Top 3 Comic Books for March 23 2011.

Here are my top 3 comic books hitting shelves everywhere Wednesday March 23 2011.

1. FF # 1 

Story: Jonathan Hickman

Art: Steve Epting, Paul Mounts

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $ 3.99 

It's the FANTASTIC first issue of FF! A bold new direction for Marvel's First Family featuring new members, old friends, older enemies and uneasy alliances that will send shockwaves through the Marvel Universe. With stunning art work by Steve Epting and Paul Mounts, please join writer, Jonathan Hickman, on the second massive arc in the bold new direction for the 'World's Greatest Comic Magazine.' 

2.Ultimate Comics Spider-Man # 156  

Story: Brian Michael Bendis

Art: Mark Bagley 

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99 

The wait is over!! THE most shocking Spider-Man story you will ever read! Young Peter Parker has led a heroic life and tried to live by the simple and powerful philosophy that with great power comes great responsibility, but will that philosophy be enough to save him from the horror that awaits him here? This is easily the most important story in Ultimate Spider-Man history and maybe the most important story in the Ultimate Universe. Who better to illustrate it than Ultimate Spider-Man legend MARK BAGLEY, making his mighty Marvel return!! Bendis and Bagley back together again and just-in-time!! 

3. Green Lantern # 64

Story: Geoff Johns

Art: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy 

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $2.99

"War of the Green Lanterns" ignites with part 1 of the blockbuster event that'll burn into the summer! A malevolent force has usurped control over all the power batteries, leaving the Corps powerless except for a select few members. Now it's up to Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart and Sinestro to regain control – but can these warriors overcome their differences in time to save the universe.

Comics and Merchandise On Sale March 23 2011

Here is a list of comic books and merchandise on sale Wednesday March 23 2011. Be sure to call ahead to see if your local shop will have that particular item in stock. http://previewsworld.com/public/default.asp?t=2&m=1&c=6&s=428

Marvel's Announcements at C2E2

This past weekend was the annual C2E2 convention in Chicago Illinois. Here is a summary of all the announcements Marvel made during the comic con.
The Punisher is Back
This summer everyones favorite hard hitting vigilante will be back. This ongoing series will be written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Marco Checchetto. Read more about it here http://marvel.com/news/story/15434/c2e2_the_punisher




The Daredevil Stirs Up Hell's Kitchen Once Again 
This July the Man Without Fear is back. The series will feature Mark Waid as the writer and a rotation between Paolo Rivera and Marcos Martin as the illustrator. Read more about it here http://marvel.com/news/story/15422/c2e2_daredevil








The Ghost Rider Rides Again
Johnny Blaze will turn his flame back on and tune up his motorcycle because Fear Itself is coming. This July the rider from hell is back in his own ongoing series featuring Rob Williams as the author and Matthew Clark as the illustrator. Read more about it here http://marvel.com/news/story/15425/c2e2_ghost_rider



As if you thought this was it there are more things the house of ideas announced. Greg Pack will end his six year run on the Incredible Hulk with "Heart of the Monster". This story will see the Hulk dealing with his new extended family member such as Skaar, the Red She Hulk, and A-Bomb. Black Panther Man Without Fear will see the Black Panther take on the most bloodthirsty hunter in the Marvel Universe, Kraven the Hunter. This will begin this summer with issue 519. More news about Fear Itself as The Sub Mariner will have his own limited series. The Deep will focus on Namor seeking help from old friends to rally against an enemy he cannot beat on his own. There is a lot more Marvel has announced, but these are just the main headliners. For a full list of what was announced at C2E2 visit Marvel.com

My Thoughts On The Wizard World Toronto Comic Con 2011

Stormtrooper, Darth Vader, and I 

Me and a Phoenix and Black Widow Cosplayer

 This past weekend was the second annual Toronto Wizard World Comic Con, which took place at the Direct Energy Center. It is one of two major comic cons that occur in Toronto each year. The second being Fan Expo at the end of August.

I was very pleased with this convention. Though it is a lot smaller than Fan Expo, however it did deliver that big comic con feel. Some of the major guests who where headlining included Julie Benz, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Mayhew, Ray Park, Jake Lloyd, and may others. Some of the major comic creators that attended included Phil Jimenez, Greg Horn, Mike Grell, and Francis Manapul.

 

Sketch I had done by Francis Manapul

For me it was a day filled with fun. I got two sketches done by Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman),  which I had to wait over 2 hours in line for, and Francis Manapul (The Flash). Purchased two big color autographed prints from Greg Horn (Wonder Woman and Ms. Marvel). Attended two Star Wars panels, one with Billy Dee williams and the other with Peter Mayhew and Jeremy Bulloch. Browsed a bunch of different items that vendors had to offer, and finally, I pigged out on some Pizza.

My final thought on this con is that it was very well organized. I was able to do the things that I wanted to, without worrying about big crowds and not getting into the panels that I wanted. But, there still are some things Wizard can do better for next year. They should offer guests more to eat then just pizza ( at one point they ran out), and try to get more vendors to show up. I had a lot of cash I was willing to spend for some nice silver age comics but it was slim pickings, since there were only 3 to 4 comic vendors. Also, there wasn't much to choose from if you are into action figures and statues, but there was an amazing selection of tee shirts. After this con all I can do is sit and count down the days until Fan Expo in August.            

A Weekend Full Of Comic Cons

There are 2 major comic cons happening this weekend. So If you have nothing do do this weekend check them out. I will be attending the Wizard World Toronto Comic Con. To learn more about what guests are coming to each con and ticket info check out the links below.

March 18-20
http://c2e2.com/










March 18-20  http://www.wizardworld.com/home-toronto.html

Top 3 Comic Books For March 16 2011

1. Fear Itself Book Of The Skull
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Pencils: Scot Eaton
Cover: Marko Djurdjevic
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $3.99


Marvel is pleased to present your new look at Fear Itself: Book Of The Skull #1, from Eisner Award-winning writer Ed Brubaker and artist Scot Eaton! FEAR ITSELF IS HERE…and the secrets of its origin will crack the very foundation of the Marvel Universe!  Captain America and Namor have thwarted the Red Skull before – but when an ancient secret is forgotten, did they doom the Marvel Universe? Sin, the Skull’s daughter, knows the truth and, this March, the cards are all laid out on the table as the shocking revelations behind 2011’s most anticipated comics event are revealed, only in Fear Itself: Book Of The Skull #1!

2. Amazing Spider-Man # 656
Writer: Dan Slott
Pencils: Marcos Martin
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $3.99

The debut of the NEW SPIDER-ARMOR!

If Spider-Man hopes to find a way to defeat his new nemesis MASSACRE, he’ll need the help of his all new, all-power costume! But will protecting the people of New York mean that Spider-Man finally takes the last measure-- killing a bloodthirsty madman when there are no other options? (by the way, your first answer is wrong!)

3. Batman # 708 

Story: David Hine

Pencils: Guillem March 

Publisher: DC

Price: $ 2.99 

Batman uncovers just how deep the Falcone Crime Family has penetrated the inner (and outer) workings of Gotham City, while Kitrina Falcone - a.k.a. Catgirl - is tempted to take over the family business. When she finds herself in hot water, she'll need Batman's help or all of her nine lives may run out

After Brightest Day Comes The Search

As Brightest Day is scheduled to conclude in 3 issues, there is no doubt in my mind that there will be more events that will shake up the DC universe. Brightest Day has been ok, so far. Personally, I feel that the series lost some momentum halfway through. After issue 18, the plot began to gain some momentum again. Issue 18 concluded with what appeared to be the death of both Hawkmen and Hawkgirl. Plus, the aftermath of Aquawar resulted in the death Aquaman at the end issue 20. Each death resulted in the character being zapped by light from the white ring and after the event, all that remained was dust. As we know these characters were resurrected during Blackest Night and I'm positive that they wouldn't be killed off so soon. So I have no doubt that we will see these characters again in some form during the final three issues, as I have come to learn from reading comics, if there is no body then don't assume they are dead.

DC announced that after Brightest Day a new guardian of Earth will be chosen. Another hero will return to warn Superman and Batman their choice is not a wise one. There is not much information about the nature of the return, whether it is a return from exile, death, or a different dimension. Though I hope DC does not plan to resurrect someone from the dead as this has become quite stale over the last couple of years.

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search is set to be released in June this year. It will be a three part mini series written by Jonathan Vankin and illustrated by Marco Castiello. Meanwhile, get ready for the double sized final issue of Brightest Day hitting comic book shops on April 20th.

New Comics and Merchandise Available March 16 2011

Take a look at the latest comics and merchandise available this Wednesday at your local comic book shop. It's recommended that you call ahead to see if they will have that particular item in stock. http://previewsworld.com/public/default.asp?t=2&m=1&c=6&s=428

Top 3 Comic Book Picks of the Week

# 1 Venom #1

Publisher: Marvel Comics

(W) Rick Remender
(A) Tony Moore
Cover by Joe Quesada
Variant Cover by Paulo Siqueira

America…meet your newest Hero! The lethal alien symbiote known as Venom is in the custody of the U.S. military…and with a familiar face from Spider-Man’s world inside the suit, the government’s own personal Spidey is going into action as one of the nation’s top covert agents in hostile territory!

Price: $3.99

                                                          

# 2  Batman and Robin # 21 

Story By: Peter J Tomasi

Art By: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray
Cover By: Patrick Gleason, Tony Daniel

Publisher: Dc Comics

Cover Price: $2.99

The new regular creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason continue their run with "Dark Knight, White Knight" part 2 of 3! Batman and Robin find themselves in the middle of a deadly crusade as "angels" continue falling from the skies! The White Knight is shining his heavenly light into the dark corners of Gotham City in his quest to vanquish the shadows of the soul..     

 # 3 New Avengers # 10 

Story By: Brian Michael Bendis

Art By: Mike Deodato, Howard Chaykin

Amazing Fantasy # 15 sells for 1.1 Million Dollars

That's right A 9.6 CGC graded Amazing Fantasy # 15 sold for 1.1 million dollars this week on comicconnect.com . This is the most anyone has ever paid for a Silver Age comic. Back in 2007 a 9.4 Amazing Fantasy # 15 sold for $227 000.

The question that must be going through everyone's mind right now is, was this worth it? The 1.1 million dollar price is almost a 1 billion percent increase from it's original price of 12 cents back in 1962. My opinion is this was worth every penny. First of all this is the highest grade of the comic that is known to exist. Comics from the early 1960's to be found in this condition are almost unheard of because no one collected comics back then. They were just read and often kids didn't care about the condition, as long as it was readable.

The main reason why this comic is so pricy is because it is the first appearance of everyone's favorite web spinning super hero, The Amazing Spider-Man. That's right this is the first time that the world got a glimpse of Stan Lee's and Steve Ditko's greatest creation. This character would go on to become one of the most recognized super heroes ever. You can go anywhere in the world and show a picture of Spider-Man and everyone would know who he is. Since 1962 Spider Man has become a million dollar franchise. From tv shows, 3 blockbuster movies, toys, and his own ongoing comic book series which is in it's 655th issue, Spider-Man is more than just a comic book character, he is a legend that will live on forever.

Once this hits mainstream media, I have no doubt that people will be rushing to their attics and furiously searching for those old childhood comics. Some will have regrets of using that X-Men # 1 as a weapon to beat up their younger brother. But now comics are becoming more that just a source of entertainment. They are an option for long-term investment that is guaranteed to grown. So if you want to make sure you have enough money for retirement don't buy those pricy Apple common stocks at 352 bucks a pop, buy some comics instead.

Comics out March 9 2011

Here is a list of comic books out March 9 2011. http://previewsworld.com/public/default.asp?t=2&m=1&c=6&s=428

Emeral City Comic Con

http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/

If you're on the west coast and have nothing to do this weekend, check it out.