NEWS EDITION # 35 - THE END OF THE JLI, THIEF STEALS MORE PRINTINGS & THE FIRST X-MEN?!

Here is the news for the week of May 16th, 2012.


JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL .. . CANCELLED!!!

by Frankie Rodriguez 

    Early this week, it was announced that DC will be cutting another title. And while many had speculated that it would be either Resurrection Man, Voodoo or Captain Atom that would get the axe ... surprisingly, Justice League International will be the latest DC series meeting its end.

    The series has been a rollercoaster as they just formed in issue # 1 only to lose half it roster after bomb at the end of issue 6. Vixen, Ice and Fire were all critically injured while Batman has taken himself off the main roster only for Batwing and OMAC to help. Yet, even worse, the bomb ended up killing Rocket Red. While there has not been a reason as to why the book is being cancelled as of issue #12 and annual # 1, many speculate that JLI is ending due to poor sales.

  The current storyline will end the series with its climax in JLI annual # 1. Although, there is still speculation of news that it will have a Zero issue during the month of September, which serves as the company's second Zero Month in DC's existence.

   The final issue of JLI by Dan Jurgens and Aaron Lopresti will hit selves this August.


FIRST X-MEN ARE COMING 

by Frankie Rodriguez 

   As announced this past Monday, the reveal behind the First X-Men teasers from last week have come. Writer Christos Gage and legendary artist Neal Adam, who drew the X-Men back in the 60s and 70s,  will be doing a miniseries called First X-Men.

   The premise behind the series. Neal Adams revealed in CBR:

"Something must have happened before Professor X became Professor X," Adams said. "He could pass. He didn't look like a strange X-Man. He didn't look like a mutant. Maybe this was going on when Professor X was a teenager and mutants were being abused by the government … and somebody stepped out to protect these kids. … Who would he be and why would he go to Charles Xavier? … That became my premise."

Gage adds from an interview with CBR:

"Basically it takes place before the original X-Men and it's a time when mutants are coming [out in the country]," said Gage. "In this context, Wolverine is noticing this going on and says, 'Someone needs to protect these people.'" 


  The First X-Men cast is mixed as it has Wolverine,  a merc for hire Sabertooth, a Nazi killing Magneto and some new characters. The series, as promised by X-book Editor Nick Lowe, this book will reveal WHY people hate and fear mutants as well as lead to some questions. The 5 issue miniseries written by Christos Gage with art by Neal Adams will kick off this August.


THIEF OF THIEVES #1 GETS 4TH PRINTING

From Image Comics Website & Frankie Rodriguez.

The Image Comics/Skybound series THIEF OF THIEVES, Robert Kirkman's cinematic crime comic has no zombies, no superheroes, and no larger-than-life arsenal — and it has become one of the best-selling independent comics hits of the year. The first three issues are now entering their fourth printings, with the fourth issue not far behind with a third printing.

With a story overseen by Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE), scripts by Nick Spencer (MORNING GLORIES) and art by Shawn Martinbrough, THIEF OF THIEVES is the story of a master thief, "Redmond," who tries to leave a life of crime to reclaim his "real" life and family as Conrad Paulson. Or is it his real life? An estranged wife, a son set on following in his footsteps — Paulson is finding that identities can't be changed as easily as suits.

The third printing of THIEF OF THIEVES #1 will be in stores this week, on May 16, and the third printings of #2 and #3 and the second printing of #4 will be in stores the following week, on May 23. The most current printings will land on shelves on June 13 and can be pre-ordered from comic book stores now. THIEF OF THIEVES is an ongoing series, and issue #5 will be stores on June 6.

Previews of each new THIEF OF THIEVES, which is published by Image Comics under Kirkman's Skybound imprint, appear on The Hollywood Reporter website exclusively on the Friday before its release. It is available in comic book stores and digitally from multiple platforms. AMC has optioned the title as a series with Kirkman and Chic Eglee (Dexter) serving as Creators/Executive Producers/Writers.

  Thief of Thieves join the over a dozen books that have had reprints that include: Epic Kill # 1, Mind the Gap #1, Supreme # 63, Darkness # 101, Danger Club  #1, Saga # 1, Fatale # 1 (which has 5 printings) and many more. 

NOW AVAILABLE

CBC's very own Jeremias de Leon is not just a writer but an artist and is currently taking commissions:

Go here for his deviant art.  And this is his paypal. 

ON SALE NOW:


Michael Turner Wizard World Hulk # 1 Variant


Iron Man, Ultimate Extinction, Ultimate Origins


Spiderman Books including first Black Costume appearance


AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: Including Avengers (Volume 1) # 16, 1st Wonder Man & More


Action Comics # 1 & 2 SIGNED WITH VARIANTS


Death In Comics SET


Yugioh Lightsworn Cards


X- Saber Cards


Yugioh DESTINY Hero DECK!!!


Wind Up Rabbit Cards






BROUGHT TO YOU BY . . .


COMING THIS MAY!!!!

One of the few Tokusatsu Reviews I know. Great guy with a good set of reviews, a few countdowns and some specials. Tokusatsu is special effects in japanese but it is what the genre of live action stuff like Power Rangers and Kamen Rider Dragon Knight are based off of. Toku Time or Reviewtopia: Toku Time is where you can find him.

Where you can find J1 Studios President, Jason Richson aka Spider Tribble, every single week on the Black Tribbles podcast. 








It's the new, BRAND NEW, Super Mario Dubstep Album. Listen as your favorite music from Super Mario has been transformed into remixes. The album is so addicting, you will feel like you're an addict!


GREEN MUSHROOMS & SUPERSTARS

From J1's own Shinigami (Ray Riley) & Forafire (Forrest Shamlian). FREE TO DOWNLOAD! NOW! 

FREE ALBUM DOWNLOADS

And don't for get the recently released Sonic Remix Album, SPIN DASH AUDIO is also available now. 

RAJIO NIHON . . . the internet Toku Station where they play songs from tokusatsu, anime and give you in depth looks into the world of Tokusatsu. RAJIO NIHON  Take a listen as CBC's Frankie Rodriguez , Jeremias de Leon & Devin Walker go on and give you Tokusatsu News from Japan and around the world on Morphin Bracers.  

And don't forget to catch the Ikaricast from Reviewtopia!! Please look forward to it as CBC's Frankie Rodriguez guest stars in Season 4, Episode 11 & 13. Hosted by Jeremias de Leon aka Xaos. 


Also Don't forget to check out Frankie & Jeremias as they guest on 16 Bit Jeff's 

Episode 6 where they talk about Super Hero fighting games.

#41 - JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL : THE SIGNAL MASTERS

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL
#1 - 5
Storyline: The Signal Masters
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Aaron Lopresti & Matt Ryan
Colors by Lopresti (issue 2) &  HI - FI

by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

            Welcome again to another review as we continue to enjoy Justice League Month. As we continue to look at things with the Justice League, we are gonna take the time to look at the second Justice League title that has come out in the new 52; Justice League International. Now, the original Justice League International run was beloved by many fans. There was slapstick with great adventure and serious plots mixed together to be one of the most beloved incarnations of the League. Come 2010, Justice League Generation Lost actually dealt with some of the most popular members of the JLI together to face off with their former benefactor and manipulative, murdering bastard, Maxwell Lord.

            Yes. I am NOT a fan of Mr. Lord. Why? First, he manipulated the Justice League into getting UN status and adding members, then he was good, then we became evil and lost his body and became the NEW Lord Havok. After that, he some how got his body again and was a good guy . . . again. Yet, that changed once he got on Checkmate. Max proceeded to kick off everything from Infinite Crisis to Final Crisis to even Justice League Generation Lost. Max Lord proceeds to SHOOT TED KORD, the former and much beloved Blue Beetle, in the head to kill him. Sure, he ended up manipulating Superman and forcing Wonder Woman to kill him. Yet, Max gets resurrected ... only to manipulate the JLI back together; who ultimately defeat Max but not without cost.

            And now the new 52 happened. The Justice League International was chosen as one of the titles chosen as the first wave of relaunch. And look: We got several big JLI alumni with Booster Gold, Fire, Ice & Guy Gardner. We got new Rocket Red Gavril Ivanovich, JL alumni Batman & Vixen and brand new members Godiva and August General In Iron. Yet, how does this team function? Do they live up to the old JLI legacy?

CLASH FACTS

            Justice League International begins with a discussion between Andre Briggs, UN Head of Intelligence and several members of the UN. Briggs states that they need they own team of heroes. Heroes who don't hide behind secret identities and heroes they can control. The UN agrees to it. We cut to a UN research team in Peru where they are checking on semic activity when they all fall into a big hole that just appears out of nowhere. Booster Gold arrives to see groups of protestors in front of the Hall of Justice against this new Justice League as Gold talks to Briggs. Briggs tells Booster to ignore the people when he says no and tries to calm the people down. One person in the crowd says that the UN has crossed a line and that they are gonna take measures. Briggs tells Booster that he's been chosen to lead the new League and we get a reaction we know and love from Guy Gardner . ..

   "YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME?!"

            Ice and Rocket Red tell Guy to give Booster a chance when Guy just leaves. On his way out, Guy runs into Batman. Batman actually endorses Booster as leader but Guy just waves Batman off and flies away. The rest of the JLI has introductions as Briggs shows them their new jet which starts the first of many snipes between Rocket Red and August General in Iron. Red goes over to Booster saying he can't work with August General but Booster isn't hearing it. Booster tells Briggs he wished the team had more raw power but Briggs just goes on to blame Booster for not keeping him on the team. Booster shoots back that he just met the team and has no information on their abilities but Briggs says that it should not matter for a real leader.

  Yeah . . . Briggs . . . you are kind of a douche.

   the team head out with a surprise . . . Batman being already on board. Booster Gold immediately thinks that Batman thinks he can't cut it as leader but Batman reassures him quickly that he's here to lend a hand and give a connections between the JLI and the Justice League. As the newly assembled (seriously, they just met literally 5 minutes ago and they are thrown into this mission) JLI head for Peru, some of the protestors decide they don't like the UN and their idea of a JLI so much ... they'll blow up the Hall of Justice. Yay. 


    The JLI lands in Peru where they start a search as Godiva decides to show how uncomfortable she is by being snarky. Booster tells the team to split up in pairs which Godiva decides to remind him (& the readers) that Booster JUST met them. Suddenly, from the ground, the JLI are attacked by demonic looking ... Gotsumon?!  Um ... I am serious. They look like red, scary Gotsumon. *sigh* 


    As they fight, Godiva proves her snarkiness again after BATMAN tells her to get more involved in the fight.

 "Sod off, Bats. Lethal rock creatures aren't my style." 


    Godiva .. . you make me miss the Beefeater!! THE FRELLIN' Beefeater!!! 


   The rock creatures retreat only to give way to big ole giant . ..Um . .. It looks like a cross between the Iron Giant and Monarch. And he's huge. The JLI try to fend off the first of the Signal Men (hmm ... not the most original name. Honestly, it would sound better if the Signal Men were fighting Dr. Who) but . .. with little luck. Between Rocket Red's failed attempt at talking to the Signal Man through his techno-telepathy ability (new but very welcome), Godiva make sure she sticks out like sore thumb and Brigg's deciding to berate Booster and the team, we get to see Booster and the league get cut down to size. After the Signal Man smack them around and nearly kills Ice, Booster (against complains from Vixen & Rocket Red) calls a retreat. By the way, Briggs showing up early decided to tell Booster that they are televising the League against the Signal Man. And it was televised world wide ... which ends up having Guy throwing a fit at a bar when he sees Tora getting hurt. 


  The team returns to Booster getting berated immediately by Briggs till he sees Batman and says . .. *laughs* 


 Briggs : "You . .. You have no Authorization to be part of this . . "  Hahaha. You told Batman he can't be there. To pilfer a joke from comic book reviewer Linkara: He's the God damn Batman. He'll do what he wants.

   Only to have Booster stand up to him, making it known that he is leader of this team. Rocket Red snaps at Booster for not being a real leader but Booster defense himself till Guy flies in. Guy insults Booster, asks to be made leader and checks on Ice with in seconds. Ah ... nice to see Guy has really grown as a person. Booster is about to walk when August General in Iron gives a vote of confidence to Booster. Batman and Godiva do the same. Briggs opens him mouth again but its ignored and Booster continues to lead. Great! Just in time for things to get WORSE. 3 more Signal Men show up and start blasting entert to the sky, each as big as the first one the JLI met. And in space, we get to see our main protagonist for the first time ... Perax . .. Perac ... Peraxes? No, that's not it. Peracola? Nope. Not it either. Peraxxus. 


  Peraxxus has a sort of Jack Kirby look to him and has the original Batwing color sheme of light blue and purple. Yay. The JLI splits up into pairs, going for a classic team up route as each pair checks on the Signal Men and a way to stop them. Vixen and Fire go to South Africa. Godiva and August General end up in Canada. Ice and Rocket Red end up in the depths in Russia with Batman and Booster Gold back in Peru. Each team end up in caves only to find themselves swarmed by more . ..  evil Gotsumon. Seriously. 


 Briggs pitches a fit about the JLI being a media disaster and that they found that the controller of the Signal Men are out in space. Guy eavesdrops and heads into space where Peraxie gets the drop on the Green Lantern. Each set of the League tries to break free but are captured and teleported to Peraxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxus, who is beating Guy Gardner around like a rag doll. Then we get the reason why Pera-mydius ( Gold Ranger: I call on the power of Peramydus, HIYAH!!!) Godiva, after coping a feel on Batman with her hair, grabs a laser from his utility belt and frees the team. The 9 heroes gather together to face off against Peraxxus only to find that he pressed the button . . . which made him transform into a even more gruesome monster ... WAIT! NO! That didn't happened. No, Peraxxus presses a button to make the Signal Men light up faster . .. which actually sets about the end of the planet.
  
   Do our heroes stop him? Sure! How? With the power of Friendship, Heart of the Cards . .. blah blah blah. 


No. That's not what happened. But if you really want to know what happened . . .




CLASH TACTICS


   Okay. This was one of the new 52 books. How do I think it faired? I am getting to that.  Artistically, Aaron Lopresti is drawing some of his best work here. He seemed to have gotten a real hold on a majority of these characters when he did Justice League: Generation Lost, pre New 52. Yet here, he's making some spectactular panels. Matt Ryan's inks are really making Lopresti's pencils stand out alongside colors from HI-FI, giving us something visually appealing on each page. Ever character is distinct. Ever emotion is capture. There are a lot of different characters in this book and this team is really show casing them all artistically. Which gets me to the writing for the book. 


    Dan Jurgens is swimming in somewhat familiar territory. You see, back in the early 90s when the JLI reform both its American and European Branches after the landmark Breakdowns crossover, Dan Jurgens has wrote Justice League America which featured Booster Gold, Guy Gardner, Ice, Fire and more. And while these characters are almost the same, there are some differences in characterizations. The character interplay with the team has been excellent, helping to flesh out personalities and really give us a feel that this is a new team, a new time and a new place. Particularly enjoyable have been the interactions between Rocket Red & August General in Iron and Godiva's lovely interactions which reveal her nervousness to this whole grand stage that is the JLI. These character bits make the book truly enjoyable. The pacing was excellent. Every breather had a reason. Every battle great in scale. But so did our heroes. My only real issue with this story is the fact that the first 2 issue felt very much like Booster Gold guest starring the JLI. I know that Jurgens had literally just finished his run on Booster Gold prior to the new 52 and I guess that the fact that Booster had so much focus as leader was a good thing. But this is still Justice League International. The balance between all the characters didn't really happen till issue # 3. Batman was being a different kind of mentor to Booster Gold which was a far cry from the original JLI days. And while the majority of the League got some great development, Vixen was the character that was least developed; I think she was the casualty of Booster's "I'm the Leader" subplot; hence the balance of characterizations leaning heavy on Booster but lighter on Vixen or Jurgens did not feel comfortable with her. I'm not sure. Hopefully, this will change over time.

  Overall, Justice League International was and enjoyable ride from start to finish. The threats felt imaginative and grandiose. The characters were fleshed out well. The plots were moving along at a great pace and it made you want to know more about these characters and the status of the team. Evil Gotsumon aside, Lopresti, Ryan & HI-FI give some of their best work with JLI. It is something for them to be proud of. Jurgens gives us a fun book that retains the spirit of the original and yet, different. While it does seem that Booster really overtakes the first two issues, Jurgens breaks down the other characters the remainder of the storyline. I know he'll do well cause Jurgens is the writer that had Blue Beetle Ted Kord beat a Darkseid level like villain, Starbreaker, with his brain. 
 
With all that, I give Justice League International (#1-5): The Signal Masters, an Intercontinential Champ Contendership (4 out of 5). Besides the heavy Booster focus and lack of character balance the first 2 issues, this is a great read. You can pick up all 5 issues at either your local comic shop (like I do) or get them digitally from Amazon or DC.


NEXT WEEK: The Justice League Enters the Dark Side when we go JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK!

THIS JUST IN # 2 - COMICS FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 7, 2011

Here's the breakdown of the comics coming out this week:


DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #4 
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Rags Morales
$2.99

This issue will ship with three covers. See the order form for more information. Is your mind prepared for an encounter with the deadly Terminauts? What awful master do they serve? What horrible fate awaits Superman and the city of Metropolis? The true scope of Grant Morrison and Rags Morales' ACTION COMICS run begins to come into view, so get those sunglasses ready, 'cause it is gonna be blinding! And in a backup story from writer Joshua Hale Fialkov and artist Matt Camp that spins out of ACTION COMICS #2, John Henry Irons takes his first steps toward becoming the hero known as Steel! 


ANIMAL MAN #4
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Travel Foreman
$2.99


After coming face to face with the mysterious Totems, Buddy learns the truth about Maxine's destiny - but it may be too late, as The Red is infiltrated by agents of The Other, and Buddy struggles to control his new, unfiltered powers with deadly results! Meanwhile, Ellen and Cliff must face the last Hunters alone!


BATWING #4
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Ben Oliver & Chris Cross
$2.99


As Massacre's bloody reign of murder continues and more heroes fall, Batwing closes in on this mad villain. But with his memories stirring, Batwing's dark past begins to emergeÖ At last, the truth of his past will come to light.




DC COMICS PRESENT CAPTAIN ATOM #1
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Cafu
$7.99


In the popular co-feature from ACTION COMICS #879-889, Captain Atom's memory is falling apart right in the heat of battle! Can he get it together in time to face off again Major Disaster? 


DETECTIVE COMICS #4 
Written & Art by Tony Daniel
$2.99


As Batman uncovers a deranged plot with far-reaching tentacles that touch some of the city's most elite citizens, he finds himself facing off against his newest and most fearsome foes: Dollmaker and his twisted family of killers! 


GREEN ARROW #4
Written by J.T. Krul
Art by Dave Watkins & Dan Jurgens
$2.99


It's a Tokyo showdown! At an international tech expo that caters to the likes of WayneTech and Queen Industries, party crasher Green Arrow finds himself in the sights of a mystery woman bent on taking down 'evil' corporations - like the one Green Arrow owns! 


HAWK & DOVE #4
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Rob Liefield
$2.99


Following last issue's ultra-brawl with Condor and Swan through the halls of the White House, Hawk and Dove have more questions than answers! Luckily for them, they've taken a prisoner! But even as they begin to question him, sinister forces align with a new target in mind: Dove's boyfriend, Deadman! Can Dove protect the man she loves, or will her ghostly lover fall into darkness? 


HELLBLAZER ANNUAL #1
Written by James Robinson
Art by Simon Bisley
$4.99


A dying woman's desperate need to see her long lost son sends John Constantine on a mission in 'Suicide Bridge,' a haunting tale of evil and melancholy that finds John using his occult connections to learn why so many young people are going missing. It's a story full of strange places and desperate lives that leads Constantine to unearth his own connection to the mysterious disappearance of a boyhood friend.


HUNTRESS #3 (of 6)
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Gullen March & Marcus To
$2.99


The Huntress has vowed to take down one of the most powerful mob bosses in Europe...but who's the even more powerful man behind him? And why is she facing a showdown in the ancient ruins of Pompeii? 


I,ZOMBIE #20 
Written by Chris Roberson
Art by Mike Allred
$2.99


How are the people of Eugene dealing with the fallout of the recent zombie invasion? In this issue, we catch up with ghost girl Ellie and her new friend, Frankenteen.


JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #4
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Aaron Lopresti
$2.99


On their first mission, the team has been separated and defeated - or so it seems! But when a new, galactic threat shows its face, will our heroes be able to defeat it or will the whole world suffer destruction on a cosmic scale?


LOONEY TUNES #204
Written by ?
Art by ?
$2.99


Ah, the holiday season! Hot cocoa with mini-marshmallows, candy canes, Yule logs, menorahs, Christmas Trees, sleigh bells - and giant, goofy Yetis! (That's the Abominable Snowman to you!) Join Bugs and the Looney Tunes gang for a joyful romp in a snow-packed Blunderland!


MEN OF WAR # 4
Written by Ivan Brandon
Art by Viktor Kalvachev & Tom Derenick
$3.99


Easy Company wrestles with the betrayal of one of their own, as each man processes Kobra's secret in his own way. But the company must forge ahead, marching into unknown enemy territory - while an ancient evil lies waiting in a salty haze. Will this be the end for Rock and his men? Plus: A team of mecha fans turned engineers have built the hardware of their dreams, but will it work out the way it always does in the movies? 


O.M.A.C. #4 
Written by Dan Didio & Keith Giffen
Art by Keith Giffen
$2.99


Kevin Kho finally makes it back home - but while trying to pull the pieces of his life back together, he inadvertently disconnects from Brother Eye! Unfortunately, Kevin's freedom comes with a price, because now he's alone and forced to defend himself against Checkmate and their lethal Bio-gators! 


PENGUIN: PREJUDICE & PAIN #3(of 5)
Written by Gregg Hurwitz
Art by Symon Kudranski
$2.99


In the third issue of best-selling novelist Gregg Hurwitz's PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE miniseries, the Penguin has a new girlfriend! But his new relationship is just an excuse for bigger heists and more vicious crimes, all to obtain gifts for his loved ones! And the flashier the crime, the more easily it catches Batman's eye. With The Dark Knight hot on his trail, will the Penguin back away from his life of crime - or will he continue his push to take over Gotham City's criminal underworld? 


RED LANTERNS
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Ed Benes
$2.99


A Red Lantern's tale never has a happy ending, so brace yourself for the tragic tales of Skallox, Zillius Zox and Ratchet. Their violent destinies set the stage for their new life as seekers of bloody vengeance!


SCOOBY DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #16
Written by Sholly Fiseh
Art by Robert Pope
$2.99


Those meddling kids are back on the case - and this time they're in Egypt, helping to investigate the terrifying tombs of Tootincandy. The Mystery, Inc., gang has mummy madness to deal with - and, of course, Shaggy and Scooby are nowhere to be seen!




STATIC SHOCK #4
Written by John Rozum & Scott McDaniel
Art by Scott McDaniel
$2.99


Static is hot on Piranha's trail, but will he be able to stop Piranha from building his metahuman army? Plus: The Pale Man's true allegiance is revealed, and a foe from Static's past has returned - and he's brought his latest Q-juice creation: Guillotina!


STORMWATCH #4
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Chris Burnham & Alejandro Barrionueva
$2.99


The earth is being eaten alive! As the unstoppable alien antibody continues consuming everything in its path, Stormwatch awakens a slumbering [information redacted] buried deep within the earth. But has the team found an ally or a threat greater than the antibody? However it plays out, the DC landscape literally will be changed forever! Plus: Don't miss a major change to the Stormwatch roster! 


SUPERNATURAL #3 (of 4)
Written by Brian Wood
Art by Grant Bondustin Nguyen
$2.99


Sam's never shaken the memory of the beautiful and deadly 'Emma of the Isles.' When a mysterious box arrives containing a plane ticket to Scotland, a cellphone and a gun, Sam doesn't waste any time catching the first flight out. But in a rural village, where's Emma? Why are the locals a little...off? Can Sam handle this mission without his brother? 


SWAMP THING #4
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Yanick Paquette & Victor Ibanez
$2.99


All across the world, those with a primal connection to the forces of life and death can feel that something is very wrong. The war between The Green andThe Other has begun, and the knights of decay walk the Earth unchecked - but without Alec Holland, the Green has no champion strong enough to fight back! 


SWEET TOOTH #4
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Matt Kindt
$2.99


'The Taxidermist' concludes as Thacker leads his crew on an all-out assault on Simpson's camp in an attempt to slaughter the mysterious antlered child! But will the child live on, or will the plague spread? Jeff Lemire and Matt Kindt conclude their mini-epic in bloody fashion with implications that will affect Gus, Jepperd and more.






BOOM STUDIOS
BETRAYAL OF THE PLANET OF THE APES #2 (of 6)
Written & Art by Gabrial Hardman
$3.99


Hot on the heels of BOOM!'s sold out, best selling Planet of the Apes ongoing series comes a brand new four issue mini co-written and drawn by Gabriel Hardman. Taking place during the continuity of the original fan-favorite film, the feared and respected General Aleron finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could transform ape/human relations! Aleron's journey puts him face to face with Dr. Zaius!


CLIVE BARKER'S HELLRAISER #8
Written by Clive Barker & Christopher Monfette
Art by Stephen Thompson
$3.99


Kirsty Cotton goes back to Hell! When Kirsty receives a startling offer from someone in her past, she's forced to look at her mission and her entire life in a brand new way. The choice she makes will change the story of Hellraiser forever! Covers by Tim Bradstreet and Nick Percival. 


ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #6
Written by Chris Roberson
Art by Dmitri Armand & Francesco Biagini
$3.99


See why critics and fans love Elric's return to comics! The mystery is deepening for the Eternal Champion, as Elric, Hawkmoon, Corum, and Eric Beck come face to face with nearly unstoppable forces of Law and Chaos. But can they find the key to restoring the balance in time to stop catastrophe across the Multiverse? New York Times bestseller Chris Roberson and legendary fantasy author Michael Moorcock are bringing Elric back to comics in a big way in this critically acclaimed series!


IRREDEEMABLE #32
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Diego Barrento
$3.99


The 4-Part Irredeemable/Incorruptible crossover event begins here! The Plutonian is hunting Max Damage across the planet and Max, torn apart by tragedy, is desperately seeking the key to the Plutonian's defeat. Will Max Damage be the champion that the world has been waiting for - or will his past finally catch up with him? This is the crossover event fans have been begging for! A can't-miss issue of Mark Waid's multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated superhero series! Not reading Incorruptible too? You're missing out! The first chapter of the Irredeemable/Incorruptible crossover! Continued in Incorruptible #25 this month!


RINSE #4
Written by Gary Phillips
Art by Paul Azaceta & Marc Laming
$3.99


Acclaimed crime novelist Gary Phillips returns to BOOM! with a new brand of crime! The stage is set. The pieces are in place. But time is running out for Jeff Sinclair! Steve Maxon, the kingpin of Vegas, has come to San Francisco in search of his stolen casino skim money, and he ain't happy. The stakes have never been higher - will Jeff be able to pull off the rinse, or will he die trying?


VALEN THE OUTCAST #1
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Art by Liam Sharp & Matteo Scalera
$1.00


SPECIAL $1 FULL FIRST ISSUE! The King is dead - long live the Dead King! King Valen Brand was a just king and a great warrior until he was killed by a Necromancer in battle and resurrected as one of the walking dead. Now he's considered an abomination in his own realm, an outcast with only one purpose: to restore his lost soul! From the mind of fan-favorite creator Michael Alan Nelson (28 Days Later, Robert E. Howard's Hawks Of Outremer) comes Outcast, a visceral new ongoing series that blends 'epic fantasy' with 'sword-and-sorcery.' Perfect for fans of A Game of Thrones and Conan. 






AVATAR PRESS


CROSSED:PSYCHOPATH #6 (of 7)
Written by David Lapham
Art by Jacen Burrows & Raulo Caceres
$3.99


Harold Lorre has started showing his true colors and proven to be the most sadistic of predators. But with two Crossed clans locked in a battle to the death nearby the quickly-thinning band of survivors is running out of places to hide! Join us as David Lapham and artist Raulo (Capt Swing) Caceres descend into a story about the worst aspects of human behavior, a tale of unspeakable evils, violent assaults on both mind and body, and of longing for death and the sweet release it will bring. When civilization crumbles in one terrifying moment; when people are gleefully breaking into unthinkable acts of violence all around you; when everyone you love has died screaming in agony: What do you do? There is no help. There is no hope. There is no escape. There are only the Crossed. Crossed: Psychopath #6 is available with a Regular cover by Jacen Burrows, a Wraparound cover by series artist Raulo Caceres, a Torture cover also by Caceres, and a special rare Red Crossed retailer incentive. 






DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT


THE BOYS #61 
Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Russel Braun
$3.99


As stormclouds gather, Vought-American enlist the mighty Team Titanic, but the Boys find themselves up against another super group entirely. Hughie finds Annie's patience running thin, while MM struggles to resolve an embarrassing family crisis without alerting the rest of the team. Meanwhile the Seven begin to fall apart, in part two of Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men. 


GARTH ENNIS'S JENNIFER BLOOD # 7
Written by Al Ewing
Art by  Marcos Marz
$3.99


Jen's bloody war against the Blutes is over and it's time for the cleanup phase of the operation. All's well that ends well? In a word... no.

This issue: what a woman who kills six men during the week does on a Sunday, what you think about when the only witness to your mass murder vanishes and you didn't do it, and what happens when you short-change a powerful man with a rotten temper. And waffles. Delicious waffles.


TOTAL RECALL # 4 (of 4)
Written by Vince Moore
Art by Cezar Rezak
$3.99


This is the epic conclusion to the mini-series spinning out of the hit movie. Everything on Mars has changed. Yet, as Quaid learns, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

He is still running for his life. He is still fighting for his life. He is still the hero who holds the fate of Mars in his hands. To save the day, Quaid will have to fight like never before. This last issue is where all of the mysteries are solved. Will Quaid win? If he doesn't, then all of Mars will lose. 


VAMPIRELLA ANNUAL #1
Written by Brandon Jerwa
Art by Lucio Parillo
$4.99


Provenance, Kansas may not be listed on the map, but it's a location of great mystical significance - and the home of a twisted cult that worships Vampirella! When the object of the cult's adoration comes to Provenance looking for answers, things are definitely going to get personal...and bloody. There are surprises in the shadows, choices to be made...and does anyone else hear wedding bells? I hope Vampi's picked out a dress.


VOLTRON #1
Written by Brandon Thomas
Art by Ariel Padilla
$3.99


Ultimate victory has never been closer for the Voltron Force. King Zarkon's brutal regime has been pushed to the edges of the galaxy, left to wage a series of desperate and losing battles to claim innocent victims while they still can. But Zarkon knows something---a secret about Voltron over a hundred years old that could change everything for the Galaxy Alliance. This isn't the Voltron we all know, but one redefined and re-imagined by those he and his adventures have inspired over the years. This is Generation Voltron... 




IDW PUBLISHING




COLD WAR #3
Written & Art by John Byrne
$3.99


Former MI6 agent Michael Swann is racing against time to prevent nuclear dominion over the planet from falling into Soviet hands. Which is harder than it looks while preventing his own death aboard a train speeding across Europe in the dead of winter! The penultimate issue of 'The Damocles Contract' rolls toward an explosive conclusion! 


ETERNAL DESCENT VOL. 2 #2 (of 6)
Written by Shaun McLaughlin
Art by Jason Metcalf
$3.99


The battle rages on at the center of the universe! As Loki schemes to pull the plug on the Music of the Spheres, Sirian and his friends-including Gus G.-make a final, desperate bid to save our reality. Can Loki be stopped, and at what cost?! Also features COBALT: 'Prescription Perception,' Part 2. 


G.I.JOE #8 
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Tom Feister & Will Rosado
$3.99


ALL HAIL COBRA COMMANDER! As the Cobra Civil War draws to a close, the Cobra council must make a decision and elect one victorious candidateÖ but all is not as it seems within the ranks of Cobra High Command. Back-stabbbing, unexpected twists and dangerous revelations lead to a tense standoff between candidatesÖ but only one shall rise to the rank of Cobra Commander! Featuring a special scratch-off lottery cover revealing the new CC! 


HP LOVECRAFT'S THE DUNWICH HORROR #3 (of 4)
Written by Joe R. Lansdale
Art by Menton3 & Peter Bergting
$3.99


The limits of sanity are stretched as the horror continues! After gaining access to the fabled Necronomicon, four young friends attempt to harness its power to stop the cosmic horror they have unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. A new vision of the most famous H.P. Lovecraft story continues, courtesy of Joe R. Lansdale and company! 


JURASSIC PARK DANGEROUS GAMES #4 (of 5)
Written by Greg Bear
Art by Jeff Zornow & Jorge Jimenez
$3.99


Agent Espinoza has evaded near death on Jurassic Park countless times over the past 24 hours. Now he's looking to payback the man behind it all- drug kingpin Cazares! That means breaking into Cazares' headquaters in the Jurassic Park hotel... which is fortified with countless gun-toting goons! How can Espinoza storm the compound? A herd of triceratops might not hurt, for starters! 


TRANSFORMERS #31
Written by Mike Costa
Art by Casey Coller
$3.99


CHAOS is over. The future holds many mysteries, but the past can never be forgotten. As Ironhide looks back at what was, he comes to realize that it may hold the key to what lies ahead. A new peace has settled, and a new time has come for the Autobots, for the DecepticonsÖ for Cybertron. 


TRUE BLOOD: THE FRENCH QUARTER #4 (of 6)
Written by Mariah Huehner & David Tischman
Art by David Messina & Claudia Balbonia
$3.99


Eric deals with his Hep D infection, but he is forced to lean on Sookie and Bill for help-with surprising results. They also learn the truth about Guerra's death at the hands of Godric more than 200 years ago. But who is the real killer, and can they find him before the New Orleans police? Meanwhile, Lafayette creates a new drink for the vampire girls on the go at Fangtasia-The Transfusion.






IMAGE COMICS


BLOOD RED DRAGON # 2
Written by Jonathan David Goff
Art by Carlo Soriano
$3.99


 KNEEL BEFORE THE MIGHT OF DARKEST OBLIVION! As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Yoshiki is thrust into battle against a massive invasion force led by Oblivion's mightiest mass murderer, KY'RANN the Slayer. It is up to Yoshiki, with the aid of his new allies, the beautiful, yet deadly, SHRINE MAIDENS of the DRAGON TEMPLE, to defeat Oblivion's armies. But can he hope to control the power of the Blood Red Dragon before it consumes him? Or is this the last standoff for the world's newest hero? Created by comic book legend, STAN LEE, and rock icon, YOSHIKI, with art direction by the one-and-only, TODD McFARLANE, BLOOD RED DRAGON introduces a brand-new hero to the world of comics!!! BORN OF LIGHT. POWERED BY DARKNESS. A HERO WILL RISE.


BREED III #7 (of 7)
Written & Art by Jim Starlin
$2.99


...AND IT ENDS WITH A LIE!' It's the conclusion to Starlin's decade-spanning Ray Stoner versus his demonic father battle! What more need be said? 


CHEW #22
Written by John Layman
Art by Rob Guillory
$2.99


Two Kidnappers.


HACK SLASH #10
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Dan Leister
$2.99


'INTERDIMENSIONAL WOMEN'S PRISON BREAKOUT,' Part Two The woman's prison escapees are staking their claims on NYC! Cassie and Samhain are caught in the middle! While fighting the likes of killer ladies Dr. Weir, April Fool and Bomb Queen, they're also fighting the urge to knock boots! A little bit of sexy, and a whole lot of bloody! 


HEART #2 (of 4)
Written by Blair Butler
Art by Kevin Mellon
$2.99


The evolution of cage fighter Oren 'Rooster' Redmond continues - but will a fist to the face stop his momentum before it starts? If you like dudes punching each other in the grill, this one's for you!


LAST OF THE GREATS #3
Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art by Brent Peeples
$2.99


THE DEAL,' Part Three Meet mankind's last hope for survival. He's called The Last, and he hates our guts. The Last is the center of our universe, Superhero, Celebrity, God-Emperor - and loving it. But Beaumont has one final dark secret that even the Last doesn't know. The balance between good and evil shifts once more. 


MORIARTY
Written by Daniel Corey
Art by Mike Vosburg
$2.99


THE LAZARUS TREE,' Part Three Veteran artist MIKE VOSBURG joins the creative team for this link in the Lazarus Tree mystery, which finds Moriarty reflecting on a case in 1880's Kingston, Jamaica. Answers are revealed to present-day questions, including the identity of the sniper that has been murdering residents of Kyauktada and stoking the fires of rebellion.


REED GUNTHER #6
Written by Shane Houghton
Art by Chris Houghton
$2.99


'FROM COWBOY TO COWMAN!' Reed recalls the tale of how he and his grizzly bear steed, Sterling, first met. This spooky and fun origin tale is the perfect jumping on point for folks who have never read the exciting adventures of Reed Gunther!


SPAWN #214
Written by Will Carlton
Art by Szymon Kudranski
$2.99


'THE GATHERING STORM,' Part Two No longer willing to sit idly by as outside forces manipulate his life, Jim sends a violent warning in order to secure an uneasy alliance with one of his greatest enemies. Meanwhile, an old friend is pulled deeper into the pit of intrigue surrounding the new Hellspawn, as Marc's search into Jim's mysterious past takes a surprising turn.


STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #3 (of 4)
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Tradd Moore
$2.99


The acclaimed new series continues as Luther decides to take advantage of his new talents and become a hero. He's got the powers, he's got the costume, but is it enough? Meanwhile the Librarian is tightening the noose around Luther's life as the body count begins to pile up. 


THOUGHT BUBBLE ANTHOLOGY #1
Written by Andy Diggle, Stuart Gordon & Antony Johnston
Art by Charlie Adlard, Duncan Fergedo & D' Israeli
$2.99


Top names come together to celebrate Thought Bubble's fifth year with an anthology of new short comics. This collection will also print the winners of the first ever Northern Sequential Art Competition. All profits from this comic will go to the charity Banardos.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY # 49
Written by Robert Kirkman
Art by Charlie Adlard
$2.99


Everything is different now.




MARVEL COMICS




AMAZING SPIDERMAN #675
Written by Dan Slott
Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli
$3.99


GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI joins the regular Spidey artist rotation in this high flying free falling ride through Dan Slott's post Spider-Island world. The VULTURE IS BACK and making kids do his high flying dirty work for him. With Spidey back on the cops' bad side will he be able to stop this flying Fagan from twisting young runaways before another boy falls from the sky? 32 PGS./Rated T 


AVENGING SPIDERMAN #2
Written by Zeb Wells
Art by Joe Maduriera
$3.99


THE HOT NEW SPIDER-MAN ONGOING CONTINUES! SPIDER-MAN and RED-HULK lead an underground army in this action packed extravaganza from superstar artist JOE MADUREIRA 32 PGS./Rated T+ 


DEADPOOL #47
Written by Daniel Way
Art by Salva Espinick Bradshaw
$2.99


Deadpool is a terrorist?! That's how Captain America sees it, but Cap doesn't know there currently are two Deadpools in NYC--one who's totally evil and one...well, one who's not quite as bad. How will our dubious hero clear his name, get Captain America to not despise him, defeat the most formidable enemy he's ever faced...oh, and evade capture by international law enforcement? Uh, who said he does? 32 PGS./Parental Advisory 


DEADPOOL MAX X-MAS SPECIAL #1
Written by David Lapham
Art by Kyle Baker
$4.99


How do Deadpool and Bob, the two most wanted terrorists in the world, spend their holiday break? By faking their own deaths, breaking into CIA headquarters, hunting down internet-porn-peddling jihadists and causing a riot in an insane ?asylum, of course! 40 PGS./Explicit Content 


DEFENDERS #1
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Terry Dobson
$3.99


pinning out of the stunning end of FEAR ITSELF! The final Worthy on a global rampage! o Matt Fraction (FEAR ITSELF, THE MIGHTY THOR, INVINCIBLE IRON MAN) reteams with TERRY DODSON (UNCANNY X-MEN, SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN)! o Everyone's favorite Marvel characters banding together to solve a mysterious conspiracy deep at the heart of the Marvel Universe! o The last line of defense against the forces of the unknown! 32 PGS./Rated T+ 


FEAR ITSELF: THE FEARLESS #4 (of 12)
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Arthur Adams & Mark Bagley
$2.99


Guest-starring the Thing and the FF, Namor the Sub-Mariner, the Thunderbolts and more! The Serpent's hammers could be the most dangerous artifacts in the world - vfm knows this all too well as she lays siege to the impenetrable headquarters of the FFÖwhere the Thing stands guard over his own hammer of power! Meanwhile Sin and Crossbones pursue the weapons of mass destruction, from the depths of the seas to claim one from the undersea vault of the Sub-MarinerÖto the shores of the island prison called the Raft to confront the Thunderbolts! 32 PGS. (each)/Rated T+ 


HULK #45
Written by Jeff Parker
Art by Patrick Zircher
$2.99


HULK OF ARABIA reaches its astonishing conclusion! One of the most hotly anticipated Red Hulk stories yet has all been building to this! Red and Machine Man go mono a mono (a machino) against Dagan Shah, the mysterious new powerhouse whose mythical kingdom of Sharzhad has become a destabilizing new force to be reckoned with! Mastermind Jeff Parker and the brilliant Patch Zircher guarantee the result of this epic showdown is one you won't see coming, and will change the face of the Marvel universe! 32 PGS. (each)/Rated T+ 


MOON KNIGHT #8
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Alex Maleev
$3.99


Not everyone is thrilled that Marc Spector is using his alter ego Moon Knight as fodder for a television show....especially Marc's ex Marlene! Another rip-roaring chapter by the award-winning team of Bendis and Maleev (DAREDEVIL, SCARLET). 32 PGS./Rated T+


PUNISHER #6
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Matthew Clark
$2.99


HE BIGGEST SHOT OF ALL IS DOWN!  A fallen Frank Castle...alive but dead inside. o Secrets of the Exchange revealed...and it's connected to some of the Marvel Universe's darkest secrets! 32 PGS./Parental Advisory


THOR: THE DEVIANTS SAGA #2 (of 5)
Written by Robert Rodi
Art by Stephen Segovia
$2.99


THOR VERSUS THE CHAMPION OF THE DEVIANTS! The thunder god travels to Olympia, home of the Eternals, to enlist their aid in finding the Deviant goddess Ereshkigal before she destroys the very fabric of reality. But the city is virtually empty...and what few allies Thor does find there are overrun by a horde of Deviants. Featuring the return of the superhuman behemoth Tutinax, whose one-on-one clash with Thor is unlike anything you've seen before! 32 PGS./Rated T+


ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDERMAN MUST HAVES #1
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Sarah Pinchelli
$4.99


Reprinting Ultimate Comics Spiderman #1-3


ULTIMATE COMICS THE ULTIMATES MUST HAVES #1
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Esad Ribic
$4.99


Reprinting Ultimate Comics THE ULTIMATES #1-3


ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #1
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Paco Diaz
$4.99


Reprinting Ultimate Comics X-Men #1-3


VENOM #10
Written by Rick Remender
Art by Lan Medina
$2.99


NEW DIRECTION. NEW ARTIST. OLD SOLDIERS. Rick Remender welcomes Lan Medina (PUNISHER) with AMERICAN BADNESS! SPIDER-ISLAND has changed everything and now the death of a loved one reminds Flash Thompson that his secret identity is in the hands of the villainous Crime-Master - and the only way to take his life back is to go rogue. But CAPTAIN AMERICA is out to shut him down. It's a good old fashioned road trip with Flash Thompson and an alien symbiote! 32 PGS./Rated T+ 


VILLIANS FOR HIRE #1 (of 5)
Written by Dan Abnett
Art by Renato Arlem
$2.99


Villain on villain action! Why has Misty Knight hired psychopaths like Tiger Shark and Speed Demon? Because the Purple?Man is out to build a criminal empire with an army including Avalanche, Shocker and the all-new Scourge! Let the baddest man (or woman) win! 32 PGS./Rated T+ 


X-23 #18
Written by Majorie Liu
Art by Kalman Andrasofszky & Saka Takeda
$2.99


ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING continues! What could possibly go wrong for X-23, on an already disastrous night? More dragons? Hellion and his bad mood? How about being kidnapped to another galaxy by...THE COLLECTOR? 32 PGS. (each)/Parental Advisory 


X-CLUB #1 (of 5)
Written by Simon Spurrier
Art by Paul Davidson
$2.99


WE DO SCIENCE!' In the wake of SCHISM, the X-Men's Science Team takes it upon themselves to make a gesture of goodwill on behalf of mutantkind and better the world...using SCIENCE. But just as construction of the X-Club's state of the art space elevator nears completion, chaos erupts! And it appears to the world that mutants are to blame. Can Dr. Nemesis, Madison Jeffries, Kavita Rao and Danger clear the X-Men's name before their experiment backfires? Don't miss this new limited series that will surely change how you look at the X-Men and the Periodic Table of Elements FOREVER! 32 PGS./Rated T+


X-FACTOR #228
Written by Peter David
Art by Leonard Kirk
$2.99


X-Men Regenesis Still reeling from the shocking death of one of their own, how can the X-Factor team possibly take down the one responsible?-- the deadly Bloodbath?


X-MEN #22
Written by Victor Gishler
Art by Will Conrad
$3.99


x-men regenesis The X-Men and War Machine are on a collision course with an international incident of catastrophic proportions. No longer content to fend off attackers, the Governor and her army of Sentinels are hell-bent on going on the offensive...leading towards one of the worst ethnic cleansings in the history of the world. 32 PGS./Rated T+