Tag: comic books

  • Review: No Straight Lines – The Rise of Queer Comics

    Review: No Straight Lines – The Rise of Queer Comics

    Everybody knows the Bechdel Test. It’s the one that asks whether a work features a scene where at least two women talk to each other about something other than a man. Some even say that about half of all films fail the test. What fewer people know is that the test comes from a 1985 instalment of the Alison Bechdel’s long-running comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For.

    Which is what Vivian Kleiman’s film wants us to know more than anything. That you should know your history, especially when its as long and illustrious — albeit often hidden — as the story of queer comics. Taking a leaf out of Justin Hall’s comic book anthology, NO STRAIGHT LINES: THE RISE OF QUEER COMICS profiles five creators: Alison Bechdel (Fun Home), Jennifer Camper (Rude Girls and Dangerous Women), Howard Cruse (Gay Comix), Rupert Kinnard (B.B. And The Diva) and Mary Wings (Come Out Comix).

    Sort of like the LGBTQIA+ version of Comic Book Confidential (1988), Kleiman takes us on a potted history of queer comics, from the underground to the mainstream, through the eyes of these pioneering talents. From the complete absence of representation to the rise of underground comix, early works like Come Out Comix (in 1973) offered an alternative to the likes of the more notorious Robert Crumb. Soon gay street press and other newspapers provided wider syndication to marginalised voices. In the era of another pandemic, works like 7 Miles a Second (from David Wojnarowicz and James Romberger) and Howard Cruse’s Wendell gave voice to a generation most impacted by HIV/AIDS.

    No Straight Lines - The Rise of Queer Comics

    Where the material comes alive is through the stories and interviews of artists, creators and those influenced by the works in later generations. When Rupert Kinnard introduced the Brown Bomber (or B.B.) in 1977, it was the first serialised Black queer character to appear. Yet for some the material remained hidden. “These are new roots for me,” reflects Taneka Stotts, Emmy nominated story editor of works like Stephen Universe and the Eisner-nominated Déjà Brew. Cartoonist Lawrence Lindell sums it up nicely: “How many other Ruperts are there that I don’t know about?”

    Through interviews with the featured creators and so many who came before, during and after — including but not limited to Ajuan Mance (1001 Black Men), Maia Kobabe (Gender Queer), Breena Nuñez (Be Gay, Do Comics!), Sina Grace and Nicole Georges (Invincible Summer) to name a few — we learn about how many gems are still out there, and which ones are more visible than they used to be. Some creators speak about the broader history of their stories, while others (especially Bechdel and Cruse) go deep into their process. If nothing else, we get some pretty impressive reading lists to go on with.

    The film ends on some massively optimistic notes, including the impressive heights Bechdel’s Fun Home has reached and the Tony Award winning musical it inspired. As the latter tours around the world, including Australian stints in 2021 and 2022, we see how these stories have come a long way from their underground roots. NO STRAIGHT LINES is a terrific document that shines a light on some very important creators. Oh, and the film very much passes the Bechdel Test.

    Mardi Gras Film Festival 2022

    2021 | USA | DIRECTOR: Vivian Kleiman | CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrew Black | EDITOR: Christiane Badgley, Linda Peckham  | CAST: Alison Bechdel, Jennifer Camper, Howard Cruse, Rupert Kinnard, Mary Wings | DISTRIBUTOR: The Film Collaborative, Mardi Gras Film Festival 2022 | RUNNING TIME: 89 minutes | RELEASE DATE: 17 February – 3 March 2022 (AUS)

  • Bendis and Bachalo on Uncanny X-Men in February

    Bendis and Bachalo on Uncanny X-Men in February

    It was teased last week by Marvel, and now they have gone ahead and announced the release of Uncanny X-Men #1 in February with the superstar team of Brian Michael Bendis and artist Chris Bachalo. More in the press release, and cover, below:

    This February, Cyclops is back in full force in Uncanny X-Men #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Chris Bachalo! As part of Marvel NOW!,, Uncanny X-Men 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!

    The true flagship book of the X-Men returns. In the wake of the Phoenix, the world has changed and is torn on exactly what Cyclops and his team of X-Men are – visionary revolutionaries or dangerous terrorists? Whatever the truth, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Magneto, and Magik are out in the world gathering up new mutants and redefining the name Uncanny X-Men.

    “What Brian and Chris have planned for Cyclops’ team in the post-‘Avengers VS. X-Men’ landscape is nothing short of its adjective, ‘uncanny’,” said Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief, Marvel Entertainment.  “Mutantkind has been going through a reEvolution over the past couple years. The pressing question now is, who will lead them into the future?”

    Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Fearless Defenders, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective in the adventures of the Defenders.

    Uncanny X-Men will be the one-stop shop for these very important characters in the mutant [corner of the] Marvel Universe and the Marvel Universe proper,” said writer Brian Michael Bendis in an interview with Marvel.com. “I’m very lucky that I get to write All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men at the same time. I can examine this fascinating part of the Marvel Universe from vastly different angles. I can’t think of a time where the mutant part of the Marvel Universe has been more exciting. Every character is so complex and there are so many characters interacting. Literally anything could happen.”

    An all-new direction! An all-new team! All-new threats! This is Uncanny X-Men NOW!

    This February, Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo redefine what it means to be a mutant in Uncanny X-Men!

    UNCANNY X-MEN #1
    Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
    Art & Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
    ON SALE FEBRUARY 2013

    Uncanny X-Men #1 Cover - Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo

  • Marvel Reveals the Fearless Defenders for February

    Marvel Reveals the Fearless Defenders for February

    This February, the Defenders come together again in Fearless Defenders #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the amazing creative team of writer Cullen Bunn (Venom, Sixth Gun, The Fearless)  and artist Will Sliney (MacGyver, Star Wars)! As part of Marvel NOW!, Fearless Defenders 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!

    Valkyrie trying to make amends for her mistakes—mistakes that put the entire world in jeopardy—is tasked with choosing a group of heroic women to fight by her side, not from the women of Asgard, but from the heroic women of Earth.  Circumstance will provide her with an unlikely partner in this task, as she is joined by private investigator Misty Knight. With very different points of view and very different approaches, they will both find their definitions of heroism and honor put to the test by the women they lead and the challenges they face.

    “The Defenders has always been defined by a team roster that’s as unusual as the threats it faces, and we’re about to take it up several notches,” said Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief, Marvel Entertainment.  “Whether, your problem is nasty Ninjas, murderous trolls or shambling zombies, there’s no one better suited to defend you that this all-new, all-female team.”

    Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Fearless Defenders, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective in the adventures of the Defenders.

    “Fearless Defenders will chronicle the adventures of the female heroes of the Marvel Universe. There will be a central team of characters that will form over time, but the cast will rotate to some degree from arc to arc. This will be a team like none other in Marvel NOW,” said writer Cullen Bunn in an interview with Marvel.com. “I think readers will have a good time speculating on who will be joining this version of the Defenders. The team up of Valkyrie and Misty Knight is probably unexpected for most people, and that’s just one of the surprises I have in store. This will be an offbeat team, and they’ll be facing some bewildering threats.”

    FEARLESS DEFENDERS #1
    Written by CULLEN BUNN
    Art by WILL SLINEY
    Cover by MARK BROOKS
    ON SALE FEBRUARY 2013

    Fearless Defender 1 Cover

  • Preview: First Look at Hickman and Opena’s Avengers

    Preview: First Look at Hickman and Opena’s Avengers

    Marvel has sent us a very teasing wordless set of promo pages from the first issue of the re-launched Avengers, from the creative team of writer Jonathan Hickman, artist Jerome Opena and colorist Dean White! Opena’s artwork is magnificent,

    The greatest heroes in comics together on one unbeatable team! Now shipping twice a month, the Avengers “go large,” expanding their roster and their sphere of influence to a global and even interplanetary level. When Captain America puts out his call – who will answer? Big threats, big ideas, big idealism – these are the Avengers NOW!

    As part of Marvel NOW!Avengers  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!

    AVENGERS #1 (SEP120526)
    Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
    Art by JEROME OPENA
    Colors by DEAN WHITE
    Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER
    On Sale – 12/5/2012

    Avengers Cover 1 - Jerome Opena

    Avengers Preview 1 - Jerome Opena

    Avengers Preview 2 - Jerome Opena

    Avengers Preview 3 - Jerome Opena

    Avengers Preview 4 - Jerome Opena

  • Marvel Previews FF #1

    Marvel Previews FF #1

    Marvel has sent over a preview for next week’s FF #1, the brand-new Fantastic Four spin-off as part of Marvel NOW! This is definitely on our “to buy” pile, and Allred’s artwork has solidified that decision for us. What do you think? We just can’t to see the Allreds on Medusa for this ongoing title.

    The creative team of writer Matt Fraction and artist Michael Allred! With the Fantastic Four embarking on an epic journey, an all-new substitute Four, handpicked by original members – Ant-Man, She-Hulk, Medusa, and Miss Thing – stand ready to guard and protect Earth and the Future Foundation for four minutes! What could possibly go wrong?

    As part of Marvel NOW!FF  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!

    Each issue of Fantastic Four 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.

    An all-new direction! All-new adventures! This is FF NOW!

    This November, Matt Fraction and Michael Allred redefine the future in FF #1!

    FF #1 (SEP120593)
    Written by MATT FRACTION
    Art & Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED
    FOC – 11/5/2012, On Sale – 11/28/2012

    FF #1 Cover - Mike Allred

    FF #1 Preview - Mike Allred Preview1

    FF #1 Preview - Mike Allred Preview2

    FF #1 Preview - Mike Allred Preview3

    FF #1 Preview - Mike Allred Preview 4

    FF #1 Preview - Skottie Young Variant

  • Graphic Bits: Wolverine MAX, Talon, A-Babies vs X-Babies, Ghostbusters, Madame X, Punisher War: Zone and More!

    Graphic Bits: Wolverine MAX, Talon, A-Babies vs X-Babies, Ghostbusters, Madame X, Punisher War: Zone and More!

    Don’t have time for full reviews of comics? Then check out Graphic Bits: bite sized chunks of comic book goodness designed to get behind the panels and into your hearts.

    This week (24 October 2012), it’s baby versus baby in A-Babies Vs. X-Babies #1. Marvel MAX returns in Wolverine MAX #1, and the Punisher gets all blowy-uppy in Punisher War Zone #1. The epic saga Debris comes to a close, and DC’s Newish 52 – Wave 3 continues with Talon #1 and National Comics: Madame X #1. It’s almost Halloween, and IDW gives us a Ghostbusters 100 Page Spooktacular, and Dark Horse Presents #17 is another fine anthology installment.

    Don’t forget to listen to Behind the Panels, our comic book podcast, as well.


    A-Babies Vs. X-Babies #1MarvelSkottie Young (Big Boy Words), Gurihiru (Pretty Pictures)

    A-Babies Vs. X-Babies Cover - Skottie YoungAfter the biggest event of Marvel’s year, what else to do but go smaller? In the quiet suburb of Marvellous Meadows, somewhere along Xavier Way, Baby Steve Rogers has lost his favourite Bucky Bear. In fact, it has been stolen by a Baby Scott Summers just across the road. So it’s on for young and very young as virtually every character gets shrunk down to chibi size for this mash-up parody of a series that was in dire need of some fun-making. Skottie Young has been known for his art on the Wizard of Oz series with Eric Shanower, or the plethora of variant covers seen lately. Stepping up to provide some “big boy words”, this is a darling little book that is of little consequence, but wonderfully charming nonetheless. Baby Hulk deserves his own series, if for no other reason than the line “Hulk like bear. Him keep bear forever”. We also never realised how much we needed to see Baby Galactus suckling on the moon. Japanese team Gurihiru provides the perfect art of this outing, guaranteed to spawn a line of bobble heads. Collect them all.

    Bits Rating:  ★★


    Batman Incorporated #4DC Comics, Grant Morrison (writer), Chris Burnham (artist)

    Batman Incorporated #4 CoverBizarre, confusing, and at times brilliant. All those things could equally apply to the majority of Grant Morrison’s work, but perfectly describe the fourth issue of this renumbered continuation of Morrison’s free-range approach to the Bat-world. Batman Incorporated puts on a united assault on Talia’s League of Assassins, and does a pretty tidy job of it. At least as far as we can tell, with some of the more trippy inclinations of the writer unable to be restrained. While Bat-Cow fails to make an appearance, everything else including the Bat-Sink* is thrown into the mix. It’s not that a change from thousands of pages of cowling and scowling isn’t welcome, and this is the preferred approach for those of us who dream of small blue pieces of cloth attacking us with pens. However, as strange as it may sound, some restraint might be in order to make a cohesive story rather than simply a series of “things”. To his credit, Burnham does a great job in keeping up with Morrison’s distinctive pace, and provides the single reason you need to keep picking up this title. We are glad this book exists, but sometimes its a tough love. The twist at the end of the book is sudden, hence being a “twist”, and gives us the hook for issue 5. Who knows if it will be linear, but we mostly hope not. Squirrel.

    *metaphorically

    Bits Rating:  ★½


    Dark Horse Presents #17Dark Horse, Various (writers), Various (artists)

    Dark Horse Presents #17The award-winning anthology series, as the introduction by editor Mike Richardson points out, bucks the conventional wisdom that it’s all going digital. The beautiful 80-page volume is what comics were made for, exploring unseen worlds, introducing us to stories outside the mainstream and acting as a showcase for some of the best writers and artists in the business. This month’s curation has a few standouts, including the concluding chapters to John Layman’s Aliens: Inhuman Condition with stunning art by Sam Keith, and Tony Puryear’s Concrete Park. Phil Stanford’s Crime Does Not Pay Presents City of Roses is shaping up to be an intriguing noir, with Patric Reynolds gritty art oozing with urban menace. The standalone stories are quite good this month as well, including an adaptation (by Richard Corben) of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Sleeper. Gothic to its core, the only downside is its brevity. There’s also a nice little story from Michael Avon Oeming (The Sacrifice), and some stunning art on Colin Lorimer’s second chapter of UXB. We might be witnessing the future of comics, both in format and content, right here.

    Bits Rating:  

    Dark Horse Presents #17 - Sleeper (Richard Corben)


    Debris #4 (of 4)  – Image ComicsKurtis J. Weibe (writer), Riley Rossmo (artist)

    Debris #4Debris has been, without a doubt, one of the most impressive limited series to debut in 2012. So it is a shame that it comes to an end so abruptly in this concluding chapter. Having found the promised land of her search, Maya must convince the tribe she has discovered that they are not a threat so that her people and the other survivors can coexist in peace. Rossmo’s art has been building up to the epic finale, in which Maya fights something a little bigger than usual, and a refrain about the last bullet comes full circle. However, an unfortunate by-product of this short series is that it all wraps up too quickly. The last stand could have really taken up most of this issue, with an additional chapter to flesh out the aftermath of the event and the fascinating narrative that would follow. Perhaps Weibe has that planned for another book, and regardless, Debris comes to a mostly satisfying conclusion here. From the beginning, we have long maintained that this the 21st century equivalent of the classic Hayao Miyazaki manga/film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and this final issue definitely delivers on that promise. Taking the four issues together, Debris is still one of the strongest and most original mini-series we’ve seen in a while. What will be especially good will be the inevitable trade collection, where all of this saga can be read in its cinematic whole. The lack of a prolonged ending should be a minor quibble, and perhaps it is simply that we didn’t want this series to end so soon. The only thing to do now is go back to the beginning and soak it all up again.

    Bits Rating:  ★½


    Ghostbusters 100 Page Spooktacular #1 – IDW, Various (writers), Various (artists)

    Ghostbusters: 100 Page Spooktacular CoverA great anthology to get people like us into this ongoing Ghostbusters series, even if the collection leaves a little bit to be desired. Having never read any of the previous Ghostbusters books, despite being a huge fan of the original films, what is surprising is the range and high quality of the stories and artwork. The opening shots (Ghostbusters: The Other Side #1 and Ghostbusters: Displaced Aggression #1) showcase more traditional art from Tom Nguyen and Ilias Kyriazis, while the work from Kyle Hotz on Ghostbusters: Infestation #1 has a horrifying and creepy nature that wouldn’t look out of place in Animal Man or Swamp Thing. The only real problem is that these are all sample-sized pieces, issue #1s of longer pieces that were once sold separately. They are all quite good, covering everything from gangster hits, to time travel and zombie attack. However, just as they get going, the story abruptly ends, leaving us hungry for more. Thankfully, there is an advertisement (only one of three, and all contained to the back pages) for an omnibus containing the lot. The most satisfying stories are the two shorts “What in Samhain Just Happened?!” (by Peter and Kathleen David) and “Guess What’s Coming to Dinner” (by James Eatock). Both are drawn by Dan Schoening, and feature a more cartoony look that suits the flippant nature of the stories (one of them features a possessed turkey). At $7.99, there’s a lot of value here for a 100 ad-free pages in a nice cover, but only if you don’t have the first three issues. For newbies like us, we know who we’re gonna call for future Ghostbusters issues.

    Bits Rating:  


    National Comics: Madame X #1DC Comics, Rob Williams (writer), Trevor Hairsine (artist)

    Madame X #1 CoverHaving recently divorced from Professor X…scratch that. Madame Xanadu has appeared in the pages of Justice League Dark and Demon Knights, two books we confess that it’s just been too easy to overlook. With this one-shot, the last of its kind in the Newish 52’s Third Wave, Rob Williams rebrands her as Madame X in a scenario that is pretty much TV’s Medium by way of DC/Vertigo’s Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child. It’s been a bit of a theme for DC over the last year or so, with “The Dark” section of the Newish 52 doing reasonably well for itself, even without any real headline grabbers (Animal Man/Swamp Thing sagas notwithstanding). Here former celebrity psychic Nima (aka Madame X) can read the future with her tarot cards, and is occasionally hired by a law firm to assist on cases. Brought in to solve the seemingly voodoo related murder of one of the prominent citizens of New Orleans, her powers are put to the test when she reveals there is more than meets the eye. Trevor Hairsine’s art gives the book an appropriate look, and while his vision of New Orleans doesn’t seem radically different to previous ones, it also feels authentic. Williams gives us enough to set up this world in this introductory chapter, and we’d love to see more. We don’t know if any of these National Comics one-shots will spawn series, but this is one character than seems fleshed out enough to justify it.

    Bits Rating:  


    Punisher: War Zone #1 (of 5)Marvel, Greg Rucka (writer), Carmine Di Giandomenico (pencils), Matt Hollingsworth (colour art)

    The Punisher: War Zone #1Let’s do the time warp again! Having Deadpool kill the Marvel Universe took us back to when the Punisher did it years ago, and this feels like it is taking Garth Ennis’s splatterfest and flipping it on its dark head. Here The Avengers, and specifically Spider-man, decide that Frank Castle is really a problem that needs to be stopped. One of the most intriguing aspects of this story is the initial reluctance of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to get involved with a petty thug, mirroring some of the great arguments back in 1968’s Justice League of America Vol. 1 #66’s rift between the super powered people and those just wearing spandex. In fact, a few of the Avengers just come off as dicks at the mid-point of this introductory issue, making the cover’s promise of their imminent demise all the sweeter. Tony Stark, for example, is a bit of a douche. However, if you are yet to read Rucka’s The Punisher, you are a fool, but this is also the perfect finale to his world. A brief intro contextualises this event within that run, and then we’re off and racing.  Di Giandomenico’s art doesn’t always suit the darker edge to the story, but Hollingsworth’s colours give this a consistency throughout. Even though this is another superhero smack-down, coming so soon after another major event, we’re in for the long haul. We expect to see some bloodshed, and there will be tears before bedtime.

    Bits Rating: ★★

    Spider-man vs The Punisher - The Punisher: War Zone


    Talon #1 – DC ComicsJames Tynion IV and Scott Snyder (writers), Guillem March (artist)

    Talon #1 - CoverLast month’s Talon #0 stood out as “easily one of the best new titles from the whole New 52 and a great example of how to spin-off a series from a hugely popular title”. Tynion and Snyder literally plunge back into Gotham, a place that former Talon Calvin Rose has every reason to avoid. Yet in the aftermath of the Court of Owls, he believed that it was safe to go back: he was wrong. Now with the help of Sebastian Clark, someone who effectively have an Owl Cave somewhere under Gotham, they are out to take down what’s left of a very angry Court.  As with the “pilot issue”, the art and pacing are all impeccable, with Calvin one of the most interesting characters to spin out of the pages of Batman in a long time. There is some danger that this could be simply replicating what has come before, replacing Batman with Talon as  a convenient proxy, but for the moment this is one of the most intriguing new titles since DC’s reboot.

    Bits Rating:  ★★★½


    Wolverine MAX #1Marvel MAX, Jason Starr (writer), Roland Boschi and Connor Willumsen (artist)

    Wolverine MAX #1Once the playground of Punisher and outstanding original series like Alias, rumours of the death of Marvel’s mature MAX line were apparently greatly exaggerated. The overexposed Wolverine is actually a great way to revive this line, fans needing to satiate their bloodlust on something more than outings with Doop and various members of The Avengers. Set somewhere outside the mainstream Marvel 616 universe, Logan is journeying West to find himself but crash lands in Japan. Unaware of who he is, all he knows is that he has claws for hands and his severed legs grew back. Boschi and Willumsen’s art is at times beautiful, especially during the flashback sequences that use a rougher look than the other pages. Jason Starr wastes no time in throwing in a few mandatory “fucks” in Logan’s thought bubbles, the MAX equivalent of a HBO sex scene, but his direction seems to have more substance than that. While it is difficult to find a new direction for Wolverine these days, perhaps this new series will allow Marvel the flexibility to tell some new stories without outraging continuity police.

    Bits Rating:  ★★★½

  • Graphic Bits: Marvel Point One #1 Review

    Graphic Bits: Marvel Point One #1 Review

    It’s a Graphic Bits Special: a full-sized review of comic book goodness designed to get behind the panels and into your hearts.

    This week we look at Marvel Point One #1, the blueprint for Marvel NOW! over the coming year. Our bite-sized Graphic Bits will also be along this week, but at 52 pages and X stories, this one warranted some attention.

    Don’t forget to listen to Behind the Panels, our weekly comic book podcast, as well.


    Marvel NOW! Point One #1Late last year, Marvel released the oversized Marvel Point One, promising “the future begins here”. Less than a year late, the publicity for Marvel NOW! Point One #1 assures us “It starts now!”. Tying in with the relaunched titles for Marvel NOW!, the oversized anthology issue asks the question “Who will shape the future of the Marvel universe?”. For the reader, it asks a far more pertinent question: ‘Which one of these books are you likely to buy?’ Like all anthologies, this one is a bit of a mixed bag filled with some titles that will be be must-buys, where others will be met with a profound ‘meh’. For this lucky dip, Marvel is only asking $5.99, a few dollars above their regular price point.

    A mysterious traveller has arrived from the future, and begins making big moves on the stock exchange. This triggers S.H.I.E.L.D involvement, with Nick Fury, Maria Hill and Agent Coulson pulling him in for questioning. He begins spinning crazy tales, each of which seems to spark a short story in comic book form.  This issue consists of the following:

    “Nick Fury” by Nick Spencer, Luke Ross, and Lee Loughridge
    “Starlord” by Brian Bendis, Steve McNiven, John Dell, and Justin Ponsor
    “Nova” by Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines, and Marte Gracia
    “Miss America” by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Mike Norton, and Matthew Wilson
    “Ant-Man” by Matt Fraction and Mike & Laura Allred
    “Forge” by Dennis Hopeless, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, and David Curiel

    Starlord” is a prelude to Brian Michael Bendis taking on Guardians of the Galaxy next year, and the book is something of an oddity. Bendis had promised to go back to StarLord’s origin, but we didn’t realise it would be immediately. Peter Quill has extraterrestrial connections before he was even born, fathered by Prince Jason of Spartoi, so when alien assassins arrive vowing to end the ‘Spartoi bloodline’, his mother Meredith is killed. Fleeing from the attackers, he finds a mysterious weapon hidden in his house. Cue the wait until Guardians of the Galaxy #0.1 in February, where Bendis will pick up where Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (DnA) left off in The Thanos Imperative. We’ve already had a taste of what Bendis will do with the Guardians in the pages of Avengers Assemble, but this is just a big tease. That’s not to say it isn’t an intriguing tease, but it was an odd place to start this series. We look forward to seeing more, especially given the nonchalant Quill has now had his childhood exposed for all to see.

    Nova“, on the other hand, is flat-out fun. Like DC’s Green Lantern, several people have worn the bucket mantle of Nova over the years, and the (presumably) late Richard Rider was the longest-serving. The new Nova, Sam Alexander, was actually introduced in the last anthology Marvel Point One. Since then, he has only really been seen in Avengers Vs. X-Men, but this short story proves that Loeb’s take is exactly what is needed to keep the light of the Nova Force alive. The art style of McGuinness may be at odds with the Nova of old, but it perfectly suits this fun and quirky take on a new character. DnA’s comics were always full of humour, and while this might be a little more goofy than old school fans are used to, but it is exactly the sort of introduction needed to hook new fans and tease the rest of us of the good things to come when Nova launches in February next year.

    Nova - Marvel NOW! Point One

    We’re not quite sure we get the “Miss America“, a prelude to Young Avengers, solicited as being from “Gillen/McKelvie/Wilson (with added Norton Sauce)”. This short stars Miss America and a young Loki causing mischief on a minor level, all over a diner meal. It’s a little bit offbeat, and this seems like as good a place as any to start one of a half-dozen Avengers books in Marvel NOW! It stands out from the crowd in this anthology, but we’ll need a little more convincing before we invest in a whole series.

    Ant-Man“, ostensibly Fraction and the Allred’s introduction to their new FF book coming next month, is the top choice in the book. A complete story in just 8 pages, Fraction creates a convincing story of minor revenge for Scott Lang, who is still hurting over the loss of his daughter. Fraction’s story asks us “what is art?” at the start, and Allred and his wife go on to show us exactly what art is within the context of this amazing tale. Allred is perfectly suited to giving us a battle between Ant-Man and an eyelash mite, making what could be a silly outing into one of the most perfectly natural things in the world. With all eyes on Ant-Man over the next few years after the announcement of the film, this is as good a reason as any to check out the character and the new book that will see him star alongside Medusa (of the Inhumans), She-Hulk and Miss Thing.

    The “Forge” story is a mostly forgettable one, especially given we thought that Forge was dead. This story, in which Forge runs from a giant brain monster (yes, you read that correctly) merely serves to foreshadow his upcoming appearance in Cable and the X-Force from Dennis Hopeless. He’s really setting himself up for a fall publishing under that name, isn’t he?

  • Marvel Full Solicitations for January 2013

    Marvel Full Solicitations for January 2013

    Marvel has released all their solicited titles for January 2013, and while Secret Avengers might be coming to a close, there are brand new #1 issues with Uncanny X-Force, New Avengers, Superior Spider-man, Savage Wolverine, Young Avengers, Morbius: The Living Vampire, Iron Man 3 Prelude and Deadpool Killustrated.

    It also seems that Skottie Young is destined to be on every cover in the 616 and beyond. Let’s hope you all get money for Christmas.

    Uncanny X-Force #1 Cover (Marvel)UNCANNY X-FORCE #1
    Sam Humphries (W) • Ron Garney (A)
    Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
    Variant Cover by RON GARNEY
    design variant by Kris Anka
    Blank Cover Also Available
    Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
    THE DARKEST CORNERS OF THE MUTANT UNIVERSE: EXPOSED! The X-Men: sworn to protect a world that fears and hates them. UNCANNY X-FORCE: charged to deal with situations the X-Men fear and hate! Psylocke and Storm lead a new team of outcasts and scoundrels, including fan-favorite Puck, the villainous Spiral, and the mysterious Cluster. The first adversary to strike out from the darkness? X-legend BISHOP!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    New Avengers #1 - Skottie Young VariantNEW AVENGERS #1
    Jonathan Hickman (W)
    Steve Epting (A)
    Cover by JOCK
    Variant Cover by J. Scott Campbell
    SKETCH VARIANT BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
    Variant Cover by STEVE EPTING
    Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
    Blank Cover Also Available
    To prevent the collision of our universe with another, the Illuminati, led by the Black Panther, must assemble NOW! It’s the most powerful and brilliant team in the Marvel Universe–The Black Panther, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, Mister Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner and The Beast–against an infinite legion of parallel realities.
    32 PGS. /Rated T+ …$3.99

    NEW AVENGERS #2
    Jonathan Hickman (W) • Steve Epting (A)
    Cover by JOCK
    Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
    “EVERYTHING DIES”
    • The Illuminati gather to plan for the death of Everything.
    • Infinity gems, old wounds, lies, agendas and universal incursions.
    • “It breaks hope — it crushes what makes us decent and steals what little honor remains.” –Black Swan
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    Superior Spider-man #1SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #1
    DAN SLOTT (W) • RYAN STEGMAN (A/C)
    Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
    Sketch Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
    Variant Cover by Humberto Ramos
    Variant Cover by Giuseppe Camuncoli
    design variant by Ed McGuinness
    Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
    Blank Cover Also Available
    THEN!…Peter Parker spent a lifetime living up to the responsibilities his powers foisted upon him but his Amazing story finally ended dramatically in the historic Spider-Man #700. NOW!…The new Amazing Spider-Man has arrived and he is better in every single way. Smarter, stronger…Superior.
    32 PGS. /Rated T+ …$3.99

    SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #2
    DAN SLOTT (W) • RYAN STEGMAN (A/C)
    Variant Cover BY ED McGuinness
    • The All-Now Supereir Spider-Man battles All-New Sinister Six!
    • PLUS: Spider-Man and Mary Jane…REUNITED!
    • PLUS: Slott and Stegman… REUNITED!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    Savage Wolverine #1SAVAGE WOLVERINE #1
    Frank Cho (W) • Frank Cho (A/C)
    Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
    Sketch Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
    Variant Cover by FRANK CHO
    Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
    Blank Cover Also Available
    Wolverine awakes to find himself transported to the Savage Land and labeled public enemy number one! With no memory of how he got there, and Shanna the She-Devil his only ally, Logan must unravel the mystery that slumbers at the heart of the Savage Land before it finds a way to kill him first. This January, Wolverine is all brawls, babes, and brachiosaurs, and you’ll never see the end — or the future of the Marvel Universe — NOW!
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

    Young Avengers #1 (Marvel)YOUNG AVENGERS #1
    KIERON GILLEN (W) • JAMIE MCKELVIE (A/C)
    Variant Cover by BRYAN LEE O’MALLEY
    Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
    Blank Cover Also Available
    Legacy isn’t a dirty word… but it’s an irrelevant one. It’s not important what our parents did. It matters what WE do. Someone has to save the world. You’re someone. Do the math. The critically acclaimed team of Gillen/McKelvie/Wilson (with added Norton Sauce) decide to reinvent the teen superhero comic for the 21st century, uniting Wiccan, Hulkling and Hawkeye with Loki, Marvel Boy and Ms. America. No pressure. Young Avengers is as NOW! as the air in your lungs, and twice as vital. It’s the book that knows Hyperbole is the BEST! THING! EVER!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    Morbius - Skottie YoungMORBIUS: THE LIVING VAMPIRE #1
    JOE KEATINGE (W) • RICHARD ELSON (A)
    Cover by Gabrielle Dell’otto
    Variant Cover by Ed McGuinness
    Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
    Blank Cover Also Available
    Morbius….the hunted, haunted fugitive.
    Morbius…the dead souled scientist.
    Morbius…the Living Vampire.
    Somewhere inside Doctor Michael Morbius is a good man who just needs a second chance. After escaping from The Raft in Amazing Spider-Man 699.1, Morbius is scraping desperately through each day trying to carve out a life in a world that has turned its back on him. However his redemption…may be worse than his sin.
    NOW Morbius returns in this long-awaited ongoing series, where the line between hero and villain becomes brutally and bloodily blurred.
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    UNCANNY AVENGERS #4
    RICK REMENDER (W) • John Cassaday (A/C)
    Variant Cover by John Cassaday
    • Red Skull and his S-Men move forward their take over of New York.
    • A member of the Uncanny Avengers joins the S-Men!
    • When the chips are down, the fight all but lost, one Avenger must rise and face the terrible might of The Omega Skull!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    ALL-NEW X-MEN #5
    Brian Michael Bendis (W) • Stuart Immonen (A/C)
    Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
    • The first story of a new era comes to its conclusion.
    • One of the original X-Men will be forever changed!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    ALL-NEW X-MEN #6
    Brian Michael Bendis (W) • DAVID MARQUEZ (A)
    Cover by Stuart Immonen
    X-Men 50th Anniversary Variant by TBA
    • David Marquez (Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man) takes the artistic reins for 3 issues!
    • Brian Bendis further defines the future of the X-Men!
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

    AVENGERS #3
    JONATHAN HICKMAN (W) • JEROME OPEÑA (A)
    Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER
    AVENGERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT BY DANIEL ACUNA
    VARIANT Cover BY ADI GRANOV
    VARIANT Cover BY ESAD RIBIC
    “THE GARDEN”
    • The birth of the New Adam.
    • On Mars, the Battle between The Avengers and the Garden comes to a dramatic conclusion.
    • “If you want LIFE and all the good things living entails, then you’ll have to earn it.” –Ex Nihilo
    32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

    AVENGERS #4
    JONATHAN HICKMAN (W) • ADAM KUBERT (A)
    Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER
    VARIANT Cover BY ESAD RIBIC
    “THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF MAJOR TITANS”
    • The Secret Origin of Hyperion.
    • The Legacy of the Garden unfolds in the Savage Land.
    • “We’ll have to field test our theories here. NOW.” –Dr. Deeds
    32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

    A+X #4
    JASON AARON & JASON LATOUR (W)
    PASQUAL FERRY & MARK BROOKS (A)
    Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
    Variant by ED MCGUINNESS
    Sketch Variant by ED MCGUINNESS
    Artist Variant by MARK BROOKS
    • Storm and Black Panther’s first post-AVX encounter!
    • Your other two favorite characters fight your favorite villain.
    32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

    CABLE AND THE X-FORCE #3
    DENNIS HOPELESS (W) • SALVADOR LARROCA (A/C)
    Artist Variant COVER by GABRIEL DEL’OTTO
    • Where has Colossus been to post-AVX and what is wrong with his powers?
    • Why are Cable and his team attacking a civilian company?
    • These mysteries and more are revealed!
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

    AVENGERS ARENA #3
    DENNIS HOPELESS (W) • KEV WALKER (A)
    Cover by GREG HORN
    Variant Cover by GARRY BROWN
    • X-23 vs. ANNIHILATION’s Cammi!
    • A mystery opponent vs. AVENGERS ACADEMY’s Sentinel!
    • Who is the killer stalking the competitors in their sleep?
    • Plus: Darkhawk equals death!
    32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99

    CAPTAIN AMERICA #3
    RICK REMENDER (W) • JOHN ROMITA JR (A/C)
    Variant Cover by Alex Maleev
    CASTAWAY IN DIMENSION Z continues!
    • 1930: Witness the birth of a legend! How did Steve Rogers, a 98 lb weakling, earn his courage?
    • NOW: With the fate of a world hinging on his victory Captain America must defeat the barbarian lord of the Phrox!
    • MEANWHILE: Arnim Zola’s plans move forward, cursing Steve Rogers for years to come.
    32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

    FF #3 - Mike AllredFF #3
    MATT FRACTION (W)
    Michael ALLRED (A/C)
    Variant Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED
    • The new FF take to the streets to celebrate 2013! How does the world respond?
    • How do the kids of the Future Foundation feel about these new grown-ups running the show?
    • And what does Scott Lang have in store for Doom? The war begins…
    32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99

    FANTASTIC FOUR #3
    MATT FRACTION (W) • MARK BAGLEY (A/C)
    Variant Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
    • A new year on a new world! The Richards family rings in 365 days of adventure on a brand new planet!
    • Someone’s having second thoughts. Really? Already?
    • How long can Reed keep his secret? How long can anything be kept a secret when you’re travelling through time & space with your family…?
    32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99

    DEADPOOL #4
    Gerry Duggan & Brian Posehn (W) • Tony Moore (A)
    Cover by Geof Darrow
    Variant Cover by Tradd Moore
    • The grudge match you’ve been waiting for: DEADPOOL VS. LINCOLN!
    • Deadpool de-undead-ifies AT LEAST twelve Presidents, easy.
    • Guaranteed to make you better looking to potential mates!
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

    IRON MAN #5
    KIERON GILLEN (W) • GREG LAND (A/C)
    Design Variant Cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN
    Variant Cover by JIMMY CHEUNG
    • EXTREMIS plus the final frontier equals universal doom!
    • Will Tony have to betray an old friend?
    • The debut of the All-New Space Armor!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #3
    MARK WAID (W) • LEINIL FRANCIS YU (A/C)
    Variant Cover aby SIMONE BIANCHI
    HULK: AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D.!!!
    • HULK’S first official mission: take down the ALL-NEW QUINTRONIC MAN!!!
    • More on Banner’s secret hold over S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Maria Hill!
    • What and where is…BANNERTOWN, U.S.A?
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #648
    KATHRYN IMMONEN (W) • VALERIO SCHITI (A)
    Cover by JEFF DEKAL
    Variant Cover by NIC KLEIN
    • Lady-like? There’s no lady like SIF! Spoiling for a fight since the day she was born, Sif makes her OWN action!
    • Exiled to a forgotten island, things heat up when our heroine falls in with a group of brutal Asgardian savages! Whatever is a lady to do?!
    • Why, join them in their millennia-old battle against monsters of course!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    X-Men: Legacy #4X-MEN LEGACY #4 & 5
    Simon Spurrier (W) • Jorge Molina (A)
    CoverS by MIKE DEL MUNDO
    X-MEN LEGACY #4 Artist Variant by PASQUAL FERRY
    X-MEN LEGACY #5 ARTIST VARIANT BY CLAY MANN
    • LEGION vs. THE X-MEN!
    • Two new villains begin plotting Legion’s demise. And little does he know, one of them is lurking within his own psyche, and the other is now hiding amongst the X-Men themselves…
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    THUNDERBOLTS #3
    Daniel Way (W) • Steve Dillon (A)
    Cover by Julian Totino Tedesco
    Variant Cover by BillyTan
    • The Thunderbolts are tearing their way through a bloody mission!
    • But will even this crew approve of the team’s NEWEST MEMBER?
    • Yeah, that’s right-the RED LEADER.
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

    THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #4
    Jason Aaron (W) • Esad Ribic (A/C)
    Variant Cover by Olivier Coipel
    • Thousands of years in the future the last god king of a ruined Asgard makes his final stand against the berserker legions of the God Butcher.
    • But even a king can fall. Even King Thor.
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #11
    KELLY SUE DECONNICK (W) • Stefano Caselli (A)
    Cover by MICO SUAYAN
    Variant Cover by STEPHANE PERGER
    • Spider-Woman is totally safe locked in that box with the parasite-infested Hulk… right?
    • Remember that time Tony Stark said he hated trust falls? You knew that was going to come back. C’mon.
    • ::whistles:: Hanging coffins of the Bo ::whistles::
    • Yun Guang Han’s done it–he’s infected his Order of the Dragon initiates with next-step evolutionary bacteria and built himself a super-creepy (and kind of gross) army… WITH WHICH TO CONQUER THE WORLD.
    • Mwah ha ha etc.
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    AVENGERS ASSEMBLE ANNUAL #1
    CHRISTOS GAGE (W) TOMM COKER (A/C)
    • The spotlight falls on the Vision!
    • It’s the return of Sunturion – more powerful and unstable than ever!
    • A major turning point in the life of the android Avenger!
    40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

    RED SHE-HULK #61
    JEFF PARKER (W)
    CARLO PAGULAYAN & WELLINTON ALVES (A)
    Cover by JANA SCHIRMER
    Variant Cover by DAVE WILLIAMS
    NO LIMITS!
    • The issue that reveals that Betty Ross has more in common with Bruce Banner than the name HULK!
    • The secret connection of Echelon and the end of humanity as the World Computer CRASHES!
    • The last stand of MACHINE MAN!!!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #16
    CHRISTOPHER YOST (W) • PACO MEDINA (A)
    Cover by PAOLO MANUEL RIVERA
    • NEW CREATIVE TEAM! NEW DIRECTION! THE SUPERIOR AGE BEGINS!
    • The all new Superior Spider-Man teams with Wolverine and the X-Men!
    • Christopher Yost (Scarlet Spider, X-Force) and Paco Medina (Ultimate X-Men) begin a new SUPERIOR era of Avenging Spider-Man!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    VENOM #29
    CULLEN BUNN (W)
    THONY SILAS (A)
    Cover by SHANE DAVIS
    • AN ALIEN NATION RISES!
    • Flash Thompson uncovers a mystery in Philadelphia, and Katy Kiernan may be its first victim!
    • Cullen Bunn (WOLVERINE) and Thony Silas (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: ENDS OF THE EARTH) continue the tale of Venom’s first adventure in his new home!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    VENOM #30
    CULLEN BUNN (W)
    THONY SILAS (A)
    Cover by Paulo Siqueira
    VENOM VS. THE U-FOES IN THE CITY OF BROTHERLY SHOVE!
    • In a race against time, can Flash Thompson rescue not just his friends but th entire city of Philadelphia from an alien plot?
    • Get ready for the most TOXIC final page in Venom history!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    ALPHA #0.1
    DAN SLOTT (w)
    HUMBERTO RAMOS (A/C)
    • A special encore presentation of the instant-classic AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #692!
    • Get ready for an all-new tale about a different kind of power and responsibility…
    • WHO IS ALPHA?!
    32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99

    SCARLET SPIDER #13
    CHRISTOPHER YOST (W)
    KHOI PHAM (A)
    Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
    “IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES” PART ONE OF THREE
    • Brand new arc! Mysteries come to light as a threat from Mexico comes for Aracely, the girl Scarlet Spider saved in issue ONE.
    • An old foe of Spider-Man’s returns, the mutant werewolf CARLOS LOBO… and he’s not alone.
    • PLUS: What is the secret of Kaine’s new powers? How did he come back to life after the Grim Hunt? The answers begin here, as everything changes for the man called Kaine.
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    ULTIMATE COMICS IRON MAN #4 (of 4)
    NATHAN EDMONDSON (W) • MATTEO BUFFAGNI (A)
    Cover by FRANK STOCKTON
    DEMON IN THE ARMOR CONCLUDES!
    • Confronting threats of the present means dealing with the demons of the past in this finale issue!
    • Isolated in Asia, is there any hope for Iron Man?
    • How does THE MANDARIN know Iron Man’s every weakness–and what can the man of armor do to defend himself against an enemy that knows him better then he knows himself?
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #19
    BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • SARA PICHELLI (A/C)
    VENOM WARS BEGINS!!!
    • Miles finally has his costume, his web shooters, and now he has his first A-list Spider-Man villain! There’s a new Venom in town and he’s hungry!
    • All this, plus Miles’ new girlfriend and the return of award-winning Ultimate Spider-Man artist Sara Pichelli!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #20
    SAM HUMPHRIES (W) • SCOT EATON (A)
    Cover by DAVID YARDIN
    RECONSTRUCTION CONTINUES!!!
    • Black Widow: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.!
    • As America rebuilds, President Cap must find out who is behind the latest wave of attacks on the country!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #21
    BRIAN WOOD & NATHAN EDMONDSON (W) • CARLO BARBERI (A)
    Cover by MICHAEL RYAN
    RESERVATION X CONTINUES!!!
    • Guest-starring the IRON PATRIOT!
    • What is the Sentient Seed and why does everyone want it?
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    SECRET AVENGERS #36
    RICK REMENDER (W) • MATTEO SCALERA (A)
    Cover by ARTHUR ADAMS
    • In The Core Venom and Valkyrie set out on a mission to kill Father.
    • In New York The Master Mold rises and the only way to stop him is to kill The Torch!
    • Black-Ant vs Hawkeye the final showdown!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    SECRET AVENGERS #37
    RICK REMENDER (W) • MATTEO SCALERA (A)
    Cover by ARTHUR ADAMS
    Final issue variant by Mike Perkins
    FINAL ISSUE!
    • The conclusion to the Rise of the Descendants! All secrets revealed!
    • Father and the Descendants begin Contagious Robotic Evolution, merging the Descendants with all of humanity!
    • What is the secret behind the power of Parvez?
    • The ultimate test of Hawkeye!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    DARK AVENGERS #185 & 186
    Jeff Parker (W) • Neil Edwards (A)
    COVER BY JOE QUINONES
    Issue #185 –
    • Skaar, Moonstone & Ragnarok go to war with…
    THE DEADLY DR. STRANGE!
    • “The Witch” Dr. June Covington is turned loose in a Tony Stark’s Frankensteinian Laboratory. Her first subject for ‘improvement’? RAGNAROK!
    Issue #186 –
    • U.S. AGENT IS BACK!
    32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$2.99 (EACH)

    MARVEL UNIVERSE VS.THE AVENGERS #4 (of 4)
    JONATHAN MABERRY (W)
    LEO FERNANDEZ (A)
    Cover by AARON KUDER
    • Hawkeye is the last Avenger standing. He’s all that stands between Emperor Doom and a world of unimaginable horrors.
    • If he falls, who will avenge our world?
    • MARVEL UNIVERSE vs THE AVENGERS reaches its bloody, heartbreaking conclusion.
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

    PUNISHER: NIGHTMARE #1-5
    A FIVE-PART, FIVE WEEK PUNISHER EVENT!
    • A Special Forces soldier is injured and his family killed in the midst of a mob execution in Central Park, but this isn’t Frank Castle. This time it’s a young soldier named JAKE NIMAN, but the familiar story puts Frank on the path of punishment!
    • As Jake Niman heals from his wounds, why is he growing strangely stronger?
    • And who is the mysterious Johnny Nightmare?
    • Bullets fly, anarchy reigns, allies become enemies, the Punisher becomes the punished, and no one is safe!!!
    32 PGS. (EACH)/Parental Advisory …$3.99 (EACH)

    Hawkeye #7HAWKEYE #7
    MATT FRACTION (W) • DAVID AJA (A/C)
    • Cherry’s got a gun. And she looks good in it.
    • Hawkeye gets distracted. Just like you are right now.
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    CAPTAIN MARVEL #9
    KELLY SUE DECONNICK (W)
    Filipe Andrade (A)
    Cover by JAMIE MCKELVIE
    A PERFECT JUMPING-ON POINT FOR FANS NEW AND OLD! PART ONE OF A NEW STORY.
    • Carol finally returns home, but is changed. What is weakening Captain Marvel’s powers?
    • PLUS: Carol gets a JOB.
    • Find out why CAPTAIN MARVEL is being hailed as one of Marvel’s best new series this year!
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

    WINTER SOLDIER #14
    ED BRUBAKER (W)
    BUTCH GUICE (A)
    Cover by DANIEL ACUñA
    • The grand finale of the BLACK WIDOW HUNT
    • Will Bucky sacrifice everything to save his love?
    • Can Black Widow even be saved?
    • Ed Brubaker finishes his critically-acclaimed run and no one escapes unscathed!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    PUNISHER: WAR ZONE #4 (of 5)
    GREG RUCKA (W)
    CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO (A)
    Cover by MARCO CHECCHETTO
    • The Punisher tries to break Cole out of jail.
    • The Avengers stomp him. A lot.
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

    SILVER SURFER BY STAN LEE & MOEBIUS #1
    Stan Lee (W) • Moebius (A/C)
    • Galactus has converted humanity into his followers, and he’s leading them to their doom!
    • His only challenger is the hero he himself trapped on Earth: the Silver Surfer!
    • It’s a war for Earth’s worship, but how much will be left when it’s over?
    • Collecting SILVER SURFER: PARABLE #1-2.
    104 PGS./ Rated T+ …$7.99

    DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #4 (of 8)
    BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & David Mack (W) • KLAUS JANSON (A)
    Cover by ALEX MALEEV
    Variant COVER BY DAVID MACK
    • The End of Daredevil goes right through his greatest enemy!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    DAREDEVIL #22
    MARK WAID (W) • Chris Samnee (A)
    Cover by Paolo Rivera
    • Daredevil teams up with the ALL NEW Superior Spider-Man!
    • Yes, America, we’ve heard your calls! Stilt-Man Is BACK! Better than ever thanks to some last minute help from Doctor Octopus.
    • The Eisner and Harvey Award winner for book of the year continues to baffle all of us here at the House of Ideas!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    DARK TOWER: THE GUNSLINGER – SHEEMIE’S TALE #1 (of 2)
    ROBIN FURTH (W) • RICHARD ISANOVE (A)
    Cover by RICHARD ISANOVE
    THE TALE OF ONE OF THE DARK TOWER’S MOST BELOVED CHARACTERS, SHEEMIE, IS FINALLY TOLD!
    • Kidnapped by Marten Broadcloak, Sheemie’s become a prisoner in End-World.
    • The Crimson King’s servants are forcing him and the other psychic Breakers to destroy the Beams that hold the Dark Tower in place.
    • Will the dim-witted but big-hearted Sheemie, be able to foil his captor’s plans in time?
    40 PGS./Parental AdvisorySLC …$3.99

    CASTLE: A CALM BEFORE STORM #2 (of 5)
    PETER DAVID (W) • ROBERT ATKINS (A)
    Cover by MICO SUAYAN
    • The adaptation from ABC’s hit show, Castle continues!
    • Derrick Storm’s gruesome discovery winds up drawing him into an international spectacle.
    • What is The Fear’s agenda? And why is Derrick’s father, next on his hit list?
    • Don’t miss the espionage thriller has comic book and Castle fans raving!
    32 PGS./13 & Up …$3.99
    T-SHIRT ORDER CODES: AUG128340U/41/42/43 (M/L/XL/XXL)

    MONSTERS, INC. #2 (OF 2)
    Adapted by CHARLES BAZALDUA
    Art by CLAUDIO SCIARRONE, ELISABETTA MELARANCI, ANNA MERLI,
    DAVIDE ZANNETTI, SONIA MATRONE, MARA DAMIANI & ELENA M. NAGGI
    Cover by LORI TYMINSKI & ADRIENNE BROWN
    • Adapting the hit movie!
    • Just in time for the 3D re-release of the classic Disney•Pixar adventure!
    • When they’re not hiding under the bed or lurking in the closet, the monsters that scare human children live and work in the great city of Monstropolis.
    • Monsters Mike and Sulley accidentally allow a human girl to sneak into Monstropolis, and they must return her to her home before anyone notices – or they might lose their jobs at Monsters, Inc.!
    32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

    ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #10
    BRIAN CLEVINGER & TY TEMPLETON (W)
    RAMON BACHS & TY TEMPLETON (A)
    Cover by TY TEMPLETON
    • It’s 40-yard-mayhem as our plucky Peter Parker must take ona robot football team gone haywire!
    • Then, between being misunderstood by the cops and trashed by J. Jonah Jameson, Spider-Man’s used to taking on the world – but can he fight the entire city of new York?
    • Don’t wait for the weekend – pick up the next adventure of DisneyXD’s superstar at your comic shop now!
    32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

    AVENGERS: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES #10
    TODD DEZAGO & CLAY MCLEOD CHAPMAN (W)
    CHRISTOPHER JONES & LUCIANO VECCHIO (A)
    Cover by KHOI PHAM
    • Flying off the TV and into your hands, it’s the Disney XD hit Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!
    • When the loathsome Leader attacks new York City with an army of Monsters, the Avengers get ready for the fight of their lives – but it’s the Astonishing Ant Man who holds the key to saving the day!
    • Then, that techno-terror Ultron seizes control of the Vision to attack Avengers mansion – but the Vision will show Ultron that his you can’t reprogram a superhero!
    32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

    MARVEL’S IRON MAN 3 PRELUDE #1 (of 2)
    Chris Gage (W)
    Steve Kurth (A)
    • The perfect prelude to the upcoming highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film, Iron Man 3
    • As Tony Stark prepares for his next venture, he tasks War Machine with a mission of his own.
    • War Machine faces his biggest test as a hero, while Iron Man takes on the Battle of New York!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    MARVEL’S THOR ADAPTATION #1 (of 2)
    CHRISTOS GAGE (W) • Lan Medina (A)
    • THE OFFICIAL ADAPTATION OF THE HIT MARVEL STUDIOS FILM, THOR IS HERE!
    • What is the world of Asgard and who is the Mighty Thor?
    • The origin of Marvel’s mightiest hero!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    ROAD TO OZ #4 (of 6)
    ERIC SHANOWER (W) • SKOTTIE YOUNG (A&C)
    THE CLASSIC FRANK BAUM TALE, RE-IMAGINED!
    • Death looms all around for Dorothy and her friends.
    • Behind them the cannibalistic Scoodlers want to cook them for soup!
    While in front lies the Deadly Desert-just one step onto its sands instantly turns flesh to dust.
    • The Land of Oz is just beyond, but it looks as if they won’t survive to reach it.
    32 PGS./All Ages …$3.99

    WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #23
    Jason Aaron (W) • Nick Bradshaw (A/C)
    • Wolverine vs. Frankenstein!
    • The Murder Circus claims its victims!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #24
    Jason Aaron (W) • TBA (A)
    Cover by RAMÓN K. PÉREZ
    • DATE NIGHT!
    • Kitty and Iceman! Storm and Wolverine?
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    GAMBIT #8
    James Asmus (W)
    Pasqual Ferry (A/C)
    • Receiving a distress call from an imperiled ESU archaeology team, Gambit makes a detour on his way back to the Big Apple and heads to the Forever City!
    • But how exactly will he outwit the hyper-evolved locals and snatch the students (and some loot) from their clutches?
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    AGE OF APOCALYPSE #11
    Dave Lapham (W)
    Roberto De La Torre (A/C)
    • The climax of the first year of AGE OF APOCALYPSE!
    • The X-Terminated vs. Weapon X!
    • Jean Grey’s fate lies in the balance!
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

    X-FACTOR #250
    Peter David (W) • Leonard Kirk (A)
    Cover by DAVID YARDIN
    VARIANT COVER BY CLAY MANN
    • A year of X-FACTOR stories culminates here in the first part of “HELL ON EARTH WAR”!
    • The various Hell lords battle for domination in a war that was triggered by the seven billionth soul born on Earth, and only X-Factor can avoid the entire world going up in flames!
    • This is the beginning of the end for X-Factor as you know it…
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    Deadpool: Killustrated #1illDEADPOOL: KILLUSTRATED #1 (of 4)
    Cullen Bunn (W) • Matteo Lolli (A)
    Cover by MICHAEL DEL MUNDO
    • Deadpool has already killed every hero in the Marvel Universe.
    • He isn’t through.
    • This time…Deadpool’s gonna take most famous characters in classic literature!
    • YOU NEVER KNEW HOW BADLY YOU NEEDED THIS SERIES!
    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

    X-MEN #40
    Seth Peck (W) • TBD (A)
    Cover by DAVID LOPEZ
    • The end of an era!
    • What happens to a team when they lose the trust that binds them?
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    X-TREME X-MEN #9
    Greg Pak (W)
    Paco Diaz Luque (A)
    Cover by Kalman
    • The X-Treme X-Men find they can’t shake their new X-Force teammates!
    • Will Dazzler be able to take back control of the team?
    • Also, Howlett versus Hercules!
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

    ASTONISHING X-MEN #58
    Marjorie Liu (W)
    Gabriel Hernandez Walta (A)
    Cover by PHIL NOTO
    • Warbird is on the run, labeled an enemy of Earth as well as of the Shi’ar!
    • The X-Men must choose whether to help her or bring her in.
    • What’s the secret of the alien artifact she’s uncovered?
    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    FURY MAX #8
    Garth Ennis (W) • Goran Parlov (A)
    Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
    • Fury and Castle are POW.
    • What do the Viet Cong have in mind for the war heroes?
    32 PGS./Explicit Content …$3.99

    WOLVERINE MAX #4
    Jason Starr (W) • Roland Boschi (A)
    Cover by JOCK
    • Creed and Logan are on the run, with Logan framed for Creed’s vicious acts!
    • The truth about what, exactly, happened on that plane is finally revealed.
    32 PGS./Explicit Content …$3.99

  • DC Comics and Vertigo Full Solicitations for January 2013

    DC Comics and Vertigo Full Solicitations for January 2013

    DC Comics has released its full list of solicitations that will start 2013 in style, and it’s long overdue deaths for Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.Blue BeetleGrifter, and Legion Lost, as they all bear the inevitable “FINAL ISSUE” tag in these solicits. With Keith Giffen’s intergalactic Threshold (spinning out of Green Lantern: New Guardians Annual #1) added to the slate, and G.I. Combat disappearing after December, a quick bit of maths says that 52 minus five plus one is only 48. With Justice League of America #1 due in February, that still only takes us to 49, begging the question: what else do you have up your sleeve DC?

    We’ve also included the solicitations for DC’s Vertigo line for the same period.

    Before Watchmen: Minutemen

    Before Watchmen

    BEFORE WATCHMEN: COMEDIAN #5
    Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
    Art and cover by J.G. JONES
    Backup story written and illustrated by JOHN HIGGINS
    1:25 Variant cover by GARY FRANK
    Resolicit • On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, 5 of 6, $3.99 US • Combo pack edition: $4.99 US • MATURE READERS
    Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
    “Well…things got out of hand.”
    And don’t miss the latest chapter of the “Crimson Corsair” backup feature from writer/artist JOHN HIGGINS
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    BEFORE WATCHMEN: OZYMANDIAS #5
    Written by LEN WEIN
    Art and cover by JAE LEE
    1:25 Variant cover by JILL THOMPSON
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, 5 of 6, $3.99 US
    Combo pack edition: $4.99 US • MATURE READERS
    Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the Order Form for details.
    “Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN #6
    Written by DARWYN COOKE
    Art and cover by DARWYN COOKE
    1:25 Variant cover by JORDI BERNET
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, 6 of 6, $3.99 US
    Combo pack edition: $4.99 US • MATURE READERS
    Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the Order Form for details.
    “You’ll do what I say or I’ll burn this place to the ground and kill every person you know.”
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    Justice League Cover #16

    Justice League Group

    JUSTICE LEAGUE #16
    Written by GEOFF JOHNS
    Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
    Backup story art by GARY FRANK
    Variant cover by LANGDON FOSS
    1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
    “We Can Be Heroes” Blank variant cover available
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
    Retailers: This issue will ship with five covers. Please see the Order Form for details.
    • “THRONE OF ATLANTIS” continues!
    • Aquaman can barely hold on against Ocean Master even with the League by his side!
    • The United States loses faith in the Justice League and enters the battle against Atlantis, setting in motion the creation of the Justice League of America!
    • More on the Superman/Wonder Woman alliance!
    • Plus: In the backup story, the origin of SHAZAM! continues!
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    AQUAMAN #16
    Written by GEOFF JOHNS
    Art by PAUL PELLETIER
    Cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by
    EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • “THRONE OF ATLANTIS” continues!
    • Continuing from this month’s JUSTICE LEAGUE #16!
    •Torn between Ocean Master and the League in this penultimate chapter of “Throne of Atlantis, Aquaman is pushed toward an impossible choice!
    • The monstrous Trench are back — and they’re hungry!

    WONDER WOMAN #16
    Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
    Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • Wonder Woman and her half brother Milan must grapple with the dangerous New God known as Orion!
    • What strange alliance has the terrifying First Born made?

    THE FLASH #16
    Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO
    Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
    1:25 Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • The Flash takes Grodd into the Speed Force in a last-ditch effort to defeat the mad gorilla! And…he loses?!
    • Plus: The Rogues, the introduction of a major villain and a look at the one and only date between Barry Allen and Iris West in The New 52!

    GREEN ARROW #16
    Written by ANN NOCENTI
    Art by FREDDIE E. WILLIAMS II and ROB HUNTER
    Cover by BILL SIENKIEWICZ
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • Green Arrow must liberate Seattle’s waterfront from the grip of Harrow, a thug who’s running guns into the city!
    • Things may seem dire for Green Arrow as he loses his grip on his town and his company — but if he’s going down, he’s going down fighting!

    THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN #16
    Written by DAN JURGENS
    Art and cover by DAN JURGENS and RAY McCARTHY
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • Firestorm is Public Enemy #1!
    • Ronnie and Jason weren’t exactly getting along before their super-powered alias became a fugitive, so this won’t help matters at all!
    • And to make things much worse, Firestorm has been targeted by N.O.W.H.E.R.E.!

    DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #16
    Written by MARC ANDREYKO
    Art by ROBSON ROCHA and OCLAIR ALBERT
    Cover by RYAN SOOK
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • It’s the finale of the Black Lightning/Blue Devil team-up — and someone’s going to pay a terrible price!
    • Is Blue Devil a man in a suit — or a true demon?
    • Black Lightning faces off against the hellfire-enhanced gangsters of Tobias Whale!

    THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #16
    Written by FRANK TIERI
    Art and cover by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • “HAWKMAN: WANTED” crashed to its conclusion!
    • Carter Hall can’t escape his past!
    • Two worlds collide — with Hawkman caught in the middle!

    EARTH 2 #8
    Written by JAMES ROBINSON
    Art by YILDIRAY CINAR
    Cover by YILDIRAY CINAR and ART THIBERT
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by YILDIRAY CINAR and ART THIBERT
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • The alien war criminal Steppenwolf returns! It’s been five years since he lead the forces of Apokolips against Earth — learn what he’s been up to since then!
    • Plus: What is the dark secret behind the last Amazon of Earth 2?

    WORLDS’ FINEST #8
    Written by PAUL LEVITZ
    Art by KEVIN MAGUIRE, GEORGE PEREZ and SANDRA HOPE
    Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • Power Girl and Huntress have been searching for a connection to their world, Earth 2, for years, but now they’ve kicked a hornet’s nest of trouble — and the hunters become the hunted!

    Superman #16 Cover Slice

    Superman Group

    ACTION COMICS #16
    Written by GRANT MORRISON
    Backup story written by SHOLLY FISCH
    Art by RAGS MORALES and MARK PROPST
    Backup story art by CHRIS SPROUSE and KARL STORY
    Cover by RAGS MORALES
    Variant cover by PASCUAL FERRY
    1:100 B&W Variant cover by RAGS MORALES
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
    Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the Order Form for details.
    • The Man of Steel vs. the worst foe the multiverse has ever seen: Superdoom, a demon Superman from an alternate universe!
    • With the Little Man’s true identity revealed, learn more about his plan and why he hates Superman so much.
    • And in the backup story, a spotlight on a key moment from Superman’s climactic battle with the Anti-Superman Army!
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    SUPERMAN #16
    Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
    Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • The “H’EL ON EARTH” crossover event takes a shocking turn!
    • Guest-starring THE JUSTICE LEAGUE!
    • The Man of Steel leads Wonder Woman, Batman, Cyborg, the Flash and Superboy on the final assault on the Fortress of Solitude!
    • Can Superman stop H’El when Supergirl is standing in the way?

    SUPERBOY #16
    Written by TOM DeFALCO
    Art by R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN
    Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • The “H’EL ON EARTH” crossover event continues!
    • Don’t miss the assault on the Fortress of Solitude!
    • Superboy and Superman turn to the Justice League for help — to evict H’El from Superman’s own home!

    SUPERBOY ANNUAL #1
    Written by TOM DeFALCO
    Art by YVEL GUICHET
    by EDDIE BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
    • As the battle to stop H’El rages on, Superman learns the truth about just what Superboy is…But is it the whole truth?
    • Rose Wilson of The Ravagers crashes back into Superboy’s life — and she’s got some dangerous new ideas about his destiny!
    • And if you thought the drama between Superboy and Superman was intense…Just wait until Rose’s father enters the mix!

    SUPERGIRL #16
    Written by MIKE JOHNSON
    Art and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • The “H’EL ON EARTH” crossover event continues!
    • The assault on the Fortress of Solitude rages on!
    • Supergirl finds herself having to defend H’El from Superman, Superboy and the Justice League!

    Batman #16 - Joker Slice

    Batman Group

    TALON #4
    Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV
    Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH
    1:25 Variant cover by MIKE CHOI
    1:100 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
    • Talon battles his past and future in Metropolis!
    • Things are getting tense for Calvin Rose as he tries to escape Metropolis without losing the reason he left the Court of Owls in the first place. But standing in his way is one of the Court’s most lethal weapons!

    BATMAN #16
    Written by SCOTT SNYDER
    Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV
    Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION
    Backup story art by JOCK
    Cover by GREG CAPULLO
    Variant cover by AARON KUDER
    1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
    Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information.
    • “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues!
    • Batman heads into his showdown with The Joker as the madman’s plan is finally revealed – in Arkham Asylum!
    • It all lead’s into next month’s terrifying conclusion!
    • And in the backup story, in the midst of The Joker’s assault on Batman and his allies, get a secret glimpse into what started The Crown Prince of Crime on his horrifying journey!
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    BATMAN, INCORPORATED #7
    Written by GRANT MORRISON
    Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
    Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL
    1:00 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Combo pack edition: $3.99 US
    Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information.
    • The fight to reclaim Gotham City begins!
    • Batman, Inc., takes the offensive against Talia and Leviathan!
    • It’s Damian vs. Heretic — and if Damian loses, the city dies!
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    BATMAN AND ROBIN #16
    Written by PETER J. TOMASI
    Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues here!
    • Has The Joker broken Damian? Has Batman’s son met his fate at the hands of The Clown Prince of Crime?

    BATMAN AND ROBIN ANNUAL #1
    Written by PETER J. TOMASI
    Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES
    Cover by MIKE CHOI
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
    • Robin leads Batman on an unrelenting hunt across the globe for family secrets that promise to change them both forever.
    • If you think you know Bruce Wayne…think again!

    BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #16
    Written by GREGG HURWITZ
    Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • Welcome new series artist Ethan Van Sciver!
    • Do you dare journey into the twisted world of the Mad Hatter?
    • Batman has discovered a trail of bodies but no leads as he realizes that this is unlike any Mad Hatter case he’s seen before.

    DETECTIVE COMICS #16
    Written by JOHN LAYMAN
    Art and cover by JASON FABOK
    Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
    Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the Order Form for details.
    • A “Death of the Family” tie-in issue!
    • As The Joker continues to wreak havoc on The Dark Knight and his allies, Batman is forced to cut a deal with The Penguin…one that will come back to haunt both of them when a new villain interferes!
    • And in the backup story, Ignatius Ogivly usurps The Penguin’s throne and decides to lead the underworld crimelords in The Penguin’s place!
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    BATGIRL #16
    Written by GAIL SIMONE
    Art and cover by ED BENES
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues here!
    • In this issue you are invited to the wedding of Barbara Gordon and The Joker!
    • The entire Gordon family is on hand for the most terrifying nuptials of all time!

    BATWOMAN #16
    Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
    Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • This issue guest-stars everybody!
    • In this penultimate chapter, everything that’s been happening in BATWOMAN comes to a head!
    • Plus, a new hero is introduced, and Wonder Woman fights monsters!

    CATWOMAN #16
    Written by ANN NOCENTI
    Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • Catwoman is possessed by the power of Eclipso!
    • Selina may be able to fight her way out of the Black Room, but what will be left of her soul if she does?
    • And find out the shocking identity of the person who hired Catwoman to steal the diamond in the first place!

    BIRDS OF PREY #16
    Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
    Art and cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • The team gets a deadly new member in the form of Strix, a former Talon from the Court of Owls!
    • Who is she and what does her appearance mean for the rest of the Birds?
    • Plus: Something goes terribly wrong for Black Canary…

    BATWING #16
    Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
    Art by ALLAN JEFFERSON
    Cover by SIMON BISLEY
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • David refuses one bribe too many, and now the police have issued a hit on him!
    • It’s Batwing vs. the correct police force of Tinasha!
    • Can Batwing save his alter ego and the innocents who may be caught in the crossfire?

    NIGHTWING #16
    Written by KYLE HIGGINS
    Art by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
    Cover by EDDY BARROWS
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!
    • After the shocking events of last issue, it didn’t seem like things could get much worse for Nightwing, but when The Joker’s involved that’s never a safe bet!
    • Dick’s past is about to burn down around him – literally!

    RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #16
    Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
    Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II
    Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” continues here!
    • Ties in to this month’s TEEN TITANS #16!
    • Tim Drake and Jason Todd have to survive a confrontation with The Joker and stop their respective teams from killing each other.
    • Considering how well they have worked together in the past, that shouldn’t be a problem, right? RIGHT?

    Green Lantern #16 Cover Slice

    Green Lantern Group

    GREEN LANTERN #16
    Written by GEOFF JOHNS
    Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
    Cover by DOUG MAHNKE
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by DOUG MAHNKE
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Combo pack edition: $3.99 US
    Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • “RISE OF THE THIRD ARMY” marches toward its conclusion as Simon Baz meets his fellow Green Lantern for the first time, just as the Corps teeters on absolute destruction!
    • The Guardians of the Universe make their next move exploiting the power of the First Lantern.
    • Plus: What’s happened to Hal Jordan and Sinestro since they’ve been sucked into the Dead Zone?
    • The end of the Guardians’ control over the Corps is near as we prepare for the next big epic!
    This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

    RED LANTERNS #16
    Written by PETER MILLIGAN
    Art and cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • “RISE OF THE THIRD ARMY” continues!
    • As battle lines are drawn, Atrocitus raises an army of unimaginable power…and it’s not the Red Lanterns!
    • More tension builds between Bleez and Rankorr while on their mission to Earth!
    • Plus: What is Dex-Starr’s quest?

    GREEN LANTERN CORPS ANNUAL #1
    Written by PETER J. TOMASI
    Art and cover by CHRISCROSS
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
    •“RISE OF THE THIRD ARMY” ends here!
    • Thanks to the Third Army, the Guardians have shut down the Green Lantern Corps!
    • Everything from the GREEN LANTERN comics from the past few months has been building to this.
    • Get ready for a go-for-broke ending, which sets up the next great GREEN LANTERN event!

    GREEN LANTERN CORPS #16
    Written by PETER J. TOMASI
    Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA
    Cover by CAFU
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by CAFU
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • “RISE OF THE THIRD ARMY” continues!
    • All hell is breaking loose as John and Fatality battle the Third Army and the Guardians unleash horror on Oa!
    • And not to be left out of the mayhem and chaos, Guy Gardner breaks out of jail — with a little help from Earth’s newest Green Lantern, Simon Baz!

    GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #16
    Written by TONY BEDARD
    Art and cover by AARON KUDER
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by AARON KUDER
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • “RISE OF THE THIRD ARMY” continues!
    • As Kyle Rayner begins to master the spectrum of Lantern powers, the Third Army attacks!

    GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS ANNUAL #1
    Written by KEITH GIFFEN
    Art by SCOTT KOLINS and ANDREI BRESSAN
    Cover by SCOTT KOLINS
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
    • By a Green Lantern — betrayed!
    • A mission to recruit allies against the unstoppable Third Army goes horribly wrong when Jediah Caul, a deep-cover GL, shows his true colors!
    • This issue leads directly into the new epic THE HUNTED, featured in the new series THRESHOLD, also in January!

    Sword of Sorcery Cover #4

    THE PHANTOM STRANGER #4
    Written by DAN DIDIO
    Art by BRENT ANDERSON and PHILIP TAN
    Cover by BRENT ANDERSON
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRENT ANDERSON
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
    • John Constantine and Justice League Dark are about to learn the hard way why it’s never a good idea to make the Phantom Stranger angry!
    • But why do the defenders against the dark arts need the Stranger’s presence in the first place?

    SWORD OF SORCERY #4
    Written by CHRISTY MARX
    Backup story written by MARC ANDREYKO
    Guest art by TRAVIS MOORE
    Backup story art by ANDREI BRESSAN
    Cover by WALTER SIMONSON
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by WALTER SIMONSON
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
    • Amaya travels home to Earth from Gemworld only to find new trouble! What will happen to her powers when she becomes Amy Winston again?
    • Guest-starring John Constantine!
    • And in the new backup story, enter a world of modern magic and terror with Stalker, the man without a soul!

    ANIMAL MAN #16
    Written by JEFF LEMIRE
    Art by STEVE PUGH, TIMOTHY GREEN II and JOSEPH SILVER
    Cover by STEVE PUGH
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • “ROTWORLD: THE RED KINGDOM” part four!
    • Animal Man has Constantine, Steel, Black Orchid, Beast Boy, Frankenstein and a whole army of patchwork men and women at his back — but is that enough to go up against Anton Arcane at the heart of the Rot?
    • Team Red sets off for Metropolis to recruit a powerful new ally!

    SWAMP THING #16
    Written by SCOTT SNYDER
    Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • “ROTWORLD: THE GREEN KINGDOM” races toward its epic conclusion!
    • It’s Swamp Thing vs. Rotmonster as Superman as Arcane’s ultimate plan is revealed!
    • What sacrifice must Swamp Thing make to cleanse the Earth of the Rot?
    • And what secret did Batman leave behind in the ruins of Gotham City?

    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #16
    Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES
    Art and by MIKEL JANIN
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • The team is trapped on a magic-less planet that makes a horrible mockery of their powers!
    • With time running out, Tim Hunter may be the team’s last chance to escape…if Steve Trevor doesn’t seal their fate first!
    • Keep an eye out for a new character based on a winning design from SyFy’s popular show Face Off!

    FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #16
    Written by MATT KINDT
    Art and cover by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and WAYNE FAUCHER
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
    • Don’t miss this final issue finale!
    • Frankenstein and his team of misfit S.H.A.D.E. agents are sent in to stop a group of superpowered biological terrorists from detonating a
    dirty bomb in Central City!

    DIAL H #8
    Written by CHINA MIEVILLE
    Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and DAN GREEN
    Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • The Centipede creeps in and strikes!
    • Nelson and Roxie are on the trail to unlock the mysteries of the H-dial while being stalked by the mysterious Centipede, who may have the answers they are looking for…and his own dark and deadly motivations.
    • Everything combusts when Flame War appears and ignites a confrontation that must be read to be believed!

    DEMON KNIGHTS #16
    Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
    Art by BERNARD CHANG
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • It’s the DC debut of new writer Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar, The Surrogates)!
    • It’s been thirty years since the Demon Knights last rode together — and they’re less than happy to see each other!
    • What has happened during this time? Who lives? Who’s dead? Who’s going to stop the massive vampire invasion that threatens all life? The Demon Knights had better find some answers fast!

    I, VAMPIRE #16
    Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
    Art by DENNIS CALERO
    Cover by ALEX GARNER
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • The true origin of vampires in The New 52 is revealed here through the life and times of Cain!
    • Andrew’s plans as King of Vampires are coming together, and that’s not good for humanity.

    Team 7 Cover #4

    The Edge Group

    TEAM 7 #4
    Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
    Art by JESUS MERINO
    Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Order Form for details.
    • At last, it’s the secret origin of Deathstroke!
    • The team clashes with Eclipso – and Slade Wilson!
    • Witness the beginnings of the Black Room from Justice League!

    THRESHOLD #1
    Written by KEITH GIFFEN
    Art by TOM RANEY
    Backup story art by SCOTT KOLINS
    Cover by HOWARD PORTER and JOHN DELL
    1:100 Variant cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
    • Introducing THE HUNTED, spinning directly out of this month’s GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS ANNUAL #1!
    • Featuring the New 52 gallery of space heroes: The Star Rovers, Star Hawkins, Space Cabbie, Tom Tomorrow, Captain K’Rot, and Star Ranger!
    • Also introducing Jediah Caul, a disgraced Green Lantern stripped of his power ring, who is hunted for sport on a televised reality show!•
    • LARFLEEZE steals the spotlight in his first ongoing series of backup stories! What happens when Larfleeze, the ultimate hoarder, is robbed…of everything!

    DEATHSTROKE #16
    Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
    Art and cover by SCOTT CLARK
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • The sins of the father come back to haunt Slade — now, tremble before the might of Jericho!

    ALL-STAR WESTERN #16
    Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
    Art by MORITAT
    Backup story art by PHIL WINSLADE
    Cover by WALTER SIMONSON
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+
    • Hex is being driven mad as he recuperates at Dr. Arkham’s house, where he meets more of the Arkham family than anyone would ever want to — until an uninvited guest drops by, and it’s an all-out brawl as Hex tries to take Hyde out and get the Black Diamond!
    • And in the backup story, Tomahawk leads a gathering of Native American tribes in a final stand to protect their homeland.

    GRIFTER #16
    Written by FRANK TIERI
    Art by MARAT MYCHAELS and DAVE BEATY
    Cover by SCOTT CLARK
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
    • The conspiracy surrounding Cole Cash has unraveled — and you won’t believe who stands at the center of it all!

    STORMWATCH #16
    Written by PETER MILLIGAN
    Art and cover by WILL CONRAD
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • Midnighter must die!
    • The unthinkable happens when StormWatch’s mission to capture the renegade Midnighter turns into an assassination plot!
    • Don’t miss the stunning (and permanent) transformation of a StormWatch member!

    BLUE BEETLE #16
    Written by TONY BEDARD
    Art by MARCIO TAKARA
    Cover by FREDDIE E. WILLIAMS II
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
    • This final-issue epic leads into the new DCU series THRESHOLD!
    • Blue Beetle is betrayed!
    • What is “The Hunted”?
    • The secrets of Sky Witness’s origin are revealed!

    SUICIDE SQUAD #16
    Written by ADAM GLASS
    Art by HENRIK JOHNSON and SANDU FLOREA
    Cover by KEN LASHLEY
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
    • After a torturous few missions, the team resets under Amanda Waller’s watch.
    • Something is terribly wrong under the surface: power plays, ulterior motives, malfunctioning powers and team members who won’t stay dead? What’s going on?

    TEEN TITANS #16
    Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
    Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH
    1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.
    • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in!
    • Our heroes learn a lesson they’ll never forget as Arsenal takes control in Red Robin’s absence!
    • Mirroring the events of RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #16, Jason Todd and Tim Drake must rely on each other to survive The Joker’s attack!
    • Plus: It’s the return of Raven!

    THE RAVAGERS #8
    Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
    Art by IG GUARA and NORM RAPMUND
    Cover by PATRICK GLEASON and TOM NGUYEN
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • Welcome new series writer Michael Alan Nelson (Fall of Cthulhu, 28 Days Later)!
    • Rose Wilson and Warblade are hunting a rogue Ravager when it accidentally infects an entire community!
    • What happens here will affect their future with the Colony forever!

    LEGION LOST #16
    Written by TOM DeFALCO
    Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and MARK IRWIN
    Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
    • Superboy and The Ravagers guest-star!
    • In order to save billions of lives, the Lost Legionnaires must decide if they are willing to sacrifice millions when they detonate a bomb that will destroy the alien machine from Daggor!
    • Plus, more on the origin of Harvest!

    LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #16
    Written by PAUL LEVITZ
    Art by SCOTT KOLINS
    Cover by STEVE LIGHTLE
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • Political tension builds as the next Legion Election is on the horizon!
    • The Legion is about to have a new leader…and the Fatal Five is about to return!
    • Validus escapes from his inescapable prison!

    INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US #1

    Beyond DC Comics

    DC COMICS ARROW #3
    Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM and ANDREW KREISBERG
    Art by MIKE GRELL, SERGIO SANDOVAL and JORGE JIMENEZ
    Cover by PHIL HESTER
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    • The first time in print for these digital first adventures, based on the CW TV show!
    • In this action-packed issue, The Arrow continues his crusade against the underworld of Starling City!
    • But Oliver’s resolve is tested as his secret identity puts him at odds with those closest to him…

    AME-COMI GIRLS #4: FEATURING POWER GIRL
    Written by JUSTN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
    Art by MIKE BOWDEN
    Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    • The first time in print for these digital-first stories.
    • Part 4 of the first Ame-Comi story line!
    • An all-female Manhunter force is out to destroy Power Girl!
    • Plus: A long-lost relative arrives in Kansas.

    HUMAN BOMB #2
    Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
    Art and cover by JERRY ORDWAY
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, 2 of 4, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • John discovers the secrets of his metahuman gene.
    • Who are the Men in Black?

    JSA: LIBERTY FILES – THE WHISTLING SKULL #2
    Written by B. CLAY MOORE
    Art and cover by TONY HARRIS
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, 2 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • The previous Whistling Skull vanished in Japan, but where is his body?
    • Back in Nazi-occupied Europe, the mystery of the missing villagers deepens.
    • And Nigel and William encounter an eerie sideshow at Der Karneval.

    BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #12
    Written by ADAM BEECHEN, J.T. KRUL, DUSTIN NGUYEN and DEREK FRIDOLFS
    Art by HOWARD PORTER, LIVESAY, NORM BREYFOGLE and BEN CALDWELL
    Cover by HOWARD PORTER and LIVESAY
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    • The first time in print for these digital-first stories.
    • The penultimate chapter of the “10,000 Clowns” Batman Beyond epic is here!
    • Don’t miss the Beyond debuts of not one but TWO legendary DC characters! (Here’s a hint: one of them is Lobo—because he’d want you to know, anyway.)
    • Plus: A look at Barda’s origin from guest artist Ben Caldwell!

    BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED #10
    Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS
    Art by BRUNO REDONDO and DAVID LOPEZ
    Cover by DAVE WILKINS
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 40 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
    • The first time in print for these digital-first stories based on the hit video game Batman: Arkham City.
    • The Penguin recruits Deadshot to end his rivalry with The Joker!
    • The origin of Deadshot is revealed!

    LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #4
    Written by T.J. FIXMAN, ANDREW DABB and JONATHAN LARSEN
    Art by CHRISTOPHER MITTEN, GIORGIO PONTRELLI and TAN ENG HUAT
    Cover by JHEREMY RAAPACK
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    • The first time in print for these digital-first stories.
    • There’s a new crime fighter in town, and he’s captured The Joker!
    • When a new Batman movie begins filming in Gotham City, it brings out the crazies—literally!
    • Plus: Two-Face unveils his most diabolical plan yet!

    SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 #9
    Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER • Art by JORGE JIMENEZ
    Cover by SCOTT KOLINS
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
    • The first time in print for these digital-first stories.
    • An old friend returns to the series with a new look. What terrible secret is he carrying?
    • The secret of “Earth Two” Chloe is revealed.

    JOE KUBERT PRESENTS #4
    Written and illustrated by JOE KUBERT, SAM GLANZMAN and BRIAN BUNIAK
    Cover by JOE KUBERT
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 48 pg, no interior ads, FC, 4 of 6, $4.99 US • RATED T
    • The Redeemer heads out West for a post-Civil War adventures and encounters Firehair!
    • Sam Glanzman’s experiences aboard the U.S.S. Stevens take off on a mystical tangent, and Angel and the Ape return in a brawl!

    Fairest #11

    Vertigo

    DJANGO UNCHAINED #3
    Based on the screenplay by QUENTIN TARANTINO
    Art by R.M. GUERA and JASON LATOUR
    Cover by MASSIMO CARNEVALE
    1:25 Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH
    On sale JANUARY 30 • 48 pg, FC, 3 of 5, $4.99 US • MATURE READERS
    Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Order Form for details.
    • The adaptation of the screenplay for award-winning director Quentin Tarantino’s latest film continues!
    • This is the only way to read the entire, uncut story, including scenes that may not appear in final film!
    • Django and Dr. Schultz search for Django’s wife and encounter a ruthless plantation owner!

    FABLES #125
    Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
    Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM and STEVE LEIALOHA
    Cover by MARK BUCKINGHAM
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
    So Snow White is finally getting an arc of FABLES named after her? That’s too bad, since it always means the title character is about to be put through the ringer. And she has to go through these trials and tribulations alone, because Bigby is off learning to drive (which leads to its own harrowing implications). But she’s made of pretty stern stuff, our Snow, and she’s never been a wilting flower in the face of adversity, so let’s see what she’s made of.

    FAIREST #11
    Written by LAUREN BEUKES
    Art by INAKI MIRANDA
    Cover by ADAM HUGHES
    On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
    Dark history and high court intrigue are revealed as Rapunzel hatches a desperate plan to steal Tomoko’s soulfire back from the conniving shogun Ryogan. There’s murder, scheming, poisonings, safe-cracking, vengeful ghosts, treachery revealed in porcelain and a terrible, bloody invasion.

    SAUCER COUNTRY #11
    Written by PAUL CORNELL
    Art by MIRKO COLAK
    Cover by RYAN KELLY
    On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
    Michael desperately needs to know what’s causing him to slip between different realities. To save his sanity, he and Arcadia must return to the places of his childhood, and survive a terrifying encounter with “The Things at The Bottom of The Garden.” Don’t miss the done-in-one tale featuring art by Mirko Colak (Conan)!

    THE UNWRITTEN #45
    Written by MIKE CAREY
    Art and cover by PETER GROSS
    Cover by YUKO SHIMIZU
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
    As the old stories die, new stories wake and stretch – without Leviathan to rein them in. And detective Didge Patterson gets pulled into a messy homicide case that brings together a strange, young boy with a wicked imagination, a pack of zombies and one very hungry vampire journalist.

    HELLBLAZER #299
    Written by PETER MILLIGAN
    Art by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI and STEFANO LANDINI
    Cover by SIMON BISLEY
    On sale JANUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
    In part 2 of “Death and Cigarettes,” it’s the funeral to end all funerals! Epiphany finds herself alone, in basic black, mourning the loss of her husband, urban occultist John Constantine.

  • Graphic Bits: Batman #13, AvX Consequences, Uncanny Avengers, Point of Impact, Halloween Eve and More!

    Graphic Bits: Batman #13, AvX Consequences, Uncanny Avengers, Point of Impact, Halloween Eve and More!

    Don’t have time for full reviews of comics? Then check out Graphic Bits: bite sized chunks of comic book goodness designed to get behind the panels and into your hearts.

    This week (10 October 2012), Batman #13 begins a new saga with the Joker, we get not one but two immediate spin-offs from Avengers Vs. X-Men as Marvel NOW! launches with AvX: Consequences #1 and the highly publicised Uncanny Avengers #1. Image tricks and treats us early with the oversized holiday one-shot Halloween Eve, and robots versus vampires in Transfusion! Plus a bunch of other titles that have grabbed our attention this week.

    Don’t forget to listen to Behind the Panels, our weekly comic book podcast, as well.


    AvX: Consequences #1 (of 5)MarvelKieron Gillen (writer), Tom Raney (artist)

    AvX: Consequences #1 CoverIf you are going to take on the Phoenix Force and blow up cities, there will be consequences. This series is something of an anomaly, being a direct continuation of the events of Avengers Vs. X-Men, but also serving as a supplement to this week’s Uncanny Avengers (see below). It’s a solid opening, and it touches on those elements you’d actually want to see: Wakanda’s devastation and newfound hatred of mutants, Cyclops becoming “just another prisoner” thanks to a new mutant control technique, Hope finding meaning in her life, especially good scenes between Captain America and Wolverine working things out and the hunt for the remaining mutant fugitives. It also sets up the broader implications of a sudden resurgence in the mutant population. Should be a great mini-series, but it could have also served as a backup story in the pages Uncanny Avengers.

    Bits Rating:  ★★★½


    Batman #13 – DC ComicsScott Snyder and James Tynion IV (writers), Greg Capullo (artist)

    Batman #13 - Mask/Gatefold coverSnyder and Tynion already have our vote for the best crossover event of the year, and this is one of the few instances where we welcome another crossover almost immediately following. After a brief and excellent character piece in #12 (See: review), and the origins of #0 notwithstanding, the dynamic writing duo bring us into the next big Bat-event of 2012 with the return of The Joker. The wider arc, which will mostly run through the #14s and #15s of the Batman titles, is called “Death of the Family”, and the implication is that it will be taken up a notch from the infamous Batman: A Death in the Family arc of 1988-1989. With the Joker absent from the Newish 52 since the debut of Detective Comics #1 in September last year, the body count could definitely pile up with an even more sinister Joker making an appearance here. Some of the best moments come in the conversations between Batman and Jim Gordon, both admitting to an unshakable fear that they can’t allow their comrades to see. Weaving in elements see in Suicide Squad‘s Harley Quinn,  Capullo’s art continues to be one of the book’s other strong points, here conveying the bloody mayhem of Joker without actually showing him very much. A good thing too, as he seems to be running around with his face strapped on with a belt. If you could judge a book by its cover, then the latest issue is the best book ever if the gatefold Joker mask cover is anything to go by. Pick this up just because it reeks of cool.

    Bits Rating:  ★★★★½ – PICK OF THE WEEK


    Halloween Eve #1Image Comics, Brandon Montclare (writer), Amy Reeder (artist)

    Halloween Eve (Image Comics)We really should have more comics like this one. Just a simple one-shot that tells an equally simple tale of finding oneself on the eve of All Hallow’s while working in a costume shop. Image Comics have proven all year that they are willing to take a chance on new properties and concepts, be it through mini-series or great successes in Saga and Fatale. Riding on the cache of and Batwoman, Reeder’s art and Kickstarter campaign may have got this book off the ground, but it’s the kind of evergreen story that tends to find its way into comic stores seasonally. Monclare’s (Fear Itself: Fearsome Four) lightweight The Wizard of Oz inspired story is a delight, with the feisty character of Eve a bit of echidna: prickly on the outside, but adorable once you get to know her. Her magical transformation border on rom-com territory, but it’s a welcome reprieve from capes and sagas, especially for those who don’t feel as though they’re ready to submit to Archie just yet.  At the $3.99 (US) price point, it’s a really high-quality glossy 36+ page affair that comes complete with sketches and other commentary. Worth a look.

    Bits Rating:  ★★★½


    The Phantom Stranger #1DC Comics, Dan Didio (writer), Brent Anderson (artist)

    The Phantom Stranger #1 CoverLast month, DC dropped The Phantom Stranger #0 alongside several other titles that effectively form the Third Wave of the New 52 in just over 12 months. After the contrived origin story in the zero issue, following on from his Judas Iscariot introduction in the New 52 FCBD book, Didio gets stuck into the meat of his recipe this time out, and it is far more satisfying. One of the central issues that Didio will have to face over the coming months is the fact that the titular Stranger is a bit of a dick. He’s cold and emotionless, dragging the runaway daughter of the demon Trigon back to his waiting arms because it’s supposed to be good for her. Yet Didio also shows early promise by using this preconception to his advantage, and pulling the rug out from under us in the final pages with a shocking reveal. The character is a hard sell, certainly due to the heavy religious connotations of The Voice and the instructions from above, but the promise of more information about Pandora (the mysterious woman in red) might mean that this is one of those books we just have to read to find out what is behind this whole Newish 52 shockwave. Anderson’s artwork is bang-on too, distinguishing itself with its atmospheric realism. We’ll check back next month, which we guess is the ultimate test.

    Bits Rating:  ★★


    Point of Impact #1 (of 4)Image Comics, Jay Faerber (writer), Koray Kuranel (artist)

    Point of Impact #1Jay Faerber has been in the comics industry since the late 1990s, working with at least every major publisher along the way, and with this Image Comics mini-series he aims to make a name for himself in the crime world. Reminiscent of the early work of Brian Michael Bendis, a style that has seen a resurgence in books like Andy Diggle’s Rat Catcher, it’s a beautiful black and white saga that also happens to be a very twisty mystery. It begins with the apparent suicide of a woman, but it soon looks like murder. Faerber then follows the three interconnecting lives of people who have been immediately impacted by her death: her husband, an investigative reporter; her lover, an ex-soldier; and her friend, a homicide detective. In this first issue alone, each of them have uncovered some major events, and we suspect it isn’t over yet. With three issues to go, how will this ever wrap up in time? Kuranel’s stark art is perfect for the story, something that Faerber lets shine with a minimal intrusion from speech bubbles or dialogue boxes.

    Bits Rating:  ★★


    Transfusion #1IDW, Steve Niles (writer), Menton3 (artist)

    Transfusion #1 CoverVampires versus robots. They’ve finally done it. Found the one of the few places vampires had yet to travel and exploited it. The nice thing is that it’s actually pretty good. Coming from Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), it is a relentlessly bleak vision of a future where robots that run on human blood have taken over, and so do the vampires that run amok. There are no frills to this story, and for the moment, it seems like it will be a straightforward survival story. What distinguishes the book is the artwork from menton3, a minimalist and nightmarish vision of the future that finds a depth of colour within its greys, browns, blacks and naturally, some splashes of red. It’s a chilling spectacle to behold, and once again there is a solid foundation being built here. There isn’t quite the depth of world-building that we would like to see at this early stage, but this looks like one that will reward patience. We’ll get back to you this time next month.

    Bits Rating:  ★★


    Uncanny Avengers #1Marvel, Rick Remender (writer), John Cassaday (artist)

    Uncanny Avengers #1 CoverThe massive flagship of the Marvel NOW! campaign, launching the latest era of Avengers and X-Men goodness. Perhaps the whole campaign was an excuse to put Wolverine in another book, but this is as strong an opening as Justice League was for the Newish 52. As we’ve said, it’s a companion to AvX: Consequences, but it’s more about team-building. Following the funeral of Charles Xavier (how many is that now?), Captain American attempts to recruit Alex Summers into The Avengers, while Rogue and Wanda have a catfight for much of the rest of the issue. This all leads to a pretty major villain reveal in the final page. It’s a terrific start, and exactly the sort of book that Marvel needs to sell this renumbering/re-evolution as something more than a marketing gimmick. The A-List team of Remender and Cassaday bring their A-game here, instantly making this a must-read for the foreseeable future. There are several variant covers for this too, and our hands-down favourite is Skottie Young‘s ‘Baby’ cover. She’s the queen of Marvel kawaii.

    Bits Rating:  ★★★★