Let's try something new this week. Instead of leading with the titles the publishers recommend, I'll lead with the ones *I* recommend. Hey, I actually get paid to be a critic, so it's not as egotistical as it sounds! OK, maybe it is. But let's give it a whirl anyway:
THE CAPTAIN'S PICKS
FAIRY TALES OF OSCAR WILDE VOL 4 SC NEW PTG
Publisher: NBM
(W/A/CA) P. Craig Russell
The fourth volume in the prize-winning and greatly acclaimed complete adaptations of Wilde's tales presents "The Devoted Friend" on what constitutes real friendship, and "The Nightingale and the Rose" a stirring story of sacrifice to love with a cruel twist. Available in softcover and hardcover editions.
$8.99
If you haven't been getting P. Craig Russell's adaptations of Oscar Wilde's fairy tales, why haven't you? One of history's best writers teamed with one of today's best artists makes for one beautiful package. Stuff like this is why I love comics.
FOX #2
Publisher: ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
(W/A) Dean Haspiel & Various (CA) Dean Haspiel
New Red Circle Series! "Freak Magnet" Part Two, "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend"! From the world of the New Crusaders, comes the high-flying Fox! When the beautiful Queen of Diamonds enlists our hero to save the diamond realm from the deadly Druid, the Fox faces a whole new dimension's worth of pitfalls, peril and-familiar faces?! Then, acclaimed writer J.M. DeMatteis and Eisner-award nominated artist Mike Cavallaro take us back in time for an all-new story featuring the world's first patriotic super hero and leader of the New Crusaders: The Shield! What connection does Shield's top-secret mission in the arctic have to do with the Fox's diamond-studded adventure? And what ultra-powerful villains have arrived to wreak havoc?
$2.99
I'm trade-waiting this, but I'm recommending it anyway because I love everything I've seen about it. Archie hasn't had much luck with superheroes, but this time they're not trying to do Marvel-Lite, but instead are doing their own thing: Cartoony, fresh, funny. And it's a miniseries, so there's not much commitment needed!
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK ANNUAL #1
MARK WAID (W) • MAHMUD ASRAR (A/C)
“JOURNEY INTO SCIENCE!” GUEST STARRING IRON MAN
• Before BRUCE BANNER and TONY STARK became heroes, they built weapons. But who inspired them?
• One of Bruce’s lab assistants has unraveled a mystery from their past
• Now SHIELD must send HULK and IRON MAN to retrieve one of the greatest weapon designers of all time.
• Will they come back as weapons of mass destruction themselves?
40 PGS./ All-New Material/Rated T+ …$4.99
Damn, but this is a fun book! As usual, Mark Waid figured out the weak link in a long-running series and fixed it -- in this case, that Bruce Banner really was a puny weakling who was impossible to like, much less admire. Now both Banner and Hulk are active and interesting elements in the series, and it has become a must-read. If you haven't been reading Indestructible Hulk, here's a standalone annual that will give you a taste of it, to see if you agree with me that ol' Greenskin has never been better.
INHUMANITY #1
MATT FRACTION (W)
OLIVIER COIPEL (A/C)
40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T …$3.99
Witness as the Marvel Universe plunges headlong into Inhumanity – and today, Marvel is proud to present your first ever look at INHUMANITY #1! From the star-studded creative team of Matt Fraction and Olivier Coipel comes the next epic chapter of the Marvel Universe!
The cataclysmic events of INFINITY have left the Inhuman city of Attilan in ruins. It’s king – the mighty Black Bolt -- is missing and believed dead. Attilan’s destruction has unleashed the Terrigen Mists upon the planet Earth. Thousands of new Inhumans are emerging from every corner of the Marvel Universe, mutated by the vapors themselves. Possessing new and terrible powers, they emerge from their cocoons to a world changed. Who are these new Inhumans? And will they use their new powers to save the Marvel Universe? Or destroy it?
With their home destroyed and their way of life threatened – what will become of the Inhuman Royal Family? Sins and secrets of the Royal Family leads the Inhuman Karnak on a deadly collision course – with the Avengers! As Karnak begins to unearth the troubling secrets Black Bolt & Maximus have kept, he’ll discover the devastating truth behind the Inhumans storied lineage. One that will shake the entire Marvel Universe to its very core! And not everyone will come out of INHUMANITY alive!
Every copy of INHUMANITY #1 includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of INHUMANITY features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost. For more on Marvel’s INHUMANITY, please visit www.marvel.com.
Obviously, I don't know any more about this title than anyone else. But when has that ever stopped me from commenting?
First, I'm a bit leery of, essentially, another "Mutant Menace" kind of storyline. That particular angle has been beaten to death in the X-books, movies and TV shows for the last 50 years, and I'm a little weary of it, so I hope they don't go that way -- but I'm afraid it will prove too hard to resist. Also, didn't we just finish a long-running "Black Bolt is missing" story? I'm not alone in my wariness -- other Legionnaires have also expressed skepticism about the book. And let's face it: The Inhumans are one of the few Lee-Kirby concepts that didn't really make the big time.
But Marvel has really cranked up the hype machine into overdrive, putting some really marketing muscle behind Inhumanity. And the creators are two of Marvel's biggest stars, Matt Fraction and Olivier Coipel. Clearly, Marvel has high hopes for the title, and perhaps big plans. Plus, it stars Karnak, one of the least-explored Inhumans. So I'll give it a try.
That's not exactly a glowing recommendation, is it? Well, let's let Marvel take a stab at exciting you. First, here are the "press releases" Marvel released daily until the title was announced:
Then Marvel did another series of one-page press releases, this time poster-worthy art:
Finally, here are some preview pages:
VELVET #2
(W) Ed Brubaker (A) Steve Epting, Bettie Breitweiser (CA) Steve Epting
On the run from her own agency, Velvet must find out what really got Agent X-14 killed, and the only way to do that is retrace his steps... and that's a pathway of dead bodies, ruined lives, and angry mercenary soldiers. And along the way, one of Velvet's darkest secrets is revealed.
Don't miss the second issue of this white-hot new series, from the hit creators of the CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER saga!
$2.99
This is a seriously good title. It's by Brubaker and Epting, the duo that brought Bucky back and made me like it! They're in top form here, in a story about a fortyish secret agent who has masqueraded as a secretary by day in her own organization for years, now framed for the murder of another agent and on the run, where her long, deadly past has a way of cropping up. It's just excellent -- not a word or line out of place.
OTHER COMICS THIS WEEK
DARK HORSE
CATALYST COMIX #6 (of 9)
AN ULTRACOSMIC FOUR-COLOR RIOT!
Joe Casey (W), Paul Maybury (A), Ulises Farinas (A), Dan McDaid (A), Brad Simpson (C), and Brendan McCarthy (Cover)
FC, 32 pages
$2.99
Miniseries
The hits come harder and faster, with 28 big pages of modern-age madness! In this earth-shattering issue, Amazing Grace goes galactic, Frank Wells practices transcendental annihilation, and the Agents of Change stick it to reality!
• Joe Casey (Sex, Gødland) rewrites the rules of supercomics!
• Artists Dan McDaid (Doctor Who), Ulises Farinas (Gamma), and Paul Maybury (Aqua Leung) tear it up!
• Cover by Brendan McCarthy (The Zaucer of Zilk)!
• 28 pages of story at only $2.99!
“I have seen the future of superhero comic books, and it’s called Catalyst Comix.”—Comics The Gathering
“Catalyst Comix cements Dark Horse’s place as a major player in superhero comics.” —Onion, A.V. Club
It's a light week for Dark Horse, which has been supplanted as the #4 publisher by IDW in recent years. I hope that's not a bad sign
As to this particular book, a sufficient number of Legionnaires have recommended it that I will likely pick it up in trade.
CBLDF MANGA INTRODUCTION CHALLENGES & BEST PRACTICES TP
Manga: what you need to know . . . from those who really know it!
Katherine Dacey (W), Shaenon Garrity (W), Sean Gaffney (W), Ed Chavez (W), Erica Friedman (W), and Robin Brenner (W)
B&W, 200 pages
$15.99
TP, 5 1/8” x 7 3/16”
CBLDF Presents Manga: Introduction, Challenges, and Best Practices is a handbook designed to provide libraries, booksellers, and fans with a concise and informed overview of manga—its history, genres, and challenges. What sets this book apart among manga guides is its expert panel of contributors—not only scholars of the medium, but veterans of the manga industry itself who’ve worked from both the North American and Japanese sides of the field.
“Friendly, entertaining, easy to read and sure to increase any reader’s manga library. Recommended.”—Otaku USA
GRINDHOUSE: DOORS OPEN AT MIDNIGHT #3 (of 8)
“Alex de Campi is a writer of tremendous talent and, more importantly, a creator of genuine vision.” —Mark Waid (Daredevil)
Alex de Campi (W), Simon Fraser (A), and Francesco Francavilla (Cover)
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
The correctional transport ship Antares is home to the baddest beauties this side of the Milky Way, but when their demented warden starts taking her jollies from the prisoners’ hides, the babes of Block E fix to bust out!
• Trashtastic cover by Francesco Francavilla!
• Artist Simon Fraser (2000 AD) joins writer Alex de Campi (Smoke, Valentine)!
HELLBOY IN HELL #5
The conclusion to the first arc of Hellboy’s adventures in Hell!
Mike Mignola (W/A/Cover) and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Dec 4
FC, 32 pages
$2.99
Miniseries
Hellboy helps a confused man who sold his soul for a magic whip—a story inspired by one of the stranger Grimm’s fairy tales.
• Written and drawn by Mignola!
• This is what it’s all been building to since 1994!
“Whether this is your first time or you’re a diehard fan, Hellboy in Hell is the kicker to a very big chapter in Hellboy’s world.”—Bloody Disgusting
“If you’ve ever followed Hellboy, then you should be reading it and if you’ve been curious about the character then now’s as good of a time to start reading.”—Comic Bastards
I can't wait for the Hellboy Library edition that will collect this series!
MICHAEL AVON OEMING'S THE VICTORIES #7
DD MAU TO THE RESCUE!
Michael Avon Oeming (W/A/Cover) and Nick Filardi (C)
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
The Victories are behind bars, and only DD Mau can break them out. But how can they reach her—and will she be up to the task? Can DD overcome her crippling self-doubt to be the hero she needs to be?
• #FindtheVictories
• The Victories ongoing raises the stakes!
“Fans of superhero comics will find this series aims to provide a more thought-provoking, adult-oriented narrative.”—Newsarama
By Eisner Award winner Michael Avon Oeming (co-creator of Powers)
THE OCCULTIST #3 (of 5)
FROM THE CREATORS OF REVIVAL!
Tim Seeley (W), Mike Norton (A), Allen Passalaqua (C), and Steve Morris (Cover)
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Our hero has turned his back on his monster-fighting responsibilities as the Occultist to be with his new friends, and a new love—but at what price? Bear witness as Robert Bailey breaks the ancient pact between the living and the dead!
• Art by Mike Norton (Battlepug, Revival)
• Written by Hack/Slash’s Tim Seeley!
• Cover by Steve Morris (Serenity, Angel & Faith)
“The Occultist is a comic you should be checking out.”—Comic Book Resources
STAR WARS #1 LUCAS DRAFT (2ND PTG)
(W) J. W. Rinzler (A) Mike Mayhew & Various (CA) Nick Runge
From Dark Horse Comics. Star Wars as George Lucas himself originally envisioned it! Before Star Wars, there was The Star Wars! This is the authorized adaptation of George Lucas's rough-draft screenplay of what would eventually become a motion picture that would change the world. Annikin Starkiller is the hero ... Luke Skywalker is a wizened Jedi general ... Han Solo is a big green lizard ... and the Sith ... Well, the Sith are still the bad guys. High adventure and derring-do from longer ago, in a galaxy further away! After launching to rave reviews The Star Wars #1 sells out! Dark Horse goes back to press for a 2nd printing, this time with a completely stripped down Nick Runge cover.
"A timeless tale and a refreshing addition to the franchise." -Comics: The Gathering
"Its good pulpy fun, much like the original Star Wars was." -cxPulp
"It all works together to create an interesting looking new universe inspired by the original one we love." -IGN
"Fans of the real Star Wars won't dare miss it, and rightly so; it's also worth checking out for anybody who likes a good space opera. ." - Comic Book Resources
"The Star Wars is a pretty fun sci-fi comic. If I had no prior knowledge about how the story actually turned out, I think I'd be just as interested and invested in how this story ends as I am now." - ScienceFiction.com
THE STAR WARS #4 (of 8)
Jonathan Rinzler (W), Mike Mayhew (A), Rain Beredo (C), and Nick Runge (Cover)
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
General Skywalker and Jedi-in-training Annikin Starkiller have a deadly encounter with mounted Stormtroopers! An encounter with outlaws in a cantina leads to a meeting with smuggler Han Solo! And a Jedi makes the ultimate sacrifice to save one of Princess Leia’s younger brothers!
Duel in the desert!
• Official eight-issue adaptation of George Lucas’s original rough-draft screenplay for Star Wars!
THE CANTINA SCENE YOU DIDN’T SEE!
TERMINATOR SALVATION: THE FINAL BATTLE #1 (of 12)
JMS WRITES THE ULTIMATE TERMINATOR STORY!
J. Michael Straczynski (W), Pete Woods (A/Cover/Pencil variant cover), and Matthew Wilson (C)
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
A-listers J. Michael Straczynski and Pete Woods unite for the biggest Terminator story ever! Hopping between the future and the past, this sweeping, twelve-issue epic counts down the end of the Machine War—but not the one fans expect! Everything’s at stake, and the fates of Skynet and John Connor will be told!
• The story Terminator fans have been waiting for!
• From the mind of superstar writer J. Michael Straczynski (Ten Grand, Amazing Spider-Man, Thor)!
• Fan-favorite artist Pete Woods (Superman, Deadpool)!
TO HELL YOU RIDE HC & Ltd. HC
Written by horror movie icon, Lance Henriksen!
Lance Henriksen (W), Joseph Maddrey (W), Tom Mandrake (A/Cover), and Cris Peter (C)
FC, 136 pages
$24.99
HC, 7” x 10”
On sale Dec 4
FC, 152 pages
$99.99
Ltd. HC, 7” x 10”
A deadly curse plagues a small Colorado town, melting the flesh from its victims—the violent revenge that four warriors set in motion when their sacred burial grounds were disturbed for the sake of gold miners’ greed! One self-destructive hero holds the fate of the town in his hands. Collects the entire miniseries.
The limited edition is signed and limited to 100 copies!
“Mandrake is an artist who deserves to be a superstar.” —Comic Book Resources
“Henriksen’s undeniable talents as a storyteller are on full display here.”
—Rue Morgue
“With the body horror and suspense ramped up to full effect, readers should definitely pick up “To Hell You Ride.” —Bloody Disgusting
DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #26
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by AARON KUDER
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
All hell breaks loose as Superman is caught between an alien menace and the super-powered soldier the U.S. Army has sent to kill it!
I trade-wait Super-books, so I'm not up on this storyline. I hope it's not a Sam Lane story, because that guy belongs in jail, not the military.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #6
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
1:100 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Throughout the cosmos, one name commands respect and fear above all others. That name is MONGUL, and the world-conquering despot has his eyes set on Earth! And unless Batman and Superman can take down the mad, monstrous might of Mongul, the whole world will suffer!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
I've got the first Batman/Superman trade on order. I like the approach DC is taking, by using this title as a vehicle to explore Superman's remark in an early issue of Justice League that he and Batman have a history of working together. The first storyline had the pair meeting not only each other, but the Baman and Superman of Earth 2 (before they were killed in the Apocalypse invasion), and had art by Jae Lee, which I assume is awesome. And according to the solicitation above, the next storyline is the duo's first meeting with Mongul. This is all pretty cool, so I'm on board for the duration.
BATWING #26
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by EDUARDO PANSICA and JULIO FERREIRA
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Luke’s journey to Italy gets him deeper into the criminal underworld – unfortunately for him, that means fighting superpowered villains in a death tournament where he can’t use the Batwing armor!
DC COMICS ESSENTIALS WATCHMEN #1
(W) Alan Moore (A/CA) Dave Gibbons
The unforgettable debut chapter that began the best-selling and most talked-about graphic novel of all time is back in a new, promotionally priced reprint! The saga of The Minutemen begins with a bang as the Comedian is brutally murdered - but who could have killed him?
$1.00
What a strange cover. Anyone know anything about his book? It looks pretty stupid -- I bet it won't sell very well. It doesn't help that the writer is going by the obvious pseudonym "Alan Moore" -- he's probably trying to trade on Leah Moore's success.
DC VS. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #3
Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by DEXTER SOY
Cover by ED BENES
32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T
After the shocking ending to issue #2, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe find themselves hunted by the Justice League. In the midst of the chaos, Skeletor’s plan moves into its next, dangerous phase!
Still better than it has a right to be, but realllllly delayed, for reasons unknown.
DETECTIVE COMICS #26
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art by AARON LOPRESTI
Cover by JASON FABOK
1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Batman works to contain a swarm of genetically altered killer bats, as well as She-Bat and other humans who have been mutated into bat-people.
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
EARTH 2 #18
EARTH 2 #18
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The new Batman of Earth 2 tries to turn the tide in the war against the forces of Darkseid and Apokolips, but even as new allies reveal themselves the planet trembles before its new rulers.
FAIREST #21
Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
Art by MEGHAN HETRICK-MURANTE
Cover by ADAM HUGHES
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
A special one-off story written by Bill Willingham and featuring the return of fan-favorite gun-toting maniac Goldilocks Illustrated by exciting newcomer Meghan Hetrick-Murante!
Anybody else getting a Bananas* vibe from this?
* A Woody Allen movie, back when he was a comedian, and not an auteur.
GEARS OF WAR BOOK THREE TP
Written by KAREN TRAVISS and JOSHUA ORTEGA
Art by LEONARDO MANCO, COLIN WILSON and others
Cover by COLIN WILSON
256 pg, FC, $19.99 US
The best-selling Epic Games franchise continues with these tales from issues #14-24 featuring the story “Dirty Little Secrets” from best-selling author Karen Traviss that bridges the gap between the Gears of War 2 and Gears of War 3 video games.
GREEN ARROW #26
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
1:25 B&W Variant cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
“THE OUTSIDERS WAR” begins here! Oliver Queen finally knows the location of the Outsiders’ base, but first he must return to the place where Green Arrow was born: The Island! Secrets are revealed, new villains introduced, and a mind-blowing final page kicks off this new storyline with a bang!
GREEN LANTERN #26
GREEN LANTERN #26
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by BILLY TAN and ROB HUNTER
Cover by BILLY TAN
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BILLY TAN
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $3.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Still in disarray after the events of “LIGHTS OUT,” Hal and Kilowog struggle to enforce the Corps’ new directive against Star Sapphire Nol-Anj! Having revealed a command of the Violet light unlike any the Corps has encountered before, Hal makes an earth-shaking decision. Is his win-at-all-costs attitude exactly the kind of leadership the Corps needs, or is he walking them into their next trap?
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS VOL. 3: WILLPOWER HC
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN, CAFU, CHRISCROSS and others
Cover by ANDY KUBERT
256 pg, FC, $24.99 US
The Green Lantern Corps face their greatest threat ever when the Guardians deem them obsolete and raise The Third Army—but in doing so they unleash a far more dangerous threat: the First Lantern. Then, in the aftermath of their battle against the First Lantern and the Guardians, it’s up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and the other survivors to try to put the Corps back together, or decide if there should even BE a Corps anymore. Join Peter Tomasi and Fernando Pasarin for the epic conclusion of their run in these stories from GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15-20 and GREEN LANTERN CORPS ANNUAL #1!
GREEN LANTERN CORPS VOL. 2: ALPHA WAR TP
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN, CAFU, SCOTT HANNA and MARC DEERING
Cover by FERNANDO PASARIN
192 pg, FC, $16.99 US
When the Alpha Lanterns, the internal police force for the Corps, arrest Green Lantern John Stewart for the murder of a fellow Lantern, it sends shock waves throughout the entire Corps—especially since Stewart refuses to defend himself against the charges. Now, in these tales from issues #8-14 and 0, it’s up to Guy Gardner and the rest of the Green Lanterns to break Stewart out and bring down the emotionless Alpha Lanterns.
HINTERKIND #3
Written by IAN EDGINTON
Art by FRANCESCO TRIFOGLI
Cover by GREG TOCCHINI
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
Having narrowly escaped becoming a meal for a Ligon-eating Bridge Troll, Prosper and Angus now find themselves prisoners of the tracker Jon Hobb and his motley crew. A long journey and an uncertain future far on the West Coast awaits them, provided something even worse doesn’t get them all first! The thrilling adventures continue in HINTERKIND #3!
LOONEY TUNES #216
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by WALTER CARZON and HORACIO OTTOLINI
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E
Foghorn Leghorn knows all about clowning, and he’s willing to help Egghead with his new project. Who needs that big book the boy’s carrying around? Of course, when the big machine Egghead built starts churning out CLONES instead of clowns, who will help whom out of this sticky situation?
THE MOVEMENT #7
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Cover by HOWARD PORTER
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
The Movement has been taken down, and only the powerless Vengeance Moth is left to protect the streets from the Graveyard Faction!
NIGHTWING VOL. 3: DEATH OF THE FAMILY TP
Written by TOM DeFALCO, KYLE HIGGINS and SCOTT SNYDER
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO, EDDY BARROWS, JUAN JOSE RYP, GREG CAPULLO and others
Cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
176 pg, FC, $16.99 US
In this title collecting NIGHTWING #13-18 and BATMAN #17, The Joker returns to Gotham City, and he’s more dangerous than ever! The Joker sets his twisted sights on the members of the Bat-Family and hits them where it hurts—and for Dick Grayson, that means going after the family he’s built up for the past year at Haly’s Circus!
SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING BOOK FIVE TP
Written by ALAN MOORE
Art by RICK VEITCH, JOHN TOTLEBEN and ALFREDO ALCALA
Cover by RICK VEITCH and JOHN TOTLEBEN
168 pg, FC, $14.99 US • MATURE READERS
This volume continues Alan Moore’s award-winning run on SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING with issues #51-56! Swamp Thing returns from hell only to learn that Abby has fled Gotham City, where he runs afoul of Batman, Lex Luthor and the Gotham City Police Department.
THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN VOL. 2: WANTED TP
Written by TOM DeFALCO and ROB LIEFELD
Art by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT
Cover by JOE BENNETT
288 pg, FC, $19.99 US
Hawkman is closer to discovering who he really is and why he is being hunted, but with deadly assassins at his throat, he may never learn the entire truth! Collecting THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #0 and 9-20!
Is this the end of this series? As others have noted, turning Hawkman into a brutal thug wasn't the best of decisions.
STORMWATCH #26
Written by JIM STARLIN
Art and cover by YVEL GUICHET and LE BEAU UNDERWOOD
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Storm Control decides to trade one peril to Earth for another while Stormwatch teams up with a mega-powered cosmic dynamo, and we finally get to meet Extremax the Omega in the flesh!
SWAMP THING #26
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
The Avatar of the Green has something to prove, and he’s going to do it by killing Animal Man and/or destroying the world—not necessarily in that order! Plus, the origin of Swamp Thing’s newest foe, the implacable Seeder, in a story filled with cameos from some of the DCU’s darkest magical denizens!
TRILLIUM #5
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by JEFF LEMIRE
32 pg, FC, 5 of 8, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
The last love story continues to amaze in the book the critics at Big Shiny Robot call “unique in its storytelling, dense and well-rendered…a work of artistic craftsmanship that you just don’t see in comics anymore…have this title added to your pull list immediately.” Indulge in the romance and discover how the fabric of the universe will never be the same.
TRINITY OF SIN: THE PHANTOM STRANGER #14
Written by J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art by FERNANDO BLANCO
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
A FOREVER EVIL TIE-IN! John Constantine, Swamp Thing and Nightmare Nurse have a plan for how to stop FOREVER EVIL—to destroy the embodiment of Evil Itself—and they intend to draft Phantom Stranger into their war. But the Stranger has no intention of joining the new Justice League Dark—until Constantine opens a door into the Stranger's past, revealing secrets that make him question everything he's ever believed about himself…
Evidently, "Trinity of Sin" is now a permanent prefix for this title. Which is probably a bit off-putting for any potential new readers, since it's not self-explanatory.
IDW PUBLISHING
DEADWORLD RESTORATION #1
Publisher: IDW
(W) Gary Reed (A/CA) Sami Makkonen
$3.99
IDW Publishing is proud to announce Deadworld the renowned zombie classic will come back to life this December. Gary Reed and Sami Makkonen, the same creative team that brought us Deadworld: War of the Dead, continue where they last left off and push the story into even darker territory with Deadworld: Restoration.
“I’m excited about this series,” said writer Gary Reed, “And the title of the series, Restoration, ties in with a number of different elements within the story. Yes, some things are restored but it’s not going to be what most people think.”
The lepers have been slaughtered, the people who escaped the breeder pits head for the safety of New Washington, and now the zombies are under the control of Donna, the half-human/half-zombie hybrid. With King Zombie dead, Donna is the leader of the zombies…or is she?
Deadworld: War of the Dead was the first Deadworld to be presented in color and won the Ghastly Award as Best Mini-Series of 2012 as well as received the same nominations from the Shel Dorf Awards and the Comic Monsters Awards. Check out the next chapter to the series described by Talking Comics as “frightening, haunting, gloomy, grave and delectably, mystifying.”
Gary Reed is the one of the original writers of the Deadworld series and long time contributor as well as the co-created and writer of the Harvey Award nominee for Best New Series, Baker Street.
Sami Makkonen of Eisner Award nominated series Hatter M fame has won the prestigious Sarjis Award in Finland for Best Illustrator and is the artist for IDW’s recently released Ryse: Son of Damocles digital interactive graphic novel.
As you can see, IDW put out a lot of information about this title. That shows a lot of confidence in it, which is probably appropriate -- this is, after all, the grand-daddy of Walking Dead and other modern zombie comics.
DINOSAURS ATTACK! #5
Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
(W) Gary Gerani (A) Herb Trimpe (CA) Earl Norem
This is it... the final battle between humanity and the prehistoric invaders resurrected by Prof. Thorne! Will anchorman Bob Gowen save lives with his newscasts and ward off the attack of a monster lizard? Can the U.S. military stop an army of flesh-hungry behemoths hell bent on mass depopulation? And will a gun-wielding Helen Chambers make the right decision, even as a possibly mad Elias Thorne takes on a real or imagined dinosaur diety for the future of planet Earth? These and other thrilling questions are answered in the apocalyptic conclusion of DINOSAURS ATTACK!
$3.99
DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #16
(W) Tony Lee (A) Mike Collins (CA) Mark Buckingham
Deadman's Hand, Part 4 of 4: Series finale! The people of Deadwood fighting zombie gunfighters and cross-dimensional alien invaders! Oscar Wilde debating for Earth's very existence! Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Clara in a suicidal stagecoach attack! Thomas Edison's redemption! And the Doctor, sacrificing everything one last time... but is it enough?
$3.99
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: CUTTER HC
Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
(W) R. A. Salvatore, Geno Salvatore (A) David Baldeon (CA) Steve Ellis
Tierflin and Doum'weille are half-Drow siblings, locked in competition for the ownership of the bloodthirsty sword Khazid'hea-the Cutter! Their father, the Drow renegade Tos'un-a veteran of battles against the Kingdom of Many-Arrows-is forced to choose his heir... but what does the powerful sword have to say on the subject?
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FORGOTTEN REALMS TP
(W) Ed Greenwood (A) Lee Ferguson (CA) Tyler Walpole
FORGOTTEN REALMS creator Ed Greenwood opens the adventures of an unlikely band of heroes who get into a bit more trouble than usual in the fabled port city of Waterdeep. Joined by artist Lee Ferguson, this story kicks off a deadly tale with a kidnapping that is more-and less-than it seems.
$19.99
FEVER RIDGE MACARTHUR JUNGLE WAR VOL 1 TP
(W) Mike Heimos (A/CA) Nick Runge
The South Pacific theatre of World War II is usually seen from the perspective of the Marines fighting from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Unsung in WWII fiction is the story of the 6th Army's 6th Infantry Division ("the Sightseein' Sixth") and their jungle commandoes, the Alamo Scouts, under the command of Gen. Walter Kreuger, the trusted and savvy lieutenant of "America's Caesar," Douglas MacArthur. Fever Ridge is the story of a secret that could have changed the War, and the world.
$19.99
I hate to break it to whoever's writing this, but it was the U.S. Navy (and the Marines) that won the war in the Pacific. MacArthur's "island-hopping" was more headline-grabbing public relations for his political ambitions than serious strategy. Still, good and brave men served under MacArthur, and if this is their story, I'll enjoy it despite my disdain for that self-reverential glory-hog.
GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #197
(W) Larry Hama (A/CA) SL Galant
THE ROAD TO #200 CONTINUES! G.I. JOE has been set-up! As most of America's Elite are taken prisoner in Sierra Gordo, it's up to the few support members left behind to launch an offensive. But when COBRA realizes G.I. JOE is spread so thin, they get ready to launch an offensive of their own. This just might be G.I. JOE's darkest hour, in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #197!
$3.99
GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO VOL 8 TP
(W) Larry Hama (A) S. L. Gallant & Various (CA) S. L. Gallant
LADY JAYE's team is led into the jungles of southeast Asia for a mission that will pit G.I. JOE against an enemy they thought long gone. Meanwhile, COBRA COMMANDER is ready to launch an offensive strike that will bring G.I. JOE to its knees. The mighty shall fall and COBRA will rise again.
$19.99
JUDGE DREDD #14
(W) Duane Swierczynski (A) Nelson Daniel (CA) Brendan McCarthy
Dredd returns to Mega-City One-still recovering from the ravages of "The Long Fail"-only to find the Justice Department under siege! Seems that someone has snuffed 12 Judges in creative and shocking ways. Someone who is intimiately familiar the routines of your average street Judge and their sector houses... Someone who Dredd himself failed to catch just a few months ago!
$3.99
JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS #6
(W) John Wagner, Alan Grant (A) Carlos Ezquerra (CA) Jim Fern
East-Meg One's "Mad Dog" Kazan introduces the Diktatorat to a new order of command, while Chief Justice Griffin has been kidnapped and brainwashed by the Sovs! Will Dredd administer justice on Griffin as swiftly as he does with East-Meg's soldiers?
$3.99
OTHER DEAD #1 2ND PTG
(W) Joshua Ortega, Digger T. Mesch (A/CA) Qing Ping Mui
From IDW Publishing. The world's first Zombie Animal epic is here! A deadly hurricane threatens New Orleans just as a frightening and mysterious outbreak hits the animal kingdom! Join all-star creators Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Joshua Ortega (Gears of War), and Digger T. Mesch (Agent 88) for the beginning of this year's most anticipated new horror series! With art by rising star Qing Ping Mui, The Other Dead is destined to be the most talked-about zombie book since The Walking Dead! Scheduled to ship 11/13/13. (4793)
$3.99
STAR TREK KHAN #3
(W) Mike Johnson (A) Claudia Balboni, David Messina (CA) Paul Shipper
The exclusive never-before-seen origin of STAR TREK's greatest villain continues here, in the official tie-in to the blockbuster hit STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS! The legendary Eugenics Wars lay waste to the planet as Khan fights to preserve his empire! Don't miss this all-new epic overseen by STAR TREK writer/producer Roberto Orci!
$3.99
Am I the only one who just cannot take this guy seriously as a major villain? He just looks so ... vanilla.
TMNT VILLAIN MICROSERIES #8 SHREDDER
(W) Paul Allor (A) Dan Duncan (CA) Tyler Walpole
The Turtles' greatest foe closes out the Villain Micro-series! A man of endless ambition, Oroku Saki harbors many secrets. This story delves into Shredder's inner mind to reveal the demons he's hidden from everyone. Will Shredder be his own undoing?
$3.99
TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #24 DARK CYBERTRON PART 4
(W) James Roberts, John Barber (A) James Raiz & Various (CA) Casey Coller
TRAPPED! Alone on a strange world, the crew of the Lost Light struggle against an unknown enemy-but what does this have to do with SHOCKWAVE's master plan? Answer: everything. Meanwhile, OPTIMUS PRIME finds an old friend in the Dead Universe!
$3.99
TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE VOL 5 TP
(W) John Barber (A) Livio Ramondelli & Various (CA) Casey Coller
The fate of Cybertron is sealed-but what is the DECEPTICON scientist SHOCKWAVE planning? In the wastelands of CYBERTRON, he makes his move prompting SOUNDWAVE and the rest of the DECEPTICONS to step up and stop him but in the end they are faced with the ultimate choice, will the DECEPTICONS stand with SHOCKWAVE-or will they join the AUTOBOTS?
$19.99
TRIPLE HELIX #3
(W/A/CA) John Byrne
The team reaches out to help Trio's Rock, but soon discovers there may be a traitor in their midst-unless absolutely nothing they know is real!
$3.99
Man, all these covers are starting to look alike. I know they're supposed to form a triptych or something, but they sure don't induce me to pick up an issue.
Replies
IMAGE COMICS
BURN THE ORPHANAGE: BORN TO LOSE #2 (of 3)
Art / cover a SINA GRACE
Cover b TRADD MOORE
48 PAGES / FC / M
$4.50
PART TWO OF THE BORN TO LOSE TRILOGY!
The events of BURN THE ORPHANAGE have led Rock down a dark path, where he finds himself on a hidden island, forced to compete in the ultimate martial arts tournament... one where the participants may not all be human. New foes, new hos, this is one oversized romp you can't miss!
Art KHARI EVANS, HOANG NGUYEN & KINSUN LOH
Cover a HOANG NGUYEN & KINSUN LOH
Cover b KHARI EVANS & KINSUN LOH
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$3.99
"MOTHERS OF REVOLUTION," Part One
Long ago, a child fled a revolution. She stole another’s name, betrayed a king, took his country to war, and turned sister against sister—all to reclaim her Father’s throne. She is Raisa Vasilyeva, illegitimate child of a Czar, Queen of Mitteleuropa, and now… destroyer of all things. The Sisters Grey return for the final devastating chapter of CARBON GREY.
CHEW SMORGASBORD S&N LTD ED VOL. 1 HC
The CHEW SMORGASBORD EDITION is the ultimate CHEW experience! Stuff yourself on this massive, deluxe hardcover featuring the first 20 issues of the New York Times best-selling, Harvey- and multiple-Eisner Award-winning series about cops, crooks, cooks, cannibals, and clairvoyants. One oversized slip-cased volume, jam-packed with extras. It'll be a feast for your senses and a diet for your wallet!
$150.00
This title has a bizarre and interesting premise that has always attracted me, but the art has always put me off trying it. What say you, Legionnaires -- is Chew good enough to keep me engaged despite my dislike of the art style?
Art AXEL MEDELLIN
Cover BOO COOK
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.99
"PICKING UP THE PIECES," Part Two
Farrell and Hip Flask are investigating a tragic lover's tiff... but perhaps there are bigger issues at stake.
A new revenge series set amongst the seedy underbelly of Hollywood from Jonathan Ross and Ian Churchill
The more time you spend on the Hollywood B-list (or in Griffin Franks’ case, the C-list), the more the value of being on the top of the heap increases, but with fame comes an increased number of enemies, too. A new series of violence and vengeance in the Hollywood Hills, THE REVENGER #1 from JONATHAN ROSS (TURF, AMERICA’S GOT POWERS) and IAN CHURCHILL (MARINEMAN) is the beginning of a face-off between one man and the people who took away his dream.
Praise for Jonathan Ross:
“Jonathan Ross is not a name that many comic fans are familiar with. To many, he just seemed like another celebrity sneaking into the world of comics because it's the cool thing to do nowadays. Then he wrote Turf and it was really good. Really, really good. Now, he's got America's Got Powers and proves he is no one trick pony. It's well written, expertly paced, and incredibly engaging.” --Benjamin Bailey, IGN
“Ross throws a lot of things at the reader, but never do they feel overwhelmed. Ross frames the story in a way that slowly peels the layers back on the history while also subtly throwing hints at the way the world works.” --Kevin Finnigan, Comic Book Therapy
“Superb writing, Mr. Ross.” --Tommy Hancock, Fanboy Buzz
“[Jonathan Ross] shows a gift for plot and dialogue.” --Chuck’s Comic of the Day
Join Griffin Franks on his quest for revenge in THE REVENGER #1, which will be available in stores on February 26, 2014 for $2.99. Pre-orders can be placed using Diamond Code DEC130487.
A preview of THE REVENGER #1 will appear in ELEPHANTMEN #52, by Richard Starkings and Alex Medellin.
If the above is confusing, let me 'splain: IDW sent out a press release about Revenger #1, a series that will be previewed in Elephantmen #52. Hence it's presence here.
Art GORAN SUDZUKA & MIROSLAV MRVA
Cover MATTEO SCALERA
144 PAGES / FC / M
$14.99
Freshly freed from prison, Jackson Winters is given an offer he won't refuse: steal a ghost and keep his freedom. Winters, one of the greatest thieves in the world, accepts, gathers his team, and sets out for the Trask Mansion, home to horrors and haunts. This is the story of writer Joshua Williamson and artist Goran Sudzuka's GHOSTED, VOL. 1 TP, the inaugural collection of the hit ongoing series, now available for $9.99.
The first four issues of GHOSTED sold out at the distributor level within days of the initial release and garnered early accolades from the media:
"Ghosted is a horror book you need to read because it is horror done right. It’s part caper, part ghost story, and completely hilarious."
-Joshua Yehl, IGN
"Never letting the audience feel completely comfortable trusting any one character, Williamson constructs layers of deception that add to the mystery of the series."
-Sam LeBas, Multiversity Comics
"Artist Goran Sudzuka has an uncanny knack of rendering detail only where needed, without overpowering every panel with minutiae."
-Jim Johnson, Comic Book Resources
"[T]he reason why Ghosted is such a great read each issue is due in large part to some great art and Williamson’s ability to tell a great haunted house story mixed with a heist story–and, well, throwing in all kinds of other twists in there too."
-Matt LeMaire, The MacGuffin
"Ghosted is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. It's a fantastic concept that has really been delivering the past few months."
-Mat Elfring, ComicVine
GHOSTED, VOL. 1 TP, collecting GHOSTED issues #1-5, arrives in stores on 12/4 at a special introductory price of $9.99.
Final orders are due from retailers on 11/11 and can be pre-ordered using Diamond Code OCT130488.
GHOSTED vol. 1
I really enjoyed this. It's a crime-caper-meets-Ghostbusters genre mash-up that is really well done.
Art / cover MARTÍN MORAZZO
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
“NATION BUILDING,” Conclusion
Chas Worthington has survived terrorist attacks, outlaw regimes, enemies abroad, and even more enemies at home. But if New Texas is to become the sustainable plastic nation of his dreams, he’ll need to figure out just who his friends truly are.
Art / cover TODD NAUCK & GABE ELTAEB
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99
Red Eye rules Rio de Janeiro from behind the gold-plated bars of his prison palace…all the more reason for the Guardians of the Globe to unleash their most dangerous operatives to take him out!
JUPITER'S LEGACY STUDIO ED #1
Art / cover FRANK QUITELY
32 PAGES / BW / M
$4.99
In Jupiter’s Legacy #1, superstar creators MARK MILLAR and FRANK QUITELY introduced an epic tale about the explosive tensions between two generations of superheroes. Now, this special edition spotlights Quitely’s artwork in detailed black and white, plus includes Millar’s original script and other special features.
MINIATURE JESUS TP
136 PAGES / BW / M / $16.99
GOLDEN-AGE SIZE
Critically-acclaimed writer/artist TED McKEEVER returns to the theater of the bizarre, as a small town pastor thinks that the eight-inch Jesus that descended from a cross on the church's wall is the work of the Devil!
Meanwhile, Chomsky, our recovering alcoholic, is about to find out that the constant barrage of screaming voices in his head are not ALL imaginary.
Collects MINIATURE JESUS #1-5
Diehard looks back at his life, thousands of years ago, to his first encounter with the Earth Empire.
$3.99
Art / cover VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99
Dark Hour has been defeated. Will is forced to "Man Up" and face the maniac Devil-Inside on his own. If he loses, all Hell breaks loose — Devil will kill the woman he loves and continue an unstoppable homicidal reign of murder and mayhem.
The first issue of this read like fan-fiction wish-fulfillment to me. If anyone has a more positive opinion, let me know.
Art SZYMON KUDRANSKI
Cover TODD MCFARLANE
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99
A HISTORY OF WAR—AND THE ORIGIN OF THE DEAD ZONE!
Jim's struggle to control his new life is put into perspective as Cogliostro reveals the secrets of the Dead Zone. From the temptations of Eden to the wars of today, the whole of human history has been tainted with conflict. While Cogliostro's motives may not be clear, his first lesson for Jim just may change his life...and alter the course of Heaven and Hell's eternal war... FOREVER!!!
STORM DOGS, VOL. 1 TP
Art DOUG BRAITHWAITE & ULISES ARREOLA
Cover DOUG BRAITHWAITE
NOVEMBER 20
160 PAGES / FC / M / $16.99
When a crime team arrives on the frontier planet of Amaranth to investigate a series of mysterious deaths, they begin to uncover secrets that could unravel the fabric of the universe. With elements of westerns, mysteries, and political thrillers, this critically-acclaimed series is far more than just "CSI in Space." The first season builds an enigmatic and complex world that will surprise and horrify you.
Collects STORM DOGS #1-6
Art / cover RAHSAN EKEDAL
32 PAGES / BW / T+ / $3.99
“OUTBREAK,” Part Three
World War III is imminent! And the only person stepping forward to prevent it is the slacker genius Dr. David Loren! Can a lab rat who has never even fired a handgun stop a weapon of mass destruction?
MARVEL COMICS
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700.1
Covers by PASQUAL FERRY
Variant Covers by KLAUS JANSON
• One year after his death at the hands of the Superior Spider-Man – PETER PARKER IS BACK!
• Acclaimed novelist David Morrell (First Blood) and legendary comics icon Klaus Janson (DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS) team up to kick off this celebration of the world’s greatest super hero!
• With a blizzard crippling New York City, Spider-Man must protect the city – but Aunt May’s life is in danger!
40 PGS. / Rated T …$3.99
It's a little disingenuous for Marvel to promote this as "PETER PARKER IS BACK!", since it appears to be a flashback. If I'm wrong, I'll apologize, but it looks like they want their cake and to eat it too.
Variant Cover by Milo Manara
• The X-Men, on the search for Nightcrawler, find themselves separated!
• Wolverine and Northstar are mysteriously in… heaven?!
• But where does that leave the rest of the team?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
I'm trade-waiting this, but my first thought is that this title ought to star the newly returned Nightcrawler, and not be another Wolverine vehicle, of which we have a surfeit. But then, I'm not the world's biggest Wolverine fan, and I'm sure sales are the primary consideration.
• It’s Christmas Eve in Avengers Tower. Everybody’s got somewhere better to be and Cap’s all alone on Tower-sitting duty. Or is he?
• Outside all is calm, all is quiet, but inside it’s an avalanche of mayhem as an intruder turns the Avengers’ own tower against them!
• And introducing Zamira! She’s Meryl Streep with a vengeance! Or maybe just a hormonal teenager...WITH OUT OF CONTROL SUPER POWERS!
40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T+…$4.99
Hopefully Kathryn Immonen writes Captain America better than Rick Remender.
Penciled by SCOTT HEPBURN, MATTEO BUFFAGNI & FILIPE ANDRADE
Cover by JOE QUINONES
Vicious echoes of the Avengers’ past are cropping up all over Manhattan — but Captain Marvel, grounded since a recent power loss, refuses to be left behind. Who is the sinister figure behind these incursions, and what does it have to do with Carol Danvers’ mysterious condition? As the Brood attack and Kree Sentries enter the mix, a new villain is revealed — but what is the link between Carol and the maddening Magnitron? The Avengers assemble to deal with the most pivotal event in Captain Marvel’s history — but as Magnitron’s sinister plans are unveiled, the world begins quite literally ripping apart at the seams! With the Avengers scattered, Carol must do whatever it takes to end Magnitron’s reign — no matter what the cost! Collecting AVENGERS: THE ENEMY WITHIN #1, CAPTAIN MARVEL (2012) #13-14 and #17, and AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #16-17.
136 PGS./Rated T+ …$17.99
This story was something of a disappointment to me, because I was hoping Marvel would take the opportunity of the excitement about this title's debut to make Captain Marvel the Wonder Woman of the Marvel Universe, and a powerhouse whose absence would be unthinkable in almost any Avengers event. Instead, writer DeConnick crippled her with a brain injury and made her dependent on all her Avenger pals to survive the first storyline. I guess DeConnick was attempting, in her way, to show how central Danvers was in Avengers relationships, but neglected to make her the alpha female I wanted to see. Still, it looks like Carol Danvers is finally here to stay, which is a good thing.
Cover by MARK BAGLEY
Variant Cover by TBA
• The ULTIMATES discover where GALACTUS has come from
• If they send the WORLD DESTROYER back to where he came from all that will do is create more destruction and havoc!
• MILES MORALES is headed to the Marvel Universe
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Boy, Galactus is sure taking his sweet time eating this planet. It's almost like he won't succeed.
THONY SILAS (A)
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
• Miami, Florida. Out of his element. Surrounded by enemies. Misty Knight breathing down his neck. Is this a problem for Matt Murdock?
• Nope.
• Jimmy Palmiotti (DAREDEVIL) and Thony Silas (VENOM) bring you IN THE NAME OF THE KING, part two!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
SCOTT KOBLISH (A)
Cover by TOM SCIOLI
• Another flashback to Deadpool Stories Past!
• This time, Deadpool wreaks havoc on a cosmic level!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
The final act of the Deadpool Killogy begins as Deadpool sets his sites on the ultimate target: himself! We hope you're not a Deadpool fan - because he DIES in this story! Oh, but, uh...we hope you ARE a Deadpool fan, because, like...there are a lot of Deadpools in this story. Seriously, lots. And Deadpool has decided that it's time to thin the Deadpool herd. But when Deadpool targets Deadpool...only Deadpool can win! And, I guess, you, because you get to read it. Warning: This explosive story contains more than 700 percent of your daily recommended Deadpool! And (spoiler alert) it may contain the death of your favorite character. Depending on how you feel about Deadpool. Either way, it all ends here! Collecting DEADPOOL KILLS DEADPOOL #1-4.
$14.99
Every time I get out of Deadpool, they suck me back in ...*
*Godfather reference, for no reason whatsoever.
Penciled by JOHN BYRNE, MARK BRIGHT, JERRY ORDWAY & RON WILSON
Covers by JOHN BYRNE
Superstar John Byrne’s legendary run concludes with one of the most innovative periods in Fantastic Four history! The sensational She-Hulk replaces the Thing, Sue Richards becomes the Invisible Woman, and Mr. Fantastic is tried for crimes against the universe! Also featuring the return of Dr. Doom, the fate of Reed and Sue’s unborn child, the resurrection of Jean Grey, and more — as the FF confront deadly foes including the Mole Man, Dr. Octopus, Terminus, the Beyonder, Mephisto, Psycho-Man and Annihilus! Plus: the unfinished “Last Galactus Story,” reprinted for the first time! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #261-295 and ANNUAL #18-19, ALPHA FLIGHT (1983) #4, THING (1983) #10 and #19, and AVENGERS ANNUAL #14; and material from SECRET WARS II #2, EPIC ILLUSTRATED #26-34, WHAT IF? (1977) #36, WHAT THE-?! #2 and #10, THING (1983) #7, FANTASTIC FOUR ROAST, and FANTASTIC FOUR SPECIAL EDITION #1.
1224 PGS./Rated T …$125
ISBN: 978-0-7851-8543-7
Trim size: oversized
FANTASTIC FOUR BY JOHN BYRNE OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC VARIANT (DM ONLY)
1224 PGS./Rated T …$125
ISBN: 978-0-7851-8570-3
Penciled by JACK KIRBY
Cover by JACK KIRBY
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s first 30 issues of Fantastic Four were just the warm-up — here’s where they really turn up the heat! Experience the boundless energy of two creators at the top of their game: the origin of Dr. Doom; the Frightful Four; the wedding of Reed Richards and Sue Storm; the Inhumans; the Silver Surfer; the Galactus Saga; the debut of the world’s first black super hero, the Black Panther; the cosmic clash between the FF, Surfer and Dr. Doom; and of course, “This Man, This Monster!” — widely regarded as the greatest FF tale of all! This massive collector’s edition, painstakingly restored from the sharpest material in the Marvel Archives, and packed with critical essays and bonus features aplenty, is nothing short of a cornerstone to the Marvel Universe! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #31-60 and ANNUAL #2-4.
832 PGS./All Ages …$99.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-8567-3
Trim size: oversized
Cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
• Fantomex fight for his life against a deadly kraken!
• EVA gets a new look... and a terrible understanding.
• And what lies at the heart of the Shivas facility?
32 PGS./Explicit Content …$3.99
THERE IS A STRICT NO OVERPRINT POLICY ON ALL MAX TITLES.
Good to know. I should add that there is a strict NO FANTOMEX POLICY in the Comics Cave.
WILL SLINEY (A)
Cover by MARK BROOKS
• The Defenders make a stand against the apocalyptic Doom Maidens! Hopefully some of the team survives!
• Valkyrie and Annabelle have a complicated relationship... and it’s only going to become even more perplexing and problematic as of this issue!
• A new (cosmically awesome) character joins the team! And you’ll never expect this addition to the cast!
• Caroline LeFay comes face to face with one of her estranged parents!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
I really disliked the first storyline, as it seemed ham-handed in its attempt to establish a major lesbian character who wasn't very interesting. Judging from this cover, that effort is continuing. Too bad -- this had the potential to be a breakout title.
MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. VARIANT ALSO AVAILABLE
INFINITY TIE-IN
• The Infinity adventure continues as Thanos’s rise might lead to the Guardians’ fall.
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
This title has fallen several months behind, for no reason I know.
Cover by PAUL RIVOCHE
“IRON METROPOLITAN” PART TWO!
• Pepper meets P.E.P.P.E.R. Uh-oh.
• Pepper discovers Tony’s family secret. A whole different kind of Uh-Oh.
• The grand unveiling of the core of Troy, Tony’s Iron Metropolitan in Mandarin City. What could go wrong?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Prepare for more mind-blowing revelations as the shocking secret origin of Tony Stark continues! And it began with a birth! As the manipulative alien 451's ulterior motive is laid bare, a massive surprise awaits Tony in a deserted battlefield from the beginning of time. Now all Iron Man has to do is fight a robot who can take over his armor at any time and evade one of the universe's greatest bounty-hunters: Death's Head! An impossible choice at the edge of space will decide the fate of two worlds. Who lives? Who dies? Can Tony somehow find a way to avoid his destiny before it all goes wrong? Tony and 451 both discover the surprising truth - and things change forever! Collecting IRON MAN (2012) #12-17.
$24.99
CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS (W) • JACOPO CAMAGNI (A)
Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
• The worst threats that ever have/will face the Marvel Universe?
• The Hulkvengers? Kraven the Pheonix? WolfCap? Wolverine King of the Vampires? Cosmic Carnage?
• Sounds like a job for Longshot, right?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
MARCO RUDY (A/C)
• Spidey submerged – trapped aboard a submarine beneath the waves on a submarine with some of his most dangerous enemies!
• Will Spider-Man be able to reach the sub’s command deck and take control of the vessel?
• Featuring the return of the Marvel Universe’s most notorious – and infamous --villains!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
BRAHM REVEL (A/C)
• In a small cabin in the woods, The X-Men find a young mutant who is learning to control her powers… but she’s not alone!
• Can our heroes possibly survive after they’re ambushed by a horde of super-villains?
• Will Rogue, Wolverine, and Kitty save themselves and the young mutant they’ve found before her powers spiral out of control?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
MARVEL UNIVERSE HULK AGENTS OF SMASH #3 (of 4)
Adapted by Joe Caramagna
• The Collector captures every last hero on Earth!
• Only the Hulk remains to save the pla net from destruction!
• Guest starring Spider-Man!
32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99
Penciled by SAL BUSCEMA, CARMINE INFANTINO, BOB HALL & KEITH POLLARD
Cover by RICH BUCKLER
The second stage of the Human Rocket! Launch into more high-velocity heroics with teenage everyman turned cosmic crusader Rich Rider, the original Nova! Thrill as Nova battles classic Marvel villains Sandman and the Yellow Claw — as well as the alien Monitors, the mysterious Inner Circle and the Darkforce-powered madman Blackout! All this and the debut of new hero Crime-Buster, team-ups with Nick Fury and the Thing, and a desperate decision at home when Rich’s own father is ensnared in an underworld scheme! Plus: Nova joins the Defenders alongside an awesome array of offbeat heroes like Black Goliath, Captain Ultra, Iron Fist, Jack of Hearts, Havok and Polaris! And the Fantastic Four take on Nova’s greatest foe, the Sphinx! Collecting NOVA (1976) #13-19, DEFENDERS (1972) #62-64, FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #12 and MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE ANNUAL #3.
264 PGS./Rated T …$29.99
JIMMY PALMIOTTI (W)
JUAN SANTACRUZ & SAM LOFTI (A)
COVER by AMANDA CONNER
PAINKILLER JANE is back in action as a bizarre group of killers hired by a mysterious boss have been sent to track down and Kill both Jane and the princess she is protecting out in the middle of a vacation town in Long Island. Problem is, they have no idea who they are messing with as Jane strikes back with a bloody vengeance!
32 PGS./Mature …$2.99
As I mentioned last month, what I loved about Painkiller Jane in her debut series was the Joe Quesada-Jimmy Palmiotti art. Absent that, I'm not sure the character is interesting enough to support a series. If anybody is trying this, let me know if I'm wrong!
HOW TO MAIM A MOCKINGBIRD, Part One
• Can Mockingbird escape before the High Council of A.I.M. discovers her true identity?
• Maria Hill gets a mind-bending offer from a rogue A.I.M. operative. And you probably know him. It’s REDACTED.
• Hawkeye, Black Widow and Fury plumb the “depths” of A.I.M.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Trade-waiting. I have high hopes, if for no other reason than it can't be any worse than the debacle that ended the last Secret Avengers series.
Penciled by CARMINE INFANTINO & GENE COLAN
Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
• Star-Lord soars back into action in his second collection of scintillating seventies sci-fi!
• When Star-Lord is shot down and crashes on a desert planet, “Ship” must take human form to save his life — but can the two rescue an alien god from space pirates?
• An unimaginably powerful alien race has destroyed an innocent, inhabited world — and Star-Lord must find a way to stop them from targeting a second!
• When Star-Lord is sucked through a wormhole onto a gigantic, centuries-old space ark, can he learn the inhabitants’ true agenda before Earth is overrun?
• Collecting material from MARVEL PREVIEW #14-15 and MARVEL SUPER SPECIAL #10.
112 PGS./Rated T+ …$7.99
When Star-Lord debuted, I not only didn't like the character, I didn't see any reason for the series to exist. Now he's the linchpin of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and I still don't understand why I should care about this guy, or why the other characters take orders from him. Maybe I'm must obtuse.
Humberto Ramos (A/C)
Variant cover BY Skottie Young
DARKEST HOURS Part 2 of 4: “Complications”
• As Otto Octavius takes another big step in his life as Peter Parker... could a big part of Flash Thompson’s life be coming to a close? Will he be... VENOM NO MORE?!
• More with MJ! More with Carlie! More with the Green Goblin! And, after half a century, one of the most cringe-worthy moments in ALL of Spidey-history! You do NOT want to miss this one!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Just finished the second Superior Spider-Man trade, and I am enjoying it immensely. Who needs Peter Parker, anyway?
Cover by PAOLO RIVERA
• How did everything go so wrong, and how is it the Superior Spider-Man’s fault?!
• Every single person in New York City is going to die at the hands of Spider-Man’s new teammates, aka the SINISTER SIX.
• With Great Arrogance Must Come Great Consequences.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Penciled by WALTER SIMONSON & SAL BUSCEMA
Cover by WALTER SIMONSON
Few people have ever left their mark on one character quite the way Walter Simonson has. His work on the Mighty Thor swept the Norse God of Thunder to heights never before seen and rarely achieved in his wake. Spanning epic tales of heroism and treachery, love and war, Simonson’s work is often considered the definitive Thor. From the majesty and mystery of fabled Asgard to the gritty streets of New York City, Thor was never the same. That is the mark of a true visionary. This third volume continues the collection of Simonson’s epic run — completely remastered from the original artwork and newly colored by Steve Oliffe! Collecting THOR (1966) #357-363 and BALDER THE BRAVE #1-4.
264 PGS./Rated T …$29.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-8462-1
Penciled by HOWARD CHAYKIN, RON GARNEY, ADAM KUBERT, STEPHEN SEGOVIA, PACO DIAZ LUQUE & UDON STUDIOS
Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
He’s the best there is at what he does — and Wolverine’s not so bad, either. Now, the debut of writer Jason Aaron’s acclaimed and character-defining Wolverine run is collected in one volume! Joined by some of comics’ top artists, Aaron (PUNISHERMAX, Scalped) pits Wolverine against an array of twisted foes including super-powered kung-fu gangsters, a platoon of Adamantium-enhanced mercenaries, a broken little man with a very big gun, a nonstop barrage of Marvel’s heaviest hitters, and — in a brutal, no-holds-barred battle that may destroy them both — the treacherous, shape-changing Mystique! Guest-starring Spider-Man, the X-Men, X-Force, the Avengers and more! Collecting WOLVERINE (2003) #56, #62-65 and material from #73-74; WOLVERINE: MANIFEST DESTINY #1-4; WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #1-5; and material from WOLVERINE (1988) #175.
392 PGS./Parental Advisory …$34.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-8541-3
Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO
• Legion’s final showdown with the monster in his mind that wears the face of his deceased father!
• What’s worse: the demonic Professor X has escaped into the real world. What terror will he unleash?
• This is the climactic story this series has been building to, guest-starring the allies Legion has made along the way…and not all of them will emerge unscathed!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
ISSUE #14- JAMIE MCKELVIE, EMMA VIECELI, CHRISTIAN WARD & ANNIE WU
Covers by JAMIE MCKELVIE
• This periodical plans to include an above-industry average amount and standard of drama, conflict (both internal and external), action set-pieces. It will include 20 pages of comic art. It prominently features heroic attempts to save the world and kissing.
• “The best comic I’ve ever written. Called Young Avengers #13.” - Kieron Gillen.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
OTHER PUBLISHERS
ABSOLUTION HAPPY KITTY SPECIAL #1
(W) Christos N. Gage (A/CA) Paul Duffield
CHRISTOS GAGE rocked the comics' community with the events of Absolution: Rubicon! From the ashes of the Polymath's rampage comes the first special origin issue of fan-favorite character, Happy Kitty! Gage is joined by fan-favorite artist Paul (Freakangels) Duffield who illustrates and colors this issue. She's just an average teenage girl who likes to play violent video games... with one small exception. She's also an Enhancile with the gift of agility and precognition that was raised by killers and likes to cut bad people up into tiny cat nip sized bits. Before Happy Kitty finds her new way in life as an enforcer for John Dusk, we are treated to a unique story that reveals how a special little girl became the most ruthless assassin Japan has ever known. I bet the story is killer... hehehehe. Available with Regular, Video Game, Japanese Art, and Character Design Retailer Incentive covers by series artist Paul Duffield.
$3.99
I would compare and contrast this with "Hello Kitty," except that I don't know what that is, either.
(W) Danielle Corsetto (A) Zack Sterling (CA) Stephanie Gonzaga
WHY WE LOVE IT: It's a book about how Princesses can overcome their differences while at the same time kicking butt and taking names.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: It's a book about how Princesses can overcome their differences while at the same time kicking butt and taking names.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Princess gatherings aren't always tea parties and doilies, there is a lot more to being a Princess that one might think. Danielle Corsetto (GIRLS WITH SLINGSHOTS) and Zack Sterling return with an adventure where some of our favorite princesses learn what it really takes to be a princess, while learning to respect each other for their unique outlooks on life.
$11.99
(W) Quinrose (A/CA) Mamenosuke Fujimaru
Alice Love Fables: Toy Box is an all-new follow-up to QuinRose's bestselling Alice series, and contains a collection of romance-laced short stories starring characters who appear in Alice in the Country of Clover, as well as other fan-favorite characters who appear in popular Quinrose games. Tales of love abound in Wonderland, especially where Alice is concerned. Whether it's the March Hare, the Clockmaker, Gray Ringmarc, or Blood Dupre, Alice has many admirers and she just can't make up her mind who she likes best. This anthology chronicles the many loves of Alice Liddell, and also features a story about the love between a prince and a maid in Crimson Empire, and the love between an assassin and a princess in Arabians Lost.
$13.99
(W) Fred Van Lente (A) Pere Perez, Clayton Henry (CA) Clayton Henry
Castaways in the Faraway! Mary-Maria, Archer's arch-nemesis/love interest/adopted sister, is back and dead-set on taking over the Sect by any means necessary. What better way to seize control of the most secret of secret societies than by unlocking their most secretive of secrets inside the secretest place on Earth? Now, as Mary-Maria sneaks her way inside Area 51 to claim a long-hidden prize, Archer & Armstrong are about to discover the forbidden history that binds America's blackest black-ops base to the time-lost lands of the Faraway -wind up fighting their way through each of its tightly guarded mysteries, one punch at a time. Collecting ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #0 and ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #10-13 by New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (Amazing Spider-Man) and artists Clayton Henry (Incredible Hercules) and Pere Perez (Harbinger Wars), follow Valiant's conspiracy-busting adventurers from the pages of their saga-smashing zero issue and into their most dangerous mission yet, right here in the next epic volume of the series that IGN calls "the most fun you'll have in a 'superhero' comic".
$14.99
Worth reading, if for no other reason than they can legitimately use the prhase "Archer's arch-nemesis/love interest/adopted sister."
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Jack Morelli, Digikore Studios
Cover: Dan Parent
World Tour Variant Cover: Fiona Staples
48-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
It occurs to me that this title might have the highest issue number in America.
Script: Frank Doyle
Art: Dan DeCarlo, Rudy Lapick, Bill Yoshida, Barry Grossman
Cover: Jeff Shultz, Bob Smith, Rosario “Tito” Peña
160-page, full color comic
$3.99 US.
(W) Steve Niles (A) Dennis Calero (CA) Ben Templesmith
A mysterious fighter comes to Ash's aid and helps him get away from Wiseman and the Deadites. There's a new wrinkle in the action though. Ash figures out that a key item has gone missing and if he survives the City of the Dead, he might be able to get home in one piece. Two at the most.
$3.99
(W) Dan Abnett (A) Cezar Razek (CA) TBD
What is it like to be amember of the Battlestar's valiant crew? Find out in this issue as we follow the highs and lows of one duty shift aboard the Galactica... just a day like any other in the fight to keep Mankind alive!
$3.99
(W/A) Peter Pants, Johnny Depth (CA) Peter Pants
This special Tenth Issue Celebration Set includes a new DVD with a new Bettie Page movie made using original film footage of Bettie Page in a new, never-before-seen adventure, along with music videos of Modern Models, Behind the Scenes footage of actual photo shoots, and other features related to the comic series, plus a double-sided, jumbo 4" x 6" trading card with two images of "Bettie Page in Danger" just the right size to enjoy anywhere.
$19.95
Diamond doesn't distribute just any publisher, you know -- they have standards. I don't know what those standards are, but I'd think "SHH Productions" would fall below just about any of them. And yet, here it is. Are 50-year-old naughty photos really that big a draw?
(W/A/CA) Peter Pants, Johnny Depth
Mobsters will force an orphanage to close its doors just days before Christmas unless Bettie Page and her modeling friends can help the nuns make rent! Their plan to host a holiday stage show goes "bust" when the costumes are stolen, forcing the girls to perform naked! But when they catch cold during rehearsals, can Bettie get the nuns to take it all off to pull off this risqué revue?! In a second story, Bettie is harassed by a perverted prank caller who may be Saint Nick! He's gonna find out if she's naughty or nice and just may be what caused the pin-up queen's mysterious disappearance at the height of her popularity. Actual photos featuring Bettie Page and other vintage vixens illustrate each story, including a third mystery in amazing 3-D along with eye-popping photos of the modern model, Penthouse Pet Courtney Taylor, unwrapping her gifts to show you what she got! This is an officially licensed product by the management of Bettie Page's estate and each issue comes bagged with free 3-D glasses!
$9.95
"Johnny Depth"?
(W/A/CA) Peter Pants, Johnny Depth
Mobsters will force an orphanage to close its doors just days before Christmas unless Bettie Page and her modeling friends can help the nuns make rent! Their plan to host a holiday stage show goes "bust" when the costumes are stolen, forcing the girls to perform naked! But when they catch cold during rehearsals, can Bettie get the nuns to take it all off to pull off this risqué revue?! In a second story, Bettie is harassed by a perverted prank caller who may be Saint Nick! He's gonna find out if she's naughty or nice and just may be what caused the pin-up queen's mysterious disappearance at the height of her popularity. Actual photos featuring Bettie Page and other vintage vixens illustrate each story, including a third mystery in amazing 3-D along with eye-popping photos of the modern model, Penthouse Pet Courtney Taylor, unwrapping her gifts to show you what she got! This is an officially licensed product by the management of Bettie Page's estate and each issue comes bagged with free 3-D glasses!
$19.95
(W) Aaron Gillespie (A) Rey Villegas (CA) Jonathan Lau
He's fought everything from giant robots to bionic bigfoot and lived to tell about it. But when Steve's best friend becomes his mortal enemy it will be the fight of his life. When the smoke clears, the Bionic Man and OSI will be changed forever.
$3.99
(W) Brian Buccellato (A) Ronan Cliquet (CA) Jae Lee
The city government tries to pick up the pieces following the tragic climax of the police kidnappings. Looking to assess blame, the District Attorney sets his sights on The Black Bat. And as Carol faces the repercussions of her actions, she turns to Tony Quinn for help.
$3.99
Why aren't Bruce Wayne's lawyers suing for copyright infringement?
(W/A/CA) Julia Gfrörer
AN ORIGINAL, HAUNTINGLY ROMANTIC GRAPHIC NOVELLA
Black is the Color begins with a 17th century sailor abandoned at sea by his shipmates, and as it progresses he endures, and eventually succumbs to, both his lingering death sentence and the advances of a cruel and amorous mermaid. The narrative also explores the experiences of the loved ones he leaves behind, on his ship and at home on land, as well as of the mermaids who jadedly witness his destruction. At the heart of the story lie the dubious value of maintaining dignity to the detriment of intimacy, and the erotic potential of the worst case scenario.
Julie Gfrörer's delicate drawing style perfectly complements the period era of Black is the Color, bringing the lyricism and romanticism of Gfrörer's prose to the fore. Black is the Color is a book as seductive as the sirens it depicts.
$14.99
I believe the words "hauntingly romantic" are code for "Captain Comics will hate this." But that description is so bizarre it sounds fascinating.
(W/A/CA) Edgar P. Jacobs
Fleeing the devastation of World War III, Blake, Mortimer, and Nasir have been trying to reach a secret base with the blueprints for a new weapon, the Swordfish. But the forces of the Yellow Empire are hot on their trail, and soon Mortimer is captured. While Blake works tirelessly at coordinating the various resistance movements on the planet, the professor is forced to endure captivity, threats and torture from their eternal enemy, Olrik.
$15.95
BRENDA STARR COMPLETE PRE-CODE COMICS VOL 1 HC
(A) Jack Kamen, Matt Baker
Before Fredric Wertham and The Seduction of the Innocent, before the infamous Comics Code, the comic book racks at local drug stores and newsstands boasted a plethora of delights highlighted by the good girl adventures of the comic book version of Brenda Starr. These four-color wonders displayed all the finer things loved by comic books buyers: good girls, bondage, a little torture, and other exciting things, which adults thought would corrupt the morals of young and impressionable readers For the first time in over fifty years comics fans can read and own these rare comics from another era. In addition to presenting all of the Brenda Starr stories this reprint also boasts all of the scintillating back up features found in these books as well.
$60.00
I'll get this, of course, because I'll buy just about any ancient comics I've never read before. But that cover art is so amateurish it makes me nervous. The solicitation promises Jack Kamen and Matt Baker (whose "good girl" work on Phantom Lady was terrific), so why wasn't art from their stories used for the cover? Is it possible there's just not very much of it? And most of it is like the work above? For 60 bucks, I sure hope not!
(W/A/CA) Antony Huchette
Brooklyn Quesadillas follows a new father having a mid-life crisis as he navigates the surreal streetscapes of Brooklyn, trying to produce a tv show hosted by a coffeepot, while tracking down forgotten sitcom stars from the eighties who live on a "fantasy" island. The second book in the Conundrum International Imprint.
$15.00
(W/A/CA) Roy Crane
The fourth and final volume of Fantagraphics' popular Captain Easy series features lost cities, beautiful native girls and more heart-pounding exploits. Roy Crane's intrepid adventurer goes out with a bang and his adventures are presented, as ever, in glorious full-color with essays and other scholarly extras.
$49.99
I've been buying this, and from the first page on I've enjoyed the strip far more than I ever dreamed I would. So much so, in fact, that I regret that it's coming to an end. I guess I'll have to start buying Buz Sawyer collections to fill the void!
(W/A/CA) Rob Durham
Continuing Rob's storyline, Meriem is failing to cope with the stressful pain of Bruce's death. She irrationally continues to lash out at the animals of her prehistoric world and has decided to go on another hunt. This time she's chosen to face off against one the mightiest animals to ever swim the ancient oceans of early Earth, the Great Megalodon Shark! It's an aquatic battle royal as Meriem hits the water to kill or be killed.
$3.75
Here's another book I wouldn't think would pass Diamond's standards, unless it's more than the soft-core porn it appears to be from the covers. Is anyone out there familiar with Cavewoman? Is there anything to it aside from an opportunity to put big boobs on the cover?
(W/A/CA) Jesse Reklaw
A MEMOIR OF CHILDHOOD, FAMILY, MENTAL ILLNESS AND CATS
Veteran alternative cartoonist Jesse Reklaw, creator of the long-running weekly comic strip Slow Wave, delivers this tragicomic graphic memoir, his first long-form work. Presented as a series of comic novellas that together comprise a thoughtful, sometimes dark and often hilarious memoir about childhood, family, death, mental illness, sex and drug use, the entire book is told through cleverly inviting conceits like cat histories and card games.
The graphic novel is told in five parts: In "Thirteen Cats" (featured in The Best American Comics), Reklaw discovers coping mechanisms that mimic his family pets; "Toys I Love" relates the author's pre-pubescent brushes with deviant sexual activity, and the way innocence converges with real sexual trauma; "The Fred Robinson Story" tells the story of Reklaw's period stalking perfect strangers; "The Stacked Deck," in which hereditary influences towards criminal behavior, drug use and depression are explored via card games the author played with his family; and "Lessoned," a family history of mental illness.
$26.99
(W) Jean Dufaux (A/CA) Philip Xavier
The Crusader army has been destroyed by the terrible Simoun Dja, the desert wind. Gauthier of Flanders has gone to look for the Jews of Samaria, possible allies to retake Jerusalem. But the Holy Land is rife with plots and counterplots. Christians and Muslims alike are torn by internal conflicts. And behind it all, pulling strings and offering temptations, one creature: the qa'dj - the demon that crept at the foot of the Cross.
$13.95
I never saw the first volume, but the historical setting is a rare one (probably because the Westerners weren't the good guys), so it's intriguing.
(W/A/CA) Nozomu Tamaki
The all-new sequel to New York Times-bestseller Dance in the Vampire Bund starts here! Three months have passed since Princess Mina, queen of all vampires, has recaptured the Bund. The damage inflicted to vampire/human relations runs deep, but a peaceful postwar restoration is now underway. Yet appearances can be deceiving. Somebody is trying to kill government liaison Reiko Gotoh, but her lycanthrope bodyguard, Seiji Hama, is nowhere to be found. The mystery of Hama's whereabouts can only be solved by examining the past.
$13.99
I'm curious how "vampire-human relations" can be anything other than "predator-prey."
(W/A/CA) Mayu Shinjo
A supernatural romance by the creator of Ai Ore!and Sensual Phrase! 5
$9.99
(W/A/CA) Kyousuke Motomi
The past continues to haunt Teru and Kurosaki when they're given a chance to find the mysterious "M's Last Testament." Unfortunately, their savage nemesis Akira has his eyes set on finding it too! Will Akira beat them to the punch? Or does Teru have something up her sleeve?
$9.99
(W) Nunzio DeFillipis, Christina Weir (A/CA) Rhea Silvan
The stunning conclusion to a manga trilogy that reinvents the Dracula mythos. Nicholas Harker discovered he is heir to the legacy of an ancestor he never knew he had: Dracula. Under his progenitor's evil influence, Nichalas has begun to rebuild Castle Dracula in the outskirts of Boston, leaving behind a wake of corpses. While the love of Jill Hawthorne seems to be the only thing that weakens Dracula's hold over Nicholas, Mason Renfield realizes he must remove her from the picture, in order to usher in the full reemergence of his dark lord. But Jill's new friend, the fiery wiccan Cate, has plans of her own - to destroy Nicholas and avenge her mother's death.
$11.99
This sounds pretty wild, but the spiky hair puts me off. Usually manga with big eyes and spiky hair is kinda juvenile.
(W/A/CA) Akira Toriyama
You do not want to mess with the Red Ribbon Army. To get what they want, they'll sic you with scary thugs, machine-gun fire and even torpedoes! Only Son Goku would think nothing of challenging this evil crime organization - anything to get back the one Dragon Ball his grandfather gave him.
As the Red Ribbon Army closes in on Goku and his friends, Goku must face an array of opponents while preventing all seven Dragon Balls from falling into evil hands. First, there's cruel General Blue, who has a mysterious power up his sleeve. Then there's master assassin Taopaipai, so strong that Goku's blasts barely faze him. But neither of these opponents compare to the masked challenger Goku faces at Baba Uranai - he'll give Goku the shock of his life!
$14.99
(W) Brockton McKinney (A/CA) Larkin Ford
The conclusion to the first hit Ehmm Theory arc, "Cat, Quantum and Contrition," is here! Questions are answered, allegiances are altered, and the series begins its first steps in a bold new direction. Plus, the debut of Pecker Frank's latest and most freakish creature: RoBearToPus! You can't afford to miss this one, folks!
$2.99
(W/A/CA) Isabel Greenberg
Before our history began, another, now forgotten, civilization thrived. The people who roamed Early Earth were much like us: curious, emotional, funny, ambitious, and vulnerable. In this series of illustrated and linked tales, Isabel Greenberg chronicles the explorations of a young man as he paddles from his home in the North Pole to the South Pole. There, he meets his true love, but their romance is ill-fated. Early Earth's unusual and finicky polarity means the lovers can never touch. As intricate and richly imagined as the work of Chris Ware, and leavened with a dry wit that rivals Kate Beaton's in Hark! A Vagrant, Isabel Greenberg's debut will be a welcome addition to the thriving graphic novel genre.
$23.00
(W/A/CA) Hiro Mashima
Hoping to break Fairy Tail's humiliating losing streak at the Grand Magic Games, Elfman prepares to face Bacchus, an old enemy of Erza's. Away from the tournament, a still recuperating Wendy is kidnapped out from under even Natsu's sensitive nose, and Carla experiences a terrible vision: A white knight, the palace of the king of Fiore in ruins and Lucy singing as the capital burns!
$10.99
(W) Scott Nickel, Jim Davis (A) Andy Hirsch & Various (CA) Gary Barker & Various
We're got a holiday season treat for you Pet Force! Planet Dorkon's finest are back for an all-new adventure and the fur will fly.
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Geronimo Stilton
Utah, USA, 1869. Work on the Transcontinental Railroad connecting the east and west coasts keeps suffering mysterious mousehaps. Can it be the dastardly work of Catardone and his band of Pirate Cats? In the unlikely role of deputy sheriff, Geronimo Stilton must once again save the future by protecting the past!
$9.99
GRIMM FAIRY TALES 2013 HOLIDAY SPECIAL
(W) Raven Gregory, Patrick Shand (A) TBD (CA) Alfredo Reyes
An annual Zenescope tradition returns with the 2013 Grimm Holiday Edition. This issue includes four new stories featuring some of your favorite characters from the Grimm Universe. Don't miss this issue and continue celebrating the holiday season in the usual Grimm fashion.
$5.99
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
(W) Joe Brusha & Various (A) TBD (CA) Giuseppe Cafaro
For over two hundred years the powerful stories of the Brothers Grimm have enchanted millions around the world, but there has never been an adaptation as intriguing or provocative as this. Grimm Fairy Tales explores a much darker side of the infamous fables you heard as a child as these classic tales are retold and reimagined with a terrifying twist you'll simply love as an adult. This third volume of "Different Seasons" collects six more of Zenescope's seasonal themed issues together in one collection.
$17.99
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
(W) Joe Brusha (A) Jean-Paul Deshong (CA) David Finch
The creators of Grimm Fairy Tales and Return to Wonderland bring you a dark new addition to the Grimm Universe. Pan never wanted to grow up and now he's found the key to immortality and a way to rule the realm of Neverland forever. Once a magical paradise, Pan has reshaped Neverland into the ultimate nightmare for any child unlucky enough to visit. Only one child has ever been able to escape. Now as an adult, Hook may be the only person who can put a stop to Pan's madness.
$15.99
(W) Patrick Shand (A) Butch K. Mapa (CA) Harvey Tolibao
The high-octane conclusion to the greatest Grimm Fairy Tales team-up of all time!
The lines are drawn as Cronus and his army of Hydra have taken control of Mount Olympus. The world's only hope rests on the shoulders of the Realm Knights, who have been divided and conquered! Can these fairy tales and gods live up to their legend, or will they be snuffed out by the King of Titans?
GODS VS. TITANS!
DOUBLE-SIZED ISSUE!
$5.99
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOBS!
(W) Raven Gregory (A) JG Miranda (CA) Franchesco
Calie and Violet may finally have the upper hand in the fight against wonderland as each begins accessing their newfound powers. But the Dark Cheshire and the new Mad Hatter don't plan on making things easy for them.
$2.99
GIRL GENIUS VOL 5: CLOCKWORK PRINCESS NEW PTG TP
(W) Phil Foglio, Kaja Foglio (A/CA) Phil Foglio
Adventure, Romance, Mad Science! Agatha Heterodyne is the last heir to the Maddest of Mad Scientist families, and on the run from the current ruler of Europe. In a fairy-tale castle on a mountain pass, she finds herself at the center of an evil plan to bring back one of the deadliest enemies of recent history.
$25.00
(W) Jonathan Hickman (A) Di Amorim (CA) Jonathan Hickman
The End of Days has come! As the Asgardians destroy pantheon after pantheon in their quest for total domination, the human race's last hope is a desperate gamble to create their own god weapon. But when the divine turns out to be the Anti-Christ... it leaves very few options other than obliteration for all of human-kind. JONATHAN HICKMAN delivers a story like no other where the hubris of man is the only thing standing between freedom and eternal subjugation. The Book of Revelations is open before us and the end of the world can't be far behind. Available with a Regular cover by Jonathan Hickman, End of Days cover, a premium Iconic card stock cover that is limited to just 5000 copies by Jacen Burrows, and a Pantheon Order Incentive cover by series artist Di Amorim.
$3.99
This is an interesting premise. I have to note, though, that I don't think the Norse gods were ever called "Asgardians" in the Eddas -- they were the Aesir. "Asgardians" is a made-up comical-book word. This is what happens when you get your mythology from Thor comics and not the original texts!
Further, the solicitation doesn't mention the Egyptian gods, but that's who's represented on these three covers -- Ra, Set and Bast (maybe?).
It's by Jonathan Hickman, who is everywhere these days, but he's generally interesting so it might be worth a look.
(W) Doug Dlin, Fred Perry (A/CA) Fred Perry
For over fifteen years, Fred Perry's Gold Digger has brought readers a wealth of incredible stories and memorable characters. It's also been packed full of some of the weirdest, wildest, and most wonderful technology ever to leap off a drawing board. Now we reveal the secrets and details of the fantastic array of gadgets, weaponry, vehicles, robots, and more, from cutting-edge discoveries to technology predating the entire universe...all told from the perspective of Gold Digger's foremost technology expert, Gina Diggers herself! From Beta-Tech's Phantom Rings to Hurt-bots and Peebos, from Ace's many aircraft and the ships of the Dynasty to Gina's Gina-mobiles and the Laz-E-Boy of Doom! Eleven issues, over 350 pages worth of technological twisters explored and revealed, all at a price that even a freshman engineering major's budget can afford!
$19.99
(W) Guillermo Ortego (A/CA) Mariano Krasmanski
The misadventures of a shipwrecked guy abandoned to his fate in the middle of the ocean are told in this illustrated narrative. Clinging to a wooden box floating adrift, the protagonist reflects on his life: his past experiences as well as his slim chances of survival. Helpless and unable to do anything to improve his condition, he is consumed in his constant daydreams, alternating between absolute despair and quiet abandonment, while suffering from hunger and thirst amidst treacherous weather. His thoughts are related in a stream of consciousness style as he navigates both the physical challenge of the seas and the solitary existence of his mind.
$12.95
(W/A/CA) Maki Enjoji
Chiwa Takanashi has married a total stranger - company president Hokuto Mamiya - to get her father out of debt. While on an overnight trip together to his hometown, Hokuto reveals the circumstances of his birth. Chiwa makes the decision to remain with Hokuto, and falls deeper in love with the man she married. But will she still feel the same way once Hokuto confesses the real reason he married her?
$9.99
I know that manga uses a lot of Western iconography, because the industry more or less launched during the U.S. occupation of Japan, using American comics as models. But I have to wonder what little Japanese girls think when they see blondes dominating their funnybooks.
(W) Dan Abnett (A) Federico Dallocchio (CA) Tim Bradstreet
Hi-action mech combat from the world of HAWKEN, the award-winning online video game! This premiere issue features the heart-racing pace of cat-and-mouse combat in a tale by Dan Abnett and Federico Dallocchio entitled "20 Seconds" of, with cover art by Tim Bradstreet!
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Mike Kunkel
It's the final issue for HEROBEAR AND THE KID: THE INHERITANCE! Tyler and Herobear finally face off with the mastermind behind all of their trouble, Von Klon! The secret behind Tyler's grandpa is revealed...
$3.99
(W) Ralph Tedesco (A) TBD (CA) Tommy Patterson
The back story of Jordan Hale is revealed as are his reasons for going after the Brown House Bishops.
Meanwhile, with Rian having been near impossible to control, Cody calls a rare meeting to sort out the situation. Brown House's top dog, Thorne, gets some information that might just expose Hale's crew of assassins.
$2.99
Hey look! An espionage book starring chicks that doesn't emphasize their chests! Well, they did work in one strip-club pole scene on one cover. But at least she's dressed!
(W/A/CA) Yoshihiro Togashi
An endlessly imaginative and best-selling cult hit from the pages of Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine.
$9.99
(W) Michael Angelos (A) Scott Lee, Andrew Mangum (CA) Andrew Mangum
Jack Corby was at the bottom of the gutter looking straight up until he's presented with a special treatment to eradicate all his suffering. Upon acceptance, Jack is transformed into a host for an otherworldly demon: Argotakar, and thrust into a secret war between the magical allies of humanity and shadowy forces bent on our annihilation. If that wasn't enough, Jack's new abilities' force him to confront his own inner demons!
$1.00
(W) Katsumi Nishino (A/CA) Rin Yamaki
A boy, a fox girl, and a wolf girl - definitely not your typical love triangle! Innocent country boy Oyamada Kouta transfers to a big city high school in his freshman year, and from day one, his life enters a world of crazy. First, a beautiful second-year student named Chizuru professes her love to him, then reveals that she is in fact a fox spirit. Frisky and flirty, she suggestively teases naive Kouta in front of his classmates, embarrassing him to no end. If that wasn't enough, a gorgeous wolf spirit named Nozomu suddenly transfers to Kouta's class and decides she wants the hapless country boy for herself. As fox girl and wolf girl vie for his heart, does Kouta have any say in this? Collects volumes 5 and 6.
$18.99
I know that animal spirits are part of Japanese folklore (as they are just about everywhere), but I can't help but think this whole premise was dreamed up as an excuse to show pretty girls with cute, furry ears.
(W) Gail Simone & Various (A) Jack Jadson, Mel Rubi (CA) Jay Anacleto
The LEGENDS continue, in this 40th anniversary spectacular mini-series, featuring short stories by the best female writers of prose, games and comics, and a wraparound story by Sonja's series writer, Gail Simone! In this issue, a young girl's life is changed forever by a chance meeting with the She-devil, in a thrilling story by the best-selling TITAN of fantasy novels, TAMORA PIERCE, and an old rivalry is remembered in a powerful story by acclaimed dark fantasy romance author MELJEAN BROOK! And all the while, Red Sonja is pursued across the land by the deadly assassins, the GREY RIDERS! Don't miss this one-of-a-kind mini-series!
$3.99
I usually ridicule headlight covers, but I have to say this is a terrific cover all-around. Evocative, sexy, a little disturbing.
THE LONE RANGER #20
(W) Ande Parks (A) Esteve Polls (CA) Francesco Francavilla
The Lone Ranger and Tonto head back to Abilene, where the town's respected marshal has been murdered. With a band of angry, vengeful deputies in pursuit of those responsible, will the Lone Ranger be able to convince them that the murderers deserve a trial? Or will their thirst for slaughter prevail?
$3.99
LORDS OF MARS #5
(W) Arvid Nelson (A) Roberto Castro (CA) Alex Ross
John Carter and the mighty ape-man face off in a fight to the death before thousands of their howling, bloodthirsty enemies. Even if our two heroes survive each other, their foes have a nasty little surprise in store for them... actually, make that a nasty big surprise! But there's a little twist in store for everyone, something no one, not even John Carter or the ape-man, could have foreseen.
For comic fans that signed up ahead of time with their comic shop to reserve this issue, you can receive an exclusive Jose Malaga cover! This Super Special Subscription Variant is only available for Comic Shop subscribers and limited to INITIAL orders ONLY!
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Joey Weiser
Despite Pete and the gang's efforts to keep the fish-boy Mermin from making waves in their small town, he can't help but stick out! An amateur team of paranormal investigators has their sights on Mermin, and they think he's their chance to make it big! Meanwhile, Benni, Mermin's round aquatic companion, is ready to spill the beans about their lives in the underwater kingdom of Mer, but perhaps things aren't as simple as he says...
$19.99
(W) Fred Van Lente (A) Max Dunbar (CA) Zombie Caution Cover , Bill Tortolini
DIA agents Bunch and Malik at last arrive at the estate where the long-lost print of The Mocking Dead movie can be found ... but is it in time to save a world already unraveling at the seams from the threat of the Zeds?
$3.99
(W) Andrew Harrison & Various (A) Nadir Balan & Various (CA) Alex Horley
This follow-up to Dan Fogler's ("Take Me Home Tonight," "Fanboys") first volume of Moon Lake is a new collection of stories that mesh comedy, horror, and science fiction into one insane anthology that's inspired by Tales From The Crypt and Heavy Metal. A seemingly harmless body of water is actually a mysterious portal into the weird and deranged, affecting all who come into contact with it. From zombie dinosaurs to an inter-dimensional Sasquatch trying to save its species from extinction to a mass-murdering high school cheerleader, enjoy more twisted tales from Moon Lake!
$24.95
I've read this already, although I think from another publisher, a few years ago. It's a decent premise about a haunted lake that allows for a series of short stories to happen more or less organically. But the execution is sometimes a bit juvenile, especially the meant-to-be-funny-but-isn't horror host.
(W/A) Ben Caldwell & Various (CA) Brandon Peterson
The 2011 Eisner Award winner for Best Anthology is back with a second volume! In the mouse tavern known as the June Alley Inn, a new round of storytelling begins between the patrons. Their goal is to be declared the best story of the night in hopes of having their outstanding debt to the barmaid forgiven. Each story is written and illustrated by a different creator, while Mouse Guard creator David Petersen supplies the tavern scenes! Legends of the Guard continues the tradition of featuring handpicked artists and storytellers by Petersen, including fan-favorites like Stan Sakai (Usagi Yokimbo), C.P. Wilson III (The Stuff of Legend), and Bill Willingham (Fables), and up-and-comers like Christian Slade (Korgi), Rick Geary (The Adventures of Blanche), and Jemma Salume (Unicorn Life Cycle).
$19.95
Publisher: ARCHAIA ENTERTAINMENT LLC
(W/A) David Peterson & Various (CA) David Peterson
The final three mouse tales are told in the storytelling competition at the June Alley Inn in this last Issue of Legends of the Guard Vol 2. Writer/artist veteran Bill Willingham, concept painter and first-time comic storyteller Jackson Sze, illustrator Justin Gerard and pianist & composer Cliff Monear all lend their talents to round out the remaining tales about outwitting a menacing beast, the mapping of distant lands, and a folksong telling of magical puppets. June must then make her decision for which story has entertained her the most and clear that storyteller's past debts to the inn!
$3.50
NAZI ZOMBIES TP
(W) Joe Wight (A/CA) Joe Wight, Ben Dunn
A desperate Third Reich unleashes its most fearsome weapon: Der Totenkorpse! A fiendish division of flesh-eating soldiers that cannot die! Born of horrible human experiments, baptized in the fires of Hell, drenched in the blood of the innocent, the Death Corps marches to consume the living. If the Nazis cannot rule the world, they will eat it alive!
$14.95
Wait -- now they have zombies? We're never going to beat those guys! And we've been fighting them since 1941!
(W) Victor Gischler (A) Andrea Mutti (CA) Ardian Syaf
The Black Sparrow and Miss Fury are a team-up that makes Thelma & Louise look like a couple of girl scouts selling cookies. They've got wind of a long-hidden, secret Templar treasure, but they need the man with the clues to help them find it. That man just happens to be under police guard and unconscious in a Newport hospital, a Mowhawk Indian with a past. The ladies decide to break him out of the hospital, and they don't go about it gently.
$3.99
I still think "Black Sparrow" looks like a demented flight attendant.
(W) Simon Spurrier (A/CA) P. j. Holden
At its head, not a white-haired anthropomorphic deity with a harp and a throne but a wizened, weaselling old man with bad breath and bad attitude. At his right hand, Bastard Zane, a surly civil servant with a big gun whose job it is to stop those who think they can buck karma. And then there's Richard Thyme: genius mathematician and a man who will do whatever it takes to defy Fate and return to his one true love - even if he is dead.
$19.99
(W/A/CA) Eiichiro Oda
Things are looking grim on Punk Hazard as deadly gas set off by a mad scientist envelops the island. Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats are on a mission to both take down Caesar Clown and escape to safety before the gas can get them!
$9.99
(W) Josiah Grahn (A/CA) Carl Yonder
The most hard-boiled pirate detective around finds himself in a jail cell with three criminals and an agenda, but what is it he wants? Only the ensuing battle of wits will reveal his cellmates' secrets - and his own. One thing is certain: not everyone gets a happy ending!
$2.99
Pirate comics seem like a great idea until you actually read one, and then you realize how limited the concept is.
PIrates, for example, were not very nice people, so all pirate stories somehow find an exception to that rule -- a nice-guy pirate who plays Robin Hood or is freeing slaves or doing some other non-profit work that would get him killed and replaced instantly by a real pirate crew.
And even if they weren't bloodthirsty criminals, pirates aren't very good protagonists because they're just disgusting. They weren't very hygienic, they were literally mangy, their teeth were rotting out, they were illiterate and violent, they were diseased and dirty, and so forth. They really were the scum of the earth, and not very likable.
Further, the stories necessarily take place mostly at sea, in an era where that was pretty isolating. Not much can happen later at sea that you don't load onto the ship in the first scene, which kinda gives things away. Further, the technology was so primitive that you can't do anything really interesting -- toss in some dinosaurs or a giant octopus or whatever, and the pirates are badly outmatched and it's not plausible that they survive.
So, like Westerns, I find that I mostly enjoy pirate stories that mash up with another genre -- superheroes, the supernatural, etc.
So my thesis is this: Without magic or science fiction, pirate stories are mostly either dull or silly. There are exceptions, like El Cazador -- which lasted about five issues or so, so in general I think my thesis holds up. What say you, Legionnaires?
(W) Hidenori Kusaki (A/CA) Satoshi Yamamoto
Helping a musician and a Pokémon in need helps Bianca fi nally discover her dream. Plus, flash back in time to see the beginning of Black's dream to become the Pokémon League Champion! How did Black capture his first Pokémon and which one was it? Plus, get to know Vullaby and Meloetta better and meet Stoutland, Unfezant and Rufflet!
$4.99
(W) Stefan Petrucha (A/CA) Paulo Henrique Marcondes
The Power Rangers must battle one of their most powerful foes yet: Fokion, a monstrous soldier under the direct command of Creepox, with the ability to absorb, concentrate, and spread radiation. When a nuclear-powered particle accelerator becomes active, the Rangers must contain the dreaded Fokion before the situation blows up in their faces!
GN $7.99, HC $11.99
(W) Jeremy Whitley (A/CA) M Goodwin
Read the Eisner Award-nominated series from the very beginning! Fall in love with the princess who saved herself all over again or for the first time, for only $1.00! It's the perfect book to start a young comic book reader or to reignite a long time reader's passion for great independent comics. Mark Waid says, " I can't remember the last time I was so delighted by a new series - and so hungry for the next issue!"
$1.00
I'd probably getting this if I liked the art better. But seriously, I think *I* can draw better than this.
Written by JAMES ASMUS
Art by MING DOYLE
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (OCT131351)
Variant Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY (OCT131352)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Quantum and Woody #6 – the next issue of "In Security," the all-new story arc by award-winning writer James Asmus and acclaimed artist Ming Doyle! The world's worst superhero team are bravely laying their lives on the line…to unwittingly uphold the ideals of a multi-billion-dollar private security corporation!
After landing a big promotion as Magnum Security's first on-staff superhero, Quantum has been sent on one-man suicide mission into a separatist stronghold – at least, it was one-man suicide mission until Woody decided to play tagalong. But even if they manage to make it out alive, it only means that things are about to worse – a whole lot worse – for our dyadic duo. (And their little goat too.)
The series that Multiversity Comics calls "a total package…just amazing" takes its first trepidatious step the superhero business on December 4th, right here in Quantum and Woody #6!
For more information on Quantum and Woody and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.
For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.
(W/A/CA) Aitor, I. Erana
A very happening dead place, St. Stool Cemetery, is back with its many ghoulish residents in this second volume of humorous comic strips with macabre wit. From a loudmouthed zombie hand and an emo teenage ghost to poetic crows named Edgar and Allan, the entertaining figures of this dark neighborhood are just trying to go about their daily lives, regardless of whether they are actually living. Drawn in a bold style that complements the big personalities of the characters, these humorous strips will endear fans of comics to each story arc and reveal the illustrated land of St. Stool Cemetery as a place worth revisiting.
$17.95
(W/A/CA) Comfort Love, Adam Withers
Rainbow in the Dark is a punk-rock urban fantasy about a world of gray and a world of color at war over what reality will be - but the people living in the gray world don't know this is happening. One girl awakens to the truth and must make a choice.
$29.99
REGULAR SHOW #7
(W) Nick Sumida, Kevin Burkhalter (A) Allison Strejlau, Kevin Burkhalter (CA) Andy Hirsch, Caroline Breault
REGULAR SHOW always brings something new and crazy to every issue. It's always great picking the book up because no matter how familiar you might think you are, there is always a totally odd twist out there to take you by surprise! Rigby and Mordecai are up to something again and it's only a matter of time before things get out of control.
$3.99
(W) Chuck Dixon, Robert Jordan (A/CA) Andie Tong
Chuck Dixon, working closely with the Jordan estate, continues his exciting graphic novel adaptation of Robert Jordan's international bestseller, The Eye of the World. Perrin and Egwene have fallen in with Elyas and his wolf companions. Perrin is both distressed and intrigued when he discovers that he can understand the wolves. When Thom is apparently killed defending them, Rand and Mat are grief-stricken, but they have no time to mourn, for they know that Darkfriends will soon be on their trail. Collects issues #19-24.
$24.99
(W) Frank Miller, Steven Grant (A) Korkut Öztekin (CA) Declan Shalvey
RoboCop and Marie have been set up. Fighting with every ounce of strength and wit they can muster, Marie and RoboCop must face an army of android Otomos coming at them from all directions. With no chance of survival, they can only hope that their deaths will mean the end of OCP.
$3.99
I didn't know Frank Miller was writing this. In fact, I didn't know Frank Miller was still doing any comics any more. Of course, after the Dark Knight Returns sequel and All Star Batman, he really shouldn't be doing comics any more.
(W) Garth Ennis (A/CA) Michael DiPascale
When a worldwide epidemic suddenly rids the Earth of all humans, what happens to man's best friend? GARTH ENNIS - the master wordsmith of Preacher and Crossed - delivers a story like no other, as a band of canines set out to survive on their own for the first time. This is the story of three best friends at the end of the World. Charlie was a helper dog and he was good at getting his feeders safely around. Now he and his pals Rover and Red must escape the failing New York City and find their way in this new order. Ennis applies his incredible talent for creating rich and complex characters to a whole new species, with this shockingly original tale that is fully painted by Michael Dipascale. Available with a Regular, Wraparound, and a Dog Days Order Incentive cover by series artist Michael Dipascale.
$3.99
Aww, puppies! Might have to get this.
(W) Isao Miura (A/CA) Kotaro Yamada
Like her father and grandfather before her, Cecily Campbell has entered the knighthood and joined the ranks of the Knight Guards of Housman. Eager to do her heritage proud and defend her city, Cecily rushes to the marketplace to stop a madman from terrorizing the populace. She quickly realizes, however, that she is hopelessly outmatched and ill-prepared for an actual fight. A lone figure named Luke Ainsworth swoops to the rescue, a swordsman and blacksmith of much renown, who will repair the broken sword that Cecily has inherited from her father and take her down a road of perilous adventure beyond her wildest dreams.
$13.99
(W) David Liss (A) Colton Worley (CA) Tim Bradstreet
The Shadow is wounded, penniless and on the run. He's down, but he's not out. Khan's assassins move in for the kill, but the Shadow knows it's a mistake to count him out. Meanwhile, Khan's plans are further revealed as he makes new alliances in New York's underworld. The deadly battle begins as the greatest pulp hero and villain of all time make their plans and set their traps.
$3.99
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (OCT131338)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA (OCT131339)
Variant Cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH (OCT131340)
Variant Cover by SHANE DAVIS (OCT131341)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
As revealed today in USA Today, Milligan and De La Torre will begin their run as Valiant's newest ongoing creative team in Shadowman #13 – the FIRST ISSUE of all-new story arc exposing the malignant roots of Shadowman's superhuman abilities…roots that began in Jack Boniface's own tortured past…and now extend through the bloodied back-alleys of 21st century New Orleans.
When a troubled young man with a history of violence and a penchant for blackouts meets an overwhelming source of power with a mystical scythe, the results are doomed to be destructive. A voodoo loa has possessed Jack Boniface – or so he believes. But after Jack awakens in an alleyway covered in blood, he embarks on a journey across lands of shadows and death to discover if he can expel the dark force that's seized control of his life…and which may be responsible for a violent rampage through the city he swore to protect.
"My first arc will be an attempt to dig up some dirt, dislodge a few skeletons, and find out what the Hell is really going on with Jack. I'm not throwing everything out with the bath water, I'm just making the bath water a bit more grimy and, hopefully, unpleasant," Milligan told USA Today. "Something is wrong with Jack and to find out what it is he'll need to face some terrible truths about himself and make some big changes in his life."
Featuring a standard cover by De La Torre, alongside Pullbox and incentive variants by Miguel Sepulveda (Red Lanterns), Ben Templesmith (Ten Grand), and Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Shadowman #13 is also the first title in the MUST READ VALIANT initiative – a new series of self-contained stories and easy jumping-on points across the Valiant publishing line from some of the brightest talents in comics today.
"As a publishing company, our number one priority is always accessibility. With that in mind, we've built MUST READ VALIANT to showcase a handful of new, exciting entry points across all of Valiant's monthly series," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "Valiant is among the most talked-about publishers in comics today, and we are constantly being approached by new readers looking for clean introductions to our characters and our universe. Start reading in UNITY #1 this November – then explore the rest of what we have to offer when MUST READ VALIANT kicks off with Shadowman #13."
You've heard the buzz. You've seen the reviews. Now, find out why VALIANT has been heralded as the MUST READ publisher in comics today when Peter Milligan and Roberto De La Torre drag Jack Boniface to his blackest depths yet in Shadowman #13 – in stores December 4th!
And get a sneak peek at things to come in Shadowman #13X – a special standalone prelude to Shadowman's all-new story arc from Peter Milligan and newcomer Diego Bernard (Witchblade) – bagged exclusively with Bleeding Cool Magazine #7 and available in comic stores everywhere on October 23rd!
For more information on Shadowman and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.
Milligan is hit or miss with me, but this might be the perfect vehicle for his trademark weirdness.
(W) Simon Spurrier (A) Jeff Stokely (CA) Ramon K. Perez
Blue has almost made it back to the BlisterGate in his mission to return the dying general's love-to his Earth-wife. The only problem? He'll have to cross a battlefield to get there, with both the Rebels and the BXF soldiers out to get him and no 6GG in sight.
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Yoshiki Nakamura
A bestselling romantic comedy about a girl following her dream to become famous in show business!
$9.99
(W/A/CA) Takehiko Inoue
FINAL VOLUME! With only a minute left in the game, the players of Shohoku High have closed the gap on the scoreboard with a supreme effort that has the crowd on its feet. Sannoh, the reigning champions, are still in the lead, but the game now hangs in the balance, and it isn’t over until the last whistle blows. Both teams know this is it—time to lay everything on the line and no holding back, because only one team will leave the court victorious!
$9.99
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
ART: Tracy Yardley, Lamar Wells, Terry Austin, John Workman, and Matt Herms.
Cover: Ben Bates
Freedom-fighting Variant Cover: Tyler Capps
32-page, full color comic
$2.99 U.S.
(W) Martin Powell (A) Hannibal King, Pablo Marcos (CA) Daniel Brereton
Includes the never-before-published issue #3, and a brand new illustrated short story! The original Spider, the most ruthless and relentless crime fighter of all time, (hated by both the Law and the Underworld) mows down crime in these Moonstone pulp action tales! This volume also includes reprints The Spider #1-2, Return of the Monsters: The Spider vs Werewolf, The Spider XMAS, plus the prose short story "City of the Melting Dead." Includes a foreword by Elizabeth Bissette, the great niece of the man who wrote the majority of original Spider tales: Norvell Page!
$12.95
(W/A/CA) Fred Perry
All seems lost for the resistance when the last of their secret strongholds is overrun by legions of Hegemony shock troops led by Lord Baron himself! Duchess Imoen, Captain Hansel Lowe and Beauregard Baron, the last Quantum Dragoon, are forced to flee for their lives from impossible odds! This issue is packed with desperate, nonstop action and bravery as the heroes face their darkest hour and quite possible the end of their dreams for a free world. A nail-biter until the end!
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Rod Espinosa
From the mastermind behind Neotopia and Courageous Princess comes this spectacular steampunk take on a classic fairy tale! In a far-off kingdom, the queen sends her armies of steam-powered juggernauts to successful conquest, all while she and her subordinate lords pass the wartime expenses on to the peasants. Her daughter, Snow White, protests to no avail. The commoners' only hope is the daring raider Lone Fox, but on his latest assault the vigilante is ambushed!
$5.99
What th-? This is such a weird mash-up I'm actually intrigued!
(W) Mike Carey (A) Elena Casagrande (CA) Tommy Lee Edwards
When Leo decides to fully embrace his powers, something hidden deep inside him will finally find its way to the surface With Nightmare Crew's plan in full affect, Leo will make a decision to change everything.
$3.99
THIS IS HOLLYWOOD GN
(W/A/CA) Jordi March
Movies get their comeuppance in this rollicking collection of illustrated parodies. Lampooning the most popular characters and films in recent times, the hilariously silly scenarios in this comic medley are sure to amuse both the casual moviegoer and fervent cinephile alike. Avengers, Batman Begins, No Country for Old Men, and Prometheus are only a few of the blockbusters disrespectfully parodied in this humorous, full-color compilation in the tradition of MAD magazine.
$16.95
(W) Jean Van Hamme (A/CA) Grzegorz Rosinski
Three years ago, Thorgal lost his memory. Kriss of Valnor convinced him that he was her husband Shaigan, a merciless pirate, and they have been terrorising everyone - even the Vikings - ever since. Aaricia and Wolf Cub, exiled when Thorgal was recognized by one of the men from the northern village, have been captured and brought to Shaigan's lair. In the end, it's up to young Jolan to rescue his family with the help of a very special traveller - from the future!
$11.95
(W/A/CA) Ken Krekeler
Victor West has discovered the truth. The mole within his company has been revealed, and it is far more terrifying than he could have expected. With nowhere to turn, he has no choice but to confront this new enemy and demand the one thing that has always eluded him: Answers. A steampunk-mystery series, Westward explores the art of achievement and the nature of human happiness.
$3.50
(W) Josh Blaylock, Murs (A) Jose Garcia, Dahia (CA) Jose Garcia
A dark fantasy drama in a modern setting, Yumiko finds her perfect little life as the merch girl for her boyfriend's band going to Hell - literally. Yumi must help her friends realize they're caught in the middle of an ancient conflict between a god of excess and his jilted lover, before everyone dies as a result of it. This project redefines the possibilities of what comics can do when crossed with music, and is supported by an online animated music video.
$19.99
AMAZING X-MEN #2
AVENGERS ANNUAL 2013 #1 I'm assuming this will be done by creators that I like. I could be wrong. If it's not, then I won't be buying it.
DC VS MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #3 (OF 6) This seems to be late. That having been said, I still haven't read the second issue. I should be getting this.
DEADPOOL #20
GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #9 INF Wouldn't have expected the issues by Francesco Francavilla to be drawn appropriate to the subject matter. It was incredible. The first one was incredible.
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK ANNUAL #1 Like Avengers Annual, I am hoping this one will be by creators that I respect. If not, I won't be grabbing it.
INHUMANITY #1
QUANTUM & WOODY #6 REG CRAIN
SIX GUN GORILLA #6 (OF 6)
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #23
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TEAM UP #7 NOW
THOR BY WALTER SIMONSON TP VOL 03 This will be an Amazon purchase.
VELVET #2 (MR)
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