MARVEL COMICS FOR MARCH

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

SPIDER-MAN

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #54 & 55

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

"Spider-Man: The Movie" part 1 and 2 (of 5). A major movie studio is making an unauthorized summer blockbuster about Spider-Man, and the Ultimate wall-crawler swings by the set to give the producers a piece of his mind. But someone else is even hotter about being in the film than Spidey -- Doctor Octopus -- who just may shut the production down if he doesn't get final edit.

* New story arc. Two issues.

* Guest-starring director Sam Raimi, actor Toby Maguire and producer Avi Arad.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on March 3 and March 17.

THE PULSE #2

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, pencils by Mark Bagley, cover by Gabriele Dell'Otto.

Pooling their resources, the Daily Bugle's new team of super hero investigative journalists -- Jessica Jones and Ben Urich -- are pulled into a mystery that hits very close to home.

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

* Guest-starring Spider-Man and the Vulture.

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

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #505 & 506

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, covers and pencils by John Romita Jr.

A new story arc begins as Peter delves further into the mysterious totemistic origin of his powers when the enigmatic Ezekiel returns! Is he truly Peteršs mentor and ally, or something much more?

* New story arc. Two issues.

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

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #11 & 12

Written by Paul Jenkins, covers and pencils by Damion Scott.

"The Lizard's Tale" pt. 1 and 2 of 3. He's struggled for years to control the coiled reptile that dwells deep within his heart. But now, at the end of his rope, one bad day with change Dr. Curt Connors' life forever -- and the Lizard will stalk the streets once more.

* New story arc. Two issues.

* Art by Damion Scott.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on March 10 and March 24.

VENOM #12

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

"Patterns" part 2 of 3. The shocking truth behind Venom's resurgence is revealed! Surprisingly enough it involves Reed Richards.

* "Patterns" guest-stars Spider-Man and the FF.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 24.

SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #2

Written by Adam Higgs and J.T. Krul, pencils by Rick Mays and Paul Azaceta, cover by Andy Kubert.

More shorter-length stories featuring the Amazing Spider-Man and members of his all-star supporting cast, including "Making Contributions," in which Mary Jane finds out how a person without her husband's superhero abilities can help make a difference.

New bi-monthly ongoing series.

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

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

Written by Colin Mitchell, pencils by Derec Aucoin, cover by Randy Green.

Spidey and Doctor Octopus duke it out in this series finale, while the fate of Doc Ock's young protege hangs in the balance.

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

SPIDER-GIRL #71

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

Spider-Girl fights to prevent NYC from being attacked by an army of invisible invaders. Plus: The Buzz finally discovers Spider-Girl's secret identity...or does he? Guest-stars J2, Doc Magus and Stinger.

* Stand-alone story.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores March 3.

MARVEL AGE

MARVEL AGE: SPIDER-MAN #1

Plot by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, script by Daniel Quantz, cover and pencils by Mark Brooks.

Not a "retcon" ... Not a "new universe." Watch your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man battle his archfoe the Vulture for the very first time in this new, all ages, contemporary revisiting of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's classic story. Marvel Age: Spider-Man introduces new and young readers to some of the greatest stories of the legendary Marvel Universe with dynamic brand new art and a modern flair.

* New ongoing series.

* Coming soon: Spidey's first meetings with Doc Ock, Dr. Doom and the Sandman.

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

MARVEL HEROES

SHE-HULK #1

Written by Dan Slott, pencils by Juan Bobillo, cover by Adi Granov.

SGF (Single Green Female) -- outgoing, physically fit, intelligent, great sense of humor. Enjoys clubbing, dishing with gal-pals, and saving the universe. Ready to put old issues behind and make a fresh start. Contact Jen W. at Avengers Mansion.

* New ongoing series.

* Guest-starring the Avengers.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores March 10.

RUNAWAYS #13

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

"The Good Die Young" pt. 1 of 2. The world as we know it is about to end, and the Runaways are the only hope to prevent it. But if our fledgling teenage heroes are going to succeed, they may have to become just as evil as their villainous parents.

* New story arc. Jumping-on point.

* Adrian Alphona returns.

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

THOR: SON OF ASGARD #1 & 2 (of 6 LS)

Written by Akira Yoshida, pencils by Greg Tocchini, covers by Adi Granov.

Before he claimed the throne, before he battled the dragon Fafnir, before he became worthy of mighty Mjolnir, he was simply Thor, one of many young sons of Asgard. In a saga of courage, adversity, revenge and brotherhood, Thor faces perils that will challenge his mettle as a young warrior, and trials that will test and temper his immortal spirit. Sent on a Great Quest by All-Father Odin, Thor and a fellowship of other young godlings -- Balder, Sif and Loki -- face their coming of age in this epic story written by celebrated manga writer Akira Yoshida and beautifully illustrated by newcomer Greg Tocchini.

* Two issues.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on March 20 and March 24.

THOR #75 & 76

Written by Dan Jurgens, covers by Bill Sienkiewicz (#75), Scot Eaton (#76), pencils by Scot Eaton.

"Gods & Men" parts 1 and 2 of 5. The climax of Thor's reign as the ruler of Asgard begins now. The action heats up and the heavens tremble as all the Thunder God has built comes to ruins -- and those closest to Thor betray him.

* New story arc. Two issues.

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

AVENGERS #80

Written by Chuck Austen, pencils by Olivier Coipel, cover by David Finch.

"Lionheart Of Avalon" part 4 of 5. A dramatic choice is made. A hero from the past is born anew. And the architect of the Avengers' recent troubles stands revealed. Plus: who's turning Hawkeye's eye?

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

IRON MAN #78

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

"The Best Defense" concludes. Washington, D.C. is under terrorist attack -- or is it? Tony Stark's had his chance... can his armored alter ego prevent a tragedy of historic proportions? The shattering, all-action conclusion to "The Best Defense" leads to a major change in the life of Iron Man.

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

HAWKEYE #6

Written by Fabian Nicieza, pencils by Stefano Raffaele, cover by Scott Kolins.

"The High, Hard Shaft," part 6 of 6. The secret of the Unity stands revealed as Clint throws down against 99 archers out to protect a secret that could change the world -- secret that Hawkeye must possess.

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

AVENGERS/THUNDERBOLTS #1 & 2 (of 6 LS)

Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, covers and pencils by Barry Kitson.

Marvel's Most Wanted -- the villains-turned-would-be-heroes known as the Thunderbolts -- are back. But which side of the law are they on this time? If they're up to their old villainous ways, the Avengers are determined to find out about it -- and stop them before they get started! But which side is Hawkeye on? Kurt Busiek makes his return to the Thunderbolts and The Avengers, teaming with former T-Bolts write Fabian Nicieza for this action-packed adventure that might just be the grand finale to the T-Bolts history -- or a whole new beginning.

* Two issues.

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

CAPTAIN AMERICA & THE FALCON #1

Written by Priest, cover and pencils by Bart Sears.

He has been his mentor, his leader and his friend. Now, Captain America takes on a new role in the Falcon's life Š Pursuer. Sam Wilson has gone rogue and S.H.I.E.L.D. has given Cap just 24 hours to bring him in. Breakneck action and Marvel-style intrigue combine as -- for the first time -- best friends use their knowledge of each other's skills and tactics on opposite battle lines of "Two Americas!" This series changes this classic Marvel partnership forever.

* New ongoing series. Art by Bart Sears.

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

THANOS #7 & 8

Written by Keith Giffen, pencils by Ron Lim, covers by Jim Starlin (#7) and Keith Giffen (#8).

At the outer boundary of our universe -- the very edge of existence -- Thanos has a fateful encounter with his lost love, Death, which causes him to reevaluate his goals and his approach to attaining them.

* New story arc. Two issues.

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

SILVER SURFER #7

Written by Dan Chariton and Stacy Weiss, pencils by Lan Medina, cover by Gary Frank.

"Revelation," part 1. Though the Silver Surfer has reunited Denise Waters with her daughter, Stewart Acheron intends to claim Ellie as his own -- by any means necessary.

* New story arc.

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

IRON FIST #1

Written by Jim Mullaney, cover and pencils by Kevin Lau.

He's been a warrior, a super hero, and an affluent businessman! But now, in the space of a single moment, the life of the master martial artist known as Iron Fist will be shattered beyond repair -- as a dark legend from the musty scrolls of ancient K'un Lun begins to take shape in the mortal world...

* New ongoing series.

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

CAPTAIN MARVEL #21

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

"Odyssey," part 3 of 6. The Shi'ar, the Skrulls, and the Kree have faced many great obstacles in their conquest of the future Earth, but even they're not prepared for the attack of the giant Captain Marvel ... Yes, we said giant Captain Marvel.

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

HUMAN TORCH #11

Written by Karl Kesel, cover and pencils by Howard Porter.

Johnny's ex-"flame" Namorita guest-stars when a floating ocean research station unleashes something that could exterminate all life in the universe! Can Johnny save the universe? And more importantly -- will he and the Atlantean princess start dating again?

* Art by Howard Porter.

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

INHUMANS #12

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

"No Matter The Cost" part 4 of 4. Final issue. The Inhumans fight for the life of one of their own. But even if they all manage to survive this encounter, how will it affect their relationships with each other...and with humanity?

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

INCREDIBLE HULK #68 & 69

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

"Bury Me Not" part 3 and 4 of 4. There's something big and weird and downright nasty out there in the desert...and it wants everything Bruce Banner has ... everything!

* Two issues.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on March 10 and March 24.

PUNISHER: THE MOVIE #1-3 (of 3 LS)

Written by Peter Milligan, pencils by Pat Olliffe, movie photo cover.

Marvel presents the official comic book adaptation of their latest big-screen blockbuster starring John Travolta, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos and Thomas Jane as Frank Castle, the Punisher.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on March 3, March 10 and March 17.

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #4

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

Susan Storm volunteered to be part of Reed Richards' revolutionary experiment along with her friends, but she didn't end up where they did. Alone, Sue finds herself in the subterranean domain of the misanthropic Mole Man.

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

FANTASTIC FOUR #511

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

"Hereafter" part 3 (of 3). They've faced the destroyer of everything -- Galactus. Now they face the creator of everything, as the Fantastic Four are reunited -- in the Hereafter.

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

MARVEL KNIGHTS

4 #3

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

"Wolf At The Door" part 3 of 4. Metal-faced despots, intergalactic deities, and subterranean savages couldnšt destroy the FF, but will Marvelšs first family be torn apart by the most human threat itšs ever faced? Plus: A classic knockdown, drag-'em-out brawl between The Thing and The Human Torch.

* New Marvel Knights ongoing series.

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

DAREDEVIL #58

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

"The King Of Hell's Kitchen," part 3. Matt Murdock is missing after his battle with 100 armed men, and only Ben Urich can find him. Is DD even alive?

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

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

CAPTAIN AMERICA #24

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

"Homeland," part 4 of 5. Cap races against time to hunt down a group of deadly, escaped prisoners from Guantanamo Bay -- and prevent a terrorist attack against Cuba.

* Coming soon: Cap's career-changing decision.

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

ELEKTRA #34

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

"Fever" concludes. Elektra must slice and dice her way through a slew of Russian mobsters while fighting off the mother of all Asian flu viruses.

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

1602 #8 (of 8 LS)

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

Climatic last issue! Secrets revealed! Mysteries explained! A mighty sacrifice! Worlds live! Worlds die! Heroes make choices! And so do villainsŠ

48 pages, $3.99, in stores on March 31.

WOLVERINE/PUNISHER #1 (of 5 LS)

Written by Peter Milligan, penciled by Lee Weeks, cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

Deep in the South American jungle there's a place of legend -- a final refuge for the nastiest of the nasty to disappear when, say, a guy like the Punisher in hunting you down. Now, Frank Castle is about to stumble upon it, and hardened men he's driven there like frightened rats -- men who've had nothing but time to contemplate their fate and the man responsible for it -- are ready for him. But what they don't know is that there's someone hot on the Punisher's trail: the mutant known as Wolverine.

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

X-MEN

WOLVERINE #12

Written by Greg Rucka, cover and pencils by Darick Robertson.

"Dreams." So what exactly is Jean Grey doing to Logan in the woods? You're invited on a very special all-access tour through the most dangerous mind on the planet to witness moments that X-Men fans thought they'd truly never see... Find out what's really going on inside Loganšs head.

Stand-alone story.

Featuring appearances by Cyclops, Professor X, Nightcrawler and Jean Grey.

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

UNCANNY X-MEN #441

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

"She Lies With Angels," part 5 of 5. Two young lovers, a human and a mutant, are caught in a bitter feud between their warring families. Will the X-Men be able to save this pair of star-crossed kids?

* Art by Salvador Larroca.

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

ALPHA FLIGHT #1

Written by Scott Lobdell, cover and pencils by Clayton Henry.

"You Gotta Be Kidding Me," part 1. Scott Lobdell returns to the X-Men Universe and heads north of the border for the surprising premiere of an all-new, all-different Alpha Flight. The Canadian superteam returns in a shocking new series that will be the talk of Saskatchewan. Featuring the debut of new heroes and the return of several old favorites.

* New ongoing series.

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

ULTIMATE X-MEN #43

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

"New Mutants," part 4 of 6. The President's advisors believe he's being secretly controlled by Professor Xavier and a plan is hatched to free the Chief Executive from his mutant influence. But who is behind the scheme and what will it mean for the X-Men?

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

NEW X-MEN #154

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

"Here Comes Tomorrow" finale. Grant Morrison and Marc Silvestri;s epic saga about the X-Men of the future comes to a universe-shattering conclusion. What ramifications will this have on the X-Men of today?

* Marc Silvestri and Grant Morrison's finale.

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

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 doesn't 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 March 17.

EMMA FROST #9

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

"Mind Games" part 3 of 6. On her own for the very first time, Emma's found love ... but she's also found out that her new boyfriend is in deep with the Boston mob! As she learns more "creative" ways to use her new mutant powers, will it be enough to escape the grasp of the underworld?

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

X-STATIX #20

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

"The Cure" part 2 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 March 24.

MYSTIQUE #12

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

"Maker;s Mark," part 2 of 2. Mystique's globetrotting missions take her everywhere imaginable, but now she's going back to the last place she'd ever imagine ... her romantic past. Her old flame Forge can fix almost anything, but can he fix their relationship?

* Guest art by Manuel Garcia.

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

NEW MUTANTS #12

Written by Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis, pencils by Carlo Barberi, cover by Randy Green.

"The Ties That Bind" concludes. The mysterious homeless girl seen around Salem Center turns out to be a powerful mutant -- but convincing her to come to the Xavier Institute could be a dangerous task.

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

CABLE & DEADPOOL #1

Written by Fabian Nicieza, pencils by Mark Brooks (UDON), cover by Rob Liefeld.

Wade Wilson and Nathan Summers are back -- and this time, they're stuck with each other! Can two grown men with deadly genetic weaponry work together without driving each other crazy? Action, adventure, black-ops, black humor and lots and lots of gunfire mark the return of two favorite mutant anti-heroes to their own ongoing series.

* New ongoing series.

* Covers by Deadpool and Cable creator Rob Liefeld.

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

X-TREME X-MEN #44

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

"Prisoner of Fire," part 5 of 6. Elias Bogan continues his assault on Sage...by turning her against her own teammates. Note: "Prisoner of Fire" was previously "Bogan."

* A long-lost X-Men character returns.

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

WEAPON X #21

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

"Countdown To Zero," part 3 of 3. Agent Zero takes on Gene Nation... and this time, it's personal.

* Guest-stars Wolverine.

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

EXILES #44

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

"A Blink in Time" part 2 of 3. Blink is back! But is her return enough to tip the scales in the Exiles' battle with a startling new menace?

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

MAX

SUPREME POWER #8

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

Witness the world-shaking first battle between Hyperion & Dr. Spectrum in part 2 of the second major story arc. Until now, Hyperion didnšt know of Dr. Spectrumšs existence. This issue he finds out, and on the business end of a serious display of power.

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

THE PUNISHER #4

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

"In The Beginning" part 4 of 6. Micro makes an offer to Frank that he can't refuse...

New MAX ongoing series.

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

ANT-MAN #4 (of 5 LS)

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

Ant-Man digs deeper into finding out who is leaking those dirty little secrets that are threatening our national security. And whošs better at uncovering dirty Little secrets than him?

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