Marvel Comics has already announced the spring addition of Marvel NOW! title “Winter Soldier: The Bitter March”. Up to this point though, we’ve only seen sneak peeks behind the curtain. Now Marvel announces a publication date and gives us an inside look at what Rick Remender (“Uncanny Avengers”) and Roland Boschi (“Wolverine MAX”) have been working on. To get straight to the art, jump past Marvel’s official statement below.

Bucky Barnes Strikes in WINTER SOLIDER: THE BITTER MARCH #1!

 

Bucky Barnes has been called many things – Avenger, Invader, and even Captain America. But to many, he’s known by only one name – The Winter Solider! A name that carries a bloody legacy reaching deep into the pages of history. And today Marvel is proud to present your first look at WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH #1 – a new limited series from blockbuster writer Rick Remender and fan-favorite artist Roland Boschi!

 

At the height of the Cold War, S.H.I.E.L.D. sends their top operative, agent Ran Shen, deep into enemy territory to retrieve two Nazi scientists that could be the key to winning the war. But they aren’t the only ones who want these high value scientists. The Soviet Union have unleashed their most ruthless agent – THE WINTER SOLDIER! His mission: acquire the scientists by any means necessary – or kill them before they fall into enemy hands!

 

“In the late 1960s, a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission gone wrong begat the creation of the Iron Nail, the foe whose schemes and strategies are bedeviling Captain America in the present in his own series,” says Marvel Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. “WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH tells the story of that fateful mission, and the events that set S.H.I.E.L.D. operative Ran Shen onto the path that would result in him becoming the dreaded Iron Nail.”

 

Don’t miss the intrigue, adventure, romance, and action in this high-octane, pulse pounding thriller that will have grave consequences for the life of modern day Captain America when WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH #1 hits comic shops this February!

Winter Soldier: The Bitter March #1 (of 5) (DEC130640)
Written by: Rick Remender
Art by: Roland Boschi
Cover by: Andrew Robinson
Variant Cover by: In-Hyuk Lee
Animal Variant by: Chris Eliopoulos
FOC – 1/20/2014, On-Sale – 2/12/2014

Preview pages courtesy of Marvel Entertainment

Writer Mike Mignola’s fantastical horror world has been spawning great stories for 20 years. Alongside talented co-writer John Arcudi and artist Tonci Zonjic, Mignola is set to continue the tales of Lobster Johnson in another miniseries starring the title character. John Arcudi, who is best known for his work on “B.P.R.D.”, is often a co-writer with Mignola. His recent work with Monkey Brain Comics on the digital title “Real West #1” was a favorite of mine from 2013 but I’m always all-in for Arcudi’s work in Mignola’s world.

For my money though, even with an all-star writing cast, this series is exciting because of Tonci Zonjic. Zonjic has penciled one of my recent favorites “Where is Jake Ellis?” and has been a recent cover artist on the Lobster Johnson mini-series “A Scent of Lotus” and Lobster Johnson one-shot “The Prayer of Neferu” from 2013. His strong lines and bold use of action are balanced between plot setting and action packed panels. The writing was on the wall to pick Tonci as the artist for an upcoming Lobster comic and that time has finally come.

Expect to see “Lobster Johnson: Get the Lobster” issue one on stands this February. Continue past the solicit for some amazing preview art. If you agree or disagree with my feelings on Tonci Zonjic, let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @MarkAvo.

Lobster Johnson: Get the Lobster #1
Writer: Mike Mignola & John Arcudi
Artist: Tonci Zonjic
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Publication Date: February 05, 2014
Format: FC, 32 Pages; miniseries
Price $3.99

Preview art courtesy of Dark Horse Comics

President Obama’s set to give the State of the Union speech in the upcoming weeks. Dark Horse Comics, as part of the release of their new miniseries comic “Skyman”, is releasing an Obama variant for issue #1. Is this a coincidence? I’m not sure I care either way because the cover looks hilarious. Dark Horse also gave us some preview art to the issue where a disgraced character of Dark Horse’s latest “Captain Midnight” comic is replaced with a new face. From the looks of the interiors, creators Joshua Hale Fialkov (Echo and I, Vampire) and Manuel Garcia (Bloodshot and Iron Man Noir) are creating another great super hero book for Dark Horse.

 Don’t take my word for it though, take a look at the preview pages past the solicit and the President Obama variant cover below.

Skyman #1
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Manuel Garcia
Cover Artist: Freddie Williams II
Variant Cover Artist: Dan Scott
32 PGS $2.99
On-Sale 1/15/2014

Preview pages courtesy of Dark Horse Comics 

Now that Carol Danvers has been promoted to Captain Marvel, and Disney and Marvel Entertainment are exploring the possibility of a Captain Marvel movie, someone was bound to take up the title of Ms. Marvel. One of the big results of Infinity was Black Bolt and his brother destroying the Inhuman’s home Attiilan and spreading Terrigen Mists across the Earth as part of a plan known only to the two of them. What we learned in Infinity about the beginning of Black Bolts plan is that there are people with Inhuman lineage hidden among the Earth’s population. The truth of their existence was a secret only the King of the Inhumans knew.

The Terrigen Mist triggered Terrigenesis across the globe and those secret Inhumans evolved inside cocoons. Most of the hidden Inhumans now have powers. Many of them have super powers. One such secret Inhuman is the new Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan. As the secret Inhumans deal with their new found power their “real lives” don’t wait for them. Kamala will find out that waking up and crawling out of a cocoon with super-power only makes the life of a 16 year old young woman that much more difficult. Fans of Ms. Marvel will get to follow a character reborn this February with the launch of “Ms. Marvel #1”. For some wonderful preview art scroll past the solicit below. Don’t forget to let us know what you think about the new Ms. Marvel in the comments below or by sending us your tweets.

MS. MARVEL #1
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Adrian Alphona
Cover Artist: Sara Pichelli
Variant Cover Art by: Art Adams & Jamie Mckelvie
32 PGS./Rated T+…$2.99
FOC 1/13/14, On-Sale 2/5/14

Preview Art Courtesy of Marvel Entertainment

Many have wondered how long Dan Slott can continue to tell stories about Spock (Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man’s body). Well, we might have an answer soon because the Venom symbiote has infected Peter’s body. Last time this happened Peter was in control of his body and mind. He successfully beat back the symbiote but can Otto Octavius do the same? Does this spell the beginning of the end for Dr. Ock’s scheme?

The story arc after this one is Goblin Nation and there has been some speculation about another Marvel Now! re-numbering reboot after that. Will the Venom symbiote mean the death of Pete’s loved ones or will Dr. Ock be revealed for the fraud that he is? Here are some preview pages of Superior Spider-Man #24 for you to enjoy while you think about that one. Remember to sound off in the comment boards below so we can all have a rousing discussion about the fate of everyone’s favorite web head. Also, if you have any theories I’d love to hear them so send me a tweet @MarkAvo. 

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #25 (NOV130660)
Written by: DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS GAGE
Art & Cover by: HUMBERTO RAMOS
Variant Cover by: JG JONES
FOC 12/23/13, ON-SALE 01/15/14

Images Courtesy of Marvel Entertainment

Quantum and Woody is the book you need to make room for by dropping something else or selling your plasma. There is nothing currently available that’s as funny or as engaging as this title – and I can say that with all honesty because I’ve never run for office, sold used cars, or been the victim of spontaneous pants combustion. The great news for you, in addition to having someone as honest as I tell you that you need to be reading this book, is that this issue doesn’t require you to read the first five (but I suggest you do).

The story picks up with the responsible brother Quantum, a handsome and intelligent African American man, telling his trouble making moocher of a brother Woody that he is leaving on a suicide mission for the military industrial company Magnum Security, Inc. he works for. Quantum admitted to his boss that he stole top secret equipment, and was involved in an accident with that equipment, that caused him to have super-powers. He expected to be fired for the theft, but instead got a raise and a promotion. All he has to do for the promotion is use the abilities he gained for the good of his company. Quantum is the only one capable of surviving the top secret mission that would, for anyone else, be suicide.

It wouldn’t be a team up book though without his brother Woody and Woody finds a way to weasel is way into the mission regardless of how Quantum feels. There’s also a goat with laser beams for eyes and some sexy clones – one of which Woody has named 69 and is dating. Again, all of that is covered in the issue.

The art is by Ming Doyle, with colors by Jordie Bellaire. Ming’s recent work on the Image comic title Mara, written by Brian Wood, also had coloring by Jordie Bellaire. The tone of her colors on Ming’s art is less flat this time and fits perfectly with this title. Their art together is a wonderful pairing and I hope they stick around on this title for a while. It’s always refreshing to see the two work together. Ming’s visual interpretation of story, combined with the wonderful dialogue provided by James Asums, is why this book is such a heavy hitter for Valiant.

Asmus has recently worked on Gambit for Marvel and Thief of Thieves for Image. He has a history as a playwright and performer. Those skills shine through in his writing via characters that are organic despite being trapped in cliché. As much as this kind of story can often be a throw-away, Quantum and Woody isn’t because of the talented storytellers bringing it to life every month. This comic is a book for every kind of comic book reader. If you think it might not be for you, flip through it at the stand next Wednesday when it comes out and then decide. In fact, if you don’t find at least one page that’s funny then you can expect a pic of my trousers hanging from a telephone wire to show up on Twitter in the near future.

Quantum and Woody #6 will be available December 4^th in finer comic book shops everywhere. To see if my tweets have any scorched pants blowing in the cold Autumn breeze, follow me on Twitter @MarkAvo. Also, check out the preview pages of Quantum and Woody #6 after the solicit below.

Writer: James Asmus
Artist: Ming Doyle
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Cover Artist: Clayton Crain (OCT131351)
Variant Cover by: Kalman Andrasofszky (OCT131352)
Price, Rating & Page Count: $3.99/T+/32 pgs.
Available: 12/4/13

Preview art courtesy of Valiant Comics

We all know Daredevil by Mark Waid is coming to an end soon, and that the story will continue digitally once the ride is over. We’ve also heard rumors that Chris Samnee was taking a break from pencils to finish the finale and work on the digital issues of Daredevil he is doing with Mark. In the meantime, it looks like Javier Rodriguez is taking over for the December issue. From the look of the preview pages below, the look and feel of Waid’s Eisner winning run isn’t going to miss a beat. The art is simply spectacular. Don’t take my word for it though, take a look at it for yourself after the official word from Marvel below:

Justice is Blind! Your First Look at DAREDEVIL #34!
This December, Marvel’s fearless hero becomes the most wanted man in New York City in the action-packed Daredevil #34! From award-winning writer Mark Waid and acclaimed artist Javier Rodriguez – Matt Murdock has returned to a New York City that wants him dead! The Sons of the Serpent are out to take down the Man Without Fear before he can completely dismantle them! But when your enemy controls the entire city’s justice system and more, enemies are everywhere! Where can you turn when everyone is a bad guy? The odds are stacked against him this December – and that’s just the way he likes it! All leading up to the biggest life changing event for ol’ hornhead. No fan of the man without fear can afford to miss the exciting Daredevil #34!

Written by: MARK WAID
Art by: JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
Cover by: CHRIS SAMNEE
FOC: 11/25/2013, On-Sale: 12/18/2013

If anyone ever thought that Cyclops and Wolverine just needed to hash their feelings out and get it over with, that might be more of a possibility than juvenile jokes between friends may have seemed. Wolverine’s Clone, X23, returns in All-New X-Men #20 and she’s going to run right into a time travel displaced, young and hormonal Scott Summers from the past. OK, so maybe I embellished the last part a bit, but after you’ve seen the cover art to the issue could you blame me? Here is the official statement from Marvel followed by some preview pages after the solicit:

Wolverine’s Clone Returns In Your First Look At ALL-NEW X-MEN #20!
Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the action-packed All-New X-Men #20, from the blockbuster creative team of Brian Michael Bendis, Brandon Peterson & Mahmud Asrar! There’s a new student at the New Xavier School – and she’s not too happy her new “campus” is housed inside a former Weapon X facility! X-23 wants answers – and she’s not going to ask nicely. But before she gets then, she and the All-New X-Men must face down a heavily armed squad of mutant-hunting Purifiers! And Laura may just find comfort in the arms of one of her new teammates – young Cyclops of the All-New X-Men! It all starts this December in All-New X-Men #20!

Written by: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by: BRANDON PETERSON & MAHMUD ASRAR
Cover by: BRANDON PETERSON
X-Men 50th Anniversary Variant Also Available
FOC 11/25/13, ON-SALE 12/15/13

Preview pages courtesy of Marvel Comics

For those that don’t have the time to read a full preview, and want to avoid any minor spoilers that follow the the paragraphs below, I’m going to save you some trouble and tell you to just pick up a copy of “Black Science #1” as soon as it’s released. It’s great. But for those that want a little more detail than that, read on.

There are a lot of comic books out there that can’t balance art and story. In their defense, it’s very difficult to achieve. Not having too much dialogue, making sure people understand what’s happening, and at the same time having art that’s more than just pretty pictures. You have to give your characters emotion, build an entire world, and drive the story forward. Like I said, it’s tough, but “Black Science” strikes a perfect balance in its first issue.

The set pieces seen in this series would cost millions on the big screen, and would take pages of writing to visualize in a novel. 

It’s a little nuts, but I think that’s another point in favor of making good use of the comic medium. The set pieces seen in this series would cost millions on the big screen, and would take pages of writing to visualize in a novel. It’s gorgeous as well, and at no point did I find anything that was glossed over. There’s a ton of attention to detail going on in these pages, and it even successfully shows you how a society in a completely different dimension functions. Shows you, not tells you. They never take precious word space away from the main story to shed light on what the strange creatures you see are doing. It’s all in the art. 

Speaking of the main story though, it’s incredibly compelling in its simplicity, which is exactly what should be happening in a series’ first issue. Our main character – Grant McKay – wants to get back to his kids. Done. Now you can follow him on his journey and enjoy pages of character development. By the end of the story, I felt like I knew and understood him, and I can’t want to see what happens to him, his kids, and his team. Because at the end of it all, we get a satisfying ending, but it also sets up what the series as a whole is going to be about.

There was only one major flaw in the story that popped out at me while I was reading, and it had to do with Grant’s kids. Hopefully future issues will cover this, and we’ll also get to see exactly why they ventured out into other dimensions and universes in the first place. But I can forgive that, because in the span of one issue, I’ve connected with Grant, and I’ll definitely be coming back to see what happens to him next.

Black Science #1 was written by Rick Remender with art by Matteo Scalera, and it will be released by Image Comics on November 27^th for $3.50. I highly suggest you check this one out.

The most recent run on Deadpool by Duggan and Posehn has been funny, hysterical, and a little heartbreaking. Each artist attached to the book has given it a unique look that’s made for a terrific read. As the story has progressed, Wade Wilson – AKA Deadpool – has been told by regular hero’s to not mention his involvement with them. He’s also been promised a nice pay day. No one would believe Deadpool if he said he’d helped Thor save Manhattan from a giant monster but everyone knows the guy doesn’t work pro-bono. S.H.I.E.L.D. owes Wade big time, and starting in issue 21, he aims to collect on that bill.

 Here is the official statement from Marvel Comics:

This December, the Merc with a Mouth goes toe-to-toe with the S.H.I.E.L.D. in Deadpool #21 – the first issue in a brand-new story arc from the blockbuster writers Gerry Duggan & Brian Posehn and red-hot artist Mike Hawthorne! And it ain’t gonna be pretty!

 

It’s been a while since S.H.I.E.L.D. had Deadpool re-kill the reanimated Presidents of the United States – and Agent Gorman of S.H.I.E.L.D. stiffed him on his well-earned pay! After all, he doesn’t do this for free, y’know? Now it’s time to collect what he’s owed – even if he’s gotta take down all of S.H.I.E.L.D. to get paid! But with S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Preston’s consciousness still stuck in his head – how’s she going to feel about all this destruction? And is all this S.H.I.E.L.D. stuff a shameless cash-in because of the TV show? Ask guest-star AGENT COULSON! Don’t miss the explosive start of Deadpool vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. when Deadpool #21 hits print and digital this December!

The Merc with the Mouth under Duggan and Posehn has been a wild ride. Is this what it’s all been building toward? Maybe some preview art will give us a clue? Only one way to find out and that’s to check it out by scrolling past the solicit. 

Written by: Gerry Duggan & Brian Posehn
Art by: Mike Hawthorne
Cover Art by: Mark Brooks
FOC: 11/25/13 On-Sale: 12/18/13

Preview art courtesy of Marvel Comics:




Like Deadpool? Let me know with a shout out on Twitter @MarkAvo!