How does the god of thunder open a bottle of beer?
What’s the difference between someone who would display a statue of Ultron versus one who would shine a light on the Dazzler in his or her own home?
How much love is there for the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie?
The folks at Action Figure Express answer these and many more questions with these new offerings!
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FF#1 McGuiness variant
The Fantastic Four has traditionally been one of the best superhero comic books on the racks. When it was created, the series was a blend of the sci-fi/horror elements that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were familiar with along with the traditional superheroic genre.There are several unique characteristics to the FF, chief amongst them being that they function as a family. That family met with tragedy recently when Johnny Storm was killed defending our world from an attack beyond our dimension stemmed from the Negative Zone.
While the Fantastic Four had an auspicious start, it has to be said that the comic was not always at its best. With the arrival of writer Jonathan Hickman, the series has found new footing and become one of the most amazing series out there. The restart series, simply called FF, has quite a job cut out for it in continuing the good work he started and the unprecedented new readers that picked up the issue where Johnny Storm died.
FF #1 is essentially a new beginning as the team enlists a new member, a new sense of purpose and tries to steer itself through grief into a wondrous future. Reed Richard’s time-traveling father Nathaniel has plenty of advise and much of it is not to Reed’s liking, though Mister Fantastic tries to swallow his pride and go along with the decisions that he must make in order to secure the future. Valeria Richards offers a whole slew of troubles as the most petulantly brilliant child on the team. Her cliffhanger decision will either get you excited or infuriated as the team’s roster swells to include yet another unexpected new member.
The addition of Spider-Man is a long time coming. As a member of the Avengers, I honestly find him to be a square peg forced into a round hole. But as a member of the FF, he makes perfect sense, especially as he is taking Johnny Storm’s place. Peter Parker is the perpetually self-doubting loner who dearly needs a family and he has certainly found one with the FF. I look forward to seeing his character blossom in this new role even though it will mean over-exposure of the character in far too many titles than I can count.
The artwork by Steve Epting continues to impress with staggering layouts, eye-catching designs and plenty of action. If, like me, you recall loving the Fantastic Four as a kid but have been reluctant to pick up the modern series fearing that it would disappoint, hesitate no longer.
Thor #620I have to admit that I never really had that much love for Thor. It’s not that I dislike the character, but I have traditionally found him on the boring side. His most recent relaunch by JMS has of course changed all of that and I am now a happy convert to the Hammer Gang. The hand over from JMS to Gillan and now Fraction was a bit bumpy but there have been extraordinary stories along the way.
Most recently, the story of a threat from beyond the nine realms has kept Thor busy. So busy in fact, that he has resurrected Odin the all-father who was happily enjoying his salad days fighting Surtur forever. An unknown and deadly enemy has attacked the other realms of the Great Ash Tree, causing a band of refugees to land on Asgard’s door-step (still located in OK). Unfortunately, Asgard has seen better days and is in ruins. As the ‘World Eaters’ descend upon the gathered survivors, the townsfolk of Broxton, Oklahoma attempt to prepare for the worst as a rain of blood falls around them.
Things are bad.
Furious that his son has brought him back into the realm of the living, Odin calls upon ancient magic and raises an army of corpses, earth and blood to fight the World Eaters. An awesome sight, it only causes mirth from the strange enemies who clang swords with their Asgardian giants.
While I have enjoyed the more human approach of JMS and the traditional adventure tales by Gillan, this is exactly what a Thor book needs to be. Writer Matt Fraction and artist Pascal Ferry have created a rock opera for the printed page. This series is so dynamic and explosive that I am surprised when each successive issue tops the last.
Amazing Spider-Man #656I have previously praised Dan Slott for breathing strong life into the Spider-Man universe. Sure, it had a rocky start, but the turn of events that has both weakened Spidey’s abilities and strengthened his resolve is exciting.
Determined to stop kidding around and finally mature into the superhero that he was always meant to be, the new Peter Parker is hardly a slacker or a schmuck. A gifted inventor, he works at a braintrust corporation where he puts his mind to finding solutions to impossible problems. When I read the old 1960’s Spidey books by Lee and Ditko it was clear to me that there was a plan to gradually transform this awkward teen into a capable adult and was disappointed to see subsequent creators fail to follow through with that plan. Slott seems to get this and delivers the goods without forcing Parker out of character or making him ‘grim’ or ‘dark.’
The second in a two part story, Parker is faced with a terrorist who is emotionally stunted. Threatening to blow up innocent civilians, he fails to feel any remorse or anxiety, only anger. Without his spider-sense, Spider-Man is more vulnerable than ever before. Unable to predict his enemy’s actions, he is easily shot and wounded. But that will not stop Parker’s plan to prevent the loss of life, leading to another series of ingenious inventions that assist his battle with super criminals.
The new ‘armored suit’ is another in a line of new costume designs, but each one has been specifically created to overcome an obstacle that Spider-Man’s built-in abilities could not. I am so happy that the smart inventor has finally blossomed out of the smart-alec wise ass that has ruled this character for far too long.
This series has honestly been going from strength to strength. The rotating creative team of the ‘Brand New Day’ era was hit and miss. I was so unsure of what I would get each month that I sometimes dreaded the new issue. But with Dan Slott, I feel the series is in safe hands.
What a great book!
Across the rainbow Bifrost Bridge is the fabled city of Asgard where the deities and immortals of Norse legend reside. Forever grand and majestic, forever at war, these Asgardian warriors are lorded over by Odin, the wise and all-powerful. Odin’s two sons, both princes of the realm, could not be more different than night and day.
The brash and brave Thor is a fighter without parallel and commands the storm itself, while his half-brother the deceitful Loki is a trickster and dabbles in the black arts. The son of the Frost Giant Laufey, Loki was taken in by Odin as spoils of war, orphaned by the constant battle between the Asgardians and the towering Frost Giants of Jotunheim. Taking pity on the frail young lad, Odin took him as a son, thereby plaguing his kingdom to the trickster’s constant attempts at revenge.
In the latest short feature, Loki leads a charge on the gates of the golden city.Fan reaction is strong on this microsode, possibly as many are looking for reasons to get excited about the upcoming Thor film. Thor may be a relative unknown to the populace at large, but he remains one of the cornerstones of the Marvel Universe as envisioned by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and Don Heck. The thunder god blends fantasy and science fiction into a unique form of comic book superheroics that has yet to be reproduced.
The short is a testament to the staying power and importance of Thor. If you weren’t a fan of the hammer-swinging Asgardian before, prepare to be converted.
Watch the full microsode at the Daily P.O.P. Amp Feed.
Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes premieres October 20th on Disney XD.
For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.
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Captain America 1940s Newspaper Strip #1 (of 3)
Captain America 1940s Newspaper Strip #1 (of 3)
By: Karl Kesel, Butch Guice
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Uncovered at last: The 1940’s daily newspaper comic strip starring Captain America that you never knew about!Travel with us through the mists of time to the tumultuous days of World War II, when skinny Steve Rogers was transformed into the star-spangled, shield-slinging Super Soldier! And what is a classic Cap adventure without the two-fisted might of his wise-cracking, jaw-jacking sidekick Bucky? Plus: Rampaging robots! Secret underground cities! Dangerous dames and femme fatales! No-good Nazis that deserve a sock to the kisser! All brought to you by acclaimed writer/artist Karl Kesel! Buy U.S. war bonds…and this!
__________________________________________________Hybrid Bastards!
Hybrid Bastards!
By Tom Pinchuk and Kate Glasheen
Zeus is a god with a reputation for lechery, and it’s been driving his wife Hera nuts for years. Reaching her limit one night, she puts together an epic practical joke: she places a spell on Zeus that makes him fall in lust with every inanimate object in sight! It was a night Zeus doesn’t remember, but his godly seed took root nevertheless. Now, eighteen years later, his unnatural hybrid bastards wander the world. And because Zeus has a reputation to protect, these embarrassing freaks have got to go! But this motley crew refuses to go quietly. Through schemes both ingenious and idiotic – Cotton, a smarmy cloth patchwork; Carmine, a timid automobile; Corey, a self-loathing apple; Walter, a belligerent stack of bricks; and Panos, their gallant would-be leader – will force their negligent father to acknowledge them – that is, if their own squabbling doesn’t defeat them first! Collecting the mini-series that takes Greek mythology in a decidedly different direction, the HYBRID BASTARDS! hardcover includes a bonus story and pin-ups by talented guests.
__________________________________________________Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep #12 (of 24)
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep #12 (of 24)
By: Philip K. Dick, Tony Parker, Bill Sienkiewicz, Moritat
Rick Deckard races back to the opera house to catch the renegade Nexus-6 android Luba Luft! Will he retire her in time? Is Deckard’s new partner secretly an android? Find the answers in this exciting issue of the Philip K. Dick’s science fiction masterwork that inspired Blade Runner!
__________________________________________________Prince Valiant: 1939-1940 (Vol. 2)
Prince Valiant: 1939-1940 (Vol. 2)
By Hal Foster
Swords and sorcery at their grandest as the classic adventure strip continues in second volume!
For 35 years, Hal Foster created epic adventure and romantic fantasy in his legendary Sunday strip, Prince Valiant. Realistic in its visual execution and noble in its subject, depicting a time in which the fabled warriors of history and legends fought together for the greater good, it remains one of the great masterpieces of the medium.In this second volume, Prince Valiant helps his father reclaim his throne in kingdom of Thule, fights alongside King Arthur, and is made a knight of the Round Table in recompense for his bravery and wit. Bored by the peace he helped to create, Val decides to independently pull together the forces to battle the Huns’ descent on Southern Europe. When Val’s army breaches the Huns’ stronghold, however, he discovers that corruption reigns still further west in Rome. Thus Val sets off with Sir Gawain and Tristam of Arthurian legend fame, and the familial kinship of the trio sees them through chivalrous escapades, false imprisonment and daring escapes. By the end of this volume, they go their separate ways, and Val boards a ship to Sicily—yet a storm approaches, throwing him off-course, as adventure follows him everywhere.
Fantagraphics is proud to present these strips, which, thanks to the use of original proof sheets and advances in printing technology, are even brighter and crisper than when they were originally published 70 years ago. Foster’s work, painterly and sweeping, is finally treated to the grand depiction it deserves. These illustrative, time-honored comic strips will enthrall old readers and just as easily awe new ones. 112 pages of color comics
__________________________________________________Elephantmen #26
Elephantmen #26
By: Richard Starkings, Moritat, Boo Cook
‘QUESTIONABLE THINGS,’ Part Three Blackthorne is assigned to assist Hip and Ebony in tracking down the MAPPO agents loose in Los Angeles. Miki reluctantly agrees to help.
__________________________________________________Doomwar #5 (of 6)
Doomwar #5 (of 6)
By: Jonathan Maberry, Scott Eaton, John Romita Jr.
The Fantastic Four, Storm, Deadpool and the Panthers continue to hammer at Doctor Doom, attacking his worldwide network, destroying his factories, and trying to force him to face them on the field of battle. But you have to be careful what you wish for, because when Doom wages total war, he doesn’t leave any ammunition behind.
__________________________________________________X-Necrosha HC
X-Necrosha HC
By: CRAIG KYLE, CHRISTOPHER YOST, MIKE CAREY, DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI, ZEB WELLS, CLAYTON CRAIN, DIOGENES NEVES, CLAY MANN, ADI GRANOV
NECROSHA – the massive event tying X-FORCE, X-MEN LEGACY and NEW MUTANTS!Selene’s Inner Circle stands revealed and her master plan has been set into motion. Watch as the resurrected dead lay siege to the X-Men’s headquarters, and the fight to survive the Black Queen’s vengeance begins. But while Warpath and Wolverine realize what’s happening, they may be too late to stop it. Because Selene is already well on her way to achieving ultimate power half a world away. Plus, the rest of the X-Men fight mutants back from the dead!
This title collects
X-FORCE #21-25, NEW MUTANTS #6-8, X-MEN: LEGACY #231-234 and X NECROSHA
__________________________________________________Thor #611
Thor #611
By: Matt Fraction, Pasqual Ferry
All new creative team! The perfect jumping-on point!A bold new era for THOR begins under writer Matt Fraction and artist Pasqual Ferry! In the wake of SIEGE, Asgard must take its proper place as the Golden Realm, most glorious of the nine worlds of myth. But that means Thor’s home isn’t just a beacon…it’s a target! And what happens to the Asgardians and the denizens of all nine worlds — including Earth! — when a dark, destructive force from another reality comes on the warpath?
__________________________________________________Marvel Masterworks: Atlas Era Strange Tales Vol. 03
Marvel Masterworks: Atlas Era Strange Tales Vol. 03
By: Stan Lee, Joe Maneely, Tony DiPreta, Joe Sinnott, John Forte, Bill Everett, Gene Colan, John Buscema, Carmine Infantino, Bernie Krigstein, Paul Reinman, Harry Anderson, Ed Goldfarb, Dick Ayers, Bill Benulis, Jack Katz
In the 1950s Mighty Marvel was known by another name-Atlas-and during that era of tension and paranoia Stan Lee brought together the best and brightest artists of the era, all to scare the pants off you! From titans of the times like Joe Maneely, Bill Everett and Bernie Krigstein, to young talents like John Romita, Gene Colan and John Buscema, they all came together to make Strange Tales one of the greatest horror mags of the day.Populated by vampires, ghouls, werewolves, mad scientists, stone-cold killers and outer space evils with an eye towards Earth, every issue brims with dark and horrific stories as could only be crafted in the days before the Comics Code.
So come share a coffin with the Marvel Masterworks and take a strange trip to the time when horror ruled the racks and the only thing scarier than the stories was turning the lights out after you read them.
This title collects
STRANGE TALES #21-30
__________________________________________________Alter Ego #94
Alter Ego #94
It’s ‘The Earth-Two Companion, Part II!’ with more on the classic 1963-1985 series that changed comics forever! The Huntress, Power Girl, Dr. Fate, Freedom Fighters, and more, with art by the greats of the period. Plus, part 2 of the George Kashdan interview, profiles on C.C. Beck and Marc Swayze courtesy of the Fawcett Collectors of America, and much more.
__________________________________________________Invincible Iron Man Annual #1
Invincible Iron Man Annual #1
By: Matt Fraction, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Salvador Larroca
The Mandarin is a collection of lies, stories, myths, and legends. But two things are true: He wears, upon each finger, an alien weapon of unimaginable powerÖand he’s going to kill Tony Stark. Is he a violent street crook born in a brothel? The scion of an aristocratic dynasty? Was his father was a petty criminal or an ambassador? Was his mother a British noblewoman, or maybe a dragon-chasing wastrel lost in the underbelly of the world?He’s a murderer, a businessman, an artist, a terrorist, a hero. And this is the story of his life.
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Flash #3
Flash #3
By: Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul
It may be BRIGHTEST DAY, but when a mysterious group of so-called heroes turns up, another Rogue ends up dead. Plus, the mystery deepends as The Flash witness another murder – his own!
__________________________________________________Wonder Woman #600
Wonder Woman #600
By: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI, GEOFF JOHNS, GAIL SIMONE, GEORGE PÉREZ, PHIL JIMENEZ, JOE MADUREIRA
You’re invited to the gala celebration featuring WONDER WOMAN talent from the past and present to commemorate this landmark issue!Renumbered to reflect Wonder Woman’s starring role in 600 issues, this book features the industry’s top talent – including Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Gail Simone, Joe Madureira and more! Plus, readers won’t want to miss a chance to check out the exciting, all-new direction for the Wonder Woman universe as new ongoing writer J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN, BRAVE AND THE BOLD, Amazing Spider-Man) provides a story of his own!
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Shade The Changing Man Vol. 03: Scream Time
Shade The Changing Man Vol. 03: Scream Time
By: Peter Milligan, Jamie Hewlett
Shade and Kathy George conclude their dangerous journey into the heartland on the trail of the deadly American Scream in this new SHADE collection featuring issues #14-19 of the acclaimed series.This title collects
Shade the Changing Man #14-19
__________________________________________________Death Of Dracula #1
Death Of Dracula #1
By: Victor Gischler, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marko Djurdjevic
He is the legendary Lord of the Vampires. Dracula. Who would dare attempt to overthrow him? Only Dracula’s son Xarus, a ruthless and clever upstart with the bold ambition to unite all the world’s vampire sects under one flag. But Xarus’s older brother Janus isn’t sure he likes the idea of a new regime and seeks allies to oppose Xarus. The ultimate battle to control Earth’s Creatures of the Night unfolds, with the future of the vampire race – and possibly the Marvel Universe – at stake.
__________________________________________________Lone Ranger Magazine May 1937
Lone Ranger Magazine May 1937
By: Fran Striker, H.j. Ward
‘The Masked Rider’s Justice.’Justice meant more to the Lone Ranger and his companions that merely saving an innocent boy from a blood-lusting lynch mob; it meant following the job through until the youth’s name was cleared and the real murderer brought to justice.
Published by the same publisher as Spicy Detective, The Lone Ranger was an oddity for Trojan Publications. This reproduction of the original pulp magazine brings this rare collectible to a modern audience.
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IPHONE/IPAD/IPOD COMICS UPDATES
Batman Black & White: A Black and White World
Batman Black & White: An Innocent Guy
Batman Black & White: Good Evening, Midnight
Batman Black & White: Perpetual Morning
Batman Black & White: Two of A Kind
Green Lantern #21
Green Lantern #29
Green Lantern Corps #14
Green Lantern: Rebirth #1-#6
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1
Incredible Hulk #4-#6
Invaders #1- #4
Jonah Hex #1-#6
Justice League: Generation Lost #1-#4
Marvel Knights #10
Marvel Knights #7
Marvel Knights #8
Mystery Society #1
New X-Men #34-#38
Planetary #1- #6
Superman/Batman #1-10
The Authority: World’s End #1
The Losers #1-#12
The Origin of Batman #1
The Origin of Superman #1
The Resistance #1
The Unwritten #1
Uncanny X-Men #481=#483
The Daily P.O.P. 