Gorgeous, oversize, and well designed, Ultimate X-Men is also perfectly titled. It's a comprehensive overview of four decades of Marvel Comics's monstrously popular mutant superheroes--from their debut, in Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's X-Men #1 (1963), to the terrific X-Men movie (2000). Ultimate X-Men includes the many major mutants who have appeared in The Uncanny X-Men and its spinoffs (Alpha Flight, New Generation, Wolverine, X-Factor, and numerous other series and miniseries). Two-page spreads detail the most important characters' origins, powers, costumes, and relationships. In addition, every superhero and supervillain appearing in the movie receives a sidebar, with stills, that describes the onscreen incarnation. Also receiving detailed coverage are nonmutants important to the X-Men, including Ka-Zar, Longshot, and Dr. Moira MacTaggert; major alien groups and races, like the Starjammers and the Shi'ar; and important locations and technology, such as the Danger Room, Dr. Xavier's estate, and the Blackbird jets. The book also covers the best Uncanny X-Men story lines, the Dark Phoenix Saga, and Days of Future Past. A Summers family tree lays out clearly a tangle of relationships (between clonal and alternate-timeline versions of Cyclops/Scott Summers and Marvel Girl/Phoenix/Jean Grey) that could drive even an experienced genealogist crazy. Ultimate X-Men opens with an entertaining foreword by X-Men creator-editor Stan Lee and concludes with a two-page overview of the X-Men animated series (1992-1997); a four-page "Making the X-Men Movie" section with many great shots; and an insightful afterword by the series' best writer, Chris Claremont. -- amazon.com review

From Thor and Iron Man to Captain America and the Incredible Hulk, this exciting book tells readers everything there is to know about Earth's mightiest heroes-from their incredible origins to their superhuman powers. A must for comic fans of any age! -- product description

The mysterious Mr. Hurg comes face to face with HAUNT! After months of planning he's finally set his plan into motion-is Haunt too late? How does Mirage factor in to all this-and witness the villainous return of Cobra!

It's been 13 years since little Tim and Lex Murphy escaped from the island of Isla Sorna, and recent public opinion has reversed, with the world clamoring for authorities to re-open Jurassic Park! With the help of their controversial Granddad's inheritance and their own sharp wits, a secret deal is struck to open a new park! This time they'll get it right...right? Bob Schreck makes his writing debut on this all-new tale, under covers from fellow industry legends Frank Miller and Tom Yeates! -- series solicitation, idwpublishing.com

The ten-issue vampire epic on the bayou from the writer of the A Song of Ice and Fire novels continues in issue seven! From the New York Times Best-selling author, George R. R. Martin, comes a tale of vampire clans, death and debauchery, legendary blood masters, and even a few epic steamboat races on the muddy Mississippi. This is Martin's FEVRE DREAM, an antebellum story of power, loss, and the fever of bloodlust. After a disastrous dinner with Damon Julian, there may be no hope left for York. But Abner Marsh doesn't have time to worry about his friend and business partner, because he's too busy running for his life from a coven of cruel vampires and one psychotic sour Billy. And the sun has set over the Mississippi river, so nowhere is safe... Each issue of this stunning full-color epic is illustrated by Rafa Lopez, an artist whose skilled line captures every moonlit drop of blood in delicious detail. Adapted by the Hugo-nominated author Daniel Abraham, this version of FEVRE DREAM stays faithful to Martin's original dark vision, while bringing the torture and joy of his vampires to almost-human life. This haunting series is available with Regular and Wraparound painted covers by Felipe Massafera. -- avatarpress.com

CARNAGE IS BACK! The fan-favorite villain returns to rock the Marvel Universe with the Amazing Spider-Man and the Invincible Iron Man first on his hit list. But just why -- and how -- has Carnage returned, and how many of Marvel's heroes will it take to stop him? Superstar creators Zeb Wells (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, NEW MUTANTS) and Clayton Crain (GHOST RIDER, X-FORCE) team up for the Spider-Man epic that'll leave jaws on the floor! Literally! -- marvel.com

The chronicle of the Marvel Universe returns as the All-New Official Index to the Marvel Universe delves into the history of three more of Marvel's most enduring titles! Return with us to the Silver and Golden Ages as we launch our coverage of the Avengers (from AVENGERS #111), Thor (from THOR #161), and Captain America (from both CAPTAIN AMERICA #207 and 1941's CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #11). Watch the Marvel universe's history unfold month by month as each issue provides synopses for dozens of individual comics, including back-up strips, introducing the characters, teams, places and equipment that appeared within, providing vital information about first appearances, where they last showed up and where they appeared next! -- marvel.com

Stolen from their families and conscripted by the military, John-117 and the other child SPARTAN recruits are lost in the wilderness, out-manned and outgunned! Brian Reed (SIEGE: FRONT LINE) and Felix Ruiz (THE URANIAN) take the HALO legend to new heights with this origin story of Master Chief! -- marvel.com

After a surprise strike that catches COBRA off guard, the hastily re-formed G.I. JOE team takes back the initiative and launches its full counter-offensive against COBRA. And DR. VENOM's plot from beyond the grave finally begins to unfold! -- idwpublishing.com

Rory Regan has long struggled to reconcile the burden he carries as the Ragman, protector of society's forgotten, with his own strained faith. Could the souls he has consigned to redeem themselves within his mystic suit have the answers he needs about what lies beyond - and about the mysteries kept from him by his own father? Christos Gage (STORMWATCH: PHD, Avengers: The Initiative) and Stephen Segovia (Wolverine) provide a look inside one of the DCU's most peculiar Super Heroes in this standalone one-shot! -- dccomics.com