Freak Comics

The Hulk is back, and he’s not happy! In Ultimate Human #2, the dream team of writer Warren Ellis and artist Cary Nord continue their sold-out Ultimate event, unveiling a dilemma even bigger then the grey goliath himself! After a failed attempt by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner to figure out how to turn off the Hulk’s unique transformation cells, Banner has turned back into the big grey powerhouse and is adapting to everything that Stark’s scientists and security throw at him. Now Stark’s Ironworks base, a hi-tech facility created to carry out the inventor’s wildest dreams, has been laid to waste. And that’s only the beginning!

Meanwhile on the other side of the world, the ultimate version of the Leader has given the green light to “Operation Gamma” and armed forces are swarming our heroes’ location. What does the Leader want with the blood of Banner and Stark? And can Stark’s world-famous suit of armor halt the behemoth’s rampage? Find out why Newsarama.com’s Troy Brownfield praised the series for “really strong art and intelligently scripted interplay between two iconic characters” in Ultimate Human #2!

Ultimate Human #2 (of 4) (DEC072163)
Written by Warren Ellis
Pencils & Cover by Cary Nord
T+ …$2.99
FOC—1/31/08, On-Sale—2/20/08

This Tuesday, January 29, Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada checks back in on the man currently holding the mantle of Captain America…Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert.

Colbert can’t seem to get enough of our very own Joe Q. During his previous appearance on the show (July 27, 2006), Quesada shocked Colbert with the news that Captain America would not support the U.S. government in the super hero Civil War.

What’s on the agenda for the powerhouse duo this time around? The new Captain America (debuting in this week’s Captain America #34)? The dearth of bears in Marvel comics?

It’s anyone’s guess at this point, but we’re hopeful Colbert & Quesada will get to the bottom of at least one question: Was Colbert’s bid for the White House some sort of Skrully conspiracy or simply an unfortunate failed attempt at bringing truthiness back to the Presidency?

Find out when Joe Quesada returns to “The Colbert Report,” Tuesday January 29, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. EST on Comedy Central!

Did you miss him the first time around? Find out about his first appearance at http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.2283

Marvel, in collaboration with acclaimed French comic publisher Soleil, is proud to announce that they will be publishing some of Europe’s most popular comics in English for the first time! Producers of cutting edge science-fiction and fantasy comics loved across the world, Soleil’s an industry leader in bringing fresh voices to the comic medium with their diverse offerings. Now American audiences can discover why talent from all over the world line-up to produce to high-quality graphic novels with Soleil!

Some of Soleil’s most popular releases, such as Sky Doll, Universal War One, Samurai and Le Fleau Des Dieux, make their English language debuts beginning this May. The first release will be Sky Doll #1 (of 3), a timely socio-political thriller in which a young android must decide her destiny by challenging the very government—and faith—that has controlled her life.

“Marvel’s proud to bring Soleil’s innovative stories to new audiences,” said Dan Buckley, Marvel President of Publishing. “These books represent some of the world’s top talent telling cutting-edge stories in a variety of genres, demonstrating the power of the comic medium.”

“At a time when French comics need to reach new markets, I am very proud to bring the iconic heroes of the Soleil catalogue to the publishing adventure of Marvel in the USA. Leader of the American comic book entertainment, Marvel is a very powerful symbol of our medium built on innovation and entrepreneurship, two of my most treasured values”, said Mourad Boudjellal, Founder and CEO of Soleil / MC Productions.

Soleil appeared on the comic scene in 1988 and quickly moved into publishing both classic comics by hot, young talent and series targeted towards younger audiences before buying great classics (Mandrake, Tarzan). Publishing science fiction, heroic fantasy, westerns and action comics from superstars such as Arleston, Tarquin, Mourier, Crisse, Swolfs and Ange, in addition to promising young talent, Soleil quickly established itself with a catalogue of powerful graphic novels.

Lanfeust, Soleil flagship fantasy title, is today a standard reference series and the keystone of the company: over 5 million books sold since 1994.

A top comic book publishing company in France with thousands of comic books in its catalogue, Soleil is producing over 250 new books per year and keeps expanding in other worldwide markets. Over the years, the company has positioned itself as both a leader in the fantasy genre and a major force in the European comic book market.

Stay tuned to http://www.marvel.com/comics/soleil for the latest news on all Marvel/Soleil releases!

Marvel is pleased to announce that New Exiles #1, from legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont and fan-favorite artist Tom Grummett, has sold out at Diamond! Introducing an all-new, all-different group of your favorite X-Men from different universes, New Exiles sets these guardians of reality on a quest that they may not survive! Just what world have they crashed on? And how is it connected to the failure of that world’s would-be Fantastic Four?

To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with New Exiles #1 Second Printing Variant, featuring the interior art of Tom Grummett on a new cover!

But, True Believer…there’s more! Enter the double-sized New Exiles #0, reprinting key stories from Exiles #100 and Exiles: Days Of Then & Now, plus other bonus material! Perfect for fans new and old alike, this special provides a look into key moments from the Exiles’ past and sets the stage for a major story that will rock their world (and multiple universes) in 2008!

The New Exiles have finally come together as a team, but on their first mission, will they all make it back alive? Don’t miss a single issue of New Exiles as this team boldly launches into an all-new, all-different era!

New Exiles #0 (DEC078103)
Written by Chris Claremont & Mike Raicht
Pencils by Tom Grummett, Zach Howard, Arnold Pander, Wayne Nichols, Mario Gully, Paul Azaceta & Carlos Ferreira
Cover by Various
Rated A …$4.99
FOC—2/7/08, On-Sale—2/27/08

New Exiles #1 Second Printing Variant (DEC078102)
Written by Chris Claremont
Penciled by Tom Grummett
Cover by Tom Grummett
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—2/7/08, On-Sale—2/27/08

New Exiles #2 (DEC072229)
Written by Chris Claremont
Penciled by Tom Grummett
Cover by Michael Golden
Rated A…$2.99
On-Sale—2/13/08

In celebration of THE WALKING DEAD #50, Image Comics announced a limited 1-in-100 superhero variant cover
featuring the art of SAVAGE DRAGON’s Erik Larsen and INVINCIBLE’s Ryan Ottley, but due to the unprecedented level of demand and retailer
suggestions the cover will now be 1-in-25.

“My original intention was to make this a super-rare, limited thing, since the cover itself is so misleading as to what the book actually is. I didn’t want people to be confused and think
I’d changed the book drastically. Although, based off feedback I’ve decided to make it much more accessible,” said Walking Dead writer Robert Kirkman. “I hope those readers and retailers
excited for the cover enjoy it as much as I do.”

Since 2003, WALKING DEAD has chronicled the post-apocalyptic journey of Rick Grimes, his family and the other survivors they meet along the
way. Series artist Charlie Adlard has given the title a very distinct, bold sense of horror and adventure, but with this superhero cover
Kirkman went with a very different approach by having Image Comics Publisher and SAVAGE DRAGON creator, Erik Larsen, team up with
INVINCIBLE’s Ryan Ottley to create a WALKING DEAD homage like none other.

Erik Larsen said, “When Robert told me the original idea, I thought it was crazy - which meant I had to be on board! The combination of my
pencils with Ryan’s inks created an art style far different from what either of us do solo. I’m really hoping we can work together again!”

WALKING DEAD #50 (FEB082109), a black & white comic book for $2.99, will be available on April 23rd, 2008. The Erik Larsen & Ryan Ottley
superhero variant will be available as one for every twenty five copies ordered.

Amazing Spider-Man #550 (NOV072129)
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Pencils & Cover by Salvador Larroca
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—1/24/08, On-Sale—2/13/08

Despite significant overprints, two of Image’s best-selling titles, Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer #5 and THE SWORD #4, simultaneously sold out at a distribution level.

“Everyone on the Death Dealer team couldn’t be more excited as this marks our fifth sell out,” said Frazetta Comics editor Jay Fotos said. “We’re very thankful for Frank’s loyal, rabid fan base. Based off the reaction to Death Dealer, I’m confident they’ll enjoy the upcoming Frazetta comics such as Dark Kingdom and Swamp Demon.”

Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer #5 marks the penultimate issue to the only Frank Frazetta approved DEATH DEALER series to hit the stands. Due to its continued success an oversized, deluxe hardcover edition will arrive this April. In addition, the Luna Brothers’ THE SWORD has thus far sold out soon after each issue’s release. Fans eager to read the series are encouraged to do so now, as the first trade paperback will not be available until June 25th, in time with issue #9.

“We’re seeing a rise in The Sword’s sales, so we’re happy that more people are getting into and enjoying this series,” said SWORD artist Jonathan Luna. “As always, we appreciate the support of the fans and retailers.”

Sword writer Joshua Luna added, “This is a story that Jon and I are having an absolute blast creating. We’re putting everything we love to write and draw about into The Sword: drama, action, supernatural elements and mystery. Plus, as always, we strive to make it accessible to all readers–well, at least, to the ones who can handle limbs getting chopped off.”

Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer #5 2nd Ptg. (NOV078143), a 32-page full color comic book with a gold foil cover for $3.99, is available now. THE SWORD #4 2nd Ptg. (NOV078122), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be available in stores January 23rd, 2008.

Marvel is pleased to announce that the critically-acclaimed The Twelve #1 (of 12), which sold out at Diamond, is going back to press with The Twelve #1 (of 12) Second Printing Variant. The new cover, featuring Chris Weston’s interior art, depicts a stunning team up between the Twelve and The Invaders!

“This series is an absolute labor of love for JMS and Chris Westson,” exclaimed Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. “They’re making this series something special and we’re excited to see fans responding to the story—and it only gets bigger from here, folks!”

Written by red-hot scribe J. Michael Straczynski and featuring the nuanced art of fan-favorite Chris Weston, The Twelve reveals just what led to a band of WW2 superheroes being frozen in time…and just why they’ve been brought back in the new century! With the very definitions of heroism and duty brought into question, this riveting series has proven a hit with fans and critics alike.

Just who is hunting The Twelve? And what is their new place in the world? If you missed it the first time around, now’s your chance to find out what the critics are buzzing about with The Twelve #1 (of 12) Second Printing Variant!

The Twelve #1 (of 12) Second Printing Variant (DEC078098)
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Penciled by Chris Weston
Cover by Chris Weston
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—2/7/08, On-Sale—2/27/08

The Twelve #2 (of 12) (DEC072215)
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Penciled by Chris Weston
Cover by Kaare Andrews
Rated T+…$2.99
On-Sale—2/6/08

The repercussions of Annihilation: Conquest reveal a look into the Human Rocket’s past, and even his future, in the extra-sized Nova Annual #1!

Following the events of Nova #10, Richard Rider has pushed himself to his very limits. After the Phalanx infected the last centurion with their insidious transmode virus, Nova fought to free himself from the control of the tyrannical techno-organic species, but has not yet been able to expel the invader from his system. On the verge of finally reaching the Phalanx’s homeworld, and possibly securing the help that could halt the Conquest, Nova discovers his war against the Phalanx may already be lost!

In their review of Nova #10, Comixtreme.com declared Nova “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!” and said “(writers) Abnett/Lanning brilliantly set up the upcoming Nova Annual #1, putting the hero in dire straits and making the Annual a must-read, to cover an important chapter in Nova’s battle against the Phalanx virus.”

Written by the red-hot writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, along with the eye-melting art of Dynamo 5’s Mahmud S. Asrar (who makes his Marvel debut here), Klebs and Wellinton Alves, Nova Annual #1 is an integral chapter in the continuing story not only of the Human Rocket, but of the entire Annihilation: Conquest event. Find out why Nova made many critics’ “Books of the Year” lists in this great jumping-on point!

Nova Annual #1 (DEC072209)
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Penciled by Mahmud S. Asrar, Klebs & Wellinton Alves
Cover by Nic Klein
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC - 1/24, On-Sale 2/13/2008

Marvel is pleased to unveil Arthur Suydam’s powerful Skrull variant to Fantastic Four #554! Kicking off the hotly-anticipated World’s Greatest story arc by the Ultimates dream team of Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch, this is the issue no Marvel fan can afford to miss! Suydam’s cover hearkens back to the legendary Fantastic Four #2, featuring the first appearance of the terrifying threat known as the Skrulls!

Fantastic Four #554 (DEC072181)
Fantastic Four #554 Bianchi Variant (DEC078057)
Fantastic Four #554 Suydam Skrull Variant (NOV078182)
Written by Mark Millar
Pencils & Cover by Bryan Hitch
Variant CoVer by Simone Bianchi
Skrull Variant Cover by Arthur Suydam
Rated A…$2.99
FOC—1/24/08, On-Sale—2/13/08