Written by Grant Morrison
Illustrated by Chris Burnham

Man-of-Bats and his protégé, Red Little Raven, continue to aid the Dark Knight in tracking down a shadowy, sophisticated killer. Will these two members of The Club of Heroes become the newest additions to BATMAN INCORPORATED? Or will they die before they can even be offered the chance?

Let's head out west to see what the Lakota Batman himself, Man-of-Bats, is up to. Why is this important? Why is it even worth reading? How does this get us any closer to 'Batman does stuff?' Jeez, calm down, it's after the jump.

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Written by Dan Slott
Illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli

'Death Won't Stop Me'
THE WRAITH stands unmasked and all of her secrets are revealed. What will this mean for SPIDER-MAN? And how will this effect the growing gang war in Chinatown? And if ANTI-VENOM wants to get his hands on MR. NEGATIVE, he'll have to get past HAMMERHEAD and THE SPOT first! Of all the days for Aunt May to return to the F.E.A.S.T. Center...Dan Slott been receiving much critical acclaim since he took over as the head writer for Amazing Spider-Man. Has all the praise gone to his head, though? I mean, really, bringing back Jean DeWolff (hey, it's been a month since last issue, I can spoil what I want)? Follow the cut to see whether or not Slott is truly getting too big for his britches.

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Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Ibraim Roberson

Hope has been kidnapped and there is only one mutant who can track her down: Wolverine! And when Mutankind needs their messiah more than ever, will Logan do what's necessary to find Hope? Will the source of his animosity for the red-headed savior finally be revealed?

It's been quite some time since I've reviewed a Gillen comic, but I'm quite excited to. I took a break from reviewing his work because it became hard to think of ways to say, week after week and month after month, "I love this!" I was beginning to feel like a fanboy as opposed to a fan, and that's no good when it comes to trying to craft a fair and balanced/unbiased look at a comic book.

However, now we have an intermediate issue between Gillen's first solo arc and the upcoming Fear Itself tie-in. Now we have a book that lightly connects to Generation Hope and tells a one and done tale of Wolverine and his relationship to the mutant messiah. One and done? That's my favorite kind of issue to review!

Take a look after the cut as I return to Kieron's world with words to be said. As a note, mild spoilers are discussed.

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Written by Claudio Sanchez, Peter David
Illustrated by Aaron Kuder

Coheed and Cambria frontman Claudio Sanchez and comics legend Peter David bring you the epic conclusion to the “Silent Earth” saga! Claudio’s ship of misfit warriors joins Inferno and his rebel army, taking the fight directly to Wilhelm Ryan and House Atlantic. It’s a battle for the ages as Claudio’s survival hinges on whether The Crowing was really his destiny…or just a myth.

I am what one might call a lapsed Coheed fan. Back in my younger and more venerable years I was a huge fanatic of the band, and I have copies of the original version of the Second Stage Turbine Blade comic hidden somewhere in my longbox. Yes, I was quite the avid fanboy of their music.

But as time went on, my general interest in their music waned, and I didn't even purchase their last album (which served as a prequel to their whole story, and came with a book written by Peter David). The interest just isn't there anymore. Yet, out of some assumedly misguided sense of loyalty whose origin I can't quite be certain of, I decided to purchase and stay with all 12 issues of IKSOSE:3's comic adaptation.

So here we are at issue #12. The story is revealed in full, the ending of this volume in the can. Given that IKSOSE:3 was one of my personal soundtrack CDs throughout high school and early college, did the book live up to the memories? Or did the older and jaded me find that there truly is nothing left in this band for me?

Find out some thoughts after the cut.

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Written by Johnathan Hickman
Illustrated by Barry Kitson

The War of Four Cities: Part Two
As the War of Four Cities heats up, the Universal Inhumans enter the fray! What role will the FF play in things to come? Prepare for epic battles, live lost and saved, and the awaited return of a beloved Marvel hero!

You certainly can't claim that Jonathan Hickman lacks ambition. FF hasn't even been around for half a year and yet it already looks like things are about to come crashing down. The Council of Reeds are in position to pretty much ruin everything, and it's going to take a council of supervillains — and maybe somebody else — to stop them. Has Hickman bitten off more than he can chew? Follow the cut and see.

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Dark Horse Press Release

As anticipation builds around one of Dark Horse’s most celebrated titles, we are pleased to announce two exciting ordering incentives!

Order ten copies of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #1 (any combination of the Steve Morris and Jo Chen covers) and you will receive one Georges Jeanty twenty-fifth anniversary cover for free. In addition, if your order of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #1 exceeds your order of Season 8 #40 by 200 percent, you will receive an extra 5 percent off your order of this item!

While she may have cut the world off from all supernatural influence and hellish dimensions, Buffy has left her best friend, Willow, powerless. Season 8 also saw the end of the long line of vampire Slayers and left our hero hated by the hundreds of girls who recently stood behind her. Newly relocated to San Francisco, Buffy can count on a fresh start, and focus on what she's good at—slaying.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 #1 launched at over 100,000 copies! Don’t miss out on this proven seller!

For more information, check your current issue of Diamond’s Previews!

Dark Horse Press Release

Coming to you fresh from the upcoming eighty-page spectacular, Beasts of Burden returns in Dark Horse Presents #4!

Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson’s lovable and crafty team of critters is back in action for a story that will tempt your taste buds and leave you wanting more!  

Adventure, mystery, horror, and humor thrive on every page of Beasts of Burden—a comic-book series that will capture readers’ hearts and haunt their dreams.

Award-winning comics creators Evan Dorkin (Milk and Cheese) and Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother) first introduced these very special investigators in The Dark Horse Book of Hauntings and the other Dark Horse Book of . . . anthologies, for which they won coveted Eisner Awards for Best Short Story and Best Painter.

Evan and Jill will both be in attendance at San Diego Comic-Con 2011!

For the full press release and preview images, please check behind the cut

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A couple of years ago, Marvel began their Noir line, re-imagining their classic characters in a gritty portrayal of the 1930s and 1940s. While not all of them were great, I think they all qualified as a fun "what if?" kind of diversion. Yet, there's one iconic Marvel hero that didn't make the transition that would have been ideal. No, not Thor you wise guys. I'm talking about Captain America. Remove that skeptical expression from your face. Not only could Cap work in a noir setting, he could be the very embodiment of what noir is all about. Follow the cut and I'll explain my madness.

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Sexism in comics: it's something that's there, and always in the back of our minds, but for the longest time it was something we didn't talk about. It just... well, was. Buy any comic from any publisher, and you're bound to get a fair amount of TnA (as it were) because, to put it delicately, sex sells. The more Witchblade shows of her body, the more likely the average male reader will want to look inside the comic. You know. Just in case. And hey, isn't there a Suicide Girls comic at the moment? Oh, and wait until you guys see Vescell. Yay!

But, the plus side of all this is that now that we've discussed it, and we realize it's all there, we can act appropriately. DC denies it, but in the DCnU relaunch it does appear that all the heroic women are dressed much less scantily than before. Yes, it does look like sexism in comics is indeed over. And who better to celebrate than the always hilarious Kate Beaton?

In her latest comic (ostensibly titled "Strong Female Characters", unless I'm looking in the wrong place (no pun intended)), Kate Beaton writes on her site:

This comic was conceived by Carly Monardo, Meredith Gran and myself one night. We are professionals in the entertainment industry and we think we know what we are talking about when we say that there needs to be more strong female characters out there and we know just what to do about it. Finally, some women to look up to!

For the full comic, visit Hark, a vagrant. Hooray for the end of sexism!

Hipsters. Can't live with them, can't ... well, avoid them. Not at this point, anyway. They're popping up in movies, funny images and videos, and your local coffee shop. But sometimes, hipsters are absolutely allowed.

So the DCnU is all about "modern" updates, right? With that in mind, DeviantArt user CallMePo has taken the DCnU concept a bit further in it's modern perspective and brought all the characters to their natural progression: hipsters. Since we're all inevitably waiting for the day when DC releases a comic of superheroes in high school who "just wanna go to the proooommmm", we might as well see the other side of the story now, right? The ones who don't wanna go to the prom, because it's far too mainstream.

So behold: your DCHnU.

Click after the cut for more.

Originally seen at source.

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Legendary Comics Press Release

Legendary Comics has partnered with Frank Miller, the iconic writer and artist of SIN CITY, 300 and THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, to publish HOLY TERROR, a dark, uncompromising superhero tale for the modern era. The announcement was made today by Bob Schreck, Editor-in-Chief of Legendary Comics.

In HOLY TERROR, join The Fixer, a brand new, hard-edged hero as he battles terror. The graphic novel is a no-holds-barred action thriller told in Miller’s trademark high-contrast, black-and-white visual style, which seizes the political zeitgeist by the throat and doesn’t let go until the last page.

“It has been my extreme pleasure and honor to have worked so closely with Frank for over 20 years now,” says Schreck. “HOLY TERROR finds Frank at the top of his game. A fast paced, biting commentary on our uncertain and volatile times, told with some of the most gut-wrenching, iconic images he's ever produced.”

HOLY TERROR is a 120 page hardcover graphic novel with spot-color interiors presented in a 10 x 13 landscape format. Distributed by Diamond Books, HOLY TERROR retails for $29.99 and will be in stores on September 14.

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Aspen Press Release

Aspen is excited to announce the red-hot new steampunk adventure series, Lady Mechanika, by superstar artist Joe Benitez, will be returning on July 13th. Following a delay due to unforeseen circumstances, Aspen is ready to bring back the popular heroine this summer with the release of Lady Mechanika #2 as well as the Lady Mechanika Collected Edition. Aspen appreciates the support and patience the fans and retailers have given the title. Editor-In-Chief Vince Hernandez:

“The encouragement for the next issue of Lady Mechanika, and the patience of both the fans and retailers in this regard cannot be understated. We’re so thankful that everyone understood that the situation for the delay was unplanned and definitely unintended. We’re well aware of the importance of delivering the series on time and apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay. But, we’re also thrilled to be able to provide, in our opinion, an amazing issue #2 that we are extremely proud of, and I think that people will really be pleased with the final product.”

Lady Mechanika #2 is written and illustrated by series creator Joe Benitez with colors by acclaimed colorist Peter Steigerwald. The return of Lady Mechanika will feature two direct covers by Benitez and Steigerwald, and Ale Garza and Steigerwald. Lady Mechanika #2 will also feature two retailer incentive covers by Benitez and Steigerwald, as well as a Comic-Central.com exclusive variant cover featuring an additional all-new cover by Benitez and Steigerwald, limited to only 1000 copies.

Aspen will also be offering a Lady Mechanika #2 San Diego Comic Con 2011 exclusive cover by Benitez and Steigerwald, and limited to 1000 copies, which will be available at the Aspen Comics Booth #2321 in addition to other exclusive Aspen Comic Con covers.

For the full press release, please check behind the cut. For a review of the first issue, click here.

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Image Press Release

To mark the return of one of Rob Liefeld’s classic characters to the world of comics, acclaimed cover artist Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika, Green  Hornet, GI Joe) brings his unique style to a special variant cover for AVENGELYNE #1.

Created by Image Comics founder Rob Liefeld over 15 years ago, the fallen angel Avengelyne’s quest for redemption is brought back into the forefront of comics by writer Mark Poulton (Koni Waves) and artist Owen Gieni (Sore Thumbs). Together, this new creative team takes this freshly redesigned supernatural heroine on an epic and tantalizing adventure through the sin-filled streets of New York City. Will Avengelyne be able to stop New York’s newest serial killer, Torment, and who has the mysterious Red Dragon chosen as his newest human host? The adventure begins this July in AVENGELYNE #1, only from Image Comics!

The Joe Benitez variant of AVENGELYNE #1 (MAY110434), along with variant covers by series creator Rob Liefeld (MAY110432) and interior artist Owen Gieni (MAY110433), will go on sale July 20th, 2011 for $2.99 and is available for order now.

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Image Press Release

The latest issue of Robert Kirkman's immensely popular original series THE WALKING DEAD will be presented as a flip book, offering readers a preview of the Eagle Award winning ELEPHANTMEN, industry legend Richard Starkings' acclaimed science fiction series.

On the flip side of THE WALKING DEAD #86, the 23-page introduction into the world of ELEPHANTMEN has been taken from ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1, an issue that proved a great jumping on point for readers who had yet to pick up the series. Axel Medellin provides the ongoing title with sexy and colorful painted art, and while his style sharply contrasts Charlie Adlard's stark, realistic black and white pages for THE WALKING DEAD, Kirkman and Starkings know that the two series share many of the same readers.

"Even though THE WALKING DEAD and ELEPHANTMEN seem to be very different, I know from talking to fans at shows that we have a big crossover readership," explained Starkings. "Both books are character-driven science fantasy stories featuring leads who keep their feet firmly on the ground. It makes perfect sense to offer THE WALKING DEAD readers a sample issue of ELEPHANTMEN on the house. As for me (no kidding), THE WALKING DEAD is the one book I never miss reading month after month!"

"I'm a big fan of Richard's storytelling," Robert Kirkman added. "This is quality science fiction, and it's one of those titles that everyone should be reading because it just keeps getting better and better."

For the full press release, please check behind the cut

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This week on Off the Cape, we have a look at Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt's increasingly popular but deserving of more love supernatural western thriller The Sixth Gun (say that sentence ten times fast). This Oni Press book started off strongly with an arc that, in many ways, felt like it told the primary story in total. From there, it felt like it was destined to tail off.

Then the second arc came and it was even better than the first.

Now the first part of the third arc comes out tomorrow and I can say that you are all in for a treat.

It turns out that this book is just straight up amazing with work from two rising talents in Bunn and Hurtt as well as work from one of the most underrated colorists in the game - Bill Crabtree.

Find out why I think that after the jump, and for the love of god, get to your store and buy the first two trades pronto.

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Buying comics can be an expensive hobby. A lot of fans simply can't afford everything they're interested in, due to rising prices and the over-saturation of the market with superhero titles. That's why we're here. Every week, the Multiversity staff is asked "What would you buy this week if you couldn't go over $20?" and shares their reasons why, in order to help others who might have similar tastes make their own decisions in buying comics on a budget. Follow the cut to see everyone's picks for the week.

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Of course as soon as I notice something and report it, it would just pop up everywhere I go, now wouldn't it?

So I told you about the random cup of coffee I got emblazoned with a Captain America shield. Now it appears that the Dunkin Donuts market push has come out full swing. Not only is there a see-through coffee cup, but you can also get a limited edition Cherry Coolatta, a jelly-filled donut shaped like a star (it's pretty good!), a red-glazed donut not filled with anything, or - are you ready for this? - the Tri-Cup, a cup sectioned off to hold three different coolatta flavors so you can have your pick of which you want (although the suggestion is red, white, and blue flavor obviously).

On top of all that, we have the brand new TV spot featuring one brave man's quest to save a woman's dog and, in the process, becoming the hero we all knew he could be. He also enjoys Cherry Coolatta!

I don't think it's hard to imagine that the upcoming Captain America film, given Marvel's track record so far, will be quite good. However, if it isn't we'll always have this commercial.

I've said this before, but it bears repeating: we do not often post previews. That is, unless we are very excited about the material. And such is the case with this: Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic's Ultimate Comics Ultimates #1, the first of the latest Ultimate relaunch.

We've got four unlettered preview pages from Ribic, and good lord are they gorgeous. Check after the cut to see them in all their glory and prepare to put some money away if you haven't already.

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Surge Licensing Press Release

Surge Licensing, Inc., the agency known for developing off-the-wall comic book properties such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and, more recently, Axe Cophave signed an exclusive licensing and entertainment agreement with Swords and Sassery, Inc. to develop TV/film, video games, toys, apparel and other tie-ins forSkullkickers – an on-going series published by Image Comics that debuted in September 2010 and continues to sell-out print runs into its second story arc.

Created by Jim Zubkavich and Chris Stevens, Skullkickers is the story of two monster killing mercenaries – a giant bald-headed warrior and a short red-headed dwarf. They’re an odd pairing, a medieval fantasy-esque “Jay and Silent Bob”, in search of fame and fortune. The two adventurers, affectionately known as “Baldy” and “Shorty”, make their living slaying werewolves, necromancers, plant monsters, the undead, and almost anything else readers can imagine from classic fantasy literature and games. Nothing will stop these two from getting paid and enjoying a fine pint of ale.

For the full press release, please check behind the cut.

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Broken Frontier Press Release

Broken Frontier is proud to announce that Joe Keatinge has started a new weekly column at the site, titled One You Want. Each Monday, One You Want declares its love for a creator-owned, international or otherwise unsung comics gem that hits stores that week, and tells you why you should go get it first chance you get. 



“I constantly feel a lot of the most brilliant comics get swallowed up in the PR machines of the larger companies, so I'm using the spotlight Broken Frontier has handed over to me to do my part in making sure they have a fighting chance in this ever fiercely competitive industry,” Keatinge says. 



“One You Want is dedicated to seeking out the very best in comics, in whatever form they come in from whatever region of the globe, whether they're long-lost classics or the most exciting innovations in the creator-owned world.”

As for why Keatinge chose Broken Frontier as the home of his column, he says “In my all my years of working PR with Image Comics, Broken Frontier was one of the most enthusiastic supports of untested and independent comics. They’re the perfect partner to help shed the spotlight on a lot of books people might not see otherwise.”

For the full press release, please check behind the cut.

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Yesterday on Twitter/Instagram, Jock posted a quick camera-snap of his inking for the upcoming finale of Detective Comics in which Tim Drake as Batman, under the pen of Scott Snyder/Jock, comes up against the greatest Batman villain - the Joker.

The above tease doesn't show much, but one thing is very clear: the Joker has his crowbar back. Can I get a resounding "uh oh"?

The Joker is set to appear in #880 and #881. Now... where have we last seen that crowbar?

Aspen Press Release

Graphicly is teaming up with Aspen Comics this summer to bring the publishers’ growing catalogue of books to their impressive digital platform. Aspen will be releasing an initial wave of different titles on the Graphicly app, highlighted by the first volumes of both of their two popular flagship series: Michael Turner’s Fathom and Soulfire.

“We can’t think of a better way to kick off summer than by bringing Aspen Comics to Graphicly,” said Micah Baldwin, CEO of Graphicly. “We’re stoked to bring such an expansive library like the one Aspen Comics has to offer, and make it even easier for Aspen and their creators to connect with their fans.”

In addition to Michael Turner’s Fathom and Soulfire, Graphicly will also offer Aspen’s Executive Assistant: Iris and Shrugged series in the initial launch of titles available. Aspen is also releasing a digital-exclusive title, Fathom: “Against All Odds”, with their proceeds from this special one-shot issue going to the National Wildlife Federation. The full list of Aspen titles available in the first wave includes single issues and complete volume sets of the following popular series:

Aspen Extended Edition (1-2)
Executive Assistant: Iris Volume One
Fathom: “Against All Odds” (Single Issue)
Fathom: Dawn of War
Fathom: Volume One
Fathom: Cannon Hawke
Fathom: Kiani Volume One
Michael Turner Tribute Edition (Single Issue)
Shrugged Volume One
Soulfire Volume One

Titles are available now on Graphicly.com as well as through the Graphicly applications for the Apple iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

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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 titles. Whenever you see one of those, it means we think you should be reading it. So keep your eyes open!

Comic list provided by NewburyComics.com

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Pretty soon, everyone can own Action Comics #1 and Uncanny X-Men #1. These collectors items, previously likely to set you back somewhere between thousands and millions of dollars can be acquired for a cool $3.99. Not bad for a legendary collectors item.

Except they aren't the genuine article. The former is a renumbering of the highest numbered American comic in existence (having just passed #900), while the latter, some may not know, is the first time Uncanny has ever actually had a number one (the 1963 #1 was X-Men #1).

Renumbering is the hottest thing in comics right now, and it is likely only going to get worse as we move on (although with 52 DC #1's coming in August/September, that might be hard to imagine).

But why do the publishers do it, what problems could this bring and what could they do differently - and how does Alan Moore factor in? That is what I am going to examine in today's Multiversity 101, which you can find after the jump.

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As apparently revealed on the 'Toon Tumblers Facebook page, the above image created by Jim Lee will partially be adourning some tumblers at this year's San Diego Comic Con. The image - as speculated by other websites theoretically reveals the "full" Justice League line-up. Maybe.

If this is the case, then it would appear Deadman, the Atom, Dr. Light (maybe?), Firestorm, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Black Canary and Mera will be - in some way - affiliated with the all star line-up. At least, they will sometime after the first arc ends since the first arc is supposed to be about the formation of the Justice League.

However, if not, then it's just a pretty cool image.

You be the judge.

We've shown you in the past the massive talent that is James Stokoe, and we also showed you some bored of inking, Stokoe decided to throw up a few random colored pages and the cover of his Spider-'Nam comic, and good lord does it look great. It always upsets and thrills me whenever Stokoe posts new stuff online, due to his insane amount of talent and extreme lack of books I can purchase. However, when you wait so long to see something as gorgeous as what he puts out, I suppose the wait is worth it.

Check after the cut for two additional pages (the second one is kind of heartbreaking), then grumble that you won't read this full comic probably ever (or at least not any time soon).

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At least, I assume you didn't know. I've had the test/beta on my iPhone for a while now (thanks to being able to get a test version some time ago), but busted it open yesterday just for funsies. Looks like the full version has rolled out - and now I'd like to tell you about it.
The basic jist is this: Fresh Comics is an app for the iPhone and the Android that allows you to look at both this week's comics and where to get them from the convenience of your mobile device. Allowing you to select your favorite writers and books to track titles, the app is updated weekly with what books will be in store that week.
On top of that, it gives you the option to look at all the stores in your immediate radius, their distance in miles, and if they're open or not. From there you can look at each individual stores, get directions, check the stores website, as well as see what the store looks like to help you keep your eyes on the lookout for the store.

Essentially: if you're a comic fan who travels a lot (or perhaps even just a little bit), this is an app you assuredly need on your mobile. Even if you use that nifty comiXology app to maintain your pull list, it helps to have an on-the-go app to tell you where your nearest comic shop is. On top of that, version 2.0.5 is going to role out soon, and - while this may be spoiling something - I do know that there are plans for the app to work in unison with stores to give you deals in store (so retailers, if you're reading this, be sure to send Audacious Software an e-mail to ask about this).

If you'd like to download the app, be sure to get it either for your iPhone or your Android phone. You can also check out the Fresh Comics site right here. As far as I know the app only works in the US and Canada, but I assume it'll go more global before you know it.

Welcome back to your new favorite column. Or maybe it's your old column. Or maybe you've never even heard of this column before. Hello. Welcome! This is the column where I look at covers and pick the top ones of the week, count them down, and tell you what's so great about them.

Intrigued? Well, if you aren't, here's a gif of Kristen Bell from Veronica Mars:



I don't have a legit reason for posting that. Last week I posted a Doctor Who gif, and it seemed like a good thing to start doing weekly. So until I come up with legit reasons for these things, just enjoy the madness.

Check behind the cut for this week's covers.

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Want to keep up with the ever-advancing continuity porn of the DC and Marvel universes, but simply don't have the time or money to buy every ongoing? We're here to help. The Weekend Week In Review aims to give you ((usually) very) brief synopses of what happened in a select few of DC and Marvel's titles — with a helping of sarcastic commentary — so that when some nasty old writer wants to punish you by heavily referencing a title you didn't pick up, you won't be left in the dark. Of course, that means that spoilers are in abundance after the cut, but I figure that you could figure that out.

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Written and illustrated by David Hahn

Kit Bradley is a 20 year-old art student and petty criminal who knows it's time to leave her delinquent past behind, but isn't ready for the responsibilities of adulthood. Her social headquarters is an all night diner, and while trying to put the 'off' on an on-again-off-again boyfriend, she runs into an old flame, and an enigmatic loner named Martha, who alters Kit's life forever.

David Hahn takes a break from the Suicide Girls to tell us a story about people who, so far, keep their shirts on. There is of course more to it than shirts but that's all after-the-jump stuff.

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The current run on Detective Comics was my first exposure to artist Francesco Francavilla. After being completely blown away by his work on the Gordon-centric issues, I was determined to find more of the man's output, and eventually stumbled across a series by him and industry legend Matt Wagner called Zorro from Dynamite about — you guessed it — Zorro! I picked up the first arc from my LCBS, and quickly headed back to get the rest upon finishing it. If you love pulpy goodness, you want this. Follow the cut and I'll educate you on the why.

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Written by Jeff Parker, Joe Caramanga, Jen Van Meter, and Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Declan Shalvey, Valentine De Landro, Eric Canete, and Matthew Southworth

FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN! When the Fear Itself hammer falls, The Raft is raised by one of its most powerful prisoners with a newfound weapon of the gods! Now the Thunderbolts will begin to learn the true meaning of FEAR ITSELF! Frank Tieri, Jen Van Meter & Joe Caramanga join series writer Jeff Parker to give us all side of the story as the Thunderbolts try to hold themselves and their world together against tide of anarchy!

Last issue, which I reviewed some nine thousand years ago, the Thunderbolts entered the Fear Itself crossover when team member Juggernaut was given a magic hammer from space, which he used to destroy half of the Thunderbolts' base. Now, okay, you're thinking: so what. Well, for one, work on that attitude. For two, you may not be aware, but the Thunderbolts are based out of a super-prison for super-people. Which Juggernaut just sank half of into the ocean. Whoops!

Click after the cut for some thoughts on the issue.

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Written by Chris Roberson Kurt Busiek
Illustrated by Eddy Barrows Rick Leonardi

Meet Los Angeles's newest super hero in the latest Chapter of "Grounded": Sharif! But Sharif discovers that in today's current cultural climate, some people don't want his help – they just want him gone. Can Superman aid Sharif and quell a prejudiced public, or are there some problems too big even for the Man of Steel to solve? Krypto!

It's this week's "controversial" issue: what was supposed to be a story about an Islamic superhero has ended up being about an American superdog. Was the story too controversial? Did it really have something to do with kittens?

Oh well. None of that matters right now. We're given a five year old story about Krypto, so let's talk about it after the cut.

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In this week's issue of Wolverine, we once again were given a recap of one of the members of the Red Right Hand and why they have chosen to go on this epic revenge quest on Wolverine. In the process, we are given two brief scenes featuring the father and husband of our central character, both in front of mysterious boards full of random phrases of information. So the question on our mind is: well, what does this all mean?

So let's start by breaking this down as much as we possibly can (at least, based on my knowledge/Google skills):

• Keep an eye on Victor Creed - a reference to Sabretooth, who features heavily in this particular issue.
  
• The Marvels Project will destroy us all - a reference to the Brubaker written miniseries, the Marvels Project.
  
• Drop the bomb on Madripoor - Wolverine hides out in Madripoor for a considerable amount of time as Patch, back in Frank Tieri's run.
  
• The Winter Soldier must die - the Winter Soldier was revealed to be Bucky post-Captain America in Ed Brubaker's first Captain America arc.
  
• Never trust Raven Darkholme - this would be Mystique, perhaps even a reference to Jason Aaron's Get Mystique arc of Wolverine.
  
• Landau, Luckman and Lake - one of the fictional companies in Marvel that is controlled by a cabal trying to bring about heaven on Earth - the mean way (first appearance in Wolverine #5 by Chris Claremont). Wolverine was once an agent, as well as Deadpool and Captain America.
  
• Where is Weapon II? - during Grant Morison's run on New X-Men, he established the existence of the Weapon Plus Program, where Wolverine's moniker Weapon X referred to the tenth roman numeral in a series. Weapon II has never been established in continuity (although apparently Morrison has implied the animals from his series We3 are Weapons II-IV (according to information on the always reliable Wikipedia).
  
• John Sublime is lying - another Morrison creation, John Sublime is the man behind the Weapon Plus program, although John Sublime was actually just the host for the sentient bacteria that was Sublime.
  
• Who is Romulus? - Romulus is a creation of Jeph Loeb, and is the "man" apparently behind the manipulation of Wolverine's entire life (see the now complete Wolverine: Origins series for Wolverine's saga to find and kill Romulus).
  
• Save Seraph - Seraph was a woman romantically involved with Wolverine during his extended stay in Madripoor, and the owner of the bar where Wolverine spent his time.
  
• The Hudson Bay Company - While this is actually a real company, the Hudson Bay Company is something that Jason Aaron brought into the title during Weapon X (as far as I know), and it's a company that has been keeping a lot of his personal information (including his real name) in files. It also has something to do with Maverick, although the arc was never resolved.
  
• Whatever happened to Dog Logan? - Dog is the Sabretooth-esque character from Wolverine's past introduced during Wolverine's "true" origin story. Dog has been missing since Wolverine killed Rose, although he and Thomas Logan have been implied to perhaps be returning.
  
• The Gamma Bomb is coming - This seems to be a pretty easy reference to the bomb that turned Doctor Bruce Banner into the Hulk. Given that Wolverine's first appearance was in Incredible Hulk #180-181, I would assume that this is a reference to that.
  
• Omega Red is just the beginning - Omega Red is a classic X-Villain, created as a Russian/KGB attempt to create a super soldier like Captain America (like the Red Guardian). It didn't go well. While I'm not sure the exact implication, it's possible that Aaron plans to introduce some new villains of the former Soviet Union variety?
  
• Is CIA planning coup in Wakanda? - Through some research, I've found that this is apparently a reference to Black Panther: Enemy of the State by Christopher Priest and Joe Jusko, in which T'Challa discovers that the CIA is attempting a coup in Wakanda. While I'm not sure the specific reason for the reference, I will note that Jason Aaron wrote Black Panther during Secret Invasion (and it was quite great).
  
• What is Fury's secret plan? - This could literally be anything.
  
• Beware the offspring of Lord Dark Wind - Lord Dark Wind would be the father of Lady Deathstrike, a rather famous foe of Wolverine's (and for those who watched the animated X-Men series, a former lover!).
  
• Kill the Gorilla Man, live forever - Ken Hale from the Agents of Atlas is the recipient of an ancient curse which damns him to the body of a Gorilla. The reference here is fairly obvious with that knowledge.
  
• Infiltrate Department H - Department H is a branch of the Candian Department of National Defense responsible for Alpha Flight, Beta Flight, and Gamma Flight. It's also involved with the Weapon X program (although Weapon X was run by Department K for reference).
  
• Buy stock in Roxxon - Yet another fictional Marvel universe corporation, it is the largest conglomerate in the world as well as a staple for all stories that need a villain.
  
• Control the Adamantium - This is a fairly obvious reference to the indestructible metal that makes up Wolverine's bones, but it could be more than that. It seems possible that this is a reference to Lady Deathstrike's involvement with Logan, as she had been attacking him due to her fascination with his adamntium skeleton and her belief that this was her birthright.
  
• Life Model Decoys are everywhere - This is another of the more obvious references.
  

So we have the Marvel timeline as given to us by Bendis, and now we have a new set of boards from Marvel Architect Jason Aaron. Granted, there is a third board labeled "how to hurt him" (him being Wolverine), but that's just a list of Wolverine's lovers that have been killed (assumedly now in connection with this group).

While the current arc is all about Wolverine's past and why Wolverine has (literally) been going through Hell recently, is there any additional information we can glean towards what is to come from Aaron and his plans for the ol' Canucklehead? See/know anything here that I missed?

I'm from Boston. If there is one thing that I am happy to endorse as far as stereotypes go, it's that I love Dunkin' Donuts (it's wicked awesome). While I'm sure it's not that great for me, I usually grab an iced coffee on the way home from work. So how nice was it to find, emblazoned on the side of my cup, the very familiar Captain America shield logo!

As the cup itself indicates, America - Runs - On - Dunkin. How true is that? Granted, Dunkin' Donuts wasn't founded until 1950, but if Captain America wants to drink an iced tea in Quincy, smile, and wink at the camera, I'll allow it.

As anyone who saw the film The Greatest Movie Ever Sold knows, one of the reasons that Marvel has been successful with their films is due to product placement and heavy advertising. Obviously this is another example of Marvel's advertising at work, but hey - I'm going to watch Cap anyway. And I like iced coffee. I suppose I'm fine with them calling this a win on my behalf.

Marvel has released a brand new trailer for the upcoming Captain America film, out in just 4 weeks (right in time for my birthday!). The trailer gives you more of the evolution of Cap, some Stark-related interaction, and - for very careful watches - an incredibly familiar scene hidden in the trailer.

Take a viewing above and let us know what you think in the comments below.

IDW Publishing Press Release

IDW Publishing and Charlie Foxtrot Entertainment today have the honor of announcing CODE WORD: GERONIMO, an original graphic novel illustrating the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound by SEAL Team 6 on May 1, 2011. Expertly written by Captain Dale Dye (USMC, Ret.) and Dr. Julia Dye, Ph.D., CODE WORD: GERONIMO offers the amazing, moment-by-moment inside story of the clandestine raid that rid the world of this terrorist mastermind.

“Due to entirely appropriate security concerns, there is some creative license in our script,” said Captain Dye. “But I think readers will be gratified with the detail and thrilled with our take on one of the most daring and successful commando raids in American military history.”

This historical keepsake details the bravery and valor of SEAL Team 6 as it descends into Abbottabad, Pakistan and achieves the near impossible. Joining the Dyes to bring this incredible graphic novel to life are artists Gerry Kissell (The A-Team: War Stories, Iron Sky) and Amin Amat (Buckaroo Banzai, Iron Sky).John M. Del Vecchio, decorated Vietnam veteran and best-selling author of the The 13th Valley, will also provide afterword material. A portion of the proceeds from CODE WORD: GERONIMO will be donated to a charity supporting military service members.

“I have worked for many years now with Charlie Foxtrot Entertainment on a number of successful projects,” said Tom Waltz, IDW editor, former Marine and Desert Storm I veteran. “But none of those compare to the excitement and pride I have for CODE WORD: GERONIMO. The Dyes have put together a fantastic script detailing the heroically dangerous raid by SEAL Team 6 against Public Enemy Number One, Osama Bin Laden, and I firmly believe you won’t get a more accurate account of this pivotal moment in history unless it is told by the SEAL team members themselves.”

For the full press release, please check behind the cut

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Dark Horse Press Release

As part of the recently announced Marvel Syrocos program, it is announced today that these highly anticipated statues will make their debut at next month’s Comic-Con International in San Diego!

Comic-Con attendees will have a very significant opportunity to acquire a special statue of none other than Spider-Man. He is shown as half Peter Parker and half Spider-Man. Only one thousand numbered copies of this statuette are being offered. It is packaged in the same litho-printed tin box that is the hallmark of the Dark Horse Syrocos, and seems destined to be a bona fide hot item, both at Comic-Con and far beyond the exhibit hall. It will be sold at the normal retail price of $49.99, with a limit of four per customer.

“We couldn’t think of a more appropriate venue to launch this truly collectible series than Comic-Con,” Dark Horse product development VP David Scroggy remarked, “and a Spider-Man limited edition of only one thousand pieces makes this a scarce item. It gave us the opportunity to recall one of the early treatments by artist Steve Ditko, where we see both of Spidey’s identities simultaneously. Our spider sense is tingling, and the message is a quick sellout at the show.”

As previously announced, the program will begin in September 2011 with two alternating series: Classic Marvel Characters and the Fantastic Four. This new line will be deliberately different than the common modern Marvel collectible sculpture, with features like a rougher surface texture, visible seam lines, and other slightly “distressed” aspects, such as the method of paint application.

These special Comic-Con exclusives will be available at six p.m. on Wednesday, July 20. Don’t miss your chance to own one of these fantastic statues!

I'm the only person in the comics-blogging universe who's yet to see Green Lantern. Instead, I read some comics with Kyle Rayner in them. I'm not sure which would have made my attention drift further, but you can judge for yourself after the jump.

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Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu and Stephen Segovia

Conspiracies intensify, loyalties are questioned, and tragedy has struck. What will become of our heroes and the rest of the Ultimate Universe? When you don't know who to trust, the only certainty is chaos...

While you-know-who is busy you-know-whatting, the other guys are doing other stuff. Next to the Big Thing of the month, should you care? I'm a cruel man. You'll have to go beyond the jump to find out.

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Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Mark Bagley

The culmination of DEATH OF SPIDER-MAN is here.

This is it: the Death of Spider-Man is here. In this polybagged issue from the creative team behind Ultimate Spider-Man #1, we're given the first "boundary pushing" storyline from the Ultimate universe in quite some time. And boy, are things tense right now.

So - did they do it? Did Bendis actually kill off the main character of one of the books that helped launch his career at Marvel? Did Bagley really return to Marvel just to kill off Peter Parker?

Check behind the cut for some thoughts on the landmark final issue.

As a note, spoilers are discussed.

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Written by Matt Fraction
Illustrated by Olivier Coipel

The fate of the world lies in the hands of the Asgardians, for Galactus is coming...and he hungers! Thor and the Silver Surfer must determine what to do with the Galactus Seed, the artifact with the potential to end the entire universe. And what deal is being struck between Odin and Galactus himself, behind closed doors?

Journey Into Mystery has claimed universal praise at this site, essentially being everything we want in a Thor comic book. The only inherent "problem" about that, though? It doesn't actually star Thor. At all. It's about Loki (and, to a lesser extent, Kieron Gillen being awesome/clever).

So what about Thor? After the relaunch, we've been neglecting him a bit. That's why I'll be tackling the Mighty Thor for you today with issue #3.

Check after the cut for some thoughts.

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Written by Sterling Gates
Illustrated by Oliver Nome

FLASH FACT! Where is he? Or should we say when?

After a bit of time on the sidelines, Sterling Gates is back to give us the closest thing that we will probably get to the highly-anticipated (at least by me and Matt) Speed Force team book that we were promised a while back. Hey, at least it's something. Am I glad that Gates is back, or should he be benched for a little while longer? Follow the cut to find out.

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Written by Jonathan Vankin
Illustrated by Marco Castiello

Following the events of Brightest Day, the new protector of Earth has been chosen. But one reluctant hero making his return to the DCU is trying to convince Batman, Superman and the others heroes of the DC Universe that this may not be a good thing, because he can see that things are not right and mankind's brightest days are indeed over.

The return of Swamp Thing to the main DCU generated quite a bit of uproar among Vertigo fans, but not as much as the announcement that John Constantine would be making his return as well. I will fully admit that I was one of the many people that complained about the idea, but even I can separate the actual quality of a story from the implications of said story. Was the issue better than I thought it was going to be? Follow the cut and see.

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IDW Publishing Press Release

 comiXology and IDW Publishing today announced a partnership to bring TRANSFORMERS comics to Android and the Web as the battle for Earth between AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS rages on.  

Through this strategic undertaking, comics fans everywhere will now be able to experience every metal crunching battle of more than 200 TRANSFORMERS comics using comiXology’s Guided View™ Technology, enabling the reader to transition smoothly between different comic panels, mimicking the reading experience of a traditional print comic book.


“Working with IDW, one of the largest and most esteemed comic publishers in the industry, to launch their entire TRANSFORMERS comic library on Android is truly an honor,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “IDW has really elevated TRANSFORMERS comics to a fan-favorite that our community has been waiting for.”


All of the TRANSFORMERS comics will be available on the comiXology Android and Web platforms starting Thursday, July 23rd. All purchases on the Android or Web will sync across all devices and platforms supported by comiXology.

For the full press release, please check behind the cut

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Dark Horse Press Release

Dark Horse offers comics fans of all ages something special this Halloween that won’t rot your teeth! Sized perfectly for just about any trick-or-treat bag, this Halloween ashcan of Jill Thompson’s Scary Godmother is a perfect alternative to Halloween candy.

This special giveaway features the story “Tea for Orson,” from the Scary Godmother hardcover collection, released by Dark Horse last fall. Follow Harry and Orson on a fun eleven-page quest to sneak into a tea party, hosted by none other than Scary Godmother herself! As an added bonus, this Halloween treat features a two-page short, “Wild about Harry.”

Jill Thompson is a New York Times best-selling graphic novelist, as well as the winner of multiple Eisner Awards for her work on Scary Godmother (2001), The Dark Horse Book of Hauntings (2004), The Dark Horse Book of Witchcraft (2005), and The Dark Horse Book of Monsters (2007). Recently, she became the first female artist to win the highly coveted National Cartoonists Society Award, for her work on the Dark Horse series Beasts of Burden.

Retailers can order these special ashcans in packs of twenty-five, as a great giveaway item on the spookiest holiday of the year!