Well another month down and summer is getting close to its end. Let’s send out the month of July with some most excellent covers though shall we? This week’s list gives us one cover from Marvel, DC and Image. So what do we have this go around? Hit the jump to see!

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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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Marvel has released a third teaser for the identity of the new Spider-Man, this time just as the character is about to unmask. We still have no major clues as to who is identity is, if he is a familiar face or a brand new one. In all honesty, it could be Andrew Garfield under the mask at this point (and if it is, I'll buy three copies). Either way, the mystery persists.

So. 5 more days until the new Spider-Man is revealed. Can you figure it out before Colin Bell can?

Written by Ed Brubaker
Illustrated by Sean Phillips and Val Staples

Things are going from bad to worse... One-time All-American Boy, Riley Richards is caught in a brutal murder and double-cross that may be his only way out of the trap his life has become! And as always, each issue of CRIMINAL contains unique back-up features, articles, and artwork, which are only available in the single issues.

Criminal is back. Well, it has been back for a little while now, but I'm just as excited as I was when the new mini was first announced. How does it compare to the preceding volumes? Follow the cut and see.

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Dynamite Press Release

Kirby Genesis: Captain Victory is about a diverse group of intergalactic lawmen who travel the cosmos, fighting against the forces hell-bent on the destruction of everything. Lead by the mysterious warrior named Captain Victory, our team of Rangers fight the most terrifying monsters and mad men they can find! Unbeknownst to his own men, however, Captain Victory is harboring a terrible secret, the kind that could destroy not only the Galactic Rangers, but could bring about the destruction of all of time and space! To find out more, make sure to pick up Kirby: Genesis - Captain Victory #1 this October!

"Captain Victory is the seminal work that Kirby did on his own," says legendary artist Alex Ross. "Of all his many projects and creations for mainstream publishers, Captain Victory is the one where he put forth his greatest push and ambitions to try to break away from the commercial world where he didn't own anything. The Captain Victory series has a great range of fantastic concepts and designs, all led by a perfect archetype of the ultimate Kirby leading man. It is amongst the foremost goals of the Kirby: Genesis series to re-launch this character."

"Captain Victory and His Galactic Rangers was one of the first books Jack Kirby wrote and drew outside of DC Comics and Marvel -- making it one of the first creator-owned books in comic history -- and I'm exceptionally proud to be continuing Victory's story," says writer Sterling Gates. "Fans of Kirby's original Pacific Comics series will recognize these classic Kirby characters and concepts, but we're going to be doing our best to present the Rangers in a bold and exciting way for today's audience. What's the M.O. of the Rangers? Who joins them and why? And just how dangerous is Captain Victory's secret? We're going to be digging into a LOT of that as the book goes along, producing a space opera that will be epic in scope, as well as acting as a huge lynchpin for parts of the Kirby Genesis universe. Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross have showcased Captain Victory over in Kirby Genesis -- and done some of the heavier lifting -- but I'm really going to flesh out Victory's world and his character and make sure he's someone you want to read about every month. I think he's fascinating, and very different from a lot of the heroes you see on stands month to month. As you'll see in issue one, he could almost be an antihero, given some of the lengths he's will to go to stop his--aw, that'd be telling! And a great thing about Victory's crew is that they're all very different from one another. They all have vastly different backgrounds, they all have completely different abilities and interests and morals. Tarin, Mister Mind, Orca, Major Klavus, all of Kirby's characters will be in this book. It's really become an ensemble piece, with each issue in the first arc focusing on a different member of the Captain's crew. I'm trying to write very character-driven and interesting stories against these huge, cosmic backdrops. Which is a lot of fun! Kirby: Captain Victory is going to explore a lot more of the "universe" aspect in the new Kirbyverse, and I can't wait to show everyone what's out there!"

For the full press release and two additional covers, please check behind the cut

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In this installment of the Friday Recommendation, I’m going to go a bit of a different route. It’s been my niche to recommend superhero books starring that big blue Boy Scout, but while I thought about that, I ultimately decided to tell you guys about a fun little webcomic I stumbled upon via the social networking site Tumblr.

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Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Jock

It all comes down to this! The Joker is on the loose in the catacombs beneath Gotham City, more vicious and frightening than ever. But even as Batman closes in on The Clown Prince of Crime, he begins to suspect that the city may be the target of an even deadlier threat – one that could shake Gotham City to its core.

The Joker is here and feeling sinister as ever! But given the amount of twists and turns that Scott Snyder has thrown at us, is this another case of Mistah J having a night out on the town or is there a wrench being thrown into works?

Or perhaps... a crowbar?

Let's find out after the cut.

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Written by Alan Moore
Illustrated by Kevin O'Neill

CHAPTER TWO takes place almost sixty years later in the psychedelic daze of Swinging London during 1969, a place where Tadukic Acid Diethylamide 26 is the drug of choice, and where different underworlds are starting to overlap dangerously to an accompaniment of sit-ins and sitars. The vicious gangster bosses of London's East End find themselves brought into contact with a counter-culture underground of mystical and medicated flower-children, or amoral pop-stars on the edge of psychological disintegration and developing a taste for Satanism. Alerted to a threat concerning the same magic order that she and her colleagues were investigating during 1910, a thoroughly modern Mina Murray and her dwindling league of comrades attempt to navigate the perilous rapids of London's hippy and criminal subculture, as well as the twilight world of its occultists. Starting to buckle from the pressures of the twentieth century and the weight of their own endless lives, Mina and her companions must nevertheless prevent the making of a Moonchild that might well turn out to be the antichrist.

It's fucking amazing. More after the jump.

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Written by Matt Fraction
Illustrated by Oliver Coipel

ASGARD RISES AGAINST GALACTUS! The World Eater has come for something buried deep within the heart of Fallen Asgard. As Odin leads an assault wave of gods against Galactus, a wounded Thor must contend with the Silver Surfer once more! All of which leaves Volstagg and Kid Loki in charge of the Shining City for an afternoon. What could possibly go wrong?

Thor! Galactus! Volstagg! Matt Fraction's (technically) volume-spanning run continues with this fusion of old and new. I didn't care for "The World Eaters," but I figured I'd give Fraction a second chance with the renamed title. Plus, Coipel! Follow the cut and see if I made the right choice.

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Courtesy of Aspen Comics, we are pleased to present to you a preview of Broken Pieces #0, out next week!

The solicit information reads as follows:

BROKEN PIECES #0
Mark Roslan – Writer / Micah Kaneshiro - Art

What is lost in life is found in…death!

Aspen Comics is proud to offer you its newest original series, BROKEN PIECES!

In a future torn apart by the deadly catastrophe of biological contamination, pollution and corporate greed, one man will discover an even more tragic fate. Dr. Richard Adams, along with his loving wife, Dr. Gabriella Adams, stood at the forefront of research in advanced medicine and bio-rejuvenation. However, one fateful—and fatal-- moment will change everything about their purpose, their relationship, and each other. When the tragedy of events literally tears apart everything about his being, Richard is left with no choice but to pick up the fragmented pieces of his reality in order to save his wife—as well as potentially the fate of mankind.

Featuring an all new 12-page prelude story that sets the stage for the brand-new BROKEN PIECES #1 issue heading your way next month, this special zero issue comes complete with an additional sketchbook section, never before seen art, and a stunning cover by hot new series artist Micah Kaneshiro. Not to be missed, make sure you get in on the ground floor of this exciting new series!

BROKEN PIECES #0 is in stores August 3rd, 2011!

Please check after the cut for a three page preview and variant cover.

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I suppose this is all spoiler-tastic, so in the event you haven't seen the movie and don't know the classic story of Captain America, now would certainly be the time to look away.

So: SPOILER ALERT! EVERYTHING THAT FOLLOWS IS A SPOILER!

Now that that's out of the way, Captain America: The First Avenger ended with Cap being brought to our time in a similar but different manner to the classic tale. After being picked up by Nick Fury in Times Square, the movie ended on a bit of a down note with Cap making note that he is late for his date (sadness all around).

Of course, the exciting bit of news is that after the credits, we got a teaser for the Avengers film - and now we have some high-res images of it! While the above footage doesn't show the full ordeal, it does give you a taste (albeit brief) of things to come.

For some screencaps and an additional surprise, click after the cut! But remember: spoilers lurk below.

(via source)

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Straight from Image Comics, we are pleased to share with you an exclusive preview of Drums #3, by El Torres, Abe Hernando, and Fran Gomboa!

DRUMS #3 (of 4)
story EL TORRES
art ABE HERNANDO & FRAN GOMBOA
cover RAUL ALLEN

JULY 20
32 PAGES/FC
$2.99

"SUGAR CANE"
FBI Agent Irons and Michelle Sanchez are getting closer to learning the mystery behind the deaths plaguing Santa Rosa. But as they become lost in a haunting sugar cane plantation, filled with zombies, they have to wonder what they will find first: the answers to their questions, or their own deaths.

For a 9 page preview, please check after the cut.

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In addition to yesterday's tease, Marvel is continuing the countdown to next week's Ultimate Spider-Man reveal in Fallout #4. With Peter Parker dead and the rest of the universe in mourning, Ultimate Fallout sees the entire Ultimate Universe molded and reshaped by Brian Bendis, Nick Spencer, Jonathan Hickman and a wide variety of artists.

Here's hoping that Marvel sticks to just showing us these teases and leaving the actual reveal for the issue (and not USA Today!).

(via source)

Recently it was learned that Frank Darabont, in the middle of production of season 2, has left AMC's successful Walking Dead program for unknown reasons. The show was left in a bit of a gap showrunner wise, and AMC had been suspiciously quiet. Today, however, AMC released a statement as to what is currently happening with the show.

The Walking Dead's Glen Mazzara, writer and executive producer, is expanding his responsibilities to assume the role of showrunner. AMC is grateful to executive producer, writer and pilot director Frank Darabont whose contributions to the success of The Walking Dead are innumerable. We continue to discuss his ongoing role with the series.

Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead graphic novels, executive producer and writer on the series, will remain in this role and will continue to steward the brand. Gale Anne Hurd will remain in her role as Executive Producer. The production continues on schedule for an October 16th premiere.

So it doesn't seem like Darabont is completely out, but just that his role is about to become staggeringly smaller. The reason is still unknown, but we'll let you know more as we find out.

(via source)

Despite massive delays due to commitments from the creative team, Kick-Ass 2: Balls to the Wall will be returning to stands come this August with the plan to see the series through to it's end.

Initially debuting in last October, only two issues have shipped since then with a few extra scenes making it into Mark Millar's CLiNT before making it to the comic. Kick-Ass 2 sees Millars original superhero satire expanded to a world full of people like Kick-Ass, and that's when the villains start to show up as well.

Millar and Romita plan to have the book back on schedule with the Hit-Girl spin-off that John Romita Jr will not be illustrating as well instead of the originally announced Leandro Fernandez, which will be set in between Kick-Ass 1 and 2. As of now, the duo are hoping to have both books completed and in shops by the end of next summer. There are also plans for Kick-Ass 3, which will be the end of the series.

(via source)

"Exclusively" on Twitter, Brian Bendis has revealed that Vinnie Jones will be playing Johnny Royale, a villain who plays a pivotal role in the early days of Powers.

Powers is currently filming it's pilot episode for FX with Brian Bendis and Mike Oeming on set, both of whom have been teasing fans as to what we can expect for the upcoming show. Starring Jason Patrick and Lucy Punch as Walker and Pilgrim, respectively, the show is adding Jones fresh off a villainous stint in NBC's The Cape (and hopefully this superhero-related venture fares differently for him).

He will be joining the super-powered cast of Alona Tal as Zora, Carly Foulkes as Retro Girl, and Titus Welliver as Triphammer.

(via source)

Written by JT Krul
Illustrated by Eduardo Pansica

TEEN TITANS ships twice in July for extra thrills! He's back! Don't miss the issue where one of the deadliest and most psychotic threats in the DC Universe returns. It's Superboy Prime! Of all things to hate, he hates The Teen Titans most of all. Now he's coming for them, and he's not coming alone.

Superboy-Prime is back! And he's got punches on the brain! But wait, isn't he dead? Or something?

I don't know. Let's figure it out after the cut!

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Written by Ed Brubaker and Marc Andreyko
Illustrated by Chris Samnee

Think you know the story of Cap and Bucky’s origins? Well, think again. The secret story of the early days of Captain 
America, told from Bucky Barnes’s point of view. From co-writers Ed Brubaker and Marc Andreyko with artist Chris Samnee (Thor: The Mighty Avenger).

Retro Cap, co-written by the helmsman of Current Cap. I'll just spoil it for you now: It's worth a look. But how worth a look is it? That, dear reader, comes after the jump.

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Written by Joe Hill and Jason Ciaramella
Illustrated by Zach Howard

A line has been crossed. After years of failure, Eric has finally found something he's good at, and is determined to let the world know. The follow-up to December's critically acclaimed, quickly sold-out one-shot, this new miniseries is again written by Jason Ciaramella and Joe Hill, with art by Zach Howard and Nelson Daniel. Explore your dark side.

Everyone's favorite superhero the Cape has returned to fight injustice and and save the day! But can our stalwart hero save the girl before -

…wait a minute. That's not this book.

Hop after the cut to find out what this book is.

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Written by Dan Slott
Illustrated by Stefano Caselli

THE SPIDER-MAN STORY OF THE DECADE BEGINS WITH THIS 'SPIDER-ISLAND: PRELUDE' Super-star writer Dan Slott and fan-favorite Spidey artist Stefano Caselli are back! New York has been INFESTED and the web grows as it gets ready to explode into SPIDER-ISLAND! Normal people are getting Spider-Powers! But not all of them realize that with great power must also come... you know the rest. Okay, sure we often say Peter Parker's life will never be the same. But listen, pal, we've never been more serious. Heroes and villains are crawling all over Manahttan and no one knows why. This will change everything for Pete, for Spidey... and possibly for YOU! Look at it this way... If EVERYONE'S a Spider-Man... then no one is.

Six! Six Six! The number of the spider! See, I could write solicits for Marvel! Dan Slott has been pulling in favorable review after favorable review since taking the reins of Amazing Spider-Man. Now he heads into probably the first big thing of his run. Excitement is high, but if things fall apart, this is where said falling apart will happen.

…so, do things fall apart? Follow the cut and see.

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Dark Horse Press Release

Dark Horse Comics announced Preview night at San Diego Comic Con that its fall publishing schedule will include three major heavy hitters in the writing-talent department.

Tom Morello’s Orchid, P. C. Cast’s House of Night, and Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain will be joining the Dark Horse roster. These titles are sure to keep your eyes on the comics.
         
The first issue of each of these new series will be priced at $1.00 in comic stores, giving every fan something to talk about and a great starting point to begin reading these amazing new stories!

If you’re a comics fan who’s made the jump to digital, every issue of each comic will be available on release date through Dark Horse Digital for $1.99.

With prices like that on titles like these, expect a high demand and expect to read the whole series. They are not to be missed!
         
Tom Morello’s Orchid is on sale October 12.

P. C. Cast’s House of Night is on sale November 9.

Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain is on sale December 14.

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I've been quite enjoying the Wonder Woman reboot, but it is clearly not for everyone - and perhaps what was one of the earliest sticking points for fans was the redesign (pants and shoulder pads are apparently fan-repellant?).

It's with that in mind that Colleen Doran, a rather accomplished female DC artist and creator of the series A Distant Soil, posted the following bit of information on her blog:

Some time ago, J Michael Straczynski approached me about developing a new look for Wonder Woman for a possible, more fantasy-oriented version of the comic series. Obviously, this did not happen. But JMS gave me permission to post the sketches. This was a pencil doodle that I whipped up in color in Photoshop. I’ll be making some of the sketches available for sale over the next few weeks and will post as they become available.

Colleen's redesigns obviously didn't quite make it into the final cut, but they do show a rather different product from what we ended up getting in the final thing, much more classical and much less "modern." It would certainly have been interesting to see the finished product if she had had the time to do it (as she notes, her schedule was rather full around the time and still is).
(via source)

I was talking to my friend Kristin (artist of Control, new page out today! /shameless plug) about comics coming out today, and the conversation came to "characters we love whose books we hate." I mentioned Deadpool - who has a one-shot I'm remotely interested in reading - and the conversation turned to why I don't enjoy his ongoing book. In justifying my claims, I created an explanation that I found fairly interesting (because I'm oh so smart, obvs), and decided that this was a Multiversity post in the making.

So today brings a new op/ed, my second on the character and the subject (this time with no mention of over-saturation and only comments on quality), and a chance to talk about one of my favorite things in the world: The Marx Brothers.

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While Ultimate Peter Parker may be six feet under, that doesn't mean that the identity of Spider-Man is going to be abandoned. An unknown character - who may or may not be a brand new character as opposed to a previously revealed figure - will be taking on the mantle. And, as Marvel revealed in a teaser today, his identity will be revealed next week in Ultimate Fallout #4 in artist Sarah Pichelli's section (written by, assumedly, Brian Bendis).

Marvel's press release says nothing but, "Watch as history is made," which seems like perhaps the tiniest of little jabs at DC's branding of the DCnU (which, really, could be appropriate considering that the Ultimate Universe is having a relaunch of it's own right now, although no continuity is changing).

So. 7 days until Spider-Man is revealed, and perhaps 6 days until Marvel reveals the news at USA Today. Place your bets now!

This past weekend at the Fear Itself panel of SDCC, Marvel debuted the above image in promo for their post-Fear Itself "crossover", similar to how Secret Invasion had Dark Reign and Civil War had the Initiative.
Then, quickly, Marvel released the following image online, with one notable difference from the upper left:
Thor has been replaced with the Serpent - or rather, who I am assuming to be the Serpent (based on how he looks with his regeneration in Fear Itself #4).

So. Why is Thor missing? And what does it have to do with this image:
(via source)

Marvel Press Release

As part of Marvel’s unrivaled efforts to provide support to comic retailers in 2011, Marvel is pleased to announce the return of their groundbreaking Comics For Comics program, offering all retailers a chance to turn unsold comics into a rare Marvel variant! The extremely limited edition Fear Itself #6 McGuinness Variant will be made available to retailers who return the covers of select comics. In addition, qualifying retailers will gain exclusive access to a special Marvel sale.

"In these tough economic times, we feel it’s our duty to help," explained David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice President of Publishing, Sales and Circulation. "After the overwhelmingly positive response to our Comics For Comics programs, through which we received tens of thousands of covers, we’re excited to provide retailers with the chance to help their stores through selling an ultra-rate variant."

Retailers – for every 50 stripped covers of the following comics from the below group sent to Marvel, you will qualify to receive one FREE Fear Itself #6 McGuinness Variant. The 50 stripped covers can be any combination of the comics listed in that group and all submissions need to be received at the Marvel office at the address below by Friday 8/12/2011. Also included with the stripped covers must be your store contact information including Diamond Account # and email address. With boxes of covers arriving every day, Marvel urges retailers to get theirs in by the due date to guarantee themselves copies of this stunning variant.

Retailers with any questions about Marvel’s Comics for Comics program, should e-mail helpme@marvel.com for further assistance.

For the full list of accepted comics, please check behind the cut

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In a bit of shocking news, Deadline TV is reporting that Frank Darabont - creator and executive producer of the Walking Dead - is stepping down as the showrunner of the series, which is still in production of its second series.

The news doesn't seem to make sense, especially since Darabont had attended SDCC this past weekend along with Robert Kirkman to talk about Season 2 with fans. It's also odd because Darabont spend five years trying to get the TV version of the Walking Dead off the ground, wrote and directed the pilot, and was quoted last month as saying, "In TV, you have to get ideas across in a more economical way," he said. "But the process is fundamentally the same (as features), just accelerated. There’s no time for second guessing. The wheels are in constant motion. I love that about television. If I’d known how much fun it was, I’d have done it years ago."

It is unknown if Darabont is completely off the show at this time, but as we learn more about this decision we'll report it. It has also been said that the behind-the-scenes turmoil has not affected the production of the show, and while it is unknown who will step up to become the new showrunner, but there is a chanced that Glen Mazzara, who joined as executive producer for this season and has showrunning experience, could possibly do it.

(via source)

Two things came out of San Diego Comic Con that made the rounds quickly as buzzed about happenings: first off, the announcement of a new Brian K. Vaughan book in Image Comics' SAGA (say it with me: YES!!!!) and second off, the Batgirl vs. DC panel controversy centered around DC's perceived under representation of the fairer sex in comics (and the amount of them working on their comics). Both of those stories took off and ran for wildly different reasons, but for those looking at them closely, there is an intersection between them: Fiona Staples.

A few years back, a random mini-series came out from DC imprint Wildstorm called North 40. In that book, a new artist to my world was unveiled with phenomenal (and Eisner nominated) work from Staples. Having been announced as the artist and co-creator on the SAGA as well as a female artist who worked at DC, I think this is the perfect time to highlight North 40 on Off the Cape.

Well, for that reason and the one that this book was WILDLY underrated and amazing all together.

Read more after the jump.

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In learning what makes superheroes matter to one man, the question is begged: what makes them matter to the rest of us? Are these paper titans emissaries from a world beneath our own, or are they simply a way to mark the time in between life's more tangible dissatisfactions?

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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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Yesterday, Marvel revealed their October solicits, among which was the first full solicit for the upcoming X-Men finale/relaunch. We were given peeks at the last issue of Uncanny, the first issue of Wolverine and the X-Men, the tie-in issues for several of the X-titles, and information about the X-Men one-shot, Regenesis.

The solicit reads as follows:

X-MEN: REGENESIS #1
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Penciled by BILLY TAN
Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
Variant Cover by MORRY HOLLOWELL

When the dust settles from the X-Men’s Schism, a line has been drawn, and every mutant must choose. Who will they follow — XXXXXX or Wolverine? Either way, with mutantkind cut in two, things will never be the same. Setting the stage for this month’s WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1 and November’s all-new UNCANNY X-MEN #1, Kieron Gillen (UNCANNY X-MEN, JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY) and Billy Tan (UNCANNY X-FORCE, NEW AVENGERS) take us through the ranks of the X-Men as they choose their destiny.

40 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99

The casual observer may not notice this, but as someone who has gotten used to trying to glean information about the future from solicits there is something that sticks out here like a sore thumb: the XXXXXX bit. It is perhaps not entirely safe to assume this, but given Marvel's history with solicits - such as the solicit for FI: FF - it is not too hard to figure out what is implied by the XXXXX's, especially with the variant cover that features Cyclops about to eat a fist full of claw.

Further investigation of the solicits reveal that in Uncanny X-Men, also written by Kieron Gillen, it is not Cyclops that the issue revolves around but actually Mr. Sinister (or so the solicit implies). Sinister is also rather notoriously linked to Cyclops, as Cyclops' optic blasts are one of the view things that can hurt his regenerating self. What's key to note here is that in an issue that would assumedly feature Cyclops eulogizing the X-Men, we instead have a villain from the 90's who has been dead since this epic post-House of M X-Men saga started.

Also of note: the X-Men Schism teaser, featuring Cyclops' visor cut into four nice pieces and, once again, the variant cover featured here with Cyclops already having one slash on his face and getting ready for another.

Is it possible that Cyclops will no longer be affiliated with the X-Men? Is it possible that, after whatever embarrassment is set to come that is clearly somewhat based on the idea that Cyclops has gone too far in his new position as commander of the X-Men (as opposed to just leader), that Cyclops will leave and go wander in the woods somewhere where no one can talk to him? Or, even worse - is it possible that Cyclops is actually going to die?

There's a new issue of Schism out this week. I suppose we'll find out soon.

Image Press Release

Leading up to San Diego Comic-Con 2011, comics fans and the comics news media buzzed with rumors that Brian K. Vaughan, the acclaimed writer of Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, Runaways and Pride of Baghdad, was returning to comics. Vaughan's return was confirmed at Image Comics' Kirkman Talks Creator-Owned panel Saturday, when Vaughan announced that he is launching SAGA, an all-new ongoing title co-created with artist Fiona Staples, at Image in 2012.

"It's an honor to be doing my first work with Image as they start to celebrate twenty years of publishing creator-owned comics," said Vaughan.

Vaughan continued, "I love this medium more than any other, and I've been dying to tackle one more epic ongoing monthly series, but I wanted to find the right story and the perfect collaborator. I'm more excited about SAGA with co-creator Fiona Staples than any project I've ever worked on, so I hope we'll be able to explore our strange new universe for years to come."

Fiona Staples is a Shuster Award-winning artist whose most recent work includes Jonah Hex, Mystery Society, Northlanders, and the Eisner-nominated North 40.

"I don't think I've made it a secret that Brian is one of my absolute favorite writers in comics and my enthusiasm for his excellent work makes me beyond excited to welcome him to the fold," commented Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "Likewise, I've admired Fiona's work for years, and I think she and Brian are a perfect match. There aren't enough superlatives for a team like this!"

Their science fiction SAGA will be an ongoing drama for adults, chronicling the epic life and times of one young family fighting to survive a never-ending war.

SAGA #1 will debut in early 2012.

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Titan Press Release

Titan is partnering with Avatar Press, the highly regarded independent American publisher of comic books, founded in 1996 by William A. Christensen, to distribute their award-winning line to the book trade in the UK and Ireland.

Featuring exciting work from major stars of the comic book universe including Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, Garth Ennis, George RR Martin, Christos Gage, David Lapham, and more, Avatar Press is notable for offering creators an opportunity to publish creator-owned books with no content restrictions whatsoever!

It is planned that Titan will distribute approximately 40 new books a year, with full PR and marketing campaigns on lead titles. In addition Titan will make the rich Avatar back catalogue fully available to the book trade. The first titles will include, George R.R Martin’s Fevre Dream, Night of the Living Dead 2, and Alan Moore’s much anticipated Neonomicon, which will all be available in the UK from Titan in late 2011.

Nick Landau, Publisher, at Titan Books, says, “ We are proud and delighted to be working with a wonderful publisher like Avatar and are confident we will raise their business to new levels in the UK”.

William A. Christensen , CEO of Avatar Press, added: “The UK book market is a challenging environment to sell into. We are happy to have an institution like Titan Books to help us navigate the waters and provide long-standing relationships with the biggest booksellers. The opportunity to work together wit their highly regarded distribution network will allow us to reach new readers in the UK.”

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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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It is without a doubt that if you are even remotely the tiniest of comic book fan, you have heard about the epic change-up coming in September with the DCnU. The quick recap is: Flashpoint ends in August, and with it the entire DC Universe is relaunched. This means new books, new creative teams, and entirely new endeavors from the second biggest company in comic books today, home to the most famous and important comic character(s) of all time. As DC brands it, they are making history - and the notion isn't inherently untrue.

However, there's one thing that also comes with the DCnU, and that is the perfect opportunity to point out all the flaws that the company has, right? At least, that's the impression that I'm beginning to get.

Take a look after the cut for some thoughts.

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At a Warner Animation panel in San Diego on Sunday, DC announced its next batch of their direct-to-DVD animated features. Amongst the announced features were Justice League: Doom, based off of Mark Waid's legendary "Tower of Babel" story in JLA and Superman Vs The Elite, based partially on Joe Kelly's polarizing tale "What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way".

However, the highlight of the "currently in production" line-up has to be the adaptation of Frank Millar's classic, character defining Bat-work, The Dark Knight Returns. No voice actors were named at the panel, but it was the revealed that the story would be released as a two-part DVD set. Whether the intensity, tragic nuance and uber-violence of the original book will transfer over to the small screen remains to be seen, but I suppose

Another bit of sort-of-info to arise from the panel is word that Alan Moore's Bat-classic The Killing Joke is also on the docket (most likely slated for a 2013 release) and that DC Elseworld's (but now kinda canon) epic Kingdom Come is NOT being considered for animated adaptation due to it being deemed an "unfit match for hand-drawn animation."

Announced at the closing of Marvel's SDCC weekend was a brand new post-event branding for various Marvel Universe titles.

Just as Secret Invasion had the Dark Reign branding and Siege had the Heroic Age, several Marvel titles will have a Battle Scars title that focuses on the aftermath of the epic Fear Itself event arc by Fraction and Immonen. This will also include a series of new books and one-shots dealing with the aftermath, including the announced Fearless book and a new Defenders and Hulk title (keep your eyes posted for more news on that soon).

For a slew of new images, check behind the cut.

(via source)

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Ok, so we guessed that Nick Spencer was on this book, but we still got the general gist of it, right?

Debuting in December, Marvel will be releasing the brand new Defenders book by Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson. The premise of the book will find several heroes who owe the Hulk a favor carrying out a task for him, none of whom really want to work together. According to Fraction, Red She-Hulk and Iron Fist are quick to join in the group, but the others are hesitant.

While Fraction had said in the past in an interview on this very site that he was done with the character, in an interview with CBR he admits to having new ideas for the character post what Duane Swierczynski and Brian Bendis did. Beyond that, he assembled a team true to their original origins that was also fun for him to write. Fraction also notes that the cast will "grow and change" as the series moves forward and a giant cosmic conspiracy enters into the equation, and that the book will never "settle." Fraction also notes that this book will contain his "new sound", whatever that may entail.

While the book comes with the typical tagline of having a universe/game-changing secret - right after an event, mind you - it's safe to say that we'll have reviews for you come December. Keep your eyes peeled for any additional news we can get you.

(via source)

While we had noted that they were clearly holding out before, Marvel has unveiled the Hulk teaser poster for the Avengers film by Joss Whedon. The poster, which shows mainly the Hulk with a silhouette of actor Mark Ruffalo in the background, is the last piece in a seven piece connected poster illustrating the new Avengers team, as seen below.
While Marvel's Avengers film presence was not as big as it was last year, it's safe to say that the buzz for the upcoming 2012 Avengers film is just beginning. With a tease after the Captain America credits and the poster series above, something tells us that 2012 will be a big year for Marvel Studios.

(via source)

World War Hulks is over. Fear Itself is at it's halfway mark. Greg Pak's epic 6-year Hulk run is coming to an end. It's time for a new team.

So who is that team going to be? As it turns out, the new Hulk book - assumedly titled The Incredible Hulk - will be written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Marc Silvestri, and is set to start in October. The book will be begin with an arc called Hulk Assunder, and will feature Bruce Banner and the Hulk personalities at war in a very "external way" that will elaborate into the Marvel Universe. The book seems to imply that Banner will be the "villain" of the story, which is an interesting take on the relationship between the two. On top of that, it looks like the Hulk will have a beard - which is totally awesome.

The Hulk was given a teaser footage from Marvel, which can be seen below:

As well as a special video message from Jason Aaron, which can be seen below:

It is unknown whether or not the book will do anything to Jeff Parker's Hulk, but considering that Marvel announced the next arc of the book (Hulk of Arabia) over the weekend at their Next Big Thing panel, it's safe to assume that the book will continue to exist in it's own realm while Aaron does his own things.

(via source for news and source for videos and images)

Because there is never an occasion to not have more Doctor Who in our lives, we now have the teaser trailer for the second half of season 6!

So let's briefly mention some of the bits we see: Hitler (and the Doctor saving Hitler?), River with an eye-patch, the Angels from "Blink", the return of Craig Owens (James Corden), some kind of Alice In Wonderland-esque reality of Amy Pond to hang out in, Cybermen, the Silents, Amy Pond kicking some ass, a minotaur, Eye-Patch Lady, and the return of the tease of the Impossible Astronaut - including a date, time, and place (Lake Silencio - huh?). So really, just about what you'd expect from the Moffat-helmed run of Doctor Who.

Take a watch above and get excited for the return of the show later this year.

(via source)

At the Image panel earlier today, Image announced four exciting new titles.

First up, Tim Seeley announced a crossover between his popular Hack/Slash property and the Hatchet film-series by Adam Green to be held in the pages of the upcoming annual. Apparently a friend of Seeleys, the two kicked around the idea of the properties crossing over and the idea came to live. Featuring Cassie Hack going up against slasher Victor Crowley, the book will be written by Benito Dereno with art by Ariel Zucker Brull, in shops in November.

Next book to be announced was a MacGyver comic, entitled Fugitive Gauntlet, written by the creator of MacGuyver Lee David Ziotoff and Tony Lee with Becky Cloonan on art.

Third up is a book called Mondo, published in the oversized Golden Age format and written by Ted McKeever.

Last we have a book called Peter Panzerfaust from Kurtis J. Weibe and Tyler Jenkins.

All of the above books are set for 2012 releases.

Image also took the time to plug several previously announced and upcoming titles, such as Last of the Greats, the Strange Tale of Luther Strode, Severed, Pigs, Xenoholics and Danger Club all of which are worth checking out.

For more preview images, check after the cut.

(via source)

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Hello! It's a Matt week of Got You Covered! You know what that means: I write far too much, you skip over it and look at the pictures, then you come back to see Brandon do it.

I'm ok with that.

Check after the cut for this week's covers. I promise to write far too much.

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Last night, the Eisner Awards - one of comic's most celebrated endeavors - was held at San Diego Comic-Con at the annual ceremony. Featuring a bevy of fantastic creators and titles winning the awards, it's in no short terms that I say it's a fantastic time to be a fan of comics.

The winners are as follows:

Best Short Story: “Post Mortem,” by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark, in I Am an Avenger #2 (Marvel)

Best Single Issue (or One-Shot): Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil, by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben (Dark Horse)

Best Continuing Series: Chew, by John Layman and Rob Guillory (Image)

Best Limited Series: Daytripper, by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá (Vertigo/DC)

Best New Series: American Vampire, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, and Rafael Albuquerque (Vertigo/DC)

Best Publication for Kids: Tiny Titans, by Art Baltazar and Franco (DC Comics)

Best Publication for Teens: Smile, by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastic Graphix)

Best Humor Publication: I Thought You Would Be Funnier, by Shannon Wheeler (BOOM! Studios)

Best Anthology: Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, edited by Paul Morrissey and David Petersen (Archaia)

Best Digital Comic: Abominable Charles Christopher, by Karl Kerschl

Best Reality-Based Work: It Was the War of the Trenches, by Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

Best Graphic Album — New: Return of the Dapper Men, by Jim McCann and Janet Lee (Archaia), and Wilson, by Daniel Clowes (Drawn & Quarterly)

Best Graphic Album — Reprint: Wednesday Comics, edited by Mark Chiarello (DC Comics)

Best Adaptation from Another Work: The Marvelous Land of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young (Marvel)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips: Archie: The Complete Daily Newspaper Strips, 1946–1948, by Bob Montana, edited by Greg Goldstein (IDW Publishing)

Best Archival Collection/Project — Comic Books: Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition, edited by Scott Dunbier (IDW Publishing)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material: It Was the War of the Trenches, by Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material — Asia: Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys, by Naoki Urasawa (VIZ Media)

Best Writer: Joe Hill, Lock & Key (IDW Publishing)

Best Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke, Richard Stark’s Parker: The Outfit (IDW Publishing)

Best Penciler/Inker or Penciler/Inker Team: Skottie Young, The Marvelous Land of Oz (Marvel)

Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art): Juanjo Guarnido, Blacksad (Dark Horse)

Best Cover Artist: Mike Mignola, Hellboy, Baltimore: The Plague Ships (Dark Horse)

Best Coloring: Dave Stewart, Hellboy, BPRD, Baltimore, Let Me In (Dark Horse); Detective Comics (DC); Neil Young’s Greendale, Daytripper, Joe the Barbarian (Vertigo/DC)

Best Lettering: Todd Klein, Fables, The Unwritten, Joe the Barbarian, iZombie (Vertigo/DC); Tom Strong and the Robots of Doom (WildStorm/DC); SHIELD (Marvel); Driver for the Dead (Radical)

Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism: Comic Book Resources, produced by Jonah Weiland

Best Comics-Related Book: 75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking, by Paul Levitz (TASCHEN)

Best Publication Design: Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition, designed by Randall Dahlk (IDW Publishing)

HALL OF FAME
Judges’ Choices: Ernie Bushmiller, Jack Jackson, Martin Nodell, Lynd Ward
Elected: Mort Drucker, Harvey Pekar, Roy Thomas, Marv Wolfman

Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award: Nate Simpson

Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award: Patrick McDonnell

Bill Finger Excellence in Comic Book Writing Award: Del Connell, Bob Haney

Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award: Comics and Vegetables, Tel Aviv

Congratulations to all the 2011 Eisner Award Winners, as well as to all the nominees!

(via source)

Anyone who has been following Multiversity for an extended period of time has probably figured something out: we (i.e. I) are huge fans of Andrew Garfield. An extremely talented and highly underrated actor, he has been acting his butt off (and being far too handsome) in great films like Never Let Me Go, The Social Network, Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, and Red Riding.

Oh, and he's Spider-Man in the Amazing Spider-Man. But we haven't seen that yet.

So why should we care about his portrayal of Peter Parker? Watch the above video. That's why.

It's fairly traditional for most of the big name Vertigo titles to run 60 issues: Y The Last Man, Transmetropolitan, Preacher, and the Invisibles (just about) have all made tremendous stamps on the comic book medium and had 60 issue runs. Now Multiversity favorite Scalped enters those hallowed halls this April.

Announced during Thursday's Vertigo panel at Comic-Con, Karen Berger confirmed that Aaron and Guera would bring the story of Dashiell Bad Horse and the Prairie Rose Indian Reservation to a close. With issue #50 being released at the tail end of last month, it's quite apparent that Aaron was leaning towards the end of the series as one of the bigger ongoing plotlines - a mystery that the readers knew the answer to but not the characters - came to a rather violent head. Issue #50 set up the various characters for what is to come, and now Aaron and Guera are set to bring the power house of a series to a close.

Scalped marks the third Vertigo book ending now, with DMZ and Northlanders in their final arcs as of now, set to end in December and March respectively.

(via source)

After teaming up with Bruce Timm for a bit on his show, Conan o Brien - you know the one - created a superhero alter ego called the Flaming C. Then, just because, he crashed the Green Lantern Animated Series panel at Comic-Con to bust out the high resolution CGI trailer you can view above.

As to if this is going to be for something "real" or not is up in the air. There has been no confirmation from O'Brien (anywhere I can find) that seems to indicate this will be anything more than just more jokes for his show, but that's certainly alright with us. Fans at the panel asked Conan questions abut the character and he played along, joking that this would be the first comic-related project written by fans instead of the creators.

(via source)

Marvel has released some concept art in the form of posters for fans at Comic-Con this week teasing their upcoming Avengers film, the crossover that fans have been waiting to see since Iron Man came out in 2008. Giving us looks at Hawkeye's full costume as well as the updated Captain America suit, we now have seen every one of the main Avengers - except for Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk. It is unknown why, but perhaps Marvel is saving that one for later.

It also gives us our first look at Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, which is certainly a fair representation of the comic character for the big screen. Given what Smulders is famous for, here's hoping she can be as powerful a character as Maria Hill needs to be.

Check after the cut for the rest of the posters.

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At the Creator Owned panel at SDCC, Jonathan Hickman announced that he will be doing two more creator owned books for Image: The Manhattan Projects and Secret.

The Manhattan Projects will be illustrated by Nick Pitarra (The Red Wing) and will be about the men responsible for the nuclear bomb. Hickman described it as "the Thunderbolts of science," and it will feature Oppenheimer and "drunk Einstein" as characters.

Secret will be illustrated by Ryan Bodenheim (Red Mass For Mars), and will be a corporate espionage story.

Both books are set to be longer than Hickman's usual minis, running about 15 issues or longer. We have no images for these yet, but we'll give them to you as we find them.

(via source)