MARVEL COMICS FOR JULY

Following are Marvel Comics' solicitations for July, with information coming from the publisher.

AVENGERS DISASSEMBLED

AVENGERS #500

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

Avengers Disassembled begins here. The powerhouse team of Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch takes on Earth's Mightiest Heroes in this double-sized anniversary issue. It begins with the return of an Avenger thought dead -- and by the time it's over, everything you know about the Avengers will have changed.

48 pages, $3.50.

CAPTAIN AMERICA & THE FALCON #5

Written by Priest, art by Joe Bennett, cover by Steve Epting.

Avengers Disassembled tie-in. In the aftermath of recent events, the Falcon is a federal fugitive! And what's going on between Captain America and the Scarlet Witch?

32 pages, $2.99.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #29

Written by Robert Kirkman, penciled by Scot Eaton, cover by Dave Johnson.

Avengers Disassembled tie-in. Marvel Knights no more! Cap returns to the Marvel Universe proper, where he's thrown headfirst into one of the most hectic days of his career. Hydra has abducted a senator whoıs being prepped to run as the next president. Nick Fury enlists the aid of Captain America to bring the senator back home. Meanwhile, all is not right within the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization... who is the puppet master pulling the strings? You won't believe it when you see it.

32 pages, $2.99.

IRON MAN #86

Written by Mark Ricketts, art by Tony Harris, cover by Pat Lee.

Avengers Disassembled tie-in. "The Singularity," part 1 of 4. Tony Stark cares too much, and that's always been his downfall. His concerns over the welfare of the world have led him to alcoholism, caused him to alienate himself from those he loves, and forced him to make decisions he never should have made. Now, disgraced before the United Nations and uncertain of his own stability, Tony Stark retreats into seclusion -- a ticking time bomb of raw emotion. And if he doesn't get it under control soon ­ he's gonna explode. Meanwhile, Iron Man goes on a murderous rampage aimed at those in charge of Stark Enterprises.

32 pages, $2.99.

THOR #82

Written by Mike Avon Oeming, art by Andrea DiVito, cover by Steve Epting.

Avengers Disassembled tie-in. Ragnarok appears to have come for the gods of Asgard -- but will Thor be their savior, or its architect? In search of new wisdom, the Thunder God must repeat the ordeals of Odin -- and the price may be too terrible for even an immortal to pay.

32 pages, $2.99.

OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE: AVENGERS 2004

Cardstock Cover by Salvador Larroca and Richard Isanove.

This is it: The Mighty Marvel Handbook returns! Featuring in-depth profiles on more than 20 Avengers past and present -- and an all-new cover by superstar artist Salvador Larroca, digitally painted by Richard Isanove -- OHOTMUA04 is a must-have for any true Marvel fan.

48 pages, $3.99.

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #17

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

Avengers Disassembled tie-in. Spidey's life is thrown into turmoil as he begins to undergo a shocking transformation -- one that may well leave the web-slinger scarred forever. What is the cause of this strange mutation -- and how does it connect to the troubles plaguing the Avengers?

32 pages, $2.25.

SPIDER-MAN

AMAZING FANTASY #2

Written by Fiona Avery, creative consulting by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Mark Brooks.

Sugar and spice and everything nice -- that's what this little girl is totally not made of. Marvel's scrappy new hero meets a tall, dark, and handsome stranger who leaves her with more questions than answers. Who is this guy, anyway? And why has he taken such an interest in her?

32 pages, $2.99.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #510

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

"Sins Past," part 2 of 6. The second part of a Spider-Man arc that will have people talking for years. Featuring art by new series regular Mike Deodato ­ one more reason not to miss a single issue.

32 pages, $2.25.

MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #4

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

"Down Among the Dead," part 4 of 4. As Spider-Man desperately navigates the seedy underworld of his most desperate and vile enemies, his missing family member is still nowhere to be found. The climax to this sold-out first arc features guest appearances by the Vulture, Black Cat, Electro, and the Owl. Get it fast, before they're gone.

32 pages, $2.99.

SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #4

Written by Allan Jacobsen and Robert Kirkman, art by C.P Smith and Cory Walker, cover by Erik larsen.

Two more stand-alone stories of the wall-crawler by new and upcoming writers! First, Robert Kirkman teams with his Invincible partner Cory Walker for a story of true love found amidst the carnage of a hold-up. Then, Allan Jacobsen and C.P. Smith (the creative team on the upcoming New Invaders series) weave a tale connecting the web-spinner to the legends of Native America.

32 pages, $2.99.

SPIDER-MAN/DOCTOR OCTOPUS: YEAR ONE #3

Written by Zeb Wells, art and cover by Kaare Andrews.

Emerging from a brutal accident that nearly took his life, Otto takes his first steps into the depths of madness...with the help of four of the deadliest weapons on the face of the Earth. Featuring the first face-to-face encounter between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus.

32 pages, $2.99.

VENOM VS.CARNAGE #2

Written by Peter Milligan, art and cover by Clayton Crain.

Whatıs worse than one homicidal symbiote? Two. Worse that that? THREE. Thatıs right. Carnage just had a baby. Guest-starring Black Cat.

32 pages, $2.99.

VENOM #17

Written by Daniel Way, art and cover by Skottie Young.

"Twist," part 4 of 5. Robertson must control the alien symbiote that;s eating away at her long enough to kill the original Venom, Eddie Brock. But Spider-Man has other plans and enlists the help of the Fantastic Four.

32 pages, $2.99.

THE PULSE #4

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

"Thin Air," part 4 of 5. Spider-Man guest-stars. As tensions between the Bugle and Norman Osborn mount, what side will Peter Parker take? Featuring the Ben Urich moment you've been waiting for for 20 years.

32 pages, $2.99.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 10: HOLLYWOOD TPB

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art and cover by Mark Bagley. A major movie studio is making a 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 doesnıt get final edit! As the cameras roll, the real wall-crawler and Doc Ock go head-to-head behind the scenes! Collects Ultimate Spider-Man #54-59.

144 pages, $12.99.

SPIDER-MAN 2: THE MOVIE TPB

Spider-Man broke dozens of box-office records, and Spider-Man 2 is poised to top them all! This trade paperback collects the comic-book adaptation of the sequel to one of the biggest blockbusters of all time -- plus the debut of Doctor Octopus in Amazing Spider-Man #3, and the origin of Ultimate Doc Ock from Ultimate Spider-Man #14 and #15.

120 pages, $12.99.

SPIDER-MAN: SON OF THE GOBLIN TPB

Written by Gerry Conway, David Michelinie and J.M. DeMatteis, art by Ross Andru, Todd McFarlane and Sal Buscema, cover by Buscema.

In his father;s eyes, Harry Osborn was never good enough. Harry's pal, Peter Parker, was truly the type of son Norman Osborn wanted -- studious, inventive, strong-willed and industrious. In contrast, Harry had always wilted under life's pressures and the strain of his fatherıs domineering influence, unable to live up to Norman's expectations. Unfortunately, Harry remained unaware of his father's dark side as the Green Goblin until it was too late. Witnessing Norman's apparent death in battle with Spider-Man, Harry was driven to the brink of insanity. Assuming his late father's identity, he began a descent into madness that would haunt him his entire life; only in death could he finally find peace. Now, for the first time ever in one volume, witness the startling tale of Harry's tragic demise in this all-new collection of classic Spider-Man stories! Collects Amazing Spider-Man #136-137 and #312, and Spectacular Spider-Man #189 and #200.

144 pages, $15.99.

ULTIMATE TITLES

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #62

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

Part Three of "Ultimate Carnage." The grotesque creature is on the attack -- bringing about yet another tragedy in the life of young Peter Parker.

32 pages, $2.25.

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #8

Written by Warren Ellis, art and cover by Stuart Immonen.

"Doom!," part 3 of 5. Continuing the strange saga of young Victor Van Damme, whose hatred of Reed Richards blossoms into a force that threatens civilization itself.

32 pages, $2.25.

ULTIMATE X-MEN #49

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, art and cover by Brandon Peterson.

The conclusion of "The Tempest." This epic showdown finds a master assassin with the X-Men firmly in his sights! What will happen as we gear up for next monthıs issue #50?

32 pages, $2.25.

MARVEL AGE TITLES

MARVEL AGE SPIDER-MAN #7

Plot by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, written by Todd Dezago, art by Jonboy Meyers, cover by Michael Ryan.

"The Terrible Threat Of The Living Brain!" A state-of-the-art android/search engine goes haywire during a demonstration in Peter Parker's school -- but how can Peter slip away to become Spider-Man and save the day, when he's stuck in the principal's office for fighting with Flash Thompson? It's Spider-Man Action in the Mighty Marvel Manner!.Plus, didja hear? Peter fights Flash Thompson. Also, a Sensational Spider-Man extra. "Spider-Man Tackles The Torch!" -- Spidey tangles with the Fantastic Four's very own Human Torch as an impromptu exhibition goes a little too far.

32 pages, $2.25.

MARVEL AGE SPIDER-MAN #8

Plot by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, written by Todd Dezago, art by Michael O'Hare, cover by Michael Ryan.

"The Man Called Elector!" As if Peter Parker didn't have enough to worry about just being a typical high school student, his Aunt May has just been rushed to the hospital, his boss, J. Jonah Jameson, continues to vilify his web-swinging alter ego every day in the pages of the Daily Bugle. And there's a new, super-charged, super-baddie in town looking to make a name for himself...by taking down our favorite Spectacular Spider-Man. Enter Electro, currently (no pun intended) the most shocking villain (no pun intended) to show Spidey that, sometimes with great power comes great electricity.

32 pages, $2.25.

MARY JANE #2

Written by Sean McKeever, art and cover by Takeshi Miyazawa.

They say money makes the world go 'round. Mary Jane Watson doesn't know who "they" are, but she sure wishes "they" would help her to become financially independent! The second issue in the exciting new Marvel Age series.

32 pages, $2.25.

SPIDER-GIRL #76

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

"Spider-Girl Must Die." Not only are Canis and Lady Octopus trying to kill her, but Mayday Parker must also contend with her irate parents when Peter and Mary Jane suddenly learn that their daughter has adopted a dramatic new costume and a dangerous new ally! Plus: Raptor confronts the new woman in Normie Osborn's life.

32 pages, $2.99.

RUNAWAYS #17

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

"The Good Die Young," part 5 of 5.

The Runaways' epic battle against their evil parents reaches its shocking conclusion. The team's mole has been revealed, and now blood must be shed. Which kids will still be standing when the smoke finally clears? This is the story that changes everything (seriously!).

32 pages, $2.99.

MARVEL AGE FANTASTIC FOUR #4

Plot by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, written by Sean McKeever, art by Alitha Martinez, cover by Makoto Nakatsuka.

Even when he's trying to keep a low profile, Johnny Storm can't help but stir things up. In discovering an amnesiac World War II hero, Johnny may have signed humanity's death warrant. It's the return of Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner, in this retelling of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's landmark tale.

32 pages, $2.25.

MARVEL AGE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 2 DIGEST

Plot by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, written by Todd Dezago and Daniel Quantz, art by Mark Brooks, Jonboy Meyers and Michael O'Hare, cover by Mark Brooks.

The Marvel Age of Comics continues. This time around, Spidey meets his match against such classic villains as Electro and the Lizard, and faces the return of one of his first foes: the Vulture! Plus: Spider-Man vs. the Living Brain, Peter Parkerıs fight with Flash Thompson, and the wall-crawler tackles the high-flying Human Torch.

96 pages, $5.99.

MARVEL AGE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 3 DIGEST

Plot by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, written by Todd Dezago and Mike Raicht, art by Patrick Scherberger, Logan Lubera, Valentine de Landro and Derec Aucoin, cover by Michael Ryan.

The fledgling wall-crawler reaches a crucial turning point in his young life as the diabolical Doctor Octopus makes his long-awaited return! Plus: the first appearances of the Enforcers and Mysterio! And learn why J. Jonah Jameson really hates Spider-Man.

96 pages, $5.99.

MARVEL AGE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 1 DIGEST

Plot by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, written by Sean McKeever, art by Makoto Nakatsuka, Gurhihiru, Joe Dodd and Alitha Martina, cover by Nakatsuka.

The new Marvel Age continues with the series that launched the first Marvel Age! When the Earth itself swallows up nuclear plants around the globe, it's up to the FF to take on the source of all the mayhem: the Mole Man! Next, the Fantastic Four go mad, leaving nothing but destruction and mayhem in their wake; the only ones who can stop them are...the Fantastic Four? Discover the devious plan of the Skrulls from outer space! Then, find out if a helpless FF can stop the Miracle Man -- who possesses all their powers, combinedŠand then some! Finally, even when he's trying to keep a low profile, Johnny Storm can't help but stir things up. In discovering an amnesiac World War II hero, Johnny may have signed humanity's death warrant! It's the return of Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner.

96 pages, $5.99.

X-MEN TITLES

UNCANNY X-MEN #446

Written by Chris Claremont, art and cover by Alan Davis.

"The End of History," part 3 of 4. The Fury -- an alien cybernetic lifeform that's indestructible, unpredictable and infinitely adaptable. How will Wolverine, Storm and Nightcrawler cope when it turns their own teammate, Sage, against them?

32 pages, $2.25.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #3

Written by Joss Whendon, art and cover by John Cassaday.

"Gifted," part 3 of 6. The team reunited under Cyclops and Emma Frost, the X-Men are out to astonish the world. But a new threat to mutantkind may mean the end of the X-Men forever. Plus, Wolverine's relationship with a fellow X-Man takes an unexpected turn...

32 pages, $2.99.

NEW X-MEN #3

Written by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir, art and cover by Randy Green.

"Choosing Sides," part 3 of 6. All high schools have cliques, but what school besides the Xavier Institute also has code-names, uniforms, and combat training sessions in the Danger Room? All-out war threatens to break out as the New Mutants take on the Hellions.

32 pages, $2.99.

X-MEN #159

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

"Day of the Atom," part 3 of 4.

The shocking return of an enemy thought dead rocks the X-Men to their very core! Can they overcome an adversary more powerful than they imagined, or will internal strife within the team itself tear them apart first?

32 pages, $2.25.

EXCALIBUR #3

Written by Chris Claremont, art by Aaron Lopresti, cover by Andy Park.

"Forging the Sword," part 3 of 6. Professor X works amid the ashes of Genosha to rebuild the once-proud mutant nation. But certain people would prefer that Genosha stay destroyed -- and are willing to kill to make sure that the nation of mutants doesn't rise again.

32 pages, $2.99.

DISTRICT X #3

Written by David Hine, art by David Yardin, cover by Steve McNiven.

"Mr. M," part 3 of 6. Exploding from the X-Men Reload right into New York's Alphabet City, where we see a gang war brewing -- a mutant gang war. The X-Man Bishop and his NYPD partner, Ismael Ortega, are caught in the middle of a mutant scandal that threatens to tear the neighborhood apart, while tensions mount between rival gang lords who promise that this fragile neighborhood will never be the same.

32 pages, $2.99.

ROGUE #1

Written by Rob Bodi, art by Dante Bastianoni, cover by Rodolfo Migliara.

"Going Rogue," part 1 of 6. All-new X-Men series! During her time as part of the X-MEN, the woman known as Rogue has been many things -- fighter, friend, soldier, loverŠand now, daughter. When an X-Men mission brings Rogue back to her childhood home in Mississippi, she comes face to face with the demons in her past...and a terrible secret that has haunted her family since her birth.

32 pages, $2.99.

POWERLESS #2

Written by Matt Cherniss and Peter Johnson, art by Michael Gaydos, cover by Tony Harris.

Peter Parker, Matt Murdock and Logan were fated to be heroes. If Peter Parker wasn't bitten by a radioactive spider would he still do battle with a madman named Norman Osborn? Matt Murdock, though blinded, had no heightened senses. Nevertheless, he became a legal champion of the poor in Hell's Kitchen, crossing paths with a powerful crime boss named Wilson Fisk -- the Kingpin. Logan -- still an enigmatic, amnesiac drifter -- is on the run from his bloody past, without mutant powers to save him. By re-imagining Marvelıs most popular characters without superhuman powers, this series will strip these heroes to their core, exploring what it means to be a hero in very human terms.

32 pages, $2.99.

STARJAMMERS #1

Written by Kevin J. Anderson, art and cover by Ale Garza.

"The Cadet and the Corsairs," part 1 of 6.

The swashbuckling story of your favorite interstellar pirates -- The Starjammers. Young Tolo Hawk is a fresh-faced cadet in the Union Corps who dreams of a long and glorious military career. What will happen when he comes face to face with the lawless, rough and ready Starjammers?

32 pages, $2.99.

STARJAMMERS #2

Written by Kevin J. Anderson, art and cover by Ale Garza.

"The Cadet and the Corsairs," part 2 of 6. Tolo risks his life to protect a beautiful Princess from the Starjammers, but are they his real enemy?

32 pages, $2.99.

CABLE/DEADPOOL #5

Written by Fabian Nicieza, art by Patrick Zircher, cover by Mark Brooks.

"If Looks Could Kill," part 5 of 6. One of them's frozen solid, the other is a pile of blue goo! They'll need each other to survive -- and it might involve exchanging bodily fluids! But even if they save each other, they still have to save the world from -- the Lightmaster? No, we're not kidding...

32 pages, $2.99.

EXILES #49

Written by Tony Bedard, art by Jim Calafiore, cover by Mizuki Sakakibara.

Stand-alone issue. The Avengers are dead, the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier is destroyed and the Capitol dome has been turned into a giant toilet. Something strange, impossible even, is going on in Washington, D.C. and it's up to the Exiles to get to the bottom of it, all before next monthıs issue #50.

32 pages, $2.99.

WEAPON X #26

Written by Frank Tieri, art by Tom Mandrake, cover by Andy Park.

"Man and Superman," part 1 of 3. Sabretooth makes his savage return, making himself all too comfortable in his new career as a hired gun. That is, until his new employers issue out his latest assignment: to track ­ and take down ­ his former boss from the Marauders, Mr. Sinister.

32 pages, $2.99.

EMMA FROST #13

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

"Bloom," part 1 of 6. Emmaıs fought her family, the Boston mob, her own boyfriend -- and won! But now the young mutant sets her sights on the Big Apple and Empire State University, and there are many unexpected lessons to be learned in the big city. Will her new life and friends set Emma on the road to ruin?

32 pages, $2.99.

MYSTIQUE #17

Written by Sean McKeever, art by Manuel Garcia, cover by Mike Mayhew.

"Unnatural," part 4 of 5. It's Shortpack to the rescue in Prague when Mystique is presumed amnesiac or dead at the hands of Viktor, an unscrupulous mutant who sells other mutants on the black market.

32 pages, $2.99.

NYX #6

Written by Joe Quesada, art by Rob Teranishi, cover 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? Meet a young mutant who doesnıt have to wonder. His powers let him be anyone he wants, and he isn't shy about using them!

32 pages, $2.99.

MARVEL KNIGHTS TITLES

MAN-THING #1

Written by Hans Rodionoff, art and cover by Kyle Hotz.

What evil lurks in the brackish waters of the swamp? Itıs the return of one of Marvel's all-time favorite horror characters: Man-Thing! Just in time for the upcoming theatrical film release by Lionıs Gate Films, this three-issue movie "prequel" is written by Hans Rodionoff, screenwriter for the Man-Thing film, and drawn by "master of the macabre" Kyle Hotz. Set in the Bywater Swamp from the Man-Thing film, this self-contained story will enhance the movie-going experience with brand-new content we found lurking in the shadows of the bayou/

32 pages, $2.99.

DAREDEVIL #62

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

Daredevil and the Black Widow are partners again, but is it in more ways then one? One of Marvel's greatest love stories takes an interesting turn, and all in the horrible face of...Jigsaw!

32 pages, $2.99.

INCREDIBLE HULK #74

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

Against a gamma-irradiated backdrop, the Hulk and Iron Man go toe-to-toe in the conclusion of this 4-part story. Who will smash, and what will happen to the smashed?

32 pages, $2.25.

IDENTITY DISC #2

Written by Rob Robi, art by John Higgins, cover by Tony Harris.

When a sinister collection of six powerful and deadly villains are blackmailed by a mysterious woman, theyıre forced to form an uneasy alliance to save the lives of their loved ones. But can this group -- which includes Sabretooth, Bullseye, Deadpool, and the Juggernaut -- work together to secure a mysterious disc before self-destructing?

32 pages, $2.99.

MARVEL KNIGHTS 4 #8

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

"Frozen," part 1 of 2. While New York freezes in the icy grip of winter, an old foe resurfaces with a grudge: Namor! And the crown prince is demanding Sue make good on a old promise '' even if it's over Reed's dead body. Meanwhile, closer to home, Johnny may be the only person who can help a Washington Heights woman find her missing son.

32 pages, $2.99.

X-STATIX #25

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

Who's stronger? Well, friends, you're about to find out... Americaıs favorite mutants go toe-to-toe with Earthıs Mightiest Heroes -- the Avengers! In part three, Doop squares off against The Mighty Thor.

32 pages, $2.99.

WITCHES #3

Written by Brian Walsh, art by Will Conrad, cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

While the witches fend off Lilith's demon, their fragile bonds disintegrate. Dr. Strange tries to keep the brood together but he struggles with his own declining strength as a result of the demon's presence. And the true nature of the demon and its purpose on Earth is revealed.

32 pages, $2.99.

WITCHES #4

Written by Brian Walsh, art by Will Conrad, cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

While the girls attempt to rescue Jennifer from the demon, Strange has his own problems with an old adversary. The struggle concludes and hidden agendas are exposed in this thrilling final issue.

32 pages, $2.99

WOLVERINE #17

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

"Return of the Native," part 5 of 7.

The team-up to end all team-ups! Sabretooth and Wolverine, claws to the walls, embark on a dangerous journey to track down the one that got away ... The Native!

32 pages, $2.25.

WOLVERINE/PUNISHER #5

Written by Peter Milligan, art by Lee Weeks, cover by Greg Land.

Everyone gets exactly what they deserve -- and maybe a little more -- in the conclusion to the limited series.

32 pages, $2.99.

MAX TITLES

SUPREME POWER #12

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

The climactic end of the second arc. The world shakes as titans . . . well, youıll have to buy it to find out.

32 pages, $2.99.

PUNISHER #9

Written by Garth Ennis, art by Leandro Fernandez, cover by Tim Bradstreet.

"Kitchen Irish" continues. Chaos ensues when Frank Castle finally tracks down Finn Cooley. Copies of this book scatter faster than a shotgun blast -- it seems everyone wants the MAX Punisher series! Get in front of a copy today, but make sure the safety is on.

32 pages, $2.99.

MARVEL HEROES TITLES

LOKI #1-2

Written by Rob Rodi, art and cover by Esad Ribic.

There are two sides to every story. Youıve heard Thor's -- now it's time to hear Loki's. Odinıs least favorite son rewrites Asgardian lore from his perspective in this 4-issue limited series, featuring the breathtaking painted artwork of Esad Ribic. In this story, Loki's insatiable lust for power, his conflicted sentiments toward Sif, his antipathy toward Balder, and the deep-seated feelings of longing and resentment toward his older brother, Thor, and uncaring father, Odin, will take on new meaning.

32 pages, $3.50.

FANTASTIC FOUR #516

Written by Mark Waid and Karl Kesel, art by Paco Medina, cover by Gene Ha.

"Dysfunctional," part 3 of 3. The final showdown with the all-new, all-twisted Frightful Four -- and the shocking secret of their newest member could destroy both teams.

32 pages, $2.25.

ALPHA FLIGHT #5

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

"You Gotta Be Kiddin' Me," part 5 of 6. Time for another issue of the All-New, All-Different Alpha Flight, eh? Reserve your copy today, or pay the price of a fierce scolding from the RCMP's Major Mapleleaf himself! Now that don't sound too friendly, donıt cha know?

32 pages, $2.99.

GUARDIANS #1-2

Written by Marc Sumerak, art and cover by Casey Jones.

THEN: A group of neighborhood kids who make-believe that theyıre intergalactic super heroes have a chance encounter with a real alien and help him in his time of need! Living out their childhood fantasies to the fullest, they tell the alien that they are the Guardians -- appointed protectors of this planet -- and that, should he need their help again, they'll be ready!

NOW: It's been 14 years since their extra-terrestrial adventure, and the kids have grown up and moved on. Having given up their childhood dreams they are making an awkward transition to the adult world, working average jobs and living average livesŠ until the alien that they helped all those years ago returns to Earth, seeking the help of the "Guardians" once again! With the fate of the universe in their hands, itıs up to these disillusioned 20-somethings to step up and save the very same world that tried to tell them they were crazy.

32 pages, $2.99.

AVENGERS/THUNDERBOLTS #6

Written by Fabian Nicieza and Kurt Busiek, art by Tom Grummett, cover by Barry Kitson.

A tragic conflict! A fateful decision! A team torn apart! The lives of both teams are changed and the ramifications will affect the characters for years to come. Will the tragic conclusion to the Limited Series mark the end of the Thunderbolts... or a new beginning -- ?

32 pages, $2.99.

CAPTAIN MARVEL #25

Written by Peter David, art by Keith Giffen, cover by ChrisCross.

"Exit Strategy." Final issue. All your questions are answered! Will Captain Marvel regain his sanity? Will Rick stay bonded to Marv forever? Will he ever get it on with his super-hot wife, Marlo, again?

32 pages, $2.99.

THOR: SON OF ASGARD #6

Written by Akira Yoshida, art by Greg Tocchini, cover by Adi Granov.

"The Warriors Teen," part 6 of 6. Having survived every threat the wilds of Asgard have thrown at them, Thor, Sif and Balder finally return home, only to find their welcome is not all that warm. The teen trio must risk their lives one final time as danger has followed them into their own city! What good is a homecoming if there is no home to return to?

32 pages, $2.99.

SHE-HULK #5

Written by Dan Slott, art by Juan Bobillo, cover by Mike Mayhew.

"The Bic Picture," part 1 of 2.

Who is the new super-villain, Southpaw? What hold does she have over She-Hulk's law firm? And just what is the secret behind THE BIG HOUSE, the Marvel Universe's NEW Maximum Security prison for super-powered criminals? Weıre itching to find out, especially since this issue includes dozens of Marvel's best bad guys, including Electro, Sandman, Tiger Shark, Vermin, the Rhino, the Absorbing Man and many more... It's the FIRST multipart story in She-Hulk's new series, and the perfect place to peruse the big green heroine that has all the guys in a tizzy.

32 pages, $2.99.

IRON FIST #5

Written by Jim Mullaney, art by Kevin Lau, cover by Rick Mays.

"Breathless," part 5 of 6. Around the world the dead are mourned, victims of the violent cult loosed from the pages of ancient K'un Lun history. In his fight to uncover his faceless enemy, Danny Rand finds an unlikely ally; a woman who alone understands the power that menaces not only Iron Fist, but which threatens to tear apart the Eternal City itself.

32 pages, $2.99.

SILVER SURFER #11

Written by Dan Chariton and Stacy Weiss, art by Lan Medina, cover by Alex Maleev.

"Revelation," part 5 of 6. The Silver Surfer battles Stewart Acheron's forces, while a mutiny aboard the salvation ark puts the future of the human race at risk.

32 pages, $2.99.

THANOS #12

Written by Keith Giffen, art by Ron Lim, cover by Giffen.

It's Thanos, the mad Titan, versus the Fallen One, first herald to world-devouring Galactus and grade A prime interstellar sociopath, as we wind up our first year with a cosmic melee that's sure to be talked about for years to come. Like it would kill you to buy one for a friend?

32 pages, $2.99.

ICON COMICS TITLES

KABUKI #1

Written, art and cover by David Mack.

"The Alchemy" Pt. 1. It's a new start for Kabuki and the perfect jumping-on issue for new readers/ When you are a former operative for a Japanese agency, how do you start a new life?

32 pages, $2.99.

POWERS #1

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art and cover by Michael Avon Oeming.

All-new first issue!! Homicide Detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim investigate superpower murders. And with all powers declared illegal, a crime wave has hit the city and hit hard. From the writer of some of your favorite Marvel comics (Ultimate Spider-Man, Daredevil, Secret War), comes a brand-new chapter from the award-winning book that put him on the map.

32 pages, $2.95.

POWERS #2

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art and cover by Michael Avon Oeming. A hero has returned. But is it enough to keep the city safe from the crossfire -- as the cityıs most powerful villains gun for each other in a massive turf war. And how far will Detective Deena Pilgrim go to prove she still has what it takes?

32 pages, $2.95.

POWERS: THE SELLOUTS TPB

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art and cover by Michael Avon Oeming.

All-new Powers collection! Homicide Detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim investigate superpower murders. When one of the members of a classic superteam is murdered, the investigation leads to the most dramatic events in Powers history. Bonus featues: A brand-new "Bendis and Oeming interview each other" piece, a stunning look into Oemingıs research and page development, bonus text pieces, on-line interviews, a cover gallery, a making-of-the-scene, and much more.

188 pages, $19.95.