BEST BETS
CAPTAIN VICTORY AND THE GALACTIC RANGERS #1 (Dynamite, $3.99): One of the late -- and legendary -- Jack "King" Kirby's final creations was Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers, which, sadly, was not one of his best. Captain Victory was pleasant enough hoo-ha, but it was simplistic, shallow and derivative. However, Dynamite has handed the job of reviving the concept to offbeat writer Joe Casey, and it looks like he will only retain the names from Kirby's original -- and perhaps the envelope-pushing spirit of "The King."
DOOMED (DC Comics): In "Doomed," Superman has been infected with a disease that is turning him into the monster Doomsday. That storyline heats up this week, with chapters in Action Comics #34 ($3.99), Action Comics Annual #3 ($4.99) and Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #3 ($4.99).
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #32 (Marvel, $4.99): If you've been following Spider-Man for the last year, you know he was kicked out of his own body by the dying Dr. Octopus -- only to return in triumph to reclaim his body (and his life) in Superior Spider-Man #31, which continued into Amazing Spider-Man #1. So if Peter Parker's mind is his own, how can Superior Spider-Man the series, and the "Superior" Spider-Man (Peter Parker's body with Doc Ock's mind) return in this issue? Beats me, but it's been a delightful story so far, and this will also lead into the big "Spiderverse" event, so it's probably a good time to jump on board.
TERMINAL HERO #1 (Dynamite, $2.99): Dynamite is taking a page from the Image playbook, with a new line of creator-driven titles. This one is written by unpredictable and often gender-bending writer Peter Milligan (Shade the Changing Man, Enigma, X-Statix), involving a young man dying from an inoperable brain tumor, who tries an experimental treatment that turns him into ... something else.
THANOS: THE INFINITY REVELATION (Marvel, $24.99): The Big Bad of the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy movies gets his own original graphic novel, wherein he teams up with his arch-enemy, Adam Warlock, to do something that isn't awful. Whatever could possibly motivate Thanos, who worships Death, to do something that isn't awful has got to be some kind of terrible!
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
DRYSPELL # 2 (Bi-Monthly)
Writer/Art/Cover: KEN KREKELER
32 pgs. / Mature Readers / FC / $3.99
Tom Ferris has started seeing the world differently. As colorful heroes shine for all to see, Tom's new friends have revealed a different path; a path where he's free to express himself -- where he can embrace who he should have been, instead of who he is. And the world turns, waiting.
FRACTURE: VICE AND VIRTUE (TPB)
Writer: SHAWN GABBORIN
Pencil/Inks: CHAD CICCONI
Colors: BILL BLANKENSHIP
128 pgs / Mature Readers/ FC / $11.99
In this exciting installment of FRACTURE, Jeff fights to assert control over his own mind in an increasingly complex world. With his control slipping and everyone around him in peril, Jeff is forced to seek help from an unlikely source -- his evil side's former ally! At a mind-bending pace, this volume crashes towards a final confrontation -- with all Jeff's "marbles" on the line! Collects Fracture V2 issues 1-4.
ARCHIE COMICS
ARCHIE #658
Script: TOM DEFALCO
Art: FERNANDO RUIZ, RICH KOSLOWSKI, JACK MORELLI, DIGIKORE STUDIOS
Cover: DAN PARENT
Veronica Variant Cover: DAN DECARLO, TITO PENA
Betty Variant Cover: DAN DECARLO, TITO PENA
32-page, full color comic, $2.99 U.S.
Summertime is quickly coming to an end and Archie realizes that he has not filled his quota of summer dating before the school year starts. This leads to a number of rushed dates (with all different girls) with hilarity ensuing at every turn ... especially when the friends of Betty Cooper turn Archie's plan against him. Guest-starring Ginger Snapp, Suzie, Linda Lake, Laurie Moore and Toni Topaz ... and Archie's dog Vegas!
I'm guessing those retro covers were originally published in the early to mid-1960s.
ARCHIE: THE MARRIED LIFE BOOK 5 (TPB)
Script: PAUL KUPPERBERG
Art: FERNANDO RUIZ, BOB SMITH, TIM KENNEDY, PAT KENNEDY, JIM AMASH, GLENN WHITMORE
Cover: NORM BREYFOGLE, GLENN WHITMORE
$19.99/$23.99CAN
6 5/8 x 10 3/16”
Trade Paperback, 272 pp, Full Color
The fifth volume of Archie’s highly acclaimed graphic novel series features celebrated writer Paul Kupperberg’s tight-knit ongoing romantic storyline of Archie as a young newlywed in two very different universes -- one where he marries wealthy socialite Veronica Lodge and the other where he marries girl-next-door Betty Cooper.
This volume follows Betty and Reggie’s time in the reality TV spotlight, where their every move is documented for all of America to see. That kind of fame may be fine for attention-seeker Reggie, but will Betty be able to adapt to it? Meanwhile, Kevin sets his sights on the ambitious arena of politics while husband Clay recovers from his gunshot wound. And Cheryl Blossom continues her fight against breast cancer, while also inspiring women struggling to do the same! Plus all the romantic ups and downs that Riverdale is famous for! Archie: The Married Life Book 5 collects issues 25-30 of the Eisner-nominated Life With Archie magazine.
THE DEATH OF ARCHIE (GN)
Script: Paul Kupperberg
Art: Fernando Ruiz, Bob Smith, Jack Morelli, Glenn Whitmore
Cover: Jeff Shultz
$14.99/$16.99CAN
Dimensions 6 5/8 x 10 3/16
TR 112-page, full color
History is in the making in this epic finale to the acclaimed series LIFE WITH ARCHIE, as America’s most beloved character makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a friend. The unthinkable happens: Archie Andrews dies! Fans will experience an epic tale of Archie’s future sure to make headlines, generate discussion and stand as one of the most-talked about Archie stories of all time. Do not miss this game-changing tale of love, friendship and true heroism.
SONIC SUPER DIGEST #8
Script: IAN FLYNN & various
Art: LAMAR WELLS, RICK BRYANT, JACK MORELLI, MATT HERMS & Various
Cover: RAFA KNIGHT
128-page, full color comic, $4.99 U.S.
Sonic Super Digest returns with an ALL-NEW STORY continuing the hit SONIC ORIGINS mini-feature! Sonic the Hedgehog has many friends, but few are as brave, stalwart or had as much growth as Antoine D’Coolette! Learn how this skittish swordsman crossed paths with Sonic and the Freedom Fighters as only Sonic Super Digest can tell it! Then, continue the fun with more classic adventures from the Sonic comic library! The new Sonic universe is full of wonder and excitement as only Archie Comics can bring! Featuring an all-new CG cover from Sonic superstar Rafa Knight!
SONIC UNIVERSE #66
Script: IAN FLYNN
Art: TRACY YARDLEY, JIM AMASH, JACK MORELLI, MATT HERMS
Cover: TRACY YARDLEY
Knuckles vs. Sonic Variant Cover: BRENT MCCARTHY
32-page, full color comic , $2.99 U.S.
"The Great Chaos Caper": This it -- the frantic finale full of flustered fighters! In one corner, trying to complete his mission and save the world, is Knuckles! In the other corner, a titanic Dark Gaia beast! The Chaotix and Hooligans continue to tussle, a wounded spirit and Chaos Emerald are being tossed about, and the flood waters are pouring in! Don’t miss this crazy conclusion to the “Great Chaos Caper!”
DARK HORSE
ANGEL & FAITH 10 #5
Writer: VICTOR GISCHLER
Pencils: DERLIS SANTACRUZ
Inks: ANDY OWENS
Colors: MICHELLE MADSEN
Cover: SCOTT FISCHER
Variant: CHRIS SAMNEE, JORDIE BELLAIRE
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
New Players, New Rules, New Season!
Angel is plagued by nightmares and another menace for the streets of London: The new vampires, like the zompires before them, are leaving a trail of victims for the local police and Angel to pursue …
Guest artist Derlis Santacruz, from the new Spike OGN!
“One of the all-time great epics of the medium.” -- Garth Ennis (Preacher)
THE COMPLETE ELFQUEST VOL 1: THE ORIGINAL QUEST (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: WENDI PINI
Writer: RICHARD PINI
B&W, 720 pages, $24.99
TPB, 7" x 9 3/4"
ElfQuest from the beginning!
Discover the legendary ElfQuest! Chief Cutter and the Wolfriders are driven from their forest home by threat of annihilation. As they wander an ever-changing landscape in search of a new home, they are confronted by fearful and vengeful humans, power-hungry trolls, and other mysterious elfin tribes. Alliances are forged, enemies discovered, and savage battles fought in this epic fantasy adventure! Collects ElfQuest #1-20.
• The entire Original Quest in stunning black and white, under one cover!
• Winner of the Golden Pen Award from the Young Adult Advisory Committee!
• A value-priced 720-page collection!
• Celebrate 35 years of ElfQuest!
I loved ElfQuest when it came out 35 years ago, but I can't imagine devoting the time necessary to re-read it now. Maybe it's because there was such a paucity of fantasy material on the stands in 1979, and now there's so more competition.FEAR AGENT VOL 5: I AGAINST I (2ND ED TPB)
Writer: RICK REMENDER
Art/Cover: TONY MOORE
Pencils: MIKE HAWTHORNE
Inks: JOHN LUCAS
Colors: LEE LOUGHRIDGE
FC, 120 pages, $16.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
Rick Remender/Tony Moore!
Heath Huston, the last Fear Agent, finds himself marooned on the desolate Planet Westx, populated by gun-slinging robots, venomous mutants, and buxom cowgirls. Creators Rick Remender and Tony Moore reunite to bring you the good, the bad, and the ugly in a sci-fi western shot through the heart! Collects issues #22-27.
“[Fear Agent] is the rarest of the rare; pure action mixed with an intense look at humanity.” -- Comics Bulletin
JUICE SQUEEZERS VOL 1: THE GREAT BUG ELEVATOR (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: DAVID LAPHAM
Colors: LEE LOUGHRIDGE
FC, 128 pages, $12.99
TPB, 6" x 9"
Tunnels made by a legion of giant bugs crisscross the fields below Weeville, and only one thing can stop them from overrunning this quaint California town: the Juice Squeezers. A covert group of scrawny tweens, the Squeezers are the only ones who can fit into the cramped subterranean battlefield and fight the insects on the frontlines! Collects stories from Dark Horse Presents #26-28 and issues #1-4 of the miniseries.
A new series from Eisner Award winner David Lapham (Stray Bullets, The Strain).
"Juice Squeezers is a lot of fun with a grotesque edge, a series that kids can read, but probably shouldn’t if it’s close to bedtime." -- The Onion’s AV Club
THE VICTORIES #14
Writer/Art/Cover: MICHAEL AVON OEMING
Colors: NICK FILARDI
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
Metatron Returns!
Faustus sits at the place of Ascension, but is he ready to meet the Visitors? Will he go back to the dark path that could lead to his ruin ... and that of humanity?
• By the Eisner Award–winning cocreator of Powers!
• Bloodstained final issue next month!
“The Victories never lets me down.” -- Comic Bastards
OH MY GODDESS! VOL 46 (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: KOSUKE FUJISHIMA
B&W, 176 pages, $12.99
TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 3/16"
20th Anniversary Volume!
Somewhere inside the Judgment Gate, the minstrel learns the sad truth about the lady of the lake. Happiness can defy their fate for a time ... but in the end, it will only turn to sadness again. So Keiichi and Belldandy are told by the power above them -- but a couple who’ve prevailed on Earth and in Hell aren’t about to give up their love ... even against Heaven!
America’s longest-running manga series!
I haven't read a single page of this, but anything that runs 46 volumes has got to have something going for it!
THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG (HC)
Writer/Art/Cover: P. CRAIG RUSSELL
Colors: LOVERN KINDZIERSKI
FC, 448 pages, $29.99
HC, 7" x 10"
P. CRAIG RUSSELL’S FANTASY EPIC!
Giants plot against gods, who in turn tear human lovers apart, while the lives of great warriors are ruined, and murder after murder is committed in the name of love and gold. Collects The Ring of the Nibelung Volumes 1 and 2.
• Includes behind-the-scenes production art, notes by the artist, and scans of original art.
• The Eisner Award–winning series, collected in one deluxe volume.
Hasn't this come out once already? Maybe I'm thinking of the Roy Thomas/Gil Kane version.
SKYMAN VOL 1: THE RIGHT STUFF (TPB)
Writer: JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Pencils: MANUEL GARCIA
Inks: BIT
Colors: MARTA MARTINEZ
Cover: FREDDIE WILLIAMS II, DAN SCOTT
FC, 112 pages, $14.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
After an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Captain Midnight, the Skyman Program turns to US Air Force Sgt. Eric Reid: a wounded veteran looking for a new lease on life. They tried to make the perfect weapon, but they got a hero instead. Collects the four-issue miniseries.
Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov (The Bunker, Ultimate FF)!
“Dark Horse has really done something brilliant with their new superhero comics, and this one is another feather in their hat.” -- Comic Book Therapy
I've threatened to sample this for a while now, so I guess now it's time to put up or shut up.
TRIGUN MAXIMUM OMNIBUS VOL 4 (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: YASUHIRO NIGHTOW
B&W, 672 pages, $19.99
TPB, 5" x 7"
A TRIPLE SHOT OF TRIGUN!
While Vash the Stampede fights to stop his evil brother, Knives, from exterminating humanity on planet Gunsmoke, a fleet of Earth starships arrives to rescue their long-lost human brethren. Can they avert genocide if Vash fails, or will Knives ramrod the last roundup? Collects previously published Trigun Maximum volumes 10, 11, and 12.
International hit anime and manga and a Cartoon Network Adult Swim mainstay.
“Everything we’ve come to expect from Nightow, all done up in his signature style.”-- Comic Attack
USAGI YOJIMBO: SENSO #1 (of 6)
Writer/Art/Cover: STAN SAKAI
Cover Colors: TOM LUTH
B&W, 24 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Usagi Yojimbo meets H.G. Wells!
Twenty years in his future, Miyamoto Usagi fights as a general for Lord Noriyuki, against the treacherous Lord Hikiji. In the fury of the final battle, a metal rocket crashes to earth—and inside is an enemy that neither side could have ever imagined! Witness the final fates of your favorite Usagi characters, in this all-new samurai epic with a startling science fiction twist!
• From multiple–Eisner award-winning creator Stan Sakai!
• An all new story set in Usagi’s future!
Celebrating Usagi’s 30th anniversary!
Replies
DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #34
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
DC UNIVERSE SELFIE variant cover
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
And now “Last Sun”, the penultimate chapter in the “SUPERMAN: DOOMED” saga as Earth lies in ruins and everyone’s survival is in question!
I haven't read a lick of this, but just from the covers I can tell it's a far superior story to "The Death of Superman."
Art by AARON KUDER and KEN LASHLEY
Cover by AARON KUDER
48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
As an epic space battle rages above the Earth, how will humanity and the other heroes of the DC Universe cope with this Day of Doom?
Art by LAN MEDINA and ALLEN MARTINEZ
Cover by JOE PRADO
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
As Aquaman lies impaled with his own trident, the ancient evil of Legend finally claims possession of the Others’ Atlantean artifacts – except for one. And for that one, Legend must take it from the resurrected Vostok X!
Art by TY TEMPLETON
Cover by ALEX ROSS
32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED E
DIGITAL FIRST
Robin and Kato … hostages of The Joker and General Gumm?! Even worse, the kidnapped crime fighters are forced into a battle to the death by the Dastardly Duo. With their purloined partners in peril, Batman and the Green Hornet have no choice but to work together. Will they be able to track down the hidden location of the captives’ cage match before either of their partners goes down for the count?
How can this NOT be awesome?
Art and cover by FRANK MILLER and KLAUS JANSON
64 pg, FC, $1.00 US
Batman’s 75th anniversary is here, and to celebrate, DC Entertainment is offering a series of promotionally priced specials that capture the Dark Knight’s greatest moments! Frank Miller’s all-time classic adventure kicks things off, with this excerpt from the original DARK KNIGHT RETURNS #1!
Art by ANDY CLARKE
Cover by ALEX GARNER
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Batgirl, Batwoman and Jason Todd race to find evidence that may save Commissioner Gordon!
Art by EDUARDO PANSICA
Cover by DAN PANOSIAN
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
It’s the final issue of BATWING – but what is the final fate of Luke Fox?
Art by SZYMON KUDRANSKI, ACO and BENI LOBEL
Cover by HOWARD PORTER
144 pg, FC, $14.99 US
John Constantine has suffered a major loss at the hands of a former protégé. With his vault of mystical weapons now in the hands of his greatest enemies, John Constantine must battle Sargon and the Cult of the Cold Flame with nothing but his wits in these tales from issues #7-12!
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
DC UNIVERSE SELFIE variant cover
1:25 Variant cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
This issue will ship with four covers.
Batman is faced with an unsolvable mystery: a dead friend, an unknown assailant and a drug called “Icarus.” Has the World’s Greatest Detective finally been outmatched?
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT
Cover by J.G. JONES
DC UNIVERSE SELFIE variant cover
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will arrive in stores with two covers.
Val and Lantern battle Superman with Earth’s fate hanging in the balance when a familiar faces arrives on Earth 2 via the Boom Tube to turn the tide!
Art by RUSS BRAUN
Cover by ADAM HUGHES
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
At the Farm, all the talking animals, birds and other non-humans discover that to get what they wish for will depend on the luck of the draw. And while a spider in Haven longs for the chance to be with his love, Reynard discovers that his attempts to woo a fairytale princess have earned him a one-way trip to a whole heap of trouble. The final arc of FAIREST continues here!
Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN
DC UNIVERSE SELFIE variant cover
1:25 Variant cover by CHAD HARDIN
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will arrive in stores with three covers.
Grayson digs deeper into the mysterious organization known as SPYRAL and learns more about his new partner – Helena Bertinelli!
Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
If Oliver Queen is to survive, he must face not only his past sins but also his current ones, symbolized by Richard Dragon and his Longbow Hunters!
Sometimes reading New 52 descriptions is like having the references of a lifetime of reading comics thrown into a blender.
Art by MARTIN COCCOLO
Cover by BILLY TAN
DC UNIVERSE SELFIE variant cover
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $3.99 US
This issue will ship with three covers.
In the bloody wake of “UPRISING,” Hal is forced to take stock and ask if he’s really managed to redeem the Green Lantern Corps …and new Lantern Simon Baz may help him find the answer he seeks! And don’t miss the shocking final pages, which signal the start of the biggest Lantern story yet!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
You know, if DC and/or Geoff Johns want to establish Hal Jordan as "the greatest Green Lantern of them all," then perhaps he ought to do something to earn that title once in a while.
Art by FRANCESCO TRIFOGLI
Cover by GREG TOCCHINI
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
There’s no place to hide for Jon and Prosper when the Graf Orlock and the Vampire Nation are hot for their blood. Meanwhile, there’s a seismic shift of power amongst the Sidhe. Long live Queen Tersia!
Art and cover by HOWARD PORTER
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It‘s the event you’ve been waiting for: the Five face the force of a united Justice League. Meanwhile, Ariel Masters, the “mother” of the JL, makes a critical decision about the team’s future.
Art by WALTER CARZON and HORACIO OTTOLINI
Cover by SCOTT GROSS
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E
From swiping shampoo from hotels to sneaking into movies, no crime will escape Daffy Duck – as officer Duck Quackahan! Follow Daffy and his rookie partner Porky Pig as they turn the town inside out trying to catch the notorious Yosemite Sam and his gang.
Art by AARON LOPRESTI
Cover by RYAN SOOK
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Cadmus Island turns against itself as the Earth 2 prisoners break out!
Art: Kenneth Rocafort & Various
Cover: Kenneth Rocafort
$24.99
In this new hardcover collecting SUPERMAN #18-24 and SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2, the Queen of H.I.V.E. has placed Hector Hammond's thoughts deep in Superman's mind in an effort to control the Man of Steel. But the merging of Hammond and the Superman's minds brings about vivid hallucinations that cause Superman to experience different realities -- and view longtime allies as deadly threats! Guest starring Orion and Wonder Woman!
Art/Cover: Kenneth Rocafort
$14.99
Art and cover by ED BENES
48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Only an Annual could contain this chapter of “SUPERMAN: DOOMED”! It’s an all-out assault by the heroes of Earth (superpowered and not) on the God of War, Wonder Woman, who’s leading the charge against all manner of alien attackers. The monstrous Superman smashes through everything friend or foe as his de-evolution reaches a critical stage. It all leads to their best hope: the Phantom Zone?!
Art by JAVI PINA
Cover by JESUS SAIZ
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
“The Wolf and The Lady” concludes with a knife in Swamp Thing’s back – literally! If the former Avatars of the Green find a new source of power, it’s bad news for everyone – but most of all for Swamp Thing!
Sure, those tattoos seem cool now, but later in life she'll discover that they'll make it harder to get a good job.
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED E
The Tiny Titans seek the help of Billy Batson to see if they can build their new treehouse on magical Mount Olympus! But what happens to the Tiny Titans when they say Billy’s magic word? Check out the latest issue in this Eisner Award-winning series to find out! SHAZAM!
Mature/$16.99
The amazing eight-issue miniseries by award-winning writer/artist Jeff Lemire is collected in this mind-blowing new collection! Two souls separated by thousands of years and hundreds of millions of miles will fall in love and, as a result, bring about the end of the universe. Even though reality is unraveling all around them, nothing can pull them apart. This isn't just a love story, it's the LAST love story ever told.
Art by FERNANDO BLANCO
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
To atone for his greatest sin, the Stranger must first battle his inner demons – all of them!
Art: Jheremy Raapack & Various
Cover: Samwise Didier, Alex Horley
$16.99
In this WORLD OF WARCRAFT original graphic novel, the Cataclysm rips through Azeroth as Warchief Garrosh Hellscream orders the best warriors of the Horde to come forward and serve in a new army, lest their foes in the Alliance sense weakness and attack. Will they be able to work together against an unfamiliar race claiming to be the real rulers of Azeroth?
DYNAMITE
BLOOD QUEEN #3
Art: Fritz Casas
Cover: Jay Anacleto, Alé Garza
FC, 32pgs $3.99
Rumors of war circulate in the kingdom. As the lands slide toward conflict, we learn more about the dangerous plans of the elder. Who was the Knight of Purity, and what does his wrath have to do with Elizabeth’s mission? And in a castle full of secrets, does innocent Helena hold the key to the most useful one of all?
OK, that cover at top left is reallllllly creepy.
Art: NATHAN FOX, JIM RUGG, ULISES FARINAS
Cover: NATHAN FOX
FC, 32pgs, $3.99
In one of Dynamite's most exciting new projects to-date, the acclaimed creative team of Haunt, Joe Casey and Nathan Fox, take on a reimagining of one of Jack Kirby's most incredible creations: Captain Victory! Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers #1 will be available both in comic book stores and digitally! Issue #1 also features interior art by Jim Rugg and Ulises Farinas, with a cover by Nathan Fox, this comic is bound to amaze Kirby enthusiasts everywhere!
In Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers #1, Captain Victory is launched into an epic adventure that spans both space and time! All your favorites are here -- as well as all-new enemies to face! Your new favorite cosmic comic book has finally arrived!
"As a fan, this was the first Kirby creation I was in on the ground floor of ... so to be writing this series is a big deal and a huge honor," says writer Joe Casey. "And we've got some of the best artists in the business -- a lot of my favorite artists, in fact -- to turn this thing into a jam of cosmic proportions. And just like Kirby always did, we're going to be pushing the envelope in all sorts of cool ways."
"I am very pleased to announce that one of my father's iconic characters will once again be part of the world of Dynamite Entertainment," adds the Trustee of the Kirby Family Estate, Lisa Kirby. "Nick Barrucci has brought together a very talented team of people, which include writer Joe Casey and artist Nathan Fox. Through them Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers will be introduced to a whole new generation, and for those already familiar with The Captain and his team, I am sure you'll be entertained as well!"
"We've wanted to relaunch the universe of characters by the late, great Jack Kirby, but wanted to wait for the right creative team to help us reintroduce the characters to comic fans," states Dynamite CEO/Publisher Nick Barrucci. "Joe Casey is a huge fan, and is bringing his own voice to these fantastic characters. We spoke about the direction he thought would engage fans, and Nathan Fox's participation just sealed the deal. This series has been in the works for over a year as both Joe and Nathan had to fit it in to their schedules, and we did not wish to rush the series. I have to say, I couldn't be happier. Fans are going to be ecstatic with Joe and Nathan's story and art for the series."
And read what the other Captain Victory artists have to say!
"Honored to be working with Kirby's cast of characters and expanding the world of Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers with Joe Casey," states artist Nathan Fox. "But the six-foot tall cherry on top of it all is getting to collaborate with such an insanely talented rogue's gallery of awesomeness. This is easily one of those mind-blowing storyteller's gigs. So humbled by the crew and looking forward to what all that Joe and the rest of us have in store for Captain Victory."
"To draw some of Kirby's craziest inventions with Joe Casey orchestrating the thing and to make a kick ass jam comic with some of the best cartoonists in the industry today: these are the reasons I wake up in the morning." -- Michel Fiffe
"Captain Victory is one of Jack Kirby's last comic books. It is an honor and thrill to work with his characters. It's also cosmic! Cosmic is very fun to draw! I'm excited for people to see my Captain Victory work and I'm excited to work with and be part of the team of cartoonists that Dynamite has assembled to create this new Captain Victory book." -- Jim Rugg
"I'm a huge Kirby fanatic, so obviously it's a huge honor and a thrill to work on Captain Victory! And to be in such great company with all these amazing artists...it doesn't take a genius to figure out how stellar this project is going to be." -- Jim Mahfood
"Working with Joe (Casey) is always a pleasure," says Dynamite CEO / Publisher Nick Barrucci. "Joe's vision for Captain Victory is jaw dropping-ly great and that we're excited in the direction he's taking the series in!"
Art: Mirka Andolfo
Cover: Emanuela Lupacchino, Tim Seeley, Nei Ruffino
Subscription Variant: José Luis
FC, 32pgs (4 of 6) $3.99
A war for the fate of the world has erupted between Mistress Hel, and the vampire queen, Purgatori! The vampire-assassin, Chastity has a new target -- homicidal super-zombie, Evil Ernie! It’s a brutal, take-no-prisoners brawl between Chaos!’s favorite undead death-dealers, as reality takes one step closer to total Chaos!
Some of those outfits look like they'd chafe.
Art: Dave Acosta
Cover: Emanuela Lupacchino
Subscription Variant: Tim Seeley
FC, 32pgs $3.99
After last issue’s bloody ending, Chastity struggles to live! But, even if she survives, will she be human, vampire, or something else entirely? And the brazen — and horrific actions — of the malevolent Alyce Stonecliff bring her some most unwanted attention! Who are the Council?! The all-new origin of the classic CHAOS! character continues here!
Art: EVAN SHANER
Covers: MARC LAMING
Teen +/32 pages
ON SALE DATE: July 16
JEFF PARKER (Batman '66, Aquaman), EVAN SHANER (Adventures Of Superman) & JORDIE BELLAIRE (Moon Knight) bring the thrilling first Flash arc to a stunning conclusion! Can Flash Gordon harness the awesome antigravity ore in Prince Barin's Arboria, and lead the masses against Ming The Merciless??????
Art: Tommy Patterson
Cover: Mike S. Miller
Mature / 32 pages / $3.99
ON SALE DATE: November 27
To the victors belong the spoils: thus has it always been for the savage nomads of the Dothraki. But when Daenerys finds that the spoils include helpless women, she intercedes - triggering angry dissension between Khal Drogo and his men. Drogo's word is law... yet the strange ways of his Targaryen bride undercut his authority. Now wounded, Drogo is weaker still. Yet help comes from an unexpected quarter: among the rescued women, a healer steps forward, eager to repay her debt.
Dynamite seems to have lost all the George R.R. Martin comic-book adaptations, except this one. Well, if all you get to keep is one, this is the one you want to keep! Or maybe the contract only runs through this book.
JENNIFER BLOOD: BORN AGAIN #1 (OF 5)
Art: KEWBAR BAAL
Cover: STEPHEN SEGOVIA
MATURE THEMES
FC, 32pgs, $3.99
Famous for writing one of the defining series of The Punisher with Mike Zeck, Steven Grant takes on Jennifer Blood with Jennifer Blood: Born Again! Dynamite is privileged to be working with the creator and writer of Boom!'s 2 Guns for the very first time on such a special project. Joining Steven on the comic will be interior artist Kewber Baal, with covers by Stephen Segovia!
In Jennifer Blood: Born Again #1, the streets of La-La Land run red when Jennifer Blood returns to declare a new war on the mobs. Or does she? As a low-level hood plots to leverage her in a bid to take over the Los Angeles underworld, her war attracts some very dangerous attention and unexpectedly sets a lethal international chain of events in motion. A deadly new direction from writer Steven Grant!
"I don't play with other people's toys much anymore, but Jennifer Blood was too juicy a prospect to pass up. As one of Garth's greatest creations, she was pure psychopulp, that's what I love about her, and the psychopulp is what we're going for as we bring her back from the precipice after she has lost everything, and give her a new focus, a new home and a new direction. She used to be crazy, with a thick veneer of sane hiding it. Now she's chillingly sane, but it's crazy-sane. She has been a lot of fun." -- Steven Grant
"Steven is well versed in the world of all things hard-boiled and he's bringing all those skills to this new series of Jennifer Blood." -- Joseph Rybandt, Dynamite Senior Editor
"I've known Steven for 20 years, and since Dynamite began publishing 10 years ago I've wanted to work with Steve," states Dynamite CEO/Publisher Nick Barrucci. "His incredible body of work ranges from The Hulk to the Avengers, and was the first writer to turn the Punisher into one of Marvel's leading characters, and of course now 2 Guns. It's rewarding that a writer of Steven's caliber is finally working with us, and on an extremely important character to Dynamite -- Jennifer Blood."
It looks to me like Jennifer has visited a Los Angeles plastic surgeon since her last series! won't those things throw off her aim?
Art: Carlos Gomez
Cover: Stjepan Sejic
FC, 32pgs $3.99
What do you do when you’re outnumbered by scores of vampires and your only allies are three inexperienced wizards and some frightened scholars? If you’re Harry Dresden… you attack! But even as Harry risks everything in an attempt to shatter the Red Court’s defenses, a mystery threat prowls the nearby woods, ready to overturn the chessboard. Meanwhile, the supernatural WMD hidden in the Venatoris’ underground chamber waits to be freed …
Teen +/32 pages
ON SALE DATE: July 16
"The Game's afoot!" Sherlock Holmes famously said- -- and a half century after the legendary sleuth pursued criminals in the foggy streets of London, The Shadow finds himself in the footsteps of Holmes, drawn into the hunt for a conspiracy that will, if it succeeds, will bring the free world to its knees.
Why does Margo look like Jimmy Olsen in drag?
Art: PIOTR KOWALSKI
Cover: JAE LEE
MATURE THEMES
FC, 32pgs $2.99
Dynamite is proud to present the second book in a series of creator-driven comics, featuring all new characters from the industry's best and brightest! TERMINAL HERO is written by the acclaimed author Peter Milligan (Shade: The Changing Man, X-Statix, Doop, Hellblazer) working with us for the first time, and accompanied by the incredible art of Piotr Kowalski! Single issues in this line will be priced at $2.99 MSRP, allowing fans the opportunity to affordably try all of the new series! And to help retailers stock up with confidence, each launch issue will be completely returnable! To sweeten the deal for fans and retailers alike, TERMINAL HERO #1 will feature covers by the legendary Jae Lee!
In Terminal Hero #1, Rory Fletcher is a good man. The problem is, he's dying of an inoperable brain tumor. And then his best friend introduces him to the mysterious Treatment Q. This strange and forbidden therapy might just save Rory's life, but its nightmarish side effects could make him question just how good he really is, and just how much he really wants to live.
"Terminal Hero is the book I had to write, right now," says Terminal Hero writer Peter Milligan. "It's simply unlike anything I've ever written -- or read. This book laughs in the face of fear. The journey is dark, the road is littered with horrors, but it's one hell of a ride."
"Peter Milligan is one of the greatest comic writers of all time, and he's bringing his unique vision, in this hard-edged look at the nature of life, death and ultimate power." -- Joseph Rybandt, Dynamite Senior Editor
"We're extremely excited about our Creators Unleashed line," states Dynamite CEO/Publisher Nick Barrucci. "This line of books are all new worlds and characters that are creator driven, and with a line-up featuring Peter Milligan, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Rick Remender, Duane Swierczynski, James Robinson and more to be announced, we couldn't have a better roster of creators. With Peter Milligan launching one of the first series with Terminal Hero, fans and retailers can see that we're targeting the Vertigo and Image audience with our line up. This is an exciting initiative for us working with new creative voices, and cannot wait for fans to read and enjoy."
I read an interesting article recently about variant covers by some industry vets. I've wondered why some publishers, like Dynamite and Zenescope, use so many of them -- and the answer is as simple as it is, in retrospect, obvious. Evidently the margin for a title's success for smaller publishers is far more critical than for larger publishers, and the variant covers -- which some readers of a given book will buy all of, or at least a few -- may be just the push the title needs to make it into the black.
I mention that, because here's a first issue by variant-crazy Dynamite, without any variants. I can only conclude that they must have a lot of confidence in it.
Art/Cover: Marc Laming
FC, 32pgs, $3.99
Hot off of the best-selling The Punisher and Black Widow comics from Marvel, Nathan Edmondson brings you another issue of the thrilling series, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Echoes. The trail of terror leads to a cruise liner off the coast of Barcelona, but nothing makes sense to Sam and Paladin, who must take another step into the darkness around the mysterious and deadly group. But first, Sam will have to seek the help of a powerful friend -- one of the only friends he still has. What started as a simple favor is quickly turning into a global battle for the operative who thought he was out of the game!
Art: Patrick Berkenkotter
Cover: Terry Dodson
Ultra-Limited "Virgin Art" Variant: Jenny Frison
Subscription Variant: Stephanie Buscema
FC, 32pgs $3.99
Best-Selling author nancy Collins continues her epic run on vampirella! After escaping the Witches Hammer -- the Vatican’s elite monster-killing squad led by Father Nicodemus -- Vampirella’s new-found ally, the nosferatu known as Drago, reveals that the only way to lift the curse placed on her by Ethan Shroud that is slowly making her a living vessel for Umbra, our Lady of Shadows and Bride of the Apocalypse, is for her to drink the blood of certain rare species of vampire. The first stop on their monster world tour is Thailand, where Vampirella must hunt down and kill a horrific creature known as the Krasue -- which appears only at night as the head of a beautiful woman -- attached to nothing but a heart, a pair of lungs and a mass of entrails!
Previews keeps calling this book New Vampirella, but I don't see "New" on that cover anywhere. Besides, with Terry Dodson and Jenny Frison covers, who's looking at the title?
IDW PUBLICATIONS
ANGRY BIRDS COMICS #3
Art: CORRADO MASTANTUONO & VARIOUS
Cover: CESAR FERIOLI
Subscription Variant: JAROD GECEK
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
A stick, a rubber band, some birds, a few pigs … what else do a pair of Eisner-nominated writers need to make comics fun again? YOU! Join us as we catapult into the third issue of Angry Birds Comics featuring brand new, fun-filled stories for kids of every age!
• Number one best-selling iOS app of all time!
• Over 2 billion downloads. Yes, not a typo. 2 BILLION!
Art: NICK BRADSHAW
Cover: J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
TPB • FC • $17.99 • 104 pages
Abbey and Sydney Savage go undercover to infiltrate an all-girl biker gang after a powerful and mysterious Native American artifact is stolen. From the black hills of California to the white sands of Daytona Beach, the girls take a wild ride into the dangerous world of espionage, motorcycles, and black magic to track down the priceless item.
Long out of print, this is the first IDW Edition of this classic Danger Girl tale!
Art/Cover: DAN SCHOENING
TPB • FC • $17.99 • 104 pages
A Ghostbusters 30th anniversary celebration that will shake the boys and girls in grey to their core! Gozer the Gozerian, the Destructor, was once drawn to Manhattan, but could not complete his work. That's the good news. The bad news is that he isn't the only god who has taken notice of Earth.
Collects issues #13–16.
Art/Cover: S L GALLANT
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Torpedo and his team race against the clock in the mountains of Olliestan, with Dr. Adele Burkhart in tow. Will they make it out in one piece or will the pursuing insurgents take down our Real American Heroes?
Sketch variant cover by Larry Hama!
Art: TIM SEELEY, JAVIER SICILIA, MIKE BEAR
Cover: S L GALLANT
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 136 pages
A former teammate turned enemy seeks the answers for a past that is hidden from even himself, and the Baroness, one of the Cobra's most deadly members, is at large and visiting violent retribution on all her enemies.
Collects issues #19–24 of G.I. JOE: America's Elite.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Pre-Code comic fans have been SCREAMING about Haunted Horror! Join these guys and ghouls in ordering the terrifyingly fun full-color comic reprinting the choicest banned comics from the 1950s -- and join the cult-like fiendishly friendly horde on the Horror Comics: 1950s and Beyond page on Facebook!
Art & Cover by SAM KIETH
Subscription Variant: LOSTON WALLACE
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
It's the Martians' warlike Nature vs the human tendency to Nurture, as "First Born" hits its penultimate point! Will the first Martian born on Earth succumb to its biologically barbaric imperative? Things take a turn for the bizarre as Ryall and Kieth build to an explosive conclusion to their latest partnership!
FC • 52 pages • $3.99
We all know Popeye gets his strength from his beloved spinach, but what is this crazy "Shrink Weed" the one-eyed sailor ingests in the lead story? Plus another fun-filled Bud Sagendorf "Sherm" story -- and MORE!
Art by AL KILGORE, FRED FREDERICKS, JERRY ROBINSON, MEL CRAWFORD & more
Cover by AL KILGORE
TPB • FC • $17.99 • 124 pages
The earliest comic book adventures of America's favorite moose and squirrel are collected here in Rocky & Bullwinkle Classics. Presenting re-mastered stories from Gold Key comics #5-8, enjoy classic moose-adventures like "Underwater Moose," "Petty Piracy," "Vacational Therapy," "Muscle Bound Moose," "Roll Call," "Dud Ringer" and many more.
Includes tales from Peabody and Sherman, Dudley Do-Right, and the whole gang.
Art: DAVE GIBBONS, COLIN WILSON
Cover: JOHN MCCREA
Subscription Variant: DAVE GIBBONS
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Clone war! Nu-Earth, a planet ravaged by war, its atmosphere poisoned by chemical weapons. In this battle-scarred landscape, the Norts and Southers fight where only the Genetic Infantrymen can survive unaided. Rogue is one such soldier, and these are his tales ... all in color for the very first time!
Art/Cover: TRISTAN JONES
Subscription Variant: JUSTIN RANDALL
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The nightmare-inducing series based on the hit video game series Silent Hill by Konami Digital Entertainment (“Konami”) returns to IDW this summer with a brand new chapter, Silent Hill Downpour: Anne’s Story. Featuring the dark origins of Downpour’s enigmatic antagonist, this new comic book series will delve deeper into the history of prison guard Anne Marie Cunningham … as well as further explore the fog-shrouded haunted town that is caught between realities.
Introduced in Silent Hill Downpour, officer Anne Cunningham set out on a bloody quest for revenge. The mystery surrounding her journey to Silent Hill, and the terrors she faced upon her arrival will finally be revealed, giving readers an entirely new perspective on the acclaimed video game.
Having written both previous Silent Hill series at IDW, Sinner’s Reward and Past Life, as well as co-written the video game, Silent Hill Downpour, Tom Waltz returns to the foggy town that bleeds horror.
“This will be my fourth foray as a writer into the dark side streets and alleyways of everyone’s favorite haunted vacation town and I couldn’t be more excited,” said Waltz. “More so because we finally get to share Anne Marie Cunningham’s canonical backstory, a mystery only hinted at until now. In our new story we can finally present all her grim and dirty secrets to Silent Hill fans, old and new alike.”
Diving head first into Silent Hill is Australian artist Tristan Jones (Ghostbusters, Hoax Hunters), who is handling covers and interior art.
Debuting this August, Silent Hill Downpour: Anne’s Story opens up a whole new experience for fans and players, and stands tall as an horrifying tale all it’s own! Catch up on the previous Silent Hill series’ anytime on read.idwpublishing.com.
Subscription Variant: MENTON3
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The Squidder steals back a slave for a local strong man, only to realize success with the job means upsetting the fragile balance of human power. With the aid of the very Squid cult he hates, he realizes there's a new game afoot and an old war still worth fighting, while more powerful eyes finally start to take notice.
Art/Cover: FRANCO CESPEDES
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The Ghosts of the Past: Orasmas' terrible new weapon forces Arylos to make a tremendous sacrifice. Darien learns of the horrors in the Sarru Kishpu's past and Orasmas' wicked plan to destroy the empire.
Star Mage has been called “Part Ender’s Game, part Last Starfighter, even part Star Wars.”
Art: J. K. Woodward
Cover: Juan Ortiz
From IDW Publishing. For the first time ever, a visual presentation of the much-discussed, unrevised, unadulterated version of Harlan Ellison's award-winning Star Trek teleplay script, "The City on the Edge of Forever!" This Hugo- and Writer's Guild of America Award-winning teleplay has been much discussed for decades but only here can you see the story as Mr. Ellison originally intended!
FC • 48 pages • $7.99
John Byrne continues his new Star Trek photonovel adventures! In “Core,” from the raging heart of the galaxy comes a message that summons the crew of the Starship: Enterprise on their most bizarre and dangerous mission. A message sent by their own captain … 10 centuries earlier!
Art: GIL KANE, PAUL REINMAN, JOHN GIUNTA, CHIC STONE, OGDEN WHITNEY, DAN ADKINS, WALLY WOOD, MIKE SEKOWSKY, FRANK GIACOIA, MANNY STALLMAN, GEORGE TUSKA
Cover: RYAN BROWN
TPB • FC • $29.99 • 208 pages
The original classic adventures of Dynamo, NoMan, Menthor, and more from T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents issue #11, NoMan #1–2, and Dynamo #3.
Features the artwork of Wally Wood, Dan Adkins, Mike Sekowsky, Chic Stone and more.
Art: Jeff Anderson & Various
Cover: Andrew Wildman
$29.99
Art & Cover by WALTER SIMONSON
HC Portfolio • BW • $30.00 net item • 12.5" x 18" • 22 pages
Stephen King's The Lawnmower Man is a classic short story that was the basis for a hit motion picture. But, more importantly, it was adapted for comics by King himself, and drawn by legendary comics artist Walter Simonson. Only published once, in a rare Marvel magazine, this is the first time since 1981 that The Lawnmower Man has been available to comic readers. Printed to the exacting standards of all Artist's Editions, this portfolio is a must-have item for Simonson and King fans alike!
• Stephen King's original adaptation of his own short story!
• Out of print for more than 30 years!
I don't know how "rare" the Marvel magazine is that contains this story, since I remember reading it, and it must be lurking somewhere in the Comics Cave. I don't remember much more, which may indicate why it's been out of print for 30 years. Just a guess.
Art/Cover: Butch Guice
$3.99
Winter is coming early! All new stories based on the Chuck Dixon/Jorge Zaffino classic! The apocalyptic international comics sensation of an Earth turned to an icy hell is back with Dixon returning to script and Butch Guice doing some of the best work of his illustrious artistic career as they take on the bleak and frozen future. Follow Scully and Wynn from their icy home of Wintersea into a killing wasteland where the coldest place is the human heart.
IMAGE COMICS
ALEX + ADA #8
Art / Cover: JONATHAN LUNA
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
As restrictions tighten on androids, Ada feels unsure about her place in Alex’s life and the world.
Art / Cover: JUAN JOSE RYP & ANDY TROY
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
To kill or not to kill: a deep divide pits the clones against one another, just as an old enemy returns ...
Art: MARCO TURINI & STJEPAN SEJIC
Cover: MARC SILVESTRI
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
CYBER FORCE REUNITED
All Stryker ever wanted was to live the remainder of his life in obscurity and enjoy the relative peace and quiet -- but first he will need to lead an army into the maw of Cyber Data and its thousands of SHOCs!
This "monthly" book seems to come out about three times a year. Is it worth the wait, y'all?
GENIUS #1
Art / Cover: AFUA RICHARDSON
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.99
GENIUS ISSUES 1-5, WEEKLY THROUGHOUT AUGUST
The Winner of Top Cow’s Pilot Season makes its triumphant return to print!.
From writers Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman (Alphas, X-Men Origins: Nightcrawler, The Authority, The Highwaymen), rising-star artist Afua Richardson, and Top Cow’s Minotaur Press comes GENIUS. A harrowing, action-packed tale of a city that declares war on a brilliant young woman pushed to the edge. Complete in five parts, every issue of GENIUS will ship weekly in August.
What if the greatest military mind of our generation was born to a people who are already supremely conditioned to wage war, who know nothing but violence since birth and must continually adapt to new predators in order to survive? What if the second coming of Alexander the Great, of Genghis Khan, of Napoleon, of Patton ... what if it was a teenaged girl from South Central, L.A. named Destiny? And what if she decides to secede three blocks of the ‘hood from the Union? Who is going to take it back from her and her army of gangbangers? Who CAN?
"We're thrilled to be part of Image's roster of the new and different,” said Bernardin. “This story -- about an urban revolutionary's war on systemic injustice -- is one Adam and I have been wanting to tell for a very long time."
All five issues of GENIUS will be available weekly, throughout August. GENIUS #1 arrives in stores on 8/6 for $3.99. Issue #2 will be available on 8/13, #3 will be available on 8/20, #4 will be available on 8/27 and #5 will be available on 8/27.
Art: EMILIO LAISO
Cover: STEFANO CASELLI
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
After escaping Morinto’s cave, Cassie and Delroy take to the desert to track the mysterious boy the monsters were holding captive. Their search leads them to the Scalpers, a gnarly group that doesn’t take kindly to visitors. Meanwhile, Morinto confronts the mythical God Beast.
Art / Cover: TOM FOWLER & JORDIE BELLAIRE
32 PAGES / FC / E / $2.99
The awe-inspiring, adventure-loving, science-doing series co-created by EAST OF WEST's NICK DRAGOTTA returns with an all-new story from superstar creators FRED VAN LENTE, TOM FOWLER and JORDIE BELLAIRE!
Tuck and Celine's parents put their family in suspended animation to ride out the ecological apocalypse -- but when the kids wake up to find Mom & Dad are gone, they have to make their way across a brave and terrifying new world to find the ‘rents...using only their Howtoons projects to survive!
IDS SCIENCE IN HOWTOONS: (RE)IGNITION
Comic series with DIY projects kids and parents can learn from and enjoy together
The awe-inspiring, adventure-loving, science-doing, energy-literacy series co-created by EAST OF WEST’s Nick Dragotta returns with an all-new story from superstar creators Fred Van Lente (Incredible Hercules, Action Philosophers), Tom Fowler (Mysterius), and Jordie Bellaire (PRETTY DEADLY) in HOWTOONS: (RE)IGNITION #1.
Tuck and Celine’s parents put their family in suspended animation to ride out the ecological apocalypse -- but when the kids wake up to find Mom & Dad are gone, they have to make their way across an exciting and sometimes scary new world to find the ‘rents … depending on only their HOWTOONS projects to survive!
“I was thrilled and honored Nick and Ingrid [Dragotta] asked me to be part of the Howtoons team,” said Van Lente. “We've come up with a story that should excite and delight both kids and parents and teach them about every known kind of energy through super fun projects. And that Fowler and Bellaire art will make this a post-apocalyptic adventure for the ages (and all ages)!"
Art / Cover: MARK DOS SANTOS
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Steven T. Seagle (Genius, It’s a Bird…, THE RED DIARY/THE RE[A]D DIARY) teams up with artist Mark Dos Santos for a bromantic comedy with hero chops in IMPERIAL, coming this August from Man of Action and Image Comics. Seagle teases, “It’s a buddy book with serious commitment issues.”
Mark is a couple of weeks out from the biggest day of his life -- his wedding day -- but then fate steps in and pulls the rug out from under him. He is faced with an impossible choice: Marry the woman who loves, understands and puts up with his (many) human failings? Or, leave her at the altar in order to take up the helm of the world's one and only superhero, Imperial? Up until now, there was nothing in Mark's life to suggest that he was the least bit remarkable, so why would the retiring Imperial choose him to be the protector of all mankind? Why now? And how will learning to shoot laser beams from his eyes impact Mark’s rehearsal dinner schedule? If the choice is superhero cred vs. true love -- does Mark disappoint the world … or the woman of his dreams?
Art / Cover: RYAN OTTLEY & JOHN RAUCH
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
The massacre continues.
INVINCIBLE ULTIMATE COLLECTION VOL. 9 (HC)
Art: RYAN OTTLEY, CLIFF RATHBURN, & JOHN RAUCH
Cover: RYAN OTTLEY & JOHN RAUCH
336 PAGES / FC / T+ / $39.99
Collects INVINCIBLE #97-108
Invincible’s battle with Dinosaurus kicks off the start of a very tumultuous time in Mark Grayson’s life.
Art / Cover: MICHAEL LARK
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
"EXTRACTION"
A stand-alone in the critically-acclaimed and New York Times bestselling series, this issue sets the stage for the third arc of LAZARUS, “Conclave.” In the wake of his failed attempt to seize control of his Family, Jonah Carlyle ran for his life and straight into the arms of the enemy. But in the embrace of the Bittner and Hock Families, there is no shelter, aid, or comfort to be found.
Art: MEGAN LEVENS
Cover: JOELLE JONES & NICK FILARDI
32 PAGES / BW / T+ / $2.99
Carnival sideshows! Burlesque dancers! Speakeasies! It's time for the monster's first trip into a public space, and Vincent has chosen a locale where Gail can hide amongst other freaks and denizens of the underworld. Just be careful what happens when another woman gets between the doctor and his creation.
NAILBITER #4
Art / Cover: MIKE HENDERSON
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
WHAT IS THE "SERIAL KILLER GRAVEYARD?"
And are there more than just bodies buried there? Finch and Sheriff Crane must literally dig to find the answers!
Art/Cover: PAOLO LEANDRI & DOM REGAN
32 PAGES / FC / E / $3.99
HUMOR, HORROR, & TRAGIC ROMANCE COLLIDE IN NIGHTWORLD
From the cult-hit team of Adam McGovern and Paolo Leandri comes an all-new series this August
“A wonderful kinetic paean to the comics of your youth—funny and razor smart with Kirby lines like you wouldn’t believe. McGovern and Leandri kill it.”
-- Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Cult-hit creators Adam McGovern and Paolo Leandri (THE NEXT ISSUE PROJECT, Project: Romantic) team up for an all-new series that brings humor, horror, tragic romance and blockbuster monster fights together in NIGHTWORLD, coming this August from Image Comics.
Sad demon Plenilunio rules a haunted castle with his sleepwalking lover Lidia, and unwisely bargains with the evil Empyre to wake her. He’s in a race for the mystic Soul Key with teen-from-Hades Hotspot and the ruthless Hellena -- agents of the Empyre with secret agendas. A four-part thrill ride to hell starts here.
“We couldn’t be happier that our pop-art horror-show saga is at home with Image,” said McGovern. “It’s grindhouse humor and blockbuster visuals like you always wanted comics to be!”
In describing the feel of the art in NIGHTWORLD, Leandri said, "we tried to mix (in real authentic brushstrokes) a cocktail of gothic-horror mood, adrenalized action and personal drama, then garnish with a bit of humor; hope it tastes good!
I have to say I'm not much of a fan of Kirby pastiches like this. The man was one of a kind.
Art / Cover: KYLE STRAHM
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
The first issue of Justin Jordan (DEAD BODY ROAD, the LUTHER STRODE series) and Kyle Strahm’s (HACK/SLASH, HAUNT) SPREAD, the eagerly anticipated new thriller charting the terrifying story of a viral red growth overtaking the planet, has infected readers across the world and has sold out immediately. Image Comics is fast-tracking a second printing of SPREAD #1 to meet customer demand and continued viral enthusiasm for the new series.
“Ever since Justin made his comics debut at Image with The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, we’ve been been looking for the right series for him to do here next, and I’m really pleased Spread wound up being the one,” said Eric Stephenson, Publisher at Image Comics. “Justin’s a wonderful writer with unique sensibilities, and between this and the return of Luther Strode this December, he’s doing some of his absolute best work here at Image.”
In SPREAD #1 readers learn that ten years previous, humanity dug too deep and unleashed something ancient that couldn’t be controlled. Something that couldn’t be stopped, twisting everything it touched into more of itself. The Spread. Mankind was nearly destroyed before finding a way to slow the Spread. Now, deep inside the quarantined zone, one man has found what might be the key to stopping it forever: a baby girl. And if he can save her, he might save the world.
Praise for SPREAD:
“Justin Jordan makes a very good case for creepiest apocalypse ever.” -- USA Today
“Spread is not for the faint of heart, but it's a well-crafted thriller with tons of nightmare-inducing potential. It's utterly creepy, but has strong thematic undertones that elevate it and give the series a clear direction.” -- ComicVine
"Spread combines the best aspects of Justin Jordan's most previous creator-owned works: the straightforward and taut storytelling skills on display in Dead Body Road and the ability to collaborate with a terrific artist to produce over-the-top and violent imagery, as he did on Luther Strode. Strahm's choreography elevates Spread to something greater than pure gore. For all its blood and horror and desperation, Spread #1 is beautifully realized.” -- Multiversity Comics
SPREAD #1 has completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores. It is currently available digitally on the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, as well as on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.
Art / Cover: KYLE STRAHM
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
Raiders. Slavers. A gigantic Spreadworm. A hungry baby.
No has problems.
TALES OF HONOR #4
Art / Cover A: SANG-IL JEONG
Cover B: LINDA SEJIC
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
THE HONORVERSE EXPANDS TO COMICS!
Based on the best-selling military science fiction novels by David Weber, this original comic book series continues the story of Honor Harrington as she investigates the threat to Basilisk Station by the Republic of Haven. This series is part of a new multi-platform story world that includes a mobile game app to be released with the first issue and a feature film currently in development.
Art: KHARY RANDOLPH & DAVE MCCAIG cover: KHARY RANDOLPH & EMILIO LOPEZ
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Tech Jacket’s newest adventure brings him in touch with the Colossal ... but is this massive ship the vanguard of an alien invasion, or something more sinister? Your mind, prepare to be blown!
MARVEL COMICS
BLACK WIDOW #9
Art/Cover: PHIL NOTO
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
“FRIEND FROM FOE.”
• In the pursuit of XAOC, Black Widow finds THE PUNISHER!
• And they are trapped on an abandoned oil tanker rigged to explode with CROSSBONES and his SKULL SQUAD!
• Don’t miss the other side of this action-packed crossover event in THE PUNISHER #9!
Two of the most lethal soldiers in the Marvel Universe cross path’s this August in “Friend From Foe” -- an exciting new crossover taking place in BLACK WIDOW #9 & THE PUNISHER #9! Rising star writer Nathan Edmondson along with blockbuster artists Phil Noto & Mitch Gerads craft a spy-action thriller that will take Frank and Natasha to the edge!
“Both stories led us to a place where a crossover was possible at just about the same time,” say series writer Nathan Edmondson in an interview with Marvel.com. “We knew fans were clamoring for it from the beginning, but we didn’t want to rush into it – when it was a natural time, we came up with a really unique way to launch into it.”
Circling the same sinister syndicate put the Punisher and Black Widow on a collision course with each other. A collision course that will lead them to an oil tanker full of dangerous explosives and even more dangerous information! Not to mention deadly mercenary Crossbones and his Skull Squad are just waiting for their chance to strike!
“Frank and Natasha are a really interesting pair to combine together,” continued Edmondson. “On the one hand, they seem to exist in the same kind of heroic/antiheroic space in the Marvel Universe, but at some point the similarities stop and the disparity begins, and the tug and pull between those two ends will be at play here.”
The clock is ticking. Will Frank and Natasha be able to complete their mission before they’re taken out by their enemies? Or even worse, each other? Find out as the epic 2-issue crossover “Friend From Foe” hits this August in BLACK WIDOW #9 and THE PUNISHER #9!
Art: REILLY BROWN, KHARY RANDOLPH & SCOTT KOBLISH
Covers by REILLY BROWN
• Representing the hit Infinite Comic in print for the first time!
• Deadpool and his bride-to-be take on the forces of Dracula ... for keeps!
• Plus: an all-new epilogue story!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory/$3.99
Penciled by DALIBOR TALAJIC
Cover by MICHAEL DEL MUNDO
Dexter returns in an all-new, all-Australian, blood-soaked adventure written by his creator, Jeff Lindsay! Dexter Morgan isn’t just Miami’s No. 1 forensic blood-splatter expert — he’s also a serial killer who targets other serial killers! But when Dexter travels Down Under on the trail of a new murderer, he quickly discovers that sharks aren’t Australia’s only deadly predator! Who is setting up illegal hunting safaris in the Outback, and are they targeting more than big game? Dexter investigates as only he can, but soon discovers that he isn’t the hunter — he’s the prey! Now Dexter is trapped in a private preserve where humans are in the crosshairs! Will this one end with a bang? Under the hot Australian sun, Dexter’s Dark Passenger is given free reign, blood will flow, and the guilty will not go unpunished! Collecting DEXTER DOWN UNDER #1-5.
112 PGS./Parental Advisory/$24.99
Trim size: standard
Art: FILIPE ANDRADE
Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
REVEALING THE ORIGINS OF ONE OF DISNEY’S MOST IMAGINATIVE CHARACTERS!
• An all-new steampunk fantasy story exploring the never-before-revealed first adventure of the inventor known as Dreamfinder and his famous dragon Figment!
• Our daring duo explores the realms of imagination, finding friends and foes alike … while back on Earth, a clockwork army assembles under the command of the frightening force known only as The Singular!
• Acclaimed creators Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and Filipe Andrade (CAPTAIN MARVEL) give a Marvel spin to the mind-expanding attraction Journey Into Imagination!
32 PGS./All Ages/$3.99
Elements based on Figment © Disney
Pencils: GORAN PARLOV
Cover: DAVE JOHNSON
312 PGS./Explicit Content/$34.99
Colonel Nick Fury, veteran CIA operative, has been at war for a lifetime. Now he sits alone in a dank hotel room, coughing his confession into a tape recorder, laying out a legacy of carnage stretching back to World War II. Because when that war ended, another one began -- and Fury sought it out, regardless of the cost to those who loved him, including loyal George Hatherly, congressman Pug McCuskey and the beautiful Shirley DeFabio. From Indochina to Cuba, Vietnam to Nicaragua, Fury battled across the decades, encountering young Marine sniper Frank Castle and the nightmarish Barracuda -- his constant lust for combat blinding him to all other concerns. But the end is coming. The debt is long past due. And Fury’s true legacy will soon be written in blood for all to see. Collecting FURY MAX #1-13.
I enjoyed this, as it was a well-crafted story. But it's not the Nick Fury I grew up with! And, weirdly, there's a story involving a character who appears in Ennis' run on The Punisher, which takes place sometime later.
• Is everything broken?
• Is Danny Rand an Iron Fist no more?
• What fresh, monstrous hell is soon to be unleashed?
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
Penciled by DALE EAGLESHAM, GREG LAND & CARLO PAGULAYAN
Cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN
136 PGS./Rated T+/$19.99
Prepare for more mind-blowing revelations as the shocking secret origin of Tony Stark continues…and it begins with a birth! As the manipulative alien 451’s ulterior motive is laid bare, a massive surprise awaits Tony in a deserted battlefield from the beginning of time. Now all Iron Man has to do is fight a robot who can take over his armor at any time and evade one of the universe’s greatest bounty-hunters: Death’s Head! An impossible choice at the edge of space will decide the fate of two worlds. Who lives? Who dies? Can Tony somehow find a way to avoid his destiny before it all goes wrong? Tony and 451 both discover the surprising truth -- and things change forever! Collecting IRON MAN (2012) #12-17.
JEPH LOEB & TIM SALE: YELLOW, BLUE AND GRAY (HC)
Pencils: TIM SALE
Cover: TIM SALE
540 PGS./Rated T+/$75
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s classic “color” masterpieces are collected in one lush oversized hardcover! Blind acrobat Daredevil was inspired to heroism by the example of his prizefighter father -- but Matt Murdock is a young man in love with Karen Page. Relive Daredevil’s heartwarming, heartbreaking debut! Then, Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy want to spend the rest of their lives together -- but first, Spider-Man must run a gauntlet of his greatest foes. And finally, no matter how powerful the Incredible Hulk becomes, his heart can still be shattered by Betty Ross -- the daughter of his greatest enemy! Join the Eisner Award-winning team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (Superman For All Seasons, Batman: The Long Halloween) for a touching, insightful and gorgeous look into the early days of Marvel’s most popular heroes. Collecting DAREDEVIL: YELLOW #1-6, SPIDER-MAN: BLUE #1-6 and HULK: GRAY #1-6.
Art/Cover: JOHN S. ROMITA JR.
Sketch Variant by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Variant by STEVE MCNIVEN
48 PGS./Mature/$5.99
The epic series finale is here! Kick-Ass 3 dons the costume one last time … will he be going to his death or a triumphant ride into the sunset? And has months in lock-up dulled Hit-Girl’s death-dealing reflexes just when she needs them the most? This milestone double-sized issue marks the end of one era and the start of a new Millarworld universe. Must not miss!
This is at least four months late, maybe more. Good thing I'm trade-waiting! But I feel sorry for those buying the individual issues.
Art/Cover: Paco Medina
ARTIST VARIANT BY TBA
• Peter’s captured by a bounty hunter -- who may have a strange connection to his past!
• Can Peter and the bounty hunter make amends before he’s fed to a giant alien?
• And who is the mysterious Mr. Knife -- and why is he so interested in Star-Lord?
32 PGS./Rated T/$3.99
Art: Various
Cover: TBD
Featuring screen-capture images from MARVEL'S AVENGERS ASSEMBLE! Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers, explode onto the scene with action-packed, all-ages adventures!
• The Avengers face their deadliest foe yet (or is that their dead-est foe yet?) when Dracula, King of the Vampires, arrives to drain the heroes of their powers!
• Earth's Mightiest Heroes face the Super-Adaptoid, a powerful robot that can mimic any of their abilities!
• When the ultra-powerful Hyperion arrives to save the Earth, the Avengers soon realize that his methods are far too extreme! Now, the Avengers must stand up to Hyperion's might to save humanity from total domination!
It's action aplenty from your favorite heroes, based on the hit animated series now airing on Disney XD! Collecting MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #5-8.
$9.99
Paints: ALEX ROSS
Cover: ALEX ROSS
512 PGS./Rated T/$200
Marvel’s super-sized, slipcased “Adamantium Collection”-style format continues, shining a well-deserved spotlight on a true Marvel classic! Within the Marvel Universe, heroes soar high in the skies, ready to battle the villains who threaten their world. Yet living in the shadow of these extraordinary icons are ordinary men and women who view the “Marvels” with a mixture of fear, disbelief, envy and admiration. Among them is Phil Sheldon, a New York City photojournalist who has dedicated his career to covering the exploits of the Marvels and their effect on humankind. A richly painted historical overview of the entire Marvel Universe, MARVELS spans from the 1939 debut of the Human Torch to the fearsome coming of the world-devouring Galactus -- culminating in the shocking death of Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man’s first love. Plus: an extensive and gorgeous Alex Ross art gallery! Collecting MARVELS #0-4.
This is a darn good story, but I have it already in two other formats. And $200 is pretty steep!
Art/Cover: DAVE MARQUEZ
THE SPIDER-MAN STORY EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!!!
• SPIDEY VS SPIDEY!
• What more do you need?
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
Art/Cover: RICK VEITCH
Variant Cover by DAVE MARQUEZ
Variant Cover by PAUL RENAUD
Variant Cover by ADI Granov
• The battle with Gargunza has ended.
• The birth of Miracleman and Liz Moran’s baby!
• And a shocking surprise ending in this groundbreaking issue!
• Including material originally presented in MIRACLEMAN (1985) #9, plus bonus content.
48 PGS./Parental AdvisorySLC/$4.99
NOTE: This issue will be polybagged
Art/Cover: Declan Shalvey & JORDIE BELLAIRE
• A threat from the first issue is back to cause problems for Moon Knight!
• This mysterious person is the new BLACK SPECTRE and it doesn’t mean anything good for the protector of night travelers.
• Don’t miss the conclusion of Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire.
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
Art: KEV WALKER
Cover by DALE KEOWN
AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. VARIANT BY STEPHANIE HANS
“THIS IS THE VERY END ...”
The Illuminati shatters under an exploding planet.
32 PGS./Rated T+ /$3.99
Art: Marcus To
Cover by TAKESHI MIYAZWA
• Haechi, the Inhuman member of the New Warriors, is faced with a difficult choice.
• Jake Waffles and Mister Whiskers are back again, but are they friend or foe?
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
Art: Mark Bagley
Cover: J. G. Jones
Everybody has one ...
$3.99
Art: LUKE ROSS
Cover: J.G. JONES
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
EVERYBODY HAS ONE ...
Bonus Digital Edition Included
Art: Simone Bianchi, Lee Garbett
Cover: Simone Bianchi
THOR: THE TENTH REALM
• Thanks to the events of ORIGINAL SIN, the deepest secret of the Nine Realms is revealed ... a Tenth Realm!
• Thor and Loki embark on a quest to discover this strange new world -- and the sister Thor never knew he had ... Angela!
• But can Loki be trusted? And will brother and sister murder each other before the truth comes out?
$3.99
I'm still kinda baffled as to why Marvel is writing Angela as a major addition to their universe, when -- as far as I know -- Neil Gaiman still retains the rights to her. That doesn't seem very wise. But maybe they bought her outright.
Art: JUAN SANTACRUZ
Cover by JIMMY PALMIOTTI & VICTORIA PAL
Variant Cover by JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER
Jane and the 22 BRIDES get wind of the next target in NYS by an underground terrorist group and race against time to stop it before hundreds are killed. This issue also features guest pin-ups.
32 PGS./Mature/$3.99
She oughtta date Deadpool. They can take turns shooting each other.
Art/Cover: MITCHELL THOMAS GERADS
FRIEND FROM FOE CROSSOVER
• In the middle of the Pacific, THE PUNISHER finds himself fighting alongside -- or against? -- BLACK WIDOW for access to a deadly criminal network.
• But the clock is ticking. Will Frank and Natasha be able to complete their mission before they are taken down by their enemies …or each other?
• See the rest of the story in BLACK WIDOW #9!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory/$3.99
ARTIST VARIANT BY TBA
• FRAMED. The most notorious Raccoon in the galaxy has been arrested and falsely accused of murder!
• The real killer? An imposter procyon that seems to be one step ahead of Rocket at every turn.
• Now, it’s up to Rocket and a certain someone from Planet X to find the truth!
32 PGS./Rated T/$3.99
Art: Javier Pulido
COVER BY Kevin P. Wada
• The return of superstar artist JAVIER PULIDO!
• Guest-starring Hank Pym!
• She-Hulk, Hellcat and Giant-Man team up to save one of Jen’s officemates ... but what else does Hank Pym have at stake, and what isn’t he telling them?
32 PGS./Rated T+/$2.99
THE SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN #14
Art: STEVE LIEBER
Cover by KRIS ANKA
• A year of duplicity and double crossing leads to this – who will live, who will die, who will get the head of Silvermane?
• Spencer and Lieber bring this rollicking tail of evil to it’s penultimate hour!
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
Art by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI & ADAM KUBERT
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
INTERLOCKING VARIANT A by SKOTTIE YOUNG
40 PGS./Rated T/$4.99
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN KICKS OFF THE EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE!
Because YOU demanded it! The fan-favorite series returns for a limited time in SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #32 and #33! But how is the Superior Spider-Man still around? Otto Octavius ceded control of Peter Parker‘s brain back to Peter and erased all remnants of himself, didn’t he? Find out for yourself as the explosive creative team of Dan Slott, Christos Gage, Giuseppe Camuncoli and Adam Kubert take the Superior Spider-Man on a journey into the far future!
As Otto Octavius finds himself stranded in the year 2099 with no way home, he’ll unearth a mystery that will have fans guessing all the way until the epic SPIDER-VERSE event kicks off this November! A mystery that stretches all the way back to the classic Superior Spider-Man #19! We did say Spider-Verse would feature “every Spider-Man ever” after all – and the Superior Spider-Man is no exception as you can see in the fully revealed variant cover poster!
“You didn’t think Spider-Man’s greatest villain would be gone just like that, did you?” asks Senior Editor Nick Lowe. “All of the metaphorical birds Dan Slott has been letting loose are coming home to roost leading up to Spider-Verse and the Edge of Spider-Verse can be found in these issues!”
How was Otto flung into the future? How will he return? And what happened while he was there? Find out as the blockbuster series that kept fans talking until the very end returns for a senses-shattering encore this fall in SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #32 and #33!
This November, every Spider-Man ever across space and time unite for the epic Spider-Verse event. But first, Marvel is proud to officially unveil the interlocking Spider-Verse variants by Eisner-award winning storyteller Skottie Young!
As revealed by Marvel.com this stunning two-part cover features just a fraction of the Spider-Men and Spider-Women that will feature throughout Spider-Verse as rendered in Skottie Young’s inimitable style. Fans can get their hands on the first of these two interlocking covers when it graces the front of SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #32 this August. Blockbuster writers Dan Slott & Christos Gage join fan-favorite artist Giuseppe Camuncoli for a time travelling tale of epic proportions as the Superior Spider-Man travels to the far future of 2099! But can he stop the coming of the Spider-Verse?
Then, hold on to your hats as the second Skottie Young variant cover adorns November’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9 – the first chapter of the universe spanning Spider-Verse event! The sinister Morlun has returned with a singular and terrifying goal – exterminate every Spider-Man in every universe. And it will take thousands of spider-powered heroes to battle back the greatest threat to this universe or any other! Spider-Verse is poised to take the Marvel Universe by storm, and no fan should miss out on these two epic variant covers when they hit comic shops in August and November!
112 PGS./Rated T+/$24.99
Trim size: oversized
There is an imbalance in the universe. Since his latest return from oblivion, Thanos himself feels ... incomplete. Now the so-called Mad Titan plans to put both wrongs right. The revelatory waters of the Infinity Well lead Thanos on a new quest, with a once sworn enemy, Adam Warlock, at his side. A crusade that will bring confrontation with the Silver Surfer and the galaxy's mightiest heroes -- the Annihilators.
Cosmic maestro Jim Starlin (The Infinity Gauntlet, Captain Marvel) returns to his signature character in a tale of death and rebirth that will transform the Marvel Universe once more!
“Thanos and Adam Warlock team up to deal with a universe imperiling event. Big changes are coming to everything and the Titan appears to be at the heart of this astral metamorphosis. The story concludes with a major change in Thanos' status within the Marvel Universe, turning him into a greater threat than ever before,” says Starlin.
THANOS: THE INFINITY REVELATION will also include a code for a free digital copy of the graphic novel on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices.
Penciled by LEONARDO MANCO,
JEROME OPENA, RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE,
ESAD RIBIC, BILLY TAN, MARK BROOKS &
ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
Cover by ESAD RIBIC
520 PGS./Parental Advisory/$39.99
Rick Remender’s extraordinary, critically acclaimed X-Force saga is collected across two volumes! Psylocke, Archangel, Deadpool and Fantomex sign up for Wolverine’s secret squad of assassins, but their first mission — to deal with the despot Apocalypse, reborn as an innocent child — casts a long shadow. As X-Force struggles to come to terms with their actions, startlingly familiar Deathloks attack from the future — targeting Fantomex for an early execution! And when Archangel unravels, picking up where Apocalypse left off, X-Force must travel to the one place that holds the key to saving him: the Age of Apocalypse! All life on Earth is forfeit if the Dark Angel succeeds, but can even a team of hardened killers assassinate one of their own? Collecting UNCANNY X-FORCE (2010) #1-19 and #5.1, and material from WOLVERINE: ROAD TO HELL #1.
VALIANT COMICS
HARBINGER: OMEGAS #1 (of 3)
Art by RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA
#ValiantCraft Cover by DONOVAN SANTIAGO
Variant Cover by GLENN FABRY
$3.99 | 32 pages, full color | T+ | On sale AUGUST 6
VALIANT Unleashes #VALIANTCRAFT Month This August!
This August, VALIANT FIRST is building a whole new dimension brick-by-brick!
“It matters not how man dies, but how he lives.”
The team has been shattered and a teenage Renegade lies dead – a victim of the Harbinger Foundation led by omega-powered psionic Toyo Harada. This is the story of what happens next. Out of the ashes of Harbinger #25, find out what happens when the full extent of Harada’s secret empire is exposed to the public, and just the how the surviving members of the Renegades recover from a catastrophic loss that has changed their lives … their team … and their destinies forever.
As revealed at Nerdist.com, Valiant is topping off the success of the VALIANT FIRST initiative – Valiant's all-new summer 2014 publishing rollout – with a whole month of gaming-inspired #ValiantCraft shelf covers this August! Featuring RAI, the ARMOR HUNTERS, X-O MANOWAR, UNITY, and more re-envisioned as three-dimensional constructs by artist Donovan Santiago, each of Valiant's red-hot August releases will receive the #ValiantCraft treatment:
"Last year's Valiant 8-Bit covers initiative was an incredible success, and #ValiantCraft is the next evolution of an idea that really resounded with fans and retailers," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "Donovan Santiago has done a phenomenal job realizing Valiant's most popular characters like they've never been seen before – and, just as we did last year in the wake of Valiant 8-Bit's sold-out debut, we won't be limiting the scope of #ValiantCraft to comics alone. Look for even more announcements as the summer continues."
"I was super, super-lucky to once again team up with Donovan Santiago on such an incredibly fun project," said Valiant Assistant Editor Josh Johns. "Donovan has brought an incredible amount of creativity and quality to each concept, far exceeding our expectations. Just like our line of Valiant 8-Bit covers, this is a project that can appeal to everyday comic readers and new audiences alike. Hopefully, fans will have just as much fun with these books, and the stories inside them, as we did working on them."
#ValiantCraft month coincides with the launch of THE DELINQUENTS #1 (of 4) – the disastrous first team-up between Quantum and Woody and Archer & Armstrong, and the next heat-seeking title from Valiant's all-new VALIANT FIRST publishing initiative. All summer long, VALIANT FIRST will be rocketing to the top of your read pile with a major #1 issue each month from May onward by some of the most talented creators in comics. RAI #1 in May. ARMOR HUNTERS #1 in June. ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 and ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 in July. THE DELINQUENTS #1 in August. THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 in September. A combination of new ongoing titles, unprecedented crossover collisions, and high-profile mini-series, these are the titles that will have you reading VALIANT FIRST!
Art by DIEGO BENARD, SEAN CHEN, TOM FOWLER, BRYAN HITCH, J.G. JONES, BARRY KITSON, CARY NORD, RAFER ROBERTS, and ANDY RUNTON
Cover by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
$14.99 | 104 pages, full color | T+ | On sale AUGUST 6
TRADE PAPERBACK
The road to ARMOR HUNTERS starts here!
Aric of Dacia, a fifth-century warrior bonded to alien armor and transplanted to the modern day, is now the most important weapon in the arsenal of M.E.R.O., the top-secret American intelligence organization that monitors extraterrestrial life on Earth. In order to protect his people, Aric must undergo dangerous missions in space, but nothing can prepare him for the stunning secret that awaits him in the stars.
Collecting X-O MANOWAR #23-24 and the oversized X-O MANOWAR #25 anniversary spectacular, the march toward ARMOR HUNTERS begins here as New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and red-hot artist Diego Bernard (Red Lanterns) join an all-star cast of comic book superstars – including Sean Chen (Iron Man), Tom Fowler (Quantum and Woody), Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man), Cary Nord (Conan), and many more – to deliver an essential introduction to the biggest Valiant event ever attempted
“Fantastic, action-packed storytelling that never fails to satisfy. … This is an event we can’t wait for.” – IGN
OTHER PUBLISHERS
ACG CLASSICS COLL PACK ADV INTO UNKNOWN BOOKSHOP ED #2
Writers/Art: Malcolm Poynter & Various
$129.99
A gaggle of gruesome gore designed to blow brainpans and bowels alike. These were the days when anything went in comicbooks, no holds barred -- except for strangleholds, of course! Four glorious volumes at a crazy reduced price and comprising issues #21-43 of the world's very first anthology comicbook, plus a free copy of PS's showcase magazine featuring samples of all that's good in the freakout world of four-color mayhem. And best of all, this four-book opening salvo of what's to come in the months and years ahead come in gaudily illustrated slipcases. Oh, wow!
Writer: David Elliott
Art: Garrie Gastonny, Toby Cypress
Cover: Toby Cypress, Garrie Gastonny
$19.99
What if Captain America was supernaturally empowered and on a mission to meet his maker? The psychological, supernatural, action thriller throws you into a full throttle race to find out!
Writer: Quinrose
Art/Cover: Yobu
Mature/ $13.99
Alice in the Country of Joker: The Nightmare Trilogy chronicles the further adventures of Alice as she goes deeper down the rabbit hole. Alice has been living in the Clover Tower for a while now, and with the coming of April Season, she is able to see Julius again and has met with Joker. Nightmare isn't very pleased, and comes up with ways to keep Alice distracted with all sorts of mini adventures. While Alice can't get away from Nightmare's penetrating gaze, she does not fear him; she may even love him. What will happen when Alice wakes up? This new volume is an oversized edition that features impressive artwork and color pinups.
Alice, didn't your mother ever warn you to never trust a man with an eye-patch?
I have to wonder what Lewis Carroll would make of the things that have been done to his characters. Although, considering the speculation about some of his habits …
Writer/Art/Cover: Dan Dougherty
$19.95
Meet Beardo in the first of four volumes being released in 2014! An art school graduate working at a coffee shop, our hero has nothing to his name but a sweet beard and a sharp wit. Heartfelt and hilarious, it's the perfect starting point to discover why Beardo won the 2012 and 2013 Shel Dorf Award for Syndicated Print Strip of the Year!
Writer/Art/Cover: Geoffrey Hayes
$12.95
Benny's in a foul mood! He can't find his pirate hat, and he's been sent outside to cool his temper. When he and Penny wander away from home and realize they're lost, they must handle their emotions and put their heads together.
Writer: Eric Powell
Art: Brian Churilla
Cover: Eric Powell
$3.99
From BOOM! Studios.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Big Trouble in Little China is one of our favorite cult-classic films because it mashed together '80s action and supernatural fantasy movies with '70s kung-fu flicks. This is the first time any new Big Trouble stories have been told, and we have the film's original director, John Carpenter, working with Eric Powell (The Goon) on the story. You can't beat that!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Eric Powell is a huge fan of Big Trouble in Little China, so the sense of humor and over-the-top action he brings to The Goon will be all over this book. Plus, Brian Churilla's (The Sixth Gun) art on this perfectly captures the outrageous world of Big Trouble.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Jack Burton, a macho, truck-driving adventurer, finds a stowaway hiding on his rig, "The Pork Chop Express," but that soon becomes the least of his troubles. He helped his best friend Wang save his fiancée from the clutches of a demon, but now the wedding has been invaded by more evil forces with one thing on their minds -- revenge against Jack Burton!
Writer: Eric Powell
Art: Brian Churilla
Cover: Eric Powell, Joe Quinones
$3.99
Charging down the Black Road of Hell in the Pork Chop Express, Egg, Pete and ol' Jack Burton are facing off against the mythical past of China. Demon thugs and the bulbous Seven-Faced Widow may stand in their way, but you know what ol' Jack Burton says at a time like this? "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."
BOOM! is also launching an Escape from New York series, so it's sorta becoming Kurt Russell central.
Writer/Art/Cover: Setona Mizushiro
Mature/$9.99
Dimitri Lewandoski is a celebrated tenor in early 1900s Vienna. When he is killed in an accident, his corpse is colonized by the seeds of a vampire master. At first, Dimitri denies that anything has changed, but as the people around him start dying, he is forced to accept the ghastly truth.
Flash-forward to 2008. In Tokyo, Azusa Kikukawa's troubled love life comes to an end with a fatal accident. Dimitri appears in her dying dreams with a diabolic proposal -- he will save her lover if she agrees to become the breeding ground for the next generation of vampire seeds ...
That does NOT sound like a good deal. In addition to men in eye-patches, Alice, never trust a vampire!
“Vampire seeds”? I didn’t know they was vegetables.
Publisher: VIZ MEDIA LLC
Writer/Art/Cover: Tite Kubo
Rated T / $9.99
With the true identity of his sword finally revealed, how will Ichigo take the next step forward? Will his new Zanpaku-to be enough to stop the invading Quincies? And just where does Uryu stand in all of this ...?
When I read "the invading Quincies" I imagined a horde of medical examiners played by Jack Klugman charging over a hill.
I read the first fifty million or so volumes of this. A horde of Jack Klugmans would probably be more interesting.
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art/Cover: Joe Infurnari
Mature/$3.99
Battle lines are being drawn, as Grady begins his ascent, and truth of his actions hits the other friends. But, can they confront him and change his path?
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art/Cover: Joe Infurnari
Mature/$19.99
On their way to bury a time capsule, five friends -- Grady, Heidi, Natasha, Daniel and Billy -- uncover a metal bunker buried deep in the woods. Inside, they find letters addressed to each of them ... from their future selves. Told they will destroy the world in the very near future, the friends find, over the next few days, growing further and further apart. Though they've been warned against making the wrong choices, how do they know what the right ones are? Can the future really be changed, or will an even darker fate engulf the world?
Collects the first four issues of the ongoing series.
Writer: Garth Ennis
Art/Cover: Facundo Percio
Mature/$9.99
GARTH ENNIS, the creator of Preacher and Crossed, has delivered a space horror like no other in Caliban. Most of the crew were voided into space when the ships merged. But those left behind are experiencing a creeping dread as the quantity of survivors keeps falling at the hand of Karien. Desperation is the currency of the hour as the final few attempt to understand and escape the misery unfolding on the doomed mining ship. No one is safe in dead space. Available with Regular, Wraparound, Terror, and Design Sketch Incentive covers by Facundo Percio and an ultra-limited Dark Matter edition of just 1500 copies.
(W/A/CA) Chris Lange
Mature/$19.99
Find out why Capitol Hillbillies is a comic strip like no other in this deluxe collection with almost 200 strips chronicling the adventures of four gay dudes in Seattle. Dating, video games, plenty of sex jokes and even a unicorn for good measure. A must for any LGBT reader! Foreword by Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf).
Maybe it's always true and I just never noticed it before, but there's an awful lot of comics this week (mainly manga) that focus on LGBT themes or, of all things, food. This one's not manga, and not about food, but it is about "four gay dudes." (More to come.)
Writer/Art/Cover: Tomoya Haruno
$12.99
D-Frag! is a new ongoing manga series that parodies high school clubs, nerd culture and the slice-of-life genre in a side-splittingly hilarious storyline.
Kazama Kenji thinks he's a delinquent. He's got the look, the style, and the attitude to match. Deep down, however, Kazama is a good-hearted kid who finds himself in over his heads when he stumbles upon the Game Creation Club. The club's formidable members, Chitose, Sakura, Minami, and Roka, are four girls who he might actually be attracted to if they weren't so freaking weird. The girls claim to have otherworldly powers and force him to join their offbeat club. Can Kazama resist the girls' bizarre charms and return to some semblance of a normal, everyday life?
A lot of manga set in schools seems to revolve around various more or less bizarre after-school clubs. Being a devoted member of the “Go Home Club” (which is how Japanese kids refer to kids who don't join any after-school clubs), I don’t have any experience of extracurricular activities.
Writer/Art/Cover: Katsura Hoshino
$9.99
Allen, now joined by two companions, is still on the run and trying to deal with his demonic alter ego, the Fourteenth. This means avoiding erstwhile allies as well as overt enemies. He also has to prevent one of his companions, fellow Exorcist Kanda, from trying to destroy the Fourteenth while keeping the Fourteenth from destroying his other companion, Johnny, whose zealous devotion to Allen is gratifying but not much help in a fight!
Is "handsome young man bedeviled by demons" also a genre in manga? Because here's one ...
There does seem to be a lot of it about lately.
Writer: Madoka Takadono
Art/Cover: Utako Yukihiro
$12.99
For fans of Black Butler comes a new manga about a handsome teen noble and the demons who surround him. William Twining has one problem: he's broke. With no way to finance his prestigious education, William decides to search through his uncle's mansion for something of value to sell, finding a mystical seal which he unintentionally uses to summon a demon. The demon's name is Dantalion, a Grand Duke of Hell, who informs the young nobleman of his destiny -- that he is the new "Elector" whose sole responsibility is to appoint the next ruler of Hell in place of Lucifer. Such news might drive a lesser man mad, but not William Twining.
... and here's another.
Wait, Lucifer is retiring?
Writer: Garth Ennis
Art/Cover: John McCrea
OFFENSIVE CVR
Mature/$3.99
GARTH ENNIS has made amusing readers the highest priority as he and JOHN MCCREA send the Boys from Belfast on a trip through time! The Dicks are here to leave no insult unslung and no offence untaken as they gather artifacts through the ages trying to prevent the end of us all. Or, well, at least prevent a very bad day for a couple folks. Available with Regular, Offensive, and Classic Moment Incentive covers by McCrea.
I make jokes about various manga genres, but what passes for humor in the West -- dick jokes and toilet references -- isn't really worthy of comment.
To be fair, Skipper, the Japanese love them some poop jokes. You just haven’t been reading the right (i.e. “wrong”) manga.
Writer: Tea Orsi
Art/Cover: Antonello Dalena, Manuela Razzi
$12.99
In Pixie Hollow, all the seasons flourish side by side, and past the Summer Meadow, just beyond the Autumn Wood lies an icy land of secrets! When Tinker Bell ventures into the Winter Woods, she discovers Periwinkle, her long-lost sister, but the happy reunion is short-lived when a mysterious freezing storm suddenly threatens the Pixie Dust Tree. Tink and her sister must find a way to work together and restore balance to the seasons if they hope to save Pixie Hollow.
The artistic duo behind the critically acclaimed graphic novel series SYBIL THE BACKPACK FAIRY reunite in this thrilling adaptation of the hit feature film from Disney!
Didn't Tinkerbell try to kill Wendy? I don't remember her as being all that sympathetic.
Writer: Shiki Mizuchi
Art/Cover: Ran
Mature/ $12.99
Dragons were never this sexy! Learning to ride and tame dragons comes easy to most students at Ansarivan Dragonar Academy -- except for first-year student Ash Blake. Poor Ash is the laughingstock at school because, despite his unfashionably large star-shaped brand that marks him as a future dragon master, he has nothing to show for it. His dragon has never appeared. Until now, that is. One fateful day, Ash's dragon awakes in full glory, but appears different than any dragon ever seen before -- in the form of a beautiful girl! What's worse, Ash soon discovers that this new dragon has attitude to spare, as she promptly informs him that she is the master, and he, the servant. Ash's problems with dragon riding have only just begun!
Don't laugh: We had Supergirl and the horse she rode in on, right?
True, but this story may well go places where Supergirl and Comet would not have been allowed to go.
Writer/Art/Cover: David Boller
$24.95
In 1992 David Boller left Switzerland for the USA to become a professional comic book artist. A simple goal turned into a 16-year long adventure, populated with eccentric characters and accompanied by success and defeat that continue to have a profound influence on his life today. David talks about his experience in the American comic book industry, his struggles with his adopted family and his attempt at getting a piece of the American Dream in an honest and easygoing style.
Writer: Tim Daniel
Art/Cover A: Mehdi Cheggour
Cover B: DIBARI
$3.99
The major cities of North America are under siege by massive beasts unlike anything ever witnessed. In their wake lies a path of death and destruction. In Phoenix, Ellen Grace struggles with the loss of her mother while Joanne Coyle discovers a bright secret in a dark bunker.
Where's Gojira when you need him?!??
Writer: Davor Radoja
Art/Cover: Well-Bee
Mature/$10.99
A society divided into two classes: the haves and the have nots. Controlled by a government that has banned and destroyed any form of media that it feels will corrupt the human mind. Yet there are those who hold secrets, who hold meetings, and who are prepared to fight for a better future. This year's exciting FCBD story continues!
Writer: Tyler James
Art/Cover: Fico Ossio
$3.99
Will Epic prevail in a nasty confrontation with the hideous Daddy Long Legs? Will Beanie work his way back into Doctor Geneto's good graces? Will Jules uncover Eric's super secret? And will this outstanding funny book survive the dreaded second issue order drop? The only way to find out is to demand your copy of Epic #2!
Writer: Max Brooks
Art/Cover: Raulo Caceres
End of Species Variant:
Wrap Variant:
Mature/$3.99
New York Times Bestselling Author, MAX BROOKS delivers a new chapter in the horror event of the year! The vampire race has declared all-out war on the subdead zombie hordes. Now blood drinking aristocrats stand shoulder to shoulder as they wade into the wave after wave of shambling plague that has nearly wiped the human race from the Earth. But centuries of privilege have made the vampire race soft and dependent upon servants. With the realization that the end of humanity also means the end of vampires, they attempt to do what they have never as a race been able to accomplish -- learn new ways to fight! Available with Regular, Wraparound, End of a Species, Leather and Bloodwashed and Pure Art Retailer Order Incentive covers, all by series artist Raulo Caceres.
These must be some pretty pathetic vamps if they can't deal with zombies. Even humans can kill zombies!
Writer/Art/Cover: Hiro Mashima
$10.99
Seventeen-year-old Lucy is an attractive mage-in-training who wants to join a magician's guild so that she can become a full-fledged magician. The guild she dreams about joining is the most famous in the world, and it is known as the Fairy Tail. One day she meets Natsu, a boy raised by a Dragon who mysteriously left him when he was young. Natsu has devoted his life to finding his Dragon father. When Natsu helps Lucy out of a tricky situation, she discovers that he is a member of the Fairy Tail magician's guild, and our heroes' adventure together begins.
A boy raised by a dragon? It must have been interesting when the dragon tried to teach him how to breathe fire.
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