Marvel NOW! Sampler

This week at your comic shop, get yourself a copy of the new Marvel NOW! (not a reboot) initiative preview.

The sampler contains a few pages of Fantastic Four #1, FF #1, Iron Man #1, All New X-Men #1 (which I’m most intrigued by as it has the original ’60s team meeting their hardened modern selves), Captain America #1 (which I’m the least excited by as it has Cap travel to Dimension Z, whatever that is), Indestructible Hulk #1 (Mark Waid! Leinil Francis Yu! Phil Coulson!), Thor: God of Thunder #1, Deadpool #1, a black and white preview of X-Men: Legacy #1, a wordless preview of Avengers Assemble, and Red She-Hulk #1.

It’s definitely worth grabbing as it’s a good showcase of what’s coming up  from Marvel.

Professor X’s Farewell

Marvel have doen their usual thing and spoiled a huge plot point in an upcoming storyline to a mass media outlet. All the details below. It seems rather daring that Marvel would show the actual pages in question too, but here’s an interesting chat with writer Brian Michael Bendis about the ish.

Professor Xavier Makes The Ultimate Sacrifice in Avengers VS. X-Men #11, On-Sale Now!

In the move that shocked and saddened comic book fans worldwide, beloved super hero Professor Charles Xavier meets his demise today in Avengers VS. X-Men #11. In the penultimate chapter of the biggest comic book story in 2012, superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel rally the forces of the Marvel Universe against the final two members of the seemingly all-powerful Phoenix Five—Cyclops and Emma Frost. But as this epic battle rages, Cyclops makes a decision that not only takes the life of the man who formed the X-Men and raised him like a son, but that also may damn both the Avengers and the X-Men!

“When we first crafted Avengers VS. X-Men, we didn’t set out to kill any characters but as the story progressed it became obvious that this had to be the last stand of Charles Xavier”, said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “He’s one of my favorite characters and while like all fans I’m sad to see him perish, both Brian and Olivier deliver a powerful, dramatic conclusion to his story. Rest assured his death will reverberate across the Marvel Universe, leading into major launches like Uncanny Avengers and All-New X-Men this fall.”

Then, on October 3rd, the dramatic conclusion to the series arrives in Avengers VS X-Men #12, as the remaining Marvel super heroes launch their final assault on the Phoenix Five and the force that threatens to consume all of reality. Once this battle ends, nothing with be the same for the Avengers, the X-Men or anyone else in the Marvel Universe.

Plus, Join the Marvel ReEvolution as Marvel brings fans even more value to their comics reading experience. Every issue of Avengers VS. X-Men comes packaged with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app and with exclusive, behind the scenes extras via the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma.

Don’t forget to get your copy of Avengers VS. X-Men #11, the comic everyone’s talking about, on sale now in comic shops everywhere, on the Marvel Comics app, and the all-new Marvel Comics Webstore!

For more on Avengers VS. X-Men, please visit http://avx.marvel.com

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #11 (JUL120528)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

ON SALE NOW

 

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #12 (JUL120535)

Written by JASON AARON

Penciled by ADAM KUBERT

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

ON SALE – 10/3/12

 

Daredevil: End of Days #1 Preview

This mini-series that looks at the final days of blind lawyer/superhero Daredevil has been in the works for ages now and it’s almost upon us, and with a star studded roster of creative talent to boot! Text-free preview of next month’s debut issue below.

Your First Look At DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #1

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Daredevil: End of Days #1, from the creative tour de force of Brian Michael Bendis, David Mack, Klaus Janson, Bill Sienkiewicz and Alex Maleev! When Matt Murdock’s greatest secret remains a mystery – there is only one man who can uncover it, investigative reporter Ben Urich! Witness the end of the Man Without Fear this October inDaredevil: End Of Days #1!

DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #1 (AUG120637)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & DAVID MACK

Art by KLAUS JANSON, DAVID MACK, ALEX MALEEV & BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Cover by ALEX MALEEV

FOC – 9/17/12, ON-SALE 10/10/12

 

 

Big Hitters #1

I’ve never heard of Contraband Comics, but this looks pretty cool and vibrant.

 

BIG HITTERS #1 DEBUTS AT 99¢

Contraband Comics Proudly Announces

Newest Release Through Exclusive

Partnership With iVerse Media

Big Hitters #1, the first issue in a new sci-fi action/adventure series from creator-owned comic book publisher, Contraband Comics, is now available for purchase in iVerse Media’s Comics Plus app.

Created by writer Jon Goff (SpawnBlindsideHalo Evolutions) and illustrator Travis Sengaus (The Adventures of Spawn), Big Hitters blends elements of noir, science fiction and action/adventure to tell the story of two government-sanctioned hitmen as they navigate the seedy underbelly of a post-war galaxy.

Big Hitters #1 is available now in the Comics Plus app, with both a FREE 11-page preview and a $0.99 26-page Standard Issue release. As an added bonus, the free preview of Big Hitters #1 includes the animated short “Gettim!,” directed and animated by series artist and co-creator, Travis Sengaus.

“With Big Hitters, Travis and I are looking to capture the epic fun and sense of adventure you get from Star Wars, but set against a backdrop that has more in common with the darker side of sci-fi films like Bladerunner,” Contraband Comics founder, Jon Goff, said. “At the end of the day the book is meant to be entertaining, but buried within the visuals and the somewhat off-beat nature of the story, you’ll find a lot of heartbreak and a deeper mythology than may be apparent at first glance.”

Joining Goff and Sengaus on the Big Hitters creative team are colorist Fco Plascencia (BatmanSpawnInvincible) and the master craftsmen at Richard Starking’s Comicraft lettering and design studio.

To view Contraband Comics titles available in the Comics Plus app, including Big Hitters and Blindside, visit:

http://digital.comicsplusapp.com/group_comics.php?publisher_id=106

 

Avengers #30 Preview

 

A brief, text-free preview of next month’s Avengers issue below.

Your First Look at AVENGERS #30 – An AVENGERS VS. X-MEN Tie-In!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Avengers #30!  With Cyclops and Emma Frost more powerful than ever, it’s looking more and more like the end of the world for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! But amidst all the chaos and battling, can the budding romance of Hawkeye and Spider-Woman survive the strain? The creative team of superstar writer Brian Bendis and legendary artist Walter Simonson bring you high-stakes action and drama this September in Avengers #30, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop.

AVENGERS #30 (JUL120545)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils by WALTER SIMONSON

Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

FOC – 8/27/2012, On Sale – 9/19/2012

 

 

Indestructible Hulk in November

As part of Marvel’s relaunch of sorts, one of comics’ best writers is teaming with one of its best artists. I’m excited.

The Future of HULK Is Marvel NOW!

Superstars Mark Waid & Leinil Yu Take The Reins Of Marvel’s Most Incredible Avenger!

This November, prepare for an all-new definition of incredible as Indestructible Hulk #1 kicks off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of Eisner Award Winning writer Mark Waid & superstar artist Leinil Yu! As part of Marvel NOW!Indestructible Hulk  joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Through his entire history, the Hulk has always been an indomitable force, more weapon than man. His alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, is one of the most intelligent men on the planet. NOW! combined, they have become the strongest, smartest weapon alive – INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!

“Banner’s a changed man. No more stooping under the weight of “woe is me,” no longer bespectacled, no longer a fashion victim in purple,” explained Mark Waid in an interview with Marvel.com. “For decades, Banner’s felt like he’s no more than the Hulk’s helpless puppet. Now Banner’s USING Hulk to his own mysterious ends”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Indestructible HulkMarvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on the Jade Giant.

“Mark and Leinil’s spin on the Hulk mythos will have fans — new and old – exclaiming, ‘Why didn’t I think of that!?'” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso.  “It’s the brute force of the Hulk and the brainpower of Bruce Banner, together at last — but not the way you think. And with S.H.I.E.L.D. in the wings, readers can expect a globe-hopping adventure with an unlimited special effects budget.”

Each issue of Indestructible Hulk includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Indestructible Hulk features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new piles of rubble! This is Hulk NOW!

This November, Mark Waid and Leinil Yu redefine destruction in Indestructible Hulk #1!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #1

Written by MARK WAID

Art & Cover by LEINIL YU

ON SALE THIS NOVEMBER!

FF #21 Preview

Below is a text-free preview of August’s issue of FF, the monthly series focused on the Fantastic Four. I love the layouts, and Black Bolt’s expression on the last page. Keeping it family focused, here’s a look at writer Jonathan Hickman’s infographic from his stint on the series.

Your First Look at FF #21!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at FF #21, brought to you by the superstar creative team of writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Nick Dragotta! In a stunning move that surprises everyone, Black Bolt makes the decision to return with his Inhumans back to Earth! What are his motives behind this decision? What will it mean for Marvel’s First Family, and for the Inhumans? Find out this August, in FF #21, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop.

FF #21 (JUN120658)

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Penciled by NICK DRAGOTTA

Cover by MIKE CHOI

FOC – 7/30/2012, On Sale – 8/22/2012

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #14 Preview

Text-free preview pages below of the Ultimates Universe version of The Avengers.

The Ultimates Are Back in Action in ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #14!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Ultimate Comics Ultimates #14 – Divided We Fall tie-in! With America still in turmoil from the City’s attack, someone is mysteriously working behind the scenes to keep it that way – but who? Can even the newly reunited team of Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor discover the identity of their foe and hold together the country at the same time? The red-hot creative team of writer Sam Humphries, and artist Billy Tan & Timothy Green II bring you the answers inUltimate Comics Ultimates #14, assembling in comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shopthis August.

ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #14 (JUN120635)

Written by SAM HUMPHRIES

Penciled by BILLY TAN & TIMOTHY GREEN II

Cover by MICHAEL KOMARCK

FOC – 7/30/2012, On Sale – 8/22/2012

 

Daredevil #17 Preview

How could I not share this? Mike Allred, he of the kooky and unmistakable visual style, is drawing August’s issue of the award winning Daredevil monthly series, with weird villain Stilt-Man included for no extra charge. A few pages below.

Eisner Winning Artist Mike Allred Makes His Return To Marvel in DAREDEVIL #17

“It’s the issue Mike Allred was born to draw” – Marvel Senior Editor, Stephen Wacker

Prepare for non-stop action as not one, not two, but THREE, Eisner Award winning creators present your first look at Daredevil #17! Courtesy of Mark Waid and special guest artist Michael Allred & colorist Laura Allred, this pulse-pounding adventure pits the Man Without Fear against an old foe…Stilt-Man! Can Daredevil make it out of this grudge match in one piece? Find out inDaredevil #17, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this August.

DAREDEVIL #17 (JUN120656)

Written by MARK WAID

Pencils and Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED

Colors by LAURA ALLRED

On Sale – 8/15/2012

 

X-Treme X-Men #1 Cover

Yes, this is just an excuse to show some Salvador Larroca art.

Salvador Larroca Covers X-TREME X-MEN #1!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at superstar artist Salvador Larroca’s variant cover to X-Treme X-Men #1, an all-new ongoing series spinning directly out of the pages of Astonishing X-Men! Follow the team of Captain Howlett, Emmeline Frost, Kid Nightcrawler, and Dazzler as they embark on an epic journey saving the multiverse! But with one of the X-Men lost between dimensions and no guaranteed way home, will the adventure be over before it begins? New York Times Best Selling author Greg Pak and red-hot artist Stephen Segovia bring you the answers in X-Treme X-Men #1, coming to comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app and the Marvel Digital Comics Shop this July.

X-TREME X-MEN #1 (MAY120705)

X-TREME X-MEN #1 LARROCA VARIANT (MAY120706)

Written by GREG PAK

Penciled by STEPHEN SEGOVIA

Cover by JULIAN TEDESCO

Variant Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA

FOC – 7/2/2012, On Sale – 7/25/2012

Spider-Men #3 Preview

Text-free preview below of July’s ish of this daring Spidey x-over.

Your First Look at SPIDER-MEN #3!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Spider-Men #3, as the blockbuster creative team of best-selling writer Brian Bendis and red hot artist Sara Pichelli bring you the next chapter in the ultimate Spider-Man event of the year! Now that Peter Parker and Miles Morales have met, can they both work together to defeat their foes – or will they require the help of Nick Fury and his Ultimates?

Fans and critics agree, Spider-Men is a hit!

“With well-judged pace and tone, it’s everything a Spider-Man fan could want.”  – ComicBookResources.com

“A fine comic book that is spilling with the same charm that we get from Ultimate Comics Spider-Man each and every month.”  – IGN.com

“…there isn’t a single panel that feels static.” – AintItCoolNews.com

“A purely enjoyable comic book, and three cheers if that continues through to the end.” – Comicsbeat.com

The most amazing team-up of the summer continues in Spider-Men #3, slinging into comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics appand the Marvel Digital Comics Shop this July.

SPIDER-MEN #3 (MAY120671)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Penciled by SARA PICHELLI

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

Variant Covers by SARA PICHELLI & TERRY DODSON

FOC – 6/18/2012, On Sale – 7/11/2012

 

Zombie Cities Review

Zombie Cities is exactly as it sounds – it’s zombies in cities. It’s much more exciting than it sounds however, with more epic action and exotic locales than a James Bond film. There are seven stories within this 104 page fast paced fiction of flesh eaters, and unlike most anthologies which are filled with hits and misses, the quality leans much more on the “hit” side here.

The first tale is very Australian, like the publisher Silver Fox Comics, and sees zombies rampaging across Sydney including landmarks such as Luna Park, and the Harbour Bridge. The pace is relentless as we are introduced to a cast of colourful characters including a weather girl attempting to interview a zombie, some teenagers on a disastrous night out, and a grizzled father who uses a cricket bat as a mean weapon. The second story is creatively titled Yes We Can Kill Zombies and is centred on President Obama and his struggles to lead his country post-zombification. It has a slower pace, but a greater emphasis on dialogue and character, with Obama taking some clear, and surprising, action in a desperate effort to unite his nation.

Blood at Bondi is concerned with the return of a long missing lifesaver on Bondi Beach, and Horror at Hirajuku is madcap fun, with three teenage girls in Japan mingled with generational family issues, whacky fashion, and George Clooney spruiking an eyeball food outlet. God Save The Queen is a deliciously thrilling drama focused on the ghastly secrets of the royal family. The New York set If I Ca Kill ‘Em Here, I Can Kill ‘Em Anywhere follows the aftermath of the assassination of the NY mayor who instituted a radical law to rid the city of zombies, namely that for every zombie you kill, if there are no living relatives, you are allowed to claim their assets. Finally Voodoo Zombie Racer focuses on a reanimated racing driver in Rio de Janeiro.

Sorab del Rio is the sole writer on all the offerings here, except Horror at Harajuku, which is ably co-written by Mladen Luketin.

There’s a sense of madcap fun running throughout every story here with a great mix of drama, action and dark comedy and with only a few pages to set up unique characters and situations, it’s impressive that each story can stand on its own as a memorable take on this increasingly popular sub-genre.

The art is, as to be expected from any anthology, a diverse offering, but the highlights are Mauro Barbieri’s slightly cartoony, exaggerated approach in God Save The Queen, and the work of Netho Diaz who gives Obama a superb likeness, and also brings detail and realism to the New York story.

As a piece of design, Zombie Cities’ streamlined approach works a charm, from the hard to resist cover, to the simple, and appropriate diagrams used as chapter breaks.

Rounding out this collection are some amazing pin-ups reflecting the stories in the preceding pages, and a few answers posted on Silver Fox’s Facebook page about why zombies are just so darn appealing. Some may expect that there are simply no more stories to be told regarding the undead but Zombie Cities proves in an entertaining fashion that thankfully just isn’t true.

Zombie Cities is a full colour original graphic novel and will be available at the Supanova convention in Sydney, and at Kings Comics.

DC Digital, and Films

Lots of interesting DC Comics news lately. Here we go. First up is the new Batman digital exclusive comics which has now launched, and with Scott, templesmith, and Taylor, taht’s three Aussie creator involved! Official info, and Ethan van Sciver cover, below.

We announced back in April that an all-new Batman digital comic book would be coming soon.  Today, we’re excited to reveal that the first chapter from LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT will be released tomorrow, followed by new chapters out every Thursday. Taking place outside of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 continuity, the new series features several stand-alone stories by various creators that chronicle different cases handled by The Dark Knight.

Kicking off the first chapter is the all-star line-up of LOST scribe Damon Lindelof with artwork by the critically acclaimed Jeff Lemire.  The line-up for the first six chapters of LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT is as follows:

June 7 – “The Butler Did It” written by Damon Lindelof with artwork by Jeff Lemire

June 14 – “All of the Above” written by Jonathan Larsen with artwork by JG Jones

June 21– “The Crime Never Committed” written by Tom Taylor with artwork by Nicola Scott and Wayne Faucher

June 28 – “Crisis of Identity” Part 1 written by B. Clay Moore with artwork by Ben Templesmith

July 5 – “Crisis of Identity” Part 2 written by B. Clay Moore with artwork by Ben Templesmith

July 12 – “Crisis of Identity” Part 3 written by B. Clay Moore with artwork by Ben Templesmith

Mark your calendars – Thursdays are officially all about The Dark Knight and you can get your weekly fill here for $.99 each.

If, unlike me, you’re fully into DC’s New 52, then these new #0 issues, and four new series will intrigue you. More info here.

Timed to the one year anniversary of the launch of the historic DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 initiative, DC Comics will introduce 0 month.

In September 2012, DC Comics will release 0 issues—and we don’t mean we aren’t publishing any titles—but what we will be doing is numbering every DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 title #0.

#0s will be stand-alone stories. “Some issues will tell the origins of a character or a team, or in some case where an origin has already been told, they will fill in the blanks in terms of questions readers may have about the New 52 DC Universe,” said Bob Harras, DC Entertainment Editor-in-Chief. “Each of these issues promises to reveal something surprising.”

And debuting at #0 are four new comic book series:

TALON – Co-Writers: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV. Artist: Guillem March.

Meet Calvin Rose, the only Talon to ever escape the grasp of the Court of Owls. This former assassin of the Court is trying to live a normal life … but that’s impossible when he’s being hunted by his former masters!

SWORD OF SORCERY – Writer: Christy Marx. Artist: Aaron Lopresti.
Featuring the return of Amethyst, Amy Winston leads a strange life on the road with her mother and resents it. She’s about to learn it’s all been necessary when she discovers she’s the lost princess of Gemworld—and she’s being hunted by her murderous aunt. With a back-up story written by Tony Bedard with art by Jesus Saiz, set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the monstrous warrior Beowulf is charged with finding and defeating the evil Grendel.

THE PHANTOM STRANGER – Writer: Dan DiDio. Artist: Brent Anderson.

Spinning out of his recent appearances in JUSTICE LEAGUE and DC’s Free Comic Book Day story, learn more about the true origin of The Phantom Stranger and his connection to the mysterious Pandora.

TEAM SEVEN – Writer: Justin Jordan. Artist: Jesus Merino.
Set in the early days of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, threads of the entire DC Universe collide. As Superman emerges, so does the world’s counter measures against him and his kind. Team 7 is comprised of Dinah Lance, Amanda Waller, Steve Trevor, John Lynch, Alex Fairchild, Cole Cash and Slade Wilson — and their story will change everything you know about DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

The four new series will follow with issue #1s in October and other series will resume their numbering.

Finally, here you can find info on a host of (hopefully awesome) DC films including Justice League, Aquaman and Shazam in the next few years. Here’s a snippet.

This week, the studio revealed it tapped “Gangster Squad” scribe Will Beall to revive “Justice League,” which WB unplugged in 2008, and hired Michael Goldenberg (one of the many writers of “Green Lantern”) to pen “Wonder Woman.”

Those projects now join in development films based on the Flash, Aquaman, Green Arrow, Lobo, the Suicide Squad and Shazam. DC and WB are also facing a decision on how to reboot Batman once “The Dark Knight Rises” completes Christopher Nolan’s take on the caped crusader, featuring Christian Bale in the cowl.

Defenders #8 Preview

I’ve posted a lot of Marvel previews lately, haven’t I? Here’s another one.

Your First Look at Defenders #8!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Defenders #8 as red-hot artist Jamie McKelvie joins superstar writer Matt Fraction for a story like no other!  After traveling to Wakanda, the Defenders must journey into the forbidden land of Z’Gambo to face off against the evil John Aman, Prince of Orphans! What sort of secrets is he protecting, and can the Defenders find out before it’s too late? But they’re not the only ones after his secret, as the Black Cat makes her own bid to steal it away! It’s a race against the clock in Defenders #8, which hits comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics appand the Marvel Digital Comics Shop this July.

DEFENDERS #8 (MAY120697)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Penciled by JAMIE MCKELVIE

Cover by TERRY DODSON

FOC – 6/18/12, On-Sale – 7/11/12