This week at your comic shop – 5/18/2011

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

Alpha Flight #0.1

Alpha Flight #0.1
By: Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente, Ben Oliver, Phil Jimenez
Because YOU demanded it: Exploding out of FEAR ITSELF with an all-new series is the ORIGINAL Alpha Flight by the superstar creative team of writers Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente and artist Dale Eaglesham–with covers by the incomparable Phil Jimenez!Get in on the ground floor of this highly anticipated maxi-series with this standalone adventure by artist X: Who are Guardian, Vindicator, Sasquatch, Snowbird, Shaman, Northstar, Aurora, and Marrina? How did they become their nation’s most beloved heroes? And are they strong enough to withstand their greatest challenge yet? DO YOU FEAR…YOUR COUNTRY TURNING ON YOU?
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X-Men Giant-Size #1

X-Men Giant-Size #1
By: Christopher Yost, P Medina & D Talijic, Ed McGuiness
‘FROM FIRST TO LAST’

Think you know everything there is to know about the original X-Men? Think again!

Something happened to Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel, Iceman and Professor X years ago, a secret so horrible that it has been locked away in the dark corner of Cyclops’ mind until today.

What crisis strikes in the present that calls upon memories of the past? Witness the astonishing debut of the Evolutionaries!

Taking the lead for a few issues is famed X-Men writer CHRIS YOST (X-FORCE) and with all this danger, he’s lucky to have regular X-MEN artist PACO MEDINA and DALIBOR TALAJIC (PUNISHER) along for the ride.
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Flash Omnibus By Geoff Johns HC Vol. 01

Flash Omnibus By Geoff Johns HC Vol. 01
By: Geoff Johns, Scott Kolins
The first in a series of hardcover volumes that collect all of the best-selling issues of THE FLASH written by comics superstar Geoff Johns, beginning with issues #164-176, plus THE FLASH: OUR WORLDS AT WAR #1, THE FLASH: IRON HEIGHTS and THE FLASH SECRET FILES #3! In this volume, Wally West finds himself without his super speed in a darker, mirror version of Keystone City. Can a powerless Flash defeat Captain Cold and Mirror Master to save the city he loves? Plus, The Flash is shocked to learn that a strange cult is killing all the people he has ever rescued. Featuring art by fan-favorites Ethan Van Sciver, Scott Kolins and more!
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Batman Gates Of Gotham #1 (of 6)

Batman Gates Of Gotham #1 (of 6)
By: Scott Snyder, Kyle Higgins, Trevo McCarthy, Trevor McCarthy
When a mystery as old as Gotham City itself surfaces, Batman assembles a team of his greatest detectives – including Red Robin, Owlman, I-Ching and others – to investigate this startling new enigma.

As clues are discovered and the mystery deepens, Batman’s team soon finds itself on a journey that explores different eras in Gotham’s history and touches upon notable Gotham families including the Waynes, Kanes, and Elliotts.

This miniseries spins out of recent events in the Batman titles and sets the stage for several exciting storylines in 2011.

Additionally, this limited series touches upon mysterious story elements introduced in Grant Morrison’s RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE. Featuring many exciting Batman Family guest stars!
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My First Cthulhu Plush

My First Cthulhu Plush
Cthulhu just loves children and their innocent souls.

Since his appearance can be off-putting to new worshippers, Toy Vault has made the soft and huggable My First Cthulhu, showing the embodiment of malevolence when he was just a star-spawn!

My First Cthulhu is made from soft, baby-friendly fabrics, is safety checked, and stands 10″ tall.
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Hulk #33

Hulk #33
By: Jeff Parker, Gabriel Hardman, Ed MCGuiness
Two nightmarish new villains attack Red Hulk at his most vulnerable! After sleepless weeks on edge, Red Hulk is losing it fast. Perfect timing for enemies mounting separate attacks-and the deadliest comes from a dark horror restored to the world, known as BLACK FOG. Deadliest until the world-ender called THE OMEGEX arrives! The book CBR says ‘continues to impress …’
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Doctor Who: The Lost TV Episodes: Collection 2: 1965-1966

Doctor Who: The Lost TV Episodes: Collection 2: 1965-1966
Dozens of Doctor Who TV episodes are lost as visual film recordings—but they survive as audio soundtracks, digitally remastered with additional linking narration by members of the original cast. This handsome box set collects a selection of adventures from 1965 and 1966 which are either wholly or partially lost from the TV archives, but which can be enjoyed in their entirety on audio. Presented in chronological order of transmission, episodes star William Hartnell as the original Doctor. The set is presented in jewel cases with full liner notes, and packaged in a handsome slipcase.
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Doctor Who Revelation of the Daleks Action Figure Set

Doctor Who Revelation of the Daleks Action Figure Set
Imported from the UK!

Strange doings are afoot on the planet Necros, home of Tranquil Repose, the great mausoleum of the future. Rumors of a ‘Great Healer’ who can use the planet to end famine in the universe run rampant. When the Doctor and Peri arrive at Tranquil Repose, they discover the secret behind the Great Healer – he is none other than the Doctor’s old nemesis, Davros, the creator of the Daleks!

This action figure pack, based on Doctor Who’s season 22 storyline ‘Revelation of the Daleks,’ comes with the sixth Doctor, Davros, a Necros Dalek (black), and a Skaro Dalek (white).

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DC Comics Presents Batman Dark City #1

DC Comics Presents Batman Dark City #1
By: Peter Milligan, Mike Mignola, George Pratt
The Riddler goes on a crimepsree – but when he has the chance to kill Batman, he let The Dark Knight live. What strange game is The Riddler playing?

Plus, in a story from DETECTIVE COMICS #633, Bruce Wayne returns to Wayne Manor to find no trace of the Batcave, and Alfred without any knowledge of his master’s crimefighting career. Has Bruce Wayne gone insane?

This title collects
BATMAN #452-454, DETECTIVE COMICS #633

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Thunderbolts #157

Thunderbolts #157
By: Jeff Parker, Kev Walker, Jean-Sebastien Rossbach
Eastern Europe. Castles. Witches. Werewolves.

Satana is having interesting effects on her team members, The Thunderbolts – and now the daughter of Satan will lead them into the Occult! Back in the states, Songbird takes her initial crew of NEXT Thunderbolts out to see how they work together. Hint: It’s not a good time to be in charge of Thunderbolts teams….
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Marvel Comics Thor 7 Inch Plush

Hulk 7 Inch Plush

Long have the heroes of the Marvel universe struggled against the forces arrayed against them, but even they are powerless against the forces of cute! The characters of Marvel Comics are brought to life in a new line of 7″ plushes from Funko.

Choose from your favorite characters — including Captain America, the Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thor, and Wolverine — and let these loveable, huggable, and entirely cute plushes wage their war on evil in your own home!
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Peanuts Happiness Is a Warm Blanket Charlie Brown

Peanuts Happiness Is a Warm Blanket Charlie Brown
By: Charles Schulz, Stephan Pastis, Craig Schulz, Bob Scott, Vicki Scott, Ron Zorman
For the first time ever, Charles Schulz’s world-renowned comic strip, Peanuts, takes the stage as a graphic novel!

Adapted from the new animated special, this timeless retelling takes us back to the neighborhood and features Linus’s insecurities, Charlie Brown’s kite-flying woes, Lucy’s unrequited love for Schroeder, and everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy, in a lively and colorful spin through Charles Schulz’s imagination.

Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown is certain to please old and new fans alike!
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Green Lantern Movie Dominoes

Green Lantern Movie Dominoes
The classic game of dominoes with a bold Green Lantern twist! 28 high-quality crystalline dominoes of Hal Jordan, Kilowog, Sinestro and more, packed in an attractive and durable tin. For 2 to 4 players, ages 4 and up.
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Silver Surfer #4 (of 5)

Silver Surfer #4 (of 5)
By: Greg Pak, Harvey Tolibao, lee weeks

A NEW HERALD RISES AS THE FF’S FUTURE FOUNDATION GUEST-STARS! High Evolutionary’s grand design is rewriting the world and Surfer can’t save us on his own.

The Future Foundation joins the fight as our penultimate issue builds to a cosmic climax that will be the Silver Surfer’s greatest sacrifice ever!

Plus: A herald as you’ve never seen before!
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Thor Movie Bolt Attack Blk T-Shirt

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Invincible Iron Man #504

Invincible Iron Man #504
By: Matt Fraction, Salvador Larroca
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN

FEAR ITSELF reaches its hand deep into the heart of the City of Lights! Iron Man races to Paris, France, to encounter one of ‘The Worthy’ waiting there for him. How will the ultimate man of science react to a city turned to stone? And if that weren’t bad enough, the world is going mad as the avatars of the Serpent start their rampages. How resilient is Resilient? How strong is iron?
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Classic Marvel Figure Coll Mag #146 Quasar

Classic Marvel Figure Coll Mag #146 Quasar
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Hellboy Women's T-shirt: Hellboy with Skeleton

Hellboy Women’s T-shirt: Hellboy with Skeleton
Hellboy is gearing up for another big year, and Dark Horse is planning the release of a few carefully crafted new items in celebration. This selection of brand-new T-shirts helps kick things off. We asked creator/artist Mike Mignola to select some favorite design images, and he responded! Underworld wear that’s fun to wear.
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Herc #3

Herc #3
By: Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente, Neil Edwards, Chris Stevens
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN

FEAR ITSELF has made its way to Hercules’ home turf! Stripped of his powers, Herc must change everything he knows about being a hero to win the day. But against an army of monsters and super villains, what chance does a mere mortal have? Find out when Herc shows the world the true measure of a superhero!
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Thunder Agents #7

Thunder Agents #7
By: Nick Spencer, Cafu, Bit, Fiona Staples
Kick-starting the second arc of the hit new series, this issue shines a spotlight on the original Iron Maiden! What ties does this classic foe of the original team have to the current lineup? All we know for sure is that the new Dynamo better watch out, because she sure enjoyed causing the old one pain! Action and intrigue abound in this perfect jumping-on point for new readers!
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Hellblazer City Of Demons

Hellblazer City Of Demons
By: Si Spencer, Sean Murphy
When John Constantine is run over by a truck, it takes a little while for England’s nicotine-fueled magus to realize that he’s perched between life and death. After a few weeks of hospital rehab, Constantine finds the London streets very different from when he left them behind as a series of occult murders and mutilations demands his attention.

The common denominator points back to the ER where Constantine was admitted.

This title collects
Hellblazer: City of Demons 1-5, plus ‘Another Bloody Christmas,’ a tale by Dave Gibbons originally presented in VERTIGO WINTER’S EDGE #3
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Wonder Woman: The Story of the Amazon Princess

Wonder Woman: The Story of the Amazon Princess
Wonder Woman has been a star on television and, of course, in comic books. But this is her firstever jacketed hardcover picture book. Written in a simple, engaging manner perfect for a very young audience and illustrated with bright, bold artwork inspired by the original comic book art, Wonder Woman is the ideal introduction to this legendary super hero. Children will find out how the daughter of an Amazon queen grew up to become a protector of mankind, with a mission to teach peace and kindness to all.

Ralph Cosentino has already expertly brought Batman and Superman to life. Now, with Wonder Woman, he completes the trinity of classic DC Comics characters.
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Heroes For Hire #7

Heroes For Hire #7
By: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Doug Braithwaite
It’s two issues in one month-and both star Spider-Man! Which Captain America foe is kicking Paladin’s teeth in? Will the wall-crawler help a mercenary? And is Spider-Man for hire?

Find out as the mysteries from the opening issues collide in the new story arc of the book that IGN.com calls ‘a wholly successful debut … with panels that pop off the page!’

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DC Blackest Night Figure Coll Mag #6 Parallax

DC Blackest Night Figure Coll Mag #6 Parallax
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Dark Shadows Complete Series HC Vol. 02

Dark Shadows Complete Series HC Vol. 02
By: Arnold Drake, Donald Arneson, Joe Certa, George Wilson
The forerunner to today’s immensely popular vampire-themed television programs and theatrical films, Dark Shadows still garners serious attention as one of the most memorable TV shows of the last forty years.

In addition to reprinting the stories, Volume Two contains a generous supplement of poster art, pin-ups, and documentary material from the show together with an essays about the history of Dark Shadows as well as other aspects of the show.

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Amazing Spider-Man #661

Amazing Spider-Man #661
By: Christos Gage, Reilly Brown, ed mcguinness
After his work with the new FF wraps for the week, what can the original teenaged superhero teach the worlds most at risk group of super-powered teens? Find out when Spider-Man substitutes at the Avengers Academy!

But it’s far from a normal day at school when a field trip is interrupted by a vengeful PSYCHO-MAN armed with hate, doubt and fear!

Guest starring the FF, Giant-Man. and the Malevolent Marvel Monster Mayhem of MONSTEROSO!

Plus a ‘Day in the Life of Spider-Man’ by Paul Benjamin and Javier Pulido!
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Death Of Dracula TPB

Death Of Dracula TPB
By: Victor Gischler & Marv Wolfman, Giuseppe Camuncoli & G Colan, Marko Djurdjevic
He is the legendary Lord of the Vampires. Dracula. Who would dare attempt to overthrow him? Only Dracula’s son, Xarus, a ruthless and clever upstart with the bold ambition to unite all the world’s vampire sects under one flag. But Xarus’s older brother, Janus, isn’t sure he likes the idea of a new regime and seeks allies to oppose Xarus.

The ultimate battle for control of Earth’s creatures of the night unfolds, with the future of the vampire race – and possibly the Marvel Universe – at stake.

Plus: In a classic tale of sorcery and slaughter, witness the birth of Janus, conceived by magic! And when Janus is killed and revived as an adult, the war between father and son for control of all vampires begins!

This title collects
DEATH OF DRACULA #1, and TOMB OF DRACULA (1972) #54-55 and #59-63

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Rocketeer Adventures #1 (of 4)

Rocketeer Adventures #1 (of 4)
By: Allred, Busiek, Cassaday, Alex Ross, Dave Stevens
The Rocketeer Flies Again! Dave Stevens unveiled the Rocketeer nearly 30 years ago to instant acclaim, and in all the years since that auspicious debut, respect for Dave’s talent and his greatest creation have only continued to grow.

Last year, IDW had the honor of releasing the complete Rocketeer saga in several editions, showcasing the work of this great artist as it was always meant to be seen-completely remastered, with nearly every page scanned directly from the originals and recolored by Dave’s hand-picked colorist.

Today we are able to celebrate Dave’s talent once again, with an all-new Rocketeer anthology miniseries written and drawn by some of the finest creators in comics, and with the full cooperation of the Stevens family.

The first star-studded issue of The Rocketeer features a gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, and terrific stories by John Cassaday, Mike Allred, Kurt Busiek, and Michael Kaluta, plus outstanding pin-ups by Mike Mignola and Jim Silke-all paying tribute to the continued legacy of Rocketeer and Dave Stevens!

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DC Superhero Figure Coll Mag #80 Mr Terrific

DC Superhero Figure Coll Mag #80 Mr Terrific
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Electric Ant TPB

Electric Ant TPB
By: David MacK, Pascal Alixe, Paul Pope
When Garson Poole wakes up in a hospital after a horrific accident, he’s surprised to find that he’s missing a hand – yet feels no pain. His surprise turns to shock when the hospital discharges him. You see, Garson Poole is not human. He’s an Electricant, an elaborate robot with an organic skin overlay.

So why would a machine think it’s the rich and successful owner of Tri-Plan Electronics? Poole sets out to uncover why he’s been deluded into believing he’s human in this mind-bending tale based on sci-fi master Philip K. Dick’s novella.

Where does his programming stop, and free will start? What is the nature of reality, and how much of it takes place within us, and can be bent to our will? Garson Poole will find out, and so will you!

This title collects
ELECTRIC ANT #1-5

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Fear Itself #1 (of 7) (2nd Printing)

Fear Itself #1 (of 7) (2nd Printing)
By: Matt Fraction, Stuart Immonen
DO YOU FEAR…TOMORROW? In this time of global anxiety, of economic turmoil and mass hysteria, Sin, the new Red Skull, has made an awesome discovery…a shameful secret that will rock the foundations of the Marvel Universe! A revelation that will divide father and son, turn friend against friend, and herald the rise of Fear personified.

HE IS RETURNING…and the world has nothing to fear but FEAR ITSELF.
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Avengers Academy #14

Avengers Academy #14
By: Christos Gage, Sean Chen &Tom Raney, billy tan
It’s Super Hero Prom and the Sinister Six in two big issues of the comic iFanboy named the ‘Best New Book of 2010″!

First the Academy hosts a dance like none you’ve ever seen, guest starring the Young Allies, former members of the Initiative…and featuring smack downs and smooch downs!

Then the trainees get a crash course in big-time villainy as they take on Spider-Man’s greatest foes, the Sinister Six, in a story that will have major ramifications when FEAR ITSELF hits next month!

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Avengers #13

Avengers #13
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachelo, alan davis
The God of Fear has come to Earth and the only thing standing between it and world domination are Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!

Can the Avengers stand against an evil older than time itself? Or will even the strongest heroes on the planet fall? Prepare to face Fear Itself!

Plus: another chapter in the oral history of the Avengers!
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This week at your comic shop- 4/27/11

or 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

Showcase Presents Green Lantern TPB Vol. 05

Showcase Presents Green Lantern TPB Vol. 05
By: DENNIS O’NEIL, ELLIOT S. MAGGIN, NEAL ADAMS, DICK GIORDANO, MIKE GRELL, VINCE COLLETTA

Green Lantern’s SHOWCASE PRESENTS series continues with issues #76-100, including the famed stories that teamed Green Lantern with Green Arrow, in which the two heroes face issues of the day including women’s rights, political corruption, religious intolerance and more – all while battling evil. This volume also includes adventures from GL’s 1976 relaunch, collected here for the first time!

Doctor Who: The Mutants

Doctor Who: The Mutants
Starring Jon Pertwee
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor is sent by the Time Lords to deliver a mysterious sealed container to an unknown recipient. So begins “The Mutants,” the penultimate adventure in the ninth series of Doctor Who (1972), a run that also included “The Sea Devils” and “The Day of the Daleks.” The Doctor and Jo (Katy Manning), find themselves on a space station belonging to Earth’s crumbling 30th-century empire, while below the planet Solos is on the verge of independence, a situation the corrupt Marshal (Paul Whitsun-Jones) is at pains to avert. What follows is a tale of opposing factions, assassination, genetic mutations, and running around in caves. The story concerns the aftermath of empire, a topic very relevant in the Britain of 1972, and the devastating environmental effects of industrial development (though with the ecology movement then gathering force, the following year’s “The Green Death” addressed similar topics far more effectively).

There are plenty of elements packed into “The Mutants,” yet the story feels padded and, the mutant costumes apart, is not helped by weak production values. Though far from a classic, this is still an entertaining Doctor Who adventure with Geoffrey Palmer in a small supporting role and a startling homage to the Monty Python “It’s” man. –Gary S. Dalkin


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Doctor Who: Terror of the Autons

Doctor Who: Terror of the Autons
Starring Jon Pertwee
“I have come to destroy you Doctor, once and for all!” The Earth is in terrible danger! The Master is back with an evil scheme to destroy humanity and silence the Doctor forever. His plan: To awaken the awesome power of the Nestene-a ruthlessly aggressive alien life form. Once mixed with plastic, they will form into faceless automatons, a willing army of destruction easily controlled by the evil Time Lord himself. This is the terrible threat now facing the Earth-the terror of the Autons. Aided by the Brigadier and his enthusiastic new assistant, Jo Grant, only the Doctor can combat their evil power, but first he must defeat the Master… Originally transmitted in color January 2nd-23rd 1971, this four part adventure starring Jon Pertwee was lost in its original form. Only a black and white version and an edited color American NTSC standard version remained until now when technology worthy of the Doctor himself has reconciled the two, synchronising them into one full color version.

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Thor Asgards Avenger (One Shot)

Thor Asgards Avenger (One Shot)
By: Gus Vazquez, Tom Raney
Verily! The ideal companion for the THOR motion picture!

Begin quenching thy curiosity of all things Asgardian with this assemblage of all-new Thor-related profiles in the time-honored OHOTMU manner! Learn of foul rogues such as Malekith, Mangog and the fiery Surtur; lovely visions like Jane Foster, Kelda and Karnilla; mystical items including the Norn Stones and the Oversword; and, of course, heroes worthy of song: the new Thunderstrike, Vidar, Volstagg and an update on the noble Thor himself!

Plus: the Nine Worlds of Asgard, an Appendix of its citizenry and more! Featuring new art by Gus Vazquez! Truly, a tome worthy of the gods! Miss it not!

Handbook/One-Shot
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Shadow Double Novel Vol. 48

Shadow Double Novel Vol. 48
By: Walter Gibson, George Rozen, John A Coughlin
The Shadow’s explosive second adventure is paired with a gripping novel of international intrigue in an extra-length special commemorating the 80th anniversary of The Shadow Magazine.

The Dark Avenger assumes the identity of Lamont Cranston to investigate serial murders in The Eyes of The Shadow, the groundbreaking novel that introduced the Dark Avenger’s famous alter ego and his enigmatic agent, Burbank.

Then, can The Shadow stop The Money Master before his financial machinations destroy the global economy?
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Avengers #12.1

Avengers #12.1
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Bryan Hitch

Special Marvel Point One issue!

START READING with this Point One Issue! Prepare for the upcoming high-stakes Avengers event with a battle between the Avengers and the Intelligencia, the return of SWORD, and the disappearance of Spider-Woman! Bendis and modern master Bryan Hitch join forces for this very special, all-new Avengers story that is not only an explosive action-packed self-contained thriller but a prologue to an Avengers saga that will rock the entire Marvel Universe next year. Guest starring the New and Secret Avengers!
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Tokidoki X Marvel Floating Heads Zip-up Hoodie

Tokidoki X Marvel Floating Heads Zip-up Hoodie
Marvel Comics’ top heroes are given a stylish makeover by Simone Legno for the tokidoki x Marvel t-shirts and hoodies!
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Captain America #617

Captain America #617
By: Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice, Marko Djurdjevic
Your monthly dose of Cap is now bigger than ever, as a new era begins! Now also starring STEVE ROGERS, SUPER-SOLDIER in a story that intertwines with, and complements, the main story, both written by Cap mastermind Ed Brubaker.

Bucky’s life takes a turn no?one ever expected, but that’s all top secret. Meanwhile, Steve Rogers faces a world without a Captain America.
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X-Men vs. Avengers And Fantastic Four TPB

X-Men vs. Avengers And Fantastic Four TPB
Two titanic tussles for the price of one! First: When Magneto’s on trial, he needs all the help he can get – and he finds it in the remnants of his former fortress, Asteroid M! The X-Men aren’t sure what his scheme is, but they’re positive they don’t want the Avengers and the Soviet Super-Soldiers to find out before they do! It’s multi-team warfare with the eyes of the world on all three!

Then: On the verge of disintegration, Kitty Pryde seems resigned to her doom – but the X-Men will do anything to save her, even bargain with a worse doom…Doctor Doom! What stunning secret prevents Mr. Fantastic and the Fantastic Four from saving the day instead? Is he terrified of failing because his greatest failure – the fateful rocket flight – might have really been his greatest success? Do the answers all come down to wunderkind Franklin Richards?

Also featuring the X-Men’s fabulous first face-offs with the Avengers and Fantastic Four in Marvel’s early era!
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Punisher TPB Franken-castle

Punisher TPB Franken-castle
By: Rick Remender, Tony Moore
The Punisher joins the Legion of Monsters! Hundreds have tried, but only Daken, the son Wolverine, succeeds in killing Frank Castle – but even in the face of death, the Punisher won’t stay down!

With his remains stitched back together into a heap of scarred flesh and machinery, the Punisher is reborn as the terrifying monster Franken-Castle! The monsters of the Marvel universe are being hunted into extinction, and the Punisher is resurrected by Morbius the Living Vampire and his cohorts in the Legion of Monsters to be their savior.

Will Franken-Castle forsake those who saved him, or does enough humanity remain beneath the stitched-together husk of a man to join their cause and fight alongside the Legion as one of their own?

Plus: Franken-Castle seeks revenge on his killer, and he finds it in Tokyo!

Parental Advisory

This title collects
DARK REIGN: THE LIST – PUNISHER, PUNISHER #11-16, FRANKEN-CASTLE #17-21 and DARK WOLVERINE #88-89
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Captain America Operation Rebirth Prem HC

Captain America Operation Rebirth Prem HC
By: Mark Waid, Ron Garney
The death of Captain America?! The world again believes Captain America dead, but his life is saved by one he himself thought lost forever: S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter, the gallant girlfriend he saw perish in flames long before!

But his one-time true love has only rescued him on behalf of his deadliest enemy, the Red Skull, who can’t conquer the world until he and Cap stop Adolf Hitler and the Cosmic Cube from doing it first! Will working with one evil against another cost Cap his place as the U.S.A.’s premier protector? Guest-starring the Avengers and Doctor Doom!

This title collects
CAPTAIN AMERICA #444-448 & #450-454

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Undying Monsters Magazine #1

Undying Monsters Magazine #1
ach new issue of Undying Monsters offers a trove of never-before-seen stills, as well as an in-depth review of a classic monster movie, along with a host of regular features such as ‘Brain Busters,’ ‘Digital Screams,’ ‘Ghoulish Games,’ and ‘The Horror Of It All.’

The magazine faithfully recreates the style first pioneered by the late, great Forrest J. Ackerman, and the focus will always be horror, sci-fi, and fantasy-related items released prior to the mid-1980s.
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Uncanny X-Men #536

Uncanny X-Men #536
By: Matt Fraction & Kieron Gillen, Terry Dodson
‘BREAKING POINT’ Part 2 (of 4).

When the X-Men left the militaristic alien Breakworld, its political structure was reduced to ashes. It didn’t stay that way forever. Now a warship is crossing the gulf of space, with a mission that will strike the lives of star-crossed lovers Colossus and Kitty Pryde with all the force of a meteor.

Join them as they discover what the vessel them means for them, mutantkind and the rest of the Earth.
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Mighty Thor #1

Mighty Thor #1
By: Matt Fraction, Olivier Coipel
It’s a shining, golden, new age for the Thunder God and Matt Fraction and Olivier Coipel are back to lead the charge! Thor and Sif dive deep into the heart of the fractured World Tree to reclaim an artifact from beyond time and space, an artifact that attracts the attention of the Silver Surfer.

And when a herald such as he arrives on Earth, the arrival of his master is certain to follow. Prepare for the return of the World Eater, prepare for the return of Galactus! Fans can’t miss an all new behind the scenes look at the highly anticipated major motion picture with a sneak peek at some of the art!

Thor Deluxe Hammer Prop Replica

Thor Deluxe Hammer Prop Replica
Without Mjolnir, the Mighty Thor’s magical hammer, Thor would not be as heroic, just as you cannot complete your Mighty Thor costume without this deluxe hammer replica of Mjolnir!

Add this hammer to your costume, and summon the power of the thunder!

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Mercury 9 Rocket Model Kit

Mercury 9 Rocket Model Kit
Bringing together some of the most talented artists and designers in the industry, Pegasus Hobbies offers some of the coolest designs ever available in a modeling kit.

Inspired by the classic television and movie rockets of the 1960s and 1970s, the Mercury 9 Rocket is a modern take on those classic rocket designs.

The kit includes launch pad, fueling station, and command center. It comes in gray plastic and includes decals and assembly instructions.

Some assembly required.
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X-Men God Loves Man Kills TPB

X-Men God Loves Man Kills TPB
By: Chris Claremont, Brent Anderson
The Uncanny X-Men. Magneto, Master of Magnetism. The bitterest of enemies for years.

Now, they must join forces against a new adversary who threatens them all and the entire world besides – in the name of God. The members of the Stryker Crusade are poised to cleanse the earth, no matter how much blood stains their hands. With Professor X as their enemy and Magneto as their ally, the X-Men undergo an apocalyptic ordeal ordained by a minister gone mad!

One of Chris Claremont’s most powerful and influential stories, the partial basis for X2 is reprinted in softcover for the first time in years.
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X-Men Omnibus HC Vol. 02 Cassaday Cover

X-Men Omnibus HC Vol. 02
Marvel’s merry mutants are coming at you again with another massive Omnibus! It’s the original X-Men-Cyclops, Beast, Angel, Iceman and Marvel Girl-in their first adventures as Professor X’s mutant teen team supreme.

Featuring page after page of X-Men milestones-from the team’s new costumes, to the death of Professor X, and the first appearances of Havok, Polaris and Sunfire, this volume chronicles a turbulent era for mutantdom. But for every problem there is a solution: Enter Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, and True Believer, you had better grab onto your hat and get ready for one of the most amazing evolutions in Marvel history!

These two titanic talents threw caution to the wind with sensational stories that brought the X-Men in sync with the thriving youth culture of the late ’60s. Adams’ lavish and dynamic visuals merged with Thomas’ challenging and contemporary stories to create a comic book series that throbbed with the pulse of the times like none other.

Featuring bonuses galore, not to mention the original letters pages, this collection is one for the ages, so reserve your copy today, True Believer!

This title collects
X-MEN #32-66, AVENGERS #66, KA-ZAR #2-3, MARVEL TALES #30 and NOT BRAND ECHH #4 & #8
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Tokidoki X Marvel The Avengers Navy T-Shirt

Tokidoki X Marvel The Avengers Navy T-Shirt
Marvel Comics’ top heroes are given a stylish makeover by Simone Legno for the tokidoki x Marvel t-shirts and hoodies!
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Punisher Face 14oz Ceramic Mug

Punisher Face 14oz Ceramic Mug
Have a warm drink in the colder months or in the mornings to get your day started with these Big Face ceramic mugs of all your favorite Marvel heroes!

Each mug holds 14 ounces of liquid and is dishwasher safe.

Choose from Captain America, The Punisher, and Wolverine.
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Star Trek TWOK Communicator

Star Trek TWOK Communicator
A Diamond Select Release!

The latest in the DST hit role-play replica line is here! For all of those Star Trek fans that have been waiting over 25 years to have a communicator that accurately recreates one of Kirk’s most memorable moments on film, then your moment is here! Open this up and hear ‘KHAAAAN!!!’ as many times as you like.

Featuring flashing lights and phrases from Admiral Kirk, Spock, Khan, and Uhura, as well as the authentic communicator chirp SFX. Features 3 play modes: Voice Chip Mode, Screaming Kirk Mode, and Hail/Call-Back function. Communicator chirps when Communicator is open or closed. Hail/Call-Back function has two different scenarios.
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Tigra Statue

Tigra Statue
A Bowen Designs Sculpt! Half-human, half-tiger, all feral, Tigra serves as the defender of the enigmatic Cat People in the modern day! Greer Grant-Nelson, severely injured attempting to defend a scientist from H.Y.D.R.A. agents was transformed through sorcery, science, and alchemy in an attempt to save her life into a mutated feline warrior, becoming the legendary champion of the Cat People and a member of many super-teams over the decades, including the Avengers and the West Coast Avengers.

This feline femme fatale is brought to life by Mike Cusanelli in a 13″ tall statue.
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Sensational She-hulk By John Byrne TPB Vol. 01

Sensational She-hulk By John Byrne TPB Vol. 01
By: John Byrne
From SAVAGE to SENSATIONAL! With John Byrne at the helm, witness She-Hulk go where no super hero has gone before: right through the fourth wall! Vs. Spider-Man!

Beheaded! Against the wrath of Dr. Bong! Alongside Santa Claus! On her own Star Truck! Hosting a Golden Age guest star! Featuring the Wasp, Mr. Fantastic and Razorback!

This title collects
SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK #1-8, material from MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (1988) #18
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Godzilla Kingdom Of Monsters #2

Godzilla Kingdom Of Monsters #2
By: Eric Powell, Tracy Marsh, Phil Hester
The world is in panic as Godzilla reduces Tokyo to rubble. No one knows where the giant lizard has come from and even the most extreme military counter-measures prove useless. As the people of Japan struggle to survive Godzilla’s wrath, the world’s governments start thinking outside the box. Unfortunately, Godzilla may not be the only monster-sized threat the world faces…
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Age Of X Universe #2 (of 2)

Age Of X Universe #2 (of 2)
By: Simon Spurrier, Khoi Pham, Simone Bianchi

The Avengers have been ordered to hunt down Magneto and his army of fugitive mutants. But when the team is given a license to kill, not every member is up to the task.

Who will kill and who will be killed? You may just be surprised.

Also featuring an untold tale from the Age of X!
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Flash #11

Flash #11
By: Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul
Part of DC’s Flashpoint!

The road to FLASHPOINT is paved with good intentions, but the Flash is about to learn the truth behind those good intentions – and the secret of Hot Pursuit!
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Dracula Company Of Monsters #9

Dracula Company Of Monsters #9
By: Kurt Busiek, Daryl Gregory, Scott Godlewski, Ron Salas
A new story arc begins! As Dracula and Conrad’s fight reaches a fever pitch, Evan enters into an unlikely – and dangerous – alliance with Marta and her men.

It’s vampire vs. vampire vs. vampire hunters as the ongoing horror series from the mind of Kurt Busiek continues!
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Secret Avengers #12

Secret Avengers #12
By: Ed Brubaker, Roberto De La Torre, Mike Deodato
Steve Rogers’ old friend and fellow soldier John Steele is working with the Shadow Council against the Secret Avengers and against the world. What dark secret led to Steele’s fall from grace?

Can Steve Rogers learn the secret in time to save his friend and stop the Shadow Council? And if all else fails, can the Secret Avengers rise to the occasion and stop this covert menace?
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Batman: The Brave and the Bold - Season One, Part Two

Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Season One, Part Two
This second set in the Cartoon Network’s reboot of an animated Batman series continues the fun of part one in brilliant colors, dazzling if low-tech animated resolution, and dry-witted, square-jawed, super-fun superhero action. The series’ conceit is to team up the Dark Knight (not so dark in this incarnation) with another marquee crime fighter from the DC Comics stable. Aquaman, Green Arrow, Jonah Hex, Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Red Tornado, and a slew of other notable or obscure figures make guest appearances in each episode to help Batman outwit and/or out-brawn a supervillain who also may or may not be well known to Batman aficionados.

The tone is light and filled with humor and wisecracking between the rock ’em, sock ’em action sequences, with banter that may appeal as much to the older fanboy set as the young Saturday morning kiddie market. Each 22-or-so-minute episode (13 in all) keeps to its own character and story arc and moves briskly along with fast pacing and snappy banter.

Highlights include a team-up between Batman and Sherlock Holmes, and an encounter between Batman and Bat-Mite (voiced by Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens) that is perhaps the most bizarre adventure of the bunch. But the standout is “Mayhem of the Music Meister,” an all-musical episode with the Music Meister played by none other than Neil Patrick Harris.

Fans of Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog know about Harris’s penchant for wacky side projects and his made-for-Broadway-show-tunes voice. They will particularly enjoy the thoughtful wit and playful sensibility that infuses this and most other installations of a popular Cartoon Network offering that deserves a good healthy run as a standout from most of the dreck that is 21st-century TV animation. –Ted Fry
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”]Batman Beyond: Return of Joker [Blu-ray]
Some diehard Batfans have been slow to warm to the animated series Batman Beyond even though it was created by the same team responsible for the excellent Batman cartoon of the early ’90s. The Dark Knight should be a brooding avenger in a noir-nightmare Gotham City, the purists argue, not some smart-aleck teen four decades in the future, with jet packs, invisibility shields, and other sci-fi gizmos loaned him by an elderly Bruce Wayne (voiced, excellently as always, by Kevin Conroy, his stony bass given a raspy hint of old age), now confined to hobbling about on a cane and monitoring his protégé’s activities from the Batcave. Between its respectful reexamination of the “tortured hero” mythos and its sleek, anime-inspired look, this feature-length movie should go a long way toward quieting their complaints.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they’ve brought back the most legendary figure in the Rogues Gallery (voiced by Mark Hamill, deliciously deranged), but exactly how and why the Joker has managed to turn up 40 years after his last meeting with Batman still as youthful and diabolical as ever is explained not only logically but terrifyingly as well. The secret behind his arrival is perhaps the saddest, grimmest twist any purported “kids’ show” has dared to attempt.
(Parents may well want to preview this tape before screening it for the very young.)
Once again, Warner Brothers’ cartoon Batman has outshone all the live-action films, never allowing the thrilling action set pieces or flashes of wry humor to drown out the drama, even tragedy, of the all-too-human superheroes. –Bruce Reid
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DC Comics Presents Night Force #1

DC Comics Presents Night Force #1
By: Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan, Bob Smith, Dick Giordano
The acclaimed creative team behind Tomb of Dracula reunited in 1982 for DC’s NIGHT FORCE! Now, DC reprints issues #1-4 of this cult favorite series that taps into the lore of Dracula. The series begins as the mysterious sorcerer Baron Winter assembles a team to take on an occult evil. But can the granddaughter of Dracula’s greatest foe, a powerful parapsychologist and a timelost warrior from the court of King David tackle these threats?

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Jonah Hex Tall Tales TPB

Jonah Hex Tall Tales TPB
By: Justin Gray, Jummy Palmiotti, Darwyn Cooke

In this volume collecting JONAH HEX #55-60, we learn more about Hex’s savage origins and how love played a crucial part in making him the bounty hunter he became.

This title collects
JONAH HEX #55-60
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Doctor Who Vol. 2 #4

Doctor Who Vol. 2 #4
By: Tony Lee, Richard Piers Rayner, Tommy Lee Edwards

‘Ripper’s Curse,’ Part 3 of 3: Mary Kelly’s dead, but was she supposed to die? In a changing future, the Doctor discovers his actions have led to a larger number of ‘canonical’ Ripper victims-and that Amy is remembered as the next to be murdered …

Can they find her before the future becomes real?
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Batman Black & White Statue Joker By Lee Bermejo

Batman Black & White Statue Joker By Lee Bermejo
From fan-favorite artist Lee Bermejo! The next Batman Black and White statue is based on Bermejo’s art from the critically acclaimed hardcover graphic novel JOKER by Brian Azzarello, with art by Lee Bermejo and Mick Gray.

This limited edition statue measures approximately 7″ high x 5.75″ wide x 5.75″ deep, is painted in monochromatic tones, features a Bat-logo-shaped base and is packaged in a black and white box.

New Releases 1/26/11

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.

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Green Hornet Tv 1/50 Die Cast Vehicle Assortment

Green Hornet Tv 1/50 Die Cast Vehicle Assortment
The Green Hornet has been the star of radio, television, comics, and film for over fifty years, and with these 1/50-scale diecast models you can relive the adventure of Britt Reid’s underground war on crime! Collectors can choose from diecasts based on the television series from the 1960s or from the new film starring Seth Rogen!
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Beatles Famous Covers 1/36 Die Cast Bus Assortment A

Beatles Famous Covers 1/36 Die Cast Bus Assortment A
Your ticket to ride is ready, and your reservation has been made as the Beatles Die-Cast Buses are here! These 1/36-scale diecasts feature the iconic cover imagery of four of the Beatles’ albums – 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night, 1967’s Magical Mystery Tour, 1968’s The Beatles (better known as ‘The White Album’), and 1970’s Let It Be – imprinted on the side of miniature London double-decker busses.Collect all four and let the magical mystery tour take you away!

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Back Issue #46

Back Issue #46
This issue spotlights ‘The Greatest Stories Never Told,’ loaded with rare and previously unpublished art!Mike Grell reveals how his ‘Savage Empire’ strip became DC Comics’ The Warlord, Danny Fingeroth and Al Milgrom open the vault to reveal pages from the aborted Fantastic Four graphic novel Fathers and Sons, and we go beyond John Byrne’s Last Galactus Story.

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Thunderbolts #152

Thunderbolts #152
By: Jeff Parker, Kev Walker, Greg Land
The T-Bolts leap into HULK’s ‘Scorched Earth’! At the request of Steve Rogers, Luke Cage must take his hardened team to deal with a doomsday scenario unleashed in the pages of HULK!And now that the squad is a man short, Cage finally uses his power to recruit another prisoner to duty-and his pick will shock you! Will the Thunderbolts accept this new member as a part of their force?

Or will this heavy duty wild card destroy the balance of power? Find out in the series that Newsarama.com’s Best Shots calls ‘The Avengers title that not enough people are raving about it’s one of the best of the bunch.’
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Uncanny X-Force #4

Uncanny X-Force #4
By: Rick Remender, Jerome Opena, Esad Ribic
Written by RICK REMENDER Penciled by JEROME OPEÑA Cover by ESAD RIBIC ‘THE APOCALYPSE SOLUTION,’ PART FOUR It all comes down to this! To stop him from bending all reality to his will X-Force must kill Apocalypse.But at a terrible cost. The final set piece: lovers positioned against each other, old friendships irreparably shattered, and the future of the Marvel Universe forever twisted. The story X-fans will be discussing for years to come, the conclusion that will change one character evermore!

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Marvel Select Juggernaught Action Figure

Marvel Select Juggernaught Action Figure
A Diamond Select Release! Sculpted by Gentle Giant! The ranks of the best-selling Marvel Select line expand to include one of the most deadly mutants ever, the unstoppable Juggernaut. Sculpted by Gentle Giant and standing a massive 7″ tall, Juggernaut is the latest in the, in scale, over sized figures from the Marvel Select line.Charles Xavier’s half brother is ready to join Magneto in the fight against the X-Men and anyone else that stands in their way. Featuring Marvel Selects standard 16 points of articulation, Juggernaut, and the sans-helmet chase variant figure, are the textbook definition of Unstoppable!

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Alter Ego #99

Alter Ego #99
Alter Ego presents a special George Tuska showcase issue, emphasing the legendary artist’s career at Lev Gleason and Marvel, and in comics strips through the early 1970s!From Crime Does Not Pay and Buck Rogers to Iron Man, The Avengers, and Hero For Hire, all of Tuska’s high-profile strips are detailed by Dewey Cassell!

Plus there’s an interview with 1950s Timely/Marvel editor Al Sulman, ‘personal associate of Stan Lee!’
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X-Men #7

X-Men #7
By: Victor Gischler, Chris Bachalo, Terry Dodson
‘PROTECT AND SERVE,’ PART ONEIt’s a new age for the X-Men. Cyclops and company have declared it a time to be heroes. Wherever a citizen is in need, there’s an X-Man on the job. But strange rumors have come to the attention of the X-Men, and Storm and her team are off to New York City to investigate. What do they find in the dank sewers beneath Manhattan? Only New York’s favorite wall-crawler has the answers.

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Ring Of Dracula Coll Ed Prop Replica

Ring Of Dracula Coll Ed Prop Replica
The Ring of Dracula, bearing the Count’s crest, is a signet-style ring prop that was one of the hallmarks of the classic screen aristocratic vampire Count Dracula. Since its first appearance in 1944’s The House of Frankenstein, the Dracula ring, or a copy of it, has adorned the fingers of some of the most admired actors to have portrayed Dracula, including John Carradine, Bela Lugosi, and Sir Christopher Lee.The mark of the vampire, The Ring of Dracula prop replica will be a valuable addition to any collection, and collectors may choose from the Collector Edition or the Elite Edition. This stunning Collectors Edition replica is crafted with an antiqued metal finish and inset with a reproduction Carnelian ‘blood’ stone, while the Elite Edition (limited to 600 pieces worldwide) replica is crafted from sterling silver and inset with a genuine semi-precious Carnelian ‘blood’ stone.

Each replica, licenced by Universal Pictures, comes housed within custom designed packaging and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
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DC Comics Presents Superman Sole Survivor #1

DC Comics Presents Superman Sole Survivor #1
By: JAMES ROBINSON, DANNY FINGEROTH, VAL SEMEIKS, RANDY GREEN, WAYNE FAUCHER, PAUL NEARY, KEVIN NOWLAN
Superman has his first encounter with one of his earliest and strangest foes, the Ultra-Humanite, in tales from LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE #1-3 written by James Robinson. Plus, from issue #39 of that series, Superman meets a billionaire who believes Earth is doomed to explode – just like Krypton!
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Dracula Company Of Monsters #6

Dracula Company Of Monsters #6
By: Kurt Busiek, Daryl Gregory, Scott Godlewski, Ron Salas
It’s bloodsuckers vs. bloodsucker, as Kurt Busiek brings an incredibly modern spin to the Dracula mythos.With Dracula’s army finally summoned, Evan and Barrington Industries begin to experience the true might of the Son of the Dragon!

Imperiled by both his craven, monstrous uncle, and Dracula’s calculating cruelty, Evan must consider making a pact with an enigmatic, deadly force.
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Green Hornet Movie 1/50 Die Cast Vehicle Assortment

Green Hornet Movie 1/50 Die Cast Vehicle Assortment
The Green Hornet has been the star of radio, television, comics, and film for over fifty years, and with these 1/50-scale diecast models you can relive the adventure of Britt Reid’s underground war on crime! Collectors can choose from diecasts based on the television series from the 1960s or from the new film starring Seth Rogen!
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Age Of X Alpha #1

Age Of X Alpha #1
By: Mike Carey, Chris Bachalo
Age of X Part One!Mutantkind’s final war starts here. If you don’t know which side you’re on, check your DNA.

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Namor First Mutant #6

Namor First Mutant #6
By: Stuart Moore, Ariel Olivetti, Phil Noto
NAMOR GOES TO HELL — PART ONE OF THREE! If Wolverine jumped off a bridge, would you jump too? That’s the question Namor must answer when the old Kings of Atlantis escape Hell only to drag him back down with them – into a burning desert wasteland.Can even the X-Men help him now? And with its king missing, what will happen to New Atlantis?

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Lone Ranger & Tonto TPB

Lone Ranger & Tonto TPB
By: Brett Matthews, Jon Abrams, Mario Guevara And Others
Collecting The Lone Ranger & Tonto one-shot adventures written by Brett Matthews and Jon Abrams with art by Mario Guevara, Vatche Mavlian, and others.
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Hawkeye & Mockingbird TPB Ghosts

Hawkeye & Mockingbird TPB Ghosts
By: Jim McCann, David Lopez, Paul Renaud
Hawkeye, the world’s greatest marksman is back-and reunited with the world’s most dangerous super-spy, Mockingbird! The deadly duo defied every obstacle to make their way back to each other and put together the all new WCA team-but now the one thing that divided them years before has returned to haunt them: the Phantom Rider!This ancient enemy is out to destroy all our heroes hold dear, and is teaming with Clint Barton’s arch-nemesis, the obsessed assassin Crossfire, to do it!

Writer Jim McCann and penciler David Lopez, the team behind the acclaimed New Avengers: The Reunion, reunite to aim the spotlight and crosshairs on Marvel’s terrorist-targeting tandem, delivering a healthy dose of classic threats, new enemies, shocking allies, unexpected twists and dysfunctional dynamics in the Mighty Marvel Manner!

This title collects
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1-6 and material from ENTER THE HEROIC AGE

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Avengers #9

Avengers #9
By: Brian Michael Bendis, John Romita Jr
The Avengers team up with the incredible RED HULK as the Hood makes a crazy power move to bring the Infinity Gauntlet together once more.But the Hood has no idea the power he is toying with and who is coming to earth to challenge him for it. Another earth-shattering chapter of Avengers crazy by Bendis and Romita Jr!

Plus: another illustrated chapter of the oral history of the Avengers!

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Spider-Man Fantastic Four HC

Spider-Man Fantastic Four HC
By: Christos Gage, Mario Alberti
The creative team behind the sellout X-Men/Spider-Man miniseries returns for a brand new tour through classic Marvel moments!Contains four stories, each revealing a heretofore untold team-up between Spidey and the Fantastic Four at a different point in Marvel history, with a mysterious common thread binding them all together!

Plus: relive some classic FF/Spidey team-ups with two bonus reprints!

This title collects
SPIDER-MAN/FANTASTIC FOUR #1-4, SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #42 and FANTASTIC FOUR #218
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JLA Trophy Room Wonder Woman Tiara Bracelets and Lasso

JLA Trophy Room Wonder Woman Tiara Bracelets and Lasso
The latest addition to the JLA TROPHY ROOM is the paramount replica for any Wonder Woman aficionado! All in one place is the Amazon warrrior’s gear – the tiara, two gauntlet bracelets, and the Lasso of Truth.* Tiara is stamped and plated in gold-tone metal with a translucent star detail, measuring 2.75″ high (front top point) and 1.5″ high (sides) x 6.5″ wide x 7.25″ deep.

* Bracelets are plated in silver-tone metal, each measuring 5.25″ high x 2.625″ wide (top) and 3.25″ wide (bottom) x 2.25″ deep.

* The base is sculpted cold-cast porcelain, Classical Greek-inspired to display all the components of the replica in one place, and features a silver display plaque. It measures 7.25″ high (to the top of the column) and 11″ high (entire piece) x 9.75″ wide x 9.5″ deep.

* The lasso is comprised of braided gold-tone material with gold metal-plated endcaps, and measures 60″ in length.

Packaged in a 4-color box, with a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition. Manufactured to order.
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Saga Of The Swamp Thing Book 04 HC

Saga Of The Swamp Thing Book 04 HC
By: Alan Moore
The fourth volume collects issues #43-50, in which Swamp Thing’s quest for self-discovery comes to its shattering conclusion. A harbinger of doom has been released with the sole charge of waking an evil beyond comprehension, and John Constantine, Deadman, The Phantom Stranger, The Spectre and other masters of the occult must unite.This title collects

Swamp Things #43-50

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Chaos War #5 (of 5)

Chaos War #5 (of 5)
By: Fred Van Lente, Khoi Pham, Brandon Peterson
THIS IS IT!! THE MARVEL UNIVERSE’S LAST STAND! The Chaos King unleashes his ultimate attack against reality as we know it — and our survival depends on a boy, his god, and their ragtag band of allies: The Mighty Thor! The Incredible Hulks! The Dead (and Living?) Avengers! The X-Men! Alpha Flight!But are they enough to stand against THE ANTI-ETERNITY … The force that seeks to negate all existence itself? In this issue, the universe dies and everyone wins!

. . . what?
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Captain America 70th Anniversary Magazine #1

Captain America 70th Anniversary Magazine #1
Marvel celebrates Captain America’s seventieth birthday in style with this gigantic glossy magazine bursting at the seams with thrilling action sure to please Cap fans young and old! Get the inside scoop on the Sentinel of Liberty from the people who know him best as Marvel’s top creators share their thoughts on the history of Captain America.Discover what’s next for Steve Rogers and company with exclusive previews from Captain America comics. And thrill at the storied history of the Living Legend with reprints of Cap’s greatest adventures culled from seventy extraordinary years of Marvel Comics!

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Shazam (One Shot)

Shazam (One Shot)
By: Eric Wallace, Cliff Richards, Cliff Chiang
Blaze, the current ruler of Hell, has an offer for Mary and Billy Batson that may be too good to pass up! Left powerless, will the two former heroes have the strength to deny the devil? Can Freddy Freeman save them? And how does the Titan Osiris fit into it all?

Find out here, in this one-shot special written by Eric Wallace (TITANS) with art by Cliff Richards (THE ROAD HOME: BATMAN & ROBIN #1)!
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Avengers Academy Prem HC Permanent Record

Avengers Academy Prem HC Permanent Record
By: Christos Gage, Mike McKone
Determined to keep the tradition alive, founding Avenger Hank Pym leads a core team of veteran heroes in creating a place where the next generation of Earth’s Mightiest can be trained by the greatest of those who preceded them.An institution where everyone who has ever been an Avenger can share their skill, knowledge and experience. The future is in their hands…and in the hands of the six young superhumans chosen to make up the inaugural class. But who are they? And what dark secret will turn their world–and potentially the entire Marvel Universe–upside down?

This title collects
AVENGERS ACADEMY #1-6 and material from ENTER THE HEROIC AGE

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New Releases 12/29/10

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.

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Doctor Who 11th Doctor Diecast Sonic Screwdriver

Doctor Who 11th Doctor Diecast Sonic Screwdriver
Imported from the UK! This perfectly detailed metallic screwdriver is based on the sonic screwdriver carried by the eleventh Doctor; the only difference is that this screwdriver is best used for projects around the house, not for saving the universe! 

When in use, the screwdriver lights up and makes sounds, just like the Doctor’s sonic screwdriver. It comes with three tips – large, medium, and small – and each tip is reversable with Phillips and Flathead ends.

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Tomb Of Dracula Omnibus Vol. 03 HC

Tomb Of Dracula Omnibus Vol. 03 HC
The Salem Witch Trials, the French Revolution, the Civil War-only a few of the world-shaking events during which Dracula stalked the centuries! 

Now, learn the secrets of Dracula’s diary, and witness the Lord of Darkness’s first trip to America and a confrontation with Death Itself! Featuring Cagliostro, ‘Blood Countess’ Elizabeth Bathory, Marie LaVeau and more of history’s heroes and horrors-including the Frankenstein Monster!
This title collects
TOMB OF DRACULA MAGAZINE #1-6, FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER #7-9 and DRACULA LIVES!

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John Carter of Mars: Weird Worlds

John Carter of Mars: Weird Worlds
By: Marv Wolfman, Joe Orlando, Howard Chaykin, Murphy Anderson, Gray Morrow, Sal Amendola

Since his serialized debut in All-Story magazine in 1912, the spacefaring adventurer John Carter of Mars has become one of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ most beloved characters. The star of decades worth of novels and comic books, he’s soon to be immortalized on the silver screen as well, in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures major film release John Carter of Mars! In this volume, John Carter, an ex-soldier turned prospector, is transported to Mars–“Barsoom,” as it is known to its natives–under mysterious circumstances, and becomes a champion dedicated to protecting his new home and newly found love, the princess Dejah Thoris, from warring alien civilizations and a host of deadly Barsoomian beasts! 

* Collecting stories originally published in Tarzan #207–#209 and Weird Worlds #1–#7.

* Featuring the work of comics legends Marv Wolfman, Murphy Anderson, Gray Morrow, Sal Amendola, Joe Orlando, and Howard Chaykin!
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Batman The Dark Knight #1

Batman The Dark Knight #1
By: David Finch, Scott Williams

Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! 

Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone’s must-read pile!

Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman’s life!
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Marvel Minimates Series 37 Assortment

Marvel Minimates Series 37 Assortment
A Diamond Select Release! Art Asylum Designs & Sculpts!Diamond Select continues the longest running collector line in toy history. After 36 series of Marvel Minimates you might be wondering what is left. How about the always popular Spider-Man paired with the long awaited Minimates debut of the classic villain Lizard. Next up two eagerly awaited mutants rounding out previous release get ready for 90’s era Professor Xavier and X-Force’s own Warpath. Rounding out the main release the ever loving blue eyed Thing as well as the army building Doombot.

For the specialty exclusive two pack get ready to make room for Thing in his trench coat disguise and more Doombots. Each Minimate stands 2.5″ tall with 14 points of articulation and a variety of removable and interchangeable parts and accessories.

NOTE: This is a factory sealed case assortment.
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Frank Bellamy Comp Swift Stories Deluxe Leather Ed

Frank Bellamy Comp Swift Stories Deluxe Leather Ed
This book brings together every strip and illustration produced by Frank Bellamy for the classic British children’s comic Swift, including Robin Hood, King Arthur and His Knights, and Swiss Family Robinson, plus his contributions to other strips and the Swift Annual. 

The strips are beautifully reproduced through careful scanning and restoration from the original printed pages. The luxurious feel of the book is greatly enhanced by the beautiful real leather binding and leather slipcase in which the book is housed.

With an introduction by Dave Gibbons, this book can be regarded as the single most authoritative look at the genesis of Frank Bellamy’s graphic art.

Limited to 200 copies and signed by editor Steve Holland, the volumes comes in an embossed red leather slipcase with a bonus Robin Hood print.
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DC Chronicles Green Lantern Statue

DC Chronicles Green Lantern Statue
Heroic test pilot Hal Jordan displays a burst of energy from his Power Ring as he takes his place among the DC Chronicles statues. Dressed in his original costume, this depiction of the Silver Age superhero captures the spirit of the early days of his career. 

DC Chronicles The Flash Statue

DC Chronicles The Flash StatueThe Fastest Man Alive kicks up a dust cloud as he slides into the DC Chronicles statue series! This statue features The Flash of the Silver Age, Barry Allen, in his classic costume. The DC Chronicles statue line has a consistent base, and the retro-style logo on the base further gives the piece a sense of the period from which it originated.

The DC Chronicles statue line has a consistent base, and the retro-style logo on the base further gives the piece a sense of the period from which it originated.

Each limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 7.5″ high x 5″ wide x 3.5″ deep and is packaged in a 4-color box with a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity.
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Cthulhu Midnight Reaver Nyarlathotep Plush

The moon masks its glaucous light over the world beneath as the night wind howls with the ambience of a thousand tortured souls, whispering unheeded warnings as the clock strikes twelve. Hidden behind you, indistinguishable from the shadows at your feet, lurks the god of a thousand forms, Nyarlathotep, his malevolent desires ignited like the flame in his eyes as his tentacled claw reaches outward!From the mind of H.P. Lovecraft to your own nightmares, it’s the Midnight Reaver Nyarlathotep Plush as Toy Vault’s creepy and cuddly line of Cthulhu and friends plush continues!

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Siege TPB Thor

Siege TPB Thor
By: Kieron Gillen, Mico Suayan

Asgard will fall, and gods will die. Surrounded by the nefarious Norman Osborn, his super-villain lackeys and the combined forces of H.A.M.M.E.R., the home of the Norse gods is under siege.Meanwhile, the city’s champion, Thor, is in exile – and his wicked stepbrother, Loki, is putting his twisted plans into motion. But even with the odds stacked against them, the citizens of Asgard are a warrior race, and they’ll defend their home to the bloody end.

It’s all-out war for the gods of the Norse pantheon as Thor, Balder, Heimdall, Tyr and the rest sacrifice everything to protect their city. Meanwhile, the New Mutant Dani Moonstar must make good on a deal with the goddess Hela by ushering those Asgardians slain in combat to her domain. But when given the power of the Valkyries, can Dani refrain from entering the chaotic fray around her?

This title collects
THOR #607-610, NEW MUTANTS #11 and SIEGE: LOKI

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Secret Warriors TPB Vol. 03 Wake Beast

Secret Warriors TPB Vol. 03 Wake Beast
By: Jonathan Hickman, Stefano Caselli, Jim Cheung

The Leviathan is stirring. The Box. Inside is a power that the leaders of Hydra have fought tooth and nail to win – and at the cost of countless lives of Hydra shock troops. Now Leviathan wants what’s in the Box. But since only one can possess it, the leaders of Hydra are marked for death.The stage is set for an epic battle between Leviathan and Hydra, but with one wild card: there is a traitor in their midst.

Meanwhile, the only group that can stop either of these world-conquering organizations is Nick Fury’s Secret Warriors. But are they unraveling before they can even find their footing?

This title collects
SECRET WARRIORS #11-16

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S.H.I.E.L.D. #5

S.H.I.E.L.D. #5
By: Jonathan Hickman, Dustin Weaver, Gerald Parel

‘The Forgotten Machines of XXXXXX XXXXX’ The story that has taken the comic book world by storm marches on with an issue so secretive that we can’t even reveal the full title!WHO IS THE NIGHT MACHINE?! Find your answer here from Jonathan Hickman (FANTASTIC FOUR) and Dustin Weaver (X-MEN). Every issue has sold out and gone into multiple printings. IT’S GOOD! WE PROMISE! Don’t miss the sleeper hit of 2010!

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New Mutants #20

New Mutants #20
By: Zeb Wells, Leonard Kirk, Dave Wilkins

‘Rise of the New Mutants’ The New Mutants were defeated last issue and those that are left standing are licking their wounds.Can they possibly pick up the pieces and stop Project Purgatory from letting the Elder Gods loose? Certainly not alone. The New Mutants turn to the rest of the X-Men for help, but can even the mighty X-Men hope to stop the terrible future foretold in NEW MUTANTS #9?

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Flash #8

Flash #8
By: Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul

The highway to FLASHPOINT begins here as Barry Allen teams up with Wally West, Kid Flash and the rest of the Speed Force to confront the arrival of a bizarre figure that could signal a new age of speedster! Be here for part 1 of ‘The Mystery of the Unknown Flash’!
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Ka-zar By Mark Waid & Andy Kubert TPB Vol. 01

Ka-zar By Mark Waid & Andy Kubert TPB Vol. 01
By: Mark Waid, Andy Kubert & Pino Rinaldi, Andy Kubert

Ka-Zar, lord of the hidden jungle, is many things. A British nobleman. A man lost in time. A husband. A father. Best friend of a saber-toothed tiger. And younger brother to an incredibly evil man.When the father of Parnival and Kevin Plunder died, he left his sons the very keys to the mysteries of the Savage Land, and Parnival has decided to take the secrets for himself!

See Ka-Zar fight for honor and family in the verdant green jungles of the Savage Land and the harsh concrete jungle of New York!

This title collects
KA-ZAR (1997) #1-7 & #-1 and material from TALES OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #1

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Marvel Masterworks Marvel Team-up HC Vol. 01

Marvel Masterworks Marvel Team-up HC Vol. 01
By: Gerry Conway, Roy Thomas, Gill Kane, Ross Andru, Gil Kane, Jim Mooney

This item is currently not available, but we will special order a copy from our supplier if you choose to backorder it from us today. Delivery will be delayed by two to four weeks while the backorder is processed and shipped from our supplier to our warehouse. Your credit card will not be charged for this item until it is ready to be shipped to you. For more information, please see our backordering help page.How better to celebrate a Marvel Masterworks milestone 150th volume than with all Marvel’s most-famous characters all piled into one amazing title-Marvel Team-Up!

In the world of interconnected heroes that Marvel Comics pioneered, Team-Up made that formula a franchise and gave fans a much-desired double-monthly Spidey fix.

Created by the same top-flight talents that brought you Amazing Spider-Man-Roy Thomas, Gil Kane, Gerry Conway, Ross Andru and Jim Mooney-MTU brings Spidey together with the Human Torch, the X-Men, the Vision, the Thing, Thor, the Cat, Iron Man and the Inhumans.

That’s enough super hero for anybody’s diet! And with villains like Kang the Conqueror, Sandman and Morbius for dessert, Team-Up’s will have you full-up with classic comic book adventure!

This title collects
Marvel Team-Up #1-11

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Hulk #28

Hulk #28
By: Jeff Parker, G. Hardman & M. Robinson, Ed McGuinness

SCORCHED EARTH CONVERGENCE! Rick Jones (AKA The A-BOMB) finds the source of the next DOOMSDAY scenario & immediately gets in over his head on the most dangerous patch of ground in the Pacific…MONSTER ISLAND!Fortunately for Rick- (or not)- RED HULK is nearby and heads in for the deadliest mission yet. Can our monsters stop their monsters? Or will they become the key pieces in the INTELLIGENCIA’s master plan?

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Captain America #613

Captain America #613
By: Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice, Marko Djurdjevic

It’s the penultimate issue of the Trial of Captain America, and Bucky Barnes future hangs in the balance as evidence of the Winter Soldier’s crimes comes to light.Brought to you by the hit creative team of Ed Brubaker & Butch Guice!

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DC Comics Presents Thunder Agents #1

DC Comics Presents Thunder Agents #1
By: Wallace Wood

As DC’s new T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS series gets under way, relive these legendary tales from T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS #1, 2 and 7! Don’t miss the origins of the team’s members, the death of a lead character, and more!
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Giant-Size Spider-Man and Dracula

Comic books are weird. In the case of a comic book like Spider-Man, it starts with a run-of-the-mill teenage bookworm who gets bullied buy jocks, ignored by girls and lives with his aged aunt and uncle in suburbia. After getting bitten by a radioactive spider all of that changed. Meek Peter Parker donned a home-made pair of red and blue tights with dreams of money and glamor only to reminded by the harsh reality that there are more worthy tasks of his new abilities. My point is that Spider-Man, though a fantastic character, was repeatedly grounded by reality and all of the responsibilities and hang ups that come with it… until he wasn’t anymore.

In the 70’s, a new guard of creators took over from the old consisting mainly of Stan Lee, Steve Ditko and John Romita Sr. Gerry Conway and Ross Andru are known for their ‘quirky’ and ‘off-beat’ stories such as the Kangaroo, the Jackal and of course the marriage of Doctor Octopus and Aunt May. Their run also saw the continuation of the horrific monstrous villains such as the Green Goblin with character like Morbius the Living Vampire. I’ve noted a few times in other posts about how the Bronze Age of Marvel Comics was very interested in horror characters, but this particular run takes the cake.

In a previous story, J Jonah Jameson’s son and astronaut John Jameson had returned from the moon with a keepsake of moon rock that transformed him into a Man-Wolf. In a later issue, Morbius attempted to recruit Man-Wolf to distract Spider-Man and allow him to enlist a gifted haematologist who could possibly help cure him. Things didn’t work out as planned and Spider-Man’s intervention cost Morbius what could have been his only chance at humanity… but it somehow coincidentally reinforced Parker’s reasons for being Spider-Man in the first place. In any case, Spider-Man was facing off against some truly horrific menaces.

But this was all a lead-in to the Giant-Size adventure pictured in this blog post in which Spider-Man and Dracula shared the spotlight. The Tomb of Dracula series by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan had been running for about two years by the time Marvel decided to cross paths between their horrific and heroic characters. Mainly concerned with the activities of his pursuers led by Quincy Harker, the Tomb of Dracula series had established itself as a wonderful adventure comic. Putting both the Lord of the Undead and Spider-Man in one book may strike a reader as a dream come true but… it was somewhat lacking.

Written by New Uncanny X-Men and Swamp Thing creator Len Wein and Ross Andru of the Spider-Man monthly book, the talent is definitely there but the book suffers from the usual problems that plague crossovers to this day… nothing happens. His ailing aunt once again at death’s door, Spider-Man seeks the help of an eccentric medical doctor who insists on travelling by boat… a boat full of costumed partiers and of course Dracula. Dracula fears that the Doctor has some secret that may threaten his long term goals of world domination and is determined to see the threat squashed. Spider-Man spends much of the issue changing into and out of his costume, attempting to appeal to people as Peter Parker but insisting that he meet any foe as Spider-Man.

This insistence that Parker has to only solve a problem while wearing his costume strikes me as terribly worrisome. I mean, would he just stand idly by while a building burnt to the ground for fear that his identity may get revealed? Is he terrified to break out of his corny renegade Marx Brother routine while dressed as Spider-Man for fear that he may reveal his true self? Just what is his deal??? The guy has problems.

Meanwhile, Dracula saunters about looking for the Doctor with zero clues. He briefly encounters Spider-Man (as Parker when the pair brush shoulders), thinks that he has killed his target then leaves. As it turns out, the eccentric Doctor is actually a female scantily dressed as a distracting Valkyrie. She agrees to help Spidey who manages to make it back to Aunt May’s side in time to save her life.

The conflict of the centuries!

The entire issue dances around the confrontation of thew two characters, respects the continuity point that each character has to be at when the issue concludes and therefore is incapable of doing anything all that interesting. It is very cool to state that Dracula exists in the Marvel Universe and the moments that he pops up in the MU are usually memorable (witness the Captain Britain and MI:13 and of course the new X-Men series), but this is not one of those moments.

Captain Britain and MI:13 meet Dracula

I have become a big fan of Spider-Man in recent years and really enjoy the current run (especially the stellar Origin of the Species story by Mark Waid) and have read the entire series up to the Giant-Size Spider-Man and Dracula issue to date. I love it all. This comic is hardly indicative of the Conway/Andru run as it lacks the dramatic pull that kept readers coming back, but in fairness it was a gimmick comic, intended to bank on the popularity of vampires and bring attention to how amazing the Tomb of Dracula series really is… so… mission accomplished.

Recommended:

Essential Spider-Man 6

Captain Britain and MI13 - Volume 3: Vampire State

Essential Tomb of Dracula, Vol. 1

Bela Legosi – White Zombie

illustration by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

illustration by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

When it came to screen presence, Bela Legosi was the master. Best known for his portrayal of Count Dracula, Legosi has this kind of allure that penetrates the viewer from the silver screen, even when its a digital TV. White Zombie is an oddity as it is revered as the first proper zombie film yet only gained acclaim long after its initial release in 1932. Shortly after the seminal Dracula (directed by Tod Browning), Legosi found himself in many similar roles, often playing a sinister foreign ghoul of one kind or another. The films of this era vary in quality but White Zombie is a classic horror film with a palpable atmosphere that modern films dream about.

Trailer

Set in Haiti, the movie follows an innocent engaged couple who come into the good graces of the rich Western aristocrat Charles Beaumont (looking very much like Oscar Wilde). The oblivious couple (Neil Parker and Madeleine Short) are encouraged to get married in Haiti at Beaumont’s expense. Despite a desire to leave for England, the couple relents and Beaumont starts to weave his web around the unsuspecting Madeleine. Visiting the nearby sugar plantation owner Murder Legendre, Beaumont asks the ghastly stranger for his aide. It turns out that Legendre has found the ideal way to process sugar cane with zero overhead by turning his staff into zombies through the use of voodoo. It is Beaumont’s wish that Legendre use his arts to snare the pretty young Madeleine for his own. Legendre is only too happy to assist.

With one desperate attempt to gain her affections, Beaumont leers at Madeleine as he leads her to the alter to be wed, but no dice. Though a rich aristocrat, the man is a creep. Not seeing any other recourse, Beaumont doses Madeleine with a fast acting poison before she reaches the alter and the deed is done. Distraught over his beloved’s demise, Parker has no way of knowing that his love has become the living dead and is residing in Beaumont’s mansion. But all is not well. A scintillating beauty in life, Madeleine’s personality is a dull reflection of what she once was. Feeling he has been tricked, Beaumont learns too late that Murder Legendre has his own schemes for the lovely Madeleine. To be honest, it’s sheer stupidity mixed with misplaced egocentricity that  Beaumont thought he could trust Legendre. Posing a threat to any that opposes his thirst for power, Legosi’s character is nearly unstoppable due to his mesmerizing stare and army of invulnerable zombies.

Only with the unexpected assistance of the butler and Beaumont himself is the twisted empire that Legendre has built on the backs of the undead destroyed and Madeleine released from his thrall. It is  (of course) Legendre’s underestimation of both the human capacity for love and heroism that is his true downfall. By trying to compel Madeleine to kill her beloved he loses his grip on her psyche. By believing that Beaumont has not a redeeming bone in his body, he cannot predict the fiend’s sudden bout of bravery that sends both of them hurtling to their deaths.

Personally I couldn’t predict the vaudeville joke ending from the butler!

While the pacing is certainly slow, it is still thrilling stuff in keeping with the tone of Browning’s Dracula. While the plot hinges on the attractive Madeleine (played by the legendary Madge Bellamy), once you see her in the rather racy pre-wedding scene you will certainly accept the great lengths three men go to to gain her affection. As I have stated before, Legosi oozes influence from the screen with his charismatic facial expressions and near-trademark hand gestures that presumably can gain control of any person’s will. The zombies themselves are terrifying if only for the fact that they are being utilized in such a pedestrian way. Rather than lurching from their graves, these guys are working long hours to keep their master rich.

The zombie films that follow White Zombie (notably Val Lewton’s I Walked With a Zombie and much later the Serpent and the Rainbow) owe much to this early film for its depiction of Haitian lore even if it was played up for effect. A macabre and moody film, White Zombie belongs on your shortlist of movies to get in the frightful mood of Halloween.

Monster-Size Hulk

What great timing, eh?

While DC Comics releases a comic where Superman and Batman fight werewolves, Marvel published a king-size special where the Hulk dukes it out with the Monster of Frankenstein, Werewolf by Night and Dracula himself!

I purchased the special issue in a kind of flurry of excitement and will admit that I did not hope for much when I finally decided to read it. Yet what a surprise this issue turned out to be!

The first tale is the real star where Bruce Banner is tricked into giving the Monster of Frankenstein a blood-transfusion, turning it into a raging super-powered monstrosity. Stellar art and a tight story make this a must-read (while I’m still hazy as to why Bruce helped revive the monster at all). The rumination on what makes a monster is textbook stuff for Hulk fans, but this story added a little something to the formula by presenting a genuine monster to co-star.

The second tale is cursed by poor coloring that make it nearly illegible, but I have to admire the attempt to mimic moonlight in the battle between the Hulk and Werewolf by Night. A character all but forgotten these days, it was a treat to see the Werewolf by Night return to the page if only for a moment.

A brief humorous tale (which I adored) breaks up the rhythm just enough for the finale that I had not planned on reading at all as it was mostly text (so many words and few pictures frustrate my puny mind). But the Hulk vs Dracula short story by Peter David was both fun and exciting. An accomplished writer or prose and comic books, David remains one of the best out there.

So if you are looking for a Hulk comic to dive into after this week’s release of the Incredible Hulk DVD, you should check this one out at your local comic shop!

Marvel Horror – The Tomb of Dracula

Dracula_Poster

I’ve always thought that Marvel Comics Horror titles were heavily influenced by the Hammer Horror films of the 1960’s and 70’s. These films were far edgier, darker and funkier than the staid Universal Horror films created in the states.

Don’t misunderstand, I totally dig Bela Legosi and Boris Karloff, but Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing had a lot going for them in films that pushed the envelope for horror films in ways that many movie goers never thought possible.

In much the same vein, Marvel Comics had decided after the success of Morbius the Living Vampire to go all out and publish The Tomb of Dracula. All 70 issues of the series were drawn by veteran delineator Gene Colan and inked by sweet Tom Palmer (his Avengers run with Buscema still fills me with fanboy glee). Marv Wolfman worked on nearly the entire series, bring Dracula to the Marvel Universe in a big way.

Dracula himself was larger than life and fought the tights-wearing fun-lovers of Marvel such as Spider-Man, The X-Men and many others but what many remember more than the lead character is the supporting cast, chiefly Blade (pictured below).

The classic jive-talkin’ goggled version of Blade may seem rather dated and ‘groovy’ by today’s standards, but the vampire hunters who fought the Lord of Vampires really took center stage. It’s a testament to the quality and uniqueness of Marvel Comics as a company that they could take a series like Tomb of Dracula and flesh it out.

The series enjoyed a revived interest thanks to the popular reprint series Essential Marvel which reprinted the entire 70 issue series, the black and white magazine stories and other material. Marvel discovered that there was still interest in the character, so they wrapped up loose ends in the series with a new story by the classic team of Wolfman and Colan, much to every readers enjoyment.

A comic series that was rife with the vibe of 70’s Horror, Tomb of Dracula is a milestone in mainstream horror comics. Not only was the series painstakingly produced by a devoted creative team, but enjoys the following of classic and new fans thanks to the reprint books.

When looking for a good horror comic to read, you’re hard pressed to top this one.

Recommended reading:

Essential Tomb of Dracula, Vol. 1 (Marvel Essentials)
Essential Tomb of Dracula, Vol. 2 (Marvel Essentials)
Essential Tomb of Dracula, Vol. 3 (Marvel Essentials)
Essential Tomb of Dracula, Vol. 4 (Marvel Essentials)
Marvel Milestones: Blade, Man-Thing & Satana