Pop Artifact! Hulk soap

Vintage DC Comics house ad

Pop Culture Roundup Feb. 15, 2006

Brian Eno and David Byrne will reissue their influential 1981 album "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" album March 28. The LP pioneered the use of samples, blending African music field recordings with radio broadcasts of American evangelists and all sorts of other stuff. The reissue will include seven extra tracks.

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Trusty Plinko Stick posts his Another 100 Things I Love About Comics list.

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Efforts are underway to restore the home of "Adventures of Superman" star George Reeves.

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Here's another new Beatlegs podcast.

"Lost" preview Feb. 15, 2006: Season 2, episode 14



Read ABC's teaser copy for tonight's show.

Listen to the most recent offical "Lost" podcast.

Watch a preview for tonight's show.

See promo pictures from the episode.

Come back tomorrow for a summary of the show with observations/speculation.

See the Best "Lost" Sites on the Web.

New comics Feb. 15, 2006

Available now at yer local comics shop or via This is Pop!-supporting links:

Batman War Crimes TP


Doom Patrol Archives Vol 3 HC


Elfquest The Grand Quest Vol 13 TP


Essential Moon Knight Vol 1 TP

House Of M Mutopia X TP

House Of M New X-Men TP

Kid Eternity TP

Marvel Masterworks Sgt Fury Vol 1 Ltd Ed HC


Marvel Masterworks Sgt Fury Vol 1 New Ed HC


Modern Spider-Man Statue - Bowen Designs

Ultimate X-Men Vol 13 Magnetic North TP

See a Complete List of New Comics Shipping This Week.

Marvel Comics May 2006 solicitations

Highlights

ESSENTIAL CLASSIC X-MEN VOL. 2
Written by ROY THOMAS, GARY FRIEDRICH & ARNOLD DRAKE
Penciled by WERNER ROTH, JACK SPARLING, DAN ADKINS, ROSS ANDRU, DON HECK, GEORGE TUSKA, JIM STERANKO, BARRY SMITH
& JOHN BUSCEMA
Cover by GIL KANE
Enemies both infamous and obscure abound in another archive of the X-Men's early adventures! Mainstay malefactors like Magneto and the Juggernaut are joined by the thunderous threat of Factor Three! Plus: the first appearances of Banshee and Polaris! Mimic vs. the Super-Adaptoid! Subterranean civil war! The X-Men's first individualistic uniforms! The return of a Golden Age great...and the death of Professor X!? Guest-starring Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and the Avengers! Featuring Ogre of Thunderbolts fame! Collects X-MEN #25-53 and AVENGERS #53.
632 PGS./All Ages ...$16.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2116-1

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 10
Written by STAN LEE
Penciled by JACK KIRBY & JOHN ROMITA
Cover by JACK KIRBY
Certifiably the World's Greatest Comic Collaboration, the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby Fantastic Four run stands as one of the high-water marks in the history of the medium. The ten titanic years on the title laid the very foundation of the Marvel Universe, and birthed more amazing concepts and creative characters than perhaps any series before or since. In this tenth Masterworks volume, we celebrate the entire Lee/Kirby run with essays by critics, creators and luminaries in the field of comics.
But it just ain't waxing nostalgic, True Believer! This is a Marvel comic, after all! Expect plenty of explosive action and family drama a-go-go as the FF build up to their 100th issue featuring everyone from Doc Doom to Dragon Man! They'll also help mankind take one giant leap when the Kree's robot Sentry tries to stop the Apollo 11 moon landing! Just for good measure, we'll throw in the uncanny Inhumans and Attilan, and the whole shebang comes to a head when the mutant menace, Magneto, teams up with Namor in a bid to conquer the world¡ªNixon is not pleased!
Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR #94-104.
272 PGS./All Ages ...$49.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2061-0

MARVEL LEGACY: THE 1970s HANDBOOK
Written by "JIVIN'" JEFF CHRISTIANSEN, "ASTONISHING" AL SJOERDSMA, MICHAEL "HOT DOG" HOSKIN, "SHINY" SEAN MCQUAID, "SAVAGE" STUART VANDAL, "MOJO" MARK O'ENGLISH, "RELIABLE" RONALD BYRD, "ANTHROPOMORPHIC" ANTHONY FLAMINI, "MELLOW" MIKE FICHERA, "BATTLIN" BARRY REESE, "MANIACAL" MADISON CARTER, "CHILLAXIN'" CHRIS BIGGS, "ELECTRIFYIN'" ERIC J. MOREELS
Cover by "OUR PAL" Sal Buscema
From the Venerable Vaults of Marveldom, it's the Mighty Marvel Handbook -- 1970s style! Just what is the 1970s Handbook, you ask? Imagine a Handbook written at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31, 1979. The profiles within cover everything published by the hallowed House of Ideas up until that point. So if it's from a comic that has a December 1979 cover date or earlier, you'll find it in this magnificent mag! Featuring the Avengers, Captain Marvel, the Defenders, the Fantastic Four, Power Man, the Punisher and the X-Men as they were in the 1970s, as well as'70s-era characters such as Black Brother, the Deadly Dozen, the Faceless One, Golem, Hellcow, Lady Liberators, Manphibian, Ms. Marvel, Mr. Zodiac, Sons of the Tiger, They Who Wield Power, Xorr the God-Jewel and more!
64 PGS./NO ADS/ Rated T+ ...$4.99

And the rest...

ULTIMATE EXTINCTION #5 (of 5)
Written by Warren Ellis
Pencils & Cover by Brandon Peterson
It's the showdown the entire Earth has been waiting for: Gah Lak Tus has arrived at the planet's doorstep! Millions of civilizations have fallen before its insatiable hunger. Against impossible odds, can Earth break that curse? The cast of the entire Ultimate line plans to see that it does! But do the combined might of the Ultimates, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and Nick Fury stand a chance against a swarm 100,000 planet- eaters?!
40 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #30
Written by Mark Millar
Pencils & Cover by Greg Land
"FRightful" pART 1 (OF 3)
The awesome return of Dr. Doom! The zombiefied F.F. escape from their Baxter Building prison! The deadly debut of the Frightful Four! Johnny Storm finds out he has only 28 days to live! And that's all just for starters...
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99
RETAILER NOTE: Look in the Marvel Mailer for details on a special sketch variant cover.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #94
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by Mark Bagley
"deadpool"
How can Spidey take down a man who has kidnapped the X-Men? All we can tell you is¡ªit's not the ending you expect! Plus, major developments in the Peter/Kitty relationship¡ªis it all just fun and games between the two...or is there something more going on? Don't miss it! Part 4 (of 4)
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #95
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by Mark Bagley
"Morbius" part 1 (of 5)
The countdown to issue 100 begins here! Introducing the midnight monster you've been clamoring for¡ª Ultimate Morbius! You won't believe the bite he takes out of the Ultimate Universe. And¡ªBugle reporter Ben Urich... a vampire?! You better believe it. It's the vampire bit¡ªbut as you've never seen it before!
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

ULTIMATE X-MEN #70
Written by Robert Kirkman
Penciled by Ben Oliver
Cover by Ben Oliver
"PHOENIX?"
Magician's trial by fire into the world of the X-Men is kicked up a notch when he and Cyclops find themselves face to face with a thousand pounds of immovability called The Blob¡ªand his bouncing buddy the terrible Toad! Will the fledgling X-Man have what it takes? Meanwhile, the quest to learn what is really happening with Jean Grey takes a totally unexpected turn. You have been warned. Part 2 (of 3)
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

MARVEL KNIGHTS

FURY: PEACEMAKER #4 (of 6)
Written BY GARTH ENNIS
PENCILED BY DARICK ROBERTSON
INKS BY JIMMY PALMIOTTI
COVER BY SCOT EATON
Before he presided over S.H.I.E.L.D., before he ran with the Howling Commandos, Sgt. Nick Fury fought on the blood-stained sands of the Tunisian desert. When his entire platoon was massacred by General Stephen Barkhorn and his 21st Panzer Division, Fury stumbled off into the desert toward certain death. Instead, he came face to face with his future. Now, Fury and his crew are deep behind enemy lines, surrounded by trigger-happy German soldiers, and, to make matters worse, their assassination mission has failed. According to a captured colonel, their target, General Barkhorn, has apparently departed to betray the Nazi regime¡ªby going after Hitler himself! But is Barkhorn¡ªgenius, loyal, courageous Barkhorn¡ªreally a turncoat, or have Fury and his company been suckered into killing time while enemy reinforcements secretly close in?
In this gripping limited series, Garth Ennis (Ghost Rider, Punisher) and Darick Robertson (Punisher: Born) offer a never-before-seen glimpse into the soul of a warrior you only think you know.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$3.50

MARVEL ADVENTURES

MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #1
Written by Jeff Parker
Penciled by Manuel Garcia
Cover by AARON LOPRESTI
When global threats surface, they have to contend with the combined might of: Captain America! Storm! Iron Man! The Hulk! Giant-Girl! Wolverine! Spider-Man! Still, powers higher-up think their new computerized defenses will be even MORE reliable than our heroes. (Just wish they hadn't named the system ULTRON...!)
32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #15
Written by ZEB WELLS
Penciled by PATRICK SCHERBERGER
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
When an incarcerated Doc Ock commands his tentacles to find and defeat Spider-Man, the results aren't quite what he expects... Will Peter be able to deal when Otto's arms start following him around like a puppy dog?
32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #12
Written by JEFF PARKER
Pencils & Cover by JUAN ROMAN CANO SANTACRUZ
Monster Garage has nothing on Johnny Storm when he rebuilds Reed's old college ride as the hottest rod on Earth! FF villains hate eating rubber, but fans love the car. Unfortunately, a European Repo Man takes the vehicle back to its original owner in LATVERIA...
32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

MARVEL CIVIL WAR

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #532
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Pencils & Cover by Ron Garney
"THE WAR AT HOME" Part 1 (of 7)
CIVIL WAR TIE-IN
After rushing to the aftermath of the Riverbank Massacre to offer aid to its victims, Peter travels with Tony Stark to Washington DC and the White House, where the enactment of the Super Hero Registration Act appears imminent. As the Marvel Universe braces for the implications of legislation that will forever change the societal status of super heroes, Peter will have to make a very important personal decision -- one that just might be the most important decision of his life
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

CIVIL WAR #1 (of 7)
Written by Mark Millar
Pencils & Wraparound Cover by Steve McNiven
Variant Cover by MICHAEL TURNER
THE LANDSCAPE OF THE MARVEL U IS CHANGING AND IT'S TIME TO DECIDE: WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
A conflict has been brewing in the Marvel Universe for over a year, threatening to pit friend against friend, brother against brother--and all it will take is a single misstep to cost thousands their lives and ignite the fuse! As the war claims its first victims, no one is safe as teams, friendships, and families begin to fall apart. Civil War, a Marvel Comics event in seven parts, stars Spider-Man, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the entirety of the Marvel pantheon! Civil War - the cross-over that rewrites the rules - begins here in this double-sized first issue!
48 PGS./Rated T+ ...$3.99

MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: MARK MILLAR/STEVE MCNIVEN
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Mark Millar and Steve McNiven! Millar has been one of the chief architects of the Ultimate Universe, and we'll take a behind-the-scenes look at his ULTIMATE X-MEN, ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR and THE ULTIMATES. We'll also catch up with Mark and see what he's got planned for the future - including an innovative new title that takes us back to 1985! At the same time, we'll explore Steve McNiven's work on MARVEL KNIGHTS 4 and NEW AVENGERS, and provide an inside look at the artist who has fast become one of the most popular in all of comics. Oh, and there's still the blockbuster CIVIL WAR to discuss! What, you thought we were gonna neglect that little thing?
32 PGS. NO ADS/Rated T+ ...$2.99

SHE-HULK #8
Written by Dan Slott
Penciled by PAUL SMITH
Cover by GREG HORN
CIVIL WAR TIE-IN!
CIVIL WAR threatens the rights of every American super hero. So whose side will Marvel's top superhuman lawyer fight for? And how can she possibly choose, when she feels one way as She-Hulk, and another as Jen Walters?
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

WOLVERINE #42
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Pencils & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
CIVIL WAR TIE-IN
"Vendetta," Part 1 of 6
Marc Guggenheim, a veteran writer for TV's The Practice, Law & Order, and most recently, CSI , is joined by fan-favorite artist Humberto Ramos (SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN) for this CIVIL WAR tie-in arc.
In the aftermath of the Riverbank Tragedy, Logan makes it his personal mission to take down the man responsible. No sooner does he begin his hunt, however, than he discovers that someone else is stalking the same prey: a mysterious trio whose identity -- and disturbing mission -- will come as a shock to many! If Logan's unsettled by who these guys are, then just wait until he discovers who they answer to!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99

SPIDER-MAN

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #8

Written by Peter David
Pencils & Cover by Mike Wieringo
Hold onto your webs, spider-fan! A MAJOR character from Peter Parker's past returns! Meanwhile, is that the Hobgoblin terrorizing the skies? And if so, how is he connected to the shocking changes in Spider- Man's life? Continuity fans better break out their back issues, because both Spidey's past and future will change when an old (and unexpected) foe executes his master plan!
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

LAST PLANET STANDING #1 & #2 (of 5)
Written by Tom DeFalco
Pencils & Cover by Pat Olliffe
At last! The long awaited sequel to last year's surprise hit, the sold-out LAST HERO STANDING, which Ray Tate of Silver Bullet Comics called "a comic book mini-series that's worth buying!"
For centuries beyond reckoning, Galactus has consumed entire worlds to satiate his never-ending quest for sustenance, but now he has a new plan--one which may threaten the very existence of the entire Universe! Featuring: the mighty Thor, the Warriors Three, the Avengers, Spider-Girl, the Fantastic Five and the Shi'ar Imperial Guard!
32 PGS. (each)/All Ages ...$2.99 (each)

SPIDER-GIRL #98
Written by Tom DeFalco
Pencils & Cover by Ron Frenz
Spider-Girl goes back to her black costume when the Hobgoblin goes on a rampage, attacking her closest friends and allies.
32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #26
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
"FERAL"
The kid gloves are off! With one Lizard down and one to go, and Man-Wolf and Vermin still on the loose, Spider-Man dons his new costume to even the odds. But what role does...Madame Web play? And what's going on between the Black Cat and the Puma? Part 4 (of 5).
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #15
Written BY KLAUS JANSON & MERRILL HAGAN
PENCILED BY KLAUS JANSON & ADAM DEKRAKER
COVER BY JAY ANACELTO
Two Spidey stories. One great comic! Comics legend, Klaus Janson tells a personal story delving into the effects on a child who is raised by one of Spider-Man's foes. In the second story, Merrill Hagan (Adult Swim) tells a story featuring the Lizard and his wife. How does a woman cope with being married to a man who must remain calm at all times or he'll turn into a giant green beast? Can she possible still love him if she must never do or say anything that could set him off?
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #6
Written by Sean McKeever
Penciled by Takeshi Miyazawa & VALENTINE DELANDRO
Cover by Takeshi Miyazawa
It's the start of a special two-part flashback story featuring guest artist Valentine Delandro! Mary Jane Watson wasn't always the girl she is today. How did she become the sort of person to push her problems away rather than face them? And how is it that Peter Parker, Spider-Man and Spidey's origin itself all play pivotal roles? See the birth of the greatest modern super hero like you've never seen it before!
32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

ANNIHILATION

ANNIHILATION: NOVA #2 (of 4)
Written by Andy Lanning
Penciled by Kev Walker
Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
To protect the legacy of the Xandarian culture, Nova must escape from the burning ruins of the homeworld. But can he trust himself to use his new power wisely, or will he lose control again and pose a threat to the cosmos greater than the invasion itself? And on the subject of trust, how far can he trust his new 'friend'... Drax?
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

ANNIHILATION: RONAN #2 (of 4)
Written by Simon Furman
Penciled by Jorge Lucas
Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
Godthab Omega: a nothing planet in a backwater bit of the cosmos. Right? Wrong. In fact, something is very wrong on Godthab, a malign presence drawing in cosmic entities like flies to a web. Ronan's been snagged too, and he's not happy about it. In fact, he's going to do something about it... right after he deals with the "deadliest woman in the Universe," Gamora! And, as if that impending confrontation weren't enough to shake Godthab to its core, here comes the Annihilation Wave...
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

ANNIHILATION: SILVER SURFER #2 (of 4)
Written by Keith Giffen
Penciled by Renato Arlem
Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
The ex-heralds of Galactus unite to combat a common foe. But can even the combined powers of the Silver Surfer, Firelord, Terrax and Red Shift stand against the Annihilation Wave and it's mad master? And what dark ambition motivates Thanos to strike a dark alliance with the invading force?
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

ANNIHILATION: SUPER-SKRULL #2 (of 4)
Written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach
Penciled by Greg Titus
Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
The Fantastic Four's enemy may prove the galaxy's savior as Super-Skrull crusades against the Annihilation Wave! Pitted against an enemy superweapon, Super-Skrull's quest takes him behind enemy lines, where an evil scientist and a planet of alien scum may be his only hope for victory!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

MARVEL HEROES

BLACK PANTHER #16

Written by Reginald Hudlin
Penciled by Scot Eaton
Cover by OLIVIER COPIEL
"Bride of the Panther," part 3 of 5
T'Challa has put his cards on the table. His heart -- and a seat on the Wakandan throne -- is Storm's, if she'll just accept his hand in marriage. Question is, does she want it? With a Super Hero Civil War ready to explode in the U.S. and snakes in his own court preparing to make their moves, the road to the altar could not be more complicated.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA #18
Written by Ed Brubaker
Pencils & Cover by Steve Epting
It was Wizard's book of the year for 2005, and now, fan-favorite artist Steve Epting rejoins Top Ten writer Ed Brubaker for a groundbreaking 4 part tale! It's the start of an action-packed thriller in London, as Captain America travels across the Atlantic in search of his old partner, a story that will see him fighting side-by-side with some very old friends. But Cap and the Winter Soldier aren't the only ones taking the journey abroad, Crossbones and Sin are on a path of revenge that's leading them in the exact same direction... And what of General Lukin and his "relationship" with the Red Skull? All this and more in the first chapter of "Twenty-First Century Blitz!"
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

DAREDEVIL #85
Written by Ed Brubaker
Penciled by Michael Lark
Cover by TOMMY LEE EDWARDS
Award-winning creators Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark's debut story "THE DEVIL IN CELL BLOCK D" hits a turning point! With all the prison gangs against him, Matt Murdock turns to unlikely allies in his quest for the truth. And as Kingpin returns to Gen-Pop, Ryker's Island teeters on the edge of an explosion, and Matt can either give it a push, or remember the man he used to be. Meanwhile, Ben Urich and Dakota North hunt whoever is running around Hell's Kitchen pretending to be Daredevil!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FAMILY #3 (of 6)
Written by Joe Casey
Pencils & Cover by Chris Weston
The untold tale of the FF's first adventure continues! Ever wonder if any of the Mole Man's monsters followed the FF back to New York City after their first encounter with them? Neither did the FF... and that mistake leads to a very public demonstration for the fledgling super hero team. Plus, Ben Grimm's first visit back to Yancy Street (it ain't pretty!), and the FF's first headquarters (it wasn't the Baxter Building!).
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

DAUGHTERS OF THE DRAGON #5 (of 6)
Written by JIMMY PALMIOTTI & JUSTIN GRAY
Penciled by KHARI EVANS
Inks by JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Cover by KHARI EVANS & JIMMY PALMIOTTI
With the auction for Ricadonna's super computer virus rapidly approaching, Misty and Colleen call in favors from some of the most unlikely places as The Daughters of the Dragon pay a visit to The Punisher and Mole Man! Meanwhile the villains are all in town, including The Hand, Hydra, AIM and half a dozen global terrorists for what promises to be the kung fu battle of the year! All this and questionable fashion tips from Otis "Danger" Johnson, mutant receptionist! Guest-starring Iron Fist!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99

DOC SAMSON #5 (of 5)
Written by PAUL DI FILIPPO & Zeb Wells
Penciled by Fabrizio Fiorentino & FRANK ESPINOSA
Cover by LUCIO PARRILLO
With Tina, Jack and the Living Totem incapacitated by other-dimensional forces, Doc Samson is left alone to battle the most dangerous enemy he's ever encountered...himself! With the Earth's sanity hanging in the balance--if Doc looses against the demon-possessed, alternate-universe Leonard Samson--the whole planet will need a psychiatrist. Also in this issue, an 8-page story featuring The Living Totem by ZEB WELLS and FRANK (ROCKETO) ESPINOSA.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

FANTASTIC FOUR - A DEATH IN THE FAMILY - ONE-SHOT
Written by Karl Kesel
Pencils & Cover by Lee Weeks
The Invisible Woman is dead! As Reed cradles his murdered wife, lost in grief, and Ben rampages after Sue's killer, Johnny defiantly decides to do whatever it takes¡ª no matter the cost or consequence¡ª to see his sister alive again. What he does will change the way the Fantastic Four look at him forever. "A Death in the Family"-- not a dream, not a hoax... and not to be missed. Includes bonus Fantastic Four issue #245!
64 PGS./Rated A ...$3.99

IRON MAN #8
Written by Daniel and charlie Knauf
Penciled by Patrick Zircher
Cover by Adi Granov
"The List"
While an unknown assassin continues to target a globe-spanning hit list, an enhanced Tony Stark continues to test the waters of his new powers. The international trail heats up in this newest installment in Iron Man's now-monthly series! Part 2 of 6.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

IRON MAN: INEVITABLE #6 (of 6)
Written by Joe Casey
Pencils & Cover by Frazer Irving
This is it! The final showdown between Iron Man and his greatest enemies! The new Spymaster finally makes his bid as a bona fide super-villain, and the Living Laser is back to demonstrate what he's learned in exile. But will Iron Man finally have HIS revenge? The senses-shattering conclusion to Iron Man's greatest adventure yet! Run, don't walk to your LCS to grab this one!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

MARVEL TEAM-UP #20
Written by Robert Kirkman
Penciled by Cory Walker
Cover by PHIL HESTER
Freedom Ring part 1 (of 5)
Captain America is thrust into a fight for his life at the hands of AIM. Meanwhile an all-new hero is introduced into the Marvel Universe, but is the world ready for FREEDOM RING? And what does all this have to do with a reality-altering ring crafted from broken shards of the cosmic cube?
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

MARVEL MILESTONES: BLACK PANTHER, STORM & KA-ZAR
Written by PRIEST, JOHN BYRNE, CHRIS CLAREMONT & BEN THOMPSON
Penciled by SAL VELLUTO, JOHN BYRNE & BEN THOMPSON
Cover by SAL VELLUTO
The wedding of the Black Panther and Storm had its beginnings in these landmark issues! First, the couple's fateful first meeting is revealed in MARVEL TEAM-UP #100 (1980). Then, in BLACK PANTHER #26 (2001), the king of Wakanda has reached a low ebb - and only an appearance by the mutant mistress of weather may lift T'Challa's sagging spirits! Plus: Golden Age jungle action starring Ka-Zar from MARVEL MYSTERY COMICS #7 (1940).
48 PGS./Rated T+ ...$3.99

FOUR #30
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Penciled by CLAY MANN
Cover by GARY FRANK
THE SUPER HERO'S APPRENTICE Part 2 (of 2)
After 30 fantastic issues, the little series that could comes to an end. In our last issue, the Fantastic Four's honorary fifth member, a young super hero with dark intentions, believes he is heir to throne of...Latveria? To prove himself to Dr. Doom, he is determined to take down the FF once and for all¡ªand on National Television!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

MARVEL ROMANCE REDUX: I SHOULD HAVE BEEN A BLONDE
Written by PETER DAVID,
JOHN LUSTIG, KEITH GIFFEN& MIKE LEIB
Penciled by GENE COLAN,
SOL BRODSKY & DICK GIORDANO
Cover by Frank Cho
Come join the fun on the only book that fails miserably at tip-toeing the fine line between loving tribute and mocking irreverence! Our barely-restrained troupe of writers are set loose on Marvel Romance comics of yesteryear, and they ain't takin' no prisoners...yet (They might enjoy the company. Writers get awfully lonely.)
32 PGS. NO ADS!/All Ages ...$2.99

NEW MANGAVERSE #5 (of 5)
Written by C. B. Cebulski
Pencils & Cover by Tommy Ohtsuka
The fate of the Mangaverse hangs in the balance as Iron Man's team comes toe-to-toe with Silver Samurai's forces! Alliances are severed, lives are lost, and to the victors goes¡ªthe world! With the traitor revealed, the forces of evil's final plan is enacted¡ªand do Spider-Man and Wolverine have a chance?
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

MS. MARVEL #3
Written by Brian Reed
Penciled by Roberto De La Torre
Inks by JIMMY Palmiotti
Cover by Frank Cho
The fate of thousands hangs in the balance as Ms. Marvel faces a deadly new foe from beyond the stars! Can she defeat this foe, and her own inner demons, to become the hero shewas meant to be? Plus, an appearance by Marvel's first family, The Fantastic Four!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

MOON KNIGHT #2
Written by Charlie Huston
Pencils & Cover by David Finch
"Fear, More Than God": Marc Spector lies awake every night, questions and fears haunting his thoughts. Because one night on windswept rooftop, he squared off against his greatest nemesis and something truly dreadful happened. Something Spector can't put behind him, nor should. Something Khonshu won't let him. The night is young and the moon is full. The worst is yet to come for Marc Spector. Part 2 (of 6).
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

NEW AVENGERS #19
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & Cover by Mike Deodato
The secrets of HOUSE OF M have come back to bite the Avengers right on the collective butt. as the Avengers fight a fight they cannot win, S.H.I.E.L.D. does the impossible and arrests Spider-Man!!
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

NEXTWAVE #5
Written by Warren Ellis
Pencils & Cover by Stuart Immonen
"The joy h.a.t.e. club"
It has been proven: NEXTWAVE is better than soap! NEXTWAVE has super heroes. Soap doesn't. NEXTWAVE has Dirk Anger and his evil organization H.A.T.E.. Soap? Nope. NEXTWAVE has a battle between H.A.T.E. and Nextwave in #4. Soap is only at #2 with no H.A.T.E. at all! NEXTWAVE has all of your family members held ransom. Soap doesn't even know your family. Four out of five dentists prefer Nextwave to soap. In fact, they were so emphatic in their preference, they beat up the fifth dentist and he fell in line. So five out of five dentists prefer NEXTWAVE. So will you! Part 1 (of 2)!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99

RUNAWAYS #16
Written by Brian Vaughan
Penciled by Adrian Alphona
Cover by Marcos Martin
"Parental Guidance" continues! To save the life of one of their own, the Runaways charge into battle against their late parents' evil successors, the all-new Pride. Who will live and who will die?
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

SQUADRON SUPREME #3
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Pencils & Cover by Gary Frank
Hyperion! Doctor Spectrum! The Blur! Power Princess!
The most powerful team on the face of the earth - the Squadron Supreme - has embarked on it's first mission! But when the group falls under the control of an evil general, will this first mission end in catastrophe?
32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99

UNDERWORLD #4 (of 5)
Written by Frank Tieri
Penciled by Staz Johnson
Cover by Sean Scoffield
Ex-con Jackie Dio is on the run... from the cops, super-goons Boomerang and Grizzly, and even the Punisher himself. Lucky for him, gadget guru the Mechanic has all the cool toys, and he's willing to share. But can anything save Jackie when he confronts the Punisher in a knock-down, drag-out, knuckle-busting brawl?
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

THUNDERBOLTS #102
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Pencils & Cover by Tom Grummett
Joystick vs. Speed Demon in Round One of the Guardian Protocols! Why have so many Thunderbolts agreed to Zemo's plans? What role does the Grandmaster and his "Squadron Sinister" play in the gambit? And can there be anything worse than having the fate of the universe lie in the hands of Zemo? We're thinking, yes... but wait until you see whose hands our fate does lie in!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

THE THING #7
Written by Dan Slott
Pencils & Cover by Andrea Di Vito
"...On the Way to the Forum"
It's Alicia's birthday and the Thing has the perfect gift for her: a trip to Greece! Scratch that. Too simple. How about a trip to Ancient Greece? Yeah! Stretcho wouldn't mind Ben taking the time machine for a spin, right? And like, what could possibly go wrong?
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

ALL-NEW OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE A TO Z #5
Written by JEFF CHRISTIANSEN, MICHAEL HOSKIN, MARK O'ENGLISH, STUART VANDAL, SEAN MCQUAID, RONALD BYRD, ERIC J. MOREELS, BARRY REESE, MADISON CARTER, ANTHONY FLAMINI, CHRIS BIGGS & MIKE FICHERA
Cover by KEU CHA
The Handbook from A to Z rolls on - including bios on Gorgon, Grandmaster, Guardian, Hate-Monger, Helleyes, HERBIE, High Evolutionary, Hood, Hulkling, Humus Sapien, Hurricane, Hybrid, Hydra, Immortus, Mad Jim Jaspers, Madison Jeffries, Jester, Joystick and more! This twelve-issue monthly series focuses on new characters, characters who never received a profile and those needing major updates.
64 PGS. NO ADS! /Rated T+ ...$3.99

AVENGERS AND POWER PACK ASSEMBLE! #2 (of 4)
Written by Marc Sumerak
Art & Cover by Gurihiru
Cover by Gurihiru
When one of billionaire Tony Stark's greatest inventions is stolen, it's up to the invincible Iron Man to track it down... unless, of course, Power Pack beats him to the punch! But is Jack Power really looking to save the day or is he just hoping for a hefty reward?
32 PGS./All Ages ...$2.99

ARES #5 (of 5)
Written by Michael Oeming
Pencils & Cover by Travel Foreman
Father versus Son, God versus God, East Vs West! This is it -- the big showdown mortal man has been waiting for! Ares and his Olympian allies have marched to the doors of the evil lord Mikabushi! But what will Ares' son, Alexander - who has fallen under the influence of the cruel god - do when he finally sees his father? Will he run to his fathers arms or lop them off with the legendary Grasscutter sword? This clash of titans drenched in blood finally comes to end in this issue! With Ares announced to join a major super hero team this year, don't miss out on this series!
32 PGS./Parental Supervision ...$2.99

PLANET HULK

INCREDIBLE HULK #95

Written by GREG PAK
Penciled by CARLO PAGULAYAN
Cover by LADR?NN
The Hulk and his Warbound gladiator allies enter their final battle in the Great Arena ¡ª where a familiar face from the Marvel Universe returns as an implacable enemy. Faced with betrayal, temptation, and the most terrifying battle the Great Arena has ever seen, will the Hulk stand with his Warbound gladiators ¡ª or seize the honors of the Empire? The climactic end of Planet Hulk: Exile!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

X-MEN

EXILES #80

Written by Tony Bedard
Pencils & Cover by
Paul Pelletier
"WORLD TOUR: FUTURE IMPERFECT"
The World Tour is almost over, but that doesn't mean the Exiles are out of the woods quite yet. Another Exile has yet to fall to Proteus, and it happens here! Will the Exiles be able to pick up the pieces after losing another one of their own!? Part 2 (of 2)!
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

EXILES #81
Written by Tony Bedard
Pencils & Cover by JIM Calafiore
"WORLD TOUR: HEROES REBORN" Part 1 (of 2)!
The beginning of the end starts here! The tour of duty is about to reach its earth breaking conclusion! The Exiles track Proteus to the world of Heroes Reborn. Big man-chests and bigger action await them on a world that was never meant to be made!
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

NEW EXCALIBUR #7
Written by Chris Claremont
Pencils & Cover by Michael Ryan
"BLACK MONDAY"
Black Tom is back! Why doesn't he look like tree? And how does he keep that goatee looking so darn great?! The answer to all these questions and more in this issue of New Excalibur! Plus the return of the Dark X-Men! Part 2 (of 2)!
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

NEW X-MEN #26
Written by Christopher Yost & Craig Kyle
Pencils & Cover by PACO MEDINA
"Crusade"
No one is safe as Stryker's end game begins. Another student falls - and they won't be the last! Will there be any New X-Men left stop Stryker's vision of the future from coming to pass? Lives will be lost as we discover the shocking truth behind Stryker's miracles? Find out here! Part 3 (of 4).
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

CABLE/DEADPOOL #28
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Penciled by LAN MEDINA
Cover by DAVE ROSS
"Domino Principle" Part 1 (of 2)
DOMINO is hired to stop DEADPOOL's activities in the Central European country of Rumekistan, only to learn he plans to assassinate the country's imposed ruler, the international terrorist named FLAG- SMASHER. Should she stop him? Will her decision be influenced when she finds out DP was given his mission by... CABLE?!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

SENTINEL SQUAD O*N*E #5 (of 5)
Written by John Layman
Penciled by Aaron Lopresti
Cover by Pasqual Ferry
The Sentinel Squad's trial by fire has finally reached its end! Now it's time for their permanent assignment...the X-Men. Find out the final piece of the puzzle in this final issue to Sentinel Squad O*N*E! Part 5 (of 5)!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

SON OF M #6 (of 6)
Written by David Hine
Penciled by Roy Allan Martinez
Cover by JOHN WATSON
Just how far will Pietro go to restore the powers of former mutants? As Inhumans battle the last surviving Genoshans the consequences prove to be horrific. Don't miss this one. The repercussions from this finale will echo into CIVIL WAR in the months to come...
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

STORM #4 (of 6)
Written by Eric Jerome Dickey
Penciled by David Yardin
Cover by Mike Mayhew
Knowing that their very survival may hinge on Ororo's ability to harness her newfound powers, T'Challa and Ororo travel deeper into the jungle, just a step ahead of the mercenaries that are hot on their trail. There, the sparks between the two teenagers finally ignite into fire, and their relationship takes on a whole new meaning.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #473
Written by Chris Claremont
Pencils & Cover by Chris Bachalo
"THE FIRST FOURSAKEN"
It's part 2 "First Foursaken"! Psylocke and her brother team up to stop the ultimate threat that only they can defeat! Part 2 (of 3)!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #2
Written BY DANIEL WAY
PENCILED BY STEVE DILLON
COVER BY JOE QUESADA
Variant Cover by BRYAN HITCH
The new ongoing series continues! By mounting a full-scale assault on the White House, Logan has now clearly shown that both no one is beyond his reach. Knowing that Logan is coming for them¡ªand knowing that he will stop at nothing in order to achieve his mysterious objective¡ªthe world governments now prepare to take the offensive. The U.S. government, having the most to lose, strikes first and strikes hard, fighting fire with fire. Who better to combat the Weapon X program's most successful specimen than with its most bloodthirsty? One hint: Gimme a red.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99

X-FACTOR #7
Written by Peter David
Penciled by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by Ryan Sook
"Two Meetings, One in Person, One Not." Think it's tough to convince fans that one of Marvel's mighty mutants was genuinely killed in action and never returning? Try convincing one of X-Factor's members, lost in denial over the death of a loved one. Meanwhile, Jamie Madrox has his first face-to-face confrontation with Mr. Tryp, the mysterious head of Singlarity Investigations...and let's just say it doesn't go very well for Madrox.
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

X-MEN #186
Written by Peter Milligan
Pencils & Cover by Salvador Larroca
"BLOOD OF APOCALYPSE"
Are you ready for some action?! The ending to Blood of Apocalypse happens here, and does it ever happen! X-Men are lost, battles are won, heroes are reborn, and some villains are still evil! You will not want to miss this! Introducing two brand new Sentinels!!! Also features a bonus 5-page back-up story of the Horsemen! Part 5 (of 5)!
40 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

X-MEN: THE 198 #5 (of 5)
Written by David Hine
Penciled by Jim Muniz
Cover by JUAN DOE
The tension boiling up between the 198 and the agents of O*N*E finally reaches the breaking point! The fight for freedom rages between mutant and human, with the X-Men in the middle. But when a villain waiting the wings finally shows his true colors, the battle takes quite a shift! Some will lose their lives for what they believe, in the action-packed finale to X-Men: The 198! Part 5 (of 5)!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE/DRACULA #4 (of 4)
Written by FRANK TIERI
Penciled by CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by JAE LEE
Apocalypse and Dracula are in the face off to end all face offs! These two monsters have searched long and hard for each other, and now it's time to fight. Who will stand victorious in this clash of titans?! Read this issue and find out! Part 4 (of 4)!
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

X-MEN FAIRY TALES #1 (of 4)
Written by C. B. Cebulski
Art and Cover by SANA TAKEDA
In the tradition of the X-Men Classic, "Kitty's Fairy Tale," comes a series of new legends, reimagining the greatest X-Men stories through folktales, myths and fables from across the globe. In the story of Momotaro, the Peach-Boy, an old Japanese woodcutter and his wife cut open a giant peach only to find a baby boy with a peach pit for an eye, crying inside! The couple quickly learns that there is more than meets the eye as the baby shoots ruby-red optic blasts when the pit is removed! Afraid of how the outside world would treat him, the Peach-Boy is raised in seclusion until a mysterious Monk comes along and shows the teenaged Peach-Boy that his is a gift to be proud of. Believing he is destined for greater things, the boy joins the monk on a journey to defeat the evil demons that have plagued his lands and captured a beautiful red-haired princess.
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

X-MEN: THE END - MEN AND X-MEN #5 (of 6)
Written by Chris Claremont
Penciled by Sean Chen
Cover by GENE HA
It's the penultimate installment of the end of the Uncanny X-Men, from fan-favorites Chris Claremont and Sean Chen. Bishop's team arrives to the fray on the Shi'ar throneworld by way of the Brood-infested Starjammer to find Cassandra Nova commandeering Professor Xavier's body to brutalize the remaining X-Men. Meanwhile, back on Earth, in the 2nd city, mayoral candidate Kitty Pryde anxiously awaits the results of the Chicago mayoral election. And, the return of Jean Grey!?
32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99

X-STATIX PRESENTS: DEAD GIRL #5 (of 5)
Written by Peter Milligan
Penciled by Nick Dragotta
Cover by Michael Allred
If you thought your life was a living hell, you ain't seen nothing yet! Doctor Strange has literally gone to hell to dish out a little justice, supernatural super hero style! And like any good crew, Dead Girl, Mister Sensitive, Ant-Man and the Phantom Rider have his back... But will it be enough to keep a dead villain down where he belongs? Or will The Pitiful One and his cohorts - including Miss America, Mysterio, Kraven The Hunter and The Anarchist -- have what it takes to defeat our do-gooders and join the land of the living once again?
32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99

MAX COMICS

PUNISHER #33

Written by Garth Ennis
Penciled by Goran Parlov
Cover by Tim Bradstreet
"BARRACUDA"
If you think Frank's brawl with the Russian was nasty, you ain't seen nasty. Because Frank Castle's never thrown down with anyone like the Barracuda before. When these two stone killers mix it up, they'll engage in a battle that leaves no rule unbroken, no bone unbroken. And what's waiting for the loser is even worse: some private time in the deep blue sea with a Great White shark! Part 3 (of 6).
32 PGS./MAX - Explicit Content ...$2.99

PUNISHER: THE TYGER
Written by Garth Ennis
Penciled by John Severin
Cover by Tim Bradstreet
Comics legend John Severin joins Punisher scribe extraordinaire Garth Ennis in this double-sized special! Long before he waged a one-man vendetta against organized crime, long before he was Young Lieutenant waging war in the jungles of 'Nam, Frank Castle was a 10-year-old boy growing up on the mean streets of Brooklyn. When a classmate commits suicide in the aftermath of an unspeakable act, young Frank uncovers a secret dark enough to blacken the purest of hearts. Thus begins his first journey on the road that will eventually turn him into the man known as the Punisher, a journey that will bring him face to face with the Tyger: a creature not made by God, but just as vital to the world as anything He created.
56 PGS./MAX - Explicit Content ...$4.99
NOTE: This is a resolicitation. All previous orders are cancelled

HAUNT OF HORROR: EDGAR ALLAN POE #1 (OF 3)
Written by Richard Corben & RICH MARGOPOULOS
Pencils & Cover by Richard Corben
What scares you? Serial killers? Vampires? Earthquakes? Extreme sports? The dentist? Horror comics legend Richard Corben (Creepy, Eerie) and long-time collaborator Rich Margopoulos leave no gravestone unturned in this 3-issue limited series that offers wicked spins on the classic poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Each issue features three adaptations -- hauntingly rendered in B&W with gray tones as only Corben can do it -- along with the full text of Poe's poem for comparison. In issue #1: Behold "The Conqueror Worm" . . . fear "The Sleeper"... and beware "The Raven." It's classic horror in glorious black & white!
32 PGS./MAX - Explicit Content ...$3.99

ICON COMICS

KABUKI #7

Written by DAVID MACK
Cover & Art by DAVID MACK
The long-awaited return of Akemi. Kabuki's new role in Akemi's plan is revealed with a twist involving the return of a mysterious character. It's a new start for Kabuki and the perfect jumping-on issue for new readers! You've heard about all the awards. You've heard everyone talking about why Kabuki is so amazing and mind-blowing. Now is the chance to see what all the talk is about!
32 PGS./All Ages... $2.99

MARVEL PREMIERE HARDCOVERS

CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER VOL. 2 PREMIERE HC
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Art by STEVE EPTING, MIKE PERKINS & MICHAEL LARK
Cover by STEVE EPTING
The questions plaguing Captain America's dreams and memories have been answered in the most brutal way possible. And in the wake of this brutality, General Lukin makes his first all-out assault -- tearing open old wounds and threatening to make new scars that will never heal! Collects CAPTAIN AMERICA #8-9 and #11-14.
144 PGS./Rated T+ ...$19.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1708-3
Trim size: standard
CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER VOL. 1 TPB STILL AVAILABLE!
$16.99 (ISBN: 0-7851-1920-5)

WOLVERINE: ORIGINS & ENDINGS PREMIERE HC
Written by DANIEL WAY
Art by JAVIER SALTARES & MARK TEXEIRA
Cover by JOE QUESADA
Left shaken at ground zero after the cataclysmic events of HOUSE OF M, Logan has no choice but to soldier on, as he done so many times before ¡ª but has the burden now become too great? In his lifetime, Logan has been both a hero and a villain, a player and a pawn...but what is he now? Don't miss out on the beginning of an epic more than a century in the making. Collects WOLVERINE #36-40.
128 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$19.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1977-9
Trim size: standard

SPIDER-MAN/BLACK CAT: EVIL THAT MEN DO MARVEL PREMIERE HC
Written by KEVIN SMITH
Penciled by TERRY DODSON
Cover by TERRY DODSON
The mysterious disappearance of an old friend brings Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat, to New York in search of answers, and a certain web-slinging ex-lover of hers is following the same trail. How long will it take before they do some...catching up?
Collects SPIDER-MAN/BLACK CAT: EVIL THAT MEN DO #1-6.
176 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$19.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1095-X
Trim size: standard

MARVEL HARDCOVERS

DAREDEVIL VOL. 3 HC - BACK TO PRESS!
Written by Brian MICHAEL Bendis
Pencils & Cover by ALEX MALEEV
After his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly exposed, Matt Murdock is forced to reckon with the problems and legal ramifications that emerged as a result of his public outing. But there isn't much time for Matt to dwell on his problems, as a new love appears on the horizon and one of Daredevil's most dangerous foes returns to take over the NYC underworld. And if that isn't enough, Daredevil also faces murder charges, the return of one of his deadliest foes, Typhoid Mary, and the Kingpin's attempt to restore his fallen empire. And the surprise ending changes Daredevil's place in the Marvel Universe forever! Collects DAREDEVIL #38-50.
304 PGS./Rated T+...$29.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1106-9

MARVEL DIGESTS

X-MEN: FIRESTAR DIGEST
Written by TOM DEFALCO
Penciled by MARY WILSHIRE
Cover by BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH
Before the Avengers, before the New Warriors, mutandom's fiery favorite almost had a vocation in villainy thanks to the teacher from Hellfire, the White Queen! Can she find her way to heroism before things get too hot? Guest-starring the New Mutants!
Collects FIRESTAR #1-4.
96 PGS./All Ages ...$7.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2200-1

SENTINEL VOL. 3: PAST IMPERFECT DIGEST
Written by SEAN MCKEEVER
Penciled by UDON
Cover by UDON
The globally praised tale of a boy and his 'bot returns! After using his refurbished government weapon of mutant destruction to make himself popular, you'd think Juston Seyfert would be on top of the world. Instead, he's run away from home, torn up inside by the guilt brought on by his selfish acts. Now in search of his mother, who left his family at an early age, Juston must figure out what to do with his life. And if he doesn't figure it out soon, there are a couple government types who would be more than happy to figure it out for him! Collects SENTINEL #1-5.
120 PGS./Rated A ...$7.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1914-0

MARVEL GRAPHIC NOVELS

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 15: SILVER SABLE TPB
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by MARK BAGLEY
The head of Roxxon Oil sics the world's greatest mercenary, Silver Sable, on Spider-Man to learn why the web-spinner has targeted Roxxon on his nightly patrols. How violently Ms. Sable wants to handle the situation is strictly up to her. Spinning out of the ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN video game (written and designed by our longstanding team of Bendis and Bagley), Ultimate Silver Sable might be the most dangerous foe Spidey has ever faced! Plus: the mystery of Ultimate Omega Red!
Collects ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #86-90 and ANNUAL #1.
168 PGS./Rated A ...$15.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1681-8

ULTIMATE X-MEN/FANTASTIC FOUR TPB
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by PASQUAL FERRY
Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
Cerebro has been stolen ¡ª and the trail points directly at the government's premier think tank, the Baxter Building! The X-Men aren't happy about it ¡ª and the Baxter Building's most famous residents, the Fantastic Four, aren't happy about an angry team of mutants showing up on their doorstep! It's FF versus X-Men in an all-star blowout as ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR's Mike Cary is joined by superstar artist Pasqual Ferry for this tour de force of Ultimate action! Plus: in-depth bios on the Ultimate X-Men, the Ultimate Fantastic Four, the Ultimates and Ultimate Spider-Man! Collects ULTIMATE X-MEN/FANTASTIC FOUR, ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR/X-MEN and the OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE ULTIMATE MARVEL UNIVERSE 2005 #1-2.
136 PGS./Rated T+ ...$12.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2292-3

NEW THUNDERBOLTS VOL. 3: RIGHT OF POWER TPB
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Penciled by TOM GRUMMETT
Cover by TOM GRUMMETT
There is a new superhuman team the government can't trust whose roster is made up of questionable choices. Unaccountable. Uncontrollable. Unknown. So the Commission on Superhuman Activities has a "request" for the New Thunderbolts -- take down the New Avengers! You know what that can only lead to... Songbird vs. Captain America! Photon vs. Sentry! Radioactive Man vs. Iron Man! Speed Demon vs. Spider-Man! Atlas vs. Cage! Joystick vs. Spider-Man! Place your bets, pick your winners, but know that the only sure outcome will be nasty throw-downs and long-term ramifications in the Mighty Marvel Manner! Plus: the new Squadron Sinister brings down the house, M.A.C.H. IV's mysterious recruitment drive continues, the new Swordsman vs. Baron Zemo and more! Collects NEW THUNDERBOLTS #13- 18.
144 PGS./Rated T+ ...$14.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1832-2

BLACK WIDOW: THE THINGS THEY SAY ABOUT HER TPB
Written by RICHARD K. MORGAN
Penciled by SEAN PHILLIPS & BILL SIENKIEWCZ
Cover by BILL SIENKIEWCZ
Hot on the tail of Richard K. Morgan's searing comics debut comes the further dark exploits of Natasha Romanova, the original Black Widow. Some say she's a traitor, some say she's a murderer...and what most say about her isn't even printable. But nobody denies that the former Cold War spy is a force to be reckoned with. The last man foolish enough to send killers after her paid the highest price, but his friends on Capitol Hill will ensure that Natasha doesn't get off easy...and not even Col. Nick Fury can protect her this time. Meanwhile, the survivors of Natasha's last tirade start coming back to haunt her...and they're beginning to join forces. Also featuring a guest appearance by Daredevil! Richard K. Morgan is the Phillip K. Dick Award-winning sci-fi author of Altered Carbon, Broken Angels and Market Forces. Returning to BLACK WIDOW is comics legend Bill Sienkiewicz (ELEKTRA: ASSASSIN), joined by Eisner Award- nominated artist Sean Phillips (Sleeper). Read the red-hot sequel to the story praised by Entertainment Weekly, Ain't It Cool News, SFX Magazine and more! Collects BLACK WIDOW: THE THINGS THEY SAY ABOUT HER #1-6.
144 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$15.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1768-7

BLACK PANTHER: BAD MUTHA TPB
Written by REGINALD HUDLIN
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by GARY FRANK
What type of man does a hard case like Luke Cage look up to? The kind of man who's got the guts to speak the truth and the muscle to back it up. The kind of man who's got all the gadgets to get the job done, a pair of sexy female bodyguards watching his back and an entire kingdom at his disposal. That man is the Black Panther - and when King T'Challa asks for Cage's expertise in solving a little problem, it's got the makings of a serious team-up -- with cameos galore from across the Marvel Universe. Jump on board here, True Believer, as BLACK PANTHER revs up to an event of cataclysmic proportions!
Collects BLACK PANTHER #10-13.
96 PGS./Rated T+ ...$10.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1750-4

PUNISHER MAX VOL. 5: THE SLAVERS TPB
Written by GARTH ENNIS
Penciled by LEANDRO FERNANDEZ
Cover by TIM BRADSTREET
On a pitch-black Brooklyn night, in a dead-end alley, Frank Castle brutally dispatches a crew of Albanian thugs menacing a young woman. Her name is Viorica, she's from Moldavia, and when she tells Frank her story, that's when the real killing starts! Collects PUNISHER #25-30.
144 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$15.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1899-3

WOLVERINE CLASSIC VOL. 3 TPB
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by JOHN BUSCEMA
Cover by KEVIN NOWLAN
"I'm the best there is at what I do... Nobody's better at gettin' into trouble than me." The first of Peter David's occasionally seen and always entertaining Wolverine arcs, "The Gehenna Affair" sets Logan, Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman) and their friends up in adventure against a horde of vampires commanded by a biblical demon-god who goes way back with Wolverine - if only the mutant marvel could remember him!
Collects WOLVERINE #11-16.
144 PGS./Rated T+ ...$14.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2053-X

WOLVERINE: ENEMY OF THE STATE VOL. 2 TPB
Written by MARK MILLAR
Penciled by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by GREG LAND
Wolverine may be back in S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, but at what cost? As the X-Men mourn a fallen teammate in a funeral befitting a hero, Hydra celebrates the coronation of a new leader. And the reign of terror continues, as the Hand picks off meta-humans one by one. Will Wolverine be deprogrammed in time to stop the carnage? Plus: the secret origin of the Gorgon! Collects WOLVERINE #26-32.
176 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$16.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1627-3

NYX: WANNABE TPB
Written by Joe Quesada
Penciled by JOSHUA MIDDLETON & ROBERT TERANISHI
Cover by JOSHUA MIDDLETON
Say hello to a pack of New York City gutterpunks, the likes of which the Marvel Universe has never seen! The X-Men's dream has always been one of creating hope from despair - in a young mutant's darkest hour, Charles Xavier will always be just around the corner, ready with open arms and a helping hand. But Xavier can't be everywhere at once. What becomes of a group of young mutants that have to rely on themselves for everything from food to shelter to love? Wayward angels with dirty faces who, instead of preparing for Magneto's next big assault, must learn to survive in the cold, harsh world of the city that never sleeps. The world of the X-Men is brought to the streets, and the struggle for survival has never been more uncertain! Collects NYX #1-7.
208 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$19.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1243-X

HULK VISIONARIES: PETER DAVID VOL. 3 TPB
Written by PETER DAVID & STEVE ENGLEHART
Penciled by JEFF PURVES, ALEX SAVIUK & KEITH POLLARD
Cover by JEFF PURVES
The gray Hulk's life as a Las Vegas legbreaker is broken into by a circle of cyborgs, with Spider-Man in the middle! Next up is a triple threat by Doctor Doom, the Thing and...the green Hulk?! Follow the Hulk from casino conclaves to interdimensional intrigue as Peter David's legendary run continues! Collects INCREDIBLE HULK #349-354, WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #44 and FANTASTIC FOUR #320.
192 PGS./Rated T+ ...$19.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2095-5

SKRULL KILL KREW TPB
Written by GRANT MORRISON & MARK MILLAR
Penciled by STEVE YEOWELL
Cover by STEVE YEOWELL
See where two of Marvel's masters of mutantdom first made their mark! Grant Morrison and Mark Millar co-wrote this chilling story of murderous shape-changing criminals...and the menace they've sworn to cleanse from the Earth!
Guest-starring Captain America and Nick Fury! Collects SKRULL KILL KREW #1-5.
120 PGS./Rated T+ ...$16.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2120-X

ESSENTIAL OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE - DELUXE EDITION VOL. 2 TPB
Written by MARK GRUENWALD, PETER SANDERSON, ELIOT R. BROWN & MORE
Penciled by JOHN BYRNE, DAVE COCKRUM, BOB LAYTON, JOHN ROMITA JR. & MORE
Cover by JOHN BYRNE
Full-blown infotainment marks the halfway point of the encyclopedia of the Marvelous -- highlighting members of the Avengers and the X-Men, and most of the Fantastic Four! Iron Man! Luke Cage! The Punisher! The horrors of Hydra and the menace of the Maggia! Magneto, Mystique and more! Special Feature: mapping the mysteries of Marvel's Manhattan! Collects OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE - DELUXE EDITION #8-14.
496 PGS./All Ages ...$16.99
ISBN: 0-7851-1935-3

ESSENTIAL DR. STRANGE VOL. 1 TPB - NEW PRINTING!
Written by STAN LEE
Penciled by STEVE DITKO
Cover by STEVE DITKO
Relive the Marvel's Master of the Mystic Arts' earliest adventures! Featuring appearances by his arch- foes Baron Mordo, the Dread Dormammu, Nightmare, Aggamon, the House of Shadows, Loki, the Mindless Ones and more! Collects STRANGE TALES #110, #111 and #114-168.
608 PGS./All Ages...$16.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2316-4

EARTH X TPB - NEW PRINTING
Written by ALEX ROSS & JIM KRUEGER
Penciled by JOHN PAUL LEON
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Great epics come along only once in a long while. Stories that push the normal boundaries and force the reader to think. Stories so powerful in message and so grand in scale that the guidelines by which such tales are usually judged are completely rearranged. Spawned from the brilliant creative mind of Alex Ross, EARTH X is one such epic. Along with writer Jim Krueger and artist John Paul Leon, Ross breathes life into and gives amazing detail to every facet of the EARTH X mythos - made evident by everything from his early conceptual pencil sketches to each of his fourteen beautifully painted covers. EARTH X explores the depths and heights of the Marvel Universe, from the roots of its humble beginnings to the peak of its ultimate potential.
Collects all twelve issues of the EARTH X regular series, and the #0 and #X bookends.
472 PGS./Rated T+ ...$29.99
ISBN: 0-7851-2325-3

MARVEL POSTER BOOK

X-MEN POSTER BOOK
72 PGS. No Ads!/T+ ...$4.99
Wraparound Cover
Trim size: 8" x 10-3/4"
FINAL ORDER CUT-OFF 4/27, (ON-SALE 5/17)

MARVEL POSTERS

CIVIL WAR (TURNER) POSTER
Art by MICHAEL TURNER & ASPEN STUDIOS
24"x36"/FC ...$6.99
FINAL ORDER CUT-OFF 4/13, (ON-SALE 5/3)

MARVEL FLIP MAGAZINES!

MARVEL ADVENTURES FLIP MAGAZINE #12
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #12
Written by SEAN MCKEEVER
Pencils & Cover by MIKE NORTON
X-MEN AND POWER PACK #2
Written by MARC SUMERAK
Pencils & Cover by GURIHIRU
FRANKLIN RICHARDS: SON OF A GENIUS
Written by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS & MARC SUMERAK
Penciled by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS
72 PGS./All Ages ...$4.99

MARVEL HEROES FLIP MAGAZINE #12
NEW AVENGERS #12
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by DAVID FINCH
CAPTAIN AMERICA #13
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by MICHAEL LARK
Cover by STEVE EPTING
HOUSE OF M #1 (Part 3)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL
72 PGS./Rated T+ ...$4.99

ULTIMATE TALES FLIP MAGAZINE #12
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #222 & 23
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Covers by MARK BAGLEY
ULTIMATE MARVEL TEAM-UP #1 (Part 2)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by MATT WAGNE
72 PGS./Rated A ...$4.99

MARVEL TALES FLIP MAGAZINE #11
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #40
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Penciled by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by JASON PEARSON
RUNAWAYS #4
Written by BRIAN K. VAUGHAN
Penciled by ADRIAN ALPHONA
Cover by JO CHEN
HOUSE OF M #1 (Part 1)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL
72 PGS./Rated T+ ...$4.99

ULTIMATE MARVEL FLIP MAGAZINE #12
ULTIMATE X-MEN #12
Pencils by ADAM KUBERT & TOM DERENICK
Cover by ADAM KUBERT
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #12
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Pencils & Cover by STUART IMMONEN
ULTIMATE MARVEL TEAM-UP #1 (Part 1)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by MATT WAGNE
72 PGS./Rated A ...$4.99

MARVEL SELECT FLIP MAGAZINE #12
ASTONISHING X-MEN#12
Written by JOSS WHEDON
Pencils & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
X-MEN: PHOENIX - ENDSONG #1-2
Written by GREG PAK
Pencils & Cover by GREG LAND
HOUSE OF M #1 (Part 2)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL
72 PGS./Rated T+ ...$4.99

MARVEL PREVIEWS #34
Each issue of MARVEL PREVIEWS is a comic-book-sized, 104-page, glossy full-color guide to all of Marvel's upcoming releases! Marvel Previews also includes special previews of upcoming or sold-out projects.
104 PGS./MARVEL T+¡­JUST $0.99!
(or FREE with a purchase of Diamond's PREVIEWS!)
IN STORES 4/18/06!

Pop Artifact! Corgi Spider-Man Helicopter

Vintage DC Comics house ad

Pop Culture Roundup Feb. 14, 2006

Bubblegumfink shares some Bedrockin' Pebbles and Bam Bam tunes.

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Mike Sterling rattles off another 100 things he loves about comics. Brace yourself for lists from everyone else (including me, probably, eventually).

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Hear the latest official "Lost" podcast.

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Dial B for Blog continues a series exploring the secret origins of Archie Andrews' superhero alter ego Pureheart the Powerful.

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Sharity? Howzabout 30 different versions of Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn" theme? Also at Xtabay, David Lloyd's "The Sounds of a Secret Agent."

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Well, Frank, I'd says it's a piece of something...

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Lot's pics here from the Toyfare convention here. Highlights include figures from the upcoming animated "Fantastic Four" series on the Cartoon Network, DC Direct 13-inch figures of Lex Luthor and Two-Face, Marvel Legends' "Bring on the Bad Guys" and "Exclusive" waves, and the Toy Biz 12-inch "Marvel Icons" series.

DC Direct solicitations May 2006

See DC Comics solicitations for May


SUPERMAN RETURNS: IN FLIGHT STATUE
This limited edition, hand-painted cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 9.75" tall 7.25" wide 7.75" deep, includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This statue is limited to 2,500 pieces.
$150, in stores on June 7.


SUPERMAN RETURNS: SUPERMAN MAQUETTE
This limited edition, hand-painted cold-cast porcelain maquette measures approximately 13.5" tall 8.25" wide 5" deep, includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This maquette is limited to 1,750 pieces.
$195, in stores on June 28.


SUPERMAN RETURNS BUSTS
Each hand-painted cold-cast porcelain bust is packaged in four-color boxes. Clark Kent is 5.875" H x 4.25" W x 1.875" D. Superman is 7.75" H x 5.75" W x 3.75" D. Lex Luthor is H x 3" W x 2.5" D
$45 each, in stores on June 21.


SUPERMAN RETURNS: SUPERMAN 13" DELUXE COLLECTOR FIGURE
This 13" figure includes an authentic movie costume, 28 points of articulation, an alternate set of hands, a stand to display the figure and a full-color Certificate of Authenticity. Packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a 5th panel.
$59.99, in stores on June 14.


SUPERMAN RETURNS: KRYPTONITE PROP REPLICA
Molded from the original Kryptonite movie prop, this limited edition, hand-painted cold cast porcelain prop replica measures 10" H x 8.5" W x 8.5" D. Includes a full-color certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This movie prop replica is limited to 1,000 pieces.
$195, in stores on June 28.


SUPERMAN 1:4 MUSEUM QUALITY STATUE
This 18" Superman figure is the most realistic and classic representation of the Man of Steel ever produced! At 1:4 scale, this museum quality mixed-media figure is composed of resin, metal, and an expertly crafted fabric costume. Superman is presented on a sculpted base featuring the unique architecture details of Metropolis. This very exclusive, limited-edition figure displays unprecedented authenticity that perfectly captures the world's most popular icon. Includes a certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a gold-foil stamped black gift box. Limited up to 1,250 pieces.
$295, in stores on Oct. 18.


SUPERMAN FOREVER #1 STATUE
Designed by Alex Ross, sculpted by Karen Palinko.
Based on one of the most popular Alex Ross covers ever. This limited edition, hand-painted cold cast porcelain statue measures approximately 12" H x 6" W x 6" D, includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box.
$195, in stores on Oct. 4.


BATMAN 13" DELUXE COLLECTOR FIGURE
This modern 13" figure includes four different stylized batarangs and a stand to display the figure. Packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a fifth panel.
$69.99, in stores on Oct. 11.


LOONEY TUNES GOLDEN COLLECTION: SERIES 3: ACTION FIGURES
Based on the best-loved episodes of classic animation! These figures feature multiple points of articulation, character-specific accessories, and each has a display base with full-color diorama backdrop. Packaged in a peggable four-color box.
"Water, Water, Everhare," starring Bugs Bunny and Gossamer. "Big House Bunny" starring Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam.
Price TBA, in stores on Oct. 11.

FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS STATUE: WITH FRANKIE
Sculpted by Karen Palinko.
From the hit series on Cartoon Network! What happens when kids outgrow their imaginary friends? They come to Madame Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. This limited-edition, hand-painted cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 6.5" high x 6.625" wide x 5.875" deep, includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a four color box. Limited up to 1,500 pieces!
$125, in stores on Oct. 24.


BATMAN: DARK VICTORY SERIES 1: ACTION FIGURES
These action figures feature multiple points of articulation and a display base. Packaged in four-color boxes. Commissioner Gordon is 6.5", The Penguin is 4.25", Robin is 3.75", Batman is 6.75" and Scarecrow is 8.5".
Price TBA, in stores on Oct. 25.



WHO'S WHO MYSTERY BOX SET #2
This series of 2.5" scale micro trading figures features six of the greatest characters in DC Comics! In addition, bonus parts included with each character can be combined to build a complete miniature JLA satellite! Each includes a full-color collectible character profile card. Each figure comes in a "blind" mystery box for added collectibility. (Some minor assembly required.) Each figure is packaged in a closed 4-color box. Shipped in a counter-ready display tray.
Price TBA, in stores on Oct. 18.


SWAMP THING #22 POSTER
Art by Eric Powell.
24 inches by 36 inches.
$7.99, in stores on Oct. 18.

HELLBLAZER #189 POSTER
Art by Tim Bradstreet.
24 inches by 36 inches.
$7.99, in stores on Oct. 18.

See a Complete List of DC Direct Action Figures.

CD new releases Feb. 14, 2006

Cannonball Adderley Spontaneous Combustion: The Explosive

Sandy Denny Sandy and The North Star Grassman and the Ravens

John Fahey The Yellow Princess

John Martyn Inside Out and Sunday's Child

Nina Simone Broadway-Blues-Ballads, High Priestess of Soul, I Put a Spell on You, In Concert, Let It All Out, Pastel Blues and Wild Is the Wind

Dusty Springfield Sings Classic Soul

Talking Heads Little Creatures, Naked, Speaking in Tongues and True Stories

VA I Am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey

DVD new releases Feb. 14, 2006

The Andy Griffith Show - The Complete Fifth Season

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - The Complete Third Season

Golden Girls - The Complete Fourth Season

Grey's Anatomy - Season 1

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - Season One, Volume 2 (Collector's Edition)

Mirrormask

Zathura (Widescreen Edition)

More upcoming DVDs.