Jade Jaws, he of the purple pants that stay on despite sudden explosions in the shorts region, represents the green monster in all of us. No, not the one about envy or jealousy. That's another green monster for another discussion at another unspecified time. It's the monstrous outrage in life and grabbing it by the cojones.

From Bowen Designs, this mini bust is sculpted by Randy Bowen himself. Also out in a grey version that isn't of the Mr Fixit hat and tie.

Hulk, the alter-personality of Bruce Banner, doesn't hold much in terms of patience. But see the size of his hands though? Means he can hold a lot in his palm. Big stomach for life with a monkey grip stronger than an orangutan. Like hours and hours cranking that hand-flex hand-muscle-crunch-thing strong.

Take to life like Hulk takes to puny humans. Smash it open and run wild.

Life, not just a movie starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.

 

New Year's celebrations have come about and the neighbours find themselves with clubs and bats and the endless search of right. Much like the search for Thor's Hammer in the end of the world with evil. Not unlike the backstreet over.

A thematic merging of The Lord of the Rings and Watchmen, The End League follows a cast of the last remaining supermen and women as they embark on a desperate and perilous journey through a world dominated by evil, in hopes of locating the one remaining artifact that can save humanity-the Hammer of Thor. For his return to the world of comics renowned artist Mat Broome (WildC.A.T.S.) teams up with critically acclaimed writer Rick Remender (Fear Agent) for this, Dark Horse Comics's newest superhero series.

The End League #1 from Dark Horse

Other comics to eyeball this week

Ultimate Hulk takes on Ultimate Iron Man in an Ultimate Versus in Ultimate Human. Warren Ellis and Cary Nord ringside in the four corners of this desperate match.

Kevin Rubio and Steve Anderson, the blokes what done Tag and Bink, peer into the Abyss. Oh what a lame segue that was.

The Authority goes up against StormWatch in The Authority: Prime with Christos Gage and Darick Robertson.

Come together like the young superheroes, Teen Titans: Year One goes back at, year one of the Teen Titans. Amy Wolfram, Karl Kerschl and Serge Lapointe for the six hit.

Jason and the Argonauts: The Kingdom of Hades sounds all sorts of Greek underworld vacation time. Plus no moose heads! David McIntee and Rantz Jason going to hell. And maybe back.

Trade of the week

In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escaped from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives.

Brian K. Vaughn and Niko Henrichon walk the streets as the lions out of the Baghdad zoo break out after a bombing in Pride of Baghdad.

In documenting the plight of the lions, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD raises questions about the true meaning of liberation - can it be given, or is it earned only through self-determination and sacrifice? And in the end, is it truly better to die free than to live life in captivity?

 

End of the year and the start of a new one right around the corner. Janus spins his heads looking back and forward. Tomorrow can only come when today goes into yesterday. And all that blather. But... comics ahoy!

"CREATE THE FUTURE, DESTROY THE PAST!" From the mind of comic book innovator JONATHAN HICKMAN, comes the exhilarating time-traveling epic, PAX ROMANA. The creator of THE NIGHTLY NEWS brings his unique sensibility to science fiction and the result is a visually stunning look at a new history of the world.

PAX ROMANA tells the tale of 5000 men sent on an impossible mission to change the past and save the future. It's the end of the world: Will they succeed, or will they fail?

Pax Romana #1 (of 4) from Image Comics

Other end of year comics to eyeball

Robert Kirkman presents Invincible Presents: Atom Eve presented by Benito Cereno and Nate Bellegarde. Represent! Presently.

Chupacabras aplenty on the Fantastic Four: Isla de la Muerte trip. Hunter guides of Tom Beland and Juan Doe heading down Puerto Rico way with the first family of the Marvel U.

One shot in the ring with Hulk VS Fing Fang Foom. Green on green and Peter David with apparently nobody on art from the Marvel solicit page.

Pack it up, pack it in, let it begin with Green Lantern/Sinestro Corp Secret Files. From a swagger of writers and artists on the green and yellows. Ring fingers that don't fing much. Thanks Otto.

Oscar Wilde's story on vanity and all sorts of debauchery pops on the treadmill of conversion as the House of Ideas goes Marvel Illustrated: Picture of Dorian Gray. Roy Thomas and Sebastian Fiumara painting with the oils on this picture.

Spiky trade of the week

Classic, but a good read, Sonic the Hedgehog from Archie Comics. Not for all, especially those into their muscles and codpieces. Great read for the emotion, connection and slapstick. Relaxing even.

 

Wake up after a heavy night before and start looking for the Weet-Bix to start the day. Really, is there anything as soggy as those biscuits in a bowl of milk after a few minutes? How about oats? Smashing good really.

The puny humans hate the Warbound, the savage alien monsters who joined the Hulk in his quest for vengeance against the heroes of Earth. But when new horrors arise in the New Mexico desert, the puny humans might just learn that a savage alien monster or two can be pretty handy in a pinch.

What is Gammaworld? Which deadly enemy from the Hulk's past has returned? And who here dares to learn what it is to be Warbound, in life and death, whatever may come?

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound #1 from Marvel Comics

Other comics to eyeball this week

Werewolf juiciness from Simon Reed, Mike Ploog and Simon Bisley getting Thicker Than Blood. About two brothers slinging the highlands of Scotland and spotting not any of Christopher Lamberts by monsters of lycanthropic persuasion. Wrong place, wrong time.

Roy Thomas, Miguel Angel Sepulveda and Sandu Florea wrap the gears around that really long story and translate it with pictures with Marvel Illustrated: The Iliad. Some body's at the door after all these years.

Four more until it's here and Jason Blair and Leanne Buckley count down the Mayan calendar in The Long Count. Know the year 2012? That's supposedly the end of the world according to the Mayans. Where are they now?

Brian Reed and Edgar Salazar go hitting Mercenaries as they convert the video game into another conversion property for Dynamite Entertainment. Many explosions lead to much ringing in the ears. Can't you hear the doorbell?

Doctor Who Classics, so aptly titled, collects and colours in the black and whites of the original series from the UK. The originals of which done by Pat Mills, John Wagner and Dave Gibbons. Like watching old reruns of Doctor Who and putting colour spectacles over the eyes.

Frank LaPerch and Ash Jackson go Hollywood, vampires with a new reality TV poppet hopeful of Eve: Vampire Diva. Can't seem to get the leaking of the ears to stop. Strange smelling too. Last two sentences have nothing to do with the solicit by the way.

Step toe with Countdown Presents The Search For Ray Palmer: Superwoman/Batwoman. Palmiotti, Gray and Randy Green visit a world where the sexes are flipping cross switches on the ever continuing hunt for that little speck of a bloke in the DC Universe.

Zombie filled trade of the week

Sure, it might be a new hardcover out this week, but then that only highlights the goodness that happens to be The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. Zone on the head out with tightness of the neck writing and a munching good time with a bunch of survivors surviving a zombie infested world. Heart, dammit, they have heart and brains and mmm... braaaiins.

 

What If...? 'Planet Hulk', This looks like it's going to be one hell of a what if? Written by Greg Pak (Hulk & Planet Hulk) and penciled by Lenard Kirk & Rafa Sandovarl. This issue contains three stories which are; What if the Hulk had landed on the peaceful planet? What if Banner had landed on Sakaar instead of Hulk? What if Cairea had come to Earth seeking revenge instead of the Hulk? If you are and have enjoyed the 'Planet Hulk' run and World War Hulk, check out the What if? Planet Hulk.

Last year, a group of Marvel heroes decided the Hulk was too dangerous for Earth, tricked him into a shuttle, and shot him into space. After the Hulk rose from slave to gladiator to conquering emperor on the savage planet of Sakaar, the shuttle exploded - destroying the Hulk's people and his pregnant queen. And the entire Marvel Universe knows what happened next as the Hulk returned to wreak his terrible vengeance in the pages of "World War Hulk." But what if the Hulk had landed on the peaceful planet the Marvel heroes originally intended? What if Banner had landed on Sakaar instead of the Hulk? And what if the Hulk's warrior bride Caiera the Oldstrong had come to Earth seeking vengeance instead of her husband? Get ready for three shocking tales of what could have been from the writer of the "Planet Hulk" and "World War Hulk" epics. The Hulk was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirkby in 1962 and first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1.

Other Comics to Keep an Eye Out for this Week:

From the House of Ideas; Foolkiller #1, running through Marvel Max line. From best selling novelist Gregg Hurwitz and penciled by Lan Medina. In the same boat as Punisher, here comes Foolkiller a new vigilante. Recommended to mature readers.

DC Show cases; Gotham Underground #1 (of 8), Written by Frank Tieri (Weapon X); Art and Cover by J. Calafiore (formerly on Exiles). A Countdown tie-in! Follow Batman, Robin, Nightwing and Batwoman as they adventure to save Gotham.

From Wildstorm comics; Authority Prime #1 (of 6), mini-series. Written by Christos Gage (Stormwatch, WWHulk X-Men); Art and Cover by Darick Robertson (The Boys).

DVD of the Month

Superman Doomsday animated movie, from producer and director Bruce Timm (who brought Batman: 'The Animated Series' and Justice League Unlimited). Based off the comic series 'The Death of Superman', by Dan Jurgens.

'When Lexcorp accidentally unearths the intergalactic serial killer Doomsday, Superman battles the creature head-on in the fight of his life. The world collectively mourns its fallen hero; humanity realises it will never feel truly safe again. Superman's enemies rejoice - all but Lex Luthor, who grieves the loss of his own demented manner, setting off a chilling chain of events that even he couldn't have foreseen'.

Starring Adam Baldwin (Firefly) as the voice as Superman, James Marsters (Buffy) as Lex Luthor and Anne Heche as reporter Lois Lane.

Trade of the week - Serenity HC; Those Left Behind

Dark Horse's biggest hit of 2006 is now available in a special-edition hardcover! Joss Whedon, the pop-culture mastermind behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer, bridged the gap between his cult-hit Firefly TV series and his Serenity motion picture with this collected three-issue miniseries.

Penned by Whedon and Brett Matthews, a Firefly show writer, the ragtag crew takes on a scavenger mission with the promise of a big payoff. Only too late do they realize the gig is orchestrated by an old enemy eager to remake their acquaintance.

* Sporting a new cover by Adam Hughes, this oversized collection shows off the work of penciller Will Conrad and colorist Laura Martin, and the array of pinups by phenomenal guest artists. In addition, over a dozen backup pages delve into the work and art behind the scenes-original material assembled especially for this hardcover edition.

 

Eat enough of your greens and your skin will not come to shine in the same hue or sheen. Clearly there must be a better way to have green skin outside of being blasted with gamma rays in the Marvel Universe. Body paint just won't do.

The Hulk. The Abomination. The Leader. The Harpy. Doc Samson. Born of gamma radiation, they represented a new chapter of humanity. Now, spawned through their respective DNA has come the next generation... the Gamma Corps. Recruited and trained by the enigmatic General Ryker, their mission is a simple one -- to kill the Incredible Hulk.

And considering he's facing 5-1 odds, is that a mission even this new and improved version of the Green Goliath can prevent?

World War Hulk: Gamma Corps #1 from Marvel Comics

Making up for lost time in the reading line leaves Civil War Chronicles to pick up run into one long connection of the many and the disparate parts of the comics event told in seven parts with hangers on.

Nothing to do with tuberculosis here as Asa Shumskas-Tait, Dennis Budd and Joe Caramanga get Consumed. Love is a battlefield and on this plane, a demon has sights for a possession.

Mike Carey and Dean Hyrapiet hit New Orleans and reawaken the spirits in Nicolas Cage's Voodoo Child. Oh how cold it is to be ice in the veins and a tuft of hair to control the doll.

Roy Thomas and Hugo Petrus adapt The Man In The Iron Mask by Alexander Dumas. Where a lowly prisoner in the Bastille is none other than the twin brother of King Louis XIV. No Leo here for those who were wanting that other adaptation.

Andy Diggle and Jock strip it bare and back for Green Arrow: Year One. One man and his arrow, many others and their guns. Fade to mayhem.

Four corners and Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Kyle Hotz hit it up on Annihilation: Conquest: Wraith. Spanking with the brand shiny, a character, a life and a warrior new to the working out of shoulders that are frozen solid into a hunch.

Slicing a cut in two listening to Friday the 13th: Pamela's Tale. Marc Andreyko and Shawn Moll peel the layer behind Jason Vorhees' mum, Mrs Vorhees. Yes, that is Pamela.

Anita Blake - Vampire Hunter: The First Death with Laurell K. Hamilton, Jonathon Green and Wellinton Alves takes two steps into the start of it all, with the first drip of red and that's not into a goblet.

Troy Wall, Mario Guevara, Juan Vlasco, Juanmar slam with three cherry lips with BloodRayne: Red Blood Run. Not happy when it's raining down in Mexico and see if you can pick up the reference here.

Hit it with the digits as the Fantastic Five return for a shot of the sun. Tom DeFalco, Ron Lim and Scott Koblish go rah-rah and that is so out of place as they split, run up and jumble into a mix with each other.

Trade of the week

From Marvel it's The Irredeemable Ant-Man: Volume 1: Low-Life by Robert Kirkman and Phil Hester. Superhero powers? Why settle to choose between either good or evil? How about a bit of the selfish and the greasy underhand? It's all about taking care of number one here, and that means looking out for no-one else.

 

 

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