Comics Guide for Sept. 21, 2016

NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN

Since almost all of DC's superhero line has been Rebirthed, it seems pointless to single them out every week now. But here's a new crossover that involves three Rebirthed titles. Given that "Monster Men" were what Hugo Strange created in his first appearance in 1939, it's likely this story is re-visiting that story.

BATMAN #7

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by STEVE ORLANDO and TOM KING

Art by RILEY ROSSMO

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Variant cover by TIM SALE

32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

“NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN” part 1!

The first crossover of the “Rebirth” era is here! As a huge storm approaches, Batman, Batwoman and Nightwing try and prepare Gotham City for the worst, but nothing can prepare them for enormous tall monsters rampaging through the streets! Batman will need all of his allies to unite in order to stop these mad science monsters from tearing their city apart!

NIGHTWING #5

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by STEVE ORLANDO and TIM SEELEY

Art by ROGE ANTONIO

Cover by YANICK PAQUATTE

Variant cover by IVAN REIS

32 pg• FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

“Night of the Monster Men” part 2!

The Monster Men are stomping their way through Gotham City. How can the Bat-team face the monsters and the storm of the century? And when Nightwing goes behind the scenes to discover where the monsters came from, what lurks in the shadows may be worse than the monsters themselves!

Next week: Part Three – DETECTIVE COMICS #941. Parts Four through Six of "NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN" concludes the storyline in the pages of BATMAN #8, NIGHTWING #6 and DETECTIVE COMICS #942, coming in October.

REVOLUTION

IDW has begun its own massive crossover, which will combine a bunch of its Hasbro properties into a single universe. Called "Revolution," it appears to begin in the final issues of a number of books, carry over into the five-issue, bi-weekly Revolution miniseries, then continue into new first issues of all titles starring Action Man, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K., Micronauts, ROM and Transformers. There are five Revolution-related books this week, including the launch of the miniseries.

REVOLUTION #1 (OF 5)

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writers: CULLEN BUNN & JOHN BARBER

Art: FICO OSSIO

Cover: TRADD MOORE

Variant: BRANDON PETERSON

“Official Handbook” Variant: JOHN BYRNE

Propaganda Variant: JAMES BIGGIE

Imaginary 2-Pack Toy Variant: Optimus Prime and Scarlett: ADAM RICHES

Blank Sketch Variant

FC • 40 pages • $3.99

IDW Publishing has unveiled its most ambitious comic book publishing venture in its history revolving around its fan-favorite titles based on Hasbro properties.

The “Revolution” event marks the birth of a comic book crossover that will be comprised of not only the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE properties, but also all-new properties MICRONAUTS, ROM and ACTION MAN, as well as the launch of a long-awaited M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand series.

This is not a reboot -- rather, the Revolution series takes many of the building blocks of what has come before from IDW and builds on them anew, bringing all these elements together in an epic event that results in an all-new status quo for all involved. Everything fans have enjoyed up to this point remains intact as part of this ongoing continuity. The ramifications of Revolution will extend well beyond the event, as all of these iconic characters will henceforth exist in the same universe, altering the scope of IDW editorial in all the Hasbro series from this moment onward.

Revolution, the bi-weekly five-issue event series that launches this initiative, will be co-written by Cullen Bunn (MICRONAUTS) and John Barber (TRANSFORMERS) with art by Fico Ossio (MICRONAUTS). The event kicks off with a world-shaking threat that brings all opposing factions together in a storyline that just might see the destruction of the universe before it can truly begin!

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS! Explosions rip across the Earth -- and all signs of blame point to OPTIMUS PRIME and the TRANSFORMERS! G.I. JOE refuses to go quietly -- and they assemble heroes big enough to stop the invaders! ACTION MAN and M.A.S.K. fight for humanity -- but where do ROM and the MICRONAUTS stand? Celebrating more than a decade of stories by IDW and HASBRO, this unprecedented bi-weekly event draws everything together -- and leaves nothing standing. The REVOLUTION is here --TAKE A STAND!

“The Revolution series builds out of a detail that was introduced in IDW’s first-ever issue of TRANSFORMERS in 2005,” said IDW’s Chief Creative Officer, Chris Ryall. “So to finally be able to build upon the various story elements we’ve seeded over the years, and which come into play in a big way starting with July’s ROM #1 even before the launch of Revolution, is a blast. We’ve been working toward a full-fledged universe for some time and it’s great fun to be able to finally bring it to vivid life, especially since it allows us to give the world new titles like the very-requested M.A.S.K., as well as some exciting new books still to be announced.”

“We’ve done plenty of crossovers in the past,” said Michael Kelly, Head of Global Publishing at Hasbro, “but nothing near this scope or scale. Our heroes, whether they are from Earth or from distant reaches of the galaxy, all have one thing in common: their powers and abilities are based primarily on technology. We have been able to use this fact to build a natural and believable link between all of these disparate characters. The result is a complex and dynamic world where all manner of conflicts and team-ups can and will exist. If you are a fan of Hasbro’s brands, your time is now.”

As Revolution rolls out, each associated series will receive its own “Revolution” one-shot that ties in to the main event. Revolution will feature an array of variant covers with stunning cover art by Brandon Peterson, Tradd Moore, John Byrne, James Biggie, Adam Riches, Guido Guidi, Ken Christensen, Art Baltazar and more.

G.I. JOE will re-launch as an ongoing with a new creative team and new #1 this December following a Revolution tie-in one-shot in October. Writer Aubrey Sitterson (Street Fighter X G.I. Joe) and artist Giannis Milonogiannis (Prophet) will collaborate on this fresh take on the long-running series, putting a unique spin on the Joe legacy in a post-Revolution world while delving into the cast’s deep roster of iconic characters.

M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand gets a monthly series for the first time courtesy of writer Brandon Easton (Transformers: Deviations) and artist Tony Vargas (Rot & Ruin). A one-shot Revolution tie-in will coincide with the September launch of Revolution #1-2. The ongoing series launch will follow in November. The take on this beloved series will be contemporary but with a slight touch of nostalgia to satisfy fans of the 1980’s cartoon.

The Transformers line will see some changes with the introduction of two new ongoing titles: Transformers: Lost Light and the first-ever ongoing Optimus Prime series.

Transformers: Lost Light will continue the fan-favorite adventures told by More Than Meets the Eye writer James Roberts, joined on art by Jack Lawrence (Doctor Who Adventures). Beginning in December, this new series will take Rodimus and the crew of the starship Lost Light into the farthest reaches of the universe, searching for the long-lost Knights of Cybertron.

Next, John Barber, who recently exited his post as IDW’s Hasbro Group Editor, won’t be straying too far from his IDW roots as he tackles Optimus Prime, the first solo series to star the eponymous Autobot. John will be joined by artist Kei Zama (Scarlet Witch). Optimus Prime has declared Earth to be under his protection -- and this November, he’ll have to face the consequences.

All those titles will join the currently running Transformers: Till All Are One, Micronauts and ROM, which will each continue on, their storylines now converging with this newly established universe as their backdrop.

A universe of characters is born through REVOLUTION!

Yeah, that's a lot of words. I wrote together several press releases that, all together, were about three times as long, so consider yourself lucky! Anyway, there shouldn't be too many redundancies. If you're interested in Revolution, you should get some good info here.

MICRONAUTS #6

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writer: CULLEN BUNN

Art/Cover: MAX DUNBAR

Subscription variant DAVID BALDEÓN

Classic Toy Photo Variant

Action Figure Variant ADAM RICHES

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

INTO THE ENTROPY CLOUD! In order to escape from the clutches of BARON KARZA, the MICRONAUTS must flee into the storm of destructive energy roiling at the heart of their dying universe! Only one thing is known about the Entropy Cloud -- no one who enters it ever returns!

• Leads directly into the REVOLUTION event!

• The mind-blowing ending to IDW and HASBRO’s first MICRONAUTS epic

• Variant cover by J.K. Woodward!

ROM #3

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writers: CHRIS RYALL & CHRISTOS GAGE

Art: DAVID MESSINA

Cover: BILL SIENKIEWICZ

Variant: STEPHEN SCOTT

Variant: J.K. WOODWARD

Variant: DAVID MESSINA

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

ROM on the run! Pursued by the military, on the hunt for and hunted by DIRE WRAITHS … and at the very worst possible time, Rom’s greatest weapon has failed him! “Earthfall” continues in a non-stop, action-packed way!

• The march-up to REVOLUTION continues!

• Variant cover by Marcelo Matere!

ROM: REVOLUTION #1

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writer: CHRIS RYALL

Art: RON JOSEPH

Cover: ASHLEY WOOD

Variant: ROB LIEFELD

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

A REVOLUTION tie-in one-shot! ROM’s enemies, the DIRE WRAITHS have infiltrated G.I. JOE at the highest levels, clashed with the TRANSFORMERS over ORE-13, and now … stalk a lone stranger? Why would evil aliens bent on world domination terrorize one anonymous person? The answer is bigger and more sinister than you’d ever imagine!

• A REVOLUTION tie-in!

• The DIRE WRAITHS’ plans stand revealed, with major implications for the ongoing ROM series!

• The birth of a major new threat for ROM!

• All that and a permanent change to ROM’s status quo, too!

• Variant Ken Christiansen cover, part of a 13-part connected cover! Connects with all 13 Revolution issues and one-shots!

TRANSFORMERS: TILL ALL ARE ONE #4

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writer: MAIRGHREAD SCOTT

Art/Cover: SARA PITRE-DUROCHER

Subscription Variant: PRISCILLA TRAMONTANO

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

SWINDLE LIVES! And ONSLAUGHT knows the perfect way to unlock the secrets in his head. As the COMBATICONS rampage through Iacon, can IRONHIDE and his newly formed police force stop them before they annihilate STARSCREAM -- and anyone else who gets in their way?

• The first TAAO story comes crashing to a big conclusion!

• Friendships end -- and new enemies begin!

• Ties in to REVOLUTION!

• Variant cover by Thomas Deer!

CIVIL WAR II TIE-INS

Nine more CWII books this week. How many is that so far?

AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #9

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: MARC GUGGENHEIM

Art: GERMAN PERALTA

Cover by MIKE NORTON

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

IT’S COULSON VERSUS HIS TEAMMATES IN THIS EPIC SHOWDOWN!

• PHIL COULSON’s THIRD FACTION is hitting the battlefield of CIVIL WAR II!

• But how will they fare against Coulson’s former teammates and their new leader, ELEKTRA??

• Sides are being chosen and these AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. will never be the same.

For the record, this cover is an homage to Daredevil #179.

ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #12

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: TOM TAYLOR

Art: IG GUARA

Cover by BENGAL

Cosplay Variant available

32 PGS • Rated T+ • $3.99

THE ASTONISHING CONCLUSION TO OUR CIVIL WAR II TIE IN!

• GABBY’s life hangs in the balance, with her death having been predicted to be cut short by none other than OLD MAN LOGAN.

• As the shocking prediction looks to be coming true, LAURA’s world is torn apart.

• Old Man Logan might be too old to stand against the fury of the ALL-NEW WOLVERINE.

CIVIL WAR II #5

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art by DAVID MARQUEZ & JUSTIN PONSOR

Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC

Variant Covers by KIM JUNG JI, MICHAEL CHO and PHIL NOTO

40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

The battle lines have been drawn and war erupts! As the devastating fallout from the death of Bruce Banner sends shock waves across every corner of the world, Iron Man and Captain Marvel duke it out with the future of the Marvel Universe on the line! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look inside the explosive CIVIL WAR II #5 – coming at you this September from the A-List creative team of Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez and Justin Ponsor. As punches are thrown and the war hits a fever pitch, truth behind Ulysses’ predictive powers stands revealed – and it’s a game changer! Plus – an ending so shocking it’ll have the world talking! Don’t miss the thrilling next chapter when CIVIL WAR II #5 comes to comic shops and digital devices on Sept. 21!

CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES #6 (of 6)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writers: DECLAN SHALVEY, CHELSEA CAIN, CHRISTINA STRAIN

Art: DECLAN SHALVEY, ALISON SAMPSON, SANA TAKEDA

Cover: CAMERON STEWART & DECLAN SHALVEY

Variant: TULA LOTAY

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

WARS END. DON’T THEY?

• As the conflict spreads across the globe, will both sides lay down their arms or keep fighting to the bitter end?

• Featuring Nick Fury, Jessica Jones and the White Fox!!

CIVIL WAR II: X-MEN #4 (of 4)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: CULLEN BUNN

Art: ANDREA BROCCARDO

Cover by DAVID YARDIN

Black Panterh 50th Anniversary Variant: BRITTNEY L. WILLIAMS

Variant by TBA

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

• When a new Inhuman manifests the ability to profile the future, threatening to tip the scales of the Mutant/Inhuman conflict out of his favor, MAGNETO takes decisive action to safeguard the future of his people.

• But will his actions only make the future he fears most a reality?

The cover on the left feels like an homage, too, but I'll be darned if I can remember the original.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #12

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art: VALERIO SCHITI

Cover by ARTHUR ADAMS

Cosplay Variant: JOHNNY JUNKERS

32 PGS. • Rated T • $3.99

• The Guardians’ allegiances are split right down the middle, and tensions have NEVER been higher!

• Will they be too busy fighting to guard the galaxy?

• Will that even matter if they can’t leave Earth?

You can't go wrong with an Art Adams cover.

INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN #7

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art/Cover: ALEX MALEEV

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

In the middle of the events of Civil War, Tony finds out the truth about his parents and their connection to the history of the Marvel Universe.

POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #8

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: DAVID WALKER

Art: FLAVIANO & SANFORD GREENE

Cover by SANFORD GREENE

Defenders Variant by TBA

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

• Danny’s in a CAGE, so LUKE is getting him OUT!

• Will his crack team of former criminals and their associates be a help or a hindrance?

• And how will CAPTAIN MARVEL react to ULYSSES’ prediction that Luke will lead a prison break? (The kid might be on to something ...)

VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT #12

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: ROBBIE THOMPSON

Art: GERARDO SANDOVAL

Cover by ZACH HOWARD

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

• In his fight with Flash, Spidey held all the cards -- will the symbiote take back the advantage by TAKING OVER Spider-Man?

• Can Venom control his rage?! Can Spidey contain his BIGGEST secret?!

• And while Flash’s duty to the GUARDIANS brought him to Earth -- he won’t forget his responsibility to old teammates.


THIS WEEK

ALIENS: LIFE AND DEATH #1 (OF 4)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writer: DAN ABNETT

Art: MORITAT

Colors: RAIN BEREDO

Cover: DAVID PALUMBO

Variant: SACHIN TENG

FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries

Those who die are the lucky ones.

In the aftermath of the battle with the Engineers, the surviving humans on LV-223 are wounded and scattered -- and easy prey for a gathering horde of Aliens!

The Colonial Marines get a taste of what it’s like to be at the bottom of the food chain!

“Dan Abnett lives up to the hype and delivers a fantastic story.” -- Hulking Reviewer

This can be a little confusing, in that the various Aliens/Predator/Prometheus books are really all one story, one leading directly into the next. The only reason for the re-naming I can figure is to have a great number of No. Ones. That being said, it's a pretty interesting story, with our POV being a group of Colonial Marines (and one Predator) who are are running from the Aliens directly toward a hostile Engineer. They're having a very, very bad week.

ADVENTURES OF SUPERGIRL (TPB)

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by STERLING GATES

Art by BENGAL, EMANUELA LUPACCHINO, EMMA VIECELI and others

Cover by CAT STAGGS

144 pg • FC • $16.99 U.S.

In this collection of the six-issue digital-first miniseries based on the hit CBS TV show, Kara Zor-El’s fledgling efforts are targeted at criminals who escaped when Fort Rozz crashed, but she keeps hearing rumors of a shadowy mastermind sending the escapees after her! Supergirl is learning a lot about her super-abilities, her strengths as a friend and as a sister, her love of being human and alien at the same time. And she’ll need to pull it all together to defeat her most dangerous foe to date!

I didn't read this either in digital or print, so I'm interested in taking a look just to see A) if they get the faces of the actors right, and B) if it's as fun as the TV series.

ARCHIE #12

Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS

Writer: MARK WAID

Art: VERONICA FISH, ANDRE SZYMANOWICZ, JEN VAUGHN, JACK MORELLI

Cover: VERONICA FISH

Variant: BILQUIS EVELY, MARGUERITE SAUVAGE

32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S.

THE END OF AN ERA FOR RIVERDALE’S POWER COUPLE!

The romantic rivalries and not-so-friendly competitions in Riverdale will finally come to an end as newly-crowned queen of Riverdale Veronica Lodge is sent packing once and for all! What does this mean for Archie? You won’t want to miss this one!

This smacks of an ending -- not of Archie, of course, but maybe Waid's run. I hope for the best, but steel for the worst.

BATTLES OF BRIDGET LEE: INVASION OF FARFALL (TPB)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Wrier/Art/Cover: ETHAN YOUNG

FC • 80 pages • $10.99 • TPB • 7” x 10”

Face your fear -- save the planet!

This fall, Ethan Young, the acclaimed writer and artist of Nanjing: The Burning City, brings his immense talent to a sci-fi epic full of heart, humor and heroism in The Battles of Bridget Lee!

The Battles of Bridget Lee will take readers on a multivolume journey through space as it follows the world’s next heroine to great heights.

There is no longer a generation that remembers a time before the Marauders invaded Earth. The remaining human outposts have been quiet since they fought back the alien aggressors, but there are stirrings of another attack. Bridget Lee, an ex–combat medic now residing at the outpost Farfall, may be the world’s last hope. But Bridget will need to overcome her own fears before she can save her people. Her legend begins here.

• Acclaimed Nanjing: The Burning City artist/writer Ethan Young creates a sci-fi series!

• Ethan Young won a 2007 Independent Publishers Book Award for Best Graphic Novel for Tails.

I really enjoyed Nanjing, so I'm looking forward to settling in with this.

BLACK HAMMER #3

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writer/Variant Cover: JEFF LEMIRE

Art/Cover: DEAN ORMSTON

Colors: DAVE STEWART

FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Ongoing

Long before Spiral City’s greatest heroes were written out of their universe, the Martian champion Barbalien was already stranded far from home. Disguised as churchgoing Mark Markz in the timeless farming community where the heroes find themselves trapped, Barbalien faces a terrifying personal decision, even as he relives his painful past!

Here we have the origin of Barbalien, a take on Martian Manhunter (like Weird Detective, also recommended). It's got an interesting twist which I won't reveal, and the book also advances a couple of other storylines. Recommended.

BLAME VOL 1 (GN)

Publisher: VERTICAL COMICS

Writer: TSUTOMU NIHEI

Art/Cover: TSUTOMU NIHEI

SRP: $34.95

One of the manga world's most intriguing artists returns to the English language world with a re-release of his breakthrough work. Blame! In a dystopian future, a complex network of machines has pushed humanity to the brink. Robots known as the "Builders" continued to build a meaningless civilization with no one to reside in it. Soon these cities reach out to the outer planets and another breed of life form emerges. Master's Edition: Blame! will be released in a new oversized edition similar to Gundam: The Origin. Packaged in an oversized paperback with glossy paper and featuring dozens of color pages, each 400-page book will be a must have for collectors looking to complete their Nihei sets a decade after the original paperback went out of print.

I'm posting this as a first issue, but I don't know anything about it, or this Nihei (knee-high?) fellow. I hope The Baron can tell you more.

BRITANNIA #1 (of 4)

Publisher: VALIANT COMICS

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art by JUAN JOSE RYP and RAUL ALLEN

Cover A by CARY NORD

Cover B by LEWIS LAROSA

Variant Cover by ANDRES GUINALDO

Variant Cover by RYAN LEE

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON

Blank Cover Also Available

$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PRESTIGE

In the tradition of DIVINITY, bear witness to Valiant's latest groundbreaking epic!

Valiant is proud to announce that BRITANNIA #1 (of 4) – the FIRST ISSUE of the haunting, VALIANT PRESTIGE-format limited series arriving on stands Sept. 21 – is expanding to a colossal 40 pages of all-new content for the standard $3.99 cover price! It all begins as multiple 2016 Harvey Award nominee Raul Allen (WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR) joins comics visionary Peter Milligan (Detective Comics) and incendiary artist Juan Jose Ryp (NINJAK) for a psychotropic introduction to Nero's Rome and the secret forces that govern the world of civilization's first detective!

Then, recount the factual basis for Valiant's harrowing historical journey with an in-depth textual exploration from Dr. Karen Klaiber Hersch, Associate Professor of Greek and Roman Classics at Temple University. Outlining the social, cultural and mythological importance of the cult of the Vestal Virgins in first-century Rome, this first of several exclusive backup essays examines the real historical underpinnings of Milligan and Ryp's horrific tale of terror, temptation and bloodshed in the remote colony of Britannia.

"I see this story as kind of Gladiator meets Druid-era Alien, and that sets the tone. Any story that has Nero and all his excesses, alongside the brutality of Roman Imperial oppression and mashes this with dark magic and horror must have a degree of darkness to it," writer Peter Milligan told ComicBook.com. “But there's a lot of humanity in there too. … I think this mix of the real and the fabulous, the dark and the amusing, makes it unlike most stories set in the ancient world."

Ruled by the Fates. Manipulated by the Gods. Commanded by Caesar. In the year 65 A.D., one's destiny was not his own. At the height of Nero's reign, a veteran of Rome's imperial war machine has been dispatched to the farthest reaches of the colonies to investigate unnatural happenings. In the remote outpost of Britannia, Antonius Axia – the First Detective – will become Rome's only hope to reassert control over the empire's most barbaric frontier ... and keep the monsters that bridge the line between myth and mystery at bay.

“Since reading I, Claudius by Robert Graves as a teenager, I’ve been fascinated by the Roman world, and how that world affected these British Isles, pretty much obliterating the ancient Druid religion that had long existed until then,” writer Peter Milligan told The A.V. Club. “With the idea of Antonius Axia, I had a way into this story that had been waiting for me to write for some time.”

On the fringes of civilization, the world's first detective is about to make an unholy discovery. Join master-class creators Peter Milligan, Juan Jose Ryp and Raul Allen firsthand as they plummet into the uncharted depths of history's most barbaric frontier in search of its secrets, only in BRITANNIA #1 (of 4) – featuring covers by Cary Nord (X-O MANOWAR), Lewis LaRosa (BLOODSHOT REBORN), Andres Guinaldo (Justice League Dark), Ryan Lee (Inhuman), and Dave Johnson (Superman: Red Son)!

I can't tell you too much about this, as the first issue -- even at 40 pages -- is mostly set-up. We get Antonio's origin; meet the head Vestal Virgin, Nero another Virgin who isn't quite so virginal; hints of some of the political intrigue behind the scenes; and a general idea of the threat Antonio and Rome face. We don't actually get to Brittania proper until the end of the book. I find it interesting so far, especially the historical background on the Vestal Virgins. Oh, and the locals in Brittania use modern British slang, which I can't decide is an amusing shorthand or an irritating conceit. Time will tell, I suppose.

CYBORG #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by JOHN SEMPER JR.

Art and cover by WILL CONRAD

Variant cover by ERIC CANETE

32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

“THE IMITATION OF LIFE” part one!

Cyborg is thrown into conflict with every robotic threat to the DC Universe as a brand new era begins for Victor Stone, courtesy of writer John Semper Jr. (Spider-Man: The Animated Series) and artist Will Conrad (Angel & Faith)!

It took a little while, but now all the Justice Leaguers have been Rebirthed.

DARK TALES FROM THE VOKESVERSE #1

Production: AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY PRODUCTIONS

Writers: ROBERT TINNELL, TODD LIVINGSTON, JACK HERMAN, JAMES R. TUCK, DAVID ZUZELO, JAMES KUHORIC

Art/Cover: NEIL VOKES

$4.99

Neil Vokes has been illustrating comic book nightmares for over three decades.  Now his classic blood drenched creations are being unleashed in an incredible universe of monsters and mayhem!  Join a virtual army of horror writers who each bring a new vision of fear and fright to the forefront of the Vokesverse -- including: Robert (Black Forest) Tinnell, Todd (Wicked West) Livingston, Jack (Eagle) Herman, James (Freddy vs Jason vs Ash) Kuhoric, James R. (Blood & Silver) Tuck, & more!  In addition to six frightful new and classic stories, we also dig up a 30-year-old classic that has lived in shadow and rumor since the mid-eighties -- beware the Falconer has returned!  These first fright-filled chapters will spin out into new series to terrify the unwary reader.  Get on board now and experience the horror!

EQUINOXES (HC)

Publisher: NBM PUBLISHING INC.

Writer: CYRIL PEDROSA

Art/Cover: CYRIL PEDROSA

$44.99

In an equinox, day is as long as night, as if the world found perfect equilibrium between shadow and light, a fleeting equilibrium, similar to the stakes of our human destinies. Segmented into four tableaux for four seasons, unrelated people of all social backgrounds seeking equilibrium cross paths with other solitudes, weaving in and out of one and other's lives, all captivated and tormented by the enigmatic meaning of life. Every season has its visual identity and its individual voice, culminating in summer and, possibly, an answer. Equinoxes is a unique ground-breaking work of rare intensity and narrative sensibility by a rising bestselling star of European comics.

This sounds custom-made for an English lit class. NBM didn't send me a review copy -- they usually do -- so I can't confirm or deny the artsy-fartsiness therein.

FROM HELL (HC)

Publisher: IDW - TOP SHELF

Writer: ALAN MOORE

Art/Cover: EDDIE CAMPBELL

$39.99

Two of the greatest creators in the history of comics. Eleven unsolved murders. One sprawling conspiracy, one metropolis on the brink of the twentieth century, and one bloody-minded Ripper ushering London into the modern age of terror. From Hell, often ranked among the greatest graphic novels of all time, is now available in a handsome hardcover edition, with a brand new cover.

I've been wondering what would become of this book, with evidence stacking up that the Ripper was a criminal and murderer named Fred Deeming -- not the man Moore fingers in From Hell. But I needn't have worried, as here we have a new printing. And while I haven't read it in a while, From Hell probably continues to stand up as a work of fiction, if nothing else.

Needless to say, From Hell the book is much better than From Hell the movie.

HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D.: 1954 -- THE BLACK SUN #1 (of 2)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writers: MIKE MIGNOLA, CHRIS ROBERSON

Art: STEPHEN GREEN

Colors: DAVE STEWART

Cover: MIKE HUDDLESTON

FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries

He’s not just hunting yetis.

When an unknown creature attacks a research group on an Arctic expedition, Hellboy and the BPRD are sent to investigate. No longer the newbie, Hellboy thinks he can solve the mystery immediately, but what they find in the snow reveals something much bigger behind the beast.

I'm saving these up to read them all in a collection. Recommended, of course.

JACKBOOT & IRONHEEL #2 (of 4)

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writer/Art/Cover: MAX MILLGATE

Subscription cover: MAX MILLGATE

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

EDDIE NEALE is a P.O.W. Confined to a castle cell, escape seems impossible. However, under the very noses of his Nazi captors, Eddie and some new allies form a plan… Now all he has to do. To escape is… take a leap into the unknown!

From regular Judge Dredd contributor and Sinister Dexter co-creator Max Millgate comes a new, horrific twist on the annals of world history!

I read the first issue, and can't pass judgment yet. Ironheel is a former soccer player and current RAF prisoner of war in World War II, and we got his origin in the first issue. Jackboot appears to be the ghost of a dead German guard (and not a very good one). We don't meet Jackboot until the last page or so of the first issue, so I don't have any idea of what the team-up promised in the title will bring -- it could range from buddy-cop to comedy duo to weird war. Honestly, I have no idea.

MARVEL HIP HOP COVERS VOL 1 (HC)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Artists: Various

152 pages Rated T+  $34.99

Watch creative worlds collide like never before in the ultimate fusion of hip-hop and the House of Ideas! With an introduction by award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates -- a National Book Award winner, a recent MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and the writer of Marvel's BLACK PANTHER -- this stunning volume showcases 70 comic-book covers inspired by some of the most iconic albums in music history. Experience page after page of incredible artwork featuring the heroes of the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe -- from A-Force to the X-Men -- by an unbelievable roster of talent including Adam Hughes, Brian Stelfreeze, Jim Cheung, Mike Del Mundo, Sanford Greene, Jenny Frison, Phil Noto, Mahmud Asrar, Damion Scott, Tim Bradstreet, Keron Grant and Ed Piskor. Their finished covers sit side-by-side with behind-the-scenes sketches, showing the process of rendering some of the most famous images in hip-hop, Marvel style. Straight outta comics -- and on to your bookshelf!

If you enjoyed the Hip Hop covers, here's a collection. I feel no need for it myself, but I am very old.

MOONCOP (HC)

Publisher: DRAWN & QUARTERLY

Writer/Art/Cover: TOM GAULD

Tom Gauld • Hardcover • 96 pages • 6.4" x 8" • two-color • $19.95 USD / $22.95 CAD

The lunar colony is slowly winding down, like a small town circumvented by a new super highway. As our hero, the Mooncop, makes his daily rounds, his beat grows ever smaller, the population dwindles. Depicted in the distinctive, matter-of-fact style of his beloved Guardian strips, Mooncop is equal parts funny and melancholy. Gauld captures essential truths about humanity, making this a story of the past, present and future, all in one.

Could be good, or it could be spoiled by its own seriousness. Hard to say without seeing it.

THE NEW MUTANTS: BILL SIENKIEWICZ MARVEL ARTIST SELECT SERIES

HC w/slipcase • FC • 352 pages

The next installment of the smash-hit Marvel Artist Select Series is here! Each deluxe hardcover in this series features a collection of issues never-before released together. This oversized, limited-edition hardcover celebrates the legendary Bill Sienkiewicz’s complete run on The New Mutants and X-Men Unlimited #43. Each copy of this 999-copy limited-edition hardcover is slipcased, hand-numbered and signed.

Again, not for me. There's no price listed, but whatever it is, it's more than I want to spend on a book I will look at once, put on a shelf and forget. Besides, I already own all the original comics, so I've seen all these covers already. But your circumstance might be different, so here's a heads up to Sienkiewicz fans.

PERSONA 3 VOL 1

Publisher: UDON ENTERTAINMENT INC.

Writers: SHUJI SOGABE, ATLUS

Art/Cover: SHUJI SOGABE

162pg • 5.75x8.25 • BW • Softcover • $13.99

When UDON Entertainment recently launched Shuji Sogabe’s Persona 4 manga series to rave reviews and brisk sales, we knew one of the most common questions from fans would be, “But what about the Persona 3 manga? Is that coming too?” Wonder no longer!

Based on the beloved, critically acclaimed video game released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006, Persona 3 is lauded even today for its engaging storyline, relatable characters, challenging gameplay, memorable soundtrack and stylish visuals. Persona 3 follows a diverse group of high school students as they stumble upon a strange phenomenon known as the “Dark Hour,” a mysterious time that occurs at the stroke of midnight, between one day and the next. Now, Minato Arisato and the rest of his friends in the Special Extracurricular Execution Squad must balance their busy high school lives with their continuing investigation into the Dark Hour -- and you thought your high school life was tough! These unlikely heroes will have to face the demons within and find the strength to call upon their inner selves -- their “Personas” -- if they are to survive the horrors of the Dark Hour ...

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned Persona 3 veteran or are just discovering this compelling world for the first time -- the Persona 3 manga series is certain to appeal to anyone who simply enjoys smart storytelling dealing with themes of existence, identity and the paranormal. Are you ready to face your true self?

I need to find a 12 year old to tell us more about this.

THE PHANTOM VOL 1: DANGER IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY (HC)

Publisher: HERMES PRESS

Writer: PETER DAVID

Art: SAL VELLUTO

Cover: SEAN JOYCE

Colors: EUGENIO MATTOZZI

HC, $19.99 Limited Edition $29.99

The Phantom: Danger in the Forbidden City collects the complete story arc of the new Hermes Press Phantom issues #1-6.

Limited Edition Previews Exclusive Hardcover featurs new painted cover by Sean Joyce, limited to 500 copies. Includes, essays, documentary materials, unpublished cover art, all variant covers not available in general distribution; interviews and more.

This all-new six-part miniseries triumphantly returned the original, Ghost Who Walks -- The Phantom -- to comic books and is now collected together as a deluxe graphic novel.

This classic tale pits The Phantom against the Singh Brotherhood and their metal-handed leader who are intent on plundering an ancient fabled City of Gold.  Only The Phantom, Diana and a newly found ally -- taken from the pages of the first Phantom adventure -- can stop them!  Filled with action, suspense, intrigue and surprises that will thrill Phantom fans and lure those only familiar with the legend.

The Phantom by Peter David? Sold.

RAVEN #1 (of 6)

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by MARV WOLFMAN

Art and cover by ALISSON BORGES

32 pg • 1 of 6 • FC • $2.99 US • RATED T

“The White Carnival” part 1!

In a tale set between TEEN TITANS #24 and TEEN TITANS: REBIRTH #1, Raven takes a break from the team and moves to San Francisco to stay with her estranged aunt and face her most perilous challenge yet: high school! As Raven discovers more about her human side, one of her classmates goes missing under mysterious circumstances, and she must face an evil like none she’s known before!

Hey, look, Marv Wolfman! Good to see people of my generation getting work.

SEVEN TO ETERNITY #1

Publisher: IMAGE COMICS

Writer: RICK REMENDER

Art/Cover A: JEROME OPEÑA & MATT HOLLINGSWORTH

Cover B: TONY MOORE

Cover C: ANDREW ROBINSON

Blank Sketch available

32 PAGES • FC • M • $3.99

Writer Rick Remender reteams with collaborators Jerome Opeña (Uncanny X-Force, Fear Agent) and Matt Hollingsworth (TOKYO GHOST, WYTCHES) to bring readers a modern fantasy series.

In SEVEN TO ETERNITY, The God of Whispers has spread an omnipresent paranoia to every corner of the kingdom of Zhal; his spies hide in every hall spreading mistrust and fear. Adam Osidis, a dying knight from a disgraced house, must choose between joining a hopeless band of magic users in their desperate bid to free their world of the evil God, or accepting his promise to give Adam everything his heart desires.

“Before our time at Marvel, Jerome and I began working together at Image ten years ago on titles such as Strange Girl and Fear Agent so it’s very fitting we return now to tell the tale of the Seven to Eternity,” said Remender. “All those years ago we began discussing doing an epic fantasy tale at some point, should the planets ever align. A unique take on the familiar genre full of action, unexpected twists, totally unique characters and a villain who might end up stealing the show. It’s taken us a decade to get it together, but the wait was worth it. During the past decade we’ve collaborated on numerous projects and fine-tuned our mighty nerd skills to a point where what we produce here will eclipse our past collaborations and consume all evil in the universe and give a new pony to every child. This is without question Jerome’s best work to date and when you add super champion of color jive Matt Hollingsworth, once their powers are mixed into the art cauldron, something new and terrifying is born, a new level of sequential science.”

Opeña added: "It's been a long time coming, so it's amazing that Rick and I are seeing a project we've been developing for years finally become a reality. Having Matt Hollingsworth join up with us makes it even more exciting and I hope readers will enjoy what we've all been tirelessly working on."

Gharils Sulm, The God of Whispers, is a Machiavellian warlord who holds sway everywhere in the world of Zhal. He’s spread an omnipresent paranoia to every corner of the kingdoms; one of his spies hides in every house, every family, every hall, spreading mistrust and fear.

Adam must choose between joining a hopeless band of magic users in their desperate bid to free their world of the evil God’s burden or give in to the The God of Whispers’ promises of salvation and safety.

SEVEN TO ETERNITY takes readers on a hard road through the strange fantasy world of Zhal. All men have surrendered their freedom for fear. Now, one last free man must choose.

I'm not a Remender fan, but I recall that a number of Legionnaires are. Here's your latest, from a writer who writes a lot!

SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR #22

Publisher: BONGO COMICS

Writers: IAN BOOTHBY, TONY DIGEROLAMO, JAMES W. BATES, TERRY DELEGEANE

Art: REX LINDSEY, TONE RODRIGUEZ, PATRICK OWSLEY, ANDREW PEPOY, PHIL ORTIZ, JACOB CHABOT

Art: MIKE ROTE

Cover: JASON HO, NATHAN KANE, JAMES BATES. MIKE ROTE

$4.99

First of all, Bongo invites everyone to visit the Retirement Castle of the Vampires! Really ... even your older, bloodsucking relatives need some attention. (Visiting hours are from 9 to 6.) Then, former couple Lisa and Nelson team-up to investigate paranormal activity at Springfield Elementary, prompting them to open The Ex-Files! And something's really strange in the neighborhood when the Ghost Bashers come to town!

These books have a strong track record.

STAR TREK NEW VISIONS SPECIAL SWARM (ONE-SHOT)

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writer/Photo-Manipulation: JOHN BYRNE

FC • 52 pages • $7.99

An alien threat that numbers in the millions, and star systems are already dying. What can the crew of the Enterprise do -- alone?

Didn't we see something pretty similar in Star Trek Beyond? Whatever, these have been very good, so I'll recommend it sight unseen.

STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS: CAMMY #3 (of 4)

Publisher: UDON ENTERTAINMENT INC.

Writer: JIM ZUB

Art: OMAR DOGAN

Cover A: OMAR DOGAN

Cover B: ROB PORTER

Cover C (Incentive): JEFFREY "CHAMBA" CRUZ

32pg • Full Color • $3.99

Writer Jim Zub and artist Omar Dogan get up close and personal with Decapre, Cammy’s disturbed and destructive doppelganger! Also in this issue, writer Ken Siu-Chong and artist Brendon Tapper bring readers a fun-filled 4-page Blanka bonus story!

About the story: “Cammy risks everything as she dives into the twisted mind of the Shadaloo Doll Decapre. But what she finds there may fracture the Delta Blue team even more… Plus, in a special bonus story, it’s a battle of the beasts as Blanka encounters a strange and furry fighter!”

This issue’s standard covers include Cover A by Omar Dogan, and Cover B by Rob Porter. All four B-covers for the series will connect to form one image that features Shadaloo’s full Doll squadron in their new Street Fighter V costumes! This issue also features a retailer incentive Cover C by Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz, which homages a vintage comic cover from the 1960s.

Not only did Udon send me this nice press release, but that first cover (top left) is an homage to -- of all things -- Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane #93 (bottom right). Enjoy!

STREET FIGHTER SWIMSUIT SPECIAL #1

Publisher: UDON ENTERTAINMENT INC.

32pg • Full Color • $3.99

Cover A: ECCHI-STAR

Cover B: AKI LEE

Cover C: Blank Sketch

Cover D: Incentive - Homage variant

This September, the lovely ladies of Street Fighter take a break from fist fights and tournaments to hit up the world’s hottest beaches, pools and volleyball courts! Everyone from Chun-li to Laura to Juri shows off their favorite swimwear in this comic-sized one-shot pin-up special!

Bringing this gallery of fun and flirtatious artwork to life are top UDON artists like Genzoman, Edwin Huang, Rob Porter, Jeffrey Cruz, Steven Cummings, and Long Vo. Plus the UDON crew is joined by a bevy of guest artists like Gisèle Lagacé (Ménage à 3), Xa (Wakfu), Vincenzo Cucca (Pandamonia) and more!

This issue features two standard covers by artists Ecchi-Star and Aki Lee, as well as a special Blank Sketch Cover. Plus, artist Nei Ruffino provides a retailer incentive homage variant which calls back to the' 90s origins of comic book pin-up specials. Ask your local retailer about obtaining this rare incentive cover.

Here's a gift to everyone who has sexual fantasies about violent women in video games. Do not let me know who you are.

SUPER TERRER (GN)

Publisher: DEVIL'S DUE /1FIRST COMICS, LLC

Writer: OMAHA PEREZ

Art: TONY TALBERT, GREG HINKLE

Cover: BOB EGGLETON

Mature $17.99

A stranded mining ship in deep space lucks upon a habitable "Super-Earth." Having spent most of their lives on spartan space settlements, the crew believes this lush planet, thriving with more life than Earth itself -- a planet free from war, pollution, and famine -- must be Paradise itself. But Paradise soon turns to terror when one by one, crew members are horribly murdered. Writer Omaha Perez (Holmes, The Drude) and artist Tony Talbert (Xeric Award for First Moon) have created a gripping sci-fi mystery edgily enhanced by Talbert's intricate and moody art.

Wasn't this the plot of, like, half a dozen Star Trek: The Original Series episodes? Well, I enjoyed it then, I'll probably enjoy it now.

TRINITY #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL

Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

Variant cover by TBD

32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

“BETTER TOGETHER” part 1!

Together again for the first time! Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The core of the World's Greatest Heroes … but with a new Man of Steel, the bonds these three share will be tested and redefined by super-star writer/artist Francis Manapul. In this premiere issue, see the trio travel from Metropolis to Gotham City and beyond to learn what forces launched their heroic careers. But how will this journey of discovery lead them to a new threat?

I've enjoyed how having the substitute Superman has altered the dynamics of the Justice League. It's worth a closer look.

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  • Nihei would be pronounced something "nee-hey". I'll have too do a little research on him. I cannot access the site from either my work computer or the one at the local library, only through my 3DS, so I don't know when I'll be able to follow up.
  • I read the Free Comic Book Day of book of Mooncop  and to me it seemed liked a poor man's Jason comic. 

    I'm pretty sure I'm getting the Aliens comics. Either way I'm glad to see Moritat getting a gig.

  • Possibly the source?

    1936804184?profile=RESIZE_320x320

    1936806180?profile=RESIZE_320x320

  • REVOLUTION: I’ve been wondering if anyone on this board is going to be reading Revolution. I’m reading Micronauts and Rom, but I have no interest in the other titles. In fact, I may even skip the “Revolution” issues of the two titles I do read. One other thing: the “Revolution” issues get their own new number ones, but I don’t think the series are going to get additional new number ones after that; they will resume the numbering where the series left off before the crossover.

    ON ALTERNATE COVERS: Here’s a good place to interject how sick and tired I am of alternate covers. My LCS orders the same number as if there were one cover, the same number expected to sell. Usually, one cover is superior to or otherwise more appropriate than the others, and if I don’t get there early, the one I like is usually sold out. In my day comic books has editors, by cracky, and those editors could be trusted to provide a good cover, and commission another one if the first didn’t meet expectations.

    ON MEGA-CROSSOVER TIE-INS: Back when I was way into comics fandom, I remember reports of the casual fan being “confused” by such crossovers. I couldn’t conceive how other readers could not follow such things. Now that I consider myself to be a more discerning comic book readers, I am pleased to report not only that I am confused, but I’m proud to be confused. I wear it like a badge of honor.

    ADVENTURES OF SUPERGIRL (TPB): I read the initial issues, liked them, and posted about them (on the Supergirl TV thread, I think). A couple of issues in I lost the story. I continued to buy the other issues intending to read them in a single sitting sometime, but I haven’t done so yet. I have liked the two “Birthright” issues of the new Supergirl. The status quo is quite different from the TV show (Kara is in high school, for example), but, like the Flash, it captures the same feel of its televised counterpart without being an actual tie-in.

    THE NEW MUTANTS: BILL SIENKIEWICZ MARVEL ARTIST SELECT SERIES: The retail price is $150.00.

    THE PHANTOM VOL 1: DANGER IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY (HC): “The Phantom by Mark Waid? Sold.” No, the Phantom by Peter David.

  • This came out this week. I overlooked the press release when assembling the Guide:

    IDW ANNOUNCES HORROR-THEMED COLORING BOOK BY CREATOR ALAN ROBERT

    “The Beauty of Horror” Mixes the Mindful with the Macabre

    1936806274?profile=RESIZE_320x320San Diego, CA (May, Friday The 13th, 2016) –  Get that red crayon ready! Rock-star-turned-comics-creator Alan Robert has inked a deal with premier publisher IDW Publishing to create a unique, horror-themed adult coloring book, titled The Beauty of Horror, scheduled for a 2016 Halloween release. The Beauty of Horror is filled with intricate, hand drawn, pen and ink illustrations by Robert that take the color enthusiast on a twisted journey through bizarre carnivals, the zombie apocalypse, serial killer lairs, and haunted burial grounds. Horror fans and newcomers alike will welcome this GORE-geous and creative blood-soaked alternative into their coloring library.

    "The coloring book craze took hold of my wife and daughter a few months ago and I wanted to get in on the fun, but as I flipped through the endless pages of nature patterns, it dawned on me that someone left out all of the damn corpses," Robert laughs. "As a proud member of the horror community, I took it upon myself to stand up for the rights of monster-lovers everywhere. Why should we be excluded from the coloring phenomenon?! Needless to say, my take on the whole thing is completely warped, but I know I'm not alone... there's a lot of us horror-fiends out there looking to color in some morbid stuff."

    The Beauty of Horror features 80 pages of original artwork depicting a variety of increasingly terrifying scenes and patterns. Featuring a beautifully chilling red foiled cover and high-quality paper that will ensure the pools of blood you color don't leak through the pages, Robert and IDW have come together to present a deluxe coloring experience.

    "From the first image he sent over, it was clear that this was going to be a hit," says IDW VP of New Product Development, Jerry Bennington. "Alan (Robert) has such an eye for creating these coloring pages that are gruesome and gory, but still something you can't help but want to color. It's really like The Walking Dead have burst into The Secret Garden, and we love it."

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