IMAGE COMICS FOR FEBRUARY

Following are Image Comics' solicitations for February, with information coming from the company:

AGE OF BRONZE #19

By Eric Shanower.

"Sacrifice," Part 10. The "Sacrifice" storyline reaches its climax as the High King's daughter is led to the slaughter. Can Achilles rescue her in time? Will her father relent? Or will innocent blood be shed at the insistence of the gods?

24 pages, black and white, $3.50, in stores on Feb. 18.

ALTERNATION #1

Written by F.G. Haghenbeck, art by Carlos Barberi, covers by Barberi and Arthur Adams.

It's the 19th Century, and a strange astronomic-time phenomenon has created an alternate timeline in which every era of Earth's history is combined into a single reality. Germany has invaded America and Ludwig II is Emperor, but a clever band of rebels led by Samuel Clemens are staging a revolt.

A dinosaur stagecoach is intercepted by a squad of Imperial Zeppelins and ATM's (Automat-Tin-Men). Dark Commander Poe has joined the conquering armies and discovered that Annie Oakley, a rebel spy, has stolen secret information. Meanwhile, Rasputin's plans for global domination begin to take shape...

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 4.

BIG BANG COMICS: ROUND TABLE OF AMERICA #1

Written by Gary Carlson, art and cover by Don Thomas and James Hargett.

When disaster strikes, America's greatest heroes -- Ultiman, Knight Watchman, Thunder Girl, Blitz and the Beacon -- join forces to keep the country and the world safe.

The human computer known as Cortex attempts to annihilate every politician in Washington, D.C., but the Round Table has bigger troubles when Ultiman is possessed by an alien entity hell-bent on destruction in "the Ultimate Evil!" Plus, the Blitz is heading for a breakdown at top speed in "Buzzing Like a Bee Buzzing" by Terrance Griep, Jr.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 4.

CASE FILES: SAM & TWITCH #10

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

"Skeletons," Part Four. The creepy secrets of the powerful Halloran family keep piling upŠand so do the bodies of anyone who crosses this political dynasty. Will Sam and Twitch end up on the wrong side of the Senator's wrath? And when is Oliver Stone gonna show up to help unravel the decades-old political conspiracies?

32 pages, black and white, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 11.

CLOUDFALL: LOOSE ENDS

Written by Robert Kirkman, art and cover by E.J. Su.

Allison Andrews has a husband who doesn't pay attention to her, a dog with intestinal problems and a job she really loves. The bills are paid, she gets three weeks vacation a year, and her car is more reliable than her husband. Everything seems fine in her life; not perfect, but fine. But all that is about to change.

"Cloudfall" is imminent, and Allison finds herself on the frontline trying to prevent it. But at the same time, she must finally deal with her husband. Will they stay together? Were they ever really in love? Allison will ask the hard questions and get the hard answers...just in time to save the world.

48 pages, black and white, $4.95, in stores on Feb. 11.

DAWN: THREE TIERS #4

By Joseph Michael Linsner.

After slaying the dragon, Darrian Ashoka finds his lover and his Goddess, Dawn, reflected in the eyes of a mysterious European Queen. She is willing to accept him as her lover, but only after he passes her tests. The Queen makes Darrian play the Fool for her amusement, much to his chagrin, and prove his valor in a series of duels. Darrian has felt like a fool for love before, but can he survive this capricious Queen's tests of his endurance, courage and stamina?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 25.

DODGE'S BULLETS

Written by Jay Faerber, art by James Francis, cover by Tony Harris.

All Webster Dodge wants is to make a living playing music, but his band doesnšt get many paying gigs, so he can't quit his day job. His father, a police sergeant, pushed him to take a job on the force, but Dodge just couldnšt stand working for "The Man," and dropped out of the Academy the day before graduation. Now, using a booth at the local cyber café as his "office," Dodge works as a Private Eye, prowling the rainy streets of Seattle on the trail of cheating spouses, deadbeat dads and runaway teenagers.

Dodge's latest case has him searching for a client's long-lost father. He finds the guy easily enough, but then two goons shoot up Dodge's houseboat, crack his ribs and scare his cat. When the missing father suddenly goes missing again, Dodge finds himself tangled up in an old crime that keeps claiming new victims.

80 pages, black and white, $9.95, in storess on Feb. 11.

FEATHER #4

By Steve Uy.

Having finally become a full-fledged dragonslayer, Sehven must now face off against Leeka's enraged grandfather, a massive Mantis Ryu. But even if Sehv manages to survive Goram's furious onslaught, there's still one more dragon he'll have to deal with: Leeka, now driven by instinct...and her need for revenge...

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 11.

FRANKENSTEIN MOBSTER #2

By Mark Wheatley, back-up story by Michael Avon Oeming and Chris Golden, covers by Wheatley and Oeming.

A group of mobsters blasting away werewolves and mummies are about to improve their aim. Frankenstein Mobster uses a Tommy gun to spell out death in the slums of the Monsters. Meanwhile, Terri Todd has her first day on the job as a Police Detective. Note to Terri: Try not to piss off the boss...again!

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 4.

GRRL SCOUTS, VOL. 2: WORK SUCKS TP

By Jim Mahfood.

When word around the hood spreads about the Grrls' illegal endeavors, Gwen, Daphne and Rita are forced to go legit and get real jobs. Rita uses her artistic talent to hook-up with a local graffiti crew and finds love along the way. Meanwhile, Daphne encounters the horrors of working behind a bar at the Weird Hog and Gwen struggles and strives through the monotony of "normal" employment until she finds what could be her true calling.

Plus: This collection features brand new Grrl Scouts short stories, a sketchbook section, and guest pin-ups from some of the coolest creators working in comics, including: Michael Avon Oeming, Farel Dalrymple, Dave Crosland, Jose Garibaldi, Jim Campbell, Ron Schrab, Kierow Dwayer and Doug Tennapel.

140 pages, black and white, $12.95, in stores on Feb. 18.

HAWAIIAN DICK: THE LAST RESORT #2

Written by B. Clay Moore, art and cover by Steven Griffin.

With Mo missing, Byrd attempts to unravel the mystery behind the sabotage of the Seaside Sands and Coral Reef resorts. As Kahami heads into the surrounding villages, Byrd attempts to coax information from underworld strongman Stew Mulligan by drinking him under the table. Along the way, Byrd stumbles onto the secret behind the mob's fascination with Hawaii, Kahami uncovers the legends of the bay, Mo prepares for a date with hungry sharks, and Stew comes face-to-face with his own mortality.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 4.

JACK STAFF #6

By Paul Grist.

Bramble and Son are vampire hunters, but to be honest, there's not much call for their services in Castletown nowadays. But following a mysterious message sends them on a journey through the murky underbelly of the city as they search for one of the few remaining vampires in Castletown: Becky Burdock, Vampire Reporter.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 4.

THE LAST STRAW MAN #1

Written by Jim Krueger, art and cover by Brett Weldele.

In the corrupt town of Hellspite, Miles Pander is about to discover that life begins just before it's about to end.

His father was taken mysteriously in the middle of the night, he's just buried his mother, and the girl he never had the courage to talk to was just forced to marry the mayor. Now Miles Pander is dying of TB, but learning he's about to die is the last straw.

40 pages, $3.95, in stores on Feb. 18.

MANIC

By Michael Lindow.

In Tokyo, Andi worked as a computer technician in Electric City, where cerebral enhancers were the latest rage in computer technology. With the Metro population pushing 14 million, his existence had no purpose. Or so he thought.

Twenty-five years ago, light years from Earth, the oppressive Teijai exterminated the Sentorion alliance. Now the next generation, reborn on Earth, is coming of age. With the help of Eriko, a gifted friend, Andi begins to piece together his true identity.

As the new Sentorian army rises, Teijai hunters are sent to Earth. Posing as authorities, they are ordered to track down and kill all remnants of the Sentorions.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95.

POWERS, VOL. 6: THE SELLOUTS TP

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Michael Avon Oeming.

When a member of one of the classic supergroups falls victim to a seedy sex scandal, the murder investigation takes Walker and Pilgrim on a journey that will change the way the world looks at superheroes forever. The shocking conclusion has had the Internet abuzz for months -- now find out why. Plus: Exclusive extras, including a new "Bendis and Oeming interview each other" feature, bonus text pieces, a cover gallery, a making of the scene and much more.

208 pages, $19.95.

PvP, Vol. 1: THE DORK AGES TP

By Scott Kurtz.

Collecting the hard-to-find six-issue run of PvP originally published by Dork Storm Press for the first time. This trade paperback ncludes over ten pages of dorky extras, including preliminary artwork and gaming stats to play the PvP characters in your Mutants and Masterminds d20 campaigns (from Green Ronin Publishing). Collects PvP, Vol. 1 #1-6.

128 pages, black and white, $11.95, in stores on Feb. 4.

REX MUNDI #10

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

Julien uncovers the true meaning of "ET IN ARCADIA EGO" in a strange midnight rendezvous. Five hundred years of conspiracy unfold as he learns about the secret history of the Holy Grail. Julien and Rabbi Maiselles also finally crack mysterious coded scrolls connected to the mystery, but they are rudely interrupted...

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 18.

SAVAGE DRAGON #116

By Erick Larsen, backup by Gary Carlson, Larsen and Mark Englert.

Enter: Negate. He has the ability to remove a super-human's power once and for all ­ and hešs set his sights on the Savage Dragon. Will our humble hero be turned into a normal Joe? Will we finally get a clue about Dragonšs mysterious origin? Plus: a new Mighty Man feature.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 18.

SAVAGE DRAGON, VOL. 10: ENDGAME TP

By Erik Larsen.

Collected for the first time: The six issues that changed the face of the Savage Dragon for all time. Desperate to help his friends in their time of need, Dragon deserts Special Operations Strikeforce and heads home to Chicago to help stop the Vicious Circle. But can our harrowed hero hope to halt the combined forces of his most fiendish foes? The answer will amaze and astound readers. Collects Savage Dragon #47-52.

144 pages, $15.95, in stores on Feb. 25.

SOMETHING WICKED #3

Written by Jerry Beck, Cameron Corniuk and Tony Vicarro, art by Beck and Leach, cover by Beck.

As a new breed of darkness stalks the cold, damp streets of Cleveland, Keith realizes why Silas faked his death and decides to go back to Erieside Manor in hopes of helping Silas. Elsewhere, Jeremy, still at conflict with his nascent existence, finally comes face-to-face with his new identity while the Messengers of Hate and Team Freedom simultaneously prepare for their assault upon the Manor. Is this the final hour for Silas?

32 pages, black and white, in stores on Feb. 25.

SPAWN #143

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

"Errant," part one. A doomed love ... a reckless oath ... and undying hatred that spans the centuries. Haunted by the visions of a previous incarnation of the Hellspawn, Al Simmons sets off across the Atlantic in an attempt to lift an ancient curse and set a tortured spirit to rest. But his fool's quest leaves him face to face with a darkness that has been festering for centuries and an evil that will not willingly be dispelled.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Feb. 25.

STREET FIGHTER #6

Written by Ken Siu-Chong, art by Alvin Lee, Rob Ross, Arnold Tsang and Andrew Hou, covers by Lee and Tsang, Dustin Nyugen and Tsang. ŗThe Beginning.˛ Ryu finally faces Gouken's murderer, Akuma, in battle and soon discovers a side of himself that his Master always feared would one day awaken. Meanwhile, Chun-Li and Guile, still recuperating from their fight with Bison, must decide how to respond to the shocking facts the battle left them pondering, while Ken receives a life-altering revelation of his own that forces him to reevaluate his life. The warm up is over and the real battle is about to begin!

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 18.

THE WALKING DEAD #5

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

It was only a matter of time before their camp was attacked...and that time has come. Rick Grimes and company find themselves surrounded by zombies. Who will die, who -- if anyone -- will survive? Who will be the next to join the walking dead?

32 pages, black and white $2.95, in stores on Feb. 25.

WILDGUARD: CASTING CALL #6

By Todd Nauck, covers by Nauck and Phil Noto.

Your votes revealed. The finalists face their last challenge defending Servo City from a coalition of evil. At the end of it all, the judges will pick four of the Final Five. The fifth member will be chosen by the reader votes. Tune in to find out whom you selected to be on this new super-team.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on Feb. 25.

TOP COW PRODUCTIONS TITLES

COMMON GROUNDS #2

Written by Troy Hickman, penciled by Dan Jurgens and Ethan Van Sciver, inked by Al Vey, cover by Rodolfo Migliari.

Troy Hickman's series continues with more tales of the human side of the superhuman at the "Common Grounds" coffee shop. Two stories every month. This issue, artist Dan Jurgens follows a superhero sidekick on a quest for his long-lost mentor, while Ethan Van Sciver draws the tale of a Common Grounds waitress who needs superpowers...and needs them now.

32 pages, $2.99.

DARKNESS #8

Written by Paul Jenkins, penciled by Eric Basaldua, colored by Matt Milla, cover by Christian Gossett.

As Jackie;s attempt to control the Mob begins to take shape, rivals for the position spring up from every quarter. Jackie now faces a difficult challenge: to face down his enemies or to bring them into the fold. Enter Jake Nightly, former bodyguard to Don Franchetti and noted psychopath == he's seen bosses come and go over the years and if you want to make it to the top you gotta go through the toughest thug this side of the Mississippi. Jake's the real power broker in the city of New York. Too bad he has aspirations of his own...

32 pages, $2.99.

TOMB RAIDER #39

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

"Bloodstone," part 2 of 2. Lara Croft takes on a murderous cult of modern day Druids on the verge of unleashing the ancient mystical powers of Stonehenge. All they require is one final human sacrifice. And that's where Lara Croft comes in! Join us for the exciting conclusion of a two-part story arc written by James Bonny.

32 pages, $2.99.

WANTED #3

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

Wesley Gibson was a misbegotten wretch of a man, a downtrodden wage-slave with a cheating girlfriend and no future. Now, Wesley is the new Killer, awash in a world of sex, money, super-powers, and costume. And now that Wesley's training is complete and he's going out on his first mission, the fun really starts.

32 pages, $2.99.

WANTED POSTER

Painted by J.G. Jones.

"The Killer" from the hit series Wanted can be on your wall, courtesy of series artist J.G. Jones. Sex. Money. Super-powers. Costume. You know you want it.

24 inches by 36 inches, price TBA.

WITCHBLADE #73

Written by David Wohl, art by Francis Manapul, colored by John Starr, cover by Christian Gossett, Paul Schrier and Brian Buccellato.

Yakuza assassin and Excalibur bearer, Ian Nottingham and New York Homicide detective, Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini team up to take on the mysterious underground collective, Level 42. It's a battle royale, but their uneasy alliance may turn into blows with each other. Watch as we see if this is a team up made in heaven or...

32 pages, $2.99.