PREVIEW: Moon Knight #18

The Superhuman Registration Act: Membership has its privileges. And Moon Knight’s about to get his revoked. Personally. By Tony Stark himself. Meanwhile, Black Spectre’s hatched a plan to put the final nail in Moon Knight’s coffin. Years ago, Moon Knight destroyed Carson Knowles’ life -- now he’s about the return the favor.
Story by Mike Benson
Art by Mark Texeira
Colors by Dan Brown
Letters by Vc - Joe Caramagna
Cover by Arthur Suydam

PREVIEW: WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #24

“THE DEEP END”
Wolverine and Deadpool have fought to a standstill and are now - literally - dead on their feet. Whose healing factor will reign supreme? And what horrible fate awaits the loser? The most over-the-top grudge match in recent memory continues! Part 4 (of 5)
Written by DANIEL WAY
Penciled by STEVE DILLON
Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
32 PGS./Parental Advisory /$2.99

PREVIEW: WWH AFTERSMASH: WARBOUND #5 (of 5)

Children of Gammaworld, remember their names! Korg the Kronan. Hiroim the Oldstrong. Elloe Kaifi. No-Name of the Brood. They survived the gladiator pits and battlefields of "Planet Hulk." They withstood the titanic clashes and soul-searing revelations of "World War Hulk." But today, under the deadly dome of Gammaworld, a hero falls -- and the Warbound will never be the same!
Written by GREG PAK
Pencils by LEONARD KIRK & Rafa Sandoval
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
32 PGS./Rated T+ /$2.99

PREVIEW: INCREDIBLE HERCULES #116

Is Hercules a Skrull? Maybe. But is he an Eternal? Ikaris and Thena certainly think so, and they may just kill Herc to prove it!
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR., KLAUS JANSON & DEAN WHITE
32 PGS./Rated A /$2.99

PREVIEW: IRON MAN #28

Tony Stark is losing his mind and his freedom. Maya Hansen is becoming a pawn in the Mandarin’s genocidal game. And the leaders of S.H.I.E.L.D. are under house arrest, unable to take any action. With the international community about to decide their fate, Iron Man and his allies are in deep…so deep, we’ll need a double-sized issue to reveal what happens next!
Story by: Daniel Knauf, Charles Knauf
Art by: Roberto De La Torre
Colors by: Dean White
Cover by: Gerald Parel

PREVIEW: Alex Ross Covers "Uncanny X-Men" #500

MARVEL REVEALS VARIANTS FOR INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1

Marvel is proud to unveil three new variants covers to this May’s hotly anticipated Invincible Iron Man #1! From legendary Iron Man artist Bob Layton (Iron Man: Legacy Of Doom), plus rising star artists Billy Tan (Uncanny X-Men) and Marko Djurdjevic (Thor), come three stunning new covers to the new series from red-hot writer Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, Punisher War Journal, upcoming Uncanny X-Men) and acclaimed artist Salvador Larroca (Amazing Spider-Man, Uncanny X-Men)! These covers join the powerful 50/50 covers from Larroca and Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada!
A perfect jumping-on point for new readers and for old fans alike, this all-new Iron Man series pits the Armored Avenger against a man who just may be his greatest enemy! Featuring all your favorite Iron Man characters, from Pepper Potts to James Rhodes, Invincible Iron Man #1 begin an all-new, action-packed, status-quo shattering ongoing series that you can’t afford to miss!
Retailers, please note that Invincible Iron Man is also previewed in the upcoming Iron Man/Hulk Sampler, an unprecedented, free 32 page special that previews all the major upcoming Iron Man and Hulk releases. This sampler is perfect for distribution at movie theaters, Free Comic Book Day, and any other promotional efforts, providing a perfect introduction into the world of the stars of this summers two most anticipated blockbuster films!

PREVIEW: Criminal #2

It’s the second of three standalone stories, as CRIMINAL’s new expanded format keeps the hits coming!
In previous arcs of Criminal we’ve met the man who killed him, and we met his only surviving son… now meet TEEG LAWLESS, thief, murderer, and all around bad mother-#@$%er. Fresh from two tours in Vietnam, Teeg arrives home in 1972 carrying the baggage of war, a drug habit, and an unpaid debt to a local mob boss that’s now long overdue. *“Before the Living End”* tells how he goes about finding a way out of his problems and back into the life of crime.
And on top of this longer-than-usual length main story, CRIMINAL now features an *expanded* back-pages section, as well -- with articles by Brubaker and other top crime writers, from novelists to screenwriters to comic writers. These noir articles have become a popular piece of the CRIMINAL package, and are something that can only be found in the comics, not in any collections.
So don’t miss out on this second *standalone* issue of the most acclaimed crime comic on the stands!
Story by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips
Colors by Val Staples
Letters by Sean Phillips
Cover by Sean Phillips
Release Date Wed, April 9th, 2008

PREVIEW: THOR: AGES OF THUNDER #1

As Thor continues to deal with an uncertain future after the return of the missing Asgardians, readers can now look to the past and examine the long, arduous road that brought him here! Thor: Ages Of Thunder, a double-sized special from red-hot scribe Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, upcoming Uncanny X-Men) and fan favorite artist Patrick Zircher (Thunderbolts) explore the events leading to the mighty Thor’s bonding with the human Donald Blake as he wages war with the terrifying Frost Giants. But just how does a tragic tale of the Enchantress and the legendary villainy of the trickster Loki play into all this?
With Loki’s involvement in the critically-acclaimed Thor, this issue is perfect for fans looking to learn more about the Marvel Universe’s greatest deceiver…and just what makes Thor the man he is today! Don’t miss the double-sized Thor: Ages Of Thunder!
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER & KHARI EVANS
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—4/10/08, FOC—4/30/08

PREVIEW: THE LAST DEFENDERS #2 (of 6)

Written by JOE CASEY
Pencils by JIM MUNIZ
Cover by MIKE DEODATO
The Defenders are back -- Nighthawk! Colossus! She-Hulk! The Blazing Skull! -- and they've got their very own state to protect and serve (just don't call 'em "new", True Believers)! The Sons of the Serpent have moved in and only one fully-sanctioned team of super heroes can stop them! But will their first official mission end up as their FINAL mission? Believe it or not ... yes! Not to mention guest-stars galore in the must-have superhero mini-series of 2008!
32 PGS./Rated T+ /$2.99

PREVIEW: AVENGERS FAIRY TALES #2 (of 4)

Written by C.B. CEBULSKI
Pencils by NUNO PLATI
Cover by CLAIRE WENDLING
The Avengers continue to assemble in Marvel Fairy Tales as we focus on the story of a robot who wants nothing more than to be a real boy! Brought to life by the kindly inventor Hank Pym, the Vision is ostracized by other boys his age. When the Scarlet Fairy reveals she can grant his wish to become an actual human boy, The Vision is sent on an extraordinary adventure of self-discovery where he meets an amazing cast of alternate Avengers!
32 PGS./All Ages/$2.99

PREVIEW: MIGHTY AVENGERS #12

The most dangerous man in the Marvel Universe-Nick Fury-went underground after a failed espionage mission, but now the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D returns in Mighty Avengers #12! Why is Fury back? And what does his timing have to do with the red-hot Secret Invasion? The Eisner-winning team of writer Brian Bendis (Secret Invasion, New Avengers) and artist Alex Maleev (Daredevil, New Avengers: Illuminati) reunite for a Secret Invasion tie-in so important that the events in this issue will reverberate throughout the Marvel Universe as Fury becomes target number one! And just who is revealed as a Skrull? Wrapped up in a gorgeous cover by rising star artist Marko Djurdjevic (Thor), no Secret Invasion fan can afford to miss this crucial event tie-in!
Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Mighty Avengers and all Secret Invasion tie-ins, as the event delights critics and fans alike, while also drawing mainstream attention from outlets such as Entertainment Weekly. What secrets will Fury unearth? And how will they affect the Skrulls' plans? Find out in Mighty Avengers #12!
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by ALEX MALEEV
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
Rated A ...$2.99
FOC-4/3/08, On-Sale-4/23/08

PREVIEW: X-FORCE #3

The red-hot, sold-out hottest X-launch of the year continues as Wolverine’s new team searches for the kidnapped Wolfsbane and continues their merciless attacks on Purifier bases till they find her! Enter X-Force #3, from the fan-favorite writing team of Christopher Yost & Craig Kyle, with rising star artist Clayton Crain, ratchet the action up to 11. Just what does the return of New Mutants foe Magus mean for X-Force? As Matthew Riseman’s plan comes into full effect, it seems he’s gathered just what—or WHO—he needs…but what’s his endgame? And just how does S.H.I.E.L.D. figure into all this? An X-Men: Divided We Stand tie-in, X-Force helps set the stage for the future of mutantkind in a world without X-Men!
“I love where this series is going,” said Kevin Powers of ComicsBulletin.Com. “Clayton Crain’s dark style of painted artwork is absolutely appropriate for this title.”
Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on X-Force and all Divided We Stand tie-ins, as they continue to sell out rapidly! X-Force is on the trail of the Purifiers…but are they too late? Find out in X-Force #3!
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Parental Advisory …$2.99
On-Sale—4/23/08

PREVIEW: HULK #3

The mysterious new Red Hulk—just who is (s)he?—clashes with the new Abomination, formerly known as Rick Jones but now called A-Bomb, in an explosive confrontation! Hulk #3 continues the chart-topping new series from Eisner-winning, Emmy-nominated scribe Jeph Loeb (Ultimates 3, television’s Heroes) and superstar artist Ed McGuinness, as the fight you’ve been waiting for arrives with a boom! If you haven’t experienced the pulse-pounding thrill ride that has everyone talking, it’s time to jump onboard before this issue sells out as quickly as the first two!
"For those of you who have been wanting more clues about The Red Hulk, this is a must have issue," Loeb enthused, "And it's got a POW ending that will definitely bring you back for more! I am particularly digging the two covers, one by Ed and other by my Ultimatum pal, Dave Finch. It doesn't get better than that!"
With quick sell outs of the first two issues, Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Hulk, as the series continues to garner mainstream buzz from USA Today to Entertainment Weekly! You can’t afford to miss Hulk #3!
Retailers, please check the Marvel Mailer for instructions on how to order the Iron Man/Hulk one-shot, the perfect introduction to the stars of this summers two biggest blockbuster films!
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
Rated A…$2.99
On-Sale—4/23/08

PREVIEW: OMEGA: THE UNKNOWN #7

You know a super hero's in trouble when he resorts to drawing a comic book to try to solve his problems! Omega The Unknown #7, on top of the usual stellar array of talent, features special guest-star creator Gary Panter, known for his work on a legendary children's show, Frank Zappa's album covers, and RAW Magazine -- but he's never been between Marvel's covers before. Tune in!
WRITER: JONATHAN LETHEM
KARL RUSNAK
PENCILS: FAREL DALRYMPLE
GARY PANTER
INKS: FAREL DALRYMPLE
COLORED BY: PAUL HORNSCHEMEIER
LETTERED BY: FAREL DALRYMPLE
Rated T+ …$2.99

PREVIEW: MOON KNIGHT #17

“GOD AND COUNTRY,” PART 4
In the age of the Superhuman Registration Act, the only good hero is one that plays by the book -- which the card-carrying Moon Knight most assuredly does not. Indeed, with Moon Knight fast becoming the poster child for recklessness and brutality, the question of the day is just how he got a Registration Card in the first place! As Tony Stark's investigation unearths the ugly truth, Marc Spector braces himself for the consequences, unaware that an equally grave threat is preparing to strike. Carson Knowles -- a.k.a. the Black Spectre -- is back and he wants payback.
COVER BY: ARTHUR SUYDAM
WRITER: MIKE BENSON
CHARLIE HUSTON
PENCILS: JAVIER SALTARES
INKS: MARK TEXEIRA
COLORED BY: DAN BROWN
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA
Parental Advisory …$2.99

PREVIEW: CLANDESTINE #3

Guest-starring the time-lost Excalibur! Anybody who loved Alan Davis’s classic run on that series in the ‘90s will want to jump on board, because the Cross-Time Express is making its way through the dimension Newton Destine calls home, and it’s bringing with it a trainload of trouble along with it!
COVER BY: ALAN DAVIS
WRITER: ALAN DAVIS
PENCILS: ALAN DAVIS
INKS: MARK FARMER
COLORED BY: PAUL MOUNTS
LETTERED BY: DAVE LANPHEAR
Rated T+ …$2.99

PREVIEW: KICK-ASS #2

Sickening violence...just the way you like it. The most screwed-up superhero comic of all time continues in what's sure to be the most exciting launch of 2008. What would happen if you tried to be a super hero? What would happen when an ordinary man in a latex suit comes face-to-face with the criminal underworld? Read about super heroes like you've never seen them before and feel happy that you are living here right now when this book is being published. Your grandchildren will only envy you. Comics just don't get better than this.
COVER BY: JOHN ROMITA JR.
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: JOHN ROMITA JR.
LETTERED BY: VC - TBD
Mature …$2.99

PREVIEW: YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #3 (of 6)

You're Wiccan, the Young Avengers' resident warlock. Your mother is one of the most reviled, misunderstood mutants in history: Wanda Maximoff, A.K.A. the Scarlet Witch, who's been M.I.A. for months. Even though you've never met her, she's been haunting your dreams lately...With your super-fast twin brother Speed in tow, you set out to find her, unaware that someone else is looking for Wanda, as well. A demon with a mountain-sized grudge against the Scarlet Witch: Master Pandemonium! And guess what? If Pandemonium can't find Wanda to destroy her, he'll happily destroy...YOU!
Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA
Penciled by ALINA URUSOV
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
32 PGS./Rated T+ $2.99

PREVIEW: PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #18

One word: JIGSAW. In this prelude to the next major story-arc in PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL, we get to spend a little time with the man, the myth, and the monster that's earned the right to call himself the Punisher's arch-nemesis. What is it about Frank Castle that makes this otherwise sane, if a little sinister, gangster go absolutely and completely insane whenever he's around? What buttons can Frank possibly push that pushes Jigsaw over the edge of sanity? Find out straight from the horse's mouth, kiddies: JIGSAW starts here, ends in blood, and features a whole lot of violence in-between. By Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST, casanova) and Howard Chaykin (WOLVERINE).
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art by HOWARD CHAYKIN
Cover by ALEX MALEEV
32 PGS./Rated T $ 2.99