MARVEL COMICS FOR FEBRUARY

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

FANTASTIC FOUR TITLES

4 #1 & 2

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, covers and pencils by Steve McNiven.

Comics' first family face their most personal and unpredictable crisis yet in this debut of their new edgy Marvel knights ongoing series. Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and rising-superstar artist Steve McNiven pit the Fantastic Four against a challenge the likes of which they've never faced, and to overcome it theyšll need to call on the same humor, determination and family bonds that have delivered them from danger time and time again. This is the FF ... the 4 ... like you've never seen them before!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11 and Feb. 25.

* New Marvel Knights ongoing series.

* Two issues.

FANTASTIC FOUR #510

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

"Hereafter" pt. 2 (of 3). Having embarked on the ultimate journey, Reed Richards and the rest of the Fantastic Three must contend with the defenses of the afterlife -- and storm the gates of Heaven itself.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 18.

* Waid and 'Ringo are "back!"

BRIAN BENDIS MONTH

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #3

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

Reed Richards' revolutionary scientific experiment has gone terribly wrong, and he, Sue & Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm and another rival schoolmate are changed forever, along with the entire world! So where does the misanthropic "Mole-Man" fit into all this?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 25.

SECRET WAR: BOOK ONE (of FIVE)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, painted art and cardstock foil cover by Gabrielle Dell'Otto.

The most popular and acclaimed writer in comics reveals the darkest chapter in Marvel Universe history in this quarterly limited series.When Nick Fury finds a disturbing connection between many of Marvel's deadliest villains, he puts together a ragtag team of the MU's most misunderstood heroes for a secret mission to do what the U.S. government could never allow, eventually leading to a super-powered blowout between a Who's Who of NYC heroes and mutants. Featuring the American debut of the stunning, fully painted work of Italian artist Gabrielle Dell'otto. 48 pages (with ads) include special material detailing the events leading up to the war, who the major players are and what is the Secret in this Secret War?

48 page, $3.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

* Secret War stars Wolverine, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Captain America, Black Widow, Luke Cage and many more.

ULTIMATE SIX #7 (of 7 LS)

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

The Green Goblin is one of the last "men" standing after the terrible battle between the Ultimates and the Ultimate Six on the White House lawn. And there is only one being in the world that can stop him ... and it isn't Spider-Man!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 25.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #53

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, cover and pencils by Mark Bagley. "Claws" concludes. The fight over an ancient stone tablet with unimaginable power concludes. Whose hands will it wind up in? The Kingpin? His hired assassin Elektra? Mysterious cat burglar the Black Cat? Or Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 4.

* Starring Black Cat, Elektra and Kingpin!

* Next month: Spider-Man: The Movie!

THE PULSE #1

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, pencils by Mark Bagley, cover by Mike Mayhew.

In the tradition of Marvels and from the creative team behind Ultimate Spider-Man. The Daily Bugle has never been a friend of the super heroes of NYC, but with profits down and the newspaper's survival on the line, J. Jonah Hameson turns the heat up a notch! Meet the Bugle's new team of super hero investigative journalists -- Jessica Jones, Kat Farrell and Ben Urich -- as they dig up the dirt on the city's most famous heroes ... no matter the cost of who gets hurt!

32 pages, $2.99, in store on Feb. 18.

* New Marvel Universe ongoing series by the Ultimate Spider-Man creative team.

* Featuring appearances by Spider-Man and Luke Cage.

ULTIMATE X-MEN #42

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

"New Mutants," pt. 3. Introducing Ultimate Dazzler! But is she friend or foe?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 11.

* More New Mutants debut!

DAREDEVIL #57

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

"The King of Hell's Kitchen," pt. 2. Now entrenched as the Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen, DD faces new dangers from foes who want his new-found power for themselves. Even a Man Without Fear can't defeat an army of 100 men trying to kill him, can he?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 18.

* This story arc guest stars Spider-Man, Mr. Fantastic, Dr. Strange and Luke Cage.

MARVEL KNIGHTS TITLES

1602 #7 (of 8 LS)

Written by Neil Gaiman, pencils by Andy Kubert, cardstock cover by Scott McKowen.

Secrets are revealed and coffins are closed as two of the 17th-century Marvel heroes lose their lives in the penultimate chapter to this major, best-selling limited series event.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Feb. 4.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #23

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

"Homeland," pt. 3. Serving as a judge for a military tribunal in Guantanamo Bay, Cap quickly uncovers a terrorist conspiracy that threatens to topple the stability of the Western world.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11.

* Coming soon: Cap's career changes forever.

HULK: GRAY #6 (of 6 LS)

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

The final chapter of this 'Hulk-Smash' limited series. Can the Hulk escape the army and still keep the love of Betty Banner?

32 pages, $3.50, Feb. 25.

ELEKTRA #33

Written by Robert Rodi, pencils by Steve Cummings, cover by Tom Fleming.

"Fever," pt. 2 (of 3). Elektra's next assignment was supposed to be a walk on the beach -- literally -- taking out a Russian mobster in Brighton Beach. But something has shaken Elektra up, turning this easy hit into a life and death struggle.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 18.

MARVEL HEROES TITLES

AVENGERS #79

Written by Chuck Austen, pencils by Sean Chen, cover by Lee Weeks.

"Lionheart of Avalon," pt. 3 (of 5). In the wake of a tragedy involving their showdown with the Wrecking Crew, tempers fray and an Avenger considers crossing a line heroes should never cross -- and pays the price!

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 25.

* New heroes! New costumes!

THOR #74

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

"The Reigning" concludes! The hammer falls as Thor moves to permanently crush the growing resistance to his absolute rule over Earth!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

HAWKEYE #5

Written by Fabian Nicieza, pencils by Stefan Raffaele, cover by Carlos Pacheco.

"The High, Hard Shaft," pt. 5 (of 6). A temple in Laos protected by 100 Archers. A thirty-year-old secret uncovered. A multi-billion dollar payday revealed. The fate of modern civilization as we know it depends on Clint Barton. Pray for us.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 18.

IRON MAN #77

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

"The Best Defense," pt. 5 (of 6). His life laid bare before Congress... His arsenal stripped clean by the Pentagon... Tony Stark believes he's facing his darkest hour... He's wrong. His -- and the nation's -- is about to arrive!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11.

CAPTAIN MARVEL #20

Written by Peter David, pencils by Aaron Lopresti, cover by ChrisCross.

"Odyssey" pt. 2.In trying to head off the horrible fate awaiting Marlo, Marv begins an odyssey into the future, where he immediately discovers he's the only being in the universe capable of saving the Earth from a conquering, power-hungry alliance of the Kree, Skrull and Shi'ar!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 18.

INCREDIBLE HULK #67

Written by Bruce Jones, pencils by Doug Braithwaite, cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

"Bury Me Not," pt. 2 (of 4). There's something big and weird and downright nasty out there in the desert and Doc Samson and "Mr. Blue" have just stumbled into it. Their only hope just might be Banner and his monstrous alter ego.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 11.

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #6 (of 6 LS)

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

Revelations abound as the terrible genetic secrets of the Nightmerica experiments are finally revealed! And you won't believe the pivotal role the Rampaging Hulk plays in the finale.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 25.

THANOS #6

Written, pencils and cover by Jim Starlin.

The planet-shaking conclusion of the Thanos/Galactus/Hunger conflict! If the Titan goes down, he's going down fighting!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

SILVER SURFER #6

Written by Stacy Weiss and Dan Chariton, pencils by Lan Medina, cover by Paolo Rivera.

"Communion" concludes. The Surfer seeks wisdom beyond the boundaries of space and time, and makes a decision that will transform Denise Waters' life.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 25.

X-MEN TITLES

NEW X-MEN #153

Written by Grant Morrison, cover and pencils by Marc Silvestri.

"Here Comes Tomorrow," pt. 3 (of 4). Continuing the biggest comics event of 2004. Xavier's dream stays alive as the X-Men of tomorrow make final preparations for a final showdown with ... the Beast!?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 18.

* Marc Silvestri returns.

* Grant Morrison's last story arc.

UNCANNY X-MEN #439 & 440

Written by Chuck Austen, cover and pencils by Salvador Larroca.

"She Lies with Angels," pts. 3 & 4 (of 5). The X-Men find themselves caught between an ages-old family feud, with two young lovers -- one human and one mutant -- trapped on either side.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 4 and Feb. 18.

* Art by Salvador Larroca.

* Two issues.

WOLVERINE #11

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

"Coyote Crossing" concludes. Logan has gone south of the border in search of the mysterious drug lord responsible for the death of 19 men, women and children who died in the back of an 18-wheeler. But now that Logan has discovered Rojas' true identity, dare he exact bloody retribution?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores Feb. 18.

WOLVERINE: THE END #3 (of 6 LS)

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

In the heart of Japan, Logan uncovers the secrets behind the legend of Kitsunebi the White Ghost, and its sinister connection to his own past.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11.

WOLVERINE/CAPTAIN AMERICA #1-4 (of 4 LS)

Written by R.A. Jones, covers and pencils by Tom Derenick.

It's a Marvel team-up for the ages in this 4-issue weekly limited series event! When a highly coveted piece of alien Shi'Ar technology en route from the X-Men's headquarters to Avengers Mansion gets intercepted by a rogue group of ex-S.H.I.E.L.D. super agents, both teams send their best chance to get it back into the field! Can these two very different heroes work together for a common cause?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25.

X-TREME X-MEN #42 & 43

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

"Bogan," pt. 3 & 4 (of 5). The X-Men take one step closer to discovering the true identity of the mysterious telepath haunting their lives. Plus, Bogan's strange connection to X-Corp and the Hellfire Club is revealed.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11 and Feb. 25.

* Two issues.

EMMA FROST #8

Written by Karl Bollers, pencils by Carlo Pagulayan, cover by Greg Horn.

"Hellfire," pt. 2 (of 6). Separated from her family for the first time in her life, young Emma finds life on her own growing increasingly more difficult ­ not to mention dangerous! Emmašs new romance is anything but tender as her boyfriend leads them into a precarious situation and she must rely on her burgeoning mental powers to help them escape.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11.

NYX #5

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

What if you could become anyone in the world for a day? What would you do? Who would you be? Captain America fighting alongside the Avengers? Bono during a concert in Wembley Stadium? Or how about just a hot cheerleader in the locker room after practice? Meet a young mutant who doesnšt have to wonder. His powers let him be anyone he wants, and he isn't shy about using them!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11.

EXILES #42

Written, penciled and cover by Jim Calafiore.

"A Nocturne's Tale," pt. 2 (of 2). Nocturne's special origin story concludes as we learn more secrets about Nightcrawler's alternate-reality daughter and her life with the X-Men!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

EXILES #43

Written by Chuck Austen, pencils by James Calafiore, cover by Mizuki Sakakibara.

"Blink in time,"pt. 1 (of 3). The triumphant return of Blink!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 18.

* Two issues! New story arc!

* Blink is back!

WEAPON X #20

Written by Frank Tieri, pencils by Jeff Johnson, cover by Georges Jeanty.

"Countdown to Zero," pt. 2 (of 3). Agent Zero makes his final stand against the former Weapon X agent known as Maverick. Plus, Chamber and Wolverine take one step closer to discovering the horrifying truth about Neverland.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 25.

X-STATIX #19

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

"The Cure," pt. 1 (of 2).

One of Professor X's assistants just might have discovered the cure for Myles Alfred -- a.k.a. Vivisector's condition. No, not that condition ... the other one.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 25.

* New story arc.

X-MEN UNLIMITED #1

Written by Tony Lee and J.T. Krul, pencils by Ray Lai and Tom Mandrake, cover by Pat Lee.

A new bi-monthly ongoing series, showcasing short stories featuring a vast array of characters from comics' largest and most popular family of titles. In these two self-contained stories, Sage breaks into a high-rise office building to retrieve a piece of her past ... plus the tale of a young mutant at the Xavier Institute on the one night he can walk amongst humans! Featuring a cover by The Transformers' Pat Lee.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

SPIDER-MAN TITLES

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #504

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

"Chasing a Dark Shadow," pt. 2 (of 2). In the aftermath of the inter-dimensional rift caused by Spider-Man and Doctor Strange's battle with Dormammu, a sorceress of limitless power is set free from years of captivity ... and sets forth on a quest through Manhattan to properly thank the one responsible for it: Spider-Man. And if that weren't bad enough, guess who's on her trail? Loki...

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 25.

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #10

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

"Countdown" concludes. Spidey & Doc Ock face off in a titanic, action-packed throwdown! But will the wall-crawler be forced to disclose his true identity in order to preserve world peace?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 25.

SPIDER-MAN/DOCTOR OCTOPUS: OUT OF REACH #4 (of 5 LS)

Written by Colin Mitchell, cover by Keron Grant, pencils by Derec Aucoin.

The battle between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus heats up. But will Spider-Man be able to save the young inventor Brigham Fontaine, or will Spidey and Doc Ock need saving from him?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 25.

SPIDER-MAN & DOCTOR OCTOPUS: NEGATIVE EXPOSURE #5 (of 5 LS)

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

Preparing for his most vicious confrontation with Spider-Man, Doc Ock unleashes a torrent of destruction and mayhem on the unsuspecting citizens of Manhattan! Has cameraman Jeff Haight gone too far in his quest for the perfect shot?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

SPIDER-GIRL #70

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

"Truth" pt. 2 (of 2). As the Buzz takes on the Man-Wolf and Spider-Girl finds herself pitted against Dr. Jade and the new Dr. Octopus, she gets an assist from the most unexpected source! Featuring cameos by Darkdevil, the Green Goblin and Ladyhawk.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

MARVEL TSUNAMI TITLES

RUNAWAYS #11 & 12

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, pencils by Takeshi Miyazawa, covers by Joshua Middleton.

"Lost & Found," pts. 1 & 2 (of 2). Who do you send to catch a group of missing, runaway teenage super heroes? Marvel's original teen runaway crimefighters Cloak and Dagger making their first major appearance in years. With guest art by penciler Takeshi Miyazawa.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4 and Feb. 18.

* New story arc. Two issues.

* Cloak and Dagger guest-star.

MYSTIQUE #11

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, pencils by Manuel Garcia, cover by Mike Mayhew.

"Marker's Mark," pt. 1 (of 2). Mystique's a shape-shifting super-spy that can change literally change her skin. Forge is the mutant inventor whošs gotten under her skin. Learn more about their past and present relationship as and find out how the Maker left his mark.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 25.

* New story arc.

* Guest art by Manual Garcia.

NEW MUTANTS #11

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

"The Ties That Bind," pt. 5 (of 6). The mansion and its new young residents get a shake-up when a member of the original New Mutants team comes home. But Rahne Sinclair -- a.k.a. Wolfsbane -- is not the sweet little girl she used to be. Also, can the Xavier Institute help a mutant girl who has been living homeless on the streets of Salem Center?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 18.

VENOM #11

Written by Daniel Way, pencils by Francisco Herrera, cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

"Patterns,"pt. 1 (of 3). Certain questions have arisen since Venom's mysterious appearance at the Radar Station in Northern Canada. Like, how did he get there? Where's Eddie Brock? And, what turned this one-time "Lethal Protector" into a bloodthirsty homicidal maniac? The answers to these questions will be revealed with the help of a few guest stars.

32 pages, $2.99, in stsores on Feb. 25.

* New story arc guest-starring Spider-Man and the FF.

HUMAN TORCH #10

Written by Karl Kesel, pencils by Skottie Young, cover by Scott Kolins.

"A Plague of Locusts" concludes. As the final secrets of the radical Locust Project are revealed, Johnny must save hundreds of innocent lives ... and find a way to undo the changes caused by the insidious project.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 25.

INHUMANS #11

Written by Sean McKeever, pencils by Dave Ross, cover by Adi Granov.

"No Matter the Cost," pt. 3 (of 4). It's a race against time as the Inhumans attempt to save one of their own. But when they learn the truth about why their fellow Inhuman is in peril, will it make them reconsider their mission?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 25.

SENTINEL #12

Written by Sean McKeever, cover and pencils by UDON.

"Awakening" pt. 3 (of 3). Series conclusion. It's the end of the road for Juston Seyfert and his mechanical marauder...and you can bet the hard-luck hero and his sensational Sentinel aren't going out without a big bang.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 11.

NAMOR #12

Written by Andi Watson and Bill Jemas, pencils by Joe Bennett, cover by Lee Weeks.

Series finale. Is this the end of Atlantis? Will Namor lose his lady love Sandy, as well as his rightful place as heir to the throne?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 18.

MAX TITLES

SUPREME POWER #7

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

Jump on board one of the biggest hits of the year as it starts a new, second major story arc! Another new super power rises out of the "depths" of obscurity -- Amphibian! Plus: witness the first (and possibly last!) climactic meeting of Hyperion and Doctor Spectrum!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 4.

* New story arc.

* Marvel's latest hit series.

* Coming next month: Supreme Power Vol. 1, collecing #1-6.

THE PUNISHER #3

Written by Garth Ennis, pencils by Lewis LaRosa, cover by Tim Bradstreet.

"In the Beginning," pt. 3 (of 6). An old acquaintance -- with in-depth knowledge of Frank Castle's modus operandi -- is after the Punisher. And what he has in store for Frank cuts far deeper than mere revenge.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores Feb. 11.

New ongoing series.

Punisher Max is now The Punisher.

ANT-MAN #3 (of 5 LS)

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

When Hank Pym -- a.k.a. Ant-Man -- is tapped by U.S. Intelligence to infiltrate an international spy ring that has been siphoning secrets out of Washington, the diminutive hero 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 Feb. 25.

EPIC TITLES

EPIC ANTHOLOGY #1

By various.

The debut of a new quarterly anthology series spotlighting the best full-length Epic stories submitted by up-and-coming creators. Issue #1 features: Strange Magic pt. 1 by Jason Henderson and Greg Scott; Young Ancient One pt. 1 by Rob Worley and Andy Kuhn; Sleepwalker pt. 1 by Robert Kirkman and Khary Randolph.

72 pages, $5.99, in stores on Feb. 11.