AOM 11-2020

AGENTS OF A.R.C.A.N.A. #24

Plot by NX01A

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by JEROME OPEÑA

Theme Song: Demons & Wizards - Seize The Day

”TOUCHED BY THE CRIMSON QUEEN” Part 2/finale ”ACE OF WANDS”

• As MAN-THING helps ELSA BLOODSTONE reject the shards of the Stones of Merlin embedded in her, she pulls the Bloodstone back into her. Mímisbrunnr, frozen over in the crimson crystal, finally thaws to release its wisdom across the Ten Realms again.

• The remnants of the Stones of Merlin form themselves into a crystal shard which STRANGE and VOODOO identify as a Wand of the Wise: a powerful artifact said to only manifest before the End Times to point the way to avoiding certain doom.

• While she waits for her various agents to return from across the Ten Realms, AGATHA HARKNESS reads the Tarot. The card defining the present is the Ace of Wands: birth, commencement, new beginnings. The card defining the future is the Ten of Wands: burdens, intense pressure, oppression. And then the old witch gets a call from the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s new Wizardry Alchemy Necromancy Department...

• Next month: X OF WANDS!

32 PGs./ Rated M...$3.99

AGENTS OF FURY #2

Writer: CHRISTOPHER PRIEST

Artist: STEFAN CASELLI

Plot: MARVELL2100

“I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE”

Months ago, Sharon Kelly was chosen to fill the seat of her husband Sen. Robert Kelly(I)-KS who died under mysterious circumstances. Since becoming Senator, she has rode a wave of populism as she has spoken out against immigration, liberal judges and the cancer culture which she calls "radical ideology". She has been a media darling and has garnered a nation-wide following along with money which has been pouring in to support her bid to keep her seat. But it's the dark money supporters that has Nick Fury interested. He's sent Diamondback and Nomad to infiltrate her campaign as volunteers.

Elsewhere, Scorpio and Widow-Maker have returned from their mission and give Nick their report. The "coup" in South American nation of San Gregario was indeed a cover to set up a puppet regime. San Gregario is a small country but has recently become a major hub of global banks, many suspected of laundering money. Nick thinks to himself, "Maybe we oughtta do a regime change of our own.". He tells the two to check their tablets for their next assignment. As the two leave the room, he begins to pack a bag with clothes and a couple of guns. "It's time to take a trip to South America." Next Issue: 2nd Amendment Solutions.

32 PGS./Rated T+...$3.99

AMAZING FANTASY #12

Written by J.M.DEMATTEIS

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by SARA PICHELLI

“SCALES, FEATHERS, AND WEBS” starring Spider-Man

The Lizard has kicked the butts of both the Vulture and our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Luckily, Spidey has found a possible reversal treatment for Curt Conners’ transformation into a super-strong, super-fast lizard man. The bad news is the main ingredient is locked up safely deep in a hospital storage facility. Can Peter and his unlikely ally the Vulture work together successfully enough to steal the drug and use it to save Dr, Conners. As well as the people who face harm and death from the Lizard’s rampage?

We also see Mary Jane Watson’s first few days in California as she tries to find a job at any Hollywood studio she can. It appears to go well, but events aren’t always what they seem.

And in our Fantasy/Horror back-up…

Written by STEPHEN KING

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TODD MCFARLANE

“SUICIDE SQUEEZE!” or “PICKLE!”

A man faces the greatest challenge of his life when he is lost in a city and he needs to find his way home. Don’t think that’s a problem? What if the city is Boston, and the man is wearing a Yankees cap?

32 Pgs./ Rated T...$3.99

BLACK PANTHER: KING OF WAKANDA #16

Written by MALCOLM JONES

Plot by MARVELL2100

Art by ADI GRANOV

"NEW WORLD ORDER!" Conclusion: “THE COMING STORM!”

“In a brutal fight with the future of Wakanda at stake, T'Challa has defeated M'Baku The Usurper and reclaimed his throne as King! He immediately announces the end of all alliances with former enemies Niganda and Azania but in a surprising move that shocks the rest of the world, he has not ended hostilities towards the U.S.! T'Challa accuses the U.S. of interfering in Wakandan politics and that they actually helped to put M'Baku in power! America must be held accountable for it's actions!

In an abandoned facility near the New York harbor, Okoye and Kyen confront the traitor Killmonger who has stolen Vibranium to sell to the highest bidder. But before they can take him into custody, they are quickly surrounded and attacked by a group led by the mysterious Madam Slay. He tells Slay not to kill them and to leave them for the American authorities to find. Before leaving, Killmonger gives Okoye a warning: tell T'Challa that he will form a new tribe, a tribe that will one day rise up and claim Wakandan as their own! Next Issue: Sturm un Drang II

32 PGS./Rated T+...$3.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA #24

Plot by EXCITER

Written by FRANK MILLER

Art by SEAN GORDON MURPHY

“NOVEMBER REVOLUTION”

Still healing from the events of CIVIL WAR, the United States is vulnerable - and sharks smell blood in the water!

Omega Red has stepped up his efforts to destabilize the nation in hopes of giving birth to a new Soviet Union, recruiting a large and violent following from America’s disaffected youth. He’s also found powerful allies among the deadly foes of Captain America! The Mandarin funnels him dark money from the People’s Republic of China. M.O.D.O.K. uses A.I.M.’s vast technological resources to manipulate web traffic and social media trends in his favor whilst censoring opposition. And Congresswoman Roja-Oñederra secretly acts as his voice in government. With such comrades, who can stand against him?!

Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier steps up. Formerly brainwashed and enslaved by the Soviet Union, he’s got a serious score to settle! But when he intervenes to save an Office of National Emergency facility and it’s staff from targeted destruction, three of Omega Red’s armed goons end up dead - and suddenly Bucky is being painted as public enemy number one!!

Will Captain America side with his lifelong friend, or try to bring him in and trust the system? And amid the chaos, a new player with her own Soviet connections makes her presence known: enter the Black Widow!

Plus: A Frontlines Op-Ed by Sally Floyd, “Cappin’ America: Rogers’ Best Bud is Mass Shooter, Ex-Military with Mental Health History and Militia Ties.”

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #24 \*Civil War Tie-In\*

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

What’s left of the FF remembers that after a Civil War comes… …

“RECONSTRUCTION (PART 2): WINDOWS TO THE SOUL”

Even though the FF is feeling the aftereffects of the Cap/Thor Civil War, they probably should be more gracious with their guest stars. If only Daredevil got that respect!

Alicia Masters has done work supporting various causes supporting the sight impaired. In her experiences, she has made the acquaintance of the blind Matt Murdock, an A-1 lawyer who she suggests for Reed and ben’s defenses against federal charges of Treason. While Matt fights for Reed and Ben in court, Ben himself is undergoing delicate surgery to repair his retinas. Aiding the surgical team is Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman and also a medical doctor, keeping certain body parts invisible, The reading in Ben’s eyes is so delicate it takes more than the medical equipment available to make sure the operation is going as planned. Enter Daredevil, superhero with superhuman senses who is also the attorney Matt Murdock. DD’s got a very busy day ahead of him.

32 PGs./ Rated T...$3.99

INFINITY WATCH #2

Plot by KALAI

Written by RICK REMENDER

Art by FRANK QUITELY

“WHO WATCHES THE INFINITY WATCH” Part 2

Omega, an amalgam of Thanos and Galactus is making way through the galaxy, leading an army of Thanosi clones. And the Infinity Watch is responsible for unleashing them into the world.

It’s up to the Infinity Watch to stop the end of the universe.

Infinity Watch VS Thanosi Clones!

Hyperion vs Warrior (Clone of Thanos and Gladiator), Angela vs Mystic (Thanos and Doctor Strange) and Eros vs X (Thanos and Professor X).

In order to stop the unstoppable Omega, Thane has to enlist help from an unexpected old friend, Pip the Troll. But how exactly will Pip save the world?

A galaxy away, Galactus has become aware of the situation, but before the Mighty Galan make his move, a mysterious figure appear before him -- Starhawk. What deal does the One Who Knows have to offer for the Devourer of Worlds?

Meanwhile, in a hidden chamber aboard the Sanctuary, Genis Vell meets Thanos the Mad Titan?

32 PGs./ Rated T+...$3.99

THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #16

Written by JOSHUA DYSART

Plot by MARVELL2100

Art by SALVADOR LARROCA

"SUPERIOR!" Part 7: “REIGN OF THE IRON MAN!”

In Russia, Tony and The Titanium Woman have just barely defeated Extremis. But the Russians have claimed him because of his attacks and force Tony and Maria to leave. With his armor damaged and in need of repair, Tony reluctantly leaves and Maria agrees to come with him to America. On his way back he tries to reach Stark Energy but can't get in touch with anyone. As they enter the compound, Tony realizes that no one is around and that there is no power in the building. Suddenly the lights come on and Tony sees all of his friends unconscious on the floor! Then he hears the familiar voice of his brother welcoming him home. He turns to see Arno standing in the most advanced Iron Man armor ever created! Arno tells Tony not to worry, that his friends are still alive. After all, they are here to bear witness to the end of Tony Stark and witness the rise of The Superior Iron Man! Next Issue: Tony vs Arno for the title of Iron Man!

32 PGS./Rated T+...$3.99

LIONHEARTS #1

Plot by KC

Written by DAN SLOTT

Art by TY TEMPLETON

“JUSTICE WITH A ‘U’”

People in the UK generally don’t have to deal with criminals in silly colourful (Yes, with a ‘u’) costumes running around robbing banks or trying to take over their country. But that has changed recently as a new mob boss is in town and they have brought some American supervillain tech with them. Union Jack and Pil Coulson assemble a team to stop this new player.

Union Jack, Agent Coulson, Spider-Woman and Blade. Together they will save the UK.

32 Pgs./Rated T...$2.99

THE MIGHTY THOR #24

Plot by EXCITER

Written by ALAN MOORE

Art by MIKE MIGNOLA

“OFF BASE”

The events of CIVIL WAR tore at the bonds between Asgard and Midgard... but now King Thor seeks to reestablish them, stronger than ever before.

In conjunction with Captain America and the United States military, Thor establishes Fort Kirby - a joint U.S./Asgard outpost built within the excavated bones of Jörmungandr, the monstrous Midgard Serpent whom Thor slew centuries ago in what is now modern day Greenland. This base, he hopes, will allow champions from the two Realms to work in greater unison against potential threats and avenge themselves upon their mutual enemies. But who could lead such a venture?

Dr. Bruce Banner is making himself nervous... and he doesn’t like himself when he’s nervous. He’s lived off-world for over two years, banished from his home planet due to an out-of-control Hulk rampage. He was too dangerous to stay. But after the Civil War, and his help saving the lives of every member of the experimental Gamma Force, there is a new spirit of good will towards the Hulk and his puny human counterpart. That’s why Thor believes he can lead Fort Kirby’s mission... but can Banner live up to the faith a god has in him?

That faith will be put to the ultimate test with Fort Kirby’s first unexpected guest: the In-Betweener! A cosmic entity representing the balance between order and chaos, the In-Betweener has always been fascinated with Banner due to his uniquely dichotomous nature. Yet he’s also the one that triggered the chaotic Hulk rampage that forced Banner to ask Odin for sanctuary in the first place (as revealed wayyy back in THE MIGHTY THOR #2!). What does the In-Betweener want, and is history about to repeat itself just as Banner was beginning to reclaim a portion of his life?

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

SORCERERS OF THE STARS #18

Written by JEFF PARKER

Plot by H-E-D

Art by DUSTIN WEAVER

"TENTATIVE"

Quantum Sorcery allows its user to access the power of every possible version of themselves.

Magus taught Moondragon to use Quantum Sorcery to harness the Dragon of the Moon from her past iterations – or, so she thought.

Is it only a matter of time before the Dragon takes control once more? And will this aid or hinder her search for Hybrid, the one responsibility for the tragedy that befell Krugarr and Ciress?

Meanwhile, Magique has resigned from the Imperial Guard — and was a little insulted to find that Gladiator had a replacement lined up so quickly. Who is she if not a Superguardian?

Magique II isn’t the only new member of the Imperial Guard. Who is the new name among their ranks, and why is Ika so mad about it?

Now the Master of the Sun, Peter Quill has no time to play superhero. But that doesn’t mean he’s content to let the name Star-Lord fallen into disuse. Who will be his newly appointed successor?

Gamora isn’t actually a Sorcerer, so why is she still hanging around?

What did Ika and Mantis learn on Pama?

Why so many questions?

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

THUNDERBOLTS #6

Written by ALEX DE CAMPI

Plot by H-E-D

Art by CARMEN CARNERO & GABRIEL HARDMAN

Far as Dirk Garthwaite sees it, it’s too hard out there these days for regular ol’ Americans like himself.

So when, in the middle of these tough times for men, he stumbled upon a trove of magical Asgardian junk, he takes it as a sign from his old Nordic ancestors.

(23&Me says his great-great-grandma was from Iceland)

He’s done standing back and standing by – it’s time for the Wrecker to take America back!

Joined by his friends Bulldozer, Piledriver and Demolisher, this Wrecking Crew have brought chaos to the streets of Arlington.

Unfortunately for them, that puts them right on the Thunderbolt’s front door.

Talk about the wrong place at the wrong time.

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

THE ULTIMATES #18

Written by KIERON GILLEN

Plot by H-E-D

Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (main story); ARIELA KRISTANTINA (backup)

“SUPERIOR SPELLBINDER” Part 3 – "STARLIGHT"

Under the guise of Jennifer Kale, Erica Fortune continues the charade of playing superhero — but the ranks of the Ultimates are all but depleted.

Time for a recruitment drive.

Her first stop? Otherworld.

But the Tenebrous Cells of the Starlight Citadel won’t breach themselves. Even the Spellbreaker can’t do that singlehandedly. Unless she has an ace in the hole.

The Aether should do nicely.

Meanwhile, Blue Marvel and Captain Marvel find themselves somewhere they never expected to be — inside the mind of Spectrum!

As a being a living energy, Monica Rambeau has a mind like no other — one that Carol and Adam are uniquely capable of contact with.

Her mind scape has been expanded to boundless measures by her cosmic awareness — can her teammates find her within it, or are they doomed to wander the cosmos of her mind forever?

PLUS: Ond and Karma are pleased to discover that The Pirates of the Wind are actually quite friendly. And their leader thinks she might know a way to get them home. But they’ll have to make it through the heart of Meridian, Demetria’s greatest city!

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #24

Plot by NX01A

Written by KURT BUSIEK

Art by PEPE LARRAZ

Theme Song: Graham Plowman - Hound of Tindalos

”X-MEN 2019” Part 2/finale ”2020”

• For Halloween 2019, PROFESSOR X hacked his future self's brain to foresee the horrors of 2020 and plan for them. His telepathic time travel drew unwanted attention, ravenous attention.

• They are the HOUNDS OF TINDALOS: brain-sucking beasts that inhabit the angles of Time, devouring all those who would travel through it. They pour from all corners of the X-Mansion to reach Xavier, and not even hiding in the spherical Cerebro chamber will stop them once they've manifested elsewhere.

• X-23 and WOLVERINE go claw to claw with extradimensional dogs of death while Xavier scours his own mind to see what the final horror of 2020 that has escaped him is!

• Next month: X OF WANDS!

32 PGs./Rated T+...$3.99

AOM QUARANTINE SPECIAL #8 (of ?????)

“THANKSGIVING, AFTER ALL, IS A WORD OF ACTION”

Written by DAVE MICHELINIE

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by MARCOS MARTIN

Story title courtesy W.L. CAMERON

Social Distancing has been a challenge for many of us. And our friends at Steve Ditko High in Queens face the possibility that the food kitchen they have been working at every Thanksgiving for years may not be able to serve their economically challenged clientele. What can Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, Flash Thompson, and Mary Jane Watson do to help the underprivileged get a Thanksgiving meal? If only there was a way to deliver meals via strong sticky strands. This sounds like a job for Spider-Man!

“WHERE YOU’LL NEVER BE FOUND”

Plot by EXCITER

Written by JOE KELLY

Art by RYAN OTTLEY

The ALL-WINNERS SQUAD is back! But after shrinking down to successfully defeat the dastardly COVID-19 inside President Trump’s body, U.S. Agent and his team can’t get large again! And in their diminutive state, they’ve unpredictabley fallen into an abyss from which nobody may be able to find them: a mail-in ballot! Trapped inside the dark envelope, will they ever see daylight again?

32 PGs./Rated T... $One Roll of Toilet Paper