What if...? Marvels' series allows creators to wonder

The "What If?" story has long been a tradition for Marvel Comics. In these stories, writers take a look at some turning point in the life of a character, or a key event for the Marvel Universe itself, and ask , "What if this went another way?" The best thing about these stories is that they allow creators to go crazy, without having to worry about breaking Marvel's toys. In a "What If?" story, they can kill off characters, destroy planets, alter reality, or let the bad guys win.

Recently the folks at Marvel comics have unleashed a wave of "What Ifs" on readers, and they make for some interesting possible twists to recent Marvel history. The first off the block What if? House of M. Now, I admit that the idea of doing an alternate take on a story that already takes place in an alternate timeline may seem a little crazy, but the result is pretty nifty. Instead of wishing away mutants, that naughty Scarlet Witch gets rid of all powers, leaving a Marvel Universe with no super-powered heroes. This leaves technology-powered Iron Man as pretty much the only game in town, too bad for him that the Red Skull takes advantage of this power vacuum to whip out that annoying cosmic cube and start wreaking havoc. This issue also has the first installment of the serialised What If the Runaways became the Young Avengers?, so fans of those two teams will want to check this out.

Another interesting offering is What If? Newer Fantastic Four. Some readers may remember the Art Adams classic FF story in which Spidey, The Hulk, Wolverine, and Ghost Rider took over for the mising FF. This story shows what would have happened if this replacement team became permanent. Once Thanos gets his big purple mitts on the Infinity Gauntlet, most of the Marvel heroes are disappeared as Thanos tries to impress Death, his dream girlfriend, with a mass extinction of life across the whole universe. The team replaces the vanished Ghost Rider with Iron Man, and sets off to save all reality. While this issue has a pretty interesting premise, the best part of the book is the Mini Marvels World War Hulk: Final Showdown. I don't want to spoil anything, but Mini Hulk comes loaded with haikus and beatdowns for all!

Of interest to Spidey fans is What If? Spider-Man Back in Black. As someone who did NOT like One More Day or Brand New Day, I enjoyed this story more than the ones we really got. If MJ had been shot by the Kingpin's sniper, instead of the all-too-frequently victimised Aunt May, what would Spidey do? The answer may upset Peter's sweet old aunty, but at least it doesn't involve Mephisto, or a mass destruction of the character's history. (Sorry, I think the reviewer's bias is showing here! I'll behave now.)

So, if you want to see what could happen when creators don't have to worry about what's going to be in the next issue, you should check out any or all of Marvel's recent crop of What If? one-shots. What if you missed the chance to check these out while they are guaranteed at Four Color Fantasies? You'd be sorry then! Personally, I'm still hoping for What if Wolverine Got a Manicure? or What If Daredevil Ate Too Much Pie?, but those are probably never going to happen.

A Real World View: Marvels - Eye of the Camera #1

In comic book terms, fifteen years seems like forever. In that amount of time, the readership changes, creators come and go, heroes are created, killed off, brought back to life, turned into villains, and turned back again. Some readers may not remember 15 years ago, when Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross made a huge splash with their work on Marvels.

The Marvels limited series did something that was almost unheard of at the time, it treated the amazing world of Marvel's super heroes as if it were a real place. Through the eyes of everyman photographer Phil Sheldon, readers were given a street-level view of a normal world that was suddenly populated by incredible heroes, villains, and unbelievable menaces. How would we really react to the Fantastic Four? What would it be like to have Galactus walking through our cities? It would be amazing, exhilarating, and pretty darn terrifying, is what it would be. With Busiek’s script and Ross's intensely realistic art, Marvels perfectly captured those feelings.

Now, just a decade and a half later, the follow-up to that ground-breaking series is here! Marvels: Eye of the Camera is still written by Busiek, but this time he is teamed up with artist Jay Anacleto. I can only imagine that, for an artist, following up iconic work by Alex Ross is a pretty terrifying prospect, but Anacleto rises to the challenge admirably. His work is equally detailed and "real," but he doesn't attempt to copy Ross' famous style. He brings his own approach to this world, but still convinces readers that a man can set himself on fire and fly around New York.

This first issue of Marvels: Eye of the Camera re-introduces us to Phil Sheldon, and the experiences he first had capturing the "Marvels" on film. Where the original series focused on events from the Lee/Kirby era of the 1960s Marvel Universe, this series will be moving forward to cover the events of the '70s. Don't worry if you didn't read the original Marvels all those years ago! This book tells you everything you need to know about Phil, his family, and his interaction with the Marvel heroes. If you have read the original, I probably don't have to do much to sell you on picking this up, other than to say that it seems like a worthy successor.

Don't miss out! Would you even know what to do if you found your world invaded by heroes, villains, and conquering aliens? Probably not, so you can learn from Phil Sheldon, and bring back some of the sense of wonder to your jaded fan heart, with Marvels: Eye of the Camera #1. Try it now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!

Sir Apropos of Nothing gives you every reason to read!

Heroes are usually strong, honorable sorts, but how much more interesting is the man that blunders into trouble, manages to succeed by pure luck, and is crowned a hero?
Peter David's eponymous star Sir Apropos of Nothing is just this sort of reluctant hero and we in the audience can revel in the cringe-worthy moments, because we know Sir Apropos will turn it around...eventually.
Before I go any further, I must confess to being a Peter David fan. His name above the title -- be it comics or novels -- will ensure that I'll pick it up and give it a try. The Sir Apropos of Nothing novels are one of David's success stories. The story provided the perfect venue for David's off-beat sense of humor and gave him a playground for his skillful wordplay. When the publishers said they didn't want another Apropos tale, despite keeping the first three titles in print, David decided to take his hero into a new medium. Sir Apropos of Nothing is finding new life in comics and while these are new stories starting after the book series, comics readers can pick up right where David drops them -- in a desert where Apropos is riding a horse with no name. A horse he stole while the original rider's pants were down. Apropos says the horse probably has a name "but since it didn't ask me mine, I saw no reason to inquire after its." Apropos successfully escapes defeat twice in this issue alone, but there's a certain man in black who is not going to be happy with Apropos's treatment of his dark tower.
Seeing Apropos for the first time through the art of Robin Riggs is a real treat. Riggs' art realistically brings Apropos and his world to life, which provides an excellent foil for the sometimes ridiculous circumstances Apropos finds himself in. The first issue is colored in pastel pinks and blues, a washed out landscape fitting for the desert setting. Apropos is an attractive bloke, whose good looks are tempered by his crippled leg. He starts the issue with his trusty staff with a secret in its tip (double entendre intended), a sword on his back, and a treasure map, which is all Apropos needs to have an adventure.
Fans of the novels will celebrate to have more tales of their hapless hero while the comic should draw in a new fan base. Why not give Apropos a try while the first issue is Four Color Fantasies Book of the Week? (Plus, if you like it, issue 2 also is on the stands.)

The Sandman: The Dream Hunters #1

Ten years ago, Neil Gaiman and Yoshitaka Amano teamed up to create the illustrated novella The Dream Hunters. At the time, this book served as a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Gaiman's Sandman. Oddly enough, 10 years later, Sandman: The Dream Hunters is being adapted, as a comic, by P. Craig Russell, just in time for the 20th anniversary.

According to the afterword in the first issue, this isn't being done simply because Gaiman is out of new ideas, but because Russell has been pining away for a chance to adapt this story for the entire last decade. Based on Russell's stellar reputation as an artist, you know a book he cares about this much is going to be something special. Fans of Gaiman or Russell will certainly not be disappointed!

The best thing about this book is that it stands completely on its own, even if you've never picked up a Sandman comic in your life. Long-time fans will enjoy the subtle connections to the universe Gaiman created all those years ago, but the uninitiated will find a complete, charming, story rooted in Japanese folk tales. It is an authentic enough story that you may be tempted to look up Gaiman's sources. Unfortunately, you can't. Gaiman, with a little input from Amano, created the Dream Hunters on his own, and then made up a literary pedigree and back-story for it. He is a naughty writer!

The story itself revolves around a simple, rural, monk living on an isolated mountain in Japan. A fox and a badger decide to trick him out of his simple home, as it is much nicer than a fox's den or a badger's set. These diabolically clever critters take turns using their shape-shifting powers to fool the monk into leaving his home. Of course, the monk turns out to be far cleverer than they give him credit for, and he outfoxes them both. Even the fox. Despite the duplicitous start to their relationship, the fox actually finds herself falling in love with the monk. When she discovers that other forces are plotting against him, she realizes that she is willing to risk anything to save the monk's life.

Russell's art is, as always, absolutely gorgeous. This story, with its timeless and classic feel, is perfectly suited to his style. It reads, and looks, like a brilliant children's story, aimed at adults. The art is loaded with lush detail, and will call you back to examine it more closely, even after mutliple readings. With a chain of creators like Gaiman, Amano, and Russell all involved in the story, you know The Sandman: The Dream Hunters #1 is a special event. The fact that it is also Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week is just an added bonus.

Kicking Tail Puritan Style: Solomon Kane The Castle of the Devil

Most people, when they think of Puritans, think either of deluded idiots burning "witches" left and right, or boring, overly pious, dudes in black, wearing funny hats, and serving turkey on Thanksgiving. Lucky for us, pulp genius Robert E. Howard was not "most people." REH thought Puritan and created a grim, butt-kicking, fighter, who beat down evil for the Lord. Howard was a man wise in the ways of awesome pulp fiction!

Dark Horse comics has already experienced great success with their adaptation of Howard's most renowned character, the boisterous, honorable, and mighty-thewed barbarian, Conan. They are clearly bringing the same level of care and attention to the comic book version of Howard's fighting Puritan, Solomon Kane. This project has amazingly lush and detailed art, with a wood print-like quality, from artist Mario Guevara, and a script by Dark Horse horror editor Scott Allie. Add in character designs by Guy Davis and a story by REH, and this book has all the ingredients for excellence.

Solomon Kane himself couldn't be more different than REH's famous barbarian. Sure, both men are likely to leave their enemies bleeding on the ground, but the similarities end there. Where Conan is raucous and enjoys drinking, wenching, and brawling, Kane is a grim, rigid, joyless man, who lives only to serve God. Conan travels his world mostly to line his own pockets with gold, but Kane roams the land merely seeking to fulfill whatever purpose his Lord intends.

In The Castle of the Devil, Solomon Kane finds himself in the Black Forest of Germany. It is not a welcoming place, but when he finds a seemingly innocent young boy hanging from a gibbet, he feels moved to visit the dreaded castle of the local Baron. And by "moved" I mean that he feels he will probably have to walk in to the Baron's own stronghold and "ease him of his evil life." Of course, Kane, and his fellow traveler John Silent, soon discovers that all may not be as it seems in the Baron's home...

Solomon Kane #2 is this week's guaranteed Book of the Week but, thanks be to providence, there are copies of #1 still to be had! Don't waver from the course of right, for weak men soon fall into the hands of evil. It will do your soul naught but good to read the adventures of the purest man ever to cut the devil down to size: Solomon Kane! Besides, you wouldn't want to give him any reason to suspect that you are not on the side of right, now would you?

Puny humans buy Monster-Size Hulk #1

Raaaarrrgh! Hulk smash stupid monsters!! Monsters think it is scary season, so monsters can hurt Hulk. Stupid monsters learn no one can hurt Hulk, not even monsters. You don't believe Hulk? Read Monster-Size Hulk #1 comic and see for yourself, puny reader! Hulk tell you how great comic is!

Many stories in this book! In first story, stupid Banner meets pretty Frankenstein lady. Pretty lady tricks stupid Banner, so Banner meets angry monster! Frankenstein monster is even uglier than Hulk. Lady tries to hurt Hulk, so Hulk and monster smash each other. Then Hulk and monster smash puny army guys. Then some other stuff gets smashed. Lots of smashing, but Hulk is never scared! Puny comic writer Jeff Parker can't scare Hulk, and neither can Frankenstein Monster.

Puny Banner is stupid. Banner always tries to help bad people, and they hurt Banner. Hulk would laugh at Banner, but when bad people hurt Banner, they hurt Hulk too! In next story, Banner helps dogman Jack Russell. (Ha ha! Funny name for stupid dogman!) Puny writer Steve Niles tells how Hulk smashes smelly dogman. Story has pretty pictures, but still makes Hulk angry.

In Hulk's favorite story, funny-name monster Goom tells scary bedtime story to little monster about Hulk. In bedtime story, Hulk is scariest monster there is! Smart monsters don't want to bother Hulk, because they know Hulk will smash! Smart puny humans must read story so they don't try to hurt Hulk. Hulk makes scary monsters cry! Take that monsters!

Last story in Hulk's Monster-Size Hulk book has many words, not many pictures. Words make Hulk's head hurt, but story is still good. Puny human Peter David tells story about how Hulk meets stupid Count with pointy teeth and cape. Stupid pointy-teeth Count wants to keep Hulk in his smelly old castle, but Hulk not want to stay. Hulk smashes lots of things and Count learns pointy teeth are no match for Hulk.

Puny humans call Hulk monster, but Hulk is no monster. Hulk smashes monsters! Smashes them all! Hulk not tell you again, read Hulk's Monster-Size Hulk comic, and see smashing for yourself. Puny reader will see monsters are not scary, only angry Hulk is scary. Don't make Hulk angry! Read Hulk's comic, or Hulk smash you too!!! If you don't like Hulk's comic, Hulk give money back. And then smash you.

The Game's a Foot: Ender's Game: Battle School #1

It's not easy being a kid. Under normal circumstances, kids have to cope with pressure from school, society, and even their own family. Worst of all, they have to deal with the cruelty of other kids. Imagine how much worse it would be for any kid with the added complication of being the artificially-bred last hope for the human race! And you thought it was tough handling that lumbering mouth-breather who wanted to take your milk money!

Continuing the recent trend of big-time literary adaptations, Marvel gives you the chance to experience all the fun of childhood trauma and isolation in Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game: Battle School #1. This book, by writer Christopher Yost and artist Pasqual Ferry, is the first link in a chain of limited series that will ultimately adapt the entirety of Card's much-loved novel. This first issue certainly gets things off to a promisng start.

Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is the third child of the Wiggin clan to be eyed for a position in Battle School. His brother, Peter, was promising, but proved to be a little too unstable. His sister, Valentine, was far too kind and sensitive to be of use. Ender, however, seems like he may be just right. His first test is surviving without the monitor that has tracked him all his life. With the monitor gone, Ender is at the mercy of both cruel bullies and his own siblings. How he survives on his own, if he survives on his own, will be his final test. Does Ender have what it takes to save humanity from the terrifying alien Formics?

Christopher Yost's adaptation of Card's book is excellent. Readers are quickly pulled into the story, and Ender's travails are relatable to almost anyone. Pasqual Ferry also does an excellent job portraying both the human drama and the futuristic look of Ender's world. Creating a credible sci-fi universe in a comic is not an easy task, but these creators have pulled it off in a way that makes it seem like an alien cake-walk. (Mmmm, alien cake...)

If Ender can fight to save the human race from the Formics, the least you can do is read this book! Don't let the bullies scare you away from doing the right thing! Stop by Four Color Fantasies this week and try out the guaranteed Book of the Week: Ender's Game: Battle School #1. Besides, when Ender gets angry, he does have a tendency to start kicking people in the groin, repeatedly. Don't make Ender angry.

A Don't Miss Crime Drama: Top 10 #1

Police dramas have been around for quite a while. It seems like almost every possible permutation of this genre has been done somewhere, in books, TV, or movies. Leave it to Alan Moore to come up with a new twist on the "cop show," one that perfectly combines the best elements of the classic police procedural with the best elements of super-hero comics.

Top Ten, originally created by Alan Moore and Gene Ha, launched a while back as part of Moore's America's Best Comics line. Top Ten exists in a universe of countless parallel dimensions, where the Omniversal HQ oversees a multi-dimenional police force. Each dimension has its own way of doing things, but that hasn't worked out too well for the officers of Parallel 10. Theirs is a world in which almost everyone has a super-power, and a heroic (or villainous) identity. That makes keeping Parallel 10 safe pretty difficult, especially when the former commissioner went a little megalomaniacal.

As Top Ten: Season Two begins, the men and women of Parallel 10 have to get used to a new boss. The new commissioner, operating remotely from boring Parallel 61, has some big changes in mind. The worst of which, for a world full of colorfully dressed super-folks, includes getting rid of the officer's unique costumes and exotic weapons. In order to help the new boss keep an eye on things, he installs the straight-laced (but awesomely named) Slipstream Phoenix to work with the folks at Parallel 10.

Unfortunately, that isn't the worst of Top Ten's troubles. On top of having to deal with a new boss and a new guy on the team, a very unpleasant mystery turns up in the fountain right outside HQ. In the apparent blink of an eye, 12 strangled teenage girls appear floating in the tranquil pool. Amazingly, all the bystanders happened to be looking the other way when the bodies appeared. And all the surveillance cameras glitched at the key moment. This is not the kind of mystery any police department wants on its doorstep.

Writer Zander Cannon and returning artist Gene Ha, bring action, mystery, and character, to the fine folks policing Parallel 10. If you loved the first series, you definitely don't want to miss Season Two. If you have never met the officers of Top Ten before, this is a great place to join in the action. In fact, it would be a real crime to miss this guaranteed Book of the Week. (Police-related pun fans, you're welcome.)

The Next Big Comics Thing: Stephen King's The Stand Captain Trips

The end of summer can be a tough time. There's a nip in the air, kids have gone back to school, leaves are starting to turn brown and fall from the trees. Oh, and, worst of all, you get one of those darn September/October colds that you can't quite get rid of. You get the sniffles and a scratchy throat. You're not really sick enough to stay in bed, just sick enough to feel miserable. At least, you THINK it's a cold. What else could it be? Maybe it's just the end of the world...

In the wake of Marvel's successful team-up with Stephen King on the Dark Tower series, we have another, even more ambitious, project from the House of Ideas and the best selling author. The Stand: Captain Trips #1 is the beginning of Marvel's adaptation of Stephen King's longest, and most beloved, novel. If you ask any Stephen King fan, I'd lay fair odds that they'll rank The Stand as King's best. It was once recommended to me as the book that you'll love, even if you don't like anything else by Stephen King. Considering the epic length of this book, Marvel seems to have made a wise move by adapting it as a series of mini-series, rather than one massive run. It should keep things manageable for both readers and creators.

Captain Trips introduces us to a virus that destroys civilization as we know it. Things starts out innocently enough when Charlie Campion rushes home in the middle of the night to collect his wife and baby. There's been an accident at the military base. Everyone there is dead, but Charlie got out in time. He's taking his family far away. Luckily, the wind seems to be blowing away from them, so everything is going to be alright. Though Charlie does seem to have a nagging cough...

Of course, it isn't long before the disease is spreading, people are dying, and no one can safely assume that a cold is just a simple cold. The script by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa sticks closely to King's book, while doing a great job of making the story work as a comic. This is a story that takes place in a very real world, filled with very real people, and the art from Mike Perkins perfectly captures that realistic vibe. You could easily see the same guys hanging out at your local filling station as the guys who pull the dying Campion from his car. The fact that this could all believably be happening to you, to your friends and neighbors, is what makes the horror so effective.

So hypochondriacs beware! If the faintest sniffle, ache, or pain sends you into a panic, you may not have a strong enough constitution for The Stand! For everyone else, this first issue is your chance to get in on what could well be the next big thing in comics. What more could readers hope for than some of Marvel's best creators adapting the most popular work of one of the most successful writers of all time? That's a load of superlatives! So grab a tissue, take some vitamin C, and pick up a copy of this guaranteed Book of the Week. Just make sure your hands are clean before you come in the store...

A Groundbreaking Series: X-Men: Magneto Testament #1

Comics are a great storytelling medium, because they can do so many different things extremely well. Whether you like epic space adventure, quiet personal drama, violent tales of terror, or super-heroes kicking each other's teeth out, a good comic can deliver. Some comics can even teach you something about history, in an emotional and moving way, while streamlining the origin story of a mutant leader in a purple helmet. Now that's an achievement!

X-Men: Magneto Testament #1, by Greg Pak and Carmine Di Giandomenico, is the first issue in a five issue limited series that streamlines all the diverse bits and pieces about Magneto's early years that various writers have given us over the years. This is no easy task. Any comic book character that has been around for over 40 years,and been in the hands of countless creators, is bound to have an incredibly convoluted back story. Magneto is certainly no exception to that rule.

Luckily for readers, the creators of this series have clearly done their research. Not only have they spent years reading up on the character, they've delved into their history textbooks too. The most compelling aspect of this character is his childhood as a Jewish boy living in Germany during the rise of the Nazis. Just because this is a super-hero comic, don't assume this terrible and tragic period of history will be treated lightly. The creators have clearly tried to portray this era in a realistic, truthful, way. Readers will almost certainly find themselves emotionally involved and angry as they read this tale.

The first issue introduces us to Magneto as young Max Eisenhardt (The first time Magneto's actual birth name has been revealed.), as a typical young boy. The nine year old son of a Jewish craftsman living in Germany, Max is just discovering his own skills, and just discovering an interest in girls. His eye is particularly caught by a young cleaning girl called Magda, and he has been crafting jewelry for her from remnants found in his father's workshop. Tragically, Max's young life goes horribly wrong as he and his family fall victim to the racial hatred of the Nazis....

If you are a fan of Magneto, or Marvel's mutants in general, you certainly don't want to miss this groundbreaking series. If you have never picked up an X-Book, but you like comics that emotionally involve you, and give you some serious substance to think about, you also don't want to miss this one. Great art, great story, and the definitive early years of one of Marvel's greatest characters! What more could you possibly want in a comic? Check out X-Men: Magneto Testament #1 now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week.

An Epic Beat-down: Superman #679

It's a fair bet that, if you read a lot of comics, you probably like stories in which incredibly powerful beings punch the living daylights out of each other. I know I do. Subtle plotting, brilliant dialogue, and complex stories are also great, but you can't go wrong with an occasional epic beat-down. Superman #679 gives readers an epic tussle in more ways than one.

I admit that I'm not a regular reader of the Big Blue One's adventures, but I think it is pretty rare for him to come up against an enemy that, pound for pound and punch for punch, is more than a match for him. Superman's battle in this issue is epic in scale, because he's up against an actual epic figure: Atlas the Titan. Somehow, Atlas has been pulled from the distant past and set on conquering Metropolis. Naturally, Superman ends up in his way, but Atlas is unimpressed by Earth's mightiest champion.

Not only does the Titan seem to be more than a physical match for Supes, he has some mysterious allies lurking in the background. When Supergirl arrives on the scene to help, some shadowy military types, with some serious resources at their disposal, act to take her out of the equation. Of course, Superman has some allies of his own. Jimmy and Lois begin to notice that someone is manipulating events behind the scenes, and a few other heroes arrive as backup. Atlas dispatches all comers without breaking a sweat, but the last page reveals one awesome Super-ally who is not to be trifled with. You might even say he's Superman's best friend...

Despite the fact that Superman #679 is part three of this story, writer James Robinson and penciller Renato Guedes offer up everything you need to jump right in and enjoy the action. Offering up a true clash of titans, this issue's epic brouhaha is one you won't want to miss. It has high stakes, intense action, tragic consequences, and a final page that will really make you want the next issue. All that, plus a snazzy (If somewhat spoilerific) painted cover!

Check out Superman #679 while you can! Unlike Superman, you have nothing to lose. It's Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week! You'll believe a man can fly, and then get the steaming bejeezus kicked out of him.

Clever story, outstanding art: The Brave and the Bold #16

Everybody loves a wacky team-up! Whether you're talking Felix and Oscar, Daffy and Bugs, Chan and Tucker, or Spidey and the Torch, putting together two characters who really shouldn't ever be in the same room is always pure comedy gold. And, honestly, you'd be hard pessed to find two characters more unlikely to team-up than the stars of The Brave and the Bold #16: Superman and Catwoman. (Though I'd love to see a Foolkiller/Aunt May team-up someday!)

In this issue, Batman is mysteriously "out of town" (Is he just hanging out at the beach? Can he do that?) so he asks his big, blue, boyscout buddy to keep an eye on Gotham for him while he's away. It's bad enough when your friends ask you to feed their cat, I don't know where Bats gets off asking someone to take care of a whole city for him. Anyway, Superman dutifully shows up when Commissioner Gordon signals and, like the polite young fella he is, offers to help out with the massive underworld auction taking place in Gotham. (It seems to me that the "World's Greatest Detective" knew this gig would be a hassle and decided to let someone else deal with it, while he kicked back in his little Bat Swim Trunks. Probably wasn't enough grim lurking in it for him. I'm just sayin'.)

Anyway, Supes is on the case and quickly bumps into the lovely Ms. Selina "Catwoman" Kyle, who has also taken an interest in this auction. She also quickly takes an interest in Superman's huge pecs and his buns of steel. In no time at all, Catwoman has Superman wrapped around her dainty, feminine wiles, and has him playing dress-up as they infiltrate the auction. They're hoping to bid on a map to a mysterious cave in the area, a map that seems to have Batman's enemies worked into quite a lather...

This stand-alone, done-in-one, issue, by Mark Waid and Scott Kolins, has a clever story, outstanding art, and plenty of grin-worthy moments. If you're looking for a break from all the grim n' gritty event comics out there this summer, you definitely don't want to miss The Brave and the Bold #16 starring Superman and Catwoman. It's fun, it's guaranteed, and it's the best team-up you'll see until we get that She-Hulk/Tigra book I keep dreaming about.

Intriguing story, Noir-ish art make NewUniversal 1959 a must read

Back in "ye olden days" of the 1980s, when Marvel first tried to launch its New Universe, there was a huge wave of hype, all new ongoing series were launched, and everybody was terribly excited. Then the books actually came out, most of them were pretty goofy and, to be honest, not very good. (No offense if you have fond memories of Kickers, Inc.) The hype died down, the books went away, and that was the end of that. The New Universe became the old, forgotten, universe.

This time around, the folks at Marvel have a different approach. The new NewUniversal books have kind of slipped under the radar. They kicked off with an under-hyped limited series from Warren Ellis, and have continued wth a string of interesting short series and one-shots from various creators. These books aren't getting much attention, but they're actually pretty good.

The latest entry is a one-shot: NewUniversal 1959, taking a look at what happened the first time a mysterious white flash appeared in the sky. Not only were the fancy new computers of America, circa 1953, all fried, but some people started showing signs of weird new abilities. In a very film noir, Cold War era USA, ordinary citizens with super-powers are not viewed as a good thing. The brand new National Security Agency starts keeping track of these superhumans, and they don't like what they see.

The three cases who first pop up on their radar are: Lester Robbins, who can appear and disappear anywhere around the world seemingly at random; Veronica Kelly, who can chop people up with her mind; and a young fella named Tony Stark, who can build impossible things. (The inclusion of this ill-fated Stark does seem to confirm that this is a universe that runs parallel to the "real" Marvel U.) The N.S.A. is determined to prevent these people from threatening humanity, so they put cold-blooded scientist Phillip Voight on the case. Phillip and his "men in black" will go to almost any lengths to stop what they see as the "superhuman menace."

With an intriguing, self-contained, story by Kieron Gillen, and atmospheric, noir-ish, art by Greg Scott, this one-shot is a great story on its own, and an essential piece of new New Universe history. Plus, Iron Man fans seriously do not want to miss what becomes of this world's Tony Stark. (He totally doesn't get to be played by Robert Downey Jr. in a blockbuster movie!) Try out NewUniversal 1959 this week at Four Color Fantasies, while it is the guaranteed Book of the Week. You wouldn't want the government looking in to your un-American book buying practices, would you?

Real, Gritty Mutant Comic: NYX: No Way Home #1

Despite the fact that they complain a lot, most of Marvel's mutants have a pretty cushy gig. Sure, they're hated and feared by a world they're sworn to protect, but they have cool costumes, super-human powers, live in mansions, and fly around in stealth jets. Oh, the poor babies. Now that there are only about 200 mutants left in the world, you'd think they would all hitch on to the X-Men bandwagon, but a few still fall through the cracks. I'm not really sure which is worse, living a life of abject poverty and desolation, or having Mr. Sinister keep showing up to kick you in the face.

NYX: No Way Home #1 seems to suggest that poverty might be worse. This series stars a group of mutant city kids, who are without homes or families. Kiden, Tatiana, Bobby, and Bobby's Lil' Bro have, thanks to dumpster diving and odd jobs, managed to scrounge together a life for themselves. They even have at least one benefactor, former teacher Cameron Palmer, who feeds them from time to time, while pushing them to better themselves. The kids feel like their lives, while hard, aren't really that bad. Unfortunately, someone seems to have an eye on these kids. Someone who wants to make their lives a whole lot worse...

NYX is written by Marjorie Liu, and she does a great job pulling readers into the story with glimpses of the future horror the kids have to look forward to. Liu also does a great job making the cast a believable group of characters who, for the most part, sound like real kids. The art by Kalman Andrasofszky is also excellent. The characters are all very distinctive, and they act and emote in ways which really pull readers into the reality of the story. Andrasofszky includes loads of small, convincing detail in every panel. The first issue also includes a very nice sketchbook from Andrasofszky, and a nifty interview between the two creators.

If you like your mutant comics with a little more reality, and a little less glamour, NYX: No Way Home is the book for you! Action, humor, teen angst, and violent torture all in one book! What more could you need? It may not have Wolverine in it, but this comic is guaranteed all week at Four Color Fantasies, so you'd be making a huge mistake if you don't give it a try. You don't want let these kids down, do you?

Marvel's unique angle: True Believers #1

In the modern Marvel Universe, vigilante heroes who operate without express permission from Tony Stark are very much frowned upon. The whole idea of taking the law into your own hands, as most heroes of yore did, is enough to get you whisked away to an "undisclosed location" in the Negative Zone. But can S.H.I.E.L.D., the government, or "the Man" really be trusted to do what needs to be done? Can they be trusted to hold all the cards, keeping the public safe and informed?

Probably not. That's where the True Believers come in! This mini-series, by Cary Bates and Paul Gulacy, introduces a team who are not only about protecting the public, but also keeping them informed. The True Believers round up the bad guys, and keep the people informed with an untraceable, unhackable website. They expose corrupt government and corporate figures, they even expose the secrets of Super Heroes gone wrong. No secret is safe from the True Believers. As their motto, a quote from George Orwell, says, "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes an act of rebellion." (See what you can learn from the classics? When you finish your comics, go read 1984.)

In the first issue, the team infiltrates an underground hooker fight club, where the kidnapped ladies are fired up with Mutant Growth Hormone and LSD and forced to bash away at each other for the amusement of a bunch of rich, old guys. Rich, old guys dressed up as Super Heroes, that is. Once the True Believers put a stop to their fun, they post the story, with loads of video evidence, to their website and the media takes things from there. They expose corruption and lies wherever they find them, and the authorities have no idea how to find them or stop them. They operate under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s nose, and they don't hesitate to go after big targets. Including a very high-profile, much loved, hero...

Cary Bates story is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The central idea, of rebelling to get the truth to the people, obviously has some connections to real world current events, while also looking at Marvel's heroes from a slighty different angle. Gulacy's art does a great job of capturing the "espionage thriller" feel of the story, and making the super hero elements seem real and believable. Plus, he draws a naked lady, covered in swirly energy stuff, kicking a wrinkled, old, senator, dressed in a Hulk suit, in the face. That's something you don't see every day.

If you want to know the truth, you need to read True Believers! The first issue is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week, so what are you waiting for? Someone to hack into your computer and reveal your most shocking secrets to the world? If you don't want that to happen, and I don't think you do, then you better read this book.

Support the Art We Love, Buy CBLDF Liberty Comics

As Americans, one of the greatest freedoms we have is the freedom to write, draw, or read anything we want. Unfortunately, this is also one of the freedoms people are always trying to take away from us. There are way too many people out there who want to cover your eyes and ears "for your own good." Personally, I believe I am capable of making my own decisions about what is good or bad for me, and I think you are capable too. Freedom of speech and expression is an incredibly valuable gift we often seem to take for granted. If you don't like censorship, if you don't want people telling you what you can read, then you love liberty, and Liberty Comics should be on your reading list.

The CBLDF (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund) Presents: Liberty Comics-Big First Amendment Issue is an awesome opportunity for you to support a great cause while enjoying yourself at the same time! The CBLDF provides money for the legal defense of comic book retailers and creators who fall afoul of the dark forces of censorship. People in the comic book business make great targets for attack by these dark forces, because they don't have the bankroll to mount huge legal battles, and they often have to accept defeat, even when they are in the right. Bullies do love to pick on those who can't defend themselves, you know. Thanks to the CBLDF, there is someone to step in and protect those who can't protect themselves. By the simple act of buying and reading a brilliant comic, you can be part of the team that helps save the day!

So what is actually in this book? An amazing cavalcade of top-notch creators making great comics, is all! To start things off, there are two great covers, a nifty Hell...I mean, HECKboy, cover by Mike Mignola or a sexy Danger Girl cover by J. Scott Campbell. Inside the book, there is a hilariously wrong tale of fund-raising gone wild featuring The Boys, by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. There is also a fun, educational, series of Tales of Comic Book Censorship by Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragones. Not sold yet? How about contributions from Darwyn Cooke, Mark Millar, J. Bone, Ed Brubaker, and Richard Starkings? If that doesn't convince you, how about a gorgeous two-page spread featuring the first new Monkeyman and O'Brien work in years by the amazing Arthur Adams? If none of that stuff interests you, you must not like comics. (And I know that's not true!) Great stories and beautiful art packs these pages!

Liberty Comics gives you the chance to support an excellent, important cause, while treating yourself to a blast of tip-top comics! I think that's the kind of charitable giving we can all get behind. So do the right thing. Try out Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week, support the CBLDF, and bask in your freedom to do so! I mean, you DO love liberty don't you? You don't want "the man" to come and take away your favorite comics, do you? I think we all know the answers, so buy this book!

Epic scope, scale: Storming Paradise #1

As a literate and well-rounded reader of comics, I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of a What if...? story. Writers at the big two publishers have used this concept for years (Even if DC calls them Elseworlds.) to really mess up their characters without actually destroying a popular franchise. These stories look at a character's life and ask what would be different if some pivotal moment changed. What if Bruce Wayne's parents had lived? What if J. Jonah Jameson thought Spider-Man was great? What if Hulk ate all the pies? (Or was that one of those Hostess ads?)

The big idea is that one small change, one piece of chance, one bad decision, can totally change a person's life. In some cases, one small thing can change the whole world. In Wildstorm's Storming Paradise, by Chuck Dixon and Butch Guice, the What If? trick is applied to the real world. What if the guys working on the U.S.'s atom bomb project during WWII screwed up and blew themselves to smithereens? In this case, one small change is going to affect a whole lot of people.

Without the bomb, the war plan of the U.S. changes radically. A full-fledged invasion of Japan becomes the order of the day, and Storming Paradise takes reader's along for that rough ride. This book treats its alternate history very seriously. It is clear that Dixon knows his stuff, or did some serious research, or maybe both. As someone with only a passing knowledge of WWII (Pay attention in school kids!), I wasn't always sure which bits reflected real history and which were subtle changes. Everything in this book feels very plausible, like history could easily have gone this way.

Dixon's story is told from almost every possible point of view. From the President, to the Generals, to the troops on the ground, to war correspondents, to the Japanese forces and civilians, and even to John Wayne, readers will see how everyone is affected, how all these lives are changed by a mistake made by one important group of men. Guice's art is perfect for this book. It is detailed and realistic, and as carefully researched as the script. Historical likenesses, uniforms, and military equipment, all seem very accurate, at least to my untrained eye. This comic has the feel of something you could see on the History Channel, and I mean that in a good way! (The "Buy War Bonds" propaganda poster styled cover is a neat touch, too.)

If you like history, what if ..? tales, or just stories that are told with epic scope and scale, you don't want to miss Storming Paradise. Hey, it's guaranteed this week at Four Color Fantasies, so you have nothing to lose. Besides, what if you don't read this book? The chain of possible consequences is not something you want to risk. When we're all living in a country that has been invaded by Belgium, then you'll be sorry.

Inventive, Clever: The Goon #26

You know, I buy lots of comics. Seriously, lots of comics. I'm sure, by most reasonable standards, that I buy WAY too many comics. The problem is, I like them all so much that I just can't let any of them go. There are, or so I imagine, worse things to be addicted to than comics, so I don't worry too much about cutting back on my habit. However; if I could only buy one comic, if I really had to choose, the one book I love the most is Eric Powell's The Goon. So what is this Goon book, and what makes it so brilliant and entertaining that it comes out on top of all the other great comics out there? I shall endeavor to illuminate you!

The Goon is essentially the story of a good man raised in a horrible, horrible world. Goon's hometown is a cursed place, filled with monsters, zombies, crime, misery and despair. Oh, and hillbillies, can't forget the hillbillies. To survive in this world, the Goon had to become the baddest of the bad and the meanest of a mean lot. He's a film noir tough guy who has a heart of gold, but who will not hesitate to bludgeon the bad guys into the ground with a cinder block, or blow up an occasional burlesque house. Though he may be an angry, violent, thug, the Goon (with his pal Franky) is also the only ray of hope for the citizens of his town. This all sounds pretty grim, but Powell mixes in heaping helpings of dark comedy and satire, that will make you laugh out loud before you grimace in horror. Powell's writing is inventive and clever, every issue of The Goon is packed with hilarious gags, quotable dialogue, and gripping action. Powell's art is just as amazing and unique as his writing, perfectly capturing the jokes, the monster pummeling, and the occasional somber moments. Hey, he's won Eisner Awards, so you know he's good!

The Goon #26 finds our hero at war with a rival crime boss, Labrazio, who seems to be the guy Goon killed to start his career. When some of his men (OK, they're bog lurks, not men.) are attacked on a secret job, Goon smells a rat and sets out to figure out which one of his "pals" betrayed him. This leads to a hilarious sequence in which his team of street urchin informants infiltrate the burlesque house disguised as "a grown man with a mustache that enjoys watching women shake their boobies about." Their success, however, leads to some seriously violent retribution when Goon finds out who did him wrong, which perfectly illustrates the range of this book. If you've never tried The Goon before, this issue shows you just a hint of what you've been missing. I bet you'll love this book enough to want more.

At some time or another, everything awesome makes its way into the pages of The Goon. Werewolves, mad scientists, robots, zombies, tentacled horrors, demented poo artists, giant lizards, cannibal hobos, morons, skunk apes, gangsters, and carnies are all a part of Goon's world. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you won't be able to stop quoting all the best lines if you trust me on this one and pick up The Goon #26 this week, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. Tell 'em Peaches Valentine sent ya!

Clever, thought-provoking: No Hero #0

For most people, there is a certain appeal to the idea of being a hero. Super hero comics and films are so popular because people have always, going right back to the earliest myths and shared tales, loved tales of larger-than-life heroes. Not only are heroic tales exciting, they provide a certain degree of vicarious wish fulfillment. Who wouldn't love to be the hero? Who wouldn't like to fly around the world, saving the day and being just generally awesome?? I bet I'm not the only one who tied a towel around my neck and pretended to fly around the yard as a kid. (OK, so that was just last week.)

The idea behind Warren Ellis' latest series, No Hero, is to explore just how much you might want to be a hero. What would you do to have powers and become more than human? What price would you be willing to pay for that power? Would you kill for it? Would you die for it? Just how far would you go?

You'll begin to get a feel for the price of power in No Hero #0, by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp, from Avatar Press. In 1966, counter-culture chemist Carrick Masterson creates a drug that makes ordinary people into "new humans," men and women with the power to keep the world safe. They call themselves the Levellers, and they promptly set out to right all the wrongs of the world, weighing in on riots and racial injustice. In 1977, they re-brand themselves as The Front Line, positioning themselves as the "front line against hate."

Of course, it slowly becomes apparent that there is a dark side to the Front Line and their powers. Former members reveal that their injuries don't really heal quite right, that they have constant pain and headaches, and that they need downers to help them cope with the hallucinations and waking nightmares brought on by the drug that gave them their powers. And, in 2011, someone starts killing the heroes. With vacancies in their ranks, how much do you want to become a hero and join The Front Line? How much would you risk to be more than human?

With a clever and thought-provoking story from Ellis and insanely detailed art from Juan Jose Ryp, there is a lot to like about No Hero. This zero issue gives readers just a taste of what is to come for the bargain price of $1.00! Seriously, what can you get for just a buck nowadays? Not only is this book cheap, it's guaranteed this week at Four Color Fantasies. If you're a mature reader (Seriously, this is one bloody, violent book!), you have no excuse for missing out on No Hero #0. Don't be afraid to wear your cape to the store. We won't laugh! Much.

Gorgeous art, intriguing story, legendary tragedy: Madame Xanadu #1

Most people love a happy ending, but there are many stories in myth and legend that always end badly. No matter how many times the story is retold, the tale of King Arthur is one such tragic disaster. If you paid any attention in school (And I hope you did!), you know some version of the Arthurian legend. Noble King Arthur brings a new age of peace, chivalry, and equality to the people of Britain. Everything seems great until stupid, French, Lancelot shows up and sleeps with the Queen. At that point the whole kingdom falls apart, Arthur and his evil son kill each other, and the peasants go back to toiling in the mud. Unhappy endings for all!

Unfortunately, in Madame Xanadu #1, the wood nymph and legendary lover of Merlin, Nimue Inwudu, finds herself trying to prevent this disaster, with predictable results. This tale, from DC's Vertigo imprint, begins as Nimue's runes warn her of the impending catastrophe. Soon after, a group of Druids comes to ask Nimue to protect the kingdom, and stop the evil machinations of her sister, Morgana. Nimue tries to help, but a mysterious cloaked figure (Mysterious cloaked figures are always trouble!) shows up to warn her that her efforts are doomed to failure. Can Nimue stop the fall of Camelot? Considering the way this story always goes, the odds don't look good.

Madame Xanadu is written by Matt Wagner with art by Amy Reeder Hadley. Wagner has been around the comic book scene for quite a while, and has become a bit of a cult fan-favorite. If you're an old-timer like me, you know him best from his Mage and Grendel series. The story so far in Madame Xanadu is a very interesting retelling of Arthurian legend, but the title and the cover image of the Madame herself, indicates that the story is not going to dwell too long in the realms of the distant past. At this point, I'm not really sure where this story is going, so I'm interested in seeing the next issue! The art by Hadley is lush and lovely, perfectly capturing the mythic feel of the story and the ethereal beauty of the title character. I don't believe I have come across her work before, but I am impressed by what I see here!

If you like gorgeous art, an intriguing story, and a bit of legendary tragedy, you'll love Madame Xanadu #1. Try it out now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. You have nothing to lose by reading this book, but if you diss his girlfriend, Merlin may turn you into a toad!

An Interesting New Take: The Eternals #1

If your whole race was to be named, and summed up, by one single adjective, you would really want it to be a good one. No one would want to be know as "The Adequates" or "The Smellies." You need an adjective with gravitas, dignity, and power. Something that would really impress and inspire outsiders. Something like...The Eternals.

Even if you know your Marvel Universe history, you may not be familiar with the Eternals. They are an often overlooked part of the Marvel U, despite being quintessential Kirby creations. At the dawn of history, Earth was visited by a gigantic, god-like race known as the Celestials. Somewhat underwhelmed with what they saw of the human race, the Celestials decided a little genetic experimentation was in order. From the raw material of human beings, they created two races: the hideous, powerful, Deviants and the human-looking, yet powerful and immortal, Eternals.

Recently, the Eternals were brought to the foreground of the Marvel Universe by a plucky young writer of some note: Neil Gaiman. In the Gaiman/Romita JR limited series, the Eternals had all been stripped of their memories and powers by an Eternal gone bad. They were living amongst the humans in blissful ignorance, until the Eternal Ikkaris regained his memories, and set about awakening the rest of his people. Unfortunately, the villainous Druig set off to build his own power base, creating a rift amongst the Eternals and starting a dangerous power struggle.

In Eternals #1, written by Charles and Daniel Knauf with art from Daniel Acuna, Ikkaris and his followers are desperately trying to awaken and recruit Eternals. If the Earth is to survive the approaching doom known as the Horde, all the Eternals will need to be united. Unfortunately, Druig's immoral recruiting methods seem to be much more efficient. All in all, things don't look good for Earth, the Eternals, or the human race.

If you liked Neil Gaiman's take on the Eternals, you will enjoy this continuation of the Eternal's saga. If you missed that series, you can jump right in with Eternals #1 now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. You don't want to see the Earth destroyed, do you? Do you? Then get reading! The future of the planet hangs in the balance.

Defying Expectations: House of Mystery #2

Houses come in many varieties. There is the Fun House, the Haunted House, the White House, my house, your house, a house of cards, and even houses of ill-repute. Whatever your particular housing needs may be, there is a house to suit your tastes and purposes. However, the one house that should be avoided at all cost is....the House of Mystery! (Cue dramatic crash of thunder and ominous organ music.)

House of Mystery is actually the latest offering from DC's Vertigo imprint. This book, by Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham, Luca Rossi, and a variety of other artists, comes with a pretty high pedigree. I mean, these are the people who created the all-together awesome Fables universe, so my expectations were pretty high. Of course, befitting a House of Mystery, they met my expectations, but didn't give me what I expected.

The House of the title is a sprawling mix of architectural styles, all leaning towards the creepy and weird. There are doorways to this house from many different worlds. In fact, it seems to be connected to an endless array of places, times, and realities. No one really knows where the house came from, or why it exists. People who are supposed to find the House do, but no one knows why they end up there. Most visitors to the House can return from whence they came when their business there is done, but a select few can't leave. When they try, they find themselves in a desolate wasteland with an impassable gate. (Though every once in a great while, a mysterious coachmen comes to take one of the residents away, but no one knows where they go.)

The permanent residents of the House busy themselves by essentially providing "bed and breakfast" services for their many visitors. They are desperate for entertainment, so the payment for their services comes in the form of stories. Each issue has a story within the story, told by one of the unusual, exotic, or just plain disturbing, guests of the House. (Seriously, don't read the Hungry Sally tale in the first issue before eating, or you'll be sorry!) These stories may all form part of some larger picture, or they may just be entertaining tales. I cannot claim to truly understand the mysterious ways of the House of Mystery.

If you like stories that make your puzzler work, or you just enjoy a healthy dose of weird and creepy in your comics, you should check out House of Mystery #2 this week, while it is guaranteed at Four Color Fantasies. If you act now, there are still copies of #1 available. Get it while you can, because you never know when you might open the wrong door and find yourself trapped...in the House of Mystery! (One more time with the thunder and the organ music. Make it extra ominous this time!)

Nostalgia, only more interesting: 1985 #1

If, like me, you clearly remember the 1980s, you are old! Ouch. That's depressing. Let's move on. Anyway, if you remember the '80s, you may remember horrible fashions, cheesy music, goofy hairstyles, lame TV and some really amazing comics. The '80s gave us awesome indies like Cerebus and Elementals. The '80s gave us Watchmen and the Dark Knight Returns. And the '80s gave us a great age of Marvels, from Claremont's X-Men, to Frank Miller's Daredevil, to the first great slam-bang crossover, The Marvel Super Hero's Secret Wars! At least something good came out of that decade!

If you remember this era fondly, you are not alone. Mark Millar remembers too! And Millar is taking us all back there in his latest series from Marvel: 1985. Of course, Millar has found a way to make the mundane 1985 of memory a little more exciting. What if, while you were excitedly pouring over all those great comics, something opened up a door between our boring old hero-free universe, and the universe where all those Marvel heroes and villains were real? Wouldn't that have been cool?

Nobody else seems to notice, but young Toby, who has enough problems dealing with his parents' divorce and his unpopularity at school, realizes that something weird is going on at the creepy old Wyncham place out in the woods. It seems like, somehow, the worst villains from Toby's comics, the villains he thought were purely fictional, have come to our world. With no heroes to stop them, Doctor Doom, the Red Skull, and plenty of others, are set to cause some serious trouble. As if all that isn't bad enough, Toby bumps into something, or someone, big and green in the woods outside that house...

Millar seems to have a knack for stories where super heroes and the real world collide. He does a great job here, especially with Toby, a character a lot of us comics fans can probably relate to. When this project was first announced, it was going to be a fumetti-style story, told with manipulated photos instead of traditional art. While that would have been kind of interesting to see, Tommy Lee Edwards does a brilliant job with more traditional pencils. His sketchy, realistic style makes our 1985 look "real", so the misplaced heroes and villains seem appropriately terrifying and awe-inspiring.

If you have any nostalgia for the 1980s, you need to check out 1985. If you can't remember that decade, but want to see what all the fuss was about, you should check out 1985. And if you don't want to tick Doom off, you definitely need to check out 1985. Seriously, do not provoke the wrath of Doom. Try 1985 #1 now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week.

Awesome Raccoon Fun: Guardians of the Galaxy #1

Let me just start this off by stating, unequivocally, that any book featuring a gun-toting, anthropomorphic, space-raccoon has to have a certain amount of entertainment value. Seriously: space raccoon+guns=awesome. Keeping this in mind, anything offered up in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy #1 beyond the presence of Rocket Raccoon is just icing on the cake.

Luckily, there actually is plenty of tasty icing on this cake. In the aftermath of recent galaxy-threatening events, Peter Quill (AKA Star-Lord) decides that someone has to be ready to stop the next catastrophe before it happens. With the space-policing Nova Corps having been pretty much wiped out, someone else is going to have to step up and do the job. Fortunately, Pete has some recruits in mind who are at a bit of a loose end with peace breaking out in the galaxy. Unfortunately, these recruits are not exactly the "lets form a team and save the universe" types.

After Rocket Raccoon, he gathers up Quasar (AKA Phyla-Vell, also known as Captain Mar-Vell's daughter. Sort of.), the newly re-born Adam Warlock, the extremely violent and dangerous Drax the Destroyer, and the even more dangerous Gamora, former daughter of Thanos. If all that isn't enough for you, they have telepathic, talking, Russian dog named Cosmo running things back at home base. If that team doesn't deserve to be called the "Ass-kickers of the Fantastic," (Thanks Rocket Raccoon!) I don't know a team that does.

Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning already have a proven track record with Marvel's Cosmoverse, and they continue on a roll with Guardians of the Galaxy. Under some writers, these cosmic tales can be a bit dry and pretentious, but Abnett and Lanning bring plenty of humor and character to the table. Artist Paul Pelletier provides excellent, dynamic visuals for this blaster-firing, space-ship exploding, adventure. For some reason, there isn't much all-out, crazy, sci-fi out there nowadays, but this book goes a long way towards filling that void.

So pick up Rocket Raccoon and His Human Hangers-on, err, I mean Guardians of the Galaxy #1 now. Not only is it guaranteed this week at Four Color Fantasies, it also has an entire months recommended allowance of space raccoon action in just 22 pages! AND a dog in a space suit. Really, what more could you be waiting for?

Saddle up for an Awesome Read: The Man with No Name #1

When I was just a wee nipper, my dad would flip through the TV channels, always stopping on any old movie or show with guys in cowboy hats and horses. Now, to my young eyes, those old westerns usually seemed pretty lame. The heroes seemed too clean-cut and two-dimensional, riding around on white horses, and always sure to tip their hats and say, "Howdy, Ma'am," to the ladies. Every once in a while, though, we'd land on something different. The hero was a grizzled, mean, surly cuss wearing a dirty poncho and a bad attitude. He didn't say much, but when he did, it usually meant someone was gonna die. Back then, I didn't know he was played by Clint Eastwood. I didn't even know the hero's name. Come to find out he didn't even have one.

The Man with No Name #1 from Dynamite is the first in a new series based on those awesome Sergio Leone Spaghetti Westerns, starring Eastwood's nameless drifter of an anti-hero. This series is written by Christos Gage, with art from Wellington Dias. The story and the art work together to perfectly capture the feel of this tough-as-nails hero and the rough, dirty world he inhabits.You can almost feel the baking desert heat as our hero rides recklessly out into the mid-day sun. (And all the hot, flying lead doesn't really help matters much.)

The first issue finds the drifter heading into town pursued by soldiers from both the North and the South. One side wants him for treason, the other for a bag of stolen gold. For most hombres, two armies out for your hide would be trouble enough, but when a priest in need of help crosses his path, our hero finds himself with one more thing to deal with. It's a darn good thing this nameless gunslinger ain't the nervous type, 'cause he has a whole heap of trouble in his path.

Even if you've never seen the movies (What are you waiting for? Go rent The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly!), you will want to try out this book. You get everything you need to know about the character in one panel of his stubbled, steely face. This guy is one of the first great anti-heroes, with a chance to ride the plains again in a whole new medium. If you say you won't read this book, well, you best smile when you say that. Saddle up and ride on out to Four Color Fantasies now to read this guaranteed Book of the Week! We promise not to ask your name.

Engaging Crossover: The Secret Invasion

Who do you trust when you can't trust anyone? What do you do when your best friend just might be your worst enemy? How can you save the day when the people you thought had your back are just about to put a knife in it? Worst of all, what do you do when everyone around you could well be dirty, stinkin', bumpy-chinned, pointy-eared, Skrulls?

Unless you've been hiding out in your backyard bomb shelter for the last year or so, you probably already know that a Skrull invasion has been slowly building in the Marvel Universe. A while back, the New Avengers got into a scuffle with Elektra and a bunch of Hand ninjas. In the course of said scuffle, Elektra was killed. Much to everyone's surprise, her body went all green and Skrully. This was the first big tip-off that Marvel Earth was being infiltrated by undetectable Skrulls. Seriously, not even Wolverine's sniffer or Doc Strange's hocus-pocus could detect the Skrulls within their midst. Not only are they undectable, they have figured out how to replicate the powers of any and all of Earth's heroes. In some cases, all in one Skrull! Clearly, this means trouble. Well, the green poop really hits the fan in Secret Invasion #1, by Brian Bendis and Leinil Yu.

A Skrull ship crashing to Earth in the first issue of this series is the trigger that sets the Skrulls elaborate plans in motion. These sneaky green buggers have clearly been planning this for a LONG time, and they are ready for every threat that might thwart their plans. Major characters are revealed to be secret Skrulls, the Marvel Universe's top power-players are quickly side-lined, paranoia and confusion run rampant! Things are looking mighty bad for the good guys....

Secret Invasion is all set to be Marvel's biggest and best crossover event yet! Bendis is absolutely at the top of his game here, and Yu's art is gorgeous and epic in scale. The Secret Invasion mini-series gives you the whole slam-bang story, even if you haven't read any of the tie-ins across the Marvel Universe. (Though those do add lots of interesting detail to the event.) There is no decompressed, ponderous, plot-building here! This story is loaded with in-your-face, Skrull-tastic action and surprises right from the start.

Epic action, paranoia, sci-fi, heroes, villains, explosions, betrayals, current social allegory, and Skrulls! What more could anyone possibly want in a comic? If you don't check out Secret Invasion, I think it seems mighty suspicious. Darn dirty Skrull suspicious, in fact. You better get yourself over to Four Color Fantasies to pick this one up while it is the guaranteed Book of the Week, or I might need to start checking your ears for suspect green points. Come on, you trust me, don't you?

Honest-to-Zeus Awesome: Incredible Hercules #116

If you were to find yourself in a REALLY tough spot, one where you needed a true hero watching your back, would you rather have some crazy dude in spandex arrive to save the day or a genuine, honest-to-Zeus, legend? I think the smart answer is legend, and there is no one more legendary than The Incredible Hercules!

One of the best ideas Stan Lee and company ever had was the notion to incorporate characters from myth and legend into the Marvel Universe. Super-hero comics are often discussed as our modern mythology, tales of mighty heroes and villains battling it out, with the fate of mankind hanging on their titanic struggles. What better way to make those battles truly epic, than to bring in the very first great heroes envisioned by mankind? Thus, we have whole pantheons of Greek, Roman, and Norse heroes hanging with the Avengers, or Loki really ruining the Hulk's day. Genius!

Though guys like Thor and Balder may be more awe-inspiring, Hercules is by far the most awesome immortal around. He's a good-hearted, hard-drinking, not-so-bright, demi-god that you just have to love! He's defeated thousands of villains and monsters since the dawn of human history, but he's happy to crash on your couch with a pizza and a keg or two of beer. And he does it all in a leather skirt. How can you not love this guy?

As far as I know, this Incredible Hercules series, which sprang to life out of World War Hulk, is Herc's first ongoing title. Brought to you by writer's Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, with art by Rafa Sandoval, this book mixes mythology with modern Marvel's biggest events, to provide an excellent, important, and FUN read month after month. In the most recent issue, Herc is traveling around the country, with many stops for beer, with his sister Athena and his sidekick, the super-genius teen Amadeus Cho. Following their disastrous attempt to shut down S.H.I.E.L.D, Athena seems to be directing "the boys" efforts in a more useful direction. Of course, Herc seems to attract trouble everywhere he goes, and it isn't long before he gets them involved in a knock-down, drag-out fight with the Eternals. Much punching and kicking ensues!

This is seriously one of the most fun series Marvel has on the stands, and it really deserves your attention! Verily and forsooth, you must read The Incredible Hercules #116! It is a great jumping-on issue, with an awesome story, great art, and fun characters. Plus, there may just be a connection to a certain green-skinned, bumpy-chinned invasion that you wouldn't want to miss. Try it now, while it is the guaranteed Book of the Week at Four Color Fantasies. Don't let Herc down, or he may have to come crash at your place. Your fridge wouldn't last a day!

Take a bet on Wild Cards #1

Viruses, in general, are pretty bad news. At best, they give you a nasty case of the sniffles and totally ruin your day. At worst, they can kill you. Worst of all, there's not much you can really do about a virus. Once the little buggers get their claws into you, you just have to take your vitamins and try to ride it out. Regular old Earth viruses are bad enough, just imagine what could happen if aliens started dumping their viruses on us. Yikes!

That nightmare scenario is just the starting point for George R.R. Martin's Wild Cards #1: The Hard Call from Dabel Brothers Publishing. Over six decades ago, aliens from the planet Takis decided to test out a horrible little virus/weapon on the inhabitants of New York. Most victims of this Wild Card virus drew the Black Queen, an instant, horrible, death. Some became Jokers, disfigured freaks whose lives would never be the same. A tiny, tiny, percentage become Aces, gaining amazing powers and abilities.

The Dabel Brothers have become well-known for creating comic series based on highly respected and loved literary works. Wild Cards began life as a series of "mosaic novels" created and edited by George R.R. Martin. Many authors contributed stories to the Wild Cards books, and a complex mythology built up around this world and its characters. Sounds a lot like the way the DC and Marvel Universes were formed, doesn't it? Wild Cards is really a perfect concept for translation to comics. Writer Daniel Abraham and artist Eric Battle are off to a great start with this first issue.

This issue starts off with two main plot lines. One follows the Croyd "The Sleeper" Crenson as he struggles to survive, and solve a murder, in the slum known as Jokertown. The other deals with a high school student who gets caught up in a new Wild Card outbreak, and finds out that maybe drawing an Ace isn't as great as he imagined. If you've never heard of the book series, you can jump in here, without feeling the least bit lost. If you are already a fan of the books, you will definitely love this comic. It lets the Wild Card universe grow in new directions, and offers up a new way of looking at your old favorites.

So wipe your nose, take a cough drop, and head over to Four Color Fantasies to pick up this guaranteed Book of the Week. This series has the potential to become the next big thing, so don't miss out on your chance to get in at the beginning!

Wolverine: First Class

Wolverine: he's the best there is at what he does, and what he does is gently and patiently mentor new mutants! OK, not quite, but we all know that deep down Wolvie is just a big softie, no matter how much he may try to hide it. That deeply buried sensitive side especially comes to the forefront when ol' Logan is partnered with a kid sidekick. Like, you know, Kitty Pryde.

In Wolverine: First Class, by Fred Van Lente and Andrea Di Vito, readers get a flashback to the early days of the all-new, all-different, X-Men. The X-Men still don't know one another very well, and they just got a new recruit in the form of an extremely young Kitty Pryde. Professor Xavier, in a move that can only be described as reckless child endangerment, thinks it will do wonders for both Wolverine and Kitty if they are forced together on a mission to locate a new and powerful mutant.

Longtime X-Men readers already know that Wolverine and Kitty have a pretty long mentor/mentee history together. This issue takes us back to get a new look at how this partnership got started. Wolvie is a grumpy old veteran and Kitty is a sweet, inexperienced newbie. Working together will either teach them something new, or get them both killed. Wolvie's betting on the pessimistic side of that equation. (I told you he was cranky, didn't I?)

This series is appropriate for Wolverine fans of all ages. It takes place out of continuity, with no worries about the latest crossover events and no need to know the last 25 years of X-Men history. You get a complete story, done in one issue, with nothing more required to enjoy the tale. This makes Wolverine: First Class a great book for new fans, or for fans of ye olden days who may have lapsed in recent years.

So what are ya waitin' for, bub? Pick up Wolverine: First Class this week, while your enjoyment is guaranteed! If you don't, Wolvie might go into a berserker rage and wreck all your old Claremont/Byrne X-Men issues. I don't think anybody wants that.

High-interest Conflict: Salvation Run #5

Conflict! Everybody loves conflict, right? Without conflict, you can't really have much of a story. A book about people sitting around having amiable conversations would get old pretty fast. Throw in some good, old-fashioned conflict, and things start to get interesting.

Super-villains are notorious conflict starters. They run around stealing things, trying to take over the world, or punching good guys in the face. Generally, this behavior creates conflict and super-powered mayhem ensues. So what would happen if all the villains of the DC Universe were gathered up and sent to an alien planet together? No heroes, no innocents to victimize, just bunches and bunches of villains. Do they gather around the alien bonfire, sing songs, and tell evil anecdotes? No! They bring the conflict and start punching the daylights out of each other!

That is pretty much what happens in Salvation Run # 5 from Matthew Sturges and Joe Bennett. The villains have all been gathered up and sent to Hell Planet. (Probably not the name on the time-share brochures.) Of course, some of them would like to work together and go home, but career criminals and sociopaths tend not to play well with others. Some leaders have emerged from the crowd, like Lex Luthor and the Joker, but they don't get along very well either. Throw in a few potential spies from Earth, and you've got conflict aplenty! (Though I imagine the heroes back home are all pretty bored. With no bad guys around, I assume they just appear at car shows and sign autographs.)

If you haven't been feeling conflicted enough recently, check out Salvation Run #5. It is guaranteed this week at Four Color Fantasies, so give it a read. If you don't, we might have to come rough you up a little. You don't want that do ya? Huh? Do ya? I didn't think so. (Aaahh, sweet, sweet conflict.)

Humorous, Dark undercurrent: The Last Defenders #1

Let me just start by saying that "Defenders Defenestrate!" is the greatest battle cry in the history of super-team battle cries! If you don't know what defenestrate means, I strongly encourage you to grab the nearest dictionary and find out. I'll wait. (Insert soothing elevator music here.) See? I told you it was amazing! "Defenders Defenestrate!"

Shockingly, The Last Defenders #1 has even more to offer than an awe-inspiring battle cry! This limited series from Keith Giffen, Joe Casey, and Jim Muniz brings readers the return of Marvel's most dysfunctional super-team, the Defenders. If you are unfamiliar with the team, it is generally a group of heroes who have no business working together, or even being in the same room. Usually, circumstances have forced the team together, and, usually, they don't stay together for very long. Past line-ups include Namor, Doctor Strange, the Hulk, Nighthawk, Hellcat, and the Gargoyle. The Defenders are kind of like a family that can't stand each other, but still get together for holidays and weddings.

Now that the whole Super-Human Registration kerfuffle has settled down a bit, Kyle (Nighthawk) Richmond has talked Tony Stark into allowing the Defenders to reform. Typically, Stark decides to do this his way, and sticks Kyle with a team that is, in theory, better suited to the job than the old Defenders. That lineup includes Colossus, the seemingly unhinged Blazing Skull, and an unwilling She-Hulk. (Personally, I think She-Hulk should appear in every Marvel Comic. We need to keep raising awareness of She-Hulk's awesomeness.) At least Stark gives them the glamorous New Jersey beat to patrol. That Tony Stark is a swell guy. Someone should make a movie about him.

Casey and Giffen do a great job with the characters in The Last Defenders. When Keith Giffen is involved, readers can generally expect an irreverent edge to the story, with plenty of funny bits. That is certainly true of the first issue, but it would be a mistake to think of The Last Defenders as purely a humor comic. There are clearly darker things afoot that may have serious consequences for our heroes down the road. Jim Muniz's art, over Giffen's breakdowns, is perfect for this book. It is very clean and simple, but perfectly captures both the action and the more subtle bits of character interplay.

The Last Defenders #1 has great writing, great art, the greatest battle cry, and Quetzalcoatl! All in one issue! I don't really see what more you could ask for. Head over to Four Color Fantasies today and try out this issue, risk-free, while it is the guaranteed Book of the Week. If you don't, the Blazing Skull will track you down and defenestrate you, and nobody wants that.

Jeff Smith for Adults: RASL #1

Some of you might remember, way back in 1991, upstart self-publisher Jeff Smith started putting out a little all-ages fantasy book about some weird little guys with big noses. And some stupid, stupid, rat creatures. The result was a book you may just have heard about called Bone. To say Bone was successful is probably a massive understatement, as it went on to be a huge success with comics fans, mainstream readers, and kids everywhere. The series is still a big seller through Scholastic Books, and is probably available in every school library in the country.

When a creator achieves that kind of stardom with his or her work, the question most people ask is: what's next? (I'm looking at you JK Rowling!) It took a few years, but Jeff Smith fans finally have an answer! It's RASL! A book where huge men put on spandex and pin each other to the mat! OK, I'm lying, it's not that kind of wrasslin'. So just what is this mysteriously titled book, you ask? Good question!

RASL is, at the moment, the only name we have for our hard-bitten hero. He's a mysterious, no-name, kind of guy. He's also an art thief with a twist. He's apparently built a device that allows him to cross into other dimensions, via the Drift, to steal great works of art. RASL is the tag he leaves at the scene of the crime. Running back home, to another world, provides a pretty clean getaway. There does seem to be a downside to dimensional travel, though. It really, REALLY, hurts. It hurts a lot. In fact, it hurts so much that our hero needs several days of drinking, smoking, and debauchery to recuperate before he can do it again. Of course, in the first issue, a job doesn't go quite as planned. Action and punching ensue!

RASL has the quality art and writing you expect from a star creator like Jeff Smith. What you may not expect is that he is bringing readers something very different from Bone. This sci-fi, noir-ish, tale is clearly aimed at more mature readers. Our hero is a hard-edged, shades of gray kind of guy, about as far removed from the sweet and naive Bones as you can get. As much as I loved Bone, I was excited to see that this is something different and that Smith is not a one-trick writer. Hooray for diversity!

If you enjoy great comics, you don't want to miss Jeff Smith's RASL. As an added bonus, it's the guaranteed Book of the Week! There's no need to plan an elaborate heist to steal a copy, you can buy one completely risk-free, no dimensional travel required.