Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Scott Kolins

"Reverse Flash Rebirth!" In this FLASHPOINT prelude, don't miss the epic telling of the origin of Barry Allen's greatest foe, Professor Zoom! Eobard Thawne's story is just beginning — and he intends to finish it with The Flash!

Geoff Johns loves himself some villains, particularly when it comes to The Flash. Last issue was a nice little Rogue Profile on Captain Boomerang, reminding longtime fans of Johns of his original Flash run, and this issue brings us the origin of Barry Allen's most feared foe. Follow the cut to see what I thought of this issue.

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Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Jock

Continuing the new series direction from the writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and artist Jock (THE LOSERS)! A series of disturbing clues brings Batman face-to-face with Gotham City's dark past and deadly present. Plus, Jim Gordon continues a harrowing search to uncover the truth about a frightening figure from his own past. . . Be here for part 2 of "The Black Mirror."

This week brings us the second issue of Scott Snyder's stay on DC's namesake, Detective Comics. The first, #871, got praise a' plenty from across the board, and even made our list of top ten issues of the year. Follow the cut and see if #872 followed suit.

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Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Illustrated by Emma Rios

SPIDER-MAN: BIG TIME! Peter Parker and Norah Winters dig into the truth behind Norman Osborn's imprisonment...while Osborn fights to get out! Is the world safe with Norman Osborn in a top-secret supermax institution? Or has he just met the allies who'll make him deadlier than ever?

The first issue of this title made fellow MC writer David do a backflip of excitement, but with yours truly taking a gander at the second issue, how does it play out? Is Osborn as good in my eyes as it was in his? Find out after the cut.

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Written by Jonathan Hickman
Illustrated by Allesandro Vitti

After the shocking conclusion of “Night”--and the tragedy that has hit Nick Fury’s Caterpillars--we begin our last story arc and jump back in time to see what’s happened to the one team member who was left behind: Druid. Only four more issues until the fiery conclusion of the series that IGN.com calls “the most consistently great Marvel comic on the stands”!

It's no secret that I've been a bit of an opponent of this book recently, especially the very uneven "Night" arc. But some forget that this was one of my favorite series of 2009. With just two issues after this remaining, did the book make a return to form in my mind?

Find out after the jump.

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Written by Paul Cornell/Nick Spencer
Illustrated by Pete Woods/RB Silva

Part 1 of a 2-part crossover with the Secret Six! Lex Luthor doesn't want to get his hands dirty fighting Vandal Savage (that Black Ring energy ain't gonna find itself!), so he hires Savage's daughter Scandal and her Secret Six team to take the immortal villain down for him! Continued in SECRET SIX #29!
And in the hit new JIMMY OLSEN co-feature, Jimmy signs up for a "Win a Date" auction, but much to his surprise, so does his ex, Chloe Sullivan! While Jimmy ends up on a date with CrazyPants McGee, Jimmy's archrival snags Chloe! D'oh! And wait, are those wedding bells we hear? Better hope they don't toll for thee, Olsen!

Paul Cornell and Nick Spencer continue their all too great run on Action Comics in both the main feature and the co-feature. As the year draws to a close and DC drops it's page count, co-features, and price point, how does the last Action Comics of the year shape up? Find out in the review after the cut!

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Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by John Romita, Jr.

The return of the Illuminati! Marvel's super-secret brain trust has reunited because someone is trying to put the Infinity Gauntlet back together. Who is it and will the Avengers be able to stop them in time? And what does any of this have to do with the Red Hulk?

Plus, is there a little romance brewing? Another blistering blockbuster chapter from Marvel's premiere super hero team Bendis and Romita Jr. Plus: another illustrated chapter of the oral history of the Avengers!

Infinity Gems, the Illuminati AND Brian Michael Bendis scripting? Marvel should charge $4.99 for this!

But seriously, $3.99 is fine.

Find out what I thought of this book after the jump.

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Welcome back to the newly revitalized Multiversity Casting Couch! I’m back and with a totally new idea I cooked up. Well, it’s not new, but it’s an adaptation of a specific Batman story from the past ten years. That story is Batman: Under the Red Hood. I only recently read it, but it read like a movie, and one I wanted to see at that. And yes, I know it was an animated film, and a particularly good one too. This is meant to be an expansion of that.

I made a few tweaks, but they’re mostly additions to the cast because the original animated movie (and the comic for that) had some missed opportunities in character interaction. First of all, I added Tim and most of the Batman family. I think the interaction between Babs and Jason would be a poignant one; and one that was sorely missing from the story in my opinion (and the current DCU while we’re at it). I also added Barbara as a potential love interest for Dick, and even Stephanie Brown for Tim. The return of Jason Todd was something that should have affected the entire family, not just Dick and Bruce.

So with that, here we go!

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Written and Illustrated by David Finch

Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone's must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne's childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman's life!

A brand new Batman on-going begins - but is it any good? And with a title like The Dark Knight, it certainly has a legacy to live up to now with both the Frank Miller title and the Christopher Nolan movie, now doesn't it? Find out if the first issue is worth it after the cut.

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Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by Steve McNiven

THE HIGHEST SELLING CREATOR-OWNED COMIC IN THE INDUSTRY COMES TO A CLOSE! It CAN’T be over already, can it? Don’t miss the shocking finale and be the only one you know who didn’t read this. It’s the end of the road for Nemesis and Chief of Police Blake. Who will end on top? Only MARK MILLAR (KICKASS, ULTIMATE AVENGERS) and STEVE MCNIVEN (OLD MAN LOGAN, CIVIL WAR) know!

Of the current Millarworld books, Nemesis is certainly the one generating the most buzz. This week's Battle Review has David and me discussing the finale to one of Millar's most over-the-top comics yet, and continues our new trend of actually disagreeing in Battle Reviews. Follow the cut to find out who thought what (and why)!

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Well that's certainly a friendly quote.

Marvel has released the following image with the Alan Davis cover to Fantastic Four #588 (which will feature Nick Dragotta on interior art), announcing that beyond that there is no more Fantastic Four. While that doesn't mean that there aren't plans for the characters somewhere else (with the FF title teased obviously being a clue, with Hickman and Epting), it looks like Marvel's First Family is calling it quits after the death of one of their members. With the Thing also presumably leaving the team, it doesn't look like a time of happiness for the group. Heck, it doesn't really look like a good time to be anyone anywhere in the Marvel Universe at the moment, with Fear Itself around the corner and Daredevil also having lost his mantle. Whose next?

Someone should ask Stan Lee what he thinks of all this.

Eventually the Brightest Day will have set, Superman will have stopped walking around America, Wonder Woman's Odyssey will be over, the Flashpoint will have passed and the War of the Green Lanterns will have ceased. Assuming that we don't see some unexpected deaths, DC will enter 2012 with something they haven't had for quite some time: their Big Seven, alive and not tied up in events (okay, so maybe I'm a bit naive in assuming that last one). What better time to get the band back together? For those of you who didn't know, the original, Pre-Crisis Justice League was founded by Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (Hal), The Flash (Barry), Martian Manhunter and Aquaman, and while the League has had many variations on that core seven, it has been a long while since the originals have been in the same place at the same time. How can DC use this to their advantage? Follow the cut to find out.

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Marvel released a new X-Men teaser this morning with a rather self explanatory generational iamge, shown here to the left. It appears to be an homage to the rather famous X-Men #100 and, if I'm not mistaken, will probably have to do with the arc following Serve and Protect in Gischler's X-Men book. Why Gischler's? Well, this is a blank guess here, but considering the art here is done by Paco Medina and there is no adjective with the title it's safe to say this is Gischler's X-Men.

You gotta love a good ol' fashioned Jean vs. Emma throwdown tease, though. We'll see what happens in March.

Buzz is stirring today about a report from gaming site Siliconera: Marvel recently filed a trademark in reference to 1984-85 limited series "Secret Wars," specifically in regards to video game products.

While this doesn't exactly mean that a game will be made or if it is, that it will be any good, it does mean that Marvel has the intent to pursue something of this sort. Some theorized that this could be the grounds for a new Ultimate Alliance game, but as Robot 6 pointed out, Disney's video game wing (Disney Interactive Studios) has displayed interest in delving into Marvel properties for development.

Here's hoping it's the latter, as I could go for a fresh take on the Marvel Universe. Either way, I'm pulling for this game to happen if only so I can see Dr. Doom take down The Beyonder and steal his powers in CG glory.

(Via Robot 6)

On the last part of the 4 Color News and Brews Christmas Special, Brandon and David bring back "Inebriated Inquiries" for an extra segment this month. Questions include "What DC character would you give the Vertigo treatment?" and others relating to Ultimate Comics Spider-Man and Magneto.

Leave us a comment, and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov
Illustrated by Rahsan Ekedal

Brian Cohn is a diagnosed schizophrenic leading a simple, uncomplicated life in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. He’s expecting his first child with his wife. When he goes to visit his estranged Alzheimer’s afflicted father on his deathbed, the dying old man confesses to being a serial killer. Now Brian is faced with discovering a horrifying new side to his father and left wondering if we ever really escape familial legacies.

From acclaimed author Joshua Hale Fialkov (Tumor, Pilot Season: Alibi) and rising artist Rahsan Ekedal (Creepy) a disturbing story of murder and mystery wrapped in questions of sanity.

Fialkov's "Tumor" has been something that has been recommended to me many, many times, but something I've somehow not read yet. In fact, this new release from the revived Minotaur Press (the indie angled imprint of Top Cow) is the first book I've ever read from him. Find out my take on "Echoes" and whether or not it will lead me down a path towards "Tumor" after the jump.

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Written by Mike Mignola
Illustrated by Scott Hampton

While chasing a giant bat through the forest, Hellboy meets an old man with insider knowledge of the coming vampire apocalypse.

For the first time, Mike Mignola teams up with artist Scott Hampton (Batman, The Books of Magic) for this gothic tale.

While this doesn't continue on the main story thread for our man Hellboy, it is Mike Mignola doing what he does best - telling awesome Hellboy stories.

Find out what I think of this book after the jump.

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So here we are a week after I announced this new column. I received some odd questions and some great questions. I have chosen the best of the best and now present those questions with answers I hope will do them justice. I’m also going to answer a question that has eluded fanpeeps since the 80’s. Questions this week involve hair, Superman, Alaska and G.I. Joes!

So without further ado here is the inaugural edition of my letters column column. That still has no name. More on that at the end of this week’s column.

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Well, it's almost the New Year! Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday it was January 1st, 2010, and we were all so happy that the world didn't explode. But as the year comes to a close, we have one last week of comics to go through, and unlike last year this won't be a week full of indie books. Not that that's a bad thing - I actually loved ICBW. Looks like this year just has too much going on for everyone to want to take a break, though.

So - what should you get? What should you spend your hard earned cash on? Well, never fear! While most of the Office is closed until next year, we've got some reviews coming your way as well as your regular dose of Comics Should Be Cheap!! So to find out what you should spend your hard earned cash on, click behind the cut and get illuminated, friends!

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We figure it might help to let you guys know what's coming out this week in comics, so welcome to our weekly feature! Our reviews come out tomorrow, so be sure to look over this list to get a preview of what we may or may not be reviewing tomorrow. We've added all of our own personal recommendations into this list as well, so be on the look out for bolded asterisks. Whenever you see one of those, it means we think you should be reading it. So keep your eyes open!

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If you're a big fan of Dark Horse Comics, you might know that their first series was an anthology named "Dark Horse Presents" and that it will be returning very soon. This is a very exciting upcoming book, if only for the idea of being able to find work from creators like Geof Darrow and Carla Speed McNeil in its pages.

Not only that, but the first issue will feature two covers, both from legends of the industry. One will be a "Xerxes" cover from Frank Miller, while the other will be a "Concrete" cover from Paul Chadwick. Both stories will be featured in this first issue, and with the former being a continuation (or prequel rather) of "300" and the latter being a legendary return to a character, this should be a must-buy for comic fans.

Check out the Chadwick cover after the jump.

(Via Robot 6)

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On the second part of this week's 4 Color News and Brews, Brandon and David continue the Christmas special with more holiday cheer and reviews!

Reviews this week include Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca's Invincible Iron Man #33, Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma's Morning Glories #5, and John Layman and Rob Guillory's Chew #16.

Let us know what you think in the comments and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

On the first part of this week's 4 Color News and Brews, Brandon and David celebrate Christmas in style...and by that I mean they wear ridiculous clothing and they drink festive brews.

We talk news, including Saint Walker joining the JLA, Marvel's announcement of Fear Itself, the prospect of Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes being killed, and some upcoming changes to Fantastic Four. It's a big week, and David and Brandon even throw in a bet that will pay off for viewers in March.

Check it out, let us know what you think in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Hey there kiddies! Welcome to the very last Into the Fancave of 2010. Up to bat for the fan team today is Carlos Padilla, a long time fan living in DC with strong opinions on digital comics and man-children. Click below and venture into his Fancave!

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This week on David's Got You Covered, we have a small week of covers mostly thanks to a rather uninspired effort from the big two comic companies. That's not to say there aren't nice covers out there, as the other publishers around the world of monthly comics brought their A game, including a really nice effort from an old favorite.

Find out what I picked after the jump.

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Here at Multiversity, we obviously like to celebrate diversity, but I suppose we can't help it that I, EIC Matthew Meylikhov, am Jewish (along with one of our main writers, Josh). The two of us teamed up to bring you a Hanukkah Special this year (really the only one on the internet!), and we had a great time.

However, in a last minute and completely surprising(ly awesome) moment, I (Matthew) received arguably the greatest e-mail of all time, which I had to share with all of you on your Christmas Day, if only to remind you that Hanukkah still has it's moments:

Art by the always awesome Kristin Boucher.

Happy HolidaysHanukkah, everybody! We'll see you next week!

Art by Michael Cho

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It’s Christmas Eve, and just like last year we would like to present to you our Multiversity Christmas lists. Brandon, Josh, Matt, and Gil have all decided to make their own lists to the Santas of the DC Universe and the Marvel Universe with their top 5 requests for the future of the universes (despite both Matt and Josh’s inherent Judaism...). It’s been a big year from both comic companies, but did they give us all we wanted last year?

Once again, they're fun little lists with snarky commentary amidst some legitimate commentary. In the meantime, David is once again painting his face green and watching a certain Jim Carrey holiday movie on repeat (again - why he keeps picking that version I have no clue) while Walt watches that creepy 3D Jim Carrey movie and saves all his ideas for a future article. We have no idea where former writer Groot is.

Click behind the cut for our thoughts!

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Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Mateus Santolouco

1936 - American Vampire Pearl Jones and her husband Henry Preston have tried to live a quiet life ever since their showdown with a coven of vicious Hollywood vampires. But when a chance encounter brings them face-to-face with old enemies, they'll learn the hard way that sometimes, the fight comes to you. . . with a vengeance. Catch up with your favorite vampire-killing husband-and-wife team in this 2-part tale of booze, bullets and bloodlines.

With the end of the latest arc of "American Vampire," series artist Rafael Albuquerque steps out and his Brazilian BFF Mateus Santolouco steps in for a two issue arc centered around Pearl and some ghosts from both her and her husband Henry's past.

Find out my thoughts after the jump.

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As of late I have found myself rather immersed in a brand new set of British television shows (thanks to a wonderful list from Bleeding Cool). I have never made any secret of my general preference for British television programs, and at this point I've seen so many different shows that I even find myself using British slang in regular conversation (or while cursing other drivers on the road, although without an accent some of the phrases just lose their luster). To say it plainly: I am, in fact, an anglophile.

It's with that in mind that I bring to your attention one of the shows I've found myself enjoying quite a bit. Having currently just aired it's second season and Christmas Special, I find now is probably one of the best times to hop in and watch the show as you'll have it all available to you. Which show is that? Why, it's Misfits of course! Take a look behind the cut to see what this show is about and why you should be watching it.

Also, as an additional note, keep your eyes open for this year's Doctor Who Christmas special, of which I am almost 100% positive I will be reviewing (although it might be a couple days after it airs).

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Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Brett Booth

It's BRIGHTEST (CHRISTMAS) DAY! What do you want for Christmas? Orange Lantern Larfleeze wants everything – including Santa Claus himself! And nothing, not even the heroes of the DC Universe can to stop the Orange Lantern from getting what he wants! Plus, you won't want to miss the strange holiday season shenanigans starring the rest of the Orange Lantern Corps! Superstar writer Geoff Johns and artist Brett Booth team up for an unbelievable sleigh ride adventure!

How glad I was to find out that the chance to review the long-awaited Larfleeze Christmas Special was MINE. We've all wanted it for so long, and now that it's finally here you can go to your shop and buy every copy. I'm going to stop with the bad avaricious jokes and instead urge you to follow the cut for MY review.

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Written by Victor Gischler
Illustrated by Paco Medina

Somehow, the X-Men have weathered the vampire raid on Utopia, but mutants can't claim total victory yet. Jubilee still needs the X-Men's help, and Xarus still commands an overwhelming force of bloodsuckers. Will Dracula's intervention be the final nail in Xarus's coffin…or will he make even more trouble for the X-Men than his upstart son ever could?

I’ve been dubious on this book since it launched. Not only was I not sold on another X-Ongoing but I was REALLY not sold on the idea of mutants vs. vampires. Frankly, if this was just another storyline, three issues max, it would have been fun and okay (since the X-Men HAVE interacted with Dracula in the past so its not forcing square pegs into round holes) but to have it go on for half a year and be an “event”? That was a little too much and caused me to initially write off the book completely and hope for early cancellation so that I wouldn’t feel bad about not buying it. That said when it did launch it ended up being surprisingly enjoyable. Now that the first arc and “mutants vs. vampires” has come to a close, click below to see where the book stands.

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Merry Christmas Eve to all of our friends around the comic booking globe! Today brings the end of our 2010 in Review wrap up series, as the big category - Best Ongoing Series - is here today. This was a year that featured a tough competition for all spots, as my top book didn't even make it (in case you aren't reading it, Scalped is the best comic out there - I don't care what the other MC writers say!), but it's a great list of comics that excelled this year.

Find out what our picks were after the jump, and let us know what you think in the comments.

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Written by Mark Sable
Illustrated by Sean Murphy

Don't miss this untold tale from writer Mark Sable (Grounded, TWO-FACE: YEAR ONE) and red-hot artist Sean Murphy (JOE THE BARBARIAN) bringing the Teen Titans and The Flash's Rogues Gallery into direct conflict! Two people already died over a mysterious object, and now both teams want it. How much more blood will be spilled to obtain it as this gets deadly personal for all involved?

I'll be honest - you had me at Sean Murphy. Well, and at Rogues. Heck, you had me at that wonderful cover with Captain Cold. Find out my thoughts on this extra big issue and winter-y issue (just in time for the holidays!) after the cut.

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Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Sara Pichelli

After the shocking status quo game changer from last issue's 10th anniversary special, Spider-Man must now undergo afterschool super hero training—and the lessons start here!!! Plus Peter Parker gets a new girlfriend? And you won't believe who she is. They’ll be guest stars galore in this action packed adventure as Spidey gets schooled!

After last issue’s mammoth anniversary tale, this month brings the beginning of Ultimate Peter Parker’s brand new status quo. When Bendis said there was going to be a renewed dedication to actually telling NEW stories with the Ultimate Universe, he sure was not lying. Click below to get the current haps on not only best book coming out of the Ultimate Universe at the moment, but one of the most consistently great comics being published across the board.

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Written by Rick Remender
Penciled by Roland Boschi

Betrayal! In the Punisher’s absence, the Jigsaw Brothers have carved out a respectable niche in New York’s criminal underground. But Frank Castle is back, and he’s killing their men – a lot of ‘em. Good thing for them, the Jigsaw Brothers know Frank well, and they have a contingency plan, one that’s been in place, gestating, for a long time. Frank has forgiven the fact his cyber sensei, Henry, is the son of Billy Russo, Jigsaw I. What will his trust cost him? The Punisher will soon discover in the Russo family, blood runs thick.

Rick Remender is back with more Punisher-y goodness. The first issue was quite the start to the mini, but let's see what else Remender has in store for us, yes? Find out my thoughts after the cut.

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Written by Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col
Illustrated by Andy Belanger

As word of the Prodigals' victory spreads a rebel army masses in Shrewsbury. Against this backdrop, Othello and Iago cross swords, Richard and Lady Macbeth lock horns and Hamlet and Juliet's love blossoms. But will the Dane live long enough to enjoy Cupid's fruit? Not if a ghost from Juliet's past has anything to say about it.

This book is the ultimate theater geek’s fantasy and has been so consistently for 7 issues now. The concept of characters existing in a shared universe is nothing new within the world of fiction and especially not within the world of comics. However, despite the fact that the characters being brought together in this series have been well known by even the lowest layman for hundreds of years, their use over the course of this maxi-series has been wholly unique and an absolutely phenomenal tribute to the work of The Bard. Now entering its final act, how does Kill Shakespeare hold up after eight issues? Click below to find out!

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Written by Mike Carey
Illustrated by Mike Perkins

An all new classic tale of Thor unchained by the hot creative combo of Mike Carey (X-MEN LEGACY) and Mike Perkins (THE STAND)!! Hela lays siege to Asgard, and demon hordes are loose on Earth. Weakened and alone, Thor must make a dangerous bargain with a mortal woman in order to launch a last assault on the forces of death and chaos - as his enemies were hoping he would. Valiant Vikings, grotesque goblins, and lascivious ladies—what more could any thunder god ask for?

We all know I love Mike Carey, but as far as I know I have never read anything by him where he wrote Thor. We also know how much I enjoy a good-one-and-done, so I decided to pick this little one-shot on a whim to see how it was. Follow the cut to see if this comic was of the quality one might expect from Carey, or if I say thee nay.

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2010 was a year that brought a surprisingly large amount of great mini-series. Not every year is like that, but this year found many top creators, from Grant Morrison to the brothers Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon to Brian Wood, creating and thriving in limited series form.

These finite series may not bring the fervor that some fans save for the lengthy and twisted continuities of the cape and cowl set, but they do bring a ton of storytelling power both from a written and artistic standpoint.

Check out our picks for the best mini-series of 2010 after the jump, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Nearly all of us here at Multiversity are big fans of Jeff Smith's Bone. However, whenever it comes time to suggesting it to someone for purchase, there's always a choice that must be made: do you want it all in one volume, or in individual color paperbacks? At least, you used to have to make that choice. According to the Boneville blog, the full series will soon be available in a single, full-color volume that is sewn in such a way that nothing is lost in the gutters and comes with a great-looking slipcase. Yes. Please. The omnibus will be released to celebrate the 20th anniversary, and man does it look nice. I'm almost glad I never got around to buying the black and white edition...

Written by John Layman
Illustrated by Rob Guillory

"FLAMBÉ," Part 1 of 5

Mother Clucker's Homestyle Fried Chicken Palace is open for business!

THIS YEAR'S EISNER AND HARVEY AWARD WINNERS FOR BEST NEW SERIES, BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

Is that... chicken? No way!! Chicken is illegal. There's no way that could make sense... could it?

Chew is one of the strongest titles of 2010, and after last issue's double sized awesomeness, let's find out how Layman and Guillory choose to follow it up! Find out after the cut.

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Written by Grant Morrison
Illustrated by Yanick Paquette

The dynamic new era of Batman continues! The Dark Knight and Mr. Unknown – the Batman of Japan – go up against Lord Death Man. It's going to be a fight to the end that could see the failure of Batman, Inc. before it's even begun!

Nothing about this series excited me when it was initially revealed other than the name Grant Morrison attached to it, and even then I was unsure how much Batman goodness he really had in him after the monumental redefining he gave the character over the last few years. Issue #1 of the second stage of his Batman Epic did away with a lot of that skepticism and Issue #2 picked up the pace and more thoroughly set the stage for what is assuredly going to be a crazy ride with some immense implications for the DC Universe.

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Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Ryan Ottley

THE VILTRUMITE WAR CONTINUES!
It’s all been leading up to this: Invincible vs. Thragg, one-on-one! It’s the fight to end all fights, and the fate of the entire universe hangs in the balance. Whatever you do, don’t miss this issue!

Invincible #75 was a power house of an issue, and Ryan Ottley was our #1 artist of 2010. So what are my thoughts on the latest issue? Find out after the cut.

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Over on Agent M's blog on Marvel.com, he has recently released the image shown here as a bit of a larger piece. In his post, he asks fans to guess what it is. It supposedly reveals something that is going to happen in 2011, and over the next two weeks he'll be posting bits and pieces of the picture for us to try and guess what it is.

So with this tiny little image, does any have a guess? I'm going to go out on a limb here and speculate it is General Grevious. I'm probably wrong, though.

Marvel released their March 2011 solicits today (check them out here, a little bit later than usual but in time to allow them to announce their new event Fear Itself on their own terms. Of course, careful eyes looking through it might have noticed a solicit that seems kind of ... well, spoiler-y. It would appear that one of the solicits might have accidentally given away the ending of "3", the current Fantastic Four arc by Hickman and Epting that promises the death of one of the members of Marvel's First Family.

But does it actually spoil anything? Take a look at the solicit behind the cut and let us know what you think! As a note: SPECULATIVE SPOILERS BEHIND THE CUT. If you don't want to think that maybe the end of "3" has been spoiled for you, don't click behind the cut (or read the solicits, I guess).

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Poor Matt Murdock has had a rough time lately. His girlfriend was murdered (again), his identity was sorta-but-not-exactly revealed, he went to jail, he broke out jail, another one of his girlfriends went insane, he was more or less forced into leadership of a crazy ninja cult, he was possessed by an entity of pure evil, and then he experienced some sort of spiritual death... thing. Did I miss anything? Yeah, I figured that was about it. Ladies and gentlemen, Daredevil needs a clean slate and a new creative team to start another great decade of comics with. Sure, Andy Diggle has Daredevil: Reborn coming out relatively soon, but who should take the reigns of the Man Without Fear's ongoing series once Matt Murdock's life has returned to something resembling the traditional status quo for the first time in nearly ten years? Follow the cut to find out my opinion on the matter.

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As pulled from the QR code in this week's issue of Punisher: In The Blood, we have the above teaser for Age of X by Mike Carey! Well, that doesn't seem right.

As the image says, "As anti-mutant hysteria spreads, legislation is passed that requires all mutants to be imprisoned and, in most cases, executed. When a fugitive mutant Reed Richards is harboring in the Baxter Building - despite wife Sue Storm's protests - accidentally injures their son, Franklin, Sue reports Richards to the Authorities. To demonstrate no one is above the new law, the Fantastic Four is publicly arrested and marched out of the Baxter Building in handcuffs." Well, thanks a lot, Sue!

Check out the site it comes from right here and be sure to keep your eyes open for more Age Of X teasers as we find them.

On the last part of this week's 4 Color News and Brews, Brandon and David introduce their last new segment of the month: Retro Reviews.

The first entries to this new monthly discussion point are Batman #452 through #454 (also known as "Dark Night, Dark City") from Peter Milligan and Kieron Dwyer, a three issue arc that is featured heavily later in Grant Morrison's Batman run.

The second retro review is a much more recent work. In fact, you can barely even call this a retro review...but whatever. We take a look at Image Comics' (by way of TOKYOPOP) release King City, a book by Brandon Graham that captured David's attention and was then foisted upon Brandon (Burpee) for the purpose of this segment.



Let us know if you like this new entry in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to our page today.

Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Chad Hardin

STAN’S BACK! THE PUBLISHING EVENT OF THE YEAR! Legendary comic creators Stan Lee and Mark Waid continue their hot new series featuring… a man out of time! With the city still under siege from the Split-Second Men, THE TRAVELER, must push his powers harder than ever before. With their plans shrouded in as much mystery as their origins, it’s a race against time and space to prevent whatever cataclysm would be in store if they succeed! He calls himself the TRAVELER. He has the power to warp and bend time to his will. But who is he? Where has he come from? And more importantly: what is coming after him?

Soldier Zero is plugging ahead of everyone, and Starborn just started - but the Traveler finally hits with it's second issue! With the book now past it's pilot issue, click beyond the cut to find my thoughts on the latest installment.

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Written by Jim Zubkavich
Illustrated by Edwin Huang & Misty Coats

“ONE THOUSAND OPAS AND A DEAD BODY,” Part Four

The Skullkickers are up to their necks in trouble and the key to their survival is the Necromancer who wants to see them both (un)dead!
Or, more eloquently explained in Haiku:

death magic chaos
undead army rising fast
flee you crazy fools

Image has been having all sorts of great new series hit the presses, from Chew, to Morning Glories, and now this. For reasons unknown, I went an unfortunate while before reading Skullkickers, but I recently read the first three issues before checking out our advanced copy. Follow the cut to see what I think of this new fantasy series.

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Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Brian Hurtt

New story arc! In the aftermath of the tragic battle of the Maw, Drake and company hide in the sprawling city of New Orleans. But as they plot their next move, they find themselves embroiled in another harrowing adventure. Unexpected threats, new enemies, and a host of strange spirits are already aligning against them.

With praise coming from the likes of Kurt Busiek, Jason Aaron and Greg Rucka, Oni's newest magic western had a lot of hype to live up to. Thankfully, Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt delivered magnificently with their first arc. Click below to find out if the first issue of their second continues to deliver on the awesome.

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Yes, seriously.

It looks like, in the proud tradition of Marvel's various adaptations of literature with the Trojan War, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and even the Stand and Ender's Game, Marvel will be putting out an adaptation of Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol - except with zombies. Kind of a money grab here, don't you think? I suppose after the success of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, anything goes. On top of that, Jim McCann (credited here for his Archaia graphic novel and not his various Marvel work) will be doing the writing of it, with no word on who the artist is. Although I'd imagine the work is more relevant now, it'll be out in Spring time once Christmas is past and the sun is shining brightly out once again on the blooming flowers.

I suppose that's fun. Whatever works, right?

Today in our 2010 in Review column, we take a look at those who crafted our favorite universes and stories of the year - the writers. This year featured a ton of great talent from the superhero to the non-superhero work, from monthlies to OGN's, and even a ton of great work in the world of web comics.

It was a great year thanks to a lot of these gentlemen, but there can only be one winner of this category. Find out who it is after the jump.

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