Marvel Noise

I haven’t really been following this title, and now I’m very, very sorry. I also haven’t been following every tie-in with this event, but I’ve been following some of them and this is one of the few issues that has been entirely in the present. This is what I’ve been looking for in the narrative. Battles against overwhelming odds, chase scenes, and a surprise on the last page to get you ready for the next issue. What more can you ask for?

Brian Reed tells the tale of what happens to Ms. Marvel as one of the only heroes fighting the Skrulls in New York. I don’t know where all the other heroes in the Marvel U are, but I can tell you where the Skrulls are. Well, actually I can’t because they seem to be popping up everywhere, but there are a boatload of them in this issue and Mr. Reed makes it clear that they don’t like Ms. Marvel, or her resistance to their invasion, very much.

Doing a fine job on art, we’ve got Adriana Melo on pencils, Mariah Benes on inks, and Paulo Siqueira on pages 11 – 16. They convey the scale of the invasion and the overwhelming forces the heroes face beautifully. Now, I generally try to keep my reviews on the positive side but I have to interject here that while the art is well done, it doesn’t really do anything for me. These are professional comic book artists who have achieved mastery of their art form, so I don’t want to take away from that, but I didn’t feel that this was the best this book could have or should have looked. That said, the story does move along well and is one of the best tie-ins I’ve read so far.

Recommended for anyone following Secret Invasion.

COVER: GREG HORN
WRITER: BRIAN REED
PENCILS: ADRIANA MELO and PAULO SIQUEIRA
INKS: MARIAH BENES and PAULO SIQUEIRA
COLORS: CHRIS SOTOMAYOR
LETERS: DAVE SHARPE
EDITOR: STEPHEN WACKER
Rated T+ …$2.99

Because you demanded it! Due to overwhelming demand for the sold-out Captain Marvel #4-5 and Ms. Marvel #25, crucial tie-ins to the red-hot Secret Invasion event, Marvel is going back to press with a special one-shot collecting these three acclaimed issues! Captain Marvel/Ms. Marvel: Secret Invasion The Infiltration One-Shot brings you face to face with some of the most shocking moments in Skrull Invasion thus far, written by the acclaimed Brian Reed, featuring the art of fan-favorites Lee Weeks & Adrian Melo, all wrapped up in a gorgeous wraparound cover by Terry Dodson! What is the secret behind Captain Marvel’s return? And is Ms Marvel who — or what — she appears to be?

With Secret Invasion on everyone’s mind, and everywhere from G4 to Entertainment Weekly to The New York Post to The Wall Street Journal, this special one-shot is a perfect look at the secrets that have rocked the Marvel Universe! Don’t miss your chance to catch up on these sold out issues in Captain Marvel/Ms. Marvel: Secret Invasion The Infiltration One-Shot!

CAPTAIN MARVEL/MS MARVEL: SECRET INVASION THE INFILTRATION ONE-SHOT (FEB088173)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by LEE WEEKS & ADRIANA MELO
Cover by TERRY DODSON & LAURA MARTIN
Rated T+…$4.99
FOC—5/1/08, On-Sale—5/21/08

Do You Trust Ms. Marvel?

Iron Man has discovered the latest Skrull infiltrator and it’s… Ms. Marvel? Enter the extra-sized Ms. Marvel #25, from acclaimed writer Brian Reed (New Avengers: The Illuminati, Captain Marvel) and new series artist Adriana Melo, beginning a story right on the front lines of Secret Invasion. But is Ms. Marvel here to help us…or destroy us? And what does this issue’s cover, from renowned cover artist Greg Horn, mean for the future of the Marvel Universe? This issue also features a stunning variant by the acclaimed Terry Dodson, who also provides a connecting cover on Captain Marvel #4.

“The Secret Invasion is pretty rapidly becoming less and less of a secret to both Captain and Ms. Marvel,” revealed Brian Reed. “Ms. Marvel #25 has it all. Secrets are revealed, someone is killed, almost nobody is who they seem, Carol Danvers saves Captain Marvel’s life, and a Skrull steals the Space Shuttle! We’re also excited to welcome the new art team of Adrianna Melo and Mariah Benes. They have walked onto this book and made it their own, creating absolutely spectacular pages of art. For this first issue, they’re joined by Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema, two great and classic Marvel artists, who help us revisit Carol’s days as a NASA security chief… and learn that this invasion started a long time before Carol Danvers was a super hero!”

Series editor Steve Wacker said, “Brian’s been getting a lot of much deserved attention because of his work on Captain Marvel as well as right here on Ms. Marvel, so if you haven’t climbed on board the Reed train yet, now’s the time!”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Ms. Marvel #25 as the series directly ties into 2008’s most-anticipated event, Secret Invasion, and continues to garner critical acclaim. Just who — or what — is Ms. Marvel? Find out in this can’t miss anniversary issue!

MS. MARVEL #25 (SI:I) (JAN082167)
MS. MARVEL #25 DODSON VARIANT (SI:I) (DEC078128)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by ADRIANA MELO
Cover by GREG HORN
Variant by TERRY DODSON & LAURA MARTIN
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—3/6/08, On-Sale—3/26/08

Marvel is pleased to announce that acclaimed artist Terry Dodson will be providing all-new, interconnecting variant covers to two of the most hotly anticipated Secret Invasion: The Infiltration tie-ins — Captain Marvel #4 (of 5) and the extra-sized Ms. Marvel #25! These covers present two different versions of the titular heroes, as fans all over the world are asking the same questions: are Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel really Skrulls? And just who do you trust?

“We’re excited to offer fans these gorgeous variants by Terry Dodson to highlight two important Secret Invasion tie-ins,” said David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales & Circulation. “These are the moments fans have been waiting for as Secret Invasion kicks into high gear and takes over 2008.”

Retailers, please check the Marvel Mailer for special order incentives related to Captain Marvel #3 Second Printing Variant and Captain Marvel #4. Marvel also urges retailers to check their orders on all upcoming issues of Ms. Marvel, Captain Marvel, and all other Secret Invasion tie-ins, as they continue to sell-out quickly.

Just how do Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel figure into the Skrulls’ plans? Find out in Captain Marvel #4 and Ms. Marvel #25, now featuring new variants by Terry Dodson!

CAPTAIN MARVEL #4 (of 5) (DEC072178)
CAPTAIN MARVEL #4 (of 5) DODSON VARIANT (DEC078127)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by LEE WEEKS
Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON & LAURA MARTIN
Rated A…$2.99
FOC—2/28/08, On-Sale—3/19/08

MS. MARVEL #25 (JAN082167)
MS. MARVEL #25 DODSON VARIANT (DEC078128)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by ADRIANA MELO
Cover by GREG HORN
Variant by TERRY DODSON & LAURA MARTIN
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—3/6/08, On-Sale—3/26/08

Captain Marvel Meets Son Hulkling in Young Avengers Presents #2

All Teddy Altman wants is to meet the father he’s never known. That father? None other than the Kree legend himself, Captain Marvel. The two finally meet in Young Avengers Presents #2 (of 6). Esteemed writer Brian Reed (Captain Marvel, New Avengers: Illuminati) and acclaimed artist Harvey Tolibao, bring us an epic chapter in the life of Teddy Altman, better known as the Young Avenger Hulkling. With the mysterious return of Captain Marvel to the Marvel Universe, this could be Hulkling’s only chance at tying up loose ends.

How will Captain Marvel react to the news that Hulkling is his son? How will the Young Avengers team react? All these questions and more are answered in Young Avengers Presents #2 (of 6)!

YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #2 (of 6) (DEC072207)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by HARVEY TOLIBAO
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC – 2/7, On-Sale – 2/27/2008

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We’re in a bit of a rush, but still trying to give you your fix on all things Marvel. The usual assortment of upcoming titles, Pick of the Week, and reviews as well as another SkrullWatch (like that wasn’t a given following the big reveal from last week). Some topics of interest this week are Avengers: The Initiative #7, New Avengers #36, House Of M: Avengers #1, Thor #4, World War Hulk #5, and X-Factor #25.

New Avengers: The Illuminati #5, Fantastic Four #551, Immortal Iron Fist #10, Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord #4, and Annihilation: Conquest #1 are all mentioned along with part one of a lengthy discussion on X-Men: Messiah CompleX #1 (with a surprise guest).

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Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #14
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #7
COVER BY: STEFANO CASELLI

WRITER: DAN SLOTT

PENCILS and INKS: STEFANO CASELLI

And Spider-Man fans take note: This issue features a VERY important Pre-ONE MORE DAY appearance by Peter Parker! A great jumping on point for one of Marvel’s hottest new titles!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

CAPTAIN MARVEL #1
CIVIL WAR CHRONICLES #5
GHOST RIDER #17
GHOST RIDER ANNUAL #1
HOUSE OF M: AVENGERS # 1

COVER BY: MIKE PERKINS

WRITER: CHRISTOS GAGE

PENCILS and INKS: MIKE PERKINS

Return to the world of the hit House of M series, where mutants rule the earth and familiar heroes lead shocking, unfamiliar lives! See the history of this alternate reality revealed for the first time! Follow Luke Cage as he goes from wrongly-convicted prisoner to super-powered fugitive…and assembles the band of rebel freedom fighters who will come to be known as the Avengers! Featuring Hawkeye, Iron Fist, Moon Knight, Tigra, Mockingbird and more than a few surprises! The team behind the acclaimed Union Jack, Christos (World War Hulk: X-Men) Gage and Mike (Captain America) Perkins, reunite to bring you Marvel’s heroes and villains in a world where anything can happen…and does!

Rated T+ …$2.99

IRON MAN AND POWER PACK #1
MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #5
MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #3
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED: THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK #5
NEW AVENGERS # 36

COVER BY: LEINIL FRANCIS YU

WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

PENCILS: LEINIL FRANCIS YU

Hey, I don’t know if you read the solicitation for Mighty Avengers but a Venom virus has gone off in New York City. That means the whole city!! That means the New Avengers have turned symbiote. Oh yeah!! Plus, Wolverine has a bone to pick with Spider-Woman about a little green-skinned something. Oh, and the Hood isn’t wasting any time setting himself up as the kingpin of all super-villains.

Rated A …$2.99

NOVA # 8

COVER BY: ADI GRANOV

WRITER: DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING

PENCILS: WELLINTON ALVES

INKS: SCOTT HANNA

The next big Nova arc blasts off here! In the first four sold-out issues, we’ve seen Richard Rider burnt to a crisp, replaced by a hot Kree soldier and turned to the dark side. But just wait until you see where writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning – and special guest-penciler Wellinton Alves (Nightwing) — rocket Nova now as a special spooky two-parter begins! If you missed his first or second story arcs, but heard how good they were, don’t miss your third chance to jump on the book that IGN.com calls a “Must Read!”

Rated T+ …$2.99

PUNISHER #52
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #13
SPIDER-MAN/RED SONJA #4
THOR # 4

COVERS BY: OLIVIER COIPEL and LEE BERMEJO

WRITER: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

PENCILS: OLIVIER COIPEL

INKS: MARK MORALES

Thor has come back from the void–he’s reclaimed Mjolnir and summoned the lightning–and he’s rebuilt Asgard from the ground up…literally! But who will populate the home of the gods? The Odinson’s search for his fellow deities spans the earthly plane of Midgard…and you won’t believe where he finds them!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #48
ULTIMATES SAGA # 1

COVER BY: MARK BROOKS

WRITER: C. B. CEBULSKI

PENCILS: TREVOR HAIRSINE

Recapping the entire series to date, the ULTIMATES SAGA will be told by their new leader, Tony Stark. As America’s premier super-hero team, the Ultimates have been forced to face more trials and tribulations than anyone ever expected during the course of their short time together: a Skrull infiltration, the trial of the Hulk for his murderous rampage, betrayal from within and the invasion of America. Now, no longer under the auspices of S.H.I.E.L.D., Tony Stark is forced to face the reality of his team’s newfound freedom. Having gotten his hands on Nick Fury’s personal files, Tony sifts through the information Nick has collected about the Ultimates’ adventures and discovers there’s been a lot more going on with his team than he ever anticipated. This 32-page special will also include an extra four-page section featuring an all-new story by C.B. Cebulski and superstar Travis Charest.

Rated T+ …$3.99

WOLVERINE #59
WORLD WAR HULK # 5

COVERS BY: DAVID FINCH and JOHN ROMITA JR.

WRITER: GREG PAK

PENCILS: JOHN ROMITA JR.

INKS: KLAUS JANSON

The millennium’s most massive Marvel smashfest careens towards its cataclysmic conclusion! Four so-called Marvel “heroes” shot the Hulk into space. Their exploding shuttle destroyed his people and pregnant queen. And the Hulk has taught them what their arrogance has wrought. But now the Hulk faces the puny humans’ greatest champion. And as the terrible battle rages, who will stand revealed as the hero – and who will be proved the monster? Who knows the difference between vengeance and justice? And who will pay the terrible price of anger?

48 PGS./CARDSTOCK COVER/Rated T+ …$3.99

X-FACTOR # 25

COVERS BY: DAVID FINCH and MARC SILVESTRI

WRITER: PETER DAVID

PENCILS: SCOT EATON

INKS: JOHN DELL

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 3 of 13

X-Factor Investigations joins the search for the missing mutant baby! Rictor infiltrates the Purifiers’ church in hopes of learning what they know about the kidnapping, but the secrets he uncovers surpass his wildest nightmares. Meanwhile, Madrox and Layla visit Forge and learn the terrible truth about the future of mutantkind.

Rated T+ …$2.99

X-MEN: DIE BY THE SWORD #3

Collections On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL VOL. 2: COMES THE CARNAGE! TPB
COVER BY: RON FRENZ

WRITER: TOM DEFALCO

PENCILS: RON FRENZ

A new chapter opens as Peter and Mary Jane Parker struggle to accept their daughter’s recent decision, and Spider-Girl finds herself torn between friendship and justice when one of the Ladyhawks embarks on a mission of vengeance, determined to get revenge on the Hobgoblin for crippling her twin sister. Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #7-12.

All Ages …$13.99

EXCALIBUR CLASSIC VOL. 4: CROSS-TIME CAPER BOOK 2 TPB

COVER BY: RON LIM

WRITERS: CHRIS CLAREMONT, MICHAEL HIGGINS, and TERRY AUSTIN

PENCILS: CHRIS WOZNIAK, ALAN DAVIS, RON LIM, BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH, and COLLEEN DORAN

What do Crusader X, Lord High Justicer, Centurion Britannus, Chevalier Bretagne and Lady London have in common? They’re all Captain Britain! Excalibur’s Cross-Time Caper concludes cataclysmically in a climactic coda of cosmic confrontations! Traumatic transformation! Evil illusion! Super-powered rebellions on two worlds and titanic tricksters on two more! With guest appearances you’d never expect! Collecting EXCALIBUR #21-28.

Rated A …$24.99

FANTASTIC FOUR: THE NEW FANTASTIC FOUR PREMIERE HC
COVER BY: MICHAEL TURNER

WRITER: DWAYNE MCDUFFIE

PENCILS: PAUL PELLLETIER

In the aftermath of Civil War comes RECONSTRUCTION, the beginning of a stunning new era of fantastic adventure. The team has been rocked to its foundations by the controversial events of the last several months. Now Reed and Sue have announced their plans to take some time off to work out there marital problems, leaving Ben and Johnny to hold the fort. But they won’t be doing it shorthanded. Two new members join the team and you won’t believe who they are! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR #544-550.

168 PGS./Rated A …$19.99

MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS VOL. 4: THE DREAM TEAM DIGEST

COVER BY: LEONARD KIRK

WRITER: JEFF PARKER

PENCILS: LEONARD KIRK

Facing the foes no single super hero could withstand! When global threats surface, they must contend with the combined might of: Captain America! Storm! Iron Man! The Hulk! Giant-Girl! Wolverine! Spider-Man! It’s all-ages action in the Mighty Marvel Manner! Featuring an insectoid invasion, Kang the Conqueror, the Agents of Atlas, Thor and more! Plus: the origin of Giant-Girl Janet Van Dyne! Collecting MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #13-15 and GIANT-SIZE MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #1.

All Ages …$6.99

SPIDER-MAN, PETER PARKER: BACK IN BLACK HC

The second massive hardcover collecting the status-quo-shattering BACK IN BLACK saga! Reeling in the aftermath of CIVIL WAR, Peter Parker has plenty of reasons to consider a change of wardrobe: Black is his state of mind. But the worst is yet to come for Spider-Man! In SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN, as Spider-Man and his family get used to the new status quo…other Spider-Men begin appearing all over the city. Younger, less-experienced versions of our web-spinning hero, causing havoc wherever they go. Who’s creating these arachnid dopplegangers and why? And will Peter Parker be able to stop them, and whoever’s behind them, before more lives are lost? And in SPIDER-MAN FAMILY, Peter Parker and his supporting cast get all-new, untold tales featuring the original alien symbiote black costume. Collecting SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #35-40 and ANNUAL #1, SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #1-2, SPIDER–MAN: BACK IN BLACK HANDBOOK and MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: SPIDER–MAN–BACK IN BLACK.

Rated…$29.99

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 4 HC

COVER BY: PASQUAL FERRY

WRITER: MIKE CAREY

PENCILS: PASQUAL FERRY, MARK BROOKS, and SCOTT KOLINS

This deluxe hardcover collects ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 7: GOD WAR TPB and ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 8: DEVILS TPB! In GOD WAR, the Fantastic Four find themselves stranded in another dimension, hunted by the warriors from the dread world of Acheron – and its ruler, Thanos, won’t rest until he possesses the one weapon which will give him dominion over the entire cosmos: the mind of young Reed Richards! In DEVILS, meet the alchemist supreme: Ultimate Diablo! The Fantastic Four are pulled into a madman’s scheme when those closest to them are drawn back through time…and when the team follows the trail to the year 1483, they find themselves face-to-face with a man on a quest to transform the world – literally. Plus: Something strange has happened at Nursery Two, the Baxter Building’s Think Tank counterpart in Oregon. It’s disappeared, seemingly swallowed up by the earth itself! And if you think that heralds the return of the macabre Mole Man – go to the head of the class! And finally, Cerebro has been stolen – and the trail points directly at the government’s premier think tank, the Baxter Building! The X-Men aren’t happy about it — and the Baxter Building’s most famous residents, the Fantastic Four, aren’t happy about an angry team of mutants showing up on their doorstep! It’s FF versus X-Men in an all-star blowout! Collecting ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #33-41 and ANNUAL #2, ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR/X-MEN, and ULTIMATE X-MEN/FANTASTIC FOUR.

Rated A …$29.99

WOLVERINE: ORIGINS VOL. 3 – SWIFT AND TERRIBLE TPB

COVER BY: STEVE DILLON

WRITER: DANIEL WAY

PENCILS: STEVE DILLON

Like father, like son?! Having finally seen his face, Wolverine sets out to rescue his son from the grasp of the shadow society that once enslaved him. But Logan’s son doesn’t want to be saved – he wants revenge…against Logan, the father who abandoned him! Collecting WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #11-15.

Parental Advisory …$13.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC VARIANT

FANTASTIC FOUR OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC
FANTASTIC FOUR OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC VARIANT

UNCANNY X-MEN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC
UNCANNY X-MEN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC VARIANT

Posters On-Sale:

ULTIMATES 3 HEROES BLACK AND WHITE PANORAMA POSTER
ULTIMATES 3 HEROES PANORAMA POSTER