Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #1 On-Sale At Midnight Tonight!

The best-selling, critically acclaimed comic book series, inspired by Stephen King’s epic Dark Tower, returns in Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #1 — available at midnight tonight (at participating stores)! Reuniting the chart-topping team of writers Robin Furth & Peter David, artists Jae Lee & Richard Isanove, joined by special guest variant cover artist Mike Deodato Jr., Roland Deschain and his ka-tet are fighting for their very survival! Everyone from MySpace.Com to the Oklahoman to Lancaster Online to the East Valley Tribune to StephenKing.Com can’t stop buzzing about this bold follow-up to last year’s hit Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born!

Head over to http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.2663 to find out which retailer near you is participating in this special midnight opening to celebrate the landmark release of Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #1!

Plus, don’t miss Robin Furth dishing about what to expect from Dark Tower: The Long Road Home at http://www.marvel.com/news/comics.2768.

It’s the next exciting chapter in the Dark Tower epic and no comic fan can afford to miss Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #1! But there’s no need to wait till tomorrow — you can pick up the first issue at midnight tonight, along with the Dark Tower: Long Road Home Poster! Plus, don’t miss Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born Premiere HC, collecting the first sold-out limited series that was named best graphic novel of 2007 by Amazon.Com!

For more on Dark Tower, please visit http://www.stephenking.com and http://www.marvel.com/darktower.

DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #1 (of 5) (JAN082113)
DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #1 (of 5) DEODATO JR VARIANT (JAN082114)
DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #1 (of 5) LEE VARIANT (JAN082115)
Written by ROBIN FURTH & PETER DAVID
Art & Cover by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Variant Cover by MIKE DEODATO JR
Sketch Variant Cover by JAE LEE
CARDSTOCK COVER/T+ …$3.99
©2007 Stephen King. All rights reserved.
ON-SALE AT MIDNIGHT!

DARK TOWER: LONG ROAD HOME POSTER (JAN082235)
24×36 Color Poster…$7.99
ON-SALE AT MIDNIGHT!

DARK TOWER: THE GUNSLINGER BORN PREMIERE HC (SEP072167)
Written by PETER DAVID & ROBIN FURTH
Penciled by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Cover by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Parental Advisory …$24.99
ON-SALE NOW!

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Ultimates 3 #3 Returns With New Printing

There’s no stopping the hottest book of the year, as Marvel is proud to announce the fourth straight sell-out for the red-hot Ultimates 3, with Ultimates 3 #3 selling out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level). Eisner-winning, Emmy-nominated super-scribe Jeph Loeb (Hulk, television’s Heroes) joins forces with the superstar art team of Joe Madureira and Christian Lichtner for the series that will forever change the Ultimate Universe! Scarlet Witch is dead, the Ultimates are divided and more of Wolverine’s secret history has been revealed…but just what other surprises could this creative team have up their sleeves? Well, you’ll have to stay tuned to find out!

To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with Ultimates 3 #3 Second Printing Variant, featuring the gorgeous interior art of Madureira and Lichtner on a new wraparound cover!

“Fantastic!” said Loeb. “That’s all I have to say… well, okay… Again, to the fans, readers, and retailers, to come on this immensely popular title and continue to find success I am so grateful. I can only promise that we’re going to continue telling the best stories we can that lead us into ULTIMATUM!”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of Ultimates 3, as the series continues to sell out quickly and garner buzz. The book that’s redefining the rules of superhero series and leading the March On Ultimatum continues with the jaw-dropping Ultimates 3 #3 Second Printing Variant and nothing will ever be the same!

ULTIMATES 3 #3 (of 5) SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088277)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and Cover by JOE MADUREIRA & CHRISTIAN LICHTNER
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale—4/2/08

ULTIMATES 3 #1 (of 5) BLACK & WHITE 50/50 VARIANT GATEFOLD COVERS (DEC078168)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Gatefold Covers by JOE MADUREIRA
Parental Advisory …$2.99
On-Sale—3/19/08

ULTIMATES 3 #2 (of 5) SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088021)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and Cover by JOE MADUREIRA & CHRISTIAN LICHTNER
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—3/12/08

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Kick-Ass #1 Returns With A Second Printing!

Marvel is pleased to announced that Kick-Ass #1, from the Wolverine: Enemy Of The State dream team of writer Mark Millar (Civil War) and artist John Romita Jr (World War Hulk), has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level). What happens when one regular teenage boy, inspired by the loss of his mother and his love for comic books, decides to become a super hero in the real world? You get the most critically acclaimed new series of 2008!

Kick-Ass looks to be a great book…enjoy the ride” — James Dodsworth, FractalMatter.Com

“This is really good work from both Millar and Romita…this may be the best work [John Romita Jr] ever done” — Paul Brian McCoy, ComicsBulletin.Com

“Brutal, but brilliant stuff” — Andy Serwin, WizardUniverse.Com

“This is a remarkable start… I can’t wait to see what’s next” — Richard George, IGN.Com

“If you ever wanted to be a superhero, this one’s for you” — Shawn Douglas, CosmicComix.Com

“It could very well be the greatest super hero book of all time… It made me yelp a couple of times and made me want to dig in for the rest of the series to just see how crazy, and realistic Millar will take this” — Ron Richards, iFanboy.Com

To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with Kick-Ass #1 Second Printing Variant, featuring the powerful interior art of John Romita Jr on the cover!

“Okay, first of all, this is insane,” said Millar. “Because our pre-orders were really, really high and I didn’t think for a minute these were going to even sell out, never mind sell out so quickly. But a hearty thanks from me and Johnny because we really love this book. It’s a very personal work and we’ve put out heart and soul into it. Seeing that excitement reach the readers is brilliant and we can only hope you enjoy the rest of the series as much. Fantastic Four #554 was one of the best received books of my career, but the response online to Kick-Ass #1 has actually topped it. Thanks a lot, folks.”

Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the story every super hero fan must read, as both comic that fans and critics agree the series lives up to its name — Kick-Ass!

KICK–ASS #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088276)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils & Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Explicit Content …$2.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale—4/2/08

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Preview: X-Men: Legacy #209

Magneto Returns as Xavier Clings to Life in X-Men: Legacy #209

What could the Acolytes possibly want with the mind and body of Charles Xavier? Add Magneto’s interest into the mix and that’s a recipe for disaster! Xavier’s life hangs in the balance as the quest to save the most important mind in mutant history begins. In X-Men: Legacy #209, from fan favorite writer Mike Carey and with rising star artists Scot Eaton and Billy Tan, and a cover by superstar artist David Finch, the quest for mutant survival barrels on!

Jesse Schedeen of IGN.com says, “Trust me, this is one X-book you’ll want to keep on your pull list.”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on X-Men: Legacy and all X-Men: Divided We Stand tie-ins, as the future of mutants in the Marvel universe is revealed and as critics continue to hail the current direction of the X-titles!

What sort of repercussions will there be as the journey into Professor Xavier’s mind continues? Will the reveal of long lost memories and important x-facts be detrimental to the cause? Find out the answer to these questions and more in X-Men: Legacy #209!

X-MEN: LEGACY #209 (DEC072220)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by BILLY TAN & SCOT EATON
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Rated A…$2.99
FOC 3/6, On Sale 3/26/2008

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Preview: Wolverine: First Class #1

Wolverine & Kitty Pryde Embark On Their First Solo Mission!

The next generation of X-Men have arrived at Xavier’s school, but will new student Kitty Pryde survive the tutelage of the mysterious Wolverine? Exploring the early days of the X-Men with the solo adventures of Wolverine & Kitty Pryde, Wolverine: First Class #1 kicks off a new ongoing series revealing secrets from the X-Men’s past! From rising star writer Fred Van Lente (Incredible Hercules) and fan-favorite artist Andrea Di Vito (Marvel Comics Presents), learn about Kitty Pryde’s first mission with Wolverine as the two enter a situation too deadly for any one mutant to handle! But can these two find a way to work together?

“The Wolverine and Kitty team up is one of the all-time great sidekick dynamics in recent comics history,” says editor Mark Paniccia. “WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS introduces that magic to a new generation of readers. Long-time fans will get sensational untold stories set in the one of the greatest eras of the X-Men.”

Exploring in-continuity tales from the X-Men’s past, Wolverine: First Class is a must read for all X-Men fans!

WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #1 (JAN082189)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by ANDREA DI VITO
Cover by SALVADOR ESPIN
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—3/6/08, On-Sale—3/26/08

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Preview: Ms. Marvel #25

Do You Trust Ms. Marvel?

Iron Man has discovered the latest Skrull infiltrator and it’s… Ms. Marvel? Enter the extra-sized Ms. Marvel #25, from acclaimed writer Brian Reed (New Avengers: The Illuminati, Captain Marvel) and new series artist Adriana Melo, beginning a story right on the front lines of Secret Invasion. But is Ms. Marvel here to help us…or destroy us? And what does this issue’s cover, from renowned cover artist Greg Horn, mean for the future of the Marvel Universe? This issue also features a stunning variant by the acclaimed Terry Dodson, who also provides a connecting cover on Captain Marvel #4.

“The Secret Invasion is pretty rapidly becoming less and less of a secret to both Captain and Ms. Marvel,” revealed Brian Reed. “Ms. Marvel #25 has it all. Secrets are revealed, someone is killed, almost nobody is who they seem, Carol Danvers saves Captain Marvel’s life, and a Skrull steals the Space Shuttle! We’re also excited to welcome the new art team of Adrianna Melo and Mariah Benes. They have walked onto this book and made it their own, creating absolutely spectacular pages of art. For this first issue, they’re joined by Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema, two great and classic Marvel artists, who help us revisit Carol’s days as a NASA security chief… and learn that this invasion started a long time before Carol Danvers was a super hero!”

Series editor Steve Wacker said, “Brian’s been getting a lot of much deserved attention because of his work on Captain Marvel as well as right here on Ms. Marvel, so if you haven’t climbed on board the Reed train yet, now’s the time!”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Ms. Marvel #25 as the series directly ties into 2008’s most-anticipated event, Secret Invasion, and continues to garner critical acclaim. Just who — or what — is Ms. Marvel? Find out in this can’t miss anniversary issue!

MS. MARVEL #25 (SI:I) (JAN082167)
MS. MARVEL #25 DODSON VARIANT (SI:I) (DEC078128)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by ADRIANA MELO
Cover by GREG HORN
Variant by TERRY DODSON & LAURA MARTIN
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—3/6/08, On-Sale—3/26/08

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Hero Initiative Announces Newest Ultimate 100

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 25, 2008) – Last year, The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, enlisted the aid of 100 top-flight Spider-Man artists throughout history to create The Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project , a collection of 100 original Spider-Man covers. Hero is reprising the program with something meaner and greener.

Marvel Comics has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of the new Hulk #1 to Hero. The call has gone out to create a new, Hulk-centric “Ultimate 100,” and dozens of artists are currently putting pen to paper. Artists involved include well-known Hulk vets such as Sal Buscema, Mike Deodato Jr., Ron Garney, Ed McGuinness, Don Perlin, Herb Trimpe, Ron Wilson, and more. In addition, Marvel superstars such as J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Frank Cho, David Finch, Joe Quesada and John Romita Sr. have stepped up to add their own take on ol’ Greenskin.

“It’ll be tough to beat what we saw last year with the Spider-Man books,” said Hero Initiative Board member Brian Pulido. “But folks are really stepping up to the plate already with some amazing Hulk pieces. It’s great to see them as they roll in!”

“After witnessing the overwhelming industry participation and fan response to the Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project, Marvel is excited to be working with the Hero Initiative once again on such a unique and beneficial project. It’s quite inspiring to watch the comic book community come together so selflessly to support those who came before them. And what better way to honor the pioneers of our industry, then by creating one-of-a-kind cover illustrations of one of the most iconic heroes of all time, the Incredible Hulk,” said Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley.

All 100 original Hulk covers will be auctioned at a later date, with proceeds benefiting The Hero Initiative. Plans also call for a book collecting all 100 covers. The first covers received will be on display publicly for the first time at the Orlando MegaCon, taking place March 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. For more information on that event, please visit www.MegaConvention.com

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.
For additional information visit
http://www.marvel.com

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 310-909-7809.

Experience The Ultimate Universe En Espanol!

Marvel is proud to announce that, for the first, the landmark Ultimate Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Vol. 1 and Ultimate X-Men Ultimate Collection Vol. 1 will make their debuts in Spanish! The Ultimate Spider-Man Spanish Collection TPB and Ultimate X-Men Spanish Collection TPB present the first year of stories from these landmark series and remain some of Marvel’s most memorable, action-packed epics!

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN SPANISH COLLECTION TPB (JAN082218)
Written by BRAIN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by MARK BAGLEY
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN ULTIMO COLLECIÒN LIBRO 1 TPB (JAN082218)
Escrito por BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Dibujado por MARK BAGLEY
Rated A …$29.99
FOC—2/28/08, On-Sale—3/26/08

ULTIMATE X-MEN SPANISH COLLECTION TPB (JAN082219)
Written by MARK MILLAR with GEOFF JOHNS
Penciled by ADAM KUBERT, ANDY KUBERT, TOM RANEY, THOMAS DERENICK & AARON LOPRESTI
New Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
ULTIMATE X-MEN ULTIMATE COLLECIÒN LIBRO 1 TPB (JAN082219)
Escrito por MARK MILLAR con GEOFF JOHNS
Dibujado por ADAM KUBERT, ANDY KUBERT, TOM RANEY, THOMAS DERENICK & AARON LOPRESTI
Nuevo dibujo LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Rated T+ …$29.99
FOC—2/28/08, On-Sale—3/26/08

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Preview: Incredible Hercules #115

Will Amadeus Cho Choose Good or Evil In Incredible Hercules #115?

After the injuries to Amadeus Cho’s coyote pup at the hands of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, the world’s seventh smartest person has implemented his most deadly idea yet — destroying S.H.I.E.L.D.! In Incredible Hercules #115, from the critically acclaimed team of co-writers Greg Pak (World War Hulk) & Fred Van Lente (Wolverine: First Class), and artist Khoi Pham, comes the greatest challenges Hercules may have ever faced! Not only must he try to sway Cho from crossing a line from which he can never return, but Herc’s brother — Ares, God of War — kicks their feud into high gear. Just what more could Ares do to enrage and injure his brother? Just wait till you see what happens in this jaw-dropping conflict! This issue is also available with a stunning regular cover by Art Adams and a variant by Marko Djurdjevic!

An IGN.Com Editor’s Choice, reviewer Bryan Joel exclaimed, “Incredible Hercules is something of a miracle book. It’s been by and large hailed as a surprising joy and critical success, landing inside in the top 20 on the sales charts… Some really first-class stuff here,” further declaring the book “a remarkable achievement.”

“This is well worth the time and money,” said Paul Brian McCoy of ComicsBulletin.Com. “I recommend this highly. It is, without a doubt, one of the best books Marvel is putting out at the moment.”

Now that Cho has been able to get into the S.H.I.E.L.D mainframe, what’s his next move? We’ve seen what Hercules is capable of in battle, but is Ares enough to take him down? All these questions and more are answered in the action packed Incredible Hercules #115!

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #115 (JAN082150)
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #115 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT (JAN082151)
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by KHOI PHAM
Colored by STEPHANE PERU
Cover by ART ADAMS
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—2/28/08,On-Sale—3/19/08

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Preview: Thor #7

Marko Djurdjevic Joins Thor In Battle As Odin Returns!

Acclaimed cover artist Mark Djurdjevic joins the thunderous hit series Thor as special guest artist for a two-issue arc that promises to turn the God of Thunder’s world on its head! Writer JMS (The Twelve) has brought Asgard to Earth, transformed Loki into a woman and pitted Thor against Iron Man… so what could JSM have planned for Thor’s father, Odin? Has he been found? And more importantly… should he be found?

As a special bonus, Djurdjevic and regular series artist Olivier Coipel have teamed-up to create a special variant cover for this issue—and you need to see the results of this superstar jam to believe it! This stunning image is also available as the Thor By Coipel & Djurdjevic Poster!

Thor’s world has been rocked by the machinations of others, but will the return of his father set him on a path of no return? And what of Loki’s machinations with the deadly Dr. Doom? If you haven’t checked out one of 2007’s most critically-acclaimed new series, then don’t miss Thor #7, kicking off a series of events that promise to shatter the status quo!

THOR #7 (DEC072216)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
50/50 Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL & MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—2/28/08, On-Sale—3/19/08

THOR BY COIPEL & DJURDJEVIC POSTER (DEC072283)
24×36 Color Poster…$7.99
IN STORES NOW!

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