DARK HORSE COMICS FOR AUGUST

AEON FLUX #1

Written by Mike Kennedy, art by Timothy Green II.

Four hundred years in the future, the last of humanity will live behind the protective walls of Bregna, an idyllic utopia built to shelter them from the deadly jungle growing beyond. Life in Bregna is perfect, or as perfect as the government can make the people believe. But not everyone is fooled by their mood-altering propaganda--a small band of freedom fighters wish to see things change, and they just might manage to pull off this impossible dream with the help of their top secret agent, the sexy, deadly Aeon Flux.

As Bregnan authorities prepare a new weapon to use against the jungle pounding at their walls, Aeon prepares to turn their plans against them. But this time she is not alone--she has been instructed to train a new agent, a fiery young woman named Sithandra, who may not be all that she appears to be...

Reintroducing the cult-classic action heroine best known for her animated adventures on MTV, this series will pave the way for her big-screen debut in this fall's blockbuster, live-action adaptation starring Charlize Theron. This four-issue mini-series will lay the foundation for events in the film, with all of the fast-paced action and intriguing conceptual sci-fi of the original cartoon.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 24.

THE AMERICAN TPB

Written by Mark Verheiden, art by Chris Warner, Grant Miehm, Doug Braithwaite, Frank Miller, Mike Mignola and Jim Lee.

He's the ultimate American hero. Since the fifties, he has been a symbol of hope and courage for the entire nation, an indestructible one-man army standing tall for freedom, justice, and the American way--but what about truth? When reporter Dennis Hough is assigned to cover a story about his boyhood hero, he begins to see the cracks in the legend. Does The American have feet of clay? Or is he himself a victim of a larger conspiracy? Created by screenwriter Mark Verheiden, The America rises again, now collected in its entirety for the first time (including hard-to-find American short stories).

Collecting The American #1-8, The American Special, The American: Lost in America #1-4, short stories from DHP #32, DHP 5th Anniversary Special, and a story from A1 #3 (Atomeka Press).

360 pages, black and white, $14.95, in stores on Sept. 14.

BABES, BEASTS, AND BRAWN: SCULPTURE OF THE FANTASTIC TPB

Written by Steve Kiwus.

The art of action figures has exploded in recent times, as the simplistic, inelegant pieces of yesterday's plastic have transformed into complex, dynamic pieces of articulate sculpture, reaching levels of artistic expression unthinkable just a few years ago. Steve Kiwus of Eightball Studios, one of the most in-demand toy sculptors of the era, has now brought together his considerable body of eye-popping work into a collection like none other. Babes, Beasts, and Brawn: Sculpture of the Fantastic is a definitive look into the creation of these powerhouse playthings, with hundreds of stunning color photographs and fascinating insights into Kiwus' creative process.

144 pages, $19.95, in stores on Aug. 24.

BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #104

Written and art by Hiroaki Samura.

The return of Shira! With "Forsaken," another one-shot episode, manga master Hiroaki Samura gives us a peek at what his most despicable character has been up to since the "Autumn Frost" storyline. Get ready to be seriously disturbed. Also in this issue, Rin is reunited with an old ally, two compelling, new Ittö-ryü warriors are introduced, and Manji finds himself in the "lion's den" of Habaki Kagamura, leader of the Mugai-ryü. This Eagle and Eisner Award-winning epic reaches another major turning point!

32 pages, black and white, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 10.

B.P.R.D. THE BLACK FLAME #1

Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi, art by Guy Davis, colors by Dave Stewart and cover by Mignola.

A bloodbath washes across America as the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense turns its attention back to the plague of frogs. While the Bureau tries to interpret bizarre new behavior from the frog men, a madman from the B.P.R.D.'s secret history returns to take advantage of the mindless monsters. Mignola takes over cover duties for the sprawling six-issue epic he's crafted with co-writer John Arcudi and interior art team of Guy Davis and Dave Stewart.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 31.

B.P.R.D.: THE DEAD TPB

Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi, art by Guy Davis and colors by Dave Stewart.

The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense and their new team leader, a former corpse himself, moves into their new headquarters only to unearth a gigantic long-buried secret involving United States government covert experiments and Nazi scientists. Hellboy creator Mike Mignola teams with artist Guy Davis and co-writer John Arcudi to carve out a bold new direction for the B.P.R.D., while Abe Sapien, still reeling from the revelation of his former life as a Victorian scientist, meets his long dead wife in their crumbling home by the sea. This collection includes an extended sketchbook section featuring the otherworldly designs Guy Davis for the roster of new characters introduced in The Dead. Collecting the five-issue miniseries. The strangest team book in comics gets weirder with this tale of the walking dead, madness, the Spear of Destiny, and a monstrous gateway to heaven.

152 pages, $17.95, in stores on Sept. 28.

CANNON GOD EXAXXION: STAGE 4 TPB

Written and art by Kenichi Sonoda.

Hoichi Kano's responsibilities are just a bit heavier than those of your typical teenager-- taking out the garbage, mowing the lawn, or washing the car fall just a bit short of single-handedly fighting an alien colonization! Luckily, Hoichi's got the right tools for the job, like a state-of-the-art integrated gunsuit and the antimatter-powered giant robot, Exaxxion. That's some heavy-duty ordnance, but the invaders didn't make it halfway across the galaxy without some pretty impressive gear, including a major league mega-robot of their own that incapacitates Exaxxion, forcing Hoichi to take on the Riofaldian hordes solo in a last-ditch effort to free Exaxxion, humanity's last chance to prevail against extraterrestrial tyranny!

208 pages, black and white, $15.95, in stores on Aug. 3.

CONAN #19

Written by Kurt Busiek, art by Cary Nord, colors by Dave Stewart.

Conan unleashes an ancient evil of extraordinary power in this story that sets the stage for the adaptation of one of Robert E. Howard's most-praised Conan stories, "The Tower of the Elephant," beginning next month. Civilization continues to prove unsavory to the Cimmerian barbarian as he navigates through the teeming villainy of the City of Thieves. Determined to profit from this den of peril, Conan attempts to rob a luxuriant temple only to find himself face-to-face with an unscrupulous power bent upon its own escape. Yet, even that may not be as troubling as a woman from Conan's past who has returned to the scene, unexpectedly.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 24.

CONAN: THE GOD IN THE BOWL AND OTHER STORIES HC

Written by Kurt Busiek, art by Cary Nord and Thomas Yeates, colors by Dave Stewart.

The critically acclaimed and award-winning creative team behind the runaway-hit revival are back with a brand new adaptation of one of Conan creator Robert E. Howard's best-known tales.

Award-winning writer Kurt Busiek and artists Cary Nord and Dave Stewart render the glorious suspense of Howard's beloved "The God in the Bowl" in all its terrifying detail, as well as introducing not only Conan's most famed adversary, Thoth-amon, but a new female foil to Conan's exploits--Janissa the Widowmaker, bound by a pact to a witch who has sinister plans for Conan. Collecting issues #7, #9-#14 of the Dark Horse series.

184 pages, $24.95, in stores on Sept. 28.

CONCRETE VOLUME 2: HEIGHTS TPB

Written and art by Paul Chadwick.

Big as a boulder and strong as an ox, he's Concrete, seven-feet of stony celebrity. That he's a government-created cyborg is the cover story, but in truth he's the mind of one Ronald Lithgow trapped inside a rocky shell of alien origin. Possessing powers allowing him to scale the highest mountain unaided or peel back the roof of a car like a pull tab, he is yet denied the simple human pleasures of fragile flesh.

This volume collects Concrete issues #6-10; Concrete Color Special, the short stories: "World Beneath the Skin" and "Brighter," and a gallery of hard-to-find Concrete illustrations.

208 pages, black and white, $12.95, in stores on Sept. 21.

DEVIL CHEF: THE MAN WITH THE SOFT-SERVE BRAIN TPB

Written and art by Jack Pollock. From the fiery abyss of Hell's kitchen--literally!--comes the return of the culinary arts' diminutive demon, Devil Chef! In his first feature-length story extravaganza, "The Man with the Soft-Serve Brain" documents Chef's titanic struggle with his chief rival, Softy (a.k.a. Citizen Cone) of Softy Soft-Serve Ice Cream! It's fire vs. ice, winner-take-all, with the sweet nectar of fast-food immortality to the winner--and the bitter ashes of drive-thru oblivion for second place! Some say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, while others contend that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, but Devil Chef proves once and for all time that a man's stomach is the road to Hell!

96 pages, $6.95, in stores on Sept. 14.

DOCTOR SOLAR, MAN OF THE ATOM VOLUME 3 HC

Written by Paul S. Newman, art by Frank Bolle and others.

The Man of the Atom is mankind's only hope! In a series of catastrophic events like nothing ever witnessed Doctor Solar struggles to save humanity from giant death machines, nuclear annihilation, lava monsters, and robot scorpions! Back in time, Solar relives the incredible events that made him The Man of the Atom! Solar smashes mind-monsters that come to life! A million Solars battle microscopic aliens from outer space! Don't miss the strangest, most fantastic adventures of the atomic age.

This archive collection reprints issues fifteen through twenty-two of Gold Key's original Doctor Solar comic-book series, the revolutionary science-fiction adventure that gave birth to one of comics' most distinctive and beloved superheroes, restored and reprinted for the first time in over forty years.

200 pages, $49.95, in stores on Sept. 28.

DUNGEON SIEGE: THE BATTLE FOR ARANNA TPB

Written by Paul Alden, art by Al Rio, Cliff Richards and Fabiano Neves. Enter the mystic world of Aranna in Dungeon Siege: The Battle for Aranna.

Based on the upcoming game Dungeon Siege II from Gas Powered Games, The Battle for Aranna tells the thrilling story of two of Aranna's most influential legends, Zaramoth the Unmaker and Azunai. The magical River of Souls holds the energy used to make magic possible. The evil giant Zaramoth seeks to claim the River for himself. The brave human chieftain Azunai knows that the River's magic belongs to all of Aranna. When Zaramoth and Azunai finally meet on the battlefield, Aranna will be changed forever!

88 pages, $6.95, in stores on Sept. 7.

HELLSING VOLUME 7 TPB

Written and art by Kohta Hirano.

What do you get when you mix reanimated Nazis, vampires, and freaky killer Catholics and Protestants breathing down each others' necks? In the case of Hellsing, you get an all-out bloody war. Or such has proven to be the case so far. The world is engulfed in the flames of destruction, and all seems lost. Vernedead's "Geese" are literally being eaten alive, and it might just take half-vampire, Seras Victoria, a certain loss of innocence to provide a shred of hope. But that's not all this story hinges on. The vampire Hellsing himself will surely show at some point, and the Catholic Iscariot Army, a dreaded force, is also on the march. This is a situation of boiling blood, and it's about to burst! Co-published with Digital Manga Publishing.

192 pages, black and white, $13.95, in stores on Sept. 21.

JINGLE BELLE TPB

Written by Paul Dini, art by Jose Garibaldi, Stephanie Gladden and J. Bone.

Tired of remaining an unsung--so to speak--icon of the holiday season in spite of her best efforts, Jingle defies her father's "no publicity" edict and creates an animated TV special with her elfin friends. But before it hits the airwaves, Jing must overcome new adversaries Š contemporary TV executives!

Next, determined to prove herself worthy of the Claus legacy, Jingle leaves the North Pole to take over a struggling Santaland amusement park. Little does the mild-mannered owner realize, though, that the "revitalization" will result in an over-the-top, Vegas-style Christmas casino! And what's an elf-girl to do when the local mob tries to horn in on the action? Raise the stakes, that's what!

In addition to vignettes from Jing's past boyfriends, this also includes short stories illustrated by J. Bone and Stephanie Gladden, featuring other characters Paul Dini has created--such as Sheriff Ida Red of Mutant Texas! Collecting the four-issue mini-series.

96 pages, $12.95, in stores on Sept. 14.

LADY SNOWBLOOD VOLUME 1 TPB

Written by Kazuo Koike, art by Kazuo Kamimura.

From the pen of Kazuo Koike, of Lone Wolf and Cub fame, comes Lady Snowblood. A story of pure vengeance, Lady Snowblood tells the tale of a daughter born of a singular purpose, to avenge the death of her family at the hands of a gang of thugs, a purpose woven into her soul from the time of her gestation. Beautifully drafted and full of bloody, sexy action, Lady Snowblood lives up to its title and reputation.

288 pages, $14.95, in stores on Sept. 6.

THE LAST TEMPTATION HC

Written by Neil Gaiman, art by Michael Zulli.

Steven is afraid. Afraid of ghost stories, afraid of growing up...just afraid. That is, until he meets the mysterious Showman and his Theatre of the Real. Steven takes a ticket and watches the show on a dare, but getting out of the performance will be harder than he ever imagined. And then Steven learns what it is to be truly afraid.

Neil Gaiman, internationally acclaimed and bestselling writer of both prose fiction (Neverwhere, Stardust) and graphic novels (The Sandman, Signal to Noise) and Eisner nominated artist Michael Zulli (The Sandman, Creatures of the Night) are the creators of this dark and brooding morality tale. This new black and white hardcover edition of The Last Temptation is the latest addition to Dark Horse's proud and growing library of Neil Gaiman hardcovers. Originally published as part of the short-lived Marvel Music line of the early Œ90s, Zulli's lush and beautiful duoshade artwork is now showcased in a new format for this stunning second edition.

104 pages, black and white, $14.95, in stores on Sept. 7.

MAN WITH THE SCREAMING BRAIN #4

Written by Bruce Campbell and David Goodman, art by Rick Remender and Hilary Barta, covers by Remender and Mike Mignola.

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola illustrates an eye-popping second cover to complement the one by the regular team for this final installment of Bruce Campbell's brilliantly deranged tale of an arrogant American businessman and the surly cabdriver whose brain has been transplanted inside his head. It's all out mayhem as the dual-brained Campbell goes toe-to-toe with a bar full of Russian ruffians at the beck and call of a Gypsy beauty who's trying her darnedest to plant him in an early grave. Meanwhile, Campbell's dead wife acts out with uncharacteristic bravery for someone reanimated inside a robot body. When it all comes crashing down, one thing's for certain--you'll never look at comics or organ transplants the same way again.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 17.

NEW RECRUITS TPB

By various.

Dark Horse asked its readers, "Think you've got what it takes to be in comics?" The response was overwhelming. Now, after receiving hundreds of submissions from all over the world, Dark Horse is proud to present five of the coolest, strangest, and funniest stories from a group of undiscovered and underrated newcomers. There's no comic anthology out there like this one. Now's your chance to get in on the new wave of comic contenders who've got what it takes!

128 pages, $12.95, in stores on Sept. 14.

REVELATIONS #1

Written by Paul Jenkins, art and cover by Humberto Ramos, colored by Leonardo Olea.

From Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos, the best-selling creative team behind Marvel's Spectacular Spider-Man, comes a sophisticated murder mystery set in the unlikeliest of places--The Vatican.

Charlie Northern may be one of the best detectives in Scotland Yard but that doesn't keep him from enjoying a night off curled up with a good book of conspiracy theories and a full pack of cigarettes. That is, until an old friend shows up at his door with the news that a high-ranking Vatican official and probable successor to the Pope has mysteriously died. Now, Northern must travel to Rome and seek out the facts in a place legendary for keeping its secrets. There are forces at work in The Holy See that want Northern to fail--forces darker and more ancient than any in his favorite dime-store paperbacks.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 31.

SERENITY #2

Written by Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews, art by Will Conrad, colored by Laura Martin.

Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews continue the journey of the brigands and outlaws that call the ship Serenity "home" in this second issue of the prequel to Whedon's Serenity-- the highly-anticipated feature film follow-up to his cult-hit TV show Firefly.

On the run and out of cash, the ragtag crew of Serenity take on a scavenger mission with the hopes of earning enough dough to disappear for a while. Little do they know an old enemy is scheming to remake their acquaintance with the help of some covert-operatives known only as the Blue Gloves.

This issue also features three covers starring a different Serenity crew member, each drawn by one of the hottest names in comics. This month--Tim Bradstreet, Jo Chen, and Joe Quesada.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 3.

STAR WARS: CLONE WARS ADVENTURES VOLUME 4 TPB

Written by Haden Blackman, Ryan Kafman and Justin Lambros, art by Rick Lacy and Fillbach Brothers.

Four more tales of hyperkinetic Clone Wars action! As the Clone Wars burn across the galaxy and the true intentions of the Sith are revealed, the true heroes of the conflict emerge. Chewbacca leads the Wookiees against the Republic invaders on the jungle world of Kashyyyk, R2-D2 and C-3PO uncover a plot to assassinate Padmé, an orphaned refugee witnesses the rough life of a Clone Trooper firsthand, and Anakin Skywalker fights alongside a young Jedi who will play a part in his descent into the Dark Side.

96 pages, $6.95, in stores on Sept. 28.

STAR WARS: EMPIRE #36

Written by Welles Hartley, penciled by and colored Davide Fabbri, inked by Christian Dalla Vecchia, cover by David Michael Beck.

"The Wrong Side of the War," part 1 of 5. Devotion to duty has put Imperial Lieutenant Janek Sunber once more on the front lines. First as part of an intense ground battle, where the last of a planet's freedom fighters are desperately holding on, then as a glorified prison guard at an Imperial base where prisoners are put to work for the benefit of the Empire. It's not the career Sunber imagined he'd have in the Imperial Infantry, but a Rebel surprise attack on the base may give Sunber another chance to distinguish himself--or die trying!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 3.

STAR WARS: REPUBLIC #80

Written by John Ostrander, art and cover by Luke Ross, colored by Jason Keith.

Palpatine calls a meeting of his bravest, wisest, and most influential military officers in order to introduce them to his new right-hand man, Darth Vader!

The new Emperor lays out his plans for his Empire, and those who have other ideas are dealt a swift lesson by Vader's blade. But one Captain wants nothing to do with the new government, and plans his defection. But what do you do when the Dark Lord of the Sith is determined to stop you?

This issue marks Vader's first appearance in Star Wars continuity since his "introduction" in Revenge of the Sith! And, long-time readers of Republic will see a plot come full circle in a most unexpected manner!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 31.

SUPER MANGA BLAST! #55

By Mohiro Kitoh, Makoto Kobayashi, Kenitch Sonoda, Hiroyuki Utatane and Toshiya Takeda.

Apples and Ferraris! It's the LAST Club 9 episode! Makoto Kobayashi brings his romantic comedy to an end with a tearjerker finale, set in Haruo Hattori's hometown of rural Akita. Celebrating years of Club 9 craziness, this month will also feature a color "Hello" Hattori pin-up and several bonus images! Kobayashi continues to charm readers with the feline antics found in What's Michael?. Earth's defenders face another Riofaldian assault in Cannon God Exaxxion, and three episodes of the full-tilt Seraphic Feather space epic will have you feverish for more! In the Shadow Star teen fantasy-drama, Shiina's in grave danger, as the "Grudges" storyline comes to a brutal conclusion!

128 pages, black and white, $5.99, in stores on Aug. 31.

USAGI YOJIMBO #86

By Stan Sakai.

"The Treasure of the Mother of Mountains," part 4. Usagi Yojimbo has been captured! The greedy Lord Sanada is operating an illegal gold mine in the Geishu province and has put Usagi and Tomoe Ame to work as his slaves. Sanada has been killing those who would get in the way, and his deadliest enforcer-- Noriko "the blood princess"--is none other than Tomoe's own cousin! In this issue, master storyteller Stan Sakai's fourth installment of the six-part "The Treasure of the Mother of Mountains," the cruel sociopath Noriko reveals a devastating secret to her enslaved cousin. Meanwhile, the young page Motokazu fears for Tomoe's safety and rides off without permission to help her ... and has an unexpected adventure of his own!

32 pages, black and white, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 31.

ZOMBIEWORLD: WINTER'S DREGS AND OTHER STORIES TPB

By Bob Fingerman, Kelley Jones, Pat Mills, Gordon Rennie, Tommy Lee Edwards, J. Deadstock and Gary Erskine.

The end of the world is near. The dead walk the earth and feed on the flesh of the living. The birth of a terrifying new world is at hand. Zombie World, the comic-book series that set the standard for comics of the undead is back in a massive trade paperback. Bob Fingerman and Tommy Lee Edwards take us into the darkened subway tunnels of New York, where the rats aren't the only things that bite, in the critically-acclaimed Winter's Dregs. Kelley Jones spins his own twisted tale of love and the undead in Eat Your Heart Out. A family's Christmas gathering has a few unexpected arrivals in Gordon Rennie and Gary Erskine's Home For the Holidays. And the apocalypse proves to be more horrifying than anyone ever imagined in Pat Mills and J. Deadstock's Tree of Death. Collecting the Zombie World: Winter's Dregs four-issue miniseries, Eat Your Heart Out one-shot, Home For the Holidays one-shot, and the Tree of Death four-issue miniseries.

240 pages, $24.95, in stores on Sept. 14.