NEW COMICS WEEK OF 2/12/2020

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 links 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.

Wes Anderson’s Isle Of Dogs HC, $19.99
Animal Man By Grant Morrison Volume 1 TP, $29.99
Batman And The Outsiders #10 (Cover A Tyler Kirkham), $3.99
Batman Pennyworth R.I.P. #1, $4.99
Batman The Dark Knight Detective Volume 3 TP, $34.99
Batman’s Grave #5 (Of 12)(Cover A Bryan Hitch), $3.99
Blackhawk Blood And Iron HC, $49.99
Green Lantern Season Two #1 (Cover A Liam Sharp), $4.99
Superman #20 (Cover A Ivan Reis & Joe Prado), $3.99
James Bond #3 (Cover A Jim Cheung Fold Out Variant), $3.99
Doctor Who Figurine Collection Companion Set Magazine #7 (The Thirteenth Doctor/Ryan/Yaz/Graham), $69.95
Amazing Spider-Man #39 (Cover A Patrick Gleason), $3.99
Daredevil By Brian Michael Bendis And Alex Maleev Omnibus Volume 2 HC (New Printing), $100.00
Dr. Strange #3 (Cover B Kev Walker), AR
Excalibur #7 (Cover A Mahmud A. Asrar), $3.99
Immortal Hulk #31 (Cover A Alex Ross), $3.99
Marvel Tales Wolverine #1 (Cover A In-Hyuk Lee), $7.99
Marvels X #2 (Of 6)(Cover A Alex Ross), $4.99
Spirits Ghost Rider Mother Of Demons #1 (Cover A Philip Tan), $4.99
X-Force #7, $3.99
X-Men #6 (Cover A Leinil Francis Yu), $3.99
Science Of James Bond SC, $14.99
Jack Kirby Collector #78 (Deluxe Edition), $12.95
Black Hole Maximilan And Vincent Vinimate 2 Pack, AR
Invader Zim Taco Overload Gir Patch, AR
John Wick Gallery Catacombs PVC Statue, AR
Tron Select Series 1 Figure Assortment, AR

Superman: Man of Steel – new trailer

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel has, to date, been marketed as a moving drama showing an angst-ridden and tortured hero in a world where he is a complete foreigner. Finally a trailer has arrived that pits the hero against some tangible threat. General Zod hovers over the planet with a vast army demanding the return of their lost citizen, Kal-El. In the throes of an identity crisis, young Clark Kent pleads with his father to ‘just be his son,’ and his dad embraces him. Forever the outsider, Superman rises to the challenge of an entire invasion force, knowing full well that he will never truly belong among his own people or his adopted family. It’s a superb decision to blend drama and action with marvelous results.

Plus…

Superman has something to do!
No real estate scam!
No deadbeat dad!
All new!

Man of Steel has a June 14, 2013 release date.

Batman and Superman by Moebius

I’m fighting a nasty cold this weekend, so here are some excellent images via Biblioklept:

Superman is back with Warner Bros.

As some readers may recall, the rights of the comic book character Superman have long been in contention between Warner Bros. and the heirs of creators Siegel and Shuster. The war appears to be over…

Superman circa 2012 by George Pérez

Warner wins key victory in Superman battle
By Ben Fritz
October 17, 2012, 6:26 p.m.
Superman won’t be going up, up, and away from Warner Bros.
In a crucial legal victory for the Burbank studio, a federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday denied an effort by the heirs of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster to reclaim their 50% interest in the world’s most famous superhero.

Superman is one of Warner’s most valuable characters, having generated more than $500 million at the domestic box office with five films and billions of dollars more from television series such as “Smallville,” toys and games, and 74 years’ worth of comic books.

Had Warner and its DC Comics subsidiary lost the case, they would have soon been unable to continue using certain key elements of the Superman mythos — including his super strength and speed, secret identity as Clark Kent and girlfriend Lois Lane –without reaching a costly new agreement with the estates of Shuster and co-creator Jerry Siegel.

In 2008, a judge ruled in favor of Siegel’s heirs in a similar case, allowing them to terminate half of Warner’s Superman copyright as he appeared in 1938’s Action Comics No. 1. However, under copyright law, the studio is allowed to use the character however it pleases with its 50% interest so long as it continues paying Siegel’s estate half of the relevant profits.

Warner plans to release a new big-budget Superman movie, “Man of Steel,” in June. Wednesday’s ruling will allow it to produce sequels should that picture prove successful. In addition, the studio has been eager to produce a movie featuring the DC superhero team Justice League as soon as 2015, which would have been impossible without lead character Superman.

U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright granted summary judgment in favor of Warner, ruling that a 1992 agreement between DC Comics and Shuster’s sister Jean and brother Frank was binding and prevented Shuster’s estate from attempting to terminate copyrights.

Under that deal, DC paid all of the then-recently deceased Shuster’s outstanding debts and agreed to pay Jean $25,000 a year for the rest of her life (it issued additional bonuses to her over the years).

“The court finds that the 1992 agreement, which represented the Shuster heirs’ opportunity to renegotiate the prior grants of Joe Shuster’s copyrights, superseded and replaced all prior grants of the Superman copyrights,” Wright wrote. “The 1992 agreement thus represents the parties’ operative agreement and… is not subject to termination.”

The Shusters’ attorney, Marc Toberoff, who also represents the Siegel estate, expressed surprise after just last week having said September’s summary judgment hearing went “very badly” for DC.

“We respectfully disagree with [the order’s] factual and legal conclusions,” he said in an e-mailed statement. “It is surprising given that the judge appeared to emphatically agree with our position at the summary judgment hearing.”

The eight-year legal battle between the Superman creators’ heirs and Warner probably won’t end soon. The Shuster estate is expected to appeal Wednesday’s ruling.

At a Nov. 5 appeals court hearing, the studio will attempt to overturn the Siegels’ copyright termination and Toberoff will seek more control over the character for his clients and to deny accusations of impropriety that Warner has made against him.

The case is the latest and highest-stakes dispute between the creators of famous comic book characters and the entertainment giants making more money than ever from them as superheroes have exploded in popularity in the last decade. The heirs of Marvel Comics artist Jack Kirby, also represented by Toberoff, in 2011 lost in an attempt to reclaim rights to such famous characters as the Fantastic Four, X-Men and the Hulk.

In Wright’s ruling, he noted that DC has paid the Siegel and Shuster families more than $4 million since 1975, not counting medical benefits and bonuses.

Thanks, John Hurschel Runion

The DC Comics 52 Explosion Phase 2

The relaunch of DC Comics is in its next phase. Mere months after debuting 52 monthly books, some based on established characters while others were dusted off old concepts (such as OMAC). A handful were canceled to make way for Earth-2, World’s Finest, G.I. Combat and Dial H… and now we are seeing another cycle of death and rebirth as three more books are chopped and three new ones arrive.

What is more unsettling is that DC editorial seems to be struggling with some of their cornerstone properties. Superman and Catwoman will both be on their third change in creative teams, just what is the problem there?

In any case, September has been dubbed Zero Month and will take readers into the hallowed and well-traveled origins of their favorite heroes while also bringing in some new blood.

I have very mixed feelings about the four new books, Talon, Sword of Sorcery, Team 7 and Phantom Stranger but I must applaud the variety that is represented here. Talon is by the hot talent at DC Scott Snyder whom I have deeply enjoyed since he took over Detective then Batman, Phantom Stranger has Brent Anderson on art chores and the character is one of my favorites. Sword of Sorcery does nothing for me, but it’s great that another fantasy title will be joining Demon Knights. Team 7 seems like a 1990’s flashback, but there is a fan base for such things, so… what do I know?

TALON #0
Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV
Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale SEPTEMBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• A new series featuring the Court of Owls’ unstoppable killing machine!
• Meet Calvin Rose, the only Talon ever to escape the grasp of the Court of Owls. This former assassin just wants to live a normal life…but that’s impossible, since he’s being hunted by his former masters!

TEAM 7 #0
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art and cover by JESUS MERINO
On sale SEPTEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• Threads of the entire DC Universe collide in this new series set in the early days of The New 52 from writer Justin Jordan (The Strange Talents of Luther Strode).
• As Superman emerges, so too does the world’s counter measures against him and his kind!
• Dinah Lance, Amanda Waller, Steve Trevor, John Lynch, Alex Fairchild, Cole Cash, Slade Wilson are Team 7 – and their story will change everything you know about The New 52!

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #0
Written by DAN DIDIO
Art by BRENT ANDERSON and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by BRENT ANDERSON
On sale SEPTEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• Learn what happened to The Phantom Stranger after the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY story!
• Who has been sacrificed? Who is guilty? Who can save us? And who…is The Phantom Stranger?
• Major players in The New 52 will be introduced in these pages!

SWORD OF SORCERY #0
Written by CHRISTY MARX
Backup story written by TONY BEDARD
Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN
Backup story art by JESUS SAIZ
Cover by JOSHUA MIDDLETON
On sale SEPTEMBER 19 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
• In this new series featuring the long-awaited return of AMETHYST, Amy Winston leads a strange life on the road with her mother. She’s about to learn why it’s all been necessary when she discovers she’s the lost princess of Gemworld — and has powerful enemies hunter her!
• AMETHYST is written by Christy Marx, best known for her work on animated TV series including G.I. Joe, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more, as well as the comics series Sisterhood of Steel.
• And in the backup story set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the monstrous warrior BEOWULF is charged with finding and defeating the evil Grendel.

In addition to the new titles, there are several zero issues that explore the origins of the New 52 DCU.

Shazam takes center stage in Justice League #0 while Aquaman #0 establishes the king of the seven seas and the fabled continent of Atlantis.

Earth-2 #0 stars the sadly deceased Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman of that parallel world and Green Arrow, the Flash, Wonder Woman and Hawkman all get special secret origin tales.

DC Universe Presents #0 introduces a new version of the Ditko classic heroes Hawk and Dove (has anyone outside of Ditko ever made sense of this due?) just as Captain Atom, Voodoo and Resurrection Man bow out with a zero issue… strangely.

It all strikes me as very bizarre to reboot your universe and a few months down the road amid the carnage of cancelled comics, special issues are released with origin stories. These are just quarter bin fodder as far as I can see. That’s not a slight on the material as most of it looks quite good, but it does appear to be a marketing disaster. The only issues that I plan to pick up are Batman, Batwoman (drawn by JH Williams!), Detective Comics (written by Gregg Hurwitz!) and Nightwing and that’s just because I’m in a bat-fever.

My main complaint isn’t with the material at all, but the scatter-shot nature of the releases.

There are some gems in here such as young John Constantine in Justice League: Dark written by Jeff Lemiere and an early Animal Man story by the same author. Legion of Superheroes will feature artwork by the always exciting Scott Kolins and Legion Lost welcomes the excellent Pete Woods.

GI Combat looks like an astonishingly superb issue that establishes the new Unknown Soldier, as well as more tales from the War that Time Forgot.

Even with all my whinging, there is a lot of high quality material here (hiding in the middle of the awful looking Grifter, Hawkman, Superman, Firestorm and the unlikely physique of Catwoman) and I hope that readers take the time to flip through a few, if only to respect the hard work and outstanding talent that went into them.

What issues are you picking up?

New DC fighting game ‘Injustice: Gods Among Us’

Official Press Release

What if our greatest heroes became our greatest threat? Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced Injustice: Gods Among Us, an all-new game in development by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, creators of the definitive fighting game franchise Mortal Kombat. The game is scheduled for release in 2013 for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and the Wii U(TM) system from Nintendo.

Injustice: Gods Among Us debuts as a bold new fighting game franchise that introduces a deep, original story featuring a large cast of favorite DC Comics icons such as Batman, Harley Quinn, Solomon Grundy, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman and many others. Set in a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred, players will experience heroes and villains engaging in epic battles on a massive scale.

“With Injustice: Gods Among Us, we are creating an all-new franchise with incredible battles set in the DC Comics Universe,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “NetherRealm Studios is the extremely talented team behind the latest Mortal Kombat hit and it is developing a game unlike any other in the fighting genre.”

“We can’t wait to reveal Injustice: Gods Among Us because it will give our fans and gamers an epic experience as they battle like gods as their favorite DC Comics villains and heroes,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios. “Our team is excited to make a fighting game that is filled with fast-paced action, incredible story-telling and iconic DC Comics characters.”

For more information, visit http://www.injustice.com .

About DC Entertainment DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes–a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes–to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

Game trailer

About NetherRealm Studios NetherRealm Studios is a leader in the development of interactive entertainment, and the creator of the billion dollar Mortal Kombat franchise. Mortal Kombat has spawned two theatrical films, multiple television series, and has sold over 28 million games to date. Located in Chicago, Illinois the award-winning NetherRealm team has been working and creating games together since 1992. Additional information about NetherRealm Studios can be found at http://www.netherrealm.com .

INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US (C) 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by NetherRealm Studios. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Nintendo trademarks and copyrights are properties of Nintendo.

DC LOGO, and all characters, their distinctive likenesses, and related elements are trademarks of DC Comics (C) 2012. NETHERREALM STUDIOS LOGO, WB GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: (TM) & (C) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s12)
Via ComicbookResources

Quick review: Action Comics #8

Action Comics #8

By Grant Morrison, Rags Morales, Brad Walker, Rick Bryant and Bob McLeod

Metropolis has been shrunken into part of Brainiac’s collection. In a bar, Lex Luthor attempts to convince Lois Lane that he is not the villain here and that Superman is still a threat. Multimillionaire Glen Glenmorgan, CEO of Galaxy Communications, is a shattered mess as his mind drivels away, realizing that it was all the Devil’s doing. Meanwhile Superman discovers his Kryptonian legacy and begins the first real conflict in what promises to be a never-ending battle with the forces of evil.

If the above sounds quite massive, a bit scatter-shot and muddled while attempting to bridge the gap between Superman’s early years and his present status as the man of steel and guardian of the planet… that’s because it is. When I initially reviews Grant Morrison’s first issue on Action Comics, I gave it high accolades for its bold new direction and alternate stance on the character. Seven issues later (two of them being very awkward fill-ins with the Legion of Super Heroes of the future) and I change my plea to guilty.

The story so far…

The first eight issues form a very rickety arc with the hated and feared alien masquerading as a socialist reporter at one end and the shiny hero with a high profile job at the Daily Planet at the other. In between Lex Luthor and the military hunt Superman like the menace that he has shown himself to be. As a reporter, Clark Kent lives the life of a recluse in a shoddy apartment, writing stories that threaten the establishment and put him in danger. His friend Jimmy Olsen has a cushy job at the Daily Planet with star reporter Lois Lane, but they fail to really get along. Both are interested in the truth and common good, it’s just that Clark’s tactics are more dangerous.

Behind the scenes, Luthor is in touch with an alien entity that is later revealed to be Brainiac. Brainiac promises power to Luthor who is understandably out-classed by the rabble-rousing superhuman dynamo that refuses to be categorized and studied. A flabby genius and egomaniac, Luthor jumps at the first chance to assist the military in defending the planet from alien threats using alien tech, leading to the creation of Metal 0 (geddit?), which of course turns out to be a rampaging monster hell-bent on killing Superman and anyone who gets in his way.

There are some back-up stories with John Henry Irons (AKA Steel) that kinda fail to come together and mainly serve to beef up the page count and justify the $3.99 price point. When Metropolis is finally taken by Brainiac (having merged with Metal 0), Superman literally sheds his street clothes and bad boy persona for the regal attire of a Kryptonian, conveniently on display aboard Brainiac’s ship.

Thus, does Superman move from menace to savior and all of the toys are in their respective slots… how boring.

In addition to the comic being drawn by three separate art teams, it is narratively and logically all over the place. I mean, exactly why are all the major characters hanging out in the SAME BAR? Isn’t most of Metropolis in the bottle? Is that the ONLY bar in the bottle? Oh, and another character has actually found himself in a bottle and is trying to figuratively climb into one, the unlikely-named Glen Glenmorgan. That has to be the laziest of ironic twists I have ever seen.

Lois, Lex and Jimmy.... in a bar

Why has Glenmorgan suddenly lost his mind and why should we care? The ‘little man’ that he refers to is the stuff of internet forum discussion, but I wager that it could relate to the leader of the Superman Revenge Squad seen in the two filler issues. Unfortunately, the art styles are so different and that story takes place in the future making it nearly impossible to guess or understand why this could be an accurate guess. Also, how is anyone responsible for granting Glenmorgan anything? It’s obvious that all of this will be addressed in (much) later issues, but seeing as how the character has barely featured in the series it’s just annoyingly obtuse.

Glenmorgan ruminates on his rise and fall

Did he just say 'Join the collection pie?'

Superman is challenged by Brainiac to choose between his alien background and his connection to Earth, with Metropolis and the bottled city of Kandor hanging in the balance. Brainiac is a confusingly designed multiple-brained spider-thing with John Corben grafted into its middle, like some kids toy from the 80’s gone horribly wrong. Superman attempts to connect with what’s left of Corben with limited success, but it’s unclear how direct the connection is between Corben and Brainiac, so I was never sure how important this was.

In the end, Superman just shoots the miniaturized rocket that took him to Earth into Brainiac which over-rides its programming. This could be the only part of the story that I enjoyed and it ties into Morrison’s credo of making friends with your enemies, but it’s also so awkwardly crafted that I can’t bring myself to praise it.

The issue ends with Superman getting the key to the city, making a joke related to the Silver Age Fortress of Solitude and visiting his parents’ grave site. There he realizes his mission to use his powers to make a positive difference, and that his work has just begun.

The never-ending battle

I’ve been going through something of a Superman run the past year or so, re-reading some old Bronze Age material, the Geoff Johns stuff leading up to War of the Supermen, Secret Origin an Mark Waid’s series Birthright. I’ve really enjoyed all of the comics and even with the muddied mess that War of the Supermen became due to the multiple crossovers and loss of Johns as head writer, it tells a compelling story that challenges what makes the character work while refusing to twist his personality. I like that a lot.

The journey through pre-52-land has taught me a very important lesson, that there’s a lot of love for this character and hardly any editorial direction. It seems that DC Comics is just madly stabbing away at a dart board of ideas, desperate to sell a superhero that sells himself, and in the process stands to ruin him.

This kind of decision making leads to the introduction of  a controversial socialist Superman in the first issue of the new action comics only to resolve him into the iconic hero at the end of the eighth. In effect (unless subsequent issues prove me wrong), DC has messed with one of their most renowned creations then reverted him back to type. The fact that the Superman series is set after the events of the first eight issues of Action Comics and is duller than dull makes me almost certain that the ‘new Superman’ is just the old Superman with a red belt and wearing his underwear inside of his pants.

I’m not so down on the New 52 Superman, but Action Comics has been, at best, a mixed affair and the Superman monthly book a largely disappointing dud which is already onto its second creative team (I really want that series and this one to work, is it too much to ask for at least one good Superman title?).

Joe Quesada said it best when he pointed out that if DC knew what they were doing, Marvel would not be in business (I’m paraphrasing) because they own the best characters. Superman and Batman are easily the most recognizable properties worldwide. Their images sell everything from video games to band aids.

The stories of Superman and Batman touch nearly every human being, as a story of hope and determination in the face of insurmountable odds. However, the comics themselves are nearly unapproachable except for a select few. Based on the sales figures, the remaining readers are hooked and enjoying what DC is doing, but the publisher could be reaching so many more readers if they simply allowed the characters to be what they are, and not attempt to modernize and alter them so much that they bear little resemblance to their iconic identities. It’s possible to have both, All-Star Superman showed that for one thing, but why not use a similar approach in a monthly series rather than a specialty book?

With a major motion picture for Superman (yet another reboot) on its way and the DC Universe ramping up a block of programming on the Cartoon Network, you’d think this would all be streamlined and well crafted, but if this issue is any indication (and as a major showcase character it should set the standard), then there’s a lot of work still to be done.

Rant concludes… back to your business…

This week at your comic shop – 3/28/2012

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.

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Secret Avengers #24

Secret Avengers #24
By: Rick Remender, Gabriel Hardman and Bettie Breitweiser
Hawkeye’s leadership put to the ultimate test after an Avenger dies! The Secret Avengers trapped in an automaton city in the center of the earth! Father and his descendants begin their plans to spread contagious robot evolution! A new Avenger joins to save our wayward squad, but will he get there in time?

Preview pages below:

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Avengers vs. X-Men #0 (of 12)

Avengers vs. X-Men #0 (of 12)
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Frank Cho, Jason Aaron
The return of the Scarlet Witch! What does this mean for the mutant messiah, Hope?

Be sure to get in on the ground floor of the biggest event in Marvel history–all brought to you by the House of Ideas’ greatest creators!
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Aquaman #7

Aquaman #7
By: Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado
Who destroyed Atlantis? In the start of a new storyline, we follow the hunter as he stalks and kills his prey, claiming their weapons and armor as trophies.

A golden shield, a golden helm . . . and the final prize is the most powerful of all: a golden trident. The only problem is, he’s going to have to go through Aquaman to get it.

Who is he? What is the secret of Aquaman’s trident? And how does this all tie into the destruction of Atlantis?
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Hawkeye Museum Pose Statue

Hawkeye Museum Pose Statue
Known as the Avengers’ marksman, Clint Barton is incredibly skilled with the bow and was trained by Captain America himself in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat. As the Avenger Hawkeye, he is one of Earth’s greatest heroes.

Sculpted by the Kucharek Brothers, this acclaimed Avenger comes to life as the 12″ tall Hawkeye Museum Pose Statue.
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All Star Western #7

All Star Western #7
By: Justin Gray, Moritat, Jose Ladrann
Jonah Hex tracks the kidnapper Thurston Moody to New Orleans in pursuit of his bounty. But he and Amadeus Arkham find New Orleans under attack by the August 7, a group of anti-immigrant, steampunk terrorists.

Only the renowned Nighthawk and Cinnamon stand between the terrorists and the immigrant workforce of this city. Hex consents to put the bounty aside (for the moment) to help his friends and finds himself in a battle to the death!

Plus: Some of the best-love stories are tempered with revenge, especially in the case of Nighthawk and Cinnamon.
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New Deadwardians #1 (of 8)

New Deadwardians #1 (of 8)
By: Dan Abnett, I. N. J. Culbard
Another vampire/zombie comic? Really, Vertigo?

Trust us. This is different.

In post-Victorian England, nearly everyone of the upper classes has voluntarily become a vampire to escape the lower classes who are all zombies.

Into this simmering cauldron is thrust Chief Inspector George Suttle, a lonely detective who’s got the slowest beat in London: investigating murders in a world where everyone is already dead! But when the body of a young aristocrat washes up on the banks of the Thames, Suttle’s quest for the truth will take him from the darkest sewers to the gleaming halls of power, and reveal the rotten heart at the center of this strange world.

THE NEW DEADWARDIANS is brought to vivid life by fan-favorite writer Dan Abnett (RESURRECTION MAN, LEGION LOST) with art by newcomer I. N. J. Culbard (At The Mountains of Madness).

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Doctor Who Image Of The Fendahl Action Figure Set

Doctor Who Image Of The Fendahl Action Figure Set
Imported from the UK! An anachronistic 12-million-year-old human skull has been discovered by archaeologists and is now being used by Professor Fendelman in his time scanner experiments at Fetch Priory in contemporary England. The skull is actually an artifact of the Fendahl, an ancient creature that feeds on the life force of others. Drawn by the operation of the scanner, the Fourth Doctor and Leela arrive as the experiments reach a peak. The skull is exerting an influence over the mind of Thea Ransome, one of the scientists in Fendelman’s team, and she is eventually transformed into the Fendahl! This set includes figures of Leela, a Fendahleen adult, a Fendahleen skull, and a skull, all as seen in the Doctor Who story, ‘Image of the Fendahl.’
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Uncanny X-Force #23

Uncanny X-Force #23
By: Rick Remender, Robbi Rodriguez, Rafael Grampa
The trial of Fantomex concludes! The multiverse is in danger, the Captain Britain Corps is in shambles, and it is up to X-Force to save the day. A terrible choice must be made for the protection of all reality!
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Superman #7

Superman #7
By: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Joe Prado, Ivan Reis
The start of an insanely epic arc from the new writing team of Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens! New love interests, new roommates, and a new foe: the wicked Helspont! What does this monster want with Superman, and how does it all connect to the Daemonites?
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Captain America Death of Red Skull

Captain America Death of Red Skull
By: J.M. Dematteis, Bill Mantlo, Michael Ellis, Mike Carlin, Ron Frenz, Herb Trimpe, Paul Neary, Mike Zeck
One of the Sentinel of Liberty’s greatest conflicts with his hated arch-nemesis is finally collected!

Join Cap & Co. – including Nomad, the Black Crow, the Avengers and more – as Marvel’s First Avenger must contend with the diabolical daughter of the Red Skull, survive the Secret Wars and overcome an untimely encounter with old age – all before one stupendous showdown with Herr Skull that will leave you gaping in star-spangled wonder!

This title collects
Captain America (1968) #290-301

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Battle Royale Blu-ray DVD

Battle Royale Blu-ray DVD
In a future where society is on the verge of collapse, the government takes drastic action against the problem of rebellious teenagers in this violent sci-fi opus from Japan. In the year 2002, Japan’s economy has taken a dramatic turn for the worse, and massive unemployment and inflation have thrown most adults into a state of chaos; the nation’s youth culture responds with unprecedented violence, delinquency, and truancy. Desperate to restore order, the Japanese parliament responds by creating the Millennial Reform School Act, in which groups of junior high students are selected at random, sent to an isolated island, and forced to play a rigorous war game, in which all but one of their number are killed. Kitano (Beat Takeshi) is an embittered school instructor who guides the 44 students of the Zentsuji Middle School’s Class B through the deadly game known as ‘Battle Royale,’ as they struggle to survive against the elements and each other. BATTLE ROYALE proved to be both successful and highly controversial in Japan, where it set box-office records and prompted political leaders to call for stricter controls on violence in Japanese entertainment; the film was initially rated R-15 (no one under 15 admitted), unusual for violent films in Japan, though director Kinji Fukasaku later prepared a re-edited version that earned a more lenient
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Twelve #11 (of 12)

Twelve #11 (of 12)
By: J. Michael Straczynski, Chris Weston, Paolo Rivera
The showdown with the killer who’s been targeting the Twelve! Madness! Mayhem! And did we mention the madness?!
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Gentle Giant Thor Frog Mini-bust

Gentle Giant Thor Frog Mini-bust
A Gentle Giant Sculpt! Once, many years ago, Loki transformed his brother, Thor, into the Frog of Thunder. After Thor was restored, a shard of Thor’s Mjolnir was found by Simon Walterson, a broken-hearted man who was transformed by magic into a frog known as Puddlegulp. That shard, when struck to the ground, transformed Walterson into Thor Frog (also known as Throg), and his shard became the mighty hammer Frogjolnir! Beautifully hand-painted and cast in high-quality polystone, Thor Frog is a strictly limited edition collectible that is hand numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity.

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Moon Knight #11

Moon Knight #11
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev
Moon Knight has fallen into the abyss of his multiple personalities! What force on Earth can bring him back from the brink? Enter: The Avengers! The legendary team of Bendis and Maleev bring you this pinnacle moment in the life of Marc Spector!

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Spaceman #5 (of 9)

Spaceman #5 (of 9)
By: Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso, Dave Johnson
The epic new series from the team who brought you 100 Bullets continues! Orson is in way over his head, trying to do right in a world gone wrong. Now, a mysterious man from his past is about to make things much, much worse.

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Batman The Dark Knight #7

Batman The Dark Knight #7
By: Paul Jenkins, David Finch
You’ve never seen Bane versus Batman like this before! Since the start of this best-selling series, Bane has been dragging The Dark Knight through a twisted terrain of horror and fear–but two can play that game!

Don’t miss this shocking issue as Batman pushes himself further than ever to fight against his deepest demons.

And what happens to The Flash and Poison Ivy? Pick up Batman: The Dark Knight #7 to find out!
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Encyclopedia Of TV Spies SC

Encyclopedia Of TV Spies SC
By: Wesley Britton
From 1951’s Dangerous Assignment to today’s Covert Affairs, we’ve watched cloak-and-dagger adventures from popular successes like Alias and Mission: Impossible to thoughtful mini-series like The Sandbaggers. Our TV secret agents have worn masks and capes, fought in the historical past, been as stylish as Napoleon Solo in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., or have been as frumpy as George Smiley in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Dr. Wesley Britton has compiled the first indispensable reference book on television espionage unveiling the secrets behind our beloved favorites and the programs that disappeared without a trace.
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Dark Shadows TPB Vol. 01

Dark Shadows TPB Vol. 01
Cover: Francesco Francavilla Writer: Stuart Manning Artists: Aaron Campbell Television’s original reluctant vampire is back! Barnabas Collins is re-adjusting to life under his vampiric curse. Haunted by terrifying dreams of his age-old lover and nemesis, Angelique, and fighting his bloodlust, Barnabas fears that danger lies ahead for all who live at Collinwood. Meanwhile, Barnabas’ ally and trusted friend Dr. Julia Hoffman is harboring secrets of her own… Collecting the first four issues of Dynamite’s Dark Shadows series, along with a complete cover gallery!
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Elephantmen #38

Elephantmen #38
By: Richard Starkings, Boo Cook, Axel Medellin
‘THE KILLING SEASON,’ Part Three RAZORBACK versus BLACKTHORNE…. one lives, one dies!
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Green Lantern New Guardians #7

Green Lantern New Guardians #7
By: Antony Bedard, Tyler Kirkham, Robert Kirkman
World breaker and sun killer: Invictus has come to remake us all into his vision of perfection–he just needs to burn everything in his path first. In the New Guardians’ most desperate hour, Red Lantern Bleez returns, but is even her rage a match for the wrath of a living god? All this and the origin of Invictus–and how it all ties back to Larfleeze!

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X-Men Legacy #264

X-Men Legacy #264
By: Mike Carey, Khoi Pham, Clay Mann
Featuring Mimic and Weapon Omega! Weapon Omega is a mutant time bomb, ready to explode . . . and he’s just shown up on the doorstep of the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning. How will the X-Men disarm him before he detonates?
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I Vampire #7

I Vampire #7
By: Joshua Hale Fialkov, Andrea Sorrentino, Jenny Frison
Straight off the shocking events of last issue and continuing the story from this month’s Justice League Dark #7, Andrew Bennett finds himself in a place he never thought he’d reach during his countless decades walking the Earth. But his absence on Earth signals a deadly loss of order in the vampire hierarchy, as the savage attack on humanity he’s long feared looks like its coming to pass.

I Vampire Bite Prey Love By Sorrentino T-Shirt

I Vampire Bite Prey Love By Sorrentino T-Shirt
Wear the recruiting slogan for the children of the night on the new I, Vampire: Bite, Prey, Love T-Shirt. Features the art of Andrea Sorrentino screenprinted in fullcolor on a Texas Orange-colored shirt. Great book, great art…and great shirt!!
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Morning Glories #17

Morning Glories #17
story NICK SPENCER art JOE EISMA cover RODIN ESQUEJO ‘P.E.,’ Part Five
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Flash #7

Flash #7
By: Francis Manapul
Captain Cold is back–and he’s more dangerous than ever! Seeking revenge on The Flash, he must convince the rest of the Rogues to reunite one last time.

But what tore them apart before? And what did The Flash do to earn their deadly scorn? Find out here!

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Avengers #24.1

Avengers #24.1
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Daniel Acuna
One of the greatest Avengers of all time, Vision, has been out of circulation for years. Now that he’s returned, he has to make good on promises he made . . . ! The prelude to the Avengers event of the summer!
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Daredevil #10

Daredevil #10
By: Mark Waid, Paolo Rivera
Daredevil vs. Mole Man! The cracks in Matt Murdock’s facade begin to show! It’s not too late to start reading the book everyone is talking about!
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FF #16

FF #16
By: Jonathan Hickman, Juan Bobillo, Mike Choi
Epilogue. The fallout of the Forever and Doom storylines. A new direction for the Future Foundation and Marvel’s first family.
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Justice League Dark #7

Justice League Dark #7
By: Peter Milligan, Mikel Janin, Ryan Sook
Straight off the shocking events of last month’s I, Vampire #6, vampires across the world have gone berserk, attacking anyone and everyone with a pulse.

Fearing her apocalyptic vision of the future has come to pass, Madame Xanadu mobilizes the team to intervene. But everything the JL Dark members know about how to slay a vampire is useless, for the world has changed.

It’s a crossover that had to be, continuing into this month’s I, Vampire #7!
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Art Of Daniel Clowes Modern Cartoonist HC

Art Of Daniel Clowes Modern Cartoonist HC
Throughout his 25-year career, alternative cartoonist/screenwriter Daniel Clowes has always been ahead of artistic and cultural movements. In the late 1980s his groundbreaking comic book series Eightball defined indie culture with wit, venom, and even a little sympathy. With each successive graphic novel (Ghost World, David Boring, Ice Haven, Wilson, Mister Wonderful), Clowes has been praised for his emotionally compelling narratives that reimagine the ways that stories can be told in comics. The Art of Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist is the first monograph on this award-winning, New York Times-bestselling creator, compiled with his complete cooperation. It includes all of Clowes’s best-known illustrations as well as rare and previously unpublished work, all reproduced from the original art.
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Shattered Heroes HC

Shattered Heroes HC
By: Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Jeph Loeb, David Lapham, Chris Yost, Fred Van Lente, Brian Michael Bendis, Jackson Guice, Adam Kubert, Salvador Larroca, Javier Pulido, Ed Mcguinness, Roberto De La Torre, Ryan Stegman, Terry Dodson, Bryan Hitch
In the wake of FEAR ITSELF, the Marvel Universe’s heroes are shattered! See how life has been forever altered for Captain America, as Marvel’s heroes hold a wake for fallen friends Bucky Barnes and Thor.

Meanwhile, Odin decides the final fate of Asgard – and it will never be the same. Then, Tony Stark squares off against Odin – and before it’s all over, Tony’s darkest secret is leaked to the world!

Plus: The future of the Marvel Universe is unveiled as seven stories set the stage for everything coming your way in 2012, brought to you by the biggest names in the comics industry.

Catch the opening act of the biggest changes to the Marvel Universe in more than 35 years!

This title collects
Fear Itself #7.1, 7.2, 7.3

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Ghost Rider #9

Ghost Rider #9
By: Rob Williams, Lee Garbett, Stefano Casselli
Final giant-sized issue! Ghost Rider declares war on hell to save the souls of those she has damned, no matter the consequences! Will Jonny Blaze take on the curse of the Ghost Rider and save Alejandra? Can she even be saved?
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Legion of Monsters TPB

Legion of Monsters TPB
By: Dennis Hopeless, Juan Doe
A monster adventure to scream over! Elsa Bloodstone hates monsters – and when the trail of a mysterious serial killer leads to their underground city, Elsa’s ready to kick some horrific butt.

Morbius the Living Vampire, Werewolf by Night, the Living Mummy and the slithery Manphibian have news for her, though: The monsters are innocent, and the real killer is out there – a creature so terrifying and vicious even monsters are scared to death! And now, Elsa Bloodstone and the Legion of Monsters are on the case!

This title collects
Legion of Monsters (2011) #1-4

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Savage Hawkman #7

Savage Hawkman #7
By: Tony S. Daniel, Philip Tan
Hawkman battles an army of living corpses raised from the dead by the power of the Mortis Orb. Now that the ancient relic is in the possession of the Gentleman Ghost, thousands of lives might be snuffed out in an instant. It will take a team-up with New York City’s own Static to stop this undead threat!
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Science Fiction Theatre History of the Tv Program 1955-57 SC

Science Fiction Theatre History of the Tv Program 1955-57 SC
By: Martin Grams Jr
From 1955 to 1957, Science Fiction Theatre, a semi-documentary series, explored the ‘what ifs’ of modern science. Placing an emphasis on science before fiction, television viewers were treated to a variety of complex challenges from mental telepathy, robots, man-eating ants, killer trees, man’s first flight into outer space and the possibility of visitation from outer space. For the first time ever, the entire history of the program is documented with behind-the-scenes production details, over 150 never-before-published photographs, and an episode guide for all 78 episodes.
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Legion Secret Origin #6 (of 6)

Legion Secret Origin #6 (of 6)
By: Paul Levitz, Chris Batista, Tom Feister
It’s the climactic conclusion as full-on war breaks out across the United Planets. But there is hope, as the Legionnaires have finally come together to confront the evil behind the attacks on their homeworlds.

Will it be in time, and do they have enough power on their own to survive their darkest hour?
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Mighty Thor #12

Mighty Thor #12
By: Matt Fraction, Pasqual Ferry, Gabriele Dell’otto
Thor vs Tanarus! Asgardia vs. The Troll insurrection! The All-Mother vs. The Norn Queen! All the action fit into 32 pages that you’ll find.
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You Wouldnt Like Me When Im Angry Hulk Companion SC

You Wouldnt Like Me When Im Angry Hulk Companion SC
By: Patrick A. Jankiewicz
You Wouldn’t Like Me When I’m Angry: A Hulk Companion is the incredible true story behind The Incredible Hulk TV series in one Hulk sized book! For 5 seasons, Dr. David Banner traveled the backroads of America on his quest to cure himself of the monster he became. The book also tells the tragic story of star Bill Bixby, whose real-life misfortunes left him resembling his tormented alter ego, David Banner.
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This week at your comic shop – 3/21/2012

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.

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Who Is The Doctor Unofficial Guide To Dr Who

Who Is The Doctor Unofficial Guide To Dr Who
The handbook explores all facets of the six most recent seasons of Doctor Who, providing an essential companion for the show’s avid fans and casual viewers alike. The history of everything related to Doctor Who is touched upon, from Daleks and Cybermen to the eight Classic Series Doctors. Delving into a top-rated series that has made stars out of its actors, gained fame internationally, and encompasses the genres of horror, science fiction, comedy, action, and historical adventure, this all-inclusive guide also features behind-the-scenes tidbits and in-depth analyses of the series’ latest installments.
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Avengers X-sanction #4 (of 4)

Avengers X-sanction #4 (of 4)
By: Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness
As the final hours tick down, Cable must take down a berzerker Wolverine and a wisecrackin’ web-head to ensure a deadly future does not come to pass! Sets the stage for Avengers vs. X-Men!
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Invincible Iron Man #514

Invincible Iron Man #514
By: Matt Fraction, Salvador Larroca
Tony Stark is called out for his actions during Fear Itself! The Mandarin on American soil! Has Bethany Cabe found the mole, or has the mole found Bethany Cabe?
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Star Trek/Legion Of Superheroes #6 (of 6)

Star Trek/Legion Of Superheroes #6 (of 6)
By: Chris Roberson, Jeffrey Moy, Phil Jimenez
It’s all been building up to this. Captain Kirk, Cosmic Boy, and the rest of the timelost Legionnaires and Starfleet officers have reached the end of the line, and are confronted with the powerful forces which have unwritten their respective histories. But with half of their teams stranded in the past and the other half held prisoner in the future, what chance do they have of overcoming the odds and restoring the worlds they once knew?
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Uncanny X-Men #9

Uncanny X-Men #9
By: Kieron Gillen, Carlos Pacheco
Prison break! Featuring the Avengers!

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Batman #7

Batman #7
By: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
Batman may have survived the Court of Owls’ first strike (barely), but even as he recuperates, the Court is preparing to launch its most deadly and sweeping attack yet.

Plus: The secrets revealed in this issue will change Batman’s world forever! You won’t want to miss the issue everyone will be talking about!

This issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
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Venom By Rick Remender TPB Vol. 01

Venom By Rick Remender TPB Vol. 01
By: Rick Remender, Tony Moore, Joe Quesada
A new Venom for a new era! Flash Thompson is Spider-Man’s biggest fan. That hero worship inspired him to enlist in the Army, where he became a decorated veteran and war hero. And though he lost his legs, Flash never lost his dignity – or his desire to serve.

Now, the government has offered him a chance to be a hero once again – to don the alien symbiote that grants its wearer powers similar to those of Spider-Man, but also puts them at risk of permanently bonding with the parasitic creature.

Flash Thompson is Venom, the government’s most lethal special operative – sent into the hottest of hot zones against the worst enemies of the state. He’s fought tough foes before, but the toughest opponent he faces may just be himself.

This title collects
Venom (2011) #1-5

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Flashpoint World of Flashpoint The Flash TPB

Flashpoint World of Flashpoint The Flash TPB
By: Sean Ryan, Ig Guara, Ardian Syaf
This is not a dream, not an imaginary story, not an elseworld. This is Flash Fact: When Barry Allen wakes at his desk, he discovers the world has changed. Family is alive, loved ones are strangers, and close friends are different, gone or worse. It’s a world on the brink of a cataclysmic war – but where are Earth’s Greatest Heroes to stop it?

This title collects
Grodd of War #1, Kid Flash Lost #1-3, Legion of Doom #1-3, Reverse Flash #1, Citizen Cold #1-3
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Amazing Spider-Man #682

Amazing Spider-Man #682
By: Dan Slott, Humberto Ramos
Part one of “Ends of the earth,” the next big Spider-Man event! The Doc Ock story you’ve waited 50 years for! Doctor Otto Octavius holds the entire earth hostage with his dying breath. What price will Spider-Man have to pay to buy the whole world one more day? Special appearance by the Avengers!
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Legion Of Super Heroes #7

Legion Of Super Heroes #7
By: Paul Levitz, Francis Portela, Chris Sprouse
Marooned in a lake of fire, Element Lad, Chemical Kid and Sun Boy face an ecological disaster of 31st-century proportions! And Dragonwing’s got troubles of her own–with her sister’s claws at her throat!

Meanwhile, at the edges of United Planets space, the Dominators haven’t forgotten their humiliation at the Legion’s hands . . . and the next stage of their plan is about to explode!
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Art Of Daniel Clowes Modern Cartoonist HC

Art Of Daniel Clowes Modern Cartoonist HC
By: Alvin Buenavaentura, Daniel Clowes
Throughout his 25-year career, alternative cartoonist/screenwriter Daniel Clowes has always been ahead of artistic and cultural movements. In the late 1980s his groundbreaking comic book series Eightball defined indie culture with wit, venom, and even a little sympathy. With each successive graphic novel (Ghost World, David Boring, Ice Haven, Wilson, Mister Wonderful), Clowes has been praised for his emotionally compelling narratives that reimagine the ways that stories can be told in comics. The Art of Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist is the first monograph on this award-winning, New York Times-bestselling creator, compiled with his complete cooperation. It includes all of Clowes’s best-known illustrations as well as rare and previously unpublished work, all reproduced from the original art.
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Annihilators Earthfall TPB

Annihilators Earthfall TPB
By: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green Ii, Alex Garner
From the fallout of ANNIHILATION and the end of the Guardians of the Galaxy, an all-too-familiar cosmic threat has returned, this time with Earth as his beachhead.

His followers span a thousand worlds, awaiting only the word to begin new wars in his name…unless Gladiator, Quasar, Ronan, Ikon and Beta-Ray Bill – the all-new Annihilators – can silence him first!

So why are the Avengers standing in their way, and what are the true stakes if either side fails? Plus: It’s Mojo versus Rocket Raccoon and Groot onstage for a high-stakes campy cosmic free-for-all!

This title collects
Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4

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Batman Beyond Unlimited #2

Batman Beyond Unlimited #2
By: Adam Beechen, Norm Breyfogle, Dustin Nguyen
The excitement continues in this oversized title chronicling the adventures in the Beyond Universe and making their print debut here!

One of Batman’s most explosive villains is back! In an effort to regain his status in the criminal underworld, however, he loses the one thing he loves best . . . and now all of Gotham may pay the price!

The new Justice League Beyond adventure continues, as the League goes in search of AWOL member Micron–who may or may not have gone native while investigating Kobra!

A larger, darker secret is about to be revealed . . . and it could spell doom for Earth!
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Nightwing #7

Nightwing #7
By: Kyle Higgins, Eddy Barrows, J. P. Mayer
Nightwing vs. Saiko! The truth about Haly’s Circus! A tribute show for the Flying Graysons! They’re all in this amazing issue! Of course, there’s no way they could be related…right?

Plus: As the answers regarding Haly’s Circus are revealed, what do they mean for Dick Grayson’s future in Gotham City? And more important, his future as Nightwing? Be here to find out!
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Flashpoint World of Flashpoint Green Lantern

Flashpoint World of Flashpoint Green Lantern
By: Pornsak Pichetshote, Marco Castiello, Felipe Massafera
This is not a dream, not an imaginary story, not an elseworld. This is Flash Fact: When Barry Allen wakes at his desk, he discovers the world has changed. Family is alive, loved ones are strangers, and close friends are different, gone or worse. It’s a world on the brink of a cataclysmic war – but where are Earth’s Greatest Heroes to stop it?

This title collects
Hal Jordan #1-3, Abin Sur #1- 3, Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1-3, Green Arrow Industries #1
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DC Superhero Chess Figure Coll Mag #1 Batman White King

DC Superhero Chess Figure Coll Mag #1 Batman White King
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 Commissioner Gordon White Pawn (#4)!

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Green Lantern Corps #7

Green Lantern Corps #7
By: Peter J. Tomasi, Fernando Pasarin, Andy Kubert
In the aftermath of the bloody first arc of the series, John Stewart must bring the body of a fallen Lantern back to his family. But how can John tell them the truth: that he caused this Lantern’s death!
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Gonzo A Graphic Biography of Hunter S Thompson

Gonzo A Graphic Biography of Hunter S Thompson
By: Will Bingley, Anthony Hope-Smith
The great American writer, the great American iconoclast, the great American hedonist – however you choose to view him, Hunter S. Thompson remains the high-water mark for all social commentators worldwide, and a truly fearless champion of individual liberties.

This is his story, the story of a troubled kid from Louisville who went on to become an international icon. A story that plumbs the darkest depths of American society and charts the now legendary adventures that birthed Gonzo Journalism, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and a lifestyle beyond imagination.
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Zorro Rides Again #9 (of 12)

Zorro Rides Again #9 (of 12)
By: Matt Wagner, John K. Snyder
Covers: Matt Wagner Writer: Matt Wagner Artist: John K. Snyder III The one and only Matt (MAGE, GRENDEL) Wagner is in the home-stretch of his epic story of Zorro! Zorro is not alone as another swashbuckler sword expert joins the fray. Who is this person? And what does it mean for Zorro? These are thrilling times ahead as ZORRO RIDES AGAIN with issue #9 from Dynamite Entertainment!
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Justice League #7

Justice League #7
By: Geoff Johns, Jim Lee
Now that the team’s origin story is complete, starting with this issue we shift to the present-day Justice League! What has changed? Who has joined the team since?

Featuring artwork by Gene Ha, the story also reintroduces the team’s greatest champion: Steve Trevor! Also starting in this issue: “The Curse of Shazam!” featuring a story by Geoff Johns and art by Gary Frank!

Discover Billy Batson’s place in DC Comics – The New 52 as we reveal his all-new origin story! This issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
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Planet Of The Apes #12

Planet Of The Apes #12
By: Daryl Gregory, Carlos Magno
When the Lawgiver was assassinated by a human freedom fighter, the world plunged into chaos. Sullivan, now free from Alaya’s clutches, takes humanity’s fight for freedom to the next level, in a devastating gambit for ape and human alike! Writer Daryl Gregory and artist Carlos Magno continue their critically acclaimed run and end this arc on a cliffhanger that you have to read to believe!
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New Mutants #39

New Mutants #39
By: Dan Abnett, David Lopez, Leo Fernandez
Trapped on an island consumed by a super virus, the New Mutants fall one by one to the monstrous infection . . . and begin to change. Can Warlock keep the virus in check, even if it means going against his friends?
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Kirby Genesis Silver Star #4

Kirby Genesis Silver Star #4
By: Jai Nitz, Johnny D., Alex Ross
What if the Silver Star had never existed? Tracy Coleman wakes up from her decades-long slumber to find a utopian world full of Kirby superheroes, but Silver Star isn’t among them. Tracy is the only person who remembers the most powerful superhero ever, and she is hunted for her forbidden knowledge. Can Tracy survive when everyone in the superpowered world is out to get her? And what happens when she finally finds the powerless Morgan Miller? Alternate universe action in the Kirby tradition, brought to you by Jai Nitz and Johnny D!
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Peanuts #3 (of 4)

Peanuts #3 (of 4)
By: Charles M. Schulz, Vicki Scott
From the newspaper strips to the animated specials, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang have held a special place in America’s heart since their first appearance in 1950. Let that young reader in your household discover these beloved characters like they were brand new! Peppermint Patty and Marcy join the series in ‘School Daze,’ and Charlie Brown dons his Manager’s cap for another year of Spring Training. Includes classic Sunday strips from Charles Schulz and a special Linus ‘First Appearance’ variant cover!
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Thunder Agents Vol. 2 #5 (of 6)

Thunder Agents Vol. 2 #5 (of 6)
By: Nick Spencer, Wesley Craig, Frazer Irving
The amazing Mike Choi (X-Force) contributes a sequence in the latest chapter of the miniseries that has everyone talking! The jaw-dropping twists continue, as true intentions come to light, enemies and allies thought long gone return, and the death toll continues to rise . . .
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X-Men First to Last TPB

X-Men First to Last TPB
By: Chris Yost, Paco Medina, Dalibor Talajic, Ed Mcguinness
The Evolutionaries have arrived to save mutantkind. All it will cost is the lives of all seven billion human beings on Earth! Charged with aiding emerging species and helping ensure their survival, the Evolutionaries have judged that mutants are genetically superior to humans.

But since humanity has hunted mutants to near-extinction, all humans must now die so mutantkind can live. And so must Cyclops, an unfit leader who doesn’t share the Evolutionaries’ vision. Does the X-Men’s past hold the key to their future – and that of humanity, as well?

This title collects
X-Men (2010) #12-15, X-Men Giant-Size #1

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Incredible Hulks World War Hulks HC

Incredible Hulks World War Hulks HC
The Hulks go to war! Everything Bruce Banner knows has been turned upside-down – and everything he’s ever desired may be just a heartbeat away. Don’t miss the insane action as Skaar faces his most brutal battle, and Bruce his greatest temptation – and the identity of a certain scarlet smasher is finally revealed!

Plus: Brace yourself for the coming of Hulkpool! And see what the other hulked-out heroes are up to as the gamma-god of thunder and a not-so-friendly neighborhood Spider-Man tear up Washington, D.C., and Wolverine and Bucky Barnes square off!

And what path has led the Savage She-Hulk called Lyra the Wizard’s Frightful Four?

This title collects
World War Hulks #1, Fall of the Hulks: Savage She-Hulks #1-3, Hulked-Out Heroes #1-2, World War Hulks: Spider-Man Vs. Thor #1-2, World War Hulks: Captain America vs. Wolverine #1-2, Incredible Hulk (1968) #312, #609-611
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Avengers West Coast Lost Space Time Prem HC

Avengers West Coast Lost Space Time Prem HC
By: Steve Englehart, Al Milgrom
The West Coast Avengers find themselves flung throughout time in this classic tale featuring everything from Marvel’s Wild West to ancient Egyptian despots!

Witness the ‘Wackos’ as they find themselves face-to-face with such legends as the Two-Gun Kid, the Phantom Rider and the Rawhide Kid – along with the time-tossed villainy of Rama-Tut and Immortus.

With the Fantastic Four and Dr. Strange along for the ride, what other help could the West Coasters need to set things straight? How about Marvel’s modern-day Western heroes, the Texas Rangers!

This title collects
West Coast Avengers (1985) #17-24, Fantastic Four (1961) #19, Doctor Strange (1974) #53
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Axe Cop Volume 3 TPB

Axe Cop Volume 3 TPB
By: Malachai Nicolle, Ethan Nicolle
Axe Cop returns with a collection of new, exciting, and unpredictable stories! Written by the endlessly inventive six-year-old Malachai Nicolle and drawn by his Eisner Award-nominated thirty-year-old brother Ethan Nicolle, Axe Cop joins his comrades Uni-baby, Bat Warthog Man, and Dinosaur Soldier to fight bad guys and restore justice for kids–and grownups–everywhere!

* Foreword by Lost scribe Damon Lindehof!

* Axe Cop Volume 1 has sold over 12,000 copies to date!

“Fun with a capital F.” -Ain’t It Cool News
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Captain Atom #7

Captain Atom #7
By: J. T. Krul, Freddie E. Williams, Stanley Lau
This issue’s got all the answers! Why did Nathaniel Adam sign up for Megala’s experiment? How did he become Captain Atom? Do his powers have any limits? And what’s the deal with those numbers? It’s time to explore the past, present, and future of Captain Atom as he tries to stop a catastrophic event even though he’s already too late!
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Deadpool #52

Deadpool #52
By: Daniel Way, Salva Espin, Nick Bradshaw
‘Pool’s epic “Dead” storyline continues! Deadpool wants to die . . . can he make it happen? Will X-Force stop him . . . or pull the trigger?

Deadpool Pencil Cup Desk Accessory

Deadpool Pencil Cup Desk Accessory
A Gentle Giant Release! Ooh. That’s got to hurt. Inspired by the violent and comedic mutant anti-hero Deadpool, Marvel’s incredibly popular ‘Merc With a Mouth,’ the Deadpool Pencil Cup is the first of Gentle Giant’s line of exciting Marvel desk accessories and is sure to be a conversation starter. Cast in high-quality polystone, this unique piece comes with two shuriken-shaped erasers and a soft plastic arrow fletching cap so you can ‘weaponize’ your favorite pen or pencil!

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Doctor Who Char Building 11 Doctor Mini Figure Set

Doctor Who Char Building 11 Doctor Mini Figure Set
Imported from the UK! The ultimate Doctor Who mini-figure set! This box features all eleven incarnations of the Doctor as highly-detailed mini-figures presented in an impressive TARDIS display box. Each mini-figure includes a Doctor Who display base.

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DC Universe Online Legends #26

DC Universe Online Legends #26
By: Marv Wolfman, Howard Porter
The battle that DCUO Legends has been building to for over a year is finally here: Brainiac versus The Man of Steel! But will even Superman be powerful enough to stop this universal evil? And what stunning role will Lex Luthor play in the events? Find out in the stunning series conclusion!
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Dark Shadows TPB Vol. 01

Dark Shadows TPB Vol. 01
By: Stuart Manning, Aaron Campbell, Francesco Francavilla
Cover: Francesco Francavilla Writer: Stuart Manning Artists: Aaron Campbell Television’s original reluctant vampire is back! Barnabas Collins is re-adjusting to life under his vampiric curse. Haunted by terrifying dreams of his age-old lover and nemesis, Angelique, and fighting his bloodlust, Barnabas fears that danger lies ahead for all who live at Collinwood. Meanwhile, Barnabas’ ally and trusted friend Dr. Julia Hoffman is harboring secrets of her own… Collecting the first four issues of Dynamite’s Dark Shadows series, along with a complete cover gallery!
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Fear Itself Fearless #11 (of 12)

Fear Itself Fearless #11 (of 12)
By: Cullen Bunn, Mark Bagley, Arthur Adams
Valkyrie stands alone against the terrifying power of the D.O.A., while Sin brings her earth-shattering plans to completion! This deadly plot brings in a host of Marvel’s Mightiest Heroes, as a universe fights for survival! Valkyrie faces a shocking fate as the final sleeper awakens on the road to the pulse-pounding climax of The Fearless. Don’t miss it!
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Big Book Of Kolchack Night Stalker TPB

Big Book Of Kolchack Night Stalker TPB
By: Stuart M. Kaminski, Dennis Calero, Cortney Skinner
This tome collects the first two long out-of-print Kolchak trade paperbacks, all in one affordable package! Contains seven complete stories: ‘The Night Stalker’, ‘Get of Belial’, ‘Fever Pitch’, ‘Mask of Moment’, ‘Pain Most Human’, ‘Pain without Tears’, and ‘Devil in the Details’!
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Hellblazer #289

Hellblazer #289
By: Peter Milligan, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Simon Bisley
After another season of hell-raising, John Constantine finally makes it home again. But this time home might be the death of him. Meanwhile, his niece recovers from a brutal attack while his wife goes on the warpath.

Ghostly visitations, bloody decapitations, and a spot of potential fratricide await in “The Unquiet Grave.”
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Hoax Hunters #0

Hoax Hunters #0
By: Michael Moreci, JM Ringuet, Steve Seeley
‘GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER’ Cryptids. Aliens. Monsters. All the world’s bizarre secrets–what if they were real? Their existence would be debunked by a reality TV show! HOAX HUNTERS is that show, publicly disproving all variety of lore. But their real goal is the opposite: as the world’s dark corners surface, the HOAX HUNTERS cover them up. When a mysterious astronaut made of crows appears in Russia, the HOAX HUNTERS are on the case.
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Dead Mans Run #2 (Cover A - Parker)

Dead Mans Run #2 (Cover A – Parker)
By: Greg Pak, Tony Parker
From acclaimed ‘Hulk’ writer Greg Pak, legendary ‘Walking Dead’ producer Gale Anne Hurd, and Tony Parker, artist of the Eisner-nominated ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep’, comes the biggest blockbuster series of the new year – DEAD MAN’S RUN! What does a dead man do when he discovers that Hell is the world’s most horrific maximum-security prison on the planet? If you’re cartographer Sam Tinker, you plan your escape — by pulling together a team of Hell’s most terrifying inmates. Discover how far a good man will go to save his innocent sister, and get ready for an unbelievable supernatural action-packed thriller, as Aspen Comics proudly presents its newest hit series, DEAD MAN’S RUN!
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DC Universe Presents #7

DC Universe Presents #7
By: Paul Jenkins, Bernard Chang, Ryan Sook
What do you do when death wears the face of the one you loved? That’s what June Robbins must deal with, as the one person who didn’t survive last issue’s crash, Ace, returns in a monstrous new form, determined to end the lives of June and the Challengers of the Unknown! Get ready for a globe-hopping, reality-warping thrill ride from Dan DiDio and Jerry Ordway!
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Howard Lovecraft & Undersea Kingdom GN

Howard Lovecraft & Undersea Kingdom GN
By: Dwight MacPherson, Thomas Boatwright
An all-ages H.P. Lovecraft story! Howard Lovecraft’s family has been imprisoned on a far-flung alien planet, Spot hopelessly captured, and he is slowly becoming a mindless Fishman.

Accompanied by his insane father, a pistol-packing constable, and his hungry cat, they must face the all-powerful ruler of the Outer Gods, a revengeful old enemy, an army of deadly monsters, and a lethal world called Yuggoth, to save the day.

All Howard has to do is surrender his father’s Book. But that would mean certain doom for all of mankind!
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Slaine Books Of Invasions TPB (s&s Ed) Vol. 01

Slaine Books Of Invasions TPB (s&s Ed) Vol. 01
By: Pat Mills, Clint Langley
The Sea Devils have risen against Tir Nan Og, the Land of the Young, and Slaine, once the first High King of Ireland, must protect his tribe against this new tide of evil.
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Justice League: Doom [Blu-ray]
The world’s greatest superheroes face their ultimate challenge–the mind of the Batman–when the Darknight Detective’s secret plans to take down his Justice League colleagues should they turn against mankind fall into the hands of immortal villain Vandal Savage and a cabal of their deadliest enemies. Feature-length animated adventure stars the voices of Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, and Nathan Fillion.
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Keep On Troopin T-Shirt

Keep On Troopin T-Shirt
Don’t let those weirdo Jedi hippies freak you out, man. Just grok the Sith’s groove so you don’t Force-choke…and keep on troopin’.
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Doctor Who Unit Green T-Shirt

Doctor Who Unit Green T-Shirt
Join the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce with this green t-shirt that features the logo of that iconic international military peacekeeping force!
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Star Wars Darth Vader Static Lightsaber Umbrella

Star Wars Darth Vader Static Lightsaber Umbrella
Be ready for any storm, as you wield your lightsaber umbrella against the elements. The handle is based upon the famous lightsaber used by the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader, while the shaft has been beautifully anodized in an iridescent red.The 100% black nylon canopy has the emblem of the Galactic Empire silk-screened on the sides. Comes complete with a sleek nylon carrying sleeve with adjustable shoulder strap. Measures 39″, in length, while the canopy measure 47″ across.
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Thor 1/4 Scale Statue

Thor 1/4 Scale Statue
In the cold wastes of Scandinavia, the Vikings lead a hard and ferocious life in a harsh land, and their gods they worshipped matched their ferocity. Among the gods they worshipped was Thor, a hammer-wielding god who commanded the thunder and lightning and served as humanity’s protector and a sign of virility. ARH Studios casts this thunder god as a 1/4-scale statue that stands 30″ tall. Wearing the rugged clothing of the Norsemen, his hammer is held high and his long red hair flows majestically.
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Universal Monsters Frankenstein Handbag

Universal Monsters Frankenstein Handbag
Available in Four designs: Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, ‘We Belong Dead’, and Dracula.
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Superman 52.1 Symbol T-Shirt

Superman 52.1 Symbol T-Shirt
Three different Man of Steel-inspired shirts are coming at you this Month. Superman 52.1 Symbol shirt inspired by Superman new cape design, features the ‘S’ imprinted on a deep red shirt. Next we have the Superman: Raw T-Shirt featuring the pencil art by Jim Lee imprinted on a white 100% cotton shirt. Last (but certainly not least), we have the long-awaited return of one of our most-popular shirt ever…the Bizarro Superman II Symbol T-Shirt screenprinted on a eggplant-colored, 100% cotton tee. The myth of Superman continues.
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Thor Classic Action Statue

Thor Classic Action Statue
A Bowen Designs Sculpt! ‘I say thee nay!’ With these words, the Norse god Thor would unleash his havoc upon his many enemies, hurling his enchanted uru hammer Mjolnir at his foes or smashing it against the ground. This 18 1/2″ tall statue of Marvel Comics’ Thor brings to life the God of Thunder as only Randy Bowen can sculpt!
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Do the clothes make the (super)man?

The thoroughly post-modern Superman of 2012

The costumes that our iconic funny book heroes wear are as important as the deeds they perform or how well they stack up against other heroes. I’m not a big fan of Stephen King, but the argument of who’s stronger; Popeye or Superman interests me. It of course falls flat when one contender is a swarthy spinach munching seaman and the other a flying god-like being with his underwear on the outside of his pants (pre-52).

... it was the 70's. Don't judge.

That said, there have been several versions of editorial attempting to expand the fashion sense of Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Thor, each with their own set backs.

The Mighty Thunderstrike (Thor in the 90's)

Azrael, Batman in the 90's

Mike Deodato's biker-chic Wonder Woman

The Future Foundation Spider-Man costume

Superman Re/Superman Blue (let's call the whole thing off)

There was also the catchall solution of the 1990’s, the leather jacket. It actually made a come back in 2000, so don’t be surprised if the new Defenders start sporting Members Only coats.

Jackets... (The Avengers make a statement)

... Jackets... (Fantastic Four - Fashion Victims)

... Jackets (X-Men)

But nothing can prepare you for laundry day gone wrong when a rushed bachelor superhero finds that his long johns have become mixed in with another hero’s uniform… with awkward results.

Click on the image for more!

The return to the designs that made these heroes so impressive back in the day seem to arrive in cycles, made all the more noticeable when Hulk wears biker shorts or Superman sports a mullet. It begs the question, if it ain’t broke, why try and ‘fix’ it? Does anyone yearn for the Iron Spider costume or the all-body thong outfit that Thor rocked back in the day?

What’s your take? Should the heroes stick to what works or have there been some successful experiments that challenged the status quote (such as the black/white Spider-Man suit)?