MARVEL COMICS FOR DECEMBER

Following are Marvel Comics' solicitations for December, with informating coming from the company.

ULTIMATE UNIVERSE TITLES

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #1

Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar, penciled by Adam Kubert, cover by Bryan Hitch.

The Ultimate Universe at long last gets the fourth corner of its foundation as the World's Greatest Comic Magazine finally last makes its long-awaited Ultimate debut. Witness the birth of The Four - Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Susan Storm and Ben Grimm - superhero icons for the new century. High school genius Reed Richards invites his friends to join him on the journey of a lifetime - and the Ultimate Universe will never be the same. It's a series about science, high adventure and above all else family, set in the most dynamic and unpredictable Universe in the comic book world.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 31.

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR POSTER

Own the original, stunning cover to this premiere issue of Ultimate Fantastc Four, illustrated by The Ultimates' Bryan Hitch.

24 inches by 36 inches, $5.95.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #50

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

A double-sized, highly accessible 'Ultimate Starts' jumping-on issue and anniversary celebration."Claws" introduces a new jewel-thieving femme fatale who's going to make life miserable for Spider-Man … and complicate the love life of Peter Parker. Say meeeeooooowwwww to the seductive Ultimate Black Cat. (Celebrate 50 issues by jumping onboard. New story arc).

48 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #51

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

"Claws" pt. 2 of 3. The Black Cat gets her claws on a stolen ancient tablet that the Kingpin desperately wants … and Spidey is caught in the middle. And wait'll you see who the Kingpin hires to retrieve the tablet for him... (Next month: Black Cat vs. Elektra.)

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 17.

ULTIMATE X-MEN #40

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

"New Mutants" pt. 1 of 5. Jump on board the top franchise with this special 'Ultimate Starts' debut of a new, highly accessible story arc. The U.S. Government is suspicious of Professor Xavier's motives, so it sets a plan in motion to be prepared for any X-Men-related contingency. "New Mutants" will introduce several brand-new additions to the cast, including Warren Worthington III - the Angel, and punk musician the Dazzler. (New story arc.)

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 10.

ULTIMATE SIX #5

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by Trevor Hairsine, cover by John Cassaday.

Peter Parker has been kidnapped by the Sinister Six and the life of his Aunt May threatened unless he goes along with the baddies and helps them attack - The White House! This storyline is so big, a special 7th issue has been added. (Now 7 big issues).

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 10.

X-MEN TITLES

NEW X-MEN #150

Written by Grant Morrison, cover and pencils by Phil Jimenez.

Special "Planet X" Finale. The final chapter in Grant Morrison's most ambitious story to date... Professor X and his X-Men make their final stand against Magneto, who was hiding under their noses disguised as team member Xorn for months. And an X-Man dies in the showdown. (Next month: Marc Silvestri returns).

48 pages, $3.50, in stores on Dec. 17.

UNCANNY X-MEN #435 & 436

Written by Chuck Austen, covers and pencils by Ron Garney.

"Trial of the Juggernaut," 1 and 2 of 2. Imprisoned and set to face trial, Juggernaut must finally face up to his violent, criminal past. Guest-starring the Avengers' She-Hulk. (New story arc. Two issues. Next month: Salvador Larroca debuts).

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 24.

NYX #3

Written by Joe Quesada, cover and pencils by Joshua Middleton,

As if one down-on-her-luck runaway teenage mutant wasn't enough, there's some new genetically mutated blood headed for New York City's Lower East Side. Could this new face be related to a certain member of Marvel's merriest band of mutants? In the latest issues of the edgy new series, it's not just the stakes that will be raised. (New ongoing series. A mutant with ties to theX-Men debuts).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 10.

WOLVERINE: THE END #2

Written by Paul Jenkins, cover and pencils by Claudio Catellini.

Returning to a world he thought he'd long since left behind, Logan embarks on a journey of self-discovery, closing in on answers about his mysterious life and history that have long eluded him. (The final fate of Wolverine).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 31.

WOLVERINE #9

Written by Greg Rucka, cover and pencils by Leandro Fernandez.

"Coyote Crossing" pt. 3 of 5. Logan gets one step closer to a crew who trade in human cargo.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 17.

CABLE/DEADPOOL #2

Written by Fabian Nicieza, penciled by Mark Brooks, cover by Rob Liefeld.

A virus that gives people the ability to shape-shift winds up in the hands of three young anarchists. They say they want to change the world, but do they have a clue what that really means? Cable has to stop them … but first he has to get past Deadpool. (New ongoing series. Covers by Deadpool and Cable creator Rob Liefeld.)

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

WEAPON X #17 & 18

Written by Frank Tieri, pencils by Georges Jeanty (#17), Kev Walker (#18), covers by Jeanty.

"Defection" pts. 3 & 4 of 4. The X-Men guest-star as the secrets behind Chamber's recent affiliation with the Weapon X program - and Wolverine's mysterious involvement - are uncovered. (Two issues this month.)

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 10 and Dec. 24.

X-STATIX #17

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

"Back From The Dead" pt. 5 of 6. The X-Statix square off against the mysterious Mr. Code.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 24.

EMMA FROST #6

Written by Karl Bollers, penciled by Randy Green, cover by Greg Horn.

"Higher Learning" concludes. Ever wonder how and why Emma Frost became the White Queen? This conclusion to the first story arc reveals the life-altering decision young Emma makes, and the dire consequences she must face as a result.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Dec. 10.

EXILES #38 & 39

Written by Chuck Austen, pencils by Jim Calafiore, covers by Mizuki Sakakibara.

"King Hyperion " pts. 1 and 2 of 3. The Weapon X squad of Exiles are in the spotlight. Blinded by power, new Exile Hyperion's refusal to follow the team's directive creates a struggle that leaves some unlikely members of Weapon X in precarious positions. Who will survive his wrath? (New story arc. Two big issues).

32 pages, $2.99. in stores on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17.

X-TREME X-MEN #36-39

Written by Chris Claremont, pencils by Igor Kordey, covers by Salvador Larroca,

"Storm: The Arena" pts. 1-4 of 4. Featuring Storm as you've never seen her before in this special super-sized, weekly story arc! How will this warrior fare when she is forced to endure the brutal combat of the gladiator ring? Guest-starring Yukio and Callisto. (A special four-part weekly event).

48 pages, $3.50, in stores on Dec. 10, Dec. 17, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

SPIDER-MAN TITLES

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #502

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils by John Romita Jr., cover by Jason Pearson

Part 2 of J. Michael Straczynski's 2-part story arc following up on the Amazing Spider-Man #500.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 24.

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #8

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

"Countdown" pt. 3 of 5. Doctor Octopus is out to ruin Spider-Man once and for all and has given the wall-crawler an ultimatum. For the safe release of the Palestinian ambassador, Spider-Man must reveal his identity to the entire world! (Spidey faces his movie menace. Featuring Humberto Ramos' Doc Ock redesign).

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 10.

SPIDER-MAN/DOCTOR OCTOPUS: OUT OF REACH #2

Written by Colin Mitchell, cover and pencils by Keron Grant.

Wiz kid Brigham Fontaine was once Peter Parker's brightest student. Now he's teamed up with Doctor Octopus and is living a life of crime. Will Spider-Man be able to outsmart this brainy duo and get Brigham back on the side of the good guys?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

SPIDER-MAN & DOCTOR OCTOPUS: NEGATIVE EXPOSURE #3

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, penciled by Staz Johnson, cover by Tony Harris.

The sinister plans of Doc Ock slowly simmer through the bars of Riker's Island as Spider-Man comes face-to-face with Peter Parker's arch-nemesis. An action-packed issue also featuring a mysterious guest appearance from one of Spider-Man's most dreaded foes.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

KINGPIN #7

Written by Bruce Jones, penciled by Sean Phillips, cover by Tony Harris.

"Thug" concludes. Wilson Fisk faces off in a brutal showdown against the five families of New York.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 10.

SPIDER-GIRL #67

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

"Monsters." Spider-Girl learns that sometimes you just have to take one for the team when she loses one regular cast member, grows more distant from a second and learns something terrible about a third. (Stand-alone story. Uncanny X-People cameo).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3

MARVELOUS ADVENTURES OF GUS BEEZER: GUS BEEZER & SPIDER-MAN #1

Written by Gail Simone, cover and art by Gurihiru.

That lovable scamp Gus Beezer - a superhero loving 7-year-old with an imagination as big as the Marvel Universe - is back in a new adventure featuring Spider-Man. The first Gus Beezer one-shots were critically acclaimed fun for kids and kids-at-heart alike, and this new adventure makes for the perfect holiday gift for the budding comic book reader in your life. (For readers of all ages).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 31.

MARVEL KNIGHTS TITLES

CAPTAIN AMERICA #21

Written by Robert Morales, penciled by Chris Bachalo, cover by Dave Johnson.

"Homeland," pt. 1 of 5. A new Cap era begins, from the new regular creative team of writer Robert Morales, artist Chris Bachalo and new editor Axel Alonso. In a storyline ripped from today's headlines, after a daring rescue in the Florida Everglades, the U.S. government taps Cap to embark on what might be his most life-changing mission ever. This new direction will culminate later next year in one of the most surprising and unexpected developments ever in the career of Captain America, and a major change for the Marvel Universe. (New creative team. Direction)

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3.

MARVEL 1602 #5

Written by Neil Gaiman, penciled by Andy Kubertm cardstock cover by Scott McKowen.

Sir Nicholas Fury leads an army against Carlos Javier's Witchbreed! And we learn the true history of the Four from the Fantastik. (August's No. 1 selling book).

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Dec. 10.

DAREDEVIL #55

Written, penciled and cover by David Mack.

"Vision Quest" concludes. The climactic issue of Echo's vision quest. With her newfound understanding, where will Echo fit in Daredevil's life?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

HULK: GRAY #4

Written by Jeph Loeb, cardstock cover and art by Tim Sale.

The Hulk is loose and on the run from the U.S. Army! Can beautiful Betty Ross bring some peace to the raging behemoth? (Loeb and Sale's latest "spectrum" tale)

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Dec. 17.

ELEKTRA #30

Written by Rob Rodi, penciled by Will Conrad, cover by Tom Fleming.

"Prophet & Loss" pt. 2 of 3. Deep in the jungle of Southeast Asia, Elektra must infiltrate the camp of a violent guerilla movement in order to fulfill her contract.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3.

PUNISHER #37

Written by Garth Ennis, penciled by John McCrea, cover by Tim Bradstreet.

"Confederency of Dunces" concludes. The climactic conclusion to this fun superhero sendoff! It's a battle royale as the Punisher takes on Spider-Man, Daredevil and Wolverine. But whose side is the Hulk on? (Next month: Punisher MAX #1)

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 10.

MARVEL HEROES TITLES

INCREDIBLE HULK #64

Written by Bruce Jones, cover and pencils by Mike Deodato.

"Split Decisions " pt. 5 of 6. More cover-to-cover action, as the Hulk tracks the Krills back to Home Base for some much-deserved ... Hulk smashing.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 3.

HAWKEYE #3

Written by Fabian Nicieza, penciled by Stefano Raffaele, cover by Leonardo Manco.

"The High, Hard Shaft" pt. 3. From a simple barroom rough-up in Myrtle Beach to beating up Cuban thugs in a Miami elevator, someone is going to a whole lot of trouble to keep the mystery of the 'Unity Tattoo' exactly that. Clint Barton has already gone from intrigued to annoyed … the next step is angry … and then anyone in his way better watch out. (New ongoing series).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

IRON MAN #75

Written by John Jackson Miller, penciled by Jorge Lucas, cover by Adi Granov.

"Best Defense" pt. 3 of 6. Announced as a nominee for Secretary of Defense, Tony Stark faces his toughest foe yet - the Washington press corps. Will they embrace Iron Man - or destroy him? And what dirty tricks does Tony's nemesis at the Pentagon have up his sleeve? (New creative team. New direction).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 10.

AVENGERS #75

Written by Geoff Johns, cover and pencils by Scott Kolins.

"Search For She-Hulk" pt. 4 of 4.

The search is over - but the Avengers may not like what they've found, as a rampaging She-Hulk and her gamma-powered movie star cousin clash explosively. (Guest-starring the Hulk).

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 10.

AVENGERS #76

Written by Geoff Johns, pencils by Steve Sadowski, cover by Jae Lee,

Geoff Johns ends his run as scribe as an Avenger falls in this one-shot story.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 24.

THANOS #3

Written, penciled and cover by Jim Starlin.

Thanos attacks Galactus in the only reasonable way possible: a psychic assault. Guest-starring Moondragon. (New ongoing series.)

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3.

SILVER SURFER #4

Written by Stacy Weiss, penciled by Lan Medina, cover by Milx.

"Communion" pt. 4 of 6. Armageddon is coming - is the Surfer constructing the means of mankind's survival, or the weapon of its destruction? (New ongoing series. New artist Lan Medina).

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 24.

FANTASTIC FOUR #508

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

"Authoritative Action" concludes. It's Armageddon from without and within as Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s peacekeeping forces besiege the FF and Latveria, and Marvel's First Family is simultaneously besieged by an evil at the heart of their own team.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 17.

CAPTAIN MARVEL #17

Written by Peter David, penciled by Paul Azaceta, cover by Scott Kolins.

"Crazy Like A Fox" pt. 3 of 4. The debut of the new ... Captain Marvel? There's a new sheriff in town, and man is she pissed! Marv goes home to Titan and finds a ghost town … and a new Captain Marvel ready to take his mantle, whether he wants to give it up or not. The series changes right here.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

THOR #72

Written by Dan Jurgens, cover and pencils by Scot Eaton.

"The Reigning" pt. 4. Meet Magni, Son of Thunder. He's All-Father Thor's boisterous offspring, a hard-drinking, hard-fighting, hard-loving rascal. If only he'd stop associating with those mortals - they're bound to be a bad influence on him. (Meet Thor's mead-lovin' son).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3.

MARVEL TSUNAMI TITLES

SENTINEL #10

Written by Sean McKeever, cover and pencils by UDON.

"Awakening" pt. 1 of 3. Juston continues his quest for redemption...but the team of government agents on the trail of Juston's Sentinel may not give him the chance to make amends! Plus, a shocking development rocks Juston's family. (New story arc).

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3.

RUNAWAYS #9

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, penciled by Adrian Alphona, cover by Jo Chen.

"Teenage Wasteland" pt 3 of 4. How do you runaway from the Runaways? One troubled member of the team finds out, as she leaves the group's hideout with their dashing new recruit. But it may be out of the frying pan and into the fire, as this mysterious new Runaway finally reveals his startling secret.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

MYSTIQUE #9

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, penciled by Michael Ryan, cover by Mike Mayhew.

"Tinker, Tailor, Mutant, Spy" Pt. 3 of 4. Mystique is on the trail of a woman who is a walking plague… and who has stolen a deadly biological weapon.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 24.

NEW MUTANTS #9

Written by Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis, penciled by Carlo Barberi, cover by Chris Bachalo.

"The Ties That Bind" pt. 3 of 6. The pressures of school and family begin to take their toll on the students - and teachers - at Xavier's. Sofia loses her temper, and gains a dangerous new mentor, while one student finds the pressure too much to bear…

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Dec. 17.

INHUMANS #8

Written by Sean McKeever, penciled by Robert Teranishi, cover by Adi Granov.

Another stand-alone, jumping-on story. Thrust into a world where having amazing powers is no longer the norm, Tonaja must learn the responsibility that comes with her uncanny Inhuman abilities. And Alaris...? He just wants to join the football team.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 24.

VENOM #9

Written by Daniel Way, penciled by Paco Medina, cover by Sam Kieth.

"Run," pt. 4 of 5. After blowing up the small Canadian town of Voice and all of Venom's potential hosts, Frankie and Vic are now able to flush out the elusive alien. But what they didn't count on is Wolverine surviving the blast. (Venom meets Wolverine. New artist Paco Medina).

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Dec. 10.

HUMAN TORCH #8

Written by Karl Kesel, cover and pencils Skottie Young.

"A Plague of Locusts" pt. 2. Johnny finds himself in the war-torn Balkans in a mysterious castle filled with dark secrets and deadly phantoms. It's the biggest fight of the Torch's life - because this time what he can't see... can kill him!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 24.

NAMOR #10

Written by Andi Watson and Bill Jemas, pencils by Pat Olliffe, cover by Lee Weeks.

"In Deep" pt. 4. Namor's love, Sandy, is in deadly peril from Namor's treacherous cousin.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 17.

MAX TITLES

SUPREME POWER #5

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

The Blur steps into the spotlight in the latest issue of J. Michael Straczynski and Gary Frank's new ongoing series. How does this super-speedster fit into this startling and realistic vision of a world being introduced to its first generation of superheroes?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 3.

ANT-MAN #1

Written by Daniel Way, cover and art by Clayton Crain.

Size does matter. And no one knows this more than Hank Pym - a.k.a. Ant-Man. Got a problem with Galactus? Call the FF. Got a problem with, say, mind-controlled cockroaches? Then Ant-Man's your man. And needless to say, it's done a number on the diminutive hero's self-esteem. When Ant-Man is tapped to infiltrate an international spy ring that has been siphoning secrets out of Washington, he jumps at the chance - unaware that he's being used as a pawn in a larger game of espionage.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 24.

EPIC TITLES

A.C.T.O.R. PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN & THE INCREDIBLE HULK #1

Written by Bill Messner-Loebs & Ron Marz, penciled by Dave Simons and Dan Jurgens, cover by Joseph Michael Linsner.

Marvel's EPIC Comics and A.C.T.O.R. team up for two stories about Marvel's most popular characters in this special one-shot benefit book for the holiday season. Proceeds from this book benefit A.C.T.O.R., the charitable organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to disadvantaged comic book creators.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Dec. 31.

CRIMSON DYNAMO #5

Written by John Jackson Miller, penciled by Joe Corroney, cover by Steve Ellis.

The secrets of the mysterious, new Crimson Dynamo revealed. The Soviet Union has already fallen, can young Gennady Gavrilov - on the run for his very life - keep the walking weapon of mass destruction from destroying Russia altogether? (Guest-starring Iron Man. But as friend or foe?)

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Dec. 31.