Iron Man: The End of an Era

There are few creative teams who have had as much impact on a monthly book as Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca have.

As a kid, I was always attracted by the design and look of Iron Man, but the book itself left me cold. I tried to get into the series several times as teams came and left but nothing really stuck.

When Daniel and Charles Knauf took over after Warren Ellis revamped the character for the 21st Century all of that changed. Suddenly, Iron Man was an interesting character and his adventures were complex and intense. With the inclusion of the Extremis virus, Stark became bonded to the technology that he had designed and finally stepped into a new era, one that would catapult him into the next six years in print.

However, it was Fraction and Larroca who took the hard work pioneered by both Ellis and both Knaufs and made it something more. The Fraction/Larroca run repeatedly placed Stark against challenges that pushed him to the limit, threatening to demoralize him, shatter his identity and reduce his lifelong work to ash. Even his alcoholism returned which once destroyed his personal, professional and superheroic life.

Through it all, Stark persevered, showing that Iron Man may be invincible, but Tony Stark indomitable.

Under the watch of Fraction/Larroca, Iron Man became an invigorating and stylish series, finally bringing one of the founding fathers of the Marvel Universe into the forefront. Stark went from being director of S.H.I.E.L.D. to a wanted man, his tech reduced to the most basic version of the Iron Man suit as he eluded capture. In more recent issues he has attempted to reinvent himself as a next-gen businessman, offering up bleeding edge technological resources to everyone. It’s this continual modernization of the character that has kept the series on its toes.

The latest story line saw Stark at the end of his rope, reduced to a prisoner and slave to his most dreaded foe, the Mandarin. Mad with ambition, the Mandarin forced Stark to produce shells for the ten alien spirits that dwell inside his rings. Of course, the Mandarin is koo-koo for cocoa puffs, but that doesn’t stop him from achieving his goal. Once more against insurmountable odds, Stark adapts and uses a combination of his charisma to win over his fellow prisoners (formerly enemies of Iron Man’s) and a swarm of nanite repulsor technology.

Developed by Stan Lee on a dare, Iron Man is a concept that should have failed; a weapons manufacturer as the hero during a time when war was protested by his readers. But to his surprise, the comic was a hit. The startling action, sizzling romance and non-stop drama made Iron Man into a sensation back in the 1960′s. Today, he is even more popular than ever thanks to the Iron Man and Avengers feature films and cartoons. But it is the hard work of the monthly book that makes such success possible as it is in print where the hero is defined and developed and that is reflected in the past three years’ of Invincible Iron Man quite well.

For modern readers, in my opinion this is the best Iron Man we have ever had. Opinions will differ, of course (The Michelin/Layton run is still very popular for instance), but for me this series made Iron Man a favorite series and it quickly rose to the top of my read pile each month. The Iron Man monthly book has been a phenomenal read over the past six years, combining humor, action and brilliant ideas. But the past three years’ worth of Iron Man comics have left a high water mark for the character.

This week the final chapter of that run hits the stands, with Kieron Gillen and Greg Land to follow shortly. It’s a hard act to follow.

Recommended: 

Invincible Iron Man Omnibus, Vol. 1

Invincible Iron Man Omnibus, Vol. 2

Iron Man 3 villains revealed

This just in, fresh from Wilmington, NC (a short drive from your humble narrator’s desk) comes this snapshot from the filming of Iron Man 3.

Comic book fans will recognize this as the Iron Patriot, a bastardized version of Stark’s armor developed by Norman Osborn. Of course that will not be relevant in the Iron Man movie, but I do think that it will be related to Detroit Steel, a competitor to Stark Industries built by the family of Iron Man’s former foe, Justin Hammer.

While not a spot-on recreation of the comic book version (seen below), it is close enough and does build on the legacy of the first two films as Tony struggles to divorce himself from the family business of arms manufacturing.

I highly doubt that we will see Sam Rockwell in the third movie, I guess we cannot rule it out.

From ComingSoon.net:

The armor is being worn by James Badge Dale, who plays Eric Savin in the feature film. First announced earlier this month, Savin becomes, in the comic books, the cyborg villain Coldbood. At this point it is unknown whether or not we’ll see the actor in multiple costumes or if Coldblood and Iron Patriot are being merged into one character.

Additionally, here’s an image of Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin from ComicsAlliance:

Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin

Here’s what we can CONFIRM as true (and not from some guy working security on an off-lot shoot): The Mandarin (as played by Ben Kingsley) is a villain in the ‘Iron Man 3,’ but he’s more a veiled threat as a silent partner to Guy Pearce’s Aldrich Killian. Killian is the man inventing Extremis and putting it into his “Extremis army” of multiple super-powered individuals.

Warren Ellis has previously confirmed that Iron Man 3 will be drawing from the ‘Extremis’ storyline he and Adi Granov created for the relaunch of the comic series in 2004. The possible insertion of the Mandarin as a behind-the-scenes villain would imply the movie will be using the comic storyline as a jumping-off point, especially if Pearce’s Killian will be portrayed as the movie’s central villain as opposed to the more sympathetic character he appeared in the Ellis/Granov story.

Hinted as the next supervillain in line after the first film, the Mandarin is one of the most well known Iron Man rogues. A power-mad megalomaniac armed with ten rings capable of anything from force beams to heat rays and more, the Mandarin is convinced that his destiny is to rule the world.

If all of this is true and the image below is not photo-shopped, it is a far cry from the ‘smaller’ film that Shane Black and Robert Downey Jr. are interested in making. That said, as this is likely the final solo Iron Man feature project, what a high note to go out on!

Iron Man 3 is scheduled for a May 3rd 2013 release.

More as it comes…

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

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

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

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

Via 411Mania:

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Evans as Captain America and Sebastian Stan as Bucky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes – series 2 part one

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes

The first series of Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes was a real knock out, featuring epic story lines as well as adventures that offered up character development while telling a continuous interlinking narrative. In other words, it was like reading a year’s worth of Avengers comics in animated format. The team is solid, consisting of Iron Man, Giant-Man/Ant-Man, Thor, the Wasp and the Hulk as the backbone and the later additions of Hawkeye, Black Panther and the star spangled Captain America filling out the roster. Occasionally there have been guest appearances from other heroes, which has given the animated series that special unified setting which makes the Marvel Comics so successful.

The previous 26 episodes have tackled a Gamma-irradiated Avengers team, the malicious mechanations of the Masters of Evil, a mind-blowing assault from Kang the Conqueror and the hostile takeover of Asgard. At the conclusion, it was revealed that the Skrulls have infiltrated the superhero community. The second series has only just started, but even so far the ideas are coming fast and furious!

“The Private War of Doctor Doom”

Transmitted April 1, 2012
The Marvel Universe is known for many things, one of them being its powerhouse teams of superheroes. The Avengers isn’t the only game in town and the Defenders, X-Men, and Fantastic Four are just some of the other major players in stable of the super-teams. The Avengers and Fantastic Four have long enjoyed a relationship of mutual respect with the healthy amount of horseplay and rabble-rousing and this episode capitalizes on that concept.

Late one night, Hawkeye answers the door and is greeted by a very serious and threatening-looking Johnny Storm (AKA The Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (AKA The Thing). He then remembers that it’s poker night, but not before the Hulk spots the Thing and the two smash into each other like runaway trains. It’s a hilarious moment that is so true to the comics in which the two behemoths often challenged each other as to who is stronger (silly question, I know).

The mixture of comedy, drama and all-out action is a tricky nut to crack and many cartoons struggle with the idea with pitiful results (witness the painful Ultimate Spider-Man series). However, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes has nailed it perfectly. All of the high concept science fantasy action is there as well as the absurdity of the Hulk and the Thing playing a game of cards.

Hawkeye attempts to keep the peace between the Hulk and the Thing

Meanwhile, the Wasp and Iron Man are visiting the Baxter Building where Reed Richards (AKA Mister Fantastic) and Sue Richards (AKA The Invisible Woman) receive their company. Sue and the Wasp chat and wander through the mansion, comparing notes on their wild lives but Iron Man finds Reed to be nearly impenetrable, as the scientist is so enthralled in his work he barely noticed Tony is even there.

The comfortable sitcom vibe is shattered when Doctor Doom’s Doombots attach the Avengers mansion and the Baxter Building simultaneously. In the ensuing carnage, the Wasp and Sue are kidnapped and taken back to Latveria, where the combined forces of the Avengers and the FF take him on.

Doom’s attack seems pretty straight-forward, but he is not a villain to be taken lightly. During the battle he gathered intel on the teams and confirmed his suspicions, the Skrull invasion has begun.

I knew of this episode’s breakdown long before it aired (I think I even reported it on this blog), but it is still exciting to see the end result. I am very satisfied with the cast of heroes that are in play, but I hope that we will continue to see guest appearances by other heroes such as the FF. Looking at the previews… I think I’ll get my wish as Red Hulk, the Vision and many more can be seen cropping up in the series trailers.

A solid opening story with some laugh-out-loud moments, such as the Hulk using the Thing as a living mace, smashing his body into the army of doombots while Grimm protests, ‘Hey! Put me down!!’ Classic.

The Fantastic Four and the Avengers team up!

“Alone Against AIM”

Transmitted April 8, 2012
The second episode of the new season is set almost entirely in Stark Tower. In the previous season, Stark had set himself up as an isolated one man power block. With his money and brilliance, he refused to play along with S.H.I.E.L.D. and challenged the international crime networks such as Hydra and A.I.M. In the course of events he made some big bad enemies and this episode sees the fallout of that.

S.H.I.E.L.D. director Maria Hill has arrived to discuss Stark’s place in the super hero community and to gain his support in drafting a superhero registration bill that would demand heroes to register with the government rather than act as rogue elements. Spider-Man and the X-Men are name-dropped as other super powered individuals who are unwilling to reveal their identities. Hill proposes that their power makes them far too dangerous to run around unchecked, but Stark isn’t convinced.

This is obviously a reference to the Civil War story line that ran through the Marvel family of comics a few years back and drastically altered the playing field of the entire MU. If this is a story that the animation team is thinking of taking on… in addition to the Skrull invasion… we should be in for some big events.

Rather than offer up any real argument, he toys around like the rich playboy that he is, annoying not only Maria Hill but his assistant Pepper Potts as well! Even so, he’ll probably get one of them in a sports car or swanky hotel room… he’s just that cool.

He’s even developed a replacement for Captain America’s shield, an energy gauntlet that creates a holographic version of the shield. This defensive weapon can be ‘thrown’ and reconstituted on the gauntlet’s array. It can also be made to expand, creating a greater area of defense for the wearer. It’s great that Stark made the device because A.I.M.’s unexpected attack on his building makes his repulsor tech useless.

The ‘energy shield’ is sure to make some viewers cry foul, but it was in the comics (albeit briefly). I think this is just a moment where the animators are using an idea from one medium and adapting it to theirs to pay homage to the rich history of the comic book series. I also predict that it will disappear in about two episodes.

Tony Stark's new energy shield for Cap comes in handy

Elsewhere in Stark Tower, unaware that the building is under attack by A.I.M. agents, Captain America, Black Panther and James Rhodes (Rhodey) are packing up a few suits of Iron Man armor for transport back to Avengers mansion. Their presence in Stark Towers makes his corporation a sitting duck for terrorist attacks. It’s a pity that Tony hadn’t realized this earlier, though.

Cap and the Black Panther hold off the cadre of A.I.M. troops armed to the teeth with cutting edge weapons while Rhodey dons a suit of armor that was in storage, War Machine. Of course in the comics, the War Machine armor was created to defend Stark from a rival businessman/armored fanatic Stane/Iron Monger. In the cartoon, it’s just another suit of armor and that’s fine. Most people are familiar with it from the Iron Man 2 anyway.

The foreshadowing of Rhodey’s character is brief here, but he did appear a lot in the early part of the first season. For anyone unfamiliar with those episodes, it might have seemed silly for Cap to suggest Rhodey take a more active role in the fight against the bad guys only to have him do just that two minutes later. But in actuality, it makes sense and isn’t over-played. It’s a kid’s show anyhow.

Make way for War Machine!

Stark and Hill are left to fend for themselves against a massive creature called a Technovore that is attracted to the repulsor tech in Tony’s chest. I’m a little confused about just how dangerous this monster is. In the opening part, it attacks A.I.M. agents and nearly wipes out the base. When it is let loose against Stark, it seems to ‘almost’ kill him over and over but isn’t able to finish the deed. It wasn’t damaged in transport because at the first sign of A.I.M. agents it rips them apart like fresh bread…

Maybe the Technovore loves Tony. I have no idea.

Not as strong as the first episode, this is nonetheless a good one and further pulls along the chain of events that will no doubt lead to some cataclysmic event. Hill insists that the superhero registration act will go forward with or without Stark’s approval… and Tony insists that he will take her out to dinner.

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Future episodes include this week’s adventure “Acts of Vengeance” showing the Masters of Evil and the Enchantress against each other, “Welcome to the Kree Empire” (which will likely include Ms. Marvel) and “How to Steal an Ant-Man” (probably introducing Ant-Man III Eric O’Grady, the petty thief from the excellent miniseries by Robert Kirkman and Phil Hester).

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is one of the best animated comic book adaptations I have seen. It rivals Justice League with its bold scope and interwoven stories. For anyone unfamiliar with the characters, this is a great way to get to know them all. For those of us who are already in the know, it’s a welcome gift that recognizes the backstories and often uses them in brand new ways.

The first series is available to watch streaming on Netflix, but I should warn you… if you start watching, be prepared to get drawn into watching all 26 in one sitting. It’s that good.

(please visit this site for plenty more images and character designs, but be prepared for plenty of spoilers!)

Will Iron Man 3 ‘Extremis’ star Ben Kingsley?

Robert Downey Jr. will have appeared as Tony Stark in four films by the time the Avengers film hits the screens with all the force of a repulsor blast on May 4th (if you count the cameo in The Incredible Hulk). But that will hardly be the last time movie goers will be entertained by the sly quipping Tony Stark. The third Iron Man film, directed by Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang’s Shane Black will be something of a departure from the previous two.

The latest Iron Man movie is rumored to be based on the Warren Ellis story line ‘Extremis’ which massively rebooted the character for the modern reader by making Stark’s armor ‘bleeding edge’ tech rather than a glorified tin can. Using liquid technology, Stark… well, just go read it.

The movie will also need a new villain to take up the high standard set by Jeff Bridges and Mickey Rourke.

Could the latest actor to stare down Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark be the award-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley? And if so, who would be play?

Via ComicBookResources.com:
Oscar winner Ben Kingsley is in final negotiations to play a villain in Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3,” a sequel loosely based on the 2005-2006 “Extremis” story arc by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov.

That much the Hollywood trade papers can agree on; the identity of the villain is another matter.

Variety reports that insiders, while acknowledging Kingsley’s involvement, denied he’ll play Iron Man archenemy the Mandarin, the wealthy Chinese scientist and warlord who debuted in February 1964′s “Tales of Suspense” #50. But The Hollywood Reporter contends there’s “a chance” he could portray a reconfigured version of the Mandarin, updated for modern audiences and merged with the “Extremis” storyline.

The odds would seem to be against Mandarin, though. While “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2″ director Jon Favreau wanted to include the character in the third film — “You have to do the Mandarin,” he told MTV in 2010 — his successor Shane Black (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) more recently dismissed the villain as a racist caricature. The criminal mastermind with ties to the Communist Party could also prove an obstacle to the all-important Chinese film market. Then there’s the matter of the Mandarin’s 10 Makluan rings, which even Favreau acknowledged “just doesn’t feel right for our thing” (and, The Hollywood Reporter notes, edges a little close to Green Lantern’s power ring).

In the six-issue “Iron Man: Extremis” storyline by Ellis and Granov, a criminal is injected with a nanotechnological drug created by the U.S. military in an attempt to replicate the Super-Soldier Serum, triggering a mutation that grants him superhuman abilities.

Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johansson will reprise their franchise roles in “Iron Man 3,” co-written by Black and Drew Pearce (“No Heroics”). “Iron Man” grossed $585 million worldwide, surpassed in 2010 by the sequel’s $624 million. Production begins in May in North Carolina, with the opening set for May 3, 2013.

Plans for Captain America and other Avengers post 2012 revealed

I have refrained from posting rumors on Marvel Studios movie news as much of it is very flimsy and based more on what fans want to see than what is actually being produced. But I have collected here some news that I think is worth your time.

May 4th is fast approaching and a special few will be seeing the Avengers movie earlier in select preview screenings. Already, news is circulating on what we can expect to follow the highly anticipated blockbuster. Of all this Summer’s movies, the Avengers has the most pressure on succeeding. I’m actually more excited about The Amazing Spider-Man, but like the comic book version, the Avengers should deliver more bang for your buck by combining four established properties and folding in two relatively new ones.

Think you’re a big enough comic book fan? How about seeing a marathon of all five movies Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger, with the midnight showing of The Avengers rounding out the day as the sixth movie. Yes, six comic book movies in one day… I dunno if even I have done that. AMC theaters across the country sold out the event and at $40 a pop, it was quite a bargain… but imagine what that cinema will smell like by the time Joe Johnston’s Captain America starts.

Assuming that the Avengers gets as much press after it is released than it has for the last two years, Marvel Studios has many ideas on what can follow.

Captain America 2 now has an unusual release date of April 4, 2014. According to the internet rumor mill, it will likely be directed by Joe Johnston which means that the plans he had for a Winter Soldier story line will get junked in favor of some other ideas. There are so many possibilities including the introduction of the Falcon, A.I.M. or Baron Zemo… the options are almost endless.

Marvel and the Walt Disney Studios have announced a release date for Marvel Studios’ sequel to the blockbuster “Captain America: The First Avenger” on April 4, 2014. The second installment will pick-up where the highly anticipated “Marvel’s The Avengers” (May 4, 2012) leaves off, as Steve Rogers continues his affiliation with Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D., and struggles to embrace his role in the modern world.
Chris Evans is currently filming “Snow Piercer” and will

More on Marvel.com

Other Avengers films?

"I dunno... what do you wanna do?"

Of course the third Iron Man film directed by Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’s Shane Black is on its way and a second Thor movie is also in the works(Thor 2 is opening Nov. 15, 2013 and Iron Man 3 is hitting theatres on May 3, 2013), but what next?

There is also an increase in rumors surrounding a Black Widow and Hawkeye solo film or maybe a team-up (not a bad idea). The pair have several similarities and are being featured in the comics and cartoons to a much greater degree. Black Widow is also the focus of the latest trailer… as if we need more trailers for the Avengers.
The Avengers trailer ‘Black Widow interrogation’

If nothing else, the Black Widow and Hawkeye work together in the fantastic Secret Avengers series. The bowman has received heightened attention from Marvel and with such a recognizable name as Jeremy Renner starring as the character, they’d be foolish to not capitalize on him. I’m less of a fan of ScarJo’s frankly wooden Black Widow, but she still has her fans and the skin-tight black catsuit doesn’t hurt.

Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) dash from the crashed Quinjet

I have also heard the very unusual but highly welcome mention of another Hulk movie. As the jade giant is featured so much in the trailers, this is very possible and perhaps Marvel Studios can finally work its magic and create a movie that everyone including the fans and corporate executives are happy with.

With the advent of better special effects and the added clout of Marvel superheroes in film, the Incredible Hulk deserves another chance.

More as it comes.

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes returns on the 1st of April

Season 2 of “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!” kicks off inside the Marvel Universe block on Disney XD at 12:00 p.m. ET on April 1.

The Marvel Universe Block will consist of several weekly cartoon series in addition to special material including shorts and brief interviews with creators. I look forward to seeing Jason Aaron and his massive beard explain the latest issues of Wolverine and the X-Men. Curiously there are no plans that I know of for a weekly X-Men cartoon or any animated feature films.

In addition to the Avengers, the new Ultimate Spider-Man will also premiere.

A new Hulk animated series titled Agents of S.M.A.S.H. is on its way too and will likely feature the ‘Hulk family’ of Betty Ross as the Red She-Hulk, the Red Hulk, Skaar- son of Hulk, Rick Jones as A-Bomb and others.

Hey, it makes more sense as a kid’s cartoon than a comic!

A third series of Iron Man: Armored Adventures (how did I miss the second season?) is in the works and there are rumors that it will include a version of Wolverine.

More as it comes, bookmark Marvel.com for updates and get your free AvX digital coupon .

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

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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Quick reviews: Thor, Iron Man, Hulk

The Mighty Thor #9

By Matt Fraction and Pasqual Ferry
Thor is dead.

Despite his father Odin’s attempts to prevent it, the thunder god has met his end at the hands of the Serpent. So why does no one remember him? What’s more, who is Tanarus, the stand-in Thor whom even the Avengers seem to accept into their ranks? To Loki’s annoyance, he is the only one to not accept Tanarus as his brother, but he can’t figure out why.

In recent months Marvel Comics has taken the concept of death in comics and put a new spin on it. Previously characters were killed to the anger of fans then revived to an even greater expression of spite. With the death and revival of Johnny Storm, Bucky and Thor, however, there’s a new spin. In the case of Thor, he is not only gone, but replaced by a pretender that everyone seems to accept on the spot. It’s very clever and dodges the bullet of spending months moaning the loss of a great hero.

Of course Tanarus is actually Ulik, the enemy of Thor, who is enshrouded by a mystical spell that effects the memories and perceptions of others. Part of a plot to infiltrate and destroy the new Asgardian rule in Odin’s absence, Ulik plays the hero to the pantheon of gods and to the world below. When I first saw Tanarus in the solicitations, I was understandably confused. Now that I back-tracked and read Fear Itself 1.2: Thor, I understand.

While Ulik lives Thor’s life in Asgard, the real Thor is elsewhere, weakened and in the company of other gods waiting to be devoured by the God-Eater (see Chaos War).

Determined to figure out why he cannot accept Tanarus, Loki visits Donald Blake who is back to living the life of a general medical practitioner in NYC. In a huff, he storms out of Blake’s office, stealing the doctor’s walking stick as well. Searching for clues, he finds the Silver Surfer lying on his back in the desert, allowing himself to be devoured by vultures… some people get kicks in the weirdest of ways. The Surfer recognizes the stick for what it is and strikes it on the ground, transforming it into Mjölnir.

Thor has been a knock-out series for years now and continues to be a great read month to month. The artwork is exceptional and the bizarre mixture of drama, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy is so unique that I doubt I’ll ever get bored reading it. With all of the ‘event fatigue’ going on in the comic book world right now, this remains a solid series and I heartily recommend it.

The Invincible Iron Man #510

By Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca
Another Marvel Comics icon to go through a remarkable turn of events, transforming what was honestly a dull as dishwater character into a must-read hero is Iron Man. Warren Ellis laid the ground work, the Knauf brothers put down the structure and Matt Fraction has taken the hard work of his predecessors to make Iron Man into the heavy hitter that he was intended to be way back in the day.

Like several other Marvel Comics, Iron Man is set in the wake of Fear Itself where the combined might of all the world’s heroes battled with the mystical threat of the Serpent and the mechanized might of the Red Skull’s army. It took a massive toll on the population of the world and while the heroes ultimately succeeded, it wasn’t without leaving plenty of scars. In Tony Stark’s case he not only conceded that faith was greater than reason but also cashed in his sobriety chip and fell off the wagon.

I’m very impressed how Fraction has chosen to get Tony out of the hole that he’s fallen in. Rather than wallow in self-pity and remorse over his mistake, Stark simply declares it a new day and starts over. Falling out of sobriety may only take one drink but the road back starts with each minute, hour and day he is not drinking. It’s a testament to his strength of character and also speaks to Fraction’s understanding of Iron Man (as shown in the remarkable Point One issue that received rave reviews).

His company Stark Resilient is a shambles, but Tony refuses to go down without a fight… which is fortunate because a fight comes looking for him. The Mandarin is pulling strings in the background of a master plan to destroy his hated enemy and employs the Living Laser to make the first strike. The battle is fierce (and thanks to LaRocca’s artwork amazing) and deeply shatters Stark’s resolve in the face of the public.

Like Thor, I continue to be impressed by this series and doubt I will ever tire of reading it. Some find that not enough happens in a single issue to warrant such glowing praise but I am all for the episodic format that this comic embraces. An excellent blend of action and drama, Iron Man is worthy of being one corner of Marvel’s tent-pole of monthly mega-stars.

Hulk #46

By Jeff Parker and Patrick Zircher

With the loss of Greg Pak as writer of Incredible Hulk and the absurdly poor new ongoing replacement series, the (Red) Hulk has taken up the mantle of the proper Hulk title, even if his color is wrong.

For years, the formula for Hulk comics was rather simple. He just wants to be left alone, he’s friendless and on the run, he encounters an obstacle and carnage ensues. I’m being old-fashioned but I think that the book succeeds best when this formula is honored and I firmly state that it is the secret to Jeff Parker’s Hulk series being as great as it is.

Instead of Banner, we have General Ross as the tortured and lost soul, forever alone and on the run, but in his case Ross is so stoic and stubborn that he can’t admit any of this to himself. Too dangerous to be forgotten and too unreliable to be trusted, Ross is taken in by Steve Rogers and placed on a series of missions to disarm the devious plots of the Intelligencia.

Most recently, Ross has found himself a new enemy in General Fortean, an old army friend from back in the day. Ironically Fortean believes that the Red Hulk is responsible for the death of his dear friend General Ross and is dead set on revenge.

Life’s weird.

While living a relatively quiet life of solitude, Ross learns that another old friend from his military past has died in the middle east at the hands of Dagan Shah, a super-powered warlord who is building a new power base. Rogers attempts to stop Ross with the help of the Secret Avengers but in the end realizes that Ross will not stop no matter who is telling him to. So he sends the Red Hulk back in with Machine Man as an escort.

The conclusion of the Hulk of Arabia honestly couldn’t come soon enough for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an excellent adventure with strong characters, a new villain and outstanding artwork but the pacing seemed unusually slow and awkward somehow. The story feels drawn out and could probably have been wrapped up in four rather than five parts (perhaps cutting out the unnecessary Secret Avengers fight). As a new villain, Dagan Shah is a powerful threat but rather two-dimensional in the end and difficult to get all that invested in as a reader.

The addition of Machine Man was an inspired decision, but I was confused by his behavior as he seemed unusually restrained and quiet. Where was the beer-swilling character who called humans ‘met bags’ in Fred Van Lente’s Marvel Zombies series?

The Red Hulk book is outstanding and should be forced under the nose of anyone ever dreaming of writing the Hulk.  I know that there’s a lot of resistance to the Red Hulk as he was forced on readers unnecessarily, but in my opinion those fans should just reverse the colors in their heads and see that this is the Hulk done right.

Next time, I dip back into the DC Comics pile with Animal Man, Thunder Agents and Batman.