IMAGE COMICS FOR JANUARY

Following are Image Comics' solicitations for January, with information coming from the company.

ARIA, VOL. 2: THE SOULMARKET TP

Written by Brian Holguin, art by Jay Anacleto, David Yardin and Lan Medina, cover by Anacleto.

Kildare's world is turned upside down when Goodfellow, the mischievous sprite immortalized in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, comes to New York. As Kildare tries to figure out just what he's up to, she uncovers an underground soul market, where the immortal spirits of humans are bought, sold and traded­as well as the memory of a long forgotten love. Collects Aria: The Soul Market #1-6

144 pages, $16.95, in stores on Jan. 7.

BLOCKHEDZ #3

Written by Brandon Schultz, art by Mark Davis and Mike Davis.

Blak is hell bent on finding the "Wild Dawgs," and avenging his brother's death, but the evil within him has begun to take hold. He will perish unless his finds the cure and with him all that is beautiful will be lost forever.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 7.

BLOODSTREAM #1

Written by Adam Shaw and Penny Register, art and cover by Shaw.

Exotic dancer Amber O'Neill is all too familiar with men taking advantage of her, but nothing could prepare her for becoming the target of a secretive biotech company developing an experimental new blood substitute. Now, her very survival depends on finding those responsible and sifting through the lies to uncover the truth about her life. A typical night for Amber ends in nightmarish visions of masked doctors, needles and tubes of red fluid. Is this real? Retreating deep into her subconscious always helped her cope before, but will it now?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 7.

CASE FILES: SAM AND TWITCH #9

Written by Mark Andreyko, art by Paul Lee, cover by Greg Capullo.

"Skeletons," Part Three. As Sam and Twitch delve deeper into the past of the Halloran family, known as America's Royalty, the detectives uncover more than they bargained for -- and place themselves in the crosshairs of a 50-year-old conspiracy! And does Sam know more than he is saying? If so, what dark event is keeping him silent?

32 pages, black and white, $2.50, in stores on Jan. 14.

THE CLOCK MAKER: ACT 1

Written by Jim Krueger, art by Matt Smith, Zach Howard, Mike Halblieb, Brett Weldele, John Roberts and Guy Davis.

Hidden within a hollow mountain in Switzerland is a giant clockworks, maintained by hundreds of men that never age. The clock is the cause and sustainer of the Earth's revolutions. And more, it is the gateway to Heaven itself. Astrid Bonn returns to Switzerland to mourn the mysterious deaths of a brother and a father she hardly knew only to learn their deaths were no accidents. She also discovers that the family business is the stewardship of a giant clockworks that stands at the gates of Heaven itself. The real problem is, though, that to get to Heaven, Astrid is about to go through Hell. Plus: The complete Guy Davis clockworks designs that were used for the creation of this series. Collects The Clock Maker #1-4.

64 pages, $6.95, in stores on Jan. 28.

DESPERATE TIMES #0

Written, illustrated and cover by Chris Eliopoulos.

Marty, Toad and all the gang are back where they belong: Image Comics. Everything changes in this new series and there are surprises galore to go with all the laughs.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 14.

THE HEDGE KNIGHT #5

Written by George R.R. Martin and Ben Avery, art By Mike S. Miller and Mike Crowell, covers by Miller and Ted Nasmith.

Dunk simply wanted to join the tourney lists and start his new life as a knight. Now, after offending the King's son while protecting the weak, he faces a trial by combat. And not only a trial by combat, but a "trial of seven," forcing Dunk to find six other knights willing to take his cause. If he cannot find anyone willing to stand with and fight for him ­ an unproven and unknown hedge knight -- the stakes are no longer losing his armor and horse, but his life.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 28.

HELLHOUNDS #6

Written by George T. Singley IV, art By Joe Abraham, cover By Erik Larsen.

King and Shock are on the trail of the ruthless super villain Gol! Corpses are lining the streets of Hadean Gates and our heroes are running out of time and patience! But the Hellhounds have an unexpected ally for this harrowing mission: The Savage Dragon.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 7.

INVINCIBLE #10

Written by Robert Kirkman, art by Cory Walker, cover by Walker and Bill Crabtree.

"Perfect Strangers," Part Two. Markšs dad, Omni-Man finds himself going toe-to-toe with a villain that might be too deadly for even him. Meanwhile, events continue to unfold around Mark that will lead up to the big issue 12 spectacular.

32 pages, $2.95.

KABUKI: THE ALCHEMY #1

Written, illustrated and cover by David Mack.

It's a new start for Kabuki and the perfect jumping-on point for brand new Kabuki readers and fans of David Mack's work Daredevil and the upcoming Ultimate X-Men. Plus: This issue also includes a special chronology of the evolution of Kabuki's early beginnings. For instance: Did you know that Brian Bendis was initially planned to be the artist of Kabuki 10 years ago? Included in this issue are Brian Bendis' never before published Kabuki drawings.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 28.

KANE, VOL. 1: GREETINGS FROM NEW EDEN TP

Written, illustrated and cover by Paul Grist.

Detective Kane returns to active duty with the New Eden Police Dept. following a six-month suspension after he shot and killed his partner Dennis Harvey. His fellow police officers give Kane a welcome back gift: a couple of bullets with his name engraved on them. Partnered with a new detective, Kate Felix, Kane quickly learns nothing has changed in the city of New Eden. In his first two days back, Kane has to deal with a siege, a kidnapping and a bomb attack. And then there's the Crime Boss of New Eden, Oscar Darke. Collects Kane #1-4, originally published by Dancing Elephant Press.

120 pages, black and white, $11.95, in stores on Jan. 14.

LEX TALIONIS: A JUNGLE TALE

Written, illustrated and cover by Aneruin Wright.

Jungle action and a tale of vengeance are combined in this unique tale of metaphysical justice featuring lush color and dazzling artwork of a style not seen before in comics.Gorillas have long been known as the gentle giants of the Jungle. Gorillas donšt attack unless threatened and are so shy as to be rarely seen outside zoos. Yet in the heart of the African wilderness, a safari guide is witness to the grisly murder of a fellow guide by a gorilla. In order to make sense of the irrational, he must find out why.

48 pages, $5.95, in stores on Jan. 7.

PvP #6

Written and illustrated by Scott Kurt, cover by James Kolchaka.

Read the PvP storyline that turned the small press community on its ear. Skull the Troll wants to be a comic book artist in the worst way... and unfortunately, he is. When Skull finds a home for his imperfect creation in the close-knit alternative comics community he learns that to stay in this club, success is not an option. Can he sell out without selling out?

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 28.

REX MUNDI, VOL. 1: THE GUARDIAN OF THE TEMPLE TP

Written by Arvid Nelson, art and cover by Eric J.

As Doctor Julien Sauničre investigates the theft of a medieval scroll from a Paris church, he stumbles onto a series of horrific ritual murders and an ancient secret society somehow connected to the mysterious document. They must not slip back into the shadows, or they will kill again. Plus: a double-page map of the Rex Mundi world, a gallery of back covers by artists such as Guy Davis and Jim Mahfood, a sketchbook by Rex Mundi artist Eric J, and much more. Collects Rex Mundi #0-5.

176 pages, $14.95, in stores on Jan. 21.

SAVAGE DRAGON #115

Written, illustrated and wraparound cover by Erik Larsen.

Special 80-page "Vicious Circle Rising" finale. As the new head of the Vicious Circle takes control, The Dragon brings all his allies, past and present together for one final battle in an attempt to destroy the Vicious Circle once and for all. And amidst the ashes of battle, a new team is born. Is this savage world ready forŠFreak Force? Plus: A second all-new, epic-length adventure written by Erik Larsen with art by Mark Englert.

80 pages, $6.95, in stores on Jan. 21.

SHANGRI-LA GN

Written by Marc Bryant, art by Shepherd Hendrix, cover by Kieron Dwyer and Mal Jones.

When a burned out assassin backs out of a hit on a has-been rock star, the two are set on a wild chase across America, forced to do their best not to kill each other before they can turn the tables on the record label that wants them dead.

72 pages, black and white, $6.95.

SPAWN #142

Written by Brian Holguin and Todd McFarlane, art by Angel Medina, cover by Greg Capullo and McFarlane.

"Asunder," Part Four. Al Simmons continues his journey through the dark, secret history of creation as he relives the lives of the Hellspawn who have gone before him. As the parade of his spiritual forebears passes by, he hears their woeful tales, learning the single tragic flaw that links all those who share his doomed pedigree, a lineage that dates back to the beginning of time and the very first killer.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Jan. 28.

STAY PUFFED

Written by John Layman, art by Dave Crosland, covers by Crosland and Ashley Wood.

This one has it all: Shock! Awe! Saddam Hussien! Uday Hussien! Uday Hussien's porn collection! Weapons of Mass Destruction! Weapons of Mouse Destruction! Big fish wrapped in cellophane! A human hand grenade! AndŠa rampaging grizzly bear?

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 7.

STREET FIGHTER #5

Written by Ken Siu-Chong, art by Alvin Lee, Arnold Tsang, Andrew Hou and Hyung-Tae Kim, covers by Lee and Charles Park, Kim and Shinkiro.

Guile and Chun-Li must not only face and fight the man they once knew as Charlie, but also the man responsible for their pain and suffering... M. Bison! Meanwhile, Akuma, the man--or perhaps monster--responsible for the death of Ryu and Ken's master, finally comes face to face with them. Plus: Bison's favorite Doll Agent, Cammy, is put to the test against Vega in an all-out action-fest by Korean sensation Hyung-Tae Kim.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 21.

TRAKK: MONSTER HUNTER #3

Written by Brian Haberlin and Francis Takenaga, art by Philip Tan, covers by Tan and Simon Bisley.

After years of nameless destitution, a series of vicious and unexplained force Trakk to choose between drunken isolation and his cause. Can he become a hero again in time to save us all?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 21.

VICTORY #4

Written by Marcelo Cassaro, art by Eduardo Francisco, covers by Roger Cruz and Francisco.

In an epic battle that threatens to destroy the Earth, Victory must decide if using her ultimate attack (the Star Platinum of Death) will be enough to defeat the monster-god, K'Athanoa.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 14.

THE WALKING DEAD #4

Written by Robert Kirkman, art and cover by Tony Moore.

It is decided that in order to survive... every person at the camp should have guns. As it is, they don't have enough to go around and the only place to get more guns is the city, but it means certain death to go into the city. Is Rick crazy enough to risk his life for the good of the camp?

32 pages, black and white, $2.95.

WILDGUARD: CASTING CALL #5

Written and illustrated by Todd Nauck, covers by Nauck and Keron Grant.

Twenty finalists become 20 and the contenders enjoy some early tastes of fame and glory. Meanwhile, a dark coalition is set to destroy WildGuard before it's formed.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Jan. 28.

TOP COW TITLES

COMMON GROUNDS #1

Written by Troy Hickman, penciled by Dan Jurgens and Michael Avon Oeming, inked by Al Vey and Oeming, colored by Guy Major and Peter Pantazis, covers by Rodolfo Migliari and J. Scott Campbell.

Find out what happens when superheroes take off their capes. Welcome to Common Grounds, the hero hangout and coffee-and-donut shop, where true tales of the human side of the superhuman get spilled every month. Some gut-wrenching, some funny, but all told from the heart by Troy Hickman. Two stories every month. In this issue, artist Dan Jurgens examines the downside of being the fastest man alive, while the Powers team of Oeming and Pantazis tread the dangerous ground of the superhero men's room. Really.

32 pages, $2.99.

CURSED #4

Written by Tippi Blevins and Fiona Avery, penciled by Romano Molenaar, inked by Kevin Conrad, colored by Brian Buccellato, covers by Joseph Michael Linsner and Molenaar.

The final battle between Victor Hahn and Shan Beaumont rages and the world's fate hangs in the balance. In the end, there is only one way to stop Victor from opening the gateway and taking over the world, and that is through the sacrifice of Shan's own heart. What will Osiris do when his Chosen is led to the slaughter? The final battle in this four-issue series.

32 pages, $2.99.

KNIGHTS OF THE JAGUAR SUPER LIMITED

Written by Robert Napton, penciled by Mike Choi, colored by Udon.

In ancient Mexico the demon Azar plagues the Aztec Empire. Only the supernatural Knights of the Jaguar, shape-shifting Werecats, can stand against this malevolent entity. In the present time, FBI agent Gil Vega is plagued by visions of the Jaguar Knights -- how are they connected to him and the clandestine agency that has recruited his services? Super-limited edition of 5,000 units.

12 pages, $3.

LEGACY OF KAIN: DEFIANCE

Written by Scott Tucker, penciled by Tyler Kirkham, colored by Tyson Wengler.

From the Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen, and Soul Reaver video-game series comes the explosive prelude to the newest chapter in the chronicles of Kain and Raziel. Join Kain as he travels the dangerous land of Nosgoth on his quest to control fate, and put right his own destiny. Top Cow newcomers, Tyler Kirkham and Scott Tucker make their debut in this one-shot.

32 pages, $2.99.

THE MARC SILVESTRI SKETCHBOOK

Written and drawn by Marc Silvestri.

The Top Cow founder and guy now drawing New X-Men lets you inside his most personal of personal spaces: his sketchbooks. See never-before-revealed concept drawings and behind-the-scenes sketches of Top Cow projects past, presentŠand future. It's an artistic peek into the mind of one of comics' modern masters.

32 pages, black and white, $2.99.

TOMB RAIDER #38

Written by James Bonny, penciled by Wilson Tortosa, inked by Jon Sibal, colored by Tyson Wengler.

Lara Croft investigates a string of brutal killings throughout England, which all bear the mark of ritualized human sacrifice. The clues lead her to a cult of modern day Druids bent on unlocking the ancient mysteries and power of Stonehenge. Part 1 of a two-part story arc written by James Bonny.

32 pages, $2.99.

WANTED #2

Written by Mark Millar, art by J.G. Jones, colored by Paul Mounts, cover by Jones.

Sex. Money. Super-powers. Costume. Mark Millar's tour-de-force look at superheroes as you've never seen them before continues as the world of downtrodden wage-slave Wesley Gibson turns upside down. The Fox has opened Wesley's eyes in a hail of bullets and blood, and Wesley learns he is heir to incredible powers and incredible fortune. All he has to do to claim them is become a killer, and one of the most vile supervillains the world has ever seen.

32 pages, $2.99.

X-Men: Next Dimension X-Men: Next Dimension begins when Bastion, the leader of Operation: Zero Tolerance, and his legions of Prime-Sentinels have captured Forge as part of their mission to eradicate all mutants. The race is on as Forge's teammates set out to rescue their captured comrade before Bastion can coax secrets from him that are capable of destroying all mutant-kind. In order to do this, the X-Men must ally themselves with their greatest enemies, the Brotherhood of Mutants and their cunning leader, Magneto. Taking its inspiration from comics and film, X-Men: Next Dimension is an unprecedented, epic super hero fighting game. The game creates cinematic, titanic battles between mutants and sentinels, complete with destructible multi-tiered levels and non-arena based fighting. Advanced fighting combos, aerial combat and 8-way movement add to the excitement by bringing the battles to life like never before.