BEST BETS
ARCHIE #656 ($2.99): Archie expands its cast with another diversity character: Veronica's wheelchair-bound cousin Harper. She's quite attractive of course, and immediately becomes competition for Betty & Veronica where it concerns a certain ginger-haired lad. What's that kid got, anyway? This issue probably won't be as big a deal as the introduction of Kevin Keller, but it's still a milestone.
NOVA #18 (Marvel, $3.99): "Original Sin" hits Marvel's new Human Rocket, which will probably be important to the crossover as a whole. And speaking of which, Original Sin #4 also ships this week.
PARKER: THE HUNTER (IDW, $24.99): This new prose hardback edition of Donald Westlake's first Parker story contains 10 illustrations by Darwyn Cooke, who has won Eisner and Harvey awards for his graphic-novel adaptations of four Parker novels, including this one. I'm happy with the GNs, but for those who prefer prose, here you go.
STAR TREK: HARLAN ELLISON'S CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER #1 (of 5, IDW, $3.99): It's pretty well known in fan circles that Harlan Ellison was unhappy with the liberties taken in his "City on the Edge of Forever" script for the original Star Trek show. Yes, it's a fondly remembered episode, and it won a bunch of awards, but Ellison was not happy! Why was Ellison unhappy? Well, now we'll find out, as IDW adapts his original screenplay to comic-book form, without whatever changes the network imposed. Frankly, I'm a little curious.
UNITY #8 (Valiant, $3.99 regular/$5.99 chrome cover): Bloodshot joins Unity as the line-wide "Armor Hunters" crossover hits Valiant's team title. This promises to be a showcase for the Valiant Universe.
THE WICKED AND THE DIVINE #1 (Image, $3.50): I don't know how to describe this new mature-readers book than to quote the press release: "Every 90 years, 12 gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. Twelve gods will be briefly reincarnated in order to perform miracles like superheroes and bask in celebrity fame. But for the first time, there may be a thirteenth god reincarnated, and lucky number thirteen is tipping the delicate balance." This sounds interesting -- especially the "every 90 years" bit, since I don't remember any reincarnated gods in my history classes. How they explain that will likely be the fulcrum on which my suspension of disbelief will rest.
WINTERWORLD #1 (IDW, $3.99): Winterworld was a three-issue miniseries in the 1980s, about a future where Earth is in an ice age, frozen from pole to pole. Now IDW is bringing Winterworld back as an ongoing series (and a live-action limited series on Xbox), with original writer Chuck Dixon and new artist Butch Guice. Both are terrific at brutal, gritty stories, which is what Winterworld is.
THIS WEEK'S COMICS
The Comics Guide is assembled using the Diamond Comic Distributors Inc. website, as a guide, and is subject to change. Clicking on most images results in a larger image. All information is from Diamond and/or publisher solicitations and press releases, except for random comments by Captain Comics (in blue), and occasional comments by The Baron (in this here purplish color).
ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
THE FINAL PLAGUE (TPB)
Writer: J.D. ARNOLD
Art/Cover: TONY GUARALDI-BROWN
160 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $14.99
The Original Animal Zombie Epic collected for the first time! Follow the terrifying tale of survival as a mutated rabies virus turns animals great and small into bloodthirsty, rampaging beasts.Civilization crumbles, and only a small group of farmers and scientists stand between us and total extinction! Collects the entire first volume of the critically acclaimed horror series!!
ZOMBIE TRAMP VOL 2 (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: DAN MENDOZA
Everyone’s favorite street-walking dead returns! Janey the Zombie Tramp makes a mysterious new friend and together they board an express train to more fetish, gore, cartoon grindhouse mayhem in the style that fans of the series have come to love!
Are Janey’s budding undead powers enough to see her through another deadly adventure on the … Taint Train of Terror?
Collects the entire second volume just in time for the all new ongoing series relaunch!
128 pgs./Mature Readers/FC $11.99
Wow! Looks like zombies are good business for Action Lab!
ARCHIE COMICS
ARCHIE #656
Script: DAN PARENT
Art: DAN PARENT, RICH KOSLOWSKI
Cover: DAN PARENT
Roses Are Red Variant Cover: RAMON K. PEREZ
On Sale Date: 6/4
32-page, full color comic, $2.99 U.S.
"Let's Hear it for Harper" Veronica's cousin Harper is coming to Riverdale, where she's considering attending Riverdale High. When she arrives, they see something they weren’t expecting: she is physically disabled. However it doesn't take long to see that her disabilities don't hold her back, but instead add to her dynamic personality! Harper teaches the gang how something that you think can hold you back can make you that much stronger -- all while being decked out in the most fashion forward wheelchair ever seen!
Archie Comics has made a name for itself as a vibrant, innovative publisher that is focused on representing today’s world through its comics. Iconic characters like Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, and Reggie have stayed true to their history while residing in a modern world. That continues today. Following in the tradition of modern and engaging character debuts like Kevin Keller, Archie Comics is proud to give fans a first look at the latest addition to the Riverdale family: Harper.
Cousin to posh socialite Veronica Lodge, Harper arrives in Riverdale and introduces the Archie gang to something they’ve never dealt with: a friend who is disabled. But while Harper does have a disability, it does not define her, and Archie, his friends, and fans around the world will be treated to her dynamic personality. Harper teaches the Archies an important lesson: that something you think can hold you back can make you that much stronger.
Harper is the latest in a long line of characters we’ve introduced to make Riverdale feel like a city in today’s world,” said Archie Comics Co-CEO/Publisher Jon Goldwater. “Harper is, first and foremost, a funny, fashionable and witty teenager. The fact that she’s disabled is only one part of her story, and we’re excited to welcome her to Riverdale and Archie Comics."
The idea for Harper came out of a conversation between writer/artist Dan Parent and longtime Archie fan and author Jewel Kats, who is also disabled. From that initial idea Harper was born.
Harper's skin color looks sorta dark in the cover above. Could she possibly be Hispanic or mixed race? That would be interesting, given how extra white the old-money, patrician Lodge family seems to be!
ARCHIE’S FUNHOUSE DOUBLE DOUBLE DIGEST #6
Script: MIKE PELLOWSKI
Art: FERNANDO RUIZ, RICH KOSLOWSKI, BARRY GROSSMAN, BILL YOSHIDA
Cover: GISELE LAGACE, ROSARIO, "TITO" PENA
On Sale Date: 6/4
320-page, full color comic, $5.99 U.S.
The warm weather’s finally here and Archie and Reggie are looking for some fun in the sun! They’re ready to hit the beach for surfing and some very special sights! However when the girls suggest attending their fashion show instead the boys have to choose whether they want to be outdoors digging the new summer sights or stuck inside at a boring fashion show! Can they choose without hurting anyone’s feelings? Or will they get burned -- and not just from the sun? See what happens in “Sea View!” the fun first story in this jam-packed double DOUBLE digest!
DARK HORSE
#1 for $1: THE STRAIN
Writer: DAVID LAPHAM
Art/Cover; MIKE HUDDLESON
Colors: DAN JACKSON
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $1.00
One-shot
Based on the Strain Trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, this horrifying first chapter confronts a mysterious outbreak of diabolical proportions and puts an original twist on the vampire genre!
Read the comics! Watch the series!
Written by Stray Bullets creator David Lapham!
AXE COP: THE AMERICAN CHOPPERS #2 (of 3)
Writer: MALACHAI NICOLLE
Art/Cover: ETHAN NICOLLE
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
From comics to TV and back again!
The Chainsaw Force Three are struck by Demonitis when they accidentally cut down a hell tree! When they sabotage the axe industry, causing axes everywhere to turn into evil chopping creatures, the resulting Axe Beast conflict may prove too much for Axe Cop to handle!
Now a hit animated series on Fox’s Animation Domination HD!
BLOODHOUND VOL 2: CROWBAR MEDICINE (TPB)
Writer: DAN JOLLEY
Pencils: LEONARD KIRK
Inks: ROBIN RIGGS
Colors: MOOSE BAUMANN
Cover: DAVE JOHNSON
On sale June 18
FC, 160 pages, $19.99
TPB, 7” x 10”
Ex-con and FBI consultant Travis Clevenger doesn’t have superpowers, but he can put a beatdown on anyone who does! When a superhuman tragedy shocks the nation, a rogue scientist announces that he can avert future disasters by granting powers to citizens who pass his personal background check! The ensuing wave of new superhumans sets in! Collects the five-issue miniseries and a story from Dark Horse Presents #23–#25!
• Dan Jolley (The Terminator, Prototype 2) and Leonard Kirk (Hunger, X-Factor) are back!
• Cover by Dave Johnson (100 Bullets)!
• Clev on the bloodiest trail yet!
B.P.R.D. HELL ON EARTH #120
Writer: MIKE MIGNOLA, JOHN ARCUDI
Art/Cover: LAURENCE CAMPBELL
Colors: DAVE STEWART
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Ongoing
Flashback to teenage Hellboy!
A blackout causes panic at B.P.R.D. headquarters as Kate comes face to face with the ghost of a satanic veteran.
• From the pages of Hellboy!
“If you’ve ever fantasized about fighting monsters, there’s no reason to not pick this thing up.” -- Comic Bastards
“B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth brings the creepiness every month.” -- Comic Book Resources
BRAIN BOY: THE MEN FROM G.E.S.T.A.L.T. #2 (of 4)
Writer: FRED VAN LENTE
Art/Cover: FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Colors: JEREMY COLWELL
Cover: DAN SCOTT
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $2.99
Miniseries
Fred Van Lente and Freddie Williams II!
Agent Price’s flight to the desert to confront a psychic doomsday-cult leader gives new meaning to the word turbulence as he fights tooth and brain for his psychic soul thirty thousand feet up in the air. Is there a shadowy agency out to ground the United States Secret Service’s best agent?
“It will make your brain happy.” -- Bloody Disgusting
“Five out of five.” -- Unleash the Fanboy
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 10 #4
Writers: CHRISTOS GAGE, NICHOLAS BRENDON
Art/Variant Cover: REBEKAH ISAACS
Colors/Variant Cover: DAN JACKSON
Cover: STEVE MORRIS
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Ongoing
New Players, New Rules, New Season!
Getting help from Dracula seemed like a good idea, until he stole the Vampyr book -- and Xander! Now Buffy, Spike, Dawn, Willow, and Giles must save Xander and retrieve the book before it’s too late. Dracula has already begun to study how the lack of magical rules can work in his favor …
• The team from Angel & Faith takes over Buffy!
• Executive produced by Joss Whedon!
• Nicholas Brendon (Xander) joins Season 10!
THE CHRONICLES OF KING CONAN VOL 8: THE ROAD TO EMPIRE AND OTHER STORIES (TPB)
Writer: DON KRAAR
Pencils: JUDITH HUNT, MIKE MANLEY, MIKE DOCHERTY
Inks: ART NICHOLS, ERNIE CHAN, AL WILLIAMSON, PAT REDDING
Colors: GEORGE ROUSSOS
Cover: RON WAGNER
On sale June 18
FC, 208 pages, $19.99
TPB, 7” x 10”
With the tide of war turned, Conan’s armies assault the Nemedian capital. But the greatest threat to Conan is not Nemedian steel, but the steeled heart of a boy raised in the black arts and dedicated to Conan’s destruction -- Conan’s lost son, Taurus! Collects Conan the King #36-41.
• Conan is a fantasy icon, inspiring novels, comics, games, three feature films and a television series.
CLOWN FATALE (TPB)
Writer: VICTOR GISCHLER
ArtCover: MAURIZIO ROSENZWEIG
Colors: MOREN DINISIO
On sale June 18
FC, 112 pages, $17.99
TPB, 7” x 10”
Cute! Carny! Contract killers!
When four down-on-their-luck, sexy clowns are mistaken for contract killers, the pandemonium begins. To prove themselves in the high-profile world of contract killing and big bucks, the girls are going to need to paint their faces and head to war ... with the real killers. Can the femmes fatales stand toe to toe? Collects the four-issue miniseries.
Created and written by Victor Gischler (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike -- A Dark Place, Kiss Me, Satan, Conan: Phantoms of the Black Coast)!
“Oozing with hyper-sexuality and tough-talking dialogue.” -- Bloody Disgusting
CRIMINAL MACABRE: THE EYES OF FRANKENSTEIN (TPB)
Writer: STEVE NILES
Art: CHRISTOPHER MITTEN
Colors: MICHELLE MADSEN
Cover: JUSTIN ERICKSON
On sale June 18
FC, 112 pages, $17.99
TPB, 7” x 10”
With ghouls dying all around him and the mystery of his own violent illness racking his body and mind, occult detective Cal McDonald takes on a new case from an old friend -- Frankenstein’s monster. To solve the case, Cal seeks help from a man billed as “the world’s foremost authority on the supernatural.” Cal must trust this wealthy entertainer to save his friends and cure his illness. But that trust leads down a dangerous path that will leave Cal changed forever. Collects the four-issue miniseries.
A perfect starting point for new readers!
“Another commendable installment to the Criminal Macabre repertoire.” -- Bloody Disgusting
EYE OF NEWT #1 (of 4)
Writer/Art/Cover: MICHAEL HAGUE
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
LEGENDARY ILLUSTRATOR MICHAEL HAGUE!
As a young apprentice wizard embarks on a perilous quest, he encounters marvelous creatures of all shapes and sizes, and learns a dark secret that could shape his entire destiny!
• Gorgeously illustrated!
• For fans of The Hobbit!
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: THE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT VOL 14 (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: OSAMU TAKAHASHI
On sale June 18
B&W, 176 pages, $9.99
TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"
The biggest anime franchise of the last 20 years!
High intelligence and low wisdom -- that's how they roll deep inside the Artificial Evolution Research Center, and no section is deeper than the one in which Asuka's brilliant but flaky mother Kyoko resides. Surely she didn't spend all those years in graduate computer science just to open up a maid café? You might think so, but remember -- she's smarter than you.
The new anime movie, Neon Genesis Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo is available from Funimation.
Another series that I've been following. It's a sort of "Elseworlds" which follows the same characters from the original story, only things are a good deal less grim and their parents aren't all dead. I actually prefer it to the original -- I find I have less of an appetite for "grim" stuff than I used to.
THE PORTENT: ASHES (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: PETER BERGTING
On sale June 18
FC, 144 pages, $17.99
TPB, 7” x 10”
A wood nymph has returned alone from the realm of the dead to find her dying world overwhelmed with powerful warlocks, vengeful spirits, demons, and witches.
An all-new, self-contained story by Domovoi creator Peter Bergting.
“Beautifully drawn new graphic novel.” -- Den of Geek
STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL -- SON OF DATHOMIR #2 (of 4)
Writer: JEREMY BARLOW
Pencils: JUAN FRIGERI
Inks: MAURO VARGAS
Colors: WES DZIOBA
Cover: CHRIS SCALF
On sale June 18
FC, 40 pages, $3.50
Miniseries
COUNT DOOKU AT BAY!
With his Shadow Collective army stalled, Darth Maul calls on Mother Talzin for help and is sent reinforcements -- the deadly Nightbrothers! Maul is ready again to take on the Separatist droid army, Count Dooku, and General Grievous -- in a trio of simultaneous battles!
Adapted from un-aired episodes of The Clone Wars TV show!
THE WITCHER #4 (of 5)
Writer: PAUL TOBIN
Art/Cover: JOE QUERIO
Colors: CARLOS BADILLA
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Geralt struggles to maintain his sanity as he is forced to endure the House of Glass’s unrelenting torment! He soon finds himself questioning Jakob’s true motivation and is faced with a dark new omen!
• Based on the hit game by CD Projekt RED!
• From the Eisner-winning writer of Bandette, Prometheus and Colder!
WITCHFINDER: THE MYSTERIES OF UNLAND #1 (of 5)
Writers: KIM NEWMAN, MAURA MCHUGH
Art: TYLER CROOK
Colors: DAVE STEWART
Cover: JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
On sale June 18
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Miniseries
Horror fiction legend Kim Newman!
Edward Grey is sent to Hallam to investigate a mysterious death. Once there, he hears rumors about the mysterious Unland, the wetlands around the town, and the creatures that inhabit it. Grey’s skepticism vanishes when he encounters the monsters of Unland, and he realizes that Hallam is a place of secrets.
• Mike Mignola’s Witchfinder!
• Featuring art by Eisner winner Tyler Crook (Bad Blood, B.P.R.D.)!
• From the pages of Hellboy!
I don't think Witchfinder has anything to do with Mignola's other two franchises, Hellboy and Baltimore. But it's in the same vein and I've enjoyed it so far.
Replies
DC COMICS
BATMAN AND RA’S AL GHUL #32
Art/Cover: PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
DC Collectibles Bombshells Variant: ANT LUCIA
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“The Hunt for Robin” concludes! Batman has caught up to Ra’s al Ghul, and the battle for the bodies of Talia and Damian begins!
I wondered from the get-go if Damian Wayne could be revived with the Lazarus Pits, which are associated with his family anyway. That Ra's al Ghul has stolen the body (and Talia's) is a pretty big sign that Momma and Son are due for a comeback.
Also, this title is due to become Batman and Robin again in September, so that's also sort of a clue.
Art: IAN BERTRAM
Cover: GUILLEM MARCH
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The trial of Jim Gordon begins!
Art: JEREMY HAUN
Cover: RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
DC Collectibles Bombshells Variant: ANT LUCIA
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
This issue will ship with two covers.
At last, Nocturna makes her presence in The New 52 known! And Batwoman must face her past when her former girlfriend from West Point comes to town!
Art/Cover: LEE BERMEJO, J.G. JONES
256 pg, FC, $19.99 US • MATURE READERS
Writer Brian Azzarello brings his gritty, nuanced storytelling to these two unforgettable characters. COMEDIAN, featuring art by J.G. Jones (FINAL CRISIS, Wanted), plants the famed war hero within the context of modern American history, as we discover the role he played in the Vietnam War and the Kennedy assassination. In RORSCHACH, Azzarello teams with artist Lee Bermejo (JOKER, LUTHOR) to show how one of the most dangerous vigilantes the comics world has ever seen became even darker. Collects BEFORE WATCHMEN: COMEDIAN #1-6 and BEFORE WATCHMEN: RORSCHACH #1-4.
This was due last week. I really don't understand how a modern reprint can be late. Don't digital images already exist? Don't the covers already exist? Maybe the press was busy. Weird.
Art: ADAM HUGHES, ANDY KUBERT, JOE KUBERT, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, EDUARDO RISSO
Cover: ADAM KUBERT, JOE KUBERT, ADAM HUGHES
288 pg, FC, $19.99 US • MATURE READERS
Writer J. Michael Straczynski is joined by artist Andy Kubert in flight with the gadget-savvy hero known as Nite Owl, as Dan Dreiberg inherits the role from Hollis Mason … but can Dreiberg work with the vigilante called Rorschach? Then, JMS teams with fan-favorite artist Adam Hughes for a tale of Dr. Manhattan. For Dr. Manhattan, past, present, and future are one and the same. But as he observes the events of his life, do they remain the same? This volume collects BEFORE WATCHMEN: NITE OWL #1-4, BEFORE WATCHMEN: DR. MANHATTAN #1-4 and BEFORE WATCHMEN: MOLOCH #1-2.
Art: MARK BUCKINGHAM and ANDREW PEPOY
Backup story art: P. CRAIG RUSSELL
Cover: NIMIT MALAVIA
Resolicit • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
This issue is resolicited. All previous orders are cancelled.
“HAPPILY EVER AFTER!” part 1. Good knight vs. bad knight. King Arthur vs. Morgan le Fay. Rose Red vs. Snow White. The two sisters are caught up in the roles Camelot has set for them, and now they’re ready for battle. Plus, don’t miss the backup story illustrated by P. Craig Russell!
Art/Cover: FRANK QUITELY
368 pg, FC, 8.625” x 11.625”, $39.99 U.S.
Frank Quitely's finely detailed artwork has been gracing the pages of DC comic books since the 1990s. Quitely quickly earned a name for himself illustrating fellow Scotsman Grant Morrison's FLEX MENTALLO, JLA EARTH 2, as well as Neil Gaiman's SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS. This title collects all of Quitely's Paradox BIG BOOK stories, his ALL-STAR SUPERMAN and BATMAN & ROBIN covers and much, much more!
Art: BILLY TAN, ALESSANDRO VITTI, BERNARD CHANG, BRAD WALKER, SEAN CHEN and others
Cover: SEAN CHEN
176 pg, FC, $24.99 US
In this epic event from GREEN LANTERN #24, GREEN LANTERN CORPS #24, GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #23-24, RED LANTERNS #24, GREEN LANTERN ANNUAL #2 and GREEN LANTERN #23.1: RELIC, Relic has arrived! The lights of the Lanterns are fading as the emotional spectrum is being drained. It’s up to Hal and the Green Lanterns to rally the Corps if they are going to survive!
This collects the material from the four books in the Green Lantern "family" that make up the "Lights Out" storyline. So if you're not collecting all four titles or their trades, and just want to read this story, this works well for that. For my part, I found "Lights Out" badly conceived (if the use of power rings damages the universe, then all good guys should stop using their rings, and I'm looking at you, Green Lanterns) and also kinda boring. The wrong direction can be righted by later stories, but nothing fixes boring.
Art/Cover: BRAD WALKER and ANDREW HENNESSY
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
There’s a new terror in the universe as the body-snatching Psions are introduced to The New 52! In space you can -- and will -- hear a New Guardian scream!
Art: CHAD HARDIN
Cover: AMANDA CONNER
DC Collectibles Bombshells Variant: ANT LUCIA
1:25 Variant by AMANDA CONNER
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with three covers.
Welcome to Ladies’ Night, where Harley gets her butt kicked by Big Bertha Bensonhurts at the roller derby, starts a massive bar fight and teams up with Poison Ivy to find out who hired all those pesky assassins!
If this series restores the Old 52 Harley Quinn, rather than the nasty, unlikable creature she became in the New 52 Suicide Squad, then it's got my blessing.
Art: SCOTT KOLINS
Cover: HOWARD PORTER
176 pg, FC, $16.99 US
In his debut solo adventure, Larfleeze meets Laord of the Hunt, a pandimensional cosmic entity that believes all living things are prey – and he’s out to turn the universe into his own private hunting reserve! And the only things worse than Laord are the deadly beings he can summon! This new collection features issues #1-5 of Larfleeze’s monthly series, plus the backup stories from THRESHOLD #1-6.
Whoops! I forgot there's five Green Lantern books -- actually six, including the new Sinestro. Larfleeze wasn't involved in "Lights Out," and I haven't sampled this book. Anybody know if it's any good?
56 pg, FC, $5.99 US
Summer’s here -- but don’t sweat it, because so is the new issue of MAD!
For the first time, I'm happy to see Kanye West and Kim Kardashian on the cover of a magazine. MAD is right where they belong.
Now I can go back to ignoring them.
Art: AARON LOPRESTI and ART THIBERT
Cover: RYAN SOOK
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The two halves of Firestorm encounter big troubles: some personal, some potentially deadly! And Plastique comes face to face with the DC Universe’s horrifying future! Five years from now, the DC Universe is reeling from a war with another Earth, leaving the world unprepared for an approaching evil that threatens to destroy the future. Can a time-traveling Batman Beyond help a massive cast of the DCU’s finest avert the impending apocalypse? Find out in this new weekly series that will forever alter the direction of The New 52!
Art: STEVE DILLON, PETER SNEJBJERG, CARLOS EZQUERRA, RICHARD CASE
Cover: GLENN FABRY
368 pg, FC, $19.99 US • MATURE READERS
This title spotlights Jesse Custer’s battle with the Saint of Killers and the forces of Starr originally presented in PREACHER #34-40. Also included: the PREACHER SPECIAL: ONE MAN’S WAR, PREACHER SPECIAL: THE STORY OF YOU-KNOW-WHO and PREACHER SPECIAL: THE GOOD OLD BOYS.
Art: RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover: ED BENES
DC Collectibles Bombshells variant cover by ANT LUCIA
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will arrive in stores with two covers.
After stopping a nuclear explosion, Red Hood and the Outlaws find themselves in the crosshairs of S.H.A.D.E.!
Hey, maybe Frankenstein will joins this "team"! Now that's a book I would buy!
Art/Cover: J. H. WILLIAMS
Mature/$4.99
Twenty-five years since THE SANDMAN changed the landscape of modern comics, Neil Gaiman's legendary series is back!
THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE heralds New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman's return to the art form that made him famous, ably abetted by artistic luminary JH Williams III (BATWOMAN, PROMETHEA), whose lush, widescreen images provide an epic scope to The Sandman's origin story. From the birth of a galaxy to the moment that Morpheus is captured, THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will feature cameo appearances by fan-favorite characters such as The Corinthian, Merv Pumpkinhead and, of course, the Dream King's siblings: Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny.
SCRIBBLENAUTS UNMASKED: A CRISIS OF IMAGINATION #6
Art/Cover: ADAM ARCHER
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST
Maxwell and Superman make several unlikely allies in the fight against General Zod while the rest of the heroes are trapped in the Phantom Zone! Plus: The Anti-Monitor arrives!
Cover: WALTER SIMONSON
576 pg, FC, $19.99 US
In these stories, heroes including the Atomic Knights, Kamandi and Hercules must face a post-apocalyptic future brought about by the mysterious “Great Disaster” in the run of Atomic Knights tales from STRANGE ADVENTURES, plus 1ST ISSUE SPECIAL #1, HERCULES UNBOUND #1-10, KAMANDI #43-46, WEIRD WAR TALES #22, 23, 30, 32, 40, 42-44, 46-49, 51-53, 64, 68, 69 and 123, HOUSE OF MYSTERY #318, SUPERMAN #295, HOUSE OF SECRETS #86, 95 and 97, THE UNEXPECTED #215 and 221 and AMAZING WORLD OF DC COMICS #12.
This is a weird collection of series, short-run books and characters, but with the throughline that they're all dystopic futures, and possibly interrelated. That's just awesome enough for me to buy to get them all in one place, even though I own most of the original issues.
Art: EMANUELA LUPACCHINO and RAY McCARTHY
Cover: EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
“Red Daughter of Krypton” rages though this issue! Supergirl’s Red Lantern powers -- and allies -- are about to be tested as a Worldkiller1 arrives from Kara’s past to destroy her!
Retailers: This cover was originally scheduled to appear on SUPERGIRL #31.
Oh, look. Supergirl is acting stupidly and unpleasantly. What a surprise.
Art: KENNETH ROCAFORT, R.B. SILVA, MAHMUD ASRAR and others
Cover: KENNETH ROCAFORT
328 pg, FC, $19.99 US
H’el comes to Earth in stories from SUPERMAN #13-17, SUPERBOY #14-17 and SUPERGIRL #14-17! This figure from Krypton’s past hopes to revive the dead planet -- in place of Earth! As hero fights hero, will the Kryptonians be able to defeat H’El, who is their equal in every way?
Oh, look. Supergirl is acting so stupidly and unpleasantly that she almost destroys the Earth.
Art: CHRIS GUGLIOTTI and JORGE CORONA
Cover: DAN HIPP
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E
As the Teen Titans engage in an epic game of “Go Fish,” the Hive-Five comes knocking at their door! Then, tired of finishing second, an ultra-competitive Robin comes up with a plan to show the rest of the Titans that he’s actually the best!
Art: FRANCIS PORTELA
Cover: VICTOR IBANEZ
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Pandora’s world continues to crumble as fellow immortal Vandal Savage makes her wish she really could die!
Art by PETER GROSS
Cover: YUKO SHIMIZU
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
“The Fisher King,” part 1 of 3. As Pullman’s cold war against stories turns hot, it’s in stories that Tom must find the weapons and allies he’ll need to beat him. And the best weapon of all is one a thousand knights have quested for ...
Art: GORAN SUDZUKA
Cover: CLIFF CHIANG
DC Collectibles Bombshells Variant: ANT LUCIA
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
The casualties are mounting as Wonder Woman’s divine family tears itself apart – and Diana prepares to make everyone feel her power as the God of War!
Have I mentioned that I love Chiang's covers? Simple, eye-catching art with superior design and composition.
DYNAMITE
ART OF RAMONA FRADON (HC SIGNED ED)
Interviewer: HOWARD CHAYKIN
HC, 152 pages, $49.99
For the first time ever! The DEFINITIVE retrospective of Ramona Fradon's career will be presented in The Art of Ramona Fradon. The Art of Ramona Fradon will be a hardcover book that highlights the magnificent career of the artistic legend, plus never-before-seen sketches.
Interviewed by legendary creator Howard Chaykin, Fradon talks about her artistic career, accomplishments and creations from her the early days at DC in the 1950s to her later work on Marvel's The Cat and Fantastic Four and DC's Plastic Man, Freedom Fighters, Super Friends and more! Featuring a forward by Walt Simonson!
I got the unsigned edition a few months ago, and have taken my time reading it. I don't particularly care for Chaykin playing interviewer (what's he doing here, anyway?), but I sure enjoy the art.
Art: TADEO, REY VILLEGAS
Cover: MIKE MAYHEW
Teen +/280 pages/$24.99
Steve Austin, the iconic hero of television's Six Million Dollar Man, faces new threats both foreign and domestic! When the brutal dictator of Libue threatens to use whatever means necessary to squash the rebels of his wartorn nation, the American government sends the Bionic Man to prevent the detonation of nuclear missiles on millions of innocents. Meanwhile, the Office of Scientific Intelligence is under siege by rogue agents. Will Austin's close friend and OSI handler Oscar Goldman survive an attack on his life ... and a mechanized terror with a face all too familiar?
• Issues 17-26 of the hit series by Aaron Gillespie, Ed Tadeo and Rey Villegas
• Script to issue 21 and writer's notes by Aaron Gillespie
• Complete cover gallery by Mike Mayhew, Ed Tadeo and Jonathan Lau
"Gillespie goes a GREAT job when it comes to writing the spy game!" -- Geeks of Doom
"The art team has again knocked it out of the park!" -- Geekality
"The writing is fluid and dynamic!" -- Unleash The Fanboy
Art: GUIU VILANOVA
Cover: PATRICK BERKENKOTTER
Teen +/152 pages/$24.99
The origin of Dark Shadows, finally revealed! How did Barnabas Collins become a bloodthirsty vampire? What tragedies befell the Collins family through the generations? All it took was one night of weakness with a temptress named Angelique, and Barnabas cursed his entire family line -- and himself -- forever!
Collecting issues #1-6, a complete cover gallery, and a behind the scenes look at the creations of Dark Shadows: Year One!
Art: STEVE UY
Cover A: MEREDITH GRAN
Cover B: STEVE UY
Cover C: JAMES SILVANI
Retailer Incentive #1: AGNES GARBOWSKA
Retailer Incentive #2: REBEKIE BENNINGTON ("Steampunk")
Blank Authentix Variant
Video Game Homage Variant: STEVE UY
Retailer Shared Variant: STEVE UY
32 pages/All Ages/$3.99
Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce the upcoming release of Doodle Jump Comics #1, hitting stores everywhere in June. This original series brings the adorable star of Doodle Jump, the hugely popular mobile game, to a fresh platform with a new narrative perfect for readers of all ages!
"One of the most exciting things about these comics is the opportunity to tell the Doodler's backstory for the very first time," notes Dynamite series Editor Rich Young. "You have this totally unique game with so many fans around the globe, but there's never been any background offered for its hip little world and the clever characters that inhabit it… until now!"
In the first issue, our jump-inclined hero lands on a mysterious, wintry world -- and an inhospitable one, at that! With the help of an enthusiastic new friend, can the Doodler dodge killer penguins and weather the storm? And in issue #2, the Doodler and his new pal, Triple, find themselves on a shadowy ninja world. They're in for a few unwelcome surprises - unless they can pull together as a team. Future issues will find the Doodler making his way up and through other areas, meeting characters and creatures from the game… as well as some new ones!
The Doodle Jump comics are co-written by Meredith Gran (Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens, Octopus Pie) and Mario Udzenija, featuring fantastic art and colors by Steve Uy (Avengers Initiative, JSA: Classified).
"When Dynamite approached me with the chance to combine my comic book and video game experience as the artist for the Doodle Jump series, it was a no-brainer," says artist Steve Uy. "As someone passionate for both of these mediums, I think fans will enjoy exploring the hidden depths of the Doodle Jump universe with our original take on this beloved franchise!"
Co-writer Meredith Gran explains: "We've taken some fun elements from the game and created a cool world for the characters to play in. The end result is quite charming!"
"All of us at Lima Sky are doing backflips over Dynamite's premiere Doodle Jump comic book," says Lima Sky's Chief Licensing Officer, Eric Karp. "We're certain that fans of all ages will love reading the Doodler's first adventures in print."
Initially released in 2009, Doodle Jump is one of mobile gaming's most successful titles, having earned continuous praise for its innovative design and delightful user experience. Its addictive yet accessible gameplay has made it a must-have classic and the #3 All-Time Top Paid iPhone app. Described by some as "Pac Man meets Ugly Dolls," Doodle Jump is everywhere - from primetime entertainment (BIG BANG THEORY) to late-night TV (JIMMY FALLON) to pop star fashion accessory (LADY GAGA).
Slated for release on June 18th, 2014, Doodle Jump #1 will be solicited in the April Previews catalog of Diamond Comic Distributors, the premiere source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Doodle Jump #1 with their local comic book retailers. Doodle Jump #1 will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of ComiXology, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.
Also, each issue of the Doodle Jump comic will feature a separate cover paying homage to great video games of the past, with issue 1 featuring Donkey Kong and issue 2 featuring Q*Bert!"
I always say I'm glad comic books exist that I would never buy in a million years, and I hope they succeed, so that comics have a broad base of support. This is one of those books.
Art: CORY SMITH
Cover: GABRIEL HARDMAN
Retailer Incentive #1: EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Retailer Incentive #2: STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Retailer Incentive #3: KEN HAESER ("Li'l Magnus")
Retailer Incentive #4: KEN HAESER (Fred Van Lente-signed "Li'l Magnus" Variant)
Subscription Variant: PHIL HESTER
Page Count: 32 pages /Teen +/$3.99
THE SWARM. A robotic collective that devours metal and recombines into modular monstrosities. They cannot be destroyed. They cannot be stopped. But screw it, Magnus is gonna try and punch ‘em anyway. It’s the action-packed end of Arc 1 by FRED VAN LENTE (Conan) and CORY SMITH (Fathom)!
FRED VAN LENTE and CORY SMITH end their first arc with the most terrifying world-destroying threat that Magnus could have never anticipated … and sets the terrifying tone for the second arc …
"North Am's robot theocracy throws its most terrifying weapon against Magnus -- The Precursor Swarm which is as destructive to machine life as it is to organics," says Van Lente. "Magnus is looking for the backup of his father 1A and that takes him underground to the 'Gophs," which were featured in both the Gold Key and Valiant series, but we are giving a different gloss on them here. Magnus's discoveries there ... well, it's one of the best end-of-issue reveals I've ever done, I think, and I'll let you find it out for yourself ..."
Art: WALTER GEOVANI
Cover: JENNY FRISON
ALLISON SOHN VARIANT COVER
Subscription Variant: STEPHANIE BUSCEMA
Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99
To save the lives of hundreds of people she's never even met, the She-Devil is forced to face the world's deadliest swordsman, the only man whose skill with a blade threatens to dwarf Red Sonja's own! The acclaimed run by writer Gail Simone and artist Walter Geovani kicks into even higher gear in this epic duel of blood and steel!
Art: MARCIO ABREU, EDGAR SALAZAR, SERGIO FERNANDEZ DAVILA
Cover: LUCIO PARRILLO
Teen +/360 pages/$29.99
Red Sonja, She-Devil with a Sword, cuts a bloody swath from the jade kingdom of Khitai to her homeland of Hyrkania ... and on a collision course with her most fearsome foe yet: the time-lost vampire lord, Dracula! Drawn to Khitai with the promise of riches, Sonja becomes bound my ancient codes of honor to join the fabled land's most revered warrior in conflict against a creature of limitless power. Pursued afterward by two deadly adversaries -- the armored maniac Omaju and a mirror-image doppleganger named Khala -- the scarlet-haired heroine discovers an even worse threat waiting for her at home, as the legendary lord of the undead aims to conquer the past with his bloodthirsty legions.
Can Red Sonja defeat Dracula ... or will she succumb to his vampire bite and kill in his name?
Wait a minute ... the historical Dracula was a Wallachian ruler in the 1400s. How on earth can he exist in the Hyborian Age?
Art: NOAH SOLANGA
Cover: SERGIO FERNANDEZ DAVILA
40 pages/Teen +/$4.99
With the main Red Sonja series, written by Gail Simone, continuing to be one of Dynamite's best-selling titles, Dynamite is now presenting a Red Sonja special one-shot! Red Sonja: Sanctuary is written by Marc Mason, drawn by Noah Solanga, with a cover by Sergio Fernandez Davila (Legenderry: A Steampunk Adventure)!
In Red Sonja: Sanctuary, Raven returns! In a distant, hidden forest, Sonja finds Scathach's other chosen warrior has turned over a new leaf and renounced violence. Can Sonja do the same? Offered a chance to have friends, family and a life without the sword, Sonja begins to see the course of her life change. But when a group of mercenaries determined to bring Raven to justice enter the mix, Sonja discovers that perhaps the only course her life can ever take is one of violence and tragedy!
"If all you knew was death, what would happen if you were offered a new life," says writer Marc Mason? When Raven, Scathach's other favored warrior, returns, Sonja finds herself with an option she could have never anticipated: the chance to lay down her sword and embark on a new path. But such choices are not without cost, because even if Sonja can change, the world remains a brutal place and violence is never far away."
Artist: ESTEVE POLLS
Covers: FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99
FINAL ISSUE!!! The Lone Ranger and Tonto have sworn to serve justice in a harsh, often lawless landscape. Now, this landmark issue answers the question: are the most iconic heroes of the Old West really willing to die rather than kill? Guns will blaze on the Main Street of a small town, and the ultimate sacrifice will be made.
This has been delayed two months, but I'm still sorry to see it go.
THE TWILIGHT ZONE ANNUAL 2014
Art: RANDY VALIENTE, ANDREA MUTTI, EDU MENNA
Cover: ROBERTO CASTRO
48 pages/Teen +/$7.99
Following up on the best-selling Twilight Zone series by J. Michael Straczynski, Dynamite is releasing a Twilight Zone Annual! The squarebound Twilight Zone Annual 2014 contains three stand-alone tales written by Mark Rahner, drawn by Randy Valiente, Andrea Mutti and Edu Menna, with a cover by Roberto Castro!
The Twilight Zone Annual 2014 contains three stand-alone tales of the bizarre: A politician determined to cut aid to the poor finds himself in a Dust Bowl town in the Great Depression. Reality begins to slip away for a crusader against social network "over-sharing." And a Renaissance player who doesn't fit in with his present-day peers gets an ugly taste of the real thing.
"The story in this annual ranges from horrifically disturbing to comically whimsical," says writer Mark Rahner. I hope readers hear Rod Serling's voice -- and a little of his anger -- when they read my Twilight Zone annual. I feel like I was born to write this stuff, because I suspect my mom used one of those cone-speaker things to hardwire me with Twilight Zone while I was still in the womb. Instant addict. I wonder if it's easy for some people to forget how much nerve Serling showed in those shows. He used them as vehicles for blistering commentary -- odd, entertaining fantasy, science fiction and horror vehicles. And that kind of nerve inspired me from my first comic book, Rotten, right on through to this one. My Twilight Zone stories are old-school in their approach -- you can't improve on his formulas -- to current things that would have given pause to our cigarette-smoking host."
Art: GUIU VILANOVA
Cover: FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Page Count: 104 pages /Teen +/$15.99
From the mind of J. Michael Straczynski, Hugo Award-winning creator of Babylon 5 and writer for the blockbuster films Thor, Changeling, and World War Z! Trevor Richmond is a Wall Street investor who embezzled millions and is about to tank the economy. Desperate to avoid the consequences for his actions, he goes to Expedited Services, which offers to help him disappear and enjoy a life of leisure in a new identity. But what exactly is this new life, how much is freedom worth, and what happens to the old life when someone else shows up to claim it? This captivating first volume will push the boundaries of The Twilight Zone into new and uncharted territory -- a journey that will travel into the past and the future, into murder and revenge, and finally into the sunrise of nuclear Armageddon!
IDW PUBLISHING
ARCHIE: THE SWINGIN' SIXTIES: COMPLETE DAILY NEWSPAPER COMICS : 1963-1965 (HC)
HC • B&W • $49.99 • 296 pages
Continuing the Eisner Award-winning series collecting the Archie newspaper strip, we reach the mid-1960s when the now-famous cast of Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and Reggie are part of a rich ensemble presented by cartoonist Bob Montana. As Bart Beaty notes, "The strip is not so much about Archie as it is about the interaction of all those characters who exist in his orbit. The relatively large cast is particularly suited to the gag-a-day format."
Includes more than 800 comics from April 1963 through the end of 1965.
I am SO looking forward to this. It's not only going to be fun and funny, but it's also going to educational in a sociological way.
HC • BW • $75.00 net discount item • 144 Pages • 19” x 10”
Charles Schulz's Peanuts debuted as what is arguably the most important comic strip of all time in 1950. Peanuts transcended the medium, presenting complex issues and moral dilemmas in the space of four panels, while maintaining a bitingly funny sense of humor. Charlie Brown, Lucy Van Pelt, Linus, Schroeder, kite eating tree, the Great Pumpkin, and, of course, Snoopy… all are embedded in our psyches. Now, for the first time, Schulz's classic creation will be seen in a way as close as possible to the original art created by the artist himself -- in IDW's multi-award-winning Artist's Edition format, with each strip being carefully scanned and reproduced. Note: Because of the enormous size Charles Schulz worked, these originals will be reduced in size from the original art.
I love "Peanuts" as much as the next guy, but will Schulz's simple linework really benefit from the "Artist's Edition" treatment?
Art/Cover: SAMI MAKKONEN
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 124 pages
The zombie classic continues, from the same creative team that brought you the acclaimed War of the Dead. The lepers have been slaughtered, the people who have escaped the breeder pits head for the safety of New Washington, but now the zombies are under the control of Donna, the half-human/half-zombie hybrid.
"This is thinking man's horror done right." -- Comic Bastards
Art/Cover: ULISES FARINAS
$4.99
Mega-City Two has been drawing praise from comic critics and longtime fans alike. Now, in celebration of this acclaimed miniseries, we are proud to release a special Director's Cut of the first issue, which includes all of the covers along with the comic's script, plus annotations and sketches, giving a rare insight into the inner workings of a comic book from initial thought to publication. Join series writer Douglas Wolk and artist Ulises Farinas as we reprise their story of Dredd's first visit to the West Coast!
Art/Cover: ANDY BELANGER
Subscription Variant: J.K. WOODWARD
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Kill Shakespeare will make the leap from comic series to board game to the delight of fans of both mediums. This June, fans will have even more to rejoice about as the award-winning comic series returns with Kill Shakespeare: The Mask of Night.
“We’re excited to announce The Mask of Night, our pirate adventure,” says series co-creator, Anthony Del Col, “Not only does it include characters from our previous books but incorporates one of Shakespeare’s most famous heroines, Viola, who we have refashioned into one of the coolest female pirates ever. I think fans – both new and old – are going to find this homage to classic pirate tales a real treat.”
In The Mask of Night, we will see Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, and Shakespeare become pawns in a deadly game of survival between legendary masked pirate Captain Cesario, his first mate Viola, and the new terror on the water, Titus Andronicus’ forbidding war ship, the Lavinia.
Fans familiar with the Kill Shakespeare board game will recognize that this cast of characters is tied directly into the playable character list for the tabletop adventure. To further the excitement for both the game and this new series, IDW Games is announcing that everyone who backs the Kill Shakespeare Kickstarter at the game level or higher will receive all four issues of The Mask Of Night free from comiXology as they are released. (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/idwgames/kill-shakespeare)
Andy Belanger, the series artists says, “Shari Chankhamma (colorist) and I have sharpened our pencils, made black our brushes and are ready to paint the high seas red in this next chapter of Kill Shakespeare! Get ready for BLOOD!”
The series’ return will be chock-full of pirate battles, vengeance, and lost love (pretty much everything you could ever want!) so don’t miss out on the high seas tales featuring your favorite Shakespearean characters!
Art: NICO PENA, ANTONIO CAMPO
Cover: PENA
Subscription Variant: KATE LETH
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The pets are convinced a new pet store rival will be the end of the Littlest Pet Shop... Meanwhile, Blythe is absorbed in the latest card game craze: BATTLEPETS! Left to their own devices, the pets are on a mission to save their beloved home-away-from-home.
• Brand-new stories featuring characters from the hit television series and toy line!
• Written by Georgia Ball (Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony)!
Art: AGNES GARBOWSKI
Cover: AMY MEBBERSON
Subscription Variant: AGNES GARBOWSKI
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The newest Friends Forever features Trixie & Rainbow Dash! Trixie finds herself the queen of a new kingdom and calls on Rainbow Dash to wow her subjects with some amazing flying stunts. However Trixie has a hidden agenda. When Rainbow discovers the truth, just how much of a friend will she want to be?
Fan-favorite character Trixie gets her first spotlight in comics!
Art/Cover: DARWYN COOKE
HC • FC • $24.99 • 160 pages • 6” x 9”
In 1962, Donald E. Westlake, writing under the pseudonym Richard Stark, created what would become one of the most important and enduring crime fiction series' ever produced -- PARKER. Westlake wrote more than 20 Parker novels, many are considered classics of the genre, and a number of which have transitioned to the big screen. Most notable of these is Point Blank, directed by John Boorman and starring Lee Marvin, released in 1967. Westlake received many accolades during his distinguished career, including being named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writer's of America, that prestigious organization's highest honor.
Darwyn Cooke has adapted four Parker books as graphic novels so far, including the recently released Slayground. The first three, The Hunter, The Outfit and The Score, have all won Eisner and Harvey Awards. He will be providing all-new color illustrations for The Hunter, the first in a series of hardcover prose novels released in chronological order and featuring Cooke's art. Each book will contain 10 gorgeous paintings by Cooke, and, with the design and typography overseen by the renowned artist, this series promises to be a stylish tour-de-force.
The Hunter, the first book in the Parker series, is the story of a man who hits New York head-on like a shotgun blast to the chest. Betrayed by the woman he loves and double-crossed by his partner in crime, Parker makes his way cross-country with only one thought burning in his mind -- to coldly exact his revenge and reclaim what was taken from him!
"Adapting Donald Westlake's novels into graphic novel form has been incredible, a dream come true," said Cooke, "and providing paintings that illustrate this seminal crime classic…well, it scratches a completely different kind of itch, but one just as creatively fulfilling."
“I’m always amazed by Darwyn’s versatility as an artist,” said editor Scott Dunbier, “he brings something new to everything he does. His work on the Parker graphic novels is phenomenal, and so are the paintings he has created here for the prose novels, but they are also completely different from one another—which is a big part of the fun!”
Printed for the first time as a hardcover edition!
POPEYE CLASSICS #23
FC • 52 pages • $3.99
Every swab's favorite comic is here! Includes a salty super seafaring adventure "Thimble Theatre Presents Popeye in Boom! Boom!" You'll be rolling on the floor laughing! The genius cartoonist Bud Sagendorf does it again!
Subscription Variant: BRITTNEY WILLIAMS
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Boy band fever EXPLODES into all out war, when Boogie Man (fighting for the power of disco) and the Rowdyruff Boys (fighting in the corner of punk rock) attack the Powerpuff Girls and their favorite hunky band. But when Boogie Man uses his groovy powers to turn everyone funky, will anyone come out unscathed?
Art: ETHEN BEAVERS
Cover: ANDY SURIANO
Subscription Variant: KAGAN MCLEOD
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The Samurai Jack saga continues at IDW! How can our time-traveling samurai defeat a foe that controls the forces of gravity? Get ready for a comic-reading experience like no other in this dizzying battle-tastic issue!
• Things spiral out of control for Samurai Jack!
• "We may not have the cartoon series, but we have a pretty awesome comic series to warm our hearts." -- IGN
Art: J.K. WOODWARD
Cover: JUAN ORTIZ
Subscription Variant: PAUL SHIPPER
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Star Trek: The Original Series episode “City on the Edge of Forever” is regarded by many (including a TV Guide poll of the “100 Best TV Episodes of All Time”) as the greatest Star Trek episode of all time, but there’s much more to the story than fans saw on TV. Harlan Ellison’s original teleplay for “City on the Edge of Forever” was modified before the episode was filmed, but now, at long last, fans will be able to enjoy his original teleplay in the form of an all-new miniseries coming from IDW in June: Star Trek: Harlan Ellison’s City on the Edge of Forever: The Original Teleplay.
Ellison’s original teleplay won both the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as the Writer’s Guild of America’s Award for Most Outstanding Teleplay.
For decades, legions of fans have speculated about the episode’s history, but few people have read the original teleplay, which is very different from the televised version. This comic-book miniseries, produced under the guidance of Harlan Ellison himself, now offers fans everywhere the opportunity to see a classic Star Trek episode the way no one has seen it before.
Adapting the teleplay for the comics series are writers Scott Tipton and David Tipton, no strangers to IDW’s Star Trek comic universe; interior art will be painted by J.K. Woodward, coming off the well-received Star Trek: TNG/Doctor Who maxi-series written by the Tipton brothers. Each issue of the series will feature a special cover by artist Juan Ortiz, whose artistic interpretations of every episode of Star Trek: The Original Series were recently published in an oversize hardcover collection, Star Trek: The Art of Juan Ortiz. Variant covers will be provided by movie poster artist/Star Trek: Khan cover artist Paul Shipper.
“Presenting Harlan Ellison’s brilliant original script for ‘City on the Edge…’ has been a goal of ours since IDW first began publishing Star Trek comics in 2007,” said series editor and IDW Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall. “The episode justifies its position atop ‘best Star Trek episodes’ lists but even it ain’t nuthin’ compared to what Ellison did in his original teleplay. This is truly going to be a Star Trek adventure unlike any other, even to fans who have that beloved episode memorized.”
Harlan Ellison says: “It was a superlative joy of my long life to have worked with Leonard Nimoy, who became my friend, and many others at Star Trek; and an equally heart-happy joy to be working with J.K. and the Tipton Bros. and Chris Ryall on this long-awaited visual of my (humbly, I say it) brilliant original ‘City…’”
Star Trek’s “City on the Edge of Forever” originally aired on April 6, 1967, as the penultimate episode of Star Trek’s first season. The episode is, at its most basic, a poignant love story as well as a breathtaking trip through space and time, from the future all the way through 1930s America, as Kirk and Spock race to apprehend a renegade criminal and restore the order of the universe. IGN awarded it the number-one spot in their list of the Top 10 Classic Star Trek Episodes. Further, TV Guide named the episode one of its 100 Most Memorable Moments in TV History. The first-ever comic-book adaptation of the teleplay as Harlan Ellison originally intended it is a true publishing event.
Star Trek: Harlan Ellison’s Original City on the Edge of Forever Teleplay #1 (of 5) will be available in June and is under license by CBS Consumer Products
™ & ©2014 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
So now we get to see what all the fuss is about!
STARSTRUCK TREASURY EDITION
Art/Cover: MICHAEL WM. KALUTA
FC • 72 pages • 9.25" x 14.25" • $9.99
Elaine Lee and Michael Kaluta's galaxy spanning epic has always been larger than life -- but now it is bigger still! Kaluta's art has never been printed in this gigantic format before and his delicate line work is a thing of beauty to behold. Whether you are a life-long Starstruck devotee or are just discovering it, this treasury will open your eyes to Kaluta and Starstruck as they never have been before!
Art: MATEUS SANTOLOUCO
Cover: MATEUS SANTOLOUCO, KEVIN EASTMAN
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Raphael and Michelangelo pay a visit to Old Hob. Turns out the cat's been busy trying to create new mutants while the Turtles have been away! Will Raph and Mike try to stop him? The choice becomes more difficult when Slash reveals a surprise!
• A major turning point for fan-favorite characters Old Hob and Slash!
• Variant cover by Ken Garig!
Art: ROSS CAMPBELL
Cover: DAVID PETERSEN
Subscription Variant: ROSS CAMPBELL
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have faced enemies old and new over the years, but this June they will have to battle against time itself to save the day! Another great way to celebrate the Turtles’ 30th Anniversary, Turtles In Time is an all-new, essential mini-series for fans who just can’t get enough of the heroes in a half shell.
Traveling to the farthest reaches of the space-time continuum, the Turtles encounter dinosaurs, pirates, samurai warriors — and a bleak future, should they fail on their quest! Written by TMNT scribes Paul Allor (Utrom Empire) and Erik Burnham (Secret History of the Foot Clan), each issue features a time-travelling cover by superstar artist David Petersen (Mouse Guard) and interiors by a rotating lineup of different top artists! Issue #1 kicks off with artwork by fan-favorite Ross Campbell, who will also provide art for the issue’s SUB variant cover.
“I love time travel stories, and I love seeing the Turtles outside of their comfort zone,” says co-writer Burnham. “So basically, this is the most fun I've had in the TMNT sandbox yet!”
"I am so excited for this story!” added co-writer Allor. “I'm blown away by the artists we have lined up, and I truly think readers are going to love this wild, rip-roaring journey through time."
Like the previous IDW mini-series’ before it, Secret History of the Foot Clan and Utrom Empire, Turtles In Time, will offer a unique story that further enriches the continuity, taking fans deeper into the world of the Turtles in a way only IDW can.
Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, in 1984 the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles evolved from a cult-hit to a mega-franchise. Appearing in films, television shows, and video games, the Turtles have become a mainstay of comic book culture. Currently appearing in the hit Nickelodeon animated cartoon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, they will also star in the upcoming Paramount feature film TMNT, produced by Michael Bay.
Art: ALAN ROBINSON
Cover: RYAN BROWN
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Subscription Variant: KEVIN EASTMAN
Taurus Harper is the newest member of V-8, the military special operations unit assigned to dismantling-with extreme force-the ever increasing number of vampire terrorist cells popping up. Taurus is young, enthusiastic, fearless … his teammates in V-8 know he's just the type to catch the first bullet. But, is there even more to this new recruit than anyone realizes?
By New York Times best-selling author, Jonathan Maberry!
Art/Cover: BUTCH GUICE
Subscription Variant: WILL ROSADO
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
IDW’s slated blockbuster releases are going to make it hotter than ever or, in this case, so cold it hurts. Second in the line of IDW’s eagerly anticipated summer titles, WINTERWORLD, Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino’s critically acclaimed tale of a future planet Earth frozen from pole to pole, will make its return with an all new ongoing series.
WINTERWORLD #1 picks up the story of a savvy trade rider, Scully and Wynn, a young woman long separated from her family. Together they move through a bleak and frozen future in search of Wynn’s parents encountering the brutality of a world where the coldest place on Earth is the human heart.
"Returning to this story is something I never wanted to attempt unless it could be done right,” says Dixon, “IDW provided the conditions to continue Scully and Wynn's story in a way that is true to Jorge's and my vision. Butch is just the start of a terrific slate of artists for the series."
Joining Dixon on this series will be one of the most recognized and respected artists in the industry, Butch Guice (Birds of Prey, Ultimate Origins). Guice is known for his amazing work on DC and Marvel characters ranging from Superman to Captain America with a style that is both dynamic and beautiful.
“Chuck is one of my favorite collaborators,” says Guice, “I never turn down a chance to work with the guy. No one writes hard nosed brutal action tales like Chuck Dixon, and it doesn't get more brutal than Winterworld."
Xbox Entertainment Studio, the Microsoft division that produces original programming for the Xbox brand, has announced that they are co-developing Winterworld with IDW Entertainment as a limited event live-action series. Winterworld joins an impressive line-up of dramas, documentaries and reality television shows being developed by Xbox Entertainment Studios to be debuted and aired on the Xbox platform.
IMAGE COMICS
ALEX + ADA #7
Art / Cover: JONATHAN LUNA
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
As an android, Ada struggles with keeping a low profile. Alex takes a risk to help her.
Art / Cover: STJEPAN SEJIC
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
SERIES FINALE!
One of the two established City States, Speros or Genesis, is completely annihilated. Death, death, and more death!
Art / Cover A: RILEY ROSSMO
Cover B: BEN TEMPLESMITH
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
Tantric werewolf wisdom shows Drum Hellar a way out of his romantic and legal complications: run! And Harold? Let’s just say that when you’re a ghostly pink cat creature, love has its challenges. A simpler life waits for them out west: forests, mountains ... and murder!
Art: SEAN PHILLIPS & BETTIE BREITWEISER
Cover: SEAN PHILLIPS
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
The strangest issue of FATALE yet, as Nicolas Lash finally learns the last of Josephine's secrets, and the universe will never look the same.
Don't forget that every issue of FATALE contains extra art and articles not available anywhere but the single issues!
This is the penultimate issue. (Sob!)
Art/Cover: ROSS CAMPBELL
352 PAGES / FC / T+ / $34.99
Collects GLORY #23-34
THE ACCLAIMED APOCALYPTIC WAR SAGA COLLECTED IN ITS ENTIRETY!
Glory is a force of the supernatural -- half Amazon, half demon, she wields fearsome power in the service of what she hopes is right. After her heroics in World War II, she became a symbol of hope and justice, inspiring old and young around the world. And then she disappeared.
The April hardcover graphic novel from Image Comics Glory: The Complete Saga by Joe Keatinge (HELL YEAH, Morbius: The Living Vampire) and Ross Campbell (Wet Moon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) tells the complete story of a young woman’s quest to find Glory and bring her back into a world that needs her. But what Riley doesn’t anticipate is that the global conspiracy that has kept Glory hidden for decades could make Glory’s re-emergence more dangerous than anything else the world has known.
Widely praised for being grounded in relationships even as the conflict stretches far beyond the realm of earthly reality and for Campbell’s revolutionary character design, GLORY presented a new and wholly fresh vision of the female superhero for the 21st century.
Created in 1995 by one of the Image Comics founders, Rob Liefeld, GLORY received a contemporary reimagining in 2012 with a new comic book series that ran for twelve issues. Those issues are now being collected into Glory: The Complete Saga, a 352-page hardcover tome due in comic-book stores on April 23 and bookstores on May 6. The deluxe oversized edition includes never-before-seen sketches, scripts, commentary, interviews, and a stunning wraparound cover with art by Campbell.
Praise for GLORY:
“Some of the most innovative and ballsy work comics has seen for a long time. This is a re-launch, people.” -- Kelly Thompson, Comic Book Resources
“As long as Keatinge and Campbell turn in work this good, I'm in with this book for the long haul. You should be, too.” -- Rob McMonigal, Newsarama
“Whatever you do, read this run because it's cemented a place in my top 10 series of 2013, less than three months into the year.” -- Poet Mase, IGN
“Whether its action, drama, suspense or just about anything else, Glory #33 delivers with its usual colorful and detailed art style and writing.” -- Edward, Unleash the Fanboy
“Keatinge and Campbell beautifully craft a compelling reintroduction to the character of Glory, seen through the eyes of Riley Barnes. When Riley finds Glory hiding and healing from injuries … she soon discovers that she may be destined not to save Glory, but to save the world from the uncontrollable anger of a woman created to be a weapon to end a war by beings far more powerful than anything on Earth by destroying both sides. Campbell's art is stunning, creating a female hero who is physically intimidating in a way never seen in superhero comics and creating worlds both familiar and fantastically bizarre, and characters ranging from friendly old French bartenders to armies of individually distinct demon-like creatures from another world. Keatinge's story gives instant depth to its complex characters and excels at slowly presenting a more and more complex narrative spanning thousands of years and several worlds and cultures.” -- Publishers Weekly
“Some of the most innovative and ballsy work comics has seen for a long time. This is a re-launch, people.” -- Kelly Thompson, Comic Book Resources
“What [Keatinge and Campbell] do in this book, and more importantly the way they do it, feels like something bold and new and different. ... It feels like what’s next.” -- Chris Sims, Comics Alliance
I've never read this, but Legionnaire Figserello is a big fan, calling it what Wonder Woman ought to be.
First launched in 2003, INVINCIBLE is the longest-running and most successful modern superhero comic in publication, consistently delivering real thrills that simply can't be matched by other titles. INVINCIBLE #111 is the opening shot of a new era, as announced at Image Expo: though he writes both titles, Robert Kirkman has traditionally treated INVINCIBLE and THE WALKING DEAD differently. Now, THE WALKING DEAD's Robert Kirkman is behind the wheel of INVINCIBLE, and the difference has already struck a chord with fans and retailers.
“For anyone who has read comics as long as I have, you know there’s not a lot of real change in the average superhero comic,” said Eric Stephenson, Publisher at Image Comics. “Characters are killed off as huge publicity stunts, only to return issues later; supposedly major changes are swept under the carpet from one event to the next, and worse, since there’s never any stability in terms of creative teams, directions often change abruptly and leave readers with a myriad of unanswered questions. The vast majority of superhero comics are only concerned with creating the illusion of change, but over the course of its 11-year run, Invincible has given readers change they can believe in, again and again. Characters change and grow; they die -- and Invincible #111 is one of the best examples yet of how uncompromising Robert Kirkman can be when it comes to shaking things up. This is superhero action you can’t get anywhere else.”
Despite its consistency and creativity, INVINCIBLE remains under-ordered within the Direct Market. INVINCIBLE #111's bold new direction provides a perfect opportunity for new readers to discover the series and for current fans to double down on their enthusiasm.
“One of the biggest challenges for us on the publishing level is to figure out not only how to grow sales on long-running titles, but also how to meet demand when something we think is going to do well actually exceeds our expectations,” added Stephenson. “Generally speaking, we rely on the order information we get from our retail partners, and pad our inventory accordingly, but presently, one of our most pressing goals is to figure out how we can do more to help them increase those initial orders with confidence, so that none of us are getting caught by surprise.
“And we get it: Titles as consistently amazing as Invincible are easy to overlook at times, because you get into the habit of just expecting it to be a solid seller, but everyone involved in this series is committed to taking it to the next level. We told you back in January that THE WALKING DEAD’s Robert Kirkman was taking over, and it wasn’t just a joke. Robert was by no means slacking on this book before, but he’s approaching it with the same brutal mindset as THE WALKING DEAD now and he clearly means business.”
I read this issue, and yes, it's shocking. But "shocking" isn't necessarily "good" -- and, in this case, I found it shocking for the sake of shocking. Pass.
THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #21
Art: RYAN BROWNE
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.50
“SPACE DOG” Ever wonder what happened to our deep space explorer for the Mars Project? Find out now as the Cosmohundin Laika boldly goes where no Russian dog has gone before.
Fans of Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra’s THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS already know just how over-the-top and wild things can get in the off-kilter series. Now, just in time for convention season, fans can add a custom touch to the shenanigans of THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS with issue #21's sketch variant.
Art: VICTOR SANTOS & SERENA GUERRA
Cover A: MICHAEL AVON OEMING
Cover B: VICTOR SANTOS & CHANDRA FREE JUNE 18 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
“RESTORATION” For the first time in a generation the Templar restore themselves under Karic’s leadership, yet distrust remains behind every blade. Bitter politics leads to new enemies, new friends, and unexpected alliances. Karic has one chance for unification, but his doubts threaten to undo his noble intent and bring doom upon them all.
32 PAGES / PARTIAL COLOR / M / $3.50
It’s a state of flux for Rob, et al. With a goodly chunk of his income about to go bye-bye, Rob seeks comfort in his stealthy relationship with Sheila. Plus, he gets roped into playing reluctant skinematographer in the conclusion of the first arc of BOB FINGERMAN’s critically acclaimed series. New issues resume in 2015!
Art / Cover A: DUNCAN FEGREDO
Cover B: ERIC CANETE
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
A good guy dealt a tough hand, Roscoe’s found the perfect Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card in the form of super-speed pills called MPH. Now that he knows who put him away, he’ll find that revenge is a dish best served...lightning fast! The all-new Millarworld Universe zooms ahead at breakneck speed with Millar and Fegredo’s urban adventure tale.
Also, In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Millarworld, Image Comics is pleased to reveal two connecting MPH #2 variant covers featuring art by critically-acclaimed artist Leinil Francis Yu and featuring the characters of the Millarworld Universe.
The all-new Millarworld Universe zooms ahead at breakneck speed with the second issue of Millar and Duncan Fegredo’s urban adventure tale, MPH. A good guy dealt a tough hand, Roscoe’s found the perfect Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card in the form of super-speed pills called MPH. Now that he knows who put him away, he’ll find that revenge is a dish best served ... lightning fast!
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
It's hard enough being a 17-year-old kid, but when you're juggling schoolwork, dating and a deadly menace hellbent on leveling the city of Chicago? Well, you've just entered the world of the all-new, all-different Savage Dragon! Malcolm Dragon is on the run and his girlfriend Maxine Lai is caught in the crossfire!
Art / Cover: CHIP ZDARSKY
32 PAGES / FC / M+ / $3.50
TIME MAGAZINE’S COMIC OF THE YEAR RETURNS WITH ITS SECOND STORYLINE! After their narrow getaway from the Sex Police, Jon and Suzie are learning that this is “just the tip” of a massive iceberg. And what happens after the rush of a new relationship fades? Are they in love, lust, like, or just lame? Sexy fun times returns: We missed you so much, brimpers.
Art: STEVE EPTING & BETTIE BREITWEISER
Cover: STEVE EPTING
128 PAGES / FC / M / $9.99
Collects VELVET #1-5
SPECIAL LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICE!
From the bestselling creators of Captain America: The Winter Soldier comes this smash-hit spy thriller with a unique new twist!
When the world's greatest secret agent is killed, all evidence points to Velvet Templeton, the personal secretary to the Director of the Agency. But Velvet's got a dark secret buried in her past ... because she's also the most dangerous woman alive.
VELVET is the graphic novel that results when Ed Brubaker (FATALE) and Steve Epting, the creative team behind the movie-inspiring smash-hit Captain America: The Winter Soldier, create a comic for themselves -- with an original character like few others found on the comics stands. The first volume, VELVET: BEFORE THE LIVING END will be in stores this summer.
In 1973, Velvet Templeton is the executive assistant to the head of a spy agency. She is meticulous, professional and ultra-competent. But few people know that she’s also the deadliest woman on Earth. Velvet gave up fieldwork years ago, but now she’s drawn back into the action when one of the agency’s top operatives is killed and the evidence points to her as the killer.
"There's this archetypal secretary who's in a lot of spy movies and novels -- the Moneypenny type. It goes through pulp fiction, this Girl Friday idea, and I thought, ‘What if that character was also a Modesty Blaise or Black Widow type? What if that was her secret past?’” said writer Brubaker, who has signed an exclusive deal with Image Comics with artist Sean Phillips, in an interview with USA Today. “It's touching on a lot of the stuff I love about the spy genre that's been in comics, but it's never been in comics that much in America.”
A sexy, subversive action thriller with dark, painterly art by Epting and colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser that is inspired by vintage spy novel cover art, VELVET VOLUME 1: BEFORE THE LIVING END will be in comic book stores on June 18 and bookstores on July 1, and is specially priced at $9.99.
Reallllly looking forward to this.
Art / Cover A & B: JAMIE MCKELVIE & MATT WILSON
Cover C: BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY
40 PAGES / FC / M $3.50
Every 90 years, 12 gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead.
Twelve gods will be briefly reincarnated in order to perform miracles like superheroes and bask in celebrity fame. But for the first time, there may be a thirteenth god reincarnated, and lucky number thirteen is tipping the delicate balance.
The team behind critically thermonuclear floor-fillers Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to start a new ongoing superhero fantasy with a beautiful oversized issue. Welcome to THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, where gods are the ultimate pop stars. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever.
“The idea of playing superheroes as celebrity isn't exactly new,” explained Gillen. “However, it's always played cynical. The celebrity characters are always the debased bad guys, or at least the cautionary tale and wandering from the road of truth. It's always implicitly arguing that these people are worse than the heroes who came before them because they're on the cover of a magazine and they do a bit of coke. We're not interested in that. We're anti-that. We've all had pop-stars save our life.”
As if superhero-like gods reincarnated isn’t enough to draw readers in, Gillen promises a hefty dose of drama and mystery as well. “There’ll be a lot of fights, drama, emotions, secrets, and kissing,” hinted Gillen. “Worth noting is the question of whether the lead ends up being a God is the story to begin with. As far as the world knows, there's only twelve gods who appear. There may be a mystery going on.”
Advance praise for THE WICKED + THE DIVINE:
“So if you’re looking for a new favourite comic, tell your store you want The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie in June.” -- Warren Ellis, TREES, SUPREME: BLUE ROSE
“Just read The Wicked + The Divine by Jamie McKelvie and Kieron Gillen. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shi—“ -- Becky Cloonan, Demo, Batman, By Chance or Providence
“It's one of the best books I've read this year.” -- Wil Wheaton, actor
“Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s The Wicked + The Divine is better than Young Avengers. Better than Phonogram. Better than Watchmen. Better than the Bible.” -- Matt Fraction, SEX CRIMINALS, Hawkeye
“I got to read Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie's new series, The Wicked + the Divine and it's the best thing they've ever done. You need it.” -- Ed Brubaker, FATALE, Criminal
“The first issue of Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s The Wicked + The Divine is a wonderful door to a seductive new world. Let’s all go in!” -- Fábio Moon, CASANOVA, Daytripper
“Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s The Wicked + The Divine is a warp into the middle of a wildly imaginative mythology and I’m itching to read more.” -- Rick Remender, BLACK SCIENCE, DEADLY CLASS, Uncanny Avengers
“If you're headed to the comic shop tomorrow, please tell them to preorder you a copy of The Wicked + The Divine. Jamie and Kieron are both masterful here. Just a great job by the whole team. Give the first issue a try, you won't regret it.” -- Jonathan Hickman, EAST OF WEST, MANHATTAN PROJECTS, Avengers
“Gillen and McKelvie shared their upcoming The Wicked + The Divine with me, and it's amazing. Please tell your retailer this week to order!” -- Mark Waid, Daredevil
“The Wicked + The Divine has an absolutely perfect first issue. 10 out of 10. This is going to be a very special book. We live in an era spoilt by great creator-owned work -- but The Wicked + The Divine has as good a shot at ‘classic’ status as any book I’ve read in the last 5 years. Congrats Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Matthew Wilson and Clayton Cowles.” -- Nick Spencer, MORNING GLORIES, THIEF OF THIEVES
“Just read an advance issue of Wicked + Divine. The team is firing on all cylinders! Order it, quickly!” -- Jordie Bellaire, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, PRETTY DEADLY
“Not solely because of my art-crush on Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, I had the honor of losing my shit over issue #1 of The Wicked + The Divine.” -- Max Bemis, lead singer of Say Anything, Polarity
“The Wicked + The Divine #1 is excellent, surprising nobody. You should pre-order it right now.” -- Al Ewing, Mighty Avengers, Zombo, Loki: Agent of Asgard
“I have read The Wicked + The Divine #1 and it’s probably my favorite Jamie McKelvie and Kieron Gillen book to date. Both are in their prime.” -- Mike Norton, REVIVAL
“Pretty sure The Wicked + The Divine gave me a hangover. Need the hair of the dog that bit me.” -- Ivan Brandon, Viking, 24Seven
“I just got a look at Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s The Wicked + The Divine #1, and I urge you to order yours at your local comic store now.” -- Emma Vieceli, Vampire Academy: The Graphic Novel, Alex Rider: Graphic Novel, Breaks
"It's so much good and then some. Pick it up." -- Andy Suriano, Samurai Jack, CHARLATAN'S BALL
“The Wicked + The Divine #1 is an astonishingly awesome debut by top-class gents Jamie McKelvie and Kieron Gillen. You need this in your life.” -- Joe Keatinge, TECH JACKET, SHUTTER
“Gillen and McKelvie’s The Wicked + The Divine is the Gillen-and-McKelviest thing Gillen and McKelvie have ever done.” -- Andy Diggle, MANIFEST DESTINY, The Losers
“Was lucky enough to see an issue of Jamie McKelvie and Kieron Gillen’s new comic The Wicked + The Divine and yes it’s amazing.” -- Christian Ward, INFINITE VACATION, ODY-C
“I was delighted to read an advance copy of The Wicked and the Divine by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. Trust me, you want this.” -- Paul Cornell, Doctor Who, London Falling, Wolverine
“Just read Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie and Wilson and Cowles' The Wicked + The Divine #1 … it’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to read more. Buy it!” -- Ray Fawkes, Batman Eternal
“My favourite comic books are Lucifer, Transmetropolitan and Preacher: the new The Wicked + The Divine, by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, is right up there.” -- Musa Okwonga, pundit for the BBC World Service
“Just read The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen and crew -- IT’S GREAT, so pre-order now and support creator-owned!” -- Michael Oeming, Powers, The United States of Murder Inc., Victories
“Reading The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie is like trying to eat a fluorescent light tube whilst electricity is still in it. You should probably order The Wicked + The Divine. If you like pop gods and explosions and having a late twenties crisis like me that is.” -- Cara Ellison, Eurogamer
“I got to read The Wicked + The Divine from Image Comics and it put me on my ass. You can pre-order it, or settle for a second print.” -- Gerry Duggan, Deadpool, Nova, THE INFINITE HORIZON
“The Wicked + The Divine #1 reviews itself a few pages in: ‘it’s what orgasms aspire to be.’ Awesome first issue, Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie.” -- Lucas Siegel, Newsarama
“The Wicked + The Divine is everything you love about Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, LEVELED UP. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t pre-order this.” -- Dennis Hopeless, Avengers Academy, Cable & X-Force
“I read The Wicked + The Divine just now and it is great. Jamie McKelvie really knows about eyeliner.” -- Kate Leth, Bravest Warriors, Adventure Time: Seeing Red
“Just read advance first issue of The Wicked + the Divine by Mckelvie, Gillen and Wilson -- a gorgeous book by a comics superteam. A+” -- Cameron Stewart, Seaguy
“Read Episode 1 of Kieron and Jamie's The Wicked + The Divine. Exactly as splendid as you'd expect, with added wiggy courtroomery.” -- Si Spurrier, X-Force, Six-Gun Gorilla
“I love the phrase ‘a book that teaches you how to read it’ and The Wicked + The Divine #1 reads like a beautiful realization of that ideal.” -- Christopher Sebela, High Crimes, Dead Letters
I didn't mention this in "Best Bets," but I really find the title to be clumsy, inartful and a bit pompous. It's like what an eighth-grader would title his or her first attempt at poetry, and it doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. But, hey, maybe that's just me.
MARVEL COMICS
ALL-NEW X-FACTOR VOL. 1: NOT BRAND X (TPB)
Pencils: CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Cover: JARED FLETCHER
136 PGS./Rated T+ /$17.99
X-Factor is back -- like never before! Serval Industries -- one of the world’s most trusted names in electronics, and a leader in cutting-edge internet and weapons technology -- has just unveiled their newest contribution to society: the All-New X-Factor! Led by the mutant mistress of magnetism, Polaris, the team uses its corporate backing for the betterment of society. But with her half-brother Quicksilver, notorious thief Gambit and more by her side, can Polaris trust that her corporate masters really have good intentions? Especially when X-Factor is meant to help people, but one of their own holds a dark secret? (Hint: it’s Gambit.) Be there as the team learns the sinister truth behind Techno Inc., takes on former friends Danger and Warlock, and more! Experience the All-New X-Factor -- brought to you by Serval Industries! Collecting ALL-NEW X-FACTOR #1-6.
Penciled by ED MCGUINNESS
Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
An amazing new era for the X-Men starts here, courtesy of superstars Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness! Ever since Nightcrawler’s death, the X-Men have been without their heart and soul. But after learning their friend may not be gone, after all, it’s up to Wolverine, Storm, Beast, Iceman, Northstar and Firestar to find and bring back the fan-favorite fuzzy blue elf! Can the heroes save Nightcrawler’s soul from his father, the evil Azazel, when they find themselves separated and split between Heaven and Hell? Pushed over the edge, the Beast gives into his savage side even as Nightcrawler rallies the X-Men to take on Azazel and his hellish hordes! Must one of the team make the ultimate sacrifice? Guest-starring Nightcrawler’s mother, Mystique! Collecting AMAZING X-MEN (2013) #1-6.
136 PGS./Rated T+/$17.99
Art/Cover: LEINIL FRANCIS YU
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
ORIGINAL SIN tie-in!
Propelled fifty years into the future, the Avengers come face-to-face with the legacy of their actions!
Writers: ROGER STERN, BOB HARRAS, TOM DEFALCO, DAVID MICHELINIE & STEVE ENGLEHART
Pencils: JOHN BUSCEMA, BOB HALL, MARC SILVESTRI, KEITH POLLARD & AL MILGROM
Cover: BOB HALL
464 PGS./Rated T/$34.99
Roger Stern’s fan-favorite run comes to a celestial conclusion! For the life of Hercules, the Avengers must storm the very gates of Olympus and take on an entire pantheon of all-powerful Greek Gods! Do our heroes stance a snowball’s chance in Tartarus? Then, Magneto’s on trial, and he needs all the help he can get! The X-Men aren’t sure what his scheme is, but they’re positive they don’t want the Avengers and the Soviet Super-Soldiers to find out before they do! It’s three-way warfare as the world watches, with the Master of Magnetism’s freedom -- and conscience -- as the prize! Plus: Jarvis stands alone, and Dr. Doom conquers the world! Guest starring the West Coast Avengers! Collecting AVENGERS (1963) #278-285 and ANNUAL #16, MARVEL GRAPHIC NOVEL #27: EMPEROR DOOM, X-MEN VS. AVENGERS #1-4, and WEST COAST AVENGERS ANNUAL #2.
Art: MARCO CHECCHETTO (A)
Cover:GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• The City of the Dead prepares to rise.
• Only Nightmask and a group of lost heroes can save us.
Pencils: STEFANO CASELLI
Cover: JOHN CASSADAY
120 PGS./Rated T+/$16.99
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have returned from the stars -- but new threats have emerged on the world they left behind, and the Avengers will be tested like never before. In one cataclysmic day, the face of the Marvel Universe will change forever -- and the fight for Earth’s future will begin. Smasher, Sunspot and Cannonball find themselves trapped and prisoners of A.I.M.’s Scientist Supreme! Shang-Chi takes on the Gorgon in a fight to the death for control of the Hand! The City of the Dead will rise! Starbrand must confront the ghosts of his past! And three Avengers’ lives depend on Manifold discovering his true destiny! Prepare for a globe-spanning epic of empires and armies, and the brave few who stand between them and us. The A.I.M. Empire has begun! Collecting AVENGERS WORLD #1-5 and material from ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE #1.
Art/Cover: CHRIS SAMNEE
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
The Owl is back! But he’s not working alone! Watch as the Daredevil team permanently redefines one of DD’s oldest enemies deadlier than ever! Plus -- whatever happened to Foggy Nelson?
Art/Cover: MICHAEL DEL MUNDO
Variant: TIM SALE
Variant: AMANDA CONNER
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• The seductress of the sai makes the hunt look easy -- but this might be one quest Elektra’s not prepared for.
• Further plunging into the deep crevices of the Marvel Universe, her quest for Cape Crow becomes murkier, as the hit is not what it seems.
• Will Elektra do what she’s never done before -- and protect the mark?
Pencils: JON J MUTH, JOHN BUSCEMA
Cover: JOHN BUSCEMA
184 PGS./Rated T/$24.99
His name strikes terror throughout the universe: Galactus, the devourer of worlds! But now, the godlike Galactus’ unceasing hunger has driven him mad -- and he has come to destroy the Earth! As Marvel’s greatest heroes face the ultimate cosmic threat, the Silver Surfer must again become Galactus’ herald -- and target other worlds for annihilation! Can the sky-rider save his monstrous master from himself, or will the unbalanced Galactus devour all he surveys? Get ready for never-before-revealed shocking secrets behind the origins of both Galactus and the Silver Surfer -- and prepare yourself for the most unexpected death of all! Don’t miss this universe-spanning adventure, illustrated by legendary Silver Surfer artists John Buscema and Jon J Muth! Featuring the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Starjammers, the Shi’ar Imperial Guard and more! Collecting GALACTUS THE DEVOURER #1-6.
Art/Cover: ALEX MALEEV
NYC Variant Cover: ARTHUR SUYDAM
32 PGS./Parental Advisory/$3.99
IT’S ZOMBIES VS VAMPIRES -- WITH HUMANS CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE -- AS THE LEGENDARY GEORGE ROMERO UNLEASHES HIS NEXT UNDEAD EPIC!
• Beware NYC’s growing zombie evolution -- and its new leader … Xavier!
• Meanwhile, which strange bedfellows are scheming to take down Mayor Chandrake?
• Plus: It’s a terrorizing team-up in variant cover form when the Zombie Godfather George Romero unites with the Zombie King Arthur Suydam!
Art: JOE BENNETT
Cover: IN-HYUK LEE
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
RINGS OF THE MANDARIN COMES TO A STARTLING CONCLUSION!!!
• The MANDARINS rampage reaches its climax. Who can TONY STARK count as an ally?
• The TRUTH behind the Mandarins.
• Can Tony’s Fellowship manage to defeat the Lords of the Rings?
Art/Cover: GARRY BROWN
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
“UNBREAKABLE” PART 4
• With the plan out in the open, will IRON PATRIOT be forced to execute the horrible deed?
• Can Lila turn the tide? Will she survive long enough to?
• “Kill him.”
Art/Cover: DAVID MARQUEZ
One of the biggest Spider-Man story of the year -- "Revival"!
Miles is back in action with a new status quo and a new outlook on life! A big big big villain from Peter Parker's past is alive and well and about to turn New York upside down! The last page will have Ultimate Spider-Man fans screaming! This issue can't be missed!
Art/Cover: DECLAN SHALVEY
Marc Spector is Moon Knight! ... Or is he? It's hard to tell these days, especially when New York's wildest vigilante protects the street with two-fisted justice and three -- that's right, count 'em -- different personalities! But even with the mystical force of Khonshu fueling his crusade, how does the night's greatest detective save a city that's as twisted as he is? The road to victory is going to hurt. A lot. Marvel's most mind-bending adventure begins NOW as Moon Knight sleuths his way to the rotten core of New York's most bizarre mysteries!
Art/Cover: DECLAN SHALVEY
The best new comic of 2014 continues with a story that has to be experienced to be believed!
Art/Cover: DECLAN SHALVEY
In this issue: Moon Knight punches ghosts.
Art: ADRIAN ALPHONA
Cover: JAMIE MCKELVIE
From Marvel Comics. As seen in the New York Times, CNN and other media outlets the world-over, the all-new Ms. Marvel has made her thunderous debut! Kamala Khan's very ordinary life has suddenly become extraordinary. Is she ready to wield these strange and immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Critically acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and fan-beloved artist Adrian Alphona (Runaways, Uncanny X-Force) bring you the groundbreaking Marvel series that has set the world abuzz. Don't miss history in the making.
Art: DAVID BALDEON
Cover: PACO MEDINA
Teaser Variant also available
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
Bonus Digital Edition Included
Original Sin rocks the life of Sam Alexander as the young hero faces a mystery in NOVA #18 – from the fan-favorite creative team of Gerry Duggan and David Baldeon! The death of the Watcher has left a hole in young Nova’s life, but even as he grieves for the loss of his friend, there is hope for the future. Before his death, Uatu left Sam with hope that his long-lost Father, former Black Nova Jesse Alexander, is still alive. Only there is more to the story…and it lies in the secret history of the Black Novas. What was the purpose of this clandestine sect of the Nova Corps? The secrets they kept will propel Nova to the end of the cosmos in search of answers! Was Nova’s father a murderer? The secret history of the Black Novas begins to unravel this June in NOVA #18 – a tie-in to Original Sin!
Art: MIKE DEODATO
Cover: JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
Variant: GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
Teaser Variant: BUTCH GUICE
Interlocking Battle Variant: ARTHUR ADAMS
Teaser Variant: BUTCH GUICE
32 PGS./Rated T+$3.99
This June, prepare yourselves for another shocking twist as the epic comics blockbuster of the summer continues! Today, Marvel is proud to present your first look at ORIGINAL SIN #4 – from New York Times Bestselling writer Jason Aaron and critically acclaimed artist Mike Deodato! And after the nail-biting climax of last issue, no fan can afford to miss the event critics are hailing as “a riveting thriller” and “one hell of a story!”
The Watcher is dead, his secrets are out. And those secrets will pull the heroes of the Marvel Universe in different directions and down darker paths in the quest for answers. Everyone is a suspect and no one is safe. Only now, after the shocking ending of Original Sin #3 – all trails lead directly to the prime suspect. Is that who killed the Watcher? But why? And how is that even possible?
Meanwhile, the Marvel Universe’s most unlikely duo of the Punisher and Doctor Strange team up for a daring raid that could help save the universe -- or destroy it. As even more bodies turn up, the Avengers, the X-Men, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and more will ask themselves -- who’s next?
Trust no one. Not even yourself. Prepare yourselves for another game-changing ending that will have fans on the edge of their seat and a last page that will have the whole world talking when ORIGINAL SIN #4 hits comic shops and digital devices this June!
Everybody has one. This is Marvel’s ORIGINAL SIN!
Every issue of ORIGINAL SIN includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of ORIGINAL SIN features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.
Art/Cover: MITCHELL THOMAS GERADS
32 PGS./Parental Advisory/$3.99
• The international best-selling author of NOT A GOOD DAY TO DIE, KEVIN MAURER joins Nathan Edmondson to tell a story of Punisher in jungle warfare!
• A group of American soldiers are being held prisoner by a South American drug lord, and suddenly a new prisoner arrives … Frank Castle!
• But not all is as it seems on EITHER side of the bars in this jail tale!
SHE-HULK #1 (3RD PTG)
Art: JAVIER PULIDO
Cover: KEVIN WADA
Jennifer Walters is ... the She-Hulk! A stalwart Avenger, valued member of the FF, savior of the world on more than one occasion, she's also a killer attorney with a pile of degrees and professional respect. A 7-foot-tall drink of cool, emerald water, she's tough enough to knock out Galactus with one punch (possibly?) and has a heart bigger than the moon. But juggling cases and kicking bad guy butt is starting to be a little more complicated than she anticipated. With a new practice, a new paralegal and a mounting number of super villains she's racking up as personal enemies, She Hulk might have bitten off a little more than she can chew ... but she just calls that Tuesday.
Art/Cover: MICHAEL ALLRED
Who is the Never Queen? How is the entire future of the Marvel Universe tied into her very existence? And why is she trying to destroy the Silver Surfer?! Are these questions important? Sure. But you know what's just as important? Lunch. Because what Earth girl Dawn Greenwood has for lunch today could change the fate of everything! Not kidding here. This is a very important lunch.
Art/Cover: MIKE ALLRED
Artist Variant: ADI GRANOV
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• Any old heroes can save the day. The Surfer and Dawn are out to save the day AFTER.
• As everything goes kablooey, find out why the fate of every possible tomorrow rests ... in a wind-up toy monkey.
• No. Really. One of those creepy things with the cymbals.
• Also, after 48 years in comics, one of the most under appreciated characters in the entire Marvel Universe FINALLY gets a name. Have your handbooks ready!
Art: GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI & Various
Cover: GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
From Marvel Comics. Series Finale! The end of an era! A tale of triumph and tragedy! The Green Goblin unmasked! A hero reborn! But what does this mean for Otto Octavius?! There's only one man who can save us from the Goblin Nation ... Peter Parker: The one, true Superior Spider-Man!
Nine second/third printings this week. NINE! If this wasn't so obviously a marketing ploy, heads should roll!
Pencils: GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI & JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
Cover: GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
136 PGS./Rated T/$17.99
Since the start of DYING WISH, it has all been building to this! The so-called Superior Spider-Man has failed. The Green Goblin has taken control of New York’s underworld, and it’s all Otto Octavius’ fault. Now, it’s his responsibility to take the Goblin down. Win or lose, this will be Otto’s greatest battle -- but as Phil Urich faces his last temptation and the members of the Spider-Slayer Squadron find themselves drafted into the Goblin Nation, Otto must weather a vicious assault on Spider-Island! And as the Goblin consumes New York in all-out war, Otto crosses a line he simply cannot uncross -- and a hero is reborn! The grand finale of the Superior Spider-Man saga is here, because there’s only one man who can bring down the Goblin Nation — and his name is Peter Parker! Collecting SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #27-31 and ANNUAL #2.
Art: ESAD RIBIC
Cover: AGUSTIN ALESSIO
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
THE LAST DAYS OF MIDGARD Part Five
• Thor’s war to save the earth comes to its epic conclusion. In the far future, King Thor makes a dark decision that may save the day, but at what cost?
• And in present-day Broxton, Oklahoma, Thor makes a final stand against the forces of ROXXON, but not even a god can save everyone.
Art: CARLO BARBERI
Cover: DAVID YARDIN
32 PGS./Parental Advisory$2.99
• THE PUNISHER VS. THE THUNDERBOLTS, PART 1
• Writers Ben Acker & Blacker, creators of The Thrilling Adventure Hour and writers of the 2013 Thunderbolts Annual, take control of the TBOLTS …
• … AND TEAR THEM APART!
• Guest-starring The Avengers!
Art: MARIO GUEVARA
Cover: GREG LAND
Variant: CHRISTIAN WARD
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
“PALACE OF THE BRINE” (PART 2 of 2)
• Invasion from a parallel Earth!
• A new ATLANTIS will rise!
• Will NAMOR massacre his own people to survive?
Art: CHRIS BACHALO
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• The war between the Uncanny X-Men and S.H.I.E.L.D. heats up!
• Can Cyclops and his team track down the source of this new brand of sentinels? And is S.H.I.E.L.D. really behind these attacks?
WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN #5
Art/Cover: MAHMUD ASRAR
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• Wolverine’s at the mercy of the Phoenix Corporation while Storm races to save the Jean Grey School!
• Only Evan can save Fantomex from death – but dare he?
• Latour and Asrar continue the smash hit of All New Marvel now!
Art: CLAY MANN
Cover: TERRY DODSON
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• A generational saga/war unfolds ... mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and one poor mall rat named Jubilee caught in the middle ..
• The JGS has always been a school. Is it time to become an army? Or will their differences prove their greatest asset?
HARBINGER #24 ("DEATH OF A RENEGADE" – PART 3)
Art by KHARI EVANS
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA
Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of HARBINGER #24 – the penultimate chapter of "Death of a Renegade" from New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart (Harbinger Wars) and Harvey Award-nominated artist Khari Evans (Immortal Iron Fist)! One of the Renegades is dead…but the battle isn’t over yet.
In the aftermath of his fallen teammate's devastating sacrifice, driven but damaged teenage psionic Peter Stanchek is about engage his former mentor, Harbinger Foundation founder and fellow psiot Toyo Harada, in the most awesome display of psychic combat the world has ever witnessed. But with Peter's team shattered and the true price of toppling Harada's empire now laid bare, the requiem for the Renegades as we once knew them has now begun.
Hold on tight – the most important Harbinger story ever told delivers another shocking blow on June 18th, only in HARBINGER #24! And the countdown to the the “EVERYTHING CHANGES,” mind-shattering finale in July's all-star HARBINGER #25 anniversary spectacular continues with an all-new milestone for the series that has fans and critics riveted:
"✮✮✮✮✮… It’s some incredible storytelling." – Comic Bastards
"✮✮✮✮✮… Dysart has demonstrated that he’s a master of his craft." – Comic Spectrum
"✮✮✮✮✮… Amazingly done… A roller-coaster of emotions that leaves you hurt…" – Geeked Out Nation
"✮✮✮✮… An incredibly compelling story with consistently impressive visuals." – Comic Vine
"✮✮✮✮… When the dust settles there will be some real soul searching to do in this comic book…" – Comic Book Resources
UNITY #8 (ARMOR HUNTERS)
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Chromium & Standard Edition Covers by MICO SUAYAN
Character Design Variant by CLAYTON CRAIN
Armor Hunters Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE
T+ | 32 pgs. | CHROMIUM EDITION: $5.99 | STANDARD EDITION: $3.99
ARMOR HUNTERS descends on Valiant’s all-star superteam in an all-new story arc from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT) and red-hot artist Stephen Segovia (Superior Carnage)!
When an ultra-powerful threat from deep space begins brutalizing Earth, humanity’s first response is -- who else? -- the fearless team of heroes, soldiers and short fuses called Unity! Now it’s down to X-O Manowar, Ninjak, Eternal Warrior, Livewire and new recruit Bloodshot to lead the assault on the ARMOR HUNTERS’ frontline ... even if they die trying!
"The thing I love about the [ARMOR HUNTERS] crossover -- and good lord, I never thought I'd say I liked a crossover -- is that it's organic. [ARMOR HUNTERS writer Robert Venditti] had this great idea for a big story -- and then we were invited to join it if we thought it would be something interesting. … So Bloodshot was sort of a natural fit for this arc," writer Matt Kindt told IGN.com.
When Aric of Dacia returned to Earth with the stolen X-O Manowar armor of an alien race, he thought he finally found a weapon to guard the peace and kingdom he’d struggled so long to secure. But now, a relentless and surgical strike team from the farthest reaches of space – sworn to exterminate the armor and all like it – have found their final target. The ARMOR HUNTERS are coming. They will hunt. They will trap. They will kill. And they will rid the universe of the X-O Manowar’s incalculable destructive power … even if it means taking the Earth with it.
In the tradition of the universe-shaking HARBINGER WARS, Valiant’s biggest heroes begin the year’s blockbuster crossover event this June in ARMOR HUNTERS #1 (of 4) – and then launch the resistance against the world’s first full-scale cosmic threat with new adventures beginning in UNITY #8, X-O MANOWAR #26, ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 (of 3) and ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 (of 3) – each featuring one of five wraparound Chromium covers by some of the biggest talents in comics today!
To look inside UNITY #8 and read Matt Kindt's complete interview about Bloodshot's new allegiances, visit IGN.com.
OTHER PUBLISHERS
A PIGGY'S TALE #2
Writer: Tod Emko
Art/Cover: Ethan Young
Everyone's favorite 3-legged super-dog is back! After Melanie and Simon get kidnapped, Piggy must race to save his friends from the evil clutches of Dr. Huntington! But can our courageous canine avoid the nefarious trap set for him?
$2.99
This looks like it might written for kids, and is probably pretty appealing. But I question the title. Are piggies more interesting to kids than dogs? And why raise the issue with a confusing name? Call the dog Rover and name it A Rover's Tale. (And how did they resist the tale/tail pun?)
Writer: Ryan North
Art: Jim Rugg
Cover: Luchie Hua, Mike Holmes
Finn and Jake are back in their bodies, but it looks like the damage is done. Will our heroes be able to right everything they've done or is Ooo finally lost? With the help of an unlikely source, this day might be saved. Last issue by the talented Jim Rugg (Street Angel, Aphrodisiac)!
$3.99
Writer: Ryan North
Art: Shelli Paroline & Various
Cover: Chris Houghton
The adventures of Jake the dog and Finn the human in the Land of Ooo are available in this gorgeous over-sized presentation. The Lich, a super- lame, SUPER-SCARY skeleton dude, has returned to the the Land of Ooo, and he's bent on total destruction! Luckily, Finn and Jake are on the case ... but can they succeed against their most destructive foe yet? Featuring fan-favorite characters Marceline the Vampire Queen, Princess Bubblegum, Lumpy Space Princess and the Ice King. This inaugural hardcover edition is a must-have! Also includes exclusive bonus material from series writer Ryan North and artists Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb!
$74.99
Writer/Art: Various & Various
Cover: Dustin Nguyen
Previously only available at New York Comic Con, this special edition features a cover by Dustin Nguyen.
$49.99
I've received several Adventure Time books for review, but I have trouble getting into them. I guess my inner 10-year-old has grown up, died or simply become very, very sad.
Writer/Art/Cover: Chigusa Kawai
After catching Vic kissing a girl in the hallway, Alice can't even look him in the eye. How can he possibly focus when he's playing Cinderella in the all-school festival ... in drag?! Will this pretty princess stop pouting in time to get his act together and wow the crowd. Alice the 101st tackles tough crushes, bullies and Bach in a symphonic whirl of laughter and friendship! Surviving their first year at an elite music academy is tricky for all but the most talented. Which little star will shine brightest of them all?
$12.95
Would attending an elite music academy actually involve dressing up as Cinderella?
Writer: DAVID WOHL
Art/Cover A: ALEX KONAT
Cover B: RANDY GREEN
As the Blue capitol city of Muria lies in turmoil, Aspen, Chance and Killian must form an alliance in an effort to undo the incredible damage that Vana has wrought against the world's oceans. However, as life above and below the surface continues to suffer as the water temperature drops, is it already too late? Meanwhile, as her plan nears fruition, Vana unleashes her most deadly weapon of all!
Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner's most beloved creation!
$3.99
Writer: J. T. Krul
Art/Cover A: KENNETH MARION
Cover B: PAOLO PANTALENA
For centuries, the dark lord Rainier has set his sights on mastering the world's science and technology in order to bring about his rise to power, yet now he's realized the error in his ways. As Rainier attempts to regain his connection to magic, he may be able to regain everything that was once lost to him!
$3.99
Writer: Rick Spears
Art/Cover: James Callahan
With blood on his hands, romance in his heart, a film to finish, and a crap ton of dynamite, Rex begins rewriting his movie in a desperate attempt to change reality, but forcing life to imitate art is harder than it looks. Things get weird! Just keep telling yourself, "It's only a comic!"
Mature/$3.99
Writer: Adam Egypt Mortimer
Art/Cover: Darick Robertson
The entire world of Repo City State is rocked to its foundations in this pulse-pounding conclusion to the first arc of Darick Robertson and Adam Egypt Mortimer's cyberpunk adventure that tears through the frontal lobe of the future.
Mature/$3.50
Writer: Koushun Takami
Art: Mioko Ohnishi, Youhei Oguma
The Program is a brutal military experiment that pits junior high students against each other every year in a brutal battle to the death.
Most of the students from Shiroiwa Junior High scatter as soon as they reach the remote island where they must participate in the latest round of the Program. But Yukie Utsumi and five of her friends lock themselves in the lighthouse, clinging to a desperate hope of survival. They all trust each other, but they also know that only one can survive the Battle Royale ...
A graphic novel side story of the bestselling novel Battle Royale
Mature/$12.99
This looks potentially quite interesting. I enjoyed the original story, so this “side story” seems worth a look.
Writer: Yves Sente
Art/Cover: Andre Juillart
Death in the present re-awakens a dark time in Blake's past. 1919. Colonel Lawrence -- Lawrence of Arabia -- has an unpleasant meeting with an MI5 agent who confiscates his manuscript of The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. 35 years later, Oxford is shaken by a series of burglaries at the Ashmolean Museum, at the same time as Blake learns of the death of an old friend. The captain begins an investigation, while Mortimer looks into the thefts. What dark connection does all of this have with Lawrence or Blake's own past?
$15.95
Writer/Art/Cover: Budd Root
2014 is Cavewoman's 20th anniversary! This very special item is our 2014 full-color Show Book! Inside you will find the original colored version of the "boot story" from Jungle Tales #2. Budd did the original artwork in full color, but we printed it black and white. Besides Budd, only 2 or 3 people have ever seen the original colored artwork - until now! The rest of this special book is filled with brand new, never before seen Cavewoman color pinups. There is also a page to get a sketch if you can grab Budd at a show. Each book is signed by Budd, limited to just 1000 copies, and also bagged & boarded with a Certificate of Authenticity!
Mature/$65.10
Writer: Clive Barker, Mark L. Miller
Art: Haemi Jang
Cover: Goni Montes
Tristan and Elspeth believe they've figured out how to finally end Wick's reign, but the desciples of the Lord of Colors have reached Providence, determined to stop that from happening ...
Mature/$3.99
Writer: Garth Ennis
Art/Cover: John McCrea
You've never met two men more crude and down-on-their-luck than Dougie and Ivor! Following their first explosive foray into private investigation, they turn tail and pursue a different childhood dream: taking the world by storm as rock stars. But in true Dicks fashion, the music industry's rife with hedonists and criminals, all out to get the boys from Belfast. Will our favorite scoundrels survive their celebrity with their most precious body parts intact? GARTH ENNIS and JOHN MCCREA, the creative team behind Hitman, deliver their unique brand of over-the-top violence and certain-to-offend humor, just the way you like it! This volume collects Dicks #5-10.
Mature/$19.99
Writer: Harvey Kurtzman
Art: John Severin, Will Elder
Cover: John Severin
INTO THE HELL OF BATTLE WITH SEVERIN, ELDER, AND KURTZMAN
The team of Harvey Kurtzman and John Severin was one of the most fruitful collaborations in the history of comics. The work they did combines the taut emotional and psychological insights of Stephen Crane with a verisimilitude so gritty that it seems as if they are reporting from the scene. Together with inker and friend Will Elder, whose own obsession for detail perfectly heightened the impact of every line, they produced 34 war stories -- emotionally draining and dramatically eloquent - in just under three years. This book collects them all. Settings include: the Roman empire; the Revolutionary War; the American-Indian Wars; the Alamo; the Civil War; World War I (in the trenches and in the air); World War II (in the Pacific and in Europe, including the D-Day invasion); and the Korean War.
$29.99
Good to see Johny Severin get some love. He was one of my favorites growing up, and as I've mentioned before, it was his inking that salvaged Incredible Hulk for me. But where he really shone was Westerns and war stories, especially inking over Dick Ayers on Sgt. Fury. And this was before I knew anything about his EC career!
Writer/Art/Cover: Rod Espinosa
A trio of noble sisters, all mighty mages and steam-tech experts, continue to use their wits and combat savvy to face down a smug emperor and his warrior hordes in a Colosseum of Carnage!
Rod Espinosa, steampunk story-weaver extraordinaire, forges a world of grand adventure, where magic and mechanisms mix marvelously!
$3.99
ESCAPO (HC)
Writer/Art/Cover: Paul Pope
From the mind of three-time Eisner Award-winner Paul Pope comes Escapo! Like a feverish mash-up of Fellini films, Heavy Metal magazine, and classic Jack Kirby comics, Escapo tells the tale of a circus escape artist extraordinaire, who can escape from any situation -- even from Death himself! However, there is one force even more powerful than the Reaper which Escapo must face. A meditation on life, love, and mortality, Escapo is not to be missed! Originally published in 1999 and long out of print, the new Z2 edition of Escapo is fully colored and redesigned in the French BD format, featuring 50+ pages of bonus content. Included here is the rare two-page alternate ending, only seen in the French edition, as well as a new ten-page story and added pin-ups and sketchbook content by Paul Pope.
$24.99
I'm not a big fan of Paul Pope's work, but apparently there are a lot of you out there who are. So in the immortal words of Don Thompson, "For those of you who like this sort of thing, here's the sort of thing you like."
Writer/Art/Cover: Hiro Mashima
The fateful day is finally here: July 7, X791! A lunar eclipse presages an invasion by ten thousand dragons. Humanity's only hope is the Eclipse Cannon, but what waits behind the door: hope or despair? Will history repeat itself, and Earthland be taken over by dragons once again? The time has come for the dragon slayers to prove their magic lives up to its name!
$10.99
“A lunar eclipse presages an invasion by ten thousand dragons.”
What sign is that? Capricorn?
Writer: David Whol & Various
Art: Dennis Calero & Various
Cover: Michael Turner
Michael Turner's FATHOM returns!
Aspen's first ever FATHOM ANNUAL arrives, jam-packed with three all new stories featuring some of the most popular characters in the Fathom universe-and more! Join veteran FATHOM writer David Wohl as he gives us an inside look at Aspen's former love interest, Chance Calloway, and his thrilling exploits away from her, as he adapts to a whole new world of Blue and Human cooperation! Fan favorite illustrator Nei Ruffino debuts a new FATHOM story all her own, as she handles the writing and art duties in a special tale featuring Aspen Matthews and her new close friend Judith! And Fathom: Kiani writer Vince Hernandez takes Aspen Matthews on a journey to discover a lost city hidden deep under the surface of the water, only what she discovers instead is far more shocking!
Don't miss out on the debut of the first ever FATHOM ANNUAL #1 in this thrilling oversized issue featuring a re-mastered FATHOM cover by series creator Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald!
$5.99
Shouldn't this be titled All New Fathom Annual? I mean, just to be consistent (and to be racked next to All-New X-Men, All-New X-Factor, All-New Invaders, All-New Ultimates ... )
Writer/Art/Cover: Dean Haspiel
Hardboiled romance has gone galactic in Emmy Award-winning artist Dean Haspiel's Fear, My Dear: A Billy Dogma Experience. Super-powered paramours, Billy Dogma and Jane Legit's pathological War of Woo unearths the chaos of a cosmic deity and Billy uncovers the psychedelic horror of an eighth "deadly sin" when he travels to the heart of his mind to face the truth of his past ... and his future. Remastered from the original webcomics series, Billy Dogma is "the last romantic antihero," a passionate bruiser head-over-heels for his knock-em-dead dame. Created in 1995, Billy Dogma is Dean Haspiel's ongoing love letter to the insanity of love.
$19.99
Writers: Bill Black & Various
Art: Rock Baker & Various
Cover: Will Meugniot & Various
Nightveil and She-Cat are finally back, and the Femforce is full strength as things heat up on the West Coast -- but will it be enough to stop Wampyr? Plus, back-up features starring Synn, The Black Phantom in the past, Stormy Tempest in the far-flung future, and Ms. Victory spanning multiple eras.
$9.95
Writer: PATRICK SHAND
Art: BUTCH K. MAPA
Cover A: STJEPAN SEJIC
Cover B: MARAT MYCHAELS
Cover C: TINO VALENTINO
THE LAST STAND OF THE BEING!
The end is here.
When one of the Keepers betrays the Being, the world is turned into battlefield between this vengeful god and those that oppose him. Everything has been building toward this shocking finale.
$3.99
Writer: DAN WICKLINE
Art: LUCA CLARETTI
Cover A: FELIPE MASSAFERA
Cover B: JASON METCALF
Cover C: KEU CHA
When everything is on the line, will Nathan Cross and HiboCorp be able to save Neverland from falling under the threat of the Dark Horde? The Dark Queen is bent on getting what she wants, and the only thing standing in her way is Cross.
Age of Darkness Tie-in
$2.99
Writer: Eric M Esquivel
Art: TBD
Cover A: ANTHONY SPAY
Cover B: MURIEL E. HAMMOND
Cover C: TINA VALENTINO
THE DARK QUEEN ENTERS WONDERLAND!
With Calie and Violet reunited, it seems that all is well in the Liddle family ... until the Trickster shows up and threatens to shatter their happiness to pieces. When Violet's life is on the line, Calie must make the choice to align herself with evil, or let her daughter perish.
Age of Darkness Tie-in
$5.99
What would happen if the Grimm Fairy Tales characters battled Femforce? Besides giving every adolescent boy in America a heart attack, I mean.
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
Writer: Patrick Shand
Art: Tony Brescini, Elmer Cantada
Cover: Abhishek Malsuni
Separated from her mother, Violet Liddle journeys through Wonderland with the ferocious Dark Cheshire hot on her trail. Little does she know that she is about to uncover a dark secret that will rock the foundations of Wonderland and the Liddle family. Enter... the VOID!
$15.99
Art: Al Avison & Various
Dare you read these eerie tales of the supernatural from this forgotten classic? Hey, no: scratch that. Dare you not read 'em?! All 28 issues of Harvey's notorious Witches Tales, in five beautiful paperback editions in a gorgeous illustrated slipcase! Go get some money, kids cos it's 1953 again, and horror comics are horrible once more! Ah, bliss!
$109.99
Writers: Kantoku, Sou Sagara
Art/Cover: Okomeken
Yoto finally has the date of his dreams with Azusa! But it's a date like no other! This is their first date and they are already talking about marriage and family ...?!
$12.95
Wait, "Hentai Prince"? Isn't hentai manga porn? This isn't even marked for mature readers, so I'm confused!
Yes, as far as I know, “hentai” refers to perverse sexual pleasure. So, either this is indeed going to be “a first date like no other,” or it’s being used in some other sense. Perhaps ironically?
Writer: Jean Van
Art/Cover: Phillipe Franq
Largo must seek proof of his innocence in Turkey. Fresh from his old pilot Freddy's wedding, Largo is back in New York for more celebrating - the departure of one of his employees. But during the party, a Turkish national permanently retires Sir Basil with a couple of bullets. Shortly thereafter, the shooter himself is killed by a sniper before he's had a chance to say a word. When the FBI finally gets involved, they come with accusations of gun trafficking and hiring assassins -- accusations leveled at Largo himself!
$11.95
Writer: Andre Sirangelo
Art: Gabriel Iumazark
Cover: TBD
Ivan knows he's gotten himself deep into conspiracy land when he discovers that Dmitri is missing and starts seeing a strange, hooded figure following him. Things are about to get even stranger, however, once his investigation leads him right smack into Backbone headquarters. And the urBex team is less than thrilled to meet his acquaintance ...
Mature/$3.99
Writers: Evan Young, Lou Lovino
Art: Novo Malgapo
Cover: Kody Chamberlain
A critically-acclaimed tale of alternate history, The Last West is a noir epic that imagines a world where all progress grinds to a halt after the failure of the first test of the atomic bomb. Only one man has the power to jumpstart the world again, but he must grapple with one of the most important issues of our time: What is the price of progress, and is he willing to pay it?
$14.99
Writer: Eric M Esquivel
Art: Jerry Gaylord
Cover: Alexis Ziritt
After his battle with many of the world's gods, Loki seems more powerful than ever! But in Loki's world there's always some trick about to be pulled. But who is the trickster this time: Loki or someone else?
$3.99
Writer: Xavier Morell
Art/Cover: Sergi San
Agent Summers has to deal with Lunita's eccentricities, with the huge but kind Basajaun companion that joined the team, with her kittens and cats, and above all, she has to accept that the supernatural really exists. And something more terrible: The Mermaids really exist, and they've declared war on Mankind!
Mature/$3.99
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM VOL 6: THE ORIGIN (HC)
Writer/Art/Cover: Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
The biggest name in Japanese science-fiction, Gundam, returns with one of its creators retelling its origins 25 years after the series debuted. In a civil war, half of humanity has been wiped out, and Zeon's army of Zaku mobile suits have been the decisive weapon. With the Federation's first Gundam out of action, civilian Amuro Ray miraculously stumbles on a second unit. Now, in control of a machine with unparalleled destructive power, will Amuro's actions save the colony's survivors or destroy them?
$29.95
“With the Federation's first Gundam out of action, civilian Amuro Ray miraculously stumbles on a second unit. Now, in control of a machine with unparalleled destructive power, will Amuro's actions save the colony's survivors or destroy them?”
I’ve been reading and enjoying this series. I am curious to see how they explain Amuro stumbling on a second super-weapon. Did the Federation put it away somewhere and then forget it?
Writer: Atsuko Asano
Art/Cover: Hinoki Kino
A dystopian thriller for fans of The Hunger Games. When Shion, a privileged boy, gives shelter to an urchin for the night, the city he once called home forces him into the ghettos for insubordination. Four years later, an epidemic breaks out across the city. Shion, along with the help of the urchin Rat, must clear his name, even if it means exposing the ugly truth behind the perfect city No. 6.
$10.99
“A dystopian thriller for fans of The Hunger Games.”
Well, I’m not a fan of The Hunger Games, so I guess that lets me out.
Writer/Art/Cover: Meags Fitzgerald
For almost a century chemical photobooths have occupied public spaces. In the last decade these machines have started to rapidly disappear, causing an eclectic group of individuals from around the world to come together and respond. Meags Fitzgerald has chronicled the photobooth's fortuitous history and the events that gave rise to the desperate need to save them. Having traveled in North America, Europe and Australia, she's constructed a biography of the booth through the eyes of technicians, owners, collectors, artists, and fanatics.
Mature/$20.0
Art/Cover: Dusty Higgins
Mature readers, TPB with French Flaps, 6.25” x 8.5”, 528 pages, $24.95 (U.S.)
After gathering substantial praise for their individual volumes, artist Dusty Higgins and writer Van Jensen officially join the Top Shelf family this summer with the first-ever complete collection of Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer!
One of YALSA’s Top Ten Graphic Novels for Teens!
"It's the greatest thing I've read all year. And you'll notice my nose didn't grow one bit when I said that." -- Mark Waid
"Page after page of amazement." -- Publishers Weekly
“The premise for this graphic novel is really almost too good to be true … and the execution doesn't disappoint.” -- Booklist
"Outstanding." -- Topless Robot
"Sometimes dark, sometimes silly, but always fun, Pinocchio coming of age Batman-style is just the thing for fantasy and horror fans." -- MTV
“Really, really good.” -- Comics Alliance
"Seriously, it's perfect." -- Comic Book Resources
This puppet may not be a real boy … but he just might be a real hero.
When bloodthirsty monsters invade Pinocchio's hometown and kill his father Geppetto, Pinocchio discovers a new benefit to his magical nose: telling lies produces a never-ending supply of wooden stakes to combat the vampire hordes! Will Pinocchio be able to defeat these horrors, avenge his father, and save his friends?
Jensen (Green Lantern Corps) and Higgins (Knights of the Living Dead) present a captivating blend of comedy, horror, romance and adventure, rooted in the original Italian novel but brought -- as if by magic -- to new life.
I have to say, Pinocchio would be a pretty effective vampire killer. They can't bite him, and he could just sharpen his fingers for weapons!
Writers: Kevin Burkhalter & Various
Art: Tessa Stone & Various
Cover: Allison Strejlau
WHY WE LOVE IT: REGULAR SHOW is hilarious and it's character-driven stories are something we love to be a part of! Short, bite-sized stories where anything could happen with a bizarre twist-it's an opportunity to set loose our favorite creators.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: You already love the characters and world of REGULAR SHOW, so this is your chance to get a look at what Pops, Muscle Man, High Five Ghost, Benson, and Skips are up to while Mordecai and Rigby are running wild!
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Mordecai and Rigby find themselves at odds over a haunted pair of sneakers, Pops might be lost inside a hidden labyrinth and he's not quite sure how he got there and Skips might finally have a problem that even he can't solve. It's going to be an action-packed collection of stories!
$4.99
Writers: Roy Thomas & Various
Art/Cover: Dick Briefer
Dick Briefer's Frankenstein for Prize Comics is widely regarded as America's first ongoing horror series. Indeed, it was Briefer's work that probably called the creature to be named as Frankenstein instead of the nameless monstrosity from Shelley's novel. Splitting the stories between two schools -- humor and horror -- Briefer's tales are absorbing and unsettling in equal parts. Collects issues #6-10 (January/February to November/December 1947).
$47.99
Writers: Roy Thomas & Various
Art/Cover: Dick Briefer
$64.99
Writer/Art/Cover: Kanae Hazuki
After 16 years as a resentful loner, Mei finds herself beginning to fall for the charming Yamato. In no time, Mei's gone on her first date and had her first kiss. But Yamato's got a reputation as a player, and Mei can't stop worrying that they're moving way too fast.
$10.99
Does one date and one kiss really constitute “moving way too fast”?
Writer/Art/Cover: Holly Golightly
How does a sweet girl learn to become a groovy vampire? What all good ghouls do -- go to vampire school! Join Cherri Creeper in her first adventure at the Shadow Academy. A cross between Harry Potter and Anne Rice, this original graphic novel is fun for lovers of goth and manga!
$12.95
Writer/Art/Cover: Holly Golightly
Cherri's first day of classes at the Shadow Academy are filled with blood, yummy desserts and perhaps romance! But will the mysterious Dante tempt her away from school and her newfound friends?! A cross between Harry Potter and Anne Rice, this original graphic novel is fun for lovers of goth, manga and all things cute!
$12.95
Writer: Shane Houghton
Art: John Delaney
Cover: Mike Rote, Jason Ho
Power mad powerbroker Mr. Burns makes another power grab on the pocketbooks of the citizens of Springfield with his newest power-propelled product -- the electric car! After all, those greenhorn Greenpeace-niks needs some form of clean energy transportation to promote their anti-greenhouse gas activities that runs, of course, on electricity provided by the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant! Everyone is pretty happy about it, except for the Rich Texan who discovers that Mr. Burns' new vehicles are tapping into his copious crude oil cash reserves!
$2.99
Writers: James Kochalka & Various
Art: Jacob Chabot & Various
Cover: Israel Sanchez
United Plankton Pictures presents its second annual 48-page swimtacular, filled with super-themed stories by some of the finest cartoonists on dry land! When Mr. Krabs is kidnapped by a bitter restaurant critic (is there any other kind?), Squidward must reveal his super-secret identity - the tentacled avenger known as The Squishy Knight!
$4.99
Homage or coincidence? You make the call!
Art/Cover: Steve Ditko
OVER 200 PAGES OF VINTAGE HORROR COMICS FROM SPIDER-MAN CO-CREATOR STEVE DITKO
Before Spider-Man and Dr. Strange, the legendary comic book artist Steve Ditko was conjuring all manners of horrors at his drawing table. In his first two years in the industry (1953 and 1954), Ditko drew tales of macabre suspense that were not yet hobbled by the imminent Comics Code Authority (adopted in Oct. 1954). These stories featured graphic bloodshed, dismemberment, and blood-curdling acid baths as the ugly end to the lives of the dark and twisted inhabitants of Steve Ditko's imagination. Strange Suspense features spectacular full-color reprints of every story from those first two years of his career. Edited by Ditko expert Blake Bell.
$28.99
I have enjoyed these a lot more than I expected. Ditko's early years showed aggressive experimentation, as opposed to his later work, which I found to be more and more formulaic. This Ditko is engaged and excited about his job, and it shows. Not all of his experiments work, but it's always fun to watch him try.
Writer/Art/Cover: Jim Balent
The deluxe litho plate edition of Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose #86 comes bagged and boarded with a copy of Tarot #86 (either cover A or B) and a black and white 6.5" x 10" litho of Boo Cat titled "Guess Who, it's Boo!" This limited collector's litho is penciled by the artist himself, Jim Balent and comes signed by the artist. Limited to a printing of 500.
Mature/$19.99
Wow, a girl dressed as a cat! What a great idea! How come no one's thought of that before?
Writer: Chris Miskiewicz
Art/Cover: Palle Schmidt
WHY WE LOVE IT: Bringing readers great books from new talent has always been close to our hearts here at BOOM! Studios. Chris Miskiewicz and Palle Schmidt have created a warlock for these modern times, and we're delivering them to the best audience in comics!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Fans of John Constantine and Dr. Strange will love this new take on the magic-wielding hero who battles demons on the streets ... and in his own mind. Thomas has money and fame, but also the burden of a being this generation's occult warrior. Can he survive the battles both within and without?
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Thomas Alsop is the current "Hand of the Island," a title handed down from generation to generation. He guards Manhattan from evil, using his family's prowess for magic. Being a thoroughly modern warlock, he deals with something even more evil than demons ... reality television!
$3.99
Writers: Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert
Art: Daniel Bayliss
Cover: Jeff Stokely
The Navigator, New York City's only superhero, has been slipping. Could the secret be found in his childhood? Boy genius Cornelius is creating the holographic technology that allows him to become The Navigator. But what dark family secret drives him? From AMORY WARS and KEY OF Z authors Claudio Sanchez and Chondra Echert!
$3.99
Writers: Kim Ovard, Blake Ovard
Art: Blake Ovard
Cover: Al Bigley
Wrapped in a blanket, staked down beside a busy highway and left for dead -- that's how real-life super hero, Tugg, got his start. Now, he's saving the world from things it didn't even know was dangerous. Join Tugg and the cast of unforgettable characters in one of this year's most anticipated new series!
$3.99
Writers: Wallace Wood & Various
Art: Steve Ditko & Various
WHERE THE MAINSTREAM MET THE UNDERGROUND
When the formulaic constraints, censorious nature, and onerous lack of creator's rights in mainstream comics got to be too much for the brilliant cartoonist Wallace Wood in 1966, he struck out on his own with the self-published witzend. It became a haven for Wood and his fellow professional cartoonist friends where they could produce the kind of personal work that they wanted to do, without regard to commercial demands -- and with friends like Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, Ralph Reese, Archie Goodwin, Angelo Torres, Steve Ditko, Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder, Art Spiegelman, Don Martin, Vaughn Bodé, Jim Steranko, Jeff Jones, Howard Chaykin, Trina Robbins, Bernie Wrightson, and literally dozens more, it was bound to be a great ride! Now, Fantagraphics presents the complete run of witzend in this beautiful slipcased two-volume set with a special introduction by Bill Pearson and a history by Patrick Rosenkrantz.
$125.00
I've heard about Witzend all my life, but have never seen an issue. Is it worth getting, Legionnaires? The fact that it's considered a fanzine puts me off.
Writer: James Tynion IV
Art/Cover: Michael Dialynas
From BOOM! Entertainment.
WHY WE LOVE IT: As fans of James Tynion IV's work in the Batman universe (Batman Eternal, Red Hood and the Outlaws), we were eager to publish his first original comic series. Plus, The Woods gives us that same eerie, small-town horror feel we get whenever we read a Stephen King novel.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: If you're fan of teen conspiracy comics like Morning Glories, Sheltered, and Revival, you'll immediately be sucked into The Woods.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: On October 16, 2013, 437 students, 52 teachers, and 24 additional staff from Bay Point Preparatory High School in suburban Milwaukee, WI vanished without a trace. Countless light years away, far outside the bounds of the charted universe, 513 people find themselves in the middle of an ancient, primordial wilderness. Where are they? Why are they there? The answers will prove stranger than anyone could possibly imagine.
$3.99
Writer/Art/Cover: Clamp
Kimihiro Watanuki is haunted by visions of ghosts and spirits. He seeks help from a mysterious woman named Yuko, who claims she can help. However, Watanuki must work for Yuko in order to pay for her aid. Soon Watanuki finds himself employed in Yuko's shop where he sees things and meets customers that are stranger than anything he could have ever imagined.
$19.99
Does XXX means something different in Japan than it does in the West?
Not that I’m aware of. Bear in mind, that trying to make sense of manga/anime titles can be a problematical exercise at best.
As for the book itself, I read a few volumes back when it was first published in English. Clamp are a talented group, but I found I couldn’t get into this title all that much.
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