Ever wondered what happened after the conclusion of Mary Shelley’s classic “Frankenstein” story?

Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson answer that question in the new series, “Frankenstein Alive, Alive!”

Few works by comic-book artists have earned the universal acclaim and reverence that Bernie Wrightson’s illustrated version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was met with upon its release in 1983. Now he returns to his passion project with a comic series decades in the making, picking up at the end of the classic novel. Written by Steve Niles. Art by Wrightson.

This Saturday we’re letting you come into Speeding Bullet and walk out the door with specially selected FREE COMICS!

Free Comic Book Day is the single day during the year when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away selected comic books absolutely FREE to anyone who comes into their stores!

Free comics will include The Avengers, Spider-Man, DC’s The New 52 Special Edition and more!

As an added bonus for this Free Comic Book Day, Speeding Bullet welcomes three Oklahoma creators to the store! Oklahoma writer/artist Don Rosencrans of Welcome to Ralton will be in-store, signing and doing sketches! Karen Martin of the comic series “World Wide Tribune” will be on hand to sketch beginning at noon.
From noon to 3, writer Charles Martin will provide free copies of the first edition of his book “The Dominant Hand,” which is set in Norman!

It just keeps getting better and better this year!

Broken and beaten, Bruce Wayne has retreated from Gotham City - the city of Owls - to Wayne Manor. But no place is safe, because the Court is about to strike at the heart of city, and nothing will ever be the same. Be there for the start of the battle for Gotham City’s soul…and the prelude to “The Night of the Owls.” And in the first chapter of a new backup story, learn the secret history of The Court of Owls - as well as the secrets of Gotham City and the Wayne family.

Batman #8 will feature the first of a series of back-up stories exploring the dark history of the Court of Owls, the mysterious and malevolent secret society wreaking havoc upon Gotham City in the ongoing series.

The back-ups will bring together the fan-favorite writer/artist pairing of Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque, whose ongoing collaboration on American Vampire has made the critically acclaimed title one of the iconic series of the Vertigo line. James Tynion IV will co-write with Snyder.

These back-up stories will continue to reveal more about the Court’s sinister agenda as we move toward “The Night of The Owls” - a massive crossover event coming in May, which will span the Bat-books and reveal the full breadth of their master plan. With their claws sunk into Gotham history, the Owls represent a threat unlike anything Batman’s faced before, threatening to tip the city’s balance of power once and for all….

We have partial power back at Speeding Bullet and the street is being opened back up to traffic. Matt has recapped the events of yesterday at his Nerdage blog. We’re honoring Monster Sale discounts all day if you can make it in! Keep an eye on the weather.

As of 10 a.m. Saturday, Speeding Bullet Comics is still without power - but if you get some cash and can make your way there, we’ll honor sale discounts. If you can’t safely get here, don’t try it. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather today. Best of luck to everyone dealing with damage from the storm. We’ll update as we can.

Because of the tornado that hit Porter Ave. on Friday afternoon, Speeding Bullet is cancelling the preview night for the spring Monster Sale. Power lines remain downed on Porter Ave as of Friday night.

Speeding Bullet plans regular hours and Monster Sale discounts on Saturday.

Check back for updates.

Speeding Bullet’s Spring Monster Sale is THIS WEEKEND! Don’t let this sale be the one that got away!

The sale starts with a special spooky preview night at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 13th. The savings will continue during regular store hours through the weekend, April 14th and 15th.

Important sale highlights to remember:
* Back issues will be 50 percent off!
* Buy more than 50 issues, and the discount jumps to 75 percent!
* Most other merchandise in the store, including new comics besides pre-orders and files, will be 25 percent off. New HeroClix releases will not be included in the sale.

Plus, DAILY MONSTER SPECIALS!

* Friday night: A whopping 50% off statues!

* Saturday: An astounding 50% off posters!

* Sunday: A monstrous 50% percent off of toys!

To scare up these savings, you’ll need a Monster Sale wristband. Wristbands are $10 at the door or free with any in-store purchase of $10 or more now through April 13th. They’re also free for subscribers in good standing.

The world’s greatest super heroes-Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Magneto and more-enter an unforgettable battle…and only one side can emerge victorious!

Get the kickoff of this event at the AVENGERS VS. X-MEN VS. JOSH PARTY!
Get “Avengers vs. X-Men” #1 early with an early release party starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 3! It’s the birthday of our Sunday Bullet man, so celebrate Avengers, X-Men and Josh with a special party featuring games, trivia and more! What do you know most about: Avengers, X-Men or Josh? Find out at our special action-packed event!
“Avengers vs. X-Men” #1 kicks off a 12-issue biweekly miniseries by Brian Bendis, Jason Aaron, Jonathan Hickman, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, John Romita Jr, Olivier Coipel & Adam Kubert! Special variant covers will be on sale at the event! Lithographs and pins will be available while supplies last!

“We’ve never had a bigger story than Avengers VS X-Men and we’re backing retailers with the biggest incentives you’ve ever seen through the Avengers VS X-Men Launch Parties,” said David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice-President of Sales.

The Scarlet Witch is back in what Marvel Comics is calling “the biggest war in super hero history.” “Avengers vs. X-Men” kicks off with a #0 issue on sale Wednesday!

The issue focuses on The Scarlet Witch and Hope, two key players in the AvX saga!

The issue is written by Brian Michael Bendis and Jason Aaron, with art by Frank Cho!

Celebrate independent comics this week at Speeding Bullet with a host of minicomics and indy comics, special events and signings!

Charles Martin, writer of “The Wonderboy Serials” will sign copies of the book from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Speeding Bullet Comics, 614 N Porter in Norman. “The Wonderboy Serials,” by Martin and Will Weinke, is a prose novel about a lone man with extraordinary powers who is responsible for the longest sustained global peace in modern history.

On Friday, writer-artist Don Rosencrans will sign his comic book series “Welcome to Ralton.” Rosencrans is a Tuttle-based independent illustrator who has produced commissions for bands Planets Align and The Venditos. That signing will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday.

On Wednesday, Speeding Bullet will unleash a large selection of minicomics and small-press books, some for sale for the first time in Norman. These will include Death of Elijah Lovejoy, Good Minnesotan 4, So Buttons 4, How To Survive Working In Retail, KING and French Toast Comix, among others!

1. Justice League #1
This should come as no surprise. The Hollywood Reporter reports DC’s flagship reboot title sold 361,138 copies in 2011. It was the first out of the gate for DC’s New 52, and sales did not disappoint. By Geoff Johns & Jim Lee.

2. Batman #1
Writer Scott Snyder made big waves with his run on Detective Comics before the reboot, and he was rewarded with the Batman title’s larger audience. By Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion.

3. Action Comics #1
A young, brash Superman in work boots and blue jeans tries to make a difference in a corrupt world. By Grant Morrison & Rags Morales.

4. Justice League #2
Selling so many of the first issue where the ending hinted at a possible throwdown between Batman and the Man of Steel, how could people not pick up the second issue? By Johns & Lee.

5. Superman #1
Everyone’s favorite Kryptonian seems new yet still familiar as he fights to save Metropolis. Readers also get to see the reboot’s new dynamic between Clark Kent & Lois Lane. By George Perez & Jesus Merino.

6. Batman #2
The masses love their Batman. Snyder & co. pop up on the list again as Batman’s first story arc in the New 52 takes shape with an all-new, terrifying villain. By Snyder, Capullo & Glapion.

7. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160
Marvel’s first appearance on the list is a jaw dropper, featuring the highly-publicized death of the Ultimate universe’s Peter Parker. By Brian Michael Bendis & Mark Bagley.

8. Fear Itself #1
This was the first issue of a Marvel event that spanned the length of summer and on into early fall. Picking this issue up was almost a necessity as much of the Marvel Universe was rocked by the events of Fear Itself. By Matt Fraction & Stuart Immonen.

9. Aquaman #1
Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis, but he does so just as a new threat rises from the deepest corners of the ocean. By Johns, Ivan Reis & Joe Prado.

10. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1
This issue signaled a new era in Marvel’s Ultimate universe as Peter Parker was officially replaced as Spider-Man by the half-black, half-Hispanic Miles Morales. By Bendis & Sara Pichelli.

We’re issuing the ultimate challenge to Oklahoma comic creators … we’ll give you 20 minutes. Kill off a character right before our very eyes!

Artists will be completing a 4-panel story live at Speeding Bullet, starting at 5 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 28.

Official Death Rules: Artists will have 20 minutes to sketch, pencil, color (whatever they wish to do!) a 4-panel story in our store. They must kill off a character (original or otherwise) in the strip. Artists may enter the contest with concepts or thumbnails, but all art included in the final product must be completed during the 20-minute competition. Artists will bring their own paper and supplies. The winner of our duel will be determined based on stunning use of creativity, humor, and artistic talent under pressure. Tragic irony is also a plus!

After the Duel, fans will be able to get comics signed and talk to these local creators about their upcoming work.

For more information, see the facebook event page here.

1. “Detective Comics 871-881″
The new Batman, Dick Grayson, is put to the test as a series of brutal murders puts him up against one of Gotham City’s oldest evils.

In the second story, “Hungry City,” the corpse of a killer whale is found in an upscale Gotham City bank, sparking a deadly new mystery.
By Scott Snyder, Jock & Franco Francavilla.

2. “Criminal: The Last of the Innocent”
This is among Brubaker’s best books, a mixture of noir and nostalgia that’s part twisted take on “Archie”-style characters, part dark secrets and murder. By Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips.

3. “The Red Wing”
Jonathan Hickman (”Fantastic Four”) writes a story of fighter pilots in the future who fight their battles not only in the air, but also through time. By Jonathan Hickman & Nick Pitarra.

4. “Action Comics”
A young, brash Superman goes about his business in work boots and blue jeans, rustling up corporate criminals and raising the ire of everyone from the police and military to Lex Luthor, a brash industrialist who doesn’t much cotton to the idea of a superhuman. By Grant Morrison & Rags Morales.

5. “Daredevil”
Writer Waid and co. brought Daredevil back to his swashbuckling past in the 2011 relaunch of “Daredevil,” also showing the keen legal mind of Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer who is Daredevil. By Mark Waid, Pablo Rivera & Marcos Martin.

6. “Who Is Jake Ellis?”
This miniseries features former spy Jon Moore, now a mercenary. He’s able to escape capture in part because of the voice in his head — the voice of Jake Ellis. But who is Jake Ellis? He’s a man only Jon can see, providing information on safe escapes and possible threats. By Nathan Edmondson & Tonci Zonjic.

7. “The Rocketeer Adventures”
Dave Stevens created the Rocketeer in the early 1980s, a tribute to the serials of the 1930s and 1940s as pilot Cliff Secord finds a jet pack that allows him to race through the air. Stevens died in 2008, but IDW brought back his character The Rocketeer in 2011, with an anthology series that in part benefits hairy cell leukemia research. By various.

8. “Animal Man”
One of the breakout hits of the New 52, “Animal Man” channels Grant Morrison’s take on the character, so readers of the 1980s Buddy Baker will find much to enjoy. The art’s a little different from the DC norm, but conveys the story’s mix of domesticity and dread. By Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman & Dan Green.

9. “The Sixth Gun”
An Oni Press Western with supernatural horror elements, “The Sixth Gun” follows the path of six cursed guns during the darkest days of the Civil War. By Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt.

10. “American Vampire”
“American Vampire” follows the exploits of a new breed of vampire that has the ability to feed in the sun. The 1880s outlaw Skinner Sweet and 1920s actress Pearl Jones make their way to Las Vegas circa 1935; later the series follows Pearl and her husband into the World War II era. By Scott Snyder & Rafael Albuquerque.

For a more in-depth look at these awesome series of 2011, check out the full article on Matt’s Nerdage blog. Or come to Speeding Bullet and pick these gems up!

1. “Love and Rockets: New Stories Vol. 4″
Following up on the storylines started in Vol. 3, the Brothers Hernandez, specifically Jamie, deliver one of the high points of their career. By Jamie & Gilbert Hernandez.

2. “Habibi”
Long-awaited graphic novel “Habibi” is a timeless, “Arabian Nights”-styled tale that follows the lives of two orphaned slaves. Exotic and lush, yet heartbreaking at times, it is an exploration of the Islamic culture by one of comics’ most deft craftsmen. By Craig Thompson.

3. “Hark! A Vagrant”
Kate Beaton takes a humorous trip through history and literature with witty, absurd humor featuring characters from Napoleon to Nancy Drew in this collection of comic strips. By Kate Beaton.

4. “Return to Perdition”
Vietnam veteran Michael Satariano Jr. attempts to get revenge for the mob hits on his parents. Working with a black ops program, Michael finds himself caught up in intrigue on all sides, and becomes even more conflicted once he enters a romance with a mobster’s niece. By Max Allan Collins & Terry Beatty.

5. “Big Questions”
This existentialist graphic novel follows a flock of birds dealing with a newcomer. Massive, bizarre and thought-provoking. By Anders Nilsen.

6. “Daytripper”
Originally released as 10 individual issues, each issue follows a day in the life of Bras de Olivias Dominguez, with each ending the same — he dies. The following story picks up at a different point in Bras’ life, unconnected to his previous death. By Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba.

7. “Feynman”
This graphic novel recounts the life and career of noted physicist Richard P. Feynman in a funny and educational book. By Jim Ottaviani & Leland Myrick.

8. “Green River Killer: A True Detective Story”
Jeff Jensen writes a true-crime story of the killer who plagued Oregon. Jensen’s father was the lead detective on the case, and the book also looks at the impact the case had on the family. Art by Jonathan Case.

9. “The Great Northern Brotherhood of Canadian Cartoonists”
It’s an alternate history of Canadian cartooning, centered on a fictional cartoon society in the city of Dominion, which served as a gathering place for artists. By Seth.

10. “Troop 142″
A webcomic story of a summer at a boys’ scout camp, it explores the cruelty of childhood, and the veneer of civility we paste on top of such conflicts as adults. By Mike Dawson.

For a more in-depth look at these awesome graphic novels of 2011, check out the full article on Matt’s Nerdage blog. Or come to Speeding Bullet and pick these gems up!

Artist Mario Wytch will be at Speeding Bullet from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7 to premiere the new issue of FUBAR as part of a national signing tour! This anthology chronicles a zombie outbreak in the middle of World War II.

FUBAR 2: DAY OF THE DEAD
The graphic novel anthology “Fubar 2: Empire of the Rising Dead” will debut at Speeding Bullet Comics before its national release as part of a signing tour featuring artists across the country. Oklahoma’s own Mario Wytch will sign copies of “Fubar,” as well as his work in other comics, including “Josh Howard Presents: Sasquatch” and the Speeding Bullet-published “OK24.”

Here’s a description of the war/horror anthology: The indie smash hit is back with its second stand-alone volume. From the harbors of Hawaii to the streets of Tokyo, this zombie-smashing epic, FUBAR II: Empire of the Rising Dead follows a full-blown zombie outbreak in the middle of the Pacific theater of World War II as the allies come face to face with the walking dead … again!

We want a victory for the Sooners in the Insight Bowl. Heck, we’d even take an Oklahoma State victory in the Fiesta Bowl. Butvictorious the Victory we really can’t wait for is Sterling Gates’ second issue of Kirby Genesis: Captain Victory! It’s a guaranteed win!

CAPTAIN VICTORY #2
Jack Kirby’s epic space opera continues! Last issue, Captain Victory was forced to make a terrible choice in order to stop the malicious Batteron. Now that decision comes back to haunt him as several members of his crew plot mutiny. As tempers flare, however, the ship is attacked by the Eye of Blackmass, punching a hole in the ship’s hull that threatens to kill everyone aboard! Is it still mutiny if Captain Victory is dead? Plus, the secret origin of the lion-man, Tarin!

Do all your holiday shopping here at Speeding Bullet! We have so much stuff to choose from that we decided to make it easier on you with a Top 10 list of the coolest items in the store!

10. SQUISHABLE
They’re giant, round, fuzzy stuffed animals. Hug them. They make great gifts for the big kids in your life and the perfect present for the little ones you love.

9. CLASSIC COMIC BOOK COVER POSTERS
We’ve got a sweet assortment of classic comic cover posters! Measuring 20″x28″ these are high-quality posters using soy-based inks. Each one is flat on cardboard and is ready for framing.

8. HAN SOLO IN CARBONITE SILICONE TRAY
Perfect for your Star Wars parties, the silicon tray is both heat and ice resistant! Create your own ice, chocolate, jelly or whatever in the shape of Han Solo in Carbonite as seen in the Star Wars movies!

7. THE MAN WITH THE SCREAMING BRAIN DVD
Man with the Screaming Brain is a story of greed, betrayal and revenge in the big, bad city, starring Bruce Campbell!

6. SUPERHERO SOCKS
Keep your tootsies warm while saving the day! These aren’t the lame socks you got as a gift back in the day. These have capes so people will know you mean business!

5. BLACKEST NIGHT LANTERN PROPS
The Lantern Power Batteries and the Power Rings sit in a translucent display and are removable from the stand. Both light up, featuring manual on/off switches. We have lanterns from each of the light spectra from Blackest Night!

4. LIGHTSABER CHOPSTICKS
They’re lightsabers, and they’re chopsticks. Mostly they’re the coolest thing ever! Join the Dark Side if you want, but pick up some of these chopsticks and change the way you eat forever!

3. ENTERPRISE PIZZA SLICER
Space… the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new pizzas, to seek out new toppings and new cheeses, to boldy cut pizza where no man has cut before!

2. BATMAN: NOEL DELUXE EDITION HC
In this spectacular, oversized graphic novel, Batman must come to terms with his past, present and future as he battles villains from the campy 1960s to dark and brooding menaces of today, while exploring what it means to be the hero that he is. Story and art by Lee Bermejo.

1. SPEEDING BULLET GIFT CARD
This should be a no-brainer. Why risk getting something someone doesn’t like or already has? Just get a gift card from Speeding Bullet and put as much money on there as you want! They’ll be thrilled, and you’ll be loved forever. It’s a win-win.

Speeding Bullet is your one-stop shop for the comic fan you love!

Here’s just a sample of what’s recently come in stock, and we’ve got lots more for you to choose from!

THE NEW 52 HC
In September, DC Comics launched 52 new #1 issues starring the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes! This month, DC is collecting every one of these debut issues in a once-in-a-lifetime massive hardcover that includes all the landmark #1 issues, including Justice League #1, Batman #1 and Action Comics #1.

BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR HC
A series of brutal murders pushes Batman’s detective skills to the limit and forces him to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils! Plus, the corpse of a killer whale shows up on the floor of one of Gotham City’s foremost banks? Written by Scott Snyder. Art by Francesco Francavilla & Jock.

BATMAN: NOEL DELUXE EDITION HC
In this spectacular, oversized graphic novel, Batman must come to terms with his past, present and future as he battles villains from the campy 1960s to dark and brooding menaces of today, while exploring what it means to be the hero that he is. Story and art by Lee Bermejo.

Speeding Bullet has been selling printed comic books since 1998, and that’s not going to stop anytime soon.
But if you also need a source for digital comics, Speeding Bullet is glad to provide that, as well! Working with comiXology, we’re glad to offer a digital retail affiliate program! Just click the link below to buy digital editions of some of your favorite comics. The digital comics store can also be found at www.speedingbulletcomics.com/resources.

Spun from the brain of writer Matt Fraction, The Defenders #1 is set to change the way Marvel fans view their beloved universe.

“I wanted to tell a story about the root of all the Marvel myths,” Fraction said. “What if there was a reason why they happened?”

The acclaimed writer has stated “everything that has ever happened in the Marvel Universe” will be explained.

To get more info on what The Defenders is all about and where the book is headed, read this Matt Fraction interview here!

Springing out of Fear Itself, The Defenders are the last line of defense against the forces of the unknown! Everyone’s favorite Marvel characters band together to solve a mysterious conspiracy deep at the heart of the Marvel Universe! Written by Matt Fraction. Art by Terry Dodson.

X-Men are all over the place this week!

X-MEN LEGACY #259
The X-Men are divided. As the teams part ways, Rogue, Magneto and Gambit attend to unfinished business, hoping to avoid answering the question: Whose side are they on? Art by Clay Mann.

UNCANNY X-MEN #2
What is to become of the mutants who side with Cyclops after the big split? And what does it have to do with the resurrected Mister Sinister?

ASTONISHING X-MEN: MONSTROUS HC
Not all monsters are easy to spot — some of them live among us, some of them live inside us. But in the Marvel Universe, most of them live on Monster Island. Or, at least, they did. A mysterious exodus is under way; monsters spilling onto nearby shores - with catastrophic results - and it falls upon a small group of X-Men to both save the population from destruction and solve an imposing riddle: What are monsters afraid of? Collecting Astonishing X-Men #36-37, #39 and #41.

Starting at 10 am Friday, HUNDREDS of selected hardcovers and trade paperbacks are BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! We’ll be refreshing our selection of this great deals through Sunday!

PLUS, all manner of marvelous DOORBUSTERS are happening this weekend!

FANTASTIC FRIDAY!
For Black Friday, get “Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 1″ for just $5! That’s 70% off!

It’s adventure, it’s family, it’s tough questions in dark times. See what happens when Reed Richards tries to SOLVE EVERYTHING! Collects Fantastic Four #570-575.
Friday, 10 am to 7 pm

SENSATIONAL SATURDAY!
Help us celebrate Small Business Saturday, and get the gorgeous “DC Comics Covergirls” hardcover $50 value for only $10!

From the trailblazing Wonder Woman of the 1940s to edgy, girl-power-driven comics series like Birds of Prey, this massive hardcover examines the female characters throughout the company’s history and their iconic covers.
Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm

VICTORY SUNDAY!
Get the brand new Captain Victory #1 for only $1! Fill their stockings with the dynamic new book by Oklahoman Sterling Gates. Find out what happens as the grandson of the greatest evil in the universe rebels against his family upbringing with an ensemble cast first envisioned by comic great Jack Kirby. Signed copies available for $5.
Sunday, noon to 5 pm

*BOGO FREE and DOORBUSTER deals apply to pre-selected volumes and are limited to stock on hand.

*Minimum of 5 copies of each DOORBUSTER deal. Hurry! Get them at these special prices while supplies last!

We’re predicting this is how your holiday season might play out: You methodically plan your wish list, give everyone the greatest gifts you can find … Then you get socks and stale popcorn. Not cool!

Shop at Speeding Bullet and we’ll save the day. We call it “Bad-Gift” Insurance.

Here’s how it works:
Do your Christmas shopping at Speeding Bullet, or just buy comics like you do every week. With every $50 purchase, we’ll give you a 30% off coupon that you can use on any one item you choose Dec. 26-31.

That means you have a whole week after Christmas to get what you really wanted!

Of course, if your loved ones are already shopping for you at Speeding Bullet, you win big time, because you can combine those 30% off coupons with your Speeding Bullet gift certificates — available in any denomination!

“Bad-Gift” Insurance is available Nov. 16 - Dec. 24. You can collect as many 30% off coupons as you like, but one coupon per item please.

Marvel Comics’ POINT ONE #1 features seven all-new stories that set the stage for what Marvel has coming your way in 2012.

Characters including Nova, Hawkeye and the Scarlet Spider are featured in this extra-sized issue that reveals some of what Marvel’s heroes will be facing in 2010!

Want to get a special deal on this key introductory issue?

Buy 10 Marvel comics this week and get “Point One” for FREE!

Or, buy any 5 Marvel comics this week and get the 64-page, $5.99 “Point One” for just $3! (Comics must be purchased in the same transaction.)

The creative team for “Point One” #1 is an all-star lineup!

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Dave Lapham, Jeph Loeb, Fred Van Lente, & Chris Yost.

Artists: Roberto Delatorre, Terry Dodson, Bryan Hitch, Salvador Larroca, Ed McGuinness, Javier Pulido and more!

Comics writer and Oklahoma native Sterling Gates is returning to Norman. Gates will sign his books from 5 to 8 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Speeding Bullet Comics, 614 N Porter Ave. in Norman.

Gates is one of the writers of DC Comics’ “New 52” line, which launched in September. The New 52 is a company-wide relaunch, offering a fresh take on classic characters such as Superman, Batman and Green Lantern.

“Hawk and Dove,” a book about two opposite heroes that embrace the qualities of war and peace, is Gates’s contribution to the publisher’s new line of comics.

Gates also has a new project debuting in November. “Captain Victory” is a science-fiction series inspired by legendary comic artist Jack Kirby, who created Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk, the X-Men and Captain America, among others. The comic is based on a Kirby character published in the 1980s and updated using unpublished notes recently uncovered from the Kirby estate.

Gates, who graduated from the University of Oklahoma, now lives in Los Angeles, where he has been working in television and comics since 2006. He was born and raised in Tulsa.

“I’m thrilled to return to Oklahoma,” Gates said. “Some of the best times of my life were spent at the University of Oklahoma, and I always enjoy going back and seeing how much everything changed. I’ve been all over this world, and I always find that Oklahomans are some of the kindest, most welcoming people out there. I always think of Oklahoma as home, and I can’t wait to get back.”

Gates is primarily known for his action-oriented superhero stories that embody highly charged emotional themes. His past books have featured characters such as Superman, Supergirl, Batman, Batgirl, Legion of the Super-Heroes, members of the Green Lantern Corps and Kid Flash.

This week we get to lay our eyes on the followup to the book that set off the DC New 52 explosion. That’s right. Justice League #2, from the creative team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, is here!

What happens when the World’s Greatest Detective takes on the world’s most powerful alien? You’ll find out when Batman and Superman throw down! Batman will need all his intellect, cunning and physical prowess to take on The Man of Steel…

Check out Rolling Stone’s preview of Justice League #2 here!

It’s time for one of Speeding Bullet’s world-renowned, mega Monster Sales!

Starting with a special preview night on Friday night, graphic novels and back issues are on sale.

All graphic novels in the store are 25% off! All our back issues are 50% off!

Plus, each day will have a daily special!

DAILY MONSTER SPECIALS!

Friday night: A whopping 50% off statues!

Saturday: An astounding 50% off posters!

Sunday: A ridiculous 75% off back issues when buying 50 or more!

The sale starts Friday night during special hours from 7:30 - 10:00 p.m., and runs through the rest of the weekend during regular store hours, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

To scare up these savings, you’ll need a Monster Sale wristband. Wristbands are $10 at the door or free with any in-store purchase of $10 or more through Oct. 14. They’re also free for subscribers in good standing. So pick up your pull files by Friday!

The fine print: No special order or items on hold are eligible for Monster Sale discounts. Graphic novels at sale price do not qualify for Rapid Reader benefits.

In 2008, OU grad and Speeding Bullet’s former weekend manager Sterling Gates broke onto the comics scene when he started writing for DC Comics.

The day his first issue of his first ongoing series, Supergirl, hit stands, we declared it Supergirl Day and have been celebrating it the first Wednesday in October ever since!

Supergirl Day is our celebration of Okies who make comics. So come in this Wednesday, Oct. 5, grab a free cupcake and savor some local talent on a national scale!

Sterling’s Supergirl and Superman stories are now all available as graphic novels:

Superman: New Krypton Vols. 1-2
Superman: Codename Patriot
Superman: Last Stand of New Krypton Vols. 1-2
Superman: War of the Supermen
Supergirl: Who is Superwoman?
Supergirl: Friends and Fugitives
Supergirl: Death and the Family
Supergirl: BizarroGirl

In our 13 years in business, this is the biggest new comics week we have ever seen!

The shining gem of the bunch this week is Superman #1! George Perez combined forces with Jesus Merino to write and pencil the Kryptonian’s debut for his self-titled book, and it’s out of this world!

The new adventures of Superman begin here! What is The Man of Steel’s startling new status quo? How does it affect Lois Lane and The Daily Planet? There’s no time for answers now, because Superman must stop a monstrous threat to Metropolis — one that he somehow is the cause of!

In special recognition of Superman #1, we are asking everyone to wear their underwear on the inside of their pants this week.

Batman #1 is unleashed upon the shelves of Speeding Bullet this week!

And it comes compliments of writer Scott Snyder (who penned this year’s Eisner Award-winning series American Vampire) and artists Greg Capullo (of Spawn and Haunt fame) and Jonathan Glapion!

Be here for the start of a new era for The Dark Knight! A series of brutal killings hints at an ancient conspiracy, and Batman learns that Gotham City is deadlier than he knew!

It’s the story of a teenager who unexpectedly gets unusual powers. It’s the story of a young man fighting against the odds to become a hero.

This is the story of Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man. His origin begins in “Ultimate Comics Spider-Man” #1, written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor.

The new Spidey, a multiracial New York teen, got fans buzzing across the globe after his introduction in “Ultimate Fallout” #4. Now, find out how Miles got his powers in the new issue. If you’ve never read an Ultimate comic before or haven’t tried one in years, that’s OK - this is a fresh start with an exciting new character.

WE’VE READ IT … AND LOVE IT!
Matt got an advance copy of this issue and says it’s reminiscent of the classic days of early Spider-Man while also being a fresh and new take. “Miles is a great character because he’s concerned about other people, but he’s also young and trying to find his own way in life. I can’t wait to read more,” Matt says. Look for more Ultimate Spider-Man posts later today at Matt’s blog, Nerdage.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #669 Spidey fans can now have the best of both worlds! Peter Parker is still tearing it up in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man, as NYC gains spider-powers. The Spider Island storyline continues!

September is here and so is the new DCU! Not only that, Sterling Gates is debuting his new title as one of the first books out of the gate!

Hawk & Dove #1
OU graduate/ Tulsa native/ “Supergirl” writer Sterling Gates joins The New 52! And he’s partnered with Image Comics founder and Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld!

Hank Hall is not happy to have Dawn Granger as a new partner in his war on crime. He’s not happy that she’s dating the ghostly superhero, Deadman. He’s not happy to learn that someone is trying to plunge the United States into a new civil war! Now it’s up to Hawk and Dove to root out the forces behind this conflict and stop them before they turn the U.S. into a wasteland!

Check out Sterling’s interview with Newsarama about Hawk and Dove here!

History will be made this week! DC ends an era, yet begins anew in the same breath.

The first glimpse of DC’s reboot comes to us in Justice League #1!

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee form the dream-team behind this inaugural title aimed at grabbing new readers and getting them in on the ground floor.

Longtime readers remember the 1986 relaunch of the DC Universe with nostalgic glee. Will today’s young readers have the same fond memories of The New 52? We hope so!

In a universe where super heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes!

Saturday morning cartoons are comfort food for the soul. Even if you watched your toons after school or now watch them late at night, they’re perfect with a bowl of Peanut Butter Capn Crunch.

Speeding Bullet wants you to bask in nostalgia and rekindle your love for all those cartoons you cut your teeth on. Shop our DVD shelves for a mountain of your favorites you may not have seen in lifetime! And in honor of those Saturday morning rituals, get any cartoon DVD in our collection at 50% off any Saturday morning through October 1! That’s two hours of feel-good savings, 10 am to noon!

We’ve got stuff from every generation so nobody should be left out of the fun. Plus we’ll be freshening up our selection over the next 6 weeks, so check back often!

Come see us and pick up a couple DVDs of your favorite shows from back in the day. We won’t fault you for wanting to shop in your pajamas. Just don’t get cereal on the floor.

We just got in a sweet assortment of classic comic cover posters!

Measuring 20″x28″ these are high-quality posters using soy-based inks. Each one is flat on cardboard and is ready for framing.

Pick your favorite our make an entire wall display of your favorite vintage covers! Choose from X-Men, Spider-Man, Tomb of Dracula, Silver Surfer, Thor, Hulk, Archie and more!