New Releases by Bob Layton

The trio of David Michelinie, Bob Layton and John Romita Jr. make comics history in this iconic run! A new era begins for Iron Man -- and for comics! Visionary creators Bob Layton, David Michelinie and John Romita Jr. launch a character-defining run that proves Tony Stark is far more than a technological genius. Stark's true strength shines through perseverance in the face of personal demons and relentless enemies. This groundbreaking era also introduces a dynamic new cast -- including Jim Rhodes, the future War Machine -- and showcases bold new Iron Man armors. While the Michelinie/Layton/Romita Jr. collaboration reaches its emotional peak with "Demon in a Bottle," the saga soars even further with epic clashes against Titanium Man, the All-Devourer and Madame Masque! Guest-starring the Hulk in a three-issue conflict between armor and raw power! COLLECTING: Iron Man (1968) #115-139 Written by David Michelinie & Bob Layton with Bill Mantlo, Peter Palmer, Jim Shooter & Roger Stern Penciled by John Romita Jr., Bob Layton & Jerry Bingham with John Byrne, Carmine Infantino, Sal Buscema & Alan Weiss

One of the most tumultuous eras in Iron Man history begins as Tony Stark goes after anyone and everyone wearing armor! Time for the Armored Avenger to start avenging! Tony Stark is back in the groove as Iron Man, from outer space to the ocean depths. But the new Stark Enterprises is on constant super-villain alert, under attack from familiar faces like Spymaster and new threats like the ethereal Ghost. And when Tony discovers that his technology has been stolen and abused, he declares war on anyone in armor! Iron Man's new ruthless streak brings him into conflict with the U.S. government, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers. And as his actions grow ever more extreme, he must battle an old friend in a new guise - Steve Rogers, aka the Captain! By the time the dust settles on these Armor Wars, the world might need a new Iron Man! COLLECTING: IRON MAN (1968) #215-232 and ANNUAL #9

I principali eroi Marvel sono stati rapiti da una misteriosa quanto potentissima entità aliena e sono stati trasportati su un mondo-patchwork, dove dovranno sfidare i più forti tra i loro nemici. La posta in palio: vedere realizzato ogni proprio desiderio. Chi avrà la meglio? Chi riuscirà a fare ritorno a casa? E, soprattutto, quanto e come cambieranno le esistenze dei personaggi coinvolti? Domande a cui Jim Shooter (The Avengers), Mike Zeck (Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt) e Bob Layton (Iron Man) danno risposta nel primo vero crossover fra super eroi della storia dei comics statunitensi. Un’avventura semplicemente epocale. [CONTIENE MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS (1984) 1-12]

When Steve Rogers refuses closer government control and resigns as Captain America, he becomes "The Captain," his old role is given to John Walker, formerly Super-Patriot, and both must adapt to their new positions as they fight America's foes.

THE SEED OF DESTRUCTION? Aric dons the armor of Shanhara for the first time since his return from the past, only to find it changed. The armor's new form, together with sinister dreams of a golden seed and an alien arena, promise to reveal the true origin of the X-O armor! Comic book legend Bob Layton (Iron Man) is joined by Valiant all-stars Bart Sears (BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS), Jorge Gonz?lez (NINJAK), Mike Leeke (H.A.R.D. CORPS), Jim Calafiore (ARMORINES) and more for the story that redefined the legend of X-O Manowar! Collecting X-O MANOWAR (1992) #10?20.

Collects Iron Man (1968) #113-128; Marvel Premiere (1972) #44. Many have lent their talents to IRON MAN, but few — if any — have had a greater impact than the creative trio of David Michelinie, Bob Layton and John Romita Jr. has! They remade IRON MAN with new co-stars — including Jim Rhodes, the future War Machine — and new armors, but more important than anything else, a new and character-defining take on the man inside the armor. Their Tony Stark is a hero not because of the extent of his technological wizardry, but because of his perseverance in the face of his own personal failings. This beautifully restored Marvel Masterworks edition presents the beginning of the reinvention of a Marvel icon, culminating in the classic “Demon in a Bottle”!

YOU DON'T NEED A PAST TO HAVE A FUTURE? Rediscover the series that defined a generation of comic book fans in this first volume of the smash-hit series behind the blockbuster BLOODSHOT movie! From his very first appearance, Bloodshot comes armed to the teeth with bullets, nanites ? and questions. Featuring appearances by Ninjak, the Eternal Warrior, Rai, the H.A.R.D. Corps, and more, this collected edition presents the classic adventures of Valiant?s nanite enhanced commando from the very beginning! Join Valiant icons Kevin VanHook and Don Perlin ? along with an all-star cast of comics creators including Bob Layton, David Lapham, David Michelinie, and more ? as they dive headlong into the very first adventures of the original man from Rising Spirit! Collecting BLOODSHOT (1993) #0?7, ETERNAL WARRIOR #5, H.A.R.D. CORPS #5, and RAI (1992) #0.

Collects Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. #33-35 and Iron Man #144. The Skrulls have stricken Iron Man with an alien virus that renders his armor and technology useless! But Tony Stark plans for every possibility...so it's time to say hello to Tony's not-so-little friend - War Machine, weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D.! But can one man, even one as well-armed as James Rhodes, stand alone against a worldwide invasion? Witness an exciting new chapter in both Tony and Rhodey's history!

Collects Bizarre Adventures (1981) #25; Marvel Fanfare (1982) #10-13; Solo Avengers (1987) #7; Black Widow: Coldest War (1990); Punisher/Black Widow: Spinning Doomsday's Web (1992); Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir (1993); Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #135; Daredevil Annual (1967) #10; Fury/Black Widow: Death Duty (1995); Journey Into Mystery (1951) 517-519. The Black Widow goes solo in adventures that defined her as one of Marvel’s greatest heroes! In one of the most beloved Black Widow stories of all time, enter a web of intrigue as Natasha navigates a complex maze of international espionage orchestrated by an old foe! Then, a revelation regarding the Red Guardian draws Black Widow back into a Russian spymaster’s crosshairs. Plus: Natasha teams with the Punisher to take down a rogue former government agent, reunites with Daredevil to investigate the murder of S.H.I.E.L.D. psychics and returns to post-Soviet Russia with Nick Fury!

SQUARE PEGS IN A ROUND WORLD Archer is the world?s greatest hand-to-hand ?ghter, an expert marksman, and a seeker of truth and righteousness. Armstrong is an immortal warrior who has reluctantly brawled his way from pre-history to modern times only to realize that the best way to face life?s many challenges is to grab a drink. But Armstrong counts as his worst day the one when Archer turned up and decided that they were partners ? a team chosen by fate to save the world! From the minds of legendary creators Barry Windsor-Smith (Weapon X), Jim Shooter (Secret Wars), Bob Layton (Iron Man), and more comes the first Valiant Classic Collection of the groundbreaking series CBR calls a ""comic book masterpiece""! Collecting ARCHER & ARMSTRONG (1992) #0?12.

Collects Avengers (1963) #195-196, 223; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #103, 146; Thing (1983) 26; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #308; Iron Man (1968) #254; Daredevil (1964) #292-293; Deadpool (1997) #2; Hawkeye: Earth’s Mightiest Marksman (1998) #1; Avengers (1998) #26; Captain America (1998) #44; material from Captain America Annual (1971) #11. He’s the skull-faced villain who can copy any action he sees — whether it’s Spider-Man’s agility, Daredevil’s fighting moves or Captain America’s skills with a shield! That makes Taskmaster more than a match for anyone — even the Avengers! And to make matters worse, Taskmaster runs a training school for villainous henchmen! With the sweetest moves around and an army of thugs eager for extra credit, watch as Taskmaster clashes with a who’s who of the Marvel Universe — including Spidey, Cap, Daredevil, Iron Man, Falcon, Hawkeye, Ant-Man, the Thing and Deadpool! Can any of them take him to task?

“MARTIAL L.A.W.” The heroes of the L.A.W. struggle to rescue the JLA before time runs out for all the world’s heroes! In the midst of a world-threatening conflict, we look back at the life of Hadley Jagger-also known as the legendary martial artist Judomaster! Forged in the fires of World War II, his origins contain the beginnings of Avatar-the being that, in the present day, threatens the entire world!

“THE PAST IS ALWAYS PRESENT.” The heroes of the L.A.W. struggle to rescue the JLA before time runs out for all the world’s heroes! While the mysterious Avatar tightens his grip on the world’s last remaining defenders, Blue Beetle must come to terms with his guilt over the death of Dan Garrett-the original Beetle-and Judomaster confronts a surprise foe from his past.

Collecting Iron Man (1968) #233-244, Iron Man: Crash and Marvel Fanfare (1982) #22-23 and #44. The Ghost is back! As Tony Stark struggles with the ramifications of the Armor Wars, he must convince the world there’s a new Iron Man — and what better way to boost Shell-Head’s popularity than stopping a nuclear satellite from crashing to Earth! Spider-Man helps out against the Radioactive Man as Steve Rogers and Ant-Man drop by! But while an alien spreads horror in orbit, the Rhino wreaks havoc on Earth! Fearsome foes are lining up to take down Iron Man — but will Blacklash, Blizzard and Boomerang help him against the Ghost? And will the most dangerous threat of all be Grey Gargoyle, the Mandarin, Doctor Doom or Tony’s new flame, Kathy Dare?! Plus: Iron Man stars in the world’s first computer-generated graphic novel!

The Elseworlds miniseries continues! Suffering a serious injury to the head, actor Byron Wyatt is now convinced he has always been his most famous role...Batman. Now ÒBatmanÓ is set on getting revenge against studio mogul Jack Òthe JokerÓ Napier for WyattÕs Òmurder.Ó

In the Golden Age of Hollywood, two studios vie for cinematic supremacy: Gotham Pictures, featuring the successful adventure serials starring Batman, and Arkham Studios, which is determined to shut the serial down at any cost...even murder!

The Elseworlds miniseries concludes! In the Golden Age of Hollywood, studio-magnate-turned-actor Byron Wyatt has lost himself in his on-camera character: the Batman! Meanwhile, rival studio chief Jack Òthe JokerÓ Napier makes an all-out play to take over his business. ÒBatmanÓ and ÒJokerÓ collide in the not-to-be-missed conclusion.

In Elseworlds, heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places—some that have existed, or might have existed, and others that can’t, couldn’t or shouldn’t exist. The result: stories that make characters who are as familiar as yesterday seem as fresh as tomorrow. Featuring tales of Batman and Eliot Ness taking on Al Capone, a future league of Batmen protecting the night with an iron fist, a mysterious knight defending Camelot as an armor-clad Bat and a 19th-century Batman entwined in an operatic tale of love, horror and obsession. Now, for the first time, Batman’s Elseworlds tales are featured in a new graphic novel collection. Collects Batman: Brotherhood of the Bat, Batman: Dark Knight of the Round Table #1-2, Batman: KnightGallery, Batman: Masque and Batman: Scar of the Bat!

That Dirty Yellow Mustard: Part 2 of 4. An eight issue series consisting of two four part stories. ""Internal Conflicts"" - The ""inside story"" of the Bad Eggs' prehistoric world is revealed! Join the perilous adventures of Colin the Tapeworm as he gets all the inside poop on our cast of demented dinosaurs. It's a ""worm's eye-view"" of the Cretaceous Era as Colin passes from one host to another, piecing together a chain of ridiculous events that spell trouble for the rebellious raptors Ript and Claude, and tons of fun for you! So take a peek into a gastro-intestinal world you never knew existed, and hope that you never have the opportunity again! Hey, it doesn't say ""Number 2"" on the cover for nothing. Featuring a Really Neat Cover that has nothing to do with the story, but Bob made Don draw it anyway!

""The Volcano's coming, the Volcano's coming!"", echo the words from Ript and Claude this issue, as Panaam collects his debt from our primordial heroes and forces them to spread the word to evacuate the jungle inhabitants to safety. But the rub, as they say, is that due to Ript and Claude's past behavior, everybody thinks they're trying to scam them. Jeez, and you thought Chicken Little had it bad.

We continue Doc's final battle as he comes face-to-face with the people he's been dreading to meet ? his creators from the future! Plus, more of Bart's grandson Jason as he comes one step closer to meeting his destiny.

Bart must recover from his heart-wrenching betrayal quickly, or the future may just go up in smoke! More consequences of the Simms family's activities in the forties! And something BIG may be coming to Earth, and it ain't Orson Welles!

Doctor Tomorrow goes in an entirely new direction to deal with a new generation. Using his new contacts, he seeks out the daughter he never knew. But she's not what he was expecting and he expects that she'll hate him! Journey into the Space Age as the Race for Tomorrow continues...

The Doctor goes to war for the third time. Here he'll meet a man he hasn't seen in thirty years. Gilad the Warmaster from Eternal Warriors! They're allied once again, but this time their agendas may not mesh - Gilad wants to free Vietnam from the aggression of a superstate, while Tomorrow wants to ease America out of the war! But if Gilad doesn't like what Doc's doing, how will Tomorrow stop a man who can't die?

The conclusion of Doctor Tomorrow's battle against the Teutonic Knight, the Nazis' greatest warrior. It'll take more brains than brawn for the good Doctor to deal with this alien-armored Aryan!

Spurred by visions of nuclear disaster, Doctor Tomorrow races to dismantle the Nazi atomic program. But guarding it is the X-O of the 40s, the Teutonic Knight! Can Tomorrow's future tech defeat a threat from beyond our world? Can he even survive intact?

In a lethal fight with the machine-controlling villain, Ax, Aric learns that his control over the X-O armor is slipping. Fearing it is the lingering influence of Master Darque, Aric turns to Dr. Mirage to help cleanse the armor of the necromancer's taint.

The team holds off the Malev Robots and forces them to retreat. Rai unites the Future Force to preserve humanity's future.

It's H.A.R.D. Corps versus the Armorines, Round 1! When the Armorines lure the team to an abandoned airfield in the swamps outside Miami, the two powerhouses face off.