THE CAPTAIN'S PICKS
Only one title jumped out at me this week. That's not to say that there aren't a lot of good comics, even in the middle of the holiday season, but this is the only one that I'd describe as a Must-Look:
HARLEY QUINN #1
Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by CHAD HARDIN
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
1:25 Variant cover by ADAM HUGHES
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
Harley is set to begin her new life, but she needs a job first! Enter the Coney Island Roller Derby! It’s game time as Harley sets out to destroy her competition—literally!
HARLEY QUINN #0 launched an all-new ongoing solo series for the notorious and fan-favorite character. That special issue contained art by a jaw-dropping cast of artists contributing to co-writer Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti's fourth wall-breaking story – including Bruce Timm, Jim Lee, Becky Cloonan, Adam Hughes, Darwyn Cooke, Sam Keith, newcomer Jeremy Roberts, and many more astounding talents!
But as of HARLEY QUINN #1, the regular series artist will be Chad Hardin, whose recent work includes the Villains Month one-shot, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #7.3: SHADOW THIEF.
“Harley is a complex character and we are going to build on her background, motivations and her home and supporting cast. Sort of what we did with Power Girl but with a mix of a bit more homicidal maniac added in,” Palmiotti said. “She is the hero in her own story. What happens, who gets killed, what house gets burned down and so on, well, that’s just part of her story. She looks at the world differently and we will be building on that and looking even closer on her past and what makes her tick. There are so many layers to this fantastic character that we cannot wait to explore.”
“She will be trying to live a normal-ish life with new people in a new environment. What kind of upheaval will she throw her new surroundings into? We’re going to take into account that Harley’s ‘normal’ isn’t the rest of everybody’s ‘normal,’” Conner elaborated. “Her supporting cast will be less superhero-like (for now) and more like the rest of us. Kind of. We will be working all that into the storylines, and part of the entertainment will be in seeing how those characters deal with her being around.”
I have to say I haven't really enjoyed how coarse Harley has become in The New 52. Not that I've read many issues of her title, Suicide Squad -- I dropped it precisely because they'd turned Harley into a stone killer and cheap tart.
If they'd done that with some other character, a new one, I wouldn't have minded. But this was Harley Quinn, a character I really enjoyed in the cartoons and in her previous series. In the last series she was a killer, sure, but it was excused because she was insane, and saw the world like a cartoon. She never saw, as we did, the repercussions of her actions, because to her people weren't dead, they just had comically large bullet holes in them and X's over their eyes (which we readers also got to see). It was funny and tragic and poignant and scary all at once, which was quite a ride. Plus it had beautiful "good girl" art (at least at first) by the ever-amazing team of Rachel and Terry Dodson.
But, OK, that didn't sell. So now we have a new version. And in The New 52 she knows she's a killer and rather enjoys it. And she uses sex as a weapon or for carnal pleasure, instead of being comically unaware of it. Again, I wouldn't bat an eye if it was another character ...
Alas, time moves on. And now we have the New 52 Harley, and she's evidently popular enough for her own title. So I'll give it a try. Y'all let me know what you think, too.
Images courtesy DC Entertainment.
ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! PREVIEWS #1
New York. NY—December 9th, 2013— All-New Marvel NOW! is set to deliver some of the best and most exciting comics on the market from some of the industry’s most acclaimed creators. Don’t believe us? See for yourself!
Starting today, Marvel is proud to offer All-New Marvel NOW! Previews #1 as a completely FREE download available now in the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices and in the Marvel Comics webstore!
Featuring sneak peeks of Avengers World #1, All-New Invaders #1, Black Widow #1, All-New X-Factor #1, Thunderbolts 20.NOW, All-New X-Men 22.NOW and Savage Wolverine 14.NOW – All-New Marvel NOW! Previews #1 features some of the industry’s top creators tackling some of the Marvel Universe’s biggest characters!
Your free download of All-New Marvel NOW! Previews can be found by navigating to the FREE section in the Marvel Comics app or on the digital comics storefront on Marvel.com.
All-New Marvel NOW Previews #1 will also be offered in print for FREE at local comic shops nationwide starting on 12/18.
Once again, the biggest creators bring you the biggest characters in the biggest stories…and it’s happening NOW! For more on All-New Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter with #MarvelNOW.
This is a free book, so I wanted to alert Legionnaires to its existence!
BLOODHOUND: CROWBAR MEDICINE #3 (of 5)
THE HARD-HITTING SERIES COMES TO DARK HORSE!
Dan Jolley (W), Leonard Kirk (A/Cover), Robin Riggs (I), and Moose Baumann (C)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
While Clev investigates whether teleporting man in black Terminus is friend or foe, controversy rages over a scientist’s promise to grant superpowers to private citizens he deems worthy. And when an attempt at crime fighting by one of the newly empowered goes explosively wrong, of course Clev’s caught in the middle!
• The acclaimed series is back with a vengeance!
• From Dan Jolley (Prototype 2) and Leonard Kirk (X-Factor)!
B.P.R.D. HELL ON EARTH #114
The return of Liz Sherman!
Mike Mignola (W), John Arcudi (W), Tyler Crook (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Rafael Albuquerque (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Ongoing
Liz Sherman brings a fiery assault to the mad doctor’s hospital and his army of mutant monsters, while the B.P.R.D. plans a sneak attack on Manhattan—now under the Black Flame’s control.
• Art by Eisner winner Tyler Crook (The Sixth Gun).
• Leads right into “The Reign of the Black Flame,” a five-issue arc by James Harren!
Cover by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Animal Man)!
Wait -- I thought Liz Sherman was already back! This trade-waiting business can get confusing.
BUZZKILL #4 (of 4)
BOOZIN’ AND BRUISIN’!
Donny Cates (W), Mark Reznicek (W), Geoff Shaw (A/Cover), and Lauren Affe (C)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Ruben’s greatest enemy has awakened from his catatonic state. The last time they clashed, their battle laid the city to waste. Can a newly sober Ruben take on this monster from his past without resorting to the alcohol that’s always generated his superpowers? The compelling miniseries comes to a gut-punching conclusion!
• The unflinching conclusion of this miniseries will leave you breathless and wanting more.
• Cowritten by Toadies drummer Mark Reznicek!
CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT #6
Joshua Williamson (W), Eduardo Francisco (A), Stefani Rennee (C), Freddie Williams II and Dan Scott (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $2.99
Ongoing
Captain Midnight heads to Washington, DC, to help Agent Jones learn the truth behind the mysterious Project Black Sky. But Jones’s investigation into Black Sky is raising red flags with the wrong people, which puts Captain Midnight on a collision course with a deadly assassin who, even with all of Midnight’s intelligence and resourcefulness, might be too much for him to handle.
• Captain Midnight takes on a Black Sky assassin!
• Cover by Freddie Williams II and Dan Scott!
• Written by Ghosted creator Joshua Williamson!
• The beginning of a new two-part story!
“Joshua Williamson does a good job tackling well-worn ideas and giving them a fresh lick of paint.”—The Beat
“I’m ready for more Captain Midnight, ready for more Nazi punching action and more polar bears.” —IGN
"Nazi-punching action"? I thought this series was set in the present! Not that I mind a bit of Nazi-punching. In fact, one of my chief enjoyments in life is watching Nazis get punched. But one of these days we really do need to find some new villains to punch. How about podiatrists? I've never trusted podiatrists. Who spends almost a decade in school to prepare for a life looking at other people's feet? And let's not get into gastroenterologists ...
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #23
CONAN VS. N’GORA—TO THE DEATH!
Brian Wood (W), Riccardo Burchielli (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Massimo Carnevale (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Ongoing
On the poisonous banks of the cursed river Zarkheba, the crew of the Tigress is driven to madness by an ancient and unspeakable horror. Now—beyond all hope and reason—their only chance for salvation may rest along the edge of Conan’s blade!
• From Brian Wood (Star Wars, The Massive) and Riccardo Burchielli (Legends of the Dark Knight, American Vampire).
• The final story arc of “Queen of the Black Coast” heats up!
• The most-talked-about Conan comic in years!
When this is over, it'll be interesting to compare Wood's "Belit" chronology with Roy Thomas' (from Marvel's Conan the Barbarian, many years ago) and see what creative differences there are.
CRIMINAL MACABRE: THE EYES OF FRANKENSTEIN #4 (of 4)
THE MONSTER WAR BOILS OVER!
Steve Niles (W), Christopher Mitten (A), Michelle Madsen (C), and Justin Erickson (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Self-proclaimed supernatural expert Jason Hemlock has revealed himself to be more dangerous than even occult detective Cal McDonald suspected. And now Cal, Mo’Lock, and Frankenstein’s monster must escape a supernatural cage fight that will leave Cal changed forever.
• Featuring Frankenstein’s monster!
• The thrilling series conclusion!
• Dark Horse horror will leave you senseless!
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #31
2013 Eisner Award Winner!
Mike Mignola (W/Cover), Jamie S. Rich (W), Matt Kindt (W/A), Caitlín R. Kiernan (W), Mike Baron (W), Steve Horton (W), Phil Stanford (W), Fred Van Lente (W), Bryan J. L. Glass (W), Chad Lambert (W), Mick McMahon (A), Brent Schoonover (A), Steve Lieber (A), Steve Rude (A), Ryan Cody (A), Patric Reynolds (A), Reilly Brown (A), Victor Santos (A), and Christine Larsen (A)
FC, 80 pages, $7.99
Ongoing
In a direct follow-up to the uberpopular Hellboy in Mexico, Mike Mignola and Mick McMahon tell another tale set south of the border, in which . . . Hellboy gets married! First of two parts!
Gain some insight into the next arc of Matt Kindt’s runaway hit MIND MGMT as we meet . . . the Magician! Bryan J. L. Glass and Victor Santos reveal the brutal new heroine of their new creator-owned series, Furious! And Chad Lambert and Christine Larsen give new meaning to the phrase “Kill me!” in the new story of the same name.
Plus, new installments of Integer City, Alabaster, Nexus, Monstrous, City of Roses, and Saint George!
• Preview the new creator-owned series Furious with an original tale by Bryan J. L. Glass (Mice Templar) and Victor Santos (Polar, Mice Templar)!
• Features a new tale from Matt Kindt’s hit MIND MGMT!
• Hellboy gets married!
“Seriously, this is comics’ best kept secret trove of great comics.”—Comic Book Resources
EMPOWERED VOLUME 8 TP
HELL GETS HOTTER!
Adam Warren (W/A/Cover)
B&W, 208 pages, $16.99
TP, 6 1/2" x 9
Costumed crime fighter Empowered, already reeling from “The Worst Book Proposal Ever,” finds herself roped into a desperate scheme by her grief-stricken teammate, Sistah Spooky. Journeying from a terrifying alien arsenal to the even-more-terrifying depths of hell itself, can the mismatched superheroines free the soul of Spooky’s lover from eternal damnation?
Over 100,000 copies of Empowered volumes in print!
“Adam Warren continues to beat the odds and persists in getting better and better with his spicy superhero romp.”—Johnny Bacardi, Popdose.com
“A sort of R-rated sitcom exploring geek culture from the inside out . . . It’s full of exploitative, titillating imagery.”—J. Caleb Mozzocco, Las Vegas Weekly
GHOST #1
By the writing team from Captain Marvel!
Kelly Sue DeConnick (W), Chris Sebela (W), Ryan Sook (A), Terry Dodson (Cover), and Paolo Rivera (Variant cover)
FC, 32 pages, $2.99
Ongoing
Ghost, the hero trapped between two worlds, fights to protect Chicago from extradimensional demons disguised as humans. When a familiar stranger destroys an el train, Ghost makes a deal with a devil for the chance to uncover her own mysterious past. The perfect issue to join this action-packed superhero title!
• Ryan Sook on interiors!
• Cover artist Terry Dodson!
• Chris Sebela (High Crimes) joins the fray!
• Kelly Sue DeConnick (Captain Marvel) continues her hit run on the Dark Horse hero.
“DeConnick has a strong sense of dialogue and the rhythms that sound right; the end result is a script that isn't just natural but hard to pull yourself away from.”–Comic Book Resources
As I've mentioned before, I was buying Ghost religiously in its previous incarnation when at some point I realized I wasn't enjoying it. Thinking about it further I realized that what I loved wasn't Ghost, but the art of Adam Hughes, the original artist, who had since moved on. Once he was gone, so was my enthusiasm for the title, and I dropped it.
I may give it another try, given new writer Kelly Sue DeConnick's track record, but it'll be an uphill battle, I think.
ITTY BITTY HELLBOY #5 (of 5)
ART BALTAZAR & FRANCO TAKE ON HELLBOY!
Art Baltazar (W/A/C/Cover) and Franco (W)
FC, 32 pages, $2.99
Miniseries
It had to happen. It was unavoidable. Sooner or later, we all end up there. That’s right! It’s time to visit our friend who lives underwater! Let’s go hang out with Abe Sapien! Are Hellboy and his pals underwater by choice? Or did something more sinister send them to the cold, lagoony depths? We know one thing: Abe does not mind the company! And where is Lobster Johnson during this visit? When all is said and done, sometimes a beach party is the best way to go . . . even if you happen to be in the swamp.
• The creators of Tiny Titans, Superman Family Adventures, and Aw Yeah Comics come to Dark Horse!!!!
• Mike Mignola’s characters, drawn by Art Baltazar and Franco!
If you don't like Itty Bitty Hellboy, you and I are not friends.
KISS ME, SATAN! #4 (of 5)
HE HAD TO RAISE HELL TO EARN HIS WINGS!
Victor Gischler (W), Juan Ferreyra (A/C), and Dave Johnson (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
After a contract-killer shaman ambushes our heroes, undercover demon Barnabus Black takes a group of witches back to his safe house, where he equips them with a massive arsenal to prepare for a final showdown with the werewolf mafia.
• Covers by Dave Johnson!
• By Victor Gischler (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike—A Dark Place, Clown Fatale) and Juan Ferreyra (Colder, Rex Mundi)!
• Drawing on your nightmares!
I'd guess kissing Satan would be unpleasant. I'll bet he doesn't even brush his teeth. Why not? Because he's EEEEEE-vil!
MASS EFFECT: FOUNDATION #6
Mac Walters (W), Matthew Clark (P), Sean Parsons (I), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Benjamin Carré (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
Jacob and Miranda’s mission takes a deadly turn as the duo find themselves in the gun sights of a vicious batarian warlord!
Mass Effect 2 and 3 lead writer Mac Walters continues the thrilling series set during the events of BioWare’s blockbuster science fiction trilogy!
• A canonical entry into the Mass Effect universe!
• Mass Effect 3 was the winner of Best RPG at the 2012 Spike VGAs!
• BATTLE IN THE TERMINUS SYSTEM!
THE MASSIVE #18
Return to the Citadel!
“In a period where Wood’s name seems to pop up all over the industry, this series has emerged as one of his most ambitious and rewarding so far.”—IGN
Brian Wood (W), Garry Brown (A), Jordie Bellaire (C), and J. P. Leon (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Ongoing
“Longship” concludes with an inland excursion that pits the ex-mercenaries of Ninth Wave against warriors seemingly from another time, culminating in a bloody battle between Captain Israel and a longtime enemy.
• One of Comic Book Resources’ Best Comics of 2012!
• Ninth Wave versus Vikings!
• Save the whales!
Brian Wood’s ongoing series heats up!
What, Brian Wood again? Is he trying to give Jonathan Hickman competition for the "Most Prolific" award?
MASSIVE VOL 2: SUBCONTINENTAL TP
(W) Brian Wood (A) Garry Brown & Various (CA) Dave Stewart, Jordie Bellaire
Still adrift and on the hunt for their sister ship, The Massive, the crew of the Kapital-all that's left of Callum Israel's dwindling environmental-activism group Ninth Wave-are challenged at every turn as they face mutiny, sharks, snowy isolation, and the tempting possibility of a new life on a utopian sea station. The strain of life in a crumbling world, as well as secrets about Israel's failing health, threaten to destroy a crew stretched to its limits. Collects issues #7-#12.
NEVER ENDING #2 (of 3)
Never dying! Never forgetting!
Adam Knave (W), D. J. Kirkbride (W), and Robert Love (A/Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Evil genius Archibald Crane’s goal has been to kill the seemingly immortal hero Charles “Chuck” Baxter—and now, shockingly, it’s Chuck’s goal, too! Earth’s only superhero makes a devastating deal with the devil, as the past comes into focus and Chuck’s losses become too much for him to cope with!
• Robert Love’s superheroic follow-up to Number 13!
• The Eisner and Harvey Award–winning writers behind Amelia Cole deliver a strange, stunning superhero adventure!
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: THE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT VOLUME 13 TP
An alternate take on the Evangelion series!
Osamu Takahashi (W/A/Cover)
B&W, 192 pages, $9.99
TP, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"
Plot development? In MY The Shinji Ikari Raising Project? It’s more likely than you think! SEELE’s frustrations with Gendo’s plans leads their agent inside the school to abduct Shinji and place him under their mental control . . . which means Rei and Asuka must put aside their own rivalry long enough to join forces and rescue him!
• The most famous anime franchise of the last twenty years.
• The new movie, 3.0, is coming soon from Funimation.
I'm eager for The Baron to tell me what manga genre this is. From the cover, I'm guessing the target audience involves adolescent boys, but I've been wrong before!
THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN VOLUME 15 TP
MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS!
Chuck Dixon (W), Don Kraar (W), Gary Kwapisz (A), Ernie Chan (A), Andy Kubert (A), Joe Jusko (Cover), and others
B&W, 544 pages, $19.99
TP, 7” x 10”
“Crom count the dead!” Conan’s wanderings bring him to the desert kingdom of Stygia, whose mad queen seeks to perform a dark ritual that will bridge universes and draw an ancient, malefic god back into this world, and with it an eternity of death, horror, and chaos! Showcasing stories from Marvel’s Savage Sword of Conan the Barbarian #151–#160.
• Over 500 pages, value priced.
• Check out the Conan monthly series, written by superstar scribe Brian Wood!
S.H.O.O.T. First #3 (of 4)
SCIENCE VS. THE SUPERNATURAL!
Justin Aclin (W), Nicolás Daniel Selma (A/Cover), and Marlac (C)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
The Secular Humanist Occult Obliteration Taskforce faces off against a forest full of fairies, elves, and magical creatures . . . without their guns! Secrets are revealed, dragons are wrestled, and the stage is set for the shocking final confrontation! Don’t miss the series the NY Post calls “hotly anticipated”!
• Original, irreverent, and controversial!
• Aclin and Selma are the next “it” team in creator-owned comics!
“Is S.H.O.O.T. First Dark Horse’s next big hit?”—Newsarama
Secular humanists as the good guys? Clearly this isn't aimed at Fox News viewers.
SLEDGEHAMMER 44: LIGHTNING WAR #2 (of 3)
MIKE MIGNOLA’S ONE-MAN ARMY TAKES ON THE NAZIS!
Mike Mignola (W), John Arcudi (W), Laurence Campbell (A/Cover), and Dave Stewart (C)
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Miniseries
The iron soldier known as Sledgehammer is the only one who can lead a rescue mission of a kidnapped American about to spill top-secret information on the Flying Wing warplane to the Nazis and their own supersoldier—the Black Flame!
• From the pages of Hellboy!
• Laurence Campbell takes the reins of Sledgehammer!
“Mignola has hit a home run with this character.”—Comic Bastards
“The creative team from the first page to the final panel capitalize on raw emotions to sell this incredible tale and trust me they succeed. Highly recommended.”—Unleash the Fanboy
Does anyone know what the plans are for collecting this? I'm guessing that this character -- like Lobster Johnson and Abe Sapien -- will be collected separately from the Hellboy and B.P.R.D. archives. If so, I'll have to make another port o' call at amazon.com ...
STAR WARS DARK TIMES SPARK REMAINS #5
(W) Randy Stradley (A) Doug Wheatley (CA) Dan Jackson, Benjamin Carre
The fight is on! Darth Vader and his numerous forces are besieged with death traps. A showdown with the Jedi who lured Vader to this doom is inevitable-and now Darth Vader is angry. Do not underestimate the power of an angry Sith!
• Vader enraged, Jedi unleashed-the end is nigh!
• Artist Doug Wheatley returns!
"Wheatley's knack for including insane amounts of detail certainly helps to add credibility to this story..."-Comic Book Resources
$3.50
Star Wars Dark
Times Spark
Remains ... a Quark? A lark? A narc? Written in Futhark?
STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE CRY OF SHADOWS #1 (of 5)
Darth Vader: A force worth following!
Tim Siedell (W), Gabriel Guzman (A), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Felipe Massafera (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Miniseries
During the Clone Wars, a single trooper—left for dead during battle—comes to hate the Jedi generals who abandoned him. Years later, he lives on, bitter and angry, until hearing tales of a great warrior. Now, this clone believes he may have found the leader he should have been following all along . . . Darth Vader!
• All-new series starring Darth Vader!
• Tim Siedell (@badbanana) has one of Time’s 140 Best Twitter Feeds!
“A fine example of what Vader can and should be all about.”—Comic Book Resources
STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI -- FORCE WAR #2 (of 5)
Seek and Destroy!
John Ostrander (W), Jan Duursema (P), Dan Parsons (I), Wes Dzioba (C), and David Michael Beck (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.50
Miniseries
The Je’daii go on the offensive against the invading Rakatan Empire!
Xesh uses his Force Hound training to locate the Rakatan command center, which sparks an ambitious plan: infiltrate the enemy stronghold and kill the supreme commander. But Xesh has not accounted for a traitor in his own ranks!
• The war that determines the future of the Jedi!
• John Ostrander and Jan Duursema pull out all the stops!
STAR WARS LEGACY #10
Don’t ever tell a Solo the odds . . .
Corinna Bechko (W), Gabriel Hardman (W), Brian Thies (A), Rachelle Rosenberg (C), and Agustin Alessio (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $2.99
Ongoing
With a little help from her friends, Ania Solo is leading the Mon Calamari slaves to freedom . . . Don’t bother telling her the odds of anyone coming out alive against an enormous force of armed pirates!
“Ania Solo makes you definitely want to come back to see more.”—Comic Vine
“Star Wars done right.”—IGN
“I can’t wait to read what they do next. Recommended.”—Unleash the Fanboy
FOUR Star Wars titles this week. And there's at least seven total this month. That's one reason I no longer buy Star Wars books. Who can keep up with all that? (Aside from Chris "Fluit Notes" Fluit, that is.) Another reason is that the movies circumscribe the action too much, but that's a different rant.
THE STRAIN: THE FALL #6
“Kudos to Lapham and crew for adapting del Toro and Hogan’s story and making it into something truly incredible.”—Graphic Policy
David Lapham (W), Mike Huddleston (A), Dan Jackson (C), and E. M. Gist (Cover)
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
When Nora tries to shepherd Eph’s son to safety outside the city, her subterranean escape from Manhattan is intercepted by the boy’s mother—a freshly turned vampire! Meanwhile, Eph comes face to face with the man that helped engineer the vampiric coup!
• The vampire conspiracy . . . REVEALED!
• The next chapter in the Strain Trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan!
"A high octane adventure filled with action and suspense." —Bloody Disgusting
DC COMICS
ANIMAL MAN #26
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by CULLY HAMNER
Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Animal Man in outer space! How did this happen? And what will Buddy find on “THE SEED PLANET”?
THE AUTHORITY VOL. 2 HC
Written by GRANT MORRISON, MARK MILLAR, TOM PEYER and DOSELLE YOUNG
Art by FRANK QUITELY, CHRIS WESTON, DUSTIN NGUYEN, ARTHUR ADAMS and others
Cover by FRANK QUITELY and TREVOR SCOTT
416 pg, FC, $34.99 US
In these tales from THE AUTHORITY #13-29, the team faces a mad scientist and his army of superhumans who wanted to influence the 21st century through Jenny Spark’s successor Jenny Quantum, a previous Doctor who manipulated the Earth itself, and a team modeled on the Authority that was created by the G7 nations.
I've never followed The Authority for any length of time, but I'm guessing the issues collected here would be considered "the good ol' days" of the title. What say you, Authority fans? And what do you think of the current incarnation?
BATMAN ‘66 #6
Written by TOM PEYER and JEFF PARKER
Art by TY TEMPLETON
Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED
1:25 Variant cover by JONATHAN CASE
40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Guest writer Tom Peyer unleashes the Bookworm on the Dynamic Duo! At first, it appears that he’s only made a public display of stealing a giant, worthless check. But it’s actually a front for a more nefarious plot to uncover all of Batman’s secrets! And then get ready for Olga, Queen of the Cossacks.
I'm surprised by all the enthusiasm on the board for this title, but I'm glad of it. Have fun, chums!
BATMAN AND TWO-FACE #26
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It’s double trouble as Batman investigates Harvey Dent’s past to try to find him in the present—but is he ready to face the dark truth behind Two-Face’s origin?
I once expressed ambivalence about The Riddler, and the Legionnaires immediately schooled me as to the character's virtues. So who's prepared to defend Two-Face? From my perspective he's simply a thug with guns, whose typical-Bat-foe psychosis would actually make him less effective than your run-of-the-mill thug with a gun. Why isn't he dead yet?
OK, Two-Face defenders, you're up!
BATMAN BEYOND UNIVERSE #5
Written by KYLE HIGGINS and CHRISTOS N. GAGE
Art by THONY SILAS and IBAN COELLO
Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
48 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
In the fallout of Rewire’s attack on Neo-Gotham, one of the original Batman’s foes makes a shocking return! Plus, the Justice League encounters the biggest threat they’ve ever faced when all the world’s technology starts to rebel! But who or what is behind this global crisis?
BIRDS OF PREY #26
Written by CHRISTY MARX
Art by ROMANO MOLENAAR and JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by JORGE MOLINA
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The Birds strike back! Canary cuts loose against Regulus! Condor cuts loose on Tsiklon! Batgirl and Strix cut loose on everybody! Will it be enough for them to escape with their lives?
The first few issues of this title didn't thrill me, and I haven't kept up with it. But apparently important continuity stuff happens herein. Like, why was Poison Ivy a member, and for how long? What is Batgirl doing there, if Black Canary is a wanted felon? Who or what is the Condor? And is Strix a good guy or a bad guy (despite, I'm assuming, not being a guy at all)? Anyone want to recommend this book to me?
Come to think of it, what is the premise of this title? Black Canary running a girl-gang, where members come and go? What is their mission? Why does anybody hang around? Don't they all have better things to do?
BIRDS OF PREY VOL. 3: A CLASH OF DAGGERS TP
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI and GAIL SIMONE
Art by ROMANO MOLENAAR, VICENTE CIFUENTES, JUAN JOSE RYP, DANIEL SAMPERE and ADMIRA WIJAYA
Cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR
160 pg, FC, $14.99 US
The Birds of Prey lose one member but gain another in these tales from issue #13-17 and BATGIRL ANNUAL #1, all while the team itself is pulled apart by personal demons and a traitor in their midst.
I see Katana was once a member in BoP, but now she's in Justice League of America, which is probably a better gig, which explains why she's gone. But I don't know why either team would want her: She talks to her sword like it's her dead husband. I mean, we know his soul is really trapped in there, but to anyone else it looks like crazy with a capital CRAY. Plus, you know, she's already homicidal ...
FABLES VOL. 19: SNOW WHITE TP
Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM, STEVE LEIALOHA and SHAWN McMANUS
Cover by MARK BUCKINGHAM
176 pg, FC, $16.99 US • MATURE READERS
In these stories from FABLES #124-129, Castle Dark is back in the hands of the Fables as Bigby sets off from Fabletown in Brian Rose’s blood-fueled sports car to track down two abducted cubs. Unfortunately for Snow White, besides suffering the trauma of her missing cubs, a long-forgotten secret threatens to sabotage her marriage to Bigby.
This volume also collects the backup stories starring Bufkin and Lily from issues #122-134 and the full-length tale from #124.
Knowing this title is going to end with issue #150 adds a certain urgency to the stories. Characters that die now may very well stay dead. I always thought Boy Blue would make a comeback, for example, but it looks like he's run out of time.
FOREVER EVIL: ROGUES REBELLION #3
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by SCOTT HEPBURN
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
1:25 B&W Variant cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The Rogues continue their flight from the ruthless Crime Syndicate, who have put a bounty on their heads. But en route back to Central City, Mirror Master’s powers malfunction, and they land in the middle of the events of ARKHAM WAR with pretty much every Bat-villain around going after the bounty!
This sounds like fun. Of course, I"m trade-waiting. (Sigh.)
THE FURY OF FIRESTORM, THE NUCLEAR MAN VOL. 3: TAKEOVER TP
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by DAN JURGENS and RAY McCARTHY
176 pg, FC, $16.99 US
In these stories from issues #13-20, Ronnie and Jason have managed to get their superpowered alias in check, but with Super-Villains like Multiplex and agents of Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E., Firestorm’s future is uncertain.
It's just astounding how little I care for this character. Even Gail Simone couldn't get me to read it.
GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #26
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN
Art and cover by BRAD WALKER and DREW HENNESSY
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRAD WALKER and DREW HENNESSY
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The planet of Exuro is a paradise—but at a terrible cost: They’re literally stealing from their own futures! When the Exurans cross the line and bring the wrath of the cosmos down on themselves, it’s up to Kyle Rayner to resolve the conflict…but what exactly do the New Guardians want him to see about the difficult choice he’ll have to make?
I like Kyle Rayner enough that I'd follow a title starring him, but what irks me about this is the artificial insertion of other characters to justify the "New Guardians" tag. And now that Kyle isn't even green, what's with "Green Lantern" in the title? Seriously, drop all this GLC crap and just give Kyle a title of his own. Call it White Lantern, or if that's too racially suggestive, go with Ecru Lantern or Beige Flashlight or something.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE #10
Written by STERLING GATES
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and MARK IRWIN
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Can Vibe save his brother, stop an alien invasion and stay alive? That last one may be a tall order!
On the way out. It lasted longer than I expected.
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #26
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art by JULIUS GOPEZ and RAY McCARTHY
Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The last stand of Jason Todd? Ra’s al Ghul is back and more powerful than ever! The Outlaws are being held captive and Jason Todd has lost his memories…can things get any worse for the team?
Are three people really a "team"? Five people are a basketball team. Nine people are a baseball team. Twelve people are a football team. But three people? That's not even enough for poker.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: STRANGE ADVENTURES VOL. 2 TP
Written by various
Art by various
Cover by GIL KANE and JOE GIELLA
RESOLICIT • 520 pg, B&W, $19.99 US
These 1950s science fiction tales from STRANGE ADVENTURES #74-93 star weird alien creatures and intrepid space explorers. Stories include “The Metal Spy from Space,” “The Secret of the Man-Ape,” “The Hungry Meteorite,” “The Day Science Ran Wild,” and many more.
This title is resolicited. All previous orders are canceled.
I've ordered this, although I expect it to be excruciatingly banal -- especially now that the pre-code horror/suspense books are being reprinted in droves and are available for comparison. But there's a vanilla charm to Silver Age DC you don't find elsewhere, and the art is often by recognizable names. Plus, lots of talking gorillas!
SUPERGIRL #26
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR and RAY McCARTHY
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI and CAM SMITH
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Following the stunning conclusion of “Krypton Returns,” Supergirl arrives back on Earth with a new mission and a clearer understanding of her place in the universe. But a striking new foe prepares to welcome Supergirl home: LOBO! What could the mysterious new character want from Supergirl? Find out as the hot new creative team of writer Tony Bedard (GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS) and artist Yildiray Cinar (EARTH 2) launch Supergirl into the next stage of her life in the DC Universe!
Is this Supergirl any more likeable than the last time I checked in? Someone be sure to let me know when she stops being a whiny brat so I can start reading.
SUPERMAN VS. MONGUL TP
Written by LEN WEIN, PAUL LEVITZ and ALAN MOORE
Art by JIM STARLIN, CURT SWAN, DAVE GIBBONS and others
Cover by RYAN SOOK
144 pg, FC, $14.99 US
Superman battles the intergalactic conqueror known as Mongul in these tales from the late 1970s and early 1980s from DC COMICS PRESENTS #27-28, 36 and 43 and SUPERMAN ANNUAL #11. Guest-starring Wonder Woman, Batman, Supergirl and more!
This is some of the better Super-work of the time, so if you haven't read "For the Man Who Has Everything" too many times, it's worth checking out.
TEEN TITANS GO! #1
Written by SHOLLY FISCH and MERRILL HAGAN
Art by BEN BATES and JORGE CORONA
Cover by DAN HIPP
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E
Based on the hit new TV show, feast your eyes on this all-new, all-ages comic book series! Join Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg and Raven as they display their unique brand of hijinks, mayhem and justice! But giant pizza monsters aren’t the only dastardly and delicious villains on the menu…so dig in, Titans!
TEEN TITANS VOL. 3: DEATH OF THE FAMILY TP
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL and FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by BRETT BOOTH, NORM RAPMUND, TYLER KIRKHAM, EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
160 pg, FC, $14.99 US
The team is finally reunited in the wake of “DEATH OF THE FAMILY,” but something is very wrong with Red Robin! What did The Joker do? As Red Robin’s condition worsens, he and the team must face an even greater threat when the new Dr. Light is sent for Solstice! Learn more in these stories from TEEN TITANS #0, 15-17, BATMAN #17 and RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #16!
This is sorta bait-and-switch: Only about half the stories are about the Teen Titans, and maybe only two feature The Joker.
TRINITY OF SIN: PANDORA #6
Written by RAY FAWKES
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA
Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
A FOREVER EVIL TIE-IN! Pandora seeks answers from the one man who seems to have them…Earth-3's The Outsider! But first she must make it past a rabid Vandal Savage, who wants revenge for what Pandora has done to him! All this, and an unexpected visit from the Hellblazer himself, John Constantine!
VERTIGO ESSENTIALS: 100 BULLETS #1
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art by EDUARDO RISSO
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
64 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS
The issue that kicked off the Eisner Award-winning series is back in this promotionally priced reprint! Everyone talks about “getting away with murder,” but what would you do if you were given irrefutable proof of the identity of the one that “done you wrong,” the opportunity to kill them and the means to get away with it, scot-free?
THE WAKE PART ONE #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by SEAN MURPHY
112 pg, FC, $9.99 US • MATURE READERS
The first five issues of the acclaimed new Vertigo series THE WAKE are all collected in this new special!
This is the sort of book that almost requires being read in collected form. The mysteries and character interactions aren't spoon-fed, so you really need to keep up over a long stretch to catch on.
WONDER WOMAN #26
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art and GORAN SUDZUKA
Cover by CLIFF CHIANG
1:25 B&W Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Wonder Woman’s brother and sister are being held hostage by none other than Cassandra, the sadistic sibling she hasn’t even met yet! And speaking of hostages, we’re taking bets on how long chains can hold the First Born!
When they say "Wonder Woman's brother and sister are being held hostage," that really doesn't narrow it down very much. Once Diana discovered her father was Zeus, she instantly became related to half of Mt. Olympus. Heck, Hercules -- who, according to mythology, raped and enslaved Diana's mother Hippolyta -- is now Wonder Woman's half-brother! That's got to make for some awkward Thanksgiving dinners.
Which is not a knock, because I'm enjoying this series. But that solicit is non-informative information.
Replies
IDW PUBLISHING
BEN 10 #2
Ben Tennyson's cruise vacation takes a turn for the weird when he discovers that his mysterious new friend Lorelai is actually a mermaid, the princess and head protector of an alien-hybrid undersea kingdom called TerraPisciss. The mer-people are heroes of the sea and have never needed help before-- so why are they suddenly bringing Ben 10 and the Plumbers into their trust? Action, aliens and romance on the high seas!
$3.99
The conclusion to the year-long event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who! The 9th through 11th Doctors are showcased in a story leading up to the final issue with all 11 Doctors.
$17.99
Every December in Rhinebeck, New York, a celebration is held in honor of Sinterklaas. One of the inspirations for the legend of Santa Claus, Sinterklaas brings presents for good little children, and punishes the bad. But this year, the Sinterklaas seen in Rhinebeck isn't a man in a costume... it's a sinister spirit set on haunting the children of the town! It's the Ghostbusters to the Holiday rescue as Happy Horror Days continues!
$3.99
Thank God they didn't make use of the Black Petes, Sinterklaas' Negro servants.
The G.I. Joe team is sent on a rescue mission for Scarlett and all return except for Snake Eyes. Is he dead or alive? The hunt is on to find out. Meanwhile, Duke is captured in the Amazon forest and "interrogated" by a Crimson Guardsman, all leading to a massive Ninja showdown.
$19.99
THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS - PART 2! TOMAX and CHAMELEON meet face-to-face amid the chaos that the Crimson Twin has unleashed on G.I. JOE's covert facility. Who will walk away alive? Will either of them? DON'T MISS THE EXPLOSIVE CONCLUSION TO G.I. JOE: THE COBRA FILES!
$3.99
Dozens of new monsters have risen from the depth and are staking out their own territory, regardless of humanity's political borders! A war of dominance beings... will Godzilla end up on top?
$19.99
Have you seen the new Godzilla trailer? I don't think this version is going to be very warm and cuddly!
Who... or what, is Jet Jaguar? The size-changing robot has appeared mysteriously, but is he friend or foe? As the alien attack on earth ramps up, Jet Jaguar holds the balance of power in his hands!
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
$3.99
I love how the Japanese name their characters. "Jet Jaguar" is nonsensical, but endearing and memorable. We linear Americans would probably have named the character Robot Size-Master.
Jack Steele: World renowned agent of OLYMPUS, super-spy, debonair, lover of ladies, man-slut. While facing off with his arch-nemesis, Viktor Dannikor, Steele faces his biggest defeat, but who will take his place? Olympus scrambles to find not one, but FIVE newbie agents to fill the void and, unbeknownst to them, they share a common thread. Can these five strangers embrace their fates and come together to save the world? They are THE ILLEGITIMATES! And if you called them bastards.... you'd be absolutely right!
$3.99
This book is bound to win the coveted "Most Pregnant Women on Cover" Award.
"Kids in Santa's Service" -- the Kiss Kids' first series concludes here with these holiday-ending escapades featuring everyone's favorite not-yet-fearsome foursome!
$3.99
Warning: DO NOT kiss kids, unless they are your own.
"The End." A door claps softly shut. A key scrapes in a last rusted lock. It ends here: the story of the Locke children and their desperate, tragic battle with the monster set on destroying them... the past. Join Gabriel Rodriguez and Joe Hill for the final chapter of Locke & Key.
$7.99
That's a lot of nice covers. This title slipped under my radar, but those pretty covers have my Spidey-sense tingling. Has anyone read this series, and if so, what's your recommendation?
(W) Joe Hill (A) Gabriel Rodriguez (CA) Bernie Wrightson & Various
This special deluxe slipcase includes all seven of the regular covers for the final issue of Locke & Key, a true "murderer's row" of talents assembled in one illustrated box set!
$49.99
The Martian mayhem comes to an explosive conclusion! The full-scale invasion has begun, and even Judge Dredd finds himself overmatched by the Martian forces. Judge Anderson has a plan, however, but can Dredd bring himself to seek the aid of the Mega-City Mafia?
$3.99
I don't think those perps from Mars stand a chance, so the ending isn't in doubt. But I enjoy seeing Martians punched almost as much as I enjoy Nazis being punched. Maybe more, given the satisfying "CRUNCH" of the helmet shattering. I'll likely get this in trade.
From high C to the high seas, Mister Peabody and Sherman are sailing back through the centuries in search of adventure! But what's more terrifying: coming face to face with Blackbeard the pirate, or taking center stage from an operatic diva?
$3.99
Excuse me, professor, but do you have a license for that boy?
Swashbuckling and mutiny abound! From a mysterious map to a moody captain, our heroes sure have their hoofs full! The ponies are hot on the trail of Hoofbeard's long lost treasure - but can they stand him long enough to find it? Find out in this action-packed issue of My Little Pony!
$3.99
A royal eclipse! When Celestia has to leave for the day, Luna is charged to keep watch over waking hours. Will the guardian of the night be able to juggle a new set of responsibilities while keeping her cool? (Not to mention keeping awake!)
$3.99
MORE great Popeye goodness! You'll love these stories: A very funny "Popeye and King Blozo's Problem," then something fascinating and unusual, a story with no Popeye but a character that rarely gets his due stars in "Ham Gravy and his Indian Friend." And if that isn't weird enough, Bud Sagendorf pens a story about BUGS! Not as in BUNNY--lady bugs, spiders, and beetles, oh my... FIGHTING A TIGER!!! Plus more!
$3.99
Are these comics drawn for comic books, or are they adapted comic strips?
Jack's travels bring him to a village filled with tension and mystery. Can he discover the town's strange secret before Aku's robotic army invades? Our samurai hero's quest to gather the Threads of Time continues.
$3.99
The popular sci-fi strip makes its way to our shores! Finn and Ramone in two classic 2000 AD stories! First is "Money Shots," which sees the two gunsharks crashing the set of an adult movie in order to carry out a hit on a target that may be happier to see them than they expected! Second is "Point Blanc." The duo is recruited to take out a narc boss who owns extreme firepower. Is their mystery employer out for more than control of Downlode's heavy-duty killware?
$3.99
This appears to be a strip glorifying a couple of hit-men. And I thought the U.S. had cornered the market on self-loathing, violent nihilism.
STAR TREK ONGOING #28
The climactic chapter of the Klingon-Romulan War! Kirk and the Enterprise have one last chance to prevent galaxy-wide cataclysm... but at what cost to the crew? Star Trek Into Darkness writer/producer Roberto Orci oversees this all-new story set in the aftermath of the blockbuster film!
$3.99
Star Trek has never, IMHO, translated well to comics. And I'm wary that this title will be too constrained by the movie boys. So that's two reasons I'm not reading it.
But I could be missing out because, if nothing else, the new Entertprise crew is even more action-heroey than the last, which does translate well to comics. What say you, Legionniares?
Someone aboard the starship Enterprise has killed Captain Kirk-or so it seems. While the captain recovers, it falls to his crew to uncover the facts behind the case and learn whether one of their own is a cold-blooded killer. Add in the unwanted arrival of the Klingons and Kirk's nemesis from his academy days, Finnegan, to take charge of the investigation for an action packed adventure.
$21.99
Wait, I know! I know! It was Malcolm McDowell, in the future, with a bridge. I saw it in a movie. What do I win?
This second volume of a 4-book series collecting the entire run of the Tarzan newspaper strip by Russ Manning presents five complete daily storylines and five complete Sundays adventures. In the dailies from October 29, 1969 through March 31, 1971, Tarzan meets the Stone Pharaoh while his son, Korak, encounters the Gryf Worshippers. In the Sundays from May 18, 1969 through January 17, 1971, Tarzan embarks on a safari to Opar and we learn the back story on how he met his wife and life partner Jane.
$49.99
Weird. I've already gotten this from Amazon. Usually comic shops get everything first.
The all-ages action continues in this collection of TMNT Adventures! Enjoy classic Turtles tales like "Space Junk Face Funk Cyber Punk Thief," "Rat Trap," "Search and Destroy," and "Gimme Danger!"
$19.99
The perfect gift for the Kevin Eastman fanatic in your home! Collecting all of TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman's covers for the IDW Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series! From start to finish, experience the highlights of the series in cover form!
$3.99
The all-ages action continues is the latest collection of TMNT Adventures! This volume introduces the Mighty Mutanimals in their first three-issue series, and also includes Adventures issues #21 and 22, featuring the stories "Space Junk Face Funk Cyber Punk Thief" and "Rat Trap!"
$3.99
Recovering from the events of City Fall, the Turtles seek sanctuary in the countryside. They bring with them new questions, tension within the family - and a stowaway! Don't miss this first issue of the newest TMNT arc, "Northampton"!
$3.99
Four Turtles books in a single week. TMNT fans are going to have get a second job!
Explore the rich world of Transformers Prime! Loaded with character animation models, concept art, interviews with the creators and more, Transformers: The Art of Prime provides and unprecendented look behind the scenes of bringing the TF Prime universe to television audiences. Jim Sorenson (Transformers The Ark, Transformers AllSpark Almanac) brings this deep, vivid world into focus!
$49.99
DARK FORCES RISE! JHIAXUS-the mysterious senator who deleted himself from Cybertronian history-is back... but as friend or foe? RODIMUS PRIME is forced to question the motives of Primus himself-does he drag the AUTOBOTS into a war they can't win... or side with an "enemy" who seeks only one thing: universal order?
$3.99
UNDER FIRE! AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS unite to battle a common foe... but will it be enough to stop the DARK CYBERTRON prophecy from coming true? SHOCKWAVE's plan reaches fruition-while in the Dead Universe, secrets are revealed!
$3.99
And three Transformers books. Is IDW not worried about flooding the market?
X-FILES SEASON 10 VOL 1 HC
For years they investigated the paranormal, pursued the "monsters of the week," and sought the truth behind extraterrestrial activity, along with the grand conspiracy surrounding it rooted deep within their own government. But when AGENTS MULDER and SCULLY reunite for a new, ongoing series that ushers THE X-FILES into a new era of technological paranoia, multinational concerns, and otherworldly threats, it'll take more than a desire "to believe" to make it out alive.
$24.99
Since the paranormal is an established fact in the X-Files universe, of what use is Scully's skepticism? The foundation of the series, as I see it, is gone.
BLACK SCIENCE #2
Art MATTEO SCALERA & DEAN WHITE
Cover a MATTEO SCALERA & DEAN WHITE
Cover b ROBBI RODRIGUEZ & DEAN WHITE
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
Run-amok reality! Grant and his crew escape the madness of the lightning sea-swamp only to be flung into a futurepast trenchworld, where the Sons of the Wakan Tech-Tanka wage never-ending war on the savages of Europe! How did the Anarchist League of Scientists end up this deep in the onion? Who among them sabotaged the Pillar?
I really wanted to like this, but I only made it about halfway through the first issue before giving up. Now granted:
* I'm not a big Rick Remender fan
* Misspellings in professional comic books drive me into a murderous rage, so it irritated me when I ran across "dilettante" spelled so badly it took me two passes to figure out what the word was supposed to be.
* The first half of the book is a V/O of the main character discussing events in the past and the future vs. what's happening on panel. That's an OK story structure for a page or two, but then it becomes a chore for the reader to try to keep two (or three) competing storylines in his or her head for page after page. Remender kept it up so long that I stopped paying attention to all the name-checks of characters I hadn't met yet and began an active dislike of the narrator, who seemed exceptionally whiny.
* I was in a hurry, which means I was in a bad mood.
On the plus side, one of Remender's signature moves is a ... casual approach to coherent plot development. Weird crap happening without explanation usually annoys me, but in this case, it's sorta the raison d'etre of the series.
So maybe I'll give it another pass, when I'm not in a hurry. But right now, I can't recommend it. And I wanted to.
Art / cover DAVID MESSINA
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
The s#!t is hitting the fan in a big, bad way! The Bounce's grip on this reality is getting looser all the time. Meanwhile, the Darling is ready to strike! All this, and inter-dimensional pornography, too! We dare not tell you more!
Several Legionnaires are reading this. How's it holding up, folks? Should I pick up the first trade?
Art / cover NICK DRAGOTTA
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.50
“THREE”
We catch up with the three horsemen and gain insight as to what their greater mission is and what plans they have for the Chosen.
I have no intention of reading this anyway BUT trade. This is Hickman, after all.
Art / cover MARTÍN MORAZZO
152 PAGES / FC / M / $14.99
Over a year has passed since industrialist adventurer Chas Worthington founded the New Texas Settlement upon a floating continent of trash. But while growth has been strong, true sovereignty and statehood will come at a cost even he cannot afford. The frontier tale of sci-fi, scoundrels, mayhem, and monsters continues!
Collects GREAT PACIFIC #7-12
Art RODIN ESQUEJO
Cover a RODIN ESQUEJO
Cover b JENNY FRISON
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
NEW STORY ARC
ACT II BEGINS!
Everything has changed, and the world as these characters know it will never be the same. New mysteries, higher stakes, bold action. Welcome to the next phase of MIND THE GAP.
If you’ve been waiting to jump on, now’s the time!
Art / cover TYLER JENKINS
264 PAGES / FC / T+ / $39.99
OVER-SIZED
A coming-of-age tale told through the eyes of a group of French orphans during World War II who are saved by a brave and daring American boy named Peter. As they travel together, they get tangled up in the French Resistance and their efforts against a growing German presence under the leadership of a fanatical hook-handed SS officer hellbent on wiping them out!
Collecting the first 10 issues of this Peter Pan re-imagining, the Deluxe Hardcover contains never before seen illustrations by TYLER JENKINS and reveals the Peter Pan Easter eggs as written by KURTIS J. WIEBE.
We've had some discussions about Peter Panzerfaust at the Round Table lately, so here's a chance for those who want to catch up to do so. At this price, though, you'd better be committed!
art EMMA RÍOS & JORDIE BELLAIRE
cover EMMA RÍOS
DECEMBER 18
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
All blood spilled into the earth makes its way to a river. Where those rivers meet, Fox attends the birth of a beast, the child of a thousand violent deaths.
Nice stuff so far.
Art MIKE NORTON
Cover JENNY FRISON
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Dana and her ex, Derrick, investigate Em murderer suspect Aaron, but they aren't the only ones. Meanwhile, May Tao gets closer to connecting the Cypresses to the burned bones of the Check brothers.
I should save this tidbit for my review of Revival Vol. 2, but I'll go ahead and say it here: I'm growing a bit weary of NO mysteries being explained, while new mysteries are piled atop old ones. We know no more now than we did in the first issue, and it's starting to feel a bit like Wolverine's origin (before Origin). Seeley needs to throw us a bone now and then, or I'm going to leave in frustration.
SAGA #17
art / cover FIONA STAPLES
DECEMBER 11
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99
Prince Robot IV gets everyone into trouble.
That's not much of a solicit, but if you're not reading this title already, it's probably because you've tried it and didn't like it. There's been so much chatter about this book that yurt salesmen in Mongolia have probably heard about it.
"NOCTURNAL"
Everything clicks into place as we discover who's really behind KodiaK. Someone lives. Someone dies. Someone knows...a secret.
$3.50
Art MORGAN JESKE & PIOTR KOWALSKI
Cover PIOTR KOWALSKI
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
We know you're all wondering—what was life like in Saturn City in the glorious heyday of the Armored Saint? Find out this issue in a special flashback sequence drawn by MORGAN JESKE (CHANGE)! An orgy of action! Secrets revealed! Onions peeled! Don't miss it!
Art / cover BEN TEMPLESMITH
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Why has a wounded angel been chained and imprisoned on the outskirts of hell for a hundred thousand years? And why should Joe Fitzgerald care enough to help her, since it'll just slow him down in his search for Laura? Knowing that his actions could result in his permanent death, and with a civil war breaking out in heaven, Joe must make a fateful decision that will endanger not only his soul, but the soul of the woman he loves more than life itself.
"THE DAY DAWNED TWICE"
$2.99
UMBRAL #1, a brand new dark fantasy adventure series from Antony Johnston (WASTELAND, Daredevil) and Christopher Mitten (WASTELAND, Batman) has enchanted fans. This story of a thief accidentally discovering the beginnings of a demonic invasion blends paranoia, magic, and dark prophecies.
Praise for UMBRAL #1:
“The end result is exactly the combination of dreamworld and darkness readers would expect from a nightmare, giving the world a very distinct look and feel. Who needs the map in the front to establish a world when the art is this impressive?” --Marykate Jasper, Comic Book Resources
“Experimenting with genre conventions from Arthurian lore and Lovecraft, Johnson, Mitten, and Rauch have created a whole new fantasy world that is just ripe for stories.” --James Johnston, Multiversity Comics
Art / cover CHRISTOPHER MITTEN
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
"FALLING INTO DARK"
The nightmare creatures called Umbral are invading, and only the young thief Rascal knows it! But in a world where magic and religion are outlawed, will anyone believe her? And is the mysterious hobo Dalone an ally... or a deadly enemy?!
I liked the concepts introduced in the first issue, but the art was a turn-off. I'll need a few more issues to see whether the former will win out over the latter, or vice versa.
32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.99
“BLOOD MAKES NOISE,” Conclusion
Zoey’s talk radio show will become a deadly public forum for her twisted listeners before she will even know what hit her.
Wait -- is that the lead character? An actual African-American female, one who doesn't look like a model, as the sympathetic lead? Yowza! Take that, DC, with your skinny-ization of "The Wall"!
Art CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN
Cover TONY MOORE
132 PAGES / BW / M / $14.99
Available for the first time in the US, the second volume of the Walking Dead saga is presented in Spanish.
Collects THE WALKING DEAD #7-12
Donde estan los muertos? Aqui? Dios mio!
Art LAURA BRAGA
Cover A JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
Cover B STJEPAN SEJIC
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
WITCHBLADE NO MORE!
Sara Pezzini violently ripped the Witchblade from her body and abandoned it. For Sara to begin her life anew, the Witchblade must find and bond with a new host. But not all who wield the Witchblade are worthy to bear the burden of the gauntlet.
Sara is naked in the cover on the left because A) she thought she was in a manga and had to take an unnecessary but titillating shower, B) she didn't have a thing to wear, C) Image wants to sell a lot of books to 15-year-old boys and has no shame, D) there is a valid story purpose behind the nudity.
If you guessed D, can I interest you in some bitcoins?
Art TRADD MOORE & JORDIE BELLAIRE
Cover a TRADD MOORE & TOM MULLER
Cover b CHRISTIAN WARD & TOM MULLER
32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Belfast, 2001. Zero is nine years old. The Agency sends him on his first mission. Zero's target: a supposedly ex-IRA terrorist.
MARVEL COMICS
ALL-NEW X-MEN #20
Art by BRANDON PETERSON & MAHMUD ASRAR
Cover by BRANDON PETERSON
X-MEN 50th ANNIVERSARY VARIANT by TBD
• The fallout of X-MEN: BATTLE OF THE ATOM continues!
• X-23 is back!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the action-packed All-New X-Men #20, from the blockbuster creative team of Brian Michael Bendis, Brandon Peterson & Mahmud Asrar! There’s a new student at the New Xavier School – and she’s not too happy her new "campus" is housed inside a former Weapon X facility! X-23 wants answers – and she’s not going to ask nicely. But before she gets then, she and the All-New X-Men must face down a heavily armed squad of mutant-hunting Purifiers! And Laura may just find comfort in the arms of one of her new teammates – young Cyclops of the All-New X-Men! It all starts this December in All-New X-Men #20!
Jean Grey, Emma Frost, X-23 -- say, that Cyclops is quite a player! He's still no Wolverine, though.
TIM GREEN, EMMA RIOS & JAVIER RODRIGUEZ (a)
Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
VARIANT COVER BY MIRCO PIERFEDERICI
• Continuing the special celebration of THE ORIGINAL SPIDER-MAN from Man of Action’s Joe Casey & Tim Green (AVENGERS ACADEMY)!
• What is the Black Lodge? And how has Spider-Man been trapped there, surrounded by his deadliest foes? Then, the Black Cat and Spider-Man team-up to bust an international art thievery ring in CAT & MOUSE by Jen Van Meter (CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Emma Rios (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN).
• Finally, a young boy must learn he can’t rely on super heroes like Spider-Man to stand up against bullies in 12 O’CLOCK HIGH by Clay Chapman (AVENGERS: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES) and Javier Rodriguez (DAREDEVIL).
40 PGS. / Rated T …$3.99
SEAN CHEN & LEE WEEKS (a)
Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
VARIANT COVER BY IN-HYUK LEE
• Peter Parker and Johnny Storm must stop an apocalyptic future by fighting – the Fantastic Four?! By Brian Reed (MS. MARVEL) and Sean Chen (AVENGERS)!
• Then, a young child risks his life to save Spider-Man’s in the emotional WHAT WOULD SPIDER-MAN DO? By Kevin Grievioux (NEW WARRIORS) and Lee Weeks (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN)!
40 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
I wonder at the purpose of this exercise. Was it to test the waters for Peter's return? Was it to keep some trademark alive? Was it genuinely a one-year anniversary thing to let fans and writers scratch the Parker itch? I don't know, and I won't know unless I read it, which I'm on the fence about.
Penciled by GABRIEL HERNANDEZ WALTA
Cover by PHIL NOTO
Warbird is on the run, labeled an enemy of Earth as well as the Shi’ar. Now the X-Men must decide whether to help her or bring her in. But what’s the secret of that alien artifact she’s uncovered? Then, in the aftermath of X-Termination, Iceman begins to deal with the aftershocks of his multi-dimensional ordeal. A catastrophic storm has buried much of the northern hemisphere under the deadly weight of snow, creating a kingdom where only one man rules: Bobby Drake. But Bobby’s mind has become fragmented and lost. Who will stop his reign of terror? Plus: Wolverine and Gambit hit the road in a stolen Lamborghini... with an alien stuffed in the teeny tiny trunk! Collecting ASTONISHING X-MEN #57-59 and ASTONISHING X-MEN #62-68.
216 PGS./Rated T+ …$29.99
MATTEO BUFFAGNI (A)
Cover by JORGE MOLINA
INHUMANITY TIE-IN
• Spider-Woman and the Hulk -- Team Sad! -- are Back in Black… and red. And yellow. And purple and green. A lot of green.
• Speaking of green… Spider-Girl follows in the footsteps of her investigative reporter Dad and follows the money.
• The Toxic Doxie has her very own Inhuman… All that a homicidal maniac could ask for.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Cover by FABIO LISTRANI
• Trapped in a strange world fighting for survival!
• A mysterious hero from the Ultimate Universe’s Past RETURNS
• An X-Man cannot survive GAH LAK TUS!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
I stopped reading the Ultimate universe with the death of Peter Parker. (Great jumping-off point!) So I really don't care what happens over there. The only comment I have is the one I've had in this space for weeks, which is ... STILL? It's taking Galactus THIS LONG to eat a planet? He must be really off his game.
Art by JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
Cover by CHRIS SAMNEE
• Daredevil’s become New York’s most dangerous man--the self-appointed prosecutor of the Sons of the Serpent, the secret clan who owns and operates the city’s justice system!
• The odds are against DD--and that’s just how he likes it!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
Marvel’s fearless hero becomes the most wanted man in New York City in the action-packed Daredevil #34! From award-winning writer Mark Waid and acclaimed artist Javier Rodriguez – Matt Murdock has returned to a New York City that wants him dead! The Sons of the Serpent are out to take down the Man Without Fear before he can completely dismantle them! But when your enemy controls the entire city’s justice system and more, enemies are everywhere! Where can you turn when everyone is a bad guy? The odds are stacked against him this December – and that’s just the way he likes it! All leading up to the biggest life changing event for ol’ hornhead. No fan of the man without fear can afford to miss the exciting Daredevil #34!
I was relieved to discover recently that this book isn't being canceled with issue #36, but is instead being rebooted (with the same creative team) with a new #1. I"m guessing that's just a sales gimmick, but I want this book to last a long time, so I don't mind. Also, it's a chance for me to switch from the monthly to trades.
Art by MIKE HAWTHORNE
Cover by MARK BROOKS
• Deadpool vs. S.H.I.E.L.D., part one!
• S.H.I.E.L.D. stiffed Deadpool on a bill!
• Now, they’re gonna regret it!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
The Merc with a Mouth goes toe-to-toe with the S.H.I.E.L.D. in Deadpool #21 – the first issue in a brand-new story arc from the blockbuster writers Gerry Duggan & Brian Posehn and red-hot artist Mike Hawthorne! And it ain’t gonna be pretty!
It’s been a while since S.H.I.E.L.D. had Deadpool re-kill the reanimated Presidents of the United States – and Agent Gorman of S.H.I.E.L.D. stiffed him on his well-earned pay! After all, he doesn’t do this for free, y’know? Now it’s time to collect what he’s owed – even if he’s gotta take down all of S.H.I.E.L.D. to get paid! But with S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Preston’s consciousness still stuck in his head – how’s she going to feel about all this destruction? And is all this S.H.I.E.L.D. stuff a shameless cash-in because of the TV show? Ask guest-star AGENT COULSON! Don’t miss the explosive start of Deadpool vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. when Deadpool #21 hits print and digital this December!
DEADPOOL CLASSIC VOL 9 TP
Writer Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Batgirl) takes on Marvel's Merc With a Mouth! When Deadpool crosses paths with the Black Swan, the telepathic villain infects Wade with a virus that eats away at his mind. Can Deadpool overcome his degenerating thought processes and continue his merc work? Not likely! The madness continues as Deadpool must steal the Rhino's horn and play bodyguard to mutant songstress Dazzler. Along the way, he'll get by with a little help from some new friends: Sandi Brandenberg, Ratbag, Outlaw and the Taskmaster. But when a showdown with the Black Swan goes wrong, who - if anyone - will survive? And in the aftermath: Meet Agent X! He appears on Sandi's doorstep, an amnesiac blank slate with healing powers, uncanny fighting skills and a burning desire to be a mercenary. Is he a deeply damaged Deadpool? And if not, who or what is he? Collecting DEADPOOL (1997) #65-69 and AGENT X #1-6.
$29.99
It begins with a lost Deadpool adventure from the groovy seventies as DP hits the streets with Power Man and Iron Fist! But when the threat the Trio-For-Hire faced resurfaces in the modern day, Deadpool must track down his old pals for a rematch! Then, when Deadpool's past in the Weapon X Program returns to haunt him, he recruits fellow Weapon Plus alums - and reluctant allies - Wolverine and Captain America! In the heart of the enemy's clutches, the three get sucked deeper into the mysteries they uncover - but when the heroes learn that Deadpool's past has been weaponized, can they unite to take this new threat down in time? Collecting DEADPOOL (2012) #13-19.
$15.99
Cover by MARK BAGLEY
DOOMED! Part 3: The Elements of War
• The Fantastic Four struggle to stop the molecular plague destroying their powers and bodies.
• Standing between them and the cure: the Frightful Force, an army of their greatest foes, led by one of the F4’s own who betrayed them! Their only allies: another Fantastic Four!
• Meanwhile, Dr. Doom, Kang, and Annihilus come to an ominous meeting of the minds...
32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99
• Invasion Latveria: the Video Game!
• Four stand-in replacement heroes and a dozen kids versus Dr. Doom, now transformed into the ultimate power in the universe: Doom the Annihilating Conqueror! What a time to run out of quarters!
• Game over, man! Game over!
32 PGS./Rated T …$2.99
Why is that girl's hair pink? Just curious.
CLAY MANN (A)
Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
INHUMANITY TIE-IN! “THE HUMANITY BOMB” CHAPTER ONE!
• Humanity has placed its faith in BRUCE BANNER to save Earth!
• Who is working AGAINST Banner as the threat spreads?
• This time, HULK has nothing to punch! Can Banner smash?
32 PGS./ Rated T…$3.99
Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
• The worst threats that ever have/will face the Marvel Universe?
• The Hulkvengers? Kraven the Pheonix? WolfCap? Wolverine King of the Vampires? Cosmic Carnage?
• Sounds like a job for Longshot, right?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
I've never been interested in Longshot, so y'all let me know what happens. Also, "Phoenix" is misspelled above and, as noted already, misspellings drive me into a murderous rage.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES VOL. 6 HC
Penciled by STEVE DITKO, GRAY MORROW, JOE ORLANDO, REED CRANDALL, GENE COLAN, PAUL REINMAN, ROBERT Q. SALE, JOE SINNOTT, BOB POWELL, JOHN FORTE, JAY SCOTT PIKE, ANGELO TORRES, BILL BENULIS & MORE
Cover by BILL EVERETT
The link between the Atlas Era and the Marvel Age draws ever closer with our sixth scare-filled collection of STRANGE TALES! Behind some of the most beautiful cover art in Bill Everett’s storied career, each issue is packed with twist-ending tales that thrill and horrify. There are aliens, astronauts, girls, gangsters, police and poltergeists prepared to amaze you following every page turn. With artwork by a who’s who of 1950s talent — from Ditko and Colan to Orlando and Crandall — it’s as much a feast for the eyes as a shock to the senses. So reserve your copy today, or risk a comeuppance worse than death: no Strange Tales in your Masterworks library! Collecting STRANGE TALES (1951) #49-57.
248 PGS./All Ages …$74.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-5929-2
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES
VOL. 6 HC — VARIANT EDITION VOL. 201 (DM ONLY)
248 PGS./All Ages …$74.99
Boy, it's going to take a long time for this series to catch up with the Human Torch issues already in print. So hurry up already, Marvel! I'd like to read the complete Strange Tales before I die, all right?
It's no mystery why MARVEL COMICS took the four-color hero world by storm - it featured some of the greatest characters and creators of comics' Golden Age! And today you can experience the stories that founded Marvel as the Golden Age Marvel Masterworks march on. In our second volume, the Human Torch joins the police force, the Sub-Mariner is put on trial - and gets the electric chair! - the Angel takes on the mob, Ka-Zar defends his jungle kingdom, and Electro and Professor Zog continue their wild adventures. You'll also see history made when the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner cross over into each other's series for comics' first hero vs. hero battle! Collecting MARVEL MYSTERY COMICS #5-8.
$29.99
POWERS: BUREAU VOL. 1 — UNDERCOVER TPB
MICHAEL AVON OEMING (A/C)
The newest chapter of the Eisner Award-winning POWERS is here — and it’s a bold game-changer! Now that all powers cases are federal cases, Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim are now federal agents and must learn to live by the new rules. But when they find themselves dealing with the biggest powers cases in the entire country, will this new life close the closet full of skeletons Deena carries with her? (Absolutely not!) Walker and Deana are up to their necks in the most dangerous chase of their careers when they’re faced with a case so dangerous it will take more than just their expertise to solve. Also, Deena is pregnant! So there’s that. Get on board the creator-owned series that shows cops and capes like you’ve never seen them before! Collecting POWERS: BUREAU #1-6.
168 PGS./Mature …$19.99
© 2013 Jinxworld Inc.
DAVID BALDEON (A)
Cover by Ryan Stegman
LAST DEVASTATING ISSUE!
• It’s over. Kaine did his best to be a hero. He failed.
• What about Houston?! Who lives? Who dies? Is there a place for the Scarlet Spider in this world? The answers will surprise you.
• Two years and 25 issues have led to THIS! Guest starring: MEXICO!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
HOW TO MAIM A MOCKINGBIRD, Part Two
• Secret Avengers are taken down by A.I.M.?!
• Taskmaster and Mockingbird go full stealth mode as the entire A.I.M. island searches for them.
• A.I.M.’s secrets are spilled. Forson’s wild card is revealed. A team member down.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
I read the first trade and it was ... all right. I'll probably get the second to see if it gets better, in which case I'll continue reading, or worse, in which case I'll drop it.
Penciled by RAFAEL KAYANAN, NORMAN FELCHLE, JOHN ROMITA JR., JOE BENNETT & LUKE ROSS
Cover by JOHN BYRNE
Power. Immortality. Wisdom. Madness. Death. All those who partake in the mysterious Gathering of Five will gain one of these mystical gifts — but whichever one the Green Goblin gets, Spider-Man’s in for the fight of his life! What part do Madame Web, Molten Man and the Scriers play in Norman Osborn’s sinister machinations? Which of Spider-Man’s loved ones has risen from the grave, and how does her return spell doom for humanity? And after all this, will Peter Parker hang up the webs for good? The answers will shock you as a long-running era of Spidey history comes to an end! Plus: a collection of Spider-Man art from the industry’s greatest talents! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #440-441, SPIDER-MAN (1990) #96-98, SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN (1996) #32-33, SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN (1976) #262-263 and LEGACY OF SPIDER-MAN.
(1976) #262-263 and LEGACY OF SPIDER-MAN.
248 PGS./Rated T …$29.99
I didn't enjoy this when it came out because I was still cheesed at Norman Osborn not being dead. Since that ship has sailed, maybe I'd enjoy it better the second time around.
Art & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Variant Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
DARKEST HOURS Part 3 of 4: “Complications”
• The birth of a new Goblin! The return of Cardiac! MJ’s greatest fear!
• And the one question everyone will be asking: “Who is THE SUPERIOR VENOM?!”
• Good luck, Superior Spider-Man! You’re gonna need it!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Spider-Man battles his greatest foes as Darkest Hours continues in Superior Spider-Man #24 – from the critically acclaimed creative team of Dan Slott & Humberto Ramos! Nobody has tested Peter Parker quite like Venom – will Otto Octavius face the same perils? Flash Thompson is back in town for his first run-in with the Superior Spider-Man! And this clash isn’t going to be pretty! But even as the wallcrawlers clash – the Green Goblin and his army prepare to make their move. Plus, the answer to the question everyone will be asking – “Who is the Superior Venom?!” You do not want to miss Superior Spider-Man #24!
STEPHANIE HANS (A)
Cover by PAOLO RIVERA
• After the events of the Superior Six, the Superior Spider-Man faces off with an even deadlier foe: SELF-DOUBT.
• Has the Superior Spider-Man been humbled? How can he come back from this?
• With the help of a guest-star even more arrogant than Spider-Man … THE SUB-MARINER!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Art by RON GARNEY & EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by ESAD RIBIC
$3.99
The hunt for Malekith continues across the nine realms in Thor: God of Thunder #16 – the penultimate chapter of The Accursed! From the blockbuster creative team of Jason Aaron, Ron Garney and Emanuela Lupacchino – one of the newly formed League of Realms has fallen. The remaining members of the League stand as the single best hope for defeating Malekith – even as a traitor walks among them! Now, in order to prevent war among the Realms, Thor must do the unthinkable! But it may still be too late to stop Malekith from staging one final bloody raid. A raid that will take him and his sadistic army of Dark Elves straight to Earth! No fan can afford to miss the pulse-pounding Thor: God of Thunder #16!
Trade-waiting. And enjoying this series more than any Thor run since Simonson.
THUNDERBOLTS ANNUAL #1
Matteo Lolli (A)
Cover by CARLO BARBERI
• The Thunderbolts’ new mission? KILL DOCTOR STRANGE.
• Of course, they’re gonna need a pretty special arsenal for that.
• “Thrilling Adventure Hour” creators Ben Acker & Ben Blacker take the Tbolts on a whirlwind tour of the Marvel Magicverse!
40 PGS./ All-New Material/Parental Advisory …$4.99
• After the numerous deaths last issue the Avengers Unity Squad is left shattered and broken.
• The fate of humanity rests in the hands of Thor, but can the God of Thunder defeat the combined might of two Apocalypses?
• At the same time The Wasp fights for her life against the unparalleled might of The Sentry!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Naturally, I've read about "the numerous deaths last issue" despite not having read the last issue, since I trade-wait this series. From a cold start it sounds like a stupid story move to kill the two characters I heard about, especially since no one really takes death seriously in comics any more, and because both of these characters have died before (I think), and because both of them are in Marvel movies, so they're not going anywhere. But maybe I'll be convinced by the execution ... uh, I mean, how the story plays out.
Cover by RAMON PEREZ
• THE GREAT CORRUPTION reaches its conclusion!
• One of the X-Men’s greatest foes is rampaging through Los Angeles in the guise of the Revenant Queen. What sacrifice will one member of Uncanny X-Force make to stop her and her army?
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99
Penciled by PEPE LARRAZ, THONY SILAS & JORGE COELHO
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
Venom hits the town for some old-fashioned crime-busting — but this crime busts back! Introducing underworld boss Lord Ogre! If Venom’s going to be the super hero Philly deserves, he’s got to do it right — but he knows zip about how to start. And to make matters worse, Lord Ogre declares war! A hit has been taken out on Venom’s life — and killers are flooding Philly to collect! How does Flash protect himself while trying to hide his secret identity from Katy Kiernan? Even in tough times, every super hero needs a sidekick. But is Marvel’s newest symbiote-powered character, Mania, a hero or villain? As Venom and Mania tackle Lord Ogre, Crossbones and the DOA, Flash and the symbiote have a heart-to-heart. But what is Daimon Hellstrom’s role in all this? Plus: Flash Thompson confronts his past as a bully – and makes a momentous decision about his future! Collecting VENOM (2011) #27.1 and #36-42.
184 PGS./Rated T+ …$15.99
Penciled by NEIL EDWARDS & CARMEN CARNERO
Cover by DAVID YARDIN
Peter David’s epic tale, nearly a decade in the telling, draws to its close! As the members of X-Factor recover from the Hell on Earth War, Wolfsbane makes a life-changing decision, sibling rivalry erupts between Polaris and Quicksilver, and one of X-Factor’s longest-held secrets is revealed: the truth about Longshot and Shatterstar! It’s time to lock the doors and turn off the lights as Jamie Madrox’s detective agency shuts down for good. Bid a fond farewell to Layla Miller, Strong Guy, M, Rictor and the rest. Believe it or not, it’s the end of X-Factor! Collecting X-FACTOR (1986) #257-262.
136 PGS./Rated T+ …$17.99
Part 2 of MUERTAS
• Lady Deathstrike is building an all-new empire and the X-Men will be her calling card!
• Without her tech, Karima struggles to remember who she was.
• And introducing…Frenzy!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
I've always liked M because she's always been so unapologetically an elitist. I don't like elitists much in real life, but it was fun to read about one who relished her role so much. In fact, I was a bit disappointed when she'd lower herself to acts of commonality like sleeping with one of Jamie's clones or going on a date with Strong Guy. Honestly, why bother with such plebeians, M? Get a grip, girl. They're not in your tax bracket.
JAMIE MCKELVIE, EMMA VIECELI, CHRISTIAN WARD & ANNIE WU
Cover by JAMIE MCKELVIE
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
RESOLUTION (1 of 2)
• We gather in a night club, and have a string of connected and overlapping stories starring our cast. It’s a completely and unprecedented approach to a story in comics history. There are no parallels. We refuse to accept it.
•Team Young Avengers are joined by an all-start cast of some people we really like. Each individual section gets one individual artist. It’s a metaphor, probably.
• It’s been one hell of a year. In two episodes, one before and one after the new year, the Young Avengers get resolution. You guys do as well.
OTHER PUBLISHERS
8-BIT ZOMBIES ONE-SHOT
(W) Fred Perry (A/CA) David Hutchinson
Fred Perry (Gold Digger, Zombie Kid Diaries, Action Time Buddies) and David Hutchison (Biowulf, Mischief and Mayhem, Steamcraft) team up to provide the most pixelated presentation of putrefied panic to grace the printed page! Zombies are roaming the streets, and no one is safe from being converted or devoured! The graphics may be low-res, but the terror's strictly high-def!
$3.99
(W) Mark Chadbourn (A) Ken Bald & Various
PS Artbooks has put together a Christmas bundle comprising the first volumes of Unknown, Forbidden Worlds, and Out of the Night, the one-off Skeleton Hand, and a copy of their Showcase sampler of everything they've been doing. Some of the many artists include Frank Frazetta, Edvard Moritz, Ken Bald, and Harry Lazarus.
$124.99
W) Ryan North, Jen Bennett (A) Shelli Paroline & Various (CA) Mike Holmes, Seo Kim
Will Princess Bubblegum be able to stop her creation from spreading, or is already too late for the Kingdom of Ooo?! With the Kingdoms Heroes under it's influence it leaves Marceline and Princess Bubblegum in a race again time as they try to find a way to not only save themselves, but everyone else in Ooo!
$3.99
(W) Ikumi Katagiri (A/CA) Ai Ninomiya
A twist on Alice's adventures in Wonderland in which "Alice" is a boy whose "adventures" more closely resemble a gunfight! Alice tags along on a little excursion with the Queen of Hearts, hoping to prove his loyalty and thereby gain entrance to Caterpillar Lane. Though initially Alice strongly opposed the cruelty of the Queen's murderous methods, he is surprised to find himself hesitating when the Queen moves to kill three children who defied royal orders. How long can Alice forsake his true self?
$11.99
Wait, now Alice is a boy? Will she ever be a little girl again?
Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCES
(W) Steve Niles (A) Dennis Calero (CA) Ben Templesmith
The battle has been fought and won. Ash battled and defeated the Deadite image of himself and save the world. Now all he wants to do is get home a have a normal life. Too bad he messed up the Book of Dead incantation. New series. New start. Will Ash ever escape the land of the Deadites? Will he ever find his girl? Will he ever remember the last part of the incantation? Now an army of unbelievable horrors rules the land and only Ash can annoy them.
$3.99
(W) Jean-Yves Ferri (A/CA) Didier Conrad
The long-awaited brand new Asterix adventure! The Picts are people of ancient Scotland; fearsome warriors of multiple clans, whose name, given by the Romans, literally means "painted men." Asterix and the Picts will be, as in all the best adventures of the most famous Gaul, an epic journey to a land rich in tradition, and an introduction to a people whose cultural differences with the Gaul will translate into lots of fun!
$14.95
(W/A/CA) Hinako Takanaga
Yuji Sagara and Takahito Kagami have been on one date together, but Yuji isn't prepared to start a relationship with a guy he thinks lives in a completely different world than he does. Takahito is being groomed to take his father's elite place in politics, and now it's rumored he'll even go to the university abroad.
$12.99
I'm guessing this is yaoi. Evidently there is an audience for this sort of thing, but I confess the genre's popularity utterly baffles me.
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by RILEY ROSSMO
Variant Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Editor: Alejandro Arbona
Price: $3.99 / Rating: T+ / Pages: 32
How does a rookie member of H.A.R.D. Corps take on Toyo Harada? With his life insurance paid up.
Bloodshot’s H.A.R.D. Corps team and the uber-powerful Toyo Harada go head-to-head with the future of the Harbinger Foundation at stake. Can this group of physically, mentally and emotionally damaged living weapons survive a battle with the most powerful man in the world? And if they do survive, just how does one walk out of a war zone unscathed?
Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #17 from fan favorite creators Christos Gage, Joshua Dysart, and Emanuela Lupacchino! How does a rookie member of H.A.R.D. Corps take on Toyo Harada? With his life insurance paid up, that's how!
Bloodshot’s H.A.R.D. Corps team and the uber-powerful Toyo Harada are going head-to-head with the future of the Harbinger Foundation at stake. Can this group of physically, mentally and emotionally damaged living weapons survive a battle with the most powerful man in the world? And if they do survive, just how does one walk out of a war zone unscathed?
Will Valiant's most volatile team of superhuman soldiers survive their first mission together? (Hint: not bloody likely!) Find out who lives, who dies, and who switches sides in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #17 – in stores December 18th!
For more information on Bloodshot and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.
For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.
I trade-wait Valiant books and enjoy them, but I don't hear much chatter about them at the Round Table. Am I the only Valiant reader here?
If so, you can't fault their PR department. They give a big push to almost every issue, with covers, press releases and previews. Enjoy!
(W/A/CA) Shiwo Komeyama
Half angel, half demon, Tsukimiya must drink pure demon blood to stave off the curse that will eventually claim her life. When she meets an angel named Hinata, he's eager to team up with the halfblood to take down a vampire who's been attacking humans. Tsukimiya is surprised to find that Hinata is a capable partner, but when the vampire is slain, it is Hinata who claims the demon blood, leaving Tsukimiya to be taken by the curse. In a last-ditch effort to save herself, Tsukimiya tries to drink Hinata's blood, now mixed with the pure demon blood. But in taking the blood that will save her, Tsukimiya has also transmitted the curse that will kill her. Hinata and Tsukimiya now share the same curse - and they're running out of time.
$11.99
(W) Jamie S. Rich (A/CA) Natalie Nourigat
Travis and Charley have just met. It's Charley's last night in town, and Travis can't let her leave without getting her to go on a date. In a future where real people are rapidly being supplanted by lifelike androids, sometimes one shot is all you get. Intelligence may be artificial, but the emotion is real in a futuristic romance from the writer of 12 Reasons Why I Love Her and the cartoonist behind Between Gears.
Oni Press is proud to be releasing the full-length graphic novel A Boy and a Girl, a collaboration between writer Jamie S. Rich (12 Reasons Why I Love Her) and Natalie Nourigat (Between Gears). A romance set in a not-too-distant future, A Boy and a Girl is a story about what it means to be human, fall in love, and all the inherent complications that arise from both.
“The comic was a true collaboration in that we built the story together,” Nourigat explained. “Jamie asked me what kind of stuff I wanted to draw, and what kind of characters I’d like to tell a story about, and we basically went from there.”
The story that emerged was one of Travis and Charley, two people in their early twenties trying to survive in a world where robot servants and flying cars are commonplace. The wealthy live in ever-taller skyscrapers, and the common citizens go about their days far below.
“That post-collegiate coming-of-age feeling of not being sure you’ve chosen the right path is fairly universal,” Rich said, “and it doesn’t necessarily go away, even as you get older. Natalie and I were both sick of slacker characters, young people being shown as not doing anything because they have no ambition. We thought it would be far more interesting to show characters who really want to do something and are on the cusp of life, even if they aren’t sure what is going to happen next.”
Thus, Travis was cast as a college student whose major in “digital ethics” is leaving him a degree with very little practical application, whereas Charley has signed up for a government program that will soon send her to parts unknown. They meet on what is essentially her last 24 hours in town, and they are determined to make the most of it.
“It was important to both of us that Charley be a confident, self-assured woman,” Natalie said, “and that she not be the antidote to Travis’ confusion. They share a common goal, when it all comes down to it. Which is probably why they fall in love with each other. And why they can have fun together. First and foremost, A Boy and a Girl is a fun comic book. We wanted you to read it and have a good time, the rest is just bonus content.”
Advance praise for the book has been strong. SF Weekly included it in their fall graphic novel round-up with books by the likes of Art Spiegelman and Jim Steranko, calling A Boy and a Girl “a completely disarming take on the world's oldest storytelling trope.”
David Lafuente, an artist on the Ultimate Spider-Man comics and the upcoming adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book: “Jamie and Natalie enter the sci-fi realm to tell a love story full of secrets that echoes Michael Winterbottom. Charming characters, tight plot and beautiful lines. A fantastic book, I couldn't put it down.”
Ben Acker, co-creator of Thrilling Adventure Hour: “A Boy and a Girl is a wonderful sci-fi romantic comedy, but not necessarily in that order. If you like people and/or things, this is the book for you."
And Michael Allred, creator of Madman and currently the co-writer and artist on FF for Marvel Comics: “I've been a huge fan of Jamie S. Rich's writing since day one and am always crazy excited to see each new project. That excitement is multiplied as he joins Natalie Nourigat's exploding artistic talents on A Boy and a Girl. This book is a beaut'! Incredibly clever and charming, it gets my highest recommendation!”
A Boy and a Girl has 160 pages of story and art, printed in black-and-white with a special blue ink for tones, and it retails for $19.99.
Wait, twentysomethings that aren't slackers? I'd buy that for a dollar! (Or, you know, $20. You get the point.) Still, I'll bet a dollar that one of these kids turns out to be a lifelike android.
(W/A) Ryan Pequin & Various (CA) Tyson Hesse, Kali Fontecchio
Have you ever wondered where the Bravest Warriors got their super rad weapons? Were they found in a yard sale, was it some prize after a series of training, or was it just a twist of fate and a lot of luck that lead our heroes to their most trusted weapons? Find out the true story in this issue!
$3.99
(W) Jim Lawrence (A/CA) Gray Morrow
With the success of the Buck Rogers TV show the New York Times Syndicate decided to revive the classic Buck Rogers newspaper feature and to give it a contemporary sci-fi treatment. The feature, unrelated to the television show, offered the artwork of Gray Morrow with scripts by Jim Lawrence. Volume One offers a full two years of the strip with the black and white dailies and full color Sundays. This volume reprints the Buck Rogers Daily and Sunday strips which premiered on September 9, 1979 with artwork by Gray Morrow and scripts by Jim Lawrence.
$49.99
I didn't know Gray Morrow had a run on Buck Rogers. Is anybody getting the Hermes Buck Rogers? Is this chronologically the next in the series, or are they jumping ahead to get to Morrow?
(W) Clive Barker, Mark L. Miller (A) Haemi Jang (CA) Goni Montes
Tristan and Eslpeth know where they need to go, but no way of getting there...
Meanwhile, Julian is forced to make a very public display of loyalty to Wick, as their flock meets resistance from an unexpected source.
$3.99
(W) Chris Roberson (A) Jonathan Lau (CA) Jae Lee, Jonathan Lau
Operative 1001 has managed to locate the hidden headquarters of the shadowy organization that is driving the world to the brink of war. But even if he manages to rescue Operator 5 and the other prisoners, what then? Locating the enemy is one thing, but stopping the enemy's plan is something else entirely. And what of the mysterious Dr. Thorpe? Is the mysterious scientist behind the doppelganger procedure more than he appears to be?
$3.99
Publisher: FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
W/A/CA) Charles M. Schulz
$29.99
(W/A) Chad Blakely (CA) Jeff Herndon
In the early '60s, Bernie "The Legend" Romero created characters that would become the backbone of the Spectacular Comics universe, helping to generate millions of dollars for the publisher. Taken advantage of by the publisher for years, in the end, Bernie Romero left the industry he helped to build penniless and disenfranchised. But now, with the discovery of long forgotten Romero comic book artwork, his grandson is given a unique opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and finally get "The Legend" the exaltation he so richly deserves.
$5.99
This solicit reads like fan fiction for Kirby fans. I'd have to see a few issues before I'd commit to it.
(W) David Hine (A) German Erramouspe (CA) Jacen Burrows
The end of the "Gore Angels" story arc is one of the most devastating final chapters of Crossed ever told! Horror master, DAVID HINE has taken us into the broken mind of an abused girl and spun out her revenge fantasies across the page. But are you ready for bloody misery that comes with the Crossed infection spreading across Japan? No one is safe from the horror and misery of the Crossed... no one. Available with a Regular and Torture covers by Jacen Burrows, Wraparound cover by Gabriel Andrade, and special Red Crossed Incentive cover also by Burrows.
$3.99
You know, I enjoy The Walking Dead, so I don't have anything against post-apocalyptic stories. But I get no thrill from torture porn, and the wraparound cover suggests exactly that. If I'm wrong, feel free to correct me!
(W) Sherrilyn Kenyon (A/CA) JiYoung Ahn
The manga adaptation of Sherrilyn Kenyon's bestselling The Chronicles of Nick introduces younger readers to the author's most popular franchise, The Dark-Hunters! Nick Gautier has enough trouble dealing with normal teenage problems: avoiding getting pummeled at school, talking to girls, staying out of trouble. Now Nick is facing a whole new world of challenges. As his powers develop, Nick sees supernatural (and potentially dangerous) creatures everywhere he looks. With the help of his Uncle Ambrose - who is actually Nick's future self communicating his thoughts across time - and his new tutor - the Grim Reaper-Nick must learn to control his abilities and elude the dark powers that seek to control him!
$13.00
(W) Queenie Chan, Dean Koontz (A/CA) Queenie Chan
From the infinite imagination of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the suspenseful graphic-novel debut of a natural-born hero with a supernatural twist.
Odd Thomas is a regular nineteen-year-old with an unusual gift: the ability to see the lingering spirits of the dead. To Odd, it's not such a big deal. And most folks in sleepy Pico Mundo, California, are much more interested in the irresistible pancakes Odd whips up at the local diner. Still, communing with the dead can be useful. Because while some spirits only want a little company...others want justice.
When the sad specter of a very frightened boy finds its way to him, Odd vows to root out the evil suddenly infecting the sunny streets of Pico Mundo. But even with his exceptional ability-plus the local police and his pistol-packing girlfriend, Stormy, backing him-is Odd any match for a faceless stalker who's always a step ahead...and determined to kill again?
Signed by author/creator Dean Koontz, limited to initial orders
$10.95
(W) Mark Rahner (A) Lui Antonio (CA) Jay Anacleto
Now that the evil Voro's dead, Dejah Thoris has her own green men: the Hok Squad, a secret Delta Force of Tharks for special missions. The nastiest warriors to throw at the nastiest jobs. Radical green separatists led by a red woman. What could go wrong?
$3.99
Oh, come on. That second cover doesn't even pretend to be erotic art, of whatever. It's just "Hey, kids! Boobs!" Pathetic.
DEPARTMENT OF MONSTEROLOGY #3
(W) Gordon Rennie (A/CA) P. j. Holden
With Team Carnacki prisoners of an old foe, and Team Challenger under attack from an
ancient Cyclopean behemoth, things can't get worse, or can they?
$3.99
How does this guy close his mouth? Seriously, I'm always annoyed by anatomically-impossible monsters, because I'm wondering things like "how does he close his mouth" instead of wondering how awful it would be to meet him in a dark alley. So, take heed, monster drawers -- I doubt I'm alone.
Incidentally, is it only me, or is does this look like an homage to Detective Comics #1 from the 1930s? I put the cover of the earlier issue below to see if you guys agree.
(W/A/CA) Miyoshi Tomori
Things for Maria have been looking up - especially since she reconciled with her father, and her relationship with Shin has been progressing. Unfortunately, Shin's hand injury gets worse, and the only way to treat it means an operation overseas...
$9.99
Wow, this sounds like a soap opera. Stand by for the evil twins!
(W) Diana Gabaldon (A/CA) Hoang Nguyen
The Exile re-tells the story of Diana Gabaldon's original Outlander novel from Jamie Fraser's point of view, revealing events never seen in the original story and giving readers a whole new insight into the Jamie-Claire relationship. Jamie's surreptitious arrival in Scotland at the beginning of the tale, his feelings about Claire, and much more - up to the point where Claire faces trial for witchcraft and must choose whether to return to her own century - are brought to life in brilliant four-color art. SIgned to be a series on STARZ.
Signed Bookplate editioned signed by author/creator Diana Gabaldon , limited to initial orders.
$25.00
(W) Tea Orsi, Carlo Panaro (A/CA) Marina Braggio, Manuela Razzi
Tinker Bell and her fairy friends gather to compete in the Pixie Hollow Games, an incredible edge-of-your-seat sports spectacle filled with pixie pageantry, fantastic fairy events, and humorous surprises. But when Rosetta and new arrival Chloe set out to break the garden fairies' legendary losing streak, the reigning champion storm fairies ramp up the challenge, and set into motion one of the most thrilling and sensational competitions of all time. The garden fairy team must dig deep if they're going to break that streak! Who will you root for?
GN $7.99, HC $11.99
(W/A/CA) Q. Hayashida
Caiman's true face is revealed, shaking the entire world to its foundation! But have his memories disappeared along with his lizard head? The severely injured Nikaido's health is draining perilously, yet a chance encounter with a familiar figure may be just what she needs. Meanwhile, En may have met his ultimate match. What drives him? Many truths will come to light in this shocking installment of Dorohedoro!
$12.99
Penciler: Trevor Hairsine
Cover Artist: Lewis LaRosa, Mico Suayan, Mark Moretti
Editor: Warren Simons, Alejandro Arbona
Price: $3.99 / Rating: T+ / Pages: 32
Fist and steel, blood and bone.
Gilad Anni-Padda is the Earth’s sworn champion…but he is not its only immortal defender. Across the globe, the rival Houses have gathered to declare war on the Earth and its Eternal Warrior and, finally, their vengeance will be wrought. Can Gilad withstand the swords gathered at his door? A battle thousands of years in the making will be fought today…and even the bravest warriors must fall sometime…
Trade-waiting. I liked the original Eternal Warrior, and this one's written by Greg Pak, so I expect to like it as well. More awesomeness below:
(W) Jesse Snyder (A) Jason Craig (CA) Ardian Syaf
Ernest Fairchild was a kind, gentle soul... until one day something snapped, leading him to launch the most notorious killing spree in American history! What led an ordinary boy to become a leather-clad angel of death? How does he wield such blasphemous power? And what is the sinister secret behind the foul-mouthed smiley-face button that incites him to kill? The founding fiend of Chaos Comics is back, reinvented for a new generation! Collects Dynamite Entertainment's complete six-issue comic book storyline!$19.99
(W) Max Brooks (A/CA) Raulo Caceres
This year's biggest horror comic continues its brutal march towards annihilation! His books on zombies have entertained millions of readers and now MAX BROOKS redefines vampires as he brings an all-out war of the undead! Zombies have been at best a nuisance to the vampire race for thousands of years but never a real threat. Their clumsy foothold over humans has always been beaten back. But this time the tide of shambling dead have turned the corner and are rapidly depleting the ranks of the living. Even with their superior abilities and ferocity, can the vampire race find a way to stop the decimation? Available with Regular, Wraparound, End of a Species and Bloodwashed Retailer Incentive covers by Raulo Caceres. Also, available with a special black Leather cover, limited to just 1000 copies!
$3.99
Yeah, I said above I have no problem with post-apocalyptic tales. But it's such a fad these days, it's starting to get a little depressing! Has this fad run its course?
In The Remarkable Rocket, a vain little rocket figures itself above all others and still manages to see glory in its dismal end.
In The Young King, taken from humble origins, revels in the finer possession of his new lofty position. However, a series of dreams reveal to him the suffering his people must go through to make them for him. Casting them off, he finds paradoxically that he may be alienating the very people he wants to help.
6×9, 8 ½ x11, 48 pp., full color, trade pb., $9.99,
ISBN 978-1-56163-771-3
Also on this occasion, we're bringing back the clothbound edition which had been out of stock for some time.
SEE PREVIEWS
This is gooooood. Go buyyyyyy it. Your eyes getting sleeeeeepy. Buyyyyy this boooooook. And pick me up a Snickers while you're ooooouuuuuuttttt.
(W) Garth Ennis (A) Russell Braun (CA) Garry Leach
Garth Ennis (Preacher, Punisher) chronicles the two-decade journey of Anna Kharkova, the Russian ace pilot of World War II. When Anna's aircraft crashes behind enemy lines, her harrowing survival through Nazi prison conditions unwittingly makes her an outcast among her own people. Years later, she joins her longtime friend, Mouse, for a tour of duty in Korea, where a ranking officer proves just as deadly as the American jet fighters overhead. But it won't be until 1964, when - after languishing in a remote Siberian punishment camp -Anna Kharkova finally meets her destiny!
$16.99
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
(W) Raven Gregory (A) Sheldon Goh (CA) Mike Krome
Where do you go when there is nowhere left to run? Back to the beginning! Tired of fleeing from Wonderland, Calie and Violet begin to search for answers by delving into Charles Dodsgon's past. But a mysterious force from Wonderland might have other, darker plans in mind for them.
$15.99
(W) Raven Gregory, Patrick Shand (A) TBD (CA) Mike Lilly
THE MAD HATTER RISES! Johnny and Adina have arrived in Avellan, a city of humans who have been hiding from the darkness of Wonderland, just like them. It seems that Johnny has found sanctuary on his way to salvation -can he and Adina stay with these people, or has the madness of Wonderland followed them?
$3.99
(W) Marc Gaffen, Kyle McVey (A) Rod Rodolfo (CA) Lucio Parillo
We flashback to Aunt Marie as she spends her final Christmas battling the cancer that is rapidly ravaging her body while a sinister force battles for her soul. Face to face with her mortality, she reflects on her own choices as a Grimm and learns that not everything is jolly during the holidays.
$3.99
(A) Joe Certa & Various
Volume two collects issues #36-41 (June 1952 to December 1952) of Black Cat Mystery. Features a special introduction from a leading author and a profile of one of the genre's leading artists, Rudy Palais, plus examples of his original artwork.
$47.99
The Black Cat Mystery books werea mong the first I ordered from PS ArtBooks, but the volumes after Volume 1 have been long delayed for some reason.
Glad to see it, although my original complaint still stands: PS ArtBooks decided to begin volume 1 where Black Cat became a horror title, skipping over the first 8-9 issues starring the Golden Age superhero Black Cat, which I guess now I'll never see.
(W/A) Jim Mahfood (CA) Jock
Hi-action mech combat from the world of HAWKEN, the award-winning online video game! This issue is written and illustrated by street-funk, fan-favorite artist Jim Mahfood, spreading a madcap, cautionary tale of celebrity arrogance in the midst of heavy metal corporate warfare entitled "Friendly Fire"! Featuring cover art by Jock!
$3.99
(W) Clive Barker, Brandon Seifert (A) Tom Garcia (CA) Lorena Carvalho
As the war between Hells rages, the three people to hold the title of Lead Cenobite Elliott Spencer, Kirsty Cotton, and Harry D'Amour, each attempt to end the conflict in their favor.
$3.99
(W) Daisuke Sato (A/CA) Shouji Sato
A full-color hardcover edition that includes volumes 5 through 7 of the bestselling horror series, plus an art book featuring never-before-seen illustrations from Shouji Sato! Takashi and his fellow students join up with a band of survivors who have barricaded themselves inside a local mall. As the mall refugees grow restless, Takashi and his comrades make plans to leave before Officer Asami's authority slides further and the group's order is completely undone. Unfortunately, just as final preparations for their departure are nearly complete, the mall's defenses are breached, and "they" come streaming in. Their fortress has become a trap - can anyone hope to escape the mall of the dead?
$49.99
This sounds weirdly like Dawn of the Dead. Of course, "they" could be something besides zombies, and probably are. Still, the ambiguity makes me curious.
(W) Bryce Carlson (A) Vanesa Del (CA) Ryan Sook
There's no honor among thieves, and the same goes for crooked cops... Beaten, bloodied, and
betrayed in an abandoned junkyard, the end looms near for Slater as Blair reasserts his control
over the Hit Squad and exacts his plan to bring Los Angeles to its knees.
$3.99
(W) Brian Joines (A) Bachan (CA) Khary Randolph
Elliot is kidnapped and Dapple's sinister plan is in full effect. With imaginary friends from all around the world gathering together, mankind may finally lose the upper hand. IMAGINE agents, Terry and Dave, may not have the wits to save the day, but with the help of Elliot's mother and imaginary friend, they may just have a chance.
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Matthew Thurber
Infomaniacs is a graphic novel printed on paper all about the Internet by the author of 1-800-MICE. A hilarious detective story that manages to critique and explore digital culture, Infomaniacs is marked by the author's restless questioning and heightened sense of the absurd. Thurber looks in on "The Scriveners of Tweet Street," Albert Radar, a Joseph Beuys-lookalike psychiatrist, a perfectly preserved brain that has never seen the internet, an organic server farm, the Anthropamorphic Task Force, and so much more. Think of it as The Long Goodbye for the Tumblr generation.
$22.95
(W/A/CA) Yuuki Iinuma
Still seeking the Kokonotsu treasures, Utsuho arrives in Sasaka, a country with a peculiarly troubled history that turns out to have involved one of his companions. Meanwhile, Kuroha seizes a moment to share some personal history, revealing what's really behind her rivalry with Utsuho to find the Kokonotsu!
$9.99
(W) Michael Carroll (A) Igor Vitorino (CA) Mike Mayhew
After her gangster uncles killed her parents, Jessica Blute survived only by faking her own death. With a new identity, she distanced herself from her past, got married, and raised a family. Then, many years later, she sought out her uncles and delivered brutal, bloody justice! What triggered the transformation of a sweet, loving, domestic goddess into a cold-hearted killing machine? Prepare yourself for the story of Jessie Blute's lost years... and how her alter-ego Jennifer Blood came to act out the ultimate revenge fantasy!
$19.99
KNIGHTINGAIL SHADOW DIVISIONS #6
(W) Wayne Gardiner (A) Mel Joy San (CA) Nathan Seals, Mel Joy San
Finally, this is the confrontation that has been building for the entire series. Sicari, Queen of the villainous Shadow Ravens, strikes against Eloa, who has been separated from her Centurion friends. But it is Sicari who discovers that Eloa has a secret that will make her more powerful than anyone ever imagined.
$3.99
(W) Eric Trautmann (A) Milton Estevam (CA) Joseph Michael Linsner
Unrest flares in Old Mexico. Revolution is in the air, and the Sisters of the White Rose are fanning the flames, seizing control of the capital and placing the corrupt governor on trial for his crimes against his own citizens. But as the rebellion swells, the governor's masters have plans of their own. Gunmen, bent on killing the Sisters and Lady Rawhide, are on the move. There are killers a-plenty, all with shifting allegiances, with Lady Rawhide caught in the middle of a maelstrom of death and treachery...
$3.99
This doesn't sound like any Old Mexico history I've ever heard. But then, it was a pretty boring place by all accounts, so I guess they had to make up some stuff!
(W) Jean Van Hamme (A/CA) Phillipe Franq
Largo Winch has been hoodwinked, framed and sent to jail. His enemies are celebrating their victory after taking control of his TV station. His friends are either in prison or in mortal danger. But Largo wasn't born a billionaire. He knows how to fight dirty, and now he's going to have to strike back at the circle of crooks, pimps and murderers who came after him - before they kill all potential witnesses, including his own employee, Sarah Washington.
$11.95
Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCES
(W) Gail Simone & Various (A) Jack Jadson & Various (CA) Jay Anacleto
Dynamite Entertainment presents a bold new experiment in graphic storytelling, as the biggest female stars in the worlds of prose, television, gaming and comics gather together to tell thrilling stories from the life of Red Sonja, which combine to make up her greatest adventure yet! This issue includes stories by Gail, Bram Stoker Award Winner Nancy A. Collins, and beloved Batman scribe, Devin Grayson, all braided together by an epic framing story told by Red Sonja scribe Gail Simone! This book is designed to appeal not just to fans of Sonja, but also the countless readers of these talented writers!
$3.99
Is a "Reorder Edition" the same thing as a second printing? Dynamite has several "Reorder Editions" this week, and Diamond doesn't have covers for any of them, so I dunno.
Publisher: DYNAMIC FORCES
(W) Mark Waid (A) Ronilson Frere (CA) Paolo Rivera
Now that The Voice has been silenced, a new menace threatens the city--and without the Hornet around to protect the citizens, can Kato survive as a solo agent?
$3.99
(W) Mark Waid (A) Ronilson Frere (CA) Paolo Rivera
Even back then, chicks dug the car. But the Green Hornet's limousine, the Black Beauty, holds a deadly secret that can tear the Hornet's life to pieces!
$3.99
(W) Nagaru Tanigawa (A) Gaku Tsugano (CA) Noizi Ito
Welcome to Japan's hottest property and the international phenomenon known as Haruhi-ism! A New York Times-bestselling series! One weekend, when Kyon reaches the usual SOS Brigade rendezvous spot, he is met not by his fellow club members, but instead by Sasaki, an old friend from middle school. Haruhi isn't thrilled to find Kyon already waiting when she arrives (Who's going to buy drinks?) and is even less thrilled by his attractive female friend!
$13.00
So what genre is this, Baron? And is it really as popular as described here?
(W) Ryan North (A) Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb (CA) John Keogh
WHY WE LOVE IT: We have been having so much fun with writer Ryan North (Dinosaur Comics, To Be Or Not To Be: That Is The Adventure) on ADVENTURE TIME that we couldn't resist the opportunity to publish a new original idea of his. And it is original.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: We've all heard of The Midas touch. You know, the Greek Mythology about the man who did a number on himself by wishing for everything he touched to turn to gold? Who better to turn that tale on its head with a heavy dose of scifi than Ryan North? Also, did we mention the Utahraptor?
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Fatima and her space crew have decided to return to Earth-a planet completely sectioned off, abandoned, and covered in gold-to find out exactly what happened to this once thriving planet and see if they can use that knowledge against the evil empire that's tracking them down. As luck would have it, they just landed the most powerful weapon in the universe: some ancient dead guy's body
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
In a civil war, half of humanity has been wiped out, and Zeon's army of Zaku mobile suits have been the decisive weapon. With the Federation's first Gundam out of action, civilian Amuro Ray miraculously stumbles on a second unit. Now, in control of a machine with unparalleled destructive power, will Amuro's actions save the colony's survivors or destroy them? The biggest name in Japanese science-fiction, Gundam, returns with one of its creators retelling its origins 25 years after the series debuted.
$29.95
(W) Atsuko Asano (A/CA) Hinoki Kino
When Shion, a privileged boy, gives shelter to an urchin for the night, the city he once called home forces him into the ghettos for insubordination. Four years later, an epidemic breaks out across the city. Shion, along with the help of the urchin Nezumi, must clear his name -- even if it means exposing the ugly truth behind the perfect city No. 6. Shion learns that his childhood friend Safu is under arrest and all because of him! Not wanting to get Rat involved, Shion sets out alone to save her. But how can he possibly infiltrate No. 6's secure correctional facility and escape with a high-priority prisoner all on his own?
$10.99
(W/A/CA) Hiroshi Shiibashi
Harken back with us to the Golden Age of Edo, when Rikuo's father Rihan first takes control of the Nura clan. Gain new perspectives on Rikuo's family history, as well as the backstory on some of your favorite devilish yokai (including that pesky Demon Lord Gorozaemon Sanmoto). Follow Rihan's second-heir adventures as he learns the hard way that controlling, commanding and battling yokai is not to be taken lightly, lest you be the one who's taken.
$9.99
(W/A/CA) Jun Mochizuki
The New York Times-bestselling gothic fantasy with an Alice in Wonderland twist! The truth of the being known as Oz Vessalius is exposed to Pandora, which has been captured by Leo and the Baskervilles. Amidst the warped tragedy that plays out mercilessly, the one who has lost everything catches a glimpse of the ridiculous fairy tale contrived by one man. The forbidden box has just been opened. What will be found within?
$11.99
Hey, is Alice a little girl again in this one?
(W/A) Charles M. Schulz & Various (CA) Charles M. Schulz
Schroeder could not be more excited. It is the most important day of the whole year...Decemeber 16th! Beethoven's birthday! Unfortunately, no one but Schroeder seems to have remembered. Enjoy this twist on the birthday spirit along with a wonderful series of new and classic Peanuts stories.
$3.99
(W) Magica Quartet & Various
A brand-new story spun off from the world of the hit anime and manga series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica! As her teammates look on in horror, Niko succumbs to the taint that has overwhelmed her soul gem and she transforms into a terrifying witch. But there is little time for the Pleiades Saints to grieve-this new witch has gone on the attack! Left with no alternative, Mirai strikes down her friend to save the rest of the girls. Is there any power that can save the Magical Girls from their fate?
$11.99
Huh huh huh. They said "Taint".
REAL VOL 2 GN
(W/A/CA) Takehiko Inoue
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.
$12.99
(W) Gail Simone (A) Walter Geovanni (CA) Jenny Frison
This is IT. The culmination to the bloody WAR of VENGEANCE waged between two former sisters of the sword, DARK ANNISIA and RED SONJA! Annisia has done something no other god nor demon has been able to do, force Sonja to her knees in surrender. But Sonja returns, a changed woman, and she has a mighty SCORE to settle! The climax to the entire QUEEN OF PLAGUES saga is here!
$3.99
I'm wondering what art editor thought the second cover would actually move any books. That's just ugly.
(W) Tyler James (A) Cesar Feliciano (CA) Charles Paul Wilson
And then there were six. The first half of The Red Ten maxi-series comes to a bloody conclusion with one more "hero" paying the ultimate price. Prepare yourself for the biggest shocker yet, as readers finally learn the answer to the question they've all been waiting for - who killed Red? Ask your retailer about the special one-in-three cover variant by the "most dangerous man in comics," Joe Mulvey (SCAM).
$3.99
(W) Rob Anderson (A/CA) Dafu Yu
The zombie infection has now spread to the forest animals! How is Rex the Golden Retriever going to handle a zombie grizzly, even with a gorilla backing him up? Plus, a car surrounded by zombies...a trapped little girl... What can a group of animals possibly do to help?
$3.50
(W) Roy Thomas (A) Matt Baker, Carmine Infantino (CA) Matt Baker
She was not only the scourge of wrongdoers but also the nemesis of a good night's sleep for all red-blooded teenagers way back in the far-out fifties! With her modern-day counterpart now residing in the DC Universe, these classic Phantom Lady tales from a half a century ago are guaranteed to set pulses racing. This volume collects Police Comic #1-23 (Quality), Phantom Lady #13-15 (Fox Features), Phantom Lady #18-23 (Fox Features), All Top Comics #8-17, Phantom Lady #1-4 (Farrell), and Wonder Boy #17-18.
$79.99
There are only two volumes of Phantom Lady, but this illustration shows three books. What on Earth could that third one be? Looks like it starts with a "T."
(W/A/CA) Joe Mulvey
Double-sized series finale! With Crosswords preparing for all out war, and Tru's plan hanging by a thread, the team of super-powered conmen must decide whether to fold or go all in! When the dust settles, will anyone be left standing in Vegas? Shipping with a standard version features a wrap-around cover by Joe Mulvey and a Crosswords "King of Vegas" cover edition!
$3.99
SERGIO ARAGONES FUNNIES #11
(W/A/CA) Sergio Aragones
More fantastic fun from Sergio Aragonés this month as the maestro tells the troubling tale of a scavenging search party who come across the wreckage of a plane that holds some dark secrets of its own. Then learn about Sergio's gargantuan gift to his dear friend and publisher of MAD Magazine, William Gaines. And, of course, you can expect more delightful puzzles and pantomimes from the most beloved cartoonist in the world.
$3.50
(W) Tom Hutchison (A/CA) Owen Gieni
Kayla and company meet the inhabitants of Parts Unknown!
$3.50
(W) Ian Boothby (A) Phil Ortiz, Mike DeCarlo (CA) Jason Ho, Mike Rote
The entire town of Springfield is in for a restless, if not entertaining, evening of bad dreams and night terrors. Prepare to be carried away into a fitful slumber as Bart, Lisa, Mr. Burns, Krusty, Principal Skinner, and more drift off and discover that a dream state of mind can quickly turn into a nightmare, and that sometimes when you snooze you lose!
$2.99
(W) Pat Mills (A) Clint Langley & Various
Writer Pat Mills and a roster of the greatest artists ever to illustrate the ultimate Celtic warrior have created a collection of all-new strips to complement a gallery of Slaine art! Marking 30 years of the Celtic barbarian's adventures, this special anniversary book brings together a sequence of new stories from creator Pat Mills and the biggest artists to have worked on Slaine over the past three decades. This hardback volume also includes a gallery of Slaine covers and additional material.
$31.99
I leaned once at a comics shop that "Slaine" is a Celtic word with a pronunciation -- like many Celtic words -- completely unlike how it's spelled. But I don't remember now. Anyone know?
(W) Erik W. Hendrix, Sean O'Reilly (A/CA) Yannis Roumboulias
The Steam Engines of Oz is back in an all-new story! A lone scavenger has a chance encounter with twins tied to Oz's infamous past, a father searches for his lost sons, a fallen hero is on the path to redemption, and a former prisoner adjusts to life amoung the rough n' tumble Munchkins. Return to the World of Oz's SteamPunk future, set 100 years after The Wizard of Oz and answer the question: What is the Geared Leviathan?
$3.99
Anyone read Volume 1? This is such a weird, compelling genre mash-up that I'm actually intrigued.
(W) Mamoru Hosoda, Iqura Sugimoto
From the director Mamoru Hosoda comes the story of an ordinary family going to extraordinary lengths to avert the impending cyber apocalypse! Kenji is your typical teenage misfit. He's good at math, bad with girls, and spends most of his time hanging out in the all-powerful, online community known as OZ. His second life is the only life he has - until the girl of his dreams, Natsuki, hijacks him for a starring role as a fake fiancée at her family reunion. Things only get stranger from there.
$14.95
(W/A/CA) Ume Aoki
As the third-years stare college entrance examinations square in the face, the seasons change from autumn to winter, and the lives of third-years Hiro and Sae, as well as their underclassmen friends - Yuno, Miyako, Nazuna, and Nori - start to slowly but surely change too. Still, their daily lives carry on, full of warmth and gentleness, and there's no short of fun for all to be had! The springtime of youth and the happiness that comes with it is just where it's always been - at the Hidamari Apartments!
$17.00
Awww, this is so cute!
Um, Baron, it IS cute, isn't it? I mean, it's not going to turn into shower scenes or something, is it?
(W) David Liss (A) Ivan Rodriguez (CA) Colton Worley
Richard Wentworth may be down, but he's not out... not when the city still needs the Spider. With his eye on both a ring of crooked cops and a deadly gang uptown, The Spider sets up a carefully orchestrated scheme to take out two birds with one stone. But when an honest cop comes along for the ride, he's got to protect the life of an innocent while making sure the guilty suffer.
$3.99
(W/A/CA) Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro
Toriko and friends face off against the gruesome head chef of the Underground Cooking World, Livebearer, who wants nothing more than to eat their memories of food. In order to keep the contents of their brains from being scarfed down, Toriko will have to eat the grossest, squirmiest, biggest and most explosive foods ever to win a high-stakes game of "Gourmet Tasting!"
$9.99
(W) Vince Hernandez (A/CA) Giuseppe Cafaro
When her life comes crashing down on her-literally-Trish discovers she is more alone than she ever could have anticipated! After the startling revelation at the conclusion of last issue, Trish must now deal with a devastating tidal wave that threatens to destroy what little remains in her life, as well as an even more shocking discovery that she may indeed be the cause of everything terrible that is happening to her!
Aspen's own Vince Hernandez is joined by the artistic talents of Giuseppe Cafaro and Andrea Dotta to bring to you Aspen's newest hit series, TRISH OUT OF WATER!
$3.99
(W/A) Hiroshi Takashige (CA) Double
On the run from a greedy corporation, a young precog seeks protection from an unlikely swordsman. Caught in Wiseman's trap, besieged on all sides by snipers and drug-crazed attackers, Mamoru is saved only by the arrival of Haruka and a stroke of good fortune. Frustrated by his own helplessness, Mamoru abandons the Element Network to further hone his skills. He can't rely on luck alone if he wants to survive his next encounter with Wiseman.
$18.99
Art by JOE ST. PIERRE, PETER GRAU, and SAL VELLUTO
Cover by JOE ST. PIERRE
$24.99/T+/184 pgs.
HARDCOVER
The legendary future of the Valiant Universe – back in print after 20 years!
4001 A.D. - Tohru Nakadai is the 42nd Rai, the spirit guardian of Japan. Infused with the energy of his ancestors and dedicated to the way of the samurai, Rai is sworn to the service of Grandmother – the personified artificial intelligence that governs the island nation of Japan. For forty generations Grandmother's benevolent dominion has endured, but in the wake of her sudden disappearance, Rai will become all that stands between his nation and all-out chaos. As humanist factions war with mechanist loyalists for control of the future, the masterless Tohru is about to become the first Rai that must choose for himself how best to defend his people, his family, and his honor.
Collecting RAI (1992) #1-8 in a deluxe hardcover format for the first time anywhere, revisit the future of the original
Valiant Universe with Rai’s critically acclaimed, highly sought-after adventures from legendary creators David Michelinie (Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man), Joe St. Pierre (Spider-Man 2099), Peter Grau (Titans) and Sal Velluto (Bloodshot)!
(W) Brandon Jerwa (A) Hubert Khan Michael (CA) Fabiano Neves
Lilith's been keeping a secret, and she's not the only one. When the truth comes to light, will Vampirella give her mother the benefit of the doubt...especially if Lilith's secret concerns some of Vampi's most sinister enemies? The answers to some lingering questions await within this issue!
$3.99
Wow! That second cover is creeeeeepy! I'm so accustomed to cheesecake Vampirella covers that they roll over my frontal lobes without making much of an impression. But a genuine, honest-to-EC horror cover on a Vampirella book still has the power to shock!
(W) Howard Chaykin & Various (A) Richard Corben & Various (CA) Enrich
Vampirella, the alluring icon of horror comics, bids you welcome! The raven-haired hostess guides you through over thirty classic tales of terror and suspense, reprinted from issues #50-56 of the celebrated 1970s Vampirella Magazine. Visionary creators including Jose Gonzalez, Howard Chaykin, and Richard Corben grace these pages with such spine-chilling tales as, "Rise of the Undead," "Bowser," "Call Me Pantha," "Dr. Wrighter's Asylum of Horror," and "The Headless Horseman."
$49.99
(W) Fred Perry (A/CA) David Hutchinson
It's the holiday season, time to deck the halls...with shotgun racks, 'cause boughs of holly ain't gonna keep the zombies at bay! Antarctic Press spins more stories of spooks shambling through the snow, rotting in a winter wonderland!
$3.99
"Zombie Christmas stories" are in danger of becoming a sub-genre all on their own, with zombie versions of Dickens' A Christmas Carol in danger of becoming a sub-sub-genre of that. Which is too bad, because I think I've read all the zombie Christmas stories I need to.
(W) Brandon Thomas (A) Ariel Padilla, Steven Harris (CA) Sean Chen
Can the Voltron Force pilots survive their deadliest challenge yet: the menace of five evil lions, capable of forming an exact copy of Voltron? It's been ten months since the death of the nefarious King Zarkon and the fall of Planet Doom. Now, Prince Lotar - heir to Zarkon's throne and one of the galaxy's most wanted terrorists - has returned with a promise to disarm his forces and make peace. While the Galaxy Alliance welcomes him with diplomacy, Commander Keith Kogane can't shake the feeling that something is wrong... a suspicion proven correct when a near-indestructible Voltron double appears and lays waste to Earth's moon! How will Keith convince his friends that Lotar is responsible, when Planet Doom itself is the evil Voltron's next target?
$19.99
(W) Arvid Nelson (A) Leandro Oliveira (CA) Joe Jusko, Lucio Parrillo
The Red Planet is a world of secrets, but Martians lack the innate curiosity of Earthlings. Why? Because on Mars, the past can come back to haunt you - literally! When John Carter discovers the inner workings of a mysterious tower over his capital, he unleashes an ancient evil that could lay waste to his empire!
$3.99
Gah, here we go again. Look, Dynamite, you've shown with covers 1 & 4 above that you can do good, compelling work in this genre. But covers 2 & 3 don't have any social commentary or artistic value -- they're just prurient. In other words, soft-core porn. Try a little harder, will you? Dejah Thoris deserves better.
(W) Erik Henriksen (A) Herb Apon, Todd Herman
Warriors, come out to play! In this thrilling sequel to the cult-favorite film, New York City's toughest gang must rally to save one of their own -- the hot-headed Ajax, who was captured by police. With Gramercy Riffs, Baseball Furies, and more rival hoodlums confined to close quarters, the prison is even more deadly than the streets! The war chief Swan must launch a desperate, all-out assault on the jail to save his friend.
$16.99
(W) Antony Johnston (A) Justin Greenwood (CA) Christopher Mitten
THE END OF NEWBEGIN IS HERE! The final battle is over, and it is left to the survivors to pick up the pieces. Can Newbegin, the city founded as a new beginning, now itself begin anew? Or are its streets too rotten, too cursed, to be worth saving? One man thinks it's worth the effort... but not without some big changes.
$3.99
(W) Gail Simone, Sherri Smith (A) Nina Matsumoto & Various (CA) Nina Matsumoto
Whether she's extolling the virtues of vegetarianism, raising awareness about the world's moral and social ills, or simply playing with her Malibu Stacy dolls and dreaming of ponies, Lisa Simpson, the pint-sized, pre-teen progressive, may just be the smartest and savviest citizen in Springfield - and she's still only in the second-grade! Enter the world of Lisa Simpson, a joy-filled journey through a realm of high ideals and girlish delights!
$3.99
Script: George Gladir
Art: Bob Bolling, Bob Smith, Bill Yoshida, Barry Grossman
Cover: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Rosario “Tito” Peña
160-page, full color comic, $3.99
Christmas time is here… and Santa’s reindeer are on strike?!! The jolly man in red calls on his trusted assistant Archie to help get things back on track in time for the biggest night of the year. Can Archie inspire everyone to work together, or will this be a present-less holiday for children all over the world? Find out in “A Christmas Story”!
Art by CARY NORD with VINCENTE CIFUENTES
Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
Variant Cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
Editor: Warren Simons, Josh Johns
Price: $3.99 / Rating: T+ / Pages: 32
UNITY TIE-IN! Head-to-head with Toyo Harada and the forces of UNITY!
X-O Manowar finally has it all, and his people finally have a land they can call home…but threats from all sides now threaten to destroy Aric and the peace he has struggled to secure. While unrest stirs and Aric’s camp threatens to rebel against him, the most dangerous strike force ever assembled – UNITY – have joined forces with the Harbinger Foundation’s Toyo Harada to achieve but one goal: kill Aric of Dacia. Robert Venditti and Cary Nord ratchet up their standalone story arc at the heart of the year’s biggest comic book event!
Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #20 – the next chapter of X-O Manowar's head-to-head confrontation with Valiant's all-star superteam, Unity, from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and artists Cary Nord (Conan) and Vicente Cifuentes (Batgirl)!
X-O Manowar finally has it all, and his people finally have a land they can call home…but threats from all sides now threaten to destroy the man inside the armor, Aric of Dacia, and the peace he has struggled to secure. While unrest stirs and Aric’s camp threatens to rebel against him, the most dangerous strike force ever assembled – Unity – have joined forces with the Harbinger Foundation’s Toyo Harada to achieve but one goal: destroy X-O Manowar before his actions push in western civilization to the brink of all-out nuclear annihilation.
The all-new story arc of the heart of the year's biggest comics event inches one minute closer to midnight on December 18th, only in X-O Manowar #20 – featuring Eternal Warrior, Ninjak, Livewire and the rest of Valiant's landmark first superteam, Unity!
And, next month, don't miss a moment of the action as New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT) and superstar artist Doug Braithwaite (Justice) unleash an all-new issue of one of the year's most acclaimed new series in Unity #3 – on sale January 15th!
For more information on Bloodshot and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.
For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.
Regarding the Superman vs Mongul volume, aside from the Moore story, which I haven't read, the outstanding stories in the volume are the Warworld story from DC Comics Presents #28 (Wein/Starlin), in which it comes across as a truly formidable menace, and the Starman conclusion from #36 (Levitz/Starlin), which has an exciting fight sequence where Superman lets loose with everything he's got. #27 has a Superman/J'onn J'onzz fight (at that point appearances by J'onn were rare) but it's mainly interesting as the set-up for #28. #28 ended with the fate of a key character unresolved, but they've apparently left the continuation of that part of the story in the next issue out since it didn't involve Mongul, although it was also by Wein/Starlin. Wein has said Mongul was his idea and Levitz was the writer of Starman's series (which was drawn by Steve Ditko and appeared in Adventure Comics), but #28 and #36 read like Starlin had a hand in their writing. #43 was by Levitz and Curt Swan and involves the Legion and a Sun-Eater, but is ordinary.
Asterix and the Picts is the first volume of the series since the retirement of its original artist and longtime artist-writer, Albert Uderzo.
The original Buck Rogers newspaper strip died in the 60s. The version Gray Morrow drew was modelled after the TV show and started in 1979. I have a collection of some of his strips, from the period when it was being written by Jim Lawrence. I like Morrow's art but I didn't find the stories exciting. That's how I usually feel about Morrow's stories though, so I don't know if the fault rests with Lawrence or him. Cary Bates wrote the feature after Lawrence; I haven't read his strips. Morrow left the feature in 1982 and was replaced by Jack Sparling. Original Buck Rogers stories following the TV show also appeared in the period in a British comic/magazine called Look-In. There was also a Gold Key series based on the TV show. A hat-tip to Wikipedia for some of this information.
Sagendorf did original Popeye stories for comics (and some albums I remember seeing in the late 70s or early 80s), but of course it's possible he sometimes reused stories. Presumably he had assistants - in his day cartoonists commonly did - so I don't know how much of the work was his. The ones I've seen were very much in his style.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next