Marvel NOW! - 8 More Titles/Creative Teams Confirmed

  Marvel has had a busy week as they have made a slew of announcements throughout it. These announcements confirm titles that they will be releasing in November during their Marvel Now Relaunch. Here are the titles with the ads as shown.

Monday, We got confirmation that Kieron Gillen and Greg Land would be taking over Iron Man:









Tuesday, We heard that The Mighty Thor will have a brand new creative team of Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic:

Wednesday, We heard that Hulk returns and is "Indestructible" as his new creative team is recent Eisner Award Winner Mark Waid and artist Leinil Yu: 

Thursday, Deadpool gets to go nuts with writers/comedians Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn with art by Tony Moore:

Then we were attacked by Marvel on Friday with 4 New Title Announcements as first, Rick Remender and John Romita Jr take over as the creative team for Captain America, as confirmed by twitter from current Captain America scribe Ed Brubaker.





  Next up is the confirmation that  Matt Fraction will be handling both Fantastic Four and the returning FF. Handling Fantatic Four with the scribe is superstar artist Mark Bagley.










Following up with Fraction on the Fantastic Four's sister title, FF, will be cult favorite artist, Mike Allred, leading the Future Foundation into the next stage of Marvel.










Finally, there is the finally promotion that states Legacy, featuring the team of  writer Simon Spurrier and artist Tan Eng Huat. While most speculation states that this is probably X-Men Legacy relaunch, there is also some rumors that this could be for another Avengers related title, possibly dealing with the Picture with Nick Fury Jr and his photo of Wiccan, Miss America and Loki. Could it be the return of the Young Avengers? We won't know till November.



These titles join the following that were already confirmed:

- Uncanny Avengers with Rick Remember and John Cassidy
-Avengers with Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena.
- New Avengers with Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting.
- All New X-Men with Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen.


12 Brand new titles down, not counting Red She-Hulk will be taking over as the main star in Hulk but that is not getting relaunched. What does this mean for the last 10 titles yet to be announced or any other changes in creative teams on long standing books? Find out as we keep an eye on Marvel Now.

Marvel NOW starts One New Beginning & A Whole Lot of Endings

As we inch closer to Marvel NOW, the solicitations for October has come out. And as such, things are gonna change very much for the Marvel Universe. We got 1 new title in October. Well ... technically 3.

Space Knights mini series #1 and the Dexter adaption hits stores alongside the much anticipated Uncanny Avengers; as we showed the cover in a previous post.

Yet, For this new beginning, we are getting a LOT of endings.

The Following titles are having their final issues during the month of October:


Captain America (with issue #19)
The Mighty Thor (with issue # 22)
Invincible Iron Man (with issue # 527)
Incredible Hulk (with issue #15)
Fantastic Four (with issue #611)
FF (with issue # 23)
Uncanny X-Men (with issue # 20)
New Mutants  (with issue # 50)
X-Men Legacy (with issue # 275)


 Most of these titles are not a surprise. Unfortunately, New Mutants and X-Men Legacy are two of the biggest surprises. I know Astonishing X-Men and Wolverine & the X-Men are still focusing on the Jean Grey School but damn ... I love X-Men Legacy. *sigh* Forgive my fanboy moment. It does look like they are not going to cancel Wolverine & the X-Men anytime soon. Although, Avengers and New Avengers are on their final arcs, so they'll be ending next.  But at the very least, we are gonna see quiet a few changes with the restarts of most of these series. I say most cause I doubt that X-Men Legacy, New Mutants or FF are coming back.

I guess we'll find out. Keep your eyes here for more news. The end is coming.

Cover of the Week #13

CoW: Cover of the Week #13

by Darryll YTC Carter

FF #17

This is definitely my favorite cover of the week. Marvel has a current line of “Art Apreciation” variant covers hitting the shelves. This one spoke to me directly. As a solid and estute lover of mythology, I recognized this painting right away, as I’m sure most of you clashers did as well. This is Julian Totino Tedesco’s reinterpretation of Sandro Botticelli’s the Birth of Venus. Black Widow steps in for the role of Venus and Tony carrying cap in while the two simultaneously replace Zephyr is nice. Thor subs for Venus’ attendant. Sorry Thor. But definitely a great piece. Both of them.

THE TOP 20 COUPLES IN COMICS

TOP 20 COUPLES in COMICS: 


by Frankie Rodriguez

 Valentine's Day. A time for love. A time for romance. A time where lovers come together and celebrate their love. Yet, amore is quite different in the world of comics. Love in comics can lead to so many different things . . . like you & your loved one being cloned for sick fantasies, you having to fight your signficant other cause they are too corrupted by the power they control or completely ignoring you detective skills to sleep with someone who looks just like your fiancee but is in fact a shape shifter from the future who claims that s/he will be your future lover.

A yes. Love in Comics. And as we continue to walk down the path of martial (or dating) bliss; we are gonna look out for the stand out couples in comics; the couples that do so much for the comic book industry . . . whether they know it or not.; These are the couples that stand out, make marks and keep you coming back for more, or wanting more or want them to break up so badly that you relish every issue hoping for the relationship's ultimate demise.

Welcome to my Top 20 Couples in Comics:

#20 - DONNER & BLITZEN

       

     Right now, I probably have the following 3 reactions from you, the reader. 1 - you are saying awesome or wow cause you didn't think this couple, a lebian couple, would make this list. 2 - you are pissed off cause this couple is so low on my list. or, and most likely, 3 - Wonder who in the name of Primus am I talking about.

       Donner & Blitzen were one of the first openly lesbian couples in super hero comics. Honestly, they might possibly be the very first. This couple was a great match; not just in powers : Donner was super strong blonde with muscles but still had boobs while Blitzen was a  petite super speedster; but in personality as well. Donner had the masculine role inthe relationship for the most part but it was Blitzen's level head that really help leveled out Donner's more spastic nature.

    Whenever in action, the two trusted each other enough to know the other could hand most of what they fought but still often checked on each other just to see that they were okay.

   So why are they so low on my list? Unfortunately, while pioneers in their own right, they still only appeared in the Shadow Cabinet & Heroes comics from the now defuncted, but often remembered Milestone imprint from the 90s. They were last seen back with the Shadow Cabinet a few years ago when they took on the Justice League of America but that was pre New 52. We have yet to see them but be sure that their contribution won't soon be forgotten.

# 19 - NIGHTWING (Dick Grayson)& STARFIRE

   Hey. Hey! Why am I getting booed? *sigh* Look, I love the Titans. A WHOLE LOT but please, let me explain and you will soon understand. Dick Grayson and Starfire were one of the biggest couples in comic book history. That is not boasting or mere speculation. This is fact. Dick Grayson and Starfire spent nearly 2 decades together, first coming together in the 80s during the now legendary Marv Wolfman/George Perez run on New Teen Titans.

   And if you want to say a couple that went through a lot .. . this is one of those couples. Dick and Kory have fought against Kory's evil sister, Blackfire. They had beaten Dick's stand-off ness after Jason Todd "died". They withstood Kory's FIRST arranged marriage where it looked like the couple was gonna be apart and never together again after Dick went after Kory to stop the wedding. There was even some unintentional infidelty that didn't stop the couple from walking down the Altar. Yet, Raven's evil side, which, at the time, came back from the dead to perform a lebsian liplock with Kory during their wedding and some on again off again points really dragged this couple around during the early 21st century.

   The couple called it splits for good when Dick revealed that he no longer loved Kory like he used to and that his heart now belonged to Barbara Gordon. So, upset by this Kory left Earth and joined Vril Dox's R.E.B.E.L.S. where she ended up in the arms of the new Captain Comet.

So, yeah. Dick fell for someone else after all that. That is part of the reason why they are so low. The other reason. Remember that infidelty I mentioned last paragraph. How about that whole sleeping with a shape shifter? Yep. If you didn't know, Dick indeed cheated on Kory. Unintentionally of course but still. Dick's detective skills get turned to mush when the fact that after so many years with Kory ... he sleeps with Mirage, who was pretending to be Kory. So Dick Grayson . . . as long as you look like the woman he loves,he'll sleep with you. Way to go Grayson!

#18 - JOKER & HARLEY QUINN

   And some people's heads just exploded. I am sure I am getting a few WTFs with this one. But in all seriousness, you people all underestimate this couple. Joker, the being of total and utter chaos, is still a man. Sure, a very warped, deranged, brilliantly twisted man but still a man. Now, with that, you have Harley Quinn, which started out primarily as a character for Batman: The Animated Series. And since then, the pair have become beloved by fans as a Bonnie and Clyde type couple.

And let me be the first to say that you are all absolutely and completely insane for thinking so.

This relationship is one of dependency, murder and downright warped senses of love. Harley is ever devoted to Joker; who used to be her patient in Arkham. Yes. Let me point out that Harley was a psychologist in Arkham Asylum before she lost her mind to be the Joker's love slave. Joker admitting that he love her would be considered weakness in his eyes. A weak point people can use against him and that goes against Joker's organized chaos theory.

For why they are so low on the list, it is cause this relationship is beyond sick. That and we have yet to see a role reversal where Harley was the dominate one.

#17 - COLOSSUS & KITTY PRYDE

     This is something of a rough spot for me for various reasons. I LOVE this couple. For as long as I been reading X-Men and read the classic stories by Chris Claremont, I knew that Piotr & Kitty Pryde were a match made in Heaven. There was great chemistry and we knew that they loved each other. And after so long of back and forth, feelings being re-examined over and over again; the 2 were finally together. Only to get torn apart . . . over & over again. Seriously, this couple has almost more start ups, stops and restarts than any other couple in comics except one.

    Yet, for all the passion that these two have for each other; and boy there has been much of it over the decades, it is the fact that this couple went through so much to be together over and over again and yet some how they, more Piotr than Kitty, mess up that relationship. Fact: Piotr had joined the Acolytes which broke Kitty's heart . .. knowingly. Fact: Piotr tried to come back into Kitty's life when she was dating Pete Wisdom . . . only to have Kitty shut him down and remind him that he left her. Fact: Piotr commited suicide without so much as a goodbye to Kitty; (Sure, it was for a heroic reason and he did end up alive but still). Fact: Even though he knew that his little sister had come back as a manpulative witch who used everyone and nearly got the world destroyed for a vendetta, he chose her over Kitty; who had recently came back after being stuck for months on a giant bullet while saving the world & merely days ago regained her tangibilty.

  "I know that you would die for me," Kitty said. " I need someone who will live for me." And that makes it the biggest problem in this romance. Piotr's sense of duty seems to over throw things that would ultimately be the right decision for him. This putting this couple down some. Yet, when you think about all this couple has accomplished over the years, you can't say that haven't left an impression on your mind or heart.

#16 - GREEN ARROW & BLACK CANARY

    Yes. These two. These two lovebirds have been through a whole lot. They have fought against some of the greatest villains known to man. They have fought to save the universe several times. And they have even fought each other . . . several times. Remember when we say that Colossus & Kitty were almost the most back and forth couple in comics? Well, these two top them but damn if it has not been entertaining to watch.

  Green Arrow, for all his stern political beliefs, was still a man who loved Dinah Lance, the Black Canary. And their love had spawned so many interesting encounters and even sharing the title card of their books on more than one occassion. The archer and the martial artist song bird. Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance (-Queen for the short time they were married) had always learned to survive through each others faults and whatever life threw at them.

Yet, this is where the up and down begins. Oliver's strong beliefs and wanting to adventure with best bud Hal Jordon led him to turn his back on his first sidekick, Roy Harper (then Speedy, currently Arsenal) after finding Roy had become addicted to heroin. This split the couple as Dinah was the only person that stayed with Roy, helping the former sidekick kick the habit. The couple eventually reconciled but then there were other issues as we found that Queen was very much a man . . . as he cheated on Dinah . .. several times. Dinah ended up in the arms of Ra's Al Ghul for a time. Queen eventually died but later came back to life.

  Now, Ollie and Dinah got back together, seemingly for good as the two got married and Dinah took on a surrogate mother role for not only Ollie's latest sidekick, Mia who became Speedy, but also for Ollie's biological son, Conner Hawke. Roy even took on the name of Red Arrow and joined the Justice League, thanks to coaxing from Dinah & Ollie stepping back to let his oldest "son" grow up. Yet, when Ollie & Dinah's granddaughter, Lian, was killed; this drew the final nail for the couple. Ollie kept secrets, even forming a separate team with Hal behind Dinah's back, who was chairman of the Justice League of America at the time. Then Ollie, in complete rage, killed Promethus. The two broke up; Dinah swearing that she was done.

 That is why they are so low on the list. The reason why they beat out Colossus & Kitty was because before Lian died, Ollie and Dinah had seemingly got it right. They got to the altar. They fought impossible odds. Ollie & Dinah seemed to work so right, uniting a larger family with Roy, Conner, Mia & Lian. It is a shame too considering that Ollie couldn't let go of his need for vengence to help stablize his family situation.

#15 -  REED RICHARDS & SUE RICHARDS

    I know. I know.  I can hear the "Are you kidding me's" from here. Yes, I did indeed have Reed & Sue this low on the list. Now, hear me out before you start cursing my name. Reed and Sue Richards have become an institution. As of right now, they are the longest married couple in super hero comics: well, living couple.

   The 2 have been married for decades and their marriage have survived challenge after challenge after challenge. This marriage survived Dr. Doom, the "death" of Reed Richards, Namor, Ms. Fantastic and more. Surviving odds as a couple with Reed being the brain but with Sue becoming the true leader of the FF. Over the last 2 decades, they solidified the fact that while Reed may call the shots from time to time, Sue has become the leader; help balancing out the group.

  With 2 children, the Future Foundation and the Fantastic Four, Sue & Reed have endured it all. Yet, with all this, this marriage has some serious flaws. And there are for both parties invovled. Sue has become a stronger woman over the last 2 decades but she has always had a strong connection with Namor. When Reed was presumed dead, Susan slowly but surely found her way into Namor's arms for comfort; and he was more than glad to give them. Even after Reed's return, Namor contiuned to flirt with Sue until the last couple of years. And Sue continued to allow the flirtations because of her attraction to him.

  Then there is Reed. Reed, for all his intelligence, has a dunce cap when it comes to romance. While over the years, he has gotten better with that over time; Reed still loves his wife . .. and love science. Reed's feelings clash with Sue's over the years but when the super hero civil war came; Reed stood firm that registration and imprisoning fellow heroes was the right way to go; So much so that it drove Sue away to the point that she was almost ready to divorce her long time husband. Reed set himself up as Johnny sided with Sue and the Thing moved to France for a while.

 That is why they get the low ranking. Otherwise, this couple is still strongly in love withe each other and continues to be together today.

#14 - APOLLO & MIDNIGHTER

   They are pretty much considered the premiere gay super hero couple in comics. These two first bursted onto comic books back in the 2nd volume of Stormwatch when Wildstorm was still part of Image and gained noteriety during their stint on The Authority. The two super powered beings have often been considered to be similar to Superman and Batman in terms of powers, intelligence but a couple. And while that might be what it looks like on the outside, you will find a couple very much devoted to each other.

  Apollo and Midnighter have recently found each other (again) in the New DC 52. The two compliment each other well; Apollo seemingly the more reserved of the two; a bit more open about his feelings while Midnighter was more quiet, letting his action speak for him. The reason why this couple is so low on the list is cause there hasn't been much seen of them just being a couple. Sure we see them battle and flirt but otherwise, there hasn't been much in terms of their romantic development . . . until now. Apollo and Midnighter, apart of Stormwatch again in the New 52, are just starting out and we are getting to see their development first hand. Maybe as things go along this time around, we will really see the couple stand out. Till then, they are #15.

#13 -  SCARLET WITCH & VISION

   Now here is an interesting couple. The witch and the robot. A robot that has a soul. Or had a soul. Had a soul, lost a soul, got it back? Eh . .. comics. Anywho, Scarlet Witch met her now ex-husband as they served time on the Avengers together. With the brain patterns of Simon Williams aka Wonder Man, as part of him, Vision charmed his way into Wanda's heart. And the two were so in love. They got married and even had children together. (I am not here to explain how Wanda got impregnated by a synthizoid)

   Vision and Wanda faced it all; till Vision went mad that one time and took over all the computers on the planet. He snapped out of that only later to be kidnapped by the government and dismantled in order to make sure he was no longer a threat. Wanda was also dealing with the fact that her children were not real at first . .. well, they actually were real and that is a whole other story for another day . . . and ultimately, they divorced.

   Even when Vision got his emotions back, he did not go back to Wanda. Which was sad. Vision had come so far yet decided not to go back to a person who loved him. I am not getting into what happened next. Overall, This couple was just very odd but surprisingly good together.

#12 - SPIDERMAN (PETER PARKER) & MARY JANE WATSON

    I am just FULL of surprises aren't I? Why oh why did I put one of the greatest couples in comics down soooooooo low. Quite simple actually. But I will get to that in a minute. Allow me first to give you some background on this much beloved couple.

  Peter had gone through a lot. The death of Gwen Stacy and supposed death of Norman Osborn on top of all that he endured at Spiderman was much for him. Yet, Mary Jane was about to love him, help Peter get better and become a better man. And the two seemed made for each other. She was the spunky Redhead who loved Peter and cheered him on; yet also understood Peter's need for being Spiderman. Peter,in turn, was the loving man who helped balance out Mary Jane's adventureous nature while finding his own. This couple loved each other and you knew it.

  Which now I get into why they are #12. To put it quite simply . . . these two had issues. And not the typical couple issues or back and forth like other couples. No. This couple had some deep seeded issues. Like Mary Jane's need for attention at times leading her to either be a flirt to other men or demand more out of Peter when she knew it was a bad time. Or Peter not being as supportive of his wife's career at times when he should have been. And need I remind you their BIGGEST crimes . . . One More Day & One Moment In Time. Those two shining turds are two of the greatest reasons why this couple is in #12. The fact that Mary Jane essentially helps Peter make a deal with the Devil (Mephisto but I am of the mind of Linkara on this . .. he's the Devil) and later on shows how jealous she is that Peter gave up their marriage is complete and utter bull! The fact that she would tell Peter that being with him is like being a battered wife . . . okay, there was that one time a clone of Peter hit Mary Jane but seriously . .. it was a clone and Peter was not responsible for that.

And Peter .. . dear god. Peter's mommy issues trump the love of your life? Aunt May died before. Sure that was a clone but still! BULL! Aunt May had lived a very full life. And how do you decide to save her life? By making a deal with the devil and give up your long time marriage in order to do so. What kind of hokey crap is that? I am not heartless but for the love of God, you do not make a deal with the devil. And you don't compare a relationship you willing stayed with that long and compare it to being a battered wife when half the time you are cheering him on to be a hero. THIS is why they are #12.

#11 - BATWOMAN & THE QUESTION (RENEE MONTOYA)

   Was not expecting these 2 did you? Hehe. I definitely know some of you were not thinking about these two but now that I mentioned them, you are grinning. This couple was definitely a great couple when you look at them. and while Donner & Blitzen may have pioneered the whole Lesbian couple Super Heroes scene . .. these 2 heroines perfected it.

    Renee Montoya and Kate Kane came together, again it seems, during the events of 52; where Kate first became Batwoman and Renee ended up becoming the new Question. These femme fatales had a lot more of a certain something than most other couples . . . passion. Lots of passion. Kate and Renee had been lovers before off panel and found each other again during the events of 52. And that fire became an inferno during the subsquent years. Kate was a tough as nails ex-military turned vigilante. Renee was the more open yet somewhat resistant ex-cop turned vigilante. The two had an odd chemistry that just worked. Passionate about justice and what they do, the two found each other again and got together.

   Unfortunately, the New 52 erased that and Kate is now dating long time Metropolis Detective but now Gotham Detective Maggie Sawyer. And why that relationship is hot in its own way,it was definitely not the complimentary and strong coupling of Kate & Renee. Ah, we shall remember you both well.

#10 - AQUAMAN & MERA

   Arthur Curry & Mera have had an interesting marriage. This former King & Queen of Atlantis have been through the ringer and that is putting it lightly. To a rebellion against Arthur, to Mera &

Arthur's son being murdered by Black Manta. To Mera dying to Arthur's own issues with his kingdom to Arthur's resurrection; Mera and Arthur seemed to have gone through a lot to be together.

   And this relationship is not without its own set of problems (Mera admitted she never wanted to have a child to Arthur denoucing his throne) the two have been able to come back through it all.

The reason why they are #10 is that while the 2 have had their problems, they recently have been able to overcome many of them. They are in a part in their relationship where they know and accept each other but it is figuring out that next step; thus their low ranking.

 Still, better their alternate reality selves still being together even though Arthur was engaged to Wonder Woman and Mera ends up dying which causes Aquaman to be one of the biggest mass murderers in history to their current New 52 status of them find their new way in life, you can believe that Aquaman and Mera are far from being a punchline.

#9 - HAWKMAN & HAWKGIRL (HAWKWOMAN)

   Now,let's get with the part of the countdown where I make your brain hurt . . . badly. Carter Hall & Shiera Hall (or is it Katar Hol & Shayera Hol) or is it Carter Hall & Kendra Sanders? All these fall under the this particular number because of the fact that you are dealing with 2 heroes who have lived and died . .. over & over & over again. For the Love of Highfather's junk, these 2 have had more incarnations than Tommy Oliver changed suits in Power Rangers. Think about it?

  Carter Hall & Shiera Hall fell in love back during World War 2. Or was it Ancient Egypt. Or was it Thanagar. The answer is .. . all of the above. The MUCH convoluted history of this romance spans not just time .. . but planets. The duo have been reborn and loved again over and over to the point where it could be a running gag. 

  Now, the strongest point about this particular relationship is that for the most part; the 2 are very dedicated to the other . . . when they are not together yet in there current incarnation. Sure Hawkgirl dated then Red Arrow Roy Harper while Hawkman was seeing Power Girl (pre New 52) but EVENTUALLY, Carter was able to be with Shiera again . .. twice. There was Shayera Hol, the Thangarian Hawkwoman and then their was Kendra Sanders, Hawkgirl. And while Hawkgirl tired to fight against fate, it ended up with broken hearts for Roy & Kara. Of course, her proclaimation of love came during Blackest Knight when she & Carter were getting slaughtered by one of the couples in my top 5.  Yet, they found each other resurrected at the end of that particular storyline . .. well, Carter was resurrected . .. and so was Shiera. And for a minute, we thought they were gonna have a happily ever after . . . till Shiera died, AGAIN.

  Since the new 52, we have seen Carter star in his own book again while no side of any incarnation of Shiera/Kendra. The fact that this couple is so on again off again due to death knocks them down a bit. Yet, this is a couple who spawned rebellions, survived dozens of lifetimes, great a super hero family on part with WWE's McMahon clan and really showed themselves as the loving yet kick butt couple in all of comics. This is a couple that is destined. Unfortuately, this couple is both destined to love each other . .. and destined to DIE.

#8 - CYCLOPS & . . . EMMA FROST

   Now, now Jean Grey fans. Before the Phoenix comes to eat me with my house, there are some things I want to point out about Scott Summers and his current love, Emma Frost. Emma Frost is somewhat similar to Jean and almost completely different at the same time. Jean was more girl next door or slight adventureous but level headed . .. till she was replaced by the Phoenix. And then she died. or it died. And she came back. And then she died and came back a few more times. But Jean was one of those people you always wanted to be around.

  Emma Frost is . .. definitely not Jean Grey. The Phoenix became corrupted thanks to the mental seductions of both Mastermind and Emma Frost. And Emma has killed people before. And while she has long since redeemed herself, Emma falling for Scott was something completely unexpected. And vice versa. After Scott spent a short stint as being part of Apocalypse, he was a bit more withdrawl. Emma was supposedly helping Scott to move past that . . . which lead to a psychic affair. The psychic affair lead to an actual affair. And after Jean Grey died most recently . .. Scott Summers fell for Emma Frost. Emma is somewhat strong willed, a great teacher but a woman of class and who likes the finer thing in life. She's not below being underhanded to get them.

  Scott went from being unsure of himself as a leader of a small group of mutants to being a full fledge monarchy to the mutant race, uniting them all together for a time after Scarlet Witch's spell left under 200 mutants left. As a recent issue of X-Men Legacy described Scott: there was a point where Scott wasn't sure if he was going to do the right thing to thinking that anything he does is right.

 And let's face it folks: Cyclops has been a lot more successful and interesting with Emma than he was without her. And vice versa. Scott allowed Emma to be a bit more vunerable and actual let herself earn her right as an X-Man. Scott, in turn, did what neither Xavier or Magneto were ever capable of doing. And honestly, I doubt Scott would have gotten this far without Emma; which brings me as to why they are #8 and not higher.

Simply put . .. Scott is a major douche bag and his duty to oversee mutant kind has gotten soooo deep that he has neglected Emma. And she, in term, has allowed herself to flirt with Namor. Not as strong of a couple as they may seem huh?

#7 - RICTOR & SHATTERSTAR

  Surprise! Really. I know. Were not expecting these 2 huh? Okay. Why are they here? Oh ... allow me to elaborate.

  Rictor and Shatterstar had become good friends back during their time together on X-Force. They grew so close that when Rictor wanted to leave in order ot take down his family's gun smuggling ring in Mexico, Shatterstar left with him. The 2 fell out of sight for some time till . .. after M-Day, a depowered Rictor had joined Jamie Madrox's X-Factor Investigations. He became the groups computer hacker.

  Shatterstar . .. got a hair cut and showed up againt under the control of another being ... who was using a dupe of Jamie Madrox for a host. Yay.  During that battle, Rictor and Strong Guy were able to free Shatterstar of the villain's control. And when that happened . .. Rictor was gifted with one heck of a lip lock from Shatterstar ... with Strong Guy somewhat shocked.

 From that point, the 2 started a relationship that has gone through much over its short time: the dealing with the rest of their teammates reactions to them; including a returning and pregnant Wolfsbane going all bible lady on them about homosexuality is a sin and lying about the baby she was carrying; Rictor's frustration of his lack of powers til recently and Shatterstar's want to experiment . . . with everyone, no matter the sex.

What I  enjoy about this couple is their autheticity of their emotions while dealing with their relationship and Shatterstar's coping to all the new feelings and sensations he admitted to never have before. This was all. new to him and that very conversation screamed out to many starting out in relationships . .. whethher gay, straight or bisexual. The couple feels very real because of roles in the relationship being discussed and Rictor's need for dominace.

  The reason why this couple doesn't top the countdown goes to a few factors: One, the fact that Rictor seemed to redefine himself as the Alpha Male in the relationship once he's powers are returned to him is REALLY annoying; Shatterstar's need for experimentation is both a double edge sword as he and Rictor are just starting and he's ready to jump in the sack with anyone as long as Rictor is with him (while somewhat true is off putting) and finally, the fact that this couple has yet to really deal with their issues at hand. But I am sure Peter David, writer of X-Factor, will be dealing with all these soon enough.




#6 - BATMAN & CATWOMAN 


    I know. I know. This snuck on me too. I originally was not going to put them on this countdown at all. And Certainly not as high as they are. Yet, there is just something about that. 

Before we get into things . . . all you Bruce/Talia fans . ..  let's get some facts out on the table. First, Talia maybe the mother of Bruce's biological son, Damien Wayne and have shared a beautiful and wonderful time together. But let's make something perfectly clear . . . Talia does NOT love Bruce.

 Why do I say that? Quite simply, I don't think Talia knows how to love. She had chance to reform but she decides to put on some major criminal activities even after multiple pleas from Bruce. While Selina . ..  honestly, has limited to criminal activites, even stopping them completely at times to be a defender to people in her section of Gotham City. Selina and Bruce have a chemistry that is just so unmatched that it is scary. Selina says she doesn't completely get him .. . yet, there are parts of Batman & Bruce Wayne that she got better than Talia or any other of the dozens of women Bruce has wed. 


  Selina earns the distinction of being one of the few women that Bruce felt he could actually trust with not only his identity but the identity of his network, his home and even parts of him he never shared with anyone else. (Read Jeph Loeb's Hush to see what I mean). When Bruce was considered dead, Selina mourned Bruce like a woman who lost her life mate. When Bruce came back, Selina was with him at the start of his Batman Inc. venture. Oh, and in said Hush story, Bruce flat out chooses Selina over Talia . . . something the Dark Knight has, as far as recent history is concerned, has never done.

   Selina has her fair share of issues. So does Bruce. Yet, the combination of sexual tension, unspoken feelings and thrill of their careers as masked heroes just magnifies their attraction more than nearly any other couple on this list. And while the New 52 has seemingly erased some of Bruce's & Selina's history together (mostly that she knows he's Bruce) but the chemistry and the feelings are still very much there.

Unfortunately . . . these are 2 people certain that they can't live normal lives. Bruce is far too controlling while Selina wants to hold on to her independence more than her own life at times. This is not a couple that sees themselves settling down. Yet, in an odd way, that is what makes them work so well. 




#5 - LUKE CAGE & JESSICA JONES-CAGE 


    Okay. This couple are pure fun to watch. Brian Michael Bendis is one of the most prolific writers. And I have to say, the fact that he built their relationship with nearly a decade worth of stories . . . from Alias to currently New Avengers, this couple has taken over the stop as THE AVENGERS COUPLE. More than Hank Pym & Janet Van Dyke. More than Scarlet Witch & Vision. More than Quicksilver & Crystal. 


   Luke Cage is a stubborn yet very just and caring man who wants to do right and make sure justice is served. Jessica Jones-Cage is a woman who wants to help yet used to keep up walls. Yet, as time passed, those walls began to fall down. Cage became less uptight about what he wanted and what he stood for. Luke became an Avenger while Jessica reconnected with old friends Carol Danvers and Jessica Drew, forming the current divas of the Avengers. This couple found each other before the Civil War, as they were making their way. Since coming together, they not only found their way to each other but accomplished so much: Luke Cage is now LEADING the New Avengers; they got married; they became parents to little Danielle Jones-Cage (points if you can guess who their daughter is named after) they BOUGHT & OWN the AVENGERS MANSION . . . for a $1. This couple have accomplished so much for themselves individually and together since getting together that it is just hard not to think of them together anymore. 


  For all this, why are they only # 5. Marriage seems to be just as much of an adventure as they're coming together was. And while they were apart for a short time during Osborn's time as THE # 1 COP, this couple has gotten things right. Yet, as parents, they are still learning and Jessica is very much worried about their daughter. Luke & Jessica need to get an idea of what they are gonna do together as they raise their daughter but I hope we see the Cages amongst the Avengers for a long time to come. Plus, points for hiring Squirrel Girl as a Nanny for Danielle and for convincing Daredevil to join the New Avengers. 




#4 - CLARK KENT & LOIS LANE (KENT) 


    Yep. THE SUPER HERO COUPLE! As # 4. 


  Lois & Clark have had one great adventure over the years to the point where they finally got married. Then they finally got married . . . after Clark died then came back to life; Lois having doubts after seeing Clark giving a goodbye kiss to former lover Lori Lemaris; Clark having to abandon his civilian identity for a time then losing his powers; They FINALLY got married.

  Lois is an adventures, strong woman who was never gonna be easy to wed. But Superman was about to allow Lois be vulnerable for him while he was vulnerable for her. The two found that they were the one, true love for the other and there was NO denying it. No matter how many women and men tried to break up this couple . . . which I believe they hold the most potential love breakers than any other in the history of comics . . . the two not only endured, but thrived.

 After they got married, they worked at their relationship to the point that most heroes who knew Superman was Clark Kent knew Lois personally. Lois Lane became a fixture in many heroes life as Mrs. Superman while Clark learned to be Mr. Lois Lane. And it worked more than they ever thought. Even following in the Kent's foot steps in adopting their own Kryptonian, Lois became Super-Mom to Chris Kent. This couple was Magic.

 Yet, with all that, this couple did 3 things wrong: First, they took FAR too long actually getting together as a romantic couple. The Romantic couple was nearly 60 years in the making. Nearly 60  years till they actually got married. Sure there was the whole time they were together in the silver age but that got retconned . .   Second, the fact that it took them so long to actually get married. I understand that having their marriage be a big thing was smart but for the love . . . nearly a decade after they got engaged, they married. NEARLY A DECADE!!  Finally . . . the New 52 erased this relationship and Lois is back to being her spunky single self while Clark is . . . more awkward than ever. YAY. Thank you for getting rid of one of my favorite couples. 




#3 - BLACK PANTHER & STORM 

  This was not just a union of 2 characters: it was the living representation of a dream, character status elevation & one of the most natural unions in comics. Black Panther, the genius king of the  tech savy and naturally beautiful country of Wakanda being united with Storm, the formerly worshipped weather goddess and long time X-Man. Ororo & T'Challa had a fabled love story that dated back to the times they were children. They're young love never wavered over the years. It was seen little by little over the years. At the turn of the century, Ororo & T'Challa began their ultimate destiny as one of the most visible and most beloved couples in comic book history.

 And as they finally got together and got married, fans rejoiced. Fans were happy to find the two finding each other. For a mutant had married a human and had become not just a representation of African-Americans but also the living symbol of mutant/human coexistence. For God's sake, Storm's wedding dress was designed by a soap star fashion coordinator. 


  And when they became a couple, they showed the world that not only were they strong as a couple but they were strong as a nation. Wakanda had a King & Queen that was unmatched in their countries history. Unfortunately, enemies had hurt their country and the King & Queen's honeymoon was over. Storm decided to work with the X-Men while T'Challa decided he needed to help the people of Hell's Kitchen in order to redeem himself. That is the main reason why this couple is # 3 . . . they are married but not together. Yet, with Storm joining the Avengers, I am sure we will see more of T'Challa & Ororo together soon. Oh . . . and just as a warning: Ben Grimm wanted me to tell everyone that do NOT ever say the following things; 1 - Storm is NOT wearing contacts  and 2 - SHE IS NOT WEARING A WEAVE! That's her real hair. 




#2 - BLACK BOLT & MEDUSA 


    From one set of royalty to another; this King & Queen are truly connected. Black Bolt and Medusa have long reigned on the throne of the Inhumans . . . and recently, the Kree Empire with an iron fist. The couple has faced invaders like Apocalypse to the dangers of Maximus to War with the Shi'ar Empire.

   Through the years, Medusa was always the voice of Black Bolt. The Queen was never one to fool around with things and Black Bolt merely gesture to his wife and she would tell everyone what he felt without question. Their love culminated with the birth of their son and they stayed strong. They did it all together . . . 


 Almost everything.




 Black Bolt spent years with Medusa so she knows him well. Which makes the fact that the Skull that disguised himself as Black Bolt for a time fooling Medusa seem sad. It's Dick & Kory all over again. What was even uglier is the fact that Black Bolt kept the fact that he was hiding one of the Infinity Gems (gems so powerful that they can control time, space & creation itself) from everyone but the Marvel Illuminati was such a blow to the Queen. This while he was supposedly dead. Yet, even with these faults, the fact that Medusa was about to carry on and forgive her husband and the two are strong than ever are why they are # 2. 








AND THE #1 COMIC BOOK COUPLE ARE . . .








#1 - RALPH & SUE DIGBY 

     That is right.  Any person who's collected comics know how hard it was when Brad Meltzer's Identity Crisis ending the long running union with the brutal death of Sue Digby which opened up some many other stories. The fact that her death was still referred over and over again throughout the years in DC Comics till the recent DC Relaunch makes it that much more important to the overall community within DC Comics. The heart breaking death of Sue had comic book fans weeping and comic book heroes wallowing in despair.
   Fans of the couple know that they were identified as Ralph & Sue or Elongated Man & his wife. The stretchy hero and his wife had fought odd after odd after odd to be together. They faced Sonar several times, who was obsessed with Sue to finally take down the sound manipulating villain. They survived Ralph's time with the Justice League in several incarnations. They overcame Sue's brutal rape from Dr. Light. This couple has truly endured. 


  Fans and super heroes were so taken by the likable couple that they were always a favorite. When Ralph helped formed Justice League Europe, Sue came with him and eventually the Liasion to the team. Sue is the first woman to ever Earn Honorary League Member status. No other super wife had achieved that.  Not Lois. Not Ellen Baker. Just Sue Digby.

  The couple has seen it all. When Sue died, Ralph fell apart till he became determined to find the mastermind behind the death of his wife and ultimately dies; joining his wife in death. Unfortunately, the last image of them is their brutal murder of our #9. Yet, it shows in death . . . they had love. Always being together. Always trusting each other. Always knowing each other.

We miss you both and thank you Ralph & Sue. 


___




And that is my Top 20 Couple in Comics. Feel free to disagree or agree and leave comments below. Thank you all for reading this and will see you next time. Keep Clashing everyone . ..  and Happy Valentine's Day. 

HECTOR'S TOP 11 COMIC MOMENTS OF 2011

Hey there clashers with 2012 right around the corner I thought id take a look at those special panels that made 2011 a great year for comic fans. Up, up, and away we go.


11.Casey Jones dawning his mask for the time in the series: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- I don’t know about you guys but that was one of those moments that hit with a dash of  awesome with a pinch of nostalgia. Any fan of the franchise following this series knows they were itching to see that since he was introduced as Casey Jones. Any comic fan that likes costumed characters knows that the moment you see that character in that iconic costume is a big deal.  


10.Logan sending Matt Murdock to sue the Hellfire clubs’ Black King: Wolverine and the X-Men- I know doesn’t seem like a big deal but hear me out. First off the little brat has been a thon in the X-Men’s side for quite a while being a large element leading to Schism providing the ’Super’ Sentinel that attacked Utopia. Then doing all he could to destroy the Jean Grey school he’s lucky he wasn’t dealing with old Logan who would have gutted the twerp without a second thought. But the new sensible Logan sent one of the most iconic lawyers in the Marvel universe after him, the only other acceptable alternative would have been sending She-Hulk but I believe the subtlety of Matt played out very well.


9.Aunt May pulling a revolver on Electro in Death of Spiderman- Before the DOSM series, I didn’t really read Ultimate Spiderman all like that; so I’m used to seeing Aunt May as a frail little old lady that the last thing I would have expected to see is her pulling this big old gun out of her glove compartment and busting a cap in a highly powered super villain. I was astounded I applaud Mrs. Parker for her courage and homage to Dirty Harry.

 
8.The Hulk punching a hulked out boar so hard he traveled from the Earth’s core through the ocean floor and landed on an icy tundra: Incredible Hulk: Well that was quite a bit to type but I had to have this on my list. You see since being separated from Banner Hulk doesn’t really seem angry any more so some readers might say he doesn’t have it in him anymore. Some may go as far as saying he went soft but in moments like that he reminds us all ’hey I may have found inner peace but I’m still the Hulk and Hulk is still the strongest there is.’

7.Nick Fury and his hulked out Avengers team up with the Ultimates to stop super powered anarchy in Asia : Avengers Vs. New Ultimates- Seems like just a clean up scene but seeing as the scene before had them pitted against each other I rather enjoyed it. That surprise team-up element gets me every time and the hulked out aspect helped. Hulks smash on.

6.Thor frying Gregory Stark: Avengers Vs. New Ultimates- Call it a dark sense of humor but I found it hilarious and the way Thor answers to Tony when he freaks….Priceless. After everything Gregory did selling super powers on the black market pitting Danvers and Fury against each other an causing worldwide panic lets just say karma is a cruel mistress. Thor I raise my glass to thee.


5. Miles Morales receiving his new costume from SHIELD: Ultimate Comics Presents All New Spiderman-As I mentioned back at number 11 the first glimpse at that costume is a big deal. Even more so when the character receives said costume as a right of passage. To me this moment symbolizes Mr. Morales truly being accepted into the Marvel universe. That being said I salute you Miles, wear that costume with pride and make us proud.  


4.Spidey combining his spider-sense with his kung fu training: Spider-Island- after losing his spider sense Pete sought kung fu training to bridge the gap but after getting it back during Spider-Island it just made him that much better. It was like he was unstoppable 3 steps ahead of everyone it was like Bruce Lee in the Matrix. Well done Peter, well done.

 
3.Superman bum rushing Green Lantern: Justice League- I’m not sure but seeing teammates fight before they form a team gets me all giddy inside and I know I’m not the only one. Another thing that made this moment epic was the fact that it happened after a major ego trip from Hal. Most readers will say Mr. Jordan was quite arrogant in his first years and would probably join me as I tip my hat to Kal-El.


2.The arrival of Darkseid: Justice League- Just as first suit up is a monumental occasion so is the first appearance of a major villain especially one that’s been redesigned. Kind of came off like Michael Weston from Burn Notice with that comment. Any way his arrival took up the majority of a two page spread and with good reason. He is one of the Leagues greatest adversaries what better way to bring them together. His appearance has just paved the way for an epic story arc.


1.The return of Johnny Storm: Fantastic Four: Some readers may be angered that he’s back because they don’t like that comic characters rarely ever stay dead. Well those naysayers need not agree with me for I was ecstatic at Mr. Storm’s return. His ‘death’ was a big moment in comic history making his return that much more epic. The man has been through hell and back and is that much greater for it. Welcome back Johnny you have been missed.


Well that’s it folks its been a great year in comics and I’m glad I could share it with you until the new year this Hector signing off until next time friends. Keep Clashing

#27 - SPIDER-ISLAND: POPULATION 8 . . . LEGGED FREAKS

SPIDER ISLAND MINI EVENT

Main Story: Amazing Spiderman  #666 -#673 (Prelude, Parts 1 - 6 & Epilogue)

Side Stories: Various Spider-Island miniseries, one shots & tie in issues.

Marvel Comics

Review by Hector Ramirez

Clashers greetings, salutations and what’s up. Hector here. So as some of you may or may not know, New York has recently been infested with bedbugs (which is why I missed New York Comicon ) Marvel tells us true believers that this is due to one Dr. Miles “The Jackal” Warren (well technically there were multiple Miles Warrens but you know what I mean). He released genetically enhanced bedbugs to spread a spider-virus in an attempt to build an army of mutant spiders for The Queen, a former super soldier with her own spider based powers. So all of Manhattan is loving the spider powers until they start mutating. With all this a tribe of wasp people is out to destroy all spiders causing Spider-girl to team up with Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk and Hobgoblin. Also, Shang Chi and Iron Fist are kidnapped by a hypnotized Bride of 9 Spiders and have to fight Ai Apaek. Meanwhile, Cloak and Dagger come up against Mr. Negative when Dagger is foreseen as his downfall in the thick of it all. They end up switching powers. In the end, Spidey saves the day with the help of Eddie “Anti-Venom” Brock’s symbiote suit which was synthesized into a cure (which actually turns Kaine into a perfect clone of Peter which sets up for the new Scarlet Spider series).

This was definitely a great read lots of action, twists, and turns. The entire city with spider powers definitely not expected. As this goes on, you get to see Peter Parker as a person and so does everyone else. Swinging in his shoes, they (the people) get a feel for what it is he’s going through. It sucks his girl(Peter's) left him but there seemed to be hints that he may reunite with Mary Jane….again. I’m also interested in where this will leave Eddie Brock. The side stories are good too, and usually I don’t follow side stories. All in all, I recommend this mini-series for all true Spidey fans. It’s pretty epic and will most likely make a miniseries countdown in the future. Well that’s all for now. See you next week until next time friends, keep clashing.

SUMMER SPECIAL NEWS EDITION # 3 - MARVEL'S FEAR ITSELF, PART ONE

Welcome to the third installment of our great and new summer specials. This time, we are going to take a long hard look at Marvel's Fear Itself event. Now that we are kinda knee deep into it, we get to see how the world deals with the Asgardian God of Fear being freed after the new Red Skull, formerly known as Sin, gets a hold of the first hammer of the Worthy and becomes Skadi. Now, She and the God of Fear lead the Worthy in one of the biggest attacks on the world that has ever been seen. And who are the Worthy? The Worthy are the avatars of the God of Fear, known also as the Serpent. Who are the other seven Worthy besides Skadi? These will also be villains and heroes that cannot resist the Serpent's power through these eight hammers. And it begins.
   While this happens, Odin prepares to turn Asgard into a War Engine and plans to burn away the Earth . . . with humanity with it. Now the heroes of the Marvel Universe must fend off the Worthy and the Serpent as the clock is ticking. Thor stands against his father but will he and the Avengers and all the other heroes be enough to stop beings that grow more powerful with the more fear they spread across the planet. And they're will be casualties. This will have up to all the books till next month. Part two will come later.

Here's the low down on just half of the Fear Itself Books, which includes books from the last few months that were part of the event:


MARCH:

FEAR ITSELF: PROLOGUE
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils by SCOT EATON
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Variant Cover by Joe Quesada
All the Red Skull's terrible secrets and plans are in the hands of his evil daughter, Sin, who's intent on outdoing her father... Now find out about the Skull's most-dangerous World War II mission, that he risked everything for...and how it's going to tear the Marvel Universe apart today.  FEAR ITSELF starts here...in the darkest secrets of the past!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99









APRIL:

FEAR ITSELF #1 (of 7)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Variant Covers by STEVE McNIVEN & STUART IMMONEN
Fantastic Four Anniversary Variant by PAOLO RIVERA
Blank Variant Cover Also Available
DO YOU FEAR...TOMORROW?
In this time of global anxiety, of economic turmoil and mass hysteria, Sin, the new Red Skull, has made an awesome discovery...a shameful secret that will rock the foundations of the Marvel Universe! A revelation that will divide father and son, turn friend against friend, and herald the rise of Fear personified. HE IS RETURNING...and the world has nothing to fear but FEAR ITSELF. Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen bring fans the biggest Marvel the biggest Marvel event since CIVIL WAR!
56 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: SIN'S PAST #1
Written by MARK GRUENWALD &JIM McCANN
Penciled by RICH BUCKLER, AL MILGROM & STEFANO LANDINI
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
The Origin of Sin, daughter of the Red Skull — and some of the quirkiest Cap stories ever told!Captain America, regressed to a 98-pound weakling, vs. a teenage death cult and the Sisters of Sin! Battle Star and the Falcon, together against the Serpent Society! Featuring a special guest-appearance by the voluptuous Sersi! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA #355-356 and material from #357, fully remastered with modern coloring. Plus: an all-new framing sequence by Jim McCann (HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD) and Stefano Landini.
64 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$4.99

FEAR ITSELF SPOTLIGHT
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Cover by STUART IMMONEN
The only thing you have to fear is…FEAR ITSELF! Starting in April, Marvel lifts the lid on a plot that might undo the Heroic Age just as it’s getting started — with a universe-shattering attack from an unexpected quarter! In this issue of SPOTLIGHT, we dig deep with the creators behind FEAR ITSELF, including Matt Fraction (THOR, UNCANNY X-MEN) and Stuart Immonen (NEW AVENGERS) as they provide insight into the main event and the characters most affected by it! Plus: Take a look back at some of Marvel’s biggest blockbusters through the years — from old-school epics like the Avengers/Defenders War and SECRET WARS to contemporary crossovers like CIVIL WAR and SIEGE!
32 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: THE HOME FRONT #1 (of 7)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE, PeTER milligan & More!
Penciled by MIKE MAYHEW, ELIA BONETTI & More!
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Terror has gripped the globe and now all the world is the front line for the next superhuman conflict! America blamed Speedball for the deaths of six hundred people in Stamford, Connecticut - the event that sparked the super hero Civil War. And while some have forgiven him, he hasn't forgiven himself. But a new crisis has arisen…fear is spreading throughout the populace…and, while doing charity work in disguise, Robbie Baldwin's true identity is exposed to the people of Stamford. With the world falling apart around him, can Speedball rally the population against the new danger…or will this survivor of an old war be the casualty of a new one? PLUS: Marvel’s super agent Jimmy Woo confronts his deepest fears in an all-new, all-action adventure! Join the fight as Marvel’s top talents take you on a series of globe-spanning adventures that will test the mettle of hero, citizen and villain alike!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #503
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Thor Goes Hollywood Variant by TBA
FEAR ITSELF tie-in!
Fear has spread across the land and has made its way to Broxton, Oklahoma. As the Broxton residents prepare for a major disaster, Iron Man and Stark Resilient head into action. On the eve of this cataclysmic event, the Armored Avenger will face many dangers, but the greatest danger of all will be facing Fear Itself in this tie-in to the biggest Marvel event ever!
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #622
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Penciled by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
Variant Cover by ARTHUR ADAMS
Thor Goes Hollywood Variant by TBA
Fear Itself Tie-in!
Prepare for Fear Itself when the acclaimed Thor series becomes Journey Into Mystery! Loki is back and the mystery surrounding his death is about to be revealed! What can the Trickster God be up to this time? How will this affect Thor? Acclaimed creators Kieron Gillen and Doug Braithwaite bring Thor’s dark, little brother back into the fray. It’s time for the Odinson and the Trickster to reunite! Also – get caught all caught up on THOR since he made his return to the Marvel Universe in J. Michael Straczynski’s epic run.
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

MAY:

FEAR ITSELF #2 (of 7)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by STUART IMMONEN
Cover by STEVE McNIVEN
Variant Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Variant Cover by STEVE McNIVEN

The Mighty Thor--imprisoned by his own father! As Odin and the Asgardians leave the Earth to fend for itself against the God of Fear, the Avengers and the world's remaining heroes battle the unstoppable tide of terror! And then-- the Serpent’s Hammers fall! Who are the Worthy? Who shall rise up and join the Serpent as living avatars of his evil? And how can the Avengers respond...to fear itself?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: THE HOME FRONT #2 (of 7)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE, PETER MILLIGAN, HOWARD CHAYKIN & MORE!
Penciled by MIKE MAYHEW, ELIA BONETTI, HOWARD CHAYKIN & MORE!
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
As the effects of The Serpent spread among the populace, Speedball is in the most hostile territory imaginable...Stamford, Connecticut, whose people blame him for six hundred deaths. And it's about to get worse, as he must go up against one of the Serpent's elite vanguard alone! Jimmy Woo’s journey to uncover an international conspiracy takes him and the Agents of Atlas to Europe and a descent into universal intrigue where if the voyage doesn’t kill them, what they find there will! More explosive and heart-wrenching tales from across the globe as the entire Marvel Universe quakes from Fear Itself!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #623
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Penciled by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
X-Men Evolutions Variant by LARRY STROMAN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
Loki, the great betrayer, the great destroyer has returned! But in all the nine realms there is no one who trusts him. Sadly, when he's the first to discover the dread secret behind FEAR ITSELF and issues forth a call to arms, none will heed his call. Thrill to the latest JIM installment as the younthened Trickster God makes his devious move for power and control!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #504
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art and Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Cover by DAVID YARDIN
X-Men Evolutions Variant by BRANDON PETERSON
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
FEAR ITSELF reaches its hand deep into the heart of the City of Lights! Iron Man races to Paris, France, to encounter one of "The Worthy" waiting there for him. How will the ultimate man of science react to a city turned to stone? And if that weren't bad enough, the world is going mad as the avatars of the Serpent start their rampages. How resilient is Resilient? How strong is iron?
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

AVENGERS #13
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO
Cover by ALAN DAVIS
X-Men Evolutions Variant by PAUL RENAUD
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
The God of Fear has come to Earth and the only thing standing between it and world domination are Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! Can the Avengers stand against an evil older than time itself? Or will even the strongest heroes on the planet fall? Prepare to face Fear Itself! Plus: another chapter in the oral history of the Avengers!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SECRET AVENGERS #13
Written by NICK SPENCER
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
X-Men Evolutions Variant by TBA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
Armies are mounting against the Avengers on every side, and even the Gods have turned their backs on Earth. With humanity facing it's gravest threat yet, Steve Rogers and his Secret Avengers will make some hard choices about what's just in times of war. And even as they do, a new danger of a different kind emerges-- one that confronts them not in the name of evil or fear, but freedom and liberty.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: SPIDER-MAN #1 (of 3)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST
Penciled by MIKE MCKONE
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
SPIDER-MAN IS ROCKED BY THE EVENT OF THE YEAR!
Manhattan is gripped in violent panic. Peter Parker has not slept in days. Abandoning his friendsand family, Spider-Man cannot…WILL not… stop if there are people to be saved. But as the opening salvos of Fear Itself take their violent toll, will Spidey have what it takes to fight his own doubts? Find out here!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: YOUTH IN REVOLT #1 (of 6)
Written by SEAN MCKEEVER
Penciled by MIKE NORTON
Cover by GUISEPPE CAMUNCOLI
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
With a growing sense of uncertainty and despair gripping the nation--and the world--the remnants of the Initiative program are sworn in as federal agents charged with keeping the peace. Their ensuing actions, however, threaten to plunge America's young heroes into civil war! Featuring AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE stars THOR GIRL, ULTRAGIRL, CLOUD 9, KOMDO and HARDBALL--plus FIRESTAR, GRAVITY and some very cool surprises--YOUTH IN REVOLT brings the horror of FEAR ITSELF to the doorstep of a generation!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

IRON MAN 2.0 #5
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
One of the major villains of FEAR ITSELF shows up to claim his power and wreak havoc right in the pages of 2.0. Rhodey must join forces with Danny Rand, the Immortal Iron Fist, and the Immortal Weapons if he hopes to win the day!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

HERC #3
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE
Pencils by NEIL EDWARDS
Cover by CHRIS STEVENS
X-Men Evolutions Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
FEAR ITSELF has made its way to Hercules’ home turf! Stripped of his powers, Herc must change everything he knows about being a hero to win the day. But against an army of monsters and super villains, what chance does a mere mortal have? Find out when Herc shows the world the true measure of a superhero in Herc #3!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

JUNE:

FEAR ITSELF #3 (of 7)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by STUART IMMONEN
Cover by STEVE McNIVEN
Variant Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Variant Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
The blockbuster Marvel event of the year continues!
Sin leads the most audacious attack on American soil the world has ever seen as global panic sets in and we fall sway to the power of fear itself. On Asgard, Loki hatches the scheme to end all schemes. And everywhere, the Serpent's presence is felt...never moreso than when a major Marvel hero falls at his hands. The shock ending to end all shock endings...as the cycle of evil stretching millennia is at last completed.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: BLACK WIDOW #1
Written by Cullen bunn
Penciled by Peter nguyen
Cover by MICHAEL RYAN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
Russia’s deadliest assassin! France’s most iconic city! As fear ravages the streets of Paris, a group of diabolical extremists plot an act of mass terrorism. In order to avert nuclear disaster, The Black Widow must brave a city in chaos, face down a crack team of deadly mercenaries, and infiltrate a well-protected government facility. She’s on her own… which is just the way she likes it.
40 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: DEADPOOL #1 (of 3)
Written by CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS
Penciled by BONG DAZO
Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
As the Marvel Universe is wracked with FEAR ITSELF, only Deadpool sees it for what it truly is…a way to make money. Has Deadpool really been chosen as one of the worthy, granted one of The Serpent’s Hammers? Or did he just take any old hammer and go to town with some rhinestones? Either way, when Deadpool hits the street with his shiny new mallet it’s—STOP! Hammer time. Don’t miss Deadpool playing whack-a-mole with the comic event of the season!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

AVENGERS #14
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO
Cover by ALAN DAVIS
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
As the Avengers are stretched to the breaking point by the events of FEAR ITSELF, prepare for a SURPRISE EVENT too SHOCKING to be revealed here--presaging a change in the ranks! And we can guarantee you the biggest shake-up in the Avengers roster since AVENGERS DISASSEMBLED!
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: THE HOME FRONT #3 (of 7)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE, PETER MILLIGAN, HOWARD CHAYKIN & MORE!
Penciled by MIKE MAYHEW, ELIA BONETTI, HOWARD CHAYKIN & MORE!
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
In the devastating aftermath of his battle with the escaped super-criminals, Speedball has to flee for his life from angry mobs in the grip of the Serpent's fear...but now that he knows there are pockets of resistance around the world, Speedball begins the most dangerous mission of all: to unite them. PLUS: Jimmy Woo and Atlas’ adventure continues as they trek through ruins of a Nazi’s war torn fortress. Anxieties are heightened as the agents are about to uncover their most perplexing mission yet!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: YOUTH IN REVOLT #2 (of 6)
Written by SEAN McKEEVER
Pencils by MIKE NORTON
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
WE NEED YOU FOR THE INITIATIVE! with the Initiative draft in full swing, young heroes are joining the effort to stem the Serpent’s fearful tide…whether they want to or not! With Thor-Girl wrongfully imprisoned, her fellow Initiative recruits face a rising wave of paranoia and distrust from the very citizens they are meant to protect. And does Prodigy, reformed alcoholic and now deputized Initiative head, have what it takes to lead…or will he, too, fall prey to the coming darkness?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: SPIDER-MAN #2 (of 3)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST
Penciled by MIKE MCKONE
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
The biggest event of the year continues as 'Fear Itself' tears New York City apart under the Serpent's influence. Spider-Man's right in the middle of it, protecting everyday people... from themselves. But two days in, there's no sign of hope, no sign of salvation, and Spider-Man finds himself at the mercy of a foe even he fears...VERMIN.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: THE DEEP #1 (of 4)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Pencils & Cover by LEE GARBETT
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
Namor is targeted for death by one of the hammer-wielding Worthy and this is a battle no one hero can survive! With the X-Men under siege from a shocking foe and all hope seemingly lost, the Sub Mariner finds an ally in his old friend Dr. Strange. Can Strange recruit a team powerful enough to keep the seas safe from the spread of fear and chaos gripping the world? If he can’t, there may just not be any hope for the rest of the Marvel Universe!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

AVENGERS ACADEMY #15
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by TOM RANEY
Cover by BILLY TAN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
GIANT-MAN VS. XXXXXXXX ...the rematch!
Now empowered by the evil at the heart of Marvel’s next huge event, XXXXXXXX is a walking engine of destruction...and when XXXX brings the pain to Hank Pym, all hell's going to break loose! Plus, the students of Avengers Academy get their first taste of war...and none of them will escape unscathed! FEAR ITSELF will rock this book in the months to come, so jump on here and find out why Newsarama’s Best Shots says “As 2011 dawns, I urge any hesitant readers to…pick up AVENGERS ACADEMY. You won’t regret the choice.”
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

HERC #4
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by NEIL EDWARDS
Cover by MICHAEL KALUTA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
As FEAR ITSELF continues to rage across the Marvel Universe, escaped super villains make their way to Brooklyn where they are faced only by...not Herc? A villain not seen since the days of "Dark Reign" and accidentally resurrected by Herc during "Chaos War" has arisen to challenge Herc's role as the borough's protector -- but what sinister purpose lies behind his so-called heroism? Swords and sorcery clash in the heart of modern-day New York City!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

ALPHA FLIGHT #1 (of 8)
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by DALE EAGLESHAM
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
A FEAR ITSELF maxi-series spinoff! Do you fear…your country turning on you? Alpha Flight has long been the protector of an entire nation…but what happens when that nation needs to be protected from itself? New York Times best-selling authors Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, along withred-hot artist Dale Eaglesham, bring back the team you demanded—the original Alpha Flight! Sasquatch, Snowbird, Northstar and Aurora have been joined by their revived allies Guardian, Vindicator, Shaman, and Marrina as the paragons and protectors of an entire nation. But as FEAR ITSELF takes over, their own country turns on the Flight and brands them traitors for the shocking actions of one of their closest allies. As the borders close and an entire nation hunts them down, will the newly reunited Alpha Flight survive?
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: FEARSOME FOUR #1 (of 4)
Written by BRANDON MONTCLARE
Pencils by MICHAEL KALUTA & RYAN BODENHEIM
Cover by MICHAEL KALUTA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
FOUR MARVEL HEROES SUCCUMB TO FEAR ITSELF!
Do you fear… your protectors turning on you? Man-Thing has gone mad as fear consumes the world, and Manhattan will burn. The only heroes that seek to stop him have given into fear themselves, and no one is safe! Ryan Bodenheim illustrates the dark side of the Marvel universe as a team of monstrously talented artists spotlight Fear Itself, each through the eyes of a fallen hero. Eisner Hall of Famer Michael Kaluta leads the charge, transforming Nighthawk into the most frightening vigilante you’ve ever seen!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

SECRET AVENGERS #14
Written by NICK SPENCER
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
I AM CAPTAIN AMERICA Variant by MIKE PERKINS
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
She is Brunhilde of Asgard, The Valkyrie--once charged by Odin himself with carrying mankind's bravest souls to their resting place in Valhalla. But when the Norse Gods take up arms against humanity, she must choose which side to fight for--and with war raging all around her, the fate of Midgard may be hers to decide!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

IRON MAN 2.0 #6
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
The evil forces of the Serpent sweep across the Earth…and it’s up to War Machine, the Immortal Iron Fist, and the Weapons of the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven to stop two of the strongest before they lay waste to an entire continent!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #624
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Penciled by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
Loki needs allies to hatch his schemes. But what happens when the Trickster God cannot find a single one in Asgard? Follow Loki to the very depths of Hel as he wades through the dead to find someone to join his cause. But Loki will soon see that the dead do not forgive easily…or forget!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #505
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
As the Iron Man cast reels from last issue’s stunning events, the Golden Avenger himself begins to unravel at the seams! But when fear begins to wrap its icy fingers around the globe and the people need Iron Man more than ever, will Tony Stark be able to answer the call?
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

THUNDERBOLTS #158 & #159
Written by JEFF PARKER, FRANK TIERI, JEN VAN METER & JOE CARAMAGNA
Penciled by KEV WALKER, DECLAN SHALVEY, MATTHEW SOUTHWORTH
Cover by KEV WALKER
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
When the Fear Itself hammer falls, The Raft is raised by one of its most powerful prisoners with a newfound weapon of the gods! Now the Thunderbolts will begin to learn the true meaning of FEAR ITSELF! Frank Tieri, Jen Van Meter & Joe Caramanga join series writer Jeff Parker to give us all side of the story as the Thunderbolts try to hold themselves and their world together against tide of anarchy!
32 PGS. (each)/Rated T+ …$2.99 (each)

JULY:

GHOST RIDER #1
Written by ROB WILLIAMS
Penciled by MATTHEW CLARK
Cover by ADAM KUBERT
Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS
Wraparound Variant Cover by Arturo Lozzi
Blank Variant Cover also available
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
IN THE WAKE OF “FEAR ITSELF”, THE SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE GETS A NEW LEASE ON DEATH!
The hottest, most rocking thing on two wheels returns! Start pumping your fists and banging your head for GHOST RIDER # 1, by writer ROB WILLIAMS (DARK WOLVERINE) and featuring the long-awaited return of superstar artist MATT CLARK (Outsiders, Superman, INHUMANS). Witness the violent birth of the all-new Ghost Rider…come to cleanse the earth in a firestorm of Blood, Oil, and  Vengeance! Johnny Blaze has been chained to Hell long enough. With the world thrown into chaos in the events of FEAR ITSELF he is given a chance to rid himself of the Spirit of Vengeance forever…and he takes it. The curse is passed onto a new host but Blaze has no idea what nightmares his action has wrought upon the world. Will the new Spirit of Vengeance bring us salvation...or send this world of sinners to a flaming death?
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF #4 (of 7)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by STUART IMMONEN
Cover by STEVE McNIVEN
Variant Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON
The blockbuster Marvel event of the year continues!
AFTERMATH: the heroes reel in the wake of last issue's shocking finale. Thor finds himself unwelcome in two homes. Steve Rogers makes the decision of a lifetime. And Iron Man prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice. Every move the heroes make just serves to make The Serpent stronger-- and the feat he accomplishes in this issue will rock the Avengers.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

NEW AVENGERS #14
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by MIKE DEODATO
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
It won't take some of the Avengers to fight the madness of Fear Itself it will take ALL OF THEM!! The New Avengers and Avengers join forces in the face of true fear! And who will join the New Avengers for the first time EVER? Stay tuned, True Believer! This is a can't-miss Avengers event!
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

SECRET AVENGERS #15
Written by NICK SPENCER
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
With her world falling apart around her and the Avengers in disarray, Black Widow undertakes the most dangerous suicide mission of all -- eliminating the evil mastermind behind FEAR ITSELF!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FEAR ITSELF: FF #1
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Penciled by TOM GRUMMETT
Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
XXXX XXXXX...one of the most beloved heroes in the Marvel Universe…is now the willing avatar of the Serpent's malice--an engine of discord cutting an unstoppable path of destruction through the heart of New York City! How did the Serpent's Hammer seduce him so easily? Can the rest of the XXXXXXX stop him before he levels the entire city in the name of his dark master?
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: SPIDER-MAN #3 (of 3)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST
Penciled by MIKE MCKONE
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
Day Three of the Fear.  Spider-Man hasn't slept in 72 hours... he's hurt, exhausted, and he's the only hope the people of New York City have. And just when things seem as bad as they can get... it gets worse. The blockbuster event 'Fear Itself' continues as Spider-Man comes face to face with a friend under the Serpent's grip, a friend with every intention of killing Spider-Man with a very big hammer.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

BLACK PANTHER: THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR #521
Written by DAVID LISS
Penciled by
FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
You've read about it, and may have even argued about it...but here it is: The debut of the American Panther! What does his arrival mean to Hell's Kitchen? Find out in the series that Aint It Cool News hails as "one of the best titles Marvel is putting out!"
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

HEROES FOR HIRE #9
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by KYLE HOTZ
Cover by JAY ANACLETO
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
It’s the most wild Heroes For Hire team yet! With terror in the streets, our underdog operatives fight just to keep the city together....and that means Misty Knight must recruit some very unlikely agents! Just who is for hire tonight? Would you believe Elektra, Shroud…and Gargoyle?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: UNCANNY X-FORCE #1 (of 3)
Written by ROB WILLIAMS
Pencils & Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
As armageddon hits the Marvel world in the events of FEAR ITSELF terror grips the planet. An extreme faction of the mutant hate group The Purifiers believes that the end of the world has come, that the devil is here
for humanity and it is up to them to “save” as many human souls as they can before he strikes. Can X-Force stop their drive for worldwide suicide? And what, exactly, is a mutant kill crew afraid of?
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: THE WORTHY #1
Written by greg pak, Christos gage, jen van meter, roberto aguirre-sacasa, tom defalco, jeff parker, frank tieri & tom peyer
Penciled by LEE WEEKS, ELIA BONETTI, CLAYTON HENRY, JAVIER PULIDO, MARIO ALBERTI, DECLAN SHALVEY, ERIC CANETE & SERGIO CARIELLO
Cover by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
THE SECRETS OF FEAR ITSELF’S HAMMER-WIELDERS REVEALED! As the Marvel Universe is torn apart by the powers of the gods and our own darkest fears, you can get up to speed on the origins of the Hammer Wielders who are shattering the Marvel Universe’s very core! Some of Marvel’s finest writers and artists team up to bring you the living history of THE WORTHY!
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #625
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Penciled by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
Loki's search for allies against the Serpent in the depths of the underworld has gone somewhat awry. Paranoia reigns in the pits, as the forces of Mephisto's Hell and Hela's Hel totter on the edge of open war. Thankfully, Loki has a carefully considered, planned and proportionate response: assassination and perhaps a little torture to follow. Can Loki escape the suspicion that we're all flies to this wanton boy?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

AVENGERS #15
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by CHRIS BACHALO
Cover by ALAN DAVIS
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
It won't take some of the Avengers to fight the madness of fear itself it will take ALL OF THEM!! It’s an Avengers reunion in the ruined streets of New York as Avengers old and new gather to fight the fight no single hero could possibly withstand. And finally, who on the Avengers will fall in love...for the very first time?! What? We can't believe it either!
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #506
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art & Cover by
SALVADOR LARROCA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
As Tony Stark falls apart and struggles to rebuild, the world needs Iron Man in action, in battle, out there saving the day. Tony’s constructing the future of Asgard and the Marvel Universe, but if he can’t even save himself…how can he save anyone else? It all gets personal, as Tony has to face his greatest fear once and for all.
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

IRON MAN 2.0 #7
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
I AM CAPTAIN AMERICA VARIANT BY TBA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
China is about to become scorched earth! The monstrous agents of FEAR ITSELF rip across the continent, as War Machine and the Immortal Iron Fist finally live up to their mysterious destiny! And will Marvel’s newest hero unite Rhodey and the Immortal Weapons…or tear them apart?!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

ALPHA FLIGHT #2
Written by FRED VAN LENTE & GREG PAK
Penciled by DALE EAGLESHAM
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Variant Cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
Alpha Flight… traitors??? After saving their country from the hammer-wielding XXXXX, The Flight are captured by
the newly risen Unity Party and branded as traitors. Now they must escape from the bowels of the top-secret facility, Department H, they once called home. In doing so they must confront the shocking betrayal of one of their core members -- and discover an imprisoned hero readers have clamored to see since this series was announced! The red-hot writing team of Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente and artistic legend Dale Eaglesham continue their highly-anticipated resurrection of one of Marvel’s most beloved super hero teams in a story that absolutely cannot be missed!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

AVENGERS ACADEMY #16
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by TOM RANEY
Cover by BILLY TAN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
The Academy teachers must battle not one, but two hammer-wielders at the same time! Meanwhile, the horrors of war take their toll on the students, as one of them is pushed ever further towards a life-changing decision! Don't miss the shocking events that will rock the book that IGN.com calls “the under-appreciated gem of the Avengers franchise."
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

HERC #5
Written by FRED VAN LENTE & GREG PAK
Penciled by NEIL EDWARDS
Cover by GREG HORN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
As the world descends into chaos around him, Herc and his unlikely myth-villain allies fight to save his new home of Brooklyn from being consumed by the fear being sown by the witchcraft of Hecate. Will Herc keep his wits and save the day, or will his newly depowered nature make him all the more susceptible to Hecate’s terrifying powers? It’s magic and mayhem of unprecedented levels in this thrilling new issue from Marvel "Foremen" Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #540 & 541
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Pencils and Covers by GREG LAND
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
The X-Men are used to being feared. When FEAR ITSELF finally reaches the west coast, they're going to become well acquainted with the emotion first hand. The unstoppable power of an old foe renewed is heading their way, and they have all the time in the world to realize how little they can do to stop him. And even more time to think about exactly how he's going to destroy San Francisco and everything it stands for. Parts 1 and 2 (of 4)
32 PGS.(each)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (each)

FEAR ITSELF: THE DEEP #2 (of 4)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Pencis & Cover by LEE GARBETT
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
The Sub-Mariner's kingdom has fallen! Namor and his allies--Dr. Strange, the Silver Surfer, the Savage She-Hulk, and Loa--must invade New Atlantis and wrest control from the sinister forces that have claimed the city. With Namor still shaken by the crushing defeat he has suffered, our heroes may be no match for the frightening opposition they're set to encounter as the Worthy’s lieutenants summon dark forces that spill into the oceans...and one team member may be forever changed as fear takes over.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

THUNDERBOLTS #160
Written by JEFF PARKER
Penciled by DECLAN SHALVEY
Cover by
Jean-Sébastien Rossbach
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
The Raft prison has been destroyed. Hundreds of the most powerful criminals in the world are on the loose. But their threat is nothing compared to that of the one man who
was already unstoppable and now wields godlike power. XXXXX XXXXXX is tearing a path across the United States, obliterating everything before him-- and now the Thunderbolts are going to stand in his way. Can XXXXX XXXXXX's team stop him? Can anything...?!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: WOLVERINE #1 (of 3)
Written by SETH PECK
Penciled by Roland Boschi
Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
Amidst the unstoppable force of FEAR ITSELF tearing through New York City, Wolverine and hisgirlfriend, Melita Garner, find themselves having to make hard decisions in order to do what they do best. The British intelligence turned mercenary black ops group STRIKE has taken advantage of the chaos and activated sleeper agents for one final, deadly mission. It’s up to Wolverine to stop them, but in leaving Melita to report from the ground, will his choice prove fatal?
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: FEARSOME FOUR #2 (of 4)
Written by BRANDON MONTCLARE
Penciled by RYAN BODENHEIM & SIMON BISLEY
Cover by MICHAEL KALUTA
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
Fear makes us do terrible things—but it will also make the Fearsome Four BECOME terrible things! Twisted by their own terror as well as the reality-warping powers of a fear-drunk Man-Thing, Marvel’s Strangest Heroes transform into horrendous versions of themselves.  Howard the Duck, Nighthawk, Frankenstein, and She-Hulk mutate from hero to monster freaks—and instead of saving the city the foursome just might end it.  It’s a mad tale told by Brandon Montclare, Ryan Bodenheim, with covers by living legend Michael Wm Kaluta.  And joining the ghastly crew of creators and characters, the one and only Simon Bisley illustrates a special in-story Spotlight!
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: DEADPOOL #2 (of 3)
Written by
CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS
Penciled by BONG DAZO
Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN!
Deadpool learned well that when the world is shaken with fear, there’s only one thing to do—CASH IN BIGTIME. Frightened people will pay through the nose for some security…but why should he risk his neck fighting The Worthy when he can create his own, easily-beatable hammer-wielder? Enter: THE WALRUS! A foe Deadpool can defeat with both hands tied behind his back….or can he?
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

HULK #37
Written by JEFF PARKER
Penciled by ELENA CASAGRANDE
Cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
As the hammer-wielders continue their campaign of fear and terror, Red Hulk takes up arms against the newly deified XXX XXXXX! It’s bruiser versus bruiser as two of the world’s strongest battle it out in an all-out brawl that will shake the world! And no one is watching this closer than M.O.D.O.K.!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: YOUTH IN REVOLT #3 (of 6)
Written by SEAN McKEEVER
Penciled by MIKE NORTON
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
The world has plunged into an abyss of terror and despair, and few places are worse right now than in Las Vegas, where the hammer-wielding XXXX XXXXX is passing though -- in his own unstoppable way! Luckily, HARDBALL and his HEAVY HITTERS are here to save the day! Um, right, Hardball and the Heavy
Hitters? Right...?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

FEAR ITSELF: THE HOME FRONT #4 (of 7)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE, PETER MILLIGAN, HOWARD CHAYKIN & KEVIN GREVIOUX
Penciled by MIKE MAYHEW, ELIA BONETTI, HOWARD CHAYKIN & MC WYMAN
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN
Speedball desperately races across the world, trying to unite pockets of resistance against the Serpent...but as the Serpent's forces strike back, and innocent lives are lost, is he only bringing about his own greatest fear? PLUS: Jimmy Woo’s world unravels as he pieces together a puzzle he didn’t even know he was part of! Is ultimate knowledge worth the price of his sanity? And can the Blue Marvel fight what the Serpent has wrought in the trenches?
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

And That is it for our Fear Itself Part 1. There will be a part two out next month with the rest of the solicitations. And with that . ..  a LOT more tie ins and build up. I hope you enjoyed the first of these news editions. Don't worry. Reviews will return next week but we will also have more. News, reviews, exciting commentaries . . . You are looking a the end of the old Comic Book Clash era ..  . and the beginning of a new one.

Till then, see you next week.

NEXT: DC's 52 Title  RELAUNCH!