Comics Guide for Dec. 31, 2013

Howdy, and welcome back to the Greatest Comics Guide in the Universe (TM)! This week plays catch-up on 2013 and falls on a holiday week, so I'm not recommending anything in particular. But there's good stuff, which I suspect you'll find on your own. (And don't forget to click on the art for a larger image!)

DARK HORSE

#1 for $1: CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT

ONE FULL ISSUE! ONLY ONE DOLLAR!

Joshua Williamson (W), Fernando Dagnino (A), Ego (C), and Steve Rude (Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $1.00

One-shot

Witness the return of Captain Midnight—for only $1! In the forties, he was an American hero, a daredevil fighter pilot, a technological genius . . . a superhero. But after hurtling out of a freak storm in the Bermuda Triangle and into the present day, Captain Midnight doesn’t know what or whom to trust!

• The first trade paperback collection is on sale January 29!

• A key title in Dark Horse’s new superhero initiative!

• Written by Joshua Williamson (Ghosted, Masks and Mobsters, Voodoo, Uncharted).

I'll probably pick this up to sample the title, but hasn't the hero-out-of-time thing been done to death?

#1 for $1: CONAN THE BARBARIAN

ONE FULL ISSUE! ONLY ONE DOLLAR!

Brian Wood (W), Becky Cloonan (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Massimo Carnevale (Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $1.00

One-shot

Superstar creators Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan’s first issue of Conan the Barbarian is back in print—for only $1! In this sweeping adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s fan-favorite “Queen of the Black Coast,” Conan takes to the high seas alongside the pirate queen Bêlit, setting the stage for an epic of romance, terror, and swashbuckling.

• Conan: The Phantoms of the Black Coast trade paperback collection is on sale January 29!

• The first issue of Brian Wood’s Conan for $1!

• Perfect for readers new to Conan!

#1 for $1: X

ONE FULL ISSUE! ONLY ONE DOLLAR!

Duane Swierczynski (W), Eric Nguyen (A), Michelle Madsen (C), and Clint Langley (Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $1.00

One-shot

The enigmatic vigilante X has shattered Arcadia’s criminal triumvirate, “the three pigs,” and fixed his eye on an even tougher target. But with the police department AND the crime establishment teamed up against X, muckraking blogger Leigh Ferguson may be his only ally! The brutal beginning to Dark Horse’s bloodiest hero!

• The beginning of X’s war with Berkshire! Volume 1 on sale January 15!

• First issue, special price!

BAD BLOOD #1 (of 5)

FROM BRAM STOKER WINNER JONATHAN MABERRY!

Jonathan Maberry (W) and Tyler Crook (A/Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

Getting bitten by a vampire pissed him off. Seeing his best friend brutally slaughtered started a war.

Trick was a typical college student—sort of—until vampires attacked. Then he found out his blood was poison to the bloodsuckers. And Trick will do anything to eradicate them.

• His blood kills! A vampire tale with an unlikely hero!

• Art by Eisner Award–winning Tyler Crook (B.P.R.D., The Sixth Gun, Petrograd).

Here's an unusual twist on the vampires-at-school theme that seems to be popping up all over U.S. culture after some interesting takes in Japan.

BALTIMORE: CHAPEL OF BONES #1 (of 2)

“A comic like Baltimore relies so heavily on mood, and these guys really deliver in spades.”—Multiversity Comics

Mike Mignola (W), Christopher Golden (W), Ben Stenbeck (A), and Dave Stewart (C)

FC, 32 pages, $3.50

Miniseries

After his long hunt, Baltimore finally confronts the vampire who destroyed his life in London for a final showdown!

• From Hellboy creator Mike Mignola!

• Perfect for Hellboy fans!

I have enjoyed virtually every Baltimore story so far, so I don't this will be an exception!

CATALYST COMIX #7 (of 9)

Joe Casey (W), Ulises Farinas (A), Paul Maybury (A), Dan McDaid (A), Brad Simpson (C), and Rafael Grampá (Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $2.99

Miniseries

The Agents of Change take the lead in this action-packed issue! Bear witness as Elvis, Wolfhunter, and the crew make a chilling discovery; Grace races to head off an invasion; and Frank puts down his peace pipe to tap a keg of whoop-ass!

• Joe Casey (Sex, The Bounce)!

• Cover by Rafael Grampá (Mesmo Delivery)!

“It’s a theme park of comic book dreams and I want you all to go there.”—Florida Geek Scene

GRINDHOUSE: DOORS OPEN AT MIDNIGHT #4 (of 8)

GRITTY, SEXPLOITATIVE, AND UNAPOLOGETIC!

Alex de Campi (W), Simon Fraser (A/C), and Dan Panosian (Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

The maniacal warden of the prison ship Antares has pushed its comely cons to the limits of human endurance—but these bad mamas won’t take their punishment lying down! Alex de Campi and Simon Fraser dish up the riotous finale to “Prison Ship Antares” in the proud sexploitation tradition!

“Alex de Campi is a writer of tremendous talent and, more importantly, a creator of genuine vision.”—Mark Waid (Daredevil)

Chicks in prison ... INNNNN SPAAAAAAAAACE!

JUICE SQUEEZERS #1 (of 4)

A Goonies-style adventure tale from David Lapham!

David Lapham (W/A/Cover) and Lee Loughridge (C)

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

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 comprised of scrawny tweens, the Squeezers are the only ones who can fit into the cramped subterranean battlefield and fight the insects on the frontlines!

• Eisner Award–winning creator David Lapham!

• A bug-gore-filled young adult action adventure story in the vein of E.T., The Goonies, and Stand by Me!

“The story is fun, the characters’ interactions are charming and interesting and the art is to die for. Lapham’s style is masterful and Loughridge’s colors complement the style and story.”—Comic Bastards

Can kids in peril really be all that funny? Lapham's good, but I have my doubts.

THE OCCULTIST #4 (of 5)

THE DEAD HAVE COME TO CLAIM THE OCCULTIST!

Tim Seeley (W), Mike Norton (A), Allen Passalaqua (C), and Steve Morris (Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $3.50

Miniseries

The Occultist has abused his power over life and death, and now he will face the consequences. He must choose the right path—and decide who his real friends are—so he can confront agents from the realm of the dead that want to claim his soul!

• Written by Hack/Slash’s Tim Seeley, with art by Battlepug’s Mike Norton!

• From the creative team of Revival!

• Cover by Steve Morris (Serenity, Angel & Faith).

PARIAH TP

(W) Aaron Warner, Phillip Gelatt (A/CA) Brett Weldele

Genetically engineered geniuses known as Vitros are labeled a terrorist cell after an explosion at a military weapons lab. The Vitros are rounded up and left on a decrepit satellite orbiting Earth. Now they must band together and use their supergenius abilities to get back to Earth safely.

$14.99

THE STAR WARS #0

Jonathan Rinzler (W), Randy Stradley (W), Mike Mayhew (A), Sean Cooke (A), Kilian Plunkett (A), Stéphane Roux (A), Scott Kolins (A), and Nick Runge (Cover)

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

One-shot

A companion to the eight-issue adaptation of The Star Wars, this is an exclusive peek behind the scenes at the designs that have brought a new—yet incredibly familiar—galaxy to life.

Included in this volume are the never-before-seen comics sequences that were used in Dark Horse’s pitch to George Lucas!

• Previously unpublished designs and comics pages!

• Companion to the official eight-issue adaptation of George Lucas’s original rough-draft screenplay for Star Wars!

STAR WARS OMNIBUS DARK TIMES VOL 1 TP

(W) Randy Stradley (A/CA) Doug Wheatley & Various

Master Dass Jennir will strive to find out what it means to be a Jedi in a changed galaxy now ruled by the Empire. Master K'Kruhk-suddenly responsible for a group of Jedi younglings-will sacrifice much for their safety. The struggles of the Jedi will intertwine with those of others now living in fear, including the diverse crew of a smuggling ship, the Uhumele, and a Nosaurian whose troubles begin when the Clone Wars end. Collects Star Wars: Republic #79-#80, Dark Times Volume 1-The Path to Nowhere, Dark Times Volume 2-Parallels, Dark Times Volume 3-Vector, and "Star Wars: Dark Times-Blue Harvest" Parts 1-2.

$24.99

 

 

TERMINATOR SALVATION: THE FINAL BATTLE #2 (of 12)

J. Michael Straczynski

John Connor versus Skynet—to the death!

J. Michael Straczynski (W), Pete Woods (A/Cover), and Matt Wilson (C)

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

As John Connor prepares for the final destruction of Skynet, the malicious computer intelligence devises its most terrifying plot ever. Reaching into the past to find psychotic killers whose intelligences can be uploaded into the most lethal Terminators yet, Skynet may finally have the tools to destroy Connor!

• From the mind of superstar writer J. Michael Straczynski (Ten Grand, The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor)!

• Pete Woods (Superman, Deadpool) creates a beautiful, deadly future!

“Woods exemplifies the hard-to-reach balance of character moments and high energy action.”—IGN

TRUE LIVES OF THE FABULOUS KILLJOYS #6

(W) Gerard Way, Shaun Simon (A) Becky Cloonan (CA) Becky Cloonan, Dan Jackson

"Stupid children, they'll never learn."

It all ends here, boys and girls, so Killjoys, make some noise! The Phoenix Witch rises, Destroya lives, and Korse is on the loose! If Battery City isn't razed to the ground by the end of this issue, then we're all dead. Check your BLI-issued heart monitors and make sure you have a pulse. If you do, you need this raucous finale!

$3.99

THE VICTORIES #8

Michael Avon Oeming (W/A/Cover), Mike Hawthorne (A), and Nick Filardi (C)

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Ongoing

The Advisors succeed in combining Champion DNA to turn themselves into the powerful Posthumans in an effort to dominate the world. Heroes and villains may stand in their way, but nothing will stop the Posthumans from taking their “rightful” place ruling the planet until the return of the Visitors. Featuring an exclusive backup story illustrated by Mike Hawthrone (Deadpool).

• By Eisner Award winner Michael Avon Oeming (cocreator of Powers).

• #FindtheVictories

• Ancient alien history and superheroes collide!

DC COMICS

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #8

Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM

Art and cover by JOE BENNETT and BELARDINO BRABO

40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST

Dr. Emil Hamilton seeks out Superman with some shocking news—not only has S.T.A.R. Labs discovered the location of Krypton, but as far as they can tell, the planet remains intact! Join ARROW showrunner Marc Guggenheim and superstar artist Joe Bennett as they take Superman on a journey that challenges everything he thought he knew about Krypton!

The New 52 Super-titles seem to spend a lot of time fixating on old Krypton!

ALL-STAR WESTERN #26

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI

Art by MORITAT

Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI

32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+

Trapped in modern times, Jonah Hex sets out to find the money he left buried around the southwest. But a chance encounter with John Constantine sets the Civil War vet on a collision course with the occult.

I trade-wait this bppl, so these weird solicitations really have me curious. I wouldn't think Jonah in modern times would work very well, but I didn't think he would work very well in 1880s Gotham City. Since I was wrong on the latter, I'm probably wrong on the former, too!

AQUAMAN #26

Written by JEFF PARKER

Art and cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS

1:25 Variant cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

“Sea of Storms” begins with the debut of new AQUAMAN writer Jeff Parker! The Earth’s crust is grinding to life, releasing deadly volcanoes and bizarre creatures…so humanity’s first instinct is to blame Atlantis! And as the plates pull apart, the pressures of ruling a kingdom under siege are weighing on Aquaman and Mera as well!

First issue without Geoff Johns as writer. I usually like Parker's work, so I'm not worried. But it will certainly veer into new situations. A title to watch.

BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED VOL. 2 TP

Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS

Art by JORGE JIMENEZ, MIKE S. MILLER, DARICK ROBERTSON and others

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

168 pg, FC, $14.99 US

In these stories inspired by the best-selling videogame Batman: Arkham City, Dr. Hugo Strange has gained control of Arkham Asylum. Now, Gotham City has become a massive prison ruled by criminals. These stories from issues #6-10 feature Catwoman, Two-Face, Penguin, Killer Croc, Deadshot and The Mad Hatter.

BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED VOL. 3 HC

Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS

Art by JORGE JIMENEZ, MIKE S. MILLER, DARICK ROBERTSON, PETER NGUYEN and others

Cover by DAVE WILKINS

200 pg, FC, $24.99 US

In the third collection of stories inspired by the hit video game, Dr. Hugo Strange has gained control of Arkham Asylum and is determined to keep the city’s criminal element behind bars. Gotham City in turn has been transformed into a massive prison, run by a madman and ruled by the criminal element. Find out in these stories from issues #11-16!

THE BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD COLLECTION TP

Written by ALAN GRANT and JOHN WAGNER

Art by SIMON BISLEY, CAM KENNEDY, CARL CRITCHLOW, GLENN FABRY, and others

Cover by MIKE MIGNOLA

288 pg, FC, $19.99 US

When Batman crosses paths with the grim and gritty Judge Dredd, things are bound to get ugly! In these tales from the 1990s, the two crimefighters face The Riddler and The Joker and battle extradimensional gladiators. Plus: Don’t miss Judge Dredd’s battle with the Main Man himself – Lobo! This amazing title collects BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD: JUDGMENT ON GOTHAM, BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD: VENDETTA IN GOTHAM, BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD: THE ULTIMATE RIDDLE, BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD: DIE LAUGHING #1-2 and LOBO/JUDGE DREDD: PSYCHO BIKERS VS. MUTANTS FROM HELL!

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #26

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art by ALEX MALEEV

Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:25 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

A sweeping visual tale of Gotham City’s forgotten citizens: the abused and the voiceless. Will these desperate souls find their angel in The Dark Knight? Find out in this special mostly silent issue.

BATWOMAN #26

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN

Art by TREVOR McCARTHY and JEREMY HAUN

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 B&W Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

Family secrets continue to threaten the recently reunited Kane family as Batwoman delves deeper into the mysteries of both friends and enemies. Guest-starring Batman and Bones!

FAAAAN-tastic cover. What is that, art deco? Evocative of a bygone age, beautifully designed and very eye-catching.

BEWARE THE BATMAN #3

Written by SCOTT BEATTY

Art and cover by LUCIANO VECCHIO

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E

Tobias Whale has not forgotten the store of weapons sunk under Gotham City’s bay. He’s ready to salvage the ship, but Batman’s also made plans. When they collide undersea near the continental shelf, who will prevail?

CATWOMAN #26

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

Cover by TERRY DODSON and RACHEL DODSON

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Catwoman’s adventure in the Gotham Underground comes to a deadly end as she tries to pull off a heist by pitting Doctor Phosphorus, Warhog and The Joker’s Daughter against each other!

I don't understand why the characters are upside down, but this is how the cover was sent. Anyway, I already like The New 52 Joker's Daughter more than the original version -- but I can't say whether she'll have any staying power for anything more than DC's need to publish her occasionally to secure the copyright. The jury's still out for me.

DAMIAN: SON OF BATMAN #3

Written by ANDY KUBERT

Art and cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:25 Variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON

1:100 B&W Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

32 pg, FC, 3 of 4, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.

Damian Wayne has been bruised and beaten to a pulp…but nothing before will compare to his latest confrontation with the horde of villains in this issue. When pitted against Professor Pyg, DC villain’s month darling Jakanapes and other baddies, how will Damian survive—especially when he finds a certain clown waiting for him at the finish line?

Don't ask! Just buy!

DEAD BOY DETECTIVES #1

Written by TOBY LITT and MARK BUCKINGHAM

Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM and GARY ERSKINE

Cover by MARK BUCKINGHAM

1:13 Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

From the pages of THE SANDMAN, Neil Gaiman’s dead boys get their own monthly series! As fans of storybook detectives, Edwin Paine (died 1916) and Charles Rowland (died 1990) will take on any and all mysteries—including their own untimely deaths! The dead boys head back to St. Hilarions, where bullying headmasters continue to rule the school. But when they investigate the lingering mysteries of their own deaths, they meet a young girl named Crystal whose tech skills and strange link to the undead earn her a place as a new detective. DEAD BOY DETECTIVES is a fast-paced adventure series that takes us from the bustling streets of contemporary London to Japanese-inspired video games and dangerous worlds perched somewhere between the now and nevermore.

This could be a terrific series if handled right. The boy have already wormed their way into my heart from previous appearances, so I'm hoping the same vibe carries into this series.

FABLES #136

Written by BILL WILLINGHAM

Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM and RUSS BRAUN

Cover by DANIEL DOS SANTOS

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

“CAMELOT,” part 6 of 7! The new Round Table has been established and potential knights errant are beginning to arrive from worlds over—including one ragged and mysterious piece of work from who-knows-where? At the same time some of the early volunteers are sent on their first quests. Raise your hand if you think that will go smoothly.

THE FLASH #26

Written by CHRISTOS N. GAGE

Art by NEIL GOOGE

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

In this special standalone story, The Flash loses someone important to him. To catch the villain responsible, The Flash must figure out how to use his powers in the one place where they do him little good: the sky!

FOREVER EVIL: A.R.G.U.S. #3

Written by MATT KINDT

Art by PHILIP TAN and JASON PAZ

Cover by MIKEL JANIN

1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIKEL JANIN

32 pg, 3 of 6, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

Steve Trevor and his small band of surviving A.R.G.U.S. agents track down the deadly Cheetah, who has Wonder Woman’s lasso in her possession. That lasso could be the only hope of freeing the Justice League!

THE GREEN TEAM: TEEN TRILLIONAIRES #7

Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO

Art and cover by IG GUARA and J.P. MAYER

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Tensions rise after the team loses of one of their own! Money can’t buy them love—nor resurrection! Can the Green Team survive this tragedy?

HELLBLAZER VOL. 7: TAINTED LOVE TP

Written by GARTH ENNIS

Art by STEVE DILLON

Cover by FRANCISCO FRANCAVILLA

320 pg, FC, $19.99 US • MATURE READERS

John Constantine celebrates his fortieth birthday alongside his friends Swamp Thing and Zatanna but soon finds himself at his lowest point ever. Drunk and homeless, John must pull himself together if he is going to survive against the King of the Vampires. Collecting HELLBLAZER #62-71, HELLBLAZER SPECIAL #1 and a story from VERTIGO JAM #1.

HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #9

Written by DAN ABNETT

Art by MICHAEL O’HARE

Cover by FRAZER IRVING

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

He-Man and his allies continue their desperate quest into the underworld of Subternia. Their goal: nothing less than the salvation of Eternia itself! But even if they have the right to ask the life-force of Zoar for aid, just what horrors and dangers stand in their way?

I'm still amazed that the writers on this book are usually A-list or close.

INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US #12

Written by TOM TAYLOR

Art by MIKE S. MILLER and TOM DERENICK

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

1:10 DC Collectibles photo variant cover

40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST • FINAL ISSUE

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

FINAL ISSUE—FOR NOW! Will a hero’s sacrifice have been in vain? Batman races against time to synthesize the pill that Luthor created to produce an army of super soldiers. He knows Superman is coming for him, but he has no choice but to try. Don’t miss the shocking turn of events that leads to the next phase of INJUSTICE!

SOOOOOO depressing.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #26

Written by J.M. DeMATTEIS

Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN

1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIKEL JANIN

32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

A FOREVER EVIL tie-in! The Crime Syndicate’s Sea King, last seen at the end of “Trinity War,” has cheated death and plagues the JL Dark team!

Won't anybody stay dead any more?

LARFLEEZE #6

Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS

Art by SCOTT KOLINS

Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Now that Larfleeze is a living power battery, how will his former corps recharge its rings! The Orange Lanterns are prepared to pry open Agent Orange to find out!

MAD MAGAZINE #525

Written and illustrated by

THE USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS

56 pg, FC, $5.99 US

That special season of gift-giving is here! This time, forget the coal in your loved ones’ stockings—instead, give them MAD!

RED LANTERNS #26

Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art and cover by ALESSANDRO VITTI

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ALESSANDRO VITTI

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

A RED WILL BE DEAD! It’s Guy Gardner and five Red Lanterns on their first mission in Sector 2814—a planetary army a billion strong, led by the evil fascist dictator Field Marshal Gensui. How can they all possibly survive? In fact, not all of them do!

SUPERBOY VOL. 3: LOST TP

Written by TOM DeFALCO and SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by R.B. SILVA, ROB LEAN, ROGER ROBINSON, IBAN COELLO, DIOGENES NEVES and others

Cover by R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN

200 pg, FC, $16.99 US

As Superman attempts to help Superboy understand and control his powers, they are set upon by another Kryptonian refugee by the name of H’el! This volume guest-stars the Teen Titans and more! Collects SUPERBOY #13-19 and SUPERBOY ANNUAL #1.

More Krypton stuff, with H'El a Kryptonian trying to restore Krypton.

SUPERMAN #26

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by KENNETH ROCAFORT

Cover by KEN LASHLEY

1:25 B&W Variant cover by KEN LASHLEY

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

In the aftermath of “Krypton Returns,” a distraught Man of Steel returns to find that the Parasite is back—and he is very hungry. First on the menu: Lois Lane!

Yes, more Krypton stuff.

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL VOL. 8 TP

Written by PAUL KUPPERBERG, JOHN BYRNE and ROGER STERN

Art by JOHN BYRNE, TY TEMPLETON, GEORGE PEREZ, MIKE MIGNOLA, JERRY ORDWAY and others

Cover by JOHN BYRNE

240 pg, FC, $16.99 US

Superman’s 1980s adventures continue with the introduction of Checkmate, plus appearances by Wonder Woman, Man-Bat and others. Collects ACTION COMICS #598-600, SUPERMAN #16-18 and ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #439-440.

I'm glad to see Bronze Age and post-Bronze Age books joining the parade of reprints. I've read them all, of course, but not all fans have and there's some good work here.

SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #5

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

Backup story art by DUSTIN NGUYEN

1:300 B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

Retailers: This issue will ship with eleven covers. Please see the order form for more information.

Superman and Wraith form an alliance to rescue a hostage and strike at the heart of Ascension, but the mission goes awry when it becomes clear the Man of Tomorrow and the soldier from beyond the stars have very different methodologies—and objectives! Plus, secrets are revealed about Wraith’s people!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

Another Kryptonian survivor. As we used to say in the Silver Age, "Did anybody besides Jor-El and Lara actually die when Krypton exploded?"

TALON #14

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art by EMANUEL SIMEONI

Cover by EMANUEL SIMEONI

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The Court of Owls’ machinations threaten to tear Gotham City apart, and no one but Calvin Rose can take them down once and for all!

TEEN TITANS #26

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by TYLER KIRKHAM and ART THIBERT

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.

Secrets are revealed and trusts tested as the Teen Titans finally begin to understand Kid Flash’s criminal actions before he became a heroic member of the team.

TOM STRONG AND THE PLANET OF PERIL #6

Written by PETER HOGAN

Art and cover by CHRIS SPROUSE and KARL STORY

32 pg, FC, 6 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T

Tom Strong can’t believe that finding a cure for Tesla’s troubles may lead to the death of her husband. Saving an entire civilization along with his family will require timing, skill…and a whole lot of luck!

I just love Chris Sprouse's work on this book.

VERTIGO ESSENTIALS: AMERICAN VAMPIRE #1

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and STEPHEN KING

Art and cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE

64 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Witness the birth of a new species of vampire in this reprint of the debut issue of this hit series! When notorious outlaw Skinner Sweet is attacked by a member of the undead, the first American vampire is born: powered by the sun, stronger, fiercer, and meaner than anything that came before.

IDW PUBLISHING

DEADWORLD RESTORATION #2

(W) Gary Reed (A/CA) Sami Makkonen

$3.99

Dan makes a prisoner of Deake, the crazed lunatic who claims he unleashed the supernatural holocaust, while Bowker is forced to come to Moloch for a trade as the Dead Killer hunts for the flesh-peeling creature known as Mosaic.

All the zombie books are starting to wear me out. To be fair, though, this one preceded Walking Dead.

DOCTOR WHO 3 VOL 4: DEAD MAN'S HAND TP

(W) Tony Lee (A) Mike Collins, Mitch Gerads (CA) Blair Shedd

$17.99

The Doctor and Clara cross paths with Oscar Wilde and Calamity Jane in the frontier town of Deadwood as they pay their respects to the recently passed Wild Bill Hickok. But soon they discover the grave is empty and that the town is being plagued by a masked gunman who shoots his victims with nothing but a finger!

DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME DLX HC

(W) David Tipton, Scott Tipton (A) Simon Fraser & Various (CA) Francesco Francavilla

$49.99

Prisoners Of Time celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who with a tribute to one of the greatest pop-culture heroes of all time in this special oversized hard cover, collecting all 12 issues, which tells an epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the intrepid traveler through time and space known simply as... the Doctor.

G.I. JOE #12

(W) Paul Allor (A) Alex Cal & Various (CA) Steve Kurth

$3.99

The Secret History of COBRA! In the aftermath of COBRA's New York attack, BARONESS leads a new up-and-coming officer called SIREN around the world-and into the past! SIREN uncovers the secrets of the previous COBRA COMMANDERs-and comes face-to-face with the ruthless current one!

JUDGE DREDD (IDW) VOL 3 TP

(W) Duane Swierczynski (A) Nelson Daniel, Antonio Fuso (CA) Nelson Daniel

$17.99

As chaotic and violent as things can be in Mega-City One, it's all unicorns, ice cream, and rainbows compared to what you'll find beyond the outer walls... in the CURSED EARTH! In the wake of the devastation of "The Long Fail," Dredd is forced to lead a small team of Judges into the scariest stretch of irradiated wasteland to recover the very soul of the city, which means, among other unsavory things, the Angel Gang!

JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS #7

(W) John Wagner, Alan Grant (A) Carlos Ezquerra (CA) Jim Fern

$3.99

The "Apocalypse War" finale! Dredd infiltrates the now-occupied Grand Hall of Justice, where he finds the brainwashed Chief Justice Griffin spreading Sov propaganda. How far will Dredd go to keep Griffin quiet and stop the East-Meg One forces? And is he willing to sacrifice himself in the process?

MY LITTLE PONY DIGEST VOL 2 TP

(W) Katie Cook (A) Andy Price (CA) Stephanie Buscema

$6.99

It's My Little Pony stories you can put in your pocket! This special digest-sized collection of "Friendship is Magic" takes you into the land of Equestria and continues the stories of Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. Read along as their tales unfold in the conclusion to "The Return of Queen Chrysalis."

Yep, Stephanie Buscema is Big John's daughter.

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC VOL 3 TP

(W) Katie Cook (A/CA) Andy Price

$17.99

The citizens of Ponyville take center stage as an ordinary morning for Big McIntosh quickly turns into an unexpected adventure! Plus, the secret history of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence's love!

I don't mean this in a critical way, but how many My Little Pony readers are going to realize this is an homage cover to the 1987 Justice League #1?

SAMURAI JACK #1 2ND PTG

(W) Jim Zub (A/CA) Andy Suriano

$3.99

From IDW Publishing. Cartoon Network's hit animated series is back at IDW! The legendary samurai known only as "Jack" is stranded in a strange future ruled by the demonic wizard Aku. His quest to return back to the past has tested him many times, but now the stakes are higher than ever. Can an ancient relic known as the Rope of Eons finally take him home? Writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers, Street Fighter) and artist Andy Suriano (Character Designer on the original Samurai Jack TV series) begin a new era of samurai adventure!

SINISTER DEXTER #2

(W) Dan Abnett (A) Andy Clarke (CA) Antonio Fuso

$3.99

Ramone and Finn arrive in Mangapore to procure new employment from the Yakuza, only to find themselves the target of his two best assasins-Finn's ex-wife and her poly-metal synthetic sidekick! All-new cover by Cobra artist Antonio Fuso!

In case anyone has missed the joke, "Sinister" and "Dexter" are "left" and "right" in Latin, respectively.

STAR TREK NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE HC BLACK LABEL ED

(W) Mike Johnson (A) Joe Phillips (CA) Tim Bradstreet

From IDW Publishing. Start from the beginning of IDW's ongoing series with this Black Label edition of Star Trek: Where No Man Has Gone Before, which features: a piece of hand-drawn original full-color artwork from Joe Phillips featuring one crew member of the U.S.S. Enterprise and signed by Phillips, Mike Johnson & Tim Bradstreet; a limited-edition, custom-designed tray case; a mounted signature page signed by Johnson, Phillips & Bradstreet; a custom, IDW Limited-exclusive cover & casing; a set of eight exclusive lithographs in a hardcover portfolio; a vellum overlay of the title page; and brand-new endpages designed to mirror the style of the tray case and portfolio. It comes stamped with the IDW Limited Black Foil Imprint and includes a black satin ribbon bookmark. NOTE: The pictured hand-drawn artwork is a representative example. Joe Phillips has created 50 uniquely different, completely original pieces of art for this project. The artwork you receive is one of a kind and may not match the image/character shown in this photograph. Limited to just 50 hand-numbered copies.

I have no idea what all this black label/red label business is at IDW, although they appear kinda gouge-y. But if they're selling, then I guess somebody wants them, and I should not criticize.

THUNDER AGENTS #5

(W) Phil Hester (A/CA) Roger Robinson

$3.99

The hunt for the hidden Judgment Towers between T.H.U.N.D.E.R. and The Subterraneans takes atwist when a mysterious third organization makes a play for the alien artifacts. Lightning receives some sobering new,s and a powerful new recruit named John Janus appears, but will he join the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents or destroy them?

I always thought that a double agent named Janus was a bit on the nose. Nobody considered that a guy named for the two-faced Roman god might be working for the other team?

TMNT ANIMATED VOL 3: SHOWDOWN TP

(W/A/CA) Various

$7.99

Read along and re-live the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon action with Leo, Don, Mikey, Raph, April, and Shredder in these popular young reader volumes. This volume adapts "Showdown," the exciting conclusion to Season 1!

TMNT ULTIMATE COLLECTION VOL 3 RED LABEL ED HC

(W) Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird (A/CA) Kevin Eastman

This Red Label edition of TMNT: The Ultimate Collection Vol.3 comes in a limited-edition slipcase and exclusive cover featuring artwork from TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman!

TRANSFORMERS REGENERATION ONE VOL 3 TP

(W) Simon Furman (A) Andrew Wildman & Various (CA) Andrew Wildman

$19.99

The very fabric of the TRANSFORMERS' universe begins to unravel, as huge and ancient cosmic forces take note of CYBERTRON's (and the CYBERTRONIANS') descent into chaos and anarchy.

WALTER SIMONSON MIGHTY THOR ARTIST ED NEW PTG HC

(W/A/CA) Walter Simonson

A new printing of the long sold out, critically acclaimed and Eisner Award-winning Artist's Edition! This collection presents Thor 337-340 and 360-362-Walter Simonson's first story, followed by one of his favorite arcs.

Thor #337 is one of the groundbreaking issues in modern comics, introducing the classic character, Beta Ray Bill. It was a runaway sellout when first released and it has only gained prominence with time. Simonson went on to write and draw approximately 40 issues of Thor and his legendary run on the title is an undisputed classic.

All the pages in the Artist's Edition were scanned from Simonson's personal original art to ensure the highest possible quality reproduction. Don't miss this second chance to own comic history!

IDW sure is getting a lot of mileage out of old Marvel comics!

ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS THIS MEANS WAR LTD HC PROSE

(W) Jesse Bullington & Various (A/CA) Fabio Listrani

A Signed, Limited version of the First ZVR Prose Collection in a slipcase! 11 Original Stories of Zombie on Robot Action-and Vice Versa! ZVR: THIS MEANS WAR! takes IDW's splatterific Zombie vs Robots comic book series-created by writer Chris Ryall and artist Ashley Wood-and expands it in ways that will redefine both zombie and robot fiction. A shambling cohort of top horror and fantasy writers from across the globe (okay, Canada, England, Australia, and Bakersfield) have devoted themselves to making evocative word-pictures in your brain of this delicious cult series.

$60.00

I haven't seen a single issue of this, and haven't sought it out because I can't figure out what the appeal is supposed to be.

What gives zombie stories their oomph is the anxiety the reader has for the humans in the book -- knowing that a single bite means death is enormously compelling. But why would I care what happens to a robot? In fact, that seems like a pretty good way to fight zombies, in that it doesn't endanger anyone. But it would make for a boring story -- if a robot is destroyed, just build another. And why would zombies even fight robots? They don't smell like food, so they'd ignore them like they do cars and washing machines. Robots should be able to wander through zombie hordes slaughtering them without any resistance.

Chris Ryall is a good storyteller, so I'm sure he's addressed this problem somehow. Has anyone read this? Are there people inside the robots? What provides the drama?

Of course, I COULD be overthinking this ...

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  • IMAGE COMICS

    ARTIFACTS #33

    1936173857?profile=RESIZE_180x180Story KEN PORTER

    Art -ROM-

    Cover STJEPAN SEJIC

    32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99

    “THE TEACHER AND THE PREACHER”

    Top Cow publishes its first team of winners from the 2012 Talent Hunt! Rapture bearer and defrocked priest Tom Judge and the numeromancer Tilly Grimes are hot on the heels of a prolific serial killer. But even if Tom is able to save the next intended victim, is he already too late to save her soul?

    I recently read the first Artifacts HC and enjoyed it, but not so much that I became a regular reader. With the absence of Ron Marz, I'm not likely to become one. Anybody reading this and want to recommend it?

    1801226287?profile=RESIZE_180x180BLACK SCIENCE #1 2ND PTG

    1936173945?profile=RESIZE_180x180New science-fiction action series generates early buzz and enthusiasm, and sells out instantly

    The first issue of the highly anticipated new series BLACK SCIENCE, created by Rick Remender (THE LAST CHRISTMAS, Uncanny Avengers, Captain America) and Matteo Scalera (DEAD BODY ROAD, Indestructible Hulk), has already garnered critical acclaim and sold out instantly at the distributor level. The dimension-hopping begins with a thrilling chase scene and leaves readers with a nail-biting cliffhanger.

    A former member of The Anarchistic Order of Scientists, Grant McKay has deciphered Black Science and embarked on a journey through an alternate reality with his crew in tow. But he soon encounters none-too-friendly alien worlds and the exploratory mission they all first set out on suddenly a race for survival.

    Praise for BLACK SCIENCE #1:

    “The visually-stunning first issue plunges the reader head first into a Rod Serling fever dream. From creatures to spacesuits, the art team of Matteo Scalera and Dean White aesthetically tempers tension of the unknown within the familiar groundwork of vintage sci-fi.” --Robert Tutton, Paste Magazine

    “Black Science #1 is a breathtaking thrill-ride that channels equal parts Robert E. Howard, Philip K. Dick... combined with astonishing artwork by the incomparable Matteo Scalera.” --Jason Sacks, Comics Bulletin

    “Readers are given nary a moment to breathe throughout Black Science #1. And if the ending is any indication, we won’t be able to in #2 as well. These elements ended up being the hook that will bring me back more than anything. It’s clear there is a deep mythology at play here.” --Kevin Finnegan, Comic Book Therapy

    BLACK SCIENCE will take readers to the outer edges of reality on a pulse-pounding adventure.

    BLACK SCIENCE #1 has completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores, and 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.

    1936174033?profile=RESIZE_180x180CLONE #13

    1936174186?profile=RESIZE_180x180Story DAVID SCHULNER, AARON GINSBURG & WADE MCINTYRE

    Art / cover JUAN JOSE RYP & ANDY TROY

    32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99

    “Have you considered the moral and ethical ramifications of cloning?”

    The balance between Luke’s resistance and the anti-clone movement shifts here...in what is sure to be the most intense issue of CLONE yet.

    1801223007?profile=RESIZE_180x180MANHATTAN PROJECTS #17

    1936176026?profile=RESIZE_180x180(W) Jonathan Hickman (A/CA) Nick Pitarra

    "UNHOLY ALIGNMENT"

    The four secret programs of the Manhattan Projects collide. Old friends at war, new alliances, and so much betrayal.

    $3.50

    1801223007?profile=RESIZE_180x180ROCKET GIRL #3

    1936176208?profile=RESIZE_180x180Story BRANDON MONTCLARE

    Art / cover AMY REEDER

    32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50

    "DOUBLE REAGENT”

    Changing the future is hard to do. Sparks fly when DaYoung becomes Most Wanted in two different New York Cities. Police in battling timestreams — 1986 and an alternate 2013 — want to get their girl. But bringing her in is going to take a coordinated effort from a mysterious player who straddles both worlds.

    "This is Amy and Brandon firing on all cylinders. I'm blown away by all the life and energy in this book (and the mind-boggling backgrounds!). I can't wait to see more of DaYoung." — ROSS CAMPBELL (GLORY, Wet Moon)

    I really enjoyed the first two issues. Rocket Girl is a genuinely optimistic and idealistic teenager -- something you don't see in fiction very often -- and that optimism and idealism is so infectious you can't help but like her.

    1801238541?profile=RESIZE_180x180SIN BOLDLY ONE-SHOT

    sin-boldly-one-shot-web-72web.jpg?width=150Story / art / cover JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER

    32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.50

    JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER writes and draws two stories featuring characters that his die-hard fans have been asking about for years. In "Hell Is Waiting," Sinful Suzi learns a lesson about the wages of sin. And in "Burning Roses," Obsidian Stone loses an old friend and welcomes a new demon. This guilty pleasure is a long-overdue return to the B&W short stories that LINSNER started with in CRY FOR DAWN. Because if you are going to sin, then sin boldly!

    Praise for Linsner’s art and writing style include:

    “The storytelling is simple and at times repetitious, in the way that folktales usually are, which eases the reader into a world whose existence seems much more complex. Going this route, Linsner gets his ideas across in a firm but fun way.” -- Meagan Demore, Comic Book Resources

    "A veteran artist with a talent for expressive characterization." -- Ed Allen, Comic Bastards

    "I simply can't get enough of JML's Dawn." -- Adrian, Great Hera

    That ... is a memorable cover.

    1801238541?profile=RESIZE_180x180TODD, THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH #8

    1936178246?profile=RESIZE_180x180Story KEN KRISTENSEN

    Art / cover  M.K. PERKER 

    32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99

    "CHARLIE ROSE'S TABLE: PUBLIC BROADCASTING SATAN," Conclusion

    Our first Christmas issue! Holiday Gift Bonus: Todd Fold Out Origami with every issue!

    In this thrilling conclusion to the PBS arc, Charlie Rose unleashes the full force of his demonic power, Peggy’s home pregnancy test catches fire, and Gus discovers Todd has the highly marketable power to restore virginity.

    1801238541?profile=RESIZE_180x180

  • MARVEL COMICS

    According to my LCS owner, the only Marvel books for this week are ones that should have already come out but were running late. Interesting, if true.

    AVENGERS A.I. VOL. 1: HUMAN AFTER ALL TPB

    1936170916?profile=RESIZE_180x180Written by SAM HUMPHRIES

    Penciled by ANDRE LIMA ARAUJO & VALERIO SCHITI

    Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER

    136 PGS./Rated T+ …$16.99

    Hank Pym’s triumph has turned to tragedy — an unfathomable Pandora’s Box of destruction! When a brave new world is unleashed, only one team of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes can save us from the future: Avengers A.I.! Featuring the Vision, Hank Pym, Victor Mancha, Doombot, the mysterious Alexis and Monica Chang, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.! As the Sentient Iron Man armor returns, Dimitrios — a powerful super-intelligence with a grudge against humanity — strikes! The Vision is thrown into the Diamond, a surreal new virtual world — but is he a prisoner there, or a savior? Either way, with the Vision MIA and AIs considered a threat, the new squad has little choice but to team with S.H.I.E.L.D. to face down Dimitrios. But what secrets does the powerful Alexis hold? Prepare yourself for the kingdom of thinking machines! Collecting AVENGERS A.I. #1-6.

    I've got this on order, but it seems evident by now that this book has almost nothing to do with the other Avengers books -- it's never mentioned in the others, anyway -- which should be a plus for many readers. On the other hand, there aren't any popular characters in this title besides The Vision. (Unless you count Hank Pym, but I don't know how big a role he really plays -- I haven't noticed him on any covers.)

    And given the number of A.I.s running around in the Marvel U, this collection is an odd one. I think Jocasta is still dead, but is a robot ever really dead? There's also X-51 (Machine Man), Quasimodo, the Golden Age Human Torch, Teen Machine, that kid with his Sentinel -- heck, there's even a robot Wolverine named Albert! But none of those appear, while the "team" is populated by some pretty obscure characters.

    Maybe it will all make sense when I read the trade.

    1801205528?profile=RESIZE_180x180AVENGERS: WEST COAST AVENGERS — SINS OF THE PAST TPB

    1936172991?profile=RESIZE_180x180Written by STEVE ENGLEHART,

    DANNY FINGEROTH & MARK BRIGHT

    Penciled by AL MILGROM, STEVE DITKO

    & MARK BRIGHT

    Cover by AL MILGROM

    Aliens, androids, demons, mutants and more! Still in the team’s early days, the wondrous Whackos continue filling out their roster, but the crazed and compulsive Quicksilver is out to depopulate both Avengers teams in a run for revenge — in three grudge matches setting his ex-teammates against the android Zodiac! Elsewhere, Graviton gathers fundamental forces of nature to bend the world to his will, and the Cat People await to feast on Avengers — body and soul! Plus: the origin of Mockingbird and the rebirth of Tigra! Secrets of S.H.I.E.L.D. and long-lost villains! Guest-starring the Defenders’ Son of Satan and Hellcat, the X-titles’ Freedom Force; and the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing! Collecting WEST COAST AVENGERS (1985) #10-16 and ANNUAL #1, and AVENGERS ANNUAL #15.

    248 PGS./Rated T …$29.99

    1801205528?profile=RESIZE_180x180DEADPOOL BY JOE KELLY OMNIBUS HC (All New Cover!)

    1936174962?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936177443?profile=RESIZE_180x180Written by JOE KELLY, JAMES FELDER & STAN LEE

    Penciled by ED MCGUINNESS, AARON LOPRESTI, BERNARD CHANG, SHANNON DENTON, PETE WOODS, WALTER MCDANIEL, STEVE HARRIS, ANTHONY WILLIAMS, DAVID BREWER, JOHN ROMITA SR.,

    ERIC CANETE, ROB LIEFELD & MORE

    Covers by ED MCGUINNESS

    1160 PGS./Parental Advisory …$125

    Trim size: oversized

    Wade Wilson is a self-loathing killer for hire — but he dreams of being a hero. So when an interdimensional organization reveals his destiny to save the world, is it the chance for redemption Deadpool has longed for — or is it too good to be true? Either way, with reluctant allies like Siryn, Monty, Weasel and the elderly prisoner Blind Al, and formidable foes like Taskmaster, Typhoid Mary and T-Ray — who carries a soul-shattering secret that could destroy Deadpool — the odds are stacked against the Merc with a Mouth! Joe Kelly’s hilarious, brutal, twisted and definitive take on Deadpool is presented in one oversized hardcover! Collecting DEADPOOL (1997) #1-33, #-1 and #0, DAREDEVIL/DEADPOOL ANNUAL ’97, DEADPOOL/DEATH ANNUAL ’98, BABY’S FIRST DEADPOOL BOOK, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #47 and #611, and material from DEADPOOL (2008) #900.

    DEADPOOL BY JOE KELLY OMNIBUS HC VARIANT (DM ONLY)

    1160 PGS./Parental Advisory …$125

    1936121281?profile=RESIZE_180x180GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #10

    1936179473?profile=RESIZE_180x180Brian Michael Bendis (W) • Kevin Maguire (A/C)

    • Angela and Gamora go hunting.

    • Special guest artist Kevin Maguire (Justice League, Batman Confidential, X-Men)

    32 PGS./Rated T…$3.99

    I'm trade-waiting this, but knowing there's a Kevin Maguire story will make the long wait difficult!

    1801205528?profile=RESIZE_180x180IRON MAN EXTREMIS PROSE NOVEL MASS MARKET TP

    1936179652?profile=RESIZE_180x180(W/A) Various (CA) TBD

    $7.99

    Iron Man was forged out of advanced technology, but now that same future tech threatens to doom Tony Stark. A dangerous terrorist has ingested a techno-organic virus called Extremis, transforming him into a superhuman killing machine. Now immensely powerful, but driven mad by the virus' effects, the Extremis creature seems unstoppable. To halt this madman's psychotic rampage, Iron Man must face the Extremis virus head-on - in a life-or-death battle that will drive Tony Stark closer than ever to the thin line between man and machine. Experience Warren Ellis's blockbuster reimagining of the armored Avenger like never before in this new adaptation!

    1801205528?profile=RESIZE_180x180NEW AVENGERS #13.INH

    1936181839?profile=RESIZE_180x180JONATHAN HICKMAN (W) • SIMONE BIANCHI (A/C)

    Variant Cover by MIKE DEODATO

    INHUMANITY TIE-IN! – “THE OTHER SIDE”

    • With the consequences of Infinity fresh on their minds, tough decisions are made.

    • The gathering of a new Illuminati.

    • We learn more about the other beings related to the Incursions.

    32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

    I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that Black Bolt will be MIA at the launch of Inhumanity, so this might be his last appearance for a while. I want to like Inhumanity, but it's not off to a good start when it pulls out the old Black-Bolt-Is-Missing card. I guess it's Marvel's own fault for making the character too powerful, but it sure gets tedious watching the other characters pine for his return.

    1801205528?profile=RESIZE_180x180NEW AVENGERS VOL. 2: INFINITY PREMIERE HC

    1936184267?profile=RESIZE_180x180Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

    Penciled by MIKE DEODATO JR.

    Cover by MIKE DEODATO JR.

    144 PGS./Rated T+ …$24.99

    INFINITY TIE-IN! Who is the secret member of the Illuminati that many of the members don’t know about? And how does Black Bolt, mute monarch of the Inhumans, lie to his teammates? As the cold war between Wakanda and Atlantis heats up into a full-scale conflict, casualties begin to pile up — and an Illuminati member is forced to make a hard choice. But when an Inhuman learns of the Illuminati’s plans, everything falls apart. And as Thanos’ forces invade Earth, the Illuminati take to the front lines — and the House of Black Bolt cracks! How is Maximus the Mad involved, and what secret desires does Thanos harbor? As the battle for Earth continues, the Builders arrive — what an awful time for the Illuminati to face another incursion! Collecting NEW AVENGERS (2013) #7-12.

    Judging from the first trade, the tagline for the book ought to be "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here." The first trade was downright grim, and from the description above, it gets worse! I'm in for the duration, though, because Hickman stories are always long games.

    1801205528?profile=RESIZE_180x180SAVAGE WOLVERINE #13

    1936186300?profile=RESIZE_180x180PHIL JIMENEZ (W) • PHIL JIMENEZ (A/C)

    • Part 2 of 2!

    • Wolverine’s hunt leads him to Madripoor, where he makes a shocking discovery.

    • Guest-starring Kitty Pryde

    32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

    1801205528?profile=RESIZE_180x180THE SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN #7

    1936186471?profile=RESIZE_180x180Nick Spencer (W) • Steve Lieber (A)

    Cover by In-Hyuk-Lee

    • The Sleeper hit of the year continues!

    • Can’t do the time? Speed Demon shouldn’t have done the crime.

    • Spencer, Lieber, Rosenberg, Caramagna, and a group of Foes on the brink!

    32 PGS./Rated T…$2.99

    Thanks to the recommendations of Legionnaires on this board, I've ordered the first trade of the series. Looking forward to it!

  • OTHER PUBLISHERS

    ABC WARRIORS RETURN TO EARTH HC

    1936171710?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: 2000 AD

    (W) Pat Mills (A/CA) Clint Langley

    $23.99

    Mars, the far future. War droids created for a conflict that ended centuries ago, the A.B.C. Warriors were recruited to bring peace to the civil-war-ravaged colonies on the Red Planet. The Mek-nificent Seven have recently lost two of their number to the evil Volkhan's army. Recounting a mission from the past that led him back to Earth, team leader Hammerstein reveals how he betrayed robotkind, met Ro-Jaws and joined Ro-Busters! Finally, the origin of the ABC Warriors!

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180ACG COLLECTED WORKS: OUT OF THE NIGHT VOL 3 HC

    1936173914?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: PS ARTBOOKS

    (W) Roy Thomas (A) Ken Bald & Various

    $47.99

    Daring and supernatural from the ACG classic Out of the Night! Originally published in issues #13-17 from March 1954 to November 1954.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #2 2ND PTG

    1936175762?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936177831?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

    Afterlife With Archie, the acclaimed ongoing series written by Harvey award-winning writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Eisner award-winning artist Francesco Francavilla, sold out at Diamond and went back for a 2nd printing.

    Afterlife With Archie explores what would happen if the zombie apocalypse began in Archie's hometown of Riverdale. The most talked about comic of 2013 continues its sold out streak after the debut issue sold out in less than 5 hours.

    The year's most talked about comic book has received widespread media attention from national news, horror, and comic sites including VARIETY, DEADLINE, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, USA TODAY, HUFFINGTON POST, FANGORIA MAGAZINE, IGN, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES, NEWSARAMA, BLEEDING COOL, BLOODY DISGUSTING and many more.

    "We're thrilled that Afterlife With Archie #2 is going back to print," said Archie Comics Publisher/co-CEO Jon Goldwater. "We couldn't be happier with the response we're getting from both new and longtime fans, as well as retailers who continue to support us."

    Series artist Francavilla has created a brand new cover for the 2nd printing of Afterlife With Archie #2, which will be made available 1/1/14. This is the second consecutive sold out issue for Archie's first direct market only series ever. Stay tuned as the horror and suspense continue to build from issue to issue!

    Afterlife With Archie, the most anticipated new horror series of 2013, is exclusively available at your local comic shop and digitally on the Afterlife With Archie App.

    For more information visit AfterlifeWithArchie.com.

    If you're not reading this, you should be. What a weird, wild ride!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180ALL NEW SOULFIRE #2

    1936180202?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936180244?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ASPEN MLT INC

    (W) J. T. Krul, Frank Mastromauro (A) V Kenneth Marion, Mark Roslan (CA) Joe Benitez

    $3.99

    Let the mayhem begin!

    PJ takes center stage in the arena, determined to be crowned king of the underground hi-tech battle royale. It's man-made machine vs. man-made machine and more! In the streets of Paris, Malikai and Sonia learn more about the growing movement known as Gabriel's Voice, and their strong belief in magic--despite ever seeing any firsthand-something Malikai could change with the snap of his finger. Also, as Grace and Vanyss enjoy a common bond, other magical people are being hunted down half a world away in San Francisco - but by whom and for what purpose?"

    Join veteran Soulfire scribe JT Krul, along with the amazing artistic talents of V. Ken Marion and Kyle Ritter, as an all-new direction for Michael Turner's fantasy epic Soulfire begins!

    Wow, those women aren't sexy -- they're bizarre! It looks like the conventional wisdom is wrong ... you CAN be too thin. Especially if your waist stretches from your knees to your shoulders!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180ANTARES VOL 4 EPISODE 4 TP

    1936182612?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: CINEBOOK

    (W/A/CA) LEO

    $11.95

    Kim's group, still stranded halfway across Antares, must get back to the base camp through a journey filled with deadly encounters. Meanwhile, at the base camp, a trip to the neighboring planet - source of the strange ray that vaporized Kim's daughter - is being organized. The prospect of meeting an intelligent species, though, drives the religious fanatics in charge to clamp down on any person or activity deemed rebellious. As if a hostile world isn't enough, the colonists have brought their own worst enemy with them.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180ATOMIC ROBO: SAVAGE SWORD OF DR. DINOSAUR #4

    1936182720?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: RED 5 COMICS

    (W) Brian Clevinger (A/CA) Scott Wegener

    $3.50

    Atomic Robo and his Action Scientists are trapped in Hollow Earth. If the magma, monsters, two different armies, Dr. Dinosaur, or his Time Bomb set to destroy the previous 65 million years don't get them, then Majestic 12 will! 'Cause those guys are invading Tesladyne Island. Don't worry, there's still one more issue for things to get worse.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180B&V FRIENDS DOUBLE DOUBLE DIGEST #237

    1936185170?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

    Script:  Dan Parent

    Art: Dan Parent, Jim Amash, Teresa Davidson, and Barry Grossman

    Cover: Gisele, Rosario “Tito” Peña

    On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 12/31

    320-page, full color comic, 5th color cover, $5.99 US

    We know a lot about Betty’s Diary, but what about Veronica’s? If all goes according to Veronica’s plan—we’ll never know! She keeps her cutting edge journal locked away for max secrecy, so when it somehow manages to end up in the hands of the worst person imaginable (Reggie Mantle!) how will Veronica rebound from her guffaw? And what will her friends think of her when they find out all of her secret thoughts about them? Find out in “Veronica’s Diary,” the uproarious lead story to a digest filled with double the fun, double the laughs, and double the page count, featuring an awesome 5th color cover!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180BETTY AND VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #219

    1936187309?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

    Script: Mike Pellowski

    Art: Jeff Shultz, Al Milgrom

    Cover:  Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Rosario “Tito” Peña

    On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 12/31

    160-page, full color comic

    $3.99 US

    When a rambunctious young boy threatens to ruin Betty & Veronica’s casual walks through town with his snowball attacks, the girls must find a way to deal with the snowy situation. Do they remind him of the err of his ways, give him the cold shoulder, or stoop down to his level and exact revenge? Find out in “The Snowball Effect”!

    Dan Parent sure is a workhorse for the Archie line.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180CELEBRATED SUMMER

    1936189324?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

    (W/A/CA) Charles Forsman

    TWO ACID-FUELED TEENS ON A TRAGICOMIC ROAD TRIP

    $16.99

    This original graphic novella is a funny and moving story of escalating humor and tension between two disaffected teens, Mike and Wolf, who take a spontaneous summer road trip after dropping acid. As the stark black and white of Forsman's cartooning indicates, however, this is not a psychedelic, Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby kind of trip. Instead of the escapism they crave from their fragile home lives, the LSD only heightens their sense of ennui, exacerbates their fears about the world they're about to enter as adults, and creates doubts about everything they think they know.
    Though not entirely what they bargained for, will Mike and Wolf look back on their adventure as part of the "celebrated summer" of their never-to-be-recaptured youth, or a carelessly wasted part of the best years of their lives? Or both?

    I think half my friends lived this story back in the '70s!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180CRUSADE VOL 3: MASTER OF MACHINES GN

    1936191560?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: CINEBOOK

    (W) Jean Dufaux (A/CA) Philip Xavier

    $13.95

    Gauthier of Flanders hunts the Aa, a monster whose existence stains his family's honor and who is key to an alliance with the Jews of Samaria. Deep underground, the crusader and Osarias fight for their lives, while on the surface the Master of Machines plots to secure his own pacts and get rid of Robert of Taranto. In this terrible struggle for Hierus Halem, more lives, more souls will be lost to the terrible Qa'dj.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180DEATH SENTENCE #4

    1936194477?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: TITAN

    (W) Monty Nero (A/CA) Michael Dowling

    $3.99

    Time is running out, as Monty takes an explosive step toward world domination! All the soldiers in the country aren't enough to stand against Monty, as he brings society crashing down. Sparks - and bottles of vodka - fly as Verity and Weasel meet.

    Something about UK comics just screams "high school" to me. This cover, for example, looks like something an adolescent boy would really respond to.

    But, you know, there ought to be comics for adolescents. So good on ya, mate.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180DISTRICT 14 SEASON 2 HC

    1936194619?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: HUMANOIDS INC

    (W) Pierre Gabus (A/CA) Romuald Reutimann

    $39.95

    Following the critically acclaimed Season 1 of what Jeff Smith described as "...a dream mash-up of Little Orphan Annie, Dick Tracy, noir and gangster films, as well as 10 cent comic books from the '40s... oh, and toss in Babar the Elephant for good measure..." The adventures continue for the eclectic characters of the infamous metropolis District 14. Secrets will be revealed, blood will be shed, and new allegiances will be forged as Michael, Hector and the rest of the fantastic cast face both their respective inner demons as well as the corrupt powers that control the District.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180DOCTOR WHO: CHAINS OF OLYMPUS TP

    1936195093?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: PANINI UK LTD

    (W) Scott Gray (A) Martin Geraghty, Mike Collins

    $18.99

    The second volume of comic strips collecting the eleventh Doctor's complete adventures from the pages of Doctor Who Magazine. In The Chains of Olympus, the famous Time Lord travels to Ancient Greece and finds himself up against the Gods themselves! The stories star the Doctor, Amy, and Rory in the stories "The Chains of Olympus" and "Sticks & Stones."

    Doesn't IDW also publish Dr. Who? I wonder how that works.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180DOCTOR WHO: HUNTER OF THE BURNING STONE TP

    1936197042?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: PANINI UK LTD

    (W) Scott Gray (A) Martin Geraghty & Various

    $19.99

    The third volume of comic strips collecting the eleventh Doctor's complete adventures from the pages of Doctor Who Magazine. In Hunters of the Burning Stone, the famous Time Lord meets old friends - and some very old enemies - in an epic adventure through time and space! Story arcs in this collection include "The Broken Man," "Imaginary Enemies," and "Hunters of the Burning Stone," the 50th-anniversary celebration.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #17

    1936197546?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936200150?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936202275?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ASPEN MLT INC

    (W) Vince Hernandez (A) Jordan Gunderson & Various (CA) Jordan Gunderson

    $3.99

    The second part of 'Blood Origin'!

    The "Blood Origin" three-part storyline continues as Executive Assistant Daffodil learns the painful truth that a life devoted to the training of women in the art of killing can lead to unintended-and fatal results. And, this lesson may prove to be her last, as the reality of this existence may prove too much to survive-even for her!

    I've run out of jokes about secretaries who can't type. But these executive assistants don't seem to get anywhere near an office anyway!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180FAIRY TALES OF OSCAR WILDE VOL 3 NEW PTG HC

    1936204622?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: NBM

    (W/A/CA) P. Craig Russell

    $16.99

    First time in paperback! One of comic art's most respected and pioneering artists, well known for his opera adaptations and beautiful fantasy work, P. Craig Russell is in the process of adapting Oscar Wilde's famous fairy tales in a series of landmark volumes.
    A hideous dwarf is captured in the woods and brought in to the court of the beautiful royal infanta for her amusement. He is full of good humor and tricks and becomes quite popular but remains quite unaware of his looks. She has him perform in front of her friends for her birthday. He is very touched and quite proud to receive such attention, until he sees himself in the mirror and realizes their entertainment may be at his expense.

    I will buy anything P. Craig Russell draws. Phone books. Grocery lists. Doodles. Anything.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180FIFTH ESSENCE PT 2: PLANET DIFOOL HC

    1936206790?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: HUMANOIDS INC

    (W) Alejandro Jodorowsky (A/CA) Moebius

    $79.95

    The sixth and final volume of The Incal, the bestselling international comics masterpiece by Mœbius and Jodorowsky, The Fifth Essence Part Two: Planet DiFool is yet another unique gem in the Jodorowsky/Mœbius creative and evolutionary timeline. It can be enjoyed both as part of the legendary series as well as on its own. The conclusion to the galactic adventures of John DiFool, the lowly class "R" detective who ended up being humanity's improbable savior! Published in its original colors and in the same deluxe, limited and numbered (999 copies only), super-oversized format as the first five volumes of the series.

    I love, love, love Moebius' artwork, but the stories they're attached to often make no sense to this linear-minded American. This looks to be one of those stories. I'll probably get this to look at the pretty pictures, but I don't expect that I'll understand it.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180GARFIELD #21

    1936206973?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: BOOM ENTERTAINMENT

    (W) Mark Evanier, Jim Davis (A) Andy Hirsch & Various (CA) Gary Barker

    $3.99

    Jon's missing shoes lead Garfield & Odie on a wild ride through town, as we start the year off with two all new Garfield stories.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180

  • GRIMM FAIRY TALES #92

    1936177967?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936178065?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936180149?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC

    (W) Joe Brusha (A) Salvador Velazquez (CA) Renato Rei

    $2.99

    The Countdown to 100 begins! Sela has faced many challenges in her time as guardian of the Earth but none have prepared her for the upcoming trial that the Dark Horde has in store for her. As Grimm Fairy Tales closes in on issue 100, anything can happen!

    I'm guessing that the girl in the first cover is weeping from the pain of lugging those unnaturally-large mammaries around. BOOOOOOOOOOOBS!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180GRIMM FAIRY TALES OZ #5

    1936180352?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936180513?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936182727?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936182864?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC

    (W) Joe Brusha (A) Rolando Neto (CA) Ken Lashley

    $2.99

    As the first Oz miniseries races towards its conclusion Dorothy finally arrives at the Emerald City where she finds the final piece of the Veridian scepter. But the Wicked Witch of the West and her army are not far behind and she plans to destroy the city and everyone in it on her path to conquer Oz. And the Witch has a special surprise for Dorothy that she will unleash to devastating results.

    When Alan Moore re-imagined Through the Looking Glass, Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan as pornography in Lost Girls, it was shocking. But given these covers, it seems "regular" comics are catching up. It doesn't look to me that the third cover, with Dorothy "innocently" thrusting her assets out, doesn't have any other purpose than titillation.

    Your mileage may vary, but I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180GRIMM FAIRY TALES QUEST #2

    1936182890?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936185259?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936185669?profile=RESIZE_180x1801801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC

    (W) Patrick Shand (A) TBD (CA) Jamie Tyndall

    $3.99

    With guidance from the goddess Druanna, known to many as Gaia and Mother Earth, Blake, Bolder, and Aisling continue their quest to save the Realm! However, their old lives begin to catch up with them in the form of ghosts from their past...which is, unfortunately for them, a bit too literal.

    Hey, wouldn't the blonde waitress in the second cover be giving the brunette waitress the stink-eye? After all, they're in competition for tips!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180GRAPHIC CANON TP BOX SET VOL 1-3

    1936185647?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE

    (W) Russ Kick (A) R. Crumb & Various

    $125.00

    The classic canon of Western civilization meets the artists and illustrators who have remade reading in the last years of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first century in Russ Kick's magisterial, three-volume, full-color The Graphic Canon, volumes 1, 2, and 3. This special slipcase edition includes all three volumes of the series in an attractively designed slipcase, as well as the three promotional posters created for each volume's release, allowing graphic novel collectors and fans to quickly add this important work to their library.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180HARVEY HORRORS COLLECTED WORKS: BLACK CAT MYSTERY VOL 3 HC

    1936185778?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: PS ARTBOOKS

    (A) Joe Certa & Various

    Launched in the 1950's we've collected together the Black Cat Mystery titles here for thr first time in their entirety, for this unique 4 volume collection. Volume Three collects issues #42-47 (February 1953 to December 19530. Features a special introduction from a leading author and profiles one of the genre's leading artists, Joe Certa, plus examples of his original artwork.

    $47.99

    The Black Cat collections have been delayed forever. But now they're coming fast and furious. I couldn't be happier!

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180HAWKEN MELEE #3

    1936185918?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: BOOM ENTERTAINMENT

    (W) Mike Kennedy (A) Michael O'Hare (CA) Bagus Hutomo

    $3.99

    When a raging mech battle smashes through an outskirt colony tavern, two clueless fanatics get caught in the crossfire. Featuring a story by Mike Kennedy (Star Wars, Lone Wolf 2100), art by Michael O'Hare (Birds of Prey, Army of Darkness), and a cover by Bagus Hutomo!

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180HONEY WEST & T.H.E. CAT #2

    1936188031?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: MOONSTONE

    (W) Trina Robbins (A) Silvestre Szilagyi (CA) Valarie Jones

    $3.99

    Two cult TV icons continue to heat it up together for the first time! Ex-cat burglar and aerialist Thomas Hewitt Edward Cat is back for the first time in 45 years! He puts his skills to good use as a professional bodyguard - primitive and in love with danger! Now he teams up with TV's first lead-female private eye. In "Death in the Desert," 1960's mob infested Las Vegas, they investigate a series of accidents - but will the attraction between the two cause the case to overheat?

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180IMAGINE AGENTS #2 2ND PTG

    1936188180?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: BOOM ENTERTAINMENT

    (W) Brian Joines (A/CA) Bachan

    $3.99

    From BOOM! Entertainment. You may have forgotten about them. But your imaginary friend hasn't forgot about you. Terry and Dave must gather their wits and uncover the mystery behind Dapple's evil plan. With the help of the toy-lovable gelatin-Blounder, they may just have a chance to crack the case. Unbeknownst to them, the kidnapping of Furdlegurr has put Elliot Fairview onto Dapple's trail.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180JENNIFER BLOOD #34

    1936191115?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCES

    (W) Michael Carroll (A) Kewber Baal (CA) Colton Worley

    $3.99

    Oscar Blute betrayed Jen, took her children and left her for dead. Now, Oscar's violent, brutal past is unveiled as he flees America and makes his way to the Blute family home in Europe, where his past is waiting to catch up with his future.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #204

    1936192984?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: KENZER & COMPANY

    (W/A) Jolly Blackburn (CA) TBD

    $5.99

    This multiple award-winning comic magazine features the hilarious misadventures of a group of gamers (the Knights) and their friends, along with useful role-playing and other articles for gamers, from a gamer's perspective. It's a slice of (fantasy) life in strips, articles, reviews and features, and a wonderful celebration of the gaming culture!

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180LADY S GN VOL 02 LATITUDE 59 DEGREES NORTH

    1936195136?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: CINEBOOK

    (W) Jean Van (A/CA) Philippe Aymond

    $11.95

    Suzan Fitzroy is in Sweden, where her adopted father is filling in for the American Ambassador. Her quiet life in Stockholm is disrupted when the mysterious Orion, the secretive anti-terror agent, contacts her: He has another job for her. The simple task turns into something much more complex, and before long Suzan is deeply involved in a conspiracy that has links to her past and to her heart.

    A French GN set in Sweden, reprinted by an English publisher and sold in the U.S. It truly is a global economy, isn't it?

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180LARGO WINCH VOL 10: LAW OF THE DOLLAR GN

    1936195290?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: CINEBOOK

    (W) Jean Van Hamme (A/CA) Phillipe Franq

    $11.95

    Accused of murder and hated by an entire nation, Largo is hiding in Canada and feeling very much alone. But his friendships are stronger than his circumstances, and soon he's able to counterattack against the various factions that are trying to bring him down. Greedy lawyers, crooked CEOs, murderous accountants, all pitted against the orphan turned billionaire. In the end, only the smartest and strongest will prevail - for such is the Law of the Dollar.

    What is wrong with that girl? Her breasts are of a normal, attractive size! Is she some sort of freak?

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180LARGO WINCH VOL 11: 3 EYES OF GUARDIANS OF TAO GN

    1936195505?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: CINEBOOK

    (W) Jean Van Hamme (A/CA) Phillipe Franq

    $11.95

    Modern business and ancient philosophies in China - an explosive cocktail for Largo Winch! A proposed deal between one of Winch's companies and a Chinese group would require that the young billionaire come sign the contract himself in Hong Kong. But there is a problem: In his youth, Largo tangled with Chinese justice in occupied Tibet. He escaped from prison with the help of a Chinese arms smuggler, whose triad later helped rescue Simon from a Burma prison. But that help came with a price, and the triad will one day call in their favor.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180LEGENDERRY: A STEAMPUNK ADVENTURE #1

    1936195547?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936195586?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCES

    (W) Bill Willingham (A) Sergio Fernandez Davila (CA) Joe Benitez

    $3.99

    It's a world in which the great heroes of our stories live in the flesh. We start in the Big City, protected by Vampirella and the Green Hornet. A scarlet clad woman of mystery rushes into a bar, pursued by a team of assassins. The terror that breaks loose there and then will eventually lead (in the issues that follow) to The Phantom's Jungle, Flash Gordon's space age town of Landing, battles in the sky with Captain Victory, and so much more, until finally, we arrive in the Monstrous Lands, protected by... well, nobody.

    The second cover is, according to the solicit, for you to take to a convention and have your favorite artist draw it. I wonder if anyone has ever actually done that.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180LIL ERNIE #1

    1936197842?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936200396?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCE

    (W/A) Roger Langridge (CA) Art Baltazar

    $3.99

    Eisner and Harvey Award winning cartoonist Roger Langridge brings you his own, all-ages take on cult favorite EVIL ERNIE! Ernest Fairchild is the most evil kid on the block. Why, he never eats his vegetables... his library books are sometimes three weeks late... and he once xeroxed his own butt! Can Mister Smiley, his annoying yet strangely ineffectual conscience, make him change his ways? And are Daddy Fairchild's blank eyes somehow related to his peculiar odor, rotting flesh and appetite for human brains? Get a copy for yourself and one for the kids... it's wall-to-wall zombie fun for all the family! And if that isn't enough, each Li'l book comes with a two-page activity sheet!

    I guess they're going for an "Itty Bitty Hellboy" vibe with this. But, son, I know Hellboy. Hellboy is a friend of mine. And you, Evil Ernie, are no Hellboy.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180LONE RANGER CHRONICLES NOVEL HC

    1936200894?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: MOONSTONE

    (W) Johnny D. Boggs & Various

    $29.95

    The first-ever collection of new Lone Ranger prose stories! The masked ex-Texas Ranger and his Native American companion Tonto fight injustice in the Wild West! Stories include meetings with The Cisco Kid, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, as well as the origin of Tonto and the origin of Silver! Authors include Spur Award winner Johnny D. Boggs, James Reasoner, Mel Odom, Bill Crider, Matthew Baugh, Tim Lasiuta, Joe Gentile, Paul Kupperberg, Denny O'Neil, Kent Conwell, David McDonald, Thom Brannon, Troy D. Smith, Chick Dixon, and Richard Dean Starr. Available in Softcover and Limited Edition Hardcover (with a bonus story) editions. Hardcover includes the bonus feature "75 years of the Lone Ranger".

    People like to rag on the recent Lone Ranger movie, maybe if for no other reason than  schadenfreude over rich, handsome, successful Johnny Depp failing at something. But it hurts all of us in this hobby in the court of public opinion when a major fantasy icon like the Lone Ranger falters, so if nothing else, we should root for the comic book to succeed.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180LUCKY LUKE VOL 41: DAILY STAR TP

    1936203044?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: CINEBOOK

    (W) Jean Leturgie, xavier Fauche

    $11.95

    Horace Greeley is heading west with his printing press and his rock-solid belief in the power of the press, printing issues of his Daily Star as he goes. But his insistence on publishing the truth isn't making him universally loved. When Lucky Luke meets the quirky journalist, he agrees to help him settle in Dead End Gulch - and protect him against those who would rather not see their dirty deeds in print.

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180MERCY SPARX #3

    1936205224?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DEVILS DUE ENTERTAINMENT

    (W) Josh Blaylock (A) Matt Merhoff (CA) Matt Merhoff, Elizabeth Torque

    $3.99

    Mercy struggles with the consequences from her battle with the mysterious Father Donavon, and the disruption of her supernatural abilities.

    Man, I hate it when a date ends like this.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180

  • RACHEL RISING #22

    1936177547?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ABSTRACT STUDIOS

    (W/A/CA) Terry Moore

    $3.99

    The truth behind Manson's infamous witch burnings of 1693 comes out when Rachel finds the final piece of the puzzle six feet under. Will it help her save the town from Lilith's revenge? Find out in the newest installment of Terry Moore's acclaimed horror series!

     

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180REVELATIONS #1

    1936177664?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: BOOM ENTERTAINMENT

    (W) Paul Jenkins (A/CA) Humberto Ramos

    $3.99

    WHY WE LOVE IT: The creators of FAIRY QUEST, Paul Jenkins (DEATHMATCH, WOLVERINE: ORIGIN) and Humberto Ramos (SPIDERMAN: BIG TIME, WOLVERINE:
    CIVIL WAR) have created a compelling mystery thriller that is truly one of a kind.

    WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT: The beautiful work of Humberto Ramos unfolds a story of religion, atheism, murder, and mystery, as told by Paul Jenkins. Fans of BBC's Sherlock and Luther will not want to miss this tale of corruption through the eyes of an outsider. WHAT IT'S ABOUT: A potential successor to the dying pope is killed at the Vatican. Longtime atheist and hardedged London detective, Charlie Northern, is put on the case by a Vatican priest, and long forgotten
    friend. He must solve the case that the local police cannot, coming face to face with hundreds of years of conspiracy and corruption in the seat of the world's wealthiest religion.

    Another BOOM book by the Jenkins-Ramos team. Have they formed some sort of partnership? And where does Ramos find the time to draw these BOOM books and Spider-Man books?

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180ROY THOMAS PRESENTS: PLANET COMICS VOL. 2 HC

    1936179688?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: PS ARTBOOKS

    (W) Roy Thomas (A) Will Eisner & Various

    $47.99

    More "out of this world" yarns from the heroes (and heroines!) of the spaceways that appeared from Fiction House over a thirteen-year period ending in 1953. They're all here. Flint Baker, Reef Ryan, The Space Rangers, Gale Allen, Star Pirate, Mysta of the Moon, Norge Benson, plus many more.

    I'm currently reading the first volume, and it's a lot more pleasant than I expected. Slow going, though.

    1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180SAMSON THE NAZIRITE GN

    1936182065?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ROOTED CHRONICLES

    (W) Luis Serrano (A/CA) Nadir Balan

    $8.99

    The life of Samson is unlike any other. His birth is announced by The Angel of the Lord, and he is endowed with supernatural strength. His life is filled with incredible events. Woven in is a tale of love, conspiracy, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Discover the man who inspired a Superman.

    If you're looking for antecedents for Superman, I think a stronger case could be made for Philip Wylie's Gladiator and Doc Savage, moreso than Samson. Just sayin'.

    1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180SHADOWMAN VOL. 3: DEADSIDE BLUES TPB

    1936184476?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: VALIANT COMICS

    Written by JUSTIN JORDAN, JIM ZUB, ALES KOT, CHRISTOPHER SEBELA, DUFFY BOUDREAU, and NEIL DVORAK

    Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, MICO SUAYAN, LEWIS LAROSA, DIEGO BERNARD, ANDREA CUNEO, MIGUEL SEPULVEDA, MATTHEW SOUTHWORTH, and NEIL DVORAK

    Cover by DAVE JOHNSON

    $14.99/T+/128 pgs.

    TRADE PAPERBACK

    The secret origin of all Shadowmen, past and present…

    Long ago, in the antebellum South, Master Darque’s evil spawned the one thing that could stop him: the Shadowman. Now, for the very first time, discover how the dark roots of the Darques’ depravity has intertwined with Shadowman for more than a century and the betrayal that forged them both in this collection of acclaimed tales from some of comics brightest talents.

    Collecting SHADOWMAN #0 and SHADOWMAN #10-12, join Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan and an all-star cast of visionary creators –including Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) Ales Kot (Suicide Squad), Christopher Sebela (Captain Marvel), Miguel Sepulveda (Red Lanterns), Mico Suayan (The Punisher), Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and more – for an unadulterated look inside the secret world of New Orleans' nocturnal guardian.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180SHAHRAZAD #1 2ND PTG

    1936184685?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: BIG DOG INK

    (W) Kim Hutchinson, Kari Castor (A) Mike Krome (CA) Mike Krome, J. Scott Campbell

    $3.50

    A new heroine rises from the legends of the ancient world. Shahrazad was known for her amazing stories of 1001 Arabian Nights, but now it is time to tell her story! She lives a life unlike anything you could imagine. An existence that spans generations as well as genres. In this new ongoing series, Shahrazad stares into the storms on the horizon with determination, but the forces of nature, and of history, are not to be taken lightly!

    I'm encouraged that this is going back to press. For centuries, women in myth, legend and folklore were victims or hostages more than protagonists. Sheharazade (who saved herself) was actually pretty heroic compared to, say, Cinderella (who just wanted to marry well) and Red Riding Hood (who needed someone to save her). I'm not sure re-imagining her as an action hero is actually the right direction to go, but at least she's not a victim. And that approach is selling well enough to go back to press. Good news, I think.

    1801218621?profile=RESIZE_180x180SONIC UNIVERSE #59

    1936184739?profile=RESIZE_180x1801936187323?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

    Script: Ian Flynn

    Art: Jamal Peppers, Jim Amash, Jack Morelli and Matt Herms

    Cover: Tracy Yardley! and Steve Downer

    SHADOW Variant Cover: T.Rex

    32-page, full color comic, $2.99 US.

    BRAND NEW STORY ARC! Jump aboard the action as we begin the "Shadow Fall" saga! Team Dark is sent into the deep, dark depths of space to stop the approach of – the Black Comet?!  It hasn’t even been fifty years! The Black Comet is home to an evil, violent race of aliens known as The Black Arms, but the Black Arms were defeated months ago—so who are these new alien invaders inhabiting the comet sent to consume the earth? And what sinister new villain awaits Shadow in its depths? You cannot miss this gritty, alien-blasting new storyline with art from Jamal Peppers, and cover art from Tracy Yardley! Plus a killer SHADOW variant cover from T. REX!1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #83 DLX ED

    1936189364?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: BROADSWORD COMICS

    (W/A/CA) Jim Balent

    $19.99

    This deluxe litho plate edition comes bagged and boarded and includes a copy of Tarot #83 (either A or B Cover) and a black & white 6 1/2"x 10" lithograph of Tarot titled "Out Cold." This limited collector's litho is penciled and signed by the artist himself, Jim Balent! Limited to a printing of 500.

    Wow! A Broadsword cover I'm not embarrassed to post! This is a milestone!

    1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180THE PACK TP

    1936191563?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: TH3RD WORLD STUDIOS

    (W) Mike Raicht (A/CA) Daniel Faccilongo

    $16.99

    This werewolf murder mystery is sure to bring out the monster in you! One question is being whispered throughout the small town of Marcellus, New York. "Who killed Brian Foster?" Clearly everyone loved the local high school star football player... didn't they? At least that's what it seems like to new kid in town, Greg Jordan. But perhaps the question shouldn't be who killed Brian Foster, but what? If the high school drama of The Breakfast Club mixed with the intense werewolf action of new horror-dramas like Teen Wolf and Hemlock Grove is something you crave, hunt down this book by the light of the full moon this October!

    This was originally advertised as shipping before Halloween. I don't know what the delay was, but it's not encouraging.

    1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180THORGAL GN VOL 14 GIANTS

    1936191655?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: CINEBOOK

    (W) Jean Van Hamme (A/CA) Grzegorz Rosinski

    $11.95

    In their island fortress, Kriss and Shaigan still reign over their band of pirates and raiders. But Shaigan is beginning to have doubts, and when a prisoner who knew him calls him Thorgal, the child of the stars begs the gods of Asgard to give him back his name and his destiny. In return, the gods require that Thorgal travel to the kingdom of giants and steal from their ruler. Only then will Thorgal be Thorgal again. He's a child of the stars, beloved of the gods and touched by destiny, but also a reluctant hero, a simple man with simple dreams.

    Apparently, post-Hawkeye, all archers must wear purple.

    1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180TWILIGHT ZONE #1

    1936193983?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCES

    (W) J. Michael Straczynski (A) Guiu Vilanova (CA) Francesco Francavilla

    $3.99

    The Twilight Zone, Issue One: Trevor Richmond is a Wall Street investor who embezzled millions and is about to tank the economy. Again. Desperate to avoid the consequences for his actions, he goes to Expedited Services, Inc., which offers to help him disappear and enjoy a life of leisure in a new life. But what exactly is this new life, how much is freedom worth, and what happens to the old life when someone else shows up to claim it? This is the first installment of three interlocking stories that will push the boundaries of The Twilight Zone into new and uncharted territory, a journey that will travel into the past and the future, into murder and revenge and the sunrise of nuclear Armageddon. From J. Michael Straczynski, Hugo-winning creator of Babylon 5, writer for Thor and Changeling and World War Z as well as the 1988 Twilight Zone.

    Man, Francesco Francavilla is everywhere these days!

    1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180VAMPIRELLA SOUTHERN GOTHIC #4

    1936195985?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCES

    (W) Nathan Cosby (A) José Luis (CA) Johnny Desjardins

    $3.99

    Bullets, blades and bombs? No sweat. Vampirella is a near-unstoppable force...as long as she doesn't fall in love. Can V discover the truth about her former southern flame, and solve the mystery of his murdered fiancée? Or will she fall for his charms...and sacrifice everything?

    I don't mean to criticize unduly, but that guy's hand is bigger than my feet. Maybe both of my feet. He could palm a bowling ball.

    I usually criticize Vampirella for having overtly "fan service" covers, but I'd rather have cheesecake than amateur hour.

    1801206419?profile=RESIZE_180x180WORLD OF ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #35

    1936198175?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

    Script: Frank Doyle

    Art: Harry Lucey

    Cover: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Rosario “Tito” Peña

    160-page, full color comic, $3.99 US

    Is Archie a man or a mouse? He’ll let you know after he asks Veronica! Feeling annoyed at everyone’s assumption that he’s “henpecked” by his spoiled sweetheart, Archie’s determined to show that he can do things on his own. Can he prove himself an independent man? Or will he be walking on thin ice? Find out in “Deep Freeze”!

    1801215843?profile=RESIZE_180x180X-O MANOWAR VOL. 4: HOMECOMING TPB

    1936200299?profile=RESIZE_180x180Publisher: VALIANT COMICS

    Writer: Robert Venditti

    Penciler: Lee Garbett

    Cover Artist: Clayton Crain

    Editor: Warren Simons, Josh Johns

    Price: $14.99 / Rating: T+ / Pages: 112

    To this king … a kingdom.

    With his nation state of Dacia fortified in eastern Romania, X-O Manowar has bent the world to his will. But he will not stand unopposed. With the assembled forces of the United Nations and NATO primed to assail the newly founded homeland of the Visigoth people, the man inside the indestructible Manowar armor is about find himself more vulnerable than ever – and with everything he holds dear on the threshold of a terrible turning point for the Valiant Universe…

    Collecting X-O MANOWAR #15-18 and featuring X-O Manowar’s first explosive confrontation with the Eternal Warrior, start reading here as New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and acclaimed artist Lee Garbett (Batman R.I.P.) launch a bold new era for the series that SuperHeroHype calls “a must read.”

    “Big things are stirring in X-O Manowar.” – IGN

    “X-O Manowar is a book you’d be crazy to not have on your pull list.” – Comic Vine

  • NEW AVENGERS #13.INH
    SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN #7

  • Superman Unchained which I'll probably be dropping aftert this. I thought it was rather dull which is unfortunate considering the creative team.
    Superior Foes of Spider-Man
    Maybe Dead Boy Detectives
  • Tarot, Captain Midnight maybe... it will only be a dollar after all. I agree the hero out of time has been done a lot. Some of the DC stuff, I'm curious about the lasso. Deadboy Detectives looks very interesting. With the marvel stuff I really either don't care or I'm cheering for the bad guys. The Twilight Zone, Grim and Shaharazad have made me curious enough to pick them up.

  • I read MAD magazine regularly: one each year.

    This week's issue is going to be the "20 Dumbest People & Things of 2013" issue.

  • ...I've bought the " Cumbest " MAD issue already , at a supermarket , a few-ish days back .

      That lead story in the WORLD OF ARCHIE must be a reprint , with Harry Lucey art ?

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