A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #5
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by RAFER ROBERTS
Art by MIKE NORTON
Cover A by KANO
Cover B by DAVID LAFUENTE
Cover C by DARICK ROBERTSON
Cover D by JOE EISMA
Valiant Emoji Variant by SWYFT MEDIA
FAITH #1/A&A #5 Interlocking Variant by PERE PÉREZ
Variant Cover by DIEGO LATORRE
B&W Sketch Variant by DAVID LAFUENTE
$3.99 • 32 pgs. • T+
This summer … love is in the air when Faith flies into the pages of Valiant’s smash-hit ongoing series for a first date that is going to sweep Archer off his feet!
Valiant is proud to announce a very special jumping-on point special coming on July 20th in A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #5 – a Valiant milestone-in-the-making from rising star Rafer Roberts (Plastic Farm) and Eisner Award-winning artist Mike Norton (Revival)! On the very same day that Faith soars into her first ongoing series in FAITH #1, jump on board the monthly adventures of Valiant’s history-smashing adventurers here with a perfect standalone entry point as Obadiah Archer and Faith “Zephyr” Herbert set out on a romantic thrill ride that is going to change both of their lives forever! More crossbows than Sleepless in Seattle! More fistfights than The Notebook! This ain’t no ordinary team-up … it’s Archer and Faith’s first date!
“Faith and Archer are both good people in a world where good people are in short supply,” series writer Rafer Roberts told The A.V. Club. “I don’t want to give too much away but like most first dates, it’s cute and awkward and in constant danger of being ruined by supervillain sneak attacks.”
With Armstrong on the road, Archer is taking some much-needed personal time … and bringing his long-distance romance with Los Angeles’s No. 1 superhero off of FaceTime and into the real world! As these friends take their relationship to the next level, will romance conquer all? Or will they still find the time to brawl with some loan sharks? When a teenaged martial arts expert and a high-flying psiot get together, anything goes!
Jump on board the acclaimed ongoing series that IGN calls "strong and endlessly entertaining" here with a perfect standalone introduction to the jaw-cracking, heart-thumping adventures of Archer and Faith on July 20th in A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #5 – in stores the same day as FAITH #1! Featuring covers by Kano (Gotham Central), David Lafuente (Ultimate Spider-Man), Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan), Joe Eisma (Morning Glories), Pere Perez (IVAR, TIMEWALKER), and Diego Latorre (Batman: Europa), don’t miss a star-crossed moment of comics history when paramour extraordinaires Rafer Roberts and Mike Norton introduce the world to Valiant’s number-one power couple, only in A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #5!
Jump on board here to find out why critics and fans everywhere are love-struck by Valiant’s latest acclaimed ongoing series:
"✮✮✮✮✮ ... Valiant is releasing some amazing books these days, and this has got to be one of—if not the—best... This is brilliant stuff..." – ComicWow!
"✮✮✮✮ ½... This new title makes [A&A] read, feel, and look better than ever." – Newsarama
"✮✮✮✮ … One of the most entertaining comics you’ll read this month…" – Graphic Policy
"✮✮✮✮ … [A&A] is the perfect cocktail: one part action, two parts humor, with a splash of ribaldry." – All-Comic
"✮✮✮✮ … A&A is delivering on the promise of adventure and continues to be a laugh out loud book that competes with any of the books the Big Two are delivering right now." – Comic Bastards
Awwwwwww!
BETTY AND VERONICA #1
Script: ADAM HUGHES
Art: Adam Hughes, JOSÉ VILLARRUBIA, JACK MORELLI
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR A Reg: ADAM HUGHES
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR B Variant: MAHMUD ASRAR
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR C Variant: TOM BANCROFT
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR D Variant: STEPHANIE BUSCEMA
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR E Variant: CLIFF CHIANG
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR F Variant: COLLEEN COOVER
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR G Variant: BILQUIS EVELY
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR H Variant: VERONICA FISH
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR I Variant: FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR J Variant: GENEVIEVE F.T.
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR K Variant: RIAN GONZALES
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR L Variant: ROBERT HACK, STEVE DOWNER
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR M Variant: ERICA HENDERSON
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR N Variant: REBEKAH ISAACS, KELLY FITZPATRICK
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR O Variant: TULA LOTAY
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR P Variant: ALITHA MARTINEZ, KELLY FITZPATRICK
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR Q Variant: AUDREY MOK
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR R Variant: MORITAT
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR S Variant: RAMON K. PEREZ
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR T Variant: ANDY PRICE
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR U Variant: RYAN SOOK
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR V Variant: JENN ST. ONGE
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR W Variant: CHIP ZDARSKY
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR X Variant: CHRISSIE ZULLO
Betty & Veronica #1 CVR Y Variant: Blank Sketch
On Sale Date: 7/20
32-page • full color comic • $3.99 U.S.
IT’S BETTY VS. VERONICA! The most highly-anticipated debut in comics history is here! Betty and Veronica are America’s sweethearts… until they turn on each other! “Pops’ Chocklit Shoppe is being taken over by a huge coffee company. When Betty and Veronica go head-to-head over the issue, all bets are off! Friendships will shatter. Cities will burn. Nails will be broken. Betty and Veronica are back in this ALL-NEW #1 from comics legend Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman, Catwoman)!
I don't care if Hughes can write or not. I'll get this just for the art for as long as he deigns to draw it!
BLACK HAMMER #1
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer/Cover B: JEFF LEMIRE
Art/Cover A: DEAN ORMSTON
Cover: JEFF LEMIRE
FC • 32 pages • $2.99 • Ongoing
After a series delay, Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce the return of Xeric Award–winning and Eisner, Ignatz and Harvey Award–nominated cartoonist JEFF LEMIRE and artist DEAN ORMSTON’s much-anticipated original ongoing series BLACK HAMMER.
From the prodigious brain of Lemire (Descender, Sweet Tooth, Essex County, A.D.: After Death, Plutona) comes Black Hammer, a character-based superhero drama amazingly brought to life by Ormston (Lucifer, The Sandman) with colors by none other than Eisner Award–winning veteran Dave Stewart.
Once they were heroes, but the age of heroes has long since passed. Banished from existence by a multiversal crisis, the old champions of Spiral City -- Abraham Slam, Golden Gail, Colonel Weird, Madame Dragonfly and Barbalien—now lead simple lives in a timeless farming town. Even as they try to find their way home, trouble has a unique way of finding heroes wherever they are!
“Black Hammer has been a labor of love for me,” says Lemire. “It’s a project that I’ve been working on in various forms for seven years.”
Praise for Black Hammer:
“At once an epic, gripping superhero mystery, and a heartfelt meditation on why superheroes matter, Black Hammer is easily one of Lemire’s best creations. Peopled with fantastic characters like the haunting Colonel Weird and the mysterious Madame Dragonfly -- each made wondrously vibrant by Ormston’s pen -- Black Hammer is a place you too will find nearly impossible to leave.” -- Scott Snyder (Wytches)
“On my pull list by the time I got to page five.” -- Mark Waid (Kingdom Come)
“Jeff Lemire’s Black Hammer feels like it’s walking two roads -- one honoring the past of superhero comics, and one forging a path into the future of the genre.” -- Cullen Bunn (Harrow County)
“Black Hammer feels like a superhero story through an X-Files lens; it’s strange and melancholy and real. The tale evokes an immense world filled with typically deep Lemire-ian themes of isolation, joy and simplicity. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.” -- Charles Soule (Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Letter 44)
“Jeff Lemire, one of the most gifted writers currently working in comics, has produced another powerhouse work with Black Hammer. Combining the ‘country gothic’ feel of his own Essex County with the world of superheroes, the end result is something truly fresh, exciting and fun. I need more now!” -- James Robinson (Airboy, Starman)
So yeah, I've read this, and it's good. The art isn't by Lemire, but it looks like it is, so I'm not crazy about it. But the story is an engaging what-if launching from a never-seen Secret Wars/Crisis sort of thing.
BRICKLEBERRY #1 (of 4)
Publisher: DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Writers: WACO O'GUIN, ROGER BLACK
Art: TIMOTHY HOPKINS
Cover: JEFFREY REBNER
32 pages Teen+ $3.99
"ArMOOgeddon", written by co-creators Waco O'Guin and Roger Black, takes place in the distant future. We join Steve Williams, the only Brickleberry park ranger who managed to escape death at the hands of the Alien Cow Invasion. Future Steve, as he now calls himself, was captured, but escaped and has joined forces with a small group of human rebels in an underground hidden base. With the help Dr. Kuzniak, Future Steve must travel back in time to the year 2015 and kill head ranger Woody Johnson, whose actions led to the Invasion and the destruction of all humanity.
Brickleberry had a successful three-season run on cable television, popular among males 18-24, and averaging 1.6 million viewers per episode. Brickleberry's loyal fanbase still thrives on social media and they are hungry for the continuing adventures from Brickleberry National Park!
My tolerance for this cartoon was very low -- I'd watch an episode every once in a while, and lose interest about midway through. But your mileage may vary!
CIVIL WAR II CAVALCADE
There are six Civil War II issues this week. I have to mention, though, that "Rebirth" is kicking CWII's butt in sales. Marvel may have bet on this horse one time too many.
ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #10
Writer: TOM TAYLOR • Art: IG GUARA • Cover by BENGAL
40 PGS. • Rated T+ • $4.99
• Which side will WOLVERINE choose when a terrible prophecy puts someone she loves into the crosshairs of her allies? How far is LAURA willing to go to protect her loved ones?
• Teaming up with OLD MAN LOGAN, Laura is prepared to fight the very future itself to change her destiny.
NOVA #9
Writer: SEAN RYAN • Art: R.B. SILVA • Cover: HUMBERTO RAMOS
32 PGS. • Rated T • $3.99
• Nova comes to New York!
• Stuck between two sides of a war he doesn’t want to fight, Sam Alexander makes a tough choice.
PATSY WALKER, A.K.A. HELLCAT! #8
Writer: KATE LETH • Art/Cover: BRITTNEY L. WILLIAMS
32 PGS. • Rated T • $3.99
When fallout from the battlefields of Civil War II hits close to home, Patsy is forced to take stock of her life as a hero — and to face what it really costs to be A.K.A. HELLCAT.
SPIDER-MAN #6
Writer: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS • Art/Cover: SARA PICHELLI • Death of X Variant: TBA
32 PGS. • Rated T • $3.99
• Miles Morales has only been in the Marvel Universe for a few weeks, and he’s already finding himself in the middle of a war.
• Which side will Miles choose?!
SQUADRON SUPREME #9
Writer: JAMES ROBINSON • ACO • Cover: ALEX GARNER • Action Figure Variant: JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER • Young Variant: SKOTTIE YOUNG
40 PGS. • Rated T+ • $4.99
OVERSIZED WARRIOR WOMAN Spectacular!
• Now that Warrior Woman has revealed her true identity to the Squadron Supreme, we focus on her life — her past, present and future — in a special solo issue.
• Now the ruler of her own country and sovereign leader of the Alien Myriad, Warrior Woman plans an even greater feat of world conquest. But to do this, it will first require a vision from the Profiler ...
• ... and the resurrection of Namor, the Sub-Mariner.
• Also, learn the surprising fate of the Power Princess whose identity Warrior Woman stole.
• A CIVIL WAR II TIE-IN AND PRELUDE TO THE NEXT MAJOR STORY ARC “FINDING NAMOR.”
THE ULTIMATES #9
Writer: AL EWING • Art/Cover: KENNETH ROCAFORT
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
• The Ultimates race against time to stop the foretold coming of ... The Macronaut!
• But behind the scenes, the cracks in the ultimate super-team are widening ...
• ... and Thanos isn’t the only one waiting for his moment to strike.
CHRONOS FILES TIME TRIAL #1
Publisher: JET CITY COMICS
Writers: HEATHER NUHFER, RYSA WALKER
Art/Cover: AGUSTIN PADILLA
$2.99
Bestselling author Rysa Walker (Timebound) takes readers on a time-hopping adventure in this stand-alone series set in her Chronos Files world. Nineteen-year-old Clio Dunne has lived a life of secrecy. Her world-saving, time-travelling parents have kept a low profile in a boring, small town, but Clio yearns for her own adventure. In the fall of 1931, Clio packs her bags and heads to the big, modern city of Chicago. While following her dreams of becoming a famous illustrator, Clio's own nascent skills as a time traveler are put to the test. A nasty acquaintance from her parents' past stumbles upon Clio in an unexpected place-the trial of Al Capone! Now Clio must jump through time to keep the past, present, and future safe.
If you're a fan of Walker's novels, here's a heads up.
DEADPOOL AND THE MERCS FOR MONEY #1
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art & Cover by IBAN COELLO
Variant Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
Young Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Hip-Hop Variant by DAVID NAKAYAMA
Blank Variant Also Available
32 PGS. • Parental Advisory • $3.99
Because YOU demanded it – now starring in their very own ongoing series! Starting this July, Wade Wilson and his lovable band of guns-for-hire are continuing their adventures in an all-new DEADPOOL AND THE MERCS FOR MONEY #1! Returning writer Cullen Bunn joins incoming artist Iban Coello for all all-out brawl-out as Deadpool, Solo, Slapstick, Foolkiller, Stingray, Terror and Masacre (and even a few surprise members!) hit Marvel Universe in search of cold hard cash!
“The fans have spoken and we’re sending these mercs on another mission,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “Response to the Marvel Universe’s newest misfit super team has been huge and we’re excited to have Cullen back to pen their ongoing exploits this July.”
Deadpool is one of the best mercenaries on the planet. He may even be a passable Avenger. But one thing is certain – he’s a terrible leader. Good thing he’s leading a team of super mercenaries, am I right? Don’t believe us? Ask them! Thankfully a big job with an even bigger payday just fell into their laps. The job? Taking out the various radioactive super villains in the Marvel Universe! Easier said than done – especially when only one of you has a healing factor. Sorry, everyone except Wade…
Mo’ mercs means mo’ money which definitely means mo’ problems. If you’ve got a pile of cash you’re not overly fond of, and you can find them – maybe you can hire these miscreant mercenaries! Strap in and hold on as they embark on their next adventure in DEADPOOL AND THE MERCS FOR MONEY #1!
I didn't read the miniseries, but evidently it sold well enough to warrant this ongoing.
EDWARD RICE BURROUGHS' THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT #1
Publisher: AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY
Writer: MIKE WOLFER
Art: GIANCARLO CARACUZZO
Cover: BLANK SKETCH COVER
$3.99
One hundred years ago, Bowen Tyler, a handful of British allies, and the crew of a German U-33 submarine were lost at sea. What they discovered was something that defied time, and all of known science: the island of Caspak! Hidden inside impregnable rock walls lay a prehistoric world, filled with terrifying creatures and murderous primitives from every era of time and evolution. Somehow, the island was never again found, and the stories of the survivors of Caspak were considered fantasy. Today, an expedition has been launched by Tyler's great granddaughter Abby, a quest to find concrete evidence of his adventure. But what she and her research team will uncover is something far deadlier and more shocking than they could ever have imagined, as the modern day explorers find themselves thrust into The Land That Time Forgot!
Edgar Rice Burroughs’ The Land That Time Forgot comes to comics in July 2016, and will bring fans of the series a brand new chapter in the timeless classic that has thrilled readers for the past century. This original tale will introduce new readers to the savage land of Caspak and remind those who’ve been there before just what they’ve been missing.
Under license from Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc, American Mythology Productions (AM) will launch The Land That Time Forgot as a full-color, 32-page comic book featuring favorite characters from the original series plus some new surprises.
It carries a $3.99 U.S. cover price.
The new adventures take readers back to the mysterious island of Caspak and will be written by comic book veteran Mike Wolfer (Friday the 13th, Night of the Living Dead), illustrated by Giancarlo Caracuzzo (Cable, Gorilla Man), with cover art by Wolfer and Chris Scalf (Star Wars), and colors by Ceci de la Cruz.
“This is not an adaptation, or a re-imagining. It remains absolutely faithful to the source material, with a new twist,” said Michael Bornstein, Publisher of American Mythology. “Each creator participating in the program is a huge fan of the series, which is a direct sequel to the novels, and it shows in their work.”
“One hundred years ago, shipbuilder Bowen Tyler, a handful of British allies, and the crew of the German U-33 submarine were lost at sea, drifting near the Antarctic Circle. What they discovered was something that defied time, and all of known science: the island of Caspak! Hidden inside impregnable rock walls lay a prehistoric world, filled with terrifying creatures, man-eaters from every era of time, and races of savage, murderous primitives from each rung of the evolutionary ladder. Inexplicably, the island was never again found, and the stories of the survivors of Caspak were considered fantasy,” said Mike Wolfer.
Wolfer said he and the creative team are using the long-established origin of the series and the strong foundation of their new adventure series. It will be readily accessible to new readers and yet firmly familiar to longtime fans.
“Today, an expedition has been launched by Tyler's great-great-great-granddaughter Abby, a quest to find concrete evidence of Bowen Tyler's adventure. But what she and her research team will uncover is something far deadlier and more shocking than they could ever have imagined, as the modern day explorers find themselves thrust into The Land That Time Forgot,” he said.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. to bring back one of the most iconic stories of the last 100 years! For us to be able to put our own spin and add to such a rich history of storytelling is truly an honor, and we have nothing short of an amazing story by Mike Wolfer to bring this classic back into the hands of readers eager to journey back into a Land That Time Forgot!” Bornstein said. “Join us for another trip into the lands of Caspak!”
I loved the book when I was in junior high. I'll take a look out of nostalgia, if nothing else.
FAITH #1 (ONGOING)
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by JODY HOUSER
Art by PERE PEREZ and MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
Cover A by KEVIN WADA
Cover B by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
Cover C by CARY NORD
Cover D by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Valiant x CGC Replica Variant by PERE PEREZ
Valiant Emoji Variant by SWYFT MEDIA
Interlocking Variant by PERE PEREZ
Variant Cover by KANO
Variant Cover by COLLEEN COOVER
Blank Cover also available
$3.99 • 32 pgs. • T+
She’s saved the world, made international headlines and inspired a growing legion of fans. Now, Valiant's stratosphere-shattering hero is soaring into her next comics landmark: her first-ever ongoing series!
Valiant is proud to announce that Faith is stepping out of the pages of her five-time sold-out limited series debut and into the pages of her first-ever monthly title this July for FAITH #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of an ALL-NEW ONGOING SERIES from rising star Jody Houser (Orphan Black), Harvey Award-nominated sensation Pere Perez (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG), and acclaimed artist Marguerite Sauvage (DC Comics Bombshells)!
“Since Faith’s solo debut hit stands, no matter where we've turned – from conventions to comic shops to social media – fans all over the globe have called on Valiant to further Faith's adventures beyond four issues alone," said Valiant Editor-in-Chief Warren Simons. "Now that day has come, and we’re proud to say that Faith’s journey will continue in 2016 and beyond. Jody Houser, Francis Portela, and Marguerite Sauvage did a masterful job introducing Faith to a whole new audience, and now we're glad to welcome Valiant-exclusive artist and extraordinarily talented storyteller Pere Perez to the Faith family for her first ongoing series – a benchmark achievement if there ever was one.”
"At every turn, Faith has shattered expectations and defied convention to become, far and away, the breakout hero of 2016," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "Now, as she makes the long-awaited leap into her first monthly series, Jody Houser, Pere Perez, Marguerite Sauvage and Colleen Doran have accomplished something extraordinary and rocketed Faith toward her greatest accomplishment yet. There is no better character to launch the next great wave of Valiant titles, and now every new reader of FAITH #1 can find out why 'THE FUTURE OF VALIANT' is bright indeed."
Created by former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter (Secret Wars) and Eisner Award-winning writer and artist David Lapham (Stray Bullets) in Valiant’s acclaimed HARBINGER series in 1992, Faith has long been a central icon of Valiant’s award-winning publishing line. Then, in January 2016, Faith took her long-awaited, much-demanded first step toward solo stardom with FAITH #1 (of 4) – a groundbreaking debut that quickly became the first and biggest breakout hit of the New Year from any major comics publisher. In the weeks since, Faith’s solo debut has garnered near-universal critical acclaim; generated attention from some of the world’s biggest media outlets including the BBC, the Guardian, the Huffington Post, NPR, People, Today, the Washington Post and dozens more; and become the first series of 2016 to reach a much-vaunted fifth printing – making it one of only a handful of hit series in the past decade to achieve that pivotal benchmark of fan and commercial demand.
"Faith isn't just a superhero anymore. In a very short time, she's become a true pop culture phenomenon," said Valiant CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. "Finally, the world is realizing what we at Valiant have known all along: that in a medium populated by characters that can often seem dark and cynical, Faith represents a ray of hope and optimism that resonates far beyond the printed page alone. She truly is a hero in every sense of the word and, at her core, she represents the best that superheroes and comics as a whole have to offer to the world.”
FAITH #1 has also added Eisner and Harvey Award-winning artist Colleen Doran (The Sandman, A Distant Soil) and will grow to 40 pages for an all-new origin sequence introducing the history-making hero's first monthly title! Doran joins the series' ongoing creative team for a special guest appearance retelling of Faith's miraculous early life and origin – a perfect introduction for new readers wowed by Faith's five-time sold-out limited series and subsequent spotlight-stealing appearances in major news outlets around the world!
"Colleen Doran is one of the most influential comic book artists of her generation and a true pioneer," said FAITH Editor Tom Brennan. "Having her on board for the launch of FAITH #1 is an honor and speaks volumes about the importance that the character has taken on across the comics landscape in the short time since her solo debut early this year. Not only is her contribution to the inaugural issue a key one, but it's a wonderful illustration of how and why Faith is a hero unlike any other in comics today."
A 30-year veteran of the comics industry and a winner of the Eisner, Harvey and International Horror Guild awards, Colleen Doran has contributed to some of the most acclaimed titles in comics history, including The Sandman, Wonder Woman, Amazing Spider-Man, Legion of Super-Heroes, Teen Titans and many more. As the creator of A Distant Soil, Doran wrote and illustrated one of the industry's longest running and most revered creator-owned series. In the intervening years, she worked on a number of prominent projects in and out of the superhero genre, including Orbiter with writer Warren Ellis, Mangaman with writer Barry Lyga, Gone to Amerikay with writer Derek McCulloch, and The Book of Lost Souls with writer J. Michael Straczynski. Her latest work, the graphic novel Troll Bridge – adapted from the short story by Neil Gaiman – will be released in October by Dark Horse. FAITH #1 is her first work for Valiant Entertainment.
In a city under siege by robots, aliens, monsters and, even worse, celebrities, there is only one woman the people of Los Angeles can count on: the stratospheric superhero called Faith! Aspiring reporter by day and dedicated crime-fighter by night, Faith has tackled every obstacle in her path with confidence – like those crushing deadlines at work, the long-distance boyfriend half a world away, and the missing back issues that plague her comics collection! But, unbeknownst to her, Faith is about to collide with the one force she never saw coming: an up-and-coming super-villain bent on snuffing her out once and for all! But who is lurking behind the mask of her new foe … and could they be the one person capable of rendering Faith powerless?
Don’t miss history in the making when the colossal comics milestone of the summer arrives with the brand-new FAITH #1 – featuring covers by a staggering cast of comics talents, including Kevin Wada (She-Hulk), Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic (DIVINITY), Cary Nord (X-O MANOWAR), Emanuela Lupacchino (Superwoman), Pere Perez (HARBINGER WARS), Kano (Gotham Central) and Colleen Coover (Bandette)! Jump on on board here and find out why Valiant’s high-flying hero has captured the imagination of the world – and inspired a whole new generation of comics fans!
Valiant is proud to announce that FAITH #1 – the hotly anticipated FIRST ISSUE of Faith "Zephyr" Herbert's history-making ongoing series and the lead title of "THE FUTURE OF VALIANT" initiative – has topped more than 30,000 copies in pre-orders and counting, making it the most successful independent superhero debut of the year!
I'm very impressed with my fellow fans that they've made this book a hit.
FEARLESS DAWN: CHIBI FINALE #1 (ONE-SHOT)
Writer/Art/Cover: STEVE MANNION
32 pages • 7x10 SC standard comic • B&W INTERIORS • $3.99
Steve Mannion's feisty action hero is back! Can she escape the clutches of "One-Eyed Hans"? Tune in and get the skinny! Meet "One-Eyed Hans", the roughest, toughest, meanest old hombre ever to bust up the FEARLESS DAWN camp! And he's got one eye. Well, he's actually got 2 eyes but one is made of glass. So, yeah. He's got one eye. And he has been sent to aid in the BREAKOUT of Fearless Dawn's arch Nemesis, Helga Von Krauss. Can Fearless Dawn stop ol' One-Eye? Join us now and find out! Fans of the Rocketeer, The Goon, and MAD Magazine are sure to get a kick out of this series, from the inimitable mind and pen of Steve Mannion! ALSO features a "Manly" Mannion sketchbook section.
Fearless Dawn looks naughty, but it's really just stream-of-consciousness silliness with some nice art that reminds one of various greats, such as Jack Davis and Eric Powell.
GARTH ENNIS' RED TEAM: DOUBLE TAP, CENTER MASS #1
Publisher: DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Writer: GARTH ENNIS
Art: CRAIG CERMAK
Cover: DAN PANOSIAN
32 pages Mature $3.99
One year after the catastrophic events that ended the first series, Red Team survivors Eddie Mellinger and Trudy Giroux are in the doldrums. Considered a political liability, the two are kept busy on small-time cases by their suspicious NYPD commanders ... but a chance encounter in the ghetto gives them a chance to get back in the game. Trouble is, it means going far beyond the law ... which is what almost got them killed last time around.
"Red Team: Double Tap, Centre Mass features the return of two of my favorite characters, Detectives Eddie Mellinger and Trudy Giroux of the NYPD. The first Red Team saw them survive by the skin of their teeth; now they're dropped right back in at the deep end, with their growing feelings for each other only complicating matters. Writing this series is a real treat for me, and getting to work with Craig Cermak again makes it even better." -- Garth Ennis
I haven't heard anything about this book, but it's by Ennis, so that improves its odds of being pretty good.
GRANT MORRISON'S AVATAREX #1
Publisher: GRAPHIC INDIA PTE. LTD
Writer: GRANT MORRISON
Art: JEEVAN KANG
Limited Edition Variant ($9.99): ADAM MOORE
Limited Gold Foil Variant ($29.99): JEEVAN KANG
Destroyer of Darkness Variant ($1.99): JEEVAN KANG
Variant: ADAM MOORE ($1.99)
Variant: LUKE ROSS ($1.99)
Created and written by legendary icon, Grant Morrison, comes his newest hero Avatarex. In Avatarex, the epic world of living myth collides with the mundane realities and cultural upheavals of contemporary India. What happens when an all-powerful super-being awakens to fight the Last War of the Age -- only to discover he's been sent too early for the End Days and must somehow learn to exist in a world that's too small and too frail to survive his presence? How does humanity react to the challenges of such a paragon in our midst? Will Avatarex raise us to his level -- or will we drag him down to ours? Can the embodiment of our highest aspirations exist side-by-side with our all-too human failings or will the gulf between what we wish we could be and what we are destroy us?
I think this is part of Morrison's extrapolation of Indian mythology.
GROO: FRAY OF THE GODS #1
Writer/Art/Cover: SERGIO ARAGONÉS
Writer: MARK EVANIER
Colors: TOM LUTH
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Ongoing
A BATTLE FOR THE AGES!
Dark Horse will deliver a new ongoing Groo series: Groo: Fray of the Gods.
This 12-issue limited series features a tale told by the same award-winning creative team as always: Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier, with Tom Luth coloring and Stan Sakai on the lettering pen.
The gods did not bless Groo with brains, only with the ability to battle. Now, they themselves are in conflict over the spirit and future of mankind … and it is Groo who becomes the pawn (unwitting, of course) in their war. If the future of humanity depends on the Wanderer -- we’re all in a lot of trouble.
Praise for Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier’s Groo:
“[Aragonés’] style is so established, cartoony, and consistent that there’s never a doubt that you’ll get anything but pure magic out of him.”—Multiversity Comics
“Longtime Groo fans will find a lot to love here.”—Newsarama
It's Groo, so you know what to expect. Now with more gods!
THE HUNT #1
Writer: COLIN LORIMER
Art/Cover: COLIN LORIMER & JOANA LAFUENTE
32 PAGES • FC • M • $3.99
Dream or reality? For a long time, teenager Orla Roche couldn't tell them apart, and now THE HUNT is coming with its nightmare world of the restless dead. An intense story of survival, THE HUNT is a supernatural horror tale that will give Irish mythology a distinctly modern twist.
Cover art looks nice. I'll have a look when I see a review copy.
OBLIVION #1
Writer: TIM SEELEY
Art: ROMINA MORANELLI (pencils/inks), Marcelo Costa (colors)
Cover A: ROMINA MORANELLI (pencils/inks), MARCELO COSTA (colors)
Cover B: TIM SEELEY (pencils/inks), MARCELO COSTA (colors)
Cover C: TIM SEELEY Sketch (pencils/inks)
Cover D: Photo Cover
Cover E: Poster Cover
32 pgs./ T+ / FC $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)
A sequel to the acclaimed Full Moon space western that introduced the world to “cowboys and aliens!” The backwater planet Oblivion has fallen on hard times, but everything’s about to get harder for Marshall Zack Stone with the arrival of Lyz Azorr, the daughter of notorious outlaw, RED EYE!
I read the original Cowboys and Aliens, but I don't remember it very well. (The movie made a stronger impression.) So if this is a sequel, it'll be new to me.
PLUTONA (GN)
Publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Writer: JEFF LEMIRE
Art/Cover: EMI LENOX
144 PAGES • FC • T • HC ($39.99) / TPB ($16.99)
Master storyteller Jeff Lemire (Descender, Sweet Tooth) and critically-acclaimed artist Emi Lenox (EmiTown) bring readers a heartfelt and heartbreaking coming-of-age tale exploring friendship and loss in PLUTONA. Image Comics is pleased to announce that PLUTONA will be available as a limited edition hardcover as well as in trade paperback this July.
In PLUTONA, five suburban kids make a shocking discovery while exploring the woods one day after school... the body of the world's greatest superhero, Plutona, laying dead among the mud and grass. This discovery sends them on a dark journey that will threaten to tear apart their friendship and their lives.
Fans can purchase a replica of the pear sweatshirt worn by Mie in there story at Image Direct.
Select praise for PLUTONA:
“Plutona is the kind of character driven tale that we’ve all come to love Jeff Lemire for, but the real star here is the beautifully drawn pages by Emi Lenox. Her cartooning crafts a world I can feel by just looking at it. We’re lucky to have Jeff and Emi making books like this.“ —Skottie Young
“Like the very best comics, Plutona transcends any single genre. At once a gripping mystery, an epic superhero tale, and a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, Plutona presents Lemire and Lenox at the height of their powers—a masterful meditation on heroism, identity, and growing up. One of the best books of the year.” —Scott Snyder
"Plutona is your new favorite comic. As heartfelt and beautiful as any of Lemire's previous works, and the artwork from Emi Lenox is like a breath of fresh air." —Nerdist
"A cool, effortlessly inviting coming-of-age tale filled with realized characters, a compelling mystery." —IGN
"Epic, intelligent, full of heart." —Comics Alliance
"Plutona will make you feel like a kid again." —Vox.com
"A contemporary, super-powered take on Stand By Me brought to life with expressive, nuanced art from Emi Lenox... The kind of emotionally complex story that makes you want to cry for no discernable reason. Pick it up and try not to drip salty tears on the pages." —Paste Magazine
I enjoyed the first two issues, and then I kinda forgot about it. It's another odd superhero take by Jeff Lemire, a sort of Stand By Me plot where the dead body is that of a superhero. I plan to read the whole of it and see if it holds up.
REBIRTH
BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY: REBIRTH #1
Written by JULIE BENSON and SHAWNA BENSON
Art by CLAIRE ROE
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant cover by BEN CALDWELL
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“WHO IS ORACLE” Chapter One: Batgirl and Black Canary are together again, working a case that strikes right at the heart of their partnership! Someone’s uncovered the greatest secret Barbara Gordon ever kept: her time as Oracle, the most powerful hacker on the planet. And not only do they know her secret, they’re using her name to sell dangerous information to criminals! Now one of those deals has brought some major heat to Gotham City … Helena Bertinelli is out of Spyral, wearing the hood of the Huntress, and making mafia blood run in the streets! Everything you thought was hidden will be revealed if the Oracle has their way …
A Paquette cover is a good way to sell this fanboy. Also, Huntress is different now -- she's from the spy organization Spyral that Dick Grayson helped bring down, so she's got a few more skills going for her than the last iteration of the character.
THE HELLBLAZER: REBIRTH #1
Written by SIMON OLIVER
Art and Cover by MORITAT
Variant cover by DUNCAN FEGREDO
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T+
This issue will ship with two covers.
John Constantine’s lost weekend in New York City was fun, but London’s where his heart is—only a pissed-off demon and a curse on his soul stand in his way. Even Constantine’s questionable ethics are pushed to the limit when he puts eight million souls on the line to get what he wants….
I hope this Hellblazer is better than the New 52 version, which I didn't enjoy at all. Constantine needs to be a jerk, not a pretty boy in love, whether he's bisexual or not.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #1
Written by BRYAN HITCH
Art by TONY S. DANIEL and SANDU FLOREA
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“THE EXTINCTION MACHINE” Chapter One
The oceans rise. The earth quakes. And an ancient power rises to reclaim not just the world, but the universe itself—and not even the combined might of the Justice League can stop it. An all-new era begins with this epic by comic book legend Bryan Hitch (JLA, The Ultimates) and master storyteller Tony S. Daniel (BATMAN: R.I.P., DEATHSTROKE).
I've said it before: I'll never outgrow the Justice League.
SNOTGIRL #1
Writer/Cover B: BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY
Art/Cover A: LESLIE HUNG
32 PAGES • FC • T+ • $2.99
Image Comics is pleased to announce the highly-anticipated new ongoing series SNOTGIRL by New York Times bestselling writer Bryan Lee O’Malley (Scott Pilgrim) and featuring dazzling artwork by newcomer Leslie Hung. First announced at Image Expo and teased in the inaugural issue of Image+ Magazine, SNOTGIRL will launch this July.
“Snotgirl is funny and f*cked up,” O’Malley warned. “It’s full of fascinating characters you’ll love to hate. Leslie’s art is lush and beautiful.”
Lottie is a huge success—she’s blog famous! Her online persona is flawless and fun, but her real life is filled with woes. She has terrible allergies, she just got dumped, and her blogger friends don’t understand her. Things turn around when Lottie instantly clicks with Caroline, a new girl on the scene … but can she turn chemistry into friendship, or will she ruin everything?
"Lottie Person is an extreme example of someone whose online persona is a calculated performance. She's gorgeous, she has great hair and clothes, she has the perfect apartment in downtown Los Angeles," said O'Malley of the main character in a recent interview in Image+ Magazine. "By all appearances she's flawless, but she's an introverted weirdo on the inside."
Hung incorporated current brands and fashion elements into the story and said of her art strategy: "It was important to pay attention to brands, but also to the people who wear those brands in day-to-day life. ... All the characters kind of have their own thing going on, but as events unfold, I hope people are able to see when things start to shift, and I'm definitely letting the situations dictate the details."
Hung added: “This is my first ongoing series, so I’m really excited. Snotgirl is going to be the best comic ever, if we don’t die making it!”
From the preview, it seems like something teenage girls (and some boys) would find just swell. Not so sure about adult heterosexual men, however, of which I am one.
SOMBRA #1
Writer: JUSTIN JORDAN
Art: RAUL TREVINO
Cover: JILIPOLLO
$3.99
Justin Jordan (John Flood, Spread) tackles a provocative topic-the violent drug cartels of Mexico-partnering with artist Raúl Treviño, who lives in Mexico and is drawing on his first-hand experiences to inform the story.
A DEA agent, who disappeared in Mexico years ago, has resurfaced and is now out-brutalizing some of the cartels he was sent to investigate. His daughter has been tasked with stopping him ... by any means necessary.
Perfect for fans of Scalped, the novels Heart of Darkness and Savages, or the film Apocalypse Now.
Those are some pretty high-falutin' comparisons for a funnybook. Might be worth checking out.
STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS: CAMMY #1
Writer: JIM ZUB
Art/Cover: OMAR DOGAN
$3.99
It's Cammy White, the stinging bee of Street Fighter, in her own action-packed comic series! Cammy now leads the all-new special ops team "Delta Blue", as they keep England and the world safe from destructive forces. Whether its art thieves, cyber assaults, or would-be world conquerors, Cammy and Delta Blue are ready to face the enemies of freedom and justice everywhere!
Plus, Chun-li faces a mysterious opponent in a special bonus story.
Of all the Street Fighter characters, this is the one who gets a solo book. I can only think of two reasons why ...
Replies
BETTY AND VERONICA #1
I've never been one to buy variant cover multiple copies. An all-variants completist will either go into debt or commit suicide over this one.
I agree. It's blatant commercialism and it almost destroyed the industry in the 90s!
Richard Willis said:
Yeah, no one is forced to buy them all.
You would have to be a rare combination of extremely wealthy and bat-shit crazy.
On another note, really looking forward to Black Hammer.
I dunno I was pretty unimpressed with this new Archer & Armstrong series.
I have high hopes for for Black Hammer.
I read the first Red Team series and it was pretty solid.
A Cammy solo book? Eh, she was always a white version of Chun Li to me. Oh, hey, look who gets the bonus story!