MARVEL COMICS FOR AUGUST

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

X-MEN TITLES

ULTIMATE X-MEN #36

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, pencils and cover by David Finch.

"Blockbuster!" Pt. 3 of 6.

Wolverine and Spidey struggle to find the hidden enemy who has targeted Wolverine for execution.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 13.

UNCANNY X-MEN #429-430

Written by Chuck Austen, pencils and covers by Philip Tan.

"The Draco" Pts. 1 and 2 of 6. The entire X-Men team star as together they learn the secrets of Nightcrawler's true origin. Plus, the Juggernaut sets off on his own adventure. Guest-starring Mystqiue.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug.6 and Aug. 20.

NEW X-MEN #145

Written by Grant Morrison, pencils and cover by Chris Bachalo.

"Assault On Weapon Plus" concludes. Wolverine, Cyclops & Fantomex 's adventure comes to a close as Logan learns more about his mysterious past... But once this threat ends, is there something even worse waiting around the corner?

32 pages, $2.25, in on Aug. 20.

WOLVERINE #4

Written by Greg Rucka, pencils by Darick Robertson, cover by Esad Ribic.

"The Brothers" Pt. 4 of 5. Logan pops the claws as he edges closer and closer to the identity of Lucy's murderer

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 20.

NEW MUTANTS #4

Written by Christina Weir and Nunzio Defilippis.

Pencils by Keron Grant, cover by Josh Middleton.

Dani's mutant recruitment leads her to Chicago, where she finds the child she is after has already made contact with another mutant - Dani's old teammate Karma.

32 pages, $2.50, in stress on Aug. 20.

MYSTIQUE #5

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, pencils by Jorge Lucas, cover by Joseph Michael Linsner.

"Dead Drop Gorgeous Part" Pt. 5 of 6. Mystique gets in deeper trouble as she searches for the stolen Sentinel technology.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

WOLVERINE: SNIKT! #4

Cover, story and art by Tsutomu Nihei.

The harrowing adventure continues. In an alien land, against an army of inhuman enemies, Wolverine's own humanity threatens to slip away as he's overcome by a berserker rage.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

X-STATIX #12

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

"If You Think I'm Sexy." Returning to your regularly scheduled programming after the 2-part Wolverine/Doop special. This self-contained issue puts the spotlight on Dead-Girl as X-Statix gears up for next month's jaw-dropping new story arc.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

EXILES #31 & 32

Written by Judd Winnick, pencils by James Calafiore, covers by Clayton Henry and Dale Keown.

"Avengers Forever" Pts. 1 and 2. The team enters a reality where the Avengers are vampires. Will the team be able to stop them or will they become a part of their undead army?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6 and Aug. 20.

X-TREME X-MEN #30

Written by Chris Claremont, art by Igor Kordey and Scott Hanna, cover by Salvador Larroca.

"God Loves, Man Kills 2" Pt. 6 of 6. The X-Treme Team faces off against Stryker and discovers the secret of Mt. Haven! Will Kitty Pryde be forced to kill in order to save the lives of her friends? Wolverine and Lady Deathstrike face off.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

EMMA FROST #2

Written by Karl Bollers, pencils by Randy Green and cover by Greg Horn.

"Higher Learning" Pt. 2 of 6. A young Emma Frost continues to explore the ramifications of her blossoming powers ...

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 13.

AGENT X #13

Written by Gail Simone, cover and art by UDON.

He's back, and you won't believe who he's brought with him! The Mighty Marvel Merc with no memory returns. And so does Gail Simone, UDON and … Deadpool!? The 3-part Agent X series finale starts here, and readers won't believe where it leads…

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 20.

DOMINO #4

Written by Joe Pruett, cover and art by Brian Stelfreeze.

Domino's journey comes to a head and all the mysteries of her past are finally revealed.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 13.

WEAPON X #12

Written by Frank Tieri, pencils and cover by Georges Jeanty.

"The Underground" concludes. Cable, Domino and the rest of the mutant Underground make their stand against the Director, Sabretooth & Weapon X! Who will end up triumphant? Who escapes? Who switches sides? And who betrays whom?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

MARVEL KNIGHTS TITLES

MARVEL 1602 #1

Written by Neil Gaiman, art by Andy Kubert and Richard Isanove, cover by Scott Mckowen.

"It wasn't meant to be a secret…

I get it all the time now. I just arrived in Portugal, in Lisbon, to promote CORALINE, and the first question I was asked, in the car from the airport to the hotel was 'So, can you tell me anything about 1602?'

And I said, 'It's drawn by Andy Kubert, coloured by Richard Isanove, lettered by Todd Klein, covers by Scott McKowen and I saw a photocopy of the first issue and it looks pretty good.'

'Yes, but the story …. What's it about?'

'Oh, you know,' I said. 'Stuff.'

'Well, is it the Marvel characters? Or characters you invented yourself?'

'Yes,' I said. 'That's pretty much it.'

'But how long is it?'

'I think it'll be eight issues. It was meant to be six, but I'm writing episode 5 right now, and there's a lot of story to tell.'

'So why is it such a secret...?'

It got to be a secret because the idea of 1602 was fairly straightforward, and really fun, and I hated the idea of people being familiar with it, even bored of it, by the time it came out. So I asked Joe Quesada if he'd mind if we didn't make a big announcement at the start.

But the more people asked me, buttonholed me, pleaded with me, the more I liked the fact that only a tiny handful of people at Marvel and I had even seen Andy's amazing pencils or Richard's colours. This was starting to be a genuinely fun secret - like not telling someone what their birthday present is until it's time to unwrap it.

What am I going to tell you? It's really fun. It's set in the Marvel Universe. It looks gorgeous. You may even like it.

There are sixteen hundred & two good reasons for telling you all about it, and I'm not saying a word.

Think of it as your birthday present."

Neil Gaiman, May 2003

40 pages, 3.50, in stores on Aug. 13.

DAREDEVIL #50

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

"Hardcore" Pt. 5 of 5. Celebrate DD's 50th issue with the startling conclusion to Bendis & Maleev's latest epic, featuring guest artist cameos by John Romita Jr., Joe Quesada, Klaus Janson, Lee Weeks, John Romita Sr., David Mack & Gene Colan. Featuring a series-changing surprise ending.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 20.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #16

Written by Chuck Austen, pencils and cover by Jae Lee.

"Ice", the conclusion. The final showdown between Captain America and the Interrogator as Cap faces down mysteries of his past.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug 13.

ELEKTRA #26

Written by Robert Rodi, pencils by Sean Chen and cover by Rodolfo Migliari.

It's "How To" Month as we take a look behind the curtain and witness how Elektra tries to assassinate a ruthless African dictator in part 2 of this 3-issue story arc.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

PUNISHER #30

Written by Garth Ennis, pencils by Cam Kennedy and cover by Tim Bradstreet.

"Streets Of Loredo" Pt. 3 of 4. The Punisher delves more into the mystery of a strange gun-running town in Texas.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on sale Aug. 13.

SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #3

Written by Brett Matthews, pencils and cover by Vatche Mavlian.

"Stuff of Legends" continues. Spider-Man & Wolverine continue their globetrotting investigation.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 20.

SPIDER-MAN TITLES

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #56

Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Fiona Avery, pencils by John Romita Jr. and cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

The conclusion of the 2-part "Unintended Consequences" story arc co-written by JMS and Fiona Avery.

32 pages, $2.25.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #57

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils by John Romita Jr. and cover by Tony Harris.

J. Michael Straczynski is back flying the Spider-Man ship solo in a 2-part story arc leading up to October's Amazing Spider-Man #500.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 13 and Aug. 27.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #44 & 45

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, pencils and covers by Mark Bagley.

"Irresponsible" Pts 5 & 6. Spider-Man was taken aboard the X-Men's Blackbird jet. But when it suddenly explodes in mid-flight, have both the misunderstood mutants and the fledgling super-hero perished? The first original Ultimate villain debuts.

32 pages, $2.25. in stores on Aug. 13 and Aug. 27.

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #3

Written by Paul Jenkins, pencils and cover by Humberto Ramos.

Spidey plays detective and tries to uncover the connection between Venom and his latest victims. Part 3 of the debut 5-issue story arc.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 13.

VENOM #4

Written by Daniel Way, pencils by Francisco Herrera, cover by Sam Kieth.

"Shiver" Pt. 4 of 5. The mysteries of Venom's appearance in the Arctic continue to be revealed.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 27.

KINGPIN #3

Written by Bruce Jones, art by Sean Phillips and Klaus Janson, cover by Esad Ribic.

As the power-hungry Wilson Fisk conquers the violent gangs of Hell's Kitchen one crew at a time, a new battleground emerges in his quest for absolute power. But as the stakes are raised to new heights, the vigilante known as Spider-Man has Wilson Fisk in his crosshairs, and he's ready to end this young man's violent rise to power.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 13.

SPIDER-GIRL #63

Written by Tom DeFalco, pencils by Ron Frenz and cover by Gurihira.

"Marked For Death" Pt. 3 of 6. Kaine returns! But will he help Spider-Girl … or kill her? Plus: Two of our regular cast members struggle against death, but only one will survive.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

MARVEL HEROES TITLES

RUNAWAYS #5

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, Pencils by Adrian Alphona, Cover by Jo Chen.

"Pride & Joy" Pt. 5 of 6. The Runaways face a new threat … and it's from one of their own.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 20.

SENTINEL #5

Written by Sean McKeever, art and cover by UDON.

"Salvage," Pt 5 of 6. Juston's problems continue to grow worse … but his new "friend" has a whole handful of solutions, and really big hands.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 6.

INHUMANS #4

Written by Sean McKeever, pencils by Matthew Clark and cover by J.H. Williams.

"Culture Shock" Pt. 1 of 3. The young Inhumans try to adjust to Earth culture! Earth, on the other hand, might not want them to.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 27.

FANTASTIC FOUR #502

Written by Mark Waid, pencils by Casey Jones and cover by Mike Wieringo.

"Fifth Wheel" Pt. 2 of 2. The FF must deal with scars both external and internal in the aftermath of "Unthinkable."

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 13.

FANTASTIC FOUR #503

Written by Mark Waid, pencils by Howard Porter, cover by Tony Harris and Tom Feister.

"Authoritative Action" Pt. 1 of 6. Doom has been defeated, but bearing the scars of their last encounter, Reed isn't content to stop there! So the FF journey to Latveria, with the intent of dismantling Doom's regime! But what they discover will shock them … and you.

32 pages, in stores on Aug. 27.

AVENGERS #70

Written by Geoff Johns, pencils by Olivier Coipel, cover by J.G. Jones.

"Red Zone" Pt. 6 of 6. Artist Olivier Coipel's first story arc concludes, as the Avengers risk all to halt the spread of the deadly Red Zone bacteria.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 27.

IRON MAN #71

Written by Robin Laws, pencils by Robert Teranishi, cover by Tony Harris and Tom Feister.

"Vegas Bleeds Neon" Pt. 2 of 3. A new suit of specialty armor is called into action as Stark faces peril in Sin City.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 13.

CREW #4

Written by Priest, pencils by Joe Bennett, cover by J.H. Williams.

"Big Trobule…" Pt. 4. At last, the Crew stands 'Assembled' … and at each other's throats.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 20.

NAMOR #5

Written by Bill Jemas and Andi Watson, pencils and cover by Salvador Larroca.

The first story arc continues as Namor gets to know more about his new girlfriend, Sandy ... unaware of the trouble brewing both on land and below the surface.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 20.

HUMAN TORCH #5

Written by Karl Kesel, pencils and cover by Skottie Young.

"Burn" Pt. 5 of 6. To find the combustion killer, the Torch must train to become everything he's not.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 13.

INCREDIBLE HULK #59

Written by Bruce Jones, pencils and cover by Leandro Fernandez.

The conclusion of the 5-part "Hide In Plain Sight" steel-cage grudge match between the Hulk and the Absorbing Man.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 13.

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #3

Written by Robin Laws, art and cover by Brian Ashmore.

The quest for the sinister place called Nightmerica continues as Banner and Chrissie search for the one man who may hold the clue to its many mysteries. But will even the Hulk be able to handle what lies within the citadel?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

STARTLING STORIES: THE THING - LAST LINE OF DEFENSE #1

Written by Ron Zimmerman, pencils and cover by Don Kramer.

When the going gets really tough … when a bad guy has gone through the rest of the FF like a knife through butter, Ben Grimm is the last line of defense. But what's it like to live inside his rock-hard skin? To endure the quiet insults from those who assume he has rocks inside his skull? And still be ready to put his butt on the line when, say, the Hulk goes on the rampage through Times Square?

48 pages, $3.50, in stores on Aug. 20.

STARTLING STORIES: THING - NIGHT FALLS ON YANCY STREET #4

Written by Evan Dorkin, pencils and cover by Dean Haspiel.

Night indeed falls on Yancy Street in this conclusion of the 4-issue limited series. But only time will tell if the sun will again rise for Ben Grimm?

40 pages, $3.50, in stores on Aug. 27.

SILVER SURFER #2

Written by Stacy Weiss and Dan Chariton, pencils by Milx, cover by Jae Lee.

Her little girl has been abducted by a mysterious silver alien from the stars … how far will Denise Waters go to get her daughter back?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 27.

THOR #67

Written by Dan Jurgens, art and cover by Ben Lai and Ray Lai.

"Spiral" concludes, as the Invasion of Asgard begins.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

CAPTAIN MARVEL #13

Written by Peter David, pencils by Michael Ryan and cover by Chriscross.

"Pop." In this stand-alone allegory, Captain Marvel saves the planet Kahfan from the sinister Badoon ... and then refuses to leave.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 20.

PARADISE X: X

Written by Jim Krueger, pencils by Doug Braithwaite, cover by Alex Ross.

The conclusion of the Paradise X series and of the entire Earth X trilogy. Learn the final fate of the cosmos in this finale issue.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

MAX TITLES

SUPREME POWER #1

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils and cover by Gary Frank.

Presenting a brand-new vision of a world about to give birth to its first generation of superheroes. This new MAX ongoing series follows the origins of these new heroes - from their birth through adulthood, and examines how their lives and abilities change and shape the world around them. A hard edged, mature and deeply personal saga that pushes the limits of the comics form into new, uncharted territory.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6

SUPREME POWER #1 (SPECIAL EDITION)

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils and by Gary Frank, cover by Joe Quesada.

This enhanced, behind-the-scenes edition features the entire regular edition plus a new cover by Joe Quesada, original character sketches by Gary Frank, a look back at the original Squadron Supreme series that inspired Supreme Power.

88 pages, $4.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

ALIAS #25

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, pencils by Michael Gaydos and cover by David Mack.

"Purple" Pt. 2 of 6. Secrets of one of the darkest chapters in Marvel Comics history are revealed in the story that changed Jessica Jones' life forever. Guest-starring The Avengers.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

BORN #3

Written by Garth Ennis, pencils by Darick Robertson, cover by Wieslaw Walkuski.

The ugly truth of war comes alive as Captain Frank Castle's base is attacked.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Aug. 27.

THOR: VIKINGS #2

Written by Garth Ennis, pencils and cover by Glenn Fabry.

Thor and Doctor Strange team-up to try to find a way to defeat the invincible zombie Vikings that have invaded Manhattan.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Aug. 27.

THE ETERNAL #3

Written by Chuck Austen, pencils and cover by Kev Walker.

"A Gift From The Gods" Pt. 3 of 6. What happens when you defy the Gods? The civil war begins as Eternal battles Eternal for the fate of the planet.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

EPIC TITLES

TROUBLE #2

Written by Mark Millar, art by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson, photo cover.

Four teenagers learn their summer of carefree romance partying comes with life-changing consequences. Mark Millar and Terry & Rachel Dodson revive the romance comic in this funny, dramatic & thought-provoking tale of four young friends facing a crossroads. Featuring a surprise that will become the talk of the comic book world.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

CRIMSON DYNAMO #2

Written by John Jackson Miller, pencils and cover by Steve Ellis.

Gennady Gavrilov has never had much, and now that he's found what may be the world's coolest video game, he's not planning on giving it up. So what does this have to do with a secret giant suit of robotic armor sought by the Russian government, U.S. weapons inspectors & ruthless arms smugglers? And could this all be the start of a new Cold War?

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 27.

GUN THEORY #1

Written by Daniel Way, pencils and cover by Jon Proctor.

Harvey is a contract killer who surfaces only to cap fools and get paid - a ghost cutting a bloody swath through the living world, invisible and therefore untouchable. But now, the ghost is being haunted by someone from the real world - a woman whom Harvey simply can't get out of his head … a woman who's made Harvey so damn crazy he just might decide that living is worth the risk of dying.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Aug. 20.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN VOL. 2 HARDCOVER

Peter Parker's chosen profession is a series of unrelenting tests - but through all his trials, Spider-Man remains steadfast in his determination to use his gifts for the benefit of all. Featuring the first appearance by the Green Goblin, and Spidey's first meetings with Daredevil and the Hulk. Plus the Sinister Six! Collects ASM (Vol. 1) #11-19, Annual #1.

288 pages, $49.99, on sale Aug. 27.

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE SILVER SURFER VOL. 2 HARDCOVER

More classic tales of the conflicted Surfer as he confronts Frankenstein's cosmic monster, the Flying Dutchman, Mephisto, the Abomination, Spider-Man, the Human Torch, the forces of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the Uncanny Inhumans. Collects Silver Surfer (Vol. 1) #7-18.

272 pages, $49.94, in stores on Aug. 20.

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: DOCTOR STRANGE VOL. 1 HARDCOVER

Master of the Mystic Arts, a sorcerer supreme, a white knight who wields black magic against blacker villains. Doctor Strange is mankind's only hope against the dark otherworldly forces that conspire to steal the life of the conscious world - forces such as Baron Mordo, the Dread Dormammu, Nightmare, Aggamon, The House of Shadows, Loki, the Mindless Ones, and more. Collects Strange Tales #110-111, 114-141.

272 pages, $49.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

ESSENTIAL HUMAN TORCH VOL. 1 TPB

Written by Stan Lee, illustrated by Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers and more.

The Fantastic Four's Human Torch earliest solo sagas are collected in their entirety in a single volume, some reprinted for the first time ever! See the Torch battle the Wizard, Paste-Pot Pete, Zemu, the Acrobat, the Sub-Mariner, the Asbestos Man, the Eel, Plantman, the Puppet Master, the Beetle and Kang, and team up with Spider-Man, the Thing, and Iceman. This is the last remaining classic Marvel super-hero series to be reprinted in the Essential format. Collects Strange Tales #101-134 & Annual #2.

504 pages, black and white, $14.99, in stores on Aug. 13.

ULTIMATE MARVEL TEAM-UP VOL. 3 TPB

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, illustrated by Terry Moore, Rick Mays and more, cover by Terry Moore.

Featuring appearances by The Ultimates' Black Widow & Nick Fury, Shang Chi, and an all-star jam featuring Spidey and every hero in the Marvel Ultimate Universe. Collects Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #14-16 and Ultimate Spider-Man Special.

136 pages, $12.99, in stores on Aug. 6.

X-STATIX VOL. 2: GOOD GUYS & BAD GUYS TPB

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

The mutants in X-Statix have seen "Survivor" and they know that fame is the ultimate currency in today's society …. and they're cashing in on their special mutant abilities. Now the squad is torn apart by interior squabbles. When push comes to shove, will the team's careers end at their own hands? Collects X-Statix #6-10; Wolverine/Doop 1-2 and Mike Allred's X-Men Unlimited #41 story.

176 pages, $15.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

THOR LEGENDS VOL. 2: WALT SIMONSON BOOK II TPB

Written, illustrated and cover by Walter Simonson.

Few people have ever left their mark on one character quite the way Walter Simonson has. His work on the Mighty Thor swept the Norse God of Thunder to heights never before seen and rarely achieved since. Spanning epic tales of heroism and treachery, love and war, Simonson's work is often considered the definitive Thor. From the majesty and mystery of Asgard to the gritty streets of New York City, Thor was never the same. That is the mark of a true visionary. This volume continues the collection of Simonson's run, reprinting Thor #349-355 and #357-359.

240 pages, $24.99, in stores on Aug. 20.

EARTH X VOL. 4: PARADISE X BOOK I TPB

Written by Jim Krueger and Alex Ross, illustrated by Doug Braithwaite, cover by Ross. The epic, visionary Earth X saga continues! Will the heroes of Earth be able to solve the problems of the Paradise they helped create? Will their quest for a new Death entity succeed so the pain and suffering of the world's population ceases? Collects Heralds #1-3, Paradise X #0-5 & XEN Special.

304 pages, $29.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

CAGE TPB

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

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

120 pages, $13.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

X-MEN: EVOLUTION VOL. 2 TPB

Written by Devin Grayson/Jay Faerber, art by by UDON/J.J. Kirby, cover by Kia Asamiya.

Based on the top-rated animated program, this second X-Men: Evolution volume collects stories taking place within the continuity of the popular show. Starring Storm, Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Professor Xavier and the rest of the series' stars. Collects X-Men: Evolution #5-9.

120 pages, $11.99 in stores on Aug. 13.