Marvel Debut Infinity #1 Variant

You wouldn't be blamed for thinking that one of the most recent images released by Marvel was for an up and coming film. But this is in fact the Marko Djurdjevic variant for Infinity #1 from the creative team of Hickman, Cheung, Opena and Weaver. Done in a movie poster style I think this cover looks great. Are they pushing the link between comics and one of their recent and biggest successes, the films? Maybe. But I have high hopes for this event coming from Hickman and this cover is a great promotion for his upcoming crossover.

My One to Watch for 01-05-2013

Superior Spider-Man #9

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Ryan Stegman

My one to watch this week is Superior Spider-Man #9. Main reason for this being is that it is highly hinted that this may be the return of Peter Parker, but knowing Dan Slott, it will not be that simple. This also sees the return of Ryan Stegman on art for the issue, I thoroughly enjoyed the first issue and issue 2 and 3 after, both for the story and the art, but the art was one of the stand outs. Another thing to note is these issues will be accompanied by some amazing covers by Marcos Martin. This will be the moment I have been waiting for, I have loved every minute of Doc Ock Spider-Man, but everyone knows that Peter Parker is Spider-Man and that before long he has to be back. No better time than now right? Well we will find out by this Wednesday where these may be heading. I know that whatever does happen this has been one of my stand outs of Marvel NOW and I will still be grabbing this issue by issue.

Marvel: X-Men

Sunday was a busy day for Marvel at C2E2. There biggest announcements, I think, coming from there X-Men panel. Here we were given some details on the upcoming celebrations and storyline for the 50th anniversary of the X-Men.

'Battle of the Atom', being brought to you by the superstar creative team of Bendis, Aaron and Wood was announced. This also includes more time travel with a X-Men team from the future coming back to fight with the present X-Men for the best solution for the time dispersed original X-Men. This was also backed up with character designs, find these at the bottom of the post, for these future X-Men by Art Adams. One character design of note, which was not suppose to be released, is the last image at the bottom of this post, Junior Wolv, who very much looks to be some sort of relation to both Wolverine and Mystique. They have teased enough so far for me to be very interested in this storyline, especially as I have recently really gotten into the X-Books since Marvel NOW. Both Bendis' titles, Uncanny and All New, really being a great jumping on point for the X-Universe, really helping with there unison with the wider Marvel Universe. It begins with X-Men Battle of the Atom #1, this will then spread across all four X-Titles, All New X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men and Wolverine and X-Men before ending with X-Men Battle of the Atom #2.  I imagine more will be revealed as SDCC comes around and also as the solicits for the month the first issue is released. But this is certainly a crossover to look out for.

Other announcements of note, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire are the next art team to work with Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan for an arc on Deadpool, 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'. A storyline with the unlinkely team up of Captain America, Wolverine and Deadpool. I was about to take Deadpool off of my pull list but with the art team that has been announced there is no doubt I will be picking this up once it is released in August. I will be posting Declan's first cover for this some time soon.

Also Brian Wood has mentioned that a new member for his team and book will be revealed on the final page of his first issue of X-Men out the end of May. We also know that there will be a self contained storyline for this book before it links in with 'Battle of the Atom'. I can't wait for this book to be released especially as it is being drawn by Olivier Coipel, who filled in for art on Uncanny Avengers #5, you just know this book will look as good as it will read.

Wolverine will have a story coming up called 'Killable', I can only imagine this is related to the fallout of Age of Ultron, where Sabretooth finds out a way to kill Wolverine and hires a crew of X-Villains to help him take down Wolverine. The panel joked that everyone should send there love for the series to Paul Cornell soon as by the end of this arc Wolverine fans are not going to be particularly pleased with him. Sounds like we could be looking at another Dan Slott fan reaction, I just hope it isn't so over the top.

Finally it was announced that X-Factor will be coming to an end in September, Peter David has managed to bring this book and storyline full cycle and to its natural end. I can't imagine this will be the end of the X-Factor title, this may be coming back in some form with Marvel NOW Phase 2.

For more information on this check out the links below;

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=45188

http://ifanboy.com/articles/c2e2-2013-bendis-aaron-and-wood-wage-x-men-battle-of-the-atom/

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/c2e2-2013-marvel-x-men.html

All images below were sourced from the above Comic Book Resources article.

 

Marvel: Superior Spider-Man

Image by Olivier Coipel

So this weekend is C2E2, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. I've been keeping an eye on all the comic news sites for any news, this expo has become very popular as a place for the publishers to make announcements. One of the first to catch my eye was the Marvel: Superior Spider-Man panel which also included news on Daredevil, Venom, Scarlet Spider and other 'street' level titles.

First up July will be Superior Spider-Month, with the release of some new titles Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Superior Spider-Man Team Up and debuting a new costume for the character in Superior Spider-Man #14 dealing with the fallout from the previous Daredevil storyline Shadowland. This was also announced during Superior Spider-Week at the beginning of the month.

Next Marvel have finally confirmed the long rumoured appearance of Spider-Man 2099, Miguel O'Hara, in the pages of Superior Spider-Man in September with issue #17. This is another Spidey storyline which will have an impact on both the Spidey titles and the Marvel Universe as a whole. It was also noted that Venom will be making a a return to the headline Spidey title some time down the line. Another part of the exciting news for the appearance of Spider-Man 2099 is that this will be accompanied with covers from Olivier Coipel!

Up next was Nick Spencer talking briefly about his new tile coming up Superior Foes of Spider-Man, the line up for this title is a lot larger than the villains pictured on the 1st issue cover, but these villains will be the main cast for the title. Also Declan Shalvey was there to talk about his roll on Venom with Cullen Bunn and its current arc and how much he loved drawing the 'Dark' Spider-Man, its sad that his run is ending at the end of this current storyline but he himself has mentioned his next project will be announced this weekend. Being a huge fan of his work this is something I will be keeping an eye on.

Mark Waid made a point of his working relationship with Chris Samnee the way they will discuss scripts and the creation of new characters and events that take place are given input by both and how this has been a major factor in the success of his current Eisner award winning Daredevil title.

This then led onto Fan questions.Questions and answers of note, Brevoort has confirmed there will be a follow up to Brian Bendis' summer hit Spider-Men, but would not make any commitments of when. More to be announced at San Diego maybe? I sure hope so as Spider-Men was one of my favourite titles last year and also was left on a brilliant cliff hanger, and I hate cliff hangers as I have very little patience for waiting for what's next.

There were no real answers for questions regarding Superior Spider-Man and Peter Parker/ Doc Ock's future with the simple reply of read Superior Spider-Man #9. One last noteworthy mention is the tentative yes's given in reply to whether there will be a Daredevil/ Superior Spider-Man crossover's and also a Superior Spider/ Scarlet Spider crossover. Something to get the various fans thinking on.

For the full coverage check out the link below;

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=45180

Out This Week 01-05-2013

(This list does not contain collected editions or reprints)

Dark Horse Comics

47 Ronin #4
Abe Sapien Dark & Terrible #2
Michael Avon Oemings Victories #1
Mister X Eviction #1
Star Wars Dark Times Fire Carrier #4

DC Comics

Action Comics #20
Ame Comi Girls #3
Animal Man #20
Aquaman #19
Batwing #20
Detective Comics #20
Dial H #12
Earth 2 #12
Fairest #15
Green Arrow #20
Legends Of The Dark Knight #8
Mad Magazine #521
Movement #1
Phantom Stranger #8
Scooby Doo Where Are You #33
Stormwatch #20
Swamp Thing #20
Worlds Finest #12

IDW Publishing

Colonized #2
Dungeons & Dragons Cutter #2
Joe Palooka #6
Mars Attacks #10
TMNT Color Classics #10
Transformers Spotlight Hoist #1

Image Comics

68 Jungle Jim #2
Activity #12
Artifacts #27
Blackacre #6
Epic Kill #10
Invincible Universe #2
Mice Templar IV Legend #2
Savage Dragon #187
Snapshot #4
Son Of Merlin #4
Spawn #231
Super Dinosaur #19
Ten Grand #1

Marvel Comics

Age Of Ultron #7
All New X-Men #11
Hawkeye #10
Indestructible Hulk #7
Iron Man #258.1
Iron Man #9
Iron Man Coming Of Melter #1
Red She-Hulk #65
Superior Spider-Man #9
Thanos Rising #2
Ultimate Comics X-Men #26
Winter Soldier #18
X-Factor #255
X-Men Legacy #10

My Thoughts on Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 Poster by Jock

So Thursday night, 7:40pm to be exact, I entered screen 10 of the Odeon Greenwich to watch the 2D version of Iron Man 3. I also got one of the great posters pictured. Although being super excited for this film I was also concerned, the trailers had given a lot away and also what the result would be as it had been handed over to a new director. But all my concerns were a waste of time. The trailer's are a superb misdirection which makes this probably the best Iron Man film in the trilogy. And this may well be a trilogy as it is strongly rumoured this will be the last Iron Man film. So begins Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film really delved into the ramifications of the events of Avengers on Tony Stark, and there was a lot of Tony Stark in this film. This had the perfect mix of suspense, drama, action and most of all humour, which was unexpected. With great moments from Jon Favreau's Happy and Sir Ben Kingsley's Mandarin. Even Gwyneth Paltrow's, Pepper Potts, got her big moment in the spotlight. The elements brought from Warren Ellis and Adi Granov's Extremis storyline came off well giving a new and different enemy for Iron Man to face, after the past two being mechanical and suit based. What made this film so incredible and great is that it surprised me and exceeded all my expectations. Considering what Marvel Studio's have produced so far I had high hopes for this film to begin with but this may be one of their best films yet even on par with Avengers. Robert Downey Jnr as always is a great Tony Stark and Iron Man and is helped to be so by his impressive supporting cast. There are some real surprises in this film and I recommend you find time to check this out, even if you haven't seen the two previous Iron Man films before. Also, as with any Marvel film be sure to wait till the credits have finished for a fantatsic extra scene. If Iron Man 3 is the benchmark for Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe then we are all in for a treat when Thor: The Dark World hits the screens and with Captain America: Winter Soldier coming next year and also the first Marvel Studios Galactic title Guardians of the Galaxy there is plenty to look forward to!

My Book of the Month April 2013

Fear Agent Library Volume 1

Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Tony Moore/ Jerome Opena

I was very late to jump on the bandwagon with this one. Having read Uncanny X-Force, Venom and Uncanny Avengers from Rick Remender I found I just loved the way he wrote and was enjoying the majority of his current work out there. So I wanted to see if there was any work of his before Marvel that would catch my eye and Fear Agent was one of these. Also adding to the interest in this was the team on art, Tony Moore who's work I have loved with Walking Dead and his work on Venom and Deadpool, Jerome Opena who is also just fantastic. Following a little bit of research, reading a few reviews iFanboys being the most helpful for my final decision, this was a very easy choice to get a copy of. Only issue was I had found this in February and everywhere I tried to find a copy it was sold out.  It only turned out that this had sold out within days of release in December and any copies I could find were being sold for well over £100 when they were originally sold for £30 or less. So for days and weeks since it had been my mission to find a copy of this as close to the original price as possible, all my relentless searching paid off earlier this month when I found an copy for £32's I grabbed my chance and brought it. With all the effort put into getting myself a copy was it worth it? YES! This is a beautiful collection, the hard back cover thick pages vivid print makes this a gorgeous and well put together book. I am still ploughing through this which contains the first 3 volumes of Fear Agent among artist sketches, cover gallery and other things. This is worth every penny! I have already pre-ordered Volume 2. I understand this is getting a reprint or second print, whether my copy is one of those or not I am not sure, but if you are a fan of Remender's work I strongly recommend you try and hunt a copy of this down!

My Comic of the Week 24-04-2013

Ultimate Comics Ultimate Spider-Man #22

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Sara Pichelli

Colors: Justin Ponsor

First things first, this is not an issue that anyone should plan on reading in public or on public transport, especially if you care for this character, no there are no inappropriate images, there is a moment that will hit you in the gut, and well I teared up and got some very funny looks from fellow passengers on my train. This was a tough week to make the pick with several other titles right up there as well but Ultimate Spider-Man has been one of the comics I pick up every month and enjoy every month since its 1st issue which received very different reactions from fans across the world. Brian Michael Bendis has done a great job of developing this character and his network of family and friends which helps to develop a fondness for this character which makes you care what happens to him, Miles Morales, and that is why this issue hit so hard. I have read this 3 times over and at the same point in this issue I have the same reaction every time. This issue is action packed, drawn superbly as always by Sara Pichelli. But it is written in a way where you just do not expect what happens to happen, the next issue's title makes so much more sense now and I am eager to get issue 23 in my hands so I can check on how one of my favourite characters is coping. If you haven't given this title a chance yet, Venom War may be a great way to jump on. 

My Cover of the Week 24-04-2013

Publisher: Marvel

Guardians of the Galaxy #2

Cover Artist: Paolo Rivera

It was an unfortunate week for the other covers out there as this weeks cover of the week had been decided some time back when the first image of Paolo Rivera's variant for Guardians of the Galaxy #2 was teased by Marvel. Just from looking at this cover I would love to see a Rivera drawn issue. This is just superb, the mirrored reflection of the team gazing out the window of their ship staring into the distant stars of the galaxy. The subtle colour changes in the reflections, the fading and change of opacity makes this cover beautiful. This cover made me break my no more variant policy as I just had to have a copy. My cover of the week is Guardians of the Galaxy #2 by Paolo Rivera! More please.

Thor: The Dark World: International Teaser Trailer

With Iron Man 3 out in just a couple of days in the UK, the first teaser trailer for Thor: The Dark World has been revealed. Thor has long been one of my favourite characters, I had an amateur interest in Norse Mythology, own and have read aspects of the Poetic Edda. So to me this film looks great combining one of my favourite mythologies with one of my favourite comic series. Enough about me to check out the Trailer for yourself find the video below.

My One to Watch 24-04-2013: Jupiter's Legacy #1

Publisher: Image Comics

Writer: Mark Millar

Artist: Frank Quitely

My one to watch this week is Jupiter's Legacy #1. There has been a lot of hype around this title, especially being generated by Mark Millar himself, including release parties with free drinks, among regular up dates on teasers and previews on his twitter feed. It was a Mark Millar book that was one of the first comics I read and it got me hooked this was Civil War from Marvel. Since then there has been Ultimates and of course Kick Ass, I have picked up many of his other creator owned titles but these have all been a little hit and miss for me. Jupiter's Legacy is the first Mark Millar title I have got this excited about since Kick Ass. I have faith that Millar has written a kick ass story, excuse the pun, and well with Quitely on art you just know this book is going to look stunning! Need confirmation of this check out the link below for a 7 page full colour/lettered preview!

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=16192

Iron Man 3 Out in the UK 25-04-2013!

I have my tickets for the day of release! Do you?! I certainly think you should! But are you still not sure if it is worth seeing? Well check out the trailers below, 3 choices depending on how much you need to be teased. I will be throwing a review up on here once I get a chance to write after seeing it on Thursday! Super Excited!

My Comic of the Week 17-04-2013

Nova #3

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeph Loeb

Artist: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Dexter Vines

Colorist: Marte Gracia

Another Month, Another Marvel Comics, Another issue of Nova, and once again it is my pick of the week. This title is really turning out to be one of the highlights of the Marvel NOW initiative. Jeph Loeb is managing to create a lovable character, with an engaging story and origin. He is a master of writing the meetings between Sam Alexander, Rocket Raccoon and Gamorra. Sam's reaction to these characters continually appearing is priceless and Rocket Raccoon's humour is one of the highlights of the issue. This was another great issue, and with the ending I look forward to issue #4 landing on my lap in a months time.

My Cover of the Week 17-04-2013

Publisher: IDW

Doctor Who Prisoners of Time #4

Cover Artist: Francesco Francavilla

It was only a matter of time before one of these covers became my cover of the week. Every issue of Doctor Who Prisoners of Time is accompanied by a brilliant cover by Francavilla, as self confessed Doctor Who fan, and who better to be on the cover of my the week that one of the great Doctor's the 4th, Tom Baker, who could forget that hat and scarf combo. There is something about Francavilla's covers and colour pallet he uses that truly makes these covers incredible. I have been collecting this covers, as mentioned in a post some time ago, and can not wait to get all these together into the big image I presume they create. It was a Francavilla week considering this pipped Black Beetle #3 to the title, possibly caused by bias for my love of Doctor Who but hey ho. My cover of the week Doctor Who Prisoners of Time #4 by Francesco Francavilla!

Out This Week 24-04-2013

(This list does not contain collected editions or reprints)

Dark Horse Comics

Amalas Blade #1
Angel & Faith #21
Answer #4
BPRD Vampire #2
Dark Horse Presents #23
Dragon Age Until We Sleep #2
Massive #11
Mind MGMT #10
Star Wars Legacy #2

DC Comics

All Star Western #19
Arrow #6
Batman Incorporated #10
Batman The Dark Knight #19
Before Watchmen Comedian #6 (MR)
Flash #19
Fury of Firestorm the Nuclear Man #19
I Vampire #19
Injustice Gods Among Us #4
Justice League Dark #19
Katana #3
Red Lanterns #19
Savage Hawkman #19
Superman #19
Superman Family Adventures #12
Talon #7
Teen Titans #19
Unwritten #48

IDW Comics

Alan Robert Killogy #4
GI Joe #3
Haunted Horror #4
High Ways #4
Jinnrise #4
Judge Dredd Year One #2
Kill Shakespeare Tide of Blood #3
Kiss Solo #2
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic #6
My Little Pony Micro Series #3
TMNT Ongoing #21
Transformers More Than Meets Eye #16
True Blood Ongoing #12

Image Comics

A Distant Soil #39
Clone #6
Darkness #112
East of West #2
End Times of Bram & Ben #4
Five Weapons #3
I Love Trouble #5
Invincible #102
Jupiters Legacy #1
Lost Vegas #2
Manhattan Projects #11
Mighty Skullkickers #1
Morning Glories #26
Whispers #5
Witch Doctor Malpractice #6

Marvel Comics

A Plus X #7
Avengers #10
Avengers Arena #8
Deadpool #8
Deadpool Killustrated #4
Fantastic Four #7
FF #6
Fury Max #11
Gambit #11
Guardians of Galaxy #2
Journey Into Mystery #651
Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man #13
Morbius Living Vampire #4
New Avengers #5
Scarlet Spider #16
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #22
Uncanny Avengers #7
Uncanny X-Men #5 NOW
Wolverine and X-Men #28
X-Termination #2
Young Avengers #4

My Picks from the DC Comics July 2013 Solicitations

DC Comics;

Trinity War (Justice League #22/ Justice League of America #6/ Justice League Dark #22)

Writer: Various
Artist: Various

So July sees the beginning of DC's New 52's first Universe wide crossover Event! Being the sucker for events that I am I will be grabbing this and also I really looking forward to this, even though in recent times I tend to have ended up sorely dissapointed with these sort of events. I hope to learn more about Pandora and also this will give me a chance to delve into the Justice League Dark books, which originally I did not carry on collecting as I just simply couldn't afford it. This event looks promising and much like Age of Ultron over at Marvel has been some time in the making.

DC Comics;

Batman Inc #13

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham

Here comes the end of Batman Inc and another of Grant Morrison's epic runs on Batman, I was a huge fan of his Batman and Robin and have really enjoyed this title since it was reintroduced into the New 52. I am excited to see how this gets wrapped up with Batmans war against Talia Al Ghul and Leviathan, which led to the death of their Son, and fan favourite character, Damian Wayne. Another highlight of this title which I among many people, I imagine, were surprised to see is this will include a variant cover by none other than the man himself Grant Morrison.

DC Comics;

Batman Zero Year Directors Cut #1/ Superman Unchained Directors Cut #1

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo/ Jim Lee

It is safe to say I am on the Scott Snyder bandwagon, he is by far one of the best writers around at the moment, producing hit titles like American Vampire and Batman Black Mirror before entering the New 52 as the lead writer on Batman and Swamp Thing. His tenure on Swamp Thing recently came to an end with issue #18 and he has recently had to put American Vampire on hold as he starts and accepts many more exciting projects. This brings me to July's solicitations where DC will be publishing to Directors Cut issues for his new story arc on Batman, Zero Year, and also is highly anticipated Superman title with Jim Lee, Superman Unchained. These will also include his scripts for these issues, which I can't wait to get my hands on and see how he works. It is also worth noting that these issues will also contain what I can only imagine will be the stunning original art work of both Greg Capullo, Batman, and Jim Lee, Superman Unchained, for these issues. If you are a fan of Snyder's I recommend you pick these up. Ever since his fan favourited run on Batman began with the New 52 Snyder has gone from strength to strength and this is a chance to hopefully delve into his work process.

My Game of the Month April 2013

This is not the game I expected to be writing about for my game of the month for April. But its these sought of surprises I enjoy most. I was just browsing the app store on my iPad and came across Injustice Gods Among Us, which I was initially surprised to see and then even more surprised to see it was free. I have not been able to get myself off this game since. Every moment of free time I get I am back on there trying to complete the next set of foes. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of graphics for a game on a tablet. These has really given me a taster for this game, and if it wasn't for the fact I feel I can no longer justify £40-£50 per game I would rush straight out and by Injustice Gods Among Us on console. But for the time being I am happy in knowing I can play a fun version of this on my iPad! So my Game of the Month for April 2013 is Injustice Gods Among Us on iOS!

My Picks from the Marvel July 2013 Solicitations

Marvel Comics;

Avengers A.I

Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Andre Araujo

One of the first new titles to be announced to come spiralling out of Ultron. Here is our answer to how Vision fits into Marvel NOW! I find the idea for this team and title exciting. I look forward to seeing the adventures of a Doombot. Love the cover by Dustin Weaver, still undecided whether I will be a fan of the regular artists interiors, haven't really seen much work by them before. But I hope it will look great and look forward to seeing how this fits in to the new Marvel NOW! Universe.

Marvel Comics;

Guardians of the Galaxy #5

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis/ Neil Gaiman
Artist: Sara Pichelli

The accompanying image is the cover for Guardians of the Galaxy #4 they seem to be keeping the cover to issue #5 under wraps. I am already very excited for issue #4 as it has Sara Pichelli on art, who produces some of the most amazing work for Ultimate Spider-Man with Bendis. But the excitement for issue #5, for some, has been ramped up by the appearance of a certain newly announced character for the Marvel Universe, originally from the pages of Spawn at Image, Angela. You just know she is gonna look great being drawn by Pichelli and with Gaiman joining Bendis on the script I just hope on hope this will be as exciting as I imagine.

Marvel Comics;

Superior Spider-Man #14

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Humberto Ramos

Another Twist! Another Turn! The biggest thing to happen since #700 is to take place next month with Superior Spider-Man #9, but now we are also being told the next biggest thing to happen will be in issue #14. Another new costume, but who is it under the mask. Still no firm conclusion on that one apart from Slott keeps strongly reminding us Peter Parker is dead, maybe somewhat to strongly? They wouldn't really kill of Peter Parker right? Well the cover for this issue has left me excited, costume evoking opposite elements of Mile Morales costume in Ultimate Spider-Man, not that it has anything to do with the issue but still it looks awesome! I keep picking this up as Slott is writing some great issues with this new status quo, but I am also hoping and praying for the return of Peter Parker!

Man of Steel New Official Trailer

So Thursday just done marked the 75th Anniversary of Superman and Action Comics #1. But also earlier in the week a new trailer for Man of Steel was released and well quite frankly this is looking to be the Superman film fans have been waiting for. There seem to be a few deviations from the comic books but in previous films this has helped. We will only find out for sure if this is as good as it appears to be come June. To form your own opinion check out the video below.

Out This Week 17-04-2013

(This list does not contain collected editions or reprints)

Dark Horse Comics

Black Beetle #3
BPRD Hell on Earth #106 Cold Day in Hell #2
Conan The Barbarian #15
House of Gold & Bones #1
Star Wars Darth Vader & Ninth Assassin #1

DC Comics

Batman Beyond Unlimited #15
Batwoman #19
Birds Of Prey #19
Catwoman #19
DC Universe Presents #19
Fables #128
Green Lantern New Guardians #19
He Man and the Masters of the Universe #1
JSA Liberty Files the Whistling Skulls #5
Justice League #19
Justice League of Americas Vibe #3
Legion of Super Heroes #19
Nightwing #19
Red Hood and the Outlaws #19
Supergirl #19
Sword of Sorcery #7
Wonder Woman #19

IDW Publishing

Danger Girl Trinity #1
Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #4
Doctor Who Vol 3 #8
Ghostbusters #3
GI Joe a Real American Hero #189
Godzilla Ongoing #11
Judge Dredd #6
Magic the Gathering Path of Vengeance #4
Popeye Classics Ongoing #9
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #50
TMNT Villain Microseries #1
Transformers Robots in Disguise #16
Vitriol The Hunter #3

Image Comics

Chew #33
Cyber Force #4
Danger Club #5
Hoax Hunters #9
IT Girl & The Atomics #9
Lil Depressed Boy #16
Mara #4
Miniature Jesus #1
Revival #9
Thief of Thieves #13
Todd The Ugliest Kid on Earth #4
Witchblade Day of the Outlaw (OS) #1

Marvel Comics

Age of Ultron #6
Astonishing X-Men #61
Cable and X-Force #7
Captain America #6
Captain Marvel #12
Daredevil #25
Daredevil End of Days #7
Dark Avengers #189
Iron Mam #8
Nova #3
Savage Wolverine #4
Superior Spider-Man #8
Thunderbolts #8
Ultimate Comics Wolverine #3
Venom #34
Wolverine and X-Men #27AU
Wolverine Max #6
X-Factor #254
X-Men Legacy #9

Work in Progress: Nova

A new work in progress, and unfortunately I am still to complete the previous work in progress for Spider-Man. I have been itching to attempt a drawing of Nova since reading the new Marvel NOW comic, its one of my favourite titles from the NOW launch, there are a few issues with perspective, and issues with using the correct thickness of line and pens I use. Otherwise I am quite happy with it so far. I love sketching the pencil part, and I do draw quite sketchy most of the time, and within all the sketched lines I can see the image I want, but once it comes to pinpointing the correct line a can never ink it right. Here is to hoping I don't muck this up.

My Comic of the Week 10-04-2013

Uncanny Avengers #6:

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Rick Remender

Artist: Daniel Acuña

So I have been waiting for this moment to happen, and also been trying to avoid it, where my One to Watch also managed to become my Comic of the Week. But there was no doubting that this would be my comic of the week. After all the delays to this book it has finally managed to find its place and hit the ground running and Remender is back to his best. Cassaday has unfortunately left on interior art, but stays on covers, or is it unfortunate? The artistic talents of Daniel Acuña have been brought to the book and boy does this bring a whole new energy to this title. There are some superb panels in this Thor dominated issue. Thor vs Apocalypse, well what more could you ask Thor. A new addition to the history of Thor, introducing a new weapon with a new name, and oh my does it pack a punch. This contains just the sort of gripping and rewarding story I expect from Remender and I could not be happier with the art work on this book and hope that Acuña is here to stay for some time. The wheels have been set in motion for the next big story arc for this flagship title of Marvel NOW! And also this may contain possibly the most rewarding, re-working of a famous Marvel character quote ever written which left me both smiling and chuckling on my train into work. All my disappointment over the delays of this title are forgiven.  I can't wait to pick up the next issue which is out in two weeks. My comic of the week Uncanny Avengers #6! 

My Runner-Up Comic of the Week 10-04-2013

Batman #19:

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Greg Capullo

Usually I would just write about my comic of the week, but it was such a hard choice this week, and the shallow and brutal truth is that this was only beaten as I am a Marvel fanboy of sorts. Here is a part 1 of 2 Batman tale by the superstar creative team of Snyder and Capullo and after Batman's comics being dominated by over arching story lines, Court of Owls and Death of the Family, it is nice just to take a little break and have a Batman detective story. This is a great issue, as always with fanatstic art by Greg Capullo, who is consistently managaing to produce some of the greatest art on the shelves. This is a Batman mystery tale, as the cover displays, why would Batman be pointing a gun at Jim Gordon? Well I do not want to ruin anything so you should really check it out. Also one of the surprise highlights to this book was the back up story, written by James Tynion IV, featuring Superman, proving that it has not been forgotten that Bruce recently lost his son and also displays how these two characters work together and highlights there friendship. I strongly recommend that if you are a Bat fan or trying to find a way to jump into the title this issue is for you. So now to reveal what beat this fantastic comic to my Comic of the Week!

My Cover of the Week 10-04-2013

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Sledge-Hammer 44 #2

Cover Artist: Mike Mignola

Colorist: Dave Stewart

Its embarrassing to admit this but I have only recently started reading books by Mignola, and obviously being so late to his titles without buying collected editions of his previous work his covers are some of the only choices for me to get a glimpse of his wonderful art work. And here again, he was also one my covers of the week last month, with the cover to the second issue of Sledge-Hammer 44 comes another great cover, I love almost everything about this cover, the atmosphere created by the colours, the soldier shadowed by Sledge-Hammer 44, and there is just something, which I am still yet to pinpoint, that draws me to Mignola's artwork, like a moth to a flame. I have started reading more Mignolaverse titles and I hope to grab some collected editions. But here it is, my cover of the week Sledge-Hammer 44 by Mike Mignola!

My One to Watch for 10/04/2013

Uncanny Avengers #6

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Daniel Acuña

After the great issue that was Uncanny Avengers #5 comes the beginning of the next arc in Marvel NOW's flagship title. Uncanny Avengers #6, on comes Daniel Acuña for art and I can't wait to see how this issue is going to look. Being the start of the next arc, and solicited as the first fight between Thor and Apocalypse in the 11th Century, I have high hopes for this issue and the story arc as a whole. If you need a reason to come on to this book then now is a good time, just be sure to also check out issue #5 with Coipel's gorgeous art! Uncanny Avengers #6 will be out tomorrow.

Out This Week 10/04/2013

(This list does not contain collected editions or reprints)

Dark Horse Comics

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 9 #20
Sledgehammer 44 #2
Star Wars #4
X #0

DC Comics

Action Comics #19
Batgirl #19
Batman #19
Batman and Red Robin #19
Batman Arkham Unhinged #13
Batman Lil Gotham #1
Constantine #2
Deathstroke #19
Demon Knights #19
Django Unchained #3
Green Lantern Corps #19
Ravagers #11
Saucer Country #14
Suicide Squad #19
Superboy #19
Team 7 #7
Threshold #4

IDW

Colonized #1
Doctor Who Classics #2
Dungeons & Dragons Cutter #1
GI Joe Cobra Files #1
Kiss Solo #1
Mars Attacks #9
Rocketeer Hollywood Horror #3
Star Trek Countdown To Darkness #4
Transformers Regeneration One #90
True Blood Ongoing #11

Image Comics

Invincible Universe #1
Saga #12
Sex #2
Walking Dead #109

Marvel Comics

Age Of Ultron #5
Alpha Big Time #3
Avengers #9
Avengers Arena #7
Avengers Assemble #14AU
Avenging Spider-Man #19
Fantastic Four #6
Fearless Defenders #3
Hawkeye #9
Marvel Universe Avengers Earths Heroes #13
Secret Avengers #3
Secret Service #6
Thor God of Thunder #7
Ultimate Comics Ultimates #23
Ultron #1AU
Uncanny Avengers #6
Uncanny X-Men #4
Wolverine #2
X-Treme X-Men #13

My Cover of the Week 04-03-2013

Marvel Comics;

Venom #33

Cover by Declan Shalvey/ Jordie Bellaire

I have been picking up covers by Declan Shalvey regularly, his cover this week for Winter Soldier was another great cover. But another feature of this cover that makes it great is the colours. This cover is drawn by Shalvey and coloured by Bellaire, and it is quite safe to say that when anything is coloured by her you know its going to look great. These two really make an incredible team when it comes to covers. If you like this one then you should check out there work on the Planet of the Apes comics at IDW. My cover of the week, Venom #33 by Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire!

My Comic of the Week 03-04-2013

Green Lantern #19:

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist: Andre Sorrentino

We are now 3 issues in to Lemire's and Sorrentino's run on Green Arrow and what a turn around this is for the title. The art work is stunning and the story is gripping. Oliver Queen is a character at the lowest of the low fighting an enemy more skilled than he is with answers to questions that he wants answered. And in this issue as many questions questions are made as questions are answered, how his father died, what his fathers role with the island he got stranded on is, but still who is Komodo and what his is role in his father's death? This title continues to keep me wanting to come back for more and I will certainly be picking up issue #20. If you still have picked up this new run on Green Arrow you really should.

Gaming announcement: The Wolf Among Us

Telltale Games has finally announced their game based on the DC Vertigo series Fables. Wolf Among Us. Hot on the heels of their incredible success with The Walking Dead. I am not familiar with the Fables series and its characters but I sure plan on grabbing this after recently playing Walking Dead and I will now be counting down the days till its Summer release.

Another Avengers Title: Avengers A.I.

A week ago Marvel announced one of the first new titles to spin out of their current event Age of Ultron. Yet another Avengers title, Avengers A.I. I guess this answers the question of where Vision fits into Marvel NOW!

But alongside, Avengers, New Avengers, Secret Avengers, Young Avengers, Uncanny Avengers and Avengers Arena this will be the 7th monthly Avengers title to hit our shelves come July 2013.

I will no doubt be grabbing this, I am a huge Vision fan and I really love the idea of an A.I. and I really can't wait to see the Doombots roll in this series.

I imagine there will be more on this as the time comes closer and the July Solicitations are released.

My Gaming Shout Out: Walking Dead by Telltale Games

It’s taken me a while to finally get around to giving this a go and I am so glad I found the time. I questioned why this won the Game of the Year award at the VGA’s, but now after playing it I can see exactly why this won as many awards as it did. This game takes you on an emotional roller coaster, investment in characters, difficult decisions all of these values and more make this a gripping and great game. I, as with many others, cannot wait for Season 2 of this set of episodic games. I need to know what happens next to Clementine. If you, like me, could not find the time to play this I strongly recommend you give this a shot as soon as you can.

My One to Watch for 03-04-2013

Abe Sapien #1 Dark and Terrible

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Mike Mignola/ Scott Allie
Artist: Sebastián Fiumara
Colorist: Dave Stewart

I recently was looking for something to read that wasn't really something I would immediately grab from the shelves and that was the first volume of B.P.R.D. I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed this title and spinning out of this I have been looking forward to this new Abe Sapien series. With art and colours by Sebastian Fiumara and Dave Stewart resepectively this book should look great. Abe Sapien was one of my favourite characters when reading the first volume and I hope to catch up on more of the character as I work though further volumes. But for now I am very much looking forward to this ongoing which will give me easier access to the character.

Marvel's next Summer Event: Infinity

Marvel has released more information about its next big summer event, so far we know this will be a 6 issue series and also it will cross over with Jonathan Hickman's Avenger's titles.

This event is being written by Hickman, and seeds are currently being planted within his titles for this event. I have great faith in Hickman that this event will be one of the better ones.

The last event I really enjoyed was Secret Invasion or Civil War and obviously Age of Ultron is still out at the moment and will end in June.

More will be made known after the release of the Marvel Free Comic Book day issue by Hickman and Jim Cheung.








For further information check out the links below;

http://marvel.com/news/story/20387/welcome_to_marvels_infinity

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/marvel-reveals-new-infinity-details.html

Dark Horse to produce 'The Star Wars' Comic!

Bleeding Cool News has reported one of the most exciting announcements to come out of Wondercon Anaheim 2013. Dark Horse comics have announced that they will be producing a comic based on George Lucas's original concept and script alongside Ralph McQuarrie's original concept art called 'The Star Wars'. I am really excited about this,and with a release date of September there is still a long wait to go. Not sure if there will be anymore news in the coming weeks. But I would be fairly sure there will be more news regarding this at San Diego Comic Con, or possibly even C2E2 at the end of the month. For the original news on this from Bleeding Cool please check out the link below;

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/03/31/dark-horse-to-adapt-george-lucas-original-concept-the-star-wars-into-comics-wondercon/