#mighty hero mantis

[fateoffireandwater]

Top ten MCU girlbosses

before I start writing I want to say that when I think girl boss I don’t think rude bitch or queen of literally everything. It is just someone who stands up for herself I also don’t know how to explain it lmao.

10. Monica

Honestly she just slays that’s all I can say.

9. The mighty Thor

In the Thor movies she starts an amazing scientist with bravery and confidence. Then she becomes a hero and dies defeating Gorr.

8. MJ

I like this character because her personality is different from the average girlfriend of a superhero and she always does what she believes is right and will never shy away from the truth.

7. Darcy

She just whatever she wants and is such a character. She is a girlboss don’t really have a reason why.

6. Rio

I love how she does whatever she wants and has a fun humorous attitude and while everyone is terrified she’s having a great time.

5. Agatha

Just like rio she does whatever she wants and has a great personality.

4. Scarlet witch

literally the most powerful avenger and would do anything to protect her family literally. After she realises the horrible things she’s done she doesn’t hesitate to do what she thinks she needs to do to fix it. She went from a scared character who needed to be constantly saved by Hawkeye, Petrio and other characters to the strongest avenger.

3. Nebula

She starts of as an avenger who wants to get revenge on her sister to a tough, smart, independent, protective and strong character who secretly cares about all her friends.

2. Mantis

After being told what to do and having no freedom for her whole life she finally leaves and uses her incredible kindness, empathy and powers to live her own life. I love how the movie makers didn’t mark her the average female character who either is absolutely perfect at everything and is a bitch and never does anything important or is useless and always needs saving. Instead she has her flaws and strengths.

Karen

Oh my god Karen has to be one of my favourite characters. The reason she was in daredevil in the first place is because she had murdered someone but she doesn’t remember doing it. Because she has no money she works with Matt and Foggy as a lawyer WITH NO EXPERIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE ON BEING A LAWYER. She tries to solves mystery that daredevil is trying to figure. She and her friend Ben are working together to bring these people up. Then she finds kingpins mum which no one knew existed except for a couple people including kingpin, his friend (forgot his name) and the workers at the nursing home the mum was at. Kingpins bestie friendo finds out that Karen knows this and kidnaps her. Then she KILLS HIM which is crazy because he isn’t a weak character or anything. I mean he was kinda stupid guy for leaving the gun on the middle of the table anyway. She gets kidnapped again in season 2 at the end and she tries to escape with some guy and he nearly dies but daredevil comes and saves everyone and she helps everyone get out. After that she writes the most inspiring article (because she gets given a new job WITH NO EXPERIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS JOB AGAIN in Ben’s office once he dies.) At the end of season 2 daredevil reveals to her who he is. This is some key moments that show how much of a character she is. I won’t include everything awesome she did because this will be way to long. Anyways throughout season 1 and 2 of daredevil she shows her persistence and hope by always pushing through struggles and reassuring and helping others . Even while she was recovering from murdering someone twice and later losing two good friends all of these on separate occasions she was doing her job, being a good person and helping Foggy and daredevil. She also doesn’t put up with people doing horrible things whatever it is and will to ever she thinks is the right thing no matter the consequences. Dame I should stop writing now lmao.

Like for part 2 if you want.

[tinkertoysdamn]

Despite All Your Losing Addendum

Since there were questions about how the timeline might be altered

aka How Thor's "Happy Ending" led to a Happy Ending

slightly NSFW

The prayer stretched across the universe and performed a minor miracle. After Thanos used the Space Stone to send his fleet across the universe, the aftermath of Thano's battle with Thor and the Hulk caught up with him.

Thanos: There are more Stones to collect, I must be at my peak if others try to resist me. I shall rest.

So, he took a villain nap. That gave the Guardians time to get to Knowhere first.

Peter: Give us the Reality Stone now.

Collector: And why should I give it to you?

Gamora: Thanos is coming. He will kill you slowly while breaking your collection one by one in front of you until he gets what he wants.

Peter: We'll give it back once he's dead.

Collector: Paper or plastic?

Thor, Rocket and Groot forged the Stormbreaker and Thor got to be impressive and restart the forge and all that good stuff.

Thanos arrived at Knowhere, ignorant that he was too late.

Thanos: Where is the--

Collector: The Stone is gone, your daughter has it.

Thanos: That's....inconvenient. I don't know where she is so I can't use the Space Stone; I'll have to adjust my plans. If I obtain the Mind Stone then I can exert my will and force the other holders of the Infinity Stones to give them to me. Yes, this will do.

Collector: Plot outside of my museum or buy a ticket.

Meanwhile, Nebula tricked a guard and escaped to Titan.

Double meanwhile, on Titan Dr. Strange used the Time Stone to see into the future while Tony Stark and Peter Parker wait.

Tony: What did you see, Strange?

Dr. Strange: Hmmm, oh everything's fine. We just need to sit tight and wait for a ride.

PP: Really? Can it be that easy?

Dr. Strange: In this universe.

PP: Yes, the Parker luck has been defeated.

Triple Meanwhile, on Earth, Wakanda and Team Cap prepared for their last stand. Events played out like the movie, the Children of Thanos fell, and there were lots of "wow, my favorite hero has done a cool thing" moments. Then, Thanos himself arrived to claim his long awaited victory.

However, in this universe he possessed only two of the Infinity Stones. He still wiped the floor with the Avengers but Wanda, in an act of profound sacrifice and love, destroyed the Mind Stone and with it, Vision. Thanos, thwarted, reached out to crush the skull of the Witch who has destroyed his dream when the Mighty Thor, Stormbreaker in hand, attacked.

In this universe, he did not miss, and thus rendered the Mad Titan's head from his body. It was over.

Steve called Tony with the news: Thanos is dead, we've won.

Tony, having hooked up his communicator to the ship Nebula stole received the message.

Tony: Thank god.

Steve: We lost Vision.

Tony: Look, I can help fix him when I get back, we're currently in space but we're hitching a ride with Blue Meanie.

Nebula: Call me Blue Meanie again and I'm leaving you here.

Tony: Fair enough.

On Earth.

Thor: Captain, call me when we have a victory party, I've got some post battle energy to work off.

Steve: Okay....

Thor: Where's the Rabbit and Tree?

Thor grabbed Rocket and Groot and Bifrosted them all straight onto the Benatar.

Peter: AH! What the hell was that? You could have wrecked the ship, what is wrong with you?

Thor wasn't listening and he casually threw Peter over his shoulder.

Thor: Off to claim my prize, we'll be back in a few hours.

Gamora: Not without me you're not.

Thor: Wouldn't dream of it.

They all ran off to Peter's room, Peter cursing them out the entire time.

Rocket: What the flark was that?

Drax: A god like Thor must be full of hormones after a battle. He is off to have his way with Quill.

Rocket: I did not need to hear that!

Drax: Mantis, I know it must distress you that your brother and the Pirate Angel--

Rocket: Wait, brother?

Groot: I am Groot?

Mantis placed her hands on Rocket's and Groot's foreheads.

Mantis: Forget.

They forgot what they heard instantly. Then, for good measure, Mantis touched Drax's arm.

Mantis: Give me your Zarg nuts.

Drax handed her his package without a second thought.

Mantis sat by a window, looking out into the vast inky black of space while enjoying her Zarg nuts. The crunch helped block out the noise of her brother loudly enjoying himself.

[dndeed]

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E47 The Fey Key

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Something I really appreciate about this episode is that it illustrates how useful miniatures and maps are even outside of initiative. Great for Metal Gear Solid espionage shenanigans and for chase sequences. Also, I do enjoy a good usage of fire minis.

The demolition is on, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 47!

The List

Mats by Mars: Green Hills Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat

Dwarven Forge Wilderness

Dwarven Forge Ruins Arches

Dwarven Forge Fire

Dwarven Forge Dice Reliquary Artificer Hero Furnace Portal

Printable Scenery Rampage System Observatory

D&D Spell Effects: Mighty Conjurations Spiritual Weapon

D&D Spell Effects: Spell Effects: Wall of Fire

D&D Wild Beyond the Witchlight #48 Jabberwock

Modified Reaper Miniatures Drago Voss Kryn Soldier

Multiple Modified Reaper Miniatures Red Mantis Assassin Kryn Soldier

Pathfinder Rise of the Runelords #27 Malfeshnekor

Baldur's Gate Descent Into Avernus #44-45 Narzugon & Nightmare

Two unknown enemy minis

Unidentified Castle

Assorted buildings

Assorted scatter terrain

The Best and Worst Mini

Big Boss Man Baldur's Gate Descent Into Avernus #44-45 Narzugon & Nightmare

The ominous fellow riding the dorky dragon is a pretty unique model. This minis is a regular transformer. A mounted and onfoot model all in one! What a deal. So I respect the utility and the coolness factor. But the pose is just too dang bland. Super cool design though. And while Narzugon the armored knight is mounted, you can use the legs-only model as some sorta homebrewed Awakened Aeor Asskicker Automaton. So all-in-all, pretty good.

The Biggest Mini

Fey Dragon D&D Wild Beyond the Witchlight #48 Jabberwock

No wonder the Alice in Wonderland Jabberwocky got killed by a vorpal sword. Look at that ridiculously long neck, how could you miss it?? Of course it's gonna get beheaded. I dig this sculpt. Very gnarly and alien.

The Returning Minis

Guards Modified Reaper Miniatures Drago Voss Kryn Soldier

Woh-ho-ho, what do we have here- another Xhorhasian military sighting. The far left model has appeared a few times as a Kryn soldier. And now, more modifications of this same Reaper mini. Matt must have gotten a bulk discount.

The Unknown Minis 

Guards

So maybe the guard on the left is another Drago Voss Kryn Soldier with some extra kitbash. As for the right model, would like a closer look at this. Guess we'll see if we get one.

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

[jordangibson]

I haven’t posted here in a little while now but here are some links to social media I used regularly:

https://www.instagram.com/gibsoncomics

https://twitter.com/gibsoncomics

 I’d like to come back to tumblr and post regularly but after today who knows lol

[smimon]

Not quite sure what was I aiming for with this one but it makes me feel so calm so I’ll just leave it here heh.

Fix-It Felix from Wreck-It Ralph Roushi from Naruto Master Mantis from Kung Fu Panda Bolko from Korona Królów Scrooge McDuck from Ducktales (2017) Phil from Mighty Magiswords Lord Cutler Beckett from Pirates of the Caribbean Faba from Pokemon Larry from Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero

[chess-blackmyre]

Here comes White Day!

[since-it-must-be-so]

Choujin X: Chapter 1

So I'm really excited to read more of Sui Ishida's newest manga, and I'm arriving just in time for the front seats! I don't want to let this pass without writing down my thoughts on the first chapter and possibly look at it in the future as the story progresses. You can read it here:

Having said that, please note there will be spoilers ahead!

Tomato Girl

The chapter starts with this cute little girl with that native(?) farmer-like hat, who supposedly grows big fruits (it's huge in Japan, look it up!). I think she will also be a main character since she's the first person we see. From this point I'll call her Tomato Girl. She is obviously from a rural area and is a farmer. We see her motivation is money (and that big dog... which, I think we will see in the future lol). She also wants to marry a "handsome goldilocks hubbie", lol. Wonder if this means she's going to be a love interest of the other cast? She also wants to have 9 kids. Naki and Miza, is that you?! Lol. So here, we have a girl with lofty aspirations! We shall see if any of this will happen or if it will change or if she's lying!

Also an observation - Tomato Girl is also close with her granddad, since she said she's going to the contest in lieu of her granddad (whose back was hurt). She obviously has this strong personality, standing up to the creepy bad guy, who was going to hit the old lady.

Bad Guy

The Bad Guy (since this guy doesn't have a name yet) is obviously a terrorist-for-hire. Also seems to be obsessed with beauty and elegance. I would guess his power lies in blowing things up?

I think, though, that Tomato Girl is a choujin herself, considering she didn't immediately get blown away. Plus, Bad Guy was on fire, and so was she. So, it doesn't necessarily mean Tomato Girl is already dead. She also seems to be reaching out to the Bad Guy as that scene ends.

It's later revealed that despite the plane crash, there were 200 survivors. Hmmmmmmm. Maybe they were turned into choujins?Only the hull was burned but the frame wasn't.

Tokio Kurohara and Azuma Higashi

Yes, the MC! He's notices the plane catching fire. Then, for some reason, Tokio's teacher (Ms. Bazonkas) has a weird voluptuous design. BUT, I think there's something afoot there. She might actually also be a choujin. Possibly a mentor role for Tokio? She seems to be very knowledgeable.

Anyway, going back to Tokio. He's introduced as a sixteen-year-old high school sophomore from Tsuru High. Like any high school kid, he finds studying math to be useless. We're also shown that lives in a district which has destroyed buildings. Possibly dystopian future?

We next find a girl getting harassed by a Mohawk guy and his 2 honchos. Tokio calls for someone, turns out to be Azuma. I just thought it's funny how he called for Azuma, he sounds like a police officer. Haha. But right after, Azuma is introduced, flying from a building.. a very dramatic, heroic entrance. He kinda looks like a hybrid of Haise and Armin from AOT for me. Haha. He's so cute and tiny but he's strong and is apparently the town hero. He breaks the arm of the thug, which Tokio thinks is going too far.

The girl seems to be a pretty girl, and I think she will play a role later on. She's a lot older than them, since she said she's going to an interview. She will possibly a love interest or a villain, but I think more of the latter. I just read CSM so I'm wary of pretty girls lol. Anyway, I think there's something there to link her with Azuma, considering, Azuma introduces both Azuma and Tokio but she only seems to thank or acknowledge Azuma. Tokio even says "don't mention it" even if the girl didn't even thank him, lol.

Azuma and Tokio talk about the plane crash, and it's revealed that choujins seem to abuse their power, and that the attack is kinda normal. We look at their hometown which is really wrecked. Buildings are dilapitated in an abnormal manner -- one building looks like it was done in with a circular force... They live in Yamato Prefecture which is described as an ordinary, self-governed prefecture with some areas partially destroyed. Wonder what self-governed means, but my guess is that it's kinda like a state and the national government is different altogether.

Roly-Poly

Well I never really thought of pill bugs or rolly pollies until I read this. Azuma talks about how roly polies roll around in dry areas and when they find a damp rock, they hide under it. He questions if the roly polies like damp places. And Azuma wonders if choujins are anything like roly-polies. Tokio is confused, so am I. I'm not going to make solid convictions what he means by it, but I think... what Azuma is driving at is that, roly polies and choujins DON'T like damp places. I don't know, I have no reason for this, it's just a guess. We'll see what Azuma means eventually. Haha.

It also appears that choujins are generally bad guys, since Azuma wonders why they don't use their power for good. Maybe something about being a choujin corrupts? Just a guess based on the succeeding events.

They end their conversation with Azuma thinking if he can help with the plane crash. Tokio comments, "seems noble of you" and Azuma says, "it's just a habit". Wonder if Tokio finds Azuma pretentious or if he's genuinely impressed. Azuma's answer is also quite concerning, "just a habit", a question arises if he's sincere in helping in the first place.

The Mohawk Guy

So this guy is supposed to be a funny, evil villain, now bent on exacting revenge from Azuma. Then, a guy (possibly gay guy because he is wearing a lipstick?) with a briefcase offers him an injection.

Tokio's Family

So Tokio has a bigger sister and a dad who seems to be very quiet. Not sure if that's their dad though, it wasn't clear. It's possible they don't have parents anymore and that guy is just an associate. Anyway, it appears that the sister pays Tokio's tuition and she's the breadwinner.

Tokio and his sister talk about Azuma. Azuma is apparently very smart, very athletic (proficient in judo and karate), girls love him, and that his dad is a big shot in the police. The sister questions why Tokio is so proud, and Tokio funnily admits that it's because he feels popular because Azuma is popular. A leech!

Vulture

I just finished re-reading Tokyo Ghoul and :re, and I was blown away by Ishida's art and story. To say I love Kaneki is an understatement. I think I'm going to love Tokio too! I also want to discuss the cover.

So it appears that the cover is the Tokio with an image of a vulture. Tokio is naked and it feels like the vulture is seducing him. From here, I get the vibe that Tokio might be corrupted by the power. "It's something of an affliction" is a dead giveaway. It feels like becoming a choujin or superhuman also corrupts, in a way?

Also since, there seems to be a commentary on the negative view on vultures being scavengers or "steals prey". (Though TBH I always thought vultures wait around for the predator to finish eating and then it eats the scraps??)

On the other hand, Azuma, Tokio's best friend who's mighty strong and brave (almost to a fault), is viewed as a lion by his peers. Also, an uncanny observation is the when Tokio cries about while sitting on the floor, above him is a hyena. Hyenas are known to prey on the carcasses of lions' prey.

It's almost uncanny when Tokio himself says, "I can be a lion too". But Azuma makes Tokio feel better by telling him that buzzards can fly higher than any bird -- telling Tokio to focus on the strength

But even if Tokio admires Azuma, Tokio thinks of telling Azuma when he's going too far. I think this comes from a place of concern. But maybe secretly he's also jealous?

Tokio also even tells Azuma that maybe they should hold hands so Tokio can be more like Azuma, implying that Tokio wants to be like Azuma.

Praying Mantis

Just before Flexi Choujin attacks, Tokio mentions that he bought an insect guidebook and was about to say a factoid about praying mantis near water. I wonder what Tokio was about to say? A search on the internet about praying mantis and water shows this disgusting video of a parasite exiting the praying mantis leaving the mantis to die. Ew. Let's see if this is the factoid Tokio was thinking of. If so, who's the mantis and who's the parasite? Is it Azuma and Tokio, respectively? Hmm. Also, love the insect symbolism. Throwback to Kaneki's centipede!

Flexi Choujin Attack (Johnny Kiyoshi Takeyama)

Mohawk Guy, now a choujin, is a flexi monster who's now more resistant to hits. He attacks Azuma indiscriminately with his new powers. He also kinda goes crazy... His subordinates fear his super violent side, begging him to go back to his "kinda naughty mama boy self", but he ends up snapping their heads off.

For some reason 2 injections fly up into the air?! Maybe someone tossed it. Because as Tokio brought Azuma to the water and brought him back out, he sees the 2 injections. Azuma wants to use it on himself.

Tokio hesitates to have Azuma use it but Azuma insists. Tokio remembers how Azuma saved him from bullies as a kid, and they agreed that Tokio will help Azuma beat the bad guys... Tokio gets the other injection and points to himself. Azuma says Tokio can't but Tokio insists because he feels that it's the only way to stay friends with Azuma. They also promise each other that they will have no regrets over this. This is kinda alarming for me!! Let's see what it will mean in the future.

But instead of both of them transforming into a powerful choujin, only Tokio transforms into one. He looks like a vulture, very beast-like. Looks even like Kaneki's Centipede! I think the other injection might have resulted in a bad/weak power, or maybe it's empty, or maybe Tokio didn't inject Azuma? But I doubt the last one. Anyway, Tokio's choujin look is amazing!

Can't help but feel this scene is related to the praying mantis thing... Maybe my hunch is correct? The parasite exits the mantis when near water, which is why Tokio manages to muster up some courage on his own?

We'll see!! I'm really excited to see this develop. It will be the first manga I will be able to see from the start to finish!

[makeste]

What are your favorite hero names?

oh man there are so many. I had to limit myself to a top twenty, and even that was rough. anyway so first off, a few runner ups because I couldn’t go without mentioning these:

Vlad King - to be clear, this isn’t actually one of my top hero names. but I’m mentioning it here because back when I was first reading the series, one of the fan scanlations -- either Fallen Angels or Mangastream, I forget which -- had originally translated his hero name as Brad King. which, to be frank, would have been one of the greatest hero names of ALL TIME. you can’t imagine my disappointment when I finally learned the truth. it still haunts me to this day.

Jack Mantis - this is Kamakiri (a.k.a. the guy from class 1-B who can grow knives out of his body)’s hero name. my question is, why the Jack. the mantis part, I get! that’s fairly obvious! but the “Jack” is forever a mystery to me. it just adds this little layer of intrigue.

Mr. Brave - this guy is one of the few good things to come from the Basement arc. don’t get me wrong, he is completely useless. but his name? absolutely legendary. this guy, with his power of ripping his own hair out and turning it into a sword (yes that’s his quirk), an ability that could be easily duplicated or bested by literally any jackass who just went out and bought their own damn sword, really thought to himself, “I am going to be the BEST MCFUCKING HERO THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN. I AM GOING TO NAME MYSELF... MISTER BRAVE.” and they let him, you guys. they let him.

anyway so now for the top twenty!

20. Can’t Stop Twinkling - this isn’t a name so much as it is poetry in three words. I still cannot believe that Aoyama went up to Midnight with a hero name that sounds more like the world’s greatest Dear Abby letter, and she actually let him keep it. I’m not 100% clear on how this all works, but I like to think this means that Aoyama’s fellow heroes have an actual legal obligation to call him this in battle. I don’t think we as a fandom and as a people really take enough time out of our lives to stop and be grateful for Aoyama’s existence.

19. Uravity - it’s a pun!! it’s so cute and I love it!! and it’s such a perfect name in that it just instantly sums up and defines her whole brand, bringing to mind both Ochako the person and Zero Gravity the quirk. honestly she is one of only a few kids whose hero name I never space out on. with a lot of the others I usually have to pause for a sec and be like “wait, what was their name again?” but never Ochako.

18. Present Mic - this would make a really great band name honestly. I just like it. I’m pretty sure Horikoshi was going for “present” as in the verb meaning “to perform”, like in “presentation”, but to tell the truth I always pronounce it like “present” as in “gift” or “the present time”, which doesn’t make any sense at all, but IT’S JUST WHAT MY BRAIN DECIDED TO DO. anyway.

17. Tsukuyomi - I know this name has its origins in Japanese mythology, but to be completely honest I’ve always just associated it with Itachi’s infamous genjutsu attack from Naruto. I just think it’s the gothest thing ever and absolutely perfect for Tokoyami lol.

16. All Might - there’s just something about this name that kind of makes me just want to pump my fists and go “YEAH!!” I really like the use of “might” as a noun rather than “mighty” as an adjective like you see in so many classic superhero names. it’s just so much cooler somehow. this name really does conjure up the image of the strongest guy in the universe.

15. Midnight - honestly I’m almost mad that this wound up being a hero name, because it would have made a perfect villain name. it’s dark and mysterious and sexy. it’s no wonder why Midnight chose it lol. anyway so my girl is a bit kinky, nothing wrong with that, and it’s also a perfect name for someone whose quirk puts other people to sleep. it’s just such spot-on branding, I love it.

14. Ingenium - fun fact, I had no idea what this meant when I first came across it because I don’t speak Latin! apparently it means “genius” or “talent.” which is a very good meaning for a hero name! but honestly the real reason I love it so much is because it’s Iida’s tribute to his brother, and I am just such a sucker for that kind of shit. damn you Iida siblings. quit giving me all these feels.

13. Shouto – yes, seriously. I know a lot of people hate this name, and it’s always getting flak for being bland and uncreative. but I honestly think it’s a perfect name for Shouto. firstly because Shouto himself is very much the opposite of flashy in a lot of ways. he’s not particularly animated or attention-seeking; he is a very calm, sort of still-waters-run-deep person, and I think the lack of a snappy brand name fits that personality. I’m even more delighted that it hasn’t remotely curbed his popularity at all (at this point I think the only kid hero with more in-universe fans out there is Momo, and even then it’s probably a close thing), and I think a big part of that is that people are drawn to his unpretentious nature, especially in comparison to a lot of the other heroes out there. but most of all, I like the name because of the simple yet powerful way it serves as a declaration that he is his own person. he’s not his father, and he’s more than just a Todoroki. he is himself; he is Shouto. anyway so yeah, to me this is a fantastic name with so much depth and meaning.

12. Battle Fist - this is Kendou’s hero name AND IT’S PERFECT. like, holy shit. what should we call the girl who goes around punching bad guys around all day with her giant hands. how about BATTLE FIST. there really isn’t much more to say about this one, honestly. its greatness speaks for itself.

11. Vantablack - imagine being such an enormous douchebag that word of your douchey exploits made it all the way over to some guy in Japan who spends 95% of his waking hours writing a manga and has almost no free time. fun fact, although Anish Kapoor is the only one licensed to use the color Vantablack, the name Vantablack is still owned by Surrey NanoSystems (a.k.a. the guys who actually invented it), and so I’m pretty sure they’re the ones who decide whether or not someone else gets to use it. I wonder if Kapoor is pissed about his color being referenced in a popular shounen manga. anyways, all of that speculation aside, it really is the perfect name for someone with Kuroiro’s quirk.

10. Endeavor - look, say what you will about Endeavor the person (although I’m personally a big fan of the way his redemption arc is being done and think he’s a fascinating character, albeit a very flawed one), but there’s no denying that Endeavor is a badass name. but what’s really great about it is how it so perfectly captures the admirable part of Endeavor, the one thing about him that’s actually worth praising. he never gives up. he’s always pushing, striving, struggling forward no matter how hopeless it seems. and that’s a worthy trait, and it says something about him that this is what he chose for his hero name. a name that has nothing to do with fire, nothing to do with his quirk, nothing even to do with his goal of becoming #1. it’s simply a name that means to make an effort; to try and achieve something. and I like that.

9. Sugarman - this IMO is easily the most overlooked and severely underrated hero name in the series. it’s a hidden gem. everyone always forgets about Satou just because his power of being a Strong Punching Guy doesn’t particularly stand out in a manga chock full of strong punching guys. but he is a badass and a great character, and honestly “eating candy makes me super strong” is possibly the single greatest quirk in the history of time and I am jealous. anyway, so this is a really straightforward name, but it’s really smooth and catchy somehow and so it’s one of my favorites.

8. Gale Force - this is Inasa’s hero name! it’s another one which is criminally underrated, much like Inasa himself. airbender powers are just so badass you guys. wind is so badass. this name is all hurricaney and tempesty and super cool and powerful-sounding. this is one of those names that I’m honestly surprised wasn’t already a mainstream superhero name. Marvel was all “nah, we’ll just go with ‘Storm’”, like come on you guys where is the creativity.

7. Red Riot - this name is a fucking grand slam. it’s alliterative! it’s catchy! it’s got the word “riot” in it! it’s an absolutely perfect name for a passionate guy whose quirk lends itself towards good old fashioned brawlin’ and head bashing. the fact that it’s got additional meaning as a tribute towards Kiri’s own personal hero is just the icing on the cake. this is another name that Marvel probably legit wishes they had thought of first. it’s easily the best hero name out of everyone in class 1-A imo.

6. Sir Nighteye - hilariously for the longest time it was not confirmed whether or not Nighteye actually had a real name (he does! but I’ve forgotten it lol), and so there was this lingering question, absurd as it was, of whether or not Nighteye’s parents, whoever they are, were descendants of some proud Nighteye clan, and whether they had really, actually named their child “Sir.” anyways though, I love this name. it’s super cool and mysterious and perfect for someone with future-seeing powers, and the “Sir” just makes even awesomer because it implies that the Queen really liked him or something.

5. Mt. Lady - this name is a stroke of genius. supersize-me powers are a dime a dozen, but the characters always have names like Giant Man or Giganta or Goliath. as far as I know, no other superhero characters have ever thought to name themselves after mountains, let alone to name themselves as if they WERE a mountain. like, she isn’t “mountain lady”; she’s “MOUNT Lady”, as if she were an actual tectonic peak. it really bothers me that I can’t adequately describe in words why I love this so much. I just do!! I think she should get an award.

4. Suneater - Tamaki is out here proving to everyone that your hero name doesn’t need to have jack shit fuckall to do with your actual quirk in order to be completely badass and iconic. sometimes I wonder what Tamaki does when people ask him “out of curiosity, why did you pick that name?”, which someone surely must have done at some point. he probably turns beet red and tries to dissolve into the background. but anyway, the general public does not need to know the meaning of his hero name in order for it to have meaning; we know what the meaning is, and that it’s his way of saying “I believe in myself because my friend believes in me”, and honestly that’s all that matters. I am still of the opinion that certain other people whose childhood friends held a lot of unwavering belief in and admiration towards them could do worse than going down this same hero name route, but we will see! anyways Suneater deserves all your respect.

3. Best Jeanist - I had so much love for this name from the start, and then I found out it was a real, actual award. for people who make good jeans, or are good at wearing jeans, or something. it’s run by the Japan Jeans Council, which is also a real and actual thing. but anyway, despite it not being as wholly original of a name as I thought, it’s still iconic, and I love that he went with something that was recognizable while still fitting his quirk, and which has the added implication that he is the motherfucking best, because he is. also, given that he probably chose this name while he was still in school, and that only public figures generally seem to be eligible for the award, this implies that he chose the name Best Jeanist first, and then went on to win the actual award eight years running. presumably because the JJC got very flustered and were all, “IT’S LITERALLY HIS NAME... WE HAVE TO GIVE IT TO HIM... WE HAVE TO”, and so they did. anyway so that was a goddamn power move on his part.

2. Gang Orca - first of all, if you are an orca man, then naming yourself after orcas is a pretty apt thing to do and I have to respect that. but then along comes the “gang” part, out of absolutely NOWHERE, and it absolutely SMASHES. like, this name comes up to you and it slaps you in the face. GANG ORCA. HE’S A BIG AGGRESSIVE DOLPHIN MAN AND HE’S NOT HERE TO FUCK AROUND. IS HE ACTUALLY IN A GANG?? WE DON’T KNOW. BUT HERE HE IS, READY TO YEET YOUR DELINQUENTS AND HUNT YOUR MOTHERFUCKING SEALS. this name fucks so hard it came within inches of the number one spot. he is a ruffian and a champ.

1. Eraserhead - last but not least, the guy who DIDN’T EVEN PICK HIS OWN NAME. his best friend had to do it for him, and out of love, came up with the SINGLE BEST HERO ALIAS IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. first of all, this name sounds like a very funky and electronicy Thom Yorke song. second, it conjures up the image of a man with a big no. 2 pencil head, which could not possibly be further from the truth. it’s just so whiplashy in the best way possible. third, the very existence of this name is seriously a goddamn miracle. he could have been “Power-Stopping Man.” or “Sleeping Bag Man.” or “Scruffy Hero: Tired Man.” or just “Shouta”, but unlike Shouto there wouldn’t have been any actual meaning to it; it would have simply been a case of him not giving the slightest of fucks about coming up with a real name. but rather than any of these, thanks to the power of friendship we were blessed with the greatest hero name in recorded memory. this is one of the few kindnesses fate has ever bestowed upon Aizawa Shouta in his tragic, exhausting life, and I for one am eternally grateful.

anyway so that’s my list! sorry if I left out anyone’s favorites! but I think all of these are deserving of love. also if you want to see the single best thing Japan has ever come up with, please go visit best-jeans.com. they even have an instagram lulz.

[theinfiknight]

This is a lil piece of poetry I wrote because Hollow Knight made me feel so many things, so feel free to read it if you like

A land apart did he arrive Empty of life and yet alive Mind and soul he gave to keep A king is made, rejoice and weep

Thought and self given to all Stand above to answer his call Eternity, a promise made to last The king looks forward, forgotten is past

Light left behind, a cast off shell Changing, growing, kingdom doth swell Stag to beast, mushroom to moth The king rules supreme, light is forgot

Light is forgot Light is forgot Awry strays the minds of the glow hungry moths Grievously will they pay For their sins that day To forget creator til they can remember naught

One great shell of eclipsed might One fierce, one mysterious, one kindly knight One malodorous brave that stains the air The king is great, his famed five, fair

All among all acknowledge his reign Pale king, White Queen, land lives again Great doors left open to all who seek The king shines radiant, for mighty and meek

Higher beings, these words are for you alone Welcome to the kingdom that gods call home Enter this land of creator and god The king permits it, obey our laws

Welcome to Hallownest, of legend and story! Welcome to the Eternal Kingdom! Share in its glory!

Make your fortune at crystal peak! Where unearthly stone seems to sing Else in the city find that which you seek Prosperity and fortune, promises the king

Wander along down the Pilgrim's Way Take in the beauty of greenkin tamed Behold the queen's gardens, wild and fey The king shines, supremity claimed

Explore the crossroads that wind afar Where trade and life does pulse and ebb Witness it thrive, a kingdom grown large The king at the center, of the living web

Rejoice to witness his light in person In thrall lies mortal bug stood before him Misery cannot exist, nor Kingdom worsen While in his radiance. All adore him! . . . . Memory lost shall remember again Light shines through in hearts of woe Eternity crumbles, ruin begun The king is fractured by forgotten foe

Unity offered, self removed Power and might in exchange for will Join something bigger, it behooves The king is shadowed, light shines still

Oh pale one, great one! oh glorious! They beg, they cry out, they despairingly call Scorching, radiant, bright but odious The king is helpless, light takes all

No cost too great, no act too low Of root and soul, in void will they grow Empty, mindless, to cage that which shines The king will act, against power divine

No will to break, no mind to think To gaze into blackest void, and not blink No voice to cry, no soul to die All light casts shadow, and shadowed they lie

A container to hold void enslaved Vessels of purity, the umbra's shade Birthed, shaped, and left to rot The king needs them not, they are forgot

Massive birthplace of void unmade Deep and dark does the abyss go Buried within do his children fade The king closes it off, they need not know

Chosen vessel, pure and empty Son and hero made, hope renewed Tarnished forever, by love aplenty The king mistakes, purity is skewed

Despair no more! Behold in awe! Palest God's most silent son! Empty, its core, without flaw! Our Hollow Saviour, the war is won!

Peace and heart, for a time return As silent Prince does grow and learn To think, to be, to feel and to fight Light and dark in a single shell, a Hollow Knight

Greater still is surety required Firmer still must the lock hold Three chosen to ascend ever higher The king is eternal, but time grows old

A lock for diversity, of the archive's halls A scholar, the teacher, wise and prepared Mask entrusted away, the endless calls The king requires the it, the dream Monomon shares

A lock for king, for dream, for monarch Loyalty and life, given for the throne Watcher on high, spire so dark The king demands it, Lurien sleeps alone

A lock for union between high and low A deal is made, a dalliance to keep The 'beast' is tamed and seeds are sown The king's work is finished, Herrah sleeps

Beloved of beast, daughter of Wyrm Raised by root, fierce and strong Hive trained to strike true and firm The king gives life, child of silk and song

Strength misjudged, bonds created A broken vessel to chain light unbound Eternity imprisoned, no end awaited The king imposes, sacrifice enshrouds

Willingly does it rise to meet it Freely does it sacrifice its soul For only by dark is light defeated But how so is it hollow, with no hole?

Where emptiness once lay, dreams persist Ideas and love and a life to give Kindness in its brow, restraint in its fist Never meant to die, but also never to live

Unknowing, the deed is done Unwilling, the king buries his son Unfeeling, it goes away to burn Never again may it return

Never again will light release. Never again will Hallownest know peace . The seal is set, the lock is done Our knight is chained, the war is won Light fades away, Kingdom secure All hail the king, eternity is here!

Eternity is here! Forget that fear! Forget that scorching glow! Bask now in pale glory of The kingdom that eternal grows! . . . .

Fading, fading Mind and soul awake Hurting, hurting Love and heart to take Empty, so empty Hollow, he is not Foolish, so foolish Hallownest begins to rot

Shame. Sorrow. Love, Light... and another Do not think. Do not feel. Do not... Father?

Light burns harsh, angry and proud Vengeance shines through Hollow shroud Forgotten she will not be, first and brightest The king needs understand, it is no foe he might best

Orange, virulent, infection spreads Mindless, soulless, unity takes Fear the living, strong and mad, fear the mindless dead The king regrets, low and sad, strongest of wills can break

Brother turns on brother, burning, burning Madness, a frenzy, churning, churning Carnage, rage, bodies flying, flying Massacred and broken, dying, dying

Gone is the promise, left has the dream Only echoes and shadows, acid and steam Kingdom of glory, left now for dead The king is silent, low bends his head

Greenkin lost, Unn hides away Bloated fungi disfigured like clay Bound in the garden, the white lady withdraws The king has failed. Lost is the war . It's over, it's here, the doom that I feared It's done, they've won, all I hold dear Is gone, by spawn, of blight divine I've failed, oh jailed, Hollow son of mine.

Fate will not deny its course I cannot see the way, and fear the worst An end has reached its time to die Shame drowns in sorrow. Goodbye. . . . Gone is the king, cry in lament! Abandoning the very ones that he swore To protect, tearing open a mighty rent In his own heart, shut like the great doors

Dear king, how, why have you left us?! We wander and we search for you still Into darkness we stumble, for it yet does Hurt in our hearts where once was your will

They still call out your name with despair and regret For none could tame their savage souls, yet you the challenge met What you gave to bug and beast was unfathomable, and yet Foolish it was to make them, their first light, forget

The fading town reduces and dies Kingdom and city now, in ruin lies No dream, no mind, only light and pain The king is gone. What now remains?

Palace vanished, knights five, disbanded Monarch but a memory, stagways abandoned Limbo sleeps forever, mourn the paradise lost The king's love severed, this is eternity's cost

One by one the last souls burn In search of glory that will not return Enter the darkness and succumb to light The king is long gone, for he lost the fight

He lost the fight! He lost the fight! Give your self up to blinding light! Take all your dreams and hold them close The light calls out, and your willingness shows

Give in to light! Give in to light! Forget that foolish king! Forget his insolent attempt to close what never should have been!

Power, knowledge, and all that your heart desires Come to me, become greater, burn in the cosmic fire! . . .

Fools gather at kingdoms edge Drown their fear in violence and blood Ancient sorrows do they dredge The king shadows in shell molt flood

Buried in green, a hunter wastes away Closed, angry, mantis warriors stand proud Deeper, hungry, the beast's devout, decay Bereft, lost , kingdom withers in the ground

Ancient nailmasters mourn in solitude Remnants of greatness from a better age Nailsage's legacy, once strong and shrewd Now faint as marks on a torn off page

Mossmen remain in puddles of leaf Awaiting a return ever unreturning Wishing like all else, drowning in grief For a lost god that vanished after the burning

The light seeks out even those who hide Tempting the brave, proud and the mighty Even the unbending mantis lords' pride Do not blind themselves to it lightly

Even among the proud, traitors emerge Valuing strength above mind and skill Petras and warriors, lost to the scourge Caring not for the battle, only for the kill

The queen's gardens are lost to those Invaders who, expelled from their lands Enraged, swarm that thorned repose Executing the will of their light's command

Seeking palest root, bound and blind Solitude in exile, like her beloved But of the mighty, the mysterious, and kind The fierce of the five still guards what they covet

The mysterious, the heartbroken withers alone Distant from her love, far from her home Brave Ogrim slowly loses his mind, His faith and the the very life of the Kind

Outsiders, few, still sparingly appear A strange fool who thinks himself mighty A masked bug lured by memory unclear And a haughty warrior approaching doom lightly

Very few now remain in the fading town The old bug who stands by and advises The mapmaker who ever heads further down But on a distant hill, a figure rises!

A diminutive echo of deep silence That approaches unceasingly, toward The great door that does Kingdom fence, Holding aloft the ghost of a sword

That strikes at the great portal, with nail Cracked and grown old with wear With strength unseeming for one so frail Shattering the door as if it were never there

Small and weak seems the knight As it enters the land plagued bright Can an entire kingdom's fate Rest on the silhouette in the gate That enters so boldly and unafraid Unfeeling as void in which it was made Drawn once more by phantom's call Returning to the land of light's fall

No mighty strength does it seem To wield as it walks as if in dream Down the dusty, ashen road That leads to lonely, fading abode . . . . A land apart did it arrive Empty of life and yet alive Blood and corruption now does seep A kingdom is dead, sorrow and weep

Higher beings, heed well this writing Focus soul to heal crack and seam Through twisted spell or vulgar fighting You will achieve that which others can only dream

Every footstep hangs heavy with fate Into the kingdom that burns in light The speck that will confound even the great The unceasing march of the Hollow Knight

That’s all, hope you liked it. Do reblog if you did

[dappercritter]

ATOM Vol.1: Tyrantis Walks Among Us! An Honest Review

I have long waited for the chance to read William Cope’s (AKA @tyrantisterror​) giant monster mash passion project, and as of last Christmas I finally had my chance. The first volume of The Atomic Time of Monsters (AKA A.T.O.M.), Tyrantis Walks Among Us! is every bit the big fun love letter to classic giant monster movies from across both sides of the Pacific that the author has touted on his blog many times. However, although there is a lot of love that evidently went into this story, and plenty of fun to be read, I would not say it’s the best kaiju story I have ever seen, in print or otherwise. Of course, to expect perfection from anything is unfair, but it’s not perfection I’m looking for: it’s consistency. Consistency, particularly of ideas and presentation, has been one of the kaiju (the ever popular Japanese name for “strange/giant monster”) genre’s biggest problems since it first began—be it keeping worldbuilding consistent with themes, or keeping the quality of one shot of the giant juxtaposed monsters consistent with another. Sadly, readers will find that Tyrantis Walks Among Us, for all it’s charms and bravado, suffers from similar inconsistencies.

 The premise of the first entry in the A.T.O.M. series follows many well-worn tropes from the standard giant-size creature: set in an offshoot of postwar 50’s world, a mysterious earthquake linked to nuclear testing has revealed a subterranean lost world filled with mysterious radioactive crystals and (what else) giant monsters to the world. As the menagerie of prehistoric creatures make their way across the surface, gobbling up and/or stomping on the unlucky extras in their path, the government scrambles to gain control of the unprecedented situation, sending in scientists, men in black, and the military. The heroes of the story are the sole scientist smart enough to understand the gravity of the situation, their intrepid band of friends, and the good giant monsters who befriend the humans while fighting off the bad monsters to protect their world. Opposing them are crooked government men who refuse to listen to reason and more menacing monsters driven by hunger or simple malevolence. What follows is a mash-up of almost everything giant monster movies prior are made of: giant monster fights, quirky humans bouncing off each other while trying to stop corrupt governments from worsening the situation, discovering strange lost worlds and encountering the creatures that inhabit them, and even encounters with alien and robot monsters.

 What makes the seemingly formulaic Tyrantis Walks Among Us! stand out is it’s personality. The first volume of ATOM is an affectionate homage, but it’s also a something of a send-up and evolution of the giant monster movie. Not only is every giant monster trope treated with a mix of earnest excitement and tongue-in-cheek wit, embracing both the inherent impressiveness and absurdity of the subgenre in the same breadth (including more than a few references to a selection of giant monster films past, some more subtle than others), with a heaping helping of satirical edge in it’s depiction on atomic era America. Elevating this satirical edge is the colourful human cast, whose personalities, talents, and backstories make them some of the most memorable civilians you’ll ever see in a kaiju series while also giving the story its political punch. Dr. Mina Lerna, the human protagonist and paleontologist turned local giant monster expert, who grapples with sexism and ignorance in her quest to make her voice heard—a voice which is telling everyone to stop trying to kill every monster they see and listen to reason—and come out of her shell; Henry Robertson, an African-American reporter for the United Nations News Organization (a cheeky homage to the oft-maligned American cut of the original King Kong vs. Godzilla) who, with Dr. Lerna’s help fights back against the racial bias trying to keep him quiet to offer current and true coverage of the protagonist’s quest to unlock the mysterious of the kaiju; as well as Gwen Valentine, a spunky homage to activist actresses such as Marylin Monroe in her prime, who after being rescued from certain death in a monster-inhabited cavern, offers some much-needed close friendship, good publicity, and funds to Dr. Lerna and their cause. The more villainous humans opposing them also present some amusement and self-awarness, such as the mysterious vindictive government agent J.C. Clark who prioritizes secret government agendas over transparency and honesty, or “Doctor Brick Rockwell,” a machismo meathead straight out of a camp American monster movie who barely passes for a scientist hired as a talking head to perpetuate willful ignorance—as well as sexism—for the government amidst the monster situation.

Of course, this IS a giant monster story and the kaiju side of the cast deserves special mention as well. Despite being deriving from the all-too familiar archetypes you could expect from giant monsters (i.e. dinosaurs, insects, spiders, and reptiles on a giant scale), the monsters A.T.O.M. stand out from the crowd thanks to their colourful characteristics. The majority of which are “Retrosaurs”: alternate history based dinosaurs that evolved from Loricata, a group of ancient reptiles that included the first crocodylians, as opposed to birds and more or less resemble the terrible lizards as they were depicted in older illustrations such as those created by Charles R. Knight. Chief among them is the star monster, Tyrantis, a standard giant green fire-breathing dinosaur but with an out-and-out heroic complex and a goofy side, showing compassion for his fellow monster and human companions, as well as having a tendency to greet new friends and foes by boisterously charging into battle. Joining him are Tyrantra, a even more impressive red-hued female of Tyrantis’s genus, the tyrannopyrodon (i.e. the fire-breath-enabled Retrosaur equivalent to tyrannosaurs); Gorgolisk, a gigantic frilled serpentine creature who serves as the steadfast guardian of the Earth and the mysterious inhabitants of its hollow earth; and Bobo, a big pink and blue quasi-arachnid with a soft heart and a surprisingly playful disposition. The monsters opposing them are no slouches either, such as Ahuul, a ravenous pterosaur-like Retrosaur who takes sadistic delight in swooping down on smaller prey; Myrmidants, a swarm of gigantic fire ants who fight for their colony with equal parts duty and ferocity; and The Terror, a blue-tinted rival Retro  Tyrant who—without giving anything away—only becomes more of a monster as the story continues. Special mention also goes to a giant scorpion, a giant mothman-themed invader, a deadly duo of a giant wasp and mantis, and an entire island of Retrosaurs of almost every species.

 However, as previously stated, for all it’s charming characters and progressive political statements, the first volume of A.T.O.M., like its forebearers, sadly falls prey to the issue of inconsistencies. Everything from the writing itself to the logic of this world suffers from occasional dips in quality to outright plot holes. The first and most noticeable is the abundance of grammatical errors, and while the majority of the novel is tightly written in very sense of the word, I couldn’t help but notice that every few pages there was incorrect punctuation or a misspelled word, which gave a somewhat rushed impression. Another oddity is the sexuality of Dr. Lerna who develops an affectionate attraction to Ms. Valentine, despite the author confirming in a post on the author’s blog made several years before the novels completion, claiming Lerna was aro-ace (found here)—this is more of a metatextual nitpick and if the author made her an asexual lesbian, it’s still quite a progressive choice in that it offers that minority some representation shows ace folk can still pursue romantic relationships—however, it still can’t help but think think it would have been just as valuable to give aro-ace people some representation as well, rather than seemingly backpedalling on a prior statement on a character’s sexuality. Another distraction is how the story seems to be at odds with itself over anthropomorphizing the monsters, where in some scenes they are written with fairly animalistic traits in mind, wherein others they treated as if they were almost cartoon characters. (e.g. Tyrantis breaks into caveman speak in a postscript picture to advertise some more other novels—relatively harmless but jarring nonetheless.) But the most bothersome inconsistencies by far are concerned with the science of the novel. Specifically, despite possessing a narrative that pushes for embracing science and learning, throughout the novel there are numerous instances where outdated biological and paleontological theories are treated as scientific truths, such as when Bobo’s inability to swim is chalked up to the old misconception that spiders breath through their skin and would drown when but in water. But the most damning example would have to be the Retrosaurs, who despite originating from a completely different evolutionary line, largely resemble past media depictions of dinosaurs more than anything else, inaccuracies at all. It could have been fascinating to explore how familiar species such as ornithopods and sauropods would appear if they were derived from ancient archosaurs (i.e. the grand group from which crocodilians originate). This discrepancies between artistic license and science makes it hard to tell just how much of the author’s intent for the origins of these alternative dinosaurs was driven more by a desire to replicate the aesthetic of prior depictions of prehistoric creatures and movie monsters than a wholly original exploration in speculative biology.

 As critical as may be, I do not want to completely discount the author’s efforts. I enjoyed the first entry in the adventures of the mighty Tyrantis and the impeccable Dr. Lerna from start to finish. As a wholly affectionate parody of the great giant monster subgenre, it’s almost everything I could have wanted it to be! What’s more, I would like to see the ATOM series reach its full potential. However, due the author’s attitudes towards modern science and tendency towards error, I don’t know if this series will ever reach that potential. Tyrantis Walks Among Us! is good as a creative comical take on the classic kaiju story with a progressive sociopolitical punch, but as a scientifically conscious evolution of the genre that birthed it, it falls as flat as the tail of a Retrosaur, and it seems it will stay that way—sticking close to the ground and only occasionally swinging upwards.

[imthepunchlord]

Since 'Feast' revealed that there are other Miraculous, what animals do you think they'll be? Will they be seemingly random like the core seven or based around something like the Zodiac? The only animal I'm pretty sure will be a Miraculous is a deer, since Origins showed a cave-style painting of a deer-like hero as Nooroo explained the Miraculous.

Honestly its hard to say. It depends on what they want to do, if there’s anything they want to base those miraculouses on, and with this team, its really hard to say what they will even do. A lot that they do doesn’t really make sense or work in the story’s favor. For sure we’ll probably see at least two more new ones since Feast hints that Audrey and Tomoe will be (potential) future villains. 

And thank you for mentioning the randomness of the 7, cause now that they’re pushing that this chest is strictly Chinese related, a few of the animals of the main 7 just don’t fit in. 

In cultural significance, ladybugs are largely European, maybe even only Europe where they have a presence in culture. Same for bees, though they also have some significance in Egypt and India. And peacocks are far more significant in India than they are in China. A pheasant or crane would make more sense than a peacock for this strictly Chinese set. 

And foxes, they have a very mixed view in China, some are seen as good but also seen as bad too. They’re more appreciated in Japan, same goes for cats, though its more positive over all, but definitely appreciated more in Japan. And its about the same for butterfly, they’re a symbol of love in China, but are bigger in Japanese culture (often representing the soul or is an omen of sorts). Turtle is probably the one that fits the most with this theme, turtles are very significant to this culture as a symbol of wisdom, longevity, knowledge, and survival. Its one of the few animals mentioned to stand equal with the mighty dragon, unable to reach it, though the dragon can’t hurt it. 

If they really wanted the chest Fu has to be associated with Chinese culture, ladybug, bee, and peacock for sure would have to go and be replaced with more fitting animals, like the deer, crane, carp, pheasant, mantis, bat, toad, panda, ect. And for the ones to be based on yin yang, there’s quite a few options to choose from: fenghaung and dragon, dragon and tiger, fenghaung and qilin. 

A lot of these I listed would be more fitting in keeping the theme that Fu’s chest is heavily tied to Chinese culture and Taoism. 

[weirdsciencecomics]

EMPYRE: X-MEN #1 & #2 (OF 4)

Issue #1 – JONATHAN HICKMAN & TINI HOWARD [W]

Issue #1 – MATTEO BUFFAGNI (A) Cover by MIKE MCKONE

Issue #2 – GERRY DUGGAN, BENJAMIN PERCY & LEAH WILLIAMS [W]

Issue #2 – LUCAS WERNECK (A)

ISSUE #1 – VARIANT COVER BY ESAD RIBIC

ISSUE #2 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA

Plant people from outer space have come to Earth and, wouldn’t you know it, they just happen to be here when millions of mutants rise as undead creatures hungry for human flesh. The X-Men return to Genosha in a tale so crazy, it’s taking the entire writing crew of the X-Men line to tackle it!

40 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$4.99 (EACH)

EMPYRE #3 (of 6)

AL EWING & DAN SLOTT [W] • VALERIO SCHITI (A) • Cover by JIM CHEUNG

AVENGERS VARIANT COVER BY ALEXANDER LOZANO

FANTASTIC FOUR VARIANT COVER BY MICHAEL CHO

KREE/SKRULL VARIANT COVER BY TONY DANIEL

VARIANT COVER BY ED MCGUINNESS

2-PACK ACTION FIGURE VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

• The tag-team action comes home!

• Wakanda is the battleground – as the Avengers and the FF unite to prevent a Vibranium-powered threat to all life as we know it!

• A long-lost Avenger returns to active duty – but will that be enough to turn the tide?

• And in space, interstellar intrigue threatens the fragile Kree/Skrull alliance…and the repercussions might just doom planet Earth!

40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

EMPYRE: SAVAGE AVENGERS #1

GERRY DUGGAN [W] • GREG SMALLWOOD (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY GERARDO SANDOVAL

In South America, Conan finds himself enslaved – which is typically bad news for those attempting to do the enslaving! But these enslavers come from beyond the stars, and they’ve got a singular and grisly end in store for the Cimmerian �� one that only Venom can help him avoid!

40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

EMPYRE: CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (OF 3)

PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON [W] • ARIEL OLIVETTI (A) • COVER BY Mike Henderson

Variant by STEVE EPTING

The invasion has made landfall! Captain America stands on the front lines – but when the threat goes global even he won’t be enough to stem the tides! Will Captain America be able to find allies willing to fight alongside him – or will he fall in the face of this intergalactic incursion?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

EMPYRE: STORMRANGER #1 (OF 3)

SALADIN AHMED [W] • Steven Cummings (A)

Cover by Federico Vicentini

VARIANT COVER BY Andrea Sorrentino

• The Kree nanosuit known as Stormranger was once bonded to Ms. Marvel…but after deciding Kamala’s version of justice wasn’t deadly enough, Stormranger rebelled against her.

• Now Stormranger is charting her own course – just in time for the united Kree/Skrull Empire to engulf Earth in a centuries-old conflict. Whose side is this ruthless space vigilante on, and how much havoc will she wreak before we find out?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

EMPYRE: THOR #1 (OF 3)

RAM V. [W]• PASQUAL FERRY (A/C)

Variant cover by MEGHAN HETRICK

RESHAPING THE COSMOS!

The Earth is under attack — and for Thor, the fight is personal! Gaea, goddess of nature and Thor’s birth mother, has fallen ill…and it has something to do with the reason the Kree and Skrull are here! The journey to save her — and all Midgard — will expand the Asgardian pantheon in a whole new direction! Critically acclaimed writer Ram V. (These Savage Shores, Justice League Dark) and fan-favorite artist Pasqual Ferry take Thor to the ends of the Earth!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

EMPYRE: SQUADRON SUPREME #1 (OF 2)

MARK WAID [W] • Dio Neves (A) • Cover by PACO MEDINA

Variant by Carlos Pacheco

The invasion has begun! But the alien invaders soon encounter resistance in the form of the Squadron Supreme of America! As the two forces clash, only one thing is clear…the fight for America’s survival has begun!

32 pages/Rated T+ …$3.99

EMPYRE: THE INVASION OF WAKANDA #1 (OF 3)

Jim Zub [W]• LAN MEDINA (A) • COVER BY Dustin Weaver

VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA

The heart of Wakanda — its mighty store of Vibranium — comes under threat as the villains of EMPYRE launch their invasion of Earth!

Black Panther’s Agents of Wakanda form the front line against the alien invasion, but the enemy’s powers are vast and unknown. With T’Challa off fighting alongside the Avengers, General Okoye is in charge — and even with the superhumans are her disposal, she may find herself outmatched.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

EMPYRE: AVENGERS #2 (of 3)

Jim Zub [W] • Carlos Magno (A) • COVER BY PAUL RENAUD

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes fight an intergalactic foe on three fronts! In New York, a villain from the past has been super charged with alien energy. In Mexico, old hatreds turn allies into enemies. And in the Savage Land, the soul of the jungle has been stolen and Shanna the She-Devil’s life hangs in the balance. It’s mystery, magic and mayhem, in the Mighty Marvel Manner!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

EMPYRE: GHOST RIDER #1

ED BRISSON [W] • JEFTE PALO (A) • COVER BY AARON KUDER

VARIANT COVER BY JUAN FRIGERI

An intergalactic war comes crashing into a supernatural showdown between the Spirit of Corruption and the Spirit of Pollution! But who will be left standing?

40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

LORDS OF EMPYRE: CELESTIAL MESSIAH #1

ALEX PAKNADEL [W] • Alex Lins (A) • Cover by Rod Reis

VARIANT COVER BY Josh Cassara

The eve of Quoi’s ascension is at hand! But when the trials are interrupted by an unexpected interloper—Mantis—who will win this battle of wills?

Don’t miss out as mother and son go head-to-head, revealing secrets that will shape the course of the galaxy!

40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

EMPYRE: SPIDER–MAN #2 (of 3)

TARAN KILLAM [W] • DIEGO OLORTEGUI (A) • Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS

VARIANT COVER BY Dale Keown

• The Kree and the Skrulls are here, and the world has been turned upside down.

• Spider-Man’s neighborhood is part of that world, and Spider-Man is in deep trouble fighting a villain who could ruin Peter and Mary Jane’s relationship forever.

32 pages/Rated T …$3.99

THE UNION #1 (OF 5)

PAUL GRIST [W] • Andrea Di Vito (A) • Cover by R.B. Silva

Variant Cover by Ema Lupacchino

DESIGN VARIANT COVER BY R.B. SILVA

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

EMPYRE VARIANT COVER BY TBA

The grand unveiling of The Union! A team of super heroes gathered from all over the United Kingdom, featuring Union Jack, Snakes, Kelpie, Choir, and their fearless leader, Brittania! But when disaster strikes on their first public debut, in the form of the invasion of Empyre, the fledgling team is immediately pushed to their limits! Don’t miss out on an exciting new chapter of Marvel from legendary creators, Paul Grist (JUDGE DREDD, JACK STAFF) and Andrea Di Vito!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #22

DAN SLOTT [W] • PACO MEDINA (A) • Cover by NICK BRADSHAW

EMPYRE VARIANT COVER BY JAY ANACLETO

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE

The return of the new Fantastic Four?!

• The events of EMPYRE threaten all life on Earth and the future balance of power throughout the cosmos!

• And the secret mission that the FF have placed into Valeria and Franklin’s hands requires some big-league help!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

X–MEN #11

JONATHAN HICKMAN [W]• LEINIL FRANCIS YU (A/C)

EMPYRE VARIANT COVER BY TBA

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

THE TREES ARE KILLING THE CHILDREN!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

CAPTAIN MARVEL #18

KELLY THOMPSON [W] • CORY SMITH (A)

Cover by JORGE MOLINA

Variant Cover by DAN MORA

CAPTAIN MARVEL IS THE SUPREME ACCUSER!

In the throes of war, Carol finds herself with a bold new role – and a brand-new weapon – the Universal Weapon, in fact. When a Kree soldier bombs a unified city of the Empire, Emperor Hulkling sends his new Accuser to bring down the swift and necessary hammer of justice. But what at first seems like a relatively simple directive will end up challenging Carol on a personal level she had never imagined.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

CAPTAIN MARVEL #19

KELLY THOMPSON [W] • CORY SMITH (A)

Cover by JORGE MOLINA

Variant Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI

THE ACCUSER GOES ROGUE!

Captain Marvel has stepped into the role of accuser in the newly unified Kree/Skrull Empire. But when she’s tasked to accuse a renegade soldier responsible for heinous crimes, she finds herself torn between two worlds. Don’t miss the revelation of the year – one that will not only change Carol’s whole world, but the shape of the galaxy!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

JUGGERNAUT #1 (OF 5)

FABIAN NICIEZA [W] • RON GARNEY (A) • Cover by GEOFF SHAW

VARIANT COVER BY NICK BRADSHAW

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY Werner Roth

VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG

BROWN & RED VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE

READY OR ‘NAUT, HERE HE COMES!

A mystic gem. A force of overwhelming power. Nothing can stop the Juggernaut. Except himself. Another building falls. Cain Marko is done letting others pick up the pieces of the things he’s destroyed. Renowned X-scribe Fabian Nicieza (X-FORCE, DEADPOOL) and celebrated artist Ron Garney (CAPTAIN AMERICA, DAREDEVIL) team up to take the unstoppable in a new bold new direction!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X-MEN: GOD LOVES, MAN KILLS EXTENDED CUT #2 (OF 2)

Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT

Penciled by BRENT ANDERSON

Cover by PHIL NOTO

Variant cover by BRENT ANDERSON

The Uncanny X-Men. Magneto, master of magnetism. The bitterest of enemies for years. But now they must join forces against a new adversary who threatens not only mutantkind, but all of humanity beside it…in the name of God. The members of the Stryker Crusade are poised to cleanse the Earth, no matter how much blood stains their hands. Chris Claremont and Brent Anderson’s influential X-Men story is re-presented with all-new pages from the legendary creators themselves!

48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

X-MEN #12 FACSIMILE EDITION

Written by STAN LEE

Penciled by JACK KIRBY & ALEX TOTH

Cover by JACK KIRBY

The uncanny origin of Professor X…and the unstoppable menace of the Juggernaut! Cain Marko is one of the X-Men’s most formidable foes — and even, over the years, an occasional ally — but what is his connection to Charles Xavier? And what is the secret of his incredible power? The X-Mansion has some of the strongest fortifications and deadliest defenses around, but even they are barely slowing the Juggernaut down as he advances implacably towards his goal: revenge! As Professor X reveals his hidden past and his greatest shame, the teenage mutants known as the X-Men gird for battle…but can they find a way to stop the unstoppable? It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting X-MEN (1963) #12.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

GIANT-SIZE X-MEN: FANTOMEX #1

JONATHAN HICKMAN [W] • ROD REIS (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

HICKMAN AND REIS TAKE ON THE WORLD!

The hit creative team of Jonathan Hickman & Rod Reis (NEW MUTANTS) turn their attention to the covert activities of the Weapon Plus program’s Weapon XIII! A bred killer who choses the life of a gentleman super-thief, Fantomex has always defied expectations… For example, who would expect him to break into the World, the artificial realm of his creation? And then again? And then… again?

40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Parental Advisory …$4.99

CHILDREN OF THE ATOM #2

VITA AYALA [W] • BERNARD CHANG (A) • Cover by R.B. SILVA

VARIANT COVER BY MIKE HENDERSON

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

BREAKOUT!

A local prison riot is quickly turning into an escape and the only ones who can stop them are a bunch of high schoolers?! The strangest teens of all are on the case! Guest-starring the Avengers!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X-FACTOR #2

LEAH WILLIAMS [W] • DAVID BALDEÓN (A)

Cover by IVAN SHAVRIN

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

DANCE OF DEATH!

The team gets their first case — investigating the disappearance of a mutant dancer at a prestigious ballet academy…in the Mojoverse!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

HELLIONS #3

ZEB WELLS [W] • STEPHEN SEGOVIA (A/C)

DESIGN VARIANT COVER BY TOM MULLER

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

MAD AS HELL!

Krakoa’s resident rabble are up against the grand dame of the damned — the Goblin Queen, Madelyne Pryor! Talk about a return that could raise some havoc!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

WOLVERINE #4

BENJAMIN PERCY [W] • VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC (A) • Cover by ADAM KUBERT

VARIANT COVER BY PATRICK GLEASON

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

THE RED TAVERN!

After getting dressed down by the Quiet Council for rogue activity, Wolverine escapes through his own secret gate to the Red Tavern, a snowbound, backwoods watering hole where he only wants to guzzle whiskey in peace. But Logan soon discovers that peace isn’t possible as a twist-and-turn murder mystery unfolds — and at the heart of it all is an enemy from the past.

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

NEW MUTANTS #11

ED BRISSON [W] • FLAVIANO (A) • Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

Helping young mutants in crisis ain’t all sunshine and rainbows — and recently, it’s been downright nightmarish. But maybe the NEW MUTANTS’ luck is changing…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

CABLE #3

GERRY DUGGAN [W] • PHIL NOTO (A/C)

DESIGN VARIANT COVER BY TOM MULLER

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

REUNITED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!

Deadpool considers Cable one of his oldest and best friends. Cable hasn’t met Deadpool, yet. He’s in for a treat.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

EXCALIBUR #11

TINI HOWARD [W] • MARCUS TO (A) • Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR

BLOOD OF THE CHANGELING!

The Citadel has committed an act of war and Excalibur must respond. While they lick their wounds deep in Otherworld, Apocalypse takes steps toward his ultimate goal.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

MARAUDERS #11

Gerry Duggan [W] • Stefano CASELLI (A) • Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN

THE QUEEN IS DEAD!

The Marauders…the Hellfire Trading Company…all of Krakoa is reeling from the death of Kate Pryde.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X–FORCE #11

BENJAMIN PERCY [W] • JOSHUA CASSARA (A) • Cover by Dustin weaver

RED DAWN!

After taking on the Flower Cartel, Logan has brought back valuable intel to the mutant CIA. The non-treaty nation of Russia is working to undermine Krakoa — and may be aligned with Xeno. Beast wants Colossus on their side as the first drumbeats of war begin to sound.

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

BLACK WIDOW #2

KELLY THOMPSON [W] • ELENA CASAGRANDE (A)

Cover by ADAM HUGHES

Variant Cover by TAKASHI OKAZAKI

VARIANT COVER BY MATTIA DE IULUS

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY OLIVIER VATINE

GAME VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE

WIDOW NO MORE?

Something is very wrong with Natasha Romanoff: she’s…happy?! Retirement definitely agrees with the world’s deadliest woman as she revels in the perfect life she never even dreamed she could have. But scratch the surface of that perfect life and you’ll find something very wrong…and a woman like Nat just can’t help but scratch.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

TASKMASTER #2 (OF 5)

JED MACKAY [W] • ALESSANDRO VITTI (A) • Cover by VALERIO GIANGIORDANO

Variant Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA

TARGET: COULSON!

Taskmaster heads to DC for his first victim, Phil Coulson! But Coulson isn’t alone, he’s got an entire squadron on speed dial…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

CHAMPIONS #2

EVE L. EWING [W] • SIMONE DI MEO (A)

Cover by TONI INFANTE

VARIANT COVER BY MEGHAN HETRICK

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER GARRÓN

• When clashing protests over the teen vigilante ban break out across Chicago, the Champions risk their freedom to protect the young protestors from overzealous C.R.A.D.L.E. agents — but Chicago’s own hometown hero, Ironheart, is nowhere to be seen.

• Where is Riri Williams? Why has she abandoned the Champions? And could it have anything to do with the mole in their ranks…?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MAGNIFICENT MS. MARVEL #15

SALADIN AHMED [W]• MINKYU JUNG (A) Cover by EDUARD PETROVICH

• The anti-teen-hero task force, C.R.A.D.L.E., is scouring Jersey City to apprehend its young protector, Ms. Marvel.

• But C.R.A.D.L.E. isn’t the only problem on Kamala’s plate – several of her family members support the new law, and if they discover her secret identity, it’s game over for Ms. Marvel.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

GHOST-SPIDER #10

SEANAN MCGUIRE [W]   IG GUARA (A)  Cover by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA

Gwen Stacy has served hard time in prison on Earth-65 for her dalliances as the super hero known as GHOST-SPIDER… Will EARTH-616 be next?!

And just what exactly is the Maker up to on Earth-65? And what part does GWENOM play in his schemes?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

NEW WARRIORS #2 (OF 5)

DANIEL KIBBLESMITH [W] • Luciano Vecchio (A)

COVER BY R.B. SILVA

VARIANT COVER BY TRADD MOORE

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA

FLASHBACK FOES-DAY!

The NEW New Warriors are trapped with the Original Warriors’ first and fiercest foes…PSIONEX! Or are they? Night Thrasher and the OG crew have to save the new kids from certain doom, but another enemy is lurking in the shadows. PLUS: How’d Night Thrasher get the band back together anyhow? From the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space to the Darkforce dimension itself — find out in the latest extreme installment of NEW WARRIORS!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

MILES MORALES: SPIDER–MAN #18

SALADIN AHMED [W] • CARMEN CARNERO (A)

COVER BY JAVIER GARRÓN

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY LEE GARBETT

BABY MORALES VARIANT COVER BY RAHZZAH

• Ganke. Barbara. Judge. Lana. Mr. Sumida. Rio. Jeff.

• Miles knows he has to help people as Spider-Man, so he’s ready to live as an outlaw.

• But is he ready to do it without the support of someone he loves? Who’s with Miles, who’s against him, and who’s side are YOU on?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

POWER PACK #2 (OF 5)

RYAN NORTH [W] • NICO LEON (A) • Cover by STEFANO CASELLI

Variant cover by DAVID LOPEZ

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY GURIHIRU

THE PACK IN PRISON?!

• Okay, so MAYBE it’s illegal for minors to fight crime in costume, dispensing vigilante justice as they see fit. MAYBE.

• But not if they have a mentor! Then it’s totally fine! So now all the Pack need is an adult willing to let them do whatever they want.

• It’s a voyage (or at least a two-page spread) across the Marvel Universe to find a mentor!

• But what if everything doesn’t go smoothly? What if there’s CONFLICT and EVENTS?

• The Power Pack faces adversity, betrayal and more in this Alex-narrated issue!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

STRANGE ACADEMY #3

SKOTTIE YOUNG [W] • HUMBERTO RAMOS (A/C)

CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT VARIANT COVER BY TBA

VARIANT COVER BY RYAN OTTLEY

DOYLE DORMAMMU, HEAD OF THE CLASS?

• Anyone who has been to New Orleans knows that it’s a magical place, but the students of STRANGE ACADEMY are about to see it firsthand.

• Their first field trip as a class shows them a city (and the stakes of what they’re living) in ways that light a fuse that is going to blow up in a big way.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MARVEL ZOMBIES: RESURRECTION #2, #3 & #4 (OF 4)

PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON [W]• LEONARD KIRK (A) CoverS by INHYUK LEE

ISSUE #2 – VARIANT COVER BY GREG LAND

ISSUE #2 – VARIANT COVER BY DAMION SCOTT

ISSUE #2 – VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE

ISSUE #3 – VARIANT COVER BY PHILIP TAN

ISSUE #3 – VARIANT COVER BY Leinil Francis Yu

ISSUE #3 – VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE

ISSUE #4 – VARIANT COVER BY SKAN

ISSUE #4 – VARIANT COVER BY RICARDO LOPEZ ORTIZ

ISSUE #4 – VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE

THE HUNGER GROWS…

The world is overrun with the flesh-eating monsters that used to be the heroes who kept it safe. Spider-Man made a promise to keep people safe, and he’s not going to quit, even in the literal jaws of death…

32 PGS. (each)./Parental Advisory …$3.99 (each)

PUNISHER VS. BARRACUDA #2 (OF 5)

ED BRISSON [W] • DECLAN SHALVEY (A)

Cover by RYAN STEGMAN

Variant Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY

VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

OOOH, BARRACUDA!

• On the run and out for vengeance, Barracuda finds new henchmen: the white supremacists who tried to kill him. That should go well.

• Punisher is on Barracuda’s trail of carnage, leaving a few bodies of his own in his wake.

• With the Miami mafia looking to kill them both, the bullets are flying fast and furious!

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #2 (OF 4)

TABOO & BENJAMIN JACKENDOFF [W] • SCOT EATON (A)

Cover by Mike McKone

VARIANT COVER BY GERARDO ZAFFINO

NIGHT OF THE CREEPS!

• Jake’s attempt to get to the bottom of his company’s questionable practices leads to an all-out monster brawl!

• As Werewolf by Night gets in over his head, Red Wolf and the law are getting closer!

• With Jake’s entire life in chaos, the only way out may be to fully embrace the secret history of the Werewolf by Night!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

THE MARVELS #1

KURT BUSIEK [W] • YILDIRAY CINAR (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

Variant cover by CARLOS PACHECO

Variant cover by STEVE EPTING

VARIANT COVER BY BILL SIENKIEWICZ

ALL-NEW, ONGOING SERIES!

Kurt Busiek (MARVELS, Astro City) is back, with the biggest, wildest, most sprawling series ever to hit the Marvel Universe, telling stories that span the decades and range from cosmic adventure to intense human drama, from the street-level to the cosmic, starring literally anyone from Marvel’s very first heroes to the superstars of tomorrow. This first issue includes an invasion from orbit, a picnic in Prospect Park, super hero sightseeing in Manhattan, the All-Winners Squad in 1947, Reed Richards during his time in military intelligence, cosmic beings beyond space and time— and that’s only for starters. Featuring Captain America, Spider-Man, the Punisher, the Human Torch, Storm, the Black Cat, the Golden Age Vision, Aero, Iron Man and Thor, and introducing two brand-new characters, all beautifully drawn by Yildiray Cinar (X-MEN, Legion of Super-Heroes, IRON MAN) in the opening act of a thriller that’ll take us across the Marvel Universe…and beyond. Plus: Who (or what) is KSHOOM? It all starts here. And it goes…everywhere.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MARVELS X #5 (of 6)

ALEX ROSS & JIM KRUEGER [W] • WELL–BEE (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

Variant Cover by WELL–BEE

Finding a cure for whatever it is that turned all of humanity into monsters proves almost impossible for even Reed Richards, Bruce Banner, Tony Stark and the greatest minds in the Marvel Universe. The fact that no one wants to be cured leads to a revolt against the heroes themselves. Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Well-Bee continue their invincible prequel to the EARTH X trilogy.

40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

MARVEL #3 (of 6)

ALEX ROSS, STEVE DARNALL, ALAN WEISS, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, SCOTT GUSTAFSON, RYAN HESHKA [W]

ALEX ROSS, ALAN WEISS, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, SCOTT GUSTAFSON, RYAN HESHKA (A)

Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

A quartet of visions of life throughout the Marvel Universe, curated by Alex Ross! Alan Weiss presents a lost tale of Namor the Sub-Mariner! The techno-organic Warlock lives again in a story by Bill Sienkiewicz! Scott Gustafson presents a look into the life of Rocket Raccoon! And the Golden Age Black Widow chooses a mate in a story by Ryan Heshka! All wrapped in an epic ongoing adventure by Alex Ross and Steve Darnall!

40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99

AVENGERS: MARVELS SNAPSHOT #1

BARBARA RANDALL KESEL with KURT BUSIEK [W]• STAZ JOHNSON (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY Staz Johnson

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY GEORGE PEREZ

The Marvel Snapshot tour through Marvel history takes a romantic — and destructive — turn during the Michelinie/Byrne/Pérez Avengers era! Take one rookie cop, add one new-to-the-city emergency medical technician, and make their meet-cute a devastating battle between the Avengers and a giant, rampaging robot! What comes next? Only Barbara Randall Kesel (Hawk & Dove, Ultragirl) and Staz Johnson (New X-Men, Robin) can tell you. Featuring Iron Man, the Beast, Wonder Man, Count Nefaria and more.

40 PGS./One–Shot/Rated T+ …$4.99

SPIDER-MAN: MARVELS SNAPSHOT #1

HOWARD CHAYKIN with KURT BUSIEK [W] • HOWARD CHAYKIN (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY Howard Chaykin

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY LARRY LIEBER

Let’s say you’re a lowlife criminal in Manhattan, just trying to get by in a world that’s recently gotten full of spider-men, daredevils, power men and more, and you just want to make a decent illegal living. Plenty of henchman work available, if you don’t mind ending up in traction. And oh yeah, there’s a brewing super villain gang war building. What do you do? Keep your head low or go for the big win? Superstar storyteller Howard Chaykin (American Flagg, Wolverine) takes you through Marvel’s mean streets. Just watch out for Spider-Man, Cloak & Dagger and more.

40 PGS./One–Shot/Rated T+ …$4.99

2020 iWolverine #1 (OF 2)

LARRY HAMA [W]  ROLAND BOSCHI (A)  Cover by Juan JOSÉ Ryp

Variant cover by Mike Henderson

• In the wake of Arno Stark’s crusade against A.I.s, no robot is safe.

• Fearing of Elsie Dee’s safety in these tumultuous times, Albert, the robot Wolverine, goes to Madripoor to find her…

• …but what he finds is a fight against Madripoor’s criminal underbelly instead!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

2020 IRONHEART #2 (of 2)

Vita Ayala & Danny Lore [W]  David Messina (A)  Cover by WOO-CHUL LEE

Variant Cover by SKAN

• It’s Riri Williams vs. Ironheart as Riri’s trusty A.I. companion seizes control of her armor!

• Can Riri get through to N.A.T.A.L.I.E. in time to stop her from making a terrible mistake? Or is Riri about to lose one of her only friends?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

IRON MAN 2020 #5 (OF 6)

DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS GAGE [W] • PETE WOODS (A)

5th Color Fluorescent Ink Cover by PETE WOODS

VARIANT COVER BY MICO SUAYAN

Connecting Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI

Variant Cover by RON LIM

Heads Variant Cover by SUPERLOG

Tony Stark is back! But is this the REAL Tony? How is that possible?! Where did that all-new armor come from?! WHAT’S GOING ON?!

There’s no time to explain, human. Just know this: It’s STARK VS. STARK ROUND 2, as Tony takes on Arno…in SPACE!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

SPIDER-MAN NOIR #3 (of 5)

MARGARET STOHL [W] • JUAN FERREYRA (A) • Cover by DAVE RAPOZA

VARIANT COVER BY PATRICK O’KEEFE

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES!

• A murder investigation may have led Spider-Man a thousand miles from home, but DANGER is close behind!

• And as the specter of war looms in Europe, a dangerous operative shrouded in mystery has designs of his own, with ELECTRO leading the charge!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SPIDER-WOMAN #3

KARLA PACHECO [W] • PERE PéREZ (A)

Cover by JUNGGEUN YOON

VILLAIN Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY KRIS ANKA

DINO-MIGHT!

• With another all-out attack on her client, Spider-Woman is really beginning to regret taking this gig.

• As the tables turn yet again, a quick escape leads to the last place on Earth Jess wants to be.

• The shocking return of someone from Jess’s past ups the ante and throws Spider-Woman’s life into chaos!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #45

NICK SPENCER [W] • Mark Bagley (A)

Cover by JOSEMARIA CASANOVAS

Variant Cover by MARK BAGLEY

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY DOALY

“SINS RISING” PART 1!

• SIN-EATER is back and New York City is in TROUBLE.

• Who will the shotgun-toting villain target, and can Spider-Man stand a chance against him?

40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #46

NICK SPENCER [W]• Marcelo Ferreira (A)

Cover by JOSEMARIA CASANOVAS

Variant Cover by MARK BAGLEY

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY MIRKA ANDOLFO

“SINS RISING” PART 2!

• The Lethal Legion returns to threaten the Big Apple , and only the Sin Eater can save us?

• How can Spider-Man stop the murderous vigilante and… should he?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING MARY JANE #8

Leah Williams [W] • CARLOS GÓMEZ (A) • COVER BY PAULO SIQUEIRA

THE REDHEAD WITH NO NAME!

• Mary Jane’s homecoming is cut short when she’s the sole witness to a crime, and the suspect is known for eliminating witnesses!

• It’s up to MJ to bring this killer to justice, but she’s got to stay alive long enough to do it!

• She’s headed someplace where no one knows her face or name. She’ll have to watch her own back when trouble comes calling…

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

GWEN STACY #4 (of 5)

CHRISTOS GAGE [W] • TODD NAUCK (A) • Cover by MIGUEL MERCADO

VARIANT COVER BY PEACH MOMOKO

• It’s Friday Night Lights time as Standard High takes on Flash Thompson and the Midtown Tigers!

• Gwen is there to cheer on her boyfriend against Flash, but no one was expecting the Green Goblin to crash the event. And Spider-Man is nowhere to be seen.

• It’s down to the strangest super heroes of all to save Gwen and friends!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

RAVENCROFT #5 (OF 5)

FRANK TIERI [W] • ANGEL UNZUETA (A)

Cover by KYLE HOTZ

VARIANT COVER BY ANGEL UNZUETA

• It was bound to happen — the gates are off the hinges as everything bursts to the surface!

• What lies in store for the future of Ravencroft?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: THE DAILY BUGLE #5 (OF 5)

MAT JOHNSON [W] • MACK CHATER (A)

COVER BY NIKO HENRICHON

• Dateline: May 2020. There’s no other way to say it: Chloe Robertson and Ben Urich have been investigating Spider-Man as a possible suspect in multiple murders.

• But as they finally get to the bottom of a tangle of impostors and dead leads, they’ll find themselves back at the top.

• Does any man become a leader – of a business empire, of a newspaper – with clean hands?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

VENOM #26

DONNY CATES [W] • IBAN COELLO (A) • Cover by RYAN STEGMAN

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA

“VENOM BEYOND” BEGINS HERE!

If you thought VENOM ISLAND was insane comic book action of the highest order, then shut your yapper and face front, True Believer, because we’re about to outdo ourselves!

For months, the Maker has been fascinated with symbiotes. IN THIS ISSUE we find out why – and what he intends to do with any he can get his hands on…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #101 FACSIMILE EDITION

Written by ROY THOMAS • Penciled by GIL KANE

Cover by GIL KANE

The dramatic debut of Morbius the Living Vampire! Dr. Michael Morbius has a lust for blood, and he’s out to sink his fangs into Spider-Man! But the wallcrawler is even more spiderlike than usual — because, in an effort to “cure” himself of his spider-powers, he’s ended up with four extra limbs! Peter must seek out Curt Connors, the Lizard, to return himself to normal — but little does Spidey know that he’s on a collision course with Morbius that will put him in the crosshairs of not one, but two monsters! Witness the beginning of a rivalry for the ages between webslinger and bloodsucker, in the issue that began the tragic tale of the misunderstood Michael Morbius! It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #101.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MORBIUS #7

Vita Ayala [W]• Marcelo Ferreira (A) • Cover by SKAN

• Morbius is on the trail of mayhem…but a certain vampire hunter seems to be following the same clues.

• What happens when BLADE comes face-to-face with the monster that is MORBIUS?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN: THE BLACK CAT STRIKES #5 (OF 5)

DENNIS “HOPELESS” HALLUM [W] • LUCA MARESCA (A) • Cover by SANA TAKEDA

VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE

BLACK CAT’S FINAL REVENGE!

• The truth behind the BLACK CAT’S plan leads to one last ditch effort against HAMMERHEAD!

• But will SPIDER-MAN stand triumphant…or act as a pawn in the greater scheme?

• MARY JANE and PETER find a resolution as we march toward the next act of the GAMERVERSE saga!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

BLACK CAT #12

JED MACKAY [W]• Carlos Villa (A) • Cover by J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY BENGAL

• Well, she did it this time. Black Cat stole an Iron Man armor from Iron Man, and he is NOT pleased.

• So she is on the run (fly, really) from Iron Man through Manhattan but also still on the run from the Thieves Guild. So it’s tough being Felicia Hardy right now.

• And it’s possible the armor wasn’t what she was stealing from Iron Man. Uh-oh.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

SCREAM: CURSE OF CARNAGE #7

CLAY MCLEOD CHAPMAN [W] • GARRY BROWN (A) • COVER BY GERARDO SANDOVAL

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

ENTER: DEMAGOBLIN !

Something wicked this way comes as SCREAM discovers that the city’s homeless children are being kidnapped.

But things take a violent and unexpected turn when people start turning up gruesomely murdered, and all signs point to DEMAGOBLIN as the culprit. Meanwhile, the dragnet is closing around Andi Benton, as the police get ever closer to learning the truth about her symbiotic second life…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

THOR #6

DONNY CATES [W]• NIC KLEIN (A) • Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL

Variant Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY SKAN

SPOILER VARIANT COVER BY STEVE SKROCE

THE DEATH OF KING THOR!

The Black Winter has the power to reveal the means of any person’s demise — and if the vision is true, Asgard is going to need a new Odinson to take the throne! But Thor is no mere herald or king — and even the death of all existence should fear his coming wrath.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SAVAGE AVENGERS #13

GERRY DUGGAN [W]• Patch Zircher (A) • Cover by VALERIO GIANGIORDANO

The Savage Avengers assemble! Wolverine, Conan, Dr. Strange, Elektra, Black Widow, Hellstrom, Voodoo, Magik…and more. The heroes draw up a battle plan against Kulan Gath, and you’ll be thrilled as Conan wields a most unexpected weapon in the fight against darkness.

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

GHOST RIDER #8

ED BRISSON [W] • JUAN FRIGERI (A) COVER BY AARON KUDER

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY DECLAN SHALVEY

ENTER THE CITY OF THE DAMNED!

In a place beyond good and evil, Ghost Rider and Mephisto find a secret society of supernatural beings–and they aren’t fond of visitors!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

MARVEL TALES: HELLSTROM #1

GARY FRIEDRICH, JOHN WARNER & WARREN ELLIS [W]

TOM SUTTON, JIM MOONEY

& LEONARDO MANCO (A)

Cover by INHYUK LEE

VIRGIN VARIANT Cover by INHYUK LEE

Daimon Hellstrom, the Son of Satan himself, demonstrates his devilish charm as we celebrate the legacy of the House of Ideas with the era-spanning MARVEL TALES! This anthology series shines a spotlight on fan-favorite characters, features timeless stories and highlights some of our most impressive talent from the past eight decades. First, Daimon makes his scene-stealing debut as an exorcist in GHOST RIDER (1973) #1! Then he claims a series of his own with SON OF SATAN #1 — and steps through a portal to hell for an unhappy family reunion with his diabolical father! And, in HELLSTROM: PRINCE OF LIES #12, Daimon digs into the darkest and most disturbing corners of the Marvel Universe, courtesy of one hell of a creative team — Warren Ellis and Leonardo Manco!

88 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$7.99

WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #32 FACSIMILE EDITION

Written by DOUG MOENCH

Penciled by DON PERLIN

Cover by GIL KANE

Moon Knight makes his unforgettable first appearance — stalking Jack Russell, the Werewolf by Night! Clad from head to toe in silver and wielding crescent-shaped blades, the soldier of fortune named Marc Spector is a lycanthrope’s worst nightmare. But why is he after this particular prey — and can Jack possibly survive their first savage battle? Moon Knight, earthly avatar of the Egyptian god Khonshu, went on to become a fan-favorite character and a man of many talents — mercenary, millionaire, vigilante, Avenger, even cab driver — but wide-eyed fans first got to meet him as a werewolf hunter in this classic tale! It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting WEREWOLF BY NIGHT (1972) #32.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

AVENGERS #34

JASON AARON [W] • JAVIER GARRÓN (A) • Cover by MATTEO SCALERA

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA

THE AGE OF KHONSHU!

An empowered, godlike Moon Knight has just saved the world from fiery ruin. Now an army of mummies and moon priests begins to reshape the world in the image of ancient Egypt. But where does that leave the Avengers? Broken, imprisoned, or on the run in the moonlit streets of New Thebes City.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

IMMORTAL HULK #35

AL EWING [W] • MIKE HAWTHORNE (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA

• The war with the Minotaur is over — and a grateful humanity knows who saved them all.

• Can Shadow Base come out of the shadows? Can the world believe in Bruce Banner?

• Can there be a happy ending… for the IMMORTAL HULK?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

IMMORTAL HULK #36

AL EWING [W]• JOE BENNETT (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA

• NO HAPPY ENDINGS.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA #22

TA-NEHISI COATES [W] • BOB QUINN (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY PATCH ZIRCHER

”All Die Young” continues! For Peggy Carter to live again, must Sharon Carter pay the price?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

DR. STRANGE #6

MARK WAID [W] • KEV WALKER (A) • Cover by PHIL NOTO

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY DAVE JOHNSON

• Doctor Strange is hot on the trail of the magical thief infiltrating the Sanctum Machina!

• But as his investigation leads him deeper into a magical black arms-dealing market, the danger of being discovered mounts higher and higher…

• …and what he discovers will leave him reeling!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

HAWKEYE: FREEFALL #6

MATTHEW ROSENBERG [W] OTTO SCHMIDT (A) Cover by KIM JACINTO

• Bullseye wants to hurt Clint in any way he can, so he’s playing dress-up and taking the archer’s (not-so) good name on a deadly tour of New York.

• Meanwhile, the Hood has had enough of Clint’s games and decides to put an end to them once and for all. He puts a price on Clint’s head so high that every villain, merc and thug in the city is going to line up to take a shot.

• With everything falling apart, Clint will be forced to make some choices he can’t take back. Will he find a way to get through this with clean hands, or will he be forced to return to his criminal ways?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER #4 (of 5)

DEREK LANDY [W] FEDERICO VINCENTINI (A) Cover by DAN MORA

VARIANT COVER BY Takashi Okazaki

With the Natural by their side, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes travel to confront the woman who is scheming to become the new Hydra Supreme. Nothing seems to go right for our boys, however, as the plane they’re about to jump out of is beset by a swarm of Hydra agents.

On jetpacks.

Shooting laser beams.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

BLACK PANTHER #24

TA-NEHISI COATES [W] • DANIEL ACUÑA (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY JOE QUINONES

THE INTERGALACTIC EMPIRE OF WAKANDA – “WAKANDA UNBOUND” Part 6

The Intergalactic Empire has suffered thousands of losses – and still they’re coming for Earth. Wakanda Prime is in more danger than ever as Emperor N’Jadaka – A.K.A. the resurrected Killmonger, one of the Black Panther’s deadliest enemies — returns to face the king who unintentionally brought him to power.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

NEBULA #4 (OF 5)

VITA AYALA [W] • CLAIRE ROE (A) Cover by JEN BARTEL

Variant by Alex Garner

• Thrown into a gladiatorial arena, Nebula must fight for her life!

• And as Nebula’s memories of her childhood begin returning to her…she may not like what she finds…

• Plus, the very first meeting between Nebula and Thanos revealed!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

ATLANTIS ATTACKS #5 (of 5)

GREG PAK [W] • ARIO ANINDITO (A)

COVER BY ARIO ANINDITO

Variant by CARLO PAGULAYAN

TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH!

• As the clash between the ATLANTEANS, the SIRENAS and the interdimensional PAN reaches its terrible climax, an empire will triumph and an empire will fall!

• But you might be shocked to find out which of our heroes and villains ends up where! Will AMADEUS step up to JIMMY WOO’S challenge and lead both AGENTS OF ATLAS teams toward power and glory in this new world? Or will the dream of communities united in the PORTAL CITY OF PAN all come crashing down?

• Who will wear the crown? Whose word and heart will break? The fate of Atlas and the world hangs in the balance!

32 PGS./Rated T+…$3.99

DOCTOR DOOM #8

CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL [W] • SALVADOR LARROCA (A/C)

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY RYAN BROWN

After regaining his throne, Doctor Doom presses his advantage and invades Symkaria with the intent to conquer and annex the entire nation. And with the Ultimate Nullifier in hand, he’s able to keep the entire world at bay while he declares total war on the country that tried to overthrow him. Once the dust settles, he realizes he’s humanity’s last hope for preventing an unstable black hole from annihilating all of Earth…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

AVENGERS OF THE WASTELANDS #5 (of 5)

ED BRISSON [W] • JONAS SCHARF (A)

Cover by JUAN JOSé RYP

Variant Cover by Todd Nauck

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN ON DOOM’S DOORSTEP!

• The so-called AVENGERS make their stand.

• The scheme of DR. DOOM is revealed.

• The final betrayal.

• The fate of the Wastelands is determined here!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

RUNAWAYS #33

RAINBOW ROWELL [W] NATACHA BUSTOS (A) Cover by KRIS ANKA

• The Runaways descend into one of the most terrifying Marvel Universe locations ever: HIGH SCHOOL!

• It goes better for some than others.

• For those who don’t think high school is an authentic Marvel Universe location, you WILL agree that who shows up at the end is a VERY authentic Marvel guest star!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #5

AL EWING [W] • Juann Cabal (A) • Cover by IVAN SHAVRIN

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY ALEX GARNER

• Moondragon is a hero. With her wife at her side, she came to our reality from a dimension of heroes – to save us all from evil.

• But our reality already had a Moondragon, and she can’t be a hero all the time. The DRAGON OF THE MOON has returned…

• …and it won’t leave until it’s fed on a soul.

• Didn’t we say it could always get worse?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

STRIKEFORCE #9

TINI HOWARD [W] • GERMÁN PERALTA (A)

COVER BY JUAN JOSÉ RYP

BATTLE ROYALE ON MONSTER ISLE!

It’s a death match of no-holds-barred sports entertainment — at the center of King Deadpool’s Monster Island! Strikeforce finds themselves divided between their mission to contain the dangerous Vridai and the sweet, sweet taste of competitive victory. Can this team of misfits stay together long enough to complete their mission?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

ANT-MAN #5 (OF 5)

ZEB WELLS [W] • DYLAN BURNETT (A)

Cover by EDUARD PETROVICH

• Macrothrax marches on the mainland!

• Ant-Man and Stinger make their stand as the continent’s first and last line of defense!

• Don’t miss out as this heroic father-daughter duo face extermination in this explosive series finale!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

STAR #5 (of 5)

KELLY THOMPSON [W] • JAVIER PINA & FILIPE ANDRADE (A)

Cover by CARMEN CARNERO

Variant Cover by PHIL NOTO

FORESHADOW Variant Cover by KRIS ANKA

THE BLACK ORDER MAKES THEIR MOVE!

The former generals of Thanos have come for the reality stone. But thanks to everything Star has been through, she’s learned a lot about the power bonded to her. The Black Order expects to find a novice but instead will find a dragon. And no matter who wins this fight, one thing is for sure: The Marvel Universe is about to be a much more dangerous place…for everyone.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

DAREDEVIL ANNUAL #1

CHIP ZDARSKY [W] • CHRIS SPROUSE (A) • Cover by CHIP ZDARSKY

VARIANT COVER BY DECLAN SHALVEY

ONE MORE DAY!

40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

DAREDEVIL #21

CHIP ZDARSKY [W]• MARCO CHECCHETTO (A/C)

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA

BACK IN RED! ”TRUTH/DARE” STARTS HERE!

THE BATTLE MAY BE OVER, but the WAR is far from finished! After the shocking events of DAREDEVIL #20, CHIP ZDARSKY reunites with MARCO CHECCHETTO to begin the next chapter of their definitive DAREDEVIL saga: HELL AND BACK.

For weeks, Hell’s Kitchen has been a lawless neighborhood thanks to the Stromwyn siblings, but as the police are finally able to resume their patrols, they’re quick to find that they aren’t the only ones interested in keeping the Kitchen safe.

Meanwhile, as Matt Murdock continues to struggle with how best to appease his sense of justice after the events of the past several weeks, a familiar enemy takes root in Hell’s Kitchen…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

AERO #11

ZHOU LIEFEN & AMY CHU [W] KENG (A/C)

THE TEAM-UP YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: AERO AND IRON MAN!

• AERO’S powers are put to the test! Can the legendary IRON MAN teach Aero the meaning of teamwork?

• Will they save SHANGHAI, or are they just falling into MADAME HUANG’S trap?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SWORD MASTER #11

SHUIZHU & AMY CHU [W] GUNJI (A/C)

WILL DESTINY LEAD

TO DESTRUCTION?!

• SWORD MASTER LIN LIE meets the powerful chief of the Nü-Wa Clan…JI SHUANGSHUANG’S grandmother!

• And Granny reveals the TRUTH about CHIYOU’S TOMB and Lin Lie’s bloodline.

• Will Lin Lie be strong enough to defeat a vengeful GOD OF WAR?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

DEADPOOL #7

KELLY THOMPSON [W] • GERARDO SANDOVAL (A) • Cover by CHRIS BACHALO

DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TONY DANIEL

IT’S A LOVE STORY, DEADPOOL, JUST SAY YES!

• Elsa Bloodstone is dying, and the only one who can save her is Deadpool!

• What’s wrong with the mystical, magical Bloodstone gem? And what can Deadpool possibly do about it?

• The answers will shock you! The implications will astound you! The jokes will…well, we won’t make any promises about the jokes.

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

VALKYRIE: JANE FOSTER #11

JASON AARON & TORUNN GRØNBEKK [W]• MATTIA DE IULIS (A)

Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR

FORESHADOW VARIANT COVER BY MATTIA DE IULIS

She’s faced the Marvel Universe’s deadliest assassin — armed with the sword of a god — and won. She took the Grim Reaper straight to his eternal reward. She’s come face-to-face with Death herself…in more ways than one…and saved Asgard from a force beyond even Death’s powers. Now Jane Foster — the one and only Valkyrie — embarks on a whole new adventure under the pen of rising star artist Mattia de Iulis! Already Valkyrie has journeyed across the Multiverse in her new role…but now Hel awaits her. Along with its prickly rulers. And what does Loki, god of lies, have to do with it? An all-new arc starts here!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

HOW TO READ COMICS THE MARVEL WAY #2 (of 4)

CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS [W] • SCOTT KOBLISH (A) • COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA

VARIANT COVER BY AARON KUDER

• Mysterio is in the wind. Good thing Spider-Man has an ally (you/your comics novice friends) who can now follow him from panel to panel…

• But he’s still his own worst enemy: One thoughtless action froze citizens all over the city in time, and Spidey…needs to make a comic to free them?

• Do you know the lingo for talking about what makes a comic well-made? Learn it here! And see if Spider-Man can save his loved ones before Quentin Beck becomes omnipotent!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #16

JIM ZUB [W]• ROGÊ ANTÔNIO (A) • Cover by E.M. GIST

Variant cover by Cary Nord

THE REVENGE OF CONAN!

• The true nature of the Great Crucible is revealed!

• CONAN has angered the leadership of Uttara Kuru, but he will not be crushed by their punishment so easily!

• The dramatic conclusion to “Into the Crucible” and the start of Conan’s next quest!

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

CONAN: BATTLE FOR THE SERPENT CROWN #4 (OF 5)

SALADIN AHMED [W] • LUKE ROSS (A) • Cover by Mahmud Asrar

VARIANT COVER BY Eduard Petrovich

VARIANT COVER BY Philip Tan

IN TOO DEEP!

• The SERPENT CROWN’s roots in the Pre-Cataclysmic Age lead CONAN back to where it all started…

• …but ATLANTIS is not quite what it once was.

• And even if he can locate the Crown, NAMOR isn’t going to let that treasure slip through his grasp!

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

DARK AGNES #4 (OF 5)

BECKY CLOONAN [W] • LUCA PIZZARI (A) • Cover by STEPHANIE HANS

KILLER IN THE CATACOMBS!

• ETIENNE has been framed for murder, but DARK AGNES is determined to prove his innocence.

• And with the real killer on the loose, everyone is a suspect!

• But if the DUKE D’ALENCON returns before the killer is caught, more blood will spill—including Etienne’s!

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #3

ALYSSA WONG [W]• MARIKA CRESTA (A) Cover by VALENTINA REMENAR

VARIANT COVER BY MAHMUD ASRAR

THE TRIALS OF VAALE!

• Separated from her crew, DOCTOR APHRA finds herself in peril at the hands of RONEN TAGGE’S mercenaries!

• Could there be a traitor in their midst?

• And can Aphra outwit them before the curse of the city swallows her and her new team whole?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS #6

CHARLES SOULE [W] • JESÚS SAIZ (A) • Cover by R.B. SILVA

Empire Strikes Back Variant COVER by CHRIS SPROUSE

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

THE PATH TO JEDI WISDOM…OR A DEADLY TRAP OF THE DARK SIDE?

• THE FORCE led LUKE SKYWALKER to someone who can provide him with great insight into the path to JEDI wisdom…

• But their meeting will change Skywalker FOREVER. Luke thought his duel against his father, Darth Vader, was the ultimate test. But Luke’s trials have only just begun.

• The galaxy needs Luke Skywalker. And a Jedi needs a weapon!

• Meanwhile, Vader continues his search for his long-lost son, and the REBEL ALLIANCE finds itself on the verge of a losing all hope.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER #4

GREG PAK [W]• RAFFAELE IENCO (A) • Cover By Inhyuk Lee

Empire Strikes Back Variant COVER by CHRIS SPROUSE

WHO HUNTS THE HUNTER?

• DARTH VADER continues his terrifying quest for vengeance against everyone who hid the existence of his son from him.

• But on NABOO, the DARK LORD OF THE SITH faces a deadly new challenge as his focus turns from LUKE to PADMÉ, the wife of the man Vader used to be.

• And what secrets lie in the tomb of PADMÉ AMIDALA?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #4

ETHAN SACKS [W]• PAOLO VILLANELLI (A) Cover by LEE BERMEJO

Empire Strikes Back Variant COVER by CHRIS SPROUSE

THE SINS THAT CAN’T BE ABSOLVED!

• With a blaster aimed at this back, cyborg bounty hunter VALANCE closes in on NAKANO LASH, the mentor who abandoned him many years ago.

• But what is the secret that Lash has been hiding ever since that fateful, doomed mission — one that led her to betray her entire crew?

• Those answers may die with her if a vengeful BOBA FETT gets to her first.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd.

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May 2020 Marvel Comic Solicits EMPYRE: X-MEN #1 & #2 (OF 4) Issue #1 - JONATHAN HICKMAN & TINI HOWARD [W]

[hgihrepaeryster]

Reaper High: Mist-takes Aplenty

“Tired, Jen? Here; I’ll give you a free shot.”

Jenny’s systems had been so overloaded from the fight that she couldn’t even see her opponent mocking her, much less respond to her taunts. 

“No? What’s that? You want to give me a free shot? Gosh, it seems so unfair...but since it is your last request...”

The impact of the fist sent her careening through the air, impacting a wall  upside down next to her previous impact point. She collapsed to the ground with a loud clang.

Focus. Her thoughts pleaded. At least try to do something to save yourself.

Her power drained severely, all she could do was reroute her power to her sensory units and catch a glimpse of her foe grabbing her by the collar and raising a superpowered fist.

“This is where it ends, robot girl,” Misty snarled, not even willing to call her victim by her name anymore.

There has to be some weakness I can exploit, Jenny continued to wonder. In a last ditch effort to find out, she sifted through the memories she had of the alien ninja. It took her precious milliseconds, but all she could come up with were the times they had spent together as part of the Teen Team, feeling like the top of the school social hierarchy with her for a brief moment, and the pain of watching her leave her life not once, but twice. All she wanted was a return of the old Misty, but she was gone for good, replaced by a spiteful, greedy mercenary in her guise.

Or at least, that’s how it seemed...

It was a long shot, but it was the only thing she had left.

“Why are you doing this?” Jenny finally asked. “I thought we were friends...”

Misty froze, her face paling slightly. The clenched fingers against Jenny’s top released suddenly, letting the helpless hero fall back to the ground. Taking a deep, heavy sigh, she turned and started to walk away, her anger pulsing through every part of her being as she ignored the devastation she had caused not just to her old friend, but to the city around them. Stopping again, she turned around one last time, her words suddenly choked up with both tears and denial.

“The only reason I’m not destroying you...is because no one is paying me to do it.”

And with a mighty leap, Misty was gone.

Jenny shuddered as she opened her locker, visions of the last time she remembered seeing her assailant playing out in her head for the 21st time that day, according to her internal counter.

She had faced armies of killer robots, hordes of aliens, and some of the most conniving criminal masterminds that she had ever known. Now she was surrounded by people who were willing to protect her, some of which had faced hazards far greater than this.

This was still the most frightened Jenny had ever been in her life.

They didn’t know Misty, but she did. More importantly , Misty knew her. Very well. Even when they were friends, it was hard to cope with Misty’s abilities; when they became enemies, it was an absolute curb-stomp battle. And now, she was going to expose them to a being capable of reading their very fears and using them.

She looked around at her new protectors. A small group of clones from the Galactic Republic stood watch with weapons hand-picked to give them the best shot at defeating Misty, headed by one they referred to as “Dreamer.” In his hands, he gripped a baton that crackled with fuchsia energy, oddly reminiscent of Misty herself; she hoped that this would be of some help to him, but only because deep down she knew he’d need it.

And, at either side of her, were probably the most unlikely people she expected to join her in this situation. On one side, Buzzkill: an aspiring villain who tended to annoy her on a constant basis (if he asked her if she “liked jazz” one more time...). Now, however, he was willingly working alongside his archenemy, Mantis Shrimp, who flanked Jenny’s other side in constant watch. She wouldn’t have figured it possible, were it not for the extraordinary circumstances that led to this encounter. Like everyone else, she hoped that Beekeeper’s guarded location would remain undisturbed.

But if what Buzzkill had told her was true, that would likely be Misty’s next target if she succeeded, along with his hive. As much as she disliked Buzzkill, she had a vague understanding of the kind of sincere devotion he was capable of, and a fuller understanding that Beekeeper was not worthy of being a target.

So who in their right mind would do such a thing? And why did it have to be the father of one of her own friends?

Placing her books away, she took a deep breath and continued down the hallway toward Brawl Hall. It was their best shot of holding off Misty, but they all knew time was running out. Kurtis Perringer had threatened the robot’s demise within 24 hours. Something had to give.

But when it did, Jenny already resolved herself that she was not going to go down without a fight.

[dndeed]

Critical Role Miniature Rollout C2E51

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the minis used on Critical Role.

This episode feels like when you’re playing a CRPG and you stumble into an area that’s too high a level for your character. Maybe the Mighty Nein should just go back through the underground load screen and return in a few levels. 

Try not to get upstaged when you move upstage, it’s time for Critical Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 2 Episode 51!

The List

Dungeons and Dragons Condition Markers by thelukec

Dwarven Forge Stone Ruins Add-On Pack

Dwarven Forge Mountain Cliff Pack

Dwarven Forge Mountain Mountain Floor Pack

Dwarven Forge Caverns Stalagmite Pack

Dwarven Forge Mountain Peak Pack

SteamForged Games Log

Steamforged Games Critical Role Miniatures

Prototype Steamforged Games Critical Role Miniatures

HeroForge Jester Duplicity Miniature

Archfiends #52 Gnoll Archer

Modified Reaper Miniatures Red Mantis Assassin

Elemental Evil #022 Gnoll Fighter

Blood War #46 Demonic Gnoll Priestess

Rage of Demons #023 Drow Archmage

Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set 5 Adowyn, Human Hunter

Desert of Desolation #44 Bar-Lgur

Waterdeep Dragon Heist #016b Spy

Archfiends #02 Dalelands Militia

Tomb of Annihilation #022 Artus Cimber

Dragoneye #28 Baaz Draconian

Human Ranger Epic Level Starter Set

Rusty Dragon Inn #009 Cutpurse

Invisible Lightfoot Halfling Rogue Epic Level Starter Set

Waterdeep Dragon Heist #002 Darkling

Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set 2 Harsk, Iconic Ranger

Archfiends #16 Graycloak Ranger

Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica #015 Duskmantle Assassin

Dungeons & Dragons Spell Effects: Wall of Fire & Wall of Ice

Tomb of Annihilation #040i Minsc & Boo (Invisible)

Tomb of Annihilation #018i Valindra Shadowmantle (Invisible)

Axe N Shield Single Flyer Risers - Clear Mithril

Desert of Desolation #32 Rot Scarab Swarm

Custom Lollipop Spiritual Weapon

Suspected Aquarium Decorations

Leafless Model Train Style Trees

Possible Model Train Boulders

The NPCs

The Mudmen Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set 5 Adowyn, Human Hunter,  Waterdeep Dragon Heist #016b Spy,  Dragoneye #28 Baaz Draconian, Human Ranger Epic Level Starter Set, Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica #015 Duskmantle Assassin, Archfiends #16 Graycloak Ranger, and Rusty Dragon Inn #009 Cutpurse

A handful of Mudfolk are represented by previously discussed minis. But there are quite a few new figures here, so let us get through them in a timely fashion. Start the clock.

Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set 5 Adowyn, Human Hunter

This ranger looks like she dressed by tripping into a pile of discount shag carpet samples. I like this mini, it’s a well executed classic archer pose.

Waterdeep Dragon Heist #016b Spy

This guy looks like a henchman from an alternate history martial arts film in which Chuck Norris fights pilgrim ninjas. Reasonably nice miniature, but the alternate sculpt is a practically indistinguishable waste of time (the knife is facing the other direction).

Dragoneye #28 Baaz Draconian

This figure looks like a bladesmith who loves violating the Geneva Convention and hates pants. Solid detail and wins the award for best value dragonborn mini.

Human Ranger Epic Level Starter Set

This character looks like an adventurer who doesn’t realize you need to use both hands to operation a bow and arrow. Good figure with a dramatic standing pose.

Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica #015 Duskmantle Assassin

This Magic the Gathering miniature looks like the cloak has gained sentience and is trying to fly away, taking the person’s head with it. Neat animated pose, but the head is too high up and the mini looks weird in-person.

Archfiends #16 Graycloak Ranger

This archer looks like he’s recoiling at the thought of being part of a terribly named group like “The Muck Men.” An unfortunately simple paint job on a crisp sculpt.

Rusty Dragon Inn #009 Cutpurse

This miniature looks like a rogue posing in the mirror unable to decide which sword to bring to work. Weird proportions, the arms are too long, still a good rogue though.

The Villains

Kryn Caster Rage of Demons #023 Drow Archmage

In my post last week I was hoping to see some drow. But I was looking forward to some old Hasbro prepainted drow, not the current Wizkids produced drow. There are only a handful of them and they range from unremarkable to kinda crummy. 

This is likely the best of the Wizkids drow figures, so I was prepared to write a fairly positive review. But after taking a closer look I found a lot to dislike about the Drow Archmage. From across a game table this mini is fine, it just doesn’t stand up to much scrutiny. 

Drow are known for having some killer fashion. This dude is rocking a neato spider staff, underdark stompin’ boots, and a sorta armored fanny pack thing. He has drow looking attire on most everywhere say for some place. All he has on his torso is a detail-less generic garment. It looks like he’s wearing a stuffy dad sweater. It’s as if he was on his way out the door clad in typical drow armor and his partner stopped him to give a reminder of the schlubby sweater his kid gave him for drow father’s day. Compounding these clothing troubles is an uncomfortable pose, craned neck posture, and strange torso proportions. This mini looks good on the CR stream, just don’t zoom in too far.

Oh also his ears are literally painted on! They aren’t part of the sculpt at all.

Kryn Warrior Modified Reaper Miniatures Red Mantis Assassin

A smart modification to make this miniature look unique. The classic Pathfinder Red Mantis color is red. Giving this Kryn Warrior the stygian black treatment makes it hardly recognizable, almost looks like a wholly unique design. There are a good number of Red Mantis Pathfinder figures at this point, I look forward to seeing more of them in upcoming episodes. I like this miniature, bonus points for looking like one of Gengi’s alt skins. 

The Monsters

Gnolls Archfiends #52 Gnoll Archer and Blood War #46 Demonic Gnoll Priestess

Two great minis that show both ends of the gnoll spectrum. The wiry ranged scavenger in the Gnoll Archer and the melee muscled brute in the Demonic Gnoll.

Gnoll Archer is an early Hasbro D&D Miniatures Game figure with pretty simple but effective paint. There is enough detail in the scupt’s fur that a simple two level effect of brown atop black looks quite good for how basic the paint is. The model resolution is high enough that you can make out the individual buckles on the archer’s fairly stylized gear. 

Demonic Gnoll Priestess is a serious business gnoll. This sculpt is legitimately intimidating. It is awesome in the old testament sense of the word. It’s a shame that it appears so briefly. The two gnolls using this mini basically get killed off immediately. 

Going back to the Gnoll Archer quickly, this character has a series of ponytails running along their head and back. I had previously commented on miniatures in Episode 34 and 35 with very specific haircuts. I have jokingly begun to theorize that this ponytail plus shaved sides of head hairdo is a current hair trend in Tal'dorei canon. So I’m wondering if this gnoll is sporting the Xhorhas gnoll version. Check it out:

Closing Remarks and Predictions

I’m thinking we’ll see some more drow and the introduction of Pathfinder Battles series Red Mantis figures. And I would appreciate the reuse of some Demonic Gnoll Priestesses.

It feels like the campaign has taken a difficulty escalation turn. I fear for the character’s lives. Let us collectively beseech the Traveler for favorable rolls.

#criticalroleminiaturerollout

[jordangibson]

some Mighty Hero Mantis headshots 💫

[seenergylife]

Lego marvel avengers characters

Manhattan is like a super-hub, and it has individual zones with characters to be found and unlocked in each. Agent, Iron Man (MK1), Iron Man (MK5), Iron Man (MK17-Heartbreaker), Iron Mongerīeta-Ray Bill, Dark Elf, Lorelei, Thor Girl, Valkyrie, OdinĪrkon, Laufey, Mighty Destroyer, Thor (Jane Foster) Marvel (Kamala Khan), The Other, Ulysses Klaue, White Tigerīlack Goliath, Grandmaster, Moondragon, Nebula, Tigraīutterball, Gorilla Girl, Mantis, Moon Boy and Devil Dinosaur, Squirrel Girl (Unbeatable)Ĭottonmouth, Egghead, Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), Laura BartonĪ-Bomb, Crimson Dynamo, Gargoyle, Hulkling, Extremis Soldierīengal, Demolition Man, Ronin (Blade), Spitfire, X-RayĪrnim Zola (Classic), Blazing Skull, Bucky Barnes (Classic), Captain Britain, Crystal, NovaĬaptain America (Sam Wilson), Diamondback, Ms Marvel (Carol Danvers), WizardĪmadeus Cho, Happy Hogan, Justin Hammer, The Mandarin (Trevor Slattery), RescueĪ.I.M. Make sure you’re checking everywhere!Īgent Stillwell, Hazmat, Human Torch (Original), M.O.D.O.K.Ĭhase, Firebird, Korvac, Ragnarok, Union JackĮcho, Ms. Discovered tokens are often locked behind a puzzle or hidden away from the main part of the zone. They’re usually not too challenging, but they can sometimes be tricky to pull off. Tokens unlocked through missions involve finding or speaking to the character in question and performing a quest for them (this often involves taking selfies).

Make sure you’re racking up those modifiers and saving for the heroes you want! Character Unlocks (by hub)Īll non-story characters are unlocked in free-play at the game’s major hubs. Note: You still need studs to unlock characters once you’ve found their tokens, and some (like Ultron and Loki) of them are pricey.