Review: Black Panther #39

The Skrulls think an invasion of Wakanda will be a walk in the park. But King T’Challa, the Black Panther, and the citizens of Wakanda have other plans! It’s non-stop Secret Invasion excitement as the Skrulls bring the fight to Wakanda’s front door! Black Panther #39 features the new creative team of writer Jason Aaron and artist Jefte Palo. Story wise, I thought this issue was a really good read. I loved the back and forth between the Skrull battleship and the Wakandan command center leading up to a final confrontation at the gates of Wakanda. I really appreciated the insight we get into the motivation of the Skrull Commander leading the Wakandan invasion. For me, it really helped make the battle feel more than just another Skrull attack. You knew the Skrull leading this mission was fighting for a purpose and I felt that really added to the story. Really great writing on Jason Aaron’s part. The art from Jefte Palo was kinda hit or miss for me. There were a couple of splash pages that I thought looked really good, especially some of the battle scenes. But than there were other spots that just didn’t really do anything for me. Overall, this was a really good issue and an excellent tie-in to the Secret Invasion event. There were some really well done battle sequences and the story was well written. This book is definitely worth picking up!

COVER: JASON PEARSON
WRITER: JASON AARON
ARTIST: JEFTE PALO
COLORIST: LEE LOUGHRIDGE
LETTERER: VC’S CORY PETIT
EDITOR: AXEL ALONSO
Rated T+ …$2.99

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Review: True Believers #1

The heroes of the Marvel Universe better look out! There’s a new team in town, and their not completely into the whole hero scene. In fact, if your a hero in the Marvel U., you better make sure all those dirty little secrets you don’t want the public to know are well guarded or you may end of like… You’ll just have to check out True Believers #1 to find out!

Written by Cary Bates (Flash, Star Brand, Superman) and illustrated by Paul Gulacy (Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu, Six From Sirius, Batman, Catwoman) issue one introduces us to the True Believers, a team of four computer hacking superheroes who use their powers and abilities to run a popular tabloid style blog that covers the slimier side of the Marvel Universe as well as the latest superhero gossip and dirt. The team’s leader, Mavis Trent who goes by the name Payback, also doubles as an adviser for S.H.I.E.L.D. I really, really dug the hell out of this first issue! The story is told from the view point of Mavis, who I found to be a really fun character to read. Bates’ dialog is very believable and has a great flow about it. This is the first time I have read any of Bates’ work, and so far I am thoroughly impressed. The story was very entertaining, and the cliff hanger at the end really leaves you wondering: did this really happen?

The art from Paul Gulacy is absolutely phenomenal! Once again, Gulacy is an artist I am not familiar with, but I thought the stuff he did in this issue was outstanding. Each panel was incredibly detailed and he draws some absolutely stunning women! I am really curious to see where this book goes. Based on the end of this issue, I’m wondering what kind of dirt we will be getting on some of our other favorite heroes? Definitely give this book a try, I can’t recommend it enough!

COVER BY: PAUL GULACY
WRITER:
CARY BATES
PENCILS:
PAUL GULACY
INKS: PAUL GULACY
COLORS:
RAIN BEREDO

LETTERS: ARTMONKEY’S DAVE LANPHEAR
EDITOR: MOLLY LAZER & BILL ROSEMANN
Rated T+ …$2.99

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Preview: Captain America #37

The New Captain America Is Seeing Red (Skull, That Is)!

Act Three of the epic “Death Of Captain America” storyline begins right here, as Eisner-winning writer Ed Brubaker takes things from bad to worse for the new Captain America! Acclaimed artists Steve Epting and Jackson Guice join Brubaker for Captain America #37, as the Red Skull targets the very soul of America with his latest gambit! As James “Bucky” Barnes must adjust to the new mantle once worn by his mentor, he must also search for the kidnapped Sharon Carter — whose jaw dropping discovery last issue may change the entire direction of Captain America!

Named Marvel’s top series by IGN.Com, who gushed “Captain America has consistently defied modern superhero series conventions… We honestly feel sorry for you if you’re missing out on this series,” this series continues to draw more acclaim with each issue.

Troy Brownfield of Newsarama.com said, “I’d like to see Brubaker complete his vision. And from where I sit, that vision continues to be smart, action-packed, well-considered, well-drawn, and just plain good comics.”

With the last three issues selling out quickly at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level), Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of Captain America. What does Red Skull have planned? Did Sharon Carter really see what she thought she saw? And can Bucky last as the new Captain America? Find out in Captain America #37!


CAPTAIN AMERICA #37 (FEB082219)

Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils by STEVE EPTING & JACKSON GUICE
Cover by JACKSON GUICE
FOC—3/27/08, On-Sale—4/16/08

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Preview: Ghost Rider #22

Ghost Rider Rides The Twisted Road To Heaven!

Combine sadistic, gun-toting nurses with evil man-eating ghosts and you get one hell of a day for Ghost Rider! Writer Jason Aaron’s critically acclaimed “Hell To Pay” story continues in Ghost Rider #22, the penultimate chapter of the action packed ride that leads into the stunning return of a character than we can only call the most shocking last page in Ghost Rider history! With gritty art from Roland Boschi and a powerful cover by rising star Marko Djurdjevic, now’s your chance to find out why critics and fans can’t stop raving about Ghost Rider!

“Aaron’s knack for gritty characters and gritty situations shine through,” gushed Jesse Schedeen of IGN.Com. “Artist Roland Boschi draws a mean Ghost Rider to match.”

“This book has got guts,” exclaimed Bryant Frattalone of ComicsBulletin.Com. “Stick around for the ride.”

Ghost Rider is one book that’ll get your heart racing past the redline in by the last page,” said Andy Serwin of WizardUniverse.Com

With Heaven in his sights and on his tail, Ghost Rider may just need some divine intervention to survive! Don’t miss Ghost Rider #22!

GHOST RIDER #22 (FEB082225)
Written by JASON AARON
Art by ROLAND BOSCHI
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/27/08, On-Sale—4/16/08

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Preview: Wolverine #64

Wolverine Will Stop At Nothing To “Get Mystique!”

Bullet-ridden and consumed by a quest for vengeance, Logan has one objective — get Mystique and get revenge for her betrayal of the X-Men! Wolverine #64, an X-Men: Divided We Stand tie-in, continues the critically acclaimed “Get Mystique” arc from writer Jason Aaron (Ghost Rider) and artist Ron Garney (Amazing Spider-Man). Just how does the newly revealed history between Wolverine & Mystique affect their current conflict? And just what favor could the X-man call in to deal with Mystique?

Critics and fans agree — this is the Wolverine story you must read, with Ryan Broussard of Comixtreme.Com saying, “This story has depth, action, history, and just overall impressive writing.”

“‘Get Mystique’ is turning Wolverine into the book I anticipate the most every month,” gushed Bryan Joel of IGN.Com.

Don’t miss any of the x-plosive events in the penultimate chapter of “Get Mystique,” as Wolverine and Mystique head towards what may be their final battle! It’s Wolverine #64 — and nothing can stop Logan now, bub!

WOLVERINE #64 (FEB082270)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils & Cover by RON GARNEY
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/9/08

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Preview: Nova #12

The Return Of The New Mutant Warlock Leads to Conquest Finale!

Selffriends, everyone’s favorite New Mutant Warlock has returned in the pages of Nova! But the comeback may be short-lived as Warlock, his protégé Tyro, and a transmode virus-infected Nova must face an enraged Technarch adult in Nova #12. And with the Phalanx-delivered virus ravaging his body, can Nova survive to lead this strange calvary into the double-sized Annihilation: Conquest #6?

Month after month, Nova has reviewers like Ain’t It Cool News raving, “The series that knocked my socks off with each and every issue this year was Nova…and more than any other series, has me chomping at the bit for the next issue.”

Warlock has never looked so good thanks to the pencils of Paul Pelletier, inker Rick Magyar, and colorist Guru eFX. And writers Andy Lanning & Dan Abnett have crafted a story more than worthy of the former cult fave.

With the events of this issue leading directly into the conclusion of Annihilation: Conquest, plus the return of this beloved New Mutant, you do not want to miss Nova #12!

NOVA #12 (FEB082250)
Written by ANDY LANNING & DAN ABNETT
Penciled by PAUL PELLETIER
Cover by ALEX MALEEV
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC – 3/20, On-Sale – 4/9/2008

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Preview: Cable #2

Cable Versus Bishop For The Fate Of All Mutantkind!

The past, present and future of mutankind are at stake as Bishop and Cable wage war for the new mutant child in the near future! Cable #2, from the acclaimed team of novelist Duane Swierczynski (Moon Knight Annual) and Ariel Olivetti (Punisher War Journal) continues the sold-out series as Cable and Bishop do battle! It’s kill first, ask questions later as these former allies wage war! Meanwhile, heavily armed forces have their sites set on eliminating Cable once and for all!

Critics continue to hail Cable as one of 2008’s most x-citing new series. Steven Bari of ComicsBulletin declared the first issue to be, “Violent. Thrilling. Charming. Cable #1 is the beginning of a great action-adventure.”

“Any fan of the X-franchise, and Messiah Complex in particular, should be buying this book,” gushed Richard George, IGN.Com.

Paul Steven Brown, of ComicAddiction.Com, said, “I’m curious to see where this series will go in the next few months.”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Cable, as the series ties into the red-hot Divided We Stand storyline and continues to affect the X-Men! Can Cable survive Bishop’s assault? Find out in Cable #2!

CABLE #2 (FEB082267)
CABLE #2 FINCH VARIANT (FEB082268)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale—4/2/08

CABLE #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088307)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/9/08

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Preview: X-Men: Legacy #209

Magneto Returns as Xavier Clings to Life in X-Men: Legacy #209

What could the Acolytes possibly want with the mind and body of Charles Xavier? Add Magneto’s interest into the mix and that’s a recipe for disaster! Xavier’s life hangs in the balance as the quest to save the most important mind in mutant history begins. In X-Men: Legacy #209, from fan favorite writer Mike Carey and with rising star artists Scot Eaton and Billy Tan, and a cover by superstar artist David Finch, the quest for mutant survival barrels on!

Jesse Schedeen of IGN.com says, “Trust me, this is one X-book you’ll want to keep on your pull list.”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on X-Men: Legacy and all X-Men: Divided We Stand tie-ins, as the future of mutants in the Marvel universe is revealed and as critics continue to hail the current direction of the X-titles!

What sort of repercussions will there be as the journey into Professor Xavier’s mind continues? Will the reveal of long lost memories and important x-facts be detrimental to the cause? Find out the answer to these questions and more in X-Men: Legacy #209!

X-MEN: LEGACY #209 (DEC072220)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by BILLY TAN & SCOT EATON
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Rated A…$2.99
FOC 3/6, On Sale 3/26/2008

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Preview: Wolverine: First Class #1

Wolverine & Kitty Pryde Embark On Their First Solo Mission!

The next generation of X-Men have arrived at Xavier’s school, but will new student Kitty Pryde survive the tutelage of the mysterious Wolverine? Exploring the early days of the X-Men with the solo adventures of Wolverine & Kitty Pryde, Wolverine: First Class #1 kicks off a new ongoing series revealing secrets from the X-Men’s past! From rising star writer Fred Van Lente (Incredible Hercules) and fan-favorite artist Andrea Di Vito (Marvel Comics Presents), learn about Kitty Pryde’s first mission with Wolverine as the two enter a situation too deadly for any one mutant to handle! But can these two find a way to work together?

“The Wolverine and Kitty team up is one of the all-time great sidekick dynamics in recent comics history,” says editor Mark Paniccia. “WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS introduces that magic to a new generation of readers. Long-time fans will get sensational untold stories set in the one of the greatest eras of the X-Men.”

Exploring in-continuity tales from the X-Men’s past, Wolverine: First Class is a must read for all X-Men fans!

WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #1 (JAN082189)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by ANDREA DI VITO
Cover by SALVADOR ESPIN
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—3/6/08, On-Sale—3/26/08

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Preview: Thor #7

Marko Djurdjevic Joins Thor In Battle As Odin Returns!

Acclaimed cover artist Mark Djurdjevic joins the thunderous hit series Thor as special guest artist for a two-issue arc that promises to turn the God of Thunder’s world on its head! Writer JMS (The Twelve) has brought Asgard to Earth, transformed Loki into a woman and pitted Thor against Iron Man… so what could JSM have planned for Thor’s father, Odin? Has he been found? And more importantly… should he be found?

As a special bonus, Djurdjevic and regular series artist Olivier Coipel have teamed-up to create a special variant cover for this issue—and you need to see the results of this superstar jam to believe it! This stunning image is also available as the Thor By Coipel & Djurdjevic Poster!

Thor’s world has been rocked by the machinations of others, but will the return of his father set him on a path of no return? And what of Loki’s machinations with the deadly Dr. Doom? If you haven’t checked out one of 2007’s most critically-acclaimed new series, then don’t miss Thor #7, kicking off a series of events that promise to shatter the status quo!

THOR #7 (DEC072216)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
50/50 Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL & MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—2/28/08, On-Sale—3/19/08

THOR BY COIPEL & DJURDJEVIC POSTER (DEC072283)
24×36 Color Poster…$7.99
IN STORES NOW!

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