National Comics

Starting this July 2012, DC Comics will release a new print series featuring stand alone stories. The new National Comics series focuses on characters who haven't exactly been quite popular with general audiences but have certainly had their own series in the past.

Infernal Man-Thing

I've always been intrigued by the Man-Thing creature. My first glimpse of the character was way back during the Uncanny X-Men series of the 1980s. The creature becomes involved in a solo storyline featuring Cyclops (during his departure from the team) and ends up helping the mutant escape an adversary.

Now, the creature returns in June 2012 for a three issue limited series in a previously unreleased story written by the late Steve Gerber and featuring artwork by Kevin Nowlan. There are two variant covers (pictured above) drawn by the legendary Gil Kane (left) and Nowlan himself.

Images courtesy Marvel Comics.

X-Men: Storm

It's amazing how many changes costume-wise and especially appearances, a character goes through over the years. While there may be some fan backlash on social networking sites for fan favorites such as Power Girl in her Earth-2 series outfit, the same hasn't been said for Storm, the revered member and former leader of the X-Men.

Alexandra Shipp as young Storm

On the big screen, fans finally got to see her rock her famous mohawk look, in the X-Men: Age of Apocalypse film. Generations have been used to Halle Berry's portrayal of the mutant but we were definitely treated to Alexandra Shipp's portrayal of young Ororo Munroe. It should be noted that only Kitty Pryde gave her disapproval of Storm's drastic new look when Storm revealed it, to the entire team.

Halle Berry as Storm

Marvel Comics' TJ Dietsch highlights some of her spectacular costumes during the past few decades. In fact, her biggest change came during the 1980s right after initial appearance. Capitalizing on the waning punk rock and new wave movement at the time, Storm sported a mohawk! Here's a look at the weather wonder woman over the years and to her style in the Marvel NOW X-Men series:

 

Original appearance (left) and later drastic change (right)

 

Her Marvel NOW look (on the right)

Images copyright Marvel Comics

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Review: Avengers v. X-Men Issue 1

The most anticipated saga of the year is finally here! Avengers vs. X-Men does not disappoint at all despite the lackluster buildup in AvX issue 0. In terms of plot and despite it's simplistic storyline, the story presentation is quite good and plausible. Is it ultimately Cyclops' fault, through his selfishness and personal ties to the Phoenix Force, that escalates the conflict that otherwise, could have been easily prevented?

Beware The Batman

A new animated Batman series, "Beware The Batman", has been announced by Cartoon Network in conjunction with Warner Bros. Animation, and is scheduled to premiere in July 2013.  The new CG-based series features the Dark Knight in bold new adventures consisting of villains that haven’t made their appearances for the general viewing public. For instance, episodes will feature villains such as Anarky, Professor Pyg and much more, from Batman’s rogue’s gallery.  A new take on Alfred Pennyworth as former secret agent lending his experience to the Dark Knight, along with Katanna (from the Outsiders series), are some of the new elements for the series.

Spider-Men

Marvel Comics has unveiled the second image promotion for the upcoming "Spider-Men" limited series event by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli in June 2012. Will two different Spider-Men from separate universes finally meet? It's definitely turning out to be Spider-Man's year as well. Stay tuned.

Images courtesy Marvel Comics