Welcome to InvestComics Hot Picks 5-16-12 – Marvel Cosmic Special

First order of business this week, we have a very cool contest that just launched yesterday on the latest comic book review show FFFIC. Win a FREE one year subscription (8 issues) to the Marvel Super Heroes Magazine from Disney magazines. Watch the episode right HERE to learn more. It’s very simple to enter, just TWEET: #FFFIC and #MarvelMag are #SoGood!http://tinyurl.com/76qoz8d and you are eligible to win! Good luck!

InvestComics has always been ahead of the curve in many ways over the last 6 years. Even back when InvestComics was just a free “investment” magazine about 6 years ago, over the years we called out the Walking Dead #1 before it came out, Superman and the DC Universe to lose their underwear in order for DC to be on the next level again, recommended countless Bronze and Silver Age comics that have seen a significant increase in value, called out Kick Ass as a movie before the number one issue even hit the comic shops and of course the mention of Iron Man #55 in the very first issue of InvestComics magazine. Thanos’ first appearance…….more on that in a sec. Onwards the predictions came to fruition. Yes there are many others that haven’t come true either! But if you’re a savvy player in a volatile market, you’re more often right than you are wrong.

Why do we mention all of this you ask? Well if you have been under a rock for the past couple of weeks and have not seen The Avengers movie (you should) then you really should not read on. A SPOILER WARNING for you!

By now all of us know that at the end credits of The Avengers movie Thanos appears. Back in 2009 InvestComics wrote an article about how Thanos as well as the Marvel Cosmic Universe was being neglected. As the technology becomes an absolute dream to comic fans and Hollywood for that matter regarding movie magic, Marvel will probably venture into the Cosmo’s. And yes InvestComics was on this years ago. So before we get to a couple of Hot Picks to check out this week, let’s take a look the CREATOR himself of Thanos via Interview on InvestComics TV Mr. Jim Starlin from April of 2011, speaking about the creation of Thanos and an article from 2009………

Click here to view the embedded video.

InvestComics 2009 article: Cosmic Hot Picks

Thanos should be in serious consideration for a Marvel movie. Think about the entire Marvel movie library thus far that have and will come out, all “good” guys. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a villain wreaking havoc on some innocent people then have Warlock show up, or better yet a “Cosmic team” Guardians of the Galaxy maybe?? The storylines and characters are endless. Captain Marvel would be spectacular wouldn’t he? Let’s get that Silver Surfer movie going and introduce some of these characters, thus spinning some of them off into their own solo movies. It would open another arena for Hollywood and Marvel that would be a fanboys sci-fi dream. Think about this, Marvel has and will have spend the next couple of years absolutely killing the comic book market with everything Cosmic from Annihilation to the War of Kings. Fans are eating this stuff up. It’s storytelling at its best here folks, that’s why it’s doing so well. Warlock, Drax, Guardians of The Galaxy, Quasar, Terrax and Captain Marvel, and the list goes on. The epic Marvel ‘Space’ movie has yet been made and with the special effects as ridiculously good as they are these days…..what is the hold up? The Cosmo’s await their turn on the silver screen and a Thanos flick would be a choice that would be an absolute slam dunk.

So here is a very small list of some Marvel Cosmic characters that should be in your collection. What do you think? Do you have some heroes or villains that need to be on this list?

Warlock: First Appearance – Fantastic Four #’s 66 & 67 (1967)

Thanos & Drax: First Appearance – Iron Man #55 (1973)

Guardians of the Galaxy: First Appearance – Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (1969)

Quasar: First Appearance – Incredible Hulk #234 (1979)

Terrax: First Appearance – Fantastic Four #211 (1979)

Captain Marvel: First Appearance – Marvel Super-Heroes #12 (1967)

Rom: First Appearance – Rom #1 (1979)

So there you have it, a very short and concise article regarding the Marvel Cosmic Universe back a few years back. Thanos appeared in the first InvestComics magazine with the mention that this villain will in fact blow up sooner than later. The reference on InvestComics was “Thanos will be the modern day Darth Vader”. Write this down folks, it’s going to happen and you heard it here first.

This week Hot Picks sees a short list to cover.

Amazing Spider-Man: Ends of Earth #1 begins the death of Doc Ock storyline right? That is where we’re headed right? No surprises here. But it does have that real cool on the cusp of really being cool Brit character Union Jack appearing in this issue. Check out Jack’s first appearance in the very affordable Invaders #7. The next issue has the cooler cover though of Union Jack, but just like the character himself, he always seems late to the party and thus receiving that second rate hero tag.

X-Factor #236 features the first appearance of Shattershot. No not the Transformer Shattershot…..we hope not.

Justice League #9 has all signs of impending doom on their ominous cover this week. Look for an introduction to a new big hurt in the new Justice League. Who is the new “major nemesis?” Find out and pick this comic up before it flies off the shelf!

Before we go……

Also this week on InvestComics You tube channel, the latest EXPLICT episode of Booze, cooze and reviews episode #3 has arrived. Reminder here, if you are easily offended DO NOT click ahead to watch Amber tell it like it is on her review show. Here’s the way it goes. If you’re a Howard Stern fan click ahead, if you’re a Rush Limbaugh fan, don’t click ahead. No fluff to be found here, no blowhard, just simple honest open minded truthfulness from Amber. WARNING: EXPLICT LANGUAGE ahead if you click this right HERE.

…..And last but not least, lots of InvestComics Hot Picks Chicks coming your way soon!! Beautiful girls promoting InvestComics and Superherostuff.com!

For now though, scroll through some beautiful covers coming out this week below. 

See you soon. Invest wisely.

Jay Katz

The contest is open to U.S. Residents only!

The winner will recieve one free subscription (8 issues) to MARVEL SUPER
HERO MAGAZINE from Disney Magazines!

To enter, contestants must go to TWITTER and tweet the following:

#FFFIC and #MarvelMag are #SoGood!http://tinyurl.com/76qoz8d

Click here to view the embedded video.

Arena Comics

Writer: Ben Fisher

Penciler: Kevin Stokes

Inker: Adam Markiewicz

Letterer: Comicraft

Colorist: Tony Washington

Reviewer: Robert McClelland

Editor: Jay Katz

Coming straight at you from the NEW publishing company Arena Comics is their first title Splitsville! And I have to say, a most enjoyable comic that is off to a fantastic start. One of the best parts about this number one issue? You don’t get the “typical” origin story here. As the title of this book gives you everything you need to know, so that “pesky” origin tale that does not happen here isn’t even an issue.

I love the concept writer Ben Fisher has come up with here.  How often do you have a main character with a split personality in the forms of Stalwart and Master Mayhem?! You can tell this is a title that was done to show the creator’s fun loving side and realizes not to take himself or this concept too seriously. Kevin Stokes’ pencils, as well as Tony Washington’s coloring skills help bring this wonderful comic together. Think Disney’s Megamind…..But better! Arena Comics has hit the mark here with their first offering.

My curiosity is getting the best of me regarding the Ninja who seems to show up a lot. Poor guy seems to have the worst luck though!  If it wasn’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all! I think I am more of a fan of the sidekicks then the main character for some reason. That said, Vex and Tiger’s Mom is a smart cookie. Smart enough to be able to pull the wool on everyone’s eyes! Although I think the real enemy here are those donuts?! But unfortunately, it seems their happy scheme is about to unravel with the arrival of Blast Cap! Their first meeting between her and Stalwart, simply awesome! Yes, there seems to be a lot going on in here, but easily followed.

So if you’re looking to pick up something that is liable to give you a laugh and a fun read from start to finish. Make sure to pick this up! Will Mr. Marvin make a return? Will Blast Cap be revealed to be really be this world’s answer to Pamela Anderson?! I don’t know, but I look forward to finding out! And strap in and come along for a fantastic ride!! Yazim Khan and Arena Comics are bringing it!

5 out of 5 Stars!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Invincible Iron Man #518, featuring the all-new Iron Man! Courtesy of the Eisner Award-Winning creative team of Matt Fraction & Salvador Larroca, tensions mount as the Spymaster’s rampage within Stark Resilient comes to its bloody end. The Mandarin is throwing everything he’s got at Tony Stark including amped up super villains! With a big target painted on his back, can Tony Stark make it out alive? Can the new Iron Man save him in time? Find out in Invincible Iron Man #518, hitting comic shops,
the Marvel Comics app http://www.marvel.com/marvelcomicsapp, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this June!

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #518 (APR120646)

Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA

FOC – 5/14/12, ON SALE – 6/6/12

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com

Avengers VS. X-Men – Act Two: NO MORE AVENGERS!

Following the world changing effects of Avengers VS. X-Men #5, the Marvel Universe will face a dramatic change unlike any fans have ever seen before bringing the action packed first act to a close. Then, the
comic book event of the summer kicks into overdrive as Act Two begins in Avengers VS. X-Men #6! Thought you knew everything about the Phoenix Force and what it’s capable of? Think again, True Believer!  Get in on
all the excitement as Avengers VS. X-Men #5 and Avengers VS. X-Men #6, hit comic shops, the Marvel Comics app http://www.marvel.com/marvelcomicsapp , and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this June.

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #5 (APR120569)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Pencils by JOHN ROMITA JR

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

FOC – 5/14/12, ON SALE – 6/6/12

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #6 (APR120575)
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Pencils by OLIVIER COIPEL

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

FOC – 5/28/12, ON SALE – 6/20/12
To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000
characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com

“The superpowers of our bestselling pore minimizer, the POREfessional, created such an international sensation, we knew it was destined for greatness!,” explained Julie Bell, EVP Global Marketing at Benefit Cosmetics. “Marvel, the world’s top storytellers, helped us bring our action hero SpyGal to life in the first ever beauty-inspired comic
book.”
Inspired by SpyGal’s covert mission to empower women around the world, Marvel and Benefit assembled a dynamic creative team including fan favorite writer James Asmus (Uncanny X-Men, Captain America) and
acclaimed artist Phil Noto (Avengers: The Origin, X-Men Origins) to bring SpyGal to life in her collectors’ item debut comic book. Together they seamlessly blended the trademark humor of Benefit with the iconic action & drama of Marvel storytelling to create a witty, globe-trotting espionage adventure.

“It’s exciting to bring Benefit Cosmetics and Marvel Custom Solutions together for such a historic collaboration,” said John Dokes, Marvel SVP of Integrated Sales and Marketing, Publishing and Digital Media. “SpyGal is a dynamic, nuanced hero for a new generation and combining that with the unparalleled storytelling of Marvel brings fans one of the most unique comics they’ll read all year.”

In addition to pulse-pounding beauty action, this very first issue of SpyGal also delivers an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into the collaborative process that transformed our globe-trottin’, face-savin’ secret agent into a comic book hero. Plus, fans can use the FREE Marvel AR http://www.marvel.com/arapp app to access video content from the glamorous world of makeup using their smartphone or tablet!

“Marvel and Benefit both know that humor and intelligence can be a heroes’ greatest strength, especially when faced with life’s modern problems,” said Marvel Custom Solutions Editor Bill Rosemann. “SpyGal dispenses justice, beauty tips and witty life advice with an effortless grace, while also grappling with work and dating worries. Can SpyGal ever find Mr. Right…or must she sacrifice romance to the demands of her job helping powerful women spread their influence around the world? Writer James Asmus and artist Phil Noto reveal all in SpyGal #1!”

Packed with intrigue, romance and excitement, this limited edition SpyGal comic is available in May at Benefit counters everywhere. It’s undercover…and over the top!

ABOUT  MARVEL:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com

New York, NY—May 8, 2012—Today Marvel Entertainment, one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, announced it will exclusively distribute single issue English-language digital comics worldwide with comiXology, the largest digital comics platform.

This multi-year agreement reinforces Marvel’s commitment to bringing its unparalleled library of popular characters and acclaimed stories to fans with a dedicated commitment to technology partner comiXology.

“As the industry leader, Marvel is committed to growing the comics market through digital innovation—and bolstering our existing partnership with comiXology continues that,” explained Peter Phillips, SVP & General Manager, Marvel Digital Media. “This agreement is a huge win for current and future fans of the Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man and Marvel’s entire library of exciting characters.”

Marvel fans will enjoy continued access to single-issue digital comics via the Marvel apps available for Apple iOS and Android, as well as the new web-based Marvel Comics Shop, all powered by comiXology. Marvel comics can also be found on the comiXology platform available on Apple iOS, Android, Kindle Fire and comixology.com.

In addition, starting today, Marvel’s digital comics will be available through comiXology’s Digital Storefronts for brick-and-mortar retailers.

“We’re extremely proud that Marvel has chosen comiXology as its partner,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Our expanded relationship will foster increased innovation and accelerate plans for more points of distribution and reading. I’m more than thrilled.”

The comiXology-powered Marvel Comics app launched in 2010 and has remained one of the top grossing apps in the iTunes store. As the first major comics company to offer single issues for digital purchase and featuring the largest library of digital comics, Marvel continues to be the industry leader in digital innovation.

You can download the Marvel Comics app right here and experience the greatest comics books in the world, featuring the Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine and more!

About Marvel:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com 



So seen any good movies lately? More on that in a week or so don’t want to spoil anything for those of you that have yet to see “it”. That said InvestComics has been calling “it” for about 5 years now. That’s what we do here, we say it, create it, and everyone else steals it!

Have you seen the latest InvestComics video comic book review show? It’s NOT for the faint of heart, there is a severe warning label that will be attached to each of these episodes. The show is called Booze, cooze and reviews; hosted by Amber. The basic premise of this hilarious take on comic book reviews is quite simple. Drink, drink, get annihilated, and review comics. The outcome is quite funny, the reviews are great and the video editing from Kristine is quite fun as well. There is a big warning label as far as language goes, PLEASE DO NOT WATCH/LISTEN TO THIS VIDEO IF YOU ARE EASLY OFFENDED. Go to the InvestComics You tube channel and check out the episode. OR click right HERE. If you’re looking for a “softer” side of comic reviews, FFFIC Episode number 43 is available too this week. Fantastic reviews as always from Shaun and Sebastian. Check out latest FFFIC right HERE.

And yes…..MORE InvestComics Hot Picks Chicks coming soon!

This week an Icon within the industry makes a return with the debut of Trio #1. IDW Publishing has nabbed John Byrne to lead the way with a new team. They are Rock, Paper and Scissors. Wow really? Okay let’s get beyond that for now. This doesn’t need to be said really, but we’ll say it anyway. John Byrne at one time was THE go to guy in the comic book industry. He was the one everyone was clamoring for. The big cheese if you will. Think McFarlane, Lee, Perez and you pretty much have an idea of how big Byrne was.

So where did it begin for our Iconic UK born penciler? Here’s the quick version. It began way back in 1973 with a little comic he did in college called ACA Comix #1. While a very nice collector’s item to own, it doesn’t account as his first published work. His first printed work would come in 1974 in Marvel’s giveaway called FOOM!, Issue number five to be precise. Later that same year, he did a 2 page story in Nightmare #20. His first color work was in Charlton Comics’ Eman #6. One year later John Byrne found himself within the clutches of the house of Ideas (no no, not InvestComics! The OTHER house of Ideas Marvel Comics.). Giant Size Dracula #5 was John’s first Marvel work. A backup story of course, but the rest is history folks! X-Men, Hulk, She-Hulk, Fantastic Four, Superman, Alpha Flight, Next-Men, all have the distinct indelible mark left from the legend known as John Byrne.

Moving from one legend to another, George Perez works his artistry on the cover of The New Teen Titans #21 (1982). This comic features the debut of a 16 page comic called Night Force. It also debuts the character Donovan Caine. He’s going to be making his first appearance in the new 52 in Night Force #3 this week.

A future legend Michael Bendis (which many may disagree about the legend status, but this is not a debate column, fight amongst yourselves!) has a new number one comic debuting this week. Takio #1 is aimed at the younger crowds. Lots of little tikes books coming out these days from both Marvel and DC. Check out the debut of Bendis’ (and Oemings’) Takio from the self titled original graphic novel from 2011.

Ultimate Comics The Ulimates #10 features a new creative team. Writer Sam Humphries is a part of the new team and one of his first works was from a free comic book day book called Mouse Guard (Archaia Comics).

Wolverine #306 marks the comeback of Dr. Rot. Where oh where have you been Dr. Rot? Doc first started his practice in Wolverine Weapon X #6.

DC’s Superboy #9 has a debut of an all new Warblade. Warblade first appeared in Image Comics Wildcats #1.

A couple of number one issues you should check out this week, IDW’s Night of 1,000 Wolves #1 and DC’s Vertigo Mystery Space #1.

….….and what’s up with Marvel’s solicit for Uncanny X-Force #25? “Landmark 25^th issue”……Landmark? Really? That’s almost as bad as Rock, Paper and Scissors.

Scroll through the covers of the week below.

Invest wisely.

Jay Katz

Click here to view the embedded video.