This month, more series are sacrificed on the altar of an arbitrary number gimmick, and more rise to take their place.
Author: Niel Jacoby
Marvel Solicit Overviews: January 2013
In this series of solicits, we see the next wave of Marvel NOW! and the end of at least one series.
Solicit Overview, December 2012: DC/Vertigo
JUSTICE LEAGUE #15 Written by GEOFF JOHNS Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO Backup story art by GARY FRANK Variant cover by BILLY TUCCI 1:25 “Throne of Atlantis” Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS 1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO On sale DECEMBER 26 • 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 more information. • Part 1 of “THRONE OF ATLANTIS,” crossing over with AQUAMAN! • Don’t miss the debut of IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO (AQUAMAN) as the new JUSTICE LE AGUE art team! • Can the Justice League band together to battle the forces of Atlantis? • And in the backup feature, Shazam comes face to face with Black Adam, and Billy makes a decision that will shock his friends! This issue’s 1:25 “Throne of Atlantis” Variant cover connects with the AQUAMAN #15 1:25 “Throne of Atlantis” Variant cover to form a single image. This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
AQUAMAN #15 Written by GEOFF JOHNS Art by ARDIAN SYAF Cover by EDDIE BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA 1:25 B&W Variant cover by EDDIE BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA 1:25 “Throne of Atlantis” Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS “We Can Be Heroes” Blank variant cover available On sale DECEMBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format. • Crossover with JUSTICE LEAGUE! • Part 2 of “THRONE OF ATLANTIS!” • Atlantis invades the surface world! This issue’s 1:25 “Throne of Atlantis” Variant cover connects with the JUSTICE LEAGUE #15 1:25 “Throne of Atlantis” Variant cover to form a single image.
WONDER WOMAN #15 Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG 1:25 Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG On sale DECEMBER 19 • 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. • Who is Orion – and what are the New Gods?! • Massive changes are coming for Wonder Woman and the entire DC Universe! • Get ready for round 1 of Wonder Woman vs. Orion!
I love a well-done reflection cover, and the way you can see that Wonder Woman is reflecting off the curvature of Orion’s helmet just makes this such a good use of that sort of cover type.
THE FLASH #15 Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL 1:25 B&W Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL On sale JANUARY 2 • 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. • Flash forward in time as Barry Allen goes to extreme measures to defeat Grodd! • Barry uses the Speed Mind to glimpse the future, and things are not looking good for him and the Rogues. • And that’s before things get much, much worse!
THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #15 Plotted by ROB LIEFELD Scripted by FRANK TIERI Art and cover by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • “HAWKMAN: WANTED” continues! • Hawkman is a fugitive – and everybody wants to kill him for his Nth Metal Armor. Good thing Carter’s always ready for a fight! • Guest-starring Deathstroke!
DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #15 Written by MARC ANDREYKO Art by ROBSON ROCHA and OCLAIR ALBERT Cover by RYAN SOOK On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • The New Black and Blue team-up of Blue Devil and Black Lightning continues! • Blue Devil’s suit is the source of his power, and it’s out of control! • Black Lightning has to stop him…hey, maybe killing him will do the trick!
EARTH 2 #7 Written by JAMES ROBINSON Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO 1:25 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS On sale DECEMBER 5 • 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 form • Who is Hawkgirl? The secret is revealed! • Mr. Terrific makes his first appearance on Earth 2 since he left our world! • Don’t miss the aftermath of “THE GRUNDY APOCALYPSE!”
WORLDS’ FINEST #7 Written by PAUL LEVITZ Art by KEVIN MAGUIRE, GEORGE PEREZ and SCOTT KOBLISH Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE 1:25 B&W Variant cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE On sale DECEMBER 5 • 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. • Robin begrudgingly helps Huntress track down the threat to Wayne Enterprises, but little do they realize that threat is actually tracking them! • Meanwhile, Power Girl continues to explore the connection between Earth 2, Apokolips and this Earth, only to find herself in a stand-off with…a bunch of heavily armed 10-year-olds?!
GREEN ARROW #15 Written by ANN NOCENTI Art by FREDDIE E. WILLIAMS II and ROB HUNTER Cover by AARON LOPRESTI On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • Ollie begins a downward spiral as he slowly loses everything! • Betrayed and alone after the loss of Q-Corps, can the Emerald Archer hold on to his arsenal?
I’m an utter mark for integrating copy text into the background on covers.
THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN #15 Written by DAN JURGENS Art and cover by DAN JURGENS and RAY McCARTHY On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • Firestorm vs. Captain Atom! • Two of the most powerful heroes in the universe go head to head, and things are going to EXPLODE! • Don’t miss this issue’s shocking conclusion as the first hints of a disturbing new force in the DCU are seen!
ACTION COMICS #15 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 FIONA STAPLES 1:100 B&W Variant cover by RAGS MORALES On sale DECEMBER 5 • 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. • Superman is on trial for his life – and the jury is the Anti-Superman Army! It’s the ultimate villains springing the ultimate trap at the end of time itself! • And the mystery that has built since issue #1 is resolved as the Little Man’s true identity is revealed – with grave consequences! • Plus, in the backup feature: A crucial piece of information is revealed! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
SUPERMAN #15 Written by SCOTT LOBDELL Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT 1:25 Variant cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT On sale JANUARY 2 • 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 continues! • Superman, Supergirl and Superboy are together at last! And it’s a disaster! • Superman and Supergirl have very different opinions on how to confront H’EL! And in order to stop a Kryptonian, Kal-El must seek help from Lex Luthor, the one person who does nothing but think about that!
SUPERGIRL #15 Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSON Art and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • The “H’EL ON EARTH” crossover event continues! • H’el takes Supergirl on a whirlwind tour of Earth and even space, all in an attempt to sway her to his cause. • On the surface of the sun, Supergirl must make a choice: Earth or H’el?
SUPERBOY #15 Written by TOM DeFALCO Art R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • The “H’EL ON EARTH” crossover event continues! • The moment is finally here: Superboy and Superman, face to face! • With Superboy dying from the wounds H’el inflicted on him, they may not have time for a heart-to-heart!
TALON #3 Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH 1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE 1:00 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH On sale JANUARY 2 • 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’s secret history in Manhattan is explored while Calvin Rose searches for an important figure from his past. • Plus, what is the mysterious organization that has ties to Talon?
BATMAN, INCORPORATED #6 Written by GRANT MORRISON Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM Variant cover by JUAN JOSE RYP 1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T Combo pack edition: $3.99 US Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format. • Bat-Robots versus Man-Bat armies as Leviathan takes control of Gotham City! • Don’t miss the return of The Heretic! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
BATMAN #15 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 GREG CAPULLO 1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO On sale DECEMBER 12 • 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 here! • The Joker’s attacks have taken their toll on Batman and his allies, and now they have to face the impossible. • The final madness of The Joker’s plan revealed here! Why is he more dangerous now than ever before? • Plus: In the backup feature, witness The Joker’s confrontation with the Riddler as the horror of The Joker’s plan is revealed. This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
Capullo really should have done all the Death Of The Family covers. It would have allowed him to put some sort of recurring motif or conceptual continuity across them. It also would have prevented that whole “Batgirl cover blows that the new Joker is basically the old Joker with his face Mankinded on” thing.
DETECTIVE COMICS #15 Written by JOHN LAYMAN Art by JASON FABOK Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE Cover by GREG CAPULLO 1:25 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO On sale DECEMBER 5 • 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 more information. • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! • What has The Joker done with The Penguin? • Guest-starring Poison Ivy and Clayface! • Plus: In the backup story, learn the secret way to make it as a super criminal in Gotham City. This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #15 Written by GREGG HURWITZ Art and cover by DAVID FINCH 1:25 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH On sale JANUARY 2 • 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. • Batman’s final fight with Scarecrow is here! • The Dark Knight has been drugged and beaten, but now he’s going to stop Scarecrow’s plans as he takes to the skies over Gotham City!
This is kind of a clever way to do the whole “villain and hero playin chess with the city on the line” kind of thing, but the whole chess thing is kind of undercut by the sheer laziness of having the city just sort of placed on top of a normal chessboard. It could have had them using buildings as chess pieces, with Wayne Tower standing out, to really show a threat. Cred where cred’s due, though, I do like the design for Scarecrow here.
BATMAN AND ROBIN #15 Written by PETER J. TOMASI Art by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY Cover by GREG CAPULLO On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T. • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! • Damian vs. The Joker! • Has The Joker finally met a Robin as dangerous as he is? Or will The Clown Prince of Crime claim another of Batman’s allies as his victim?
Holy shit, I just realized that the smile here makes a Bat-symbol.
BATGIRL #15 Written by GAIL SIMONE Art and cover by ED BENES On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! • With so many funerals planned, The Joker decides it’s time for a wedding! • Barbara’s first confrontation with The Joker since he shot her is coming to a horrifying conclusion!
I guess this crossover gave cover artists… card blanche … to create visually interesting covers.
BATWOMAN #15 Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN Art by TREVOR McCARTHY Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III 1:25 Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III On sale DECEMBER 19 • 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 Batwoman/Wonder Woman team-up continues! • The action is out of control as Bones, Chase, the DEO, Abbot and the Religion of Crime all descend on Gotham City to take part in the fight against Medusa! • And then at the end of the issue the all-new…ah…we can’t tell you but it’s awesome!
She is just sick and tired of these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking cover.
BATWING #15 Written by FABIAN NICIEZA Art by MARCUS TO and RYAN WINN Cover by MARCUS TO On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • Batwing and Dawn battle Father Lost in the streets of Tinasha! • Father Lost’s new powers are proving too much for Batwing and his new ally…time for a last ditch effort that might just get them both killed!
BIRDS OF PREY #15 Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI Art and cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US• RATED T • It’s shake-up time as the team loses one member and gains a new one! • Meanwhile, something strange is happening to Black Canary, and Starling’s not sure what to do about it. Is this a hint of darker things to come?
CATWOMAN #15 Written by ANN NOCENTI Art by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+. • Following her standoff against The Joker, Catwoman takes an easy job: stealing Eclipso’s Black Diamond from The Black Room! • The diamond’s power rises with the full moon…like on the night Catwoman sets out to take it!
I’m really excited for the rest of Nocenti’s Catwoman run, after reading the 0 issue.
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #15 Written by SCOTT LOBDELL Art by TIMOTHY GREEN II Cover by GREG CAPULLO On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! • Red Hood and Red Robin team up against The Joker! • Teen Titans vs. The Outlaws!
NIGHTWING #15 Written by KYLE HIGGINS Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! • The Joker strikes Haly’s Circus – and Nightwing can’t stop a devastating murder.
GREEN LANTERN #15 Written by GEOFF JOHNS Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY 1:25 B&W Variant cover by DOUG MAHNKE On sale DECEMBER 5 • 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” continues! • Earth’s new Green Lantern meets Guy Gardner for the first time…and possibly the last! • The Third Army attacks! • And where are Hal and Sinestro? This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15 Written by PETER J. TOMASI Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY 1:25 B&W Variant cover by TREVOR McCARTHY On sale DECEMBER 12 • 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! • Guy Gardner loses it – again! • Much more is revealed about the Guardians’ plans to eradicate the Green Lantern Corps and anything that stands in their way.
GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #15 Written by TONY BEDARD Art and cover by AARON KUDER 1:25 B&W Variant cover by AARON KUDER On sale DECEMBER 19 • 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! • What do you have to do to get the greedy Orange Lantern Larfleeze to share his power? • When the Third Army attacks, Larfleeze does the unthinkable and helps Kyle Rayner attempt to wield the orange power of avarice! • How can Kyle hold up his end of the bargain he struck with Larfleeze?
RED LANTERNS #15 Written by PETER MILLIGAN Art and cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA 1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA On sale JANUARY 2 • 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! • Atrocitus battles the Manhunters in the ultimate grudge match! • Rankorr learns the true cost of his rage!
THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3 Written by DAN DIDIO Art by BRENT ANDERSON and PHILIP TAN Cover by BRENT ANDERSON 1:25 Variant cover by PHILIP TAN On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information. • The Stranger vs. Haunted Highwayman vs. Dr. 13! • The Stranger’s curse dictates that he must betray all those he encounters! Can he beat the odds this time? • The future and past of The New 52 collide in this issue!
SWORD OF SORCERY #3 Written by CHRISTY MARX Backup story written by TONY BEDARD Art and cover by AARON LOPRESTI Backup story art by JESUS SAIZ 1:25 Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM On sale DECEMBER 19 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information. • Amethyst finally meets her murderous Aunt Mordiel in person! But it turns out that Queen Graciel has secrets of her own. Will House Amethyst be further driven apart? • Plus: In the backup, story Beowulf leans the disturbing secret behind the war that ravaged the DC Universe!
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #15 Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES Art by MIKEL JANIN Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • A new story arc starts here! • Trapped in a technologically advanced dimension where magic is outlawed and magic users are hunted and executed, the team must find Zatanna and Tim Hunter within 48 hours or be trapped there forever! • Rules have never stopped this team before, but their attempts to use magic in this issue are met with terrifying results.
DIAL H #7 Written by CHINA MIEVILLE Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • A new storyline begins as Nelson and Manteau are off to Europe in search of a relic that might hold the answer to their secret powers! • Meanwhile, a powerful stranger arrives in Littleville to await their return.
ANIMAL MAN #15 Written by JEFF LEMIRE Art by STEVE PUGH, TIMOTHY GREEN II and JOSEPH SILVER Cover by STEVE PUGH On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • “ROTWORLD: THE RED KINGDOM” part three! • Trapped in a horrible future controlled by The Rot, Animal Man battles Grodd and his Gorillas in a city they’re claiming for their own! • Frankenstein joins the fight! • Guest-starring Steel, Black Orchid, Beast Boy and John Constantine! • Plus: Find out what happened to Maxine after Buddy left with Swamp Thing to enter Rotworld. Hint: It’s not good…
SWAMP THING #15 Written by SCOTT SNYDER Art by MARCO RUDY Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+. • “ROTWORLD: THE GREEN KINGDOM” part three! • Batman’s fate in the Rotworld is revealed! • Guest-starring the inmates of Arkham Asylum who have been dramatically affected by battling the Green, the Red and the Rot!
FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #15 Written by MATT KINDT Art and cover by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and WAYNE FAUCHER On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • “ROTWORLD: SECRETS OF THE DEAD” finale! • Frankenstein vs. the last of the Colossi for possession of the soul-grinder, Victor Frankenstein’s unholy machine of destruction – but it’s the only hope against The Rot!
DEMON KNIGHTS #15 Written by PAUL CORNELL Art and cover by BERNARD CHANG On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • EVERYTHING changes this issue! • Merlin, Lucifer and a connection from the past to Stormwatch are all here…right before the team enters what could be their final battle! • So what happens next? Or should the question be when? And whose hands will the Black Diamond fall into?
I, VAMPIRE #15 Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • Mary and company continue to piece together the secret of what turned Andrew evil – and the answer lies with Cain, the first vampire! • More secrets continue to flow from the events of issue #0.
TEAM 7 #3 Written by JUSTIN JORDAN Art by JESUS MERINO Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT 1:25 Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information. • From the pages of RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, the mysterious Essence joins the team’s battle against the Heart of Darkness known as the Black Diamond! • Before he was Deathstroke The Terminator, Slade Wilson was possessed by Eclipso! Is this the secret origin of a super villain? • The secret history of the superhuman cold war is here!
G.I. COMBAT #7 Written by PETER J. TOMASI Backup story written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI Art by HOWARD CHAYKIN Backup story art by STAZ JOHNSON Cover by HOWARD CHAYKIN On sale DECEMBER 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+ • FINAL ISSUE • The Haunted Tank is on the loose in the Black Room. Plus: A resurrected Nazi is at the helm of the War Wheel! • Plus: In the backup story, The Unknown Soldier goes to war!
And that’s 2 Nu52 war comics biting the dust.
welp.
ALL-STAR WESTERN #15 Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI Art by MORITAT Backup story art by PHIL WINSLADE Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI On sale JANUARY 2 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+ • Dr. Arkham and Jonah Hex vs. Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hyde! • Has Dr. Jekyll’s formula been fused with the Black Diamond? • Plus: In the backup story, Tomahawk teams up with Tecumseh to turn a last stand into a victory.
I really don’t like Ariel Olivetti’s whole Norman-Rockwelled-up-action-figures thing.
GRIFTER #15 Written by FRANK TIERI Art by MARAT MYCHAELS and DAVE BEATTY Cover by SCOTT CLARK On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • Grifter and Voodoo vs. The Suicide Squad! • Is Amanda Waller responsible for all the bad things that have happened to Grifter? Will he stop shooting long enough to learn the truth? • Former Team 7 partners face off!
DEATHSTROKE #15 Written by JUSTIN JORDAN Art and cover by SCOTT CLARK On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • A long dead memory from Slade’s past resurfaces, looking for revenge! • Will the legendary assassin known as Deathstroke finally be pushed past his breaking point?
STORMWATCH #15 Written by PETER MILLIGAN Art and cover by WILL CONRAD On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • Midnighter: enemy of Stormwatch? • The manipulations of the Shadow Lords have turned members of the team against each other! Is this the beginning of the end as we saw it in issue #0?
SUICIDE SQUAD #15 Written by ADAM GLASS Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO Cover by KEN LASHLEY On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! • Harley continues her rather unpleasant reunion with The Joker! • Has the violent life of the Squad finally claimed Deadshot?
TEEN TITANS #15 Written by SCOTT LOBDELL Art by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND Cover by BRETT BOOTH 1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and MARK IRWIN On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information. • A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! • Red Hood and Red Robin team up against The Joker! • Will Arsenal take over the Titans? • Guest-starring Batgirl!
THE RAVAGERS #7 Written by HOWARD MACKIE Art by IAN CHURCHILL and NORM RAPMUND Cover by IAN CHURCHILL On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • The return of Warblade and Rose Wilson! • Can the team finally act like a team – and survive? • Beast Boy deals with side effects from The Rot, and Caitlin asks Superboy the unthinkable!
BLUE BEETLE #15 Written by TONY BEDARD Art and cover by IG GUARA and J.P. MAYER On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • Blue Beetle is stuck in outer space, deep inside Reach Territory. That shouldn’t be a problem, right? • Will Jaime be pulled into the war between the Reach and…Lady Styx?!
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #15 Written by PAUL LEVITZ Art by FRANCIS PORTELA Cover by STEVE LIGHTLE On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • Welcome to Barcelona! So what’s this 21st century city doing in the 31st century? • Glorith, Dragonwing and Chemical Kid are on the case!
LEGION LOST #15 Written by TOM DeFALCO Art by PETE WOODS Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • The lost Legionnaires must decide if they are willing to sacrifice millions in order to save billions! • Superboy and The Ravagers guest-star!
ARROW #1-2 Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM and ANDREW KREISBERG Art by MIKE GRELL, JORGE JIMENEZ and SERGIO SANDOVAL Issue #1: Photo cover Issue #1 1:5 Variant cover by MIKE GRELL issue #2 cover by MIKE GRELL Issue #1 retrosolicited • On sale NOVEMBER 28 Issue #2 on sale JANUARY 2 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T Retailers: ARROW #1 will ship with two covers. See the order form for details. • The first time in print for these digital-first adventures! • Discover exciting new mysteries and plotlines for the ultimate Arrow experience! • Written by the show’s creators and featuring covers and interior art from legendary GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS artist MIKE GRELL!
HUMAN BOMB #1 Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI Art and cover by JERRY ORDWAY On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 4, $2.99 US • RATED T • Ex-Marine and war veteran Michael Taylor discovers a conspiracy to use human bombs to destroy the United States! But how can he possibly stop them when he could be their ultimate bomb?
I’m not sure that this whole “give Palmiotti and Gray Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters again and again” thing is working out as well as the guys at DC seem to think it is.
JSA: THE LIBERTY FILES – THE WHISTLING SKULL #1 Written by B. CLAY MOORE Art and cover by TONY HARRIS 1:10 Variant cover by TONY HARRIS On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. See the order form for details. • A new series from acclaimed creators B. Clay Moore (Hawaiian Dick) and Tony Harris (EX MACHINA, STARMAN)! • In 1940s Europe, the Nazi war machine is on the move…but crimes are still committed in even the smallest hamlets. Can one heroic duo solve the most bizarre mystery of all? • From the world of the JSA: THE LIBERTY FILES, witness the birth of a new hero for the ages!
JOE KUBERT PRESENTS #3 Written and illustrated by JOE KUBERT, BRIAN BUNIAK and SAM GLANZMAN Cover by JOE KUBERT On sale JANUARY 2 • 48 pg, interior ads, FC, 3 of 6, $4.99 US • RATED T • The lost JOE KUBERT classic “The Redeemer” continues! • Plus, a very strange turn of events in “Angel and The Ape,” and another heartbreaking chapter of “U.S.S. Stevens.”
HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #5 Written by KEITH GIFFEN Art by PHILIP TAN and RUY JOSE Cover by DAVE WILKINS On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, 5 of 6, $2.99 US • As Adam is close to regaining his memories, he must now battle his most faithful companion: Battle Cat! • Skeletor puts his final plans for Adam’s destruction into place…will Eternia ever be the same?
LOT 13 #3 Written by STEVE NILES Art and cover by GLENN FABRY On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 5, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS • The secrets of the house-and dangers-are deepening with every passing hour! • Austin’s reappearance covered in blood and holding a tomahawk raises some questions concerning not just to WHERE his family is, but WHEN!
DJANGO UNCHAINED #1-2 Based on the screenplay by QUENTIN TARANTINO Art by R.M. GUERA Movie key art cover Issue #1: 1:25 Variant cover by JIM LEE Issue #2: 1:25 Variant cover by TBD Issue #1 on sale DECEMBER 5 Issue #2 on sale JANUARY 2 Both 48 pg, FC, 1 & 2 of 5, $4.99 US • MATURE READERS Retailers: These issues each will ship with two covers. Please see the Order Form for details. • Oscar-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s latest epic film script is adapted for comics! • The blood-soaked tale of a bounty-hunting dentist and his partner, a recently freed slave, in the post-Civil War South! • This is an adaptation of the full screenplay, including scenes that may not make it into the final theatrical cut!
AMERICAN VAMPIRE #34 Written by SCOTT SNYDER Art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS “The Blacklist” is over. Lives have been shattered, alliances destroyed. Skinner and Pearl have made it halfway through the twentieth century and AMERICAN VAMPIRE hits a major turning point in the series.
HELLBLAZER #298 Written by PETER MILLIGAN Art by GIUSEPPI CAMUNCOLI and STEFANO LANDINI Cover by SIMON BISLEY On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS Strange portents lead Constantine to believe he’s going to die in five days. How far will he go to convince his skeptical wife that his days are numbered? Find out in “Death and Cigarettes” part 1!
I want a Zippo with “Biz” on it now.
FAIREST #10 Written by LAUREN BEUKES Art by INAKI MIRANDA Cover by ADAM HUGHES On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS In part 3 of “The Hidden Kingdom,” Rapunzel kicks ass when hungry ghosts and angry Yakuza storm the skyscraper. Meanwhile, Bigby and Frau Totenkinder arrive in Japan only to get captured by local Harijuku girls. And back in the dark, simmering pit that is the witching well, something is stirring – and it wants out.
FABLES #124 Written by BILL WILLINGHAM Guest art by SHAWN McMANUS Cover by JOAO RUAS On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS Bufkin and Lily’s heroic adventures are too big to contain in 3-page features, so this special full-issue epic will take us to the grand finale of our favorite flying monkey’s greatest adventure, co-starring his sometimes girlfriend Lily with guest art by painter extraordinaire Shawn McManus!
SAUCER COUNTRY #10 Written by PAUL CORNELL Art and cover by RYAN KELLY On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS Arcadia’s team finds itself under siege at the Democrat candidate’s debate in Las Vegas, Michael finds himself wondering what’s real and what he’s capable of, and Kidd discovers the secrets behind the men in black, all in part two of three of “The Reticulan Candidate.”
PUNK ROCK JESUS #6 Written by SEAN MURPHY Art and cover by SEAN MURPHY On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, B&W, 6 of 6, $2.99 US • No interior ads • MATURE READERS In this thrilling conclusion to the acclaimed miniseries, Chris and the Flak Jackets head to Jerusalem, the last stop on their world tour. But in this final concert, will the punk messiah rise above the protests from the world’s three major religions, or will he take matters into his own hands?
THE UNWRITTEN #44 Written by MIKE CAREY Art by PETER GROSS Cover by YUKO SHIMIZU On sale DECEMBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS In the classical underworld of Hades, Tom takes on harpies, sinister ferrymen and multiheaded dogs. But none of these encounters prepare him for his meeting with the king – or for the responsibilities he has to take on for some very familiar damned souls.
SWEET TOOTH #40 Written by JEFF LEMIRE Art and cover by JEFF LEMIRE 1:10 Variant cover by TIMOTHY TRUMAN On sale DECEMBER 5 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • MATURE READERS • FINAL ISSUE Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information. Gus’s journey comes to an end and the fate of the hybrids is revealed in the final issue of the acclaimed Vertigo series!
I hope Lemire goes on to write and draw great serieses after this.
Solicit Overviews, December 2012: Marvel
THUNDERBOLTS #1 & 2 DANIEL WAY (W) • STEVE DILLON (A) Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO Variant Cover by Billy Tan Variant #2 cover by TBA Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG Blank Cover Variant Also Available Red Hulk, Venom, Elektra, Deadpool, the Punisher. Forget the courts, the jails, the system – this team of Thunderbolts fights fire with fire, targeting the most dangerous and lethal players in the Marvel Universe with extreme prejudice. Led by General “Thunderbolt” Ross, AKA the Red Hulk, this hand-picked team of like-minded operatives is going to make the world a better place…by all means necessary. 32 PGS. (EACH)/Parental Advisory …$2.99 (EACH)
AVENGERS #1 & 2 JONATHAN HICKMAN (W) JEROME OPEÑA (A) Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER (SEP120526) Variant Cover By Esad Ribic (SEP120529) Issue #1 Sketch Variant by TBA (AUG128012) Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG (SEP120530) Blank Cover Variant Also Available (SEP120527) ISSUE #2 Variant cover by John Romita Jr. 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! 32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (EACH)
CABLE AND X-FORCE #1 & 2 DENNIS HOPELESS (W) • SALVADOR LARROCA (A/C) Variant cover by JOE QUESADA Variant Sketch Cover by Joe Quesada Variant Character Sketch Cover by Salvador Larroca Variant Cover by Mike Deodato Blank cover variant also available Variant Cover (#2) by TBA Cable is back! NOW! with a new X-Force at his side, he must tackle the threats that nobody else can know about. But just who are Cable’s new recruits, and why is his team public enemy number one? Caught red-handed at the scene of a terrorist attack on a major American corporation whose CEO has expressed anti-mutant views, the X-Force is the run, with none other than the Uncanny Avengers in hot pursuit. 32 PGS. (EACH)/Parental Advisory …$3.99 (EACH)
AVENGERS ARENA #1 DENNIS HOPELESS (W) KEV WALKER (A) cover by DAVE JOHNSON Variant cover by MIKE PERKINS Young Baby Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG Blank cover variant Also Available Trapped on an isolated island, 16 superhuman young adults (including cult faves like members of the Runaways, The Avengers Academy and Darkhawk) are given a chilling ultimatum by their demented captor: Fight or die…only one will walk out alive! Thus begins a primal battle that will test the skills, stamina and morals of each combatant. Welcome to Murder World, where the secrets are plenty, alliances are fleeting, and the key to victory might be rewriting the rules of the game. Who will survive? The rising star team of Dennis Hopeless (X-MEN: SEASON ONE) and Kev Walker (THUNDERBOLTS) dare you to tune in to your new favorite comic NOW! 32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99
AVENGERS ARENA #2 DENNIS HOPELESS (W) • KEV WALKER (A) Cover by CHRIS BACHALO Variant cover by MIKE OEMING • ANNIHILATION’s Cammi vs. Deathlocket! • AVENGER ACADEMY’s Hazmat vs. Deathlocket! • Who the heck is Deathlocket? And who dies in this issue? • Plus: Who are the students of the Braddock Academy? 32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99
While the whole concept of this thing, with it basically being an excuse to kill off 15 kid characters they don’t know what to do with, is skeevy as hell, I can’t resist a good Lord Of The Flies homage.
A+X #3 CHRIS BACHALO & JAMES ASMUS (W) CHRIS BACHALO & BILLY TAN (A) Cover by CHRIS BACHALO • Chris Bachalo writes and draws a teamup of two of the biggest Marvel movie ladies – BLACK WIDOW AND ROGUE VS. SENTINELS! • James Asmus and Billy Tan bring together the stars of the two biggest new Marvel series – GAMBIT AND HAWKEYE SAVE LIVES! 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
UNCANNY Avengers #3 RICK REMENDER (W) John Cassaday (A/C) Variant cover by TBA • Red Skull is using his new powers to incite violence against mutants across the globe! • Scarlet Witch and Rogue make a terrible discovery that will haunt them forever! • The UNCANNY AVENGERS feel the full might of Red Skull’s S-Men. 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
ALL-NEW X-MEN #3 BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) STUART IMMONEN (A/C) Variant cover by TBA • The flagship X-Book marches on! • The original 5 X-Men are back, but that’s not all that’s happening. • What happened to the Phoenix 5 from AVENGERS VS. X-MEN? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
ALL-NEW X-MEN #4 BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • STUART IMMONEN (A/C) Variant cover by TBA • The Original 5 X-Men come face to face with their counterparts…and it isn’t a peaceful meeting! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
FANTASTIC FOUR #2 MATT FRACTION (W) • MARK BAGLEY (A) Cover by Mark Bagley Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT • The First Family leaves time and space! • How long can Reed hide his motivations from his family? • What undiscovered places, what amazing things, and what incredible people are out there waiting to meet the FANTASTIC FOUR? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FF #2 MATT FRACTION (W) • MICHAEL ALLRED (A/C) Variant cover by MIKE ALLRED • Ant-Man! She Hulk! Medusa! And, um — Ms. Thing? • How does the rest of the Future Foundation react to the new team? • What classic Fantastic Four super-villain can’t wait to get their hands on the new FF? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
DEADPOOL #3 GERRY DUGGAN & BRIAN POSEHN (W) • TONY MOORE (A) Cover by GEOF DARROW Variant Cover By DANIEL ACUÑA • Deadpool vs. Dead Presidents…this time, TRICKY DICK NIXON! • Can even Doctor Strange help the M w/the M? • This is the Deadpool series you will marry someday! 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
CAPTAIN AMERICA #2 RICK REMENDER (W) • JOHN ROMITA JR (A/C) Variant cover by TBA Dimension Z continues! • “Remember their faces, their families. Remember what they love. Learn how to turn it against them. ” • Arnim Zola’s ambitions leave Captain America stranded in the upside-down territory known as Dimension Z. • Steve has saved the life of Zola’s son, but can he keep him alive? • Who are the barbarians of Phrox and what are their intentions for Steve and his new ward? 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
X-MEN LEGACY #3 SIMON SPURRIER (W) • TAN ENG HUAT (A) Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO Variant cover by TBA • Legion must keep his inner demons in check long enough to help newly-manifested mutant twins who are being exploited by a criminal cartel in Japan. • But the twins may just have plans of their own. • As do Legion’s inner demons… 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
IRON MAN #3 KIERON GILLEN (W) • GREG LAND (A&C) Design Variant cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN Variant cover by GREG LAND • The new Iron Man stealth armor debuts! The most subtle Iron Man armor of all time! • Deep in Columbia the daughter of a cartel boss is “modified” by EXTREMIS. • Will villains VIBRO, FIREBRAND and THE LIVING LASER stop Tony from doing what he must to save the world from the deadly nano-virus? • An all-new era for Tony Stark from the best-selling UNCANNY X-MEN team of Kieron Gillen and Greg Land! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
IRON MAN #4 KIERON GILLEN (W) • GREG LAND (A&C) Design Variant cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN Variant cover by MIKE DEODATO • The new Iron Man heavy-duty battle-suit debuts. The least subtle Iron Man armor of all time! • Tony’s hunt for Extremis takes him to the ancient Catacombs of Paris where absolute horror awaits! • Things man was not meant to know Vs. the man who wants to know everything. 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #2 MARK WAID (W) • LEINIL FRANCIS YU (A/C) Variant Cover by Mike Deodato • Guest starring IRON MAN! • While Bruce Banner and Tony Stark are friends, Hulk and Iron Man are anything but! • Eisner Award winning writer Mark Waid (DAREDEVIL) and superstar artist Leinil Yu continue to take the Hulk in an all-new direction! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Hey, look, it’s a Mike Deodato cover that doesn’t look like someone airbrushed a PS2 game and handed it to an inker.
THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #3 JASON AARON (W) • ESAD RIBIC (A/C) Variant Cover By DANIEL ACUÑA • Following the bloody wake of murdered gods across the depths of space, Thor tracks the God Butcher into the present! • Discovering a forgotten cave on earth that echoes with the cries of tortured gods…the Thunder God is shocked to find himself among them…! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #647 KATHRYN IMMONEN (W) • VALERIO SCHITI (A) Cover by JEFF DEKAL Variant Cover by TBA ASGARDIANS GONE WILD! • Newly minted with an ancient version of the Berzerker spell, Sif returns to an unsuspecting Midgard…and with no patience for relative peace, she starts putting out fires with gasoline..! • When the All-Seeing Heimdall pulls big brother rank…will Sif find herself in the ultimate time-out?! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
So Heimdall now has a Mr. T mohawk/full beard? That’s pretty rad.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #10 KELLY SUE DECONNICK (W) • STEFANO CASELLI (A) COVER BY GREG LAND Variant Cover by TBA • Did you know that there’s a theory that the bacteria in our bodies actually controls our moods and may even be responsible for elements of our personalities? TONY STARK and BRUCE BANNER did. • What happens when a 20 million-year-old evolutionary catalyst infects a HULK? Could it be a cure? • Meanwhile, on the outside, CAPTAINS MARVEL AND AMERICA must find the missing scientist before he unleashes said bacteria on the world. 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Multiple people saw that and didn’t immediately say “No, that’s not acceptable. We should at least have some semblance of standards. Do this over, but less… awful in every respect.” And that’s why the free market is a failed concept.
RED SHE-HULK #60 JEFF PARKER (W) CARLO PAGULAYAN & WELLINTON ALVES (A) Cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN Variant COVER By Chris Stevens • VS. THE AVENGERS!!! • Red She-Hulk = National Threat! • What shocking discovery does Machine Man make about the future of super-humans? 32 PGS./Rated T+… $2.99
Secret Avengers #35 RICK REMENDER (W) •MATTEO SCALERA (A) COVER BY ARTHUR ADAMS • Contagious Robotic Evolution is go and the remaining Secret Avengers are the only ones left! But how do you stop a plague that has already begun to spread? • Torch, Venom and Valkyrie infiltrate the rebel robot base In The Core, but are Lord UltraVision and Monarch Machine Man friend or foe? • Torch must choose between mankind and the perfect future Father will create for all automatons 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
HAWKEYE #5 & 6 MATT FRACTION (w) • Issue 5 – JAVIER PULIDO (a) Cover by DAVID AJA • Issue 6 – David Aja (A/C) Issue 5 – • THE TAPE CONCLUDES! • Someone has a deadly secret will change the course of Hawkeye’s relationship with the Avengers. Issue 6 – • David Aja returns to the most critically acclaimed comic of 2012! • The Ace Archer Clint Barton faces DVR-MAGEDDON! 32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$2.99 (EACH)
DARK AVENGERS #184 JEFF PARKER (W) • NEIL EDWARDS (A) COVER BY JOE QUINONES DARK AVENGERS ASSEMBLE! • What force on this planet – nay, this universe – can turn Earth’s deadliest villains into into heroes? • Brought to you by the titanic team of Jeff Parker and Neil Edwards, this Winter – Evil is our only hope! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #699 DAN SLOTT (W) • HUMBERTO RAMOS (A) COVER BY PAOLO MANUEL RIVERA • This is the MUST READ issue that turns over all the cards and reveals secrets that have been set as far back as ENDS OF THE EARTH, SPIDER-ISLAND, and 99 issues ago in ASM #600! • Doctor Octopus has hours left to live. He knows Peter Parker’s secret. He has no master plan-all he wants is vengeance. Which members of Spider-Man’s rogues gallery will heed Ock’s call to arms? • Special appearances by the Lizard, the Spider-Slayer, Morbius the Living Vampire, and some surprising Spidey Foes! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #699.1 Dan Slott & Joe Keatinge (W) • Al Barrionuevo (A) COVER BY STEFANO CASELLI • As Doctor Octopus’ schemes take shape, MORBIUS THE LIVING VAMPIRE returns with a Vengenace! • Will he be able to resist the siren song of blissful bloodsucking or will Spider-Man sling him straight back into the slammer? • Your first look at next month’s all-new Morbius ongoing series. 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #15.1 CHRISTOPHER YOST (W) • PACO MEDINA (A) COVER BY PAOLO MANUEL RIVERA EPILOGUE to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN FINALE (#700)! • Coinciding with the end of Amazing Spider-Man, a look back at the greatest conflict in comics history: Spider-Man vs. Doctor Octopus! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #15 CULLEN BUNN (W) GABRIELE DELL’OTTO (A/C) • Dell’otto drawing Devil Dinosaur? Done! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700 DAN SLOTT (w) • HUMBERTO RAMOS (a) Plus stories by JM DeMatteis & Giuseppe Camuncoli and Jen Van Meter & Stephanie Buscema COVER BY MR. GARCIN Steve Ditko (Unused Amazing Fantasy 15 Art) Variant Cover ASM 50TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT – Marcos Martin Martin Variant WRAPAROUND VARIANT – Humberto Ramos COIPEL VARIANT QUESADA VARIANT LAST ISSUE! All New! 104 PGS./Rated T+ …$7.99
VENOM #28 CULLEN BUNN (w) • THONY SILAS (a) Cover by SHANE DAVIS VENOM’S BRINGING HIS GAME TO THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE! • A rash of sudden disappearances bring Flash Thompson and Katy Keirnan to Philadelphia – what do the U-Foes have to do with it?! • Thony Silas returns to Venom as he and Cullen Bunn give the world’s most dangerous hero a new home! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
SCARLET SPIDER #12 CHRISTOPHER YOST (w) REILLY BROWN (a) Cover by RYAN STEGMAN MERRY CHRISTMAS, SCARLET SPIDER. HOPE YOU SURVIVE THE EXPERIENCE! • Kaine goes head to head with the Hand and Bruiser! • Come celebratethe conclusion of Scarlet Spider’s First wonderful year with Chris Yost and Reilly Brown! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
SCARLET SPIDER #12.1 CHRISTOPHER YOST (w) • PAULO SIQUEIRA (a) Cover by RYAN STEGMAN SCARLET SPIDER’S DARKEST HOUR BEGINS HERE! • Kaine’s investigation brings him face to face with the Hand and Bruiser! • What does Kingpin want with Houston? • Chris Yost and Paulo Siqueira (The Amazing Spider-Man) will bring you the answers as a brand new year of Scarlet action awaits! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
ULTIMATE COMICS IRON MAN #3 (of 4) NATHAN EDMONDSON (W) MATTEO BUFFAGNI (A) Cover by FRANK STOCKTON • Tony and Rhodey against a sky full of Stark drones! • What secret lies in Howard Stark’s past, and what does Tony know about it? • Iron Man comes face to face with THE MANDARIN! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #20 BRIAN WOOD (W) CARLO BARBERI (A) COVER BY DAVE JOHNSON • The RESERVATION X arc continues as STORM helps teraform the reservation • Rogue gets an unexpected visitor • Mach Two’s play for power takes a new turn 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
This cover is just amazing. That sky, that sand, that rain. That lightning. Goddamn.
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #18 BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • DAVID MARQUEZ (A&C) • The world is at war and Miles Morales is miles from home! • Miles has joined the Ultimates but that decision may have cost him his family. • Our young super hero has to make some big decisions and he has to make them now! • Guest-starring the ULTIMATES! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #18.1 SAM HUMPHRIES (W) • DALE EAGLESHAM (A) COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER • Can America recover after the dramatic events of United We Stand? • President Cap takes charge! • Thor’s momentous decision! • Perfect jumping on point for new readers! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #19 SAM HUMPHRIES (W) • SCOT EATON (A) COVER BY ADI GRANOV • After United We Stand, AMERICAN RECONSTRUCTION begins! • Can the United States ever be truly reunited? • President Cap comes face to face with a painful reality! • The debut of the IRON PATRIOT! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
PUNISHER: WAR ZONE #3 (of 5) GREG RUCKA (w) Carmine Di Giandomenico (a) Cover by MARCO CHECCHETTO • The Punisher vs. Thor. 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
This sounds just like that one miniseries where we had a character that nobody had much of an idea what to do with fight the Avengers for a few issues, with no real connection to anything: Avengers: X-Sanction. At least the name’s better.
CAPTAIN MARVEL #8 KELLY SUE DECONNICK (w) • DEXTER SOY (a/C) • DEEP SEA DANGER! • What lurks below the ocean’s surface? And can Captain Marvel stop it before she gets ship-wrecked? • Guest-starring Monica Rambeau! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
The blur near the bottom that sort of helps create a focus on the center of the image is a really nice touch.
MARVEL’S IRON MAN 2 ADAPTATION #2 (of 2) CHRIS GAGE & WILL PILGRIM (w) RAMON ROSANOS (a) • The official adaptation of Marvel Studios blockbuster film Iron Man 2 concludes! • H.A.M.M.E.R drones attack the Stark Expo! • With Rhodey under Vankov’s control, will War Machine kill Iron Man before they can stop the drones? • PLUS: What is the Avengers Initiative? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
This should not be a thing. We know what the Avengers Initiative is, we’ve seen the movie, it’s like the #3 highest grossing film behind Titanic and Avatar now. Who decided we needed an adaptation of a movie from 2010, just in time for 5 months before the sequel.
CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BLACK WIDOW #640 CULLEN BUNN (w) FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (a/c) • FINALE ISSUE! GET READY TO HAVE YOUR FACES PUNCHED CLEAN OFF! • Captain America and Black Widow lead the multiverse’s finest in a final assault on Venemma Multiversal! • Black Widow vs. Black Widow…to the death! • Forget 11…on a scale of 1 to AWESOME this eye-popping, senses-snapping, jaw-dropping final issue goes to 12! 32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99
Whoever’s writing copy for Marvel should stop mainlining Chris Hardwick and energy drinks, because this comes off as less “Enthusiasm about an exciting comic featuring awesome characters with rad-ass art” and more “soulless marketing slime we drizzled over this comic to disguise its lack of substantive content which we’ve tried to compensate for with ‘internet awesome’, whatever we think that is because we’re all 40-plus, balding, impotent, and unloved by anyone, let alone anyone who would bear us children who would allow us to see what is indeed ‘with it'”, and that’s not really something that makes me want to read a comic. I’d say it reminds me of what my dad would think would sell a comic to kids, but my dad’s actually kind of cool.
SPACEKNIGHTS #3 (of 3) JIM STARLIN, CHRIS BATISTA, DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING (w) CHRIS BATISTA & MIKE PERKINS (a) Cover by CHRIS BATISTA • This is it! The final battle between the Spaceknight squad and the Dire Wraiths! •Tristan’s future visions have revealed his fate, but can it be changed? • Collecting SPACEKNIGHTS (2000) #5 and material from ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST PROLOGUE. 48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
DAREDEVIL #21 MARK WAID (W) • CHRIS SAMNEE (A) COVER BY PAOLO MANUEL RIVERA • The final showdown with Coyote! • Big clues to a mystery building since issue 3! • Daredevil – wanted by the NYPD! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #3 (OF 8) BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & DAVID MACK (W) KLAUS JANSON & BILL SIENKEWICZ (A) COVER BY ALEX MALEEV variant cover by David Mack • The Deadly Tale of Daredevil’s Defining hour continues! • Ben Urich tracks down Matt Murdock’s past loves to discover the secrets behind his death – but who is the new Daredevil tracking him? • Some of the finest creators to ever tell Matt Murdock’s story continue the year’s smash hit! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
You can’t convince me those 2 aren’t supposed to be Bendis and Maleev(or Mack).
MARVEL UNIVERSE VS. THE AVENGERS #3 (of 4) JONATHAN MABERRY (w) • LEO FERNANDEZ (a) Cover by AARON KUDER • Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have become the army of Earth’s deadliest villain. • The infection is spreading and it’s time to make the hardest choices in a war of only hard choices. • All hail Emperor Doom! 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99
WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #22 JASON AARON (W) • NICK BRADSHAW (A/C) • Frankenstein’s Murder Circus is town and he’s brainwashed the X-Men! • Do the students stand a chance against their teachers? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Nick Bradshaw has this sort of Art Adams thing going on, but his people come off meatier, and his line comes off harder, sort of like how Chris Burnham is like a more Saturday Morning Cartoon-ish Frank Quitely.
AGE OF APOCALYPSE #10 DAVE LAPHAM (w) • ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (a) Cover by KRIS ANKA • Jean Grey believes she can defeat Weapon Omega… • Weapon Omega knows he can kill Jean Grey… 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
UNCANNY X-FORCE #35 RICK REMENDER (w) • PHIL NOTO (a) Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TODESCO Variant Cover by Simone Bianchi FINAL ISSUE! • FINAL EXTINCTION CONCLUDES AND SO DOES UNCANNY X-FORCE! • Rick Remender’s landmark run comes to a conclusion with one of the most shocking moments in X-Force history. • What will become of what’s left of X-Force? 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99
ASTONISHING X-MEN #57 MARJORIE LIU (W) • GABRIEL HERNANDEX WALTA (A) Cover by PHIL NOTO • Warbird takes Manhattan! • What secret is she hiding, and will it endanger the team? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
WOLVERINE #317 CULLEN BUNN (W) • PAUL PELLETIER (A) COVER BY MIKE DEL MUNDO Variant Cover By Adi Granov FINAL ISSUE! • In order to save the Dreaming Maiden, Wolverine must face nightmares while asleep and while awake! • But is the Dreaming Maiden too dangerous to be saved? • And what will be the fate of the mysterious Covenant? 32 PGS./Parental Advisory…$3.99
I really love this cover. The look on his face, the scraggle of the hair, that tear. It’s just a really good-looking comic cover.
FIRST X-MEN #5 (OF 5) NEAL ADAMS & CHRISTOS GAGE (w) NEAL ADAMS (a/C) Variant Cover by Adam Kubert • The action packed continuity-rocking mini-series comes to an end! • Why do Wolverine and Sabretooth hate each other? FIND OUT HERE! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
X-FACTOR #248 & 249 PETER DAVID (w) LEONARD KIRK (a) Cover by DAVE WILLIAMS (#248) Cover by KRIS ANKA (#249) Issue #248 – • A familiar face hovers between life and death. • The only one who can save them is Monet…but it will require reliving the most horrific experience of her life. Issue #249 – • X-Factor investigates a series of eerie portents that leads them to a mysterious, previously unknown race of beings known as THE WARDERS. • Their job? To prepare the world for its end. 32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$2.99 (EACH)
GAMBIT #7 JAMES ASMUS (W) DIOGENES NEVES (A) COVER BY TERRY DODSON • Gambit is on the lam as an enemy of the British Empire, hunted by Pete Wisdom and MI13! • And to make matters worse, the criminal mastermind keeping Gambit on a leash now wants him dead. • Can Gambit play the two sides against each other and save his own skin? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
X-TREME X-MEN #7.1 GREG PAK (W) • André Araújo (A) Cover by STEPHANIE HANS • JUMP ON HERE! If you haven’t been reading, start here to find out what you’ve been missing! • Dazzler and her team find themselves in a war against the Brood…but the dimension they land in is a little too close to home. 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
X-TREME X-MEN #8 GREG PAK (W) • PACO DIAZ (A) Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY • Meet the X-TREME X-FORCE! • Dazzler is confronted with who she might turn into if she never gets home! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
X-MEN #39 SETH PECK (w) • PAUL AZACETA (a) Cover by DAVID LOPEZ • Domino teams up with Daredevil to take down Armitage! • Action! Adventure! Romance!? • But whose side will Domino take in the end? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
David Lopez is a damn treasure. I love how the roulette wheel evokes the common visual trick of using a series of concentric circles as shorthand for DD’s radar sense, and I just know that DD symbol in the corner will have a companion in the left top corner of the final version.
WOLVERINE MAX #3 JASON STARR (w) CONNOR WILLUMSON AND ROLAND BOSCHI (a) Cover by JOCK • The shocking truth about Mariko revealed! • Wolverine’s memories are getting more vivid…and he’s seeing some familiar faces in unexpected places. • Meanwhile, the police are closing in and Logan is looking more and more like public enemy number one! 32 PGS./Explicit Content …$3.99 THERE IS A STRICT NO OVERPRINT POLICY ON ALL MAX TITLES.
FURY MAX #7 GARTH ENNIS (w) • GORAN PARLOV (a) Cover by DAVE JOHNSON • Col. Nick Fury gets an assignment that takes him to Vietnam. • Frank Castle, before he became The Punisher, is tasked to help Fury assassinate a Viet Cong general. 32 PGS./Explicit Content …$3.99 THERE IS A STRICT NO OVERPRINT POLICY ON ALL MAX TITLES
My Brand of Justice League by Niel Jacoby
Justice League Interstellar – Niel Jacoby
The Justice League has changed with the times. They’ve gone from a Hall of Justice, to a Satellite, to a Space Station. They’ve expanded from just the Justice League of America, to the Justice League International, to the Justice League Interstellar.
Yes, the Justice League have decided, after Earth’s first diplomatic experience with an alien civilization (the Rannians contacted Earth in pursuit of a trade agreement), that a group dedicated to promoting peace and unity by its nature should not confine its outlook to just one planet and the Justice League has expanded to involve and interact with not just Earth, but the universe. Read as this fledgling group works through the challenges posed by interstellar dictators and planetary civil wars by doing their best to expand and recruit heroes from all worlds, to make the Justice League a truly universal symbol of cooperation in pursuit of a better universe for everyone. The team starts out small at first, but they plan to take on new members as other planets join the alliance.
The team at its inception:
Martian Manhunter: He’s never really felt he’s had all that much of a place outside the Justice League, so when it came time to put together the first interstellar Justice League group, he was the first to apply. He fulfills most of the day-to-day functionary tasks that keeps the behind-the scenes going, and is the chairman of the League in its current form.
Tom Tresser, UN Advisor: As part of the terms on which the UN approved the plan to take the League interstellar, Tom was taken on as the official representative of Earth’s interests. There’s a definite suspicion among the team that he might be representing shadier interests, but that doesn’t play that much of a role at first. He’s much more dialed-back than the rest of the team, almost a cipher.
Guy Gardner: Guy is the Green Lantern Corps’ representative on the team, as any group that widened its scope enough would eventually face Green Lantern scrutiny. He doesn’t quite appreciate being put on another Justice League, after his experiences the first time, and relishes the more disruptive ways he can exercise his power.
Big Barda: While Scott Free is happy to live as an escape artist on Earth, Barda feels caged by the mundanity of Earth life, and the Justice League seemed like a perfect opportunity. They keep in touch over the communicator, but homesickness does set in over time.
Metamorpho: He’s there in more of a scientific capacity, as when you’re doing stuff like arbitrating planetary disputes, it’s pretty useful to have a dude who can literally create any element, and as is shown by his time in the Justice League Europe as well as his days as an explorer, he’s eager to learn about new cultures. He’s also been somewhat isolated, and has to deal with realizing the universe is larger than he thought.
Adam Strange: He recognizes the scientific possibilities of the League, and specifically asked to be on the team because of those research opportunities. Represents the Rannian people, and the main reason the Thanagarians are more loath to join than they would be otherwise. He’d be a more brain than brawn guy, sort of like how Batman is when he’s used right in JL stories.
People introduced in the first few storylines:
Global Peace Agent: Sent through time to help guide the JLI through the tough times of their formation, after the first storyline. He is, of course, faceless to hide his identity so that the GPA can better represent all citizens. He doesn’t play much of an interventionary role in League affairs, but more of an ombudsman role, a sort of ethical guidance in this still-starting League.
Hawkwoman: Shiera Hol, Thanagarian warrior, begrudgingly joins the JLI in the middle of the first storyline, where the JLI averts the mutually assured destruction of Rann and Thanagar. She and Strange are a constant source of strife within the League, but since their different strengths complement each other, they’re always paired together. Contrary to buddy-cop flick discipline, this does not bring them closer together.
Superman: Checks in from time to time, because he admires the League’s ideals, even if he feels more comfortable acting alone or in small groups than acting as part of a larger entity. He does do some ambassadorial work once in a while, though.
There’d be some expansion of the current, somewhat smaller DC cosmic scene, with new heroes added to the league with that expansion.
Note: There was originally going to be some art to go with this, but due to schedule constraints, the art was not ready at press time. When the art is ready, it will be added to the post.
Edison Rex #2 Review
Script by Chris Roberson
Art by Dennis Culver and Steve Downer
Lettering by John J. Hill
Editing by Allison Baker
Design by Dylan Todd
Marvel Solicit Overview: November 2012
In this round of solicits, we see the new wave of titles following the cancellation of 11 titles in the month of October as part of the Marvel NOW! initiative.
Lego Batman 2 Review
Developed by Traveller’s Tales
Published by Warner Bros.
Lego Batman 2 marks a few firsts in the Lego series: first to include voice acting, first to include a truly open world, and first to include splitscreen in any meaningful capacity beyond some vehicle levels, but these are balanced out by somewhat broken implementation and a redundant-feeling roster.
DC/Vertigo Solicits: November 2012
Remember, remember, the month of November, now here’s some comics or something.