MARVEL COMICS WARNS FANS: ANNIHILATION IS IMMINENT! MAJOR SPACE STARS RETURN IN NEW HOUSE OF IDEAS EVENT!

Marvel Comics has stars in its eyes as it announces the impending approach of ANNIHILATION, a major new cosmic event. ANNIHILATION, beginning in March ’06, encompasses a prologue one-shot, four 4-issue limited series, and a 6-issue concluding limited series. The universe itself provides the stage and the backdrop.

Outer space-based characters were once a mainstay of the comics industry, especially in the 40s and 50s, but except for a brief revival in the 70s have never truly been given much in the way of a well-deserved focus. Marvel Comics has a unique and diverse stable of strange space-faring heroes and villains whose time has come to shine once again. But can they survive ANNIHILATION?

“The basic idea is that we've got a ton of cool space characters that have been under used--and to a certain degree misused--for several years,” notes Marvel editor Andy Schmidt. “They're fantastic characters that just need to be dusted off and thrust into some new stories that give them a chance to shine. They should and can be great to read about. And during ANNIHILATION, they will be.”

The scope of the new event is as wide and expansive a space itself:

ANNIHILATION:PROLOGUE – written by Keith Giffen (Legion of Super-Heroes, Justice League, DRAX THE DESTROYER, HOWLING COMMANDOES) and art by Scott Kolins (AVENGERS, MARVEL-TEAM UP) and Ariel Olivetti (Space Ghost). Kolins says: “Working with Giffen is a dream come true. His plans are amazing and I’m ecstatic to be drawing this prologue. It’s gonna rock!”

SILVER SURFER – written by Keith Giffen and art by Renato Arlem (IMPERFECTS)

SUPER-SKRULL – written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach (ABC’s “Lost”, The Middle Man) and art by Greg Titus (Syn, ICEMAN)

NOVA – written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (Legion of Super-Heroes) and art by Kev Walker (EXILES)

RONAN THE ACCUSER – written by Simon Furman (DEATH’S HEAD, TRANSFORMERS UK) and art by Jorge Lucas (INHUMANS, COLOSSUES: BLOODINE)

ANNIHILATION – the 6-issue coda to the event that gathers all the players together, written by Keith Giffen!

Other extraterrestrial entities that will appear in ANNIHILATION will include such hard-hitting powerhouses as Drax, Quasar, and fan-favorite baddie Thanos. Fans should keep their eyes to the telescope, as even more cosmic characters taking part in the event will be revealed as the launch date nears.

“I am front-row-center for this party,” enthuses Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada. “Andy’s more than right to point out that these space guys have not been given a proper spotlight lately…but hey! Ya can’t keep good, nay, GREAT characters down at ol’ Marvel, and this one’s chock fulla great characters! Now, if only I could convince Andy and his gang to use the Guardians of the Galaxy…”

When Andy Schmidt is pressed to pinpoint the single best thing about ANNIHILATION, he smiles the smile of a proud papa. “There's so much going on that I can't pick just one.For me, it's just great to finally see these cool space characters in new and intense situations.” “I can't wait to see what all the fans think!”

ANNIHILATION: PROLOGUE
Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Penciled by SCOTT KOLINS & ARIEL OLIVETTI
Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO

This is it! 48 pages of cosmic guts and glory! If you want to see your favorite cosmic level heroes and villains, you dare not miss ANNIHIALTION: PROLOGUE! This 48 page (NO ADS!) book is written by Keith Giffen (DRAX THE DESTROYER, THANOS), and features the stunning art of Scott Kolins & Ariel Olivetti. This is the book to read for the NEXT YEAR’S worth of cosmic stories! Get in on the ground floor as Marvel raises these great characters from the ashes!

Heroes will die. Villains and heroes will form allegiances. Empires will fall.
FEATURING: NOVA, SILVER SURFER, THANOS, DRAX THE DESTROYER, RONAN THE ACCUSER, AND THE SUPER-SKRULL! In space, everyone will hear them scream!

Lindelof and Ultimate Wolverine Vs. Hulk in TV Guide

Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof is featured in the Dec.19-25 issue of TV Guide (on sale 12/16), but it’s not the most watched television show in America that he’s talking about; it’s his upcoming 6-part Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk mini-series.

TV Guide’s feature contains exclusive images from Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk #1 and Damon even reveals a hidden reference to his hit TV show Lost that can be found in the first issue.

Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk, with art by superstar Leinil Francis Yu, sees the first meeting between these two colossal comic characters in the Ultimate Universe.
Wolverine is sent on a government mission around the world to eliminate the Hulk, who has been on the run since escaping his own execution. And when they meet, one of them is definitely not walking away. Promise.

Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk #1 hits stores 12/21 and is a must-not-miss for fans of comics and Lost alike.

Limited Edition Zoom Suit Comic Available Now

Former Marvel Entertainment alumni, John Taddeo, is currently offering members of the fan forum, Valiantfans.com, something special this holiday season. From now until December 31, 2005, Taddeo is offering all registered members of the forum the opportunity to receive a limited edition Zoom Suit comic featuring a cover by acclaimed former Valiant artist Bart Sears. Only 731 copies featuring this rare cover are available and those requesting one will receive it in late February or early March, prior to the release date of the first issue.

Taddeo, a comic fan of 30 years, made an attempt in early 2005 to purchase the assets of the defunct publisher, Acclaim Comics. After being informed that he had won the assets in the bankruptcy auction, the deal soured over language in the contract intended to close the sale. The assets were returned to the bankruptcy court who eventually sold the now incomplete assets to an under bidder on an "As Is" basis at significantly less than Taddeo had agreed to pay.

During the time leading up to the sale, Taddeo made numerous friends on the fan forum of Valiantfans.com. During an “open forum” interview, Taddeo was asked by a board member to provide a free special edition Valiant comic to the members of the forum. Taddeo agreed to do so if he acquired the assets. When his attempt to purchase the assets fell through and he turned his attention to his latest project, Zoom Suit, Taddeo remembered the idea and decided to follow through on it, though in a slightly different way. Taddeo hired former X-O Manowar artist, Bart Sears, to draw a cover for Zoom Suit #1 that pays homage to his work for Valiant Comics.

“Fans of Valiant still discuss the books from the 1990s and ponder the future of the Valiant characters,” said Greg Holland, Valiantfans.com owner and moderator. “Zoom Suit’s homage to X-O Manowar helps keep the memory of Valiant from fading, and stirs discussion of both comic universes in the online community.”

The Zoom Suit synopsis explains the story like this, “When an extraterrestrial suit ends up on Earth, it could mean a huge advancement for the U.S. military...if it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Clothes make the man, or in this case the boy, in this animated superhero Cinderella story.”

Zoom Suit #1, the first issue of a four issue limited series, written by John Taddeo, will be solicited in the February issue of Previews for items shipping in April, 2006. The series, priced at 2.95, features 36 pages of story and art by Billy Dallas Patton and features exclusive covers by Bob Layton, Gene Colan, Bart Sears, Jim Starlin, Billy Tucci and Billy Dallas Patton. Fans can also watch the award-winning animated short Zoom Suit at www.superverse.com.

MARVEL GOES DIGITAL! HOUSE OF IDEAS LAUNCH CLASSIC & CURRENT COMIC TALES ONLINE!

Industry giant Marvel Comics has launched their popular characters and their adventures into the digital realm. Marvel.com is to be host to online versions of classic and current tales of Spider-Man, the Hulk, X-Men, and more. Stories from throughout the company’s long history will be translated into a form that can be viewed right off the fan-favorite website.

“There are two audiences that we're trying to reach,” observes Peter Olson, Creative Director, Online for Marvel Entertainment. “For people who have only been exposed to our products through movies and TV, we want to use this as a vehicle for introducing them to comics as a medium. For our long-time fans we feel it'll be a good way to check out titles they aren't familiar with and also to catch up with our archives. “I'm working on a classic X-MEN run right now, actually,” he says, with the gleam of a true fanboy in his eye. Although a black and white version of a Nextwave digital comic was shown to a select group of the press, there are no plans to make the digital version of this comic available to the general public. Nextwave #1 (Diamond code: NOV051973) will be available in local comic shops on 1/25/06. Marvel is truly excited about the launching, especially concerning the technology being utilized. Every effort is being made to make online comics viewing a joy for the fan.

“The reader is extremely flexible,” says Olson. “It allows the user multiple ways of going through an issue, including a very innovative ‘smart panel’ mode that allows the reader to focus on the book one panel at a time. It provides convenience for the user as they can read their favorite comics from any computer with an Internet connection.”

John Dokes, Marvel Director of Marketing and Business Development, is understandably proud of this new venture, as well as eager to receive feedback on its operation.

“Offering Marvel’s characters and stories in a new way such as this is something we’re very passionate about. We believe that there’s a large percentage of comics fans that will simply love to view our comics online and we hope we can all work together to make this as pleasurable and successful an operation as humanly possible.”

“The thought that classic Marvel tales and their current counterparts are being translated into the digital realm is as exciting as it is comforting. They’ll be preserved and strengthened for future generations.” As this new feature of Marvel.com ramps up, the posting of stories will increase. “We'll be adding several new issues every week. Eventually it'll be up to one new issue every week day.” Dokes points out.

NEW TWIN BLADES COVER REVEALED

Ascendant Studios and Alias Comics reveal all-new TWIN BLADES cover artwork

Originally solicited in November with a stunning placement cover by artist Ryan Odagawa, Alias Comics revealed today the all-new, official cover art for their debut issue of the upcoming bi-monthly series, TWIN BLADES: KILLING WORDS!

As with the placement cover featured in solicitations, this new cover showcases the work of series artist, Ryan Odagawa – with colors by Danimation!

“I wanted Dan to color the covers. I'm a big fan of his,” said Odagawa. “I don't want to sound too geeky, but at one point I thought it was an unattainable idea to have him color anything of mine. I met him at a couple of cons, and we’ve kept in contact.”

In addition to the new cover art, TWIN BLADES: KILLING WORDS #1 will also feature a second, special variant cover by Alias Comics Executive Director, and veteran artist, Mike S. Miller.

“I thought the placement cover was strong, but this new piece just blew me away,” said Miller. “Ryan has come a long way in his artistic career, and Twin Blades will showcase what an extraordinary talent he is to the world. I couldn't be more thrilled to be publishing this title!”

Written by Adrian Todd, TWIN BLADES follows the story of two young sisters who are destined to bring peace to a war-torn land from a villain with highly-advanced, sci-fi weaponry -- available in January 2006 from Alias Comics and Ascendant Studios!

ATOMIK MIKE EXPLODES AT ALIAS

This February, Across the Pond Studios creators Stephan Nilson and Israel Cruz join Alias Comics with their all-new monthly series, ATOMIK MIKE – featuring the universe’s greatest space pilot: a monkey!

ATOMIK MIKE is the story of the universe’s best space pilot, who’s transformed into a monkey by his rival, Captain Tariq! Determined not to let that stand in his way, Mike and his crew – made up of robots, aliens and humans alike – set out on an adventure to transform their captain back to his former self!

The official Alias Comics solicitation reads:

ATOMIK MIKE #1
Written by Stephan Nilson
Art by Israel Cruz
How does the greatest space transporter and smuggler alive continue his trade after being transformed into a monkey by a rival captain? Join Mike, April, Blog and the rest of the crew as they struggle to keep their ship up and running while trying to find a way to transform Mike back to his human self. Don’t miss out on what is bound to be the best space adventure of 2006!
-- 32-pages, full-color monthly series --$3.50

"Israel and I are very excited about publishing with Alias. As a studio publishing with Alias is exactly why we started working in this industry,” said writer, Stephan Nilson. “We wanted to have fun working on Atomik Mike, and Alias has made that happen for us. We look forward to a long production/publishing relationship with Atomik Mike and Alias.”

Additionally, Alias Comics and Across the Pond Studios have teamed with CGC to bring readers a very special CGC edition of ATOMIK MIKE #1 - sold exclusively through ComicPriceGuide.com!

ATOMIK MIKE lands in comic book shops everywhere in February 2006!

TITAN BOOKS TO ROCK WITH TENACIOUS D!

Publisher Secures World Rights to Tenacious D Film Companion

Publisher Secures World Rights to Tenacious D Film CompanionWhen Jack Black (School of Rock, King Kong) and his musical compadre Kyle Gass get together they are none other than Tenacious D, the “self-proclaimed” Greatest Band on Earth! Having already taken the music world by storm with a self-titled hit album, chart-topping DVD sales, and sell-out tours in the US and Europe, they are now poised to rock Hollywood to its very core with the first Tenacious D movie, Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny from New Line Cinema.

Titan Books, a leading publisher in the categories of film, TV and popular culture, is proud to announce their exclusive acquisition of the World English Language Rights to the greatest Tenacious D movie tie-in book.

The yet-to-be-titled book, currently scheduled for release in October 2006, will serve as an outrageous adults only companion to the forthcoming film, offering a fully-illustrated guide to the comedy rock duo, as told by Jack Black and Kyle Gass! Packed with colour photos, script extracts, and extensive bonus features, the new book promises to be as foul and fun as “the D” themselves.

Titan Editorial Director Katy Wild says, “This is a great acquisition for Titan, and is an essential part of our ongoing strategy to capture the market in quality entertainment publishing.”

Titan Editor Adam Newell is also more than a little excited to be working on the book: “I worship at the feet of Tenacious D, so this is a dream come true. Be they angels? Nay, they are but men, but they ROCK! It’s about time the D came down from the stage to hit the page!”

Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny will be released theatrically in the 3rd Quarter 2006 by New Line Cinema. The film reveals the origins of the greatest rock band in the world when Jack Black and Kyle Gass embark on an epic journey to possess the Pick of Destiny!

Shipping This Week: December 14, 2005

DARK HORSE

ART OF COMIC BOOK INKING 2ND ED TP $24.95
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #108 (MR) $2.99
DOCTOR SOLAR MAN OF THE ATOM VOL 3 HC $49.95
FRANK MILLER SIN CITY LIBRARY I HC (NOTE PRICE) $150.00
JINGLE BELLE THE FIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS $2.99
LENORE PVC SET $14.99
LITTLE LULU VOL 7 LULUS UMBRELLA SERVICE TP $9.95
MINI FENDER JAZZ BASS GUITAR MODEL (RES) $19.99
MINI FENDER MODEL GUITAR CASE (RES) $239.88
MINI FENDER PRECISION BASS GUITAR MODEL (RES) $19.99
MINI FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR MODEL (RES) $19.99
MINI FENDER TELECASTER GUITAR MODEL (RES) $19.99
NEXUS ARCHIVES VOL 1 HC $49.95
OH MY GODDESS VOL 1 AUTHENTIC ED TP $10.95
SAMURAI EXECUTIONER VOL 7 TP $9.95
SAMURAI HEAVEN & EARTH #5 (OF 5) $2.99
SIN CITY ENVIRONMENT MAGNET SET $19.99
SUPER MANGA BLAST #58 (MR) $5.99

DC COMICS

100 BULLETS #67 (MR) $2.75
ACTION COMICS #834 $2.50
AQUAMAN #37 $2.50
AUTHORITY THE MAGNIFICENT KEVIN #5 (OF 5) (MR) $2.99
BATMAN GOTHAM COUNTY LINE #3 (OF 3) $5.99
BATMAN LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #198 $2.50
BATMAN STRIKES #16 $2.25
BEST OF THE SPIRIT TP $14.99
CAPTAIN ATOM ARMAGEDDON #3 (OF 9) $2.99
CHIKYU MISAKI VOL 2 $9.99
DMZ #2 (MR) $2.99
ELSEWORLDS SERIES 1 AF INNER CASE PI
ELSEWORLDS SERIES 1 AF MASTER CASE PI
ELSEWORLDS SERIES 1 RED SON SUPERMAN AF PI
ELSEWORLDS SERIES 1 RED SON WONDER WOMAN AF PI
ELSEWORLDS SERIES 1 THRILLKILLER BATGIRL AF PI
ELSEWORLDS SERIES 1 THRILLKILLER BATMAN AF PI
FABLES #44 (MR) $2.75
FIRESTORM #20 $2.50
GREEN ARROW #57 $2.50
GRIM ADVENTURES OF BILLY AND MANDY STATUE $125.00
HAWKMAN #47 $2.50
INFINITE CRISIS #1 GEORGE PEREZ POSTER $7.99
INFINITE CRISIS #1 JIM LEE POSTER $7.99
JLA #123 $2.50
MAJESTIC #12 $2.99
MEGAS XLR STATUE $125.00
MONSTER COLLECTION VOL 4 (MR) $9.99
NIGHTWING #115 $2.50
SCOOBY DOO #103 $2.25
SUPERMAN TRUE BRIT SC $17.99
TEEN TITANS #30 $2.50
VILLAINS UNITED TP $12.99
WILDCATS NEMESIS #4 (OF 9) $2.99
WONDER WOMAN EYES OF THE GORGON TP $19.99


IMAGE

AMAZING JOY BUZZARDS VOL 2 #3 $2.99
BAD PLANET #1 (OF 6) $2.99
FEAR AGENT #2 $2.99
FURTHER ADVENTURES OF ONE PAGE FILLER MAN GN $11.99
GROUNDED #4 (OF 6) $2.99
HAWAIIAN DICK THE LAST RESORT #3 (OF 4) (RES) $2.99
NOBLE CAUSES #15 $3.50
RISING STARS VOICES OF THE DEAD #6 (OF 6) $2.99
SILVESTRI TURNER WITCHBLADE #18 LITHO $19.99
THE GIFT VOL 2 CONSEQUENCES TP $14.99
WALKING DEAD OMNIBUS VOL 1 HC (MR) $100.00
WITCHBLADE MEGACON 2005 VARIANT #83 $5.00
WITCHBLADE MEGACON 2005 VARIANT #83 SGN $15.00

MARVEL
BOOKS OF DOOM #2 (OF 6) $2.99
CABLE DEADPOOL #23 $2.99
FANTASTIC FOUR IRON MAN BIG IN JAPAN #3 (OF 4) $3.50
FANTASTIC FOUR VISIONARIES JOHN BYRNE VOL 5 TP $24.99
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN 2ND PTG VAR #2 $2.99
GHOST RIDER #4 (OF 6) $2.99
GLA MISASSEMBLED TP $14.99
GLX-MAS SPECIAL $3.99
GRAVITY BIG CITY SUPER HERO DIGEST $7.99
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #7 $2.50
MARVEL JOE MADUREIRA POSTER $5.99
MARVEL KNIGHTS 4 #25 $2.99
MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #21 $2.99
MARVEL SELECT FLIP MAGAZINE #7 $3.99
MARVEL TALES FLIP MAGAZINE #6 $3.99
NEW AVENGERS MOST WANTED FILES $3.99
NEW THUNDERBOLTS #16 $2.99
NEW X-MEN #21 $2.99
NEW X-MEN SECOND PTG VARIANT #20 $2.99
OMEGA THE UNKNOWN CLASSIC TP $29.99
PUNISHER SILENT NIGHT $3.99
SECRET WAR BOOK FIVE (OF 5) $3.99
SON OF M #1 (OF 6) $2.99
ULTIMATE IRON MAN #5 (OF 5) $2.99
UNCANNY X-MEN #467 $2.50
WHAT IF WOLVERINE $2.99
X-FACTOR #1 $2.99
X-MEN #179 $2.50
X-MEN PHOENIX ENDSONG TP $14.99

FORGOTTEN REALMS BOOK III BEGINS IN MARCH

DEVIL’S DUE CONCLUDES THE DUNGEONS & DRAGONS *FORGOTTEN REALMS* LEGEND OF DRIZZT TRILOGYBook III Sojourn follows on the heels of first two adaptations

Devil’s Due Publishing delivers the final graphic novel chapter in R.A. Salvatore’s Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Trilogy beginning with FORGOTTEN REALMS: SOJOURN #1 (of 3) this March. With both previous volumes still available –Forgotten Realms Book I: Homeland Trade Paperback (AUG052862E) and Forgotten Realms Book II: Exile issues #1-#3 - BOOK III: SOJOURN delves further still into the Forgotten Realms, in a new, graphic format. The DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS property is under license from the Hasbro Properties Group, the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS).

Writer Andrew Dabb and penciler Tim Seeley return from both Homeland and Exile, to conclude the trilogy with SOJOURN. The adapted novel is told through three 48 page issues with two covers each. Cover A features art by Tim Seeley, and is priced at $4.95; Cover B, printed on deluxe cardstock, by Tyler Walpole, is priced at $8.95.

“ Forgotten Realms Book II: Sojourn #1 will be the most gorgeous book on the stands in March,” says DDP Senior Editor Mike O’Sullivan. “Tim Seeley’s putting his all into this book. Drizzt has never looked better than he does right on these pages!”

“This is the climax and resolution of the trilogy,” states DDP President Josh Blaylock. “This trilogy finale is not to be missed!”

COCONUT CREEK TO FEATURE ZOOM SUIT AS A MOVIE IN THE PARK

People in South Florida will receive a holiday treat early this year when the city of Coconut Creek sponsors “Movies in the Park” on Saturday, December 17 at 7:00 PM. The night of outdoor film fun starts with a viewing of the award-winning animated superhero short, Zoom Suit, by local director John Taddeo, and concludes with the evening’s feature presentation, The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks. The event is being held at the Coconut Creek Community Center at 1100 Lyons Road. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Taddeo, formerly of Marvel Entertainment, premiered Zoom Suit in April 2005 at the Palm Beach International Film Festival. Since then the short has been accepted into over 50 film festivals and screened by over 250,000 theater attendees. The film was an official selection of the San Diego Comic Con Film Festival and the International Family Film Festival. In November, Zoom Suit was broadcast into 10 million homes on Adelphia Cable’s High Definition Channel.

In Zoom Suit, a top secret government battle suit, which had been recovered from the Roswell alien crash, mistakenly winds up in the hands of a twelve year old boy. The clothes make the man, or in this case the boy, in this superhero Cinderella story.

The event will feature refreshments for sale courtesy of Publix Supermarket. Popcorn sales benefit the Teen Club. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

New Artist joins Alias' TWIN BLADES

Odagawa joins Ascendant Studios and Alias Comics’ sci-fi fantasy adventure: "Twin Blades”!

Alias Entertainment starts its second year of comic publishing by adding new blood to its lineup with the upcoming title, TWIN BLADES: THE KILLING WORDS, from Ascendant Studios, with writer Adrian Todd and artist Ryan Odagawa!

TWIN BLADES follows the story of two young sisters who are destined to bring peace to a war-torn land from a villain with highly-advanced, sci-fi weaponry.

TWIN BLADES: KILLING WORDS #1

Written by Adrian Todd

art by Ryan Odagawa

colors by Jean-Francois Beaulie

covers by Ryan Odagawa and Mike S. Miller.

The beautiful but deadly 18-year old twin sisters Bren and Bera have finished their training in the ways of war and dedicated themselves to insuring the future peace of their homeland. But how can you establish peace in a country torn by war if you can't even get along with your own sister? Will they join forces in time to stand against the malevolent Warlord who is determined to take over their homeland, and possesses weapons that are not of this world? Beautifully illustrated by former Wildstorm Studios artist, Ryan Odagawa!!!
-- 24-pages, full-color bi-monthly series -- $3.50

Artist Ryan Odagawa is a veteran in the industry, having formerly worked on titles such as MARVEL AGE, RESIDENT EVIL, and SAVANT GARDE, and now joins writer Adrian Todd for TWIN BLADES at Alias Comics!

“Ryan is just ripping the art up -- and that's meant as a compliment,” said Todd. “His artwork is incredible, and as the series progresses, he just gets better! When you see issue two art, it will knock your socks off.”

TWIN BLADES: THE KILLING WORDS is available in January 2006 from Alias Comics and Ascendant Studios!

Doc Samson #1 Preview

DOC SAMSON #1 (of 5)
Written by PAUL DI FILIPPO
Penciled by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO
Cover by DANIEL ACUNA
FIRST ISSUE! Busting out from the pages of THE INCREDIBLE HULK, Doc Samson gets his first mini-series! Join the green-haired adventurer as he solves problems with psychoanalytical tactics and good ol’ fashioned whuppins! In this first issue, see the good doctor provide therapy for wayward aliens, consult mystic art masters and battle living totem poles! Coming to you from the boundless mind of Paul Di Filipo (Top Ten)!
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99
FOC - 12/15, On Sale - 1/4/2006

Lucky #7: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #3 Sells Out,

The first issue of J. Michael Straczynski’s Act Three of Spider-Man: The Other, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #3, has sold out at Diamond. In response, Marvel is going back to press with a new second printing variant cover by Mike Wieringo featuring Captain Universe Spider-Man.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #3 is the seventh part of Spider-Man: The Other and its sell-out continues the streak at seven in a row for this Spider-Man event. The Captain Universe Spider-Man Second Printing Variant will follow the same theme of the previous ones, all illustrated by Mike Wieringo.

The reviews of The Other have been great, with Comicfanatic.com calling the previous chapter, Amazing Spider-Man #526, an “A+. If you were wanting to see something BIG and life changing in Spider-Man’s life…you MUST NOT miss this.”

Be sure to pick up part 8 of Spider-Man: The Other written by J. Michael Straczynski in Marvel Knights Spider-Man #21 on sale this Wednesday.

DVD RELEASES FOR DECEMBER

The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Airplane - The Don't Call Me Shirley Edition
Anthropophagus: The Grim Reaper
Atragon
Bad News Bears
The Baxter
Beautiful Country
Big Bad Mama - Special Edition
Death Race 2000 - Special Edition
DinoCroc
Dukes of Hazzard:Complete Fifth S
Dukes of Hazzard:Complete Fifth Seaso
F.I.S.T.
Family Bonds - The Complete First Season
Fear Chamber
The Five Pennies
Frank Miller's Sin City - Recut, Extended, Unrated
Gallipoli: SE
Gilmore Girls: The Complete Fifth Season
Godzilla - Final Wars
Golden Age of Cartoons: Attack of the 30's Charact
Golden Age of Cartoons: Popeye - A Popeye Collect
Harryhausen Giftset
Island
King Kong - Peter Jackson's Production Diaries
Kiss:Rock the Nation Live <>
Kronk's New Groove
Long Way Round
Miami Vice: Season Two
Naked Among Wolves
Next Stop, Greenwich Village
Post Apocalyptic Survival Kit 3 Pack
Pretty Persuasion
The Producers
Reba - Season 2
Rock 'n Roll High School - Special Edition
Roll Bounce
Saint Ralph
The Simpsons - The Complete Seventh Season
Sundance Film Festival Coll: Celebrating 25 Years
Tour of Duty: Entire Series
Who's Got the Black Box?
The Yards - Director's Cut

IMAGE BRINGS INDIE POP TO COMICS

Scottish indie pop sensations Belle & Sebastian make their first foray into the four-color world in a very different approach to the comics anthology in Image Comics’ PUT THE BOOK BACK ON THE SHELF: A BELLE & SEBASTIAN ANTHOLOGY GN.

Bursting out of Glasgow in 1996, Belle & Sebastian took the U.K. by storm, going from an independent underground sensation to placing an album on the British Top 20 in just two short years. With their infectious brand of indie pop, Belle & Sebastian has become a college radio staple in the United States. Thanks to its bittersweet love songs and fanatically loyal fans, the band has sold over 2 million albums worldwide.

Now, the band’s colorful lyrics and gorgeous, full-bodied melodies have provided Image Comics with the inspiration for a new kind of comics anthology. With the full-color, 144-page PUT THE BOOK BACK ON THE SHELF, a stellar collection of independent comic creators and cartoonists put their own spins on a cross section of Belle and Sebastian’s songs, crafting stories inspired by the band’s music, drawn from the band’s entire catalog.

With an all-out marketing assault, including mailing out to the over 40,000 fans that are on the various official and unofficial newsletters & fan clubs, a strong push over radio, online and in print, plus the band itself talking about the book while promoting their new album, THE LIFE PURSUIT, sales of the book are expected to be stellar.

PUT THE BOOK BACK ON THE SHELF: A BELLE & SEBASTIAN ANTHOLOGY GN is tentatively scheduled for February 22nd.

Across The Pond Studios Forced to Delay One Title, Two Others Still On Schedule

Due to power losses and property damage suffered by South Florida-based Across the Pond Studios during hurricanes Rita and Katrina, The Iron Ghost #5, originally scheduled for release on December 14, 2005 has been delayed until December 28.

The Iron Ghost, written by Chuck Dixon and featuring art by Sergio Cariello, Flint Henry and Rick Hiltbrunner, is an exciting tale of war intrigue that follows the adventures of a vigilante during World War II as he wages a one-man battle against the Nazi Third Reich. It follows the style of such masterpieces as the Shadow or the Green Hornet.

Across the Pond Studios’ two other new titles, scheduled for release in 2006, remain unaffected. Metal Locus #1, shipping from Speakeasy Comics, will be released in February and can be found in the December issue of Previews. Atomik Mike #1, shipping from Alias Enterprises, will also be released in February and can be found in the December issue of Previews. Issue #6, the final issue of the Iron Ghost series, is still on track for release in February.

“It’s unfortunate,” said publisher Stephan Nilson. “We work really hard to publish quality products on a timely schedule, but you can’t fight Mother Nature. The hurricanes did major damage to our area and we are very fortunate that the worst to come from the tragedies is one delay of only a couple of weeks. We could have lost a lot more than we did.”