For those not familiar with the program, Amazon will allow for the downloading of 1 book at a time per month which can be digitally “returned” when you’re ready to download a new book. Unfortunately, for those that use tablets, iPads and iPhones, the lending library only works for Kindle devices such as the Kindle Touch or the Kindle Fire.

The Lending Library is part of the Amazon Prime service which costs only $79 per year and includes access to free 2 day shipping and a library of streaming TV shows and movies.

Another Civil War is upon us within the Marvel Universe and this time, it involves the Avengers versus the X-Men. Issue one of Marvel’s newest series was released just over a week ago and includes with it the introduction of Marvel’s latest technological innovation, Augmented Reality, or AR.

Let us start with the basics. “Avengers vs X-Men” has been out for a week and there is a reason the review is so late. It is good. It is very good and it has already been read by this reviewer several times.

*Warning* Potential Spoilers ahead for those who have not yet read the issue. *Another Warning* Potentially bad puns included.

There is a grave threat and a powerful force headed to earth. The mutant numbers are dwindling and the schism between the X-Men is still in effect. There may be only one Hope (pun intended) for the unity of the X-Men and mutant kind entirely. The preservation of the mutant power copycat by the name of Hope (now you see it?).

Upon flipping through the first few pages (and the information provided by issue #0), readers are introduced to the threat that aims to put the Marvel universe in disarray. The Phoenix force has returned along with potentially haphazard destruction. However, the Avengers do not plan on sitting by and allowing this return. The only problem? The Phoenix force has found a host, and all Hope might be lost (yes another Hope pun). Hope’s copycatting mutant power has drawn in this force along with a host of trouble and Cyclops will not stand by to allow the Avengers to detain her.

“Avengers vs X-Men” directly follow the events that take place in Marvel’s 4-part mini-series, Avengers: X-Sanction. However, Marvel’s writers have made it fairly easy to jump right in with issue #0 and #1. Who are the writers on this project you ask? A collaboration of some of Marvel’s best, including: Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman, and Matt Fraction and John Romita Jr. with the pencils.

Furthermore, these writers, along with the tech geniuses at Marvel, have teamed up with Aurasma, to introduce a new software that will enhance the comic book reader’s experience. This new technology, Augmented Reality (or AR), gives the comic book a more enhanced experience. I like to think of it as Blu-Ray additional content for comics. This application is free and available for newer iPhones, iPads, and Andriod devices.

Upon reading Avengers vs X-Men issue #1, I decide to scan the panel marked “AR” with my iPhone. Sure enough, I hear Brian Michael Bendis’ voice speaking to me in a “director’s commentary-esque” fashion. Or upon scanning the opening title page, Marvel Editor in Chief Axel Alonso walks right onto my comic book, welcomes me to the new series, and introduces me to a whole new experience. The AR includes panel progression from storyboard to final draft, scene movements, and character biography.

In conclusion, Avengers vs X-Men issue #1 is an excellent read with stunning visuals. It poses interesting questions of what is to come in the series and fuels the excitement of this comic book reader’s anticipations. Where will Wolverine and Beast, both X-Men and Avengers, fit into this struggle? Will the Phoenix force destroy everything? Will Hope share the same fate as Jean Grey? How far is Cyclops willing to go to defend Hope and the mutant race? Many fans are looking forward to a lengthy, well-written series that will push the boundaries of friend and foe to answer these questions and more. Lastly, the introduction of the AR app has ushered in a new experience to reading comic books and has enhanced the overall story-telling experience.

“The Batman Files” can be purchased on Amazon here.

Fellow Batman fans, we hope you have a spare change of pants. We have seen encyclopedias, guidebooks, philosophy books, how-to books, history books, and various other materials that have documented all things awesome about the dark knight.

Now, brace yourselves for…The Batman Files. This hardcover dossier by Matthew Manning comes packed with histories of all the major Bat-characters, letters, newspaper articles, in-depth computer files, crime scene photos, blueprints, schematics, maps of Gotham City, and even Bruce Wayne’s childhood drawings.  Every minute detail of Batman’s life is carefully and thoroughly covered in this book, which makes it a must-have for Batman fans.  Check out the photos below.

“The Batman Files” is gilded with a black matte finish and a fabric cover, while secured with a metallic silver Batman emblem.  It is now available for preorder on Amazon for $61, down from the original $100 price. We’re not sure why there is a different cover on the Amazon posting, but we’re hoping it will have the more polished, solid black finish in the end instead.

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m placing my copy on my coffee table, snug in the middle of my “Arkham City: Collector’s Edition” and ”Batman: Year One” blu-ray, sitting over my pile of #1 Batman comic issues. It is a good month to be a Batman fan, indeed :)

“The Joker: A Visual History of the Clown Prince of Crime” is available for pre order on Amazon.com.

A comprehensive look at the greatest comic book villain . . . ever. Since his first appearance in 1940’s Batman #1, the Joker stands alone as the most hated, feared, and loved villain in the DC Universe. Though his true origins may be unknown, the Clown Prince of Crime’s psychotic appearances in hundreds of comic books has shaped the way we look at Batman, comic books, and ourselves. Indeed, a hero is only as good as his nemesis, so the Joker’s heinous crimes, including murdering the second Robin and paralyzing Batgirl, have elevated Batman to the highest levels of crime-fighting, and we, the readers, to the finest levels of quality pop-culture entertainment.

The Joker is the first retrospective chronicling one of the most groundbreaking and game-changing villains of all time, and contains images from his more than seventy years in comics by comic book artists and writers such as Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Dick Sprang, Grant Morrison, Dave McKean, Neil Gaiman, Geoff Johns, Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, Brian Azzarello, Bruce Timm, and Paul Dini. Also included are images from his various film, television, animated, and video game incarnations, such as the timeless interpretations by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Heath Ledger, who won his posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in 2008’s The Dark Knight. This book is a must-have for fans and anyone who wants to die laughing.

He also shops at ThinkGeek.com.

ThinkGeek, widely known as being the internet’s pre-eminent purveyor of peculiarities to the nerdy masses, is the home of – among other things – the titanium spork. Mr. Shipp has acquired one of these magnificent pieces of curious cutlery and is offering it as an incentive to his fans.

To win the cherished spork, become a follower of Mr. Shipp’s blog. Yeah, that’s really all there is to it. Easy, right? The winner will receive not only the spork of awesome, but a Kindle or Nook copy of their choice of any of Mr. Shipp’s eBooks. A full list of eligible titles can be found in this post.

The contest will remain open until Mr. Shipp receives his 200th subscriber on the blog.

Lionsgate has released the teaser trailer for “The Hunger Games” at this Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards. Based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling young adult fiction book trilogy, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Lenny Kravitz. For those who haven’t read the books, here’s the synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

“The Hunger Games”, which will be the first of a 4-part series, hits theaters March 23rd, 2012.

Just a small reminder to digital artists and comic book lovers!
You know that one guy…whats his name…oh yeah! ADAM HUGHES!

So ImagineFX got Adam Hughes to do their cover for the March issue and it is out now and can be delivered to the United States.

Adam Hughes takes the reader’s through his process of making the cover…although I have to point out it is NOT a “how to” article on his whole method, simply the portion he uses after scanning an Image into Adobe Photoshop.

Anyways, more treats for those who want to purchase the March issue only or if you want to subscribe to the magazine, either way its a win-win.

To get a subscription or buy the issue by itself “click here.”

Happy readings!