Captain America Retrospective Part 1: Captain America Comics #1

Well here we are with the first real part of my Captain America Retrospective. Just in case you're just tuning in now, in anticipation of the release of Captain America: The First Avenger on July 22, I am going back and reading some of Cap's greatest adventures of the past 70 years. I'll be sharing my thoughts here on each graphic novel (or in this case single issue), as I go along. You'll find a link to Part 0 at the bottom of this article.

With all that catch-up business out of the way, let's get down to business. If you're going to do a Captain America retrospective, there's really only one place to start: Captain America Comics #1 (pictured above) by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.

Let's just start off with this amazing cover. Nevermind the fact that we never actually get to see this brutal beat-down or the promise of Captain America coming "face to face with Hitler," the cover imagery perfectly sets the tone for what Captain America would come to symbolize for the people of the Marvel Universe and, in times, ourselves. He is the flag-clad, shield wielding, ass kicking super soldier who makes all red-blooded Americans want to proclaim "AMERICA F@%* YEAH!" No publisher could've gotten away with doing something like this in 2002 with Bin Laden in Hitler's place but I can only imagine the visceral reaction this cover gave people during the height of WWII.

I could go on more about the incredible cover but I think it's time to take a look inside. The issue itself contains four separate Captain America adventures (or "45 thrilling pages" as the cover notes) as well as stories featuring Hurricane and Tuk the Cave Boy which I'll ignore for this review. In these four stories we see the origin of Steve Rogers' transformation into Captain America as well as battles with the hypnotic Sando, the extremely eerie Rathcone, and, of course, arch-nemesis Red Skull.

I'm sure everyone's familiar with the origin of Captain America: weakling Steve Rogers is injected with the Super Soldier Serum invented by Professor Erskine turning him into a human in peak physical prowess. However, in this original origin, the name of the professor was Reinstein instead of Erskine. From what I can gather (based on letter columns in future issues I'll be reviewing), when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby went back to re-tell Cap's origin in the '60s, they relied on their memories of the original stories instead of referencing the actual material which probably led to the new name of Erskine (it appears that a retcon was put in place explaining that Joseph Reinstein was a codename that Erskine used at the time).

The other thing that surprised me about this issue is that Steve Rogers had a secret identity. Having only read Cap's modern adventures, I never realized that at one time the identity of Captain America was protected even inside the military. Private Steve Rogers puts on the act of a Clark Kent-like bumbler who's always raising the ire of his commanding officer Sargent Duffy.

With that out of the way, let's talk about the writing and art. I understand that not everyone can tolerate Golden Age (or even Silver Age) storytelling and art but I am not one of those people. Jack Kirby's pencils, though very different from his Silver Age style that I prefer, are stunning. It feels weird to be writing that because it's such a no-brainer but it must be said anyway. As for Simon's writing, I don't find it nearly as campy and overbearing as many of the stories from the Silver Age (and some of those less-favored modern books as well). There's surprisingly little narration throughout the pages and the panels are not too cluttered with dialogue. It's interesting to see the panel layouts Kirby chose at the time; the panels aren't always laid out in an easy-to-follow manner and little arrows are drawn into the page to direct the reader to the next panel in line.

Alright that'll do it for this installment. I definitely did not expect to go on that long about one issue but I hope you enjoyed reading it. I'll be back within the next few days to go over the first part of the Captain America Omnibus Vol.1 (it's over 800 pages so I'll either be cutting into thirds or halves to review).

You can find my intro to this retrospective here.

Max Beckman is a manager at Pulp Fiction in Long Beach, CA and CheapGraphicNovels.com. You can follow him on Twitter @CheapGNsdotcom and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pulpfictioncomics. Pulp Fiction can be found on the web at www.pulpfictiononline.com and at 1742 Clark Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815.

Captain America Retrospective Part 0: An Intro

I am a Marvel zombie. Don't get me wrong, I love all comics (at least the good ones) and I am able to criticize Marvel books when it's warranted but my heart belongs to the House of Ideas. That being said, while I have kept up with almost all of the Marvel books for the past six or seven years (actually starting with X-Men, Spider-Man, the Ultimate universe, and a few others almost eleven years ago), my experience reading the past adventures of these heroes (again except the X-Men and Spider-Man) has been, up until this point, very limited. It's because of this that I set out to vastly expand my experience with the rest of the Marvel U this year specifically concerning the characters gracing the silver screen this summer.

Earlier in the year, I read (and in a few cases re-read) about 225 issues of Thor in anticipation of his theatrical debut and now I am doing the same with Captain America. With just a little over one month until Captain America: The First Avenger's release on July 22, I definitely have my work cut out for me. I'll be posting reviews along the way and below I'll include a reading list of the graphic novels comprising my retrospective.

Chronological Reading List:
Captain America Comics #1 70th Anniversary Edition
Captain America Omnibus Vol.01 HC
Captain America & The Falcon: Secret Empire TP
Captain America & The Falcon: Nomad TP
Captain America by Jack Kirby Omnibus HC
Captain Amierca: War and Remembrance HC
Captain America: The Captain TP
Captain America: Scourge of the Underworld TP
Fear Itself: Sin's Past One-Shot
Captain America: The Bloodstone Hunt TP
Captain America: Man & Wolf TP
Captain America: Fighting Chance - Denial TP
Captain America: Fighting Chance - Acceptance TP
Captain America: Operation Rebirth HC
Captain America: To Serve and Protect HC
Captain America: American Nightmare HC
Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty HC
Captain America by Dan Jurgens Vol.01 TP
Captain America: The New Deal HC

Check out CheapGraphicNovels.com for the best prices around on these Captain America books and all your other graphic novel needs (cheap plug I know).

(Note: I have been reading Captain America since Ed Brubaker took over so his run will not be included in the retrospective unless time permits which, from looking at this hefty list, seems pretty unlikely)

Max Beckman is a manager at Pulp Fiction in Long Beach, CA and CheapGraphicNovels.com. You can follow him on Twitter @CheapGNsdotcom and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pulpfictioncomics. Pulp Fiction can be found on the web at www.pulpfictiononline.com and at 1742 Clark Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815.

Captain America Out On DVD This July

Remember this film?

Official Description,

Experience The Original Adventure
CAPTAIN AMERICA
Available on DVD for the First Time Ever

The Very First Avenger Makes His Long Awaited Debut On DVD on July 19th

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s “manufacturing on demand” (“MOD”) program is excited to announce its newest addition, CAPTAIN AMERICA, available on DVD as part of MGM’s Limited Edition Collection.  Based on the bestselling Marvel Comics series, CAPTAIN AMERICA stars Matt Salinger (What Dreams May Come) as a crime-fighting superhero whose strengths and abilities may save the United States from nuclear destruction.  

During World War II, a brave American soldier (Salinger) volunteers to undergo experiments to become a new super-soldier, codenamed “Captain America.”  Infiltrating Germany to sabotage Nazi rockets pointed at the U.S., Captain America faces off with Nazi superhuman warrior Red Skull (Scott Paulin, The Right Stuff) who defeats the hero, throwing him into suspended animation.  Frozen for 50 years, Captain America is found and revived only to find that Red Skull has changed identities and has targeted the President of the United States (Ronny Cox, RoboCop) for assassination.  With America on the verge of utter chaos, it is up to one man to save the day!

CAPTAIN AMERICA also features supporting performances from Ned Beatty (Superman), Darren McGavin (A Christmas Story), Michael Nouri (Flashdance) and Melinda Dillon (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) and Kim Gillingham (“One Big Family”).  The DVD will be available for sale on online retailers everywhere.

Best quote, "THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT!"

'Captain America' #1 Preview: Will Things Turn Out Sucky for Bucky?

Spoiler Alert.

Marvel released a preview today of Captain America #1 sans any word balloons or captions, but comics being the visual medium that they are, the writing seems to be on the wall.

Things may turn out sucky for Bucky.

But hey, if there are two characters who have proven that death is nothing but a rite of passage—it’s Cap and Bucky. The two will be featured in their own ongoing alongside the relaunching of Captain America by Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven. And boy are those some nice-looking pages (after the jump).

Of course, I’m only speculating about the fate of Mr. Barnes, who was last seen fighting a were-grizzly in the last issue of Captain America. We’ll have to wait and see what the House of Ideas has in store for the reformed Winter Soldier.

Captain America becomes Captain America and Bucky

Today Marvel has announced that the current Captain American title will be renamed CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BUCKY starting with issue 620.

The series will be written by  Ed Brubaker and Marc Andreyko with art by Chris Samnee and the book will only cost two American dollars and ninety nine U.S. cents.

The creative team behind this book are hoping to explore all the angles for these two Fighting Avengers, from the days before WWII to the current battles of today,

Marvel says this of the new series "Some heroes are born great and others made great. But a select few must go through hell before they discover what kind of hero they can be"

The new titled series hits shelves this July.

Steve Rogers to Toss the Shield Again in 'Captain America' #1 This July

Well we did know that eventually Steve Rogers would have to reclaim the mantle of Captain America. With Bucky currently in a Russian prison—and fighting for his life—it was only a matter of time before Steve would once again don his famous red, white and blues.

And who better than Ed Brubaker to take us there? Superstar artist Steve McNiven joins the book as it restarts at number one in July—just in time for the release of Captain America: The First Avenger’s on July 22^nd.

But this all begs the question: What is the fate of Bucky Barnes?

Garbett Takes on Captain America

If you've seen some of Lee Garbett's as yet unpublished work on Spider-Man, and now his work on Captain America, it is clear that his recent move to Marvel was a good fit. Garbett posted the picture (above), commissioned for a new Captain America Omnibus, as well as the process from sketch to finished piece (with inks by Mark Pennington and colors by Paul Mounts).

This is some good looking stuff!

Click here for another shot of Garbett's Spider-Man.

Wednesday's Finest: 'Captain America’ #615.1

By Don M. Ventura

Captain America #615.1

Marvel Comics

««««

I remember vividly my earliest impression of Captain America that has stuck with me over the years, and today the image continues to define the character. It was the briefest of scenes from the first issue of Marvel’s Secret Wars.

In it, a handful of Marvel’s greatest heroes and villains have been transported across the galaxy to fight one another. The heroes need a leader. Someone suggests Captain America. Wolverine scoffs, “but he’s just a human—he can’t do anything.” Thor walks up, in an act of unintentional intimidation I’m sure.

“I would walk through the gates of hell by this man’s side.”

'Captain America' to Relaunch in July

Not official cover. But damn fine piece by the great Mitch Breitweiser.

Bleeding Cool reported today that Captain America would restart its numbering again in July and that good ‘ol Steve Rogers would be stepping back into his red, white and blues. Ed Brubaker is expected to continue, so the catalyst is really the opening of the new Cap film—new and returning fans will have a fresh place to start if they want to get back into Captain America. And I can’t think of any writer who has done better by Cap. Brubaker revitalized the character by breaking him down, killing him, and bringing him back in an entirely new, but exciting, role as the Super Soldier.

I figured we were leading to this, based on the upcoming Captain America solicits (following the Bucky Cap trial) focusing on flashback stories. While I will miss Steve Rogers’ current role in the Marvel U, it’ll be nice to have him back where he was destined to be.

The site also hinted that there might be further announcements at C2E2. More to come!

Captain America turns 70 this March

CBR via Marvel Comics has released a preview of Captain America issue 616. The book is schedule for release on March 23.

Take a look Cape Town Commuters.

PS: I turn 33 this March. 

Steve Rogers

July is really not that far away and before you know 'the first Avenger' will be making his way to the big screen in what will probably be the biggest movie of the summer (next to Green Lantern...I hope).

Which if I had to guess, will be just in time for Steve Rogers: Super Soldier to ditch his current look for his classic attire.

But damn it I think the Super Soldier outfit is so much better...I know I know, 'how dare I'.

Anyway, check out Ed McGuinness's cover to AVENGERS ACADEMY GIANT-SIZE #1 on sale in May.

Steve Rogers has been a supporting cast member to almost all the Marvel books lately...and personally, I think it's a great idea. He is sort of running the show for all the Marvel heroes and taking the role as top cop superhero to new heights.

GO MARVEL

Sebastian Stan's First Pic as Bucky Barnes

I could not be more psyched for the slate of comic book movies set for release this summer. At the top of the list something of a tie between Captain America: The First Avenger and Green Lantern. With each picture that is released from the Cap film, I get the sense that the tone of this movie is going to be spot on.

Hero Complex scored an interview with director Joe Johnston who discussed the casting of Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes (above). I thought the most telling thing about the interview was how the couple of times Johnston pointed out the "dark" quality Stan brings to the role. It was not until Bucky reappeared as the Winter Soldier in the pages of Ed Brubaker's run on Captain America, that we got an inkling of 'ol Bucky's darkness.

I would gather that the idea is, if Captain America is a hit, a follow-up would feature Bucky's return as the antagonist for a future film. This is a fantastic idea because it's a way to tie Cap's past with his new present in an exceptionally dramatic way.

We're still a few months away before Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters (July 22), but the first teaser will run during this weekend's Super Bowl.

Cape Town Capsule Reviews, 12/29/10 Releases

By Don M. Ventura

Captain America #613

Marvel Comics

««««

Ed Brubaker does what he does best with his characters and puts Captain America over a barrel in Captain America #613. Bucky goes to trial in this issue and Sin, the Red Skull’s daughter, has gone to great lengths to make certain he stays in prison.

Steve Rogers plays a perfect game of hardball with Dr. Faustus to ensure the doctor provides adequate testimony that Bucky was not in control of his faculties while working as the Winter Soldier. Brubaker knows how to build drama and does so as Sin’s plotting begins to reveal itself during the course of the trial.

Butch Guice’s artwork is excellent, fitting the tone of the book nicely. My only problem is that the inking duties during the courtroom scene almost make Guice’s art look like it’s been drawn by two separate artists. Bettie Breitweiser’s colors are as brilliant as always.

27 #2

Image Comics

««

Unfortunately 27 #2 has slipped further from what I was expecting from this title. So much so that I went back to read the original solicitation.

“Hendrix, Cobain, Joplin, Morrison. All belong to the '27 Club,' which admits only the most brilliant musicians and artists…and kills them dead in their 27th year. Will Garland is a famous rock guitarist, secretly unable to play for months due to a neurological disorder afflicting his left hand. He’s also 27! With mad scientists, long dead rock legends and cosmic entities in his way, can he make it to 28?”

I was hoping for more about a musician and less about the supernatural stuff, which has not captured my interest me here. However, there’s a scene in a bar where Will and his manager discuss his playing abilities when a fan comes up and asks if Will if he’d be willing to jam with him. Will screws with the guy and agrees. This was a funny scene and seemed to be the only genuine part of the issue; other than this I haven’t gotten enough of a read on Will’s character.

Renzo Podesta’s art is fantastic and meshes well with the subject matter and the type of story Soule is telling. Podesta has an incredibly indie-look and W. Scott Forbes cover for this issue is really stunning.

Flash #8

DC Comics

«««½

Flash #7 was Geoff Johns’ retelling of Captain Boomerang’s back story and it was good. In Flash #8 the writer goes to town to make sure readers—who may not have been convinced after reading Flash: Rebirth—understand that Professor Zoom is one seriously twisted villain.

We begin with Eobard Thawne as a child in a dystopian culture that is managed by time, rather than the other way around. Thawne, a disappointment to his parents and brother, spends his precious time trying to unlock the mysteries of the Speed Force. And he does.

Soon Thawne wields the power of his past freely and without caution, tinkering with the lives around him in awful ways if he isn’t treated right. Thankfully for us, nobody treats him right and we see what lengths Thawne will go to for retribution. Johns is a master of creating formidable villains. He turned Sinestro into one of the more forceful villains in the DCU, and now it seems to be Professor Zoom’s turn.

Former Flash artist Scott Kolins rejoins Johns for this issue as he did last month and the art on the whole is fine, but there are a couple of awkward panels; at points Hawne’s face seemed a bit inconsistent.

Superman/Batman #79

DC Comics

«««

I didn’t read any of the “DC One Million” stories, but I was interested in picking up Chris Roberson’s take on Superman and Batman. Superma/Batman #79 was a cool fast-paced issue featuring the time traveling villain Epoch as he goes back through time to claim his rightful place (all the best villains have a clear vision of their rightful place) as leader of a past society. Epoch lands in the past and comes face to face with Superman and Batman… and Robin. Specifically the Bronze-Age versions of the characters, so yes, Robin is wearing his little green tights.

Most of the action focuses on Epoch and his ability to stay a step ahead of the World’s Finest. The story is simple and feels like a throwback to classic Bronze-Age stories where there was little fuzziness between good guys and bad.

The last panel is fantastic with a spunky young Dick Grayson exclaiming “…or my name isn’t Robin, the Teen Wonder!” Gold. Jesus Merino has drawn a sharp looking book. Both his One Million Superman and Batman characters look fantastic and the actions sequences are snappy. I like Fiona Staples artwork on the cover, but I find Superman to be posturing a bit too much to love this piece.

Teen Titans #90

DC Comics

«««½

J.T. Krul and Nicola Scott have brought Teen Titans back to the prominence they have deserved. This book was feeling aimless even before Geoff Johns departed the book shortly after the “One Year Later” event.

Teen Titans is fun, Krul gives time to all of the characters, Scott’s pencils are some of the finest the series has seen, and Damian Wayne (Robin) is a welcome addition to the team. In this issue, the Titans track down Barney Venton (perhaps not the most realistic name for a teenager in 2010), the newly-powered teen that defeated the team in the last issue. Aided by a pair of students with grudges and new powers, the Titans find themselves at a stalemate with Barney and co.

Krul seems to really have an affinity for Damian and Ravager, as he saves some of the best moments in the book for them. Krul writes them both as a couple of thrill-seeking heroes, motivated more by their love for a good fight than fighting for good. Scott has a clean and dynamic style that has a feel of George Perez’s own original vibrant New Teen Titans work.

Batman: the Dark Knight #1

DC Comics

««

Batman: the Dark Knight may be the book that needs to be cut from the just-large-enough line of Bat-books. There was nothing significantly wrong with David Finch’s story except that it didn’t feel as though we were being presented with anything we haven’t seen before. This is a challenge to be sure, but one that Grant Morrison has Scott Snyder have been able to achieve on their Batman books.

Finch’s artwork is certainly above average and the book’s prestige format is always welcome; the artist draws an excellent Batman, Batcave, and the gadgetry and vehicles all look sharp. Finch isn’t a bad storyteller either. His pacing is good (no scenes linger) and his dialogue is fine. Ultimately, the book just doesn’t feel necessary.

FCBD: 'Captain America and Thor'

While Thor: The Mighty Avenger completes it's brief but entertaining run next month, fans will be served up one final adventure by series writer Roger Langridge and artist Chris Samnee with Captain America and Thor (cover above) in celebration of Free Comic Book Day. The issue is due for release on Saturday May 7th, the day after Thor officially premieres in movie theaters; the timing couldn't be more appropos.

Check out Chris Samnee's blog for some thumbnails of his other cover drafts for the issue.

If Bucky Goes to Prison, Will Steve Rogers Go Back to Being Captain America?

Captain America turns 75 next year and Marvel is celebrating by including several Cap-inspired variant covers in the month of March. The same month there will also be a whopping nine titles with the name Captain America in the title to prove what a resilient character he remains. But the question on everyone’s lips is: Will Steve Rogers reclaim the role of Captain America?

The recent solicit for issue #615.1 (a Point One issue) leads one to believe that there is someone new in line to wear the star-spangled gear. I would guess if someone new does take on the Captain America role it won’t be Steve Rogers (even though it should be since Ed Brubaker has written the character better than… well anybody). The only basis for my opinion is the Fear Itself artwork that shows Steve Rogers in his Super Soldier gear standing near (what appears to be Bucky Cap).  I’m also well aware that Marvel is not above throwing phony artwork out there to throw spoiler-loving fans off a scent.

From the official solicit:

Steve Rogers emerged from the super soldier program to become the first Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty. When he died, Bucky Barnes took up the shield to become a new kind of Captain America. With Barnes on trial, who will wield the legendary weapon—who will become the new Captain of America? This is the start of a new era for the famed Avenger!

While I enjoy Steve Rogers’ role in the Marvel Universe right now, I would like to see him back in his classic costume, leading the Avengers into action.

Crisis of Multiple Characters

There’s been a proliferation of multiplicity taking place in comics over the last year and it does not seem to have affected comic sales or turned fans off. We’ve seen an army of Flash characters, a gaggle of Hulks, two Captain Americas (sort of), and a whole mess of Avengers.

But it seems as though the true test will be if two Batmans can coexist. Let’s take a look at this multitude of multiple characters:

Flash
You would be hard pressed to find a point in comic history where there were more Flash-family characters in continuity than there are now. We have three Flashes: the original, Jay Garrick; the first modern-day Flash, Barry Allen; and Barry’s protégé, Wally West. Add to the mix Kid Flash, Impulse, Jesse Quick, and Max Mercury and you are a few people short of a small town.

These characters are currently used throughout the DCU but not yet in their own book. To fully understand the history of the Flash characters is to understand the myriad of time travel stories (a crutch of a comic book plot device if ever there was one) that have made up their existence.

Hulk
How many Hulks are there? Well the title of the original Hulk’s current book is The Incredible Hulks. The book features the green Hulk (I’ll get to that shortly), She-Hulk, Red She-Hulk, Savage She-Hulk, and the three non-Hulk monikered characters A-Bomb, Korg, and Skaar. I don’t believe there is a character in comics whose status quo has changed as drastically or as frequently as Bruce Banner’s. He has gone from out-of-control misunderstood monster to in-control misunderstood genius innumerable times. He’s currently in control of the monster and traveling alongside a cadre of Hulks.

Then there’s the Red Hulk who has been terrorizing Banner and the rest of the Marvel Universe over the past two years. Recently revealed to be Banner’s former nemesis, General “Thunderbolt” Ross, Red Hulk is currently fighting on the side of the good guys in the pages of Hulk.

Captain America
While there is currently only one guy running around calling himself Captain America, it is difficult to not refer to Steve Rogers as Cap. After all he’s worn the red, white, and blue outfit since the character’s creation in the early 40’s. Steve was murdered a few years ago and has only recently reemerged; Cap’s former sidekick “Bucky” Barnes took over the patriotic mantle.

Now that Steve has returned, and often inhabits the same space as “Bucky”, it’s difficult not to refer to them as Captain Steve and “Bucky” Cap. As long as Steve Rogers is in the comic books, and he’s appearing all over the Marvel Universe these days, it’s going to be difficult not to see him as Captain America—mask or no mask.

The Avengers
For a team not founded by Charles Xavier, there are a hell of a lot of Avengers teams. Two teams reside in Manhattan and call themselves the Avengers (we call them The Avengers and The New Avengers). Then there is the Special Ops team called the Secret Avengers, a team of young heroes called the Young Avengers, and there’s a school for superhero education called Avengers Academy.

Someone must have done a whole heap of bad to warrant this much avenging.

Batman
Finally, the biggest name in comics is about to become a pair: Batman. This month Bruce Wayne makes his official return to the DCU in the final issue of Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne. Dick Grayson, his original ward, has taken on the role of the Dark Knight in the caped crusader’s absence.

Now that Bruce has returned you’d expect that Dick would go back to being Nightwing. Nope. They’ll both be Batman—and there may be additional Batmen. Dick is going to continue protecting Gotham City while Bruce takes his business internationally in Batman: Incorporated.

Wednesday's Previews, 10/27/10 Releases

Action Comics #894
Written by Paul Cornell; Co-feature written by Nick Spencer; Art by Pete Woods Co-feature art by RB Silva and Denis Frietas ; Cover by David Finch and Batt.

Guest-starring Death from Sandman! Yes, you read that right! Death! From Sandman! In Action Comics! Lex Luthor finds himself literally at Death's door, which leads to a fascinating look not only into the mind of one of the all-time greatest villains, but also at what Death means in the DC Universe…

And in the Jimmy Olsen co-feature, an alien race has chosen Metropolis to be the host of their millennial celebration! And who better to show them around town than James Bartholomew Olsen? But when the alien princess gets wasted and her brother starts picking bar fights, it's up to Jimmy to get things under control before all of Metropolis is destroyed!

Superman: Earth One
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Shane Davis and Sandra Hope; Cover by Shane Davis.

Forget everything you know about The Man of Steel and brace yourself for a staggering new take on the world's most popular Super Hero.

Best-selling, Hugo Award-winning writer J. Michael Straczynski (Brave and the Bold, Thor, Babylon 5) and red-hot rising star artist Shane Davis (Green Lantern, Superman/Batman) team up for this exciting launch of the Earth One graphic novel series. Set in an all-new continuity re-imagining DC's top heroes, Earth One is a new wave of original, stand-alone graphic novels produced by the top writers and artists in the industry. The groundbreaking new line rockets into effect right here with the Super Hero who started it all – Superman!

What would happen if the origin of The Man of Tomorrow were introduced today for the very first time? Return to Smallville and experience the journey of Earth's favorite adopted son as he grows from boy to Superman like you've never seen before!

Teen Titans #88
Great jumping on point!
Written by J.T. Krul; Art and cover by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood; 1:10 Variant cover by Adam Hughes.

It's here! A new day dawns for the Teen Titans, brought to you by the dynamic duo of J.T. Krul (Green Arrow, Blackest Night: Titans) and Nicola Scott (Wonder Woman, Secret Six)! Packed with action, steeped in emotion and featuring your favorite heroes, Teen Titans is ready to explode off the racks!

Starting right here, the team finds itself pushed in new directions and brought to new heights while also rediscovering its roots. With the rise of a mysterious new threat called the Feral Boys, Superboy, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Raven, Beast Boy and the newly returned Ravager will have the chance to rebuild their camaraderie in the face of all that might endanger it. But if they discover the truth behind the Feral Boys, will they be able to stand together to face it? Find out here as the new era of the Teen Titans begins in this perfect jumping-on-point issue!

Captain America #611
Great jumping on point!
Written by Ed Brubaker; Art by Filipe Daniel Moreno de Andrade and Daniel Acuna; Cover by Marko Djurdjevic.

"The Trial of Captain America" begins here! Nothing will ever be the same again, and this time we mean it. Award-winning writer Ed Brubaker and acclaimed artist Butch Guice continue to take Captain America to new heights!

Fantastic Four #584
Written by Jonathan Hickman; Art by Stephen H. Epting; Cover by Alan Davis.

It's the return of Galactus, a trip to Nu-World, the Old Kings of Atlantis and Namor, the all-new Yancy Street Gang, and the day the Thing becomes human again. Join Jonathan Hickman and superstar artist Steve Epting in "Three, Part 2: 'Congratulations, Mr. Grimm...You're Human Again.'''

Incognito: Bad Influences #1
Written by Ed Brubaker; Art and cover by Sean Philips.

Last year’s breakout hit finally returns! By the award-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. One of the biggest Hollywood options of the year, nominated for three Eisner Awards, Incognito is finally back for more! It’s apocalyptic pulp noir at its finest! It’s been over a year since Zack Overkill came out of Witness Protection to build a new life. But working for the government isn’t that different from being controlled by them, and his new secret identity is becoming more trouble than it’s worth! So what will Zack do when tasked with a mission that sends him on a hunt into darkest corners of the super-criminal underworld where he was raised? Also returning with Incognito are the exclusive Pulp magazine essays by Jess Nevins, Professor of pulp history, only available in the single issues of Incognito.

Wednesday's Second Chances
If you missed them the first (or second) time around, the third printing of Skull Kickers #1 (below), the second printing Fantastic Four #583, and the second printing of Artifacts #2 will be released this week.

The Circle of Life or Corporate Synergy? Marvel's Tron Variants.

Tron: Legacy is released by Disney. Disney purchases Marvel. Marvel produces Tron: Legacy variant covers to popular titles. The circle of life or corporate synergy? You decide true believers.

Honestly, stuff like this may make some people’s skin crawl but I think every one of these covers looks awesome. Credit artists Mark Brooks (above, Captain America #612) and Brandon Peterson (below, Wolverine #4) for handling the ten different variants that will be released throughout the month of November in anticipation of Disney's long-awaited sequel.

Follow the link for the rest of the Trontacular (yeah, I made a word) covers:
http://marvel.com/news/all.14404.marvel_unveils_tron_variant_covers

Holy Beefcakes!

Just a quick word of appreciation to the fine producers of next summer’s super hero flicks. Namely Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, and Green Lantern which star Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Ryan Reynolds respectively. I can only assume they are working their darndest to keep the girlfriends of America, who will invariably be dragged to these films, from being bored. MTV caught the first picture of Chris Evans (above left) and he appears to be diving, lunging, lifting, benching, pressing, and dieting into the role of Steve Rogers.