Oooh, this one nearly snuck up on me as February is that odd time of the year when paychecks are a little smaller on weekly wages, bills are due a little sooner when they fall on the first of March and the new solicitations jump up on you when you’ve sworn you got another week in there. So, my apologies if things seem a little rushed.

In that vein, Happy Valentine’s Day, folks. And if it’s not that happy a holiday for you, just think about how lame Peter Parker’s holiday is going to be. Hard to buy roses for your supermodel wife when you’re wanted by Johnny Law. Not to mention your wife’s not exactly modeling right now.

On with the show!

Best Second Chance to Make a First Impression – A couple events left on the side to make a HUGE impact in May ULTIMATE X-MEN #82 The return of Ultimate Nightcrawler! Last seen, he had an uncomfortable stalker crush on Dazzler that basically kicked him off the team for good and left little chance of redemption for a character that had been so much fun in the 616. Looks like he’ll be going underground, really underground, and if this was their plan all along to bring in the Ultimate version of the Morlocks, then I’ll be the first to start the slow applause. It’s a great idea in theory and could bring a whole new dynamic to the Ultimate X-Men. Sometimes, I get the feeling that the ultimate universe is just Marvel’s 616 with more jerks, but this would be a smart start in a new direction. NOVA #2 When last seen in Annihilation, Richard Ryder pretty much blew off getting Earth’s Mightiest Heroes involved because they seemed pretty busy at the time with something that wasn’t galactic destruction. A bit of a let down, considering how I personally was looking forward to what Nova would think about hearing his old teammates’s dire (and in some cases dead) straits, but looks like Nova #2 is going to bring him home to Earth to see how much he’s changed and how much his former home has really changed. It should be cool to see how galactic cops and SHIELD sort out jurisdiction. From the solicit: Everyone used to treat him like a joke, but now that he’s one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe, does Nova have to take it anymore? Best Bring Backs – like Make Mines but the repeat version

IRON MAN #18 From Pete David’s time on Friendly Neighborhood, being a new writer on a book is rough under a big tent event. The Knaufs had to contend with Civil War and the Extremis story arc which sort of rewrote Iron Man’s abilities, so now that everything (hopefully) has settled down, we can get some Iron Man stories. No SHIELD, no Avengers, just you the reader and Tony Stark and adventure in a big powered armor suit. I say this because this issue brings the possible return of romance into Tony’s life via scientist and friend Maya Hansen, but the suspicious clue of ‘ten rings of power’. Are we getting the Mandarin back? Can they even do that? Here’s a toast to the threat of villainy! From the solicit: While Maya weighs a tempting offer from a suspicious source, Tony must wrestle with his conscience as a global threat develops. Here’s a hint: Ten Rings of Power: HEROES FOR HIRE #10 The new Heroes for Hire were at their best in the thick of Civil War, so now that the war is ‘over’ and there’s some hired heroing to do, you need yourself a guest star! From the solicit: And most importantly, will Colleen and Misty retrieve Moonboy so everyone can get PAID? All this and big daddy Devil Dinosaur! You heard it, folks.Best Guest Star Guestacular! – and on the subject of getting your book that certain pizazz

BLADE #9 Is it me or does Blade seem like a guest star guestacular all the time? I’m trying to think of an issue that didn’t have a wave of a hand from another Marvel character and I just can’t seem to come up with one. Anyhoo, this is Blade going to England to give a shout out to Union Jack, a character I’m glad they’re getting out more. Much like Blade, to be honest. FANTASTIC FOUR #546 This is going to be interesting; Annihilation managed to give Civil War a wide berth and despite the prison for the Registration guys being in the Negative Zone, Civil war kept out of Annihilation’s path. Now that both are over, not to mention a big Fantastic Four movie coming out this summer, it’d be a shame not to spark up some special guest appearances. From the solicit: The Fantastic Four is helpless against the cosmic power of Epoch. The Black Panther goes one-on-one vs. The Silver Surfer. And oh, yeah, there’s a new Protector of the Universe and he’s got a bone to pick with Galactus. So I guess Black Panther and Storm really are filling in for Reed and Sue. And “New Protector of the Universe” could mean anyone from Nova to the returned Mar-Vell. One on hand, you have the major forces of the Silver Surfer and the King of Wakanda face to face, on the other hand you have both of Marvel’s meeting of the first time since their respective face-lifts. This is a rather momentous issue.Best Spider-Trauma – because it ain’t easy being Mr. Parker

CIVIL WAR: FALLEN SON – SPIDER-MAN Civil War: Fallen Son has each issue following a stage of grief. The last two covered denial and anger, and this month Marvel gave the crying in the rain honors to Spider-Man. I know they can’t say much so these kind of solicits are really hard to judge but it still counts that they’ve kept up the new theme of the black costume (the old theme being alien monster symbiosis, new theme a lot more personal this time around). SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1 Hey, an annual! Matt Fractions’ coming in for this one, making sure that Peter Parker’s marriage is a little less than sitcom perfect. An old flame will return after quite some time to see if he can’t get MJ to betray Peter for the life she left behind; as long as you’re connected to the internet, you know full well that Joe Quesada would rather have bachelor Peter back in the books and bringing in some story for Mary Jane is a good way of showing us some distance between the two of them. Despite the rather heart-breaking premise, I’m still glad to see her get some screen time that isn’t chasing this way or that after Spider-Man or an old foe. Also, Spider-Man’s going to barter away his freedom to ensure that Aunt May and Mary Jane are safe. That’s my Spidey. From the solicit: Join us in this retrospective of one of the most enduring love stories in comics. Written by Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST, PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL) with jaw-dropping art – including beautiful Romita-esque flashback sequences – by superstar Salvador Larroca (UNCANNY X-MEN, NEW UNIVERSAL).Best Cheap Shots – I’ll admit it’s hard to promote books three months ahead but sometimes you just have to wonder…

MIGHTY AVENGERS #3 So, Ms. Ultron is going to be messing with Iron Man and going toe to toe with the Sentry for big pulse pounding action, but that’s not all! From the solicit: Plus, Tigra guest stars. Yes, Tigra. Frank Cho drawing Tigra!! Did you hear us? FRANK CHO DRAWING TIGRA!! Which Avenger is Tigra dating? Prrrrr!! You’ve come along way, Greer Nelson. IRON MAN: HYPERVELOCITY #5 (of 6) Now the plot’s kind of interesting, some pulse pounding action with a suit gone mad unleashing ‘cape killing’ tech on a SHIELD hellicarrier and ripping through Tony Stark’s memories. All of this is written by Adam Warren, so I’m expecting a pretty solid story. The question is though, what does the cover have to do with anything?Best Reveals – surprise! it’s new!

MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN #1 Do not discount Marvel Adventures, as they have not only been turning out some fun, casual stories that anyone can pick up and enjoy, but they also gave us an all-MODOC issue of the Avengers. In the recent events of Civil War, I think it’s fine time Iron Man got some fun and casual stories. Or at least an awesome little MODOC body to tool around in. The first Marvel Adventure with ol’ Shell Head is going to obviously be an origin story but I’m expecting some great things ahead… MS. MARVEL #15 From the solicit: Operation: Lightning Storm goes into full effect as Ms. Marvel targets the terrorist organization that has been a thorn in her side for years! That’s right, the leader of the Mighty Avengers has declared a one-woman war against A.I.M. and its fearful leader M.O.D.O.K.! Oh HO! Ms. Marvel’s leading the Mighty Avengers?Best Beating the Dead Stick – zombie is the new black and death is never the answer

BLACK PANTHER #28 Looks like the ‘new’ Fantastic Four are getting a one way ticket to the Zombie-verse. Not only that, but the Zombie-verse after the events of the mini-series that made them a sensation to begin with. So in the actual Fantastic Four, we have the team running into the cosmic menace of Epoch and running into Galactus and the Silver Surfer and in Black Panther, the FF will be meeting up with the zombie Galacti. SHE-HULK #19 Okay, for those of you who don’t know, the Leader died, what… three times, twice in more recent memory? Peter David killed him off, the Jenkins and Jones had a go at telling the last Leader story but hey! Who says death is permanent? From the solicit: Can she honestly expect She-Hulk to help her represent her cousin’s greatest foe–the twisted, mass-murdering genius men call THE LEADER?!! Plus: If you thought a certain someone was dead and buried…you’d be wrong. And you’ll NEVER guess where they are now! At this point? If someone stayed dead I think I’d be more shocked and surprised. (SPECIAL MENTION) MARVEL ZOMBIES: DEAD DAYS Marvel Zombies was a smash hit, just a simple little mini with no agenda and or real purpose other than to be super cool and extremely bizarre. But now that the book took off, it’s time for the whole story! From the solicits: At last—witness the birth of the Marvel Zombies as told by the creative team of the best-selling limited series! Kirkman and Phillips pull out all the stops as they reveal the secret story of the day the Marvel Heroes became brain-eating monsters! Want to see the Avengers eat Jarvis? You won’t get that in this month’s New Avengers, effendi!Best Oncoming Train – we’ve been waiting for it since about May of last year, the time has come for World War Hulk!

WORLD WAR HULK PROLOGUE: WORLD BREAKER This one’s the jumping on point for the summer event of The Hulk coming back with some comeuppance on his mind, as well as some memories of past problems he’s had with some of the members of the Illuminati like Iron Man, The Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange and the Inhumans. A little back story, it’s their jumping on point and should catch you up for the big battle plus some extra for $3.99. INCREDIBLE HULK #106 While Hulk plots and plans, the main title will be gathering some extra allies as Amadeus Cho (from a issue #100′s side story) goes to see She-Hulk and Doc Samson, two people who have sided with the very ones who put Hulk into space in the first place. Think they’ll know of Bruce’s real fate by then?Best Moments In Joe Quesada Laughs at Me – oh those clever boys at Marvel

CIVIL WAR: FALLEN SON – CAPTAIN AMERICA See what I get for being an Internet Nostradamus? While I still continue to think that the fall of Captain America would make for an interesting year of stories, we have the stage of grief of ‘bargaining’ represented by Cap himself. So, think he’ll still be bumped off and this is just him bargaining for his own soul? Or was I totally bonkers and this is Steve Rogers bargaining for the life of a dear comrade? I think a lot of this kind of thing will make a lot more sense next week, giving seven more days of awkward speculation. CAPTAIN AMERICA #26 So if Cap’s not dead or dying, then …where is he? And why would the Winter Soldier be choosing a side three months after the end of Civil War? What is going on with our Sentinel of Liberty these days? From the solicit: These questions and more will be answered as the most shocking Cap story so far races right through the aftermath of the Civil War!Best Road Maps – knowing is half the battle

MARVEL MAGIC HANDBOOK Oh, this is going to be cool because Marvel just so happens to have this awesome supernatural side. And, since horror comics seem to be doing well in the market, I’ve been hoping for a return to the Midnight Suns or a Doctor Strange series or any good use of all these fantastic characters. A handbook is always a step in the right direction. From the solicits: This volume includes in-depth bios on the miraculous mixture of mighty mystics (Zhered Na, the Shadow Queen) and mysterious misfits (Papa Shorty and Pro-Rata!) that make up the magnificent menagerie of marvel magic! ANNIHILATION SAGA They’re really making this easy for you now. If you’ve still been on the fence about hitting those back issues or picking up the trade of the cosmic saga of the millennium, this is a $1.99 recap of the whole Annihilation event! A $1.99 for 32 pages! I mean, after this Keith Giffen just might have to come to your house and read it to you.Best from the Box Office to the Bookstore – big screen buzz reflected in your favorite books!

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #42 Kids and adults alike will be coming out of the summer FF movie hungering like a world eater for more of the Silver Surfer, at least if the movie’s as good as the trailer out now. So, you can offer a 500+ page monster to get 18 original issues in reprint (we’ll get to that one in a moment) or look to the Ultimate universe where they’ll be introducing the Silver Surfer for the first time as keeper of the Power Cosmic and possibly a link to the infamous Cosmic Cube. FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1 Sure, everyone’s going to be talking about Venom but don’t overlook the Sandman, a rather awesome villain who’s going to be given some due in a special ‘Sandman: Year one story in F’N’ Spider-Man’s first annual. Plus, a little something extra from renowned artist Colleen Doran. (SPECIAL MENTION) SPIDER-MAN FAIRY TALES #1 Not much to do with any movie this summer, but I thought the last X-Men Fairy Tale books were loads of fun for kids and the idea of doing a Spider-Man version is pretty cool. So if parents are still a little iffy on a Marvel Adventures comic for whatever reason, try ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ with MJ.Best Bang for Your Buck – waiting on the trade? wait no more!

SILVER SURFER OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC So, while some may be content with a brand new issue, hot off the shelves, for an appearance with Norrin Radd, other might be looking for something a little more… hardcore, shall we say? Meet the Silver Surfer Omnibus! The first 18 issues of the herald’s solo series, all gussied up and gorgeous with ‘every story and letters page, restored and recolored to match the original issues, plus behind-the-scenes bonuses and critical essays’. Seeing the Fantastic Four and Uncanny X-Men Omnibuses in action, this volume is going to be worth every penny. DOCTOR STRANGE: THE OATH TPB The odd out of major continuity mini-series can sometimes fall by the wayside, that one missed issue leading to the idea of just waiting for the trade rather than hunt the missing issue down. If Doctor Strange: The Oath was one of these books, then make sure and reserve your copy of the collected trade because hands down, this was one of the best Doctor Strange stories in ages. With everything from history, action and adventure and a philosophical premise, Doctor Strange and his supporting cast of Wong and Night Nurse really shine under Brian K. Vaughn’s pen and I’ll certainly be looking forward to having the whole story myself.Best Things for Me – last but not least, things I just thought were cool

NEW X-MEN #38 Nice things rarely happen to the New X-Men and this issues going to be no exception. We got Belasco coming for them and throwing them into Limbo, their leaders will be lost, demons are going to be running amuck and of course, something worse lurks around the corner. But for me, Scottie Young, one of the most solid X-Books out there right now and the possible return of Magik is pretty nice. MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #13 From the solicit: How can The Avengers stop an insectoid invasion when their biggest member keeps stomping her teammates? At last–the story you keep requesting: The origin of Giant-Girl Janet Van Dyne! They got my letters! The full list of May Solicitations for Marvel is this way.  Love Your Funny Books, Folks!

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