Comics:

CAPTAIN AMERICA #6

This issue may be the finale to 'Out of Time', but it's only a prelude of darker times to come for Captain America. It's not enough that Cap must learn the truth of disturbing visions he's been experiencing recently (which may or may not be forgotten memories), but now Agent 13 has gone missing! The mysterious villain behind the curtain finally makes his presence known, but when all is said and done, there's more than one surprise in store for Captain America and readers alike. Writer Ed Brubaker has penned one of the most well developed character-driven Captain America stories in quite a long time, and it is definitely a fresh and welcome change of pace from the usual hyperbolized symbol-as-super-hero nonsense. Steve Epting's subtle pencils and the moodier colors from Frank D'Armata serve to seal the deal, giving the series a wholly satisfying 'pulp hero' feel.

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OMAC PROJECT #2

A second tier character gets whacked and suddenly he's everybody's favorite---isn't that always the way? Admittedly, he was a very popular second tier character, but it's not as if Blue Devil got his ticket punched. Think about that a little, and be sure to pick up the second issue of what may be DC's most popular 'Countdown' mini-series. Batman reveals what he knows about the satellite era JLA's dark secret and what he did about it (more secrets!), while Booster Gold gets all punchy about his BFF going down for the big dirt nap. Oh yeah, and more Checkmate! More OMAC! More death (at least it's someone guaranteed to not cause a fanboy stink)!

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AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #520

Not quite satisfied with Straczynski's recent Spidey stories? New Avengers once a month not enough for you? This issue may help to solve those problems as Hydra makes its move and sends a group of Avengers look-alikes to cause trouble for Spider-Man and the team. Spider-Man vs. Hawkeye! Captain America vs. Captain America! Aunt May vs. Wolverine! Huh?

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OUTSIDERS #24

If you read Teen Titans #24, you know exactly what to expect in part two of the four-part 'Insiders'---shock, surprise, and a super-hero smackdown! Learn the secret history of the traitor to the Outsiders, and watch as he/she single handedly takes down the entire team! More twists rest in wait for the Outsiders and the Teen Titans as their adversary moves to twist the knife deeper still, and as the clichŽd saying goes---things will never be the same! Written by Judd Winick, with art by Carlos D'Anda.

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MACHINE TEEN #1

High school student Adam Aaronson has it all---he's captain of the football team, has a steady girlfriend and perfect grades. Enviable traits all, but what would his fellow students think if they knew the secret to his success? Better still, what would he think? When Adam starts experiencing violent seizures at school, he's about to learn the truth of his origin---that he isn't really human at all, but a machine! Created by writer Marc Sumerak and artist Mike Hawthorne.

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OTHERWORLD #3

This book is a mess. It's a big, beautiful, grandiose mess, but it's a mess nonetheless. Two issues have so far been packed with so much action that it's sometimes difficult to keep up, and creator Phil Jiminez has seemingly written it to leave his audience a little confused but always wanting more. In this issue, the action still comes fast and heavy, but Jiminez finally reveals a little more about the origins of the mysterious Otherworld and its inhabitants. Lead character Siobhan finally emerges form her cocoon transformed and not one bit happy about it, while the others continue to deal with their newfound abilities. When all is said and done, old friends will be turned against one another and their lives changed irrevocably. Written and penciled by Phil Jiminez, with inks by Andy Lanning and color by Jeromy Cox.

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NEW X-MEN: HELLIONS #1

New X-Men writers Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir give the Hellions a chance in the spotlight in this four-issue limited series. The end of the school year fast approaches, and Emma Frost's Hellions are ranked top of the class at the Xavier Institute. After two semesters of super-powered showdowns and the usual teen angst and rivalries, everyone is ready for a vacation, so Hellions leader Julian Keller offers the squad his family mansion in sunny California. With their smug attitude---Emma Frost is their advisor, after all---trouble is sure to follow them wherever they go, and summer vacation will prove to be no exception! Pencils by Clayton Henry, with inks by Mark Morales.

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LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #6

The mysterious villain behind all the Legion's recent troubles reveals himself, but the Legion looks to be far outmatched. Another world stands crushed beneath the heel of the galaxy's greatest threat as the Legion is forced to watch helplessly. Meanwhile, Ultra Boy makes a trip to earth to learn more about recent troubles with his powers. Finally, and worth the price of admission alone, the all-new Princess Projectra is introduced and you've never met a Legionnaire quite like her. Skillfully presented by Mark Waid and Barry Kitson, with an always-able art assist on inks by Art Thibert.

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