Superheroes go where troops go

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Marvel Comics' "The New Avengers" and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service will team up again to deliver another free, military-exclusive comic book to troops stationed throughout the globe.

The newest military-only installment and the third since Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld unveiled "The New Avengers" at the Pentagon in February 2005, is scheduled to hit AAFES shelves July 4, including 52 exchange facilities throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, just in time for Independence Day.

"At war and in peacetime, the exchange is there to provide troops with the service and merchandise they need to make their lives more comfortable," said the Matt Buan, Luke Base Exchange general manager.

"AAFES' existing infrastructure of Tactical Field Exchanges throughout the deployed area allow it to deliver familiar American products to troops serving in any corner of the world. From Bagram to Luke, we go where the troops go."

Locally available at the base exchange, military clothing store, Shoppette and car care center, the third installment, "Time Trouble," once again features Marvel's superheroes "The New Avengers" to include Captain America, Nick Fury and Luke Cage. These characters, along with special guests X-Men and Spiderman, are sucked through a time portal to World War II, where they must take on the evil Kang.

Because of the highly collectible nature of the 36-page, military-exclusive comic and the anticipated demand, AAFES officials advise that "Time Trouble" will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. "Stop by and get your copy before the fireworks start," said Buan. "Just like the first two comics -- when "Time Trouble" is gone, it's gone."

The second installment features Marvel's superheroes "The New Avengers," including Captain America, Nick Fury and Luke Cage.

These characters, along with some special guests, come face to face with "The Disruptor," a cyborg armed with disruptive electronic pulse weapons determined to steal the annual dividend AAFES provides for Morale, Welfare and Recreation, according to an AAFES news Release.