Monday, May 21, 2001

IMAGE COMICS FOR AUGUST

Following are Image Comics' solicitations for August, with information provided by the company.

AGENCY #2

Written by Paul Jenkins, art by Kyle Hotz, colored by Matt Nelson.

Houston we have a problem. The Agency is following a killer, a serial killer with a very famous M.O. God's Man plagued the world five years previous with his murder spree. It seems as though he's back. But how can this be when he's been locked securely away for last five years? Who's doing the killing? How do they know all the grisly details of the original murders?

32 pages, $2.50.

BLUNTMAN AND CHRONIC GRAPHIC NOVEL

Written by Kevin Smith, art by Michael Avon Oeming and Mike Allred.

Popular film director/writer Kevin Smith brings his world famous slacker creations Jay and Silent Bob as their "super-hero" personals : Bluntman and Chronic! Specifically timed to coincide with the release of Smith's new film: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. This story is culled directly from what will become one of the summer's biggest smash releases. A photo cover ensures instant sales from film and movie buffs.

96 pages, $14.95.

ARIA: THE SOUL MARKET # 5

Written by Brian Holguin, art by David Yardin, colored by Avalon Color.

A six issue mini-series. What Price a Soul? The malevolent trickster called Goodfellow has stated his terms: Kildare is to protect him from the nameless Dread which is following him, bent on revenge. In exchange, Goodfellow will release the soul of Thomas, a past lover of Kildare's, a soul he now literally holds in the palm of his hand. The bargain seems simple enough, but Kildare has known Goodfellow long enough to ever take him at his word. Plus, it seems, Kildare has a few tricks of her own up her sleeve.

32 pages, $2.95.

DISCIPLES #3

Written by Chris Dows and Colin Clayton, art by Laurence Campbell, inked by Larry Shuput.

A bi-monthly series. Two of the Disciples are sent to Las Vegas to find a stolen artifact. Although unsure of what they're looking for exactly, they know who has it, but unknown to them, they are walking into a trap. The other Disciples know full well what could happen.if the artifact is uncovered, it could take two more of its members away -- but this time, not in death, but in allegiance to the Templars.

32 pages, $2.95.

THE DOLLZ #3

Written by Randy Green and Thomas Sniegoski, art by Green, inked by Rick Ketcham.

A bi-monthly series. They were created by the mysterious Dollmaker to perform a mission of utmost importance. A classic battle of good against evil is about to unfold and its up to the Dollz to save us from the encroaching darkness. Also, the mystery of Joe, agent of the One World Order, continues to deepen as he faces a startling revelation about his humanity. And what of Annika, the Senator's daughter? In the clutches of the Church of the Most Holy Transformation, she begins a rite that will change her forever.

32 pages, $2.95.

GO GIRL! #4

Written by Trina Robbins, art by Anne Timmons.

Cowgirls and rustlers and aliens, oh my. When Lindsay and her mom decide to vacation at a dude ranch owned by Janet's old crime-fighting partner, they haven't reckoned with a scary hired man and mysteriously disappearing cattle. Lindsay does some sleuthing and discovers that the truth is out there.

32 pages, black and white, $3.50.

HELLSPAWN #13

Written by Steve Niles, art and cover byAshley Wood.

"Heaven & Hell" A word spoken. A flash of blinding light. A mysterious hero from the past returns. The New York City streets are suddenly alight with chaos. The Hellspawn stands poised for combat with a Hell-born she-demon called Haella, who challenges the rightful successor to the throne. When the hero emerges, he will stand between the combatants and the history of the Hellspawn will be forever changed.

32 pages, $2.50.

KIN TP: DESCENT OF MAN

Written and art by Gary Frank, inked by Jason Gorder and Lee Townsend, colored by Bongotone.

Neanderthal man lives among us. Or at least he did until his discovery by the sinister S.I.A. who proceed to ruthlessly exterminate these ancient people in pursuit of their strange and potent technology. Now, one Neanderthal survivor, along with his desperate group of friends, must then try to right the wrongs done to his people and prevent the Neanderthals' power from falling into the hands of evil. One of last years most intriguing series is collected here for the first time with an added six new pages of art and story plus a brand-new cover by Frank.

176 pages, $17.95.

LAST SHOT #1

Written by Locke, penciled and inked by Long Vo.

A bi-monthly ongoing series. "Foodchain - Part 1" Oftentimes, the person holding the biggest gun decides who lives or dies. The continent of Nsen runs on a justice system enforced solely by gunners-- bounty hunters who have modified their bodies with crude cybernetic weaponry. We follow the gunner, Revolver, to Hamilton City, only to find himself up against the biggest gun of them all; Krayde / The Cannon. Dead-Alive contracts, wild outlaws and kinetic gun slinging action accent this medieval western punk universe, where the gun is law and greed reigns supreme. It hurts to get shot by a cannonball. Note: This issue includes a full 24-page story in full color plus a bonus gallery of full color illustrations and development

32 pages, $2.95.

MIDNIGHT NATION #10

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art by Gary Frank, inked by Jonathan Sibal, colored by Matt Milla.

At last: David comes face to face with the man who stole his soul, the man he has traveled three thousand miles on foot to confront...only to discover that his is not the only life on the line. He may recover his soul, but the price may be more than he wants to pay.

32 pages, $2.50.

MR. RIGHT #1

Written by Tom DeFalco, penciled by Ron Frenz, inked by Sal Buscema.

While attempting to develop a technology that allows a computerized construct to assume physical mass, Professor Poindexter Click unintentionally designs the ultimate super-hero program. But Mr. Right is little more than a soulless animatronic until he bonds with a young video gamer. Since Jeffrey "Player One" Lopez actually believes in heroes, he somehow transforms Mr. Right into a real person. Mr. Rightcan only exist in a physical state when Jeffrey is sitting at the computer keyboard or is operating his portable game player. Unfortunately, this relationship presents a grave danger to the boy. Jeffrey and Mr. Right are somehow linked physically as well as psychically. If Mr. Right is punched, Jeffery also feels the blow. If Mr. Right is cut, Jeffrey also bleeds. If Mr. Right should die, so would Jeffery. The debut issue features three complete stories. "Do The RIGHT Thing!" The saga begins here with the origin of Mr. Right, the introduction of the cast of characters and pitting the hero against the sinister Big Brother and his super-elite Strikeforce. "Family Matters!" When Detective Sarah Lopez discovers that someone has been murdering the members of Hardcore Continental Wrestling Federation, Mr. Right is forced to climb into the ring and deliver his own brand of justice. Bonus flip book: Randy O'Donnell Is THE M@N in "Who's The M@N?" By Tom DeFalco, Ron Lim and Robert Jones, the two new action heroes meet.

32 pages, $2.50.

OBERGEIST: RAGNAROK HIGHWAY #4

Written by Dan Jolley and Tony Harris, art by Harris, inked by Ray Snyder, colored by Matt Hollingsworth.

As readers learn the brutal facts of Dennis Faircloth's background, Jürgen and Elsa's cross-country trek leads them into a Neo-Nazi ambush... and Elsa delivers an ultimatum concerning Jürgen's real identity. It's truth at the end of a shotgun as "Ragnarok Highway" continues.

32 pages, $2.95.

RISING STARS #17

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art by Brent Anderson, inked by Marlo Alquiza.

The final act begins in the story of the Specials. This issue marks the start of the arc that will follow the remaining Specials through their later adulthood and eventual deaths. We jump forward another dozen years, and see the effects that the Specials have had in their campaign to change the world, whether the world wants to be changed or not. But now the world has the tools to begin fighting back....

32 page, $2.50.

RISING STARS TPB #2

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Ken Lashley, Christian Zanier, Stuart Immonen, Brent Anderson, inked by Livesay and Alquiza, colored by Brett Evans and Dan Kemp.

Collecting Rising Stars #9-15. This second story arc written by J.Michael Straczynski continues the tale of the Specials as they wage war between themselves and the rest of the world. With an all-new cover by current series artist Brent Anderson, this collection is the perfect way to revisit your favorite Rising Stars moments or finally piece together those missing issues.

192 pages, $19.95.

SAM & TWITCH #25

Written by Todd McFarlane, art by Alex Maleev, colored by Jay Fotos, cover by Ashley Wood.

"The Jon Doe Affair, Part Vl" Finale to Todd McFarlane's story arc. Traitor in their midst? As Sam ponders why he was chosen to receive messages from the killer, the entire case is about to blow up in his face. Sam and Twitch narrow their pursuit, homing in on a murderer who seems to know too much. Where is this information coming from? The inside? The end comes crashing in as Sam and Twitch attempt to wrap up one of their most exciting and unnerving cases.

32 pages, $2.50.

SAVAGE DRAGON #89

By Erik Larsen.

Panic in Detroit! The Deadly Duo are back! The Motor City's lovable lunkheads are out to aid the Savage Dragon against the awesome menace of Neutron Bob, the living bomb-burst. The Dragon discovers that Detroit has miraculously survived the great disaster unscathed -- what sinister secret saved Motor City? More pieces of the puzzle fall into place. More questions answered.

32 pages, $2.95.

SHIDIMA #6

Written by Adrian Tsang, art by Warui Namakemono, inked Ramil Sunga.

A clash of both swords and ideals meet head on as Aldaran is forced to fully commit himself to the task of toppling the empire as the carefully laid plans Aldaran originally hatched to free Kameko from the clutches of the emperor disintegrate into near open-warfare in the surrounding countryside of the Imperial City. This time however, with one of Shidima's most infamous swordsmen standing in his way, its Aldaran who has to worry about surviving the encounter.

32 pages, $2.95.

SPAWN #113

Written by Todd McFarlane and Brian Holguin, art by Angel Medina, inked by Danny Miki, colored by Brian Haberlin, cover by Greg Capullo.

The Kingdom, Part VII. The conclusion to the seven-part Kingdom epic -- revelations, regrets and rebirths. In this final chapter of a groundbreaking story line, all is revealed about the true nature of Spawn's most surprising foes to date. The lives of all those around him will be touched, tormented and, for some, changed forever. Guest-starring NYPD detectives Sam and Twitch.

32 pages, $2.50.

SPAWN: THE DARK AGES #30

Written by Steve Niles, art by Nat Jones, inked by Kevin Conrad, colored by Todd Broeker, cover by Ashley Wood.

"The Beast of the Wood." At last, the Beast is revealed. After burying the Necroplasm at the Stone Circle where he first met his fate, Covenant returns home from the battle with the Living Plague and finds his newly formed encampment destroyed. For 13 nights, the soldiers and farmers who had stood by the Hellspawn fought and died at the hands of a mysterious attacker. Now Covenant comes face to face with the Beast of the Wood. Without his Hell-born powers, does Spawn stand a chance of survival?

32 pages, $2.50.

TOMB RAIDER #16

Written by Dan Jurgens, art by Andy Park, inked by Jonathan Sibal, colored by Jonathan D. Smith.

Lara Croft gains a mysterious new ally as she embarks on what could be her most dangerous mission ever. Lara has long gathered precious objects of the past, but what happens when she encounters an object from...the future? Tomb Raider kicks into high gear in the exciting, life altering first chapter of the four-part epic, "Pieces of Zero."

32 pages, $2.50.

UNIVERSE #1

Written by Paul Jenkins, art by Clayton Crain, inked by Jonathan Glapion, colored by Steve Firchow, covers by Crain, Marc Silvestri and David Finch.

The first issue of Top Cow's Hell series is here and the world as we knew it will never be the same again. A tormented priest learns that he is the deciding factor in a huge spiritual war. But who do you pray to when you don't know whose side you're on? This premiere issue begins to unravel the mystery of what the Triad of Powers, The Darkness, the Witchblade, and the Angelus are really about.

32 pages, $2.50.

WARLANDS TPB VOL. I

Written by Adrian Tsang, art by Pat Lee, inked by Alvin Lee.

Welcome to Warlands. A fantasy world of Myth and Magic set against the backdrop of a world in the grip of a global-scale war against the Vampire Hordes of Datara. Bent on the conquest of the entire realm, Malagen the Black, Kahn of Datara, embarks on an unholy war to obtain the legendary Darklyte armor, an artifact fabled to the nexus of all manner of magical energy. Join our heroes in the ashes of their ruined homeland as they struggle against the dark to save their world from total annihilation.

184 pages, $14.95.