Now this is going to be fun. It turns out Archie and Jughead are brothers (kind of)! Will Jug eat Mr. Andrews out of house and home, or will Mr. Andrews & Mr. Jones team up their Snidely Whiplash style mustaches and bring the hammer down on their disrespectful sons?  Who knows, but based on this preview, it’s going to be hilarious. Enjoy!

JUGHEAD #207
“In the Family” – Part 1
When Jughead moves in with Archie, he not only brings Hot Dog but he brings all the problems that made him leave his own home! How will Mr. Andrews react to losing his favorite chair to a dog and having a freezer full of dog treats that he accidentally eats?
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ARTIST: Rex Lindsey
COVER: Fernando Ruiz
Shipping Date: 5/4/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 5/18/2011
Newsstands: Week of 5/24/2011
Comic, 32 pgs, 40 lb. glossy stock, Full-Color
$2.99 US

I reviewed the last issue of this book, and it wasn’t half bad. That’s the only thing willing to give this one a shot. I love Archie, but Justin Beaver, really? It is kind of clever how the made the R in his logo look like a beaver’s tail. Still, it’s an anthropomorphic representation of Justin Bieber as as frakking beaver! Well, I shouldn’t judge before I read the whole story, but knee-jerk reactions and the internet go hand in hand. At any rate, check out the preview and draw your own conclusions!

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #155
“Little Archie Pets” Part 2 – “EEEE-Ger Beaver”
The pet adventure concludes! Sabrina’s cat Salem has given all the gang’s pets the power to communicate with one another. As the Power Pets enjoy a day at the zoo they are treated to a concert featuring Justin Beaver who is an instant sensation for both pets and owners alike!
SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare
ARTIST: Fernando Ruiz
COVER: Fernando Ruiz
Shipping Date: 5/4/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 5/18/2011
Newsstands: Week of 5/24/2011
Comic, 32 pages, 40 lb. glossy stock, Full-Color
$2.99 US

Image Comics in the interests of letting you, the reader, sample their titles have deluged us with a bevy of first looks to show you!  We’ve got a total of ten previews for you to check out. All of these books will be hitting the shops this week. Most will hit on May 4th, but a couple will drop on the 7th, for Free Comic Book Day. At any rate, enjoy all of these, are try not to let it overwhelm you!

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ARTIFACTS #7

story RON MARZ
art WHILCE PORTACIO
cover JP LEON, JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
MAY 4

32 PAGES / FC / LIMITED SERIES
$3.99

THE ART OF WAR!
Distracted by the battle with Cyberforce and the android assassin Aphrodite IV, the Artifact Bearers trying to prevent the end of the Top Cow Universe are unaware that,†in a distant corner of the world,†the war might already be lost. The mysterious 13th†Artifact Bearer holds in his hands the power to tip the scales. Has he already been seduced by the villainous architect of the master plan?
From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and legendary artist Whilce Portacio (The Darkness, Uncanny X-Men) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. Featuring a gorgeous cover by JP Leon (Winter Men, Earth X) as well as a variant cover featuring Ian Nottingham by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).
Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar artist.

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GLADSTONE’S SCHOOL FOR WORLD CONQUERORS #1

story MARK ANDREW SMITH
art & cover ARMAND VILLAVERT

MAY 4
40 PAGES / FC
$2.99

Welcome to Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors, a top-secret academy for the children of the world’s greatest super villains to learn the trade. Join us as Kid Nefarious, Mummy Girl, Martian Jones, Ghost Girl, and the infamous Skull brothers unearth the School’s and their parents’ hidden past.

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RED SPIKE #1 (of 5)

story JEFF KAHN
art SALVADOR NAVARRO & IFANSYAH NOOR
cover MARK TEXIERA

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$1.00

“ADRENALINE”
It’s been over 70 years since the world first began its research into creating a Super Soldier. In 2011, the United States successfully created not one, but two. The latest in US Black Ops, Project Red Spike discovered that through the manipulation and regulation of the adrenal glands the super soldier was one step closer. The first (surviving) successes of the program, two close friends Matt Cutler and Greg Dane, have been proven on the field to be everything that was wanting in the program. But what happens when an adrenaline regulator malfunctions? What happens should one man refuse to follow orders if he finds out the true price they had to pay for these abilities and goes AWOL? How do we stop him? What price becomes too high?

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DARKNESS 2 PREQUEL FCBD 2011 EDITION

story MATT HAWKINS & FILIP SABLIK
art SALVADOR NAVARRO & IFANSYAH NOOR
cover MICHAEL BROUSSARD

MAY 7
32 PAGES / FC
$FREE

In anticipation of The Darkness 2 video game, coming out later this year from 2K Games, Top Cow proudly presents an original prequel comic featuring the origin of Jackie Estacado and the saga of The Darkness video game to date!

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BLUE ESTATE #2

story VIKTOR KALVACHEV & ANDREW OSBORNE
art VIKTOR KALVACHEV, NATHAN FOX, TOBY CYPRESS & ROBERT VALLEY
cover VIKTOR KALVACHEV

MAY 6
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

In part two of this fast, funny 100% cool new series for readers of all stripes, Hollywood starlet Rachel Maddox plots with her A.A. sponsor “Johnny” to steal a big pile of dirty money from her shady action star husband, Bruce. What she doesn’t know is that “Johnny’s” a hit man, Bruce wants her dead and her brother Billy just made a deadly deal with a psycho mobster called Tony Luciano! Featuring art by VIKTOR KALVACHEV (PHERONE, DMZ, The Incredibles), NATHAN FOX (Invincible Iron Man, Pigeons From Hell), TOBY CYPRESS (Batman/Nightwing), ROBERT VALLEY (Gorillaz, Tron), written by Emmy Award winning screenwriter ANDREW OSBORNE.

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

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GREEN WAKE #2 (of 5)

story KURTIS J. WIEBE
art & cover RILEY ROSSMO

MAY 4
24 PAGES / FC
$ 3.50

Green Wake claims another mutilated victim and the disfigured body leaves little evidence behind. The secrets of this sleepy town begin to creep through the blood filled cracks when Morley Mack confronts one of its oldest residents. Is the key to stopping another macabre murder in the hands of an insane recluse?

ALL-NEW MINI SERIES! From the creators of THE INTREPIDS, COWBOY NINJA VIKING and PROOF!!

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

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THE INTREPIDS #3

story KURTIS J. WIEBE
art & cover SCOTT KOWALCHUK

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

“A MANBOT NAMED JONAH.”
An adrenaline infused look at the early action days of the Intrepids, learning the realities of a world teetering on the brink of mad scientist hell. With the capture of Dr. Koi’s associate, Jonah, the team discover an important clue to the location of their nefarious nemesis.

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PROOF ENDANGERED #5

story ALEX GRECIAN
art & cover RILEY ROSSMO & FRANK ZIGARELLI

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$3.99

“END… ANGERED”
After burying one of his closest friends, Proof finally confronts his greatest enemy. But will he be able to control his temper? Who will be left standing? It’s the end of an era as the critically-acclaimed miniseries comes to an end.

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THE WALKING DEAD SURVIVOR’S GUIDE #2 (of 4)

story TIM DANIEL & ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the cast of The Walking Dead. The Survivor’s Guide is a handy checklist of all the characters who have appeared in the series thus far, alive or dead. This series is a can’t-miss supplement to the hit comic book series that is now a hit TV series on AMC

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THE WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #18

story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art CHARLIE ADLARD
cover TONY MOORE

MAY 4
32 PAGES / BW
$2.99

Rick has gone over the edge. He’s alienating everyone around him — people he’s come to know and trust, his family, his friends. Rick is becoming more and more isolated within the group. Where he goes from here will test the limits of his humanity.

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

I have been waiting for this book ever since it was announced at New York Comic-Con. Today, not only did the standard first look come out, but there is also a really cool motion comic-style trailer. The art and coloring on these are amazing! It looks like the official character art by Capcom in comic form! I’ll admit that I am not a fan of the writer/artist team on this book, not being a fan of the Sonic books. I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt though, and you should too. If you’ve ever played a Mega Man game, you may already know the story, but even so, the obvious care taken in this book is infectious! If you want to get in on the ground floor, Archie is offering a subscription on their site. For now, enjoy the Super Fighting Robot goodness!

MEGA MAN #1
“Let the Games Begin!” Part One: The future looks bright when brilliant and benevolent Dr. Light unveils his latest creations: the Robot Masters! But when the nefarious Dr. Wily steals them for his own sinister purposes, there is no one left to stop him. No one – except Mega Man! Don’t miss the first issue of this brand new ongoing series!
SCRIPT: IAN FLYNN
ARTIST: PATRICK “SPAZ” SPAZIANTE, JOHN WORKMAN, MATT HERMS
COVER: PATRICK “SPAZ” SPAZIANTE
1 IN 5 SKETCH VARIANT COVER: CHAD THOMAS
Shipping Date: 4/27/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 5/4/2011
Newsstands: Week of 5/17
Comic, 32 pages, 40 lb. glossy stock, Full-Color
$2.99 US

It’s no secret that just about everyone here at BSR is a fan of pinball. Sadly, we can’t get to a local arcade (or even find one), when we want to knock around silver balls. Thankfully, companies like Zen Studios know the score and make incredible, amazing and uncanny pinball tables for home use. Their next endeavor is well, fantastic!

Coming next month for download on both Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network (if it ever goes back up), is the first DLC for Marvel Pinball: Fantastic Four! Personally, I’m really excited about this. When the original Marvel tables came out, I was pretty disappointed that the FF weren’t there already. Marvel’s first family definitely deserves to be represented in pinball form. Judging by the trailer, I’d say that the wait is definitely going to be worth it, take a look for yourself, and then I’ll gush some more.

Just awesome. I love love love the way that each member of the FF is integrated into the table mechanics themselves. You could probably replicate The Thing manipulating the ball, and have transparent ball saves like the Invisible Woman’s on a physical table, but there is just no way that Mr. Fantastic could do his thing on anything but a video table. And that vortex mid-playfield? forget about it! I can hardly wait for May 17th when it releases! I’m hoping that with Dr. Doom, the Mole Man and freaking Galactus showing up means the boss battles will be epic, but Zen’s track record is pretty good, so I’m pretty hyped. Here’s some nice high-res screenshots to further whet your appetite.

The “Adventures in the Wonder Realm” is coming to a close! I’ve mentioned before how much I’ve enjoyed Archie and pals pretty much playing fully realized versions of old Nintendo games. This one is no exception. Just in the preview pages it looks like there’s a version of Ice Climber! The preview pages actually have some really funny jokes this time around.  Who knew that Jughead was just as much of a peeper as Archie? Anyway, check it out and I hope you dig it. Maybe this issue will reveal what Jughead’s “S” stands for? Probably not, but it is odd that everyone where’s their first initial except for Jug…

ARCHIE & FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #5
““Adventures in the Wonder Realm” Part 5
The thrilling conclusion to Archie’s Adventures in the Wonder Realm is here! As Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and their new friend Cheroby desperately fight to get home, they must cross dangerous lands and battle terrifying creatures. This all leads up to the final showdown with the dreaded Black Knight!
SCRIPT: STEPHEN OSWALD
ARTIST: JOE STATON, AL MILGROM
COVER: JOE STATON, AL MILGROM
Shipping Date: 4/27/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 5/4/2011
Newsstands: Week of 5/17/2011
Digest, 160 pgs, 30 lb newsprint, Full-Color
$3.99 US

Today seems to be trailer day, but this one takes the cake.

I’m not really sure I care what anyone says, this movie looks incredible and bloody epic. I got teary eyed. My son has been obsessed with Harry Potter, so it’s all I hear about and all he’s been watching, so it’s all been soaking in a lot lately. And Part 1 of the Deathly Hallows was tremendous in my book. (Not as good as Prisoner of Azkaban, mind you, but very excellent.)

This is… wow…

This series has grown up in a way I would never have guessed. I wonder what franchise Warner Brothers is going to get going next. Just from the the few scenes shown here, Daniel Radcliffe has taken his game to the next level and is standing toe-to-toe with Ralph Fiennes. And there’s not going to be a dry eye in the house when this is all said and done.

What say you?

Casting Betty & Veronica as teen spies is a pretty inspired move, and I am sure this will be an enjoyable story, but I wanted to point out something I’ve noticed. Dilton Doiley is kind of all-powerful in the world of Riverdale. Think about it, not only is he a certified genius, but he also knows the secrets of everyone in the entire town. If he ever decided to use his powers for evil, he could ruin the lives of all of our friends in Riverdale. Thankfully, he seems content to keep his secrets and help out his pals. I wouldn’t cross him, though. At any rate, enjoy the preview!

VERONICA #206
“Spy Girls – Back in Action” Part 1
Part one of a two part spy crossover! Pranks and bad behavior are running wild in Riverdale! Agents Betty and Veronica soon discover the problems could be caused by coded messages hidden on the popular kids show Funtime USA! And the main culprit looks to be a lovable clown named Klutzy. Things look to get worse when Funtime USA makes a live stop in Riverdale! Continues next month in BETTY #192.
SCRIPT: DAN PARENT
ARTIST: DAN PARENT
COVER: DAN PARENT
Shipping Date: 4/27/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 5/4/2011
Newsstands: Week of 5/17/2011
Comic, 32 pgs, 40 lb. glossy stock, Full-Color
$2.99 US

Marvel has given us a very, very purdy first look at Avengers #13, some panels from Chris Bachalo.   Bachalo has previously worked with writer Brian Michael Bendis on some of my very favorite comics of the past few years, specifically Dark Avengers and Siege.  So, yeah, this is gonna be great.

AVENGERS 13 Cover

I love the Spiderman drinking chocolate milk, don’t you?And Tony Stark is partying, Cap is brooding, Thor looks smarmy, Wolvie looks peeved.  All good things.

Ain’t no party like a Tony Stark party, cuz an Iron Man party don’t stop!

Holy splash-page Batman!

Someone big and red this way comes.

So what else is Marvel teasing us with? From their release:

With the entire Marvel Universe gripped in fear and on the brink of outrage, Captain America, Thor and Iron Man struggle to keep the peace. In an effort by Tony Stark, the rebuilding of Asgard begins, but will they be stopped  even before they begin?  It’s the calm before the storm as the threat of the Red Skull and the other hammer wielding Worthy looms over the Marvel Universe. When the time comes, which of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will rally their teammates to battle – and which will succumb to the Serpent’s influence? Find out this May, only in Avengers #13!

This goes on sale 5/18 and you’ll be picking it up. Right? Right.

Oh, and there’s a really hot looking X-men variant. What can I say? I have a thing for mutant girls. Especially ones with red hair and telekinetic powers.

So, until Wolverine’s adamantium claws lose a chopping contest to one of those Ginsu knives they sell on infomercials- MAKE MINE MARVEL!

We’ve had Green Lantern trailers before, and this one doesn’t really have a lot of new footage, but if you squint really hard, you can catch a shot of Parallax, the entity of fear. The trailer seems to suggest that Abin Sur, the Green Lantern of Earth’s space sector is killed by Parallax, which is an interesting movie-style “let’s tie everything into one origin” approach. The movie is still set to hit June 17th, though it still isn’t rated. Take a peek and let us know what you think!