Whenever the Shi'Ar aliens are involved, readers know they are in for a galactic storm of a story. The universe is learning to fear Vulcan, the long-lost brother of X-Men Cyclops and Havok. Havok, Polaris and Marvel Girl stand in his way, as events converge to the upcoming War of Kings. The comic is by Christopher Yost, Dustin Weaver and Jaime Mendoza with a cover by Brandon Peterson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

For Spider-Man to save his loved ones, he must face thirty of his deadliest foes, all while dealing with Harry Osborn's return from the grave. Part 3 of the Character Assassination storyline is written by Marc Guggenheim and drawn by John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

Photographer Phil Sheldon might not be a superhero, but he's had a ringside seat to the best and worst the Marvel universe has to offer. Continuing his story from the acclaimed Marvels miniseries, he is now witnessing the dark side of heroes and villains, such as Elektra's epic fight with Bullseye. The comic comes from fan favorites Kurt Busiek and Jay Anacleto. Launch date: February 25, 2009.

Based on the Dark Tower series by acclaimed horror writer Stephen King, “Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born Premiere” collects all seven issues of the Marvel Comics limited series. Adapted by Robin Furth, scripted by Peter David and with art by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove, this hardcover collection follows the story of Roland Deschain and is a can’t miss for fans of King’s novels.

Written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Stuart Immonen and Wade Von Grawbadger, “Ultimate Spider-Man” has been one of the top-selling monthly titles and graphic novel collections for 2007. The new issue finds a young Johnny Storm interested in Liz Allen — but there’s something wrong with Liz that will impact everyone at Midtown High. Launch date: January 2008.

Written by Robert Kirkman with art by Eisner-winning Sean Phillips, the same creative team as on the original Marvel Zombies, this five-issue sequel closes on its shocking conclusion. The zombies have devoured life throughout the universe and are now back on earth … with the fate of the human race hanging in the balance. This title features cover art by Arthur Suydam. Launch date: January 2008.

Continuing the popular X-Men crossover, “Messiah Complex,” part 12 finds The New X-Men in a bit of a showdown with The X-Men, The Marauders, X-Force, The Acolytes and Predator X. It is written by Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle and penciled by Humberto Ramos. Retailers such as Graham Crackers Comics in Illinois and Comic Relief in Berkeley, Calif., have called the storyline one of their top sellers of 2007. Launch date: January 2008.

Picking up where the startling conclusion to the top-selling “World War Hulk” ended, this new, ongoing series plans to include fan favorites such as Doc Samson, General Thunderbolt Ross and Iron Man, and kicks off with the Hulk as a suspect in a gruesome murder. It features a story and art by the creative team of writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness. Launch date: January 2008.

The 6” tall PVC figure features rubber hair and a rubber sash. The figure also comes with a Giant Man lower torso piece. Launch date: July 2006.
- Highly unusual for a female figure, Warbird boasts 44 articulations, including ball joint shoulders, bicep twists, double articulations at the knees and elbows and more.
- Originally known as Carol Danyers, the character became Ms. Marvel in the first issue of her own series, and then came back as Warbird in The Avengers.
- Marvel comics was founded in 1939, and released its first issue, Marvel Comics #1, the same year.

Hunted, his identity exposed, and accused of being a traitor, Spider-Man’s life has been a nightmare during Civil War, and the darkest days are yet to come.  Now, the most recognizable character in comics finds himself donning one of the most controversial costumes ever as he goes underground and back to his black duds and must fight back to reclaim his life.

Alan Davis wrote and penciled the final story of Marvel’s first family.  Even the strongest family can be torn apart by tragedy—and in the futuristic world of tomorrow, the members of the once-Fantastic Four are divided and vulnerable to opponents from their past.  What events could have caused the FF to go their separate ways, and how does their disbanding set the stage for a conflict that will send shockwaves across the galaxy and beyond?

This 14" plush Curious George has a secret tickle spot — and George will laugh himself silly once it’s found. Six different tickle spots will get George to giggle — and every once in a while, one of these tickle spots will make George wiggle, too. George's secret spot changes every time.
— “Curious George”: Released in U.S.: February 10, 2006. Total U.S. Gross: $55,392,060. This is not as good as expected by a long shot (they were predicting $100 million plus), but the toys…. The merchandise, particularly the plush lines, are market leaders.
— “Curious George is doing better than expected in toys and apparel,” shared Brett Dewey, CEO of WickedCoolStuff Inc., in Hollywood, Calif.
— “Every year [consistently for the past five years] during the month of January, there is a surge in Curious George bedding sales. Why, I am not sure,” explained Harina Kapoor, CEO of RainBee Inc. in Irvine, Calif. “I have consistently noticed higher sales in the months of January and February for Curious George products. This year, the movie helped improve the sales a little more than normal."

Written and illustrated by Fiona Avery, this tale is about Arana, who goes to a very dark place as the appearance of her mother´s killer awakens a thirst for vengeance. Miguel stages a magical intervention — but does Arana need protection from the killer … or from herself? This 32-page book is part three of six.

Marvel continues to put top-flight action figures together for young boys. Spider-Man figures and cars will keep sales moving in 2005 as will the soon-to-be-released Fantastic Four figures. – Dennis Foley