Freak Comics

The New Universe is making a comeback this December thanks to the team of Warren Ellis and Salvador Larroca and Marvel.com is the only place where you can see the first 8 pages of Newuniversal #1. To see the first page, click here and check back everyday for another page.

Starting on August 30th, Marvel.com will be posting a new page of Newuniversal each day for eight straight days. Salvador Larroca has reinvented himself again for Newuniversal and these preview pages need to be seen to be believed.

The New Universe was originally an imprint of Marvel Comics in the 1980’s featuring titles like D.P.7., Starbrand, and Justice. It was a separate universe from the main Marvel titles that was to echo the real world and offer a more realistic take on super-heroes and science fiction.

The New Universe went on to only last three years but it is still remembered fondly to this day. It’s been twenty years since the launch of the original New Universe and its reinvisioning by Ellis and Larroca come this December is sure to turn heads.

Check Marvel.com everyday for the exclusive premiere of the first 8 pages and be there this December when the New Universe launches again in the pages Newuniversal #1.

Written by Christios Gage and art by Mike Perkins, fresh off of his stint on Captain America with Ed Brubaker, Union Jack will redefine the hero from the British Isles for a new generation.

When Union Jack’s boss at MI5 risks innocent lives to bring down an enemy, Union Jack has to decide whether London’s only chance of survival is if he strikes out on his own. Featuring a cadre of villains including Batroc the Leaper, Boomerang, Jack O’Lantern, Machette, Zaran, Crossfire, Shockwave, and others, Union Jack #1 finds England in trouble like it has never been before.

With only a few hours to prevent multiple super-villain attacks on London, Union Jack enlists the aid of Sabra and a new Arabian Knight. But will they be able to stop a coordinated attack on the United Kingdom by themselves?

If you’ve been reading Ed Brubaker’s brilliant run on Captain America, you don’t want to miss Union Jack #1 by Cap artist Mike Perkins with an all-new story picking up from Union Jack’s guest appearance in the pages of Captain America.

Union Jack #1 (of 4) (Jul061996)
Written by Christios Gage
Pencils & Cover by Mike Perkins
32 Pgs./Rated T+ …$2.99
Foc – 8/31, on Sale – 9/20/2007

I have been looking forward with some anticipation to the new Justice League of America series and I finally had a chance to sit down and read it… and I was very disappointed.

The new JLA series actually started with a zero issue, a fairly pointless introduction to issue #1 which summed up the history of the JLA in a rather disjointed manner that would be hard for any new reader of the Justice League or anyone new to the DC universe to follow.

Justice League of America #1 starts out with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman deciding who to add to the JLA team, which they do by sitting around a table, throwing out names and voting on that person. Unfortunately this sequence cuts back and forth between several other mini stories which revolved around minor characters in the DC universe, but ultimately tie in to the main story. This discussion between the main characters could have been combined with #0, completely nixed, or summed up in a couple of pages rather than having been drug out for so long.

Brad Meltzer focuses in on the Red Tornado who was “killed” in the pages of Infinite Crisis. I can’t really fault him here, but this just isn’t what I was expecting. When i hear Justice League I automatically think Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Although they were in it, I would rather see them kicking the crap out of bad guys as opposed to sitting around looking at photos and arguing over whether or not so-and-so should make the cut. Back in my day that was called boring.

Red Tornado is a pretty cool character, but why is a book about a team of heroes centering around one guy?

However, all that being said, I’m not going to completely write the series off yet. Although it wasn’t what I was expecting, Meltzer is a decent writer and introductory issues are usually pretty lame. I’m sure everything from issue #1 will come together quite nicely and I won’t have as many complaints later… at least that’s my hope.

Over 40 years ago, the world was introduced to a team of mutant superheroes that would change the world forever – the X-Men. Learn more about their beginnings, for before they were Astonishing, they were the X-Men: First Class.

Written by Jeff Parker with art by Roger Cruz and stunning covers by Marko Djurdjevic, X-Men: First Class is an 8-issue limited-series starring the original mutants: Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Angel, and Beast.

Today, they are battle-hardened super-heroes who have saved the world many times over. But originally they started out as students at the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters and X-Men First Class tells the story of how 5 teenagers became the most popular team in comics, the X-Men.

Do not miss X-Men: First Class #1, featuring early tales of your favorite X-Men, learning how to protect a world that hates and fears them.

X-Men: First Class #1 (Jul062006)
Written by Jeff Parker
Penciled by Roger Cruz
Cover by Marko Djurdjevic
32 pgs./Rated A …$2.99
FOC – 8/31, On Sale – 9/20/07

X-Men First Class Poster (Jul062038)
Art by Marko Djurdjevic
24X36 Color Poster …$6.99
On-Sale 9/6/06

The star of three blockbuster movies and a hit television series is finally getting what he deserves…his very own ongoing comic series. Blade #1 sees the return of the Blade to his own comic and he’s taking on all comers, whether it be supervillain or supernatural.

Guest-starring Spider-Man, Blade #1 firmly plants the vampire hunter in the Marvel Universe as he has to help cure an undead Wall-Crawler who’s been turned into a vampire himself.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Lord of the Undead, Dracula, makes an appearance. But what’s scarier than the most fearsome vampire in history? How about Blade having to face down an entire classroom of bloodsucking fourth graders? And all of this is just in the first issue!

The Blade team of Howard Chaykin (New Avengers, American Flagg) and Marc Guggenheim (Wolverine, CSI: Miami) along with breakout cover artist sensation Marko Djurdjevic are set to bring you the most action-packed comic on the stands each month. Get onboard for a suspenseful, edge-of-your seat monster mash of a comic set right in the heart of the Marvel Universe.

Be sure to pick up Blade #1 because this self-contained first issue is perfect for longtime fans, fans of the movie or TV show, and new readers alike.

Blade #1 (Jul061951)
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Penciled by Howard Chaykin
Cover by Marko Djurdjevic
32 Pgs./Rated T+ …$2.99
Foc – 8/31, on Sale – 9/20/2006

Maximum Fantastic Four, the uniquely brilliant reproduction of the classic Fantastic Four #1 by comic legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby has been nominated for the Quill Awards’ Graphic Novel of the Year.

Already the winner of New York Magazine’s Best Book Jacket of the Year Award, Maximum Fantastic Four has proven to be a must-have for fans of comic books and pop culture alike.

Each panel of the 1961 classic was super-sized and digitally remastered, with Maximum Fantastic Four giving a panel-by-panel exploration of the entire issue that captures every single detail and nuance of Kirby’s groundbreaking artwork. It also contains a substantial introduction and afterword by bestselling author and comic book enthusiast Walter Mosley; art commentary by Kirby expert Mark Evanier; the stunning design of Paul Sahre; and a huge double-side foldout dust jacket that doubles as a poster as well.

Last year’s winner was Marvel’s 1602 by Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert and this year’s nominee Maximum Fantastic Four has received its nod for both the beautiful Jack Kirby art and critical essay by popular novelist Walter Mosley.

“Readers will witness a journey through a comic that, though reprinted many times before, has literally never been seen like this before,” says Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley. “I fully realize that comic fans have heard statements like that many times in the past but I say it with the most sincerity I can muster: this is a book that belongs on the shelf of every single Kirby enthusiast, Fantastic Four follower, and comic book aficionado.”

Head here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13737567/) now to vote for Maximum Fantastic Four in the 2006 Quill Awards!

Maximum Fantastic Four Hc (Jul051843)
Written by Stan Lee and Walter Mosley
Art by Jack Kirby
224 Pgs. /All Ages …$49.99
Isbn: 0-7851-1792-X

With stunning art by Joseph Michael Linsner and written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, it should come as no surprise that the first issue of Claws, a three-issue mini-series starring Wolverine and the Black Cat, has sold out at Diamond.

“Nothing could make Justin and I happier to find out that Claws #1 has sold out…the whole team has done a fantastic job creating the book and the crew at Marvel has gone out of their way to make sure a fun book like this doesn’t get lost in the crowd with so many big events going on. Thanks to the retailers, fans and Marvel for making such a dream project come true and most of all, thanks Joe Linsner…your fans have spoken!”

In Claws #1, Logan and Felicia Hardy are kidnapped and brought to a remote island where they are to be used as big game for a group of rich hunters. And the person organizing this hunt is none other than…Kraven? But isn’t he dead?

Be sure to pick up Claws #2 as Wolverine and the Black Cat navigate an obstacle of bullets, arrows, grenades, bombs, knives, rockets and giant killer robots. And then the game’s ringmaster decides to unleash the main event just to prove that there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

The first issue of this action-filled and beautifully illustrated mini-series sold out quickly. Be sure to get your copy of Claws #2 and we promise you’ll be happier than the cat that caught the canary.

As a result of the quick sellout of the first issue, retailers are advised to check their orders on Claws #2 and #3.

Claws #2 (of 3) (Jul061961)
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray
Pencils & Cover by Joseph Michael Linsner
32 Pgs. Cardstock Cover/Parental Advisory …$3.99
Foc – 8/24, on Sale – 9/13/2006

The Civil War between the heroes of the Marvel Universe gave Zemo the chance to amass the supervillain army he needed. In Thunderbolts #106, Zemo unleashes his newly-formed army against the Grandmaster and to the victor goes the entire world.

One thing is for sure, when the dust settles from Civil War and the contest between Zemo and the Grandmaster is decided, the T-Bolts will never be the same again. The Thunderbolts are reformed villains attempting to become heroes, but will the current Marvel Universe necessitate a meaner, badder team to make a difference?

Plus, when pawns on both sides of the board begin plotting against their leaders, it may not be Zemo or the Grandmaster who stands triumphant in the end. Who will be left standing and who will be leaving? It may be the end of the Thunderbolts as you know it!

Pick up Thunderbolts #106 as the T-Bolts find themselves on the precipice of changing the world, but will it be the Thunderbolts who end up changed in the end?

Thunderbolts #106 (Jul061995)
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Pencils & Cover by Tom Grummett
32 Pgs./Rated a …$2.99
Foc – 8/24, on Sale – 9/13/2006

In response to retailer demands, Marvel is keeping Civil War titles in stock, including 6 single Civil War titles as well as a collection of Civil War Amazing Spider-Man stories, all which explain the Wall Crawler’s decision to unmask in a single oversized and specially-priced comic.

The first two issues of the core series Civil War will be receiving a second printing and a third printing respectively with Civil War Captain America Unleashed Variant #1 having a new Captain America cover using a now famous scene from the interior of Civil War #1 and Civil War #2 3rd Printing McNiven Sketch Variant featuring a sketch cover by Steve McNiven.

Issues #2 and #3 of Civil War: Front Line will also be receiving second printing variants with all new covers using interior art by artist Ramon Bachs.

Civil War tie-ins New Avengers #21 and Thunderbolts #104 will also be going back to press with all new covers by Howard Chaykin and Tom Grummett.

Civil War: Amazing Spider-Man – Decisions collects Amazing Spider-Man #529-532, Spider-Man’s Road To Civil War all in one comic with an all-new sketch cover by Gabriele Dell’Otto. For fans who want to know why in the world would Peter Parker unmask…this is the issue for you.

Don’t miss these key Civil War issues!

All the previous Civil War second printings have sold out at Diamond. All Retailers are advised to check their orders.

Civil War Captain America Unleashed Var #1 (of 7) (May068181)
Written by Mark Millar
Pencils & Cover by Steve Mcniven
48 Pgs./Rated T+ …$3.99
Foc -8/24, on Sale - 9/13/2006

Civil War 3Rd Ptg Mcniven Sketch Var #2 (of 7) (Jul068167)
Written by Mark Millar
Pencils & Cover by Steve Mcniven
32 Pgs./Rated T+ …$2.99
Foc -8/24, on Sale - 9/13/2006

Civil War Front Line 2Nd Ptg Var #2 (of 11) (Jul068169)
Written by Paul Jenkins
Penciled by Ramon Bachs & Steve Lieber
New Cover by Ramon Bachs
32 Pgs. No Ads! /Rated T+ …$2.99
Foc - 9/14, on Sale - 10/4/2006

Civil War Front Line 2Nd Ptg Var #3 (of 11) (Jul068170)
Written by Paul Jenkins
Penciled by Ramon Bachs & Steve Lieber
New Cover by Ramon Bachs
32 Pgs. No Ads!/Rated T+ …$2.99
Foc - 9/14, on Sale - 10/4/2006

New Avengers 2Nd Ptg Chaykin Var #21 (Jul068171)
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils & New Cover by Howard Chaykin
32 Pgs./Rated a …$2.99
Foc - 9/14, on Sale - 10/4/2006

Thunderbolts 2Nd Ptg Grummet Var #104 (Jul068172)
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Pencils & New Cover by Tom Grummett
32 Pgs./Rated a …$2.99
Foc - 9/14, on Sale - 10/4/2006

Civil War Amazing Spider-Man Decisions (Jul068168)
Reprints Ams 529-532 With All New Sketch Cover by Dell’Otto
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Pencils & Cover by Ron Garney and Tyler Kirkham
All New Sketch Cover by Gabriele Dell’Otto
96 Pgs./Rated a…$5.99
Foc - 8/31, on Sale - 9/21/2006

Finally! Part 1 of a 4 part series featuring photos taken at Wizard World Chicago 2006. Many of these pictures are rather blurry. You can thank Bill and his amazing camera skills for that. You can also thank my wife for going out of town and snatching up our camera to take on the trip. At any rate, you can click any of the photos for the full sized version. Enjoy!

There were a lot more people in line at 9am than I expected there to be. The doors opened at 10am for guest who purchased their tickets at the gate, but at 9am for those who purchased in advance. I figured there would be quite a few people purchasing in advance, but didn’t think there would be several hundred taking advantage of the early entrance.

Here you can see Thor in the distance reading a comic book. If you squint you can see the girl next to him (to your left) with her hand on her face. I believe this was his wife or girlfriend. She was wearing some type of belated costume (a cheap mini-skirt, boots and a small cape) but she seemed very embarrassed by the whole thing (especially during Thor’s photo ops), as if she had lost a bet.

Here you have Mystic and friend (the girl in the back… I think she’s an anime character).
Mystic was wearing glasses for most of the convention… and no shoes or socks. Now that’s devotion!

This was promoting his comic book character by dressing up like it.

A really detailed Predator costume. I’m guessing that this person was paid by Wizard World to dress up (most of the better costumes were).

More paid Predator guys.

The Punisher! This guy was extremely serious.. never saw him break character.

No idea what this is…

Love the convention badge on the waist!

This skating area was set up to promote the new Tony Hawk video game. They were giving away $20 to any costumed character who successfully skated. Thor gave it a try and nearly broke the skateboard. His girlfriend also gave it a try… she didn’t seem embarrassed by the whole thing any more and was letting loose a little.

Here’s another shot of Thor on a skateboard. Everyone watching started chanting “Thor, Thor, Thor!”

Not really sure what this costume is.

At first glance this seems like a pretty good mask… and then you realize it’s store bought… where’s the true devotion, Venom??

This guy is dressed as War Machine and spent a lot of time on his costume.

Super Friends!

That’s all for now, check back soon for Part 2 of this 4 part series!