Tuesday, November 19, 2002

DC COMICS FOR FEBRUARY

Following are DC Comics' solicitations for February, with information coming from the company.

BATMAN TITLES

DETECTIVE COMICS #779

Written by Ed Brubaker and J.C. Gagné; art by Tommy Castillo, Wade Von Grawbadger and Michel Gagné; cover by Tim Sale.

"Dead Reckoning" continues as one of Batman's oldest foes is laid to rest. But while the Gotham underworld pays its respects, Batman scrambles to prevent the killer from striking again! Plus, the penultimate chapter of "Spore," by J.C. Gagné and indie comics artist Michel Gagné (Zed, Insanely Twisted Rabbits).

40 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 5.

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #164

Written by Dwayne McDuffie; art and cover by Val Semeiks and Dan Green.

The start of "Don't Blink," an all-new 4-part story. Blink, the blind man who can see through the eyes of whomever he touches, is back. Batman decides he needs the unique services of his old "friend," but learns he's been kidnapped by a group that may be working for the government. Whatever their allegiances, it's clear that Blink is being held against his will - and only Batman can break him free.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 12.

BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #38

Written by Scott Beatty and Ann Nocenti; art by Roger Robinson, John Floyd, and John Bolton; cover by Brian Bolland.

The start of a new storyline that will change the Huntress forever! Checkmate has had its missions in Gotham thwarted time and again by Batman, and the covert agency has had enough. But when a dangerous situation within the Checkmate ranks forces David Said to enlist outside help…the target is the Huntress.

40 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 19.

BATMAN #612

Written by Jeph Loeb; art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams.

Guest-starring Superman! The best-selling comic continues with the fight you've waited for, discussed and argued about: Batman vs. Superman, toe-to-toe! How do you stop the Man of Steel? Who can outwit the World's Greatest Detective? What could bring these uneasy allies to the brink of war? Who will be left standing in a battle that could bring down the city of Metropolis?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 26.

AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #99

Written by Dennis O'Neil; art by Sergio Cariello; cover by Mike Zeck and Jerry Ordway.

Batman finally takes the problem of Azrael into his own hands. But is it too late? Could the Angel of St. Dumas be beyond redemption? All building up to next month's spectacular 100th issue.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

BATGIRL #37

Written by Kelley Puckett; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella.

When a master thief kidnaps a remarkable child with talents worth millions of dollars, it's up to Batgirl to solve the crime and save the child! Plus: A huge secret from Cassandra's past is revealed.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 19.

BATGIRL: YEAR ONE #3

Written by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon; art and cover by Marcos Martín and Alvaro Lopez.

Batgirl's first encounter with the Dynamic Duo. It's hard enough being a vigilante in Gotham when your father's the police commissioner - and it's even tougher when Batman and Robin are standing in your way. Sparks fly…and what will happen when Killer Moth is drawn to the flame?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

BATMAN/ALIENS II #3

Written by Ian Edginton; art and cover by Staz Johnson and James Hodgkins.

The thrilling conclusion to the 3-issue Prestige Format series. Batman's been imprisoned in a secret government base…but even if he escapes to face his mysterious abductor, he'll have to battle a fearsome cadre of super-soldiers biologically engineered from the DNA of captured Aliens and Arkham's most notorious psychopaths. Co-published with Dark Horse Comics.

48 pages, $5.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

BATMAN: BRUCE WAYNE - FUGITIVE VOL. 2 TP

Written by Greg Rucka, Devin Grayson and Ed Brubaker; art by Steve Lieber, Scott McDaniel, Sergio Cariello, Roger Robinson, and various; cover by Scott McDaniel.

Presenting the conclusion to the 2002 event, collected in one sleek trade paperback! Batman's allies decide he's been framed for the murder of Vesper Fairchild. Now the Dark Knight must find out who did it - and why! Volume Two collects the stories from Detective Comics #768-772, Batman: Gotham Knights #31 and Batman #605.

144 pages, $12.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS HC

Written by Kia Asamiya; translation by Max Allan Collins; art and painted cover by Asamiya

Batman gets the manga treatment. From the mind of Kia Asamiya, creator of Silent Mobius and Steam Detectives and artist on Uncanny X-Men, comes a unique manga take on the Dark Knight. It's a mammoth adventure featuring the World's Greatest Detective in action in both Gotham and Tokyo, locked in mortal combat with his greatest enemies.

352 pages, $24.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #59

Written by Scott Peterson; art by Tim Levins and Terry Beatty; cover by Bob Smith and Beatty

A financial scandal rocks Waynecorp, and Bruce Wayne is determined to get to the bottom of it…even if he needs to get a little help from Batman.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 26.

BIRDS OF PREY #52

Written by Gilbert Hernandez; art by Casey Jones; cover by Phil Noto

The 6-part story arc by Gilbert Hernandez continues. As Oracle's torture comes to a grisly end, Canary uncovers the truth behind the Elemental Monster and saves the day - with a little help from special guest-star Metamorpho.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 19.

BIRDS OF PREY: CATWOMAN/BATGIRL

Written by John Francis Moore; art and cover by Darick Robertson and Jimmy Palmiotti

Two women from Batman's life together at last. In the first of a two-part series, Batgirl and Catwoman join forces to thwart a murderer who preys on prostitutes…but what they uncover is a greater evil than either of them could hope to defeat alone. Continued in March's Birds of Prey: Catwoman/Oracle.

48 pages, $5.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

CATWOMAN #16

Written by Ed Brubaker; art by Cameron Stewart; cover by J.G. Jones.

A most disturbing Catwoman story comes to a definitive - and deadly - conclusion. The fates of those closest to Selina are resolved, but now her future is in question. Black Mask has struck back at Catwoman in every way possible. Now the Feline Fatale is on a one-way, high-impact course of revenge, but Black Mask is waiting for Catwoman - and he's getting help from someone very close to her.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 26.

GOTHAM CENTRAL #4

Written by Ed Brubaker; art and cover by Michael Lark.

Romy and Driver continue their investigation into the Lewis kidnapping while the rest of the team tries to track down the arsonist Firebug, who's been setting Gotham aflame! But why isn't the case closed after a tense standoff with Firebug? And how does a murder investigation lead back to…a Batarang?

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 12.

HARLEY QUINN #29

Written by A.J. Lieberman; art and cover by Mike Huddleston and Troy Nixey

Harley's got a stalker - someone with an obsession so strong it can bring down buildings. But when the Cupid of Crime turns the tables on her pursuer, she finds someone else has gotten to him first, and the police - still blaming her for the death of an officer - wait for her with guns loaded and cocked.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 12.

NIGHTWING #78

Written by Devin Grayson; art by Rick Leonardi and Jesse Delperdang; cover by Brian Ewing.

As Nightwing takes on the new Tarantula, a familiar face turns up dead in the sewers of Blüdhaven. Meanwhile, the cops of Blüdhaven are becoming increasingly violent. Can Nightwing get to the bottom of their strange behavior before they tear the city apart?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 12.

NIGHTWING: THE HUNT FOR ORACLE TP

Written by Chuck Dixon; art by Greg Land, Patrick Zircher, Butch Guice, and Drew Geraci

The entire "The Hunt for Oracle" storyline featured in Nightwing #41-46 and Birds of Prey #20-21, collected in trade paperback form! Blüdhaven's deadliest crime boss - Blockbuster - is on a seek-and-destroy mission…and his target is Oracle! And when Blockbuster captures Nightwing, Black Canary may be Oracle's only chance at survival.

192 pages, $14.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

ROBIN #111

Written by Jon Lewis; art by Pete Woods and Andrew Pepoy; cover by J.P. Mavinga.

Robin learns the terrible news that burdens Spoiler, and in the process discovers a horrible secret from her past. The dark revelation sets Spoiler on a destructive course…one that only Tim can stop.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 19.

SUPERMAN TITLES

ACTION COMICS #800

Written by Joe Kelly; art by Pascual Ferry, Duncan Rouleau, Cam Smith and Marlo Alquiza; painted cover by Drew Struzan

Special super-sized 800th issue. From his arrival on earth to when he finally donned his famous costume, Superman's life is re-examined, and a new character who inspired him to be a reporter is introduced. Plus, in more reality-based vignettes, we look at the effect Superman has had on everyday people.

64 pages, $3.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #613

Written by Joe Casey; art by Derec Aucoin; cover by Kevin Nowlan.

Huckster Funky Flashman tries to make a profit from merchandising Superman and some of DC's greatest villains. Superman doesn't have a problem so long as the profits go to charity, but baddies like Captain Cold aren't so agreeable.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 12.

SUPERMAN #190

Written by Steven T. Seagle; art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens.

First regular issue featuring the new creative team. One of Metropolis' robots goes rogue, mistakenly thinking it's a real police officer. Superman must confront this would-be "man" of steel before it takes the law into its own hands.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 26.

SUPERMAN #190 SPECIAL EDITION

Written by Steven T. Seagle; art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens.

This special edition of Superman #190 includes the full story featured in the standard issue as well as the 22-page story originally presented in Superman: The 10-Cent Adventure.

56 pages, $3.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

SUPERGIRL #79

Written by Peter David; art and cover by Ed Benes and Alex Lei.

Linda winds up living someone else's life…that of the Silver Age Supergirl. But that's just the beginning of this issue's shocking twists.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 19.

SUPERMAN: CRITICAL CONDITION TP

Written by J.M. DeMatteis, Joe Kelly, Jeph Loeb, and Mark Schultz, art by Carlo Barberi, Pascual Ferry, Kano, Doug Mahnke, Mike McKone, Cary Nord, Pablo Raimondi, and Duncan Rouleau, cover by Rouleau and Marlo Alquiza.

Superman may not just lose the love of his life…he may also lose his life! Lois Lane is missing. Only Superman can find her, but he's dying from a mysterious ailment. This trade paperback collects Adventures of Superman #579-580, Superman: The Man of Steel #101-102, Action Comics #766-767, Superman #158 and the lead story from Superman: Metropolis Secret Files #1.

192 pages, $14.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

SUPERMAN: METROPOLIS #1

Written by Chuck Austen; art and cover by Danijel Zezelj.

The launch of a 12-issue maxi-series. Follow Jimmy Olsen on the job in the high-tech world of Metropolis, where the Tech once again is gaining sentience and transforming the inhabitants of the City of Tomorrow.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS III #2

Written and illustrated by John Byrne; cover by Byrne.

Elseworlds. John Byrne's greatest Generation-al saga continues, as the story leaps into the 21st century. Meet the newest inheritors of the legacy of the Man of Steel: the young adventurers known as the Super Twins! When a mysterious, time-spanning threat strikes, the Twins face their baptism of fire, aiding Knightwing and the New Gods, with the whole world - and more - hanging in the balance.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

DC UNIVERSE TITLES

AQUAMAN #3

Written by Rick Veitch; art by Yvel Guichet and Mark Propst; painted cover by Alex Maleev.

The Sea King's new series continues as Aquaman gets a new look and costume. The predatory Rodunn, Captain of the Royal Guard, ventures onto land in his quest to destroy Aquaman, his former king. But the king has a powerful lesson to teach his traitorous captain.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 12.

BIG DADDY DANGER #6

Written by Adam Pollina; art by Pollina and Tyson McAdoo; cover by McAdoo.

It's a family affair when Big Daddy's brother Diablo X makes his move…with Dana Danger as his target. Who's behind Diablo's latest attack? And what role will Little Danny Danger play when the battle moves to a hellish dimension? The ultimate grudge match is on.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

COSMIC ODYSSEY TP - NEW EDITION

Written by Jim Starlin; art by Mike Mignola and Carlos Garzon; cover by Mignola

A new edition collecting the 4-part epic that rocked the DC Universe. When a threat comes calling that's too big for even Darkseid to handle, whom does he turn to for a helping hand? A collection of DC's biggest heroes, of course.

200 pages, $19.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

DOOM PATROL #17

Written by John Arcudi; art and cover by Tan Eng Huat.

Robotman sets off on a road trip to discover America and himself, leaving the rest of the Doom Patrol without a forwarding address…or a clue. Oh, did we mention the return of the blind samurai named Tycho?

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 5.

THE FLASH #195

Written by Geoff Johns; art by Scott Kolins and Doug Hazlewood; cover by Kolins.

Iron Heights, the Keystone City penitentiary that houses most of its supervillains and rogues, has turned its inmates loose, and now the repercussions begin. The Top takes the Flash for a spin, and his new powers are revealed. Plus, The Flash and Hunter Zolomon's friendship reaches a bitter conclusion.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 19.

FOREVER MAELSTROM #4

Written by Howard Chaykin and David Tischman; art by John Lucas and Eduardo Barreto; cover by Lucas and John Cassaday.

Forever and his friends find themselves in yet another 21st century, this time one where untold numbers of deities face the threat of Ragnarok! But a savior is at hand - or paw - in the form of Forever's talking timber wolf, Fenris! Is he the god they've been looking for? Or is an evil mastermind crying "wolf"?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

GREEN ARROW #21

Written by Brad Meltzer; art by Phil Hester and Ande Parks; painted cover by Matt Wagner.

"The Archer's Quest," Part 6 of 6! Best-selling novelist Brad Meltzer saved the biggest surprise of "The Archer's Quest" for last! This is what it's all been leading up to. Why has Green Arrow been on this quest? It's not for the reasons readers think.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 26.

GREEN LANTERN #159

Written by Judd Winick; art by Dale Eaglesham and Rodney Ramos; cover by Ariel Olivetti.

Attack of the Boar Beasts! Green Lantern and Jade defend a race of space-nomads from a endless horde of creatures. The two of them have held back the rampage by shielding themselves inside one of the last remaining cities…only to find that it may turn out to be their prison.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 12.

GREEN LANTERN: THE POWER OF ION TP

Written by Judd Winick; art by Dale Eaglesham, Eric Battle, Brandon Badeaux, Jamal Igle, Pat Quinn and various; cover by Ariel Olivetti.

Collecting Green Lantern #142-150. When Kyle Rayner faces off against his evil opposite, Oblivion, he expends all the energy of his Power Ring, shedding his GL identity and becoming the more powerful Ion. But can he handle near-omnipotent power without losing his humanity?

226 pages, $14.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

HAWKMAN #12

Written by Geoff Johns; art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; painted cover by Andrew Robinson.

Can the Hawks survive an attack by the creature known as Darkraven? Hawkgirl thinks so. Plus, Kendra's past catches up with her in a most unfriendly way.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 5.

HAWKMAN: ENDLESS FLIGHT TP

Written by Geoff Johns and James Robinson; art by Rags Morales, Michael Bair, Patrick Gleason, and Christian Alamy; painted cover by Andrew Robinson.

The first six issues of the acclaimed Hawkman regular series are collected. Egyptian Prince Khufu has been reincarnated time and again through the centuries…now he's called Carter Hall - Hawkman! But can he reunite with his lost soulmate, Kendra Saunders…also known as Hawkgirl?

176 pages, $12.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

H-E-R-O #1

Written by Will Pfeifer; art by Kano; painted cover by John Van Fleet.

A classic DC concept is updated in a new ongoing series. The mysterious H-E-R-O device grants super-powers to its bearer, but how will each handle those powers? In this powerful debut issue, Jerry Feldon sees Superman in action, and realizes he can never measure up to the Man of Steel. But then he finds the device.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 12.

JLA #78

Written by Joe Kelly; art and cover by Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen.

With the new line-up in place, the Justice League intercepts a malevolent alien signal that threatens a nearby planetary system. Now the JLA must make the gut-wrenching decision: to maintain neutrality in a galactic conflict or to interfere in foreign politics by conducting a preemptive strike of its own. Either way, the consequences just might be cosmos-shattering.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 26.

JLA: RIDDLE OF THE BEAST SC

Written by Alan Grant; painted art by Carl Critchlow, Simon Davis, Glenn Fabry, Jon Foster, Rafael Garres, Doug Alexander Gregory, Alex Horley, Herman Mejia, Jim Murray, Andrew Robinson, Liam McCormick-Sharpe, Gregg Staples, Saverio Tenuta, John Watson, and Martin T. Williams; designs by Michael Wm. Kaluta; painted cover by Justin Sweet.

Elseworlds. The softcover edition of the fully painted graphic novel featuring fantastical recreations of the JLA. In a universe of darkness, a world without a name struggles to heal itself after generations of war. And against murderous odds, a solitary boy must lay claim to his heritage and topple walls of ignorance and fear in order to save his home.

104 pages, $14.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

JLA/THE SPECTRE: SOUL WAR #2

Written by J.M. DeMatteis; art and cover by Darryl Banks and Paul Neary.

The shocking conclusion of the 2-issue Prestige Format mini-series. The JLA, powerless to combat the terrifying extra-dimensional entity known as the Trans, reluctantly agrees to accept help from the Spectre. But unfortunately for the JLA, in order to preserve life on Earth as we know it, The Spectre must kill the Justice League.

48 pages, $5.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

JSA #45

Written by David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns; art and cover by Leonard Kirk and Keith Champagne.

The prologue to the epic storyline "Princes of Darkness" that culminates in JSA #50. Doctor Fate returns from his journey to Gemworld, where he finally discovers the true identity of the woman who gave birth to him. Also, the JSA stands vigilant as Kobra is finally brought to trial for his recent crimes.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 12.

JSA: THE UNHOLY THREE #1

Written by Dan Jolley and Tony Harris; art by Harris and Ray Snyder; painted cover by Tony Harris.

Elseworlds. Part 1 of a 2-part Prestige Format miniseries! Eight years after the events of "The Liberty File," the Bat, the Clock and the brash young powerhouse named Clark Kent are back in action. Two ex-KGB operatives code-named Parasite and Steelwolf are killing American covert agents in Berlin, and the "Unholy Three" must stop them before they find "the Trigger," a mystery device that could end all life on Earth.

64 pages, $6.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #16

Written by Scott McCloud; art by John Delaney and John K. Snyder III; cover by Butch Lukic.

Scott McCloud offers a deadly game of "Hide and Seek!" There's a traitor within the Justice League, and only the most alienated member - Martian Manhunter - can put the clues together before the betrayal leads to the end of the League…and perhaps the Earth.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 5.

THE LEGION #17

Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning; art by Alejandro Barrionuevo and Andy Lanning; cover by Kev Walker.

"Revival of the Fittest," Part 1 of 2. M'onel is escorting the dormant body of Ra's Al Ghul to a secure facility when he receives word that Sensor has suffered life-threatening injuries. Ra's has the genius and skill to save her…but will awakening him also mean awakening the evil that lies within?

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 26.

THE POWER COMPANY #13

Written by Kurt Busiek; art and cover by Tom Grummett and Prentis Rollins.

When the devastating threat of Dr. Polaris and the Cadre stands revealed, the Power Company must choose. Do they fight, even though they have no client, or ignore the danger in order to pursue paying work? One choice could bankrupt the Company - but the other could destroy it from within.

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 19.

THE SPECTRE #26

Written by J.M. DeMatteis; art by Norm Breyfogle and Dennis Janke; cover by P. Craig Russell.

A Middle Eastern terrorist is set upon the path of redemption by The Spectre. But can one man's change of heart stand a chance against the will of a thousand fanatics?

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 5.

THE TITANS #50

Written by Tom Peyer; art by Barry Kitson and James Pascoe; cover by José Luis García-López.

Climactic final issue. If the Earth is to survive, the Titans must destroy the Consensus - and the alien creature that gives the Consensus its collective opinion. But it won't be easy, since the entirety of a brainwashed humanity doesn't share the Titans' point of view.

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 26.

WONDER WOMAN #189

Written by Walter Simonson; art by Jerry Ordway and P. Craig Russell; cover by Adam Hughes.

Walter Simonson, Jerry Ordway and P. Craig Russell join cover artist Adam Hughes for a 6-part adventure! Wonder Woman has vanished without a trace. Bereft of her memories, deprived of her gods-given abilities, and without her familiar costume, lasso and bracelets, Diana must fight off a horde of monstrous foes and find her way back to Earth from the Cryptocombs - the Cemetery of the Gods - all the while protecting a mysterious clay statue of a baby girl.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 26.

YOUNG JUSTICE #54

Written by Peter David; art and cover by Todd Nauck and Larry Stucker.

Things go from bad to worse as Robin relates the events of the Secret's descent into darkness. She begins to enact revenge on all those who have wronged her throughout her young life…and last on her list are her Young Justice teammates. Can the Boy Wonder get help before it's too late?

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 5.

BEYOND THE DC UNIVERSE TITLES

DEXTER'S LABORATORY #34

Written by Robbie Busch and Ian Boothby; art by Scott Roberts, Matt Jenkins, and Jeff Albrecht; cover by Bill Wray.

When Dexter makes the perfect snowflake, its very existence turns the world topsy-turvy. Plus, when it comes to arguing with Dee-Dee, never send a robot to do a little brother's job.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 26.

LOONEY TUNES #99

Written by Chuck Kim, Jesse Leon McCann, Mike DeCarlo, and Bill Matheny; art by DeCarlo, David Alvarez, Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini; cover by Alvarez and DeCarlo.

Yosemite Sam, Marvin the Martian and Elmer Fudd team up to hunt Bugs; Tweety and Sylvester go for a spin on the space shuttle; and Daffy tries sheep-stealing on for size.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 5.

THE POWERPUFF GIRLS #35

Written by Robbie Busch; art by Ricardo Garcia Fuentes and Mike DeCarlo; cover by Phil Moy.

Bubbles brings a froggy friend home from a field trip and makes a frog-hunting villain hoppin' mad in "It's Sleazy Being Green."

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 19.

SCOOBY-DOO #69

Written by Alex Simmons and Terrance Griep, Jr.; art by Joe Staton, Dave Hunt and Jeff Albrecht; cover by Staton and Hunt.

In Seattle's famous "Underground City," the Mystery Inc. gang flees from 18th century ghosts who want the city back. Plus, a lumberjack's ghost haunts the sledding slopes of the Yukon.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 12.

WILDSTORM TITLES

21 DOWN #6

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray; art by Jesús Saez and Palmiotti; painted cover by Joe Jusko

"The Conduit" reaches its shocking conclusion as Preston and his brother Robert uncover the mystery behind the recent string of unsolved murders. In a terrifying showdown with the killer, Preston discovers that the Herod phenomenon affects more than just the people he touches.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

AUTOMATIC KAFKA #8

Written by Joe Casey; art and painted cover by Ashley Wood.

Automatic Kafka makes a life-altering decision that brings him one step closer to discovering "the Secret." But mysteries remain…how much does the Warning really know? Salacious intrigue abounds in the depths of the San Fernando Valley.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

BLACK SUN #6

Written by Marc Andreyko; art and cover by Trevor Scott.

It's all-out pandemonium in Hong Kong as Black Sun concludes. With demons running rampant, it's everything Maggie Sun can do to keep herself alive, much less help anybody else. The staggering conclusion of this exciting storyline answers all your questions about the mysterious black pearl, the Wrist Dragons, and Maggie's twisted family history.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

DANGER GIRL 3-D

Written by J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell; art and cover by Campbell and Alex Garner.

It's the Danger Girls in Danger-Vision. Re-presenting the rare 8-page Danger Girl preview story (from the Gen13 #25 Voyager Pack) and the 32-page issue #1 in 3-D, this unique Special also includes a 3-D cover gallery of some of the best and most notorious Danger Girls covers ever. The eye-popping effects are brought to you by the master of 3-D comics, Ray Zone. A pair of 3-D glasses featuring cool graphics by J. Scott Campbell is included with each issue.

48 pages, $4.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

GEN13 #6

Written by Chris Claremont; art and cover by Alé Garza and Sandra Hope.

Can the Gen13 kids pull together as a team as they face off against their first major foe - the mysterious and deadly Purple Haze? It's do or die time…will the team gain a purpose?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

GLOBAL FREQUENCY #5

Written by Warren Ellis; art by Jon J Muth; cover by Brian Wood.

In the snow-swept wilds of Norway, a diverse team of specialists on the Global Frequency has assembled a command post. An entire town has lost its mind, and Miranda Zero intends on helping them find it. There's something strange in the air - something unfamiliar and unexplainable, something...magical.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

OUT THERE #16

Written by Brian Augustyn; art and cover by Humberto Ramos and Sandra Hope.

The entire town of El Dorado City has been exiled to the terrifying otherworld known as the Draedrealm, and now Mark, Jess, Casey and Zach are trapped there as well. When the realm's bizarre and lethal inhabitants turn against the earthfolk, that exile seems certain to end in horrific tragedy - unless a near-mythic talisman is located in time. Meanwhile, on Earth, a mystic menace also stalks Becky, Abel and the others who seek a way to save E.D. City.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

THE RESISTANCE #6

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray; art by Juan Santacruz and Francis Portela; cover by Christopher Shy.

The fight for survival continues with stunning developments and explosive results as our battered heroes make a desperate attempt to rescue Surge from Sampizi and the GCC. With their backs against the wall, another painful sacrifice must be made in the name of The Resistance.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

ROBOTECH #3

Written by Tommy Yune and Jay Faerber; art and cover by Long Vo and Charles Park.

The series based on the mecha sensation continues. The VF-1 program intensifies as Roy is pushed harder by Lt. Colonel Edwards, with increasingly bizarre scenarios including zero gravity and atmospheric reentry. Anti-Unification strife also heats up, as they've located top-secret Macross Island…and it's up to Roy to save an endangered convoy.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

SLEEPER #2

Written by Ed Brubaker, art and painted cover by Sean Phillips.

The adventures of Holden Carter, The Conductor, continue. A member of Tao's inner circle, one of the Prodigals, has been killed. This is a serious offense, not so much because a human life has been snuffed out, but because the chain of command has been broken. And now a sinister game of cat and mouse is played out as the ever-toying Tao conducts an investigation - with Holden in the eye of the storm.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

STEAMPUNK: DRAMA OBSCURA TP

Written by Joe Kelly; art and cover by Chris Bachalo and Richard Friend.

Collecting issues #6-12 of this hit Cliffhanger! series by writer Joe Kelly and artists Chris Bachalo and Richard Friend. Included are the story arcs "Mechanica Sundown" and "X," following the continuing adventures of Cole Blaquesmith and his band of steampunks.

176 pages, $14.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

STORMWATCH: TEAM ACHILLES #8

Written by Micah Ian Wright; art by Tomm Coker; cover by Whilce Portacio and Scott Williams.

Jukko Hamalainen is one the deadliest and most mysterious members of the new StormWatch, balancing humor and compassion with a lethal sense of purpose. Why is his body completely covered in scars? And what secret does he hold that would terrify even the Authority's Midnighter?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

THUNDERCATS: THE RETURN #1

Written by Ford Lytle Gilmore; art and cover by Ed Benes and Joe Pimentel; variant cover by John Cassaday.

The 'Cats are on the prowl again in a new series. Writer Ford Lytle Gilmore returns and thrusts everyone's favorite feline heroes five years into a disturbing future. When Lion-O - imprisoned for the last half-decade but unaware of the passage of time - is rescued from captivity, he emerges into a Thundera plundered by evil! Can the King of the Thundercats return the team to its former glory?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

WILDCATS VERSION 3.0 #7

Written by Joe Casey; art by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend; cover by Nguyen and Rian Hughes.

Grifter learns a few tricks about corporate maneuvering, while Dolby learns exactly what it means to be an employee of the Halo Corporation. Plus, the introduction of the glorious Beef Boys and the return of C.C. Rendozzo.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

WILDCATS: BATTERY PARK TP

Written by Joe Casey; art by Sean Phillips and Steve Dillon; cover by Sean Phillips.

Completing the collection of Wildcats Volume 2, Wildcats: Battery Park reprints issues #20-28 of the ever-deepening saga of the former WildCats - a broken team of soldiers with no war left to fight. In the wake of the shocking events of Wildcats: Serial Boxes, can the splintered team pull itself together?

224 pages, $17.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

AMERICA'S BEST COMICS TITLE

PROMETHEA #25

Written by Alan Moore; art and cover by J.H. Williams III and Mick Gray

"A Higher Court" presents a fantastical trial in the Immateria, presided over by a strange judge and jury. Their task? To determine who shall be the one true Promethea: Stacia or Sophie. Whichever way the fates turn, one thing is for certain: A door will close in Sophie's life.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

HOMAGE COMICS TITLES

ASTRO CITY: LOCAL HEROES #1

Written by Kurt Busiek; art by Brent Anderson; painted cover by Alex Ross.

The Homage hit returns in a 5-issue bimonthly mini-series. Meet Pete Donacek, the genial doorman at one of Astro City's finest hotels. He can tell newcomers where to go to see super-heroes in action and what neighborhoods to avoid. Now find out how he gained that knowledge.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

ZERO GIRL: FULL CIRCLE #4

Written and illustrated by Sam Kieth; painted cover by Kieth.

Tim and Nikki drive back to rescue Amy, who is surrounded by squares in the mineshaft with…Tim? Two Tims? Doesn't matter, since Nikki's mom reveals her true shape, shattering Nikki's world forever.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

VERTIGO TITLES

100 BULLETS #42

Written by Brian Azzarello; art by Eduardo Risso; painted cover by Dave Johnson.

In this final of six stand-alone issues, Agent Graves travels to El Paso, Texas, to deal out a little justice. The recipient? Gas-pumper Wylie Times, last seen in issue #30. Wylie's been down on his luck, stuck in a rut and he's about to find out why - and more important, who's responsible. But what does a guy who's happy knowing nothing do with information that can only lead to death?

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 5.

100% #5

Story and art by Paul Pope; cover by Pope.

Romance, lust and love collide in the emotionally charged conclusion to the sci-fi epic! Eloy and Kim, Strel and Haitous, and John and Daisy struggle to find out who they are and what they really mean to each other as each couple learns what it truly means to love in a harsh and unforgiving urban sprawl.

48 pages, $5.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

AMERICAN CENTURY #23

Written by Howard Chaykin and David Tischman; art by Luke Ross and John Stokes; painted cover by Glen Orbik.

"Tramps" Part 2 of 2. Hobos in Nazi Uniforms? It's all a bad dream for Harry Kraft…and the nightmare doesn't end when he wakes up. The local prostitute needs a fix, the local fixer needs an alibi, and Harry needs a one-way ticket out of Charity, Ohio - a seedy little town full of big secrets and bigger lies, where people like Harry wind up dead.

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 19.

CODENAME: KNOCKOUT #21

Written by Robert Rodi; art by John Lucas and Andrew Pepoy; painted cover by J.G. Jones.

"Secrets and Thighs" Part 1 of 3. Angela and Rebel Yell infiltrate E.V.I.L. headquarters in an effort to get the goods on Angela's late sister, but the rumors of her death have been greatly exaggerated, as a deadly potentially lethal encounter soon teaches them. Plus, the return of the pastel ninjas.

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 5.

FABLES #10

Written by Bill Willingham; art by Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha; painted cover by James Jean.

The conclusion to the 5-part "Animal Farm." The revolt at the Farm has been suppressed, the revolutionaries quelled. Goldilocks remains on the loose since her seemingly fatal shooting but the rest of the dissidents have been tried and sentenced. The executioner's axe is sharp and swift as the Fables learn what true justice means.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 12.

FIGHT FOR TOMORROW #6

Written by Brian Wood; art by Denys Cowan and Kent Williams; painted cover by Celia Calle

Ced's quest for Christy comes to an end as the final confrontation between student and master erupts in the New York City underground! But with Sivan's power gone and the illegal fight organization destroyed, what will happen to Ced when he comes face to face with the girl he thought he lost forever?

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 26.

THE FILTH #9

Written by Grant Morrison; art by Chris Weston and Gary Erskine; cover by Carlos Segura.

This is it - all the answers you've been waiting for are here! What is The Hand? Who are Man Green/Man Yellow? Where is The Crack? The Dark Secrets of planet Earth unfold for Ned Slade as he begins his final initiation as a garbage man and faces the ultimate revelation of life, death, identity - and the Beyond.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

HELLBLAZER #181

Written by Mike Carey; art by Jock; painted cover by Tim Bradstreet.

After an ambiguous tip-off from a dead informant, John Constantine takes steps to protect himself against a demonic attack. But when the ambush comes from an unexpected direction, his magic defenses fail him, and the only thing he has to fall back on is his knowledge of darkest London.

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 26.

HELLBLAZER SPECIAL: LADY CONSTANTINE #3

Written by Andy Diggle; art by Goran Sudzuka; cover by Phil Noto.

Part 3 of a 4-part mini-series. Johanna Constantine has succeeded in acquiring an infernal box that, if opened, will unleash Hell on Earth. With the unstoppable sorceress Lady Blackwood closing in and nowhere left to run, Johanna and her allies must make a stand - even if it means striking a bargain with the forces of Hell.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

HUNTER: THE AGE OF MAGIC #20

Written by Dylan Horrocks; art by Richard Case and Steve Bird; painted cover by Chris Bachalo.

In the underwater library of Janosh-el, Tim Hunter struggles to find the Sefer Raziel, and, with it, the power to create or destroy a world. Tim already has betrayed teachers, friends and lovers in his quest, but now, as he faces his final challenge, will he also betray himself?

32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Feb. 12.

LUCIFER #35

Written by Mike Carey; art by Peter Gross & Ryan Kelly; painted cover by Christopher Moeller.

"Come to Judgment," Part 2 of 2. Solomon's investigation into Elaine Belloc's strange death brings him face to face with a murderer who may be immune to God's justice…and it teaches Solomon a terrifying truth about himself. Meanwhile, Lucifer ventures into Jotunheim to find a mysterious ship.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 19.

PREACHER: DEAD OR ALIVE - THE COLLECTED COVERS SC

Text by Garth Ennis and Glenn Fabry; art and cover by Fabry

The covers that made Pracher stand out from the pack, collected in one volume. For the first time in softcover, a collection featuring every Preacher cover painting by artist Glenn Fabry, with running commentary by Fabry and Preacher writer Garth Ennis.

192 pages, $19.95, in stores on Feb. 19.

THE SANDMAN PRESENTS: BAST #2

Written by Caitlín R. Kiernan; art by Joe Bennett; cover by Dave McKean

Angered by the senseless suicide of her one last believer, the cat goddess Bast takes matters into her own hands - first via revenge on Lucy's brutal father, and then redemption, as Lucy's cold, lifeless body begins to warm and breathe again. But what exactly has been brought back?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

SHADE, THE CHANGING MAN: THE AMERICAN SCREAM TP

Written by Peter Milligan; art by Chris Bachalo and Mark Pennington; painted cover by Brendan McCarthy.

Collecting the first six issues of one of Vertigo's founding titles, The American Scream TP puts a unique Vertigo spin on the visitor from the Meta Zone created by the legendary Steve Ditko. Kathy George relives the horror of her parents' murder when Shade arrives from his dimension only to take up residence in the body of the man who killed them.

168 pages, $17.95, in stores on Feb. 26.

VERTIGO X ANNIVERSARY PREVIEW

Written by various; art by various; cover by Steve Cook.

A celebration of the past 10 years, as well as a look at the future. The Vertigo X Anniversary Preview launches a yearlong celebration with an original Shade, The Changing Man story by Peter Milligan and Mike Allred, a sneak preview of Neil Gaiman's Endless Nights and a look at some of the amazing line-up of Vertigo projects on tap for 2003.

48 pages, 99 cents, in stores on Feb. 26.

VERTIGO POP!: LONDON #4

Written by Peter Milligan; art by Warren Pleece and Philip Bond; cover by Bond.

Death, reconciliation and the downside of fame collide in the conclusion of Vertigo's tale of stardom. Rocky Lamont finds out the hard way that his plan to restore his lost youth may not have been the best idea.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 5.

WAR STORY: ARCHANGEL

Written by Garth Ennis; art by Gary Erskine; photo cover.

The final installment in Garth Ennis' latest epic look at World War II. When RAF Flight Officer Jamie McKenzie volunteered for training on the new CAMships, he didn't realize he was signing up to be the British equivalent of a kamikaze pilot. Is bad luck better than no luck at all?

64 pages, $4.95, in stores on Feb. 12.

Y - THE LAST MAN #8

Written by Brian K. Vaughan; art by Pia Guerra and José Marzan, Jr.; painted cover by J.G. Jones.

Part 3 of the 5-part "Cycles." In the mysterious town of Marrisville, the last man on Earth finally finds true romance. Unfortunately for Yorick, it's not with his beloved girlfriend, who's still trapped on the other side of the planet! Meanwhile, Agent 355 reveals a shocking secret...

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 19.