Wednesday, December 26, 2001

MARVEL COMICS FOR MARCH

Following are Marvel Comics' solicitations for March, with information coming from the company.

MAX TITLES

BLADE #1

Written by Christopher Hinz, art by Steve Pugh, cover by Tim Bradstreet.

Blade is back, and he's hunting a new threat: the Tryk, an extremely vicious mutant vampire species. Complicating the situation is the appearance of the Seven, a secret society dedicated to the destruction of supernatural evil. Incredibly, they see Blade as the most dangerous vampire of all! And at the same time, an ancient vampiric text sends Blade on a quest to renounce his monstrous heritage and become fully human at last. But can a mere human withstand the murderous Tryk?

32 pages, $2.99.

BLADE 2

Written by David Goyer and Steve Gerber, art by Alberto Ponticelli, photo cover.

Just in time for the new movie comes the Blade 2 comic book adaptation. Half vampire, half human, all hero. What new supernatural menace threatens the world? Only the brooding Blade can save us from it.

48 pages, $5.95.

ALIAS #7

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Michael Gaydos and Bill Sienkiewicz, cover by David Mack.

How do you find a man who doesn't want to be found - especially when he's a former super hero sidekick? For Jessica Jones, the trail leads to a New York nightclub... and a surprising encounter. Also in this issue:A special section illustrated by comics' legend Bill Sienkiewicz.

32 pages, $2.99.

CAGE #2

Written by Brian Azzarello, art and cover by Richard Corben.

Investigating the murder of a teenage girl, Cage suddenly learns that a three-way gang war is underway for control of the turf he calls home. And what better way than to disrupt the stalemate than offering his services to the highest bidder?

32 pages, $2.99.

HOWARD THE DUCK #3

Written by Steve Gerber, art and cover by Glenn Fabry.

Now mysteriously transformed, Howard the (former) Duck and his girlfriend Beverly face a new, strangely disturbing menace: an age-old weapon of power, now wielded by policewoman Suzi Pazuzu. The name of the weapon is a shocker.

32 pages, $2.99.

SPIDER-MAN TITLES

SPIDER-GIRL #45

Written by Tom DeFalco, art and cover by Pat Olliffe and Pat Williamson.

Someone has stolen Mayday's costume and uncovered her secret identity - and that's just the beginning of our girl's problems. Plus: Big Brain and the Human Torch make a guest-appearance as Peter Parker makes a long-awaited and much-demanded request of the Fantastic Five.

32 pages, $2.25.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #41

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by John Romita Jr., inked by Scott Hanna, cover by Jason Pearson.

No story details available.

32 pages, $2.25.

PETER PARKER: SPIDER-MAN #41

Written by Paul Jenkins, penciled by Mark Buckingham, inked by Wayne Faucher, cver by Humberto Ramos.

It's the finale of Spider-Man's brutal battle with his arch-nemesis, Dr. Octopus.

32 pages, $2.25.

SPIDER-MAN'S TANGLED WEB #12: I WAS A TEENAGED FROG-MAN

Written by Zeb Wells, penciled by Duncan Fegredo.

In high school, no one can hear you scream. Few kids can brag that their father has gone toe-to-toe with Spider-Man, but even fewer that their father was dressed as a giant frog at the time! Eugene Colorito can. And this mild-mannered teen would just as soon forget the image of his father being beaten over the head with his own spring boot. Unfortunately, Eugene goes to high school with plenty of people eager to help him remember... and daddy's just been released from the pen.

32 pages, $2.99.

X-MEN TITLES

MUTANT X #1

Written by David Tischman, penciled by Lee Ferguson and Ignacio Calero, inked by Jon Holdredge, photo cover.

"It's the story of Adam, a geneticist who breaks from Genomex, a secret government project that secretly tinkered with the DNA of over 1000 women in the 1970's an '80's," explained series writer David Tischman. "The purpose was to help rid the human race of disease and genetic defects, but the unexpected result has been the appearance of unique, mutant powers in the women's offspring. When it becomes clear that the government - in the form of the Genetic Security Agency (the G.S.A.) and its head, Mason Eckhart want to use the mutants, Adam erases the database of the offspring and goes on the run, dedicated to finding these special kids and helping them escape the government's power. Adam's formed an underground of powered and non-powered individuals to help the Mutants he finds and place them with families across the country, away from the government's grip. Aiding Adam in his fight are four new mutants: Shalimar Fox, a sexy feral woman, Brennan Mulwray, a young man with the power to discharge electricity, Emma Delauro, a woman with empathic powers, which enable her to read and influence the thoughts and emotions of others, and Jesse Kilmartin, who can phase his body from intangible to steel-like density with a thought.

"Issue #1 of the comic book is a double-sized issue, an origin story of sorts, telling how Adam, and his then mentor, Paul Breedlove, are recruited by the government to run Genomax, and how the initial genetic tinkering occurred. The TV series starts with all the characters - and conflicts - in place, and we thought it'd be fun to start the comic from the beginning, to give the fans some behind-the-scenes information and insight into Adam and his philosophical nemesis, Eckhart."

48 pages, $3.50.

EXILES #11

Written by Judd Winick, penciled by J. Calafiore, inked by Eric Cannon, cover by Mike McKone and Mark McKenna.

It's about time all the doom and gloom of reality-hoppin' took a backseat to some good old-fashioned fun. Well, if there's one guy who can deliver the party, it's the malleable Morph. And with the steamy Sunfire stopping by, the action is going to be hot, hot, hot. And it all leads to a brand-new team. Huh?

32 pages, $2.25.

MUTIES #2

Written by Karl Bollers, art and cover by Patrick Spaziante.

Think all mutants wear spandex? Or have flashy codenames? Or are immersed in the struggle between human and mutant? Think again. In the second issue of this series of self-contained stories, we travel to Japan and meet Seiji, a burgeoning telekinetic whose imagination may prove to be his most fertile gift.

32 pages, $2.50.

UNCANNY X-MEN #404

Written by Joe Casey, art by Ron Garney and Mark Morales, cover by Garney.

The true villain behind the X-Corps/Human Resistance conflict is revealed - but it may be too late for Banshee, or the X-Men, to do anything about it. And as an army of Multiple Men storms Zurich, Chamber (soon to star in his own X-Men Icons series) takes a guided tour through Mastermind's subconscious… where he's forced to confront some not very pleasant truths about himself.

32 pages, $2.25.

CABLE #103

Written by David Tischman, art and cover by Igor Kordey.

Cable's been shot in the head, but he's going out with a bang. With his Macedonian mission in a tailspin, Cable was confronted with one of his first failures - and then, with a bullet. In the meantime, A little bit of Askani goes a long way, as Viktoria begins to see the world in a different light. It's clones galore in part 3 of "How Many Albanians Does It Take To Screw In A Lightbulb?"

32 pages, $2.25.

DEADPOOL: FUNERAL FOR A FREAK #4

Written by Frank Tieri, art by Georges Jeanty and Jon Holdredge, cover by Jeanty.

The star-studded finale to Funeral For A Freak. The Deadpool Squad is on the loose and it's only a matter of time before blood is shed. Pray they only hurt the bad guys - but don't count on it. Will Wade Wilson ever be the same or will he remain in mental limbo forever? Oh yeah, and what the heck is the Deadpool Squad?

32 pages, $2.25.

X-TREME X-MEN #11

Written by Chris Claremont, art and cover by Salvador Larroca.

The X-treme Team faces Shaitan, the alien warlord from Dimension X. Plus: the secrets of our newest members are revealed.

32 pages, $2.99.

NEW X-MEN #124

Written by Grant Morrison, art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver.

"Imperial" Part 3 of 5. Cyclops has left on a desperation mission to recruit the enigmatic Xorn (who first appeared in New X-Men 2001) - but Cassandra Nova is one step ahead, and the two may not leave Tibet alive. Meanwhile, Professor Xavier's mad twin has dispatched the Imperial Guard on a horrific mission: Destroy all mutants! This story has grown by a chapter - because Grant Morrison's story is too big to contain.

32 pages, $2.25.

DEADPOOL #65

Written by Gail Simone, art and cover by Udon.

Did Wade Wilson survive the events of last issue or is there a new Deadpool in town? How does Deadpool, Master Assassin, sound? The Merc-With-A-Mouth finally gets his due, but at what cost? And who is the mysterious man waiting in the shadows with designs on our hero? He's pretty angry with the 'Pool! Plus: find out more about Deadpool's new...

32 pages, $2.25.

WOLVERINE #174

Written by Frank Tieri, art and cover by Sean Chen and Norm Rapmund.

The terrifying trio of Sabretooth, Lady Deathstrike and Omega Red close in on Logan. Plus, Logan's daughter Amiko and onetime girlfriend Yukio are in grave danger at the hands of an unknown assailant. Or is he known?

32 pages, $2.25.

X-FORCE #126

Written by Peter Milligan, art and cover by Mike Allred.

The X-Force embarks on their most hazardous mission yet - knowing in advance that one of their most popular members won't be coming home.

32 pages, $2.25.

X-MEN: EVOLUTION #5

Written by Devin Grayson, art and cover by Udon.

What's the difference between a rowdy gang of mischief-makers and a super-villain team? Perhaps it's the presence of a malevolent mastermind to keep the troops in line. But playing den mother is just a warm-up for the sinister shape-shifter Mystique - who's really focused on the students of the Xavier Institute, and on the new member named Rogue.

32 pages, $2.25.

X-MEN UNLIMITED #35

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti, John Smith and Gail Simone, art by Amanda Conner, David Finch and Kevin Magiure, cover by Keu Cha.

First it's Marvel Girl vs. Sabretooth in David Finch's first story for Marvel. Then it's Wolverine and Rogue by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner. Plus: The real behind-the-scenes story of the X-Men movie by Gail Simone and Kevin Maguire.

48 pages, $3.50.

ULTIMATE TITLES

ULTIMATE X-MEN #16

Written by Mark Millar, art and cover by Adam Kubert.

A new story begins here. It's the first step on Charles Xavier's big global field trip, as the X-Men jet off to Scotland... and meet one of Professor X's old flames. What is the top secret project she's working on... and how is it linked to the biggest secret of the mutant world?

32 pages, $2.25.

ULTIMATE X-MEN #1-2-3 COLLECTED EDITION

Written by Mark Millar, art by Adam Kubert and Art Thibert, cover by Joe Quesada.

The world stands on the brink of war. But it's not a war between countries... it's a war between races: humans and mutants. The only force that can prevent total annihilation? Five awkward teenagers and their crippled mentor. Reprints Ultimate X-Men #1-3 in one volume!.

96 pages, $3.99.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #20

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by Mark Bagley, inked by Art Thibert, cover by Bagley.

Live, on TV: Spider-Man vs. Dr. Octopus and Kraven the Hunter. It's the biggest battle of the young wall-crawler's career as Spidey takes on the terrifying tag team of Dr. Octopus and Kraven the Hunter - all on live TV! Meanwhile, lurking in the background, the mysterious espionage agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. takes a sudden interest in the webbed wonder.

32 pages, $2.25.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #1-2-3 COLLECTED EDITION

Written by Brian Michael Benids, art by Mark Bagley and Art Thibert, cover by Joe Quesada.

Meet Peter Parker. Nerd, outsider... masked hero. When the bite of a special spider gives this young man the spectacular powers of an arachnid, he embarks on an adventure that will awaken the hero within - and give birth to the most popular super hero in the world. Reprints Ultimate Spider-Man #1-3 in one volume.

96 pages, $3.99.

ULTIMATE MARVEL TEAM-UP #14

It's a big espionage issue as the teenaged sensation attempts to help the sultry, sexy Russian spy named Natasha Romanov, But will the web-spinning wonder-boy fall under the Black Widow's spell? And who will win when the Spider meets the Widow?

32 pages, $2.25.

THE ULTIMATES #3

Written by Mark Millar, art by Bryan Hitch and Andrew Currie, cover by Millar.

Your former girlfriend is married to your best friend... and everyone you knew is dead. The legendary soldier of World War II may have returned when his country needed him the most, but what kind of world has Captain America awakened to?

32 pages, $2.25.

MARVEL KNIGHTS TITLES

MARVEL KNIGHTS #1

Written by John Figueroa, art and cover Alberto Ponticelli.

The Brothers Grace - multi-billionaire European businessmen who happen to be addicted to plastic surgery - are moving into the vacuum left by the Kingpin's absence. Under the direction of their evil majordomo, Mr. Tune, the Brothers' personal army begins their absorption of every criminal enterprise in the city! North Korean police detective (and S.H.I.E.L.D. undercover agent) Sgt. Helen Kim has been assigned to assist Black Widow, but will her personal vendetta against the Brothers get in the way of the urban avengers? Desecration, animal sacrifice, plastic surgery, and European independent filmmaking - the new Marvel Knights has it all.

32 pages, $2.99.

PUNISHER #10

Written by Tom Peyer, art by Mauel Gutierrez, cover by Tim Bradstreet.

"Taxi Wars" shifts into high gear. The Medallion, secret master of New York taxicabs, shifts his sights to a new enemy. Meanwhile, the Punisher plays cat-and-mouse with the hapless Detective Soap. And Artis Lee, cartoonist for the Daily Bugle, makes a stand.

32 pages, $2.99.

ELEKTRA #9

Written by Greg Rucka, art by Chuck Austen, cover by Greg Horn.

Elektra's loyalties are tested to the limit when a mysterious Greek heiress' true goals become clear. How far will the beautiful assassin-for-hire go to fulfill an assignment?

32 pages, $2.99.

DAREDEVIL #31

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art and cover by Alex Maleev.

Plot twist issue. This issue will change Daredevil's life forever.

32 pages, $2.99.

WOLVERINE/HULK #2

Written, art and cover by Sam Kieth.

Lost in a snowy wasteland, Wolverine must make peace - with the Hulk. But it's Bruce Banner who holds the key to the little girl who's leading Logan forward.

32 pages, $3.50.

MARVEL HEROES TITLES

PARADISE X #1

Written by Alex Ross and Jim Kreuger, penciled by Doug Braithwaite, inked by Bill Reinhold, cover by Ross.

The final installment of Marvel's alternate future begins with the arrival of the Guardians of the Galaxy. And while they search for an answer to Earth's startling transformation, the Avenging Host in the new Paradise contend with the cadre of villains who have escaped to the realm of the dead to exact revenge on the Punisher. Meanwhile, the Heralds, led by Wolverine, make their first contact with Spider-Girl's father: Officer Peter Parker. Featuring the second part of a 14-piece interlocking cover painted by Alex Ross.

32 pages, $3.50.

AVENGERS ICONS: TIGRA #1

Written by Christina Z., art and cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

Having attempted to settle into a new life over the past few years with the Avengers, Greer isn't happy with just being "part of the team". Where some people are happy neatly fitting in, Greer wants - needs - more. A woman with an unquenchable appetite, she hops from bed to bed before realizing she's got to settle up with the past. This means getting to bottom of The Brotherhood of the Blue Fist: an elusive group who may have murdered her late husband... and who now dish out justice in leather bondage masks. Can the were-woman infiltrate the deadly cabal... or will curiosity kill the cat?

32 pages, $2.99.

THE THING & SHE-HULK: THE LONG NIGHT

Written by Todd Dezago, penciled by Bryan Hitch and Ivan Reis, inked by Paul Neary.

A mysterious presence lurks in the forgotten tunnels beneath New York City, and it'll take two of the Fantastic Four's strongest members to face it head on... even if it wasn't in their plans for the day. But will the heroes be able to hold their own against an unending army of the undead? Will the mysterious Bonham show our duo an all new definition of "night life?" And what the heck does the Dragon Man have to do with all of this?

48 pages, $2.99.

AVENGERS: CELESTIAL QUEST #7

Written by Steve Englehart, art and cover by Jorge Santamaria and Scott Hanna.

As the galactic Rot continues to spread, Mantis, Quoi, and the Vision fall into the hands of Thanos and his new pantheon. As the mad Titan's tortures commence, who will crack in the face of his tender ministrations?

32 pages, $2.50.

CITIZEN V & THE V BATTALION: THE EVERLASTING #2

Written by Fabian Nicieza, penciled by Lewis LaRosa, inked by Jim Royal, cover by Mike Deodato.

How can Citizen V defeat a man absorbing the living energy of every single man, woman and child in China? Who is the mysterious god, Marduk - and to find him, why did John Watkins II seek the help of a familiar mutant telepath? Oh yeah, and a member of the V-Battalion is liquefied by... heavy breathing?

32 pages, $2.99.

FANTASTIC FOUR #53

Written by Carlos Pacheco, Rafael Marin and Karl Kesel, art by Mark Bagley and Al Vey, cover by Mike Wieringo and Kesel.

On all of Earth, only one nation is willing to provide sanctuary for the Inhumans - but it's the country that's under the iron rule of Dr. Doom! And as the plan of the Hidden Ones comes into focus, Mr. Fantastic faces the onslaught of his own government as an enemy of the state. Plus: the Invisible Woman's pregnancy reaches a critical turning point.

32 pages, $2.25.

THOR #47

Written by Dan Jurgens, art and cover by Tom Raney and Scott Hanna.

As Thor leads the forces of Asgard into all-out war in the domain of the Giants, a strange new vulnerability is brought to light! Is the Enchantress responsible? Or are her dark magicks the only hope for the critically-injured Designate, Tarene?

32 pages, $2.25.

BLACK PANTHER #42

Written by Christopher Priest, art and cover by Sal Velluto and Bob Almond.

Wolverine and Iron Man guest-star as "Enemy of the State II" continues! Will Black Panther and Iron Man finally come to blows? And what is Wolverine doing in Canada - and what does it have to do with Panther? Plus: something is seriously wrong with Panther's health, but what could it possibly be?

32 pages, $2.50.

IRON MAN #52

Written by Mike Grell, art and cover by Michael Ryan and Sean Parsons.

"Jane Doe" part 2 of 2. Iron Man takes to the streets to stop the serial killer who's been preying on the disenfranchised of the nation. But this time, the intellect of Tony Stark may prove of far greater value than the mechanical might of the Armored Avenger.

32 pages, $2.25.

THE ORDER #2

Written by Kurt Busiek and Jo Duffy, penciled by Matt Haley, cover by Carlos Pacheco.

Every kingdom needs a castle, and that's what The Order sets out to create for itself - in the most ominous way possible. Meanwhile, Nighthawk, Valkyrie, and Hellcat put together a mystic strategy to battle their former friends. Plus: the world seeks help from the Avengers.

32 pages, $2.25.

TASKMASTER #2

Written by Ken Siu-Chong, art by Udon, cover by Jo Chen.

The Taskmaster proves once and for all that there is no honor among thieves, as he plays two deadly organized crime syndicates against each other - and robbing them both blind in the process. What happens when they get wind of what's happening? One thing's for certain... it will take of all of his amazing photographic reflexes to get out of this one alive.

32 pages, $2.99.

CAPTAIN MARVEL #30

Written by Peter David, penciled by Chriscross, inked by Anibal Rodriguez, cover by J.H. Williams III.

It all comes to a head in "Time Flies" part 4 of 4. With the long-held secret of Thanatos revealed, Captain Marvel facing the Maestro in a far-flung future, and the life of Starfox hanging in the balance, could the stakes be any higher? Yes, that's right: Marlo's got an audition.

32 pages, $2.50.

INCREDIBLE HULK #38

Written by Bruce Jones, penciled by John Romita Jr., inked by Tom Palmer, cover by Kaare Andrews.

Time's run out for the fugitive named Bruce Banner. Tracked to a little diner on the edge of nowhere by a pair of lethal assassins who have the skill - and the means -to bring him down, this could well be his last supper. But it's not until a mysterious stranger slides into his booth for coffee and a chat that things get really interesting.

32 pages, $2.25.

THUNDERBOLTS #62

Written by Fabian Nicieza, art and cover by Patrick Zircher and Al Vey.

"Heroes Return" part 3 of 3! Stranded on an alien planet - called Earth - the Thunderbolts face a difficult dilemma: can a fake planet need real heroes? Plus: a T-Bolt returns in a very unexpected fashion.

32 pages, $2.25.

AVENGERS #52

Written by Kurt Busiek, art and cover by Kieron Dwyer and Rick Remender.

The final stage of the Kang War begins here, as the remaining Avengers strike back both on Earth and in space. If they fall, the world isn't just lost - it's doomed. Plus, Thor approaches a dramatic decision in the wake of Earth's darkest hour.

32 pages, $2.25.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: DEAD MAN RUNNING #3

Written by Darko Macan, art by Danijel Zezelj, cover by Derek Hess.

It's the conclusion to one of the most hotly anticipated Cap stories in years. The convent is destroyed, and the rains have come to the jungle. To make things worse, the drug mafia is hot on the heels of our hero! Join us as choices are made, resolutions are reached, and Captain America's influence on society becomes suddenly obvious. Will the dead men stop running?

32 pages, $2.99.