SHIPPING LIST: NOVEMBER 26, 2008
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars.

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC
The Independents...
SEP084244 2000 AD #1611 $4.50
SEP084245 2000 AD #1612 $4.50
SEP082222 ADVENTURES OF SPAWN #2 $5.99
AUG084352 ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES #1 (OF 3) $3.25
AUG083933 BLACK TERROR #1 FOIL CVR PI
SEP082218 BODY BAGS (ONE SHOT) (MR) $5.99
MAY082196 BRIT #10 $2.99
JUL080020 END LEAGUE #6 $2.99
JUN083803 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #7 (OF 7) FOIL CVR PI
AUG082263 SAVAGE DRAGON #141 $3.50
SEP084323 TEZUKAS BLACK JACK TP VOL 02 $16.95
JUN080077 UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE LTD ED HC $79.95
SEP080011 UMBRELLA ACADEMY DALLAS #1 GABRIEL BA CVR $2.99
JUL082211 WALKING DEAD #55 (MR) $2.99

The Corporates...
SEP080146 BLUE BEETLE #33 $2.99
SEP082327 CAPTAIN AMERICA #44 $2.99
SEP082331 DAREDEVIL #113 $2.99
SEP082337 GHOST RIDER DANNY KETCH #2 (OF 5) $3.99
SEP082339 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #7 $2.99
SEP082342 INCREDIBLE HERCULES #123 $2.99
SEP082345 MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #42 $2.99
SEP082346 MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #5 $2.99
SEP082369 NOVA #19 $2.99
SEP080203 PUSH #2 (OF 6) $3.50
SEP080118 REIGN IN HELL #5 (OF 8) $3.50
SEP082377 SHE-HULK 2 #35 $2.99
SEP080115 SUPERMAN #682 NEW KRYPTON $2.99
SEP080143 SUPERMAN BATMAN VS VAMPIRES WEREWOLVES #4 (OF 6) $2.99
SEP080108 TEEN TITANS #65 $2.99
SEP080098 TRINITY #26 $2.99
SEP082385 TRUE BELIEVERS #5 (OF 5) $2.99
SEP082391 X-FORCE #9 $2.99

The Spotlight...
- AUG080132 BATMAN #681 RIP (NOTE PRICE) $3.99
The eagerly anticipated conclusion to Grant Morrison's fanboy opus, Batman RIP, concludes here! Can the Dark Knight survive the mysterious Black Glove's personal crusade to mentally break down the caped crusader? Has the Joker's ominous prophecy brought a grim end to the Batman? Is it time for the next generation to inherit the throne? Or will it be the consumate strategist who has the last laugh? Brace yourselves for a lot of "huh"'s as the year's biggest story wraps up in the pages of Batman, leading in to Final Crisis!

- SEP080145 BIRDS OF PREY #124 $2.99
Still milking The Killing Joke reference. If anyone wants to, feel free to let us know if/when the Joker came/will come face-to-face with Barara Gordon.

- SEP082340 HULK #8 $2.99
Art Adams draws Hulk pounding on Wendigo, and Frank Cho draws Rulk butting heads with the Lady Liberators (Thundra, Invisible Woman, She-Hulk, and Valkyrie). I swore I wouldn't be fooled again, but... but... but... Am I strong enough, Infinite Warriors? Are any of us?!? So.. much.. combat!

- SEP080160 JSA KINGDOM COME SPECIAL THE KINGDOM #1 $3.99
JSA continues to boil over the page limits of the regular series, this time to explore the wish fullfilments of the one true Gog! A now sane Starman's true mission is revealed, Dr. Mid-Nite catches up on some belated "articles" (wink, wink), Sandman catches up on some shut-eye, and Citizen Steel steps up to get his wish granted -- whether he wants to, or not! Embrace change, Gog loves you!

- SEP082407 WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #9 $2.99
Brown-costume Wolverine throws his claws in the ring as he does battle with the master of kung-fu himself, Shang-Chi! Just the kind of gratuitous guest appearance this series has been waiting for! Booyah!

- SEP080164 WONDER WOMAN #26 $2.99
It's not all that often a Wonder Woman solicitation jumps out and grabs you, so I consider this a rarified and crucial moment in Gail Simone's tenure on the series. Aaron Lopresti returns to pencilling duties, which can only be a good thing, to draw a major epic in the WW mythos! The emergence of a Wonder Man?! All kinds of hoohah on the horizon as Wonder Woman clashes with Genocide and enters a Final Crisis-feulled epic!


Know Your Trade...
AUG080176 BATMAN RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TP $19.99
SEP082446 CAPTAIN AMERICA PREM HC VOL 03 DEATH CAPT AMERICA $19.99
AUG080181 GREEN LANTERN CORPS RING QUEST TP $14.99
SEP082451 MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN TP ARMORED AVENGER DIGEST $8.99
SEP082431 MMW GOLDEN AGE ALL WINNERS HC VOL 03 $59.99
AUG080188 SHOWCASE PRESENTS SGT ROCK TP VOL 02 $16.99
SEP084323 TEZUKAS BLACK JACK TP VOL 02 $16.95
JUN080077 UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE LTD ED HC $79.95

COVER TO COVER: LADY LIBERATORS, LINE-UP!
Top 25 Liberating Ladies
#1 Invisible Woman (Marvel)
#2 Wonder Woman (DC)
#3 Catwoman (DC)
#4 Storm (Marvel)
#5 Sonya Blade (Midway)
#6 Hawkgirl (DC)
#7 Rogue (Marvel)
#8 Tara (Marvel)
#9 Spitfire (Marvel)
#10 Sheeva (Midway)
#11 Wasp (Marvel)
#12 Kitty Pryde (Marvel)
#13 Black Canary (DC)
#14 Zatanna (DC)
#15 Elektra (Marvel)
#16 Hellcat (Marvel)
#17 R. Mika (Capcom)
#18 Black Cat (Marvel)
#19 Phoenix (Marvel)
#20 Black Widow (Marvel)
#21 Lyja (Marvel)
#22 Tabitha Smith (Marvel)
#23 She-Thing (Marvel)
#24 Powergirl (DC)
#25 Stargirl (DC)One need only look at the vast audience featured on When Fangirls Attack, or the slew of recent covers that have undergone tweaks before release, to recognise that the "fangirl" has officially landed!

This vocal group of readers may be characterized by their subjective take on mainstream superheroes, but make no mistake. Their money is just as green as yours and mine, and with the increasing popularity of genre fiction and manga within the comics medium, the female readers are becoming relevant enough to command their own niche interests in the descriminate world of corporate-thinking.

If you haven't been reading Hulk books lately, you might be blissfully ignorant to the latest team banging heads at Marvel comics, but chances are you're no more savvy than anyone else.
Maybe I missed something vital, but this group appeared to come out of absolutely nowhere, and guess what -- they aren't Skrulls!

The original team lasted briefly when the Enchantress, disguised as Valkyrie, united the powers of Medusa, Wasp, Black Widow, and Scarlet Witch, to thwart the do-gooding of Earth's mightiest mortals, the Avengers. It was a manipulation that vaguely mirrored the Loki-born legend of that superteam, but alas, the Lady Liberators were not to have the lasting effect of that other heroic collective.

The new team presumably revives the brand for maintenance reasons, clashing first with the rampaging Rulk. The idea, which clearly makes some gesture to appeal to gender equality in the male-dominated arena of superheroics, appears to have stuck.

Invisible Woman, She-Hulk, Valkyrie, and Thundra - in descending order of noteriety - make-up the core assembly of the new team, but many of Marvel's heavy hitting superheroines have joined the unofficial line-up. Storm, Hellcat, Tigra, and Black Widow have all made appearances, making the group versatile, if not one of the more interesting gatherings.

With the recent cancellation of She-Hulk, one wonders if this new grouping might have legs, and could indeed know how to use them, functioning as a versatile replacement for the solo-title.
In this post-Secret Invasion/pre-Dark Reign hanging space, it's hard to predict much of anything, but you can be sure this superhero fan will be keeping a curious eye on the Lady Liberators! In the tradition of the Defenders, it just seems so wacky it might even work!

Here, just a small selection of previously reviewed titles featuring the superhero smackdown that makes these Liberators serious players in the Marvel Universe! Note the first appearance of Thundra, as well as a little Hellcat to finish the list. Speaking of lists, you can follow the current top twenty-five ranked fighting females via the list above!

If you've been reading the adventures of the new Lady Liberators, have theories about the future of She-Hulk, or any other related subjects, I'd be very interested to hear from you. Sign-up is not required for comments, so speak freely, and let me know how this team came to be!

Fantastic Four #129 (December 1972)
"The Frightful Four -- Plus One!" Thomas/Buscema
Having returned from taking a licking at the hands of the Moleman, the FF are in pretty bad shape, and they get a little more lopsided when the hotheaded Johnny Storm announces he's going to live with Crystal in the Great Refuge.
Yeah, great timing kiddo. All this, and Sue's had to take the wheel while Reed snoozes, and Ben just made a woman-driver gag...

The fun doesn't stop for Marvel's first family, and before too long Reed and Sue are at each other when Agatha Harkness appears to tell them to collect their son Franklin, as she has matters of the utmost urgency to attend to.

You can't blame ol' blue eyes for taking a brisk stroll to clear his head, but it turns out that might just not have been such a great idea, when a scream rings out into the cold night air.

Defenders #43 (January 1977)
"This World is Mine!" Conway/Giffen/Janson
In an effort to capture a powerful mystic gem, known as the Star of Capistan, the villainous genius Egghead forms the self-proclaimed Emissaries of Evil. With Rhino, Solarr, and the insane Cobalt Man, Egghead draws his plans against the protector of the gem, Omar Karindu.

The Defenders become involved when Karindu arrives in New York to summon the aid of his old friend, Dr. Strange. Alas; unbeknownst to Karindu, the gem has already been able to exert it's will over the Sorceror Supreme; transforming him into the super powered, Red Rajah! A fact that also escapes Egghead's attentions, as he sends Solarr and Rhino into battle against a force they can't hope to defeat.

Meanwhile; the Defenders a potential disaster when they prevent the Cobalt Man from detonating a nuclear explosion in downtown Manhattan! Cobalt Man's failure prompts Egghead to finally resort to his own means, and so, the evil genius gathers his inventions of science for an assault on the Sanctum Sanctorum!

Fantastic Four #2 (February 1998)
"Be it Ever so Humble..." Lobdell/Davis
After the battle with Onslaught, the world believed the Fantastic Four and Avengers had perished, but to the delight of the world, the heroes returned a year later to the world they had left behind.

Unfortunately for the Fantastic Four, life had moved on in their absence, and their base of operations had been liquidated and revamped as the headquarters for the new team of super heroes: The Thunderbolts.

In need of a home, Reed Richards moves his family to his storage facility on the highliy appropriate Pier 4, but even as he gives his loving wife a new tour of their base of operations - something sinister is lurking in the shadows. Peril waits not for the Fantastic Four, as the Invisible Woman finds herself targetted by a mysterious assassin from another world!

She-Hulk #8 (December 2004)
"Engagement Ring" Slott/Bobillo
She-Hulk, having been appointed to the Magistrati, is employed to travel to the planet Skardon, where might makes right.

There, she is to employ her strength as She-Hulk to battle Tryco Slatterus, the Champion of the Universe. Entering the ring for legal battle, She-Hulk attempts to succeed where the Gladiator, Adam Warlock, Beta Ray Bill, the Silver Surfer, and Drax have all failed.

Needless to say, things don't go well, and the fight is stopped before She-Hulk is pounded into a mushy green paste. Using the brawn of her legal brain to request a rematch with the claim that the fight had been stopped while she was still able to go on, She-Hulk earns herself an 'appeal' in three months -- in the ring!
Now she just has to figure out that paste situation...

Spider-man Family #1 (April 2007)
"Catfight" Van Lente/Manfredi
Watch out, Rama-Tut! There are a couple of new cats in Chi-town, and they're about to come head-to-head in an afterhours catfight at the museum!

Black Cat is looking to drum up some business for her new security service, by personally testing the vulnerabilities of the museum's protection. Little does she know, Chicago is home to the heroic Hellcat!

It looks like Hellcat is going to have to defend her territory, but is this rookie hero's kung-fu a match for the cagey guile or the crafty Black Cat? Or will passing this Black Cat's path prove to be a turn of luck for the worst? Stay tuned!

SMASH HITS: BEASTIE BOYS


Beastie Boys - Intergalactic (1998)


With their 1998 album, Hello Nasty, the Beastie Boys challenged invaders from Uranus to put their beats on trial. Their style proved sufficient to exile the aliens with undeniable style. Leading their lethal arsenal, Intergalactic!

The award winning accompanying video features loving parody of the kaiju and sentai traditions of Japanese SFX entertainment. While typically a niche interest, who could forget the famous battles between SHIELD and Godzilla, or any other number of crossovers we've seen with American comics and the mysterious East.

I've had both legs dangling in the kaiju pool, taking in classics like Godzilla vs King Kong, while investigating new and exciting ideas. Naturally, if I'm kaiju-goo-goo, then you're doin' it too. Hush hush, eye to eye.

If you like the Beastie Boys and want to check out some new music in that vein, then Pandora might very well be the service for you. If you haven't noticed, Energizer have teamed with the free online radio service, to launch a brand new message board community. The new Advanced Lithium battery has portable devices (and giant-size robots) in mind with it's longer lasting power and lighter build.

International readers might have a special motivation to sign-up, particularly now that Pandora has been forced to restrict access to users outside the US. You might like to sound-off on the boards, and let them know you're disappointed! Fight for your right to party, etc etc.

EARTHREALM versus OUTWORLD
Death Moves (Malibu/Midway)
Where: Mortal Kombat: Battlewave #6
When: August 1995 Why: Charles Marshall
How: Vinton T. Heuck

The Story So Far...
Held once every generation; the sanctity of Mortal Kombat was intended to be Earth's saving grace. By pitting their greatest warriors against the forces of Outworld in controlled one-on-one contests, they fend off invasion. Representing their evil emperor, Shao Kahn; Shang Tsung and Outworld's fighters need only win ten straight tournaments to be granted freedom to attack Earthrealm.

Lust for power led Shang Tsung to deviate from the course of traditional combat and pursue the powers of a mystic book called the Tao te Zhan. With the tournament compromised, Earth's greatest champions were forced into battle Goro outside of the rules, only to be flung into the depths of Outworld upon the champion's disappearance. Both hero and villain united their efforts to curtail the unleashed forces of the Tao te Zhan, but the Emperor is not so easily curbed.

In his bid to claim the realm of Earth, Shao Kahn takes full advantage of the kidnap of Sonya Blade. Intent on marrying her as a means of crossing the threshold between worlds, Shao Kahn has his minions manipulate the special forces agent's mind, but he failed to account for her friends...

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Shao Kahn 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Shang Tsung 5 (Professor)
Speed: Reptile 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Raiden 7 (Unstoppable)
Agility: Smoke 7 (Formless)
Fighting Ability: Goro 6 (Warrior)
Energy Power: Raiden 6 (UWMD)


- The Earthrealm warriors are: Raiden, Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Jax, Johnny Cage, Bo, Sing, Sang, Kung Lao, Sub-Zero, Kitana, & Baraka.

As one of the key realms of the universe, Earthrealm is a land of great promise and potential. Protected by the god of thunder and lightning, Raiden, the Earth stands steadfast against it's opposition, survived by the courage of generations of warriors pledged to light and justice.

Among the great champions to spring from Earthrealm was the warrior called Kung Lao, who first earned victory in a tournament with Outworld. Kung Lao's reign may have been brought to an end by the Shokan Prince, Goro, but decades later his descendents carry on the flame. Liu Kang, accompanied by Kung Lao II, follows in his ancestors footsteps to become the new champion of Mortal Kombat.

- The Outworld warriors are: Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung, Goro, Kintaro, Reptile, Mileena, Smoke, Jade, Kano, & Scorpion.

The realm of Outworld was once the domain of the fabled Dragon King, whose desires to become immortal proved his undoing. Shao Kahn, once an advisor to Onaga, poisoned his master to usurp the throne. In doing so, Kahn destroyed one horror only to become a far worse alternative. His desire for power sees the invasion and conquest of many realms, such as the once beautiful kingdom of Edenia, which was merged into Outworld by the tyrant.

Shao Kahn's most recent preoccupation is Earth where the sorcerer, Shang Tsung, acted as an emmissary of Outworld in the tournament called Mortal Kombat. Ten victories in the tournament would earn Outworld the right to invade Earthrealm without the intervention of the gods. A warrior named Kung Lao once held the title, but his reign as champion was undone by a Shokan prince called Goro.

Outworld is home to many violent species, some displaced by the destruction or assimilation of their home realms. Within Kahn's empire are the nomadic mutant creatures, the Tarkata; the four-armed powerhouses, the Shokan; and the horse-legged Centaurians.

Math: Earthrealm (Ttl) Outworld (Avg) Ranking: Shang Tsung (#19)

What Went Down...
Having endured the hypnotic suggestion of Reptile - Sonya Blade is on the verge of accepting Shao Kahn's hand in marriage when a solitary voice echoes into the tyrant's chambers. Unintimidated by the collective of evil, Liu Kang stands proud, confident as the champion of the Temple of the Order of Light.

Goro, former champion of kombat, charges his newest nemesis with evil intent, but Kang is ready. He leaps the descending fist of the four-armed man-dragon and counters with a skillful kick that staggers the beast!

Shao Kahn's other minions descend with overwhelming numerical superiority, but just as they do, a hurricane wind and thunderous roar usher the arrival of Earth's protector god -- Raiden! Shang Tsung shoos his own allies away, intent on exacting revenge for one of his greatest opposers.

Coming to aid in the scrap are two more of Earth's destined warriors - Sonya's Special Forces partner, Jax, and the actor with a special affection for her, Johnny Cage. Together with Cage's bodyguard, Bo, the trio make an immediate impact against Reptile, Smoke, and Kano!

Just as Goro steps up to make the save, yet another warrior makes a dramatic entrance, this time the merged mortal whose soul is comprised of both living and dead -- Siang! Having been manipulated with the use of a rare gem, Siang again falls beneath the mystic control of Prince Goro, who himself was responsible for killing one of the brothers, Sang.

The rebel collective of Kitana, Kung Lao, Sub-Zero, and Baraka, enter to complete the opposition of Kahn's sinister plot. The Lin Kuei ice warrior, Sub-Zero, quickly renews his vendetta with the ninja whose spectre remains bound to torment so long as he lives. Scorpion is quick to sting, but finds an opponent at the ready!

While the blood fued boils on, kombat spills throughout Shao Kahn's throne room. Kung Lao battles Reptile, while the many other combatants tackle their own foes. The mutants Baraka and Mileena; Princess Kitana and her former ally, Jade; Bo against the combined prowess of Goro and Smoke; and Jax a double-team by Kintaro and Kano! It is a fitting conclusion that mirrors the struggle between realms that gathered these warring factions.

Baring witness to this bitter clash of nemesis', Shao Kahn achieves a moment of clarity. Recognising the passion that drives them to attain physical superiority, he questions the value of any attempt to bring the two sides together.

Even as he observes the mutual hatred shared by denizens of the opposing realms, Shao Kahn is set upon by his would-be bride, the Earthrealm agent he'd attempted to brainwash! Free from her programming, Sonya topples the Emperor with a jump kick to the back of the head!

It begins with a cackle and ends with a booming speech.
In an effort to bring about a conclusion, Shao Kahn declares a challenge to decide the superior force. Thus, Mortal Kombat begins anew, pitting the fighters from both worlds against each other in a race for a sacred artifact...

The Hammer...
After what really amounts to a series of dramatic introductions, we can only conclude that neither force gained certain enough a blow to obtain victory. Ergo, it is a draw for all concerned!

Now well into December, it seems we have quite a bit of catch-up to do. While this means we won't get to milk quite as much out of the month of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe as originally intended, let it never be said that a Friday went unrepresented in the Infinite Wars!

MKvsDC Super Stock
#1 Batman (DC)
#2 Superman (DC)
#3 Shang Tsung (MK)
#4 Wonder Woman (DC)
#5 Catwoman (DC)
#6 Green Lantern (DC)
#7 Shao Kahn (MK)
#8 Sonya Blade (MK)
#9 Flash (DC)
#10 Raiden (MK)
#11 Kano (MK)
#12 Darkseid (DC)
#13 Deathstroke (DC)
#14 Kitana (MK)
#15 Sub-Zero (MK)
#16 Captain Marvel (DC)
#17 Lex Luthor (DC)
#18 Scorpion (MK)
#19 Joker (DC)
#20 Baraka (MK)
#21 Liu Kang (MK)
#22 Jax (MK)The idea behind this post was to preceed next week's entry (which will feature Darkseid) with the classic MK boss who put the "Kahn" in Dark Kahn. Admittedly, impatience leaves us with a pretty vague entry for the character, but it's yet another opportunty to indulge in the vast cast of characters that Mortal Kombat has to offer.

Malibu Comics by no means made any kind of delicate effort to weave an intricate story of subtlty and subtext, but we should give them some credit. In practise it proves to be a fairly cumbersome idea, but I rather like the motivation behind Battlewave's interpretation of Sonya as famous captive of the Emperor during MKII.

Presumably inspired by the background that had many fans buzzing with theories in 1993; Sonya, in a subplot pulled straight from modern living, finds herself as the ticket for Kahn to be allowed what amounts to a visa into Earthrealm.
When put alongside established fact from the series - such as Kahn's wedlock to the Edenian Queen, Sindel - you can imagine the scheme as a trump card in the complicated game of the Elder Gods' rules.

What will be lost on neophytes is the fact that the second MK game exists as part of a farcical tournament that serves as little more than a distraction.
The much maligned cinematic sequel, Annihilation, revealed to unfortunate mainstream audiences the core plot of MK3/Trilogy pertaining to the resurrection of Sindel in Earthrealm. If we consider these backdoors into Earth as a routine practise for the conquerer, it stands to reason he might just as likely marry to gain entry into realms, as he is to fight. Whatever works, eh?

Man-slut doesn't really do this boss character justice, however.
Multiple fake-out deaths and a string of varying characterizations have left Kahn in a bit of a state. Back in the day you might have been naive enough to take his lauding exclamations as an acknowledgment from an honorable warrior, but cries of "excellent" and "outstanding" should never have taken away from his menace!

Kahn dealt super-power blows at a cut-price to gamers who made it far enough to enter his arena. Like Bison/Vega before him, Kahn represented the stuff of legend to fans who believed Mortal Kombat's digitized graphics, cartoon gore, and mythologically inspired storyline was king of the arcade.
As much as is possible in storylines dependent on such big and loud plot-twists, I like to think of Kahn as a respectable warrior who is as cunning as he is powerful. A character who is master not only of harsh hand-to-hand combat, but also the dark mystic arts that allow him insight into his allies, enemies, and the world around him.

It's characters like Shao Kahn that gave me fairly high hopes for the meeting between Mortal Kombat and the DC Universe. It felt like an ideal opportunity to take advantage of a T-rated audience quite possibly trained to indulge further in the story and character driven events that surround the DC characters. It was disappointing that the series, largely unrecognised or mocked by other fanbases, could not rise to the challenge.

If Midway can fight to live another day, it will be very interesting to see where they take the series in it's first focused step into this current generation of consoles. With iterations that improve in some way the previous fight engine, Mortal Kombat appears to have a plan for the future, even if this type of scenario has crumbled to mediocrity before. With financial destruction looming, the future of MK remains a very interesting subject.

While we play catch up, be sure to tune in daily for the annual DC/Marvel Fantasy Fight polls, and much more in the Infinite Wars!

The Fight: 3 The Issue: 3

For more on Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe, check out the official website, our Q&A interviews with Jimmy Palmiotti and Hans Lo, and our series of character spotlights and discussions: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, clues special, bonus one, two, three, four and Dark Kahn spotlight, Final MK cast, Final DC cast! ALSO: C2C editions Mortal Kombat vs DCU, Finish Him...!, Heroic Brutality, Heroic Fatality, Mooortal Kombaat!

Don't forget! The holidays are right around the corner! For the fanboy in your life, the Infinite Wars Gift Shoppe offers a range of the titles derived from the many issues reviewed in the Secret Archives! You'll not only find a great Amazonian deal, but also help sponsor the site by using purchase links provided! Cheers!

SHIPPING LIST: NOVEMBER 19, 2008
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars.

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC
The Independents...
SEP084251 ATOMIC ROBO DOGS OF WAR #4 (OF 5) $2.95
AUG084149 DOCTOR WHO FORGOTTEN #3 $3.99
AUG082250 DYNAMO 5 #18 $3.50
MAY082201 FIREBREATHER SERIES #3 $2.99
SEP080042 GOON #30 $2.99
JUN082263 INVINCIBLE #55 $2.99
SEP082238 LUCHA LIBRE TP VOL 01 $14.99
MAY083744 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #6 (OF 7) FOIL CVR PI
SEP084313 STREET FIGHTER II TURBO #2 CRUZ CVR A $3.95
AUG082235 WALKING DEAD HC VOL 04 (MR) $29.99
JUN082292 WANTED TP MOVIE ED $19.99

The Corporates...
SEP082383 AGE OF SENTRY #3 (OF 6) $2.99
AUG080122 AMBUSH BUG YEAR NONE #4 (OF 6) $2.99
SEP082322 AVENGERS INVADERS #6 (OF 12) $2.99
SEP080131 BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #13 RIP $2.99
JUL082278 FANTASTIC FOUR #561 $2.99
SEP080150 FLASH #246 $2.99
SEP082367 IRON MAN DIRECTOR OF SHIELD #35 SI $2.99
SEP082355 MOON KNIGHT #24 $2.99
SEP082410 PUNISHER MAX #64 (MR) $2.99
SEP082366 PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #25 SI $3.99
SEP080132 ROBIN #180 $2.99
SEP080166 SPIRIT #23 $2.99
SEP080136 SUPERGIRL #35 NEW KRYPTON $2.99
SEP080139 SUPERMAN SUPERGIRL MAELSTROM #2 (OF 5) $2.99
SEP080107 TERRA #2 (OF 4) $2.99
SEP080097 TRINITY #25 $2.99
SEP082399 X-MEN WORLDS APART #2 (OF 4) $3.99

The Deep Dish...
- SEP082336 GHOST RIDER #29 $2.99
Okay, apparently this is the much anticipated showdown between the spirits of vengeance, Johnny Blaze and Dan Ketch. Apparently we jumped the gun a few months ago... And apparently to differentiate the two Ghost Riders, Danny's flaming skull is blue. Fair enough!

- SEP080158 JSA KINGDOM COME SPECIAL MAGOG #1 $3.99
The Kingdom Come tie-ins continue as JSA rolls out another character specific special and a new chapter sure to further complicate the identity of the titular villain? According to solicitations, at least, Magog was once Lance Corporal David Reid, until he was resurrected as the herald of the one-true Gog! I'll be honest -- I have no idea what's going on -- but it all looks very good!

- SEP082348 MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #30 $2.99
Okay, I know you're out there! Ravenous Tigra fans, you demanded retribution, and it's coming from the ever reliable Marvel Adventures line! A great source for classic superhero comics, this is a title those reviled by New Avengers #35 need to pick up!

- SEP088005 SPIRIT SPECIAL #1 $2.99
If you're eagerly anticipating Frank Miller's solo directorial debut, then the Spirit Special is a great opportunity to get a first-hand look of what the character began as. Featuring works of the late great Will Eisner, the Spirit Special dedicates itself to the traditional work upon which Miller appears to be putting his distinct style on.

- SEP080119 TANGENT SUPERMANS REIGN #9 (OF 12) $2.99
Batman's battles with Superman remain some of the most popular on the site [Dark Knight Returns #3, Dark Knight Strikes Again #1, Batman #611, Batman #612, Superman/Batman #23] but as the Dark Knight teams with his Tangent Universe Earth-9 counterpart, and his team of Outsiders, it's a chance to experience the classic rivalry in a whole new way! Great for alternate universe buffs, fans of the Stan Lee reinvisionings, or anyone keen to explore more of the post-52 multiverse!

- SEP082386 THUNDERBOLTS #126 $2.99
Keen to keep an eye on the Thunderbolts over the next few months! Alright, the theory that they're the Dark Avengers might not be spot on, but you've got to admit. The thought the team that began as villains masquerading as heroes might actually be officially placed in the spolight as the Avengers is delicious! It's like Baron Zemo's sinister plot finally coming to fruition in ways the promise of Warren Ellis' run on the title never fulfilled, but might finally be able to without the baggage of the writer's name!

Transplanted: The Dark Avengers as Thunderbolts -- Super-Patriot (aka; Robbie Baldwin), Ms. Marvel (aka; Dr. Karla Sofen), Wolverine (aka; Andreas von Strucker), Venom (aka; Mac Gargan), Hawkeye (aka; Lester surname unknown).


Know Your Trade...
AUG080175 BATMAN GOTHAM UNDERGROUND TP $19.99
AUG080180 COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS TP VOL 04 $19.99
SEP082465 ESSENTIAL MARVEL SAGA TP VOL 02 $16.99
JUL080198 HEROES HC VOL 02 STANDARD EDITION $29.99
JUL080159 JACK KIRBYS THE DEMON OMNIBUS HC $49.99
SEP082238 LUCHA LIBRE TP VOL 01 $14.99
SEP082429 MMW INVINCIBLE IRON MAN HC VOL 05 $54.99
SEP082447 SPIDER-MAN PREM HC KRAVENS FIRST HUNT $19.99
SEP082455 ULTIMATE HULK VS IRON MAN TP ULTIMATE HUMAN $15.99
AUG082235 WALKING DEAD HC VOL 04 (MR) $29.99
JUN082292 WANTED TP MOVIE ED $19.99

COVER TO COVER: MOOORTAL KOMBAAAT!!!
Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe hit home consoles November 16 (US) and November 21 (EU), which, if we were running on time, would mean you'd be just now anticipating owning it in both regular and kollector's editions for either the Xbox360 and PS3!

We've spent much of 2008 browsing and discussing Mortal Kombat, which has been fun, for me at least.
I had the fortune of getting in to the series with the release of the first Enter the Dragon-esque entry, in 1992, and have continued to enjoy the characters and concepts, onward.

The connection between MK and comic book superheroes has always been there. Be it the forthcoming inspirations of characters and movesets, or the methodology of the story telling, it all syncs up quite neatly. MKvsDC might not have presented the strongest concept for this meeting of two similar brands, but for it's faults, fans of both franchises have been very welcoming of the game.

Some very kind people at Midway went above-and-beyond to help in organizing Q&A interviews for the site. As a fan who certainly wishes no personal ill will to any employees, or the series in general, it's been difficult to be as critical as we have been of the final product. Worse still is the roaring thunder of financial woes that finally seem to have threatened Midway's continued existence. I hope fans new and old can appreciate the critiques we've made, as much as they do a franchise that we can only hope will continue well into the future.

As with a lot of details featured on the Infinite Wars, let's hope entering the wonderful world of a series you might not know a lot about has been made easier by our features.

For more on Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe, check out the official website, our Q&A interviews with Jimmy Palmiotti and Hans Lo, and our series of character spotlights and discussions: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, clues special, bonus one, two, three, four, our Dark Kahn spotlight, final MK cast, and final DC cast! PLUS: C2C editions Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, Finish Him...!, Heroic Brutality, & Heroic Fatality!

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #1 (July 1994)
"A Slow Boat to China" Marshall/Rolo
The tournament begins as events conspire to bring together some of Earth's greatest fighters in a tournament destined to decide the fate of the world. Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Kano, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden all emerge to face-off against the sinister forces of Outworld - the sorcerer Shang Tsung, and his champion, Goro!

Before the battles of the tournament there are the personal struggles that define and provoke the destiny of each fighter: The blood feued that ties Scorpion's undead soul to his Lin Kuei murderer, Sub-Zero; Lieutenant Sonya Blade's vigilant pursuit of the international criminal, Kano; Johnny Cage's desire for international acclaim and respect as a martial artist; and Liu Kang's chosen path as the Shaolin Monk chosen to represent the Temple of the Order of Light in Mortal Kombat!

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #2 (August 1994)
"Test Your Might" Marshall/Rolo
The tournament begins as events conspire to bring together some of Earth's greatest fighters in a tournament destined to decide the fate of the world. Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Kano, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden all emerge to face-off against the sinister forces of Outworld - the sorcerer Shang Tsung, and his champion, Goro!

The pursuit of Black Dragon criminal leader, Kano, brought Special Forces Lieutenant Sonya Blade to Shang Tsung's island, but it's the death of a partner that will drive her to new personal levels to seek justice - and maybe revenge - against her target.

PLUS: Just as the forces of humanity appear to be gaining the upperhand, the dark sorcerer Shang Tsung begins to undermine them with a new plot to ensure the success of the Emperor, Shao Kahn!

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #3 (September 1994)
"The Art of War" Marshall/Rolo
Held once every generation; the sanctity of Mortal Kombat was intended to be Earth's saving grace by pitting their greatest warriors against the forces of Outworld in controlled one-on-one contests. Representing their evil emperor, Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung and Outworld's fighters need only win ten straight tournaments to be granted freedom to invade the Earth.

Just as the forces of Earthrealm begin to gain the upperhand, the sanctity of the ancient tournament is perverted as Shang Tsung pursues the hidden power of an ancient book, called the Tao te Zhan. His Shokan champion, Goro, is unleashed early as Earth's defenders come face-to-face with a distorted destiny, and one of their greatest champions falls before the final showdown!

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #5 (November 1994)
"Tao" Marshall/Chansomone
For centuries the purity of Mortal Kombat has preserved peace and order among the realms, requiring ten tournament victories of any invading force.

Each tournament spans a generation, and after nine victories, the Shokan champion Goro was defeated by Earthrealm champion and descendant of Kung Lao - Liu Kang. Thus, Shao Kahn and the forces of Outworld are thwarted.

The chosen warriors of Mortal Kombat exist beyond the tournament, and when Kano steals a powerful mystical book known as the Tao Te Zhan, it begins a new battle for omnipotence.
When Scorpion steals the book one of seven riddles has already been solved, and he has just solved the second...

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (October 2006)
Midway
For centuries the balance between realms has been maintained through combat, but as the fighters of each world grow in number and power, they threaten to unstick the natural order of the universe.

Having foreseen a great cataclysm, the Edenian prophet, Delia, combines her powers with her god husband, Argus, to create a catalyst that will decide the fate of existence. Pledged to a quest that will ensure the course of events, their two sons, Daegon and Taven, enter hibernation to be awoken by the flaming elemental, Blaze.

Deviated from his task by the servants of the Dragon King, Blaze becomes embroiled in distraction that leads to a perversion of the quest. Corrupted, Daegon enters the Earth early, manipulating the world in an effort to gain the power of Armageddon for himself.

Like moths to flame, the kombatants converge on the ancient Edenian pyramid of Argus, and the battle of Armageddon commences.

SMASH HITS: ADEMA


Adema - Immortal (2002)


Way back when this was supposed to be current, there was a little video game coming out the following Sunday called, Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe!
As the Infinite Wars has fallen into the abyss of lateness and distraction the relevance might be lost, but the smash hit reference remains!

The 2002 revival of the dormant Mortal Kombat franchise didn't just include the best game to bare the brand, but also a multitude of bonus features, such as the Adema track seen here!
The group performed the song live at the MK booth of that year's E3, while also cross-promoting the game with their album, Insomniac's Dream, through their music video and MK: Deadly Alliance commercials. The adverts featured an exciting CG clash between contemporary models of Scorpion and Quan Chi - popular arch-nemesis' in this generation of the series.

The clip not only showcases the new designs and three-dimensional aspects of the modern MK release, but also offers an underlying piece of the puzzle that leads to Quan Chi's team-up with classic villain, Shang Tsung (who hears the battle outside and naturally goes to shoo those punk kids off his acid bathed lawn).

For fans who agree Deadly Alliance remains the most promising entry in the Mortal Kombat series, the song is sure to conjure up fond memories. Particularly if you only need standard cutlery to account for the years of your life you cannot numerate with your fingers.
While MKvsDC has boasted a dynamic new superhero-influence system of fighting, it was Deadly Alliance that brought the series into the fighting arena for the first time. Diverse mocapping and a modicum of attention to the individuality of styles turned MK into a fluid strategic exercise with a hint of character. That was lost over subsequent instalments, but at least we have backward compatability!

When it comes to compatability, chances are plenty of appliances you'll be using these holidays will take +AA. Energizer have tailored their latest product toward the modern technophile with Advanced Lithium! Lighter and longer-lasting, they're perfect for digital appliances, and are much easier than absorbing souls for a power-boost.

Energizer have sponsored a brand new message board for the fantastic music service, Pandora. I discovered the service a few years ago and have used it to discover some great artists, like Austrian songstress, Gustav. Party-on!

JOHNNY CAGE versus SUB-ZERO
Mortal Mayhem (Malibu/Midway)
Where: Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #6
When: December 1994 Why: Charles Marshall
How: Patrick Rolo

The Story So Far...
Struggling to prove himself as a successful martial arts film star, Johnny Cage seeks the noteriety of an ancient martial arts tournament that will prove his expert skills.

Held once every generation; the sanctity of Mortal Kombat was intended to be Earth's saving grace by pitting their greatest warriors against the forces of Outworld in controlled one-on-one contests. Representing their evil emperor, Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung and Outworld's fighters need only win ten straight tournaments to be granted freedom to invade the Earth.

Shang Tsung's desire for victory led him to the mysteries of an ancient book of power called, the Tao te Zhan. This deviaton has corrupted the tournament in which Earth's final hopes dangle. Now, scattered across the realm of Outworld, the warriors of Earth wage their own personal battles in Mortal Kombat...

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Noob Saibot 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Noob Saibot 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Johnny Cage 4 (Gymnast)
Fighting Ability: Draw 5 (Martial Artist)
Energy Power: Noob Saibot 4 (Arsenal)


- John Carlton studied the martial arts with some of the world's greatest masters, but rather than dedicate himself to the enlightenment of the arts, he assumed the screen name of Johnny Cage to become a renowned action film star.

Despite amassing cult followings around the world (notably, France); Cage fails to endear himself to an audience of critics who believe he relies too heavily upon special effects and trick photography. Little do moviegoers and reviewers know, Cage's amazing feats are all his own, the result of his mastery of fighting techniques that harness his chi for energy blasts and the legendary shadow kick.

The filmstar embarks on a quest for noteriety, hoping to earn the respect of his peers through victory of an ancient martial arts tournament held by Shaolin Monks. Unbeknownst to the actor, he approaches his destiny to become one of the Earth's great protectors in the competition called Mortal Kombat.

- Descended from an ancient race of warriors capable of manipulating ice; the being called Noob Saibot was the legendary mortal assassin, Sub-Zero. As a member of the elusive Lin Kuei clan, Noob had inhereted the mantle from his cryomancer father, before it was handed to his younger brother, after his death.

It was while in the employ of the sorcerer Quan Chi that Noob found himself pitted against a member of rival clan, the Shirai-Ryu, in a race to retrieve ancient artifacts of great power. When faced with the skilled ninja called Scorpion, Noob murdered his rival, succeeding in serving the evil plot of Quan Chi.
Scorpion's soul refused to rest, however, returning from the realm of dishonored dead to seek vengeance for his own demise, and the murder of his family and clan. Noob could only delay the inevitable so long, eventually succumbing to Scoprion's rage at the Mortal Kombat tournament.

His soul tainted; the then Sub-Zero was condemned to the Netherealm where Quan Chi charred his body black with the powers of his Brotherhood of Shadow. Reborn as a mindless wraith, Noob Saibot gained new dark power in the name of a new master he had unwittingly served all along; Shinnok.

As a wraith Noob appears to have lost, or forgotten, his knowledge of the inherent kori arts that come with being a cryomancer. Instead, he possesses a variety of abilities to teleport and move through darkness, as well as his own impressive skill in the martial arts. Upon regaining his consciousness, Noob embarks on his own dark mission of domination.

Math: Noob Saibot Ranking: Noob Saibot (#34)

What Went Down...
Distracted by his battle with Sonya Blade, Kano loses sight of the legendary Tao te Zhan book, making it easy pickings for the evasive warrior, Sub-Zero!
Although power seems to be within his grasp, the contemplative cryomancer fails to notice a shadowy martial artist lurking up behind him -- Johnny Cage!

The surprise flykick knocks the book from Sub-Zero's hands and leaves him vulnerable to a driving boot to the gut - reminiscent of Cage's trademark shadow kick! The blow is decisive - payback for a previous ambush by the icey assassin.

Sub-Zero scoffs his opponents tenacity, boasting the reputation of the Lin Kuei clan's standard of membership. By naivity or action-movie delivery, Cage deflects the verbal assault, and follows with an uncompromising fist to the face!

The action star is forced to contend with the deadly kori technique as Sub-Zero resorts to the art of ice manipulation to silence his foe. Familiar with the attack, Cage plays a game of avoidance, dodging and blocking the attacks, only to find himself at the whims of a more tactile assault -- a vaulting leg throw!

Showing an aptitude for balance, Cage lands on his feet, perching at the ready to launch a finishing assault. It begins with a running start, but soon the star becomes airborne, launching foot-first into an energied kick attack!

Johnny Cage wins!

The Hammer...
Uhhh... For tradition's sake and those of you spin to the end to find the conclusion, I might as well repeat myself: Johnny Cage wins!

Regular readers know we're once again staggeringly far behind schedule, but the sacred tradition of a fight each Friday must be upheld! As was decreed by our fighting forefathers!

Those playing along at home will have seen us chipping our way through the Blood & Thunder series throughout the year.
The title offered a spine of central plot elements relevant to most of Malibu's '94/'95 run with the Mortal Kombat license, embellishing it's own history around the MK tournament of the 1992 game, before spinning out into new plot threads.

As you would expect of any good MK series there's plenty of punching and kicking to be found throughout the series.
In an effort to set us up for a final megamix entry on the series (detailing the remaining unreviewed skirmishes); this fight, with curious irony, marks the last of the feature-length clashes.

The November 16 (US)/November 21 (EU) release of Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe has been a driving force on the site, but the final product has failed to impress. Whilst noted improvements for the MK brand have been made on a technical level, the final product smacks of a rushed mandated cash-in, whether that be the case, or not. Of the most obvious criticisms is the under representation felt by a game that offers a subdued twenty-two character roster, only even from each brand.

The irony of wrapping up the Blood & Thunder review sequence on this fight is that they are two very recognisable characters not featured. Alright, there are good reasons for that. Despite being the only two playable characters not to make the grade, the deceased Sub-Zero is easily succeeded by his brother, and Johnny Cage remains a character tenuously connected to the martial arts epic as comedy relief and a rarely utilized human inlet into the fantastical series.

The big news right now, of course, is the mysterious investor emerging from the dark. Is he an undead emmissary of evil, a white knight in service of the Elder Gods, or just another re-coloured super-unlockable Scorpion?
Little is known of "Mark Thomas" but we do know he's the head of the awfully generic sounding "Acquisition Holdings Subsidiary I LLC" and he has no intention of sitting on the Midway board, which, given his 87% stock holding, sounds like a special order of assets ala chop-suey.

In a recent interview with Official Xbox Magazine ^[#143] series co-creator and senior producer, Ed Boon, floated the prospect of MK finding a new home. Ed remarks on the intrigue of seeing someone else tackle the franchise, but as the chat was conducted before the buy-out news broke, little more than suppository deductions based on voice tone analysis can be drawn. Boon does have a nice little chat about some of the characters that missed out, including Lobo, who was not a character the creator was familiar with. A satisfying footnote for anyone ashamed and embarassed by the MK fanbases' tendency toward clinging to outrageous nineties properties without a hint of irony.

For Mortal Kombat, the future looks uncertain, but very interesting. We will, no doubt, return to the subject as it continues to develop.

The Fight: 3 The Issue: 3

For more on Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe, check out the official website, our Q&A interviews with Jimmy Palmiotti and Hans Lo, and our series of character spotlights and discussions: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, clues special, bonus one, two, three, four and Dark Kahn spotlight, Final MK cast, Final DC cast! ALSO: C2C editions Mortal Kombat vs DCU, Finish Him...!, Heroic Brutality, Heroic Fatality!

Don't forget! The holidays are right around the corner! For the fanboy in your life, the Infinite Wars Gift Shoppe offers a range of the titles derived from the many issues reviewed in the Secret Archives! You'll not only find a great Amazonian deal, but also help sponsor the site by using purchase links provided! Cheers!