People who complain that DC Comics reboot their universe too many times needs to take a look at Marvel Comics Ultimate Universe line.

Founded in 2000 with the debut of Ultimate Spider-Man, the Ultimate universe was always intended as a continuity free entry point into the Marvel Universe. Characters and origins were updated to feel as if they were created in the 2000′s, and many of the movie properties of Marvel took several ideas and storylines from the Ultimate Marvel universe. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the Ultimate Universe became confusing and has been rebooted not once, but twice in ten years! Let me say that again, twice in ten years. Even with all the odds stacked against it, Ultimate Comics X-Men #1 turns out to be a decent issue.

Peter Parker, the Spider-Man, is dead. Wolverine, Cyclops, Professor X, and Magneto are also in the ground. This ain’t your papa’s Marvel Universe. The issue begins with a scene that could have been ripped out of an X-Men movie. Karen Grant a.k.a. Jean Grey, who has changed her name for safety reasons, visits the parents of a little girl who has just discovered she is a mutant. Karen discusses options with the mother while the father of the little girl is upstairs with her.

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We cover a lot of things here at The Flickcast and one of them is comics. Sadly, we don’t get to do as much comics coverage as we would like but we still try to bring you cool stuff when we see it.

Case in point this time is a preview for Marvel’s upcoming series Ultimate Comics X-Men with issue number one. From writer Nick Spencer and artist Paco Medina comes a story featuring Iceman, Kitty Pride and the Human Torch “who discover the true history of the x-gene as the divide between Mankind and Mutantkind grows deeper than ever before.”

“Who are the X-Men and how will they handle the fallout of this universe shattering discovery?” That’s just something you’re going to have to find out for yourself when the first issue arrives.

Judging from the preview images, it looks to be a very cool series. We’re looking forward to it.

Check out the preview after the jump. Look for Ultimate Comics X-Men in comic book stores on September 14th.

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That’s right comic book fans, it’s that time of the week again. Well, in truth, it was yesterday but better late than never, right?

Anyway, new comics are out from our friends at Marvel this week and, as always, we’ve got some we’re really interested in reading. Among the new ones coming out, we’re looking forward to Fear Itself #3, Moon Knight #2,  X-Men #12, Uncanny X-Force #11 and SHIELD #1.

As with most weeks, new comics out on Wednesday (even with the holiday this week), so hit your nearest comic book store for best selection as many people may thing today is new comic book day this week.

Don’t know where your nearest comic store is? Use this handy guide to find one.

Comics On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #663
ASTONISHING X-MEN #39
AVENGERS ACADEMY #14.1
AVENGERS, THOR & CAPTAIN AMERICA: OFFICIAL INDEX TO THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #4
CRIMINAL: LAST OF THE INNOCENT #1
DARK TOWER: THE GUNSLINGER – THE BATTLE OF TULL #1
FEAR ITSELF #3 (FI)
FEAR ITSELF #3 CAMUNCOLI VARIANT (FI)
FEAR ITSELF #3 IMMONEN VARIANT (FI)
FEAR ITSELF: THE DEEP #1 (FI)
HERC #4 (FI)
HEROES FOR HIRE #8
HULK #34
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #503 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (FI)
MARVEL ZOMBIES CHRISTMAS CAROL #1
MOON KNIGHT #2
OZMA OF OZ #7
S.H.I.E.L.D. #1
S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 HISTORICAL VARIANT

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That’s right comic book fans, it’s that time of the week again. New comics are coming out from our friends at Marvel today and, as always, we’ve got some we’re really interested in reading.

Among the new ones coming out, we’re looking forward to Alpha Flight #0.1, Astonishing X-Men #38,  Deadpool Max #8, Uncanny X-Force #10 and X-23 #10.

As with most weeks, new comics arrive on Wednesday (that’s today!), so hit your nearest comics book store early for best selection.

Don’t know where your nearest comic store is? Use this handy guide to find one.

Comics On-Sale:

ALPHA FLIGHT #0.1
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #661
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #661 X-MEN EVOLUTIONS VARIANT
ASTONISHING X-MEN #38
AVENGERS #13 (FI)
AVENGERS #13 X-MEN EVOLUTIONS VARIANT (FI)
AVENGERS ACADEMY #14
CAPTAIN AMERICA: FIRST VENGEANCE #2
DEADPOOL MAX #8
FEAR ITSELF #1 2ND PRINTING WRAPAROUND VARIANT
GENERATION HOPE #7
GENERATION HOPE #7 THOR HOLLYWOOD VARIANT
HAWKEYE: BLINDSPOT #4
HERC #3 (FI)
HERC #3 X-MEN EVOLUTIONS VARIANT (FI)

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Because we like the X-Men so much and because Marvel sent it to us, we’ve got more preview pages for the upcoming comic arc X-Men: First to Last. As we said in our previous article about this, the story comes from writer Christopher Yost, who returns to the X-Men with artists Paco Medina and Dalibor Talijic.

Here’s the official word from Marvel about this great looking (and sounding) story:

Starting in X-Men Giant-Size #1 and continuing in June’s X-Men #12, a dangerous villain from the X-Men past travels to the present with one objective in mind—destroy their future! The Evolutionaries are coming and their rampage through the Marvel Universe will push the X-Men to their limits.

And as if a new X-Men story and comics weren’t enough, there’s also a new action figure as well: X-Force Archangel. Available exclusively at Marvel’s website, this is the only way  you to get the first figure of Archangel in his “all-new, all-deadly” uniform. That’s right, we said “all-deadly.” Winning.

Look for this story to hit comic store shelves starting on May 18th. Until then, check out the new preview pages after the break.

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We like the X-Men. We also like it when our friends at Marvel send us previews for upcoming comics.

So when both of those things are combined, it’s an even better day. Case in point is this new preview for the upcoming X-Men: First to Last story arc.

Beginning with X-Men Giant Size #1 and continuing in X-Men #12, writer Christopher Yost returns to the X-Men with artists Paco Medina and Dalibor Talijic. In the comic you will “discover the staggering consequences when Xavier’s first class arrives in the future to tackle their greatest foe yet.”

“Can the X-Men of yesterday and today tackle their greatest enemy that neither can remember? The Evolutionaries are coming and their rampage through the Marvel Universe will reverberate through the lives of all X-Men past and present, first and last.”

Sounds awesome, no? Check out a preview of the new comic after the jump. X-Men: First to Last begins in May.

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Even with Christmas right around the corner (It’s Saturday, just in case you didn’t realize) that doesn’t mean the elves at Marvel have stopped making comics. In fact, this week sees the release of some new titles we’re pretty excited about including X-Men #6, Superior #3, Deadpool #30, Secret Avengers #8 and Punisher: In the Blood #2.

As with most weeks, comics hit store shelves on Wednesday so hurry into your nearest comics book store early for best selection. Don’t know where your nearest comic shop is? Use this handy guide to find one.

Comics On-Sale

CHAOS WAR: DEAD AVENGERS #2 (CW)
DEADPOOL #30
FANTASTIC FOUR #586
INCREDIBLE HULKS #619
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #33
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #33 TRON VARIANT
KLAWS OF THE PANTHER #4
NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #5
PUNISHER: IN THE BLOOD #2
SECRET AVENGERS #8
SPIDER-MAN #9
SUPERIOR #3
THOR: WOLVES OF THE NORTH #1
ULTIMATE COMICS DOOM #1
ULTIMATE COMICS DOOM #1 VILLAIN VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #151

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Yes, we know it’s Thursday already and that comics come out on Wednesday. However, that doesn’t mean that all of you have already gone out and purchased your comics for this week. We might still have a few stragglers. If so, this week’s “On Sale” is for you.

Of the comics out this week we’re particularly interested in Avengers #7, Osborn #1, Superior #2 and X-Men #5. Also, we’ve got some cover art for you after the jump so be sure and check that out too.

Comics On-Sale:
AVENGERS #7
AVENGERS #7 BLANK COVER VARIANT
AVENGERS #7 DJURDJEVIC GATEFOLD VARIANT
AVENGERS #7 MCGUINNESS VARIANT
AVENGERS #7 TRON VARIANT
CHAOS WAR: CHAOS KING #1 (CW)
CHAOS WAR: DEAD AVENGERS #1 (CW)
DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #3
DEADPOOL CORPS #8
DEADPOOL MAX #2
HEROIC AGE: VILLAINS #1
HULK #27
IRON MAN: RAPTURE #2
MARVEL SUPER ACTION #1
OSBORN #1 (BIG)
OSBORN #1 GOBLIN VARIANT (BIG)

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Comics? Marvel haz them. This week we’re looking forward to getting our hands on some New Avengers #4, X-Men #3, Thor #614 and Invaders Now! #1.

Usually, as you know, comics hit stores on Wednesday. Not this week. Due to the holiday, head to your favorite comic book store on Thursday for your all-new comic’s selections.

Don’t know where your nearest comic store is? Use this handy guide to find one. Also, be sure to check out covers for some of these books after the break.

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #641 (OMT)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #641 QUESADA SKETCH VARIANT (OMT))
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #641 QUESADA VARIANT (OMT)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #641 WOMEN OF MARVEL FRAME VARIANT (OMT)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #642
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #642 SPIDEY VS. VARIANT
ANITA BLAKE: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED – THE CHARMER #4
ASTONISHING SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #1 DIRECTOR’S CUT
DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #1
DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #1 DELL’OTTO VARIANT
DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #1 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT
DAREDEVIL #510 (SHL)
DAREDEVIL #510 SHS VARIANT (SHL)
DEADPOOL CORPS #6
HEROIC AGE: ONE MONTH TO LIVE #2
INVADERS NOW! #1

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With the 4th of July now behind us what better way to celebrate getting back to business than with some new comics? Fortunately, Marvel has you covered this week and is releasing a a whole bunch of new titles for your reading pleasure.

Some of the ones we’re interested in this week include Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #1, Casanova #1, X-Force #28 and the debut of Steve Rogers: Super Soldier. Remember, because of the holiday, comics come out on Thursday this week so be sure to head on over to your favorite comics store early for best selection. Don’t know where your nearest comic store is? Use this handy guide to find one.

Comics On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #636
AVENGERS #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (HA)
AVENGERS #1 BLANK COVER 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (HA)
AVENGERS ACADEMY #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (HA)
AVENGERS PRIME #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (HA)
AVENGERS, THOR & CAPTAIN AMERICA: OFFICIAL INDEX TO THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #3
AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE #1
AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE #1 CHEUNG SKETCH VARIANT
AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE #1 WOMEN OF MARVEL VARIANT
AVENGERS: THE ORIGIN #4
CASANOVA #1DARKSTAR AND THE WINTER GUARD #2

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Now that Marvel has revamped their current state of continuity with the Heroic Age of comics, lots of books are getting a fresh start. One of the books we’re pretty excited for is the upcoming first issue of X-Men.

From Victor Gischler and Paco Medina, this revamp marks the first time there has been an X-Men #1 in nearly 20 years. According to a Marvel press release, the team will start things off with a bang by fighting a threat that will “alter the ENTIRE Marvel Universe!” We’re pretty stoked for it, to say the least.

Gischler is has been one of the lead writers for Deadpool over the past few years, including Merc With The Mouth and Deadpool Corps. He’s also currently working on The Death of Dracula for Marvel. You may also remember Paco Medina’s art from many of the Deadpool books, as well as New X-Men and a few others.

In celebration of this major issue, Marvel is releasing several variant covers, including a blank cover (at right), a varient by Medina, John Romita Jr., and even one by Thor artist Marko Djurdjevic.

Check out a few sneak preview images from the book after the jump, and be sure to pick up X-Men #1 on sale July 8th.

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Welcome to another edition of The Pull List Comic Reviews! This week we have a shorter list, but as you know, it’s about quality, not quantity. Besides, all of your favorites are here, including a couple of surprises. As always, WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

PULL OF THE WEEK:

Wolverine: Under The Boardwalk one-shot
Marvel Comics – $3.99 US
Writer: Stuart Morre
Artist: Tomm Coker
Score: 8.5

About to board a plane for Alaska, Wolverine receives a mysterious text message asking him to go to Atlantic City instead. Stranger still is the reference to a man Logan hasn’t seen in 40 years, Phil De Blasio, a mafia underboss who tried to kill him last time they met. What transpired on that boardwalk all those years ago has found a way to catch up to him, much to Logan’s chagrin.

In this latest one-shot focusing on Wolverine, writer Stuart Moore crafts a mystery that takes the character from Atlantic City to Coney Island, searching for answers while being reminded that most of his memories contain violence for a reason. Where Moore differed from other recent writers of Wolverine-centric one-shots, however, is what made this issue work, and that is the fact that the writer never lost sight of how a haunted character like Wolverine really shouldn’t experience peace and closure.

Complimenting this wonderful story is the art by Tomm Coker. The artist, hands down, drew the nicest issue I’ve seen this week. A noir vibe that pulsates throughout, the art is every bit as scratchy and slashy as the character’s past has shown, and while the story centers more on inner reflections and whatnot, there’s still the occasional action shot that mirrors Wolverine’s famous savagery. Beautiful in every way, the art within this issue should not be passed up.

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