IMAGE COMICS FOR MARCH

Following are upcoming Image Comics' solicitations for March, with information coming from the publisher.

86 VOLTZ: DEAD GIRL ONE-SHOT

Written by Bryan J.L. Glass and Michael Avon Oeming, art and cover by Oeming.

86 volts. That's all this little powerhouse needs to spring to life. 86 volts of pure energy to perk her up and wake the dead. Who is 86 Volts? Where does she come from? What does she want? These questions lead to shocking answers, but don't tell 86, because she knows even less than you do. She awakes in a world of dreams from some previous unknown adventure that left her lifeless upon a gravestone awaiting a bolt of lightning to bring her back to life.

What will happen when little 86 throws down and mixes it up against a witch and her evil fetus? When black science and white magic clash in a spiritual free-for-all, the only result is pure chaos.

Teaming up once again following their novel Quixote, writer Bryan J.L. Glass and artist Michael Avon Oeming have concocted one super-charged little fairy tale that leaves no one standing following its no-holds-barred, knock-down, drag-out brawl of the living dead. This 56-page one-shot is chock full of action, poetry, darkness and redemption. What more could you ask for?

56 pages, black and white, $5.95, in stores on March 30.

THE AMAZING JOY BUZZARDS #4

Written by Mark Smith, art and cover by Dan Hipp, back cover by Sean Galloway.

"The Amazing Joy Buzzards Go Hollywood! Part Two: Get Brannigan!" Lights...Camera...Adventure! The gang travels to Hollywood to shoot a film and transform the Amazing Joy Buzzards into screen icons. At the studio, the kids run into Brick Brannigan, an internationally famous actor/stuntman. But a stunt goes terribly wrong and they soon discover that Brickıs life is in danger. Biff and Stevo must solve the mystery and discover who's trying to bump Brick off and why. Could it be a terrible Tiki curse?! Meanwhile, back at the hotel, the bandıs manager Dalton has his hands full with an old flame.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on March 9.

ARMOR X #1

Written by Keith Champagne, art and cover by Andy Smith.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on March 9.

BATTLE HYMN #4

Written by B. Clay Moore, art by Jeremy Haun and Dave Bryant, cover by Jason Latour.

The breaking point. The gruesome murder of a hero and a cutting betrayal spark the beginning of the end. One hero departs in anger, one hero decides itıs up to him to end the war alone and one is assigned to stop that from happening. The stage is set for the end of the first Golden Age.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 2.

BURGLAR BILL #4

By Paul Grist.

When young Granville goes missing, Burglar Bill and PC Stephen Hill have to put aside their differences and search the sewers beneath the Blunkett Flats. But the only person they find is the guy who committed an armed robbery that morning...and he's not about to put his differences aside. This issue is an all-new, previously unpublished Burglar Bill story.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on March 9.

CASE FILES: SAM & TWITCH #18

Written by Marc Andreyko, art by EJ Su, cover by Greg Capullo.

"Ancient Chinese Secret, Huh?" Part Five of Six. The penultimate chapter of this story arc and the secret is revealed! Sam and Twitch have seen a lot during their careers, but nothing could have prepared them for this! (Hint: vampires and heroin seem almost elementary compared to this one!)

32 pages, black and white, $2.50, in stores on March 2.

DEADWORLD #1

Written by Gary Reed, art and cover by Vince Locke.

Image & Desperado announce the return of one of the oldest and most successful horror series in comic history. A supernatural plague has been unleashed on the world. Pockets of civilization face the darkest side of humanity, where science and technology are no longer their allies and where the power of reasoning is no longer their weapon alone. Deadworld is a story of horror and death, yet also one of hope and life. With over 50 issues previously published, now is the time to start anew with fresh meat!

The zombies return to walk the earth, led by the sadistic and Harley-riding King Zombie! A group of teens, desperately looking for signs of civilization, not only have to hide from the mindless zombie hordes, they must also contend with the intelligent, talking zombie overlords that seem to control and direct the flesh-eaters! What key do these terrified kids have that could halt the zombie menace forever? Zombie fans will also rejoice in welcoming back the original Deadworld artist, Vince Locke. DeadworldŠthere is no escape.

32 pages, black and white, $3.50, in stores on March 9.

DETONATOR #5

Written by Mike Baron, art by Gabe Elteab, cover by Joe Comstock.

Frank tumbles into the dark night of the human soul when he decides to assassinate a crooked senator. But heıs met his match in Bald Eagle, a costumed vigilante dedicated to preserving law and order.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 9.

A DISTANT SOIL: CODA TP

Written, illustrated and cover by Colleen Doran.

A young girl is born the heir to an alien religious dynasty. Possessing the power to destroy worlds with her mind, Liana is under an assassination order from the government of her father's homeworld.

A foiled coup attempt results in a power vacuum that leaves this alien world without its treasured weapon. The aliens have no choice but to take Liana as their reluctant new Avatar. Only an angry slave and a small group of resistance fighters can free her and the universe from the dangers of her power.

Colleen Doran is the artist of Vertigo's Orbiter, as well as such books as Sandman, Wonder Woman, Lucifer and the Legion of Superheroes. Over a decade in the making, A Distant Soil: Coda is the fourth volume and penultimate chapter in this science fiction/fantasy saga. Collects portions of A Distant Soil 32-37. Includes a selection of previously unpublished art.

164 pages, black and white, $17.95, in stores on March 23 (Hardcover limited edition, $29.95, in stores on March 30).

THE EXPATRIATE #2

Written by B. Clay Moore, art and cover by Jason Latour.

Jack finds himself below the border, bleeding and scrambling to stay ahead of Conrad and Murphy, CIA agents with blood on their itchy trigger fingers. The local politicos are curious as to why two CIA agents are poking around in their quiet little country. Meanwhile, Jack discovers that a one-night stand isn't always a good thing. The CIA is getting closer, and Jack is getting slower. Sooner or later, he has to get caught...right? Right.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 2.

FLAMING CARROT #2

Written, illustrated and cover by Bob Burden.

Flaming Carrot solves the mystery of the pygmies in the woods who are constructing a giant ear out of French bread. The newswoman, who Flaming Carrot seduces in the last issue to avert bad press and character assassination, goes into a jealous rage when she learns of his upcoming date with a two-headed woman. The singing zombie runs amok and kills a man in a computerized dog suit. Also, Flaming Carrot pops some bubble wrap.

32 pages, black and white, $3.50.

FLIGHT, VOLUME TWO GN

Edited by Kazu Kibuishi, cover by Jake Parker.

The second volume of the widely acclaimed Flight anthology. Featuring new stories by up-and-coming creators, established comics professionals and the original crew, Flight Volume Two continues the tradition of celebrating the graphic narrative medium. From the fantasy of a fading childhood romance in a small seaside town to the tale of a pair of monster hunters looking to make a quick buck to the allegory of a young robot finding meaning in his disposal, this new volume once again features stories for readers of all ages and tastes.

Featuring stories and art by: Becky Cloonan, Chris Appelhans, Christian Schellawald, Clio Chiang, Don Hertzfeldt, Doug Tennapel, Enrico Casarosa, Hope Larson, Jake Parker, Jeff Smith, Jen Wang, Johane Matte, Kean Soo, Khang Le, Matt Rhodes, Michel Gagne, Neil Babra, Phil Craven, Rad Sechrist, Rodolphe Guenoden, Sonny Liew, Vera Brosgol and more.

304 pages, $24.95, in stores on March 23.

FRANKENSTEIN MOBSTER, VOL. 1: MADE MAN TP

Written, illustrated and cover by Mark Wheatley.

Terry Todd was a good cop and he tried to be a good father. He named his daughter Terri and his dedication inspired her to become a Police Detective. But when he died, he became a monster with a body patched together from three ruthless mobsters. Now he fights for inner control against their evil souls in a conflict that could take this corrupt, haunted city and dump it deeper into hell. That is, unless his devoted daughter stops him first.

The critically acclaimed epic story of monsters and mobsters, corrupt police and crumbling tombs is now collected into a massive trade paperback. In one 36-hour period, Monstros City will be ripped apart by gang warfare and rioting monsters. It will be snared in dirty politics and dark magic. And for the first time, a stitched-together creature called the Frankenstein Mobster will stalk the streets seeking deadly justice.

Includes many extras, additional art and comics, new story pages and detailed behind-the-scenes information, as well as deviant art by Adam Hughes, Mike Wieringo, George Freeman, Michael Avon Oeming, Scott Morse, Angelo Torres, Alex Nino and Bernie Wrightson.

Collects Frankenstein Mobster #0-7.

256 pages, $19.95, in stores on March 16 (limited edition hardcover, $39.95).

FREEDOM FORCE #3

Written by Eric Dieter, art and cover by Tom Scioli.

"Double Trouble." Introducing America's Newest Teen Idol, Liberty Lad! When Minuteman is arrested for crimes he didn't commit, it's up to the star-spangled squirt and his compatriots to clear their fearless leader's name before the city falls at the hands of Déjà Vu's deadly army of doppelgangers! Plus, Pinstripe is back for a final showdown, but as the team faces off with the dapper don, a mysterious stranger stands in their way. Will he be friend or foe?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 16.

THE IMAGINARIES #1

Written by Ben Avery, art and covers by Mike S. Miller and Gregory Titus.

A child's faith is a powerful thing. It fuels the fires of his imagination, and that imagination can take on a life of its own. But what happens to the imaginary friends, the childhood superheroes, the playmates and stuffed animals when the children who gave them life no longer believe in them? They go to the Imagined Nation.

Join Superhero G as he explores this strange new world populated by imaginary figments of billions of children around the world. Follow him as he meets strange and wonderful characters, the kind only a child could believe in, discovers a new purpose for his existence unbound by the imagination of his creator and feels free to become more than he could ever imagine.

Tanner finds a new imaginary friend in his dadıs old closet. As their relationship grows, Tannerıs parentsı relationship ends, and when that happens, Tanner believes it's time to grow up and stop believing in childish things. This includes his imaginary friend, Superhero G. But having been brought to life through Tannerıs love and faith, Superhero G lives on in the Imagined Nation. The adventure begins here.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 16.

INVINCIBLE #22

Written by Robert Kirkman, art by Ryan Ottley, cover by Ottley and Bill Crabtree.

Mark and Amberıs relationship is heating up now that they are in college and away from the prying eyes of parental supervision. Also in this issue, yet another person discovers Markıs secret identity. How does that Spider-Man guy do it? Oh, wait...never mind.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 9.

LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS #3

Written by Mike Bullock, art and cover by Jack Lawrence.

"Fear And Pride," part three. Stranded in the Stuffed Animal Kingdom where his new toys have come to life, Joey just wants to get home again. But first he must help the Night Pride stop the newest plot of the evil Beasties, who delight in dragging children from their beds and spiriting them away. Soon Joey and his new friends find themselves entering the Haunted Forest in hot pursuit of the Beasties...but little do they know they're being drawn into a nightmare from which they may never escape!

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 23.

LULLABY: WISDOM SEEKER #2

Written by Mike S. Miller and Ben Avery, art and cover by Hector Sevilla.

Jim and Pinocchio continue their quest to Oz, when they are sidetracked by a band of religious zealots who kidnap Pinocchio! At the same time, Red and Piper confront Grandma's kidnapper, who points the finger at Alice! An exciting, action-packed issue not to be missed.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 2.

NEGATIVE BURN WINTER 2005

By Brian Bolland, Bob Burden, Kurt Busiek, Zander Cannon, Richard Case, Amanda Conner, Shawn Crystal, Evan Dorkin, Phil Hester, Erik Larsen, Steve Lieber, Vince Locke, Darko Macan, Jim Mahfood, Ron Marz, John Mccrea, B. Clay Moore, Scott Morse, Fabian Nicieza, Jimmy Palmiotti, Mike Raicht, Gary Reed, Carlos Rodriguez, Kelsey Shannon, Eric Stephenson and Chaz Truog, cover by Essad Ribic.

Perhaps the most eccentric anthology in the history of comics, Negative Burn is an anomaly, merging together genres, pushing boundaries and allowing the top comic book talent in the world the opportunity to experiment with unique stories. Nominated for numerous industry awards in its previous incarnation, this series promises to exceed expectations not only in the quality of its talent, but in its presentation as well. Never to follow a course, each volume of Negative Burn will present the biggest stars in the industry today while continuing to showcase the next wave of new talent.

"Milk and Cheese" by Evan Dorkin; "Mr. Glum" by Erik Larsen; "Sketchbook" by Vince Locke; "Hawaiian Dick" by B. Clay Moore and Shawn Crystal; plus Brian Bolland, Bob Burden, Kurt Busiek, Amanda Conner, Steve Lieber, Jim Mahfood, Ron Marz, Fabian Nicieza and more.

96 pages, black and white, $9.95, in stores on March 23.

NOBLE CAUSES #9

Written by Jay Faerber, art and cover by Fran Bueno.

She calls herself a superhero, but to Celeste, acquiring superpowers and putting on a costume were only a means to an end: fame. But now she is all that stands before her fallen teammates and certain death. Does Celeste have what it takes to truly be a hero?

28 pages, $3.50, in stores on March 16.

THE ORIGINAL ADVENTURES OF CHOLLY & FLYTRAP #1

Written, illustrated and cover by Arthur Suydam.

³A Little Love, A Little Hate.² Finally, the inspiration for the new animation pilot from Paranoid Delusions Productions! These original riveting tales of Suydamıs ultimate anti-heroes, Cholly and Flytrap, open as the team becomes embroiled in a vicious battle on a stark alien landscape. Presented with action-packed art and pacing that is surreal and familiar all at the same time, ³A Little Love, a Little Hate,² provides what it promises as only Suydam can do it. Don't miss these terrifying, funny tales of action and adventure from a master storyteller with a startlingly unique point of view.

Features a full-color painted cover by Suydam, as he revisits his most enduring characters from Heavy Metal, soon to be featured in their own animation project. Also includes an exclusive preview of the newly created Maquettes.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on March 30.

THE PACT #1

Written, illustrated and cover by Jim Valentino.

Firebreather! Invincible! ShadowHawk! Zephyr! Four super powered teenagers from dysfunctional families band together to discover the heroes within.

Every issue of this miniseries is self-contained, and each is written by one of the main character's creator: #1 by Jim Valentino (ShadowHawk), #2 by Jay Faerber (Noble Causes), #3 by Phil Hester (Firebreather) and #4 by Invincible's Robert Kirkman.

²Fatherıs Day.² Belloc, Firebreather's father, comes to town, and all hell breaks loose when Invincible, ShadowHawk and Zephyr (from Noble Causes) try to help Firebreather. But are these four even powerful enough to stop a gigantic fire-breathing dragon on a rampage? (If they're not, this is going to be a really short miniseries.)

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on March 9.

PIGTALE #2

Written, illustrated and cover by Ovi Nedelcu.

"The Smell Of Taxx." Boston Booth finds himself caught between rescue and retreat as he and Clyde try to avoid the claws of Taxx, Clyde's evil wolf stepbrother. Taxx has been up to no good, plotting his new scheme to overtake the city of Portland and create an army of sinister minions! Will Boston be able to save Clyde in time? Will they be able to stop Taxx from gathering his nefarious forces?

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on March 16.

PVP #16

Written by Scott R. Kurtz, art by Kurtz, cover by Frank Cho.

The PvP gang once again break out their dice bags and sit down at the kitchen table for some hard-core role playing, superhero style. The swords and sorcery are put aside for capes and tights as our favorite nerds assume the roles of the Justice Eight! Featuring a totally kick-ass cover by Shanna the She-Devil artist Frank Cho.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95.

REX MUNDI #13

Written by Arvid Nelson, art by Eric J, color by Jeromy Cox.

"The Lost Kings." Julien discovers a geometrical riddle hidden in plain sight on the streets of Paris. The key to the puzzle leads him into the deepest danger he has ever known. Meanwhile, a minor aristocrat frustrates the Duke of Lorraineıs sinister plans. Lorraine will have to find a way around‹or through‹the problem.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 2.

REX MUNDI, VOL. 2: THE RIVER UNDERGROUND TP

Written by Arvid Nelson, art by Eric J, color by Jeromy Cox

Doctor Julien Saunière investigates a conspiracy reaching up to the highest levels of government and stretching back to the walls of Jerusalem during the First Crusade. A disgraced order of knights, a neoclassical painter and a series of horrific murders are all somehow connected to the thousand-year-old mystery. Things get complicated when Julien's old flame becomes involved with the Duke of Lorraine, a powerful politician implicated in the investigation. Rex Mundi, Vol. 2: The River Underground TP will feature extras such as a back cover gallery, the collected editions of "Le Journal de la Liberté," and much, much more. Collects Rex Mundi 6-11.

176 pages, $14.95, in stores on March 2.

SEA OF RED #1

Story and script by Rick Remender, story and breakdowns by Kieron Dwyer, finishes and color washes by Salgood Sam, cover by Salgood Sam.

Sea of Red tells the tale of a young sailor turned undead by the crew of a cursed Pirate ship, his century-spanning search for revenge and the tricks that time plays on the mind.

1533. Deep in the night, a ship sinks under mysterious circumstances. Twenty-three year-old Marco Esperanza is the only survivor, left adrift with only a plank of wood to keep him afloat. After days of drifting, he is brought aboard a strange ship. But his salvation turns to nightmare as he learns the ship is the dreaded Black Galleon. The evil mates of the Galleon arenıt just pirates, theyıre vampires, and Marco is soon forced to join the damned crew.

2004. Marco Esperanza has spent the past 400 years clinging to life tied to the bow of a sunken vessel in the dark, briny, deep. Surviving on the cold sour blood of fish, Marco awaits his release and a chance for revenge that may never come.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 23.

SMALL GODS #8

Written by Jason Rand, art and cover by Juan E. Ferreyra

"Dead Manıs Hand," Part Four. In the aftermath of the chase, Bobby and Lucy narrowly escape their pursuers and seek refuge with the only person who can help them: the other woman! Meanwhile, Irvine and his dirty cops step up their hunt for Bobby, unwilling to let the sole witness to their massacre escape. As they consider their options, Bobby and Lucy realize they can only elude Irvine for so long. And when unlucky chance brings them face to face with their pursuers again, a dramatic rooftop confrontation leaves Bobby at the mercy of the men who want him dead.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95, in stores on March 9.

SPAWN #144

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

"Devil to Pay," Part Three. They say when you bargain with darkness, you always have the devil to pay. But which devil, exactly? And what is his price? As Spawn continues to deal with the rebellious witch Nyx and the newly freed Redeemer, he discovers that he may very well be the one who ends up paying. And, in the end, the price could be the one thing he holds most dear.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on March 30.

ULTRA #8

Written by Joshua Luna and Jonathan Luna, art and cover by Jonathan Luna.

"Seven Days," Part Eight. Will Pearl find her true love?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 16.

THE WALKING DEAD #18

Written by Robert Kirkman, art by Charlie Adlard, cover by Tony Moore.

Rick has gone over the edge. Heıs alienating everyone around him‹people heıs come to know and trust, his family, his friends. Rick is becoming more and more isolated within the group. Where he goes from here will test the limits of his humanity.

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 2.

RAYMOND E. FEIST'S THE WOOD BOY #1

Written by Raymond E. Feist, adapted by Sean J. Jordan, art and cover by Mat Broome.

The realm of Midkemia is under invasion as the Tsurani, strange invaders from an alien culture on another world, emerge from the rifts to conquer the land and seize its metals. And, while the heroes of the Riftwar Saga begin to fight against these strange new foes, a young boy named Dirk finds himself the youngest slave on the Lord Paul's estate, where the Tsurani have established a base camp and settled in for the winter. In this new role, Dirk learns very quickly to keep his mouth closed and his eyes on his feet. But will it be enough to keep him alive as he survives the strange warrior culture of the Tsurani?

32 pages, $2.95, in stores on March 16.