MARVEL COMICS' GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR AUGUST

EARTH X HC

Written by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger, penciled by John Paul Leon, cover by Alex Ross.

Great epics come along only once in a long while. Stories that push the normal boundaries and force the reader to think. Stories so powerful in message and so grand in scale that the guidelines by which such tales are usually judged are completely rearranged. Spawned from the brilliant creative mind of Alex Ross, EARTH X is one such epic. Along with writer Jim Krueger and artist John Paul Leon, Ross breathes life into and gives amazing detail to every facet of the Earth X mythos -- made evident by everything from his early conceptual pencil sketches to each of his fourteen beautifully painted covers. Earth X explores the depths and heights of the Marvel Universe, from the roots of its humble beginnings to the peak of its ultimate potential. This deluxe keepsake edition collects all twelve issues of the EARTH X regular series, the #0 and #X bookends, the #1/2 issue, the Epilogue, and more!

528 pages, $49.99.

RUNAWAYS VOL. 1 HC

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, penciled by Adrian Alphona and Takeshi Miyazawa, cover by Alphona.

This deluxe hardcover collects all 18 issues of the Runaways' first series, plus a hefty helping of DVD-style extras! In Pride & Joy, six young friends discover their parents are all secretly super-powered villains! Finding strength in one another, the shocked teens run away from home and straight into the adventure of their lives -- vowing to turn the tables on their evil legacy. In Teenage Wasteland, the Runaways find a kindred spirit in a daring young stranger and welcome him into their fold. But will this dashing young man help the teenagers defeat their villainous parents...or tear them apart? Plus: 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! In The Good Die Young, the world as we know it is about to end, and the Runaways are the only hope to prevent it! Our fledgling teenage heroes have learned how their parents' criminal organization began, and now they must decide how it should END. As the Runaways' epic battle against their evil parents reaches its shocking conclusion, the team's mole stands revealed, and blood must be shed. Which kids will still be standing when the smoke finally clears?

448 pages, $34.99.

MARVEL VISIONARIES: CHRIS CLAREMONT HC

Written by Chris Claremont, penciled by John Byrne, Michael Golden, Dave Cockrum, Frank Miller, Bill Sienkiewicz, Barry Windsor-Smith, John Bolton, Art Adams, Alan Davis, Jim Lee and Salvador Larroca.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Chris Claremont's first X-Men story, the House of Ideas presents a timeless testament to another true Marvel visionary! Best known for ushering the X-Men from reprints to blockbuster franchise, Claremont has steered Marvel's mutants for three decades while working alongside some of comicdom's top artists. This deluxe keepsake edition collects some of his greatest moments -- including stories from Daredevil #102; Marvel Premiere #11; Iron Fist #14; Uncanny X-Men #137, #153, #205, #268 And Annual #12; Avengers Annual #10; Wolverine #3; New Mutants #21; Classic X-Men #13; Excalibur #16; and X-Men Unlimited #36.

376 pages, $29.99.

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: DOCTOR STRANGE VOL. 2

Written by Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Dennis O'Neil and others, penciled by Steve Ditko, Bill Everett, Marie Severin, Dan Adkins and George Tuska, cover by Ditko.

Time to toss out that rabbit's foot at last, True Believer! After thirteen years around the cauldron your luck has paid off‹we're conjuring up a sensational second Doctor Strange Masterworks! Featuring the mind-blowing ocular occult of Steve Ditko teamed with Stan "The Man" Lee, you'll want to make sure you nail down your ouija board before breaking this sacred tome open. They're aided and abetted by Roy Thomas, Dennis O'Neil, Bill Everett, Marie Severin and Dan Adkins. With a roll call like that this one's anything but cursed!

We've got the climactic battle with the dread Dormammu and the cataclysmic intervention of Eternity; in his first-ever appearance the Living Tribunal lays his judgment upon the Earth, and if that's not enough reality-threatening thrills for you, we pit him head-to-head with Nebulous, Lord of the Planets Perilous. It's guaranteed to rattle your astral fillings!

The origin of the Ancient One, the return of Baron Mordo, Strange's struggle against Kaluu while Clea's life hangs in the balance, and an otherworldly odyssey into deadly dimensions to save the lovely Victoria Bentley are the final incantations in this spell unlike any other ever uttered!

Collecting Strange Tales #142-168 and a gallery of Doctor Strange's cover appearances across the entire Strange Tales run!

304 pages, $49.99.

DAREDEVIL VOL. 4 HC

Written by Brian Michael Bendis penciled by Alex Maleev, cover by Maleev.

This deluxe hardcover collects Daredevil Vol. 9: King Of Hell's Kitchen And Daredevil Vol. 10: The Widow, plus a hefty helping of DVD-style extras. In King Of Hell's Kitchen, the Yakuza have come to stake their claim to Hell's Kitchen, targeting Matt Murdock. Their unforgettable battle royale is just the tip of the iceberg, and Daredevil will never be the same again! Featuring guest-appearances by Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Reed Richards and Dr. Strange! In THE WIDOW, the Man Without Fear's fiery, redheaded ex-partner is back in Hell's Kitchen to help Daredevil keep the streets clean. But why has she really returned? One of Marvel's greatest love stories takes an unexpected turn, and all in the horrible face of...Jigsaw! Guest-starring Nick Fury and the Avengers! Collects Daredevil #56-64 -- plus the Daredevil #65 anniversary special, written by Bendis and illustrated by some of the greatest comic artists never to Daredevil before.

280 pages, $29.99.

ARANA VOL. 2: IN THE BEGINNING DIGEST

Written by Fiona Avery, penciled by Roger Cruz, cover by Mark Brooks.

Straight from the pages of Amazing Fantasy come the continuing adventures of Anya Corazon -- scrappy teen from Brooklyn by day, and butt-kicking Hunter of the ancient and mystical Spider Society by night! What seems like a routine collar turns out to be anything but when the corrupt judge Anya captured reveals a deadly new threat to the Spider Society. While Miguel tangles with an old enemy, a new nemesis arrives on the scene to challenge Anya -- in the most unlikely of places! La Voz del Norte calls Araña a "modern, Latina role-model!" Collects Araña: Heart of the Spider #1-6.

144 pages, $7.99.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN VOL. 1: THE SINISTER SIX DIGEST

Written by Kitty Fross and Erica David, penciled by Patrick Scherberger, cover by Tony Salvador Daniel.

What separates the super-villains from just plain old villains? When they escape from prison, regular villains might lay low for a while and enjoy the sweetness of freedom. But not a super-villain like Doctor Octopus -- the minute he's free, he's gathering up the most dangerous crew ever assembled: the Vulture, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman and Mysterio! And they've all got one thing on their minds: bringing down Spider-Man once and for all! Also, catch the story that started it all: the origin and Spider-Man! Plus: the return of the Human Torch!

96 pages, $6.99.

POWER PACK DIGEST

Written by Marc Sumerak penciled by Gurihiru, cover by Gurihiru.

The Pack is back! Readers of all ages rejoice as Marvel's youngest team of super heroes returns for more awesome action, family fun and Snark-stomping adventures! It's the triumphant return of everyone's favorite super-powered siblings -- Alex, Julie, Jack and Katie -- in brand-new stories that are sure to delight new readers and longtime fans alike!

96 pages, $6.99.

WOLVERINE: SOULTAKER TPB

Written by Akira Yoshida, penciled by Shin Nagasawa, cover by Katsuya Terada.

Like Ninjas? Zombies? Wolverine? Want to see Wolverine fight ninjas and zombies? Then this is the book for you! Wolverine returns to Japan only to get caught in the middle of an ancient war between gods and demons! Can Logan tip the balance for good -- and save his soul, Japan and the world? And what does the mysterious Mark of Mana have to do with it? Collects Wolverine: Soultaker #1-5.

120 pages, $13.99.

ULTIMATES 2 VOL. 1: GODS AND MONSTERS TPB

Written by Mark Millar, penciled by Bryan Hitch, cover by Hitch.

It's been one year since they stopped an alien invasion, and now things get hard. New members, new costumes and 12 months of gossip to catch up on! Who's getting married? Who's divorced? Who's gone nuts since we last saw them? Why, just in this first story, we see Ultimate Hulk and the secret origin of Ultimate Thor, and get a look at the entire Ultimate Universe as drawn by Bryan Hitch! It's guest-stars galore -- featuring the X-Men, Daredevil, Captain Britain and even the Defenders! Collects The Ultimates 2 #1-6.

144 pages, $15.99.

UNCANNY X-MEN -- THE NEW AGE VOL. 3: ON ICE TPB

Written by Chris Claremont, penciled by Alan Davis, cover by Davis

High adventure in the Savage Land! The X-Men discover a wondrous and advanced new civilization when they return to the isolated, Antarctic jungle -- but it's none too friendly toward humansŠor mutants! And could the X-Men have unintentionally helped them take their first steps toward world domination? Plus: The team gains a highly unexpected new member! Collects Uncanny X-Men #455-461.

168 pages, $15.99.

ASTONISHING X-MEN VOL. 2: DANGEROUS TPB

Written by Joss Whedon penciled by John Cassaday, cover by Cassaday.

A tragic death at the Xavier Institute reveals a powerful enemy living among the X-Men that they could never have suspected -- and no, it's not Magneto. Things heat up in a way none of the X-Men ever dreamed, but will teamwork save the day when they can't even depend on themselves? Collects Astonishing X-Men #7-12.

144 pages, $14.99.

X-MEN VIGNETTES VOL. 2 TPB

Written by Chris Claremont, penciled by John Bolton, cover by Bolton.

From the frozen Canadian wilderness to the Shi'ar Galaxy, witness behind-the-scenes tales from an earlier X-Men era! See through the psionic sight of a super-villain! Secrets of Magneto, Banshee, Colossus, Storm, Wolverine and more revealed! It's subplot central from Marvel's magnificent mutant maven! Collects the backups stories from Classic X-Men #14-25.

152 pages, $17.99,

NEW X-MEN: ACADEMY X VOL. 3: EXPOSED TPB

Written by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir, penciled by Michael Ryan and Paco Medina, cover by Michael Ryan.

Three tales of tomorrow's X-Men! In "X-Posed," a forbidden relationship comes out into the open, with consequences for everyone at Xavier's! In "Campfire," the kids at Xavier's deal with death as they mourn the passing of one of their favorite teachers. But when the emotions start coming out, will they start saying some things that might signal the end of New Mutants forever?! And in "Year's End," the Xavier Institute's end-of-year dance is upon the New Mutants. Invitations are declined, hearts broken, and jealously runs rampant! And just as the X-Men leave for a mission, an old villain sees this as the perfect time to strike! Collects New X-Men: Academy X #12-15.

96 pages, $10.99.

STORMBREAKER: THE SAGA OF BETA RAY BILL TPB

Written by Michael Avon Oeming and Daniel Berman, penciled by Andrea Di Vito, cover by Di Vito.

The sole survivor of all that was Asgard, will Beta Ray Bill escape the end of one world only to face his own end in the form of an enemy greater than any he has battled before? Introducing Stardust, a creature of cosmic power who turns his enemies to dust to fuel the stars. And that's just what he intends to do to Beta Ray Bill -- and the Korbinite people -- but he's only following orders. The question is: from whom? The answer is big, and we mean BIG! Collects Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill #1-6.

144 pages, $16.99.

FANTASTIC FOUR: FOES TPB

Written by Robert Kirkman, penciled by Cliff Rathburn, cover by Jim Cheung.

The foes of the Fantastic Four take center stage! After years of continued defeat at the hands of the FF, why would a person still attempt something he has learned to be impossible? Get inside the heads of all your favorite FF foes as we watch their capers from start to finish from their perspective, their point of view, and at last learn...what were these guys thinking? Collects Fantastic Four: Foes #1-6.

144 pages, $16.99.

HULK: TEMPEST FUGIT TPB

Written by Peter David, penciled by Lee Weeks and Jae Lee, cover by Weeks.

Peter David returns. Hulk smash! Stalking across the depths of the ocean, dispatching everything from sharks to giant squids, comes the Hulk. As a long-buried episode from Bruce Banner's youth begins to surface with possible ramifications for the future, the Hulk finds himself washed up on a strange island, populated by several hapless victims...and some most unexpected monsters. Collects Incredible Hulk #77-82.

144 pages, $14.99.

STRANGE: BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS TPB

Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Sara "Samm" Barnes, penciled by Brandon Peterson, cover by Peterson.

Brash young surgeon Dr. Stephen Strange is on a collision course with destiny -- a journey that will force him to search the deepest corners of his own heartŠand the outer reaches of the cosmos! Masters of the comic-book medium J. Michael Straczynski, Samm Barnes and Brandon Peterson chronicle the adventures of the Master of the Mystic Arts in the year's most highly anticipated origin story! Collects Strange #1-6.

144 pages, $17.99.

ESSENTIAL X-MEN VOL. 6 TPB

Written by Chris Claremont, Barry Windsor-Smith, Louise Simonson & Walter Simonson penciled by John Romita Jr., Rick Leonardi, June Brigman, Barry Windsor-Smith, Bret Blevins, Alan Davis, Arthur Adams, Terry Shoemaker, Walt Simonson, Jackson Guice & John Bogdanove cover by John Romita Jr.

"Mutant" means "change," and there was plenty of that when the Uncanny X-Men counted down to the Marvel Mutant Massacre beginning with the trial of Magneto! Rachel Summers became Phoenix and the Brotherhood became Freedom Force! Lady Deathstrike became a cyborg, Moonstar a Valkyrie, Colossus a killer, and Psylocke an X-Man! And Sabretooth first set his clawed foot into the X-Universe alongside his fellow Marauders! Guest-starring the original X-Factor, Power Pack and Thor! Gods, Morlocks, talking frogs and more! Collects Uncanny X-Men #199-213, New Mutants Special Edition #1, X-Men Annual #9, X-Factor #9-11, New Mutants #46, Thor #373-374 And Power Pack #27.

656 pages, $16.99.

ESSENTIAL DAREDEVIL VOL. 3 TPB

Written By Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich, Len Wein, Gerry Conway and Allyn Brodsky, penciled by Gene Colan, Barry Smith, Barry Windsor-Smith and Don Heck, cover by Colan.

Daredevil's original identity crisis kicks off a collection of Colan classics! The ups and downs of his doomed love for Karen Page begin here! And DD goes Hollywood with the Stuntmaster and Brother Brimstone, but is any star as big as...the Stilt-Man? From costumed crimelords to otherworldly intruders, foes both famed and forgotten fall before the fighter without fear! Guest-starring Spider-Man, the Black Panther, Nick Fury and Iron Man! Collects Daredevil #49-74 and Iron Man #35-36.

584 pages, $16.99.

AVENGERS: VISION AND THE SCARLET WITCH TPB

Written by Steve Englehart and Bill Mantlo, penciled by Don Heck and Rick Leonardi, cover by Gil Kane.

The remnants of their relationship are in ruins, but how did it begin? See how a match made in heaven started with a wedding in Limbo, and Halloween horror proves that the magic stayed in this marriage! Starring the Avengers, the Inhumans and others against Dormammu, the Grim Reaper and more! A golden age mystery solved! The Vision bonds with his brothers in all but blood, but who is the Scarlet Witch's father? Marvel's oddest couple shows that home is where the heroes are! Collects Giant-Size Avengers #4 and Vision And The Scarlet Witch #1-4.

128 pages, $15.99.