Three Men Who Have Carried The Mantle Of Capt. America Unite In Captain America: Sam Wilson #7

image credit: Marvel

Hey O&G Fans, Capt. America: Sam Wilson #7 will be a variant cover featuring all 3 Captain America's. "Avengers: Standoff," All-New All-Different Avengers artist Mahmud Asrar is illustrating Sam Wilson, Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes in their classic Captain America garb. Captain America: Sam Wilson #7. Both a full color & greyscale version of the illustration will be included in ComicConBox's May release.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #7
NICK SPENCER (W) • DANIEL ACUñA (A)
Cover by ALEX ROSS • VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
VARIANT COVER BY JOHN CASSADAY • VARIANT COVER BY JIM STERANKO
WOMEN OF POWER VARIANT COVER BY TBA
CAPTAIN AMERICA OF ALL ERAS VARIANT COVER BY Chris Sprouse

• Since World War II, Steve Rogers has wielded his red, white and blue shield against unspeakable odds. When he fell, his brother in arms, Bucky Barnes, picked it up. When it was time to rest, he handed it to his good friend, Sam Wilson. But now Steve will be asked to wield it one last time, against a foe so deadly he knows it could very well be his final stand.
• Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Marvel’s Sentinel of Liberty with a story of Captain Americas present and former -- with this explosive, world-changing chapter in the blockbuster spring Avengers event, STANDOFF.
• Plus, stories celebrating the legacy and legend of Captain America throughout history, by Greg Rucka & Mike Perkins; Tim Sale; & John Cassaday
56 PGS./Rated T …$5.99NORMOUS 75th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! • A STANDOFF tie-in!

Apocalypse War Variant Covers

Hey O&G fans, with the upcoming X-Men Apocalypse movie  and Apocalypse War event,  Marvel has announced (via IGN) a series of 23 variant covers beginning in May depicting some of its top heroes transformed into a horseman for Apocalypse.

The seven variant covers released so far are Amazing Spider-Man #12 by Jamal Campbell, Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 by Paul Renaud, Guardians of the Galaxy #8 by Dale Keown, Uncanny X-Men #7 by Ryan Sook, Astonishing Ant-Man #8 by Will Sliney, All-New All-Different Avengers #9 by Khoi Pham and All-New X-Men #9 by Pasqual Ferry.

Free Comic Book Day First Look

Press Release

New York, NY—February 4th, 2016— The biggest heroes, the biggest creators and the biggest stories in comics are coming to FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! But before that exciting Saturday in May, get your first look at the covers to both of Marvel’s FREE COMIC BOOK DAY offerings right now!

First, FCBD CIVIL WAR II #1 peels back the curtain of the biggest event of 2016. Be there for the opening shots of CIVIL WAR II as Brian Michael Bendis and Jim Cheung give you the first taste of the conflict that will ignite the Marvel Universe later this year! Plus, this issue also features the highly anticipated debut of the All-New Wasp! Be there as she makes her debut, courtesy of All-New, All-Different Avengers writer Mark Waid and legendary artist Alan Davis! But is this mysterious character friend or foe?

Then, FCBD CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 brings you the titanic return of Steve Rogers as Captain America! Nick Spencer and Jesus Saiz bring you one of Steve’s first adventures since his dramatic return in the pages of AVENGERS: STANDOFF. Just in time for their new series Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 later that month! Then, go deeper into DEAD NO MORE, a top secret storyline coming later in 2016! If you got the chance to bring someone back, would you?

There’s no better time to jump into the Marvel Universe than Free Comic Book Day. Don’t miss out on these 4 can’t miss stories, available at participating comic shops nationwide on May 7th!

FCBD CAPTAIN AMERICA
Written by NICK SPENCER & DAN SLOTT
Art by JESUS SAIZ & JAVIER GARRON
Cover by JESUS SAIZ
Coming Free Comic Book Day!

FCBD CIVIL WAR II
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & MARK WAID
Art by JIM CHEUNG & ALAN DAVIS
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
Coming Free Comic Book Day!

Civil War 2 features Ironman vs Capt. Marvel

The crux of the original Civil War was Iron Man versus Captain America, but now in 2016's Civil War II will face another Captain: Captain Marvel.

Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso described Carol Danvers as being on the frontlines in opposition to Iron Man for the event which begins in May's Civil War II #0, playing off her new role as leader of the space defense agency Alpha Flight as seen in recent issues of Captain Marvel.

“There’s a reason that Carol is a part of the opposition forces. It not only speaks to her character, but her new role in the Marvel universe,” Alonso told The Washington Post Wednesday. “She’s the leader of Alpha Flight, which is Earth’s first line of defense from all incursions. As of today, she is a very powerful authoritative figure in the Marvel universe.”

Captain America - neither Sam Wilson nor Steve Rogers - was mentioned by Alonso as being a major figure in the series, despite his recently announced return scheduled for just prior to Civil War II and being the key figure in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War movie. Alonso squarely puts Tony Stark and Iron Man as the integral figure of the new series, which made the appointment of Brian Michael Bendis to write the series "perfect sense."

Having been involved in the initial architecture of the story, and given Tony Stark’s involvement in the story, it made perfect sense for [Bendis] to write it,” Alonso said.

Interesting to note is the pronounced appearances recently of James "Rhodey" Rhodes as War Machine in both Invincible Iron Man and Captain Marvel, and the strong relationships the character has with both title characters.

One unique aspect to Civil War II revealed by Alonso in this interview is the relatively short pre-planning for the event. The E-i-C said the series wasn't conceived until in the midst of the recently concluded Secret Wars.

“This was not like [the first] Civil War or Secret Wars, where we planned for a couple of years,” said Alonso. “We’ve been planning this for maybe three or four months.”

Civil War II will debut in May with a special zero issue, with #1 scheduled for June.

source: Newsarama

Justice League vs Teen Titans cover art

Warner Bros. Animation have revealed the box art and release dates for the upcoming animated film Justice League vs. Teen Titans. The animated feature will be available as a digital download March 29, with a physical release on DVD and Blu-ray following on April 12.

Additionally, the Blu-ray edition of Justice League vs. Teen Titans will also have a vast array of featurettes including an "exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Originam Movie." Although not mentioned by name, the animated adaptation of Batman: The Killing Joke is scheduled for release sometime in 2016 according to producer Bruce Timm

Marvel's Thunderboltz gets ongoing series with New Leader

After a series of teaser images, Marvel have announced a new Thunderbolts series coming this summer from writer Jim Zub and Jon Malin. Spinning out of the upcoming "Avengers: Standoff!" event, the Thunderbolts team will feature several founding members like Moonstone, the Fixer, Atlas and Mach-V, but with one startling new leader: the Winter Soldier.

“We’ve assembled a potent mix of characters to explore that theme with big drama, big action, and unexpected twists along the way," said Zub. "The new team is stacked with powerful personalities and a mission that’s going to tear them up and get right to their core. I’m excited about putting them in tough spots and letting the sparks fly.”

  Calling it a story of "redemption," Jon Malin says Thunderbolts will also be a lesson in being "careful who you trust because when you need them the most they might not be the person you thought they were. They may, in fact, be the one putting the knife in your back, willingly and without hesitation."

“Super villains looking for redemption I think is the ultimate strength and heart of Thunderbolts and sets it apart from everything out there,” said Malin. “These characters have done very bad things—willingly. No one mind controlled them, they made choices of their own free will and that can never be fully taken back. That motivates me beyond belief to tell this story.”

There's no firm date as of yet of when the Thunderbolts series will launch, but Marvel's "Avengers Standoff!" publishes in March and April.

source: Newsarama
 

Dead No More is Revealed as Steve Rodger Capt. America

Steve Rogers is coming back as Captain America, but there's still more coming back from the dead -- and they're coming May 7. Marvel Comics has announced that its second 2016 Free Comic Book Day title will be a double-feature of Rogers' Cap and the mysterious 'Dead No More' story that's been teased. Titled FCBD Captain America #1, Captain America: Steve Rogers' team of Nick Spencer and Jesus Saiz will craft the namesake story but the creators of the 'Dead No More' remain undisclosed.

In the announcement, Marvel confirms that Rogers will first take back up the mantle of Cap in the Avengers Standoff! crossover event, and that his recently announced solo series will debut later in the month of May.

As for the "Dead No More" story, Marvel is keeping their cards close to their vest but do reveal that there's more than one person returning from the dead. Here's how they describe the story: "If you got a chance to bring back someone who died, would you? And how will CLASSIFIED deal when ones they thought long dead once again walk the earth? Find out on Free Comic Book Day!"

source newsarama

Retro Animated X-Men series Debuts Today

Hey O&G Fans, Today the first retro animated X-men series by animator Joel Furtado premiered  the first episode, featuring Wolverine and Jean Grey vs a Sentinel. The series is inspired by the 90's X-men comic book and cartoon. Here is a look at the episode:
 

X-men: Danger Room Protocols - "Episode1: Part1" Disclaimer X-men: Danger Room Protocols and the following presentation is in no way affiliated with Marvel or Fox Studios. Characters remain the property and copyright of their respective owners.This is a fan series intended for private use only and not a commercial product.

What Does "Dead No More" Mean From Marvel?

Hey O&G fans, Yesterday Marvel put up a criptic message " Dead No More". Could this be a clue that some of Marvels pre Secret Wars 2015 characters may be back? Several notable Marvel characters are currently dead in the company's mainstream universe, ranging from Namor to Uncle Ben, but arguably the most notable would be Wolverine. while the alternate universe Old Man Logan still exist, will we see the return of Logan? (Side Note) Will We see the return of the Richards Family?

What do you think this means?
 

X-Men retro Animated Short

Image Credit: Joel Furtado                                          
 

Canadian animator Joel Furtado has created an animated short that combines the '90's X-Men aesthetic with the style of a retro video game. The short, which is just the latest example of nostalgia for the '90's X-Men cartoon, can be seen here.
 

X-men: Danger Room Protocols - "Intro" Disclaimer X-men: Danger Room Protocols and the following presentation is in no way affiliated with Marvel or Fox Studios. Characters remain the property and copyright of their respective owners.This is a fan series intended for private use only and not a commercial product.

The short is an introduction to Furtado's planned fan series X-Men: The Danger Room Protocols which will pit various X-Men against some of the team's biggest vilains in scenarios created by Professor X's notorious training simulator the Danger Room. The planned 18-episode series will debut on YouTube on January 19.

source: Newsarama
 

Invincible Ironman #6 gives you clues to Civil War 2 (Preview)

image credit: Marvel
 

Hey O&G fans Invincible Iron Man #6 is out today. This issue is big because readers will get clues on might be the cause of Civil War 2. here is a press release from Marvel and a look at the Variant Covers and pages:

Strap in, suit up and hold on, because the second arc of the flagship Marvel title starts here! Today, Marvel is please to present your first look inside INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #6 – the explosive first chapter of “The War Machines”! Blockbuster creators Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato unite to bring you the next chapter in Tony Stark’s life. All is not right within the house of Stark as he uncovers threats from within and threats from without. Now, he must delve into the nooks and crannies of his international organization to discover the truth. And he’s bringing a friend: James “Rhodey” Rhodes – the War Machine! Plus, the first big clues to 2016’s CIVIL WAR II begin here! Don’t miss the kickoff to the exciting new storyline and a perfect jumping on point this February in INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #6!

GWENPOOL gets it's own series in April

Hey O&G fans, with the popularity of her different Variant covers like SPIDERGWEN, GWENPOOL is getting her own ongoing series in April 2016.  According to Entertainment Weekly. Writer Christopher Hastings and art team Gurihiru will launch The Unbelievable Gwenpool, based on themash-up character created by Chris Bachalo as a one-off for a variant cover in early 2016. She made her in-story debut recently in Howard the Duck, which was quickly followed up by Gwenpool Holiday Special, but this new ongoing series will delve into her origins.

Gwenpool was recently revealed in the Gwenpool Holiday Special to be unrelated to Gwen Stacy completely, as a new character named Gwen Poole. Hastings said the decision to give Gwenpool an ongoing came from Marvel noticing the inordinate amount of interest in the character from the cosplay community after she appeared in a one-off variant cover.
 

We Are Robin Vol 1: The Vigilante Business Review

Spinning out of the pages of BATMAN! The teenagers of Gotham City have adopted the "R" and made it their own. A new Robin? No, hundreds of new Robins! The Boy Wonder has inspired a movement in Gotham, where different people of all creeds, colors, genders and religions have donned the "R" insignia to combat crime. But will this clean up the city...or make more trouble than it's worth?

We Are Robin has done something I was waiting to see for a while. This comic book has manage to show how Batman & Robin have become a symbol of change and hope in Gotham. As explained in the synopsis above a group of teenagers inspired by Batman take it upon themselves to take crime head on. These young teens adopt the symbol of his sidekick Robin by wearing Robin colors and his symbol. The main protagonist Duke Thomas who readers can meet for the first time in Batman Eternal.

Duke parents have been missing after an attack from The Joker. He has been in and out of foster homes and different school due to his behavior. Right from the beginning I was immerse in the world. We usually see Gotham from the perspective of our heroes like Batman and The Bat Family. However We Are Robin depicts Gotham from the perspective of the people. We see how poverty, broken homes and violence spreads all over Gotham. Gotham is truly a place you don't want to live. We Are Robin uses the living condition of Duke and the other Robin's to show why Gotham needs saving. It's a city that doesn't just need Batman but needs ordinary citizens to step up even that means using your fist.

The main key element that makes We Are Robin such a good read is the characters. Each Robin was presented with an introduction, backstory and a glimpse of their everyday life when they are not trying to save the day. I found myself not being able to put it down as each Robin's backstory was presented or a glimpse into their lives. This great use of characterization and development will have you turning the page after another. This is clearly an origin story for a group DC Comics hopes will be a driving force in a few years. Since this is a origin story the young Robin's are learning the ropes from someone who I won't spoil. Like any hero story in comics, mistakes are made and lives are loss. Duke and the others make decisions that have consequences and I love the cliffhanger ending that leads into The Robin Wars. 

Overall We Are Robin is a great read. The story has interested characters, the setting is dark and gritty and the art style is great. If you want a story about the citizens of Gotham and a more in depth look at the city. We Are Robin is the book you should read.

Final Grade 9.0/10