shadow #10

Shadow #10
By: Victor Gischler, Aaron Campbell, Alex Ross
Revolutionary Part 3 (of 4) – The Shadow, along with faithful sidekick and pilot Miles Crofton and new partner in adventure George Orwell, pursues The Black Sparrow across the war-torn Spanish countryside. Cranston must decide how he’s going to confront the woman who is both former lover and current adversary, but there is a new player in the mix! Just who is the maniacal El Rey? The Shadow must thwart El Rey’s plot to rise from the debris of a war shattered nation and install himself as supreme ruler.
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Secret Avengers #2

Secret Avengers #2
By: Nick Spencer, Luke Ross, Tomm Coker
‘Bagalia’

Nick Fury knows who he wants for the new Secret Avengers–the deadly mercenary known as Taskmaster!

Trouble is, how to extract S.H.I.E.L.D.’s newest prospective agent from the only prison cell in Bagalia — the nation-state built by and for super villains!
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Doctor Who Classics #1

Doctor Who Classics #1
By: Richard Starkings, Andy Lanning, Matthew Dow Smith
Doctor Who Classics is back!

This new series presents strips never before reprinted, and in color for the very first time! In this inaugural issue, enjoy two complete stories featuring the Seventh Doctor, ‘Time and Tide’ and ‘Follow That TARDIS!’ by such luminaries as Richard Starkings, Andy Lanning, and Dougie Braithwaite!
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Age Of Ultron #2 (of 10)

Age Of Ultron #2 (of 10)
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Bryan Hitch
For years the heroes of the Marvel Universe have lived in fear that the artificial intelligence known as Ultron would one day evolve to fulfill its desire to wipe out all organic life and take over the Earth — that day has arrived.

This massive 10-part Marvel Universe-spanning event is brought to you by Eisner award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis and comics legend Bryan Hitch.
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Rocketeer Hollywood Horror #2

Rocketeer Hollywood Horror #2
By: Roger Langridge, Jason Bone, Walter Simonson
Cliff Secord on the run! Betty in the clutches of the ghastly Otto Rune! And what is Peevy’s connection to the missing scientist? All this and more. . . as the Rocketeer must prevent nothing less than the wrath of the Lord Himself!

More pulp action in the great Dave Stevens tradition!
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Cable And X-Force #5 (Yu Variant Cover Edition)

Cable And X-Force #5 (Yu Variant Cover Edition)
By: Dennis Hopeless, Salvador Larroca, Greg Land
X-FORCE is officially on the run.

Cable must face his daughter Hope, the savior of AVX.

The Uncanny Avengers are hot on their trail!

This variant cover edition comes bagged and boarded.
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Illustration Magazine #40

Illustration Magazine #40
This issue features the lurid and sensational men’s adventure illustration of Bruce Minney. The feature showcases numerous examples of rare original artwork, printed covers, and previously unpublished photographs.

Next up we feature the work of Norman Lindsay, our second feature on the legendary Australian artist.

Our final feature concerns the work of George Stavarinos, a brilliant and influential illustrator from the 80s whose life was cut tragically short.
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This week at your comic shop – 2/20/13

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

_____________________________________

Guardians Of Galaxy #0.1

Guardians Of Galaxy #0.1
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Steve McNiven
Move over Avengers the Guardians got this. Star-Lord. Gamora. Drax. Rocket Raccoon. Groot. and the Invincible Iron Man?!

The Marvel Universe just got bigger as the legendary cosmic epic returns in the hands of superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, All-New X-Men) and Steve McNiven (Civil War; Old Man Logan). In this special prelude issue meet the man behind the Guardians: Star-Lord and discover how this child of Earth became the leader of the rag-taggiest of teams in all the Galaxy.

All setting the stage for next month’s historic Guardians of the Galaxy #1. This is the start of something big, Marvel fans.
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Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #2 (of 12)

Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #2 (of 12)
By: David Tipton, Lee Sullivan, Francesco Francavilla
Our yearlong celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary continues! Oh my giddy aunt! It’s time to break out the recorders, as the Second Doctor takes the spotlight in this issue of a 12-part epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the Doctor!
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Masks #4

Masks #4
By: Chris Roberson, Dennis Calero, Alex Ross
With the law twisted and perverted to benefit the unjust, those who serve justice have no choice but to operate outside the law. The Spider digs into the shadowy past of the new governor, but what he finds raises more questions than it answers.

Back in New York City, the Shadow and Green Hornet are marshaling their forces, as vigilantes and heroes like the Green Lama, Miss Fury, and the Black Terror join their cause.

Meanwhile, a blind lawyer and a fugitive artist find themselves standing alone against the might of the Black Legions.
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Flash #17

Flash #17
By: Francis Manapul
The finale of ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ as Barry’s battle with Grodd comes to its bone-crunching conclusion! Don’t miss the introduction of one of The Flash’s greatest foes!

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Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #5

Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #5
By: Caleb Monroe, Will Sliney, Lorena Carvalho
Mods IN SPACE. It’s well established that our spies are the swingingest secret agents in all the land, but what about in the galaxy? Emma Peel and John Steed enter the Space Race, thanks to the rocket-fueled talents of Caleb Monroe and Will Sliney!
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Hawkeye #8

Hawkeye #8
By: Matt Fraction, David Aja
Cherry’s got a gun. And she looks good in it. Hawkeye gets distracted. Just like you are right now.
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Aquaman #17

Aquaman #17
By: Geoff Johns, Paul Pelletier
A startling epilogue to ‘THRONE OF ATLANTIS’!

With the secrets of Atlantis revealed, Aquaman is confronted by a horrible myth from Atlantis’s past that’s connected to his own. Plus: Mera confronts a longtime enemy.
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Marvel Noir Marvel Noir Wolverine And X-Men TPB

Wolverine And X-Men TPB
By: Fred Van Lente, Dennis Calero
The Marvel Universe – shot in noir!

Hard-boiled, hard-drinking private eye Jim Logan is the best there is at what he does. And when Mariko Yashida saunters into his office, he knows she’s trouble when he sees it. It’s the case of Logan’s career – if he survives.

Meanwhile, discredited quack Charles Xavier rots in jail. He used to train desperate teens into canny grifters, but now one of his ‘X-Men,’ Jean Grey, is dead – and corrupt police chief Eric Magnus is closing in on the rest.

Then: Logan, Cyclops and the avenging Angel find the Gem of Cyttorak in the stinking jungles of Madripoor – but all it’s done is put a target on their backs. And what kind of monster is Nightcrawler?

This title collects
X-MEN NOIR #1-4, WOLVERINE NOIR #1-4, X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #1-4 and WEAPON X NOIR #1.

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Uncanny X-Force #2
By: Sam Humphries, Ron Garney, Olivier Coipel
BISHOP VS. UNCANNY X-FORCE!

What secrets does the man with the ‘M’ on his face bring from the future?
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Batman The Black Mirror TPB

Batman The Black Mirror TPB
By: Scott Snyder, Jock, Francesco Francavilla
Originally published in DETECTIVE COMICS #871-877, this epic from the writer of BATMAN, SWAMP THING and AMERICAN VAMPIRE forces Batman to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils!

Plus: The corpse of a killer whale shows up on the floor of one of Gotham City’s foremost banks, setting a deadly mystery in motion!

This title collects
DETECTIVE COMICS #871-877

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Uncanny X-Men #2

Uncanny X-Men #2
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo
There is a mole on Cyclops’ team, but who is it? When you hunt the UNCANNY X-MEN you use Sentinels, but when you find out WHO’S DOING THE HUNTING your jaw will drop!
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Batman The Dark Knight #17

Batman The Dark Knight #17
By: Gregg Hurwitz, Ethan Van Sciver
Ethan Van Sciver’s first storyline as regular artist continues as the gory details of The Mad Hatter’s past are revealed! With The Mad Hatter kidnapping citizens all over Gotham City, not even Batman can figure what he’s after.
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Uncanny Avengers #4

Uncanny Avengers #4
By: Rick Remender, John Cassaday
Red Skull and his S-Men move forward their take over of New York. A member of the Uncanny Avengers joins the S-Men! When the chips are down, the fight all but lost, one Avenger must rise and face the terrible might of The Omega Skull!
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Dark Shadows #14

Dark Shadows #14
By: Mike Raicht, Guiu Vilanova, Francesco Francavilla
The future of Collinwood has been glimpsed. Barnabas and his clan are headed towards dark days. What are those who endured it willing to sacrifice to make sure it never happens? Is it too late for some, or is there one last drastic measure one member of the clan can make to make the future unknown again?
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Avengers Arena #5

Avengers Arena #5
By: Dennis Hopeless, Kev Walker, Dave Johnson
The Braddock Academy vs. . . themselves?
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Justice League Dark #17

Justice League Dark #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Mikel Janin
Constantine and the others are trapped on a world where magic has been outlawed, and Tim Hunter is king! Their only hope of returning home is in the hands of Colonel Steve Trevor-but will the A.R.G.U.S. chief decide to protect the Earth by leaving Team Dark where they are?
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FF #4

FF #4
By: Matt Fraction, Mike Allred
It’s Valentine’s Day at the Baxter Building! So why does that spell trouble for She-Hulk?

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The Lone Ranger #13

The Lone Ranger #13
By: Ande Parks, Esteve Polls, Francesco Francavilla
‘Ghost Town’.

The first in a series of single issue stories, and a perfect jumping on point. The Lone Ranger and Tonto come across a small Western town that harbors great suffering. That suffering resonates through time, to the Ranger’s own past, and to the future.

Can the Lone Ranger and Tonto find a way to replace that suffering with hope?
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Journey Into Mystery #649

Journey Into Mystery #649
By: Kathryn Immonen, Valerio Schiti, Jeff Dekal
Guest starring the Superior Spider-Man + a collection of superstars from the MU firmament!

Ancient Viking Monsters? Eerily Familiar Freaks? Whatever they are, they’re invading Midgard!

Sif and her three hench-Berzerkers slither back to Earth in time to help put down this new assault. But can the berserkers keep their bloodlust in check?
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Hulk 3 movie rumors

hulk-lancer1According to LatinoReview (an excellent source for comic book news), there is a grand scheme to capitalize and harness the magic that the Hulk enjoyed in the Avengers movie. The modern Jekyll and Hyde story of a mild-mannered scientist’s id obtaining physical form as a raging green behemoth, the Hulk is one of Marvel Comics’ most recognizable characters (and one of my personal faves). The Hulk has had a monumental TV series and two rather lackluster motion pictures (I enjoyed both, personally, but Marvel Studios was unconvinced by the returns on Incredible Hulk).

Since he appeared in the Avengers, however, the story has changed and fans want more of the green Goliath. Actor Mark Ruffalo signed a multi-picture deal, but there are as of yet no official stand-alone Hulk pictures into 2015.

That may change…

Spoilers
(Select the text below to reveal the secret rumor)

Story goes that the Avengers 2 film will see the Hulk declared a threat so great that he gets tricked into a rocket and flown off-planet… which will spin off into a stand alone Planet Hulk movie leading to World War Hulk in Avengers 3 when he returns… 

Thoughts?

This week at your comic shop – 2/6/13

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

Thor Red Letters Belt Buckle

Thor Red Letters Belt Buckle
Dress with some Marvel Comics style with these belt buckles that feature the characters and logos of some of the world’s most famous characters!Choose from the Spider-Man logo, Captain America’s A-wings, the Punisher’s silver/black shield, or Thor in red letters.
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Star Wars #1 (2nd Printing)

Star Wars #1 (2nd Printing)
By: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, Gabe Eltaeb, Alex Ross
This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! We’re taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star-when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

* After launching to rave reviews Star Wars #1 sells out the day of release!

* Dark Horse goes back to press for a 2nd printing, this time with a completely stripped down Alex Ross cover.

“Brian Wood and Carlos D’Anda truly have the making of a classic on their hands. If you ever wondered if Star Wars could ever recapture that childlike glee of those earliest of memories, wonder no more. Star Wars is back and it’s never been better.” Newsarama

“It all just feels like Star Wars, and for a franchise that has been around for over 30 years, D’Anda somehow finds a way to inject new life into it.” Complex
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Wasteland #43

Wasteland #43
By: Antony Johnston, Russell Roeling, Christopher Mitten
Separated from Abi, Michael does what he’s always done–walks the desert alone, for as long as it takes. But not everything out here is a barren wasteland, and maybe Michael isn’t as alone as he thinks! When he meets an old Artisian called Collyn, Michael’s journey reverts to violence, and… a new friendship?
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Secret Avengers #37

Secret Avengers #37
By: Rick Remender, Matteo Scalera, Arthur Adams
FINAL ISSUE!

The conclusion to the Rise of the Descendants! All secrets revealed!

Father and the Descendants begin Contagious Robotic Evolution, merging the Descendants with all of humanity!

What is the secret behind the power of Parvez?

The ultimate test of Hawkeye!
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Hellboy in Hell #3

Hellboy in Hell #3
By: Mike Mignola, Dave Stewart
Hellboy meets more of his family members, and it’s not a fond reunion, as blood sprays through the air in Hell.

* This is what it’s all been building to!

* Mike Mignola writes and draws Hellboy!

* Featuring one of the strangest twists ever!

Death was only the beginning.
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Superior Spider-Man #3

Superior Spider-Man #3
By: Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman
‘Everything You Know Is Wrong’

Is this all-new Spider-Man in cahoots with… J. Jonah Jameson?!

Has Carlie Cooper figured out the Superior Spider-Man’s secret identity?

All this and the return of the villainous Vulture!
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Chiller Comp Tv Series DVD

Chiller Comp Tv Series DVD
From Synapse Films!

The television series Chiller was a five-episode horror anthology that aired in the UK in 1995. Presented here for the first time in the United States, these supernatural shockers feature malevolent spirits, a brutal serial killer, and a haunted house set in contemporary England.

Starring many of Britain’s leading actors like Nigel Havers, Martin Clunes, Sophie Ward, and Kevin McNally, this compelling collection will leave you chilled to the bone!

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Shorts Pres Oscar Shorts Coll Bd + DVD

Shorts Pres Oscar Shorts Coll Bd + DVD
From Funimation!

Short films include: God of Love, The New Tenants, Toyland, West Bank Story, The Lost Thing, The Danish Poet, Ryan, and Harvey Krumpet.
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Buck Rogers Asterite Space Ship Desk Model

Cool Rockets launches their line of Buck Rogers models, recreating the spaceships from the 1930s and 1940s, with the Asterite. Made of resin, taken from a master by Jeff Brewer, the Asterite features the clasic retro spaceship style.

The Asterite model measures 12″ long and is limited to 500 pieces.
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Planet of the Apes Cataclysm #6

Planet of the Apes Cataclysm #6
By: Corinna Bechko, Damian Couceiro, Charles Paul Wilson III
Eight years before Astronaut George Taylor fell from the stars…the stars fell on the PLANET OF THE APES! As Ape City struggles to build itself back together, tensions between the ape races are reaching a boiling point as aid quickly runs out. Zira and Lucius struggle to find help before chaos descends, once again, on the planet of the apes!
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Doctor Who Highlanders Audio CD

Doctor Who Highlanders Audio CD
Starring Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor. The TARDIS brings the Doctor, Ben, and Polly to Culloden in 1746, during the famous battle between the Scots and the English. There they become embroiled in events and meet a new friend: Jamie McCrimmon. This is an unabridged reading of the novelization by Gerry Davis, read by Anneke Wills.
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Doc Savage New Adv SC Vol. 04 Deaths Dark Domain

Doc Savage New Adv SC Vol. 04 Deaths Dark Domain
By: Lester Dent, Joe Devito
Doc Savage races to stop a Balkan war fueled by weapons stolen from his Fortress of Solitude-a war in which gigantic vampire bats play a deadly role!
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Star Trek Landing Party Roleplay 3-pk

Star Trek Landing Party Roleplay 3-pk
A Diamond Select Release! Designed by Art Asylum! Do you own a red shirt? Do you like adventure? Do you have no plans past tomorrow? Then pick up a set of realistic Star Trek role-play items and join the away team! Even if it’s just pretend, the realistic lights and sounds on this show-accurate phaser, tricorder and communicator will make your backyard feel like a strange new world, where new life forms and suden death wait around every corner! Sold in a window box with ‘Try-Me’ packaging.
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Animal Man #17

Animal Man #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Steve Pugh
The epic climax of ‘ROTWORLD’ starts here and continues into this month’s SWAMP THING #17! All hope seems lost! Can Buddy find a way to stop the Rot before it takes over the world?

Before that can even happen, Buddy must confront the horrible truth about the fate of his family.
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Avengers #5

Avengers #5
By: Jonathan Hickman, Adam Kubert, Dustin Weaver
‘SUPERGUARDIAN’

Meet Smasher, the first human member of the IMPERIAL GUARD and an Avenger.

Watch as the Avengers travel across the galaxy to fight off an invading force.

Watch as the Imperial Guard are broken on a dead moon.
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Detective Comics #17

Detective Comics #17
By: John Layman, Jason Fabok
The repercussions of ‘DEATH OF THE FAMILY’ spread as Batman tracks down the League of Smiles, a criminal group of psychotic killers that worship The Joker!

Deadly new villains are introduced-and you won’t believe their horrific ties to Arkham Asylum! Plus: In the backup story, learn the secrets behind The League of Smiles’ beginnings!
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Star Trek Red Shirt Costume T-Shirt

Star Trek Red Shirt Costume T-Shirt
Be careful when you wear this red shirt on your next landing party!
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New Avengers #3

New Avengers #3
By: Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Jock
The Illuminati experience their first incursion since reforming. Can the loose brotherhood of end times trust each other enough to use the Infinity Gems in unison? And a new member joins the Illuminati!
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Green Arrow #17

Green Arrow #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino
Welcome the new team of writer JEFF LEMIRE and artist ANDREA SORRENTINO!

As Ollie struggles to come to terms with the loss of his fortune, his company and his heritage, he discovers a shocking truth about his father that ties to his time stranded on an island before he became Green Arrow.

Plus: Green Arrow battles the deadly archer known as Komodo!
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Heavy Metal Yellow Distressed Logo T-Shirt

Heavy Metal Yellow Distressed Logo T-Shirt
The legendary logo of the long-running graphic magazine is sprawled across this Previews Exclusive t-shirt!
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Phantom Stranger #5

Phantom Stranger #5
By: Dan DiDio, Brent Anderson, Jae Lee
The Phantom Stranger’s family has gone missing! He’ll stop at nothing to find them, even if it means going up against Pandora and the vengeful wrath of The Spectre!
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Red She-hulk #62

Red She-hulk #62
By: Jeff Parker, Carlo Pagulayan, Jana Schirmer
CAPTAIN AMERICA is forced to make a grave decision! Betty Ross loses what’s most precious to her! RED SHE-HULK reacts BADLY!!!
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Swamp Thing #17

Swamp Thing #17
By: Scott Snyder, Marco Rudy, Yanick Paquette
The epic finale of ‘ROTWORLD’ continues from this month’s ANIMAL MAN #17!

What will it cost our heroes to stop this apocalypse from happening? The answer will blow your freaking mind.
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New Deadwardians TPB

New Deadwardians TPB
By: Dan Abnett, I. N. J. Culbard
In this collection of the 8-issue miniseries, nearly every member of upper class, post-Victorian England has voluntarily become a vampire in order to escape the lower classes – who are all zombies!Into this simmering cauldron is thrust Chief Inspector George Suttle, a lonely detective who’s got the slowest beat in London: investigating murders in a world where everyone is already dead!
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Batman Unlimited 6-Inch New 52 Batman Action Figure

Batman Unlimited 6-Inch New 52 Batman Action Figure
Explore the history of Batman with Mattel’s Batman Unlimited Action Figures which feature a variety of characters in their different incarnations from the Golden Age through film and video games to the present day!

Each figure is highly detailed, stands 6″ tall, and includes a display stand and mini-collector poster. In this wave, fans can choose from the “New 52” Batgirl, the “New 52” Batman, and the Penguin. These are the Batman figures pop culture fans and Batman collectors have been looking for!

Blister card packaging.
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All New X-Men #7

All New X-Men #7
By: Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez, Stuart Immonen
Mystique targets our young time-travelers, starting with Cyclops.
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Judge Dredd Megazine #332

Judge Dredd Megazine #332
More action and adventure in the future-shocked world of Judge Dredd! Dredd and Anderson investigate the body-pits outside the city; Hondo-City Justice returns, as Judge Inspector Inaba faces the ‘Revenge of the 47 Ronin’; and in the bonus Dredd story the lawman is trapped in a psychic maze in ‘Inversion.’

Plus, there’s more I.D. theft in ‘American Reaper.’ In addition, there’s the usual articles, stories, and more, and in the bagged graphic novel, the conclusion to the retro thriller ‘Disaster 1990.’
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Winter Soldier #15 (Variant Cover Edition)

Winter Soldier #15 (Variant Cover Edition)
By: Jason Latour, Nic Klein
All new mission! All New creative team! All new status quo!

Join writer Jason Latour (Loose Ends, Wolverine) and artist Nic Klein (Dancer, Viking, Doc Savage) as they take the reins to the critically acclaimed series!

In the wake of the hunt for the Black Widow, a broken and beaten Winter Soldier begins perhaps his most personal mission yet: a quest for redemption.

But as Bucky looks to make peace with his deadly past, a new villain from his future is out for war and blood.
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Robocop W/spring-loaded Holster 7-in Action Figure

Robocop W/spring-loaded Holster 7-in Action Figure
Celebrate the 25th-anniversary of the original Robocop with this brand new Robocop figure featuring a Spring Loaded Holster.

A screen accurate version of Robocop as he appears in the classic 1987 film but upgraded featuring a a hidden lever on the back of his right thigh that allows the leg to spring open in 2 different sections just like in the movie revealing his Auto-9 pistol inside. A marvel in toy engineering in this scale.

Figure stands 7″ tall and comes with interchangeable right hand and Auto-9 pistol accessory.
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Fearless Defenders #1

Fearless Defenders #1
By: Cullen Bunn, Will Sliney, Mark Brooks
NEW TEAM! NEW VILLAINS! NEW CREATORS!

Valkyrie and Misty Knight are the Fearless Defenders and not since Power Man and Iron Fist has an unlikely duo kicked this much-well, you know.

Writer Cullen Bunn (Venom, Sixth Gun, The Fearless) and new-to-Marvel artist Will Sliney (MacGyver, Star Wars) bring you the book everyone is going to be talking about on Thursday morning.
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Marvel’s Ant-Man gets release date, more Avengers details

Ant-Man has been in development hell for so many years that many probably figured it would never actually make it to production. Well, Scott Pilgrim and Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright’s movie finally has a release date and will share the Summer with Avengers 2, and there’s even more from Marvel Entertainment this afternoon.

I’m still not sure what to think of Wright directing Ant-Man and I wonder not only which version of Ant-Man he will use in his movie along with what kind of approach he will take. It’s hard to remember that back in the day, Ant/Giant-Man was pretty cool and his monthly book was a fun adventure comic.

Done right, this could be another hit for Marvel alongside Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk.

With Wright’s personal preference for superhero comics, I imagine that he knows how to handle this one and hopefully the execs will help steer the project in a positive direction. We have a few years to wait until we find out, though.

New details on Thor: The Dark World, a release date for Ant-Man & more!
Posted Oct 15, 2012 11:59 am
Updated Oct 15, 2012 12:39 pm

We’ve got a ton of Marvel Studios news for you, from “Thor: The Dark World” to “Iron Man 3” and “Ant-Man,” all right here on Marvel.com!

First up is the official release date for “Ant-Man,” directed by Edgar Wright, which will hit theaters on November 6, 2015!

Hank Pym- the original Ant Man

Reconstructed test footage

Next, both “Iron Man 3” and “Thor: The Dark World” will receive 3D releases on May 3, 2013 and November 8, 2013, respectively. But that’s not all–we’ve also got the official plot synopsis for Thor’s next cinematic adventure!

Check out the full synopsis below, and as always, stay tuned to Marvel.com for more on your favorite big screen heroes!

Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

And don’t forget that “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” hits theaters on April 4, 2014 and “Guardians of the Galaxy” soars on August 1, 2014!

For more information on the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 2 films, be sure to follow @Iron_Man on Twitter as well as Iron Man and Thor on Facebook! 

More on Marvel.com: http://marvel.com/news/story/19555/marvel_studios_update_thor_iron_man_ant-man#ixzz29OFvOa35

Jonathan Hickman takes the Avengers to a new level

It’s easy to think of the Avengers as the most popular superhero team in comics, but that has not always been the case. In fact, the series has fallen from grace on several occasions. It is currently in what may be regarded as its highest state of popularity thanks to the record-breaking feature film, knock-out fan favorite cartoon but there have been high sales figures from the comic book since the title was rebooted in 2004.

Since then, the Avengers have been a big hit with readers and it looks like the Marvel NOW! series will continue that trend. If you are unfamiliar with Jonathan Hickman’s work for Marvel (previously he raised eyebrows with the Nightly News and several other remarkable comics), you really should seek it out. From Fantastic Four to SHIELD, he has shown an unprecedented grasp of what makes Marvel characters and their world work.

For the Avengers, he appears to be bringing his A+ game…

Via Newsarama:

The first three-issue arc of Avengers, Hickman discloses, is called “Avengers World.” “The Avengers have to become something bigger, something more, in order to do what it is that they’re supposed to do. We open with them facing a threat that is larger and different than anything they have faced before. Very quickly, we see the back story of how Tony Stark and Captain America have been quietly building this contingency plan for this inevitable day which is where we basically start off in the first issue.”

On the expanded Avengers lineup, Hickman says it was agreed upon that the roster should “look more like the world.” “What people have seen so far are the biggest and most iconic characters that everyone knows or has some familiarity with,” Hickman continues. “As we reach #7 and #8, the book is populated with new or revised versions of established characters.” There will be about 24 characters on the team in total. “By the time we get to 22 characters on the book, 12 are either female or minority, and we feel like we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do, which is a book that looks like the world.”

—————————-

When prompted by Alonso, Hickman says he wants to take the Avengers books in a “completely different direction,” with a much bigger scale, while staying true to the core concepts. “Take something from an A game to an A+ game.”

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First question, from us: What are the challenges in balancing such a large cast in Avengers, especially with multiple new characters? “We thought a lot about this, how to make something like this work. Just thinking of a structure with the rest of the guys We have a monthly ongoing Hulk book, and a Wolverine book, and a Captain America book… We have all of those books. So if you write a book about the Avengers, and it’s a team of all of those guys, really you limit yourself and what you can do in terms of character development. Structurally, we’re going with three issue arcs that are really big stories.” Hickman added that means the characters who will only appear in Avengers will be a focal point. “I’m not worried about it, I think we have a really smart plan to address it. The writing, at this point, feels like we’re accomplishing it.”

Interior pencil art of Avengers #1 by Jerome Opena

Next question, from iFanboy: Villains? Hickman says he’s “making a lot of new bad guys,” but there will also be updated versions of traditional Avengers enemies.

Next question, from IGN: How does Hickman compare Avengers to his Ultimates run? It’s a lot different, Hickman replies. “One of them felt like I could do whatever I wanted beyond any repercussions other than how it affected the story, and here, it’s not that way at all. And obviously the characters are different. It feels like two completely different jobs.”

Interior pencil art of Avengers #1 by Jerome Opena

Next question, from Kotaku: If the team has some lesser-known characters, what’s the strategy for meeting expectations? “We’re going to put Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Wolverine and Spider-Man on it,” Brevoort pointed out. Hickman says he’s not worried about it.

Next question, from io9: What motivated Hickman to include Sunspot and Cannonball? Hickman says he’s always liked them a lot. “Cannonball and Sunspot are, at least chronologically, younger characters,” Brevoort adds, which he says is always a good thing, but they’re also established Marvel characters who have earned their place.

Next question, from CBR: Does Hickman have similar goals as he did at the onset of his Fantastic Four run? “I have a responsibility to the company to sell a lot of copies, and I have a responsibility to the fans that they enjoy the sh*t out of it,” he replies. “I enjoy the fact that we’ve got killer artists, that always helps.”

The Avengers have to become something bigger, something more, in order to do what it is that they’re supposed to do.

Interior pencil art of Avengers #1 by Jerome Opena

Next question, from me: Are Beast and Mr. Fantastic, who appears to be on the covers, also part of New Avengers, and is that Hyperion on the cover of Avengers #4? Yes and yes.

Next question, from iFanboy, concerns the tension between the New Avengers members? “It’s always been a loose affiliation,” Hickman says, adding that it’s not a “cheery” story, and that issues like the ones between Namor and Black Panther will definitely be addressed.

Next question, from IGN: Do either of the books pick up anything from Secret Warriors? Eden Fesi is in Avengers, and readers will learn more about how his powers affect the Marvel Universe.

Next question, from Kotaku: Does Hickman’s work on Fantastic Four and FF segue into these books? “If you’ve been reading the Fantastic Four books for the last six months or so, I’ve been dropping hints like crazy about the stuff that’s coming up,” Hickman says, especially with Black Panther, Reed Richards and Black Bolt.

Next question, from io9: Does the book touch on how the Avengers are viewed post-Avengers vs. X-Men? Brevoort says that’ll primarily be dealt with in Bendis’s final Avengers arcs, and that the Marvel NOW! series are meant to be more of a clean slate.

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Avengers #1 and #2 are both out in December, and the first two issues of New Avengers are out in January.

.

Captain America: Winter Soldier and Thor: The Dark World, Ant Man revealed at SDCC

Captain America director Joe Johnston’s Winter Soldier story continues without him, Thor enters ‘the dark world’ and the Edgar Wright Ant Man movie, rumored for almost a decade, is close to becoming a reality! All this plus a look at the line-up for the Guardians of the Galaxy film.

Late breaking news from the Marvel Entertainment panel at CCI yesterday…

Via Hollywood Reporter:

If there’s two things Marvel Studios lives by, it’s putting on a show and knowing its audience.

The company behind the biggest movie of the year and the third biggest movie of all time, started off by making a reel tying the success of its movies to Hall H, Comic-Con and fandom. “In this room” read one frame, cannily tethering the company to the crowd assembled, and “thank you” read another before finally proclaiming “Phase Two Begins…” and then simply “Now.”

Guardians of the Galaxy concept art

Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige also knows the audience is hungry not only for footage, but for actual news, so he revealed the full titles of the sequels to Thor and Captain America (Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: Winter Soldier) plus unveiled the characters who would be in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie.

Captain America versus former ally Bucky, now the Winter Soldier

The Thor sequel is scheduled for release on Nov. 18, 2013 followed by the Captain America sequel on April 4, 2014.

Then Edgar Wright made a surprise appearance and showed off test footage, unfinished, of his long and still-in-development Ant-Man movie.

Hank Pym- the original Ant Man

Perhaps the topper was introducing Iron Man 3 by having Robert Downey Jr. appear unexpectedly in the back of Hall H, then to the tune of a Luther Vandross song, skip to the front of the hall and onto the stage, with occasional stops with fans along the way.

The goodwill generated was off the charts.

And it’s some goodwill that Marvel, despite Avengers’ success, actually needs to a certain extent. While Iron Man 3 will no doubt be a success, there was some bitter after-taste among the studio’s fanbase after the lackluster Iron Man 2, and the fact that after helming the first two installments, Jon Favreau wasn’t returning to direct the third. (Those duties were handed off to Shane Black, who directed Downey on Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.)

The gang assembled sold the new movie as a return to the roots of the Tony Stark character. Downey painted a picture that Black had always been involved, at least tangentially, with the Iron Man series.

He said Marvel execs watching Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was his “screen test before the screen test” and that even when making the first two films, if they had some issues, a call to Black wasn’t out of order.

Favreau, meanwhile, made it clear that even though he wasn’t directing Iron Man 3, he was cool with his role as an actor and executive producer.

“Shane made me feel very, very comfortable. As did Kevin and Robert,” Favreau said. “As far as executive producing, as opposed to directing, I feel like a proud grandfather who doesn’t have to change the diaper but gets to play with the baby.”
Iron Man 3 armor from the floor of CCI and more

Black too was on point, saying “We have Favreau. He’s back as an actor. I get to talk to him all day long…This is the same Iron Man you’ve always liked.”

How much of that subtext the crowd got is hard to tell since they were having too much fun with Downey and the gang riffing.

And of course, Marvel trotted out footage from the still in-production movie, which was not surprisingly well-received by the already primed audience.

Get to know Marvel NOW!

The comic book business is an ever-changing animal. A far cry from the pamphlets featuring ads for x-ray spex and atomic submarines that kids rolled up in their back pockets, comic books today are state of the art entertainment products that have led to some of the biggest money making feature films ever. So it should come as no surprise that things are not about to calm down or return to a simpler state any time soon.

Recently DC Comics attempted a radical move that canceled then rebooted all of their ongoing books in one fell swoop. Dubbed ‘the New 52,’ the experiment was a major success and the publisher saw profits climb higher than had been seen in a very long time. That success has plateaued, but Marvel has been watching and taking notes.

Their 12 part event series Avengers Vs. X-Men has promised some major changes (something that almost every comic does), but in this case… it’s the truth. For better or worse, this is Marvel NOW!

Via ComicBookResources:

In what will surely be seen as the publisher’s response to DC Comics’ New 52 which set it sights on new and lapsed readers with issue #1 jumping on points, Marvel NOW is being promised as an easy entry point into the classic Marvel U. Throughout October, Marvel will launch a number of brand new series — often more than one a week — with additional new series and relaunches for some classic books rolling out through February of next year. Expanding on CBR’s coverage from earlier this morning, these will include the following, announced in EW:

  • “Uncanny Avengers” by Rick Remender and John Cassaday starring a team composed of Captain America, Wolverine and others from the company’s two powerhouse franchises battling the mutant-hating Red Skull.
  • “All New X-Men” by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen realigning the mutant team in the wake of “AvX” as the original five X-Men are mysteriously brought to the present day. This title will launch in November.
  • “Avengers” by Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena, which is light on specific details aside from a roster of 18 heroes in a bi-weekly comic that seems to be Hickman-esque rethinking of the Avengers core mission in the vein of the writer’s “Fantastic Four” run.

Aside from the core creative changes, all books branded with the Marvel NOW banner will feature a full slate of digital bells and whistles as part of the “Marvel ReEvolution” products that have played a part in “AvX’s” launch. For example, every Marvel NOW first issue will feature AR enhanced recaps on their covers, and the books will all carry a code for a free digital download of the issue through the Marvel App.

In addition, the publisher is promising other creative shakeups outside the shuffling of their big name talent on their big name franchises. Marvel NOW books will feature new “cinematic” cover designs, and their characters will sport redesigned costumes, many shown off in a new piece by Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, a scan of which appeared on the CBR forums in the early hours of this morning.

“It’s a bridge book…something that can delve into both worlds,” Remender told the magazine of how “Uncanny Avengers” bridges the pre and post-AvX Marvel U.

Of “All-New X-Men,” Bendis explained, “It’s not a time-travel story like ‘Back To The Future.’ It’s a time-travel story like ‘Pleasantville,'” adding “Here’s the big question that they original X-Men are gonna be faced with: ‘We’re gonna grow up, and this is what we’re going to get? That is not acceptable.'”

“It’s not hype when we say that ‘AvX’ is the culmination of a lot of stories we’ve done over the last several years,” Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso told the magazine. “Characters are redeemed or not. Characters are changed. The X-Men and the Avengers are both repositioned for the future. What better time to shake things up?” Alonso went on to draw a line between Marvel NOW and DC’s New 52, saying the titles would roll out over several months rather than in one month as, “I feel that it’s a much more humane approach for retailers and fans to tell them: ‘Look. In the months of October through February, every week you can go into a comic book store and find a few new jumping-on points for the Marvel Universe, a place you’re going to like visiting. Or revisiting.'”

Quesada commented on his image featuring the redesigned Marvel heroes, saying, “There’s a reason Sue Storm is there. And why there’s a floating robot near Hulk. We’re trying a lot of fun and new different things, we’re exposing characters who we’ve had in our toy chest for a long time.”

Bendis commented on Jean Grey’s return to the Marvel U via time travel, explaining, “It’s the one thing X-Men fans have always asked for is: They want Jean Grey back. But they want Jean Grey. Not reincarnated Jean, or the ghost of Jean. Well, you’re getting Jean back. And Jean is gonna be looking at a world that rattles her.”

Remender noted that his Red Skull will be a throwback version of the Nazi villain. “In 1943, Arnim Zola, who was this bio-fanatic engineer, recorded the Red Skull’s consciousness, and set it to wake up 70 years later. So the Red Skull [in ‘Uncanny’] is right out of 1943-44. Prime Nazi scumbag. In his mind, he’s taking that vitriol and hate and Nazi horror and methodology, and pointing it at the mutant species.”