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Agent Orange finally arrives.
For months now, fans have been anticipating the arrival of the various color offshoots of the Green Lantern Corps. If any Color has been hyped the most in the build up to the “War of light”, it’s been Orange... Namely Agent Orange, and the specific part of the emotional spectrum it controls, Greed.
As other parties have tried to manipulate the emotional spectrum for their personal gains, it seems Agent Orange seeks to deny this. It seeks total control over the Orange energy is draws power from, instead of enlisting others to help in its cause. Agent Orange doesn’t share its power, as the Controllers soon find out within the first few pages of the book. And Agent Orange seeks to punish those who wish to retake what was already given, which the Guardians discover at the end of the book. Apparently Greed and revenge go hand and hand in Agent Orange’s Book.
On the other end of the Spectrum, we find Hal Jordan continuing to deal with the duel green/ blue power ring issue. Learning in the last issue the blue rings only work in the presence of a green ring, we now discover as to why Ganthet and Sayd have chosen Jordan to wear the blue ring. If anyone was best suited for a ring powered by Hope and redemption, it’s Hal Jordan.
But as Jordan soon realizes the only way to remove the blue ring is to use it in a case of hope, the ever knowing Guardians discover Jordan has been “corrupted”, and transport him to Oa, where they try to remove the blue ring forcefully. I actually find this scene quite clever; as it is those who are corrupted themselves, try in vain to cleanse another they deem corrupted.
And so begins the battle of the light, the Blackest of Night, and the never ending fight of the control, and suppression, of the emotional spectrum. I can’t wait for the next chapter.
9/10
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Review of Green Lantern # 39 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.
Review of Solomon Grundy #2 (DC comics) By Eddie R.
A Touch of Irony.
Being a loyal Green Lantern Fan, when I heard DC was coming out with a 7 part Solomon Grundy Series, I kind of rolled my eyes and sighed.. I mean haven’t we been down this road before??
We all know that Grundy has been around in the Green Lantern mythology since the Golden Age, and has been portrayed as both docile and unspeakable evil, mindless brute to a cold and calculating evil genius, depending on the reincarnation cycle. For as many stories involving Grundy, no one really touched on this cycle and the reason why Grundy turns out this way? That is, until now.
To me this current series, which I feel is an “unofficial tie- in” to the upcoming DC “Blackest night” event, has begun to explore the role Grundy was created for in the first place.
Long before the idea of the Guardians, or even the Green Lantern Corps, there was just Alan Scott, who used the “mystical green energies” of an emerald train Lantern to shed light over dark evil under the guise of The Green Lantern. This “dark evil” took on the typical Golden Age themes of crooks and gangsters, but one evil in particular seemed to be a thorn in Alan’s Scott’s side over the years.
This thorn was Solomon Grundy.
I found it quite ironic that within the series first issue it’s revealed Grundy, who has been “reborn” into his original mortal form of Cyrus Gold this time around, is under a curse, and is offered a way out by the one and only Phantom Stranger. The Stranger tells Gold if he can find the instrument of his death within seven days, Cyrus can break the cycle of the curse, and be free once and for all.
There’s only one catch......there are bigger, darker mystical forces at play here than what anyone realizes. And the first case of irony to which I speak is the “whom” The Phantom Stranger puts in charge of Cyrus Gold.. This “irony” is Alan Scott.
From issue #2 of the series, we learn more about Cyrus Gold’s history, we see that someone has been setting up a series of events which will lead Cyrus’s damnation. The last panel of the first page gives us a visual clue as to “who”. My guesses are this person resides in a certain “House of Mystery”, to which I will let the readers discover on their own.
Battles ensue between good and evil, and much light is spread upon this dark tale. Cyrus changes into Grundy once again, as a result of him not being able to control the dark urges controlling him. But, it is after this transformation, where Grundy accidentally frees Bizzaro from a Lexcorp delivery van.
For some reason, Bizzaro takes a liking to Grundy, wanting to become friends with him (in traditional backwards fashion), but Grundy wants nothing to do with him. It is this backwards friendship which is my second irony. Now that Bizzaro has found someone like himself, he gets rejected.
All I can hope for is the next issues theme is just as “ironic” as the first two, and it looks like it just might be.
8/ 10
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Review of Booster Gold # 19 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.
Reality Lost: Epilogue
To be Honest, I was never a fan of Booster Gold when growing up.
There was just something about him which turned me off. I mean over the course of reading comics for 25 + years, I had bumped into Booster on occasion in various books, but I never really went out of my way in order to seek him out, or to learn more about this character who happened to show up just after the Crisis on Infinite Earths back in 1986.
So when I began to read the weekly series “52”, I felt kind of disappointed when they added Booster as a Subplot. To my surprise, as weeks went by, I began to get interested not only in the part which Booster began to play, but the role he had taken on as a “Reality Cop” with Rip Hunter. At the end of 52, I was left with a sense that Booster was going to play a much bigger role in the background of the DCU.
I was also left wanting more. More Booster, more Rip, more changes to reality.
So when DC announced an ongoing Booster Gold series, I was in hopes that this wasn’t some lame attempt to shoehorn Booster into a series, after showing such a strong potential in 52, which was destined to end far much sooner than it should be. And I am happy to say that my hunches were right.
If anyone asks me about the current state of the DC universe, I tell them to go read the current Booster Gold series. Just like Booster is portrayed as “the greatest hero you never knew about”, I.M.O this book is like that for the DCU. With so many factors currently in play, it’s hard to understand what’s going on and where things might be heading, but somehow, the writers always manage to bring us up to speed and give clues as to where we are heading. The best example of this is the Chalk Board in Rips Hunter’s lab. Never has a device plot been so effectively used. And the current issue of Booster Gold continues to build on this.
Booster Gold #19 is the epilogue to the 5-part “Reality Lost” story arc, which marked the return of Booster Gold’s creator, Dan Jurgens, as both writer and penciler to the series. Setting up a scenario where Booster must continually “clean- up” after himself via a series of time travel events, Booster alters the current reality to the point where Rip Hunter no longer exists. During the same period, Booster’s sister, Michelle, gets abducted by a mysterious figure imprisoned within the time stream, who then shows her the reason behind her continued existence. Michelle’s reaction is one of heartbreak and crying foul, for feeling she has been cheated out of a life, unlike her brother. The way she rectifies the situation will leave readers wondering what consequences will come of this.
It is also during this “clean up”, where Booster encounters a few situations where he ensures the birth and demise of his best friend (and soon to be back up feature) Blue Beetle. Booster also enlists the aid of the one person he knows he can trust with helping is such a major task... Himself.
While I was glad to see this story arc come to an end, I am left with the question as to if this adventure has had any effect on the current state of the DCU?
And just like clockwork, in the background of the last panel, the Chalk Board appears, and it shows me things are about to get interesting once again.
9/10.
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Marvel Comics On-Sale 04/15/09
Hey there True Believers, here’s your official list of comic books, collections and posters arriving in comic stores on April 15th, 2009. For more information on any of these titles, and on upcoming mighty Marvel releases, please visit http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?date=2009-04-15 or contact your local comic book retailer at 1-888-comicbook. Stay tuned each week for a brand new list of Marvel releases so that you’ll never miss your favorite heroes in action!
Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #591
CAPTAIN AMERICA #49
DARK TOWER: SORCERER ONE-SHOT
ENDER'S SHADOW: BATTLE SCHOOL #4
HALO: UPRISING #4
INCOGNITO #3
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #11 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
LORDS OF AVALON: KNIGHT OF DARKNESS #5
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #10
MARVEL TRIPLE ACTION #1
MOON KNIGHT #29
MOON KNIGHT #29 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
PUNISHER #4 (DR)
PUNISHER #4 MCKONE COVER (DR)
RAMPAGING WOLVERINE #1
SECRET INVASION AFTERMATH: BETA RAY BILL - THE GREEN OF EDEN ONE-SHOT
SQUADRON SUPREME #10
SUB-MARINER COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
SUB-MARINER COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL MARTIN VARIANT
SUB-MARINER COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL BREITWEISER SKETCH VARIANT
THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #2
THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #2 PERKINS VARIANT
THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #2 SKETCH VARIANT
ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK #3 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
UNCANNY X-MEN #508
UNCANNY X-MEN #508 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
WOLVERINE #70 MCNIVEN 3RD PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE NOIR #1
WOLVERINE NOIR #1 CALERO VARIANT
X-FACTOR #42
X-MEN LEGACY #223
X-MEN LEGACY #223 DJURDJEVIC 70TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT
X-MEN LEGACY #223 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
Collections On-Sale:
ESSENTIAL DAZZLER VOL. 2 TPB
EXILES ULTIMATE COLLECTION BOOK 1 TPB
FOOLKILLER: WHITE ANGELS TPB
HULK VOL. 2: RED & GREEN PREMIERE HC ADAMS COVER
HULK VOL. 2: RED & GREEN PREMIERE HC CHO COVER (DM ONLY)
IRON MAN: LEGACY OF DOOM TPB
MARVEL APES HC
MIGHTY AVENGERS VOL. 4: SECRET INVASION BOOK 2 TPB
MIGHTY AVENGERS VOL. 4: SECRET INVASION BOOK 2 TPB (DM ONLY)
PUNISHER: WAR ZONE - THE RESURRECTION OF MA GNUCCI PREMIERE HC
PUNISHER: WAR ZONE - THE RESURRECTION OF MA GNUCCI PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY)
SPIDER-MAN: KRAVEN'S FIRST HUNT TPB
WAR IS HELL: THE FIRST FLIGHT OF THE PHANTOM EAGLE TPB
WOLVERINE: DANGEROUS GAMES TPB
WOLVERINE: LOGAN TPB
Posters On-Sale:
DARK WOLVERINE POSTER
*DR= Dark Reign tie-in
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SHOUT! FACTORY AND HASBRO ANNOUNCE US and Canada HOME ENTERTAINMENT DEAL ON HASBRO’S CLASSIC ANIMATED SERIES TRANSFORMERS AND G.I. JOE
Shout! Factory and Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) today announced a multi-year, multi-property alliance to bring the original animated TV series THE TRANSFORMERS and the G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO animated series, along with MY LITTLE PONY Twinkle Wish Adventure to the home entertainment marketplace. The announcement was made today by Shout! Factory founding partners Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos, and Lisa Licht, General Manager, Entertainment & Licensing, Hasbro.
Under the multi-year agreement, Shout! Factory will be the exclusive U.S. and Canada home entertainment distributor for the original animated TV series The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO DVD franchise properties, and a MY LITTLE PONY animated direct-to-DVD release.
“TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY are three uniquely celebrated brands and are part of the American cultural fabric,” stated the Shout! Factory founding partners. “Given the breadth of Hasbro’s toys, games, television and live-action feature films, we are thrilled with this premiere alliance and to be able to bring these timeless original animated series and new titles to multiple generations of fans.”
“Shout! Factory has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for our brands and we are very pleased to be aligning ourselves with them,” said Lisa Licht, Hasbro’s General Manager, Entertainment & Licensing. “This agreement is in sync with our strategy of working with premier companies to provide people with a wide-range of entertainment beyond traditional toys and games.”
Shout! Factory plans an aggressive rollout of these Hasbro titles later this year utilizing the same sales and marketing strengths that has made them one of the leading independent DVD suppliers in the home entertainment industry.
Over the years, Shout! Factory has cultivated strong relationships with major Hollywood studios and organizations through a series of strategic content partnerships with ABC Studios, DIC Entertainment, DIRECTV, Dreamworks Television, MGM, NBC Universal Consumer Products Group, Nelvana, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Jetix, 4Kids Entertainment and others.
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SKAAR IS COMING!
PLANET SKAAR PROLOGUE (MAR092571)
Written by GREG PAK
Penciled by DAN PANOSIAN
Cover by ALEX GARNER
Parental Advisory…$3.99
FOC—4/23/09, On-Sale—5/13/09
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DARK HORSE OFFICIALLY JOINS THE DIAMOND FOC PROGRAM!
Dark Horse officially announces participation in the Diamond “Final Order Cutoff” program, or “FOC” for short. Dark Horse first announced the intent to participate in this program at last fall’s Diamond Retailers summit in Las Vegas, Navada to a roar of applause heard throughout the casino.
Dark Horse's final FOC dates will be tied to the calendar day twenty days before the Diamond on-sale date for comics, and approximately three months for graphic novels. Dark Horse will begin including FOC dates for some of our line as early as the May 2009 edition of Diamond’s Previews catalog.
"We are pleased to announce this move to the FOC,” Dark Horse President, Mike Richardson stated. “As every comics retailer knows, times are tough. It is important that Dark Horse not only support them with great product, but with our best efforts to make their ordering decisions as easy as possible. This system will help every retailer who orders Dark Horse product and should lead to better business for all of us."
Dark Horse hopes that participation in the program will help to further instill confidence in the publisher’s consistently strong lineup of releases and continued commitment to the direct sales market in an ever-changing economy.
Dark Horse’s FOC program will begin on Monday, April 20.
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Dabel Brothers Present an All New Warriors Series That Picks up Where The Movie Left Off: Jailbreak
Dabel Brothers follow up THE WARRIORS movie adaptation with “Jailbreak”
New original series chronicling the events that take place after the movie ends coming in July
Dabel Brothers Publishing is pleased to announce an original series to follow up the hit THE WARRIORS comic book movie adaptation based on the iconic Hollywood gang film from Paramount Pictures, now in its 30th anniversary year. The new 4-issue series will be called “Jailbreak,” and it will tell the story of what happens after the movie ends.
“The response on THE WARRIORS movie adaptation has been fantastic. This really is a property that spans generations, as we’ve gotten both 50 year-olds and 20 year-olds giving us props,” says Rich Young, Dabel Business Manager and Co-Editor about “Jailbreak.” “We’ve also gotten a lot of feedback from fans, retailers and others telling us that they wanted to see original stories…so we’re moving straight into that.”
“Jailbreak” will be written by newcomer Erik Henriksen, with penciled art by the team of Todd Herman and Herb Apon, inks by Nick Nix and colors by Jeremy Treece. The first issue cover will feature artwork by the talented Tom Feister (G.I. Joe: Origins, New Line Cinema’s House of Horror), with guest covers on the other issues by well-known industry talent.
“Everyone on this creative team is a big fan of the film, and we’re aiming to deliver exactly what both Warriors fans and regular comics readers want—a kickass story,” says Henriksen. “Jailbreak kicks off with the Warriors planning to bust one of their own out of jail—but from there, it’s gonna spin in some directions readers won’t expect. We’re having a blast working on it, and, as long as we don't mess up, readers are going to have as much fun as we’re having.” Henriksen adds, “And, uh, we’re totally not gonna mess up, by the way.”
Additional ideas in the works for more comics based on THE WARRIORS include a prequel to the movie, as well as one-shots or limited series based on the various gangs in THE WARRIORS universe.
Dabel Brothers Project Manager and “Jailbreak” Co-Editor Derek Ruiz added, “When you sit down and think about some of the story possibilities, there are some pretty cool ones, so we’re excited to have the chance to tell a few more.”
“The Warriors: Jailbreak,” an original 4-issue series, will be launching at San Diego Comic Con and the first issue will hit stores everywhere in July.
Based on the classic novel by Sol Yurick, THE WARRIORS tells the story of a New York gang of the same name, framed for killing a rival gang leader who tried to unite all gangs in the area. The film chronicles their journey back to their home turf in Coney Island as they travel through hostile gang territory.
Be sure to check www.dabelbrothers.com for more WARRIORS-related updates!
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DnA Take Over MyCup o Joe…and What is Marvel Divas?
The acclaimed writing duo behind War of Kings, DnA (Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning), take over MyCup o’ Joe at MySpace Comic Books (www.myspace.com/comicbooks) for an installment we had to call MyCup o’ Tea!
What’s next for War of Kings, Nova and Guardians of The Galaxy? How do the two writers work together? And just what makes David Beckham so awesome? We’ve got the answers! Plus Joe answers YOUR questions and announces an all new project—Marvel Divas!
Head on over to http://www.myspace.com/comicbooks and leave your questions for Joe Q and he’ll be back to answer them! So what are you waiting for? Check out the latest MyCup o’ Joe now!
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Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Mattycollector.com Announces Updated Release dates on Facebook.
The following was announced on Mattycollector's Facebook page:
Quick update everyone, here are current release dates for the next few items on Mattycollector.com:
Mer-Man - 4 /15
We will likley sell out of Mer-Man on day 1, but we have a second batch coming in which should go on sale about 4/23
Zodac - 5/15
LOSH JLU 4 pack - 5/15
Hordak - 6/15
Alex Luthor/Ultraman two pack - 6/15
Man-At Arms 7/15
We are also trying to get some of the new CARS items up by 7/1 and are working hard with the CARS team on some cool surprises. More information as soon as it is available!
-Matty
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Goku and the Warrior Race Fight On as DragonBall: Evolution Collectible Figures Explode Into Toy Fair 2009
Bandai America And Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising Launch Captivating New Toy Line that Brings DragonBall Characters From New Theatrical Release to Life
As DragonBall: Evolution hits theaters April 8, Bandai America and Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox L&M), will give kids and collectors alike the chance to extend the viewing experience beyond the big screen with a new line of action figures based on the film. The new movie line leverages Bandai’s expertise in Japanese toy trends and within the action figure category to launch a collection of highly detailed toys styled after the stars from the film.
DragonBall has a cult following and boasts a history that is unmatched by other anime
properties. The Bandai America line will reflect the look and feel of DragonBall: Evolution all while staying true to the franchise’s long history. The detailed facial expressions and accessories only add to these action figures’ collectability, making these entertainment-inspired toys a must for boys and adult collectors.
“DragonBall: Evolution is an exceptional action adventure film that is certain to entertain collectors and new fans alike,” said Colleen Sherfey, senior director of marketing, Bandai America Inc. “We are excited to work with Fox L&M to launch a captivating new toy line that will allow viewers to bring the excitement of the movie into their own home and bring to life the unique and exciting adventures of the DragonBall characters.”
Elie Dekel, Executive Vice President Licensing and Merchandising for Fox L&M added, “The
introduction of DragonBall: Evolution is the next installment to an amazingly successful
franchise that boasts more than $4 billion in related merchandise sales. We know that fans both old and new will be looking for ways to interact with the property and Bandai America has created a great program to satisfy their hunger.”
DragonBall was created in 1984 by famed artist Akira Toriyama as a “manga series.” Since
then it has become one of the most successful manga franchises of all-time spawning best
selling graphic novels, comic books, video games, toys and now, a live-action movie.
DragonBall: Evolution starring Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds), Emmy Rossum (Phantom of the Opera), Jamie Chung (Samurai Girl), James Masters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Eriko Tamura (NBC’s “Heroes”, Joon Park (Speed Racer) and Chow Yung Fat (Pirates of the
Caribbean: At World’s End), will release April 8, 2009.
The DragonBall: Evolution toy line will hit select retailers in April to coincide with the theatrical release and will include:
- Movie Action Figures – Fans can collect all seven of these 4” articulated figures styled after the stars of DragonBall: Evolution and the characters that they portray. Available as Goku, Yamcha, Roshi, Piccolo, Bulma, Goku 2 and Fulum, each figure comes with a weapon or accessory unique to that character. Each figure includes a piece of theOozaru (Big Monkey), 1 of 7 DragonBalls and a piece of the DragonBall altar. Collect all seven figures to form an exclusive figure of Oozaru and the DragonBall altar. Even the packaging contains a special insert card! Collect all seven cards to form the Shenron Dragon.
- 6” Fast-Acting Figure – Pull on the ripcord to activate each figures’ special move, like Goku and Piccolo’s rapid arm-punching action or Yamcha’s fast leg-kicking action. A DragonBall is attached to the end of the ripcord.
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Marvel Nabs 11 Eisner Nominations!
Marvel is pleased to announce that Marvel projects, writers, and artists received 11 nominations in the 2009 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards; winners are to be decided this July as part of the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International:
Best Continuing Series: Thor, by J. Michael Straczynski, Olivier Coipel, Mark Morales, and various
Best Limited Series: Omega the Unknown, by Jonathan Lethem, Karl Rusnak, and Farel Dalrymple
Best Limited Series: The Twelve, by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston
Best New Series: Invincible Iron Man, by Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca
Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books: Elektra Omnibus, by Frank Miller and Bill Sienkiewicz
Best Writer: J. Michael Straczynski, Thor, The Twelve
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: Olivier Coipel/Mark Morales, Thor (Marvel)
Best Cover Artist: Jo Chen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity (Dark Horse); Runaways (Marvel)
Best Coloring: Val Staples, Criminal, Incognito
Best Coloring: Dave Stewart, Dark Horse titles, Captain America: White (Marvel)
Best Lettering: Farel Dalrymple, Omega: The Unknown
Marvel congratulates all our nominees and wishes them good luck in San Diego!
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Wolverine: Weapon X #1 On Sale Today!
One of 2009's most talked about new series begins in Wolverine: Weapon X #1, on sale TODAY! Writer Jason Aaron and artist Ron Garney, the fan favorite duo behind Get Mystique, reunite a new story that will shake Wolverine’s world to its core!
In the jungles of Colombia, villages are being brutally slaughtered by a team of soldiers. It’s a mess; a bloody massacre. In San Francisco, Logan learns that Roxxon is trying to create the perfect killing machine – and he just might have to remind them they already have! Who are the Adamantium Men? How does everything tie back to Wolverine’s past? The answers start here!
Fans and critics can’t stop raving about Wolverine: Weapon X:
“This will no doubt be a bloody, emotionally-charged series, if the first issue is any indication (and it certainly is).” Timothy Callahan, comicbookresources.com
“Aaron and Garney are truly the best at what they do: creating exciting and unpredictable action comics.” Steven Bari, comicsbulletin.com
“Aaron has a talent for strong, terse dialogue and vivid characterization, and unleashing him on this new core Wolverine title is the best idea Marvel has had since handing Uncanny X-Men over to Matt Fraction…[Ron Garney’s] work in "Wolverine Weapon X" may be the best stuff he's ever done. His backgrounds are detailed, his character work is exemplary, and his use of shadows and light creates the right kind of ominous atmosphere.” Timothy Callahan, ComicBookResources.Com
This is the beginning of an all-new epic story in the X-Men mythos – a perfect jumping-on point for old comic fans and new! Don’t missWolverine: Weapon X #1, on sale NOW!
WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #1 (FEB092579)
WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #1 COIPEL VARIANT
WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #1 DAVIS VARIANT
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils & Cover by RON GARNEY
50/50 Variant Cover by ADAM KUBERT
Sketch Variant Cover by ADAM KUBERT
Variant Cover A by OLIVIER COIPEL
Variant Cover B by ALAN DAVIS
Parental Advisory …$3.99
ON SALE NOW!
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
