THE CAPTAIN'S COMMENTS
Forever Evil #7: DC Comics finally brings their epic Trinity War/Forever Evil storyline to its climax with three books this week: Justice League #30, Justice League of America #14 (the final issue) and Forever Evil #7 (of 7). It's been a good run, but these last few issues have been delayed -- reportedly because writer Geoff Johns wanted more pages to wrap it up -- which has delayed books like Nightwing #30 (which is affected by the events of "Forever Evil") and should have delayed the launch of Justice League United (which picks up from the last issue of Justice League of America) but didn't. So this week's wrap-up will have an element of relief that the Justice League books will catch up with the rest of the DCU ... just in time for the next crossover, "Future's End," which has already begun!
MPH #1: Writer Mark Millar's "Millarworld" group of books grows by one with this miniseries about a bunch of kids who gain super-speed from a street drug. The twist, according to the advance material, is that these kids won't be pulling on tights and fighting crime, but will instead indulge their teenage impulses. I'm a little leery of that; sometimes Millar's work seems to be a little juvenile; often he seems to just be baiting the audience (and their presumed love of superheroes), or just seeing what kind of adolescent hi-jinks he can get away with. But I'll keep an open mind.
The Shadow: Midnight in Moscow #1 (of 6): Howard Chaykin's four-issue Shadow miniseries from 1986 is well regarded, so his return to the character for this six-issue miniseries set in 1950s Moscow is highly anticipated. See the Dynamite section for details.
X-O Manowar #25: Valiant's first big crossover begins here, and the publisher is touting "Armor Hunters" with a big PR campaign that includes an array of retailer incentives. The premise is an alien task force that destroys the kind of X-O armor that Aric of Dacia is wearing, which will drag in his allies on the Unity team (and their books). X-O Manowar #23-24 were prelude issues, and a second printing of the latter book is available this week as well.
THIS WEEK'S COMICS
The Comics Guide is assembled using the Diamond Comic Distributors Inc. website, as a guide, and is subject to change. Clicking on most images results in a larger image. All information is from Diamond and/or publisher solicitations and press releases, except for random comments by Captain Comics (in blue), and occasional comments by The Baron (in this here purplish color).
ACTION LAB
ITTY BITTY BUNNIES IN RAINBOW PIXIE CANDY LAND #1
Writer/Art/Cover: DEAN RANKINE
$3.99
Take some time for an adventure to a magical world with two cute bunnies ... two foul mouthed, drug using, butt-naked bunnies that go on adorably offensive, insultingly hilarious adventures! Your journey into off-color fun begins here, with this mix of Adventure Time and underground comix!
Available in a regular cover for $3.99, and a limited to 1,000 copies alternate classic comic spoof variant cover for $4.99!
Dean Rankine is a regular contributor to Australian MAD Magazine and he drew 'My Mother is a Brain-Eating Zombie' and 'Flatman and Ribbon' for the UK's longest running comic, The Dandy. Dean's other credits include writing and drawing back up stories for Simpsons Comics (Published by Matt Groening's Bongo Comics), Mania, KidZone, Krash, K-Zone, Wacky But True and Kids Alive magazines.
Now Dean is breaking free from the confines of all ages cartooning and letting his twisted skills run wild with the tour-de-force of subversive fun that is Itty Bitty Bunnies in Rainbow Pixie Candy Land!
Oh, John Kricfalusi, what hast thou wrought?
I won't bother to post a copy, but the cover on right is obviously an homage to Action Comics #1 (1938). DC should start charging for that.
SKYWARD #7
Writer/Art/Cover: JEREMY DALE
32 pages/All Ages/$2.99
The runaway hit series continues! War is coming, and in the wake of Skerrigan's attack, where does that leave the inhabitants of the Rabite village? The rise of the Brother Kings' army starts here! From rising star creator Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), this issue also features a stunning retailer incentive cover by Phil Noto (Batgirl, X-Men)!
ZOMBIE TRAMP VOL 2 #4 (OF 4)
Writer/Art/Cover: DAN MENDOZA
Regular Ed $2.99, Risque Variant $3.99
Now that Janey and her mysterious new friend Morning have reached their destination, things get even more volatile as a friend from the past comes to visit our Zombie Tramp. Double-crosses, revenge, and the Necronomicon all collide in the conclusion to The Taint Train of Terror! Alternate "risqué" variant cover also available (limited to 1,000 copies).
ZOMBIE TRAMP VOL 2 (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: DAN MENDOZA
128 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $11.99
Synopsis: Everyone’s favorite street-walking dead returns! Janey the Zombie Tramp makes a mysterious new friend and together they board an express train to more fetish, gore, cartoon grindhouse mayhem in the style that fans of the series have come to love!
Are Janey’s budding undead powers enough to see her through another deadly adventure on the … Taint Train of Terror?
Collects the entire second volume just in time for the all new ongoing series relaunch!
I still haven't gotten around to sampling this title, but it looks to be one of Action Lab's more popular ones.
ARCHIE COMICS
ARCHIE’S FUNHOUSE DOUBLE DIGEST #5
Script: GREG EHRBAR
Art: FERNANDO RUIZ, RUDY LAPICK, BARRY GROSSMAN, BILL YOSHIDA
Cover: FERNANDO RUIZ, BOB SMITH, ROSARIO "TITO" PENA
160-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.
When Reggie selflessly gives Archie two gift certificates to a fancy restaurant, Archie’s not convinced that Reggie’s not up to something. Could it be possible that Riverdale’s infamous trickster is genuinely being kind, or is it part of a thicker plot? Find out in “Eat, Drink and Be Crazy” the hilarious lead story to a fun-filled double digest!
SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #11
Writer: IAN FLYNN
Art: JENNIFER HERNANDEZ, RICK BRYANT, JACK MORELLI, MATT HERMS
Cover art provided by SEGA
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 3/26
128-page, full color comic, $9.99 U.S.
The secret origin of the new sonic universe: REVEALED! Discover a whole new world alongside Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic Origins, pt1, featuring new story and art from the superstar Archie Sonic team!The SONIC SUPER SPECIAL MAGAZINE gives you the world of Sonic the Hedgehog comics as you've never seen it before, with tons of comic stories, special features and exclusive articles on the latest and greatest in the world of everyone's favorite blue hedgehog-hero! Along with the all-new SONIC ORIGINS mini-feature, this issue also features a special encore presentation of the history making "countdown to chaos" storyline, and much much more! All this plus all of the extra features you love, an interview with Sonic newcomer Jennifer Hernandez AND a super special shiny foil-enhanced cover featuring awesome Sonic game art!
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #260
Script: IAN FLYNN, ALEAH BAKER
Art: EVAN STANLEY, JENNIFER HERNANDEZ, TERRY AUSTIN, JOHN WORKMAN, MATT HERMS
Cover: BEN BATES
"SONIC VERSUS" Variant Cover: EVAN STANLEY, JACK MORELLI
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 5/14
32-page, full color comic, $2.99 U.S.
Journey under the sea with Sonic the Hedgehog in the first chapter of an EPIC new SAGA! "Waves of Change": Part One -- What could be worse than a world shattered to pieces? How about dark monsters rising from the abyss?! While Sonic and the Freedom Fighters race to find the Chaos Emeralds and Gaia Temples, Sonic ends up discovering a whole new world of adventure deep beneath the waves! But will those he encounters prove to be friend or foe? Then, in "Light in the Dark: Part one", Sally, Nicole, Tails and Antoine venture into the Eggman's latest grab for power to retrieve a desperatly-needed Chaos Emerald! Featuring all-new cover art from superstar Ben Bates and a special SONIC VERSUS variant cover from Sonic artist Evan Stanley!
DARK HORSE
#1 for $1 DRAGON AGE: THE SILENT GROVE
Writers: DAVID GAIDER, ALEXANDER FREED
Art: CHAD HARDIN
Colors: MICHAEL ATIYEH
Cover: ANTHONY PALUMBO
FC, 32 pages, $1.00
One-shot
The perfect introduction to BioWare’s dark fantasy universe! In this first issue of the essential, canonical story from David Gaider (lead writer of the games), King Alistair, accompanied only by rogues Isabela and Varric, embarks on a quest deep inside the borders of Antiva -- a nation of assassins!
* Reprinting Dragon Age: The Silent Grove #1-2, previously available only on the Dark Horse digital store and in hardbound collection!
AXE COP: AMERICAN CHOPPERS #1 (of 3)
Writer: MALACHAI NICOLLE
Art/Cover: ETHAN NICOLLE
Colors: DIRK ERIK SCHULTZ
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
New "Axe Cop" series!
President of the World Axe Cop reunites with Super Axe, an old friend from college, and the two of them decide to start a superteam of axe-wielding heroes to defend America, called the American Choppers. They are joined by Captain Axe, Axe Girl, Axe Woman, Axe Dog, and other axe-wielding heroes. The only problem is that there are no bad guys left, but that all changes when mysterious giant creatures attack the city!
Upon its debut as a webcomic in December of 2009, Axe Cop was instantly hailed by the entertainment press as a hit!
“So engaging that you can't help but read this book all in one sitting.” -- IGN
“5/5” -- Unleash the Fanboy
B.P.R.D. HELL ON EARTH #119
Writers: MIKE MIGNOLA, JOHN ARCUDI
Art: JAMES HARREN
Colors: DAVE STEWART
Cover: RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Variant Cover: KEVIN NOWLAN
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Ongoing
20 Years of Hellboy!
As Manhattan erupts with Lovecraftian demons, a young psychic must lead the remaining B.P.R.D. crew through the monster-packed streets of New York back to headquarters for safety, as Liz Sherman goes supernova.
• Art by James Harren (Conan the Barbarian)!
• Fifth of 5 special variant covers celebrating 20 years of Hellboy!
I don't know if the cover on the right is an homage to a specific EC cover or not, but the layout/trade dress is a shout-out to the EC cover layout/trade dress of the early 1950s. Just wanted to point that out.
BRAIN BOY: THE MEN FROM G.E.S.T.A.L.T. #1 (of 4)
Writer: FRED VAN LENTE
Art: FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Colors: JEREMY COLWELL
Cover: FREDDIE WILLIAMS II, DAN SCOTT
FC, 32 pages, $2.99
Miniseries
All-new story arc!
Agent Price’s new mission pits him against a doomsday cult leader with a political agenda that poses a direct threat to the president. But a mysterious hive mind has more menacing plans for Brain Boy. He’ll have no choice but to go head to head -- brain to brain -- with the mysterious Men from G.E.S.T.A.L.T.!
• Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong) and Freddie Williams II (Green Arrow, Captain Atom) team up again!
• A great jumping-on point for new readers!
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 10 #3
Writers: CHRISTOS GAGE, NICHOLAS BRENDON
Art/Variant Cover: REBEKAH ISAACS
Colors: DAN JACKSON
Cover: STEVE MORRIS
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Ongoing
The return of Dracula!
Actor Nicholas Brendon joins the creative team as his character Xander acquires help from his old friend -- um, master -- Dracula. The new vampires are still a mystery, and unquestionably similar to Drac . ... Meanwhile, Buffy and Willow track down one of those new vampires as a study specimen!
• The team from Angel & Faith takes over Buffy!
• Executive produced by Joss Whedon!
Again, I don't think the cover at left is an homage to a specific cover. But it is a familiar construction, as evidenced by these examples:
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #36
Writers: MIKE MIGNOLA, JUSTIN ACLIN, LUCIANO SARACINO, CHRISTOPHER SEBELA, MARTIN CONAGHAN
Writer/Art: STAN SAKAI, JAIME HERNANDEZ, PATRICK ALEXANDER, KEL MCDONALD, DENNIS CULVER
Art: BEN STENBECK, NICOLAS DANIEL SELMA, JUAN MANUEL TUMBURUS, BRIAN CHURILLA, JIMMY BROXTON
Cover: BEN STENBECK
FC, 80 pages, $7.99
Ongoing
Mignola! Sakai! Hernandez!
Living legends Mike Mignola, Stan Sakai and Jaime Hernandez all contribute to this final issue of Dark Horse Presents! Mignola and Ben Stenbeck deliver a new Witchfinder story, while Hernandez introduces Merlon the magician! This issue also features new stories -- Sunstroke from Luciano Saracino and Juan Manuel Tumburús, a new Clark Collins tale from Kel McDonald, two hilarious new strips from Patrick Alexander, and a surprise-ending sci-fi story from Martin Conaghan and Jimmy Broxton!
• Plus, the exciting conclusions of Cruel Biology, S.H.O.O.T. First, Usagi Yojimbo and Davey Jones!
• Two-time Eisner and Harvey Award winner!
“Dark Horse’s prestigious anthology series ... showcases emerging talent alongside some of the greatest writers, artists and cartoonists comics has to offer.” -- ComicsAlliance
MIND MGMT VOLUME 3: THE HOME MAKER (HC)
Writer/Art: MATT KINDT
FC, 176 pages, $19.99
HC, 7” x 10”
With Meru and Lyme’s partnership destroyed, the players go their separate ways in a series of interconnected one-shots revealing each character’s hidden past! As the former team continue their investigations separately, the Eraser sets her sights on a valuable new recruit -- Meru! Collects The Home Maker from MIND MGMT #13-17 and The Zoo Keeper from #18.
• New York Times best-selling series!
• Foreword by Brian Michael Bendis (All-New X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy)!
• Includes special gatefold image.
• Optioned for the big screen by Ridley Scott!
“One of comics’ most endearing instant classics.” -- Comic Bastards
I've never read this book, but I groove to the late 1950s-early 1960s vibe of the art. It's what I grew up with in magazines, comics, TV and other pop culture, but it ceased when the Mad Men culture did. And here it is back again (albeit in an ironic fashion).
THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN VOLUME 16 (TPB)
Writers: CHUCK DIXON, GERRY CONWAY
Pencils/Inks: GARY KWAPISZ
Pencils: MIKE DOCHERTY, JORGE ZAFFINO
Inks: ERNIE CHAN, ANDY KUBERT
Cover: EARL NOREM
B&W, 528 pages, $19.99
TPB, 7” x 10”
OVER 500 PAGES OF HAUNTING MADNESS!
Plagued by the apparition of a lost lover in torment, Conan returns to the Valley of Howling Shadows, a forbidding land of dark magic and suffocating madness. But the visions are the conjurings of a treacherous necromancer who needs Conan’s aid to claim a treasure of ultimate sorcerous power! Collects Conan stories from Marvel’s The Savage Sword of Conan the Barbarian #161-170.
• Showcasing stories never before collected and out of print for over twenty years!
• Over 500 pages, value priced.
• Featuring stories by famed comics and screen scribe Gerry Conway.
Boy, I loved these comics when they first came out. Well, at least until Roy Thomas stopped writing them. To be honest, though, I did get tired of reading "dog-brother" as a form of address.
STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL -- SON OF DATHOMIR #1 (of 4)
Writer: JEREMY BARLOW
Pencils: JUAN FRIGERI
Inks: MAURO VARGAS
Colors: WES DZIOBA
Cover: CHRIS SCALF
FC, 40 pages, $3.50
Miniseries
Uncover the Truth of Darth Maul’s Return.
Getting cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi and being rejected by his former Sith master Darth Sidious isn’t going to defeat Darth Maul. In fact, it only makes him mad enough to take on the galaxy -- with an army of Mandalorians!
A part of The Clone Wars season 6 you never saw!
Based on unaired episodes of The Clone Wars television series!
Wait -- getting cut in two didn't stop him? Maybe he's got a healing factor. Everybody seems to these days.
STAR WARS: LEGACY VOLUME 2 -- OUTCASTS OF THE BROKEN RING (TPB)
Writers: CORINNA BECHKO, GABRIEL HARDMAN
Art: BRIAN ALBERT THIES
Colors: RACHELLE ROSENBERG
Cover: AGUSTIN ALESSIO
FC, 120 pages, $19.99
TP, 7” x 10”
Ania Solo and Imperial Knight Jao Assam break with the Galactic Triumvirate to track down the Sith Lord Darth Wredd. The trail leads Ania and Jao to a dead Mon Calamari planet -- and another Sith Lord and his army of pirates! Collects Star Wars: Legacy #6-10.
Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman take Star Wars to the future!
THE WITCHER #3 (of 5)
Writer: PAUL TOBIN
Art/Cover: JOE QUERIO
Colors: CARLOS BADILLA
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Based on the hit game by CD Projekt Red!
Madness begins to plague the minds of our heroes as they wander through the horrific hallways of the House of Glass and discover the true origins of its tenants.
• The Witcher games were collectively granted over 250 awards and sold more then 5.5 million copies worldwide.
• There are currently two games available; a third is slated for release in 2014.
Replies
DC COMICS
AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SECOND CYCLE #3
Art/Cover: RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS
Pearl digs deeper into the mystery of the Gray Trader and uncovers horrifying truths that will rock the world of AMERICAN VAMPIRE. Meanwhile, Skinner must confront his demons, both figurative and literal. The second cycle of AMERICAN VAMPIRE continues here with even more threatening vamps than ever before!
Art by ED BENES, DANIEL SAMPERE, GREG CAPULLO, JULIUS GOPEZ and others
Cover by ED BENES
224 pg, FC, $16.99 US
Batgirl stars in these epics from #14-19 of her monthly series, plus BATMAN #17, BATGIRL ANNUAL #1 and a story from YOUNG ROMANCE #1, all spinning out of “Death of the Family.” The Joker is back, and Barbara Gordon must confront her past as she deals with the crazed criminal responsible for crippling her. Plus, once the dust settles, Barbara must deal with her family demons as her psychotic brother James Jr. comes after her.
Most readers were probably aware while reading the stories in this TPB that the "Death of a Family" storyline would end in the Batman title, so nothing of actual consequence could happen in Batgirl. Nonetheless, Simone managed some good bits within those restrictions. Probably the best in the crossover, to tell you the truth.
Art by DANIEL SAMPERE, FERNANDO PASARIN, DERLIS SANTACRUZ, and others
Cover by ALEX GARNER
192 pg, FC, $24.99 US
In these tales from BATGIRL #19-25 and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #23.1: VENTRILOQUIST and Batgirl struggles to continue fighting crime after the death of her brother, James, Jr. With her relationships with both Batman and her father strained, Batgirl must face one of Batman’s most ruthless villains: The Ventriloquist.
I have yet to read these stories, and I'm looking forward to them. Simone never fails to entertain me.
BATMAN ‘66 #11
Art: JONATHAN CASE
Cover: JONATHAN CASE
1:25 Variant Cover: MICHAEL ALLRED
40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST
This issue will arrive in stores with two covers.
This one has it all! The Joker, Catwoman, and a cameo by just about every Bat-villain ever. No wonder Batman and Robin need Batgirl to help! Jonathan Case, the artist who launched BATMAN ‘66, returns to illustrate this epic full-length story.
I find it amusing how the artists in Batman '66 depict The Joker as he was in the actual show, where actor Cesar Romero refused to shave off his mustache to play the Clown Prince of Crime and simply covered it up (badly) with pancake makeup. They draw it so you can see it!
Art: PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
Cover: PATRICK GLEASON
1:25 BATMAN ‘66 Variant Cover: MICHAEL ALLRED
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“The Hunt for Robin” continues! Batman is on the trail of Ra’s al Ghul in the hope of recovering the stolen bodies of Damian and Talia. But when all leads grow cold, he’ll need to call in help- someone who can go where no Bat has gone before. This looks like a job for ... Frankenstein?!
There's an earlier Batman and Robin story where Batman and Frankenstein meet, which can be found in Batman and Robin Volume 4: Requiem for Damian, coming out soon, and it's terrific. I hope this one is half as good.
In that earlier story, Batman captures and dissects Frankenstein in an effort to find a way to resurrect Damian. It really rings genuine (and shocking), even though Batman is doing some very un-Batman-like things. Plus, Frankenstein's dialogue is priceless. (He is jabbering throughout the dissection.)
Art: DEXTER SOY, THONY SILAS, MATEO GUERRIRO
Cover: KHARY RANDOLPH
48 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
“JUSTICE LORDS BEYOND” continues! As Batman’s journey through the dystopian world of the Justice Lords takes an unexpected and deadly turn, the true meaning of Wonder Woman’s return is revealed -- you must not to miss this!
Evidently "Future's End" -- which stars Batman Beyond -- extends to most books in The New 52, but doesn't extend to this book. That's easily explained, given that this book isn't part of The New 52 and is ostensibly aimed at younger readers. But it's a bit odd at first blush.
Art by LEE BERMEJO, TIM BRADSTREET and others
Cover by LEE BERMEJO
168 pg, FC, $14.99 US
The Dark Knight faces the daunting task of finishing a job that someone else started but -- for reasons that remain a mystery -- refused to finish. That someone was Michael Cray. It’s a tale of secret agents, double agents and a charismatic madman with a fiery, lethal touch. Collecting the original 3-issue miniseries!
The main problem with merging the WildStorm universe with the DC Universe is that when they did, the WildStorm characters instantly became superfluous. Does Deathblow add anything unique to the DCU? Does Grifter? Do Apollo and Midnighter? Is there any reason to continue reading about these characters?
Art: EMANUEL SIMEONI
Cover: ANDY KUBERT
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
New players enter the gang war that’s setting Gotham City ablaze!
The most recent issues of this title have begun to add some trademark Snyder horror elements. That's good, because the first few issues were dreadfully cliched, implausible and kinda boring. Maybe Snyder reverting to his strengths can save this series. I hope so, despite the awful title.
Art/Cover: JAE LEE
1:25 BATMAN ‘66 Variant Cover: MICHAEL ALLRED
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
This issue will ship with three covers.
A new arc begins following the events of “FIRST CONTACT.” The worlds of Batman and Superman come to an explosive clash as something terrible happens to the World’s Finest team, and a Dark Knight who is not quite himself must team up with Lois Lane to find a missing Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle encounters a person of amazing strength who has no idea who he is.
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
Art: JEREMY HAUN
Cover: RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
1:25 BATMAN ‘66 Variant Cover: MICHAEL ALLRED
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
This issue will ship with two covers.
The final battle between Batwoman and the Wolf Spider rages across Gotham City! What was hidden in the paintings, and why? A mystery that dates back almost a century is solved, but the danger has never been greater!
I have to admit I haven't read the last two collections of this series, despite having them in my to-read pile. My interest has faded.
Art: ROBSON ROCHA, JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover: JORGE MOLINA
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
In the aftermath of the battle between Mother Eve and Ra’s al Ghul, the Birds must decide what path they will take next -- and whether they will take it all together. And who exactly are the Children of Eve?
Art and cover by JOE QUINONES
144 pg, FC, $22.99 US
Two of the DC Universe’s brightest stars join forces in this original graphic novel!
A year ago, Black Canary infiltrated a gang of female criminals set to pull a dangerous heist at a Las Vegas casino. Its leader was skilled in hand-to-hand combat and more than a passing interest in black magic. Rather than be captured by Canary or the law, she went to her death, vowing to get revenge on Canary! Now, one year later, death stalks those gang members, and Canary must turn to her friend Zatanna to help investigate.
This title also includes a special sketchbook section.
I've read this, but can't review it until May 21, according to DC's embargo. I will say, in case you're wondering, that it's set in the Old 52, where Zatanna is Homo Magi and Black Canary is a member in good standing with the old Justice League. (And both wear fishnets.)
EX MACHINA BOOK TWO (TPB)
Art by TONY HARRIS, CHRIS SPROUSE and others
Cover by TONY HARRIS
272 pg, FC, $19.99 US • MATURE READERS
In this new title featuring issues #12-20 of the hit series along with EX MACHINA SPECIAL #1-2, Mayor Mitchell Hundred must make a difficult decision about his own future, becomes part of a shocking trial complicated by the unexpected arrival of an all-new super hero, and leaves New York City for the first time since his election to embark on a strange adventure.
Art: DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
Cover: DAVID FINCH
1:25 Robot Chicken variant
1:25 Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:50 Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:100 Variant cover by GARY FRANK
48 pg, FC, 7 of 7, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
This issue will ship with six covers.
It's evil versus evil in the shocking “take-no-prisoners” conclusion to FOREVER EVIL! What will be the fate of Lex Luthor and his Injustice League? Who will live -- and who will die? And why is The Hooded Man the most feared being from the Syndicate's world? Do not miss this startling finale that will leave the DC universe reeling and reveal the secrets to the future!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
For God's sake, hurry up and wrap up this crossover, DC, so that Justice League United will make sense!
GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #31
Art/Cover: DIOGENES NEVES, MARC DEERING
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Kyle and the New Guardians travel to a mysterious dead world that is suddenly full of life … hostile life!
And after the revelations seen in GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS ANNUAL #2, allowing Kyle to set foot on this world might be the biggest mistake the Guardians ever made …
I finally figured out why it bothers me that Carol Ferris and Kyle Rayner are becoming a couple.
It's not out of some kind of loyalty to Hal Jordan or Carol Ferris. Sure, he's "my" Green Lantern, in that I grew up with him. But even I admit that the Silver Age Hal was a bland, square-jawed hero in the standard DC mold, and the only time he strayed from that was to be a complete moron (like getting into fistfights with crooks, or quitting his career because Carol dumped him). Similarly, Carol was the bland, standard DC girlfriend, and she only strayed from that on the occasions when she went full-on Veronica Lodge (which wasn't pleasant or likable).
But here's the thing: When I first laid eyes on Carol Ferris (around Green Lantern #27 or so), she was a grown-up -- and I was not. My earliest impressions of her carry the subconscious baggage that she is old enough to be my mother.
Conversely, when Kyle Rayner was introduced in 1994, I was in my mid-30s -- and he was late teens or early twenties. So my first impressions of Kyle are that he's almost young enough to be my son.
Of course in the comics Carol and Kyle are kinda-sorta contemporaries. Actually, given that Carol grew up with Hal, and Hal must be in his mid-thirties, because he was once an Air Force captain. Given that Kyle seems to be perpetually in his early 20s, he and Carol are probably a minimum of 10 years apart in age. Well, if they were real people, and not comic-book characters!
But to me, subconsciously, when Carol and Kyle kiss, it's like a teenager kissing one of my mother's friends. Which is to say, "ew."
Now aren't you glad I shared that?
Art: CHAD HARDIN
Cover: AMANDA CONNER
1:25 BATMAN ‘66 Variant Cover: MICHAEL ALLRED
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Harley makes a new friend -- and he happens to be a murderous cyborg who’s on a rampage in search of retribution! Fun!
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
1:25 MAD Variant cover
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
This issue will ship with three covers.
It all changes here with the first chapter of “INJUSTICE LEAGUE”! The next era of the Justice League begins as heroes quit, villains join and a Justice League roster you’ve never seen before emerges, led by the world’s greatest hero -- LEX LUTHOR?! As the dust settles and the bodies are buried, the violent consequences of FOREVER EVIL must be dealt with -- while a mysterious new force sets its target on the League. But is this force friend or enemy? And why does he want Luthor dead? (If you ask Batman, it’s a long list.)
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
See my response to Forever Evil #7, above.
Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
1:25 MAD Variant cover
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US • FINAL ISSUE
This issue will ship with three covers.
In the wake of FOREVER EVIL, the Justice League of America’s mission has come to an end -- so where do they go from here? No one’s survival is assured! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.
Again, see my response to Forever Evil #7, above.
Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
144 pg, FC, $14.99 US
In these stories from THE MOVEMENT #1-8, the young heroes of The Movement rise up to take back the dirty streets of Coral City. But when one of their own is captured by the police, it’s Coral City’s finest against the citizens they have neglected to protect.
Art: DAN JURGENS, MARK IRWIN
Cover by RYAN SOOK
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Did Firestorm kill a member of the Justice League? Who is watching Batman Beyond? And why is Frankenstein living in an igloo?!
Art by RAFA SANDOVAL and PAUL NEARY
Cover by PHILIP TAN and NORM RAPMUND
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The Outlaws come face to face with the bounty hunter calling himself Lobo, but no one’s who they appear to be as Red Hood and Starfire endeavor to save Arsenal from the Main Man.
Art/Cover: ADAM ARCHER
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST
In this issue, VILLAINS ABOUND! While Lily and Batman battle General Zod in the Phantom Zone, Maxwell and the rest of the Justice League come face to face with Brainiac! Plus: a special appearance by the Main Man himself -- Lobo!
Art by RIC ESTRADA, RAMONA FRADON and others
Cover by ALEX TOTH
448 pg, B&W, $19.99 US
Don’t miss these tales based on the hit animated TV series “Super Friends,” from issues #1-34! Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Green Arrow and other heroes battle The Riddler, the Time Trapper and others in these all-ages stories.
Isn't that an awesome cover?
Yes, I love the Super Friends. Not the TV show, which seemed unutterably stupid to me when it came out, given that I was already in junior high school and considered myself far too mature for cartoons. Ahem.
But c'mon, the Wendy & Marvin era was pretty bad, wasn't it? I hear Super Friends got better later on, first with Jan and Zayna, plus the Justice League guest spots era, plus the "diversity heroes" era, plus the Legion of Doom era. But, of course, I wasn't watching, so this is all hearsay to me.
Anyway, I loved the Super Friends -- in its 47-issue run in comics. And, yes, it was a title supposedly for kids, and when it came out (late 1976) I was already a freshman at Vanderbilt University, so I really shouldn't have been reading it. But it was really well done! For the first year or so, the stories were largely by E. Nelson Bridwell, and they were both well-crafted and heart-warming. Aiding and abetting that approach was the inestimable Ramona Fradon, whose lush style was full and rich, but just cartoony enough to give a shout-out to the source material.
Getting back to that cover, it's by the incredible Alex Toth -- who, of course, also did the character designs for the cartoon. As you can see, even with Superman's face re-touched by Murphy Anderson, it's just frikkin' awesome. So awesome, DC used it at least twice more, for a Treasury edition collection (the official title, believe it or not, was Limited Collectors' Edition C41) and a later comic-book-sized collection.
And because the Internet is wild and beautiful thing, you can see the cover with Toth's original Superman face HERE. You have to scroll over the Superman shield for the face to change. No, seriously, you do.
SINESTRO #2
Art/Cover: DALE EAGLESHAM
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Sinestro’s face-to-face with the Yellow Lanterns, the Corps he built in his own image – but does he like what he sees? Or does he look upon his works and despair? It’s time to find out if the Sinestro Corps is strong enough for the mission he has in mind for them -- and if they’re not, then they won’t stand a chance against the growing threat of the Pale Vicars!
I'm assuming Sinestro will somehow cross off the Sinestro Corps so as to make himself unique -- and the title more interesting. If he doesn't, I can't imagine why I'd continue reading.
Art: EMANUELA LUPACCHINO, RAY McCARTHY
Cover: EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Beware her rage! Supergirl joins the Red Lanterns and sets out to learn more about her new status in the group! But a surprising new villain tells Kara that she’s more alone in the universe than she ever suspected ...
Oh, look, Supergirl is being unpleasant. What a surprise.
Art: FRANCIS PORTELA
Cover: JULIAN TOTINO
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
As the graveyards around Baltimore flood around her, Pandora finds herself in the crosshairs of the deadly agents of S.H.A.D.E.!
Art: PETER GROSS
Cover: YUKO SHIMIZU
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
This single-issue story interlude, “When Rabbit Howls,” stars reader-favorite character Pauly Bruckner. Sometimes it’s hard to be a man -- especially if all your recent experience is of being a rabbit. Pauly is back, and having his wishes come true may be just the start of his problems.
Art: GORAN SUDZUKA
Cover: CLIFF CHIANG
1:25 BATMAN ‘66 Variant Cover: MICHAEL ALLRED
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
An unlikely ally arrives on the eve of the Battle for Olympus … but standing by Wonder Woman’s side is a deadly place to be!
Those Chiang covers are always awesome. So clean, so well-designed.
DYNAMITE
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #11
Art: CEZAR RAZEK
Cover: LIVIO RAMONDELLI
Subscription Variant: KEN HAESER
Teen + / 32 pages /
ON SALE DATE: March 19
"The Adama Gambit" (Part 2 of 2). With death bearing down on the fleet from the attacking Base Star, Commander Adama is forced to take desperate action, and employ frantically risky tactics in a last ditch effort to save humankind! The climactic, concluding part of this epic story of space-battle action and edge of the seat tension
Art: EVAN SHANER
Cover: GABRIEL HARDMAN
Art: EVAN SHANER
Covers: MARC LAMING
80th Anniversary Cover: ROBERTO CASTRO
Subscription "Li'l Flash" Variant: KEN HAESER
Teen +/32 pages/$3.99
ON SALE DATE: May 14
Holllllllllllld on tight, cuz JEFF PARKER (Batman '66, Aquaman), EVAN SHANER (Adventures Of Superman) & JORDIE BELLAIRE (Moon Knight) are coming right at you with FLASH GORDON, THE MAN FROM EARTH! As Flash's heroic reputation grows across the cosmos, his fantastic talents are tested by the Beast Men Of The Outer Lands Of Arboria!
MAGNUS: ROBOT FIGHTER #3
Art: CORY SMITH
Covers: GABRIEL HARDMAN
Subscription Variant: BOB LAYTON
Teen +/32 pages/$3.99
ON SALE DATE: May 14
How do you kill a robot fighter? Send a human. LEEJA CLANE: HUMAN HUNTER! Her guns are huge! Her car is fast! Her theme music is awesome! How's Magnus possibly going to survive against an opponent with no robot parts? It's flesh-and-blood brawling brought by FRED VAN LENTE (Conan The Barbarian) and CORY SMITH (Fathom)!
Art: RONILSON FREIRE
Cover: PAOLA RIVERA
Subscription Variant: JONATHAN LAU
Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99
ON SALE DATE: March 19
It's all down to this -- the Green Hornet's final chance at redemption, against a villain of his own creation! Trust us, you have no idea how to predict the outcome of this grand finale!
Art: RONILSON FREIRE
Covers: PAOLO RIVERA
Subscription Variant: JONATHAN LAU
Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99
ON SALE DATE: April 16
FINAL ISSUE!!! The grand finale -- and the ultimate victor stands bloodied but unbowed! Will it be Britt Reid- -- or the Green Hornet?
Artist: LEANDRO OLIVEIRA
Cover: GENZOMAN
Variant: CARLOS GOMEZ
Subscription Variant: SEAN IZAAKSE
Ultra-Limited Edition Variant: STEVEN CUMMINGS
Blank Authentix Variant available
Retailer Exclusive Variant available
Teen +/32 pages/$4.99
ON SALE DATE: May 14
The Pathfinder heroes head to the city of Magnimar, and danger isn't far behind. As the wizard Ezren seeks an audience with the Pathfinder Society, his adventuring allies explore the city's ancient magic, well-hidden secrets, and deep political divides. The dangers and opportunities of the big city could bring the adventurers closer together--or tear them apart!
This issue marks the start of a new adventure series and is the perfect jumping on point for new readers. Come aboard and see why Pathfinder is the world's best-selling fantasy roleplaying game. Each issue of this exciting new series also includes an exclusive Pathfinder Roleplaying Game encounter and a bonus playable tactical map/art poster, bound in with each issue!
Blank Authentix Variant available
Teen +/32 pages/$3.99
ON SALE DATE: May 7
New Year's, 1950 -- the end of a tumultuous decade ... and LAMONT CRANSTON, the man the world and the underworld know all too well as THE SHADOW, has had enough. It's time for the Mysterious Nemesis of Crime to hang up his cloak, his slouch hat, his twin .45s and retire from public life ...
But despite this momentous decision, MARGO LAINE and the rest of the Shadow's AGENTS fear that mankind, teetering on the brink of nuclear Armageddon, may not be quite ready to be bereft of the Dark Avenger.
Howard Chaykin has created the most classic Shadow storylines, and now Dynamite brings Chaykin back to The Shadow! Written and drawn by Howard Chaykin, The Shadow: Midnight in Moscow #1 hits stores this upcoming May!
In The Shadow: Midnight in Moscow #1, New Year's, 1950--the end of a tumultuous decade...and LAMONT CRANSTON, the man the world and the underworld know all too well as THE SHADOW, has had enough. It's time for the Mysterious Nemesis of Crime to hang up his cloak, his slouch hat, and his twin .45s, and retire from public life. But despite this momentous decision, MARGO LAINE and the rest of the Shadow's AGENTS fear that mankind, teetering on the brink of nuclear Armageddon, may not be quite ready to be bereft of the Dark Avenger.
"It's an honor to have another opportunity to write and illustrate an adventure featuring this iconic character," says the legendary writer/artist Howard Chaykin. "The Shadow features a colorful cast, and a milieu steeped in nourish pulp-or is that pulpy noir?"
"Howard returning to The Shadow is long overdue, and as a fan, a dream come true." States Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher.
As I promised last week, there's still a lot of Shadow product in the pipleline, despite the eponymous title ending with #25.
Art: WILFREDO TORRES
Cover A: MATT WAGNER
Cover B: ALEX ROSS
Cover C: CHRIS SAMNEE
Cover D: HOWARD CHAYKIN
Subscription Variant: WILFREDO TORRES
Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99
ON SALE DATE: April 30
Bimonthly! In pursuit of his enemy, The Shadow and Margo Lane must uncover the mysterious secrets of Chinatown, an area of the city that seems suddenly cloaked in a miasma of dread. As the intrepid Reporter inches ever closer to discovering The Shadow's own secrets, the black-cloaked Master of Darkness finally comes face-to-face with his long-time nemesis-Dr. Zorn! Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Wagner and artists Wilfredo Torres and Brennan Wagner bring this exciting expose of The Shadow's first adventures closer and closer to its thrilling conclusion.
Art: JUAN ANTONIO RAMIREZ
Cover: ALEX ROSS
"Li'l Dollar Man" Variant: KEN HAESER
Subscription Variant: Photo
Teen +/32 pages/$3.99
ON SALE DATE: May 14
The original Six Million Dollar Man is back with an official continuation of the classic television series! Steve has been betrayed and now stands alone against the experimental Soviet Yaga Tank. And closer to home, the mysterious alien plague spreads and threatens to destroy all of NASA while Oliver Spencer's Maskatron continues to evolve into the deadliest artificial intelligence on earth. Steve Austin proves that it's not the bionic hardware that makes the man but the all too human heart that drives it.
Art: JOE BENNETT
Cover: JUAN DOE
Subscription Variant: BOB LAYTON
Teen +/32 pages/$3.99
ON SALE DATE: May 21
In the stunning wake of Issue One's shocking climax ... where is SOLAR? What will massive doses of unstable radiation do to his family? And even if they survive, what horrors are lurking in the stars? It's cosmic-fueled fantasy from the hit team of FRANK BARBIERE (Five Ghosts) and JOE BENNETT (Iron Man)!
Being a tradewaiter, I don't know how good any of Dynamite's books are this week individually. But the collective impact of Flash Gordon, Green Hornet, Magnus, Shadow and Solar all in one week is pretty powerful!
IDW PUBLISHING
7th SWORD #2
Art: NELSON BLAKE II
Cover: ANDREW C. ROBINSON
Subscription Variant: WALTER GATUS
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
In the aftermath of a vicious attack, Zenzion's new leader, Kathleen Galway, seeks out battle-weary Daniel Cray to help defend her people and her home. But will the reluctant warrior pick up his Malathane blade one final time?
Art/Cover: JOHN ROYLE
Subscription Variant: JOHN ROYLE
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
After the most SHOCKING and UNEXPECTED comeback in the history of Danger Girl, the only question that remains is: “What happens NEXT?!” The second piece of that deadly puzzle can be found here in the latest chapter of the original and unsurpassed Danger Girl series!
Art/Cover: RYAN JAMPOLE
Variant: AGNES GARBOWSKI
Subscription Variant: ANDREW KOLB
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
With his sister Dee Dee removed from existence, Dexter is now an only child! He’s finally able to work in his lab unhindered by her foolish games, and locates the one thing needed to reach his full potential - - but it’s in another dimension! As Dexter attempts to reach it, he finds his dream is about to turn into his greatest nightmare!
• Dexter’s Laboratory returns to comics!
• Ryan Jampole was nominated for a 2013 Harvey award for “Most Promising Talent” for his work on Archie Comics’ Mega Man!
Art/Cover: ALEX TOTH
HC • FC • $49.99 • 328 pages • 9.5” x 13”
The Library of American Comics concludes its in-depth look at Alex Toth's life and art with Genius, Animated. This companion volume to 2011's award-winning Genius, Isolated and 2013's Genius, Illustrated zooms in to focus on Toth's groundbreaking contributions in the field of animation and features many rarely-seen or never-before-published pieces of art, much of it uncovered in the archives of Hanna-Barbera Studios! Featuring presentation illustrations for unsold series; character designs and storyboards for old favorites such as Space Ghost, Shazzan and Super Friends; and work taken from both the beginning (Space Angel) and end (Bionic 6) of Toth's "Saturday kidvid" career, this oversized art book features observations from animation professionals about his work, plus Alex's own commentary on the cartoon shows that shaped a generation.
Genius Isolated: 2012 Harvey Award winner for Best Biography!
Toth was an artistic genius, no doubt. And I am completely in awe of his work. But life is too short for me to read a three-book autobiography about anyone whose name isn't "Lincoln," "Churchill" or "Benjamin Franklin."
Art: GIANCARLO CARACUZZO
Cover: Jose Lopez
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Greg's warm welcome into the fraternity of superheroes is a process that -- like Rush Week -- results in a wicked hangover and foggy memories. While raising a glass to morality, Greg struggles to conceal three bodies in plain sight -- one his bare-ass own. Meanwhile, a new super villain puts his first phase of terror in motion. And Barry ... well ... remains Barry.
Art: NICO PENA, ANTONIO CAMPO
Cover: NICO PENA
Variant: KATIE COOK
Subscription Variant: SARA RICHARD
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The multi-media sensation Littlest Pet Shop has conquered the world of toys, video games and television, and starting this May the adorable critters are coming to a comic shop near you! This new series gives fans of all ages an entirely new way to follow the adventures and antics of their favorite furry friends.
In 2012, the animated half-hour comedy series, Littlest Pet Shop, created by Hasbro Studios and airing on the HUB Network launched and is based on the wildly popular toy line.
“With the incredible triumph of MY LITTLE PONY comics, it should come as no surprise that we are now looking toward LITTLEST PET SHOP to continue that success,” said Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s Director of Global Publishing. “It’s wonderful to be part of the resurgence of interest in all-ages comics, and we are certain that LITTLEST PET SHOP comics will be welcomed with great excitement by readers.”
The new comic series written by Georgia Ball (My Little Pony) with art by Nico Peña and Antonio Campo (The Penguins of Madagascar) follows the big adventures that ensue when Blythe Baxter discovers she can miraculously talk with her animal friends and notices these pets may be small in stature, but their personalities are larger than life!
Littlest Pet Shop joins My Little Pony as another addition to the expanding library of all-ages comics from Hasbro and IDW.
“We’re thrilled to be working hand in hand with Hasbro on another of their all-ages properties,” said David Hedgecock, IDW Managing Editor, “We are excited for the opportunity to continue to grow this category with fun, exciting, fresh stories that help build on the success of other IDW hits like My Little Pony.
This appears to be an effort to replicate the appeal of My Little Pony.
Art/Cover: DAMIEN WORM
Subscription Variant: DAMIEN WORM
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The Madman's plan become clear as woman after woman is found slaughtered in Whitechapel. Unaware of the Madman's actions, the Frankenstein Monster prepares for the day when he will finally meet his mate. Both horrific journeys intersect in this concluding issue!
Art: TONY FLEECS
Cover: AMY MEBBERSON
• Variant: BRENDA HICKEY
Subscription Variant: LEA HERNANDEZ
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Fluttershy and Zecora take the spotlight in the new fan-favorite series! Fluttershy wakes up one day to find that all of her animal friends can talk to her! But what secret are they hiding? It will be up to everyone’s favorite rhyming zebra to determine the nature of this strange occurrence!
FC • 52 pages • $3.99
Another genius comic book by master Popeye artist Bud Sagendorf! Just listen, ya comic lovin' swab to the lineup of stories: "Horse Tales", "Spinach Farm", "Sweepea's Vacation"--plus more laugh-filled adventures of Popeye! Not only that, but Sagendorf fascinatingly creates his OWN character Sherm who stars in his own hilarious tale "The Long Way Home"!
Art: ALBERTO PONTICELLI
Cover: GLENN FABRY
Subscription Variant: JAMES STOKOE
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
In the aftermath of the brutal battle for Strongpoint Charlie, Rogue Trooper must fight for his life with an opponent he can’t possibly use lethal force against. It’s brother vs. brother as the non-stop action continues!
• One of 2000 AD’s best-loved characters, created by Dave Gibbons and Gerry Finley-Day!
• Written by acclaimed fantasy novelist Brian Ruckley (author of the "Godless World" trilogy) with art by Alberto Ponticelli (Unknown Soldier, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.) and covers by Glenn Fabry (Preacher, Slaine) and James Stokoe (Orc Stain, Godzilla: Half-Century War)!
They're going to talk me into getting this series, aren't they?
Art/Cover: FRANCO CESPEDES
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
JC De La Torre's epic saga continues as Arylos and Darien must battle their way to Eridu. Along the way, Darien learns of his legacy and of the home he's never known. Artist Franco Cespedes continues the stunning colors and visuals as story of Darien begins to come into focus.
• De La Torre's novel Ancient Rising and its sequel Rise of the Ancients Annuna were compared to Clive Cussler and Dan Brown by Baryon Speculative Fiction Review.
• Includes a comic preview Soul Men by Sal Brucculeri and Ibai Canales.
Subscription Variant: WALT SIMONSON
Fueled by a desperate desire for revenge and a cynical need for better ratings, the hunters of Orion have targeted the Slammers’ homeworld for planetwipe. As the Orions' Skumbarges swoop down to deliver their deadly cargoes of complete destruction, the outnumbered Slammers rise to meet them with a ramshackle fighting force of obsolete warships, dilapidated starfighters, and grim resolve. Their only hope is a theoretical mind fusion known as the Silvermind, and the one Slammer to ever achieve the Silvermind is already dead.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
• Each page of art has been scanned from Simonson's personal archives to ensure the finest reproduction!
• Completely re-mastered and re-colored!
Art: CLAUDIA BALBONI
Cover: PAUL SHIPPER
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 124 pages
Witness the shocking origin of Khan Noonien Singh from his earliest years through his rise to power during the epic Eugenics Wars! Behold the events that led to his escape from Earth aboard the Botany Bay! Learn the truth behind his re-awakening by Admiral Marcus and Section 31! It's the origin of Star Trek's greatest villain!
• "An engaging romp into madness, as we slowly but surely peel back the layers of this psychopath. Recommended." -- Unleash the Fanboy
Art/Cover: ROGER ROBINSON
Subscription Variant: ROB LIEFELD
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The battle between S.P.I.D.E.R. and .T.H.U.N.D.E.R. comes to an unforgettable climax. Friends become foes! Foes become friends! As the mysterious Menthor makes his move, the fate of humanity itself rests on the shoulders of a now-powerless Dynamo!
It literally pains me to see a Rob Liefeld version of a character so closely identified with Wally Wood. I find Woody's work to be genius, or close to it, whereas I've never liked Liefeld's work, which always seems amateurish to me. Your mileage may vary, of course, but this seems like heresy.
Art: KEVIN EASTMAN, CHRIS ALLAN, DAN DUNCAN, Various
Cover: EASTMAN & PETER LAIRD
Variant: SIMON BISLEY
FC • 48 pages • $7.99
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary this year and the festivities are ramping up! This May, co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird karate-kick into high gear with a very special 30th Anniversary issue at IDW. Featuring a brand-new cover created by the original team, this issue marks the first time in over 20 years the pair has worked together on the property.
“TMNT has been an important part of countless fans' lives, including myself,” said series editor Bobby Curnow. “Getting the chance to celebrate this rich history is an amazing opportunity. Almost as amazing as getting to see new material from these creators again!”
"Working on the TMNT Comics with the wonderful and amazing IDW team over the last three years reminded me how much I MISSED and LOVED the four green guys.” said Kevin Eastman, “getting to work with my Co-Creator Peter Laird again is the icing on the cake - and then some! It really took me back thirty years, to the earliest days, with the fondest memories, and why we got into this business in the first place."
The 30th Anniversary Special will be a cavalcade of all-new short stories by the top talent that has built the rich TMNT world over the past 30 years. Each story is inspired by a different era of TMNT's rich history, and features the unique look, feel and voice of that time period. From Dean Clarrain, Chris Allan, Gary Carlson, Frank Fosco, and Jim Lawson to IDW’s own Tom Waltz and Dan Duncan, the creators showcased in this 48-page full-color special issue spin fantastic TMNT tales from the sewers to the stars!
Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business—with DVDs, video games, toys and more--that has generated billions of dollars at retail. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debut on Nickelodeon in 2012 and ranked as the number-one new boy series for the year in the United States. In Aug. 2014, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Films' CGI/live-action hybrid will hit theaters.
Art: ALEX MILNE, NICK ROCHE
Cover: LIVIO RAMONDELLI
TPB • FC • $14.99 • 124 pages
More Than Meets The Eye reunites the fan-favorite creative team behind Last Stand of the Wreckers and sends the Transformers on an epic quest to the farthest reaches of the Transformers Universe and beyond! Also includes the one-shot “Death of Optimus Prime.”
• A perfect starting point for new TRANSFORMERS fans!
• See TRANSFORMERS 4 in theaters this summer!
Art: ANDREW GRIFFITH, CASEY COLLER
Cover: LIVIO RAMONDELLI
TPB • FC • $14.99 • 136 pages
The war for Cybertron is over -- now the hard part begins! BUMBLEBEE and his fellow AUTOBOTS struggle to maintain control of a world without OPTIMUS PRIME! Bumblebee's provisional government is struggling and Prowl defends it against the DECEPTICONS but how far will he go -- and who will chose to stand by his side?
• A perfect starting point for new TRANSFORMERS fans!
• See TRANSFORMERS 4 in theaters this summer!
Art/Cover: SARAH STONE
Variant: MARCELO MATERE
Subscription Variant: ALEX MILNE
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
CYBERTRON UNDER FIRE! Someone is out to kill WINDBLADE -- but discovering who means turning to some less-than-savory ’Bots. Can WINDBLADE trust her informants enough to stake her life on them? And who will she turn to when the events of DARK CYBERTRON come back to haunt them all?
• DAWN OF THE AUTOBOTS continues!
• What is the secret history of WINDBLADE -- and what does that mean for the future of Cybertron?
Art: ALAN ROBINSON
Cover: RYAN BORWN
Subscription Variant: KEVIN EASTMAN
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
With the Vampire Wars burning hotter and bloodier with each new day, Reporter Yuki Nitobe is abducted and brought into the vampire underground. When Yuki is shown the world of these new species of vampires, she realizes no one has been telling the truth! Does she risk everything by exposing both sides or file the report that she knows gives her the biggest ratings?
By New York Times best-selling author, Jonathan Maberry!
I hope someone's reading this. The info and previews are more interesting than most vampires stories, and I wonder if I should pick it up.
IMAGE COMICS
A VOICE IN THE DARK #7
MAY 21 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.99
“KILLING GAME,” Part Five
It's all been building to this. Zoey's on the verge of killing again -- her second and third victims -- but even the perfect crime can go awry.
Tradewaiting. (Maybe.)
Art / Cover: -ROM-
MAY 14 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
When someone uses math to access an ancient and evil power, it’s up to Tilly Grimes to find the answer to stopping them. But even with Tom Judge and the Rapture on her side, this may be too big a problem for the Numeromancer to solve.
Art/Cover: NICK DRAGOTTA
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.50
"THE NIGHT BEFORE"
A last ditch effort is undertaken to avoid a war between the nations by the most unlikely person on the planet. The remains of the Chosen reassemble.
Have the first trade, haven't read it yet.
Art: DAVIDE GIANFELICE & MIROSLAV MRVA
Cover: MATTEO SCALERA
MAY 21 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Jackson was only expecting to steal a ghost from a cult. Instead, he found so much more! The second arc ends here!
Enjoyed the first trade. Tradewaiting the second.
Art/Cover: RYAN OTTLEY
APRIL 16 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
THE WALKING DEAD CREATOR ROBERT KIRKMAN WRITES INVINCIBLE!!!
INVINCIBLE #111 is the first issue of a bold new direction, a startling new era, and stories for a new generation from Robert Kirkman, the creator of THE WALKING DEAD empire and up-for-anything artist Ryan Ottley. Suddenly infused with more gore and terror than a zombie apocalypse, INVINCIBLE takes a turn down the dark path of horror when Invincible is betrayed by one of his own.
“If The Walking Dead is the zombie movie that never ends, Invincible is the superhero movie that never ends. Like The Walking Dead, it takes a well-worn genre and puts a new spin on it, raising the stakes and treating things a little more seriously than they otherwise are,” said Kirkman. “With these new issues, starting with 111, we’re really going to be ramping up those elements of the series to their highest peak. I don’t think people are prepared for all the lines we’re going to cross... and not look back. This really is an exciting time to be an Invincible fan.”
INVINCIBLE #111 packs the punch of three #1 issues combined and is the perfect jumping on point for new readers, that will blow the minds of long-time Invincible fans.
The Invincible books always seems so bloody. Is that the point of them? To demonstrate how painful being a superhero would be? To show "real" results of ultra-violence?
Art: NICK PITARRA
APRIL 16 / 144 PAGES / FC / T+ / $14.99
Collects THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #16-20
It's the fourth volume of the world's greatest secret science history, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS. "The Four Disciplines" follows our fractured cast as they focus on their own diverse, secret experiments and global power plays resulting in inevitable betrayal.
Art / Cover A: MATHEW REYNOLDS
MAY 21 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
"MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN"
Stranded in a Chinese fishing village, Jack and company must rescue the British spy “Top Hat,” who’s been captured by Japanese soldiers.
Tradewaiting. (Probably.)
Art: RODIN ESQUEJO
Cover A: RODIN ESQUEJO
Cover B: JENNY FRISON
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
MIND THE GAP -- ACT II has just begun!
After last issue’s shocking reveal, is Jairus limited to just Elle? And the questions on everyone’s minds -- where is Elle, and is she alive or dead? -- are mounting as one person considers the ultimate act of betrayal.
This book is so late that I have solicitations for the next three issues in my "Overset" que. Is the wait worth it, Mind the Gap readers?
MPH #1 (of 5)
Art / Cover A: DUNCAN FEGREDO
Colors: PETER DOHERTY
Cover B: JOCK
Team Variant Covers: DUNCAN FEGREDO
Blank Cover Variant
MAY 21 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
The all-new Millarworld Universe kicks into high gear with the launch of Millar and Fegredo’s fast and furious miniseries. When a group of hard-luck teens in Motor City stumble upon a street drug called MPH, they gain the power of super speed. Will they use it to save the world? Hell no! Not when there’s dolla, dolla bills to be had, y’all. A high-octane urban adventure, MPH brings you super speed like you’ve never seen before! This launch features a variant cover by Jock, a blank cover variant, and a special series of linked cover variants by Fegredo showcasing the book’s cast.
Art: GIANNIS MILONOGIANNIS & SIMON ROY
Cover: LUDROE
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
The war between the Old Man and the Empire reaches new heights when Badrock returns.
This was originally solicited for Dec. 18. If I was reading this book, which I'm not, I'd probably have dropped it by now.
Art/Cover: AMY REEDER
32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
"ONLY THE GOOD …”
The hard-hitting conclusion to the first story arc! Teen time-cop DaYoung Johansson uncovers a thing or two about both New York Cities, the connection between past and future, and the secrets that people don’t even know they keep. Growing up is hard to do -- and sometimes it proves to be impossible.
Another long-delayed book, and this one upsets me, because it's one I want to read! Although, if this keeps up, maybe not for long. Image is shooting itself in the foot with these long delays.
Art / Cover: FIONA STAPLES
MAY 21 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
SAGA returns! New planet, new adversaries, and a very new direction, all from the same old Hugo Award-winning team.
RETAILER FRIENDS: Thanks to you, our audience keeps growing, as new readers continue to get caught up on trades before jumping to our monthly issues, so please make sure to order enough for your customers, old and new. And thanks again! -- Brian & Fiona
Read and enjoyed the first two trades; waiting for the third.
Art / Cover A: ARTYOM TRAKHANOV
Cover B: JAKE WYATT
MAY 21 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Anshargal and Ukinnu Alal dine with a cannibal god, but it's more than Kingu can stomach. Zikia's rescue team is closing in, and so are the deadliest killers ever indoctrinated by Atlantis.
The secret origin of the Atlantean missing link as the exploration action roars on!
Tradewaiting. (Maybe.)
Art/Cover: STEVE EPTING
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
The first arc draws to a shattering conclusion.
That cover makes me want to protect my eyes.
One more thing: The other day something dawned on me that was probably obvious to the rest of you. But I suddenly realized that the one-sentence pitch for this book was probably "What if Miss Moneypenny was only pretending to be a secretary, and was instead secretly MI-6's best agent?"
Art: JORGE COELHO & JORDIE BELLAIRE
Cover: JORGE COELHO & TOM MULLER
MAY 21 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
The Mexico event sets off a brutal change. Cooke is hunted. The killers are prepared. Zero approaches.
MARVEL COMICS
A+X VOL 3 = OUTSTANDING (TPB)
Penciled by DAVID YARDIN, HOWARD CHAYKIN, DAVID LAFUENTE, GREG SMALLWOOD, GORAN PARLOV & PACO DIAZ
Cover by DAVID YARDIN
136 PGS./Rated T/$17.99
A+X shakes things up with its first book-length story as Captain America and Cyclops find themselves on a collision course! Cap is hell-bent on arresting the fugitive Cyclops, but that’s only half of this duo’s troubles. They also need to defeat a horde of menacing Skrulls and find Professor X’s former students, the Skrull mutants known as Cadre K! But there’s more! Emma Frost and Black Widow team up in a steamy saga! Magneto encounters the Superior Spider-Man! Dr. Strange and Beast face a truly insane threat! A heartbreaking story from the past of Spider-Man and Psylocke! Iron Man teams with fan-favorite X-student Broo! And Brian Michael Bendis pens a very special A+X tale! Featuring the Marvel writing debut of Max Bemis of the band Say Anything and Jeff Loveness, Emmy-nominated writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live! Collecting A+X #13-18.
This has been a fun little series.
Art: DAVID LAFUENTE
Cover: MIKE ALLRED
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• Doop takes Kitty Pryde for the trip of her life!
• See the treasures DOOPSPACE has to offer!
Art & Cover by TRADD MOORE
"Engines of Vengeance" Part 2 -- Robbie Reyes has been given a new awesome power but can the teen handle it or will it drive him to a path of destruction? Who owns the haunted race car and what will they do to get it back? What are the Pink Pills and who is behind their creation?
“If you’re going to revamp a character for the modern era, this is a great template on how to succeed.” -- Comic Book Resources
Early on I was eager to read this series. But the more art I see, the more I'm turned off. Sketchy.
Art: CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Cover: KRIS ANKA, JARED FLETCHER
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
Penciled by STUART IMMONEN & DAVID LAFUENTE
Cover by STUART IMMONEN
136 PGS./Rated T+ …$19.99
The time-displaced young X-Men continue to adjust to a present day that’s simultaneously more awe-inspiring and more disturbing than any future the young heroes had ever imagined for themselves. As Jean Grey pushes her powers to the limit, shaking her and the rest of the X-Men to the core, one of the young X-Men breaks rank — and leaves to join the adult Cyclops and his revolutionary crew! And when Mastermind targets the young Jean, will history repeat itself? Plus: When the teens find themselves face-to-face with the Uncanny Avengers, young Cyclops meets the adult version of the brother he thought he’d never see again! They never warned us about this sort of thing in temporal mechanics class! Acclaimed writer Brian Michael Bendis further defines the future — and the past — of the X-Men! Collecting ALL-NEW X-MEN #11-15.
Still buying it, still enjoying it. Who knew Bendis could do such good mutants?
Art/Cover: HUMBERTO RAMOS
Variant: MIKE DEODATA
32 PGS./Rated T/$3.99
• Electro’s power is out of control! And only one person can fix it ...
• ... the Superior Spider-Man!
• Wait. This book’s the AMAZING Spider-Man now.
• So we’re probably out of luck.
• Plus: That thing that freaked you out last issue? There’s more on that. The return of you-know-who? There’s MUCH more on that. Action! Drama! Surprises! There’s MORE OF EVERYTHING!
Penciled by RON FRENZ, BOB LAYTON, PATY COCKRUM, SAL BUSCEMA, BOB MCLEOD, MARY WILSHIRE,
GREG LAROCQUE & MIKE HARRIS
Cover by RON FRENZ
472 PGS./Rated T/$34.99
Volume 15 in the Spider-Man Epic Collection
The Hobgoblin is back! The high-flying villain is after Norman Osborn’s journals -- and he’s targeted Mary Jane and the pregnant Liz Osborn! Plus: Mary Jane reveals the secrets of her childhood! The Scorpion attacks as J. Jonah Jameson ties the knot! Spidey battles the symbiotic alien costume in a senses-shattering showdown! The Kingpin strikes after the Beyonder turns a skyscraper to gold! Spidey faces the cosmic power of Firelord! The new Spider-Slayer attacks the person he believes to be Spider-Man: Mary Jane! And things get downright silly when Spidey must deal with Spider-Kid, Frog-Man and the Toad, and track a thief to … the suburbs! Featuring the return of Black Fox and Crusher Hogan, and the debuts of Silver Sable and Slyde! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #259-272 and ANNUAL #18-19, and WEB OF SPIDER-MAN (1985) #1 and #6.
Art: PACO MEDINA
Cover: KRIS ANKA
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• Guest-starring THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!
• Iceman, Firestar and Spider-Man renew their amazing friendship to save New York City.
• Guest-Issue by Kathryn Immonen (AVENGERS ANNUAL) and Paco Medina (X-MEN, NOVA)!
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. Good lord! (Choke!)
Art: MARCO CHECCHETTO
Cover: NEAL ADAMS
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• The Avengers launch a desperate rescue mission.
• Hyperion confronts the man who pulled him back from the nothing between universes.
• In the birth of AIM Empire, a glimpse of a lost world.
I'm still not sure who this version of Hyperion is, or why he became an Avenger so easily. I do like the easy camaraderie between him and Thor, because that would be likely to happen.
But he is emblematic of what I don't like about this series, which is that it throws a lot of characters and concepts at us with promises of back story later, as the team leaps from one of Hickman's "neat ideas" to the next.
That's good and bad. Mostly good, but I am tiring of the lack of exposition.
Art/Cover: CHRIS SAMNEE
Artist Variant: JEROME OPENA
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• The Owl is back!
• But old enemies aren’t nearly as much of a problem for Matt Murdock as his new friend: The Shroud.
• Kirsten and Matt are sharing a very volatile secret -- who’ll be the first to crack?
Art: JACOPO CAMAGNI
Cover: DAVID NAKAYAMA
40 PGS./ ONE-SHOT/Rated T+/$4.99
• Hang on … is that Deadpool or Spider-Man? YES.
• Deadpool “helps out” his “friend” Spider-Man by donning his webs!
• Think Spidey will appreciate it?
Penciled by SCOTT KOBLISH & MIKE HAWTHORNE
Cover by MARK BROOKS
136 PGS./Parental Advisory/$15.99
S.H.I.E.L.D. makes a grievous tactical error when they stiff Deadpool on a bill, and you can bet that they’re going to regret it! Deadpool declares a one-man war on the world peacekeeping agency -- but even as the maniacal merc pursues his revenge, S.H.I.E.L.D. discovers someone has been betraying them … and it seems to be Agent Preston! Deadpool takes his fight to the Helicarrier, intent on getting his money one way or the other -- and comes face-to-face with Agent Phil Coulson! You know, the guy from the hit TV show MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.! How cool is this going to be?! Plus: it’s another trip back to Deadpool’s storied past as the Merc with a Mouth wreaks havoc on a cosmic level! Collecting DEADPOOL (2012) #20-25.
Art/Cover: MICHAEL DEL MUNDO
Variant Cover: CHRIS SAMNEE
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
The Marvel Universe’s deadliest assassin braves new dangers in ELEKTRA #2 -- from critically acclaimed creators Haden Blackman and Mike Del Mundo! After the shocking events of the first jaw-dropping issue of Elektra, the psychotic killer Bloody Lips is closing in on Marvel’s deadliest femme fatale. If she’s going to survive, she’ll first have to fight her way through the dangerous Monster Island in search of the elusive assassin known only as Cape Crow! What untold terrors lie on Monster Island -- and is Elektra’s first mission back set to be her last? Blackman and Del Mundo weave another gorgeous issue about honor and redemption that has to be seen to be believed! Don’t miss the hauntingly beautiful ELEKTRA #2 when it hits comic shops this May!
Art: MARK BAGLEY
Cover: JEROME OPEñA
Artist Variant: Mark Bagley
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
“BANNER D.O.A” GETS READY TO TAKE YOU INTO A NEW TWIST IN HULK HISTORY!
• BANNER goes to a dark place and could take the AVENGERS with him
• Only HULK can save Banner … but will he?
• After last issue’s surprise resurrection, a new threat enters the scene.
Penciled by TRAVEL FOREMAN, RUSS HEATH, TIMOTHY GREEN II, KANO, JUAN DOE, GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI, DAN BRERETON, KHARI EVANS, ARTURO LOZZI & HATUEY DIAZ
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
496 PGS./Rated T+/$39.99
Although the Iron Fist’s legend is immortal, Danny Rand is definitely not! Why is Danny sweating over an inescapable legacy that has haunted the Iron Fists for centuries? And what is the deeper meaning of Xao’s ominous threat? As Danny and the Immortal Weapons begin another dimension-spanning adventure, they discover that the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven…might have an Eighth! Plus: Iron Fist teams with Aman and delves deeper into the Immortal Weapons’ lives! Thrill to Fat Cobra’s decades of adventure! Bride of Nine Spiders confronts her past! Is Dog Brother #1 involved with disappearing orphans? How did Tiger’s Beautiful Daughter become the world’s deadliest fighter? And what is the Prince of Orphans’ mission on Earth? Collecting IMMORTAL IRON FIST #17-27, IMMORTAL IRON FIST: ORSON RANDALL AND THE DEATH QUEEN OF CALIFORNIA #1, IMMORTAL WEAPONS #1-5 and the IMMORTAL WEAPONS SKETCHBOOK.
Penciled by JACOPO CAMAGNI
Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
96 PGS./Rated T+/$14.99
When someone is targeting the lucky for death, it won’t take long before the luckiest X-Man, Longshot, is in the killer’s sights. But the situation quickly goes from bad to worse as super heroes, villains, all of S.H.I.E.L.D. and even cosmic entities have it out for our boy! What are the worst threats that ever have faced — or will ever face — the Marvel Universe? The Hulkvengers? Kraven the Phoenix? WolfCap? Wolverine, King of the Vampires? Cosmic Carnage? All of this sounds like a job for Longshot, right? Maybe not! Is Longshot finally in over his head, or can he beat the odds and save the Marvel Universe when no one else can? Collecting LONGSHOT SAVES THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #1-4.
I still get Longshot mixed up with Shatterstar sometimes. Not a big fan of either character, to tell you the truth.
Art: GABRIEL HERNANDEZ WALTA
Cover: DECLAN SHALVEY
32 PGS./Parental Advisory/$3.99
"PROFILE OF A SUPREMACIST”
• In the most brutal issue yet of this new noir/horror series, Magneto ruthlessly dismantles the latest threat to mutantkind…
• … and we gain a greater understanding of why his mission is so important to him.
Tradewaiting, and looking forward to Magneto returning to full supervillain mode.
Penciled by PIOTR KOWALSKI with JACK KIRBY
Cover by PIOTR KOWALSKI
112 PGS./Rated T+/$14.99
It’s an all-new Hulk epic spotlighting the unique talents of two rising stars as Joe Keatinge (Glory) and Piotr Kowalski (Sex) unleash the Green Goliath! An amnesiac Bruce Banner awakens on the banks of the Seine — and soon finds himself in a desperate race through the streets of Paris! Who is hunting him, and how are they both transforming into grotesque Hulks? Someone wants Banner’s monstrous alter ego to do their bidding — but what happens when Banner doesn’t know who the Hulk is, or how to unleash him? Nikoleta Harrow, heir of A.I.M., has enslaved the Hulk — but she may have bitten off more than she can chew! It’s a mind-bending mystery loaded with quirky cool action! Plus: the Hulk’s classic debut by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby! Collecting MARVEL KNIGHTS: HULK #1-4 and INCREDIBLE HULK (1962) #1.
Art: ALAN DAVIS & JOHN RIDGWAY
Cover: ALAN DAVIS
Variant Cover: MIKE DEL MUNDO
Variant Cover: ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover: KEVIN NOWLAN
48 PGS./Parental Advisory/$4.99
NOVA #17
Art: PACO MEDINA
Cover: ED MCGUINNESS
32 PGS./Rated T/$3.99
• Sam is back from outer-space and discovers his greatest threat right on his doorstep!
• When the Alexander home is threatened, this time there may not be anything that Nova can do to help out.
Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
128 PGS./Rated T/$16.99
It’s All-New Nova Now as new writer Gerry Duggan (DEADPOOL) takes the reins! The Nova Corps’ deadly secrets stand revealed — and Sam Alexander is in waaay over his helmeted head. This is the beginning of something big, cosmic fans! An epic odyssey that will take our warp speed wunderkind to the very ends of the Marvel Universe! Hot on the trail of the missing Nova Corps, Nova manages to save the lives of some new friends in deep space. But as Sam continues to hunt down clues to the Corps’ demise, he finds a new threat of his own making! And as if that wasn’t bad enough, the arrival of former Mjolnir-wielder Beta Ray Bill means Nova’s days may be numbered! Can the galaxy’s newest and least experienced hero prevail against overwhelming odds? Collecting NOVA (2013) #11-15 and material from #10.
Art: MIKE DEODATA
Cover: JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
Variant: GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
Interlocking Battle Variant: ART ADAMS
Teaser Variant also available
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
WHO HOLDS THE EYE? WHO KNOWS ITS SECRETS?
The cosmic manhunt for the Watcher’s killer continues. More bodies are discovered. The killer’s trail leads to the far corners of the universe and beyond. And just when Nick Fury and the Avengers think they’ve cornered their murderer ... EVERYTHING EXPLODES, unleashing the Marvel Universe’s greatest secrets.
Art/Cover: MICHAEL AVON OEMING
32 PGS./Mature/$3.95
Walker and Pilgrim continue their investigation into the death of a true American icon — and uncover one of the darkest, most fascinating secrets of American superpower history! From the Eisner Award-winning team of Bendis and Oeming comes another shocking chapter of one of the most successful independent comics of its generation!
© 2013 Jinxworld Inc.
Looooong delayed.
Art: TBA
Cover: SHANE DAVIS
32 PGS./Parental Advisory/$3.99
• He’s the best there is at what he does -- but what if he has a bad day?
• Logan collides head first with some bad luck on the worst possible day. Can Jubilee lend a hand?
• It’s Wolverine’s no good, very bad, extremely awful day by Gail Simone (Batgirl) and Somebody!
Art: ESAD RIBIC
Cover: JEE-HYUNG
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
THE LAST DAYS OF MIDGARD - Part Four
Thor and SHIELD agent Roz Solomon vs. Ulik the troll! ROXXON vs. Broxton, Oklahoma! And in the far future, the Goddesses of Thunder take on Old Galactus! But wait, where’s King Thor ...?
Tradewaiting -- and enjoying it.
Art: MARIO GUEVARA
Cover: MIKE McKONE
Artist Variant: FELIX RUIZ
“PALACE OF THE BRINE” (PART 1 of 2)
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• A lavish vacation spot for the super-rich suddenly goes dark, with hundreds missing.
• And the only suspect is an old frenemy of the FANTASTIC FOUR
• Meanwhile, the truth of the team’s mysterious fourth member spells doom for another member of the team!
Art: CHRIS BACHALO
Cover: ALEXANDER LOZANO
Artist Variant: TBA
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• The Cyclops Revolution marches on!
• Who is the mysterious figure building Sentinels for SHIELD?
• Find out what happened to Dazzler since Mystique took her down back in UNCANNY X-MEN #9!
Art/Cover: MAHMUD ASRAR
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
TOMORROW NEVER LEARNS -- Part 3!
• Storm, Idie and the kids make a stand against the Phoenix Corporation while Wolverine clings to life!
• Meanwhile, Quentin Quire, on the run, finds a new ally in … Cyclops?
• Jason Latour (WINTER SOLDIER) and Mahmud Asrar (X-MEN) continue the ALL NEW MARVEL NOW smash hit!
Really, after you make Scott "Mr. X-Man" Summers a bad guy, should we be surprised at anything? So, yeah, a Cyclops-Quentin Quire team-up. Why not?
Penciled by PABLO RAIMONDI, KHOI PHAM & VALENTINE DELANDRO
Cover by PABLO RAIMONDI
464 PGS./Rated T+/$34.99
As X-Factor unloads their hopes, fears and darkest secrets to Doc Samson, Jamie Madrox decides to gather up his stray dupes. The trouble is, two don’t want to go quietly: the married priest and the agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.! And when Hydra comes calling, will Jamie become their secret weapon? With Mutant Town under siege thanks to the terrorist X-Cell, X-Factor races the clock to keep every former mutant from being imprisoned. What an awful time for the Isolationist to strike! Then, after the events of MESSIAH COMPLEX, X-Factor is a shambles. Jamie is a basket case; Wolfsbane quits but won’t say why; and Layla is trapped in the future, in the middle of the Summers Rebellion! Plus: Quicksilver’s life takes a dramatic turn! Collecting X-FACTOR (2006) #13-24 and #28-32, X-FACTOR: THE QUICK AND THE DEAD #1, and X-FACTOR SPECIAL: LAYLA MILLER #1.
Art: CLAY MANN
Cover: TERRY DODSON
32 PGS./Rated T+/$3.99
• The Jean Grey School is under attack, leaving a young X-Man dead on the school’s front lawn.
• Jubilee’s worst nightmare has come to pass ... and the future’s being rewritten.
• Clay Mann (GAMBIT) joins Brian Wood for a terrifying new chapter in X-Men history!
There's something so appealingly ... slick about Dodson art. It's so clean and sexy. I really like it.
VALIANT COMICS
UNITY #7
Art: CAFU
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by RAUL ALLEN
Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
"TRAPPED BY WEBNET" – FINALE
The final deathtrap of Dr. Silk!
Ninjak’s ultimate enemy has drawn his web tight around X-O Manowar and the rest of Valiant’s unbreakable all-star superteam…and now they’re about to find out how the globe’s most brilliantly depraved mind doles out revenge. “Trapped by Webnet” cuts to an action-packed conclusion … and no one will escape Dr. Silk’s grasp unscathed!
Art: DAVID LAPHAM, MIKE LEEKE and BERNARD CHANG
Cover: JIM LEE
$39.99/T+/200 pgs.
Collected for the very first time -- the debut adventures of the H.A.R.D. Corps in the original Valiant Universe by legendary creators Jim Shooter (Secret Wars), David Lapham (Stray Bullets), David Michelinie (Amazing Spider-Man), Bernard Chang (Green Lantern Corps) and more!
The most important technological breakthrough of the century might also be its most dangerous. After years of trial and error, multinational conglomerate Omen Enterprises has finally perfected a cybernetic brain implant that will change the face of modern warfare forever. With a legion of ex-soldiers at their disposal, Omen is building the private army of the future -- a squadron of enhanced commandos that calls itself the H.A.R.D. Corps! But even with the powers of flight, telekinesis, and mind control at their command, not everyone is willing to volunteer for service … but Omen has ways of making you fight for a paycheck.
Collecting HARBINGER (1992) #10-11 and H.A.R.D. CORPS (1993) #1-6 for the first time anywhere, VALIANT MASTERS: H.A.R.D. CORPS VOL. 1 -- SEARCH AND DESTROY also comes complete with process art, sketches and more rarely seen back-up material from the depths of the Valiant vault!
Art & Cover by DIEGO BERNARD
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS – PART 2!
Who – or what – is the man called MALGAM?
Aric of Dacia, a fifth-century warrior bonded to alien armor and transplanted to the modern day, is now the most important weapon in the arsenal of M.E.R.O., the top-secret American intelligence organization that monitors extraterrestrial life on Earth. In order to protect his people, Aric must undergo dangerous missions in space, but nothing can prepare him for the stunning secret that awaits him in the stars. The march toward X-O Manowar #25 – and the coming of the ARMOR HUNTERS – continues here in an essential prelude to the Valiant Universe event of 2014!
Valiant's X-O MANOWAR #24 returns to store shelves with a new cover featuring the stunning interior art of red-hot rising star Diego Bernard (Red Lanterns, Eternal Warrior)!
"Diego Bernard is a phenomenal new talent, and he's delivering some truly mind-blowing work on PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS. He's dedicated to X-O Manowar for the long haul and, with his first issues rocketing into a lightning-fast sell-out, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase his jaw-dropping interiors with a new cover for X-O MANOWAR #24," said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons.
Written by New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern, The Flash) with art by Bernard, the road to the Valiant event of 2014 begins right here in PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS as X-O Manowar hurtles toward his first epic confrontation with the galaxy’s most feared team of hunter-killers. For eons, one threat above all others has brought pain and strife down upon civilizations across the universe -- the X-O Manowar armor. And now X-O Manowar has come to Earth. What will follow in its wake? Only the creature called Malgam knows the truth … and, before the ARMOR HUNTERS strike this June, Aric of Dacia is about to be forced into a brutal confrontation with the deadly legacy behind the universe’s most powerful weapon.
"The fact that we're seeing such high demand for ARMOR HUNTERS-related titles months before the event launches in full this June is an excellent indication that Valiant's upcoming crossover will be the event to watch this summer. The prelude issues are an indispensable introduction to the action-packed blockbuster of a story that Robert Venditti and Doug Braithwaite have in store," said Hunter Gorinson, Valiant's Director of Marketing, Communications, and Digital Media. "Combine those facts with Diego Bernard's incredible artwork, and you can see why PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS is a pivotal turning point for one of Valiant's flagship series."
Picking up out of the pages of X-O MANOWAR #24, New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and superstar artist Doug Braithwaite unleash the first issue of 2014’s must-read crossover event this June in ARMOR HUNTERS #1 (of 4). Then, Valiant’s biggest heroes launch the resistance against the world’s first full-scale cosmic threat with new arcs beginning in UNITY #8 and X-O MANOWAR #26 in June; and ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 (of 3) and ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 (of 3) beginning in July!
Don't miss the opening salvo of the cataclysm that is to come right here with the X-O MANOWAR #24 SECOND PRINTING – featuring a new cover from Valiant's next heat-seeking superstar Diego Bernard! Start reading here to find out why PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS is a comic book milestone in the making:
"The fact that this is only the prelude to the Armor Hunters storyline is very good news. If things start off this awesome, they can only get better." -- IGN
"✮✮✮✮✮… X-O Manowar always pushes forward towards something greater and that's what makes this just not a top book at Valiant, but also a top book in comics in general. This next arc kicks off with a bang..." -- Comic Vine
"Armor Hunters is the next big thing at Valiant … I can dig that for sure." -- Multiversity Comics
Art by DIEGO BERNARD, SEAN CHEN, TOM FOWLER, BRYAN HITCH, J.G. JONES, BARRY KITSON, CARY NORD, RAFER ROBERTS, and ANDY RUNTON
Cover A by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
Cover B by BRYAN HITCH
Armors Variant by ARTURO LOZZI
Throwback Variant by SEAN CHEN
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON
$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ARMOR HUNTERS PRELUDE
VALIANT FIRST delivers another must-read milestone this May with a blockbuster, 48-page celebration of X-O Manowar’s 25th issue … and an essential introduction to the comic book event of 2014 -- ARMOR HUNTERS!
Find out why the galaxy’s most feared team of hunter-killers have journeyed across the stars to destroy the X-O Manowar armor and the Earth along with it in ARMOR HUNTERS: PART ZERO by Robert Venditti and Diego Bernard. Then, revisit the roots of Aric of Dacia’s transformation from Visigoth conqueror into the 21st century’s alien-armored guardian, as told by Robert Venditti and J.G. Jones! Plus, all-new tales of X-O Manowar from Peter Milligan & Bryan Hitch, Justin Jordan & Rafer Roberts, and much, much more!
Valiant is proud to announce that it is pulling out all the stops for X-O Manowar #25 – the publisher's first 48-page anniversary spectacular from ongoing series creators Robert Venditti and Diego Bernard, and an all-star cast of special guests including Bryan Hitch, J.G. Jones, Justin Jordan, Peter Milligan, Rafer Roberts, and more!
Before X-O Manowar steps front and center for the Armor Hunters crossover event beginning in June, he'll be celebrating 25 chart-topping, critically acclaimed issues with a special oversized anniversary issue, bursting with all-new content from the top creators in comics today, including:
ARMOR HUNTERS: PART ZERO by ROBERT VENDITTI (Green Lantern, The Flash) & DIEGO BERNARD (Eternal Warrior)
THE ORIGIN OF X-O MANOWAR retold by ROBERT VENDITTI (Green Lantern, The Flash) & J.G. JONES (Before Watchmen: Comedian, Final Crisis)
Plus: all-new tales of X-O Manowar by PETER MILLIGAN (X-Force), BRYAN HITCH (The Ultimates), JUSTIN JORDAN (Dead Body Road), RAFER ROBERTS (Carpool Buddies of Doom), and more special surprise guests!
Whether you've been reading X-O Manowar since issue #1 or you have yet to pick up your first issue, X-O Manowar #25 is a can't-miss comic book event celebrating the character's past and future with a spectacular array of brand new stories! Featuring stunning shelf covers by JELENA-KEVIC DJURDJEVIC (Thor) and BRYAN HITCH (Age of Ultron), X-O Manowar #25 will also feature an Armors Variant spotlighting the different incarnations of the X-O Manowar armor throughout the ages by artist ARTURO LOZZI (Bloodshot); as well as Valiant's very first throwback cover by Valiant icon SEAN CHEN (Iron Man); and an iconic, fully painted variant cover by superstar artist TERRY DODSON (X-Men) -- his first piece for Valiant!
"X-O Manowar #1 was the first issue of a monthly comic book series that I’d ever written, so I didn't know what to expect. I hoped I’d at least make it a year, and I really hoped I’d make it two. So to be at #25 now, and to be planning far beyond, I feel very fortunate," said series writer Robert Venditti.
"When X-O Manowar #1 by Robert Venditti and Cary Nord hit shelves in 2012, it didn't just mark the return of one of the greatest characters in comics -- it also marked the return of Valiant," said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons. "Now, with our biggest story yet – Armor Hunters – just over the horizon, X-O Manowar #25 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible work that Robert, Cary, Lee Garbett, Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano, Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic and Diego Bernard have accomplished."
"We're overjoyed to be celebrating our first major anniversary with X-O Manowar #25, and we're packing this issue to capacity to make sure it's the must-read milestone that this series deserves. With the Armor Hunters crossover event about to come crashing down on Aric of Dacia's world, summer 2014 is going to be the summer of X-O Manowar – and issue #25 is the perfect place to jump on board," said Valiant CEO and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani.
Since debuting in the pages of X-O Manowar #1 in 1992, X-O Manowar has sold more than 8 million copies and featured work by a distinguished roster of comics luminaries including current Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, and comics legends Barry Windsor-Smith and Bob Layton.
Two decades later, as the first title of Valiant's 2012 relaunch, the all-new X-O Manowar #1 by Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord became one of the year's highest selling debut issues, warranting four sold-out printings. In the two years since, the series has continued to accrue critical and commercial accolades, including "Best Revival of 2012" by The Onion/A.V. Club, "Best Ongoing Series" by Ain't It Cool News, and a 2012 Diamond Gem Award nomination for Best Comic Book of the Year.
OTHER PUBLISHERS
ADVENTURE TIME #28
Writer: RYAN NORTH
Art: JIM RUGG
Cover: KYLA VANDERKLUGT, MIKE HOLMES
$3.99
With one answer, there is always a million questions. Finn and Jake find themselves out of one problem and into another. It looks like it's going to be a race to the finish as our heroes discover what it really means to be a friend, and learn something about themselves along the way.
Writer/Art/Cover: OH GREAT
Mature/$19.99
In this omnibus collection of volumes 7, 8 and 9, Ikki leads team Kogarasumaru into battle against team Behemoth. With much greater experience and frighteningly powerful members, Behemoth may be more than Kogarasumaru can handle! Ikki and his team must find a way to contend with the unstoppable punching machine, Bandou, and the ultra powerful Udou, leader of Behemoth!
“Unstoppable punching machine,” eh? I know, why not shoot him?
Writer: NUNZIO DEFILLIPIS, CHRISTINA WEIR
Art/Cover: T. J. Kirsch
$19.99
Times are tough for Amy Devlin, and without a case her financial situation is dire. Busting a cold case of kidnapping and murder from years ago may be the answer to her problems. Amy is sure that she can solve the case, but when the powerful, and untouchable, Life Science Institute of Hollywood gets involved, she may wind up with much more than just her reputation on the line.
Writer/Cover: PEYO
Art: PEYO, WILL MALTAITE
$11.99
Benny's uncle has a very important job: he guards the treasury of a very tiny - but very rich - neighboring country. Uncle Placid has his work cut out for him, with thieves of every stripe always plotting to break in and steal the money, but he never expected a thief to try and steal the machines that make the money! While traveling back home with Benny during a school break with the printing plates on board, it looks like super-strong Benny might be the only one able to fend off a daring raid!
Writers: EARL MAC RAUCH, W.E. RICHTER
Art: STEPHEN THOMPSON, KEN WOLAK
Cover: LEE MODER, DAVE DORMAN
$15.95
Reduced Price! Along with his Hong Kong Cavaliers, Banzai must battle more than one surprise arch enemy, each with their own motives, but all acting in concert to bring Banzai to his knees! All this sandwiched between a couple of great rock and roll guitar solos, a few surgical procedures, a crazy gun battle on land and air, Buck's one chance for the ultimate revenge, his soul in turmoil, all the chicks digging him, engineering synchronicity, pretty toilets, a human pickle, and a giant sombrero! A brand new interview with Banzai's creator Mac Rauch!
Writer: EARL MAC RAUCH
Art: CHEW CHAN, SHAWN VAN BRIESEN
Cover: Matt Haley
$16.95
First time in paperback! Writer Mac Rauch and director WD Richter return to their creation with brand new stories! Everyone's favorite adventurer/surgeon/rock star is back again just in time to save the world! Get the low down on the events that transpired before the movie! See for the first time a good look at Buckaroo's beginnings! This volume reprints the 2 issue "Prequel" series, the two-issue "H.O.T.H." series, and the "Origin" and "Big Size" issues.
If I may be forgiven a non-manga comment, I’d just like to say that I’ve never understood the immense popularity of Buckaroo Banzai for some folks. By me, it was not that great of a picture.
Writer: JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art/Cover: JOE INFURMAN
$3.99
Billy confronts the others with what he's found in the Bunker; he's figured out exactly what and where this is all leading, and seen the bigger picture. But, an assassin from the future is going to make sure things go as planned.
Writers: CLIVE BARKER, MARK L. MILLER
Art: HAEMI JANG
Cover: GONI MONTES
Mature/$14.99
WHY WE LOVE IT: Clive Barker has reimagined the HELLRAISER mythos since 2011 with BOOM! Studios, creating one of the most successful horror comics on the stands. Now, he's created and written an all-new original comic book series, and his vision again proves why he is the Master of Horror.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Named the best miniseries of 2013 by Bloody Disgusting, this trade paperback collects the first arc of Clive Barker's original comic book creation, with collaborators Mark Miller (HELLRAISER) and Haemi Jang (HELLRAISER: THE ROAD BELOW).
WHAT'S IT ABOUT: Julian Demond, captain of industry, leaves his life behind to begin a walkabout. While wandering the desert, he comes across a unique figure, who calls himself Wick ... and claims to be God. Together, they begin a terrifying journey across the Earth, as neither man merely wants to merely make a mark on the world. Instead, they intend to leave a scar.
Writer: JOHN SMITH
Art: SEAN PHILLIPS & Various
Mature/$33.99
In Judge Dredd's world, where psychic phenomena are commonplace, and horrors from beyond the imagination can invade our reality at any time, one man stands against the terror - freelance Vatican operative, athlete, aesthete and bon vivant Devlin Waugh, whose talent for fisticuffs is matched only by his penchant for vicious tongue-lashings! When the Vatican's pre-cognitive telepaths detect a future problem in the high-tech underwater prison of Aquatraz, Devlin is sent to investigate. But when he discovers the truth, will he turn out to have bitten off more than he can chew?
Writer/At/Cover: JACK KATZ
Mature/$24.99
Hidden kings and reincarnated queens, feuding, immortal cyborg gods; post apocalyptic worlds, a history millennia long and filled with mindblowing secrets of the universe -- The First Kingdom is all this and more! Tundran and Fara rise to reach their destiny! Will they steer humanity back to the stars - or spark a final war that will destroy everything? Can the transgods of Helleas Voran keep their grip on power when their true nature is revealed? Unparalleled in its scope and dazzling in its intensity, filled with unforgettable characters and art that burns itself into the memory, The First Kingdom will leave you forever changed!
Writer/Art/Cover: KOHSKE
Mature/$12.99
The Handymen, Nic and Worick, ply their trade in Ergastulum, a city run by the Mafia and ruled by violence. Recruited into a battle against a gang, they find themselves up against one of the "Twilights" mercenaries with superhuman abilities generated by dangerous drugs. Nic, who is also a Twilight, fights back with the same savagery and skill - until Worick has to step in to save him from himself. Partners and equals now, in the past they were anything but, yet both men are bound together by the chains of a tragic past as they face an uncertain future.
GHOST IN SHELL STAND ALONE COMPLEX VOL 5 (GN)
Writer/Art/Cover: YU KINUTANI
Mature/$10.99
The Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex originally aired on Cartoon Network as a 26 episode anime series. This manga adaptation is sure to draw fans of the anime and the original The Ghost in the Shell movie and manga.
While I’ve read and enjoyed much of Masamune Shirow’s original Ghost in the Shell manga, I’m a little sketchy when it comes to an adaptation of an adaptation. I’ve a feeling it would feel a bit too “filtered.”
Writer: PATRICK SHAND
Art: BUTCH K. MAPA
Cover A: PAOLO PANTALENA
Cover B: MARAT MYCHAELS
Cover C: ALE GARZA
$3.99
THE LAST STAND OF THE BEING!
It's all been building toward the final stand between the Being and those who oppose him. Can humanity stand a chance against an all-powerful, vengeful deity? Has the time of reckoning arrived? The battle that will decide the fate of the Grimm Universe's deadliest villain begins now!
I had to chuckle when I noticed the swordswoman on the left on Cover A is going into battle in high heels. I've never worn high heels, but I'm guessing they're not ideal for swordfights!
Writer: PATRICK SHAND
Art: AC OSORIO
Cover A: STJEPAN SEJIC
Cover B: EMILIO LAISO
Cover C: CUCCA
$3.99
In the face of personal tragedy, Andre Payne is unable to look himself in the mirror. Ashamed of his role in the death of a family member, Andre prepares to flee, until he is confronted by a man who claims to be his father, Zeus, the king of the gods. When true power is bestowed upon the misguided teen, will Andre become a power for good or a force of evil?
Writer: PATRICK SHAND
Art: SEDAT OZGEN
Cover A: MIKE S. MILLER
Cover B: RICHARD ORTIZ
Cover C: PASQUALE QUALANO
$3.99
In pursuit of the mysterious stranger that sent her the lost diary of her father, Liesel Van Helsing travels to Rome. There, she comes into contact with Jonathan Harker, a meek bookshop owner, who will assist her in her quest to find Dracula. However, they might not get far, as they are being followed by a trio of deadly vampires known as the Brides!
CHICKFIGHT!
Writer: JOE BRUSHA
Art: TBD
Cover A: DAVID FINCH
Cover B: TALENT CALDWELL
Cover C: KEN LASHLEY
Cover D: SHELDON GOH
Cover E: RICHARD ORTIZ
$2.99
The second, epic installment of OZ is here!
Peace has been restored to Oz. The fallen Witch, Lynessa, and her sister, Zina, are fading into memory like a bad dream, soon to be remembered only in tales meant to frighten children. But there is one witch that still draws breath in Oz and she has not forgotten the power of her masters or the evil that they left behind. Soon the people of Oz will face a foe more frightening than any enemy that has come before ... The Warlord of Oz has arrived!
My, Dorothy has really grown up!
Writer/Art/Cover: FRED PERRY
$3.99
A routine education expedition for Professor Gina Diggers and her class becomes a nightmare when a secret tunnel opens into one of the enigmatic Death Trap Architech's strongholds! Inside, each of Gina's students is pulled away into an insidious dungeon, and Gina only has enough time to save one of them. This issue puts Gina head-to-head with the deadliest enemy she has ever faced!
You know one thing that turned me off about this series right away? The logo. It looks amateurish, and it doesn't take any design experience to realize that it won't work small, or on light-colored backgrounds. It's such a subtle turn-off, even I didn't realize it right away. But now that I do, I can't look away from it.
Writer: JAMISON RAYMOND
Art: RYAN HOWE
Cover: DAVE DORMAN
$4.99
A comic book about the other guys. Gary is struggling to get by. Too old to learn a new trade, too young to retire. Then he finds a mysterious classified ad. When Gary applies in person, he finds a subversive world of henchmen for hire. Readers will see the familiar superhero landscape from the unique perspective of those who rarely get a voice but are always present - the Henchmen. While the superhero is battling the super-villain, the henchmen are the ones loading the loot into the van. They all have stories, they all have fears. Gary is a good man driven to do terrible things.
Writer/Art/Cover: KAORU TADA
$16.95
Kotoko may be an old hand at college, but she still can't wait for the annual Tonan University Festival! After all, she'll definitely be crowned "Best Couple" with the ever-brilliant Naoki...right?! But what will Kotoko do when her adored husband graduates and plunges headfirst into his medical career. Can this clumsy nurse-in-training keep up?
Itazura Na Kiss is the acclaimed series that proves perseverance pays off, especially when you're head-over-heels in love! Kotoko and Naoki are the perfect couple...but can they face the challenges of growing up and graduating? And will Kotoko ever learn to stop making promises she can't hope to keep?
"And will Kotoko ever learn to stop making promises she can't hope to keep?"
I’m guessing that if she ever learns that, it will right be right around the penultimate chapter of the final volume.
Writers: JONATHAN KELLERMAN, ANDE PARKS
Art/Cover: MICHAEL GAYDOS
$24.00
Jonathan Kellerman has more than 40 million copies of his novels in print. Now Kellerman is set to win over new fans with this graphic novel adaptation of his bestselling novel The Web. With stylish, black-and-white, noir-inspired art from award-winning artist Michael Gaydos, this graphic novel will bring new life to this classic Alex Delaware story. In The Web, Alex is invited to a remote island paradise for an all-expenses-paid vacation by the mysterious Dr. Moreland - and finds himself embroield in the investigation of the murder of a beautiful young woman.
Writer: ANDREW SIRANGELO
Art/Cover: GABRIEL LUMAZARK
Mature/$3.99
WHY WE LOVE IT: Ever wonder what's behind that "No Trespassing" sign? We do! Co-creators André Sirangelo and Gabriel Iumazark takes us deep into the renegade world of urbEx (urban exploration). Throw in a decades-old conspiracy involving vaudeville magicians and occult spiritualists and you've got us hooked.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: The cunning, daredevil urbEx members of Backbone will win you over as the ragtag, Ocean's Eleven-style crew of the sewers and abandoned warehouses. Iumazark's Brazilian/Japanesefusion indie art style brings edgy energy to every dark corner. And fans of THIEF OF THIEVES and the film NOW YOU SEE ME will find comparisons to entice them.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: An urban spelunking group in San Francisco discovers a secret bunker belonging to the long-vanished 1930s stage magician Blackhall the Incredible at the same time as young, out-of-work magician Ivan receives a mysterious package that points him toward a possible conspiracy involving Blackhall's death in 1934. Both groups dive into the mystery, not yet realizing that it's about the change their lives forever.
Writer/Art/Cover A: SIYA OUM
Cover B: SIYA OUM
$3.99
Aspen's newest hit series continues!
Lola becomes a recruit for the notorious Wasteland Trading Company, but their true intentions may not fit with her own motives for survival. Meanwhile, a rogue group of carnies manage to escape from their delirious carnival, and Lola finds herself as the person responsible for retrieving this wild-and dangerous-bunch!
One of 2014's most exciting debuts, LOLA XOXO is ready to take you on an incredible adventure unlike any other!
Writer: GREG FARSHTEY
Art/Cover: JOLYON YATES
GN $6.99, HC $10.99
A factory in Ninjago Village is under siege by an unstoppable new menace, with the beloved mayor and his daughter held hostage! Only Nya, Jay, Cole, and Kai - the Masters of Spinjitzu - can save the day. Or are they? Much to the brave warriors' astonishment, a new gray ninja is on the scene! Is the Phantom Ninja friend or foe, and will his reckless fighting style sabotage the rescue mission before it even starts? Available in Softcover and Hardcover editions.
Writer: ROB WILLIAMS
Art/Cover: D'ISRAELI
$3.99
What if everyone woke up with superpowers -- and it was the worst thing in the world? When a strange plague gives every human being on the planet special powers, it's seen as the next step in human evolution. But hope quickly turns to terror, as every war, terrorist attack, every crime, every simple street argument escalates a truly horrific point. The world is tearing itself apart -- every trouble spot becomes a monstrous war zone and nuclear Armageddon looms. The plague must be cured if humankind is to survive. The key lies in the blood of the only human being who didn't get powers when the plague hit: A downtrodden, recently divorced New York plumber named Michael Fisher. The most ordinary man alive has suddenly become the most extraordinary person on Planet Earth. Giant baseball players, grannies aging in reverse, a talking Grizzly bear. That's nothing out of the Ordinary!
Writer: TOM HUTCHISON
Art: J. B. NETO
Cover: J. B. NETO, JENEVIEVE BROOMALL
Mature/$3.50
Three of the Four Horsemen now stand together. United as a force against both Heaven and Hell. Who could possibly stop the combined power of The False Prophet, War, and Death?
Writer: DARYL GREGORY
Art: DIEGO BARRETO
Cover: MAREK OLEKSICKI
$14.99
When the Lawgiver was assassinated by a human, Ape City fell into a vicious civil war. Ten years have passed since the horrific violence and a fragile peace is emerging. Voice Alaya has been deposed and awaits sentencing in Ape City's prison. Meanwhile, Sully has begun to rally forces, both human and ape. Little do they know they're both on a collision course towards an even greater danger ... Collects the PLANET OF THE APES SPECIAL, SPECTACULAR, and GIANT issues and concludes the series Jason Aaron has called, "The best PLANET OF THE APES comics ever."
Writer/Art/Cover: YUU MOEGI
Mature/$12.95
It's the conclusion to Yuu Moegi's four-part romance of two lovers trying to learn from one another as they encounter different obstacles in their relationship. Things really start to heat up in this last volume as they take on the toughest obstacle thus far -- each other's families! While living together with Kaede, Rintaro decides to start a part-time job as a private teacher. But he's met with objections from Kaede and in order to ascertain how suitable he is, it's decided that he'll teach Kaede's little brother, Tsubaki! Rintaro suddenly starts going to Kaede's family house, but what will happen?
Apropos of nothing, but for some reason, the above makes me wonder what “gay-friendly” versions of DC’s Silver Age romance comics would have been like.
Writer/Art/Cover: TAKEHIKO INOUE
$12.99
From Viz Media. Eisner Award-nominated creator Takehiko Inoue creates a dramatic tale of triumph over adversity that has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. This is the story of three young men whose lives are profoundly changed by their involvement with wheelchair basketball. Real is a tale of triumph over adversity told in the unmatched illustrative style of one of Japan's most popular and talented creators, Takehiko Inoue (Slam Dunk, Vagabond). The series' main characters, three young men in their late teens, have one thing in common -- their love of basketball. As they experience harrowing personal tragedies, their love for the sport provides an unexpected lifeline and a path to redemption. Togawa's pursuit of excellence takes him to a wheelchair basketball camp, where he discovers major deficiencies in his fundamentals in the areas of teamwork and leadership. While his fierce drive for individual competition has carried him this far, will it now be a hindrance? Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen plus audiences.
As an aside and in all seriousness, I would like to express my boundless admiration for people who play basketball in wheelchairs. As someone who, despite having reasonably healthy legs and the natural advantage of being 6’ 5 ” tall, could never play basketball worth a tick, I cannot imagine how they do it.
Writer/Art/Cover: BEN HATKE
GN $12.99, HC $18.99
Ben Hatke brings back the intrepid space heroine for another delightful sci-fi/fantasy adventure in this New York Times-bestselling trilogy for middle grade readers. Zita the Spacegirl has saved planets, battled monsters, and wrestled with interplanetary fame. But she faces her biggest challenge yet in the third and final installment of the Zita adventures. Wrongfully imprisoned on a penitentiary planet, Zita has to plot the galaxy's greatest jailbreak before the evil prison warden can execute his plan of interstellar domination! Available in softcover and hardcover editions.
Writer: IAN BOOTHBY & Various
Art: REX LINDSEY & Various
Cover: NINA MATSUMOTO
$4.99
Get your hot little hands on the newest summer sampling of the Simpsons! Due to the city's budget cuts, Homer and the Simpsons clan are recruited as the lifeguards at the municipal pool. And be there as Bart Simpson's greatest secret is revealed as Bartman is unmasked in front of all of Springfield! Then Marge asks Homer to do some home improvement! And join McBain as he takes on his archenemy -- "MENDOZA!"
Writer/Art/Cover: NOZOMI YANAHARA
$12.95
Despite the Ph.D attached to his name, Harumi was having trouble finding work until he finally snagged a position as an assistant professor. Living with his cousin Kururi (who is nineteen years his junior) has started to feel more normal, but they still have a pile of problems. Just how is Harumi going to deal with Kururi's burgeoning love and his own feelings for his colleague Kosaka? Not to mention all the other drama closing in on him. Bento lunch boxes are the ties that bind this strange family together. Here is the second volume of the heartwarming comedy (with a little romance)!
Boxed lunches have a cultural significance in Japan that years of study have yet to fully explain to me.
Writer/Art/Cover: THIERRY COPPEE
GN $7.99, HC $12.99
Toto isn't very good at school, he's clumsy in sports, and he's kind of a social misfit, but he is great at one thing: messing up! In the first chapter of this hilarious new series we spend a school year with Toto as our hero tries to sail through each day without causing too much wreckage along the way. Giving a dog a bath in a washing machine, failing every school subject (including gym), and knocking out his front teeth on a bicycle are all just part of regular life for Toto! Available in Softcover and Hardcover editions.
Writer: CLAUDIO SANCHEZ, CHONDRA ECHERT
Art: DANIEL BAYLISS
Cover: JEFF STOKELY
$3.99
FROM ONE NIGHTMARE TO THE NEXT ... Down the rabbit hole we go, straight into The Navigator's dark past. What happened to a young dreamer that made him the hero he is now? No one is more curious than his archnemesis, The Horse. In the vein of IRREDEEMABLE, this is Claudio Sanchez and Chondra Echert's dark take on the superhero's journey!
Writer: TOM HUTCHISON
Art: IAN SNYDER
Cover: IAN SNYDER, NEI RUFFINO
Mature/$3.50
Naomi travels north in an attempt to save her friend Onyx from the vampire embassy in Alaska. She knows it is a trap, and one she may not escape from.
Writer/Art/Cover: FUMI YOSHINAGA
Mature/$12.95
A hard-working middle-aged gay couple in Tokyo come to enjoy the finer moments of life through food. After long days at work, either in the law firm or the hair salon, Shiro and Kenji will always have down time together by the dinner table, where they can discuss their troubles, hash out their feelings and enjoy delicately prepared home cooked meals!
Do people base relationships around lunch? My not knowing this answer is probably the sort of thing that explains why I am terminally single.
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