Tag Archives: the twelve

5 New Comics from Harlequin and Marvel are Available Now on comiXology

Marvel and Harlequin have you covered with five new releases available now on comiXology. Check out what you can get now!

Wolverine by Jason Aaron Complete Collection Vol. 1

Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Howard Chaykin, Ron Garney, Adam Kubert, Paco Diaz Luque, Stephen Segovia, Udon Studios
Cover by Olivier Coipel
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Collects Wolverine (2003) #56, #62-65 and material from #73-74; Wolverine: Manifest Destiny #1-4; Wolverine: Weapon X #1-5; and material from Wolverine (1988) #175.

He’s the best there is at what he does – and Wolverine’s not so bad, either. Now, the debut of writer Jason Aaron’s acclaimed and character-defining Wolverine run is collected in one volume! Joined by some of comics’ top artists, Aaron (PUNISHERMAX, Scalped) pits Wolverine against an array of twisted foes including super-powered kung-fu gangsters, a platoon of Adamantium-enhanced mercenaries, a broken little man with a very big gun, a nonstop barrage of Marvel’s heaviest hitters, and – in a brutal, no-holds-barred battle that may destroy them both – the treacherous, shape-changing Mystique! Guest-starring Spider-Man, the X-Men, X-Force, the Avengers and more!

Wolverine by Jason Aaron Complete Collection Vol. 1

Wolverine by Jason Aaron Complete Collection Vol. 2

Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Jock, Ron Garney, Davide Gianfelice, Yanick Paquette, Esad Ribic, C.P. Smith
Cover by Steve Epting
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Collects Dark Reign: The List – Wolverine, Wolverine: Weapon X #6-16, and material from All-New Wolverine Saga And Dark X-Men: The Beginning #3.

He’s the best there is at what he does – and Wolverine’s not so bad, either. The acclaimed and character-defining Wolverine run of writer Jason Aaron’s (PUNISHERMAX, Scalped) continues in this second volume! Joined by some of comics’ top artists, Aaron puts Wolverine through his paces: fighting the bizarre “living religion” Allgod, battling his way back to sanity from within Dr. Rot’s corrupt asylum, and facing unstoppable Deathlok assassins from the future – not to mention getting a girlfriend and grappling with the loss of his best friend! Plus: the double threats of Norman Osborn and Mystique! Guest-starring Marvel Boy, Fantomex, Psylocke, Captain America, the Avengers and more!

Wolverine by Jason Aaron Complete Collection Vol. 2

Thor: Warriors Three Complete Collection

Written by Tom DeFalco, Gary Friedrich, Stan Lee, Walt Simonson, Len Wein, Bill Willingham, Alan Zelenetz
Art by Deodato Studios, Joe Barney, John Buscema, Neil Edwards, Jack Kirby, Marie Severin, Herb Trimpe, Charles Vess
Cover by Joe Barney
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Collects Thor Annual #2, Incredible Hulk (1968) #102, Marvel Spotlight (1971) #30, Marvel Fanfare (1982) #34-35, Journey Into Mystery (1952) #-1, Warriors Three #1-4 — And Material From Tales To Astonish (1959) #101; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #13 And #36-37; Thor (1966) #400, #410 And #415-416; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #66; Thor Annual #17; And Marvel Super-Heroes (1990) #15.

The Lord of the Sword, the Master of the Mace and the God of Girth! A romance-seeking rogue, a somber soldier and a fumbling family man: They’re one odd trio, but they’re the God of Thunder’s closest comrades – and even without him, they remain Asgard’s finest! Watch the Warriors Three face down Loki, Ulik, the Enchantress, the Destroyer and more! And when the fearsome Fenris Wolf returns, the Warriors Three undertake a quest to discover the secret of his defeat!

Thor: Warriors Three Complete Collection

Twelve: The Complete Series

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, Chris Weston
Art by Chris Weston
Cover by Kaare Andrews
Purchase

Collects The Twelve #1-12, The Twelve: Spearhead.

Yesterday’s men of tomorrow – today! The Phantom Reporter. Electro. The Black Widow. The Laughing Mask. The Blue Blade. Dynamic Man. Mastermind Excello. Mister E. The Fiery Mask. The Witness. Rockman. Captain Wonder. Lying dormant for sixty years, these twelve heroes awaken in a tormented world that needs them more than ever. But has the world grown beyond their brand of old-fashioned heroism? Behold the stunning post-modernist tale of sacrifice, betrayal and human nature by writer J. Michael Stracyzynski (TV’s Babylon 5, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and artist Chris Weston (The Invisibles, FANTASTIC FOUR: THE FIRST FAMILY). Plus: Journey into the past to follow the death-defying exploits of the Phantom Reporter on the front lines of World War II and witness his first encounter with history’s greatest super heroes!

Twelve: The Complete Series

Without Trust

Written by Penny Jordan
Art by Azumi Kana
Purchase

After being falsely accused of embezzlement, Lark decides to confront the prosecuting lawyer to prove her innocence. What awaits her is gorgeous, intimidating attorney James Wolfe. Lark decides to trust James with her plea but finds out a week later that her information has been leaked! Tabloids paint her as a conspiring femme fatale, which results in Lark losing not only her job and home but also the trust of her family. Overcoming her despair, Lark reunites with James, who wants to help her fight her case!

Without Trust

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Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 3/28/12

Another week down… now, only about a month and a half behind. Sigh.

All Star Western #7 – Hex heads to New Orleans and deals with anti-immigrant terrorists.  Along the way he meets up with Nighthawk and Cinnamon who also have a back-up feature.  The issue is pretty good, though there’s a bunch that’s not explained like his recovery.  Still, it’s a transition to a new story arc.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Aquaman #7 – Some characters from Arthur’s past are coming into play as we get to see Black Manta and further explore the mystery of Atlantis.  The series continues to be solid with great art and some solid storytelling.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Astonishing X-Men #48 – And there’s the story I’ve been looking for in this series.  Some of Wolverine’s side is still getting settled in NYC when all hell breaks loose (shocker).  And is that who I think it is at the end?  I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s awesome.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

the Avengers #24.1 – The Vision returns and learns about everything he’s missed in a simple story that hints to new readers as to what they’ve missed and some of the major players out there.  It’s a solid stand alone story that does what it needs to, hits you at an emotional level.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Avengers Vs. X-Men #0 – A story about Wanda and a story about Hope.  As far as getting me interested in this event it fails in every way.  To explain to new readers what’s up, it does an ok job.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Avenging Spider-Man #5 – Cap and Spidey have a moment in this solid issue dedicated to Joe Simon.  The story is simple, but touching at the same time and Spider-Man is his usual entertaining chatty self.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Batman: The Dark Knight #7 – The White Rabbit was an  interesting twist, but it’s the usual Batman fights Bane, but a very much less interesting Bane from what we saw in Secret Six.  Talk about taking a character a few steps back.

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Captain America & Bucky #628 – The battle with Adam III comes to an end.  The story is ok, but really it made me think how a real world campaign to help Veterans featuring Captain America would be great.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Daken: Dark Wolverine #23 – Is that the end of Daken?  This final issue is really great at times, the story only has minor issues and the same with the art, but Daken is the best when he reflects on himself in an almost poetic way.  Such a shame such an interesting character never found the audience he deserved.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Daredevil #10 – A solid ending as Daredevil fights Mole Man and deals with the damage done.  Mark Waid continues to impress in the series that deserves all the buzz and kudos it receives.  Just fantastic in so many ways.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

FF #16 – The prologue to Hickman’s epic story is ok, but it’s those last few pages that made me giggle.  I got chills seeing it and can’t wait to see what happens next.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

the Flash #7 – The Flash has to deal with his actions and make things right.  That includes a pseudo time travel story (already?) and some there’s some movement in his personal life.  The story is ok, not quite the quality we’ve seen.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern: New Guardians #7 – We get the origin of the Angel and the team starts to come together.  The story is pretty blah.  Why this series exists?  No idea really….

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

I, Vampire #7 – The second part of the Rise of Vampires crossover is so much better than the first.  The art, the writing, Joshua Hale Fialkov knocks it out of the park as expected.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Justice League Dark #7 – So, why isn’t Batman more involved in this crossover?  The first issue of the Rise of the Vampires crossover with I, Vampire makes a point a few times how messed up the team is and how not in sync they are.  It fits the tone of the series, which just doesn’t click at all for me.  Once this crossover is done, I’m done with the series.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6

The Mighty Thor #12 – Thor is back!  It took WAY too long, but he’s finally back.  I might not have enjoyed the entire story arc, but that last page of this issue got me choked up quite a bit.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

Moon Knight #11 – The series heads to it’s conclusion as Moon Knight takes on Madam Masque to get back the Ultron head.  There’s tons of action and all kinds of crazy, but I have to say it’s a bit dissapointing to finally see under Masque’s mask.  That was a great mystery I liked seeing continue…. oh well.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.25

The New Avengers #23 – It’s Skaar vs. Osborn’s Avengers in the final chapter in that story.  There’s some fantastic art here and story telling like the Iron Fist vs. Gorgon fight.  Overall, a quick but solid issue.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

The New Deadwardians #1 – One of Vertigo’s buzzed about new series comes off like PBS Masterpiece theater mashed together with Law & Order and a zombie/vampire story.  It’s an interesting blend that has me interested enough to come back for the second issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Teen Titans #7 – The team saves Superboy and we meet a new bad guy named Harvest who looks like a rip-off from Hellboy 2.  The story has it’s moments but overall, the series isn’t quite doing it for me.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8 – Mousers!!!! So very very very excited.  The series is awesome for new and old fans of any iteration of the Turtles.  So fantastic and highly recommended.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

The Twelve #11 – The team takes on Dynamic Man.  There’s something retro about it.  The story is ok, but nothing to blow me away and the fact it’s taken this long to read, just makes it more frustrating.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Ultimate Comics The Ultimates #8 – The President makes a dramatic decision to take on the escalating threats as the Hulk smashes his way around.  All hell is breaking loose and I have no idea where things are going from here.  Things usually end from this.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Uncanny X-Force #23 – The story… bad.  The art… bad.  What the hell happened to this once excellent series?

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

The Walking Dead #95 – Rick and his team finally get to see the other town and that ending was one hell of a punch.  Where will things go from here?  I can’t wait and see!

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

X-Men: Legacy #264 – Now that’s an interesting story.  Weapon Omega shows up with Mimic and things get a bit interesting.  The art is up a notch and so is the story.  Hopefully it stays this way for a bit.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

THE RENOWNED ANIMATED MOVIE CLASSIC

ARRIVES ON DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME!

 

The Smurfs and the Magic Flute

HITS U.S HOME ENTERTAINMENT SHELVES NATIONWIDE

 

OWN IT ON DVD AUGUST 14, 2012 FROM FABULOUS FILMS

               Distributed by Shout! Factory

 

Smurf fans rejoice! On August 14, 2012, the original full-length animated feature The Smurfs and the Magic Flute will finally debut on DVD for the first time in the U.S. from Fabulous Films. Based on the original comic book story by the same name, this beloved animated movie classic debuted in U.S theaters in 1983 and has remained a fan favorite for more than twenty-five years. Delivering wholesome family entertainment, The Smurfs and the Magic Flute DVD also features bonus content including an image gallery, animated menus, a glossary of Smurf terms, The Smurf Story, a character guide, and an About the Smurfs and the Magic Flute featurette. A must-have for Smurfs fans, collectors, animation enthusiasts and a new generation of kids, this collectible DVD is priced to own at $14.93 SRP and available for pre-order now. 

 

In The Smurfs and the Magic Flute, a magical flute is just what Court Jester Peewit needs to play delightful tunes that make everyone in the kingdom dance — until the dancing turns dangerous. Sir Johan tries in vain to recover the musical instrument, but a thief named McCreep beats him to it, intending to use the flute to steal gold from the King’s subjects. It’s the Smurfs to the rescue when Papa Smurf devises a plan to create a second magical flute, and Peewit and Sir Johan go on a great adventure to find McCreep, win the musical duel and save the kingdom!

 

DVD Bonus Content

Image Gallery

Glossary of Smurf terms

The Smurf Story

Character Guide

About The Smurfs and the Magic Flute

Animated Menus

 

Technical Information

The Smurfs and the Magic Flute DVD

Street Date: August 14, 2012

Running Time: 71 min.

Aspect Ratio: 4 x 3

Audio: stereo

Rating: Rated G

 

About the Smurfs

The story of the Smurfs – a property created by Peyo – started in 1958 with the creation of comic books which were later brought to the big screen and on television. Over the years, the little blue characters haven’t just limited themselves to the page and the screen. The Smurfs have inspired records and CDs that have sold millions of copies, entire collections of figurines and toys, and many more products. In all, more than 3,000 derived products have been produced and leading brands and companies have spread their messages worldwide with the help of the Smurfs. A multitude of new projects appear regularly, thus making the success of the Smurfs planetary!

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 2/29/12

That’s two weeks down… catching up!

Astonishing X-Men #47 – A rather complicated ending that doesn’t quite satisfy as it should and if one more storyline with this series involves Ghost Boxes….

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

the Avengers #23 – Osborn and the President negotiate as Osborn tortures the Avengers.  It’s a solid storyline going between the two series.  Well worth the read and the art is pretty cool too.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

the Bionic Man #7 – Col. Austin deals with the world he left behind while he also learns the truth as to what he’s up against.  I was never a fan of the television series, but the comic has hooked me, so good.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Cape #4 – Such a great series.  I want to see more this…. please!

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

FF #15 – We get to see the other side of the fight with the Mad Celestials and the Power Pack is involved… yay!  The dual stories is interesting and the two series work well together.  The art is improved too, but not quite the quality we have seen in the past.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Green Hornet #22 – Some other costumed fighters hit the Green Hornet’s city in a story that focuses nicely on the side kicks.  The series continues it’s quality.  WAY better than the craptastic movie.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Justice League #6 – This was supposed to hook people?  The fight ended too quickly.  The solution too simple.  Like a big budget movie, all flash and little substance.

Story: 6.5 Art: 8 Overall: 6.75

Moon Knight #10 – The series is wrapping up and definitely feels a bit rushed because of that, but that’s some pretty big ripples caused by it.  We’ll see if there’s impact after this series ends.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

The New Avengers #22 – Wait, what!?  Double agents. Triple agents.  Does anyone just play on one team anymore!?  The war with Osborn gets even bigger as all sorts of hell breaks loose.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Micro-Series Donatello – These one-shots have been great as they flesh out the individual characters more, and also tie into the main series.  I’m loving all the TMNT that IDW delivers.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Twelve #10 – Well, things certanly turned weird.  Not sure what to think really, just such a bizarre turn.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Ultimate Comics the Ultimates #7 – The Ultimates face threats on two fronts, but can they take care of both at the same time?  The series is turning into a game of chance as the stakes are raised.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics X-Men #8 – The huge issues of the last seven issues are shoved to the side as this issue ties into the evens of the Ultimates.  No idea what’s real and what’s fake in this issue and the fact it keeps me on my toes is impressive.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Venom #13.4 – Well, the ending of this issue was original at least and had a semi-cool image.  When did Drum stop being the Sorcerer Supreme!?  The story just doesn’t fit the Venom series… can’t wait for it to be over.

Story:6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

The Walking Dead #94 – Kirman’s series has hit that slow period just before all hell breaks loose.  But it’s still the quality you’d expect.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 2/1/12

The goal is to get two more weeks reviewed by Sunday….

Animal Man #6 – A very impressive issue that slows the weirdness down a bit and instead focuses on a movie staring a super hero and his family.  The story is so good and really reflects well on Animal Man and his superheroing with this family.  Words just can’t reflect how good this is, but it’s up there as one of the best issues of the year.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Avengers Academy #25 – The kids battle Hybrid and there’s enough here to make me interested.  But the series still feels like it’s a bit “B” level compared to the regulars Avengers “A” game.  Still, entertaining in it’s own ways.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Avengers X-Sanction #3 – Bits I’ve liked, others not so much.  It’s a prelude, but a prelude that could have been done in a one shot oversized comic instead of being dragged out over four issues.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Batman: Detective Comics #6 – So there’s a lot of Batman comics it seems, and that’s getting me a bit confused as to what’s going on in which.  That’s also hurting my enjoyment a bit, particularly of this series which I think is the weakest of the bunch.  Overall, a mess due to too much monthly Batman.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Batwing #6 – We get a hint as to Massacre might be, though that’s too simple really.  It also looks like the story is shifting back to Gotham.  It’s six issues in and it kind of feels like this story should of wrapped up already.  I do like the filling in of history, but the main story has dragged on for quite a bit and not a lot of resolution.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

the Defenders #3 – Um, entertaining, but rather abrupt ending.  With such build up a bad guy really shouldn’t be defeated so easily.  Overall, I don’t expect this series to last very long.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

the Punisher #8 – Not the strongest issue in a while, it’s a bit jumbled and choppy for me.  The series generally has been great and the art is fantastic.  I’m not letting one issue get me down, and maybe as a slice of the bigger story it’s better than it stands as a solo issue.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

Rachel Rising #5 – The series is creepy, beyond creepy.  A dead girl and another with a demon friend.  Some great horror right here and two female leads.  This is a definite recommend for the horror fans as I imagine not too many of you are picking it up and missing out on a great series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Red Lanterns #6 – So many issues with this series.  The issue focuses on the new human Red Lantern and like that Corps., it’s all rage and little depth.  The issue suffers from the concept, but the series is shifting to give us more, it’s just taking a while.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Stormwatch #6 – The series has a lot going for it and it’s been six issues and it’s just getting going it feels like.  I really feel like a lot of this could have been settled in the first arc, instead the series has tried to be too smart and instead continues to be a jumbled mess.  It’s getting better though.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Swamp Thing #6 – Scott Snyder is one of the best writers out there right now and combined  with art from Marco Rudy, this series continues to show why it’s one of the best in DC’s relaunch and best on the market.  It’s creepy, gross, haunting and just fantastic.  The build up has been coming, and the story is about to explode.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

The Twelve #9 – The limited series WAS fantastic, but too much time has passed and I can’t say I remember enough to care.  I still want to see how it all ends, but that’s more because the delay makes me fascinated to see what might have been.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Uncanny X-Force #21 – The art is off, story a bit jumbled and big reveal at the end had no impact on me.  Wow did this issue slip in quality.  Oh well, hopefully it’ll bounce back.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Uncanny X-Men #6 – Great to see some issues from Uncanny X-Force dealt with, but boy is this bad.  Something isn’t clicking for me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Venom #13 – The Circle of Four kicks off here with the heroes gathering to fight demons.  The art isn’t as solid as it usually is and the story is meh.  Not a good story to a pretty high profile story arc.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Villains for Hire #3 – It’s Misty Knight in control, so the villains turn on her, but is there more to this all.  The end I paused and said, wtf!?  The limited series has been great four three issues, lets hope the fourth doesn’t disappoint.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Winter Soldier #1 – The first issue of the series is interesting and to a point it tries to be smarter than it really needs to be.  The series follows the Winter Soldier/Bucky and Black Widow as they deal with other sleeper agents.  A great premise that could lead to some great spy/noir storytelling, but too much is crammed in and the series instead feels like a cheap action comic.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

X-Factor #231 – We find out more about the world Madrox wound up in and it’s pretty interesting.  I imagine we’ll see it again the future.  Madrox hops to another world.  It’s all supposedly concluded next issue.  Thankfully.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

The Twelve – In ’12!

Official Press Release

THE TWELVE – IN ‘12!

The Twelve, one of the most critically-acclaimed comic series in years, makes its dramatic return this January, taking comic shops everywhere by storm once more! Superstar creators J Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston kick the new year off in style as the two conclude their pulse-pounding story of World War IIs super heroes awakened in the modern day and struggle to adapt. Except they’ll have to work fast as a threat hurdles their way that could destroy them all!

“It’s taken a long while, but finally, FINALLY, the balance of The Twelve has been completed and we’re ready to ship it all to our long-suffering fans,” said Tom Brevoort, SVP/Executive Editor. “We appreciate everybody’s patience, and both hope and expect that the conclusion will live up to the wait. And for folks who missed out the first time, we’re making it easy to get back on board no matter how much or how little of the previous 8 issues you may have already read, though the release of the softcover TPB of the first six issues, and a Marvel Must-Have containing #7 & 8. So you’ve got no excuse not to experience one of the best reviewed, best beloved and long-awaited series Marvel has ever produced as it reaches its ultimate climax.”

No fan can miss any of Marvel’s Twelve in 2012, including these releases:

  • The Twelve Vol.1 TPB—on-sale in January 2012
  • The Twelve: Marvel Must Have #1—on-sale in February 2012
  • The Twelve #9—on-sale in February 2012
  • The Twelve #10—on-sale in February 2012
  • The Twelve #11- March 2012
  • The Twelve #12—April 2012

Now, the Twelve must survive the greatest enemy they’ve ever faced—one of their own. But how—and why—has this happened? Don’t miss the return of The Twelve, beginning in January 2012!

THE TWELVE VOL. 1 TPB (NOV110641)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by CHRIS WESTON
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
ON SALE JANUARY 2012