PINBALL WIZARD ZEN Marvel Pinball : DOCTOR STRANGE

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It may be seen as anachronistic, or even retro-throw-back for modern computer-gamers (or are they predominantly "console gamers" now?) to want to play PINBALL, but it seems that they do, and because of that, pinball (or at least a virtual version of it) is seeing a resurgence in popularity not seen since the 1970's.

Now, while I do confess to rocking the flippers back in the arcades of my youth, I haven't had any real interest in playing in recent years until MARVEL started releasing platforms based on their characters and event storylines.

Perhaps it is fitting that ZEN Studios (makers of ZEN PINBALL) have just days ago released a DOCTOR STRANGE themed pinball table!

Check out some game-play!

This isn't the first time the good Doctor has been featured on a Zen Pinball game. He was also showcased in previous outings, such as the INFINITY GAUNTLET table (where he is seen pictured on the board, along with Strange-themed characters like ETERNITY, among others) and the PLANET HULK table  (where he emerges as a 3D character [in his ZOM-Possessed form from the story] to do battle with the Hulk.

However, NOW we have a solo board that features exquisite details, multiple characters and even event details and dialogue taken from various storylines from the comics and even his animated film.

Battle against BARON MORDO (the conjuring of mystic swords for a swordfight between STRANGE and MORDO is taken directly from the animated film), and NIGHTMARE! In a story taken directly from the first few issues of the SORCERER SUPREME title, DORMAMMU takes over the body of DOCTOR STRANGE while Doc is in his astral form! The mystic battle continues with each in their own form should you get to that level. And of course, the big bad of the board is SHUMA GORATH, seen looming over the background, and activated by reaching certain in-game criteria (hit the right lighted targets, get the right point-range, etc...)!

Personally, I only played a few rounds, and was able to access all the baddies EXCEPT SHUMA (argh!), but I will continue trying.

There are several in-game niceties to help ensure you come back for more; the EYE of AGAMOTTO is a section of the board that rises up to form its own mini-table, with smaller and quicker game-interactivity against which to battle, STRANGE interacts with the ball, conjuring forth an ORB of AGAMOTTO ball to send into play and plenty of flashing lights and sounds to tickle the ADHD/OCD centers of the brain.

Mentions of the ANCIENT ONE and DEFENDERS as well as dialogue from WONG, and CLEA doesn't hurt either.

For a few bucks you can download on a variety of platforms, including Xbox LIVE Arcade, Steam, Playstation Network (PS3 with Playstation Vita free, and PS4), iOS, Google Play, OSX and Kindle Fire!

I'm not sure if the price is the same across the board, but I DL'd for my PS3 (which came with a FREE DL for the Vita) for a scant $2.99!

This is ZEN Studios first table for their newly released ZEN PINBALL 2 (which has 3D capability, if you have a fancy-schmancy 3D TV or something). ZEN PINBALL 2 is a FREE download, so you have no excuse not to get it.

And fret not, if you've already purchased tables for the previous MARVEL PINBALL platform, you can import your purchased tables and sets to the ZEN PINBALL 2 interface free and easy.

On a personal note, I did find the game to be less pleasing than other, previous MARVEL PINBALL tables (but to be fair, as previously stated, I did only play a couple of rounds on a non-HD, non-3D, non-flatscreen TV, so perhaps I didn't get the full experience). I've really liked the PLANET HULK table, the BLADE table is awesome, GHOST RIDER is appropriately wicked-cool, and the INFINITY GAUNTLET board is challenging good fun.

What the DOCTOR STRANGE board has going for it (aside from the obvious DR. STRANGE lure for me), in addition to the intricate background details, or even the ability to battle classic foes is... almost more than anything else... the ability to TRULY be...

...a PINBALL WIZARD!

(By the way, knowing that I would write about this game when it was released, I have been DYING to use "Pinball Wizard" as the title for this blog-post since the first announcement was made back in October. You can't imagine my shock that NO ONE used that title for any of their articles - then, or now. Perhaps, like many gamers of today, they just aren't old enough to make the immediate connection to a classic 1969 album by THE WHO.)

IDOL PURSUITS: SPECIAL EDITION: The DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME (That YOU can now PRINT out and PLAY!)

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Introductory page to:

DOCTOR STRANGE’s

HAUNTED PATHWAYS

The Game of Mystic Mindrot

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“WHAT-the-wha…? A DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME”, I hear the collective crowd exclaim, incredulously.

Yes! And, as a point of fact, a DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME that was OFFICIALLY produced by MARVEL COMICS!

“Who-in-the-WHAT-now?!”, You all stammered, as one….

Yes! I am quite serious. There is a DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME.

“WHY didn’t I ever hear of such a thing? HOW is such a thing possible? WHEN did this miraculous event occur?”, I heard you say, while completing the rest of the ‘5 “W’s” of proper questioning’.

I know what you’re thinking. “Whoever green-lit this project would have to be… CRAZY!”

And y’know what…? You’d be 100% correct!

Printed in the pages of CRAZY # 88 (a “SUPER SPECIAL” issue) by Marvel Comics (magazine division) back in July 1982, there was presented all the makings of an honest-to-goodness paper-craft DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME!

My hand-colored figures and a close-up of my home-made box (from the early 1980's) for
DOCTOR STRANGE’s

HAUNTED PATHWAYS

The Game of Mystic Mindrot

Written by Steve Skeates.

Art by Steve Mellor

Complete with: spinner, multiple decks of cards, the game-board itself (because it can’t really be a board game if there isn’t a game board), rules, game pieces, and, of course, for the very reason that this is an “IDOL PURSUITS” post… FIGURE STANDEES!

But not just any old paper figures of ordinary people. Oh no! These are papercraft figures of:

 DOCTOR STRANGE

CLEA

DORMAMMU

&

BARON MORDO

!!!

(AND the game pointer is the
G’URANTHIC GUARDIAN!!!)

-

(NOTE: For MORE info on the "IDOL PURSUITS" series of posts, and a review of every entry thus far, see the post just prior to this one  [HERE].)

-

And so I present to you, in all its glory…
DOCTOR STRANGE’s
HAUNTED PATHWAYS:
The Game of Mystic Mindrot

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For your entertainment pleasure, I’ve scanned in the entire game pages (game board, pieces, instructions, etc) and digitally cleaned it all up to high-quality standards (available for download below).

You can either save the files and color them digitally (if you have the knack [and art software]) –or- print these out and color them in the more traditional manner (crayons, colored pencil, magic marker… heck, turn them into oil paintings, Picasso).

I still have my original set, which was from when this book was only a scant few months old. There were no fancy computers then, ya young whippersnappers, so we colored things with markers of magic, and THAT WAS THE WAY WE LIKED IT! Uh… sorry. I have the sudden urge to chase kids offa my lawn.

Now where was I?

Oh yes… My old set is shown here (at the top of this post) - for authenticity's sake - in a makeshift box and all hand-colored and pasted together. I have the urge to redo it all digitally now… and since I made these scans, I think I will!

Oh, you want to know what the game is about?

Well, it’s about obtaining perfect enlightenment as a Master of the Mystic Arts - or – falling into the grip of MADNESS and being locked away in an asylum!

See? FUN!

Here, let me allow Doctor Strange himself to explain it all in the accompanying comic strip (before and after the assorted game pieces).

*IMPORTANT: HIGH RESOLUTION SCANNED JPGS CAN BE DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING THE "DOWNLOAD PAGE" LINK, UNDER EACH PAGE.

THE IMAGES SHOWN HERE ARE LOW-RES MERELY FOR YOU TO VIEW.

REMEMBER: HIGH RESOLUTION SCANNED JPGS CAN BE DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING THE "DOWNLOAD PAGE" LINK, UNDER EACH PAGE.

(to download nice, quality scans to color and print)

OR
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE BATCH AT ONCE
AT THIS LINK:
HERE

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 01]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 02]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 03]

[DOWNLOAD GAME BOARD]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 04]

\

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 05]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 06]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 07]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 08]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 09]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 10]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 11]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 12]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 13]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 14]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 15]

[DOWNLOAD PAGE 16]

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The ONLY part of assembling your very own version that MAY be even the slightest bit difficult is to align the FRONT and BACK of the playing cards (POWER CARDS, ASTRAL PLAYIN' CARDS, DISABILITY CARDS & TREATMENT CARDS). Your best bet is to print them out, cut out the BLOCK of cards (ignoring all the rest of the stuff on the page), and then make sure the edges line up. If the edges line up then the cards should line up, front-to-back (-or- hold them up to a light-source - on a window, or a lightbox, to see if they match up). Then use a glue stick or spray glue and reset together back-to-back. Then, cut them out on the dotted lines, and you'll have your cards!
If you're technically adept and want to align them on your computer and print out double-sided, well... aren't YOU fancy?!
And speaking of fancy... I'd highly recommend bringing the GAME BOARD file to your local copy shoppe to have them print it out on nice glossy stock (or even mount it onto some board)!

Anyway, the game is oodles of fun (if frustrating torture is your idea of a good time). I didn’t have anyone with whom to play this game when it first came out, so I pretty much had to play with myself (uh, wait…). It wasn’t until many years afterwards that I tested the love of my then-girlfriend by having her play with me (now WAIT a minute… I mean THE GAME! Perverts). She wasn’t all that excited by the game, but she seemed to still like ME enough to marry me a few years later. As I recall, I won the game and I won her heart.

So there ya have it! Play this game and find true love – guaranteed! (Note: Guarantee of love is not binding or in any way meant as a guarantee. Let’s face it, you’re about to slap together a home-made board game. No one is gonna find that sexy. Not even nerd-sexy. Good luck.)

So what’cha waiting for?

Begin YOUR exciting quest for ENLIGHTENMENT (or INSANITY)... NOW!

ENJOY!

12-21-12 IF THIS BE DOOMSDAY (Revisited) WEEP FOR THE SOUL OF MAN

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12-21-12

(posted at 12:21:12 PM)

*SEE IMPORTANT UPDATE at END of POST*

Since this "End of the World" thing didn't pan out on the 12th (see that entry [HERE]), it's OBVIOUS that today will surely be..

THE END OF THE WORLD!

I mean... how many times can it NOT happen?

Since, as ominous portents, possible interpretations of Mayan calendars, (and the guy on the street corner yelling to his shoes) are to be believed... today - the 21st day of the 12th month in this 12th year (of the 2nd millennium) - should bring about...

THE END OF THE WORLD!

No. Seriously. THIS time for sure.

Or at the VERY least... the END of LIFE as we know it!

"Weep for the Soul of Man..."

But, just in case the Mayans (or the nutty...er...scientific...uh...prophets...hmm...modern interpreters) weren't quite right, and the End of the World isn't in the offing, there will always be Do-Badders like Baron Mordo who are more than willing to help it along.

Arranged in a circular pattern (much like the Mayan Calendar) each of these mystic adepts (including Man-Thing and Jennifer Kale) would die, in turn, to open the GATES OF CHAOS -and thus cause...

THE END OF THE WORLD!

No, really.
Here, let Mordo explain it.

See?
This is for real.

NOTHING can save us now...

Oh. OK. DOCTOR STRANGE can save us.
That's good to know.


Although, really, it was a team effort, as Man-Thing had just as much to do with preventing the end of all there is as did Doc.

SO... I'm sure that WHATEVER dire cosmic threat seeks to cause...

THE END OF THE WORLD...

... that DOC and MAN-THING will be around to make sure that we all are alive to see tomorrow.

Doctor Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts # 41
---


*UPDATED 12-22-12*
Stupid Mayans...

GAZE INTO THE FUTURE - MAY 2009

The MARCH 2009 solicits are up

(for stuff shipping MAY 2009)
so what are we waiting for?
Let's journey forth...into... the FUTURE:

=============

"Greetings, my friends.
We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I
are going to
spend the rest of our lives..."
... while reading comics.

"Official" graphic for this feature; "doctored" image from the cover to Strange Tales # 156
(original art by Marie Severin)

=============

Let's take a look at the items that DOCTOR STRANGE will appear in first, then well move onto the other "6-Dimensions".

=============


As usual, we'll begin with the BIG SHOW:


Doctor Strange continues the
"biggest mystical story-arc in Marvel history"
(some hyperbole may be present in that statement) in:

NEW AVENGERS #53

COVER BY: BILLY TAN
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: CHRIS BACHALO
BILLY TAN
INKS: TIM TOWNSEND
COLORED BY: JUSTIN PONSOR
LETTERED BY: COMICRAFT

Variant cover too!

THE STORY:
WHO WILL BE THE NEXT SORCERER SUPREME? And will he or she survive the initiation? The Avengers fight a battle that they know will shape the future of the Marvel Universe for years to come!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

---

Lackluster cover art by Billy Tan gives me trepidation about this (aside from the stomach-churning I'm going through thinking about what Bendis has in mind).
However, Chris Bachalo is helping to ease my fears a little.

Nothing to do but wait and see.

-------------

Doctor Strange and the Defenders
still battle against
Baron Mordo and the Offenders in:

HULK # 12

COVER BY: ED MCGUINNESS
WRITER: JEPH LOEB
PENCILS: ED MCGUINNESS
INKS: DEXTER VINES
COLORED BY: GURU-EFX
LETTERED BY: COMICRAFT

Two 50/50 covers AND a variant!

THE STORY:
After the senses shattering unexpected cliffhanger from last issue, The Defenders/Offenders War comes to an explosive end in this issue by the superstar-team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness! The Hulk, Namor, Doc Strange and Silver Surfer have one last chance to save the women they love and the Red Hulk, Tiger Shark, Mordo and Terrax aren't about to let that happen. Can the Defenders triumph without the Hulk to lead them? All of this and a twist ending that you will never see coming!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

---

Like the previous two issues, there's another 50/50 cover, but it wasn't available at the time this went to bed.
I'll be sure to add it here when and if it's available to the public.
There's ALSO another variant (Art Adams, most likely).

WHY, Marvel...WHY?!?
Haven't I given you ENOUGH?
Why must you suck the very marrow from my bones?
How about we cut a deal; I leave everything to Marvel in my Last Will and Testament, and you guys just send me all the damned variants so I don't have to hunt for them!

Variants may be a reason Marvel won't go into the digital-only arena.
Having shoppes order quantities they might not ordinarily, just to get some variants to resell at huge mark-ups, drive up sales figures.

gah.

But... what this with the line " to save the WOMEN THEY LOVE"...?
Is CLEA going to be in this?
Oh, Marvel... you got me again.

---------

Doctor Strange and the Illuminati are in:

DARK REIGN : FANTASTIC FOUR # 3

COVER BY: PASQUAL FERRY
WRITER: JONATHAN HICKMAN
PENCILS: SEAN CHEN
INKS: LORENZO RUGGIERO
COLORED BY: JOHN RAUCH
LETTERED BY: VC - RUS WOOTON

THE STORY:
Forced to fight their way through time, Sue, Ben and Johnny have to defend the Holy Land in the Crusades, Conquer the Wild West and beat back the Nazis while Franklin and Val are busy back in the Baxter Building preparing for the arrival of Norman Osborn.
All that, and the return of the Illuminati!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

=============

Doctor Strange SHOULD be in the following list of comics:

=============


AVENGERS / INVADERS # 11 of 12

COVER BY: ALEX ROSS
WRITER: JIM KRUEGER
ALEX ROSS
PENCILS: STEVE SADOWSKI
COLORED BY: INLIGHT
LETTERED BY: TODD KLEIN

THE STORY:
On the other side of history, chaos reigns. Evil has won and the Fourth Reich now rules the world. Only the combined might of the Avengers, The Invaders and the mysterious new heroes Electro, The Challenger, The Silver Scorpion, The Black Widow, the Black Avenger and Captain Terror have a hope of setting the world right.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---

Damn. 11 issues in and Doc is STILL not on a single COVER!
What the hell?

---------

If he's not already DEAD in this series, Ultimate Dr Strange should be in:

ULTIMATUM # 5

COVER BY: DAVID FINCH
WRITER: JEPH LOEB
PENCILS: DAVID FINCH
INKS: DANNY MIKI
COLORED BY: STEVE FIRCHOW
LETTERED BY: COMICRAFT

VARIANT COVERS out the wazoo!
Including a "Fallen Heroes" variant
(if Doc IS dead, he may be on this cover)

THE STORY:
Is this what the end of the world looks like? You better believe it!!
As only Emmy & Eisner award-winning writer Jeph Loeb and superstar artist David Finch can deliver, it’s an apocalyptic conclusion where every, and we mean EVERY, score is settled! The Ultimate heroes have faced their final judgment…and when the dust settles will they be found wanting? If you can handle the growing body count, stick around as ALL is answered in this explosive series finale that will shock fans for years to come!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: ULTIMATE UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+


=============

Doctor Strange MAY be in the following list of comics:

=============


Either Doc himself and/or "Strange 2099" might be in this:

TIMESTORM 2009/2099 # 2

COVER BY: SALVADOR LARROCA
WRITER: BRIAN REED
PENCILS: ERIC BATTLE
INKS: ANDREW HENNESSY
THE STORY:
It’s the heroes and villains of 2099—as you’ve never seen them before! Washington, D.C. overrun by Hulks! New York City controlled by massive corporations that know your every thought and desire! A man from 2099 in the present day, killing our heroes! Brian Reed (SECRET INVASION: CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Eric Battle (Batman) bring you the world of tomorrow as it collides with the world of today!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

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Doc and the Illuminati may be in:

PLANET SKAAR PROLOGUE # 1

COVER BY: ALEX GARNER
WRITER: GREG PAK
PENCILS: DAN PANOSIAN
INKS: DAN PANOSIAN
THE STORY:
Reed Richards just found out that the Hulk has a son. A great, big barbarian son named Skaar who's known nothing but
blood and rage after being abandoned by his father to be born on fire on a war-torn alien planet. And now Skaar's coming to Earth, where a showdown with his father could literally split the globe in two. So with just twenty four hours to spare, Mr. Fantastic must determine how to face the advent of... PLANET SKAAR! Don't miss the perfect jumping on point for a brand new epic in which the Son of Hulk finally slashes straight into the heart of the Marvel Universe!
PLUS, 8 pages of Director's Cut style extras!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

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Slight chance of a Doc (or at least "Sanctum") sighting in:

SPIDER-MAN: THE SHORT HALLOWEEN # 1

COVER BY: KEVIN MAGUIRE
WRITER: BILL HADER
SETH MEYERS
PENCILS: KEVIN MAGUIRE
INKS: KEVIN MAGUIRE
COLORED BY: DEAN WHITE
THE STORY:
Two stars of Saturday Night Live make their Marvel debut with an all-new story set right on the bustling, hot dog juice covered streets of New York City. Halloween is coming early this year as Spidey is knocked out during the Greenwich
Village costume parade and an intoxicated reveler in a Spidey costume takes his place. Really, we don’t want to say more than that. Trust us, with comic book legend Kevin Maguire (JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL) along for the ride, this’ll be more exciting than putting a president on a comic book cover!
One-Shot

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

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Slim chance for Doc to still be somewhere in this mini:

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS FINALS # 4

COVER BY: ROGER CRUZ
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: ROGER CRUZ
AMILCAR PINNA
COLLEEN COOVER
INKS: ROGER CRUZ
COLORED BY: VAL STAPLES
LETTERED BY: NATE PIEKOS

THE STORY:
Before they can face the world, the X-Men must face the dark secrets that lie inside Marvel Girl. Is it true what they say about red-heads? YES. It's all true.

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009


FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A


=============

The "6-DIMENSIONS" characters appear in these comics:

=============



Man-Thing,
the Midnight Sons
(Morbius, Werewolf by Night, Son of Satan & Jennifer Kale)
and the HOOD shamble around in:

MARVEL ZOMBIES4 # 2

COVER BY: GREG LAND
WRITER: FRED VAN LENTE
PENCILS: KEV WALKER
INKS: KEV WALKER
COLORED BY: JEAN-FRANCOIS BEAULIEU
LETTERED BY: VC - RUS WOOTON

THE STORY:
Straight from the Dark Reign comes…The Hood! What the cloaked criminal wants, he gets—and he's after the zombie virus to wipe out the heroes once and for all! But standing in his way are the Midnight Sons—and they're not heroes…they're monsters! For the first time in many years, The Hood and his super-villain syndicate know fear...but where Parker Robinson goes, can the dread Dormammu be far behind? The awful answers are supplied by Fred Van Lente and Kev Walker, the team that CBR.com praised for, “taking the MARVEL ZOMBIES franchise in a brand new, invigorating direction!”

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY


---------


Black Knight and other goodness awaits within the pages of:

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 # 13

COVER BY: STUART IMMONEN
WRITER: PAUL CORNELL
PENCILS: LEONARD KIRK
INKS: JAY LEISTEN
COLORED BY: BRIAN REBER
THE STORY:
Betrayal runs rampant! Spitfire is offered a high rank in the vampire state—will she take it? Does she have a chance? A traitor is discovered in the ranks of British Intelligence. But what are the chances that he’s the only one. Pete Wisdom’s main concern is keeping his people alive, but with his track record and who they’re up against, it’s not looking good.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 13, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

An alternate universe version of the Scarlet Witch is in:

EXILES # 2

COVER BY: DAVE BULLOCK
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: SALVADOR ESPIN
INKS: SALVADOR ESPIN
COLORED BY: TONY WASHINGTON
LETTERED BY: NATE PIEKOS

THE STORY:
It appears that affecting the course of history on another world is HARD. Especially when all the mutants of this world work together...against you! How can a new untested team take on The X-Men, The Brotherhood, and everybody in between? Join the Exiles as they tumble head first into the answer as the relaunch of this fan-favorite series continues!
Parental Advisory …$2.99


PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

---------

Scarlet Witch (is on the COVER shakin' her ass with Jean Grey/Phoenix and Polaris) and the future-alt-Earth Defenders are in:

FANTASTIC FORCE # 2

COVER BY: BRYAN HITCH
WRITER: JOE AHEARNE
PENCILS: STEVE KURTH
THE STORY:
He’s a descendant of the Hulk and the stepson of Wolverine—but now, Banner’s mother the Harpy has appeared from nowhere and is out to destroy the Fantastic Force! Alex Ultron, the 16th generation, has a shock when he realizes his brand new paradise is run on android slaves and telepath Natalie X finds out what's really on Logan's mind. Taking down the Harpy costs half of the Fantastic Force just as they face three of the most powerful women in history who are here to destroy Nu-World…and the new heroes who defend it!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

Hulk stars in:

HULK: BROKEN WORLDS BOOK #2

COVER BY: PAUL PELLETIER
WRITER: ADAM WARREN
MARC SUMERAK
JASON HENDERSON
PENCILS: STEVE SCOTT
JONBOY MEYERS
KELSEY SHANNON
JUAN SANTACRUZ
INKS: VICENTE CIFUENTES
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA

THE STORY:
Throughout the unending vastness of the multiverse echo the cries of the monster inside mister Bruce Banner… the
unstoppable force known as the Hulk. Join us as we continue our quest to chronicle the catalogue of crosstime Hulk, asking not “What If…” but “What is?” This ALL-NEW oversized special revisits the worlds of the Age of Apocalypse, the Days of Future Past, the Marvel Mangaverse, and the year 1602!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

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Nick Fury, Druid & Hellfire are in:

SECRET WARRIORS # 4

COVER BY: JIM CHEUNG
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
JONATHAN HICKMAN
PENCILS: STEFANO CASELLI
INKS: STEFANO CASELLI
COLORED BY: DANIELE RUDONI
LETTERED BY: DAVE LANPHEAR

THE STORY:
The most talked about new Marvel series rolls on as we find out the answer to the question: What happened to all the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Plus, Daisy Johnson recruits a new member to replace a fallen comrade, the kids spy on Nick Fury and we follow the Colonel as he starts his one man war against the endless hordes of HYDRA.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

Dr. Doom brings death within the pages of:

FANTASTIC FOUR #567

COVER BY: BRYAN HITCH
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: BRYAN HITCH
INKS: ANDREW CURRIE
COLORED BY: PAUL MOUNTS
LETTERED BY: VC - RUS WOOTON

THE STORY:
THE MASTERS OF DOOM Part Two
The Marquis of Death has returned to Earth after a genocidal sojourn of two decades! And his first target is his once-pupil,
Victor Von Doom!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

Dr. Doom and The Hood kick it in:

DARK AVENGERS # 5

COVER BY: MIKE DEODATO
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: MIKE DEODATO
INKS: MIKE DEODATO
COLORED BY: RAINIER BEREDO
LETTERED BY: VC - CORY PETIT

THE STORY:
When the public is reminded of Norman's terrible past, Norman's wheeling and dealing becomes a public concern. Plus, some of the Avengers are getting frisky with each other, and that can't be good. Plus the return of...the Cabal!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

The Hood gets his ass capped in:

PUNISHER # 5

COVER BY: MIKE MCKONE
WRITER: RICK REMENDER
PENCILS: JEROME OPENA
THE STORY:
“LIVING IN DARKNESS: CONCLUSION”
Frank Castle will kill the Hood or die trying. With his city under siege, a high bounty on his head and nothing left to lose, The Punisher dives in for a direct confrontation with New York's new kingpin of crime -- and what he discovers within The Hood’s secret base will shock the Marvel Universe to its core. Who is The Hood’s mysterious new lieutenant? What is The Hood truly capable of? And exactly how far will he go to take down the biggest threat to his brutal underworld reign?

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

---------

However, he STARS in his own mini-series:

DARK REIGN: THE HOOD # 1

COVER BY: MARKO DJURDJEVIC
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: KYLE HOTZ
INKS: KYLE HOTZ
COLORED BY: FRANK MARTIN
THE STORY:
Straight from the pages of NEW AVENGERS and DARK REIGN: THE CABAL—go deep into the cutthroat world of The Hood! You may know him as the tough-talking crime boss who’s organizing the villains of NYC while wheeling and dealing with the likes of Loki and Dr. Doom. But what about his pregnant girlfriend, addict cousin and institutionalized mother that we met back in his debut mini? And what price is he paying for his rapid climb up the ranks of crime and power? Writer Jeff Parker (AGENTS OF ATLAS) and Kyle Hotz (THE HOOD: BLOOD FROM STONES) invite you to spend a week in the life of Parker Robinson, one of the key characters in Dark Reign, as he struggles to keep his professional and personal lives from destroying each other!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

Ghost Rider doesn't give up the ghost in:

GHOST RIDER # 35

COVER BY: ARTHUR SUYDAM
WRITER: JASON AARON
PENCILS: TONY MOORE
INKS: TONY MOORE
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA

THE STORY:
"TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS," PART 3
Johnny Blaze has come to a monastery in Japan, just wanting to be left alone as he waits patiently for the end of the world. But when a local biker gang begins terrorizing the town, Blaze realizes that his work as Ghost Rider isn't quite done yet.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

---------

New Avengers (sans Doc) guest in:

AGENTS OF ATLAS # 5

COVER BY: BILLY TAN
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: CARLO PAGULAYAN
INKS: JASON PAZ
COLORED BY: JANA SCHIRMER
LETTERED BY: NATE PIEKOS

THE STORY:
Issue #5 brings the throwdown to end all throwdowns! The Agents of Atlas face off with the NEW AVENGERS!!! What a perfect time for M-11 to take one of his unpredictable courses of decisive action. Rated V for VIOLENT.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE (What's this?)
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

-------------

Unrelated, but still awesome reprinted classics are in:

THOR: TALES OF ASGARD BY STAN LEE & JACK KIRBY # 1

The Story: The legend has come true! By the will of the gods, I am alive! I am invincible! I am — THOR!!! And so began the very first epic tale of Marvel’s most revered hero, the mighty Thor, whose legend would grow alongside the success of Marvel comics, making him the most exciting super hero of all time! Never has Thor been more sensational than during these early tales, crafted by Marvel’s greatest, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Re-live classic Norse mythology in the mighty Marvel manner as well as Stan and Jack’s stories of the Norse Gods and Thor before he came to Earth as Don Blake. Witness as these masters breathe life into the thunder god and some of Marvel’s most enduring characters: Helmdall, Balder, Loki, Odin and Hela. Read these stories as never before with all-new, modern coloring and six extraordinary interlocking covers by current THOR artist Olivier Coipel. Collecting the “Tales of Asgard” backup stories from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #97-104
Remastered Reprints/All Ages …$3.99


In Stores: May 13, 2009

---------

and...
presented here because... well... I'll explain it at the end:

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #129

COVER BY: DAVID WILLIAMS
WRITER: GREG PAK
PENCILS: RYAN STEGMAN
INKS: TERRY PALLOT
COLORED BY: RAUL TREVINO
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA

THE STORY:
In this issue: HERCULES AND AMADEUS CHO DIE!!! We heard that cheap death sells comics, and we're more than happy to oblige. Though seriously, if you had to plunge into the UNDERWORLD and bring back Hercules' slain father ZEUS to counter Hera's power, could you think of a better plan? And come to think of it, have you ever noticed how... impermanent death is in the Marvel Universe? Well, while hobnobbing among the most famous Marvel deceased over the last few years, Herc and Cho learn the terrible secret why -- and why PLUTO, Lord of the Dead, is fighting-mad about it!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---

So. Wasn't that the premise behind X-StatiX Presents: Dead Girl (and Dr. Strange) mini a few years back?
Of course, that was a silly bit of fun (and hopefully not in continuity).
So, I guess Hercules is about to discover the REAL reason people keep coming back from the dead.
OK? OK.


=============

COLLECTED EDITIONS
-------------HARDCOVERS & TPB's-------------

=============


Just because it's awesome:

CAPTAIN BRITAIN BY ALAN MOORE & ALAN DAVIS OMNIBUS HC

The Story: One of the Marvel Universe's most staggering sagas from two of Britain's most remarkable writers, reprinted in total for the first time! Captain Britain fights to save a universe...and fails! But a single reality is small change in the game Merlyn’s playing against Mad Jim Jaspers, who's rewriting reality so he's the center of the universe! Worlds collide, heroes and villains die, and Captain Britain's beside himself — except when he's fighting himself...to the death! Featuring the first appearances of the metamorphic Meggan, Opal Luna Saturnyne, the Captain Britain Corps, and more! Plus: Psylocke joins the X-Men, and the X-Men join Captain Britain on a cosmic quest into the secrets of life and death! The fiendish Fury, the horrific Horde and the malevolent Mojo are only a few of the adversaries who await within! Also guest-starring the New Mutants and Captain America! Collecting MARVEL SUPER-HEROES (UK) #377-388, THE DAREDEVILS (UK) #1-11, CAPTAIN AMERICA #305-306, MIGHTY WORLD OF MARVEL (UK) #7-16, CAPTAIN BRITAIN (UK) #1-14, NEW MUTANTS ANNUAL #2 and UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #11.
Rated T+ …$99.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3771-9

In Stores: May 6, 2009




---------

Golden Age Black Knight in:

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA
BLACK KNIGHT/YELLOW CLAW VOL. 1 HC

Written by STAN LEE, AL FELDSTEIN & VARIOUS
Penciled by JOE MANEELY, JACK KIRBY, JOHN SEVERIN,
FRED KIDA & VARIOUS
Cover by JOE MANEELY
From the heroic times of King Arthur to the dangers of the Cold War, the Atlas Era brings you the greatest adventure stories from the 1950s. Presenting the original series of two legendary characters that have bridged the decades - all the way from the Atlas Era to the Avengers and Agents of Atlas - Black Knight and Yellow Claw are must-haves for every Marvel maniac! Sir Percy of Scandia may appear to be a foppish weakling, too timid to fight and the scorn of Camelot, but only Merlin knows the truth: Sir Percy is the gallant Black Knight! Come to drive Modred de Monfort from King Arthur's court, he wields the ebony blade against Norman invaders, dragons, imposters and usurpers to the throne. With the pencil of Atlas great, Joe Maneely, delineating the action,Black Knight is a sure-fire classic! Then comes Cold War tales of mystery, espionage and world domination from the pages of Yellow Claw! Illustrated by the incomparable trio of Joe Maneely, John Severin and --in a rare mid-50s Atlas appearance-- Jack Kirby, F.B.I. Agent Jimmy Woo's mission to capture the century-old mystic from the root of the Himalayas is packed with gritty crime and unimaginable adversaries, from mind-bending mutants and UFO the Lightning Man to Temujai the Golden Goliath and the Living Shadows! Collecting BLACK KNIGHT #1-5 & YELLOW CLAW #1-4.
256 PGS./All Ages ...$59.99

---------

Doc is featured in:

ESSENTIAL SPIDER-MAN VOL. 9 TPB # 1

The Story: J. Jonah Jameson's spent years making Spider-Man's life difficult — but payback's a switch when he gets shackled to Spidey, who has to rescue the irascible editor from not one but TWO mad scientists! Plus: the introductions of the Fly and Jigsaw! Electro, Mysterio, Calypso and Mesmero! And a Dr. Octopus saga so big it took two annuals to cover it! The death of a forgotten Golden Age hero and the fate of the burglar who started Spidey's career in the first place! Features first appearances by the Black Cat and Madame Web! Guest-starring Captain America, Dazzler, Dr. Strange, the Punisher and Spider-Woman! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #186-210, ANNUAL #13-14 and PETER PARKER, SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1.
All Ages …$19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3074-1


In Stores: May 6, 2009





---------

Nightmare is the baddie in:

FANTASTIC FOUR: TRUE STORY TPB # 1

The Story: A threat to the minds of the whole human race sends the FF somewhere they've never been before: into the realm of fiction itself! Where Ben finds himself clobbering a demonic army to save the cast of Sense and Sensibility. No, really. And it gets weirder from there. Dante! Willie Lumpkin! Behold, the Fictocraft! And it's actually kind of smart and serious too. Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR: TRUE STORY #1-4.
Rated A …$10.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-2833-5

In Stores: May 6, 2009




---------

Ultimate Scarlet Witch dies in:

ULTIMATES 3: WHO KILLED THE SCARLET WITCH? TPB # 1

The Story: The countdown to Ultimatum begins here — and when it's over, the Ultimate Universe will never be the same! And when we say that in the Ultimate Universe, you know we ain't fooling around! A year later, who are the Ultimates? After going through the tumultuous events of the past two volumes, the Ultimates find themselves operating out of Tony Stark's mansion in New York where, no longer working for S.H.I.E.L.D., they have to make it on their own. But a terrible secret is about to tear them apart and bring about a murder at the mansion! One of Earth's greatest heroes will die, and there'll be plenty of suspects! New Members! New Adventures! And New Secrets! All this and Ultimate Venom, too! Join Eisner winner and Emmy-nominated writer Jeph Loeb (TV's Heroes, Fallen Son) and the superstar team of Joe Madureira & Christian Lichtner (Uncanny X-Men, Battle Chasers) as they take the Ultimates on their wildest ride yet! Collecting ULTIMATES 3 #1-5.
Parental Advisory … $19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-2269-2


In Stores: May 6, 2009




---------

Dr. Strange and the Illuminati in:

HULK: WORLD WAR HULK HC # 1

The Story: An epic story of anger unbound! Exiled by a group of Marvel "heroes" to the savage alien planet of Sakaar, the Hulk raged, bled and conquered – rising from slave to gladiator to king. Now, the Hulk returns to Earth to wreak his terrible vengeance on Iron Man, Reed Richards, Doctor Strange and Black Bolt — and anyone else who gets in the way. Stronger than ever, accompanied by his monstrous Warbound gladiator allies and possessed by the fiercest and purest rage imaginable, the Hulk may just tear this stupid planet in half! Then in AFTERSMASH, heroes and monsters rise and fall as the events of "World War Hulk" reverberate through the blasted ruins of New York City with goliath impact. It’s a massive story featuring the Warbound, the Renegades, Heroes for Hire, Iron Man, Tom Foster, and Damage Control. Collecting WORLD WAR HULK #1-5, WORLD WAR HULK: AFTERSMASH, MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: WORLD WAR HULK and PLANET HULK SAGA.
Rated T+ …$34.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-2670-6
Trim size: oversized


In Stores: May 13, 2009




---------

A newly imagined Devil-Slayer stars in:

DEAD OF NIGHT: DEVIL-SLAYER TPB # 1

The Story: Abandoned by his fiancée, his family, his church, and his government, Sergeant Dan Sylva returns to Iraq for a third tour of duty -- and a descent into Hell itself. If the demon Belathauzer and the mysterious mercenary group known as Bloodstone have their way, Iraq, the place where civilization began, may also be where civilization ends. The reinvented Devil-Slayer takes Marvel’s DEAD OF NIGHT to terrifying new heights, from award-winning horror novelist Brian Keene (The Rising, Dark Hollow) and artist Chris Samnee (DAREDEVIL: BLOOD OF THE TARANTULA)! Collecting DEAD OF NIGHT FEATURING DEVIL-SLAYER #1-4
Explicit Content …$14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3281-3

In Stores: May 27, 2009




---------

The Danny Ketch Ghost Rider has some serious issues in:

GHOST RIDER: DANNY KETCH - ADDICT TPB # 1

The Story: You’ve heard the news by now. He’s been away, he’s been down to rock bottom; but he’s back. Dan Ketch reborn: a stranger, darker figure. So what happened, Dannyboy? Where did it all go wrong? Tying-into Jason Aaron’s stunning take on the Ghost Rider mythos, artist Javier Saltares and writer Simon Spurrier present a tormented fall into the deepest pits of the soul. Join us – via Technomancer babes, talking carrion-birds, battering-rams on bikes and the inescapable hunger for Vengeance – for a dark tale of Addiction. Plus, the final fate of Dan Ketch is revealed in GHOST RIDER FINALE! With Blackheart deposed, the Ghost Rider is now lord of the Nether Realm. What does he intend to do with his power? And will the other Dark Lords – like Belasco, Pluto and Hela – allow him to keep it? Collecting GHOST RIDER: DANNY KETCH #1-5 and GHOST RIDER FINALE.
Parental Advisory …$19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3286-8


In Stores: May 27, 2009




---------

Awesome Dr. Strange goodness
(in a story that won my "2008 Sanctum Award" for best Dr. Strange story/appearance):

MARVEL ADVENTURES - FEATURING: THOR, DR. STRANGE, ANT-MAN AND CAPTAIN AMERICA DIGEST # 1

The Story: All adventure, all action, for all ages! Join Thor, Captain America, Dr. Strange and Ant-Man as they go up against the fiercest obstacles they’ve ever encountered. First, see how the God of Thunder came to our world, and what awesome adversities shaped him into a champion of man! Then, the Master of the Mystic Arts encounters a cosmically powered creature that has been allowing its newborn babies to feed on the very fabric of reality. And who is Ant-Man? How did he get both the ability to shrink to less than an inch tall and speak directly to ants? All these stories plus two action-packed tales featuring Captain America! Collecting MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #5-8.
All Ages …$9.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3321-6

In Stores: May 27, 2009




=============

Whew!
That seems to be it for this month.
If you see anything that interestes you, be sure to pick it up when it ships.

If you like any of the Collected Editions, a kindness of ordering through my Amazon links would be appreciated.
Heck, check them out for anything you might be looking for.

-------------

Feel free to discuss these solicits in the comments section.

(all new comic cover images yoinked from Marvel.com)

-------------

So, once again, my friends... I'll see you... in the future...

A Little Christmas miracle!

So there I am, last night, reading a bunch of comics that have come out over the past week or so and it's almost a "Little Christmas" miracle!

So many Doctor Strange, Man-Thing and "6-Dimensions" character appearances that I just couldn't believe my eyes!

I've already written about ONE such bit of goodness;
MARVELS : Eye of the Camera # 2 in the double-post from two days ago (HERE and HERE).

I'm not done filing stuff and scanning as of yet, so this will be a post that will be constantly updated over the course of the day (or two)...

But, that's all part of the "little Christmas" aspect.
It's like opening up a gift, enjoying and appreciating it for a little while before moving on to the next.
(for those of us who give our Christmas gifts on January 6th * )

So, let's get to our "presents" now:

-------------

We'll start off with MARVEL ZOMBIES-3 # 4 (of 4) by Fred Van Lente (writer) and Kev Walker (art).

Once again, we get "Zombie Dr. Strange"... doing the drooling, muttering thing, and performing the only two spells that he has left in his rotted and damaged brain:

• Conjure Dimensional Portal

• Manna from Heaven (which is useless to the Zombies, since all they eat is flesh)
  

Remember, click images to make more Miraculous-Sized!

So sad. But so funny.

Reminds me of my early days playing D&D (which sadly I didn't play more than a few times, since my friends didn't embrace the game and there was no one else with which to do so), and the neophyte mystics only had one or two spells that they could use.

But to ME, the BIG news that comes from this book is THIS:

MAN-THING
&
The RETURN of the MIDNIGHT SONS!

I won't mince words here; I'd MUCH rather see a return of the Midnight Sons (WITH Strange as a part of the "team") than see a DEFENDERS reunion (WITH Strange as a part of the "team").
Y'know... if it were an "either/or" option.

To ME, a mystical, occult, horror-type of setting is best for Strange than any type of Super-team.
EVEN if that team is the Defenders.
(let the hate-comments start ... NOW)

While THIS upcoming Marvel Zombies-4 mini-series aspect of the MIDNIGHT SONS isn't really the actual "Midnight Sons" (Son of Satan and Werewolf by Night were never "officially" a part of that assemblage, and Steel Wind - the female member shown - at least I'm 99% sure that's who that is - was a Ghost Rider villainess. At least Morbius WAS an actual member, and Man-Thing was "unofficially" since he was showcased in the Midnight Sons Unlimited series, way back when), it's STILL a welcome bit of news.

**UPDATE EDIT**
It turns out, the new solicitation text for the next mini (seen HERE) states that the female is indeed supposed to be Jennifer Kale, even though she's not wearing either the costume she started this mini-series with, nor her original, but a new ensemble that bears more in common to Steel Wind's look than her own.
**END UPDATE EDIT**

However, I'm nitpicking.
I'm pleased as (holiday) punch at this!
Even if it IS just a mini-series.

Truthfully, I expected more of a showing from Man-Thing during THIS mini-series, since he was (sorta) shown in the first issue, in an almost "behind-the-scenes" manner.
A glimpse of his arm here, a shadowy look at him walking away there... but then... nada. Until now. Odd, since the series took place in his stomping grounds; The NEXUS of All Realities, one would expect for him to be shown doing exactly what it is that he was "created" to do; Protect the Nexus from invaders or those who would tamper with it.

Maybe I missed a cameo. I'll have to re-read the issues again, keeping my eyes peeled for him.

Nope. I just re-read them all. Just the first issue tease and the last issue last page.
:-(

-------------

Next up is:

- Marvel Adventures; Fantastic Four # 43 - with Baron Mordo & Moondragon making their "Adventures' style" debut.

This was a silent story, which, as an artist, I always love. If the artwork can tell the complete tale with no words, then the artist (in this case, David Hahn) has successfully brought forth the "vision" of the writer (Paul Tobin).

Tobin crafts an interesting tale here, introducing some very unique touches and creative displays of magic in use.

One nice bit is this sequence; where mystic hand-servants are sent forth to retrieve the signatures (and essences) of the Fantastic Four, who have checked into Agatha Harkness' "Suite Salem" bed and breakfast (hey... it's the "adventures" Universe. It's more friendly then the "616" M.U.).

Who knew the Thing had such nice penmanship?

The hands had been conjured by Baron Mordo, who in this incarnation is a little bit more of a Diablo stand-in than anything resembling his previous published history.

Names have power. And Mordo has the knowledge to use them.

Imbuing clay statues with the magically enchanted essence of their namesakes, Mordo brings these 'golems' to life and pits them against their counterparts.
Why? Well... that's never even alluded to. It's just that he's a bad guy and bad guys usually attack the good guys of the comic. It's a law or something.

Diablo used this trick against the 'real' F.F. waaaay back in issue #232 in 01981.
Obviously, Mordo's not a comic reader or he'd know that it doesn't turn out too well.

Writer Paul Tobin is appreciated by this blogger for his fresh uses for magic and it's practitioners.
I've already raved (mostly) about his treatment of Doctor Strange in Marvel Adventures Super Heroes # 5. In fact, I gave that issue my "Best of the Year" award for Doc appearances. (HERE)

He works some nice magic in this issue, even allowing his voice to be "silenced" by the elegance of the artwork. Many writers these days are all about hearing themselves "speak", that this was a refreshing change.

Sadly, like the aforementioned Dr. Strange appearance, there are some misses here;
Mordo is misused. A villainous sorcerer of no slight ability, Mordo should ALWAYS be a threat. I understand that this "Adventures-style" story is more kid-friendly (but not kid-centric), and as someone who started reading comics AS a kid, I appreciate that.
However, there are many characters who could have fit the bill for this tale; Diablo, for starters. This elemental-type attack was very much in his wheelhouse, except for a few touches of "regular" magic, such as the signatures, and a few mystic hoojams seen before the battle.

Agatha Harkness is unfortunately underused as well. She's the proprietor of a Bed and Breakfast and is only shown in 2 panels; smiling and giving muffins to the newly registered guests.
No backlit, ominous witchlike going's on, sadly.
I've always had some serious love for her creepy witch-governess shtick.
If she makes future appearances in this title, and they build even a little of that into her character - then I'm on board.

Lastly, another fave of mine; Moondragon is a whole new different entity in this.
Here, she's a "fortune teller" of sorts, running a "magic hall of mirrors" in a carnival.

It's ok Johnny. She brought a smile to MY face as well.
Because SHE was smiling throughout her appearances.
That was nice to see.

Firstly, Moondragon's abilities aren't mystic in nature, so this new angle makes no sense.
I can live with her being a coy, almost playful woman here. There's only so much of the usual obnoxious, overbearing rendition - that she had for many decades - that anyone can take.

Still, she's more Zatanna (DC's main mystic maiden) than Moondragon.
It might have been a better choice to have used Arcanna (from the Squadron Supreme) or even the Scarlet Witch for this role.
Especially as the "fairgrounds" aspect of the "magic mirror" show lends itself nicely to either of those characters.

Still, at the end of the issue. It made me smile. As I mentioned in the above pic-tagline, it was nice to see Moondragon as a smiling, playful woman. Obviously still strong, and not a plaything, but open and appealing. She also gets the last laugh as well.

This was still a nice story, with clean and clear artwork and it was a refreshing change of pace from all the gloom and doom being published lately.

-------------

Another stocking stuffer is:

- What if? Secret Wars by Karl Bollers (writer) Jorge Molina (artist) - presents a very good, yet ultimately disappointing Dr. Strange appearance.


I liked this issue. Quite a bit. Dr. Doom is portrayed exceptionally well.
Dr. Strange however is given some respect (in words) but ultimately dissed (in deeds) in the end.

Truthfully, Neilalien has already spelled out my exact feelings on this issue, and much more succinctly than I could. His mini-review HERE.

-------------

I open the next goodie to find:

- Avengers / Invaders # 7 with another good Dr. Strange appearance. This time with old foe; D'Spayre!

In a scene reminiscent of Ghostbusters II, the New Avengers follow a river of dark slime through the sewers to find:

Doc senses the psycho-reactive "Mood slime".

D'Spayre is using the Cosmic Cube to feed off of the ill will and sorrow of the nation. The by-product is spewing out into psycho-sensitive slime that he now uses to envelop and restrain the heroes. D'Spayre then uses the opportunity to plumb the depths of his prisoner's... despair.

D'Spayre posits a reason for Clea's departure.

One by one, D'Spayre uses the flaws of these heroes against them. Feeding off of their guilt.
(Well... except for Wolverine. I mean... c'mon. Not gonna get blood from a stone, am I right?)
The only thing is, I don't get a sense of any real anguish from the captured heroes in this scene.
The art is too basic and although we can see that they are held fast and struggling, I just don't buy that they are being tormented (except for Toro, who had learned of his eventual fate last issue and spent his entire appearance here with the same "Oh shit... I'ma gonna die!" expression).

Not much else happens to this team, as the rest of the book is devoted to the "Mighty" Avengers and their battle against the renegade "S.H.I.E.L.D" L.M.D's and a surprise mystery villain.

This series has been building the mysteries slowly and progressing steadily with the story.

Writer Jim Krueger is someone whose past works I have liked and I was more than willing to give my $2.99 a month to see what he would do with these characters.

Alex Ross co-plots, and since I know that he's got a jones for the WWII era heroes, and a healthy respect for the modern ones, no one would really be treated poorly.

The weak link here (to me) is artist Steve Sadowski (joined by Patrick Berkenkotter).
The art for this issue is a step up from previous ones. It has a basic feel, rough at times, but it's clean and clearly tells the story. Is it at the level of what this project "should" have? Well... that's not for me to say. A big project like this probably should have had a higher caliber artist. Still, the art services the story, with some scenes working better than others.

For we Dr. Strange fans, his appearances in early issues was lacking, but now it seems to be that he's stepping into the heart of the action.

Hey! As a bonus, Spider-Man mentions that he's fought against D'Spayre before alongside MAN-THING. Just as Strange also reveals his past dealings with this demon, and his forebear; The Dweller in Darkness. A nice touch of continuity.

I'm looking forward to next issue.

-------------

Another welcome gift was:

Dead of Night : Werewolf By Night # 1 (of 4)
I almost passed on this mini-series as the cover by Patrick Zercher turned me off.
A worse-looking rendition of the Werewolf's face I couldn't imagine.
Want to see it for yourself? Check it out HERE at Marvel's website. Yikes!

However, this is totally a case of "Don't judge a book by it's cover" (or a gift by the wrapping).
Interior artwork by Mico Suayan is very dynamic and bold.
The coloring, at first look seems a bit overdone and garish, however for a tale about Werewolves it might perhaps be appropriate, as the brightness of the colors made it seem as though my own senses were heightened. That, mixed with the art that seemed to be nearly always aimed at the reader like an attacking wild animal gave a good feeling of urgency and impending doom.
Writer Duane Swierczynski crafts a gripping story of a night in the life of lycanthrope; Jack Russell, and his attempt to stifle the raging beast within him for the first night of the full moon. A story that places the reader in the head of this beast and we know that for the entirety of the issue... we can't get out.

I'm looking forward to being in this horror's head for the rest of the series.

An exciting mystery is in the works. A game of cat and mouse... or wolf and wolf.

***WARNING***
As a MAX title, it's probably not for the kids. Lots of blood and gore.
Dr. Frederic Wertham would have wet his bed after reading this.

-------------

I save for last a big lumpy package that smells like compost and has leaves and thorns sticking out of it at impossible angles... opening it I find:

- Spider-Man : Fear Itself (oneshot) - guest starring MAN-THING!

It...it's beautiful! Exactly what I wanted!
Cover art by Mico Suayan and Frank D'Armata.

There's a nice "shmaltzy" story crafted here by Stuart Moore, filled with soft-hazy flashback memories of a young Peter Parker, the sage advice of Aunt May and a carry-over to this modern adventure of Spider-Man.

The interior artwork by Joe Suitor is of mixed quality. While his coloring and backgrounds are beautifully done, his human figures and faces seem awkward and gaunt... and yet his Man-Thing is stellar.

He presents a new interpretation, that seems to take a page from the more recent looks that have been given to Manny. Such looks as seen in the "straight-to-DVD" Man-Thing film, it's prequel mini-series and the Marvel Legends action figure. All of those incarnations have large chunks of tree trunk bark jutting out from his back. Suitor follows suit with that representation.

What Moore and Suitor add that is new, is a layer of brambles that is used as an offensive weapon... and a means of infecting Spider-Man's bloodstream via the thorns.

Before I get too deep into the breakdown, I just want to share the one joke in the issue:

I laughed. No. Really.

It's like the kind of joke an 8 year old will hit you with.

Actually, it's not really the only joke in the issue, but it's one of the few, and the best.

This really isn't a jokey, big-time, fun-house Spider-Man romp, so the yuks are kept to a bare minimum. This is more of a thoughtful, low-key tale on the nature of fear.

And yet... it isn't.

It wants to be. It tried to walk that line, but truthfully, the story is more about a writer stringing together a few thin ideas and one cool metaphor (of a plant reaching for the light) and stitching them together in a web that won't hold the weight of the first fly that gets stuck in it.

The big deal here is Spider-Man walking a brief tightrope in his head (and with his DNA) between being a Man, an Animal or a ... plant... and what that means to him.

Of course, there are quite a few serious flaws with the way Spider-Man solves his dilemma and the ending, while plucking on some heartstrings, is "wrong" as well.
I wish I could go into those errors here, but I don't want to spoil anything for those who will be reading.

Sorry. But I can't even use a font color to hide the text (for a roll-over reveal) due to the particular shade of grey in my background.

Suffice to say, remember Aunt May's advice.
That's a good clue.

I'm more than willing to go into it in the comments section, if anyone wished to hazard a guess.

However, the story began with a false premise, or at least an unexplained one, (Why would Man-Thing be on a rampage, destroying the houses of poor people in the swamp? The answer put forth is... erroneous.,) and had a muddy through-line (so... was Man-Thing REALLY following Peter in New York, or was that all in his head? The writer seems to think it was BOTH, since in one scene the girl that Peter's with when he chases Man-Thing gives no sign that she sees the walking salad that is supposedly mere feet away from them) so from that point on I was just trying to stay in the story.

The last thing that hurt was the lettering by Jared K. Fletcher, which looked amateurish, and like the work of the other two creator's involved here... uneven.

I was able to read PAST the flaws however, to see the truer, purer vision of the creative team, and finally enjoy the tale for what it was (supposed to be). Don't think for a minute that I didn't get a little sad and choked up at the end. No matter if I thought it was a bit "off".

While I am being overly critical of the final product, I must commend the team for even putting forth their vision and producing a work that features Marvel's macabre muck-monster... the Man-Thing.

Thanks to the creative team, Tom Brevoort & Joe Quesada for this. It was the thought that counted.

I might be critical of the work, but I am thankful for the gift.

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* ("The Epiphany" - when the 3 "wise men" brought forth their gifts to the infant Christ-child. No I'm not Greek Orthodox or anything. My family has had that custom for many years. Maybe something small on Christmas Eve, one big gift on Christmas Day - and the rest on "Little Christmas".)