Comic Quest Weekly for 4/14/2019

DC Reveals Details, Portrait Variants For ‘Year of the Villain’

Comic book fans know that Summer can bring the occasional heat wave, but DC plans to keep it hot all Summer long and into the fall as more details are revealed about DC’S YEAR OF THE VILLAIN #1 , the $0.25 one-shot that hits comic book shops May 1 and sets the stage for several major story arcs by some of DC’s most celebrated writers and artists.

JUSTICE LEAGUE

In DC’s YEAR OF THE VILLAIN #1 written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV with art by Jim Cheung, Lex Luthor has decided once and for all that heroism is a false dream and for man to ascend to his place in the universe, he must embrace his basest, most evil instincts. But this means making an incredible sacrifice to achieve his goal and gain the support of Perpetua, the first being to be imprisoned within the Source Wall, now freed from the events of DARK NIGHTS: METAL.

Beginning with June’s issue #25 , Luthor’s plans begin to crystalize in a “prelude” story co-written by Snyder and Tynion with art by Javi Fernandez. In July, he makes “The Offer” to some of the DC Universe’s most noteworthy characters; he alone holds the key to them realizing their full potential. This kicks off an epic event taking over 2019, setting the stage for an all-out clash between the forces of Justice and Doom:

October – Year of the Villain: Doom Rising

Luthor’s influence spreads across the DCU with a select number of titles carrying a themed “Year of the Villain” banner featuring a haunting image of a Lex Luthor that’s more than he used to be. In addition, certain July issues will receive special “portrait” variant covers featuring characters to whom “Apex Lex” makes the ultimate offer. These covers will be printed on cardstock with minimal trade dress, presenting the art in a bold, dynamic setting and carry an increased cover price ($1 extra) over the standard version.

ACTION COMICS/EVENT LEVIATHAN

Beginning with the “Leviathan Rises” storyline in ACTION COMICS #1007 (NOV180392), Brian Michael Bendis and Steve Epting continue to explore the DCU’s clandestine world of espionage and terrorism. The organization known as Leviathan continues to remove competitors from the playing field while its ultimate purpose (and the person behind it) remains unknown.

In DC’S YEAR OF THE VILLAIN #1, Batgirl and Green Arrow dive further into this mystery in a story featuring a moody style reminiscent of a spy thriller (courtesy of artist Alex Maleev), where offers are made and suspicions about the identity of Leviathan are raised. Fans can follow the ongoing mystery in ACTION COMICS #1010 (FEB190470), #1011 (MAR190479) and SUPERMAN: LEVIATHAN RISING SPECIAL #1 (MAR190478) before the DCU’s greatest sleuths and detectives join forces to thwart this full-blown threat as the six-issue EVENT LEVIATHAN (APR190430) miniseries begins on June 12.

BATMAN: CITY OF BANE

It’s going to be a long hot summer for the Dark Knight as well, courtesy of Tom King and Tony S. Daniel as “City of Bane” begins BATMAN #75, on sale July 17. This extra-sized anniversary issue kicks off a new multi-part storyline tying together all the threads of the first 74 issues of Tom King’s epic Batman run.

Bane’s minions have moved into Gotham City, taken control and rule with an iron fist; and they aren’t above rounding up any rogue villains that aren’t ready to get with the program. Meanwhile Batman is nowhere to be found – at least not the Batman that anyone knows. And if Gotham City is already under Bane’s thumb, what kind of offer can Lex Luthor make him, and will he accept?

DC’S YEAR OF THE VILLAIN #1 is a specially priced $0.25, 32-page one shot available Wednesday, May 1 and is a great kickoff to Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 4. 

Check out the ‘Year of the Villain’ portrait variant covers below. Look for them in the upcoming May DC PREVIEWS!

ACTION COMICS #1013, on sale July 24. Lex Luthor variant cover by Frank Quitely.

AQUAMAN #50, on sale July 17. Black Manta variant cover by Ryan Sook.

BATGIRL #37, on sale July 17. Oracle variant cover by Josh Middleton.

BATMAN #75, on sale July 17. Bane variant cover by Gabriele Dell’Otto.

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #3, on sale July 10. Ra’s ‘Al Ghul variant cover by Jay Anacleto.

CATWOMAN #13, on sale July 10. Catwoman variant cover art by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau.

DEATHSTROKE #45, on sale July 3. Deathstroke variant cover art by David Finch.

DETECTIVE COMICS #1008, on sale July 24. Mr. Freeze variant cover art by Bryan Hitch.

THE FLASH #75, on sale July 24. Captain Cold variant cover art by Francis Manapul.

HARLEY QUINN #63, on sale July 3. Harley Quinn variant cover art by Frank Cho.

HAWKMAN #14, on sale July 10. Shadow Thief variant cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz.

NIGHTWING #62, on sale July 17. Talon variant cover art by Greg Capullo.

RED HOOD: OUTLAW #36, on sale July 10. Red Hood variant cover art by Yasmine Putri.

SUPERGIRL #32, on sale July 10. Brainiac variant cover art by Kaare Andrews.

SUPERMAN #13, on sale July 10. Lois Lane variant cover art by Adam Hughes.

TEEN TITANS #32, on sale July 17. Lobo variant cover art by Alex Garner.

WONDER WOMAN #75, on sale July 24. Cheetah variant cover art by Jenny Frisson

MAJOR X #2 (OF 6) 3.99

WHO IS MAJOR X? 
•  A mysterious new player enters the Marvel Universe and the X-Men are in his crosshairs! 
•  What is his mission and how can the man known as Cable hope to stop him? 
•  Writer/artist Rob Liefeld introduces a new wrinkle in the saga of Marvel’s Mightiest Mutants!
•  The Mystery of MAJOR X continues in issue #2 as he forges a union with Cable – and races against time to save mutantkind from certain devastation!

NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MOMENT OF STORM #1  3.99

The new and old gods agree to meet in the center of America to exchange the body of the old gods’ fallen leader-heading toward the inevitable god war in this final arc of the bestselling comics series! The Hugo, Bram Stoker, Locus, World Fantasy, and Nebula Award-winning novel by Neil Gaiman is adapted as a graphic novel!

STAR WARS AGE REBELLION SPECIAL #1 4.99

A ONE-SHOT SPECIAL FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE (AND UNEXPECTED) CHARACTERS FROM THE ORIGINAL STAR WARS TRILOGY!
•  Move over, Boba Fett. The most dangerous bounty hunter in the galaxy isn’t who you think. The cold, calculating assassin droid IG-88 had a deadly reputation. Wanted criminals should tremble in fear because IG-88 will stop at nothing to get the job done. But where did it come from? What does it want? Perfection might be a good place to start. SI SPURRIER (DOCTOR APHRA) and CASPAR WIJNGAARD (DOCTOR APHRA ANNUAL) bring the terrifying droid to life!
•  The destruction of the Order, the death of his friends, exile – no matter what he has endured, YODA will always be a Jedi. Even in hiding on the isolated planet of Dagobah, far from the evil Empire’s reach, a Jedi’s work is never done. Marc Guggenheim (X-MEN GOLD) and ANDREA BROCCARDO (STAR WARS) will pay the wise, old master a visit! 
•  The freedom-fighting REBEL ALLIANCE has more than its fair share of heroes – like ace pilots BIGGS DARKLIGHTER and JEK PORKINS. But they’ve been fighting the evil Galactic Empire for a long time and sometimes, even noble warriors like Biggs and Porkins need a little rest and relaxation. Is anywhere truly free from the trials of the galactic conflict? Writer and illustrator JON ADAMS (the New Yorker, LOVE ROMANCES) has the answer!

SWORD ART ONLINE ALICIZATION EXQ KIRITO FIG 24.99 

AVENGERS LEGENDS GEAR INFINITY GAUNTLET

A Mad Titan. Six Infinity Stones that control the multi-verse. One mission to destroy the galaxy, another to save it. A team of heroes ready for the fight. Whoever wields the Infinity Gauntlet wields the fate of the universe! 

Bring one of the most powerful weapons in the Marvel Universe to life! With this premium Infinity Gauntlet Articulated Electronic Fist from the Marvel Legends Series, lift up the power of the Infinity Stones and imagine taking control of the galaxy with the notorious gauntlet worn by the supreme being, Thanos. 

Inspired by the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War movie, this Infinity Gauntlet from the Marvel Legends Series features premium design and styling, as well as intricate detailing on the gauntlet and 6 light-up Infinity Stones. Features pulsating light effects, movie-inspired sounds, and individually articulated finger movement, as well as a fist-lock feature for display.

HELLRAISER 3 HELL ON EARTH PINHEAD BISHOUJO STATUE

From Kotobukiya. The symbolic villain from the cult-classic Hellraiser films, Pinhead is joining Kotobukiya’s original Bishoujo series featuring the art of Shunya Yamashita! The porcelain white of Pinhead‘s skin contrasts with the sleek black of her bondage inspired outfit, the black pearlescent paint giving the Cenobite an eerie glow from a variety of angles. Pinhead’ssculpting is packed with subtle details that draw the eye, from the pin “heels” piercing her delicately poised feet to the intricately designed base inspired by Lemarchand’s Box. Haunting yet beautiful, ominous yet angelic, add this sensual and multi-faceted beauty to your collection today. 

MYSTERY MINIS DC BOMBSHELLS 12PC BMB DISP

 

 

While there's no denying that Mystery Minis are absolutely adorable, the 12-piece DC 
BombshellsMystery Minis are as fierce as they are adorable. The dream team includes 
Wonder Woman wielding her lasso of truth, Batwoman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn and her trusty
mallet, Katana and her sword, Poison Ivy looking mighty green, Catwoman with whip in 
hand, Supergirl looking ready to fly, Mera, Hawkgirl nonchalantly blowing a bubble with 
her gum, Black Canary and Zatanna, all with a 1/12 rarity!

Trade-paperbacks of the Week!

WONDER WOMAN TP VOL 08 DARK GODS 16.99

(W) James Robinson (A) Stephen Segovia, Jesus Merino, Emanuela Lupacchino, Marc Laming, Frazer Irving, Jim Calafiore, Andy Owens, Ray McCarthy, Rick Leonardi (CA) Jenny Frison

In the wake of DARK NIGHTS: METAL, new secrets of the cosmos have been revealed and taken form…and though she doesn’t know it yet, Wonder Woman is at the center of their plans! They are the Dark Gods, and they have the Amazon Warrior in their sights. Collects WONDER WOMAN #46-50 and ANNUAL #3.

MAGIC ORDER TP VOL 01 19.99

 

(W) Mark Millar (A/CA) Olivier Coipel

    We live in a world where we’ve never seen a monster, and The Magic Order is the reason we sleep safely in our beds. By day, they live among us as our neighbors, friends, and co-workers, but by night they are the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect us from the forces of darkness… unless the darkness gets them first. Magic meets the Mob in THE MAGIC ORDER, as five families of magicians-sworn to protect our world for generations-must battle an enemy who’s picking them off one by one.  

 

PRE CODE CLASSICS TALES OF HORROR HC VOL 02 44.99

 

(A) Morris Marcus, Bill Molno, Ben Brown, Bernard Baily, Frank Giacoia, Jack Sparling, Howard Rosenberger, George Olesen

Small is beautiful and don’t let anyone tell you different. Case in point, Toby Press, which also used the imprint Minoan and found fame (of a sort) by getting their knuckles rapped by the EC crew for using Gaines & Co.’s title “Tales of Terror.” But they didn’t need to pilfer from others with Tales of Horror, the (retitled) magazine’s noteworthy homage to the likes of prose stylist John Collier. So take a bow guys, we’re in the presence of greatness. Let’s all doff our beanies to  Moe Marcus, Ben Brown, Bernard Baily, Frank Giacoia, Rocco Mastroserio, Jack Sparling, Mel Keefer,  Howard Rosenberger, Bill Molno and George Olesen, heroes one and all. Collects Tales of Horror #5-9 (March 1953 to February 1954).

SPIDER-MAN 2099 VS VENOM 2099 TP 39.99

 

 

(W) Peter David, Jonathan Peterson, More (A) Andrew Wildman, Keith Pollard, More (CA) Rick Leonardi

Continuing the original adventures of Miguel O’Hara, the Spider-Man of the year 2099! First, Miguel shares a body-swapping, timeline-tangling adventure with none other than Peter Parker, the ever-amazing Spider-Man of the modern day! But how does the Green Goblin of the far-flung year 2211 fit into the madness? Miguel finally gets back to the future, only to be drawn into the web of Doom – Doctor Doom, that is, who has taken over the United States! How will Spidey react when both President Doom and Alchemax’s Tyler Stone approach him with…job offers? And tragedy strikes when the Venom of 2099 attacks! What is this new Venom’s secret connection to Miguel? Plus: The futuristic wall-crawler faces the Man-Spider, the Impaler, the Chameleon and more! Collecting SPIDER-MAN 2099 (1992) #34-38 and SPECIAL, SPIDER-MAN 2099 MEETS SPIDER-MAN and material from 2099 UNLIMITED #9-10.

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