Sizzling summer set for comics

Comic books are a dying industry, right? Wrong, at least if the upcoming sizzling summer offerings by Marvel and DC Comics are any indication.

Marvel has "World War Hulk," a "New Avengers/Transformers" series, the continuation of a world without Captain America, major changes in the original Avengers team and much more.

DC Comics has its continuing "Countdown" series, Superman going to hell in issue No. 666, a return of many members of the original Legion of Super Heroes, more pivotal roles for Jimmy Olsen and even the return of Krypto the super dog.

"World War Hulk" kicks off June 13 when the green mammoth returns from his exile in outer space looking for revenge on those who banished him (Mr. Fantastic, Dr. Stranger, Iron Man and others).

Marvel is stressing that Hulk has never been more angry or stronger, and that this five-part series will be an "insane smashfest."

Also on June 13, "Avengers" issue No. 31 "changes everything," according to the Comics Continuum. The last page of this pivotal issue apparently sets the stage for Marvel's new direction in 2008.

Earth's Mightiest Heroes and robots with "more than meets the eye" collide in the new upcoming, four-part "New Avengers/Transformers" series, obviously timed to the release of the new "Transformers" movie.

Captain America, Optimus Prime, Wolverine, Prowl, Spider-Man, Ratchet and other Marvel heroes all battle for earth's survival against the robots. Action begins in July.

There's still no new Captain America in sight, following the assassination of the original shield-wielding hero earlier this spring. But the Red Skull is making headway against patriots, while Winter Soldier is out for vengeance.

"Countdown" and the aftermath of "52" and "Crisis" continue to remake the DC Universe in exciting ways even the most loyal of DC readers will have trouble keeping current on.

Recently, Superman remembered being a part of the Legion of Super Heroes and still has his own flight ring. Krypto is set to come back in August and the Man of Steel goes to Hades during issue 666 coming out that same month.

Karate Kid is loosed in the 21st Century and fights Batman, the Amazons continue an attack on the world, and multiple "Monitors" (from DC's original 1980s "Crisis) are back meddling in affairs of the planet.

Theories on the direction for the DC universe abound, but one thing is certain — 2008 will be Superman's 70th birthday and that event alone could tie into a host of superhero developments.

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com