Avengers VS X-Men Will Have Something for Everyone

One month before the Marvel Studios movie, The Avengers, hits theaters, Marvel Comics is launching a knock-down, drag out brawl in Avengers VS X-Men #1.

Written and drawn by a who's who of the comic book industry's top talent, (including Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron and John Romita Jr), Avengers VS. X-Men could very well be the beginning of a new status quo for Marvel comic.

Reserve your copy of Avengers VS X-Men #1 at Alter Ego Comics today!

New Series to Add to Your Pull List - March 2012

March is upon us, which means there's a batch of new comic book series that you can add to your pull list at Alter Ego Comics. Remember that reserving a copy of book that you're interested in helps us order more accurately and guarantees that you won't miss it. Not all of the titles listed below will be stocked at the store.

The following new series are scheduled to start shipping in May:

Dark Horse Comics

• Darth Vader: Ghost Prison #1 (of 5)
• The Guild: Fawkes One Shot
• BPRD Hell on Earth: Devil's Engine #1 (of 3)

DC Comics

• Earth Two #1
• Worlds' Finest #1
• Batman Incorporated #1
• Dial H #1
• GI Combat #1
• Ravagers #1
• Smallville Season 11 #1
• Superman Family Adventures #1 (all ages)
• Mystery in Space #1 (Vertigo Comics)

IDW Publishing

• Star Trek The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation #1
• Frankenstein Alive #1
• Trio #1
• True Blood Ongoing #1
• Magic the Gathering: Spell Thief #1
• Godzilla Ongoing #1
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics #1
• Night of 1000 Wolves #1 (of 3)

Image Comics

• Mind the Gap #1
• Dancer #1
• Epic Kill #1
• Grim Leaper #1 (of 4)

Marvel Comics

• Hulk Smash Avenges #1 (of 5)
• Avengers: Black Widow Strikes #1 (of 3)
• Marvel Zombies Destroy #1 (of 5)
• Fury Max #1 (Garth Ennis)
• Takio #1 (all ages)

Boom Studios

• Higher Earth #1
• Garfield #1

Dynamite Entertainment

• The Spider #1

Valiant Entertainment

• X-O Manowar #1 (Special "Pull List" Variant available)

Zenescope

• Call of Wonderland #1 (of 3)

New Series Coming to Alter Ego Comics This March

Ordering new comic series is one of the toughest parts of my job as a comic store owner. Order too many, and I'm sitting on stacks of unsold comics. Order too few, and I may not be able to get more copies in, and, worst of all, I'm disappointing fans.

The best way for you to guarantee that the comics you want to buy are available at Alter Ego (or your local comic book store) is to pre-order. So here's a list of new series starting in March for you to look over. If any strike your fancy, please let me know ASAP and we'll get you signed up for them.

BPRD Hell on Earth: The Pickens County Horror #1 (of 2)

As the world goes to hell, a backwoods vampire clan shelters themselves in their Gothic southern home, covered in fog and fungal horror, ready to create havoc for a trespassing B.P.R.D. crew.

Night Force #1

Marv Wolfman reimagines his classic adventure series for the new millennium!

There’s a conspiracy under way that’s been going on for hundreds of years. One determined cop has unknowingly scratched the surface and suddenly finds himself summoned to Wintersgate Manor. But this chilling menace may prove to be too big even for Baron Winters.

Justice League Vol. 1: Origin HC

Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make history with the first hardcover collection of a DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 series! In a universe where Super Heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes! Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg unite for the first time to form the JUSTICE LEAGUE! Don’t miss the thrill-a-minute hardcover collecting the first six issues of the best selling comic!

Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls HC

Following his groundbreaking, critically acclaimed run on DETECTIVE COMICS, writer Scott Snyder (American Vampire) begins a new era of The Dark Knight with artist Greg Capullo (Spawn) and a new beginning for BATMAN! In this hardcover collecting the first six issues, a series of brutal murders rocks not only Gotham City to its core but also the Caped Crusader himself when the prime suspect is one of Batman’s closest allies – Dick Grayson!

Green Lantern Vol. 1: Sinestro HC

The first six issues of the star-spanning series from DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 are collected in hardcover, with stories by superstar writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke! There’s an unexpected new Green Lantern in town: Sinestro. And now, this renegade GL has set a course for Korugar with one purpose: To free his homeworld from the scourge of his own Sinestro Corps – with the not-so-willing help of Hal Jordan!

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Blood HC

The first six issues of the critically acclaimed new WONDER WOMAN series are collected in hardcover! Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, has kept a secret from her daughter all her life – and when Wonder Woman learns who her father is, her life will shatter like brittle clay. The only one more shocked than Diana by this revelation? Bloodthirsty Hera – so why is her sinister daughter, Strife, so eager for the truth to be told? Superstar writer Brian Azzarello creates a new direction for one of DC’s best-known heroes, with spectacular art by Cliff Chiang and Tony Akins!

Batman: Knightfall Vol. 1 TP (New Edition)

In the first installment of this classic storyline, the Dark Knight’s greatest enemies have all simultaneously escaped from Arkham Asylum and are preying on Gotham City. With his city under siege, Batman pushes his body to the limit as he takes on The Joker, the Mad Hatter, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, The Riddler and the Scarecrow. But things get much worse when Bane, the man behind all the madness, confronts an exhausted Batman – and breaks his back.

This massive first KNIGHTFALL volume collects BATMAN: VENGEANCE OF BANE SPECIAL #1, BATMAN #491-500, DETECTIVE COMICS #659-660, SHOWCASE ‘93 #7 and 8 and BATMAN: SHADOW OF THE BAT #17-18, including chapters never previously reprinted.

Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #1

DOMINIQUE LAVEAU: VOODOO CHILD is the story of a half-breed, outcast and heir to the Voodoo Queenship of New Orleans, if she can live long enough to claim her birthright. New Orleans is the most haunted city in America: a town of centuries-old ghosts and newly drowned spirits; where vampires, voodoo spirits and loups-garous make their home. Ruling over this all are the powerful Voodoo Queens, whose influence stretches into politics, business and crime as they maintain a delicate balance between the mortal and supernatural worlds.

But in the aftermath of Katrina, all that has changed, for someone or something has murdered the Voodoo Queen and most of her court. The number one suspect is Dominique Laveau, a grad student at Tulane who is about to discover that her entire life has been a lie. Now Dominique must forge alliances with those out to kill her while seeking to uncover the truth behind the royal murders, as she is ultimately forced to deal with a destiny she could never have imagined. Voodoo Child is a new monthly series written by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, former editor-in-chief of The Source magazine, award-winning author, journalist and TV producer, with art by Milestone Media co-founder Denys Cowan (THE QUESTION) and covers by Rafael Gramp·.

The New Deadwardians #1

Another vampire/zombie comic? Really, Vertigo?

Trust us. This is different.

In post-Victorian England, nearly everyone of the upper classes has voluntarily become a vampire to escape the lower classes who are all zombies.

Into this simmering cauldron is thrust Chief Inspector George Suttle, a lonely detective who’s got the slowest beat in London: investigating murders in a world where everyone is already dead!

But when the body of a young aristocrat washes up on the banks of the Thames, Suttle’s quest for the truth will take him from the darkest sewers to the gleaming halls of power, and reveal the rotten heart at the center of this strange world.

THE NEW DEADWARDIANS is brought to vivid life by fan-favorite writer Dan Abnett (RESURRECTION MAN, LEGION LOST) with art by newcomer I. N. J. Culbard (At The Mountains of Madness).

Saucer Country #1

Arcadia Alvarado, the leading Democratic candidate for President of the United States, says she was “abducted by aliens.”

As the Mexican-American Governor of New Mexico, she’s dealing with immigration, budget cuts and an alcoholic ex. She’s about to toss her hat into the ring as a candidate for President in the most volatile political climate ever.

But then...a lonely road and a nightmarish encounter have left her with terrible, half-glimpsed memories. And now she has to become President. To expose the truth – and maybe, to save the world.

Arcadia’s quest is at the heart of this new monthly series from writer Paul Cornell (DEMON KNIGHTS, ACTION COMICS, Doctor Who) and artist Ryan Kelly (NEW YORK FIVE, NORTHLANDERS). With the help of her quirky staff, Arcadia will pursue the truth of her abduction into danger, mystery and awe. SAUCER COUNTRY is a dark thriller that blends UFO lore and alien abduction with political intrigue, all set in the hauntingly beautiful Southwest.

Fairest #1

New York Times best-selling, award-winning creator Bill Willingham presents a new series starring the female FABLES. Balancing horror, humor and adventure, FAIREST explores the secret histories of Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina, Snow White, Rose Red and others.

The first 6 issue arc follows the misadventures of Briar Rose after she is stolen away by the goblin army in FABLES #107. Fan-favorite artist Phil Jimenez (WONDER WOMAN, THE INVISIBLES) returns to Vertigo to pencil the opening storyline. Award-winning cover artist Adam Hughes (WONDER WOMAN, BATGIRL) provides covers, starting with a wraparound cover on issue #1.

Future arcs will be written by 2011 Arthur C. Clarke winner Lauren Beukes with art by Inaki Miranda, and iZOMBIE scribe Chris Roberson with art by Shawn McManus! And remember: They may be beautiful, but there will be blood.

Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 #1 (of 4)

The second volume of Dave Stevens’ Rocketeer blasts off with an all-new selection of great stories by some of the best in the biz! This issue starts off with a bang as Cliff finds himself in a dogfight, followed by a screening of everyone’s favorite cartoon character, and ending on a high-note with a lovely and somewhat familiar story—plus a gorgeous pin-up by Arthur Adams! That’s 25—count ‘em, TWO FIVE—pages of topnotch comics!

Smoke and Mirrors #1 (of 5)

From the company that brought you Locke & Key and Memorial! Mike Costa (COBRA, Blackhawks) teams with sleight-of-hand artist Jon Armstrong (also a consulting Imagineer for Disney) and acclaimed artist Ryan Browne (God Hates Astronauts)! A stage magician is thrust into a world where magic—not technology—rules, and forced to use trickery and illusions to survive!

Dorothy of Oz Prequel #1 (of 4)

Based on the upcoming animated film Dorothy of Oz! Building on the world created in the celebrated children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum, Dorothy of Oz will tell the tale of the titular hero’s return to the Land of Oz. But first read here about what events transpired to necessitate Dorothy’s return, and witness the rise of the Jester!

Saga #1

Y: THE LAST MAN writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN returns to comics with red-hot artist FIONA STAPLES for an all-new ONGOING SERIES! Star Wars-style action collides with Game of Thrones-esque drama in this original sci-fi/fantasy epic for mature readers, as new parents Marko and Alana risk everything to raise their child amidst a never-ending galactic war. The adventure begins in a spectacular DOUBLE-SIZED FIRST ISSUE, with forty-four pages of story with no ads for the regular price of just 

The Manhattan Project #1

What if the research and development department created to produce the first atomic bomb was a front for a series of other, more unusual, programs? What if the union of a generation's brightest minds was not a signal for optimism, but foreboding? What if everything… went wrong?

Welcome to THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, a brand new, ongoing, monthly comic from the creators of THE RED WING.  

Brought to you by award-winning writer JONATHAN HICKMAN and possibly the best new talent of the year, NICK PITARRA, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS is a look at history through a darker, much stranger, lens

Hell Yeah #1

Twenty years ago, the first-ever superheroes debuted without warning and forever altered our global culture! Now, the generation born in their wake fight to claim their place in a world evolved beyond them! Written by Eisner & Harvey award-winner JOE KEATINGE and illustrated by ELEPHANTMEN and POPGUN's ANDRE SZYMANOWICZ, HELL YEAH combines the over-the-top excitement of the original Image Comics launch with modern, innovative storytelling. It all begins with a giant-sized first issue containing a full thirty-two pages of story with no ads for the regular price of just $2.99! 

Hoax Hunters #0

Cryptids. Aliens. Monsters. All the world’s bizarre secrets--what if they were real? Their existence would be debunked by a reality TV show! HOAX HUNTERS is that show, publicly disproving all variety of lore. But their real goal is the opposite: as the world’s dark corners surface, the HOAX HUNTERS cover them up. 

When a mysterious astronaut made of crows appears in Russia, the HOAX HUNTERS are on the case. 

From the pages of HACK/SLASH!

Rebel Blood #1 (of 4)

FROM THE DESK OF OFFICER RED PROSPERO; WHILE YOU WERE OUT:  

"The world went to hell in a hand basket.  A highly infectious disease has turned every living thing into zombies. Your neighbors will rend your flesh with their bare teeth.  So will the rats.  And if the rats don’t, the squirrels will.  Save yourself.  Stay in the woods.  Pray it hasn’t reached the wolves…and keep your gun loaded."

Avengers VS X-Men #0

• The Return Of The Scarlet Witch! What Does This Mean For The Mutant Messiah Hope?

• Three Of The Hottest Names In Comics Kick Off The Biggest Event In Marvel History!

• And Did We Mention Frank Cho On Art?!

Avengers Assemble #1

• The Avengers Versus The *Brand-New* Zodiac!

• One Of The Greatest Avengers Villains Of All Time Gets Reinvented For The Modern Age Just In Time For The Blockbuster Movie Event Of The Summer!

• A Perfect Jumping-On Point Featuring The Cast Of The Summer Blockbuster

But In Marvel Universe Continuity!

Age of Apocalypse #1

• Spinning Directly Out Of Uncanny X-Force

• The Amazing X-Men Have Lost And The Evil

Weapon X Is More Powerful Than Ever.

• Jean Grey And Sabretooth Are At Their Lowest

• Who Are The X-Terminated?

Supercrooks #1

When The Market Is Flooded With Competition And The Authorities Are Always On Your Tail, What’s An All-American Supervillain To Do? Go To Spain, Of Course! From The Writer Who Brought You Kick-Ass And The Artist Of Secret Invasion Comes A New Series About A Team Of Superpowered Ne’er-Do-Wells Looking To Pull Off One Last Heist In The Land Of Bullfighting And Delicious Churros.

The Bionic Woman #1

Paris is the city of love? Not anymore... not since Jaime Sommers, the Bionic Woman, came to town hot on the trail of the Mission, a collection of insanely high-priced surgeons who've been murdering OSI's bionic prototypes in order to provide new life for billionaire patients. But while the Bionic Woman is hunting the Mission, their #1 hunter is after her! Can Jaime pick up the pieces of her past while protecting her life in the present, or will the city of love turn its back, and its bullets, on the Bionic Woman? Acclaimed writer Paul Tobin brings you a tale of baguettes, bullets, and bionic badass!

The Secret History of DB Cooper #1

The most infamous airline hijacker of all time, D.B. Cooper remains on the FBI’s most-wanted list almost 40 years after the crime. For the first time, the secret history of the man and the hijacking will be revealed. During the height of the Cold War, a fringe group within the C.I.A. wages a crusade on the deadliest battlefield of all: the mind. Aided by powerful psychotropic compounds, Cooper assists in a campaign of psychic assassination against the Soviets. But as he mentally and physically deteriorates, the line between two worlds blurs, and he goes rogue on his governmental overlords.

Pick of the Week: January 4, 2012 - Fatale #1

Earlier this week, I mentioned that one of my goals this year is to read more creator-owned comics. Along with that, I want to make sure that I share all of these good comics with as many people as I can to help combat some of the negativity about comics that is permeating the social media-verse. So, I'm going to write a brief review of my picks of the week this year with the hope that you'll pick some of them up.

This week's pick is Fatale #1 from Image Comics. It's written by Ed Brubaker (Captain America, Criminal, Incognito) with art by Sean Phillips (Criminal, Incognito, Marvel Zombies).

Brubaker and Phillips have continued their success in the Crime Noir genre, but they add Horror to the mix this time around.

The story starts in the present, but soon flashes back to the 1950s (a great time for Crime Noir) where not everything is at it seems. There's a femme fatale, corrupt cops, a dogged reporter, a cult (cults are fun, right?), shadowy men with guns, and, based on the alternate cover, we should see monsters very soon, too.

Fatale #1 was different, fresh and left me eager for the next issue, which is a sign of an excellent monthly comic book.

One of the cool things that Brubaker & Phillips have done for fans is to provide exclusive bonus content in the single issues of their comics. And Fatale #1 includes an interesting essay on H.P. Lovecraft, as well as comments from Brubaker and artwork by Phillips. It's their way of saying "Thank you for NOT waiting for the trade." The bonus content is not included in the collected editions nor will you find it in the digital versions, and it's a nice perk for following the series monthly.

If you're a fan of Criminal and Incognito, Fatale is a no-brainer.

If you're only familiar with Brubaker's work on Captain America (and it's really good stuff) then you owe it to yourself (and to him) to check out his creator-owned comics, and Fatale #1 is a great place to start.

You'll find Fatale #1, (along with other comics from Brubaker and Phillips) at Alter Ego Comics or your local comic book store.

Brubaker & Guice Take Aim at The Winter Soldier This February

Steve Rogers most trusted partner and a former Captain America, Bucky Barnes, must tackle his greatest challenge yet as Winter Soldier #1 hits store shelves everywhere this February! After going toe to toe with the Nazis and being assumed dead for decades, Bucky Barnes went through hell and back as the Soviet Union rebuilt his war torn body into their own one man army known to all as the Winter Soldier. But what if he wasn’t the only one?

From the blockbuster creative team behind Captain America, Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice send Bucky back into the shadows to take down the remaining ex-Russian sleeper agents and dismantle their diabolical plot. Teamed with the Black Widow, the former Captain America will have his hands full when he finds out that he trained them all AND that Doctor Doom is involved! With the entire Marvel Universe thinking he’s dead, Bucky will have to tackle this threat head on with limited resources. Get in on all the action this February in Winter Soldier #1!

Pre-order your copy today at Alter Ego Comics.

My New Year's Resolution: Read More Creator-Owned Comics

As a comic book store owner, I read a ton of comics - usually 10-15 per week, plus graphic novels and advanced preview copies. My customer base is primarily made up of DC/Marvel fans, so that's the bulk of what I read. But, as I get older, I'm finding that I'm enjoying more creator-owned comics than ever before and I'm trying to bring as many other readers along for the ride with me.

So, one of my goals this year is to read more creator-owned comics and post reviews and comments that will hopefully get other comic fans to check them out.

Last night, I finally got around to reading Gladstone's School for World Conquerors Vol. 1 from Image Comics. Written by Mark Andrew Smith with art by Armand Villavert, Gladstone's is a fun, exciting and entertaining series that fans of Teen Titans and the movie Sky High will enjoy.

As the title implies, Gladstone's School for World Conquerors is a school where the children of super villains are taught how to be bad guys. Now this could be a very dark book, but instead, the characters are presented as regular kids that are dealing with bad grades from teachers, crushes, and fitting in.

But there's more to Gladstone's that just pre-teen fun and games. There's a mystery at the heart of the story, one that we get a tantalizing glimpse of in the first volume and that encourages the reader explore further.

Mark Andrew Smith has given fans engaging characters that, in many ways, are more fun and interesting than the Teen Titans. The characters and the world that they inhabit, feel fresh and exciting - as they should - and, based on the write-up at the end, he has plenty of stories to tell.

The artwork by Armand Villavert is excellent and fits the story very well. He does a great job of capturing the youth and emotion of the characters, while pulling off some eye-popping battle scenes.

I'm glad that I bit the bullet and opened the doors of Gladstone's School for World Conquerors. It's a place that I'm looking forward to visiting again.

Recommended Reading for the Week of August 25, 2010

Hey there, True Believers (can I say that?)!  Here's a quick look at some of the new comic books this week that are worth your hard earned cash:

*Warning: There may be slight spoilers ahead, but I won't spoil any of the really nifty stuff.

Driver for the Dead #1 (of 3)

Radical Publishing 

$4.99/56pages

The entire Alter Ego Comics staff has been looking forward to this series since it was first previewed in the 2010 Free Comic Book Day Radical Sampler, and I'm happy to say that it does not disappoint!

Fans of the TV show Supernatural or books like The Dresden Files will love this comic.  The story is fast-paced and the artwork is outstanding.

In fact, I've been so impressed by the comics coming out of Radical that we're spotlighting them from now through the month of September.  Check out the Radical Publishing display as you enter the store, and pick up some of the great comics that this indie comics label is putting out.

Justice League: Generation Lost #8

DC Comics

$2.99/32 pages

One of DCs two bi-monthly series, (the other is Brightest Day), Generation Lost is a treat for fans of Justice League: International.  

Max Lord is back from the dead (thanks to Blackest Night) and he's made the entire world forget who he is...except the former members of the JLI.  They know he's back, they know what he did (you know, murdering Blue Beetle Ted Kord, among other bad stuff), and they want to bring him to Justice.  

Generation Lost has been consistently good from the get go, and this issue turns up the action and excitement a notch or two.

Namor: The First Mutant #1

Marvel Comics

$3.99/40 pages

I was pretty skeptical about a new X-Men series dealing with Vampires when it came out a couple of months ago, but that new X book has been excellent.  Here's the setup: Dracula has been killed by one of his sons, and the son has taken over as ruler of all vampires.  Turns out there are different vampire sects out there in the world - Some want to get along with humans, some want nothing to do with them, and some want to kill them and drink their blood.  Put Dracula's kid into that last group.  

He's come up with a airborne virus that will turn mutants into vampires.  Now the X-Men need to bring Dracula back from the dead by getting his severed head and body back together. 

Enter Namor.  He's been hanging out with the X-Men on their island Utopia, and has been tasked with retrieving Drac's head from the Atlantean Vampires call Aqueos.  This first issue is a great read, and, surprisingly, I'm not burned out on vampire stories (you should pick up American Vampire from Vertigo, too).  'Nuff said!

Wonder Woman #602

DC Comics

$2.99/32 pages

J. Michael Straczynski's second full issue of Wonder Woman builds off of the first with more character development of the "new" Wonder Woman, and some butt-kicking action scenes.  Fans of the warrior Wonder Woman in the classic Kingdom Come story, will dig this issue.

I'm still not sure where JMS is going with his Wonder Woman, but it's definitely worth getting on board for the ride.

Fans of strong female characters and Greek mythology will want to check out Wonder Woman.

Superman/Batman #75 

DC Comics

$4.99/56 pages

This anniversary issue features a main story with the Legion of Super Heroes joining Superman and Batman, but the bonus content makes this book a must-read.  Some of DCs best writers and artists have contributed 2 page stories, including Adam Hughes, Brian Azzarello, Lee Beremejo, Francis Manapul, JT Krul, Shane Davis and many others.  Highlights include a Calvin and Hobbes style story featuring Lex Luthor and the Joker, a Red Robin/Batman and Superboy/Superman story and a Krypto/Ace the Bathound story.

See you next week!

A Face Only a Collector Could Love

I truly never thought that I'd see the day that this item would be made, but one of the fugliest creatures every to grace the silver screen - Meg Mucklebones - is getting the Legendary Scale Bust treatment courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles. 

Many collectors hoped that it was only a matter of time before Sideshow produced a Meg Mucklebones piece of some kind, since they had already done three versions of Darkness from the Ridley Scott film, Legend.  So if you're a fan of Legend, or just a fan of water hags like Meg, you should get your order in now for this unique collectible.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that the edition size for Meg Mucklebones is going to be very small, which means that the bust could sell out quickly and be hard to find once it's released. 

So what are you waiting for, click here to pre-order the Meg Mucklebones Legendary Scale Bust at Alter Ego Comics today and save 10% off the retail price.  We even have a payment plan option to ease your wallet.