AOM 01-2021

AGENTS OF A.R.C.A.N.A. #26

Plot by NX01A

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by JEROME OPEÑA

Theme Song: Beastie Boys - (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)

“X OF WANDS” Part 3/4 “THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE”

•Limbo: 2 | Earth: 1

•In the legally and infernally binding contest to see if the duly appointed ruler of Limbo will gain ownership of Earth, CYCLOPS won his match while WOLVERINE and MAGIK lost their matches. It's a nailbiter but this hostile takeover isn't over yet!

•GÄAP, Limbo's next champion, doesn't need to use his demonic death touch to kill X-23 on the Planes of Pohldahk. His mutant power makes the very air around her caustic and toxic while his Wand of Satannish traps her within an arcane bubble! Laura's healing factor won't last long in conditions like the surface of Venus but it gives her enough time to use the Wand of the Molecule Man to purify the air, disrupt the magic field with the metal of her adamantium claws, and take the fight to Gäap! Can her healing factor survive his death touch? Can he survive the touch of her claws?

•As with anything involving attorneys and demons, this isn't a fair fight. AMY is one such Limbo Lawyer, and she will use her good luck mutant ability to make sure Limbo wins. While Amy tries to turn the tide of the remaining matches, the SCARLET WITCH and NIGHTCRAWLER try to stop her in the Realm of the Crimson Dawn.

•The magic concludes in UNCANNY X-MEN #26!

32 PGs./ Rated M...$3.99

AGENTS OF FURY #4

Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIEST

Art by STEFAN CASELLI

Plot by MARVELL2100

“I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE” Part 3

Nick arrives in San Gregario and checks into the seediest motel he could find. Moments later he's out on the streets looking for the local dive. If you want to find answers about a place, go to the watering holes, where people talk just about everything. In Leavenworth, KS, the Kelly campaign rally begins with her giving a raucous speech about illegal immigrants taking jobs and real Americans losing their rights. The gathered crowd roars at her every word. The super-pac that sponsored the rally, Americans For America, hands out pamphlets, t-shirts hats to the crowd as they seek donations. Rachel looks around at the thousands of people brandishing guns and spewing the ugly words that typically come from a speech rooted in fear-mongering. Everyone in the crowd erupts into loud chants of "Kelly! Kelly!" But she is stunned and concerned when she sees Jack silently mouthing the name "Kelly". Has Nomad become the latest convert to the Senator's message of hate and division?

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

AMAZING FANTASY #14

Written by J.M. DEMATTEIS

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by SARA PICHELLI

“ESCAPE ROOM!” starring Spider-Man

Mysterio is still wreaking havoc on the Hollywood community.. Despite being beaten by Spider-Man in last issue’s slugfest, the brigand escaped to fight another day. To celebrate the victory and to enjoy the generosity of Quentin Beck, Pete, Mary Jane, Gwen, and Flash go to a retro-style escape room. At least the old writer guy thinks Escape Rooms are retro now. Oh, we do need to remind you that Quentin Beck is actually Mysterio and has planned horrible stuff for our Spidey gang in the guise of an escape room. Flash’s plan to make out with the women while Peter figures it all out in the last minute is looking like it’s not going off as planned.

And in our Fantasy/Horror back-up…

Story and Art by GABRIEL BA and FABIO MOON

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

“SDRAWKCAB”

Roger Gregor is dwelling in a living Hell. When he wakes in the morning, it’s not the next day, but the previous day. How does this man live when everything he experiences has been slated to happen despite his every attempt to break free of the cycle?

32 Pgs./ Rated T...$3.99

BLACK PANTHER: KING OF WAKANDA #18

Written by MALCOLM JONES

Plot by MARVELL2100

Art by ADI GRANOV

“STURM AND DRANG!” Part 2: “KING IN BLACK”

Killmonger has joined the Hellfire Club as it's newest Black King but some members aren't sure that this is a wise move as The Black Panther also sits on the club as The Gray King! The Black Widow Yelena Belova is the Gray Queen and a secret ally of T'Challa. She reaches out and informs him that Killmonger is now a member and will be protected by the others. He tells her he will make no moves against Killmonger or the Club at this time but to be ready when he makes his move.

Shuri, W'Kabi, Hunter and Zuri are in the war room have put together a response to send in a team to rescue Okoye and Kyen from the American authorities. T'Challa tells them that will not be necessary. He has no intention of meeting any demands placed on him or Wakanda. He has a special operative that will lead a team of Hatute Zeraze to free the others and then, war will truly begin! Next Issue: American Panther!

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

CAPTAIN AMERICA #26

Plot by EXCITER

Written by FRANK MILLER

Art by SEAN GORDON MURPHY

“NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION”

Lured into a seemingly abandoned building in Philadelphia’s dark underbelly in the dead of night, the Sentinel of Liberty was ambushed in a shocking betrayal. Frozen in another block of ice, hidden from the world, this time he may never thaw out. Steve Rogers is gone... but Captain America is not!

A new man wields the shield. Championed by the Mandarin in China and cheered by Big Tech clandestinely controlled by M.O.D.O.K., his name is Arkady Rossovich. An immigrant enhanced through a super-soldier program, Arkady’s past is largely whitewashed or covered up and reimagined by the media, who present him as a nearly infallible vanguard for unity. Captain America was an idea that the man himself never lived up to, but that’s promised to change now. Yet, the “hero” formerly known as Omega Red feeds on the very life force of others to survive! Adorned in the red, white, and blue, he’s looking at an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Unlike his predecessor, however, Arkady intends to target real bad guys: business owners, landlords, and police! His first target is a despicable member of the bourgeois: CEO of Pierce-Consolidated Mining, elitist and cyborg, Donald Pierce. This metal swine has exploited the proletariat enough for one lifetime... but has the new Captain America already gotten in over his head by starting a hot war with Pierce’s own army of enhanced mercenaries - the Reavers?

Meanwhile, Bucky Barnes will never accept this new Captain America and hasn’t given up on finding his missing best friend. The mission: search and rescue. But can even the Black Widow help him discover what really happened to Steve Rogers? And even if they find out, is it too late to do anything about it?

Plus: A Frontlines Op-Ed by Sally Floyd, “It’s Time for a Healing Factor: Why I’m Finally Willing to Embrace Captain America.”

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #26

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

The FF stand shocked as Franklin Richards exclaims…

“YOU’RE NOT MY MOTHER!”

The world is saved. The FF, Franklin, and Alicia spend a few days on the Moon getting a small base camp prepared for lunar visitors. Upon their return to Earth the Four are inundated with well-wishes and awards. The first panel is Franklin looking at Susan Storm yelling “You’re NOT my mother.” It’s also the last panel of the story and the story is how we get there.

Thrill to Reed and Sue’s celebratory evening after saving the world. Enjoy Ben and Alicia masters’ return to their home on Earth. Wonder why Johnny Storm is having secret meetings with telepathic gorilla Josephine.

And trust us on this one, this arc will change the FF forever.

This arc is based heavily on an idea from whitecrown.

32 PGs./ Rated T...$3.99

FANTASTIC FOUR volume 1: “THE FIERCE AND THE FANTASTIC”

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

They are, arguably, the greatest super-team on the planet. The stories of people with powers and abilities gathering together to solve problems no single hero could resolve are pretty common. But the Fantastic Four are a team that got their powers together with family and friendship ties that were brought even closer with their heroic adventuring. Now, together again for the first time, are those early adventures/. Thrill as the Fantastic Four face their opposite number with the Fierce Foursome led by the genius Mad Thinker and her team of morally challenged super-powered individuals in a battle for their very home.

Also featuring…

FRANKLIN RICHARDS – SON OF A GENIUS: “WATCHING THE MANDALORIAN”

Written by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS

Franklin Richards is four years old. Hence, his parents are less than open to his viewing habits being too crazy. So when he tries to watch a new Star Wars series on TV, he gets locked out. What is a boy to do except call his best robot buddy HERBIE to fix things so Franklin can enjoy Star Wars. Guess what doesn’t go smoothly.

Reprints Fantastic Four issues 0-6 with an all-new Franklin Richards story. Yes, it’s there so anyone who bought the original issues already will have to buy this.

160 PGs./ Rated T...$4.44

HULK IN HELL #1

Miniseries

Plot by EXCITER

Written by MATT KINDT

Art by RON GARNEY

“SMASH ALL HOPE, YE WHO ENTER HERE”

Bruce Banner stayed on Earth during the events of One More Day. To save the world, the Fantastic Four blocked out Gamma Rays. Bruce understood this would cut the Hulk out of his life forever. He envisioned peace, for once, and freedom to pursue his scientific ventures without fear of hulking out and ruining everything. But he didn’t get what he bargained for... now, every night he is awakened by nightmares of damned souls and a fiery pit. Of demons and the devil. And he has to deal with the fact... that he sent the Hulk to Hell!

Of a goblin going in darknesses; of assailing, and of a midday fiend. A thousand shall fall down from thy side, and ten thousand from thy right side; forsooth it shall not nigh to thee. - Psalm 91:6-7.

The Hulk hasn’t stopped fighting since he arrived... here, wherever here is. There’s no time to think about it. Circling above him, on a glider of fire, the horrific Demogoblin directs seemingly endless hordes of Baphomet-looking demons to relentlessly attack! “Puny horny goat men want fight Hulk? Hulk smash you all!” Yet they just keep coming.

He cries out in anguish, “Hulk just wants to be left alone!” Unexpectedly, a familiar face answers. A face more horrifying than any demon: the face of Bruce’s abusive father, Brian Banner!

“Son, my true son, if you ever want to be free of this place... then come with me. I will guide you to salvation. All you have to do... is smash the lord of Hell himself! Well? What do you say, kiddo? Will Hulk smash... Mephisto?”

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

INFINITY WATCH #4

Plot by KALAI

Written by RICK REMENDER

Art by FRANK QUITELY

“WHO WATCHES THE INFINITY WATCH” part 4

To the whole universe and the Infinity Watch, Thanos has fallen in the events of Infinity King,

and only Eros knows the truth.

Eros is trying to prevent a certain future that he bears witness, the Infinity Ending.

Genis and Pip must fight their way to the core of the Thanos World and destroy it.

But can they really stop a living planet of Thanos?

Meanwhile, Omega and Galactus are in an epic battle.

A clash of Titans, battle of cosmic gods.

But Omega falls when Thane removes his armor and unleashes his true powers, shocking even Galactus.

It turns out, this was all part of Thanos' plan, unknown to the Infinity Watch.

The Brotherhood of Badoon had stolen his cloning technology and gene to create this army of Thanosi.

Thanos intended to destroy the stolen technology and punish the Badoons for their betrayal.

Thanos had provided Eros with all the support he needs and Eros is to put together a team, the Infinity Watch.

And this is hardly the full scope of Thanos' plan.

Pip, Hyperion and Angela are having a drink at the Starlin's bar when the Black Swan shows up.

The Church of Swans is searching for Thane, so that he may one day become their new Great Destroyer, Rabum Alal. But things will get even more complicated, when it is revealed that Thanos is the new Avatar of Life.

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #18

Written by JOSHUA DYSART

Plot by MARVELL2100

Art by SALVADOR LARROCA

“WITH HANDS OF IRON!”

Tony, Rhodey, Beth and the others slowly recover from their defeat at the hands of Arno. His armor was already damaged in the fight with Extremis but even at full strength he was no match for Arno's Superior Iron Man armor. He still can't believe that his own brother would turn against him. Why would Arno do this? As doubt begins to creep into his mind, Tony is reminded by Rhodey Arno hurt a lot of people close to him and there are still others out there that he could go after. He needs to drop the self pity and do what he does best, build! Tony and Riri head to the lab to begin working on a new suit of armor when suddenly, an explosion blows out another wall to reveal Sunset Baines and her new team of armored henchmen(If you're looking for a job, call 1-800-Hench-Men or visit us at henchmen4hire.un), The Iron Raiders! Next issue: The Man With The Iron Fists!

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

THE MIGHTY THOR #26

Plot by EXCITER

Written by ALAN MOORE

Art by MIKE MIGNOLA

“HOMECOMING”

The time has come. The Realm Eternal will be reclaimed. For over two years, the treacherous All-Mother Freyja has sat upon a stolen throne (see THE MIGHTY THOR #10). This day, King Thor leads a coalition of the willing - Aesir, light elves, dwarves, frost giants, trolls, and men - to take back his ancestral home! FOR ASGARD!

Balder the Brave is a god of two Realms. A true son of Odin, he was also born of Freyja - unlike his half-brothers, Thor and Vidar, or the adopted frost giant, Loki. With blood that is both Asgardian Aesir and Vanir, Balder’s mother saw him as the true future of the gods and gifted him with his own enchanted uru weapon. He is her champion - her cause’s great defender. Yet with their enemies at the gate, Balder’s vaunted bravery will be put to the ultimate test. He must face the Mighty Thor in battle. Brother against brother... to the death. Will he land the killing blow? Or has he been on the wrong side the entire time?

Unbeknownst to Thor, Freyja enchanted not just Balder’s weapon, but his entire body. And a powerful enchantment it was! No object can harm him! None, save for one. His only weakness: mistletoe. But nobody knows that... right?

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #2

Plot by KALAI

Writer MARK MILLAR

Artist GREG CAPULLO

“PAX GALACTICA” part 2

Onslaught was imprisoned in the negative zone for a long time.

When Blastaar finds a weakened Onslaught, he believed this was his chance.

He tried to take the power of Onslaught for his own. But that plan didn't work out so well for the Conqueror.

And thanks to Blastaar, Onslaught was able to extend its mind from beyond the veil of cosmos.

Onslaught was trying to create fear from around the cosmos to feed and grow stronger.

As the Guardians stopped the chaos and terror around the galaxy, Onslaught was forced to take another route.

The Guardians must stop Blastaar and his great horde to bring peace to the galaxy.

Ex Nihilo, Abyss, Quasar and Silver Surfer against the restless hordes of Blastaar.

Starbrand and Phyla battle Blastaar, and manage to defeat this tyrant.

Wounded and defeated, Blastaar laughs.

For one of his hordes has stolen the Nega-Bands of Phyla for him.

With the two Nega-Bands, Blastaar clashes his wrists together.

This was the plan from the beginning.

And with a great flash of lightning and thunder, Blastaar vanishes,

and Onslaught Returns.

32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #26

Plot by NX01A

Written by KURT BUSIEK

Art by PEPE LARRAZ

Jean Grey's Wand variant by Jim Balent

Theme Song: Public Enemy - Fight The Power

“X OF WANDS” Part 4/finale “THE HIGH PRIESTESS”

•Limbo: 2 | Earth: 2

•The scores are tied after X-23 won her round, and ownership of Earth all comes down to fiery demon-mutant PHENEX versus JEAN GREY in a distant galaxy at the heart of the omniversal M'kraan Crystal! Jean's telepathy and telekinesis keep Phenex's persuasive child-like voice and pyrokinesis at bay but the firebird's Nightmare Wand shows Jean alternate horrifying versions of herself in the M'kraan Crystal's infinite possibilities gleefully wielding and destroying with power both cosmic and arcane. The visions make Jean refuse to empower herself using her Power Wand, a refusal which gives Phenex Limbo's final victory via demonic death touch!

•Final Score... Limbo: 3 | Earth: 2

•Before her defeat, MAGIK made subtle contact with demon-mutant KIMARIS, offering him a deal. Under the influence of her ancestor's crafted Wand of Xyggondo (also known as the Wand of the Betrayer), Kimaris agreed. And so Illyana was 'defeated' and 'imprisoned' in Limbo, just where she needed to be to behead BELASCO with her Soul Sword, making her the new ruler of both Limbo and Earth! No wonder she wielded the Wand of the Wise.

•Winner: Limbo! And now the Magik truly begins!

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

AOM QUARANTINE SPECIAL #10 (of ?????)

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by WALT SIMONSON

Lettering by JOHN WORKMAN

“WE DON’T GO THEN, EVER!”

The Time Variance Authority’s main duty is to make sure time functions and flows in a linear fashion for the vast majority of this universe. A division of the TVA is assigned with Traffic Detail. This squad makes sure that events which are extremely interesting and attractive to temporal travelers are kept intact and happen as they should be. No one kills baby Hitler, no one tracks the Arc of the Covenant, and no one messes with Babe Ruth’s called shot.

Although events such as these attract attention and need some protection, there is one time which is forbidden, as a traveler from the year… well, it would be 6423 by your reckoning, discovers to his eternal regret. The year 2020 when none shall go.

Plot by EXCITER

Written by JOE KELLY

Art by RYAN OTTLEY

"UBER EATS"

With in-door dining still banned, and the winter upon us, our restaurants are in big trouble! Tommy Shepard, aka Speed, has assumed the role of food delivery agent to get your orders out as fast as possible. The question is, what are our heroes hungry for?

Marvelous American fare from Never-Say-Diner?

Highly-evolved Slavic cuisine from Cafe Transia?

A thunderously tasty pie from Cellini's Pizzeria?

Amazing and spectacular pick-me-ups from the Coffee Bean?

Or a taste of doom from Latverian Cuisine?

Order now!

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