Freak Comics

Ah Chicago, the windy city… no not because the wind whips off of the frigid winter lake through the city’s enormous pompous buildings. It’s because the politicians used to drag on and on in their long-winded speeches.

I won’t emulate them. I’ve moved to Chicago. Things are busier than ever before for me. Freak Comics will continue to trudge forward, albeit slowly at first whilst I acclimate to my surroundings. There are several (yes only several… at least that I’ve found) comic book shops that I look forward to checking out. Hopefully I can find some good deals on some old X-Men titles (you know, back when Marvel actually cared about the crap they were pumping out… or at least pumped out better crap).

I’ll keep you updated on this and other events, including the results contest, as they happen. More reviews, rants and observations on the way, so stay tuned.

After several years’ absence from creative duties, Image Comics co-founder Jim Valentino is taking the creative helm of the Image flagship title SHADOWHAWK. Created by Valentino in 1992, SHADOWHAWK was one of the main titles responsible for the Image Comics explosion. With Valentino once more taking the reins, SHADOWHAWK is jutting off in a startling new direction and poised to reclaim its stake as one of Image’s premiere superhero titles.

The move begins in SHADOWHAWK #9, kicking off the first of the 4-part storyline “Rise.” Valentino pencils the issue, then raises the stakes in SHADOWHAWK #10, where he takes over both writing and art duties. “Rise felt like the perfect place to jump back into SHADOWHAWK,” Valentino said. “The story shows a changing of the guard. A death in the family. A crisis of faith. Everything changes for Eddie Collins when he loses more than his helmet as a new ShadowHawk comes takes over the mantle.”

Valentino continues, “Eddie Collins is the current embodiment of ShadowHawk, one in a long line of heroes dating back 5,000 years. Throughout his time as ShadowHawk, Eddie has been a little too lax about his role. He’s done a little too much listening to others about what they think he should do and, as a result, hasn’t learned the full consequences that come with being a hero. “Rise” is going to change all of that. Reality is going to hit him right between the eyes and change everything in his world. In other words, he’s going to grow up, and he’s going to do it the hard way. When Eddie became ShadowHawk, he was still a boy. By the end of “Rise,” he will need to become a man.”

“I’m really enjoying the opportunity to get back into the creative nitty-gritty,” Valentino concludes. “I’ve got a lot of affection for this character, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing what other creators have done with him, but when this story came up, I knew it was time for me to get back into the driver’s seat and lead the character into a whole new era. So far it’s been a blast!”

SHADOWHAWK #9 (NOV051758) is solicited in this month’s Previews for titles shipping in February. SHADOWHAWK #10 (DEC051781) will be in shipping in March.

The title will become Sensational Spider-Man just in time for the addition of the new creative team of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Angel Medina. Aguirre-Sacasa and Medina plan to show just how sensational Spidey can be in their first arc “Feral,” which finds Spider-Man’s animalistic foes, including the Lizard, Man-Wolf, and the Black Cat becoming more bestial than ever before.

“It’s thrilling to be writing Spider-Man when so many exciting things are happening to him and the entire Marvel Universe,” says writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. “It is both challenging and exciting to be aligning Sensational Spider-Man back with the other Spider-Man titles as well as the Marvel Universe. It also helps that Angel Medina’s art is nothing short of sensational.”

Matt Yocum of ComicCritique.com says,” Renowned playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa has nailed the tone of what a Marvel book should be.” More of the same can be expected when he takes over everybody’s favorite wall-crawler.

Spider-Man is going to have to be more than just amazing and spectacular to quell the strange transformations that are undergoing his deadly, long-time foes. He’s going to have to be sensational.

SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #23 (DEC051976)

Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA
Pencils & Wraparound Cover by ANGEL MEDINA
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP …$2.99
FOC - 1/19, On Sale - 2/8/2006

You’ve heard about it for months, and now here it is; Incredible Hulk #92 kicks off the Planet Hulk saga! If you think the beginning to this storyline is shocking, wait until you see what happens… well, let’s just say you’ve never seen Hulk Smash like this before! Marvel is pleased to present the first 10 pages of Incredible Hulk #92, in stores February 8th! Don’t make Hulk angry, reserve your copy today!

INCREDIBLE HULK #92 (DEC052007)

Written by GREG PAK
Penciled by CARLO PAGULAYAN
Cover by LADRÖNN
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP …$2.99
FOC – 1/19, On Sale – 2/8/2006

Mutantkind has been Decimated to the verge of extinction and finds itself in need of a savior. Beginning in X-Men #182, the world must brace themselves for the return of APOCALYPSE! And to help readers brace themselves, Marvel is pleased to offer, at no extra charge, 5 additional pages of backup stories featuring the Horsemen.

Fans know that wherever Apocalypse goes, his Horsemen are sure to follow! Historically, his Horsemen have been mutants willing to make a deal with the devil, and this time his chosen Horsemen will cut the X-Men deeper than ever before! This time, the X-Men will find those they once called friends and teammates on Apocalypse’s side.

Sunfire has already been revealed as a new Horsemen, but for a MAJOR hint as to who will be the Horseman Death, check out this unseen cover to X-Men #185.

And Apocalypse isn’t the only one who’s changed. Superstar X-artist Salvador Larocca has adopted a jaw-dropping new style, just in time for a revamped Apocalypse and four brand-new Horsemen.

“Salva—already an amazing artist—has succeeded in taking his art style to the next level,” says editor Mike Marts. “His change in style adds new layers of excitement and energy to the pages. Readers are going to love this.”

X-Men #182 kicks off the five-part “Blood of Apocalypse” storyline where each issue will feature a bonus five page back-up story, at no extra cost, explaining why each of Apocalypse’s Horsemen made their deal with the devil.

Be sure to pick up X-Men #182 for the beginning of a huge turning point in X-Men history where destruction and betrayal ensure that only the fittest will survive.

X-MEN #182 (DEC052049)

Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Pencils & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP …$2.50
FOC – 1/19, On Sale – 2/8/2006

X-MEN #183 (DEC052050)

Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Pencils & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP …$2.50
FOC – 2/2, On Sale – 2/22/2006

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE/DRACULA #1 (of 4) (DEC052053)

Written by FRANK TIERI
Penciled by CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by JAE LEE
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP …$2.99
FOC – 1/26, On Sale – 2/25/2006

Eight years after its inception, Marvel Knights is re-inventing itself while seeing a return to its roots! Originally meant to shine a light on Marvel’s darker corners and forgotten characters, Knights lead the first wave of Marvel’s renaissance. Now, as Marvel and the rest of the comic book industry continues to see business grow, Marvel Knights has redefined its mission, and plans to unveil upcoming series that will set the industry ablaze once again!

The proud “father” of Marvel Knights, Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada, is thrilled with the continued success and future of the imprint he helped shape. “Marvel Knights is the showcase for ‘evergreen events’ — self-contained limited series that think outside the box, that challenge readers to re-think their favorite Marvel characters and re-evaluate the legends that surround them. In other words, Marvel Knights will be a place for top talent to work without constraints, and deliver the kind of product fans deserve!”

Executive Editor and Marvel Knights’ “god-father” Axel Alonso sheds light on this new development. “These stand alone stories won’t just challenge readers to re-think their favorite Marvel legends. Oftentimes, we’ll focus on characters that are off the beaten path—boiling these archetypes down to their cores. We want to build on the tradition of limited series like Ennis and Crain’s GHOST RIDER, Frank Cho’s SHANNA, THE SHE-DEVIL and Rodi and Ribic’s LOKI — each of which offered very distinct visions for Marvel characters, and each of which — judging by sales numbers — were embraced by fandom.”

The mini-series that will define Marvel Knights for the future include the upcoming FURY: PEACEMAKER (Issue #1 - DEC051990) by Garth Ennis & Darick Robertson, the previously announced SILVER SURFER: REQUEIM by J. Michael Straczynski & Esad Ribic (set for early 2007), and the follow-up to the red-hot GHOST RIDER mini-series SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE by Garth Ennis & Clayton Crain. Also slated for Knight-hood is a chilling tale of Peter Parker’s future entitled THE SPIDER by Kaare Andrews. Look for these and more throughout 2006 and into 2007!

As for the on-going series that currently call Knights their home, they are moving under the Marvel Universe banner. It is important to note that this does not affect these books ratings, creative teams, or story content. The books affected will change with the issues indicated below:

BLACK PANTHER #14 (JAN062011), the first issue of the “Bride of the Panther” arc, which will see the union of Black Panther and the X-Men’s Storm.

DAREDEVIL #82 (DEC051984), which finds Daredevil’s fate at the mercy of some of his most feared villains, and masterfully crafted by Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark!

MOON KNIGHT #1, a new on-going which re-establishes the wildly popular, and unpredictable, character back in the Marvel Universe by crime-fiction author Charlie Huston and David (New Avengers) Finch

SQUADRON SUPREME #1 (JAN062014), will relaunch in March as the team is formed and stands as their Universe’s last line of defense—if they don’t kill each other or their own world first!

The ongoing WOLVERINE series will also change as of issue #42, when Logan welcomes aboard a new creative team and enters the brewing CIVIL WAR

Two books will also see a name change due to their move to the Marvel Universe.
MARVEL KNIGHTS FOUR will become FOUR with issue 28 (JAN0620090).
MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN becomes SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN with issue 23 (DEC051976), as Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Angel Medina take the helm of that title

2006 is the year to watch for the Marvel Universe, and Marvel Knights is no exception. Look for more ground-breaking, buzz-worthy series as the year progresses!

Conan #24

Eisner-award-nominated artist Cary Nord and Eisner-Award-winning colorist Dave Stewart return to Conan to launch a brand-new story arc by Kurt Busiek building up to the adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s original Conan yarn, “The Hall of the Dead.”

Fresh from his triumphs in the City of Thieves with a willing, wanton wench at his side, Conan’s out for the good life-drinking, debauchery, and a nighttime looting spree so unrestrained that even the crowned heads of Zamora are displeased. All this attention-getting sets a rogue as wily as Conan on his tail, and if that wasn’t enough, the Cimmerian’s ways might just place him on the business end of an entire army.

A perfect jumping-on point for new readers, featuring a new stage in Conan’s life!

EX MACHINA #17

A daring new storyline begins in this perfect jumping-on point for the multiple Eisner-winning series! The year is 2003, and the U.S. is on the brink of war with Iraq. Mayor Hundred must deal with violent demonstrators on both sides, or risk a battle on the homefront.

PLANETARY #24

For months Elijah Snow has been pulling back from his fellow Planetary agents, following a personal road map to his own mysterious agenda. Now the curtain will begin to be drawn back and the some of the deepest secrets will at last be revealed…like patterns in a snowflake.

And if the last pages of this story don’t leave you gasping for breath and begging for more, nothing will!

ROBOTECH: PRELUDE TO THE SHADOW CHRONICLES #5 (OF 5)

The epic tale reaches its shocking conclusion as Rick and company battle a horribly mutated General Edwards! Can the heroes succeed against this final, devastating threat? Plus, the final installment of the “behind-the-scenes” look at the making of January’s Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles DVD release!

THE LOSERS #31

“Endgame” continues. As the Losers reel from the devastating toll suffered last issue, Max’s origin and his ties to the CIA are finally revealed. But just as the team and Max are playing with all their cards on the table, one final twist awaits to threaten them all.

LUCIFER #70

Featuring guest artist Zander Cannon (TOP 10). At a storytelling competition in the lands of the centaurs, Elaine confronts the myths that have arisen from Lucifer’s actions — and reunites with a mysterious boy from her past.

TESTAMENT #2

The explosive new series by best-selling author Douglas Rushkoff (Coercion, Club Zero-G) and acclaimed artist Liam Sharp (The Possessed) continues. The authorities strike down anti-war protesters with a wrath echoing that of the angry God who rained fire on Sodom and Gomorrah. Just as Lot couldn’t save his wife from turning into a pillar of salt, Jake is too distracted by his lust for Dinah to rescue his true love, Miriam, from an even more horrifying verdict.

Desene Sketches & Scribbles HC

From the creator of the critically acclaimed comic “PIGTALE” comes his new book, DESENE: SKETCHES & SCIBBLES. Explore a host of sketches and designs by designer/illustrator Ovi Nedelcu, in their purest form and impulse. These sketches and scribbles are taken directly from both his analog and digital sketchbooks and collected for the first time ever in this new deluxe hardcover book. Also included are Ovi’s notes and thoughts as he takes you through some of the processes and techniques involved in his work.

Girls #9

Welcome to the food chain

Iron Ghost #5 (of 6)

Tannhauser and Volz close in on the Iron Ghost’s identity after the raid at Alexanderplatz. Their loyalties will be tested as they decide which is more surprising: the Ghost’s identity or his final plan. The two detectives must decide if it’s better to arrest the Ghost before or after he completes his mission.

Kabuki Vol. 5 Metamorphosis TP (New Printing)

The story that sets the stage for the current “Alchemy” storyline returns to print! Featuring an introduction by BILL SIENKIEWICZ and an afterward by filmmaker JOHN SAYLES, this is the largest KABUKI collection yet and still one of the most sought after!

Noble Causes #16

Liz knew when she married Race that his career as a super-hero may one day endanger her life - and that day has come! When Liz is targeted by the villainous Blackthorne family, can Race act fast enough to save her? And does he realize exactly what he’ll be saving her from?

Rex Mundi #16

Julien’s investigation into the mystery of the Grail leads him to a opulent party where he and the Duke of Lorraine finally meet. Romantic sparks begin to fly between Julien and Lorraine’s daughter much to the annoyance of Genevieve, Julien’s old flame! Meanwhile, the world slips further and further towards war…

Walking Dead #25

Everything is different now.

Freshmen #5 (of 6)

“The Deepest Level of Truth” pt. 5 of 6

With The Puppeteer, trapped inside the psyche of the comatose Seductress, the team reels from their losses while their worst blow yet looms: A heartbreaking betrayal! This special issue follows The Puppeteer as she uses her power and shows what it’s like to enter a person’s memories. Plus! An insight into The Beaver’s musical tastes, and The Intoxicator delivers the best line of dialogue in the entire series! Co-created by Austin Powers and Buffy star Seth Green and written by His Fatness, Hugh Sterbakov

V.I.C.E. #4