Comic Book News & Resources

DC Comics has provided CBR with an exclusive preview of Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert's "Action Comics" #6. The issue, featuring several version of the Legion of Super-Heroes, hits stores February 1!

Lacking that extra dosage of excitement and breath in your daily routine? Fret not, True Believers, your favorite Marvel super heroes are near! “The Super Hero Squad Show” comes will be airing on the Hub Television network every weekday beginning Monday, January 30 at 4 p.m. ET!

To celebrate the occasion, we're providing you with some factoids from the show's production, so let's see what you know!

The Fantastic Four, Falcon and H.E.R.B.I.E. in "The Super Hero Squad Show"

Did You Know?  The series pilot paid homage to FANTASTIC FOUR Vol. 1 #1, Marvel’s first Silver Age comic, where Mole Man filled the villain role. Even cameos of the Fantastic Four and a title card riff on the FANTASTIC FOUR Vol. 1 #1 cover were used.

Many familiar names and faces were included in the pilot, from classic Jack Kirby monsters such as Fin Fang Foom, to the legendary Stan Lee, who played Mayor of all super heroes in the series. Voice actor Tom Kenny even improvised some of his Iron Man dialogue, throwing in a “What the Don Heck?” at times--Heck is the co-creator of Iron Man.

Did You Know?  Kenny's versatility enabled him to voice five Marvel characters in the first season, including Iron Man, Captain America, M.O.D.O.K., Colossus and Juggernaut.  

Mole Man from "The Super Hero Squad Show"

Did You Also Know?  In Episode 120, “Election of Evil,” we put Lee into Iron Man’s getup, using the armor from Iron Man's first-ever appearance in TALES OF SUSPENSE #39, plotted by Lee himself in 1963.

Did You Know? The Fantastic Four played a larger role in Episode 112, “If This Be My Thanos.” Tara Strong ("Fairly Oddparents" and "Ben 10"), voice of Invisible Woman, was asked to give H.E.R.B.I.E. her best shot.

Strong's performance was so impressive that Marvel CCO Joe Quesada fell in love with her character and asked that H.E.R.B.I.E. join the regular cast in Season Two!
 

The Wasp and Falcon from "The Super Hero Squad Show"

Did You Know?  Character Designer and Supervising Director Mitch Schauer contributed to the designs of most of the 105 Marvel characters seen in Season One!

During Episode 123, "Wrath of the Red Skull," Schauer hand draws a true Jack Kirby-style montage, inspired by Kirby's run on Captain America.

Did You Know? In Episode 103, "Hulk Talk Smash," we were fortunate enough to have Jennifer Morrison ("House" and "Once Upon A Time") show off her vocal talents as Wasp.
 
Morrison even helped us cast the villain she battles against, Screaming Mimi. We needed someone who could legitimately pull off Screaming Mimi’s scream; thus Morrison’s sister, Julia, came into the picture. She was trained as an opera singer and could do the scream herself, so the sisters had a blast playing off one another in the booth.

Remember to catch "The Super Hero Squad Show" every weekday at 4 p.m. ET beginning January 30 on The Hub Television network!

By Ben Morse

Every week we'll pick a handful of awesome comics from the thousands available through Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited. From creator spotlights to editor's picks and more, this'll be your spot to find something new and cool. 

Next week, on Wednesday February 1, writer Ed Brubaker and artist Butch Guice kick off the latest chapter in the life of Bucky Barnes with WINTER SOLDIER #1. From his days as the sidekick to Captain America to decades under mental compulsion, his rise as the new Star-Spangled Avenger and back again, there’s little this proud patriot hasn’t seen. Check out just a few of his varied adventures.

CAPTAIN AMERICA 65^TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1

An untold tale of the Golden Age’s most patriotic duo, Captain America and Bucky! Alongside Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos, the Sentinel of Liberty and his young partner battle their way behind enemy lines to face the evil of The Red Skull! But how will this adventure impact the present and what do Doctor Doom and General Lukin have to do with it? Find out in this extra-sized epic from writer Ed Brubaker and artist Eric Wight! 

WOLVERINE (2003) #39

What horrible secret binds the former Bucky with the X-Man called Wolverine? His full memories restored after years of mental turmoil, Logan has journeyed to Russia determined to confront The Winter Soldier. Does he seek further answers or retribution? Two of the Marvel Universe’s most dangerous men collide in a no holds barred brawl that will rock Wolverine’s world and change the way you look at Captain America’s one-time protégé forever!

WINTER SOLDIER: WINTER KILLS #1

While Captain America faces his friends in the heat of Civil War, The Winter Soldier must make it through his first Christmas in the 21^st century since regaining his free will. Does Bucky Barnes still have what it takes to be a hero? The hordes of HYDRA plan to put that to the test, as guest stars the Young Avengers need an old soldier’s help to survive the holidays! Also featuring Namor and the Invaders. 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: FOREVER ALLIES #1

In modern day as Captain America, Bucky Barnes faces the specter or an unresolved adventure from World War II alongside his friends and comrades the Young Allies! How has a menace that bedeviled Bucky, Toro and friends in the 1940’s survived to threaten America’s freedom once more? The new Cap must use all the tools and skills at his disposal as well as reunite with some old acquaintances if he hopes to prevail in this tale from classic creator Roger Stern!

CAPTAIN AMERICA (2004) #50

Reminiscing through the years, Bucky recalls the most pivotal birthdays of his life, from the very first, through the war that would shape his young adulthood, on into the present where he serves as Captain America. The Invaders and more guest star in a time-spanning celebration of the man who would be Cap courtesy of writer Ed Brubaker and an all-star team of creative contributors!

Courtesy of Dark Horse, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Long Death" #1, written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and John Arcudi. The series debuts February 15.

Episode #13 of the This Week in Marvel (TWiM) podcast is here and it's jam-packed with Mighty Marvel goodness! Join Ryan and Ben as they look at exciting new comics like DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #20, DEADPOOL #49.1, FANTASTIC FOUR #602, SECRET AVENGERS #21.1, and more! Learn all the new print and digital releases! Find out about the "Blade anime" series plus the latest Marvel movie news! They even answer your questions! Ever want to know the difference between the Marvel Universe and the Ultimate Marvel Universe? Download the podcast and find out!

Download episode #13 of This Week in Marvel from Marvel.com, check out Marvel Podcast Central, grab the TWiM RSS feed and subscribe to This Week in Marvel on iTunes, so you never miss an episode! 

This Week in Marvel will focus on delivering all the Marvel info on news and new releases--from comics to video games to toys to TV to film and beyond! New episodes will be released every Thursday (or so) and TWiM is co-hosted by Marvel.com Editorial Director Ryan "Agent M" Penagos and Marvel.com Associate Editor Ben Morse. 

We also want your feedback, as well as questions for us to answer on future episodes! Tweet your questions, comments and thoughts about TWiM to @Agent_M, @BenJMorse or @Marvel with the hashtag #ThisWeekinMarvel! And if your message is longer than 140 characters, send it through fans.marvel.com!

This Week in Marvel Podcast, Episode #13

Want more info on what's in this episode? Here you go:

Marvel print comics and collections on sale January 25, 2012
New Marvel digital comics and collections  available on the Marvel Comics app for the week of January 25, 2012
Digital comics added to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited during the week of January 25, 2012
Empire Magazine debuts new covers featuring "Marvel's The Avengers"
Learn about two new all-ages titles coming soon
WWE legend Mick Foley becomes the latest Fightin' Fanboy
The first look at Asgardia
GLAAD honors Avengers: The Children's Crusade and X-Factor
Examine Secret Avengers: The Father Files
Marvel stickers on GetGlue
Marvel Comics news
Marvel Movie & TV news
Marvel Games news
Marvel Toys news

Earlier this week, Empire Magazine gave you a preview of "Marvel's The Avengers" with several new photos from the film, and now we've got the full gallery for you right here on Marvel.com!

Check out five new photos featuring Nick Fury up-close-and-personal, as well as Captain America, Iron Man and Bruce Banner in civilian garb and a quiet moment between Hawkeye and Black Widow!

We've got the full gallery for you to scope out below, and remember to keep your eyes on Marvel.com in the coming weeks and months for even more on "Marvel's The Avengers" as we get ready for it to hit theaters on May 4!

Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Evans star as Nick Fury and Captain America in "Marvel's The Avengers"	Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey, Jr. star as Bruce Banner/the Hulk and Tony Stark/Iron Man in "Marvel's The Avengers"	Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson star as Hawkeye and the Black Widow in "Marvel's The Avengers"
Samuel L. Jackson stars as Nick Fury in "Marvel's The Avengers"	Samuel L. Jackson stars as Nick Fury in "Marvel's The Avengers"

Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”--the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

In addition to "Marvel's The Avengers," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Iron Man 3" on May 3, 2013.

Neal McDonough, who played Dum Dum Dugan in "Captain America: The First Avenger," says a sequel will begin shooting late this year, "hopefully" to be followed by a Nick Fury movie.

Courtesy of Marvel Comics, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "Defenders" #3 by the creative team of Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson. The issue hits February 1.

"Secret Avengers" gets a sympathy jump to make it home in a week that washes out on the strength of Batman's surprise, Deadpool's karaoke skillz and Hawkman overthinking things. Really!

Updated shipping information for Dark Horse comics and products being released beyond the week of 02/01/2012, provided by Diamond Distribution and our friends at Things From Another World. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License, and is © 2011 by Charles LePage.

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