QUICK FIX: "MACHO" MIKE HAGGAR vs ZANGIEF
Final Fight: Bonus Story (UDON)
Where: Street Fighter II Turbo #6 When: May 2009
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Eric Vedder

THE TAPE...
Strength: Draw 4 (Enhanced)
Intelligence: Mike Haggar 3 (Straight A)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Draw 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting: Draw 5 (Martial Arts)
Energy: Draw 1 (None)

Math: Mike Haggar
Ranking: Zangief (#740)

THE FIX...
If I remember correctly, I mentioned at the beginning of May's entries that I was planning to be a little bit more ambitious with the schedule. For Infinite Wars, that meant trying to incorporate more quick fix entries to expand content. As it happens, we weren't the only ones trying to be more ambitious, it would seem.

UDON unleashed the first glimpse of their Capcom licensing expansion in the form of a four page short story summing up the life and times of "Macho" Mike Haggar. The story acts as a disconnected prequel to what will almost inevitably be a new Final Fight series from the studio-cum-publisher. UDON are actually playing coy for the time being, teasing fans with artwork and appearances of characters in the Street Fighter II Turbo series, while petitioning for e-support.
Ostensibly this is the confirmation of another Capcom sourced series.

I have to confess to being distracted this month with a side-project.
Yes, I've been cheating on you with a younger, sexier subject, but it isn't entirely irrelevant to today's quick fix! Truth be told, sometimes the rewards for running a blog like this are few and far between. I love comics and keeping a reader like you informed and entertained, but for the second or third time, the gamers have embraced me enough to seduce me to maintain regular free-flowing updates on a blog at 1up.com (recently featured on the front-page "Popular Blogs" list).

If you look closely at the panel above, you'll notice a handful of colourful characters from the other games. If I'm not mistaken, squinting into the middle of the pack will reveal Dan Hibiki just below Zangief's boot, and possibly even the enigmatic Street Fighter III character, Q, shrouded in shadow on the right. More interesting, however, and pertinent to the posts I've been making on 1up, is the presence of characters from the early nineties Saturday Night Slam Masters games (known in Japan as Muscle Bomber)!

The burly bearded fellow on the left is Kimala the Bouncer (Jumbo Flapjack in the United States), the masked lucha libre giving thumbs up is El Stinger (Stingray in the United States), and with him, Aleksey Zalazof (Biff Slamkovich in the US).
These guys, along with Zangief and Haggar, have been part of an experiment I've been conducting on the 1up blog to try to stress test a theory that Saturday Night Slam Masters would be viable as a retro revival, complete with modern wrestling game mechanics like an indepth storyline driven career mode.

To test this theory, I've decided to take a shot at writing a year's worth of real-time results for Muscle Bomber's feature promotion, the Capcom Wrestling Association.

If you've read any previous Street Fighter entries on the Infinite Wars, or somehow remember me as a writer for prowrestling.com, then this fact probably won't come as a huge surprise. Even less so if you've hired a private investigator to dig up dirt on me, and know I dabbled in a little bit of online text-based fantasy wrestling. Ouch!

Should you find yourself curious about this combative experiment, then you can find all the mammoth "kayfabe" (in-character) write-ups at the following URLs:
- Undisputed Muscle Bomber Comeback!
- CWA: The International Blowout Preview
- CWA: The International Blowout
- CWA: Saturday Night Slam Masters (06/13)
- CWA: Saturday Night Slam Masters (06/20)

The results combine characters from various Capcom properties, including Street Fighters like R. Mika, Zangief, Alex, and El Fuerte; Final Fight characters like Sodom and Hugo Andore; and the ten SNSM originals and four characters added to the numerical Slam Masters sequel. Storylines and characterization bridge from what's established in the game canons to contrive prowrestling-style feuds, while inventing new details, and even borrowing a few ideas from the likes of UDON, ie; El Fuerte's fandom for R. Mika, as revealed in a previous Turbo back-up!

Mike Haggar also features in a non-wrestling role, building on the canon that will be elaborated upon should UDON go ahead with their expected Final Fight comic series. As the Turbo back-up story reveals, Haggar was a famous prowrestler (in the Saturday Night Slam Masters games), but first appeared on the streets of Metro City as a retired-fighter turned city Mayor, intent on cleaning up the crime ridden streets with his own brand of piledriving street fighting.

Final Fight was the side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Capcom in 1989 as a follow-up to the very first Street Fighter arcade game. In fact, some early artwork reveals their original intentions, billing the game as Street Fighter '89: The Final Fight!

Haggar appears alongside Cody Travers and Guy; two protagonists who found their way into the Street Fighter canon as playable characters in the Alpha series. They appeared opposite Final Fight villains, Sodom and Rolento, who also trainsitioned from their roll as Mad Gear Gang sub-bosses in the scrolling fighter, to be fully playable.

Though Haggar's history in wrestling was reflected in his distinctly burly moveset, it really wasn't until the first Slam Masters game in 1993 that this facet of his character was really elaborated on. Interesting, considering that would effectively render the wrestling fighter a prequel to his adventures in Final Fight, barring an unforseen dismissal from his celebrated position as Mayor of Metro City.

Though his "Macho" monikker suggests reference to wrestling great, Randy Savage; it would not be surprising if some influence came from eventual Governer of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura. While it would not be until 1998 that Ventura would reach his famous role a Governor, in 1990 he was elected as Mayor of Brooklyn Park, a position he remained in until 1995. Final Fight was released in arcades in Japan in 1989, but I can't be certain if plot details such as Haggar's role as Mayor were present then, or instated right around the time Ventura was as well, making them a topical reference to the time. Either way, there's curious symmetry.

As depicted in the panels featured earlier, UDON have Haggar stepping in to the ring with Russian rival, Zangief! While gamers never got the chance to have the dream battle, the tale pans out in favour of Haggar, seeing the fight finish with a 360 lariat that follows the finishing spinning piledriver!

Console gamers with Street Fighter IV got a taste of the action with the alternate costume downloadable content that garbs Zangief in the trademark belt/slacks get-up of the Macho Mayor. It was a fitting scenario, given their shared use of the two trademark moves depicted in UDON's short story battle, but has already started rumors about possible appearances of Haggar and other characters in a potential sequel or SFIV iteration.

Producer and driving force behind the Street Fighter revival, Yoshinori Ono, showed some reluctance in interviews about potentially including characters from other Capcom fighters in the the fourth numerical instalment. Second generation Street Fighters like Fei Long and Cammy White, along with prominent Alpha inclusions like Sakura and Rose, all made their way to console versions of the game despite dedication to SFII aesthetic. Given Capcom's propensity for churning out interative re-releases of their Street Fighter games, often boasting the addition of new characters, it seems of reasonable plausibility.

No word yet on when (or if) a Final Fight series will emerge, but back-up stories will continue to be featured in monthly issues of Street Fighter II Turbo. Characters from the Final Fight franchise will also be appearing in the Street Fighter story itself, as some already have. As has been a regular theme in more recent times, we would caution that UDON should carefully consider their choices when adding clearer detail to the Final Fight narrative, suggesting perhaps the consideration of a writer other than sole contributor, Ken Siu-Chong.

The Fight: 4 The Story: 4
Winner: "Macho" Mike Haggar

For more game talk and fantasy Saturday Night Slam Masters results, check out http://sixarmedsamurai.1up.com/, and the recent post recap to help catch you up! Be sure to leave a thumbs up!
Street Fighter II Turbo is currently appearing monthly via UDON comics, along with other Street Fighter and Capcom titles. You can follow (archival) information in the Infinite Wars Shipping Lists, or keep in touch via the UDON website! You'll find other issues of the Street Fighter comics in the Secret Archives, with complete links in the online store to collections featuring those issues reviewed. By using purchase links provided on the site, you help sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars. Triumph or die!

PUNISHER versus DEADPOOL
(Marvel)
Where: Deadpool: Suicide Kings #2 When: July 2009
Why: Mike Benson How: Carlo Barberi

The Story So Far...
Deadpool: Superpowered former test subject of the Weapon X project turned rogue mercenary. Armed with an arsenal of hi-tech weaponry, standard munitions, and a sense of humor, he fights for truth, justice, and the American Express way. Cash is preferable.

By accepting a million dollar contract from a gambler wanting his bookie killed to avoid paying his debts, Deadpool walks blindly in to a trap. Instead of killing his intended target, the DP accidentally triggered an explosion that destroyed an apartment building, and killed several innocents.

With his presence caught on tape and broadcast across news networks, Deadpool becomes the unwitting player in a double-or-nothing bet between his client, and local New York mobster, Tombstone. The wager: Can Deadpool survive in the heat for twenty-four hours? With the Punisher entering the picture after seeing the news, the odds just got a lot steeper for the 'Poolman.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Deadpool 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Punisher 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Deadpool 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Deadpool 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Deadpool 4 (Gymnast)
Fighting: Draw 4 (Trained)
Energy: Draw 4 (Arsenal)


- When his family was murdered by the mob for witnessing a gangland execution, Frank Castle dedicated himself to a one-man war against all organized crime as The Punisher.

Drawing upon his extensive training as a soldier during the Vietnam War; Castle adopts the death's head skull as his symbol, dealing death to gangsters, drug dealers, kidnappers, and any other criminal who crosses his path.
During his career as the Punisher he continues to hone his abilities while also amassing a wealth of standard and unusual munitions, including supernatural and super-science weapons stolen from super-villains he has defeated. Combined with a rare tactical mind for warfare, and his skills in hand-to-hand combat, Frank Castle's arsenal makes hima a formidable opponent even for superhuman targets.

Prominent enemies include; Jigsaw, Kingpin, Bullseye, Barracuda, Ma Gnucci. Violent activity in New York has made Punisher a regular sparring partner (and sometimes ally) for heroes such as Spider-man and Daredevil, as well.

- The exact details of Wade Wilson's early life remain a mystery, perhaps even to him. During his adult life he became a mercenary who, upon learning he had developed cancer, gave up on his life to submit himself to experimentation with the top secret remnants of the Weapon X program. The project experimented with altering Wilson on a genetic level, attempting to treat him with a healing factor developed from the genome of former subject, Wolverine. However, Wilson's cancer interacted with the process in unforseen ways, reducing the effectiveness of his healing powers, and rendering him hideously disfigured.

Deemed a failure after several missions, Wilson was discarded by Weapon X to the care of The Workshop -- a facility for rejected subjects who could be tested upon until their death. Wilson's healing factor, however, kept him alive, allowing him to eventually escape and resume his career as a mercenary, adopting the ironic codename of Deadpool. Wilson's fantastic healing abilities, expertise with conventional weaponry and munitions, and hand-to-hand fighting skills help him earn a reputation as a gun-for-hire despite being mentally unstable.

Math: Deadpool Ranking: Deadpool (#44)

What Went Down...
With Deadpool lying low to avoid attention, the Punisher is forced to masquerade as a pizza delivery man to get close to his target. Initially, Deadpool appears fooled by the coat and hat disguise, but when the Punisher reaches for his gun, Deadpool sees it coming in the reflection of his penny jar!
The jar becomes a weapon in the hands of the merc' with a mouth, but it's he who takes the damage as Punisher fires through it with a hi-tech energy weapon.

At point blank, the Punisher fires again, blasting a hole directly into the eye socket of the beleaguered mercenary. With his healing factor working overtime, Deadpool plays a little bit of a distraction game, taking the time to draw his katana blade to slice the barrel of the Punisher's hi-tech weapon [which was taken during a previous encounter with the Torpedo, as noted via earpiece by Punny's current tech-support, Henry. - Mike Rochip].

Never one to advance without a series of contingency strategies, Punisher reaches in to his pizza delivery coat to produce the unlikely weapon of a giant mechanical squid tentacle! The "smart-arm" regains the Punisher instant control of the battle, allowing him to pluck Deadpool into the air by the throat, before tossing him head-first through the cieling into the apartment above [Home of Mrs. Jenson, the landlord, as it were. - Mitigatory Mike].

Punisher brings DP back to his own level -- headfirst -- before offering him an opportunity to cool off and get a little fresh air -- by slamming him through the external wall of the apartment building!

Dangling high above the street, Deadpool devises a cunning escape plan involving severing the only metallic smart-arm keeping him from becoming a red and black stain. Fortunately for him, Punisher's got a much slower penance in mind, sending a lifeline in the form of one of Whiplash's whips that curls around his ankle. Unfortunately, Whiplash was not a villain particularly interested in the potential appilcation of the whip as a rescue device.

The jolt of a few thousand volts ensures Deadpool smoulders with all the crispy spices of down South fried chicken, but with one distinct difference. Keeping his wits about him, Deadpool is able to turn the tables, showing tremendous resilience to yank Punisher from the window above via the electric whip.

This, of course, sends both men plumetting to a hard day's night, but when you're a super-mercenary with healing powers borrowed from Wolverine, that's probably a better alternative than running up a large electric bill.

A shadowy figure watches from the rooftops above while Deadpool limps away into the night, leaving Punisher to dream of new schemes and items to source from the the ACME weapons catalogue.
The specifics of the rematch, and who's watching, are a subject for another day.

The Hammer...
Colour it controversial sports fans, because after much deliberation, the defensive double knock-out is going to The Punisher by way of decision! Despite escaping the situation, Deadpool never mounted an offensive, and suffered a definite beating because of it.

Fret not, Deadpool fans! The Merc' With a Mouth will return to the Infinite Wars sometime in the future to avenge his defeat!

What did not result in a loss was the purchase of this particular comic!
I've got to admit, this is one of those humble pie situations. Initially, I was looking at Suicide Kings with healthy scepticism, assuming there might have been a little bit of cash cowing on the part of Marvel in response to Deadpool's mainstream coming out in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. While I don't doubt that the film might have been a motivating factor, the mini-series pitting Deadpool against the clock in a twenty-four battle to stay alive speaks very specifically to the Infinite Wars.

Tombstone's an old favourite of the site, but in particular it is his status as one of Marvel's pantheon of fantastic street level crooks that connects Suicide Kings with the ideas we used to discuss quite often. "Chess" was the reference used to describe a keen desire to see Marvel (or DC) fully capitalize on their urban sprawls with a book that could document the on-going involvement of heroic and villainous entities moving about the landscape of the New York underworld.

'Hood Heroes Playlist
[Urban Marvel Heroes &
Villains By Site Ranking]
#1 Spider-man
#2 Daredevil
#3 Luke Cage
#4 Iron Fist
#5 Morbius
#6 Deadpool
#7 Capt. America
#8 Union Jack
#9 Elektra
#10 Black Widow
#11 Ghost Rider
#12 Scarlet Spider
#13 Hellcat
#14 Batroc
#15 Blade
#16 Black Cat
#17 Dr. Strange
#18 Hawkeye
#19 Ronin
#20 Werewolf
#21 Menace
#22 Gambit
#23 Moon Knight
#24 Mr. Hyde
#25 UnusSuicide Kings might not unite the players in incidental interactions as part of their daily activities as costumed heroes and villains, but the very basic premise isn't too far removed from that idea. Deadpool has to survive the elements of New York City for twenty-four hours. As this issue shows, that quickly pertains to characters like Punisher and Daredevil who are existing incidentally.

As you can see, I've spoiled the big surprise.
The lurking presence who shows up as the vigilante at the end of this book is Daredevil - promising another exciting match-up between the rival "heroes" in the tradition of Daredevil #65. Actually, that particular scuffle isn't entirely irrelevant as a reference for what's to come.

Carlo Barberi defies what we know of him [Justice League Unlimited #14] to tap into a style very reminiscent of the artistic collaboration of Phil Hester and Ande Parks.
Sandu Florea plays a part in that with strong inks that turn to solid blacks for the arrival of DD, with popping primary colours by Marte Gracia that gives the artwork depth, and energy during the action. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear it was the same colourist as the Hester/Parks segment, but I don't have the issue handy.

Mike Benson has a great premise to work with, but tackles what is fast becoming one of the less enviable jobs in comics.
Deadpool's fanbase has grown over the the past two decades from cult following to full blown mainstream hero. Key to the character's success has been the viral exchange of meme-like gags from the comics more recent years. That's defined the character with a very particular type of humor that isn't necessarily always successful, teetering between the fine balance of comedic and obnoxious.

I haven't really read a lot of Deadpool in the more recent years, so I'm pretty new to the 'Deadpool fantasy vision' thing, which is one of the first thing that rubs me up the wrong way a bit. To me, Deadpool should exhibit certain comedic irreverence and cultural references, but really doesn't want to become the kind of lazy, uninspired, and creatively insulting kind of comedy that actually seems pretty common these days. I'm particularly thinking of Family Guy, where even passable gags are quickly trampled by inanity, repetition, or the scripted equivalent of laughing loudly immediately after the joke.
For the most part, I think Benson does a pretty good job, but it's not perfect.

For me, the strength of the series really seems to lie in the simple concept and the opportunity it provides to play with a lot of characters in a common space, but not necessarily a common brand. It's a great opportunity to dance with a hero like Daredevil, whose monthly adventures are generally cordoned off to maintain aesthetic and satisfy the poseurs. [Hey! I'm one of them!]

As far as movie cash-ins go, it's disappointing that the series is one of the many clocking in at $3.99 an issue, but it's a great way for Deadpool fanatics to find a backdoor into the Marvel Universe. It's a less pandering method of introducing you, the uninformed, to characters that have some commonality, but can lead you on to different paths that you might enjoy. Take advantage of it, as you please.

I'd love to know how the story finishes but with July ramping up with major storylines, my finances looking as shoddy as one-eyed Deadpool, and Marvel slapping the $3.99 tag on this one, it'll probably lose-out by priority. Otherwise, it comes with glowing recommendations for those who know what they're buying.

The Fight: 5 The Issue: 5

Deadpool: Suicide Kings is an action packed romp currently appearing monthly on shelves from Marvel Comics. No collected edition is available as yet, but you can track information about each issue in the (belated) Infinite Wars Shipping Updates. For more Deadpool, Punisher, and Daredevil, you'll find plenty of other stories on offer in our Amazon Gift Shoppe! By using purchase links provided on the site, including those in previous reviews, you help sponsor future entries!

SHIPPING LIST: MAY 13, 2009
Mountain Dew® is proud to introduce Game Fuel:
Two limited-time-only flavors inspired by the
hit video game World of Warcraft.Choose Your Side with Alliance Blue, or Horde Red. Only from Mountain Dew® Game Fuel™, get a free 14-day-trial of World of Warcraft, or an in-game battlebot pet.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.

Advertise here! Contact for more!
The Independents...
MAR090018 BPRD BLACK GODDESS #5 (OF 5) $2.99
FEB094358 COMPLETE DICK TRACY HC VOL 07 $39.99
MAR092446 ELEPHANTMEN #19 (RES) $3.50
DEC082263 GUERILLAS #4 (OF 8) $5.99
MAR092427 I KILL GIANTS TP $15.99
OCT082294 JACK STAFF #20 (RES) $3.50
FEB094399 PHANTOM GHOST WHO WALKS #2 JOE CORRONEY CVR $3.99
MAR092457 SAVAGE DRAGON #148 $3.50
MAR094076 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #200 $2.50
MAR092461 SOUL KISS #4 (OF 5) (MR) $3.50
FEB094475 STREET FIGHTER II TURBO #6 CRUZ CVR A $3.95
MAR094078 TMNT ADVENTURES TP VOL 01 HEROES IN A HALF SHELL $11.95
FEB090059 UMBRELLA ACADEMY DALLAS #6 (OF 6) $2.99
MAR092467 WALKING DEAD #61 (MR) $2.99

The Corporates...
MAR090141 ACTION COMICS #877 $2.99
MAR092570 ALL NEW SAVAGE SHE-HULK #2 (OF 4) DKR $3.99
MAR090136 AZRAEL DEATHS DARK KNIGHT #3 (OF 3) $2.99
MAR092540 DARK REIGN HAWKEYE #2 (OF 5) DKR $3.99
MAR092608 GENEXT UNITED #1 (OF 5) $3.99
MAR092576 MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #51 $2.99
MAR090161 REBELS #4 $2.99
MAR090165 SECRET SIX #9 $2.99
MAR092604 WOLVERINE #73 $2.99

The Spotlight...
- MAR090138 BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #29 $2.99
Following on from a previous arc in Confidential, the series devises a new villain, born from the chaos wrought by the clown prince of crime - the Joker!
One of his law enforcement victims will recover from his torture session to return to Gotham City as the latest of it's criminally insane. Batman will have his hands full as he attempts to minimize the damage in this timeless tale. You've got to wonder if the Joker might not been in for a little what goes around, comes around. Hey, it's all good. Madness loves company!

- MAR092611 DEADPOOL SUICIDE KINGS #2 (OF 5) $3.99
It's hard not to be cynical when a character bounces off appearances in a movie to get a bunch of series and mini-series. In the case of Deadpool, this phenomenon enduces a roll from both eyes, not only spawning several spin-off comics, but also the promise of a solo film. I can't personally speak to the quality of any of these products, but the prospect of a Deadpool/Punisher shoot-out is a little bit more than I can turn a blind eye to. Not a bad running buddy for the core-title, which currently has the 'Poolman dicing with Bullseye!

- MAR090129 FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH ESCAPE #1 (OF 6) $2.99
Unfortunately, with all the weekly distractions, the Infinite Wars just hasn't had time to go back and revisit the blockbuster epic that was Final Crisis. Arguably one of the best events of the past decade, DC are finally rolling out four books detailing the quirky and unique aftermath of that world-changing event! After last week's Run! jumped out of the gates quite well, it'll be interesting to see how one of the late developments in Final Crisis - the Global Peace Agency - manage to develop in the DCU-proper!

- MAR090155 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #36 $2.99
The War of Light is well under way as Lanterns of the various spectrum fields clash within the sciencell prison blocks of Oa! Lives will be lost as the raging Red Lantern, Vice, continues to rip through prisoners and guards indescriminately! All this, PLUS: Sinestro arrives of Oa to confront his daughter, the Green Lantern, Soranik Natu! Mongul continues to evade detection as he seizes control of the Sinestro Corps! And the Daxamite wielder of the Ion power, Sodam Yat, prepares to battle the sinister forces that attempted to enslave his people! If there's a centre of the comics universe right now, it might just be Green Lantern Corps, home of the War of Light and the Prelude to Blackest Night!

- MAR092457 SAVAGE DRAGON #148 $3.50
I can already tell you this was a fantastic issue! Afterall, I read it at the beginning of the month thanks to the always exciting promotional blitz of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. Larsen takes the license free Lev Gleason character, Daredevil, out for a more traditional run than the re-titled Death-Defying Devil of Dynamite Entertainment. It's an action-packed tale setting up key plot points for a big upcoming chapter in the Savage Dragon epic and would ordinarily be well worth the purchase! Of course, the fact that the issue was offered as a FCBD giveaway raises a lot of questions about services rendered and what the customer is paying for. With global financial situations in flux and comics prices rising with periodic regularity, the pricetag is becoming a bigger issue than it already was. Readers who missed out might consider $3.50 the price for service, but I don't think you could begrudge them for a little bit of disgruntled moaning.

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC
Know Your Trade...
FEB090200 BATMAN SCARECROW AND TWO FACE YEAR ONE TP $19.99
MAR092631 CABLE PREM HC VOL 02 BACK TO EARTH $19.99
DEC082432 CLOAK & DAGGER PREM HC CHILD OF DARKNESS $19.99
FEB094358 COMPLETE DICK TRACY HC VOL 07 $39.99
FEB090206 HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE TP NEW PTG $12.99
MAR092625 HULK WORLD WAR HULK HC $34.99
MAR092427 I KILL GIANTS TP $15.99
DEC082415 MMW GOLDEN AGE MARVEL COMICS HC VOL 04 $59.99
OCT082497 SECRET WARS II OMNIBUS HC $99.99
FEB090211 SHOWCASE PRESENTS MARTIAN MANHUNTER TP VOL 02 $16.99
MAR092644 SPIDER-MAN J TP VOL 02 JAPANESE DAZE DIGEST $9.99
JAN090239 SUPERMAN NEW KRYPTON HC VOL 01 $24.99
MAR094078 TMNT ADVENTURES TP VOL 01 HEROES IN A HALF SHELL $11.95
MAR092666 X-MEN 2099 TP VOL 01 $29.99

QUICK FIX: LADY FLASH vs FLASH & FLASH
Dead Run (DC)
Where: Flash: Rebirth #2 When: July 2009
Why: Geoff Johns How: Ethan Van Sciver

THE TAPE...
Strength: Wally West 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Barry Allen 5 (Professor)
Speed: Barry Allen 7 (Lightspeed)
Stamina: Barry Allen 6 (Generator)
Agility: Wally West 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Lady Flash 3 (Street Wise)
Energy: Draw 1 (None)

Math: Flash [Barry Allen]
Ranking: Flash [Wally West] (#19)

THE FIX...
Okay, we're still running ironically far behind, so this week's feature starring the fastest man alive will try to live up to the "quick fix" name as we take a look at the second exciting instalment of of DC's pre-summer event, Flash: Rebirth!

It's interesting to observe the path taken by DC to resurrect Barry Allen.
2008's second issue of Final Crisis gave us the "shock" final page return, but by virtue of the much larger epic tale, few specifics were afforded the Flash in his unlikely return. Geoff Johns has followed Grant Morrison in his non-commital role, maintaining an esoteric sense of superhuman phenomena. The truth behind his return remains unknown even to Allen, but in the first issue we got a pretty good impression that it involves the vengeful series mystery-villain, whose machinations involve resurrection and the apparent corruption of the Silver Age Flash's connection with the Speed Force.

With the second chapter, Rebirth plays it surprisingly free and loose when it comes to the big issues. Johns seems to be feeling experimental with his story telling, using the apes of Gorilla City to frame the story with prophetic primal scrawlings and a lot of hooting and hollering. It's certainly interesting, but we'll have to see exactly how much significance it has to the larger story. I'd like to think there might be some reason behind the appearance, which is far too vague to conceivably be part of an introductory checklist to the Flash mythology.

More effective as an introduction is Johns' trademark attention to the logical extentions of his ideas, in this case, careful acknowledgment of the entire family of speedsters. Jay Garrick, Bart Allen, Liberty Belle, and the West kids all get an appearance, but most significant is the eagerly anticipated meet up between Barry and his immediate successor, Wally West.

The iconic pair meet-up in a convergence of speedsters and key plotpoints, arriving in Barry Allen's dubiously named hometown (Fallville), where the Black Flash crash landed and "died" in the first issue. The pair don't have a lot of time to chinwag before the next obstacle emerges in an unlikely foe.

I was somewhat surprised to see the issue pick up so immediately from the death of Savitar [Flash: Rebirth #1]. I suppose I wasn't really giving Johns a lot of credit by assuming the less-than-spectacular speedster villain was served up as cannon fodder for a larger story. Actually, that probably isn't too far from the truth, but as he so often does, Johns at least honors the character's mythology with considerate acknowledgment for it's surrounding parts.

Christina Alexandrova, aka; Lady Flash, appears very early in the issue to overlap with Savitar's unintentional death at the hands of Barry Allen. As a disciple of Savitar's speed cult, she witnesses the scene of her master's final moments through a ritual apparently responsible for sealing his fate by bringing him back from inprisonment within the speed force. This immediate connection provides a simple and logical source for this issue's action, beginning with a blue swirl that surrounds Barry Allen, before heading in Wally West's direction.

The streaking Lady Flash slashes through West's costume and cowl, retaliating with an old fashioned right hook when he snags her left wrist.
The senior speedster comes to his nephew's aid, creating a gale force wind that blows Lady Flash off her trajectory with the spinning of his arm.

Possessing greatly enhanced speed from the ritual performed in Savitar's castle, Lady Flash resumes her assault, toppling Wally West with a jumping super-fast kick. Barry Allen takes full advantage of their numerical (and speed) superiority, catching the foot on it's follow-through to turn the tables of the fight.

Just as it had occurred with Savitar, the merest contact with another in tune with the Speed Force ignites a crackling lightning around Barry Allen. The ricochet of energy channels through Wally West, but as before, his fate is far less than that of the unfortunate Lady Flash. In moments she turns to dust and bones.

Confirming last month's suspicions, Barry Allen undergoes an instantaneous transformation into the embodiment of death for speedsters - Black Flash!

The featured fight goes the farthest lengths to progress the story, but it's not entirely inappropriate for a sizeable chunk of the issue to be dedicated to retelling portions of the title hero's history.

It seems highly unlikely that this shocking issue-end twist will last any longer than the mini-series itself. The tempered pace feels like a knowing response to the success the Green Lantern: Rebirth had for expanding the readership. It feels like the Flash version is more deliberately speaking to, and informing, readers who are understandably unfamiliar with a character who was off the table far longer than Hal Jordan post-besmirchment, (twenty-two years).

It's interesting to see Johns tinkering with the backstory of Barry Allen. Whether or not this is more heavy-handed revisionist history, or part of the plot hatched by the series villain, remains to be seen. I certainly don't remember Barry Allen's motivations as a hero revolving around a murder, and I'm not entirely sure we needed such a hammy 'secret origin' for Allen's penchant for wearing bowties, but fair enough. [Hey, maybe the bowtie did it!]

If the story being told here is to have any lasting consequences, I'd speculate that we might find ourselves with a new Black Flash. In fact, if Rebirth follows through with the relatively obvious return of the Reverse Flash (Professor Zoom) in the lead villain role, it might be fitting if it's he who assumes the role of death for speedsters. That, however, is a pretty big if, unfairly assuming that Johns will take a conventional tact in the way he did during the Green Lantern return tale (which also resurrected Sinestro).

Clearly, Barry Allen is back, presumably to stay.
You really can't fault DC for putting together a series that will not only elaborate on his return to the DCU, but also better inform a vast readership who probably weren't even around for his 1986 sacrifice in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Their timing has been impeccable, giving the series a chance to live-up to the hype before Blackest Night engulfs the catalogue.

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 4.5
Winner: Flash (w/ Wally West)

Flash: Rebirth has been upgraded to a six issue mini-series and is currently available monthly from DC comics. The collected edition won't be available for quite some time, but you can preorder the hardcover edition through Amazon. There are plenty of other collected editions of issues from the Secret Archives available in our Gift Shoppe! By using purchase links provided on the site, you help sponsor future entries!

NIGHT SHIFT versus MIDNIGHT SONS
Midnight Sons Part 2: Night Shift (Marvel)
Where: Marvel Zombies 4 #2 When: July 2009
Why: Fred Van Lente How: Kev Walker

The Story So Far...
When zombie infected heroes from parallel Earth-2149 find their way through the Nexus of Realities hidden in the Florida Everglades, an unprepared group of C-list heroes assigned by the Fifty States Initiative find themselves under attack! Wundarr, the Conquistador, Siege, and Jennifer Kale, (known collectively as The Command), are easily devoured by the nightmarish zombies. Only Kale survives, but before his self-destruction, Siege was able to inform secretive alternate-universe unit, ARMOR.

Having played a pivotal role in containing the threat and defeating the zombie invaders; Dr. Michael Morbius emerges as a new leading operative with ARMOR. He recruits the traumatized Jennifer Kale, along with familiar occult allies, Son of Satan and Werewolf by Night, into a new taskforce assigned the job of seeking and containing infection spread by an escaped zombie head (Deadpool).

Unbeknownst to Morbius and his team, the Deadpool head was retrieved by a very different type of zombie (Simon Garth) - occult in nature - who carries the plague infected head into the hands of Black Talon. When Talon attempts to sell the head as a bioweapon to The Hood, he is advised by Dormammu to accept, leading the Kingpin of Super-villains to lead Night Shift to the island of Taino, where they will intercepted the Midnight Sons and the zombie plague.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Werewolf by Night 4 (Enhanced)
Intelligence: Morbius 5 (Professor)
Speed: Werewolf by Night 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Son of Satan 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Dansen Macabre 4 (Gymnast)
Fighting: The Hood 3 (Street Wise)
Energy: Son of Satan 6 (UWMD)


- Night Shift are: The Hood overseeing; Dansen Macabre, Tatterdemalion, The Needle, Digger.

Originally founded by the Shroud, Night Shift was a collective of dark entities manipulated into aiding him in his pursuit of justice, with an interest in personal gain. Eventually, Shroud was overthrown as leader of the group by Dansen Macabre, who continued the group's operations in a more villainous direction.

Some time later Night Shift joined The Hood's unionized collective of super-villains. They were later hand-selected for their unique talents in the field of dark magic to accompany The Hood on an acquisition of the zombie plague that ravaged Earth-2149, from Black Talon.

- The Midnight Sons are: Morbius, Son of Satan, Jennifer Kale, and Werewolf.

It was the return of the Mother of Demons, Lilith, that first prompted the creation of a destined occult group to combat those darker than themselves. Daniel Ketch and Johnny Blaze, once known as the spirits of vengeance, were joined in their mission against evil by a host of likeminded oddities, including; Blade, Morbius, Frank Drake, Hannibal King, members of the Darkhold Redeemers, and later, allies such as Vengeance, Dr. Strange, and Werewolf by Night. The group succeeded in repelling many threats to the light before their tenuous allegiance faded, including Lilith and the exceptional demon, Zarathos.

After becoming involved with the incursion of zombies from a parallel Earth when he was kidnapped by his zombie counterpart; Morbius was installed as a scientific operative with top-secret SHIELD subsidiary, ARMOR: Altered-Reality Monitoring and Operational Response. Under ARMOR, he hand-picked Jennifer Kale, Son of Satan, and Werewolf by Night, to form a new taskforce called Midnight Sons.

Math: Draw (Avg) Midnight Sons (Ttl) Ranking: Morbius (#65)

What Went Down...
Receiving instruction from the powerful demon lord, Dormammu; Parker Robbins, better known as The Hood, rallies Night Shift to launch a surprise attack on the heroes intent upon securing and destroying the zombie head of Deadpool.

Occult protection spells surrounding the area of Black Talon's cocain plantation inform the quartet from ARMOR of their impending predicament. Despite Jennifer Kale's aptitude for recognising magics, Morbius is still caught unawares by a shovel to the face wielded by the ghoulish serial killer, Digger, of Night Shift.

The ambush finds Tatterdemalion leaping through the air to attack the Werewolf with his enhanced acidic touch. The Hood emerges from a cloud of smoke to accept responsibility for the sophisticated magic needed to evade the enhanced senses of both Werewolf by Night, and Morbius. He blasts Daimon Hellstrom with a bolt of mystic energy, freezing him on the spot to allow Needle the opportunity to strike with his oversized impalement device fashioned in the guise of namesake. As the blade pierces Hellstrom's flesh, flames bursts forth from the Son of Satan's chest!

Jennifer Kale confronts the gracefully twisting naked form of Dansen Macabre, whose hands spiral and twirl leaving black energy in their wake. Possessing powers of Kali, the dancing Dansen snuffs out Kale's attempts at a mystical counterattak, launching into a spectacular kick that proves the effectiveness of conventional assault.

Regaining consciousness in the pit of a grave, Morbius bleeds profusely from his beaten face with the silhouette of Digger hovering gleefully above. The living vampire wipes the stain from his face with a momentary realisation that preceeds the animalistic instincts that characterize him akin to the undead creatures of the night. He responds to Digger's quipping queries with a rapid rise from the grave!

Gripped by bloodlust, Morbius snaps Digger's shovel with ease and plunges the spade into the top of his head. Still the morbid Digger shares his humorisms.

Upon reciting a dark incantation, hellfire spews from the mouth and eyes of the Son of Satan, bathing the protruding Needle in his torso in flame. With a roar he reduces the weapon to slag, before channeling his hellfire through his trident in the general direction of the ranting madman, Tatterdemalion.

The overdressed vagrant burns just as his fellow, Needle, succumbs to the spell casting of Jennifer Kale. The turning tides of triumph extend to the Werewolf, who continues the battle against Digger, wielding his lycanthropic talons like sharepened blades that slash effortlessly through Digger's grim body.

The Hood expresses verbal disappointment in his team's failing performance, just as a toppled Dansen Macabre falls victim to Morbius' untamed thirst!

Jennifer Kale compells Morbius to find a clearer head, calling him away from the neck of Dansen Macabre to observe the oncoming march of plague infected undead. In a better state of mind, Morbius fires upon the marching horde, dispensing a liquid-based vaccine designed to cure those infected. Instead, the formula results in a very different outcome, prompting a bizarre green cloud to burst forth from the bodies of the infected -- creating an airborne plague!

Night Shift remain oblivious to the onset of the green cloud that quickly engulfs them and begins shredding through their bodies. The Hood and Midnight Sons can only watch with the horrific realisation that the plague that destroyed an entire universe of heroes has been unleashed upon their world, in a mutated state.

Morbius orders a strategic retreat, but for Jennifer Kale who confronted the first wave of invading zombies, the sight is too much to bare. Her silent prayers do not go unheard, however, prompting Dormammu to appear before her...

The Hammer...
Despite a somewhat ambiguous predicament to bring their battle to a close, I think it's safe to declare the entire quarter of the Midnight Sons sharers in victory! [Pictured; Jennifer Kale]

It's been four years since Mark Millar first introduced the Marvel Zombies way back in 2005's Crossover. In the past, I think we've been fairly positive about that first high concept appearance. It really was one of those head slapping moments where you really had to wonder how Marvel comics hadn't done something on that scale beforehand. I mean, sure, you've got comparable examples, like the famous What if...? [#24] that unleashed vampirism upon a version of the Marvel universe, but those examples were typically fleeting.

If somehow you missed it, you might like to know that the expansion of the Marvel Zombies phenomenon began with Robert Kirkman [and Sean Phillips]'s aptly titled 2006 mini-series, Marvel Zombies. There can be no doubt that at the time the spin-off felt like a very fun and unique oddity, but as Marvel saw a cash cow to be milked without mercy, the slew of sequels, spin-offs, and tenuously related variant covers really exposed the holes of contempt in an otherwise nice deviation from usual superheroics. Of particular disappointment, the apparent lack of conceptual development at the foundation level of the concept that forced subsequent entries to seek inventiveness apparently beyond them. Or so it seemed...

Spooks & Horrors Playlist
[Site Ranking & Year One]
#1 Hulk (1962)
#2 Venom (1984)
#3 Noob Saibot (1992)
#4 Morbius (1971)
#5 The Demon (1972)
#6 Ghost Rider (1972)
#7 Spectre (1940)
#8 Blade (1973)
#9 Blazing Skull (1941)
#10 Dr. Strange (1963)
#11 Dr. Occult (1935)
#12 Mephisto (1968)
#13 Deadman (1967)
#14 Doppelganger (1992)
#15 Monolith (2004)
#16 Hellboy (1993)
#17 Quan Chi (1996)
#18 Mr. Hyde (1963)
#19 Scarlet Witch (1964)
#20 Solomon Grundy (1944)
#21 Scorpion (1992)
#22 Lilith Dracula (1974)
#23 The Werewolf (1972)
#24 Pluto (1966)
#25 Dracula (1972)The announcement of Marvel Zombies 3 -- actually more like the fifth mini to branch out from the original Ultimate Fantastic Four storyarc -- was met on the Infinite Wars with lukewarm interest [October 08, 2008]. Introducing previously unseen characters into a suggestively defined timeline was an intriguing prospect, but as much fun as it was to think about Jocasta and Machine Man battling their way into the zombie Earth was, it felt like one step too far for a seemingly endless parade of cutesy meme style archetype based stories (zombies, robots, apes...).

As you can clearly see, that initial assessment was very unfair. 2009 on the Infinite Wars has seen a deviation into contemporary releases; reviews of the weeks comics. Despite the implication, that shift of perspective hasn't been taken for granted, making the selection process from week-to-week a carefully considered one.

Today we're discussing Marvel Zombies 4 for a very good reason -- it demands attention!

Writer Fred Van Lente has been quietly improving his stock over the past couple of years. Rising from the critical independent success of Action Philosophers, he's since carved out a niche as one of the favourite driving forces behind Marvel's all-ages Adventures line. There, he's arguably instated a writing ethic more akin to classic Marvel Comics than anything produced by the current core line-up. His attention (and retention) for characters is well observed in Marvel Zombies as he makes use of some of the great under utilized characters in ways akin to his Adventures stories.

Bill Rosemann (Editor), Ralph Macchio (Senior Editor), and Joe Quesada (Editor In Chief) deserve full credit for whatever minor influences they might have had in the process of greenlighting these projects. It is, however, Van Lente who seems to be most deserving for utilizing these much loved, but often overlooked, horror characters from the seventies. Combining them with other curiosities, like the long since forgotten motley crew from the late eighties, Night Shift, not only reemphasises the diversity of the Marvel pantheon, but builds on the atmosphere established by previous Zombies series, greatly enhancing it.

Things don't look too good for the Night Shift come story end, but I really hope Van Lente hasn't killed them off. I don't think anyone would really begrudge him for taking that license, but it would perhaps diminish the praise I really feel compelled to heap upon him. As a writer, he's achieved something none of his predecessors ever did. By combining iconography that's inspirational to longtime readers, with a very well directed and written story, Van Lente has well and truly made the Marvel Zombies brand his own, finally elevating it to a level all the previous spin-offs should have reached.

As a story, Marvel Zombies 4 becomes far more significant than the sum of it's parts. While the checklist of guest characters is something to behold, it's the progress of the story, and their contribution to it, that secures the success of the four-issue mini only half way through the plot.

Fans eagerly following the exploits of The Hood and Dark Reign will find detached touchstones that connect an otherwise isolated story to the core Marvel Universe. In fact, those interested in the developments of the Hood's relationship with sponsor demon, Dormammu, might actually want to seek this story out in particular. It's unlikely the tangent series will provide any key significant developments in the on-going internal struggle of The Hood, but like good corporate comics should, it produces volume and greater context for the tale.
Of course, on the subject of so-called "continuity," we already know "Z-Pool" - the decapitated head of Zombie Deadpool - will be a lasting consequence of the story as he spins off into a secondary Deadpool title, Merc' with a Mouth.

Those keen to rationalize independently written series in the Marvel Universe might note an unlikely overlap via Son of Satan, who also appears opposite The Hood in recent issues of New Avengers. While the Avengers book, detailing the search for a new Sorcerer Supreme, specifically references Daimon Hellstrom's ignorance to the identity of Parker Robbins, MZ4 has nothing of the such.
If you're really concerned, it seems plausible, despite indirect references to similar ignorance, that MZ4 takes place after those issues. Future issues could still make a reference. I'm not sure that really matters, however, as these things are bound to happen without strict editorial intervention.

Granted; the connectivity of in-universe stories should not be underestimated in any well rounded critique, but of course, this element is additional to the quality of a story. Without a doubt, anyone reading Marvel Zombies 4 will probably want to check out the previous instalment. I'm generally reluctant to claim any issue of a superhero comic fundamentally requires previous reading, but Van Lente makes good use of in-character video recordings (last will and testament) to frame the context of each issue. It elaborates on previous events, while also informing any uninformed reader with allusions to the integrity of each character.
MZ4's Jennifer Kale will pays off big time in the final pages of the issue -- food for thought for those trade waiters among you.

All in all, Marvel Zombies 4 is just a very solid read.
It does a great service to the legacy of the seventies Marvel horror characters, returning them to the spotlight in a way that feels unique, but wholely appropriate. I hope the company can benefit from this example without losing sight of what made the feature work.

Kev Walker and colorist, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, continue the tradition of a grim tone to the art of the series. While not identical to previous series, the reference points of tones, colours, and linework, feels unmistakable. If I really had to draw such conclusion, I might say that I actually like this approach a little better.
MZ4 takes a more conventional visual approach in the pencils, both in lines drawn, and the application of inked blacks. Colours are certainly more vibrant as well, quite delightful in scenes like Dansen Macabre's rainbow effect, and in the vivid reds used both to compliment highlights on Morbius, while also giving the pale of his skin a real pop. Being that this story is set in "our" Marvel Universe, it arguably stands to reason that the art might be directed in that sense.

I wouldn't be surprised if we return to the series at a later date, hopefully to elaborate a little bit clearer on what makes the series so good. (Other than Van Lente.)

The Fight: 5 The Issue: 5

Marvel Zombies 4 is currently available monthly. For more information about release dates, you'll find archival information in our weekly Shipping List entries. You can pre-order the MZ4 hardcover edition via Amazon, but if you don't want to wait, check out Marvel Zombies 3, currently available in collected format. You'll find plenty more offers like that in the Infinite Wars Amazonian Gift Shoppe and by using purchase links provided, you help sponsor future entries in the Infinite Wars, which, let's face it, could potentially save your life in the event of an actual zombie plague outbreak. Or, at the very least, give you something to read while you're held up in a fortified area waiting for help.

SHIPPING LIST: MAY 06, 2009
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.

Advertise here! Contact for more!
The Independents...
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The Corporates...
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MAR090207 AUTHORITY #10 $2.99
MAR090134 BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL THE NETWORK #1 $2.99
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MAR090145 SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #3 (OF 12) $2.99
MAR092610 X-MEN FIRST CLASS FINALS #4 (OF 4) $3.99

The Spotlight...
- MAR092549 DEADPOOL #10 DKR $2.99
They were the best of friends, they were the worst of friends. After surviving a deadly clash with the newest group of Thunderbolts, Deadpool returns to humiliate Norman Osborn during a television recording -- big mistake! The gloves are off when HAMMER's leading man recruits the Dark Avenger known as "Hawkeye" to take DP out for good, but to an old work-buddy, he's the man who never misses -- Bullseye! Paco Medina has stepped it up on pencils, but with Daniel Way still writing, approach with extreme caution! Especially you movie-goers who might be looking for some real Deadpool.

- MAR090128 FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH RUN #1 (OF 6) $2.99
The first of four exciting Final Crisis spin-off series kick-off with the Aftermath of Martian Manhunter's death, and the sprint-dash the Human Flame will have to undertake as he recovers from succumbing to the Anti-Life Equation, and re-enters the world! It was he who compelled Libra to make an example of everybody's favourite Martian, but now it isn't just the heroes he'll have to answer to, but also the villains, as the once Z-Grade chump gets in way above his head! Sadly there are no signs of Grant Morrison anywhere near the spin-offs, but I'm sure Matthew Sturges and Freddie E. Williams will suffice!

- MAR090151 FLASH REBIRTH #2 (OF 5) $2.99
The mystery-laden return of the long-thought dead Flash, Barry Allen, continues! Picking up immediately after the electrifying events of the first issue, Flash is joined by Green Lantern as he attempts to understand the circumstances of the death of Savitar, and rationalize his place in the world. The Geoff Johns epic ramps up with more from Ethan Van Sciver and the prospect of not only more staggering story reveals, but also a possible six issue! At $2.99 you'd have to be criminally insane to pass up this special event!

- FEB094465 LOEG III CENTURY #1 1910 (MR) $7.95
Like the maxi-series recently popularized by a certain feature film; Alan Moore returns to the easy to appreciate formula of rationalizing various characters from different source points. Those of you who were inspired to read Watchmen as a direct result of the film shouldn't wait for a likewise invitation when it comes to this, the series which unites various familiar figures of literature in a boy's own steampunk superhero adventure! After missing out on the last few series when they hit issues, I've made it a promise to myself not to cheap out again! Be forwarned: this is for mature readers!

- MAR092582 MARVEL ZOMBIES 4 #2 (OF 4) $3.99
Earth-2149's zombie plague invasion continues as Morbius and the newly (re)formed Midnight Sons do their best to exterminate it before the spread reaches population! Out at sea the group of Werewolf by Night, Son of Satan, and Jennifer Kale do battle with hideous zombie fish-men, unaware the decapitated head of Zombie Deadpool has already escape! With news of the zombies reaching dark forces in the MU, the Midnight Sons have unwittingly earned an enemy in the aspiring daemon-wielding Hood!

- FEB092376 PHERONE HC (MR) $24.99
At 104 pages, the ol' issue of pricing can't help but rear it's ugly head. Pherone looks like an exciting escapade into sexy Sin City-esque urban landscapes, boasting similar black and white visuals with powerful colour highlights to draw your attention to significant items and icons. That isn't to say Viktor Kalachev's artwork mirrors Frank Miller's at all, but with blood, babes, bullets, and blades, the preview promises a lot of the same gritty action, albeit with a slick, modern art style. With writing contributions from Patrick Baggatta and Jim Sink, this is definitely an OGN to keep an eye on, but practically, you might want to shop for a sale price. (ADULTS ONLY)

- MAR090160 POWER GIRL #1 $2.99
I feel compelled to at least mention the new Powergirl series, even if only out of some misguided obligation. Personally, previews included in the backs of books didn't set me atingle with anticipation, but the promise of future appearances by the Ultra-Humanite gives some conventional sense of familiarity to a book so far otherwise characterized only by the titular character. Hrm. Pun not intended. Ultimately, I don't know what the impetus for spinning Powergirl off into her own series is, but I hope it can have reason to last. These sorts of projects have a way of dropping off, and as we noted in December [Wall Street War Journal], there's a particular hole in the market where feature female heroines are concerned.

- MAR090166 SOLOMON GRUNDY #3 (OF 7) $2.99
If you read this site and aren't reading this series, then you're a victim of the global financial crisis, or you're a bloody idiot. There's just no two ways about it. If you take any shred of pleasure from the big romping action of a superhero slugfest, then this is undoubtedly the series for you! A bit like this site; Solomon Grundy's monthly escapades are driven by the fights featured each issue, but behind that, some pretty decent writing from Scott Kolins is developing the character and rewriting his history. This month's opponent is Poison Ivy, whose connection to The Green has been alluded to as a faint similarity to Grundy's. Of course, when the mistress of manipulation finds herself confronted with a physical behemoth hiding inside a tiny little man, then she's going to have no choice but to make like a tree! Expect more from this series on the Infinite Wars later in 2009!

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC
Know Your Trade...
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