All-New All-Different Marvel (kinda)

The Marvel Universe that we have known for decades is gone, but not forgotten. After the incursions of multiple realities fractured the superhero community, the end result has been Battle World; a reality of floating islands broken off from other existences.

The Secret Wars story line (no relation to the other Secret Wars) is an admittedly direct attack on the Convergence in DC Comics. Multiple mini-series have spawned including Old Man Logan, Planet Hulk, X-Men Inferno, a married Amazing Spider-Man and much more. It’s a mad shuffle of ideas that, after it has settled, will result in a very different (yet familiar) Marvel Universe.

Don’t believe me? Check out the images below…

Red Wolf, a redesigned Daredevil, two Wolverines, two Spider-Men, and many new or divergent iterations of other characters can be seen in these two images with Iron Man retaining center stage in each image (odd, given his status quot in the conclusion of Time Runs Out). Wolverine, a character who died last year, appears to be coming back in the guise of Old Man Logan (from the popular storyline written by Mark Millar). His clone daughter X-23 will be donning the familiar costume while Logan sports a more casual look. The Thing will be joining the Guardians of the Galaxy and Johnny Storm will be with the Inhumans.

Everything is new again (again).

But what about the Hulk?

Perhaps the most shocking revelation post-Secret Wars is that the new Hulk will not be Bruce Banner. I started reading the Hulk monthly book regularly since the Paul Jenkins days through Bruce Jones, Greg Pak, Jeff Parker, Jason Aaron, Mark Waid and even Jeph Loeb.

It’s not an easy thing to be a Hulk fan. He is constantly getting batted around all over the place as the character changes from villain to hero, amnesia to full knowledge, etc. There have been some great stories, but overall it’s been a mess. The announcement of an all-new Hulk (again) is something Hulk fans are wearily ready for but… let’s hope Marvel can get it ‘right’ this time.

In the meantime, here’s the current rumor…

S

P

O

I

L

E

R

S

.
.
.
.
.
.

I have to admit that if this is correct, it’s a pretty bold and inventive solution to an overly complicated character. It may not make everybody happy, but it’s a pretty cool rumor in my opinion.

The Incredible Hulk in Stalker from the Stars

The Literary Hulk Part 1

by Mark Ricard

Introduction. This is a new series of articles about the Hulk’s prose adventures. Considering the fact that the Hulk the is one of Marvel’s most recognized characters it may not be surprising to find out the he has appeared in eight prose novels and one short story collection by Marvel Comics. This series of articles is only covering the prose novels that are original stories or based on those of comic books. The novel adaptations of Marve’sl movies are not included on this list.

The first group of prose appearances for the Hulk were in the late 70s for the Marvel Novel Series.This series was edited by Len Wein and Marv Wolfman. The books were published between 1978 and 1979. The Hulk appeared in the novels 2,3,9,and 11. Books two and three are full length solo tales of the Hulk,nine contains a novella writer by Len Wein,and eleven is a Spider-Man Hulk team up that was written by comic book writer and artist Paul Kupperburg. That book was the last book in the series. The Hulk would appear in a series of books in the 1990s when Marvel once again ventured into publishing prose fiction. Those will be covered in future reviews. For more information on the making of the series please follow this link Bookgasm

Stalker From The Stars

The first novel is Stalker From The Stars it is credited to Len Wein, Marv Wolfman,and Joseph Silva. Silva was a pen name of science fiction writer Ron Goulart. Why he chose not to you is real name is uncertain. How the writing was divided is also something that is unclear. What they did produce however is something best described as the Hulk meets H.P. Lovecraft. The story involves a ancient alien who has lied dormant in a small town and the eventual fight between the Hulk and the creature.

The story takes place in outside of continuity. The only regular supporting cast members are Rick Jones,Clay Quartermain,and General Ross. Betty Ross,Glen Talbolt,and Doc Samson are not in the story. Nor is Jim Wilson who was a more recent companion for Banner and the Hulk. For the characters who are used Jones and Quartenmain are in character but Ross is slightly off. Ross was never this unsympathetic towards others as he is this book. In particular,at this time in the comics Ross had mellowed out in his views about Dr Banner if not the Hulk himself. Here is he at most ruthless. This makes me wonder how much a part Len Wein had in writing this book. Wein had ended his run on the Hulk only within the last year of the time it is was written. Since this takes place out of continuity these issues may not bother some readers but long term fans of the comic are certain to notice these points. This uses the child like version of the Hulk called the Savage Hulk. This was the version of the character being used at the time the comics were written.

The plot itself starts out interesting enough. Rick Jones,who still feels guilty for Doctor Banner becoming the Hulk is searching for a scientist who might be able to cure him. That scientist’s name is Rudolf Stern. This was probably meant as in- reference. At the time Roger Stern had taken over from Len Wein as the writer on the Hulk’s comic. Little does he know that Dr Stern and the town itself are in the power of ancient alien who crashed underground long before. After the early chapters we are given a modified version of the comic book character’s origin. From there the story goes toward the eventual confrontation we know it is coming. That does not make it a dull novel. This is a fast paced if simple story. The ending may not be totally satisfying but it is brief and enjoyable read at less than 180 pages. Recommended as long your expectations are not too high.

Here are a list of references that the authors put in the text explaining who they refer to.

Rudolf Stern-Writer Roger Stern
Busecma’s Cafe- artist Sal Busecma
Harlansville,Missouri-Writer Harlan Ellison who wrote the Incredible Hulk 140.
Lee’s Airfield-Hulk co-creator Stan Lee.
Lieber’s store- Stan Lee’s real name and his brother Larry Lieber.

(many thanks to Mark Ricard for this excellent guest post)

New from AFX!

Action Figure Xpress remains one of my favorite online shops for toys, collectibles, statues and more. From Star Trek to Walking Dead, Marvel Comics and more, there seems to be no limit to the goodies that are available from this site.

Check out the latest…

Click to order!

Gladiator Hulk Premium Format Figure by Sideshow Collectibles
Item # 300221
Regular Price: $599.99
Our Price: $551.99 – You Save $48.00 (8%)!
Availability Preorder – April 2014
Manufacturer Sideshow

Sideshow Collectibles presents the Gladiator Hulk Premium Format figure. From the Planet Hulk storyline, Hulk has been exiled to the violent planet Sakaar, captured and forced into the great gladiator arena. Ready for battle, he dons a detailed helmet, armor and leather kilt, fighting under the gladiator name, Green Scar. The fearsome combatant wields a hefty broadsword and shield, but wears a restrictive obedience disk that keeps him under the Red King’s control. A fierce warrior and unbeatable opponent, Hulk will soon rise to challenge the Red King in a deadly struggle for supremacy. Crafted in 1:4 scale, the Gladiator Hulk Premium Format figure towers at over 30 inches tall; smashing all puny pretenders in his wake.
The Gladiator Hulk Premium Format Figure measures approximately 30″ H (762mm) x 19″ W (482.6mm) x 15″ D (381mm).

Click to order!

Star Wars Power Droid Kenner Jumbo Figure by Gentle Giant
Item # 8-71810-00968-8
Regular Price: $89.99
Our Price: $80.99 – You Save $9.00 (10%)!
Availability In Stock
Manufacturer Gentle Giant

Just like they were when you were a kid, only BIGGER! Gentle Giant continues on with their new line of vintage Star Wars Action figure reproductions with the release of this classic Power Droid!!
Digitally scanned from mint 3 3/4” Kenner originals and reproduced to a substantial 7 1/2” tall. Nothing has been overlooked. Roto and injection molded and made of durable plastics, this jumbo figure is fully articulated with “clicking” leg movement faithfully reproduced to be just like the original.
That’s not all, this classic Kenner creation comes packaged on a 1977, Star Wars inspired blister card, featuring original front and “21 back” artwork, in a re-sealable plastic outer clam shell to help protect and display!

Click to order!

Star Trek First Contact Enterprise E Ship by Diamond Select Toys
Item # 6-99788-17831-7
Regular Price: $59.99
Our Price: $47.99 – You Save $12.00 (20%)!
Availability In Stock
Manufacturer Diamond Select

Star Trek movies comes one of the greatest Star Trek ships! Diamond Select’s highly detailed Enterprise NCC-1701-E is back in an all-new, film-accurate paint scheme from Star Trek: First Contact. Packaged in a “Try Me” window box so customers can test its electronic lights and sounds, the Enterprise “E” measures 19-4/5″ L x 8-1/2″ W and comes with a display stand.

Click to order!

AFX Exclusive Star Trek Enterprise Trouble With Tribbles Minimate Set by Diamond Select Toys
Item # 6-99788-17876-8
Regular Price: $29.99
Availability In Stock
Manufacturer Diamond Select

The U.S.S. Enterprise has been overrun with Tribbles! Based on the ship’s appearance in the fan-favorite Star Trek episode “The Trouble with Tribbles,” this exclusive Minimates vehicle includes Captain Kirk in his green tunic, which he most famously wore when he dealt with his ship’s Tribble infestation. The Enterprise ’s engineering section opens up to reveal a Jefferies Tub, and the bridge opens up to reveal the command chair. Package includes Tribbles and a display stand.

Hulk 3 movie rumors

According 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?

New Marvel Minimates – Strange Tales and Hulk Through the Ages

I had just read about the TRU exclusive set of Vindicator and Box from Alpha Flight (I’m a fan, sue me) and was curious to see reviews on the other two box sets of Alpha Flight (yes, this obscure team warranted three exclusive sets).

Minimates are the incredibly addictive miniature building toys that have occupied my attention since my first fickle purchase back in 2005 or so (extra points if you can guess what the set was!).

Simple and cute, these little fellas have been crafted on not just comic book characters but film and screen legends as well including Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Ghostbusters, Silence of the Lambs and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.  Honestly, the list goes on and on.

An aborted Doctor Who series in 2007 would have opened the floodgates, but no dice.

I was surprised to see the following images of upcoming sets from Art Asylum (and wonder where I will store them):

Strange Tales

This set really piqued my interest for its sheer weirdness. Werewolf by Night, Tomb of Dracula-era Blade Vampire Hunter, Morbius the Living Vampire and Dr Strange all in one set??? Pinch me!

Hulk Through the Ages 

This one is a little odd but fun. Building on the other two ‘Through the ages’ sets that I can think of (Iron Man and Captain America), this one selects a few interesting choices such as Mr. Fixit, Maestro Hulk (the Hulk from the future complete with Captain America’s shattered shield, Iron Man’s cracked helmet and Thor’s abandoned hammer), composite Red/Green Hulk and of course the Silvestri Savage Hulk from the recent series.

It’s all very strange (mainly because of the inclusion of the composite Red/Green and Silvestri Hulks), but kinda fun.

Wolverine Through the Ages is also on its way but since there have been nearly as many minis based on Logan as Spider-Man or Iron Man, I hardly noticed.  The set will include a Venom variant from that one New Avengers comic…  I’m not sure who this will appeal to as the market is almost as over-saturated by Wolverine as it is by Deadpool.

As you cam see, all of the info is from MarvelousNews.com, which really should be your first stop for Marvel Comics action figure news.

I should also add that the AvX set looks amazing for the Juggernaut/Colossus figure alone!

Hulk returns in indestructible new series

Any fan of the not-so jolly green Goliath will tell you that being a fan of the Hulk entails disappointment and frustration as Marvel editorial struggles to discern just what they want to do with him. The pasty few years have been rife with good and bad attempts to find a new direction for the character with the most recent series receiving somer damning criticism (and rightly so).

But it seems that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel now that Marvel has revealed their master plan for the Hulk in their relaunched universe. The incomparable Mark Waid and the stunning Leinil Francis Yu have been announced as the creative team behind The Indestructible Hulk, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and I could not be happier. Waid has a lifetime of accomplishments behind him from both Marvel and DC Comics with his most recent run on Daredevil being one of my all-time favorite comics today. Yu has embellished every hero from Superman to Wolverine with remarkable skill. Together, they are sure to make the Hulk shine.

Click your heels and get happy because this could be a sign that Hulk will finally be stepping into the limelight once again as one of Marvel’s superstars.

Writer Mark Waid and artist Leinil Yu are the announced creative team for “Indestructible Hulk,” which kicks off in November as part of the “Marvel NOW!” initiative.

Here’s how Marvel describes the series:

Through his entire history, the Hulk has always been an indomitable force, more weapon than man. His alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, is one of the most intelligent men on the planet. NOW! combined, they have become the strongest, smartest weapon alive – INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!

“Banner’s a changed man. No more stooping under the weight of ‘woe is me,’ no longer bespectacled, no longer a fashion victim in purple,” said Mark Waid in an interview with Marvel.com. “For decades, Banner’s felt like he’s no more than the Hulk’s helpless puppet. Now Banner’s USING Hulk to his own mysterious ends”

Marvel describes “Indestructible” as a new perspective on the character of the Hulk.

“Mark and Leinil’s spin on the Hulk mythos will have fans — new and old – exclaiming, ‘Why didn’t I think of that!?’” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso in a news release. “It’s the brute force of the Hulk and the brainpower of Bruce Banner, together at last — but not the way you think. And with S.H.I.E.L.D. in the wings, readers can expect a globe-hopping adventure with an unlimited special effects budget.”

Each issue of Indestructible Hulk will include a code for a free digital copy; additionally each issue will feature additional content through the Marvel AR app.

Via Nerdage

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.”

Quick review: Incredible Hulk #8 – ‘Stay Angry’

The Incredible Hulk- ‘Stay Angry’

Story by Jason Aaron, Art by Steve Dillon

Marvel is proud to present your first look at, Incredible Hulk #8, from the fan-favorite team of Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon! Dive right into the Green Goliath’s next epic as Stay Angry erupts pushing the Incredible Hulk and his raged-induced fury to its limits! The criminally insane Bruce Banner has thrown Hulk into the middle of a murderous drug war and Hulk is forced into action; but with villainous mob of this stature- Frank Castle is never far behind! Its all-out war, as the Jade Giant faces off against The Punisher who faces off against a cartel in a brawl that no fan will forget!

-that’s the description from Marvel and it reads pretty much as a spot on description of the actual end product… except that it omits the dog people and their human dog drug lord.

The Jason Aaron run on the Incredible Hulk has been a massive shock to the system for long time Hulk readers. After the cerebral Greg Pak run and the dubious run by Jeph Loeb, it was nearly impossible to figure out just how Marvel was viewing the character. Was the Hulk a light-hearted/goofy action comic? Was it an emotionally charged tragic monthly series about human monsters? Who knows?

I have deeply enjoyed Aaron’s Wolverine and The X-Men for all of its wackiness and his Ghost Rider run was superb… but both have one thing in common and that is humor. Aaron is a great writer of absurd comical action that is extreme in its explosive ‘grindhouse-style’ story lines.. and that is apparently the new direction of the Incredible Hulk. Finally separated from Banner, Hulk has attempted to find a life of his own only to discover that he and his alter ego are inevitably linked.

Left to his own devices and without the outlet of the Hulk’s rage, Banner is apparently a mad scientist of Frankenstein proportions while the Hulk is kinda dull, to be honest. On a deserted radioactive island, Banner experimented with the local animal life in standard Dr. Moreau style only to be hunted down by the mad scientist hunter (yes, that’s a ‘thing) Amanda Von Doom and her hunchback assistant. The artwork for the series, along with the story, has been awkward and clunky. Starting rather strongly with Mark Silvestri, it took a fast downward turn as a mob of fill-in inkers were thrown at the book until finally Wilce Portacio stepped in and the book careened headfirst into a morass of scratchy ink.

Even after destroying Banner in a gamma explosion, Hulk hoped he was free, but somehow the two have become merged again. Merged, but separate as Banner has retained his mad scientist schtick. It’s actually a decent idea and allows Aaron to play a new trick with the Hulk that I don’t think anyone had tried before. Previously Banner dreaded a transformation into the Hulk because it would mean that he would lose control and cause untold amounts of damage. Now, however, the Hulk dreads relaxing because it will mean that Banner takes over and pits the Hulk into one horrible situation after another.

The joke is very lurid and opens with the Hulk waking up in shackles only to battle dog men and finally encounter the Punisher… who just happens to be hunting the dog men (for some reason). The two team up and track the trail of drugs and death to the big boss, a humanized dog in a vintage car. The crime boss had apparently made a deal with Banner in the past, one which interests Hulk very much.

Unfortunately, the Hulk gets pumped full of drugs and eventually passes out only to awaken in yet another terrible situation… and an operation scar on his chest.

Art-wise, the latest issue is a step in a different direction as Steve Dillon takes the reigns and the humorous angle that Aaron has been shooting for finally finds its voice. Aaron and Dillon had of course collaborated on the Punisher MAX series where characters had their eyes yanked out of their sockets and wandered around as if they had escaped from a Three Stooges routine from Hell. It’s not to everyone’s taste and Dillon’s Hulk is very flimsy, but at least it’s more fitting to Aaron’s writing style thank Silvestri or Portacio.

The Incredible Hulk is one of the most awkward comic books I have ever read. For its campy silliness and over the top violence, it kinda works… but it’s like turning a work of classic literature into a parody of itself. If there’s one thing the past ten years have taught us it’s that there’s so much untapped potential in the Hulk. Transforming the series into a kind of Garth Ennis-like comic may be a bit of fun, but it is also selling it short.

As Avengers continues to own the box office, Marvel plans for the future

Marvel’s Avengers has and currently holds a domestic ticket sales record of $299,143,000 ($832,443,000 worldwide), according to boxofficemojo. It has broken several records including best weekend release and Fastest to $250 million mark. All that said, what’s next?

Iron Man 3 (directed by Shane Black of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) is on the fast track for next Summer when it will battle Superman: The Man of Steel and Star Trek 2. Sequels to both Captain America and Thor are on the way, and rumors of another Hulk movie (third? second? first?? who knows!) are becoming more solid.

Marvel’s President of Production Kevin Feige had a few things to say in a recent interview with CHUD.

Via 411Mania:

On The Hulk in The Avengers: “I think Joss [Whedon, writer-director ofAvengers] is much more eloquent about this than I am, but Hulk is seemingly more suited for an ensemble piece were he can be the loose canon, the unpredictable bad boy. You can’t get the same kind of moments necessarily when its a stand-alone movie and everything is on [Bruce Banner’s] shoulders. Joss just said this earlier today: Bruce Banner spends all his time saying, “I don’t want to turn into the Hulk, I don’t want Hulk to come out.” But the audience wants the exact opposite! Obviously that is part of the nature of Bruce Banner and that is a part of The Avengers, but he has evolved to a point that he wouldn’t have been able to if we hadn’t taken him through The Incredible Hulk. Now we find him a little more at peace with it all. And it’s not until he meets Tony Stark and is exposed to the other heroes of the Avengers that he is willing to go for it – in that moment that we won’t spoil here.”

Captain America faces a resurrected and brainwashed Bucky AKA the Winter Soldier

On Avengers 2 and Captain America 2: “If we do an Avengers 2 it will be after [Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Captain America 2]. They have to grow, they have to change. What they’ve gone through in this movie will impact their state of mind and where they stand in their next movies. Then whatever they go through in those movies is going to affect where we meet them in the next Avengers film. But I think people will be surprised to see, as we go forward – particularly in Iron Man 3 – the notion of how singular the stories can become. Iron Man 3 is a very singular Tony Stark story. As is Thor 2.

Cap, who is stuck in the modern day with no friends or family, there will be some revelations of who is still alive from his days in WWII, but SHIELD and Nick Fury are kind of his confidants right now. So of all these movies, Captain America 2 will be most closely associated with Avengers.”

Currently details are scarce about the next Captain America film, but sadly director Joe Johnston will not be returning, which I feel is a major mistake. Directors George Nolfi of The Adjustment Bureau and Anthony and Joseph Russo of the hit TV sitcom Community are rumored replacements, but nothing official has been stated yet. The movie does have a release date of 4 April, 2014 and a returning pair of screenwriters Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus who promise plenty of flashbacks to the 1940’s as Steve Rogers struggles to find his place in the modern world.

Chris Evans as Captain America and Sebastian Stan as Bucky

Of course readers may recall that Johnston had planned to continue his story by having Bucky survive his fall in the first film only to be revived by the KGB and brainwashed into the perfect assassin, the Winter Soldier. Bucky would be cryogenicly frozen in between missions so that he aged slowly and was easy to control. But when he goes rogue in contemporary NYC, he encounters his old friend Steve and things get crazy from there (at least that’s how it played out in the comics).

A new director could mean that Johnston’s ideas are out the window, but the hint of ‘revelations of who is still alive from his days in WWII’ could support the Winter Soldier storyline.

Captain America has fought werewolves, terrorists and giant robots, so the sky is the limit as far as potential story ideas. It is nice to know that Johnston had an eye on the Brubaker comics as they are very appealing to a modern audience in my opinion.

What is more mysterious is the prospect of more Hulk movies.

The Ang Lee film in 2003 was deemed a disaster though it grossed $132.2 million in domestic sales. I still quite like it but it might be a bit too ‘modern’ for most and I can appreciate that. The second attempt in 2008 directed by Louis Leterrier was a more commercial friendly film yet it too is regarded by most as a flop (at over $134 million we should all be such failures!), and a sequel deteriorated as Marvel decided there would be no more Hulk films despite the obvious hints at the development of Leader when Samuel Sterns became the victim of gamma-radiation.

After the resounding reception that the jade giant has received in the Avengers and the six picture deal that actor Mark Ruffalo has signed, it is safe to say that Marvel has turned heel on that notion and a motion picture is back on track.

I’m not sure what is on Marvel’s mind, but one thing that we are unlikely to see is the military versus Hulk, something that Feige and co had grown weary of. I’m hoping that a more action-oriented yet thoughtful and entertaining compromise can be found as this character deserves another shot at the big screen.

This week at your comic shop – 5/9/2012

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.

Hulk Smash Avengers #2 (of 5)

Hulk Smash Avengers #2 (of 5)
By: Joe Casey, Max Fiumara, Lee Weeks
A five-part, weekly punch-fest that explores the ever-evolving relationship between the Gamma Goliath and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!Hulk vs. the ’70s-era Avengers: Iron Man, Wasp, Vision and the Beast!

________________________________________________________

Batman HC Vol. 01 The Court of Owls

Batman HC Vol. 01 The Court of Owls
By: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
Following his groundbreaking, critically acclaimed run on Detective Comics, writer Scott Snyder (American Vampire) begins a new era of The Dark Knight with artist Greg Capullo (Spawn) and a new beginning for Batman!

In this hardcover collecting the first six issues, a series of brutal murders rocks not only Gotham City to its core but also the Caped Crusader himself when the prime suspect is one of Batman’s closest allies–Dick Grayson!

This title collects
Batman #1-6

________________________________________________________

Batman #9

Batman #9
By: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
‘NIGHT OF THE OWLS’ continues here!

Batman must stop the TALONS that have breeched the Batcave in order to save an innocent life…and Gotham City! In the backup story, learn more about the Pennyworth family and the secrets they’ve kept from the Wayne family!
________________________________________________________

Wolverine and the X-Men #10

Wolverine and the X-Men #10
By: Jason Aaron, Chris Bachalo
An AVX TIE-IN!

Cyclops comes to the Jean Grey School! Will Wolverine’s X-Men join Cyclops against the Avengers? ICEMAN vs RED HULK!

________________________________________________________

Doctor Who Classics Series 5 #4 (of 6)

Doctor Who Classics Series 5 #4 (of 6)
By: Grant Morrison, John Ridgway
IDW’s newly recolored reprints of classic Doctor Who tales from years past! This all-new series picks up where Series III left off, with the adventures of the SIXTH DOCTOR! Features two complete stories from celebrated writers Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated) and Simon Furman (Transformers)!
________________________________________________________

Batman And Robin #9

Batman And Robin #9
By: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray
NIGHT OF THE OWLS continues here!

Robin faces Talon alone with the skies of Gotham City at stake!

________________________________________________________

Babys In Black HC

Babys In Black HC
By: Arne Bellstorf
Meet The Beatles… right at the beginning of their careers. This high-energy graphic novel provides an intimate peek into the early years of the world’s greatest rock band. The ‘fifth Beatle,’ Stuart Sutcliffe, falls in love with the beautiful Astrid Kirchherr when she recruits the Beatles for a sensational (and famous) photography session during their time in Hamburg. When the band returns to Liverpool, Sutcliffe stays in Hamburg and becomes engaged to Kirchherr. A year later, his career as a modern artist is cut short when he dies unexpectedly. The book ends as it begins, with Astrid, alone and adrift; but with a note of hope: her life is incomparably richer and more directed thanks to her friendship with the Beatles and her love affair with Sutcliffe.
________________________________________________________

Uncanny X-Force #25

Uncanny X-Force #25
By: Rick Remender, Mike McKone, Jerome Opena
Landmark 25th issue! The epic saga THE FINAL EXECUTION begins here! Who are the Omegas and why must X-Force hunt them down? Included in this issue: Two rare stories by Rick Remender and Jerome Opeña starring Wolverine and Deadpool!
________________________________________________________

Megalex Complete Story HC

Megalex Complete Story HC
By: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Fred Beltran
On the planet-city of Megalex, urban sprawl consumes the entire planet, leaving only a few bastions of nature on the planet. Megalex’s drug-addled citizens are always searching for a distraction, even the battle Megalex wages on the planets’ environment is seen as giddy entertainment. That all changes when a clone, known only as the Anomaly, is born and rescued from certain destruction by the beautiful Adamâ and her fellow freedom fighters. With the forces of nature on their side, the Anomaly and Adamâ fight to end the stranglehold Megalex has on the planet.
________________________________________________________

Conquest of the Planet of the Living Dead One Shot

Conquest of the Planet of the Living Dead One Shot
By: Joe Wight, David Hutchinson
The galactic war has raged for 300 years. The planet of origin has finally been confirmed. Now Humanity will strike at the undead heart of the Zombie Plague. The living must take back the galaxy or forever be condemned to death without end. There is no peace. There is no surrender. There is no escape. There is only eternal damnation…or CONQUEST.

________________________________________________________

New Avengers #26

New Avengers #26
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Mike Deodato
AVX TIE-IN!

The secret history of the Phoenix is revealed in K’un Lun’s book of the dead Iron Fists. One of the most important chapters in the AVX story. What is Danny Rand’s secret connection to the Phoenix?
________________________________________________________

Punisher #11

Punisher #11
By: Greg Rucka, Mirko Colak, Bryan Hitch
After making the streets run red in “The Omega Effect” with Spider-Man and Daredevil, Frank Castle speaks. And Rachel Cole is not going to like what she hears.

________________________________________________________

Demon Knights #9

Demon Knights #9
By: Paul Cornell, Diogenes Neves, Mike Choi
‘THE MURDER OF MERLIN’ begins. Great jumping-on point for new readers to join the series!

Who has the power to murder Merlin–and what else are they capable of?
________________________________________________________

Marvel Masterworks Avengers HC Vol. 12

Marvel Masterworks Avengers HC Vol. 12
By: Steve Englehart, Bob Brown, John Romita
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes fight one of the greatest battles in super-hero history! It’s hero against hero in the sensational summer hit of 1973: the ‘Avengers/Defenders War.’ Cap vs. Namor! Thor vs. Hulk!

It’s the original crossover clash, and there’s never been another one like it. But first, there are even more trendsetting classics in store for you: Mantis makes her debut; the Lion God brings the Avengers to their knees; Vision and the Scarlet Witch’s relationship blossoms, but not without the intolerant objections of others; and the Swordsman joins the ranks of the Avengers.

And as an added bonus, we’re including rare pinups, profiles and an interview with the Avengers’ own Jarvis – all from the pages of the ’70s fan-mag F.O.O.M.!
This title collects
Avengers #112-119 (1963), Defenders #8-11 (1972), Foom #5-7

________________________________________________________

DC Superhero Chess Figure Coll Mag #5 Catwoman White Queen

DC Superhero Chess Figure Coll Mag #5 Catwoman White Queen

DC Superhero Chess Figure Coll Mag #4 Penguin Black Knight

DC Superhero Chess Figure Coll Mag #4 Penguin Black Knight
The DC Superhero Chess Figure Collector Magazine brings your favorite DC Comics characters to life in a stunning chess-piece collection, complete with a 16-page magazine providing detail on the character as well as instructions on how the piece operates on the chess board! Each official figurine is cast in metallic resin and individually hand-painted.

Get your collection started this month with the first four figures of this amazing set: Batman White King (#1), Robin White Bishop (#2), Joker Black King (#3), and Penguin Black Knight (#4)!
________________________________________________________

Frankenstein Alive Alive #1

Frankenstein Alive Alive #1
By: Steve Niles, Bernie Wrightson
Few works by comic-book artists have earned the universal acclaim and reverence that Bernie Wrightson’s illustrated version of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein was met with upon its original release in 1983.

Nearly 30 years later, Wrightson returns to his passion project with a comic series that picks up at the end of the classic novel, hailed as one of the greatest horror stories of all time. Frequent Wrightson collaborator Steve Niles provides the script for this epic, decades in the making.

While appearing to be in black and white, each page was scanned in color to mimic as closely as possible the experience of viewing the actual original art, showing off the exquisitely detailed brush work of one of the greatest living artists in comics today.

Each issue will also include supplemental materials, including interviews, essays and a serialization of the original prose story by Shelley.

________________________________________________________

Mystery In Space (One Shot) (Variant Cover Edition)

Mystery In Space (One Shot) (Variant Cover Edition)
By: Andy Diggle, Paul Pope, Ryan Sook, Mike Allred
This one-shot anthology is loaded with unsettling short stories that will hijack your imagination and take you to strange, mysterious places.

Journey to the edge of the abyss with Michael Allred! Arrive in the middle of an intergalactic space heist with Paul Pope!

Plus: Broken hearts will be cryogenically frozen, a zero-gravity menage á trois will be compromised by aliens, and solar systems will spiral out of control when top comics talents and exciting newcomers collide!

This variant cover edition comes bagged and boarded.
________________________________________________________

Higher Earth #1

Higher Earth #1
By: Sam Humphries, Carlos Magno, Phil Noto
Space is dead. Why conquer other planets when there’s a perfectly good Earth in the universe next door?

Heidi, a girl born in garbage. Rex, a soldier gone rogue. The only thing between them and their destiny is an empire of a hundred different Earths, across a hundred alternate timelines.

One majestic planet dominates them all: Higher Earth. Created and written by Sam Humphries (Fanboys Vs. Zombies) Higher Earth is his sci-fi follow up to last year’s indie hit Our Love Is Real, a fast-paced epic of infinite possibilities.

________________________________________________________

Avengers Academy Prem HC Second Semester

Avengers Academy Prem HC Second Semester
By: Christos N. Gage, Sean Chen, Rodin Esquejo
It’s a new start for the Academy kids! New students! New staff! New West Coast campus! But when a classic Avenger is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect – and guest-stars Captain America, Luke Cage and HawkeyeÖbrawl with the student body?! As student turns on student, and students clash with staff, which cast members are trying to shut down the Academy? It’s a surprise revelation that will have your jaw on the floor! Plus: Reptil’s darkest secret is revealed! And when X-23 joins Avengers Academy, will they survive the experience? Collecting AVENGERS ACADEMY #21-26.
________________________________________________________

Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #5

Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #5
By: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi, Tonci Zonjic, Dave Stewart, Dave Johnson
Lobster Johnson blasts his way through an army of mad sewer cannibals in order to get to the greedy mob boss Wald!

* From the pages of Hellboy.

* Art by Tonci Zonjic (Who Is Jake Ellis?)

“Lobster Johnson is smart, savvy and fun.” -Comics Bulletin

________________________________________________________

Journey Into Mystery #637

Journey Into Mystery #637
By: Kieron Gillen, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Stephanie Hans
Exiled part 2 of 5!

Gods made mortal, with mutants their only hope for survival! Undead cannibals on the loose, San Francisco turned inside out by forbidden magic!

A thrilling mythological mystery adventure in the Mighty Marvel manner, the most epic crossover of 2012! (Not counting that one where As fight Xs)
________________________________________________________

Lone Ranger Vendetta GN

Lone Ranger Vendetta GN
By: Howard Hopkins, Doug Klauba
From out of the past comes a mysterious killer systematically murdering anyone with a connection to the Masked Rider of the Plains former identity. When all signs point to Butch Cavendish, a man long dead, The Ranger finds himself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the life of his faithful Indian companion hanging in the balance.

________________________________________________________

Frankenstein Agent of Shade #9

Frankenstein Agent of Shade #9
By: Jeff Lemire, Alberto Ponticelli
S.H.A.D.E. sends Frankenstein to find the mysteriously missing Animal Man. Frankenstein battles The Rotlings!
________________________________________________________

FLCL Omnibus TPB

FLCL Omnibus TPB
By: Gainax, Hajime Ueda
The complete FLCL manga adaptation–now with bonus color illustrations and remastered story pages! In this surreal sci-fi romp, a sullen Japanese boy finds himself in the middle of an interstellar conspiracy.

As his home life unravels, a sexy space assassin becomes his family maid, and his own head becomes a portal for armed robots. Life as he knows it is quickly falling apart, and Ueda doesn’t know who’s friend or foe! One thing’s for certain–he has to grow up quick and save his hometown, whether he wants to or not!

* A popular Adult Swim cartoon–now read the manga series!

* Dark Horse Manga’s FLCL Omnibus will include remastered story pages, a remastered script, and bonus color pages.

________________________________________________________

Hulk #51

Hulk #51
By: Jeff Parker, Carlo Pagulayan
General Ross is being haunted by ghosts from his past, but WHOSE ghosts are they? Red Hulk wants answers, but so do . . . RAIZO KODO and THE FORGIVEN?!?! Does salvation lie in the hands of the LEGION OF MONSTERS?
________________________________________________________

Green Lantern #9

Green Lantern #9
By: Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke
‘THE SECRET OF THE INDIGO TRIBE’ part three!

Hal Jordan and Sinestro learn the horrific truth behind the members of the Indigo Tribe and their connection to Abin Sur.

Also, the Guardians begin their plan to replace the Green Lantern Corps–at any cost!

________________________________________________________

Essential Black Panther TPB Vol. 01

Essential Black Panther TPB Vol. 01
By: Don McGregor, Rich Buckler, Gil Kane
Embark on an expedition into the heart of Marvel’s dark continent! Join T’Challa, King of Wakanda – the Black Panther – as he fights to uphold peace and justice in both his own African kingdom and New York City’s urban jungle.

Experience the thrills as one of the Marvel Universe’s noblest knights-errant takes on everything from hatemongering heels to futuristic frog time machines, as brought to you by the inimitable imaginations of some of comicdom’s most sensational scribes!
This title collects
Jungle Action (1972) #6-22 and #24, plus Black Panther (1977) #1-10.

________________________________________________________

Captain America And Hawkeye #630

Captain America And Hawkeye #630
By: Cullen Bunn, Alessandro Vitti, Patrick Zircher
All the patriotism and arrows in the world may not be enough to save Cap and Hawkeye from a hive of dino-monstrosities! A secret buried beneath the San Andres Mountains begins to unravel.

All this and: Stegron!

________________________________________________________

Legion Of Super Heroes Archives HC Vol. 13

Legion Of Super Heroes Archives HC Vol. 13
Written by JIM SHOOTER, PAUL LEVITZ and GERRY CONWAY Art by MIKE GRELL, MICHAEL NETZER, JOE STATON, JIM SHERMAN and others ï Cover by MIKE GRELL ADVANCE SOLICITED ï On sale MARCH 3 ï 240 pg, FC, $59.99 US In these stories, collected from SUPERBOY AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #224-233, the 30th century teens battle Stargrave, The Fatal Five and the intergalactic conspiracy known as The Dark Circle.
________________________________________________________

Avengers Crossing Omnibus HC

Avengers Crossing Omnibus HC
One of the nineties’ most notorious narratives! It was a day unlike any other, but in which timeline? Warriors from the future and secrets from the past abound when Kang the Conqueror appears to set the Avengers and Force Works against each other in a game for a prize no one can imagine!

Starring Iron Man, War Machine, Crystal and Quicksilver, Hawkeye and the Black Widow, Hercules, the Vision and the Scarlet Witch, Dr. Doom, and more!

This title collects
Avengers (1963) #390-395, Avengers: The Crossing, Avengers: Timeslide, Iron Man (1968) #319-325, Force Works #16-22, War Machine (1994) #20-25 and Age of Innocence: The Rebirth of Iron Man

________________________________________________________

Captain America #11

Captain America #11
By: Ed Brubaker, Patrick Zircher
Patrick Zircher joins Ed Brubaker for “System Failure.” Ex super-villains in Witness Protection are murdered! Are they related to the return of an old villain and an old lover? Can Cap solve this mystery before he himself becomes a target?
________________________________________________________

Kolchak And Lost World SC

Kolchak And Lost World SC
By: C. J. Henderson, Doug Klauba
After getting a serial killer to confess, Kolchak is offered an international assignment with massive coverage around the world. With fame and fortune finally within reach, Kolchak is ready to cover the story, when he’s confronted by a mysterious monk who warns him that ‘the seventy-two must always be.’ What this means is not explained. But, before he knows it, Kolchak’s dreams are invaded by unexplainable images that let him know every step he takes toward this story is bringing him closer to death.
________________________________________________________

Captain America By Ed Brubaker Prem HC Vol. 02

Captain America By Ed Brubaker Prem HC Vol. 02
By: Ed Brubaker, Alan Davis
Cap struggles to find his faith when the new Hydra rises from the ashes and makes its first deadly moves! As the Serpent Squad strikes and Madbomb riots explode through Manhattan, Sharon Carter takes charge – and Cap’s crisis of faith becomes a debilitating physical dilemma! Events spiral out of control as Codename: Bravo returns, Machinesmith breaks loose, and Falcon fights alongside the enemy! Can Cap be cured? And if so, will it be in time to face the new Hydra’s deadly secret? Superstar artist Alan Davis joins the all-star creative team as best-selling Cap writer Ed Brubaker brings you action-packed espionage in the Mighty Marvel Manner! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA (2011) #6-10.

________________________________________________________

Avenging Spider-Man #7

Avenging Spider-Man #7
By: Kathryn Immonen, Stuart Immonen
A night out with Spider-Man and She-Hulk! All the thwipping and quipping, and none of the calories! Katherine and Stuart Immonen smash their way into the book so action packed it keeps flying off the shelves…
________________________________________________________

Avengers Private War of Dr Doom

Avengers Private War of Dr Doom
By: Steve Englehart, George Perez
In an epic spanning from New York to Louisiana to California to Maryland to the Atlantic Ocean, the Avengers are forced into Dr. Doom’s latest scheme by the Atlantean Attuma, who wants Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to keep Doom from conquering the world – so HE can conquer it, instead!Plus: voodoo, mad science and the resurrection of the dead! With guest appearances from throughout Avengers history! Featuring Namor the Sub-Mariner, the Champions of Los Angeles, the Circus of Crime and more!

This title collects
Avengers #151-156 (1963), Avengers Annual #6, Super Villain Team-Up #9