WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2008
DARK HORSE COMICS FIRST LOOKS
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL VOLUME 20: DEMON LAIR
Written and art by Hiroaki Samura.
A massive, 280-page volume brings readers back into the "Badger Hole" with Rin and Doa, as they make some shocking discoveries and finally find their missing companions! When Rin bumps into Toraemon, the unfortunate assistant to crazy Doc Burando and witness to his disgusting "immortality experiments," it seems that breaking Manji free will be a breeze. Not so. Getting Manji out of Edo's nightmarish underground cells and dank tunnel systems will be just as arduous as the ordeal of locating him was! More secrets about fan-favorite Döa's past are revealed, and we get a bittersweet glimpse at her early years traveling with her beloved Isaku. Several old teams are reunited, a mind-blowing battle quickly starts and races us through most of this astonishing volume, and an old villain finally sees some pointed retribution at the hands of one of his prisoners! Let the breakout battle in the "Demon Lair" begin!
280 pages, black and white, $19.95, in stores on Dec. 10.
B.P.R.D.: THE WARNING #4
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi, art by Guy Davis, colored by Dave Stewart, cover by Mignola and Kevin Nowlan.
Liz remains missing as the rest of the Bureau faces off against giant robots on the streets of Munich.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 8.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #19
Written by Joss Whedon, penciled by Karl Moline, inked by Andy Owens, colored by Michelle Madsen, covers by Jo Chen and Georges Jeanty.
Buffy and Fray take on a powerful foe, who's lasted hundreds of years just so she can bring down the last two Slayers.
40 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 1.
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #4
Written by Timothy Truman, penciled by Tomas Giorello and Richard Corben, colored by Jose Villarrubia, cover by Frank Cho.
Conan finds himself at odds with Horsa -- an Aesir leader last seen in "The Frost Giant's Daughter" -- when he tries to protect his former Cimmerian lover, Caollan, from Horsa's strange war party. Conan faces off against some strong Aesir soldiers, as well as the colorful-yet-foolhardy berserker Thorgeir and the powerful witch Olva. Being caught in the middle of a blood feud between Cimmerian and Aesir chiefs is bad enough, but things get much worse when Olva summons the demonic Skrae to hunt down Conan and his secretive ward. Richard Corben's flashback sequences‹featuring Conan's grandfather, Connacht -- take a surprising turn when they dovetail into the present for an exciting cliffhanger!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 15.
CREEPY ARCHIVES VOLUME 2
Written by Archie Goodwin and Larry Ivie, pencils by Gray Morrow, Reed Crandall, Alex Toth, Al Williamson and others, cover by Morrow.
This vein-chilling second volume showcases work by some of the best artists to ever work in the comics medium, including Alex Toth, Gray Morrow, Reed Crandall, John Severin, and others. Each archive volume of Creepy is packed with stories (usually up to eight short stories were featured in every issue!) running the gamut of gruesome subject matter, from reimagined horror classics such as The Cask of Amontillado, to spectacularly mind-twisting shorts such as The Thing in the Pit, or the macabre maritime yarn Drink Deep. This volume collects Creepy #6-10.
288 pages black and white, $49.95, in stores on Dec. 10.
CRIMINAL MACABRE: CELL BLOCK 666 #4
Written by Steve Niles, art by Nick Stakal, colored by Michelle Madsen, cover by Tim Bradstreet.
Most people will never understand the nightmare of being framed for a friend's murder and sent to prison on trumped-up charges by reckless, power-rabid cops. Cal McDonald isn't like most people, and he never has been. But now, in some of the bleakest moments of his life, the things that make him different from the rest of the world might be the only things capable of keeping his sorry butt out of deeper trouble. Because it turns out that the things that would make most people want to give up and die -- the strange, inhuman voices coming from adjacent cells, the mysterious visitors, the unlikely saviors in demonic disguise -- are the things that have kept Cal alive long enough to see a way out . . .
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 29.
THE END LEAGUE #7
Written by Rick Remender, penciled by Eric Canete, colored by Naomi Baker.
Trapped, tortured, and left for dead, Arachnakid and the Blue Gauntlet must set aside their differences to escape the insanity of the City of Lore. In Germany, Soldier American and Prairie Ghost face off against an army of cloned former allies in hopes of stopping Wolfsangel from creating a Frankenstein's monster capable of wielding the hammer of Thor! Who is the mysterious Mook? What are Divinity's true motives, and will the Greek Gods be humanity's saviors or final executioners?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 29.
FEAR AGENT #26
Written by Rick Remender, pencils by Tony Moore, colored by Lee Loughridge, cover by Moore.
Heath Huston, a mysterious otherworldly stranger, comes to the rescue of a frontier town that is somehow a step out of time. The peaceful, small mining community is under threat of annihilation when a ruthless land baron arrives with his posse of hired guns to take control of the territory. After the struggle for a peaceable resolution, and the gunfighting . . . it all ends in a down-in-the-mud, cheap-and-bloody fistfight to the death.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 29.
GANTZ VOLUME 3
Written and art by Hiroya Oku.
What would you do if you were given a second chance on life from a catatonic man stuffed inside a computerized sphere? Well that's exactly what the survivors of the first round of Gantz's wicked game have to figure out. Kei, Masaru, and the buxom Kishimoto try to reinsert themselves into their old lives. However, before any of them begin to take comfort in this fact, they're all transported back to the inescapable condo where the whole mess started. Then a new group of civilians are added into the mix. In the disorientation of the new arrivals, Gantz spills the beans on their new alien extermination target. Now, the stage is set for the next round of Gantz's little contest, but how can you win a game if you are already dead?
224 pages, black and white, $12.95, in stores on Dec. 24.
THE GOON #29
Written and art by Eric Powell, colored by Dave Stewart.
Buzzard is on a mission, and sets forth to discover the key to Labrazio's destruction, the true nature not only of Mr. Wicker's return, but also his relationship with Mirna. Plus some funny stuff probably happens, too.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 8.
HARVEY COMICS CLASSICS VOLUME 5: THE HARVEY GIRLS
By various, edited by Leslie Cabarga.
They're cute, they're clever and they're obsessive! Some of Harvey Comics' biggest stars were three "little" girls with large dreams, enormous hearts and king-size laughs: Little Audrey, Little Dot, and Little Lotta. Audrey was a Paramount Pictures animated cartoon movie star, who became a major comic-book headliner in 1948. Her comic-book stories were filled with ingenuity and her spunky, proto-feminist antics rivaled those of her cartoon progenitor, Little Lulu. The strangely obsessive Little Dot has become a cult figure through the years. Her love of dots and her unique coterie of eccentric uncles and aunts became the basis for some of the funniest stories in comic-book history. Last, but hardly least, is Little Lotta who defied the "big" girl stereotype with adventures showcasing an incredible strength that equaled her insatiable appetite.
480 pages, $19.95, in stores on Dec. 17.
HELLBOY: IN THE CHAPEL OF MOLOCH
Written and art by Mike Mignola, colored by Dave Stewart.
On the heels of the second Hellboy feature film, Hellboy creator Mike Mignola returns to the drawing table for this standalone adventure of the world's greatest paranormal detective! Hellboy investigates an ancient chapel in Eastern Europe where an artist compelled by something more sinister than any muse has sequestered himself to complete his "life's work." First Mignola-drawn Hellboy comic since 2005!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 29.
HELLBOY ZIPPO LIGHTER #2
Art by Mike Mignola.
In celebation of the release of Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Dark Horse is releasing a new Hellboy Zippo lighter, with art created by Mike Mignola especially for this item.
$34.99, in stores on Sept. 24.
THE HELM #4
Written by Jim Hardison, penciled by Bart Sears, inked by Randy Elliott, colored by Dan Jackson.
There's been some good news and bad news for Matt Blurdy. First off, he slew the necromancer out to kill him -- good news! But then it turned out that this dark wizard was none other than Damien, Matt's heinous ex-boss . . . totally weird news. And then Jill discovered the sword in Matt's closet, put two and two together, and freaked the hell out -- bad, bad news! Trouble is, she could be right . . . either the world is actually in peril and the worst evil yet is closing in, or someone and his talking helmet need to be committed. Is Matt truly the Chosen One, or has he gone completely off his nut? Only one thing's for certain, people: it's time to roll perfect 20s.
32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Oct. 15.
HERBIE ARCHIVES VOLUME 2
Written by Shane O'Shea, art by Ogden Whitney.
Make way for the Fat Fury! Legendary comics publisher ACG had a hit on their hands in the mid-1960s with the adventures of Herbie Popnecker, a plump lump of a kid who secretly possesses nearly unlimited super powers! Join Herbie as he takes on goofy cavemen, joins George Washington's army, gets the better of pop-culture figures like Gregory Peck and the Queen of England, and dons the unassuming costume of the Fat Fury for the very first time! Collects issues #6-14.
256 pages, $49.95, in stores on Dec. 31.
MAGICMAN ARCHIVES
Written by Richard E. Hughes, penciled by Pete Costanza and Kurt Schaffenberger.
Vietnam, 1965: U.S. Army Private First Class Tom Cargill seemed like most soldiers to the men in his squad, but little did they know that he was in truth an immortal! More than two hundred years old, the son of the alchemist and sorcerer Cagliostro, Tom Cargill was the most powerful magician in the world. When Red Chinese soldiers threatened American lives in Vietnam, Cargill donned a mask and costume to battle evil as the supernatural superhero Magicman!
Magicman Archives Volume One collects the long-unavailable complete run of the American Comics Group superhero in an affordable format. Cocreated by Golden Age legend Pete Costanza, longtime artist throughout the 1940s on Fawcett's Captain Marvel Adventures, Magicman was one of American Comics Group's premier superheroes.
Includes covers by legendary Superman and Lois Lane artist Kurt Schaffenberger and an introduction by Scott Shaw.
264 pages, $59.95, in stores on Dec. 17.
MPD-PSYCHO VOLUME 7
Written by Eiji Otsuka, art by Sho-u Tajima.
The uncensored, uncut manga event of the decade continues on its relentlessly bloody path, as MPD-Psycho Volume Seven shows that there's danger for our colorful cast on land, at sea, and in air. Our conflicted "multiple personality detective" Kazuhiko Amamiya, controlled by his murderous Shinji Nishizono personality, finds himself on a hijacked airplane, along with innocent Miwa and her schoolmates. Meanwhile, their hunt for the missing Amamiya leads Machi and bumbling police detective Sasayama to an ocean liner commandeered by several new, bizarre characters -- key figures in both the twisted "barcoded eye conspiracy" and the deadly Gakuso Society!
208 pages, black and white, $12.95, in stoers on Dec. 13.
OH MY GODDESS! VOLUME 31
Written and art by Kosuke Fujishima.
Ever since a cosmic phone call led to five literal young goddesses -- Belldandy, Urd, Skuld, and, like occasional vowels, Peorth and Lind -- coming to live in college student Keiichi's residence, his personal life has been turned upside-down, sideways, and sometimes even into strange dimensions!
Pesorth is called back to Heaven -- which is probably just as well, considering the mischief she caused in getting Keiichi to express his true feelings to Bell-chan. But the gate to return her isn't opening -- because it turns out that such gates aren't things, they're beings that seek information . . . and this one, in the form of a cute girl, is on strike -- until she gathers certain earthly knowledge involving love and kisses!
152 pages, black and white, $10.95, in stores on Dec. 31.
THE RETURN OF THE GREMLINS
Written by Mike Richardson, penciled by Dean Yeagle and Fabio Laguna, colored by Dan Jackson.
Our story opens on Gus, a man visiting England from the States. His grandfather's house is part of his inheritance, and he plans to sell it as soon as he can. Even though the locals think the house is haunted -- something Gus immediately dismisses -- a slick man named Mr. Snide promptly appears with his "associates" and makes an offer. But when Gus declines to sign over the house right then and there, Snide reveals that his arrangement with the mayor will seal the deal soon enough!__Left to explore the place, Gus experiences a series of very odd events. How did his folded clothes end up in knots? Who on earth would drill a hole in a coffee cup? Certainly not ghosts, but for a former fighter pilot's abandoned old home, it sure is clean . . . When the house's tiny residents decide to take extreme measures, Gus will meet the gremlins up close and personal -- just like his grandfather, who first discovered them 60 years ago!
Collects the three-issue series, plus forty pages of the classic World War II era Gremlins material including their first appearance in print!
120 pages, $12.95, in stores on Dec. 17.
REX MUNDI #14
Written by Arvid Nelson, penciled by Juan Ferreyra, cover by John Cassaday.
All of Lorraine's ambitions are fulfilled. Europe -- and Genevieve -- are his. But Genevieve grows more and more horrified as Lorraine descends into darkness, even as Julien and Isabelle grow closer . . .
Meanwhile, Julien's problems with Inquisitor Moricant are laid to rest -- permanently. He and Isabelle infiltrate the Castle of the Holy Grail, there to lay a trap for Lorraine, but neither are prepared for the horror awaiting them inside.
The mysterious cloaked stranger who's been helping Julien for so long is finally revealed!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 15.
ROADKILL: A JIM KOWALSKI ADVENTURE
Written and art by Matt Fillbach and Shawn Fillbach.
A biological contagion that turns the living into cannibalistic mutants has been unleashed, and it's up to paranormal trucker Jim Kowalksi to stop it! Jim, along with his talking dog and G.P.S. crystal skull, lead this full-throttle adventure into overdrive. Our heroic trio must battle their way through monster insects, zombie truckers, a crazed country musician, and a doomsday cult led by the insane Reverend Baba-Yaga Boogity.
80 pages, black and white, $9.95, in stores on Dec. 10.
ROY ROGERS ARCHIVES
By various.
Happy Trails! Roy Rogers rides again in this deluxe volume presenting the earliest comic-book adventures of America's favorite Western star!
Return to the heyday of the West, when Roy Rogers, with his golden palomino Trigger, conquered the American frontier one thrilling act of daring-do at a time!
Pop culture icon, hero to generations of boys and girls, and the straightest-shooting, fastest-riding cowboy of them all, Roy Rogers left an indelible mark on the American landscape. These classic comics, in a handsome hardcover edition fit for the "King of the Cowboys," are a perfect way to experience the excitement, humor, and romance that captivated millions.
With art by critically acclaimed brothers Tom and Charles McKimson, who were famous for Dell and Disney comic illustration for decades, as well as their work in animation and art in their own right.
Volume One collects: Dell Four-Color Comic #38, 63, 86, 95, and 109.
240 pages, $49.95, in stores on August 27.
THE SCREAM
Written by Peter David, penciled by Bart Sears, inked by Randy Elliott, colored by Dan Jackson.
Danny Duncan's life is a mess. His job is mind-numbingly boring, his elderly father is slipping into senility, and since Danny got out of the Belle Foux treatment facility people have been saying he's crazy. On top of all that, odd things have started to happen around Danny. His emotions are affecting coworkers and customers in bizarre ways. But nothing could prepare him for the Scream -- a horrible manifestation of his most powerful feelings.
Follow Danny and the intrepid reporter Sian Ferguson as they attempt to uncover the disturbing reality behind Danny's newfound abilities, its connection to Belle Foux, and the dirty businessman who will protect his secret at all costs!
Collects The Scream four-issue miniseries.
104 pages, $13.95, in stores on Dec. 24.
SOLOMON KANE #2
Written by Scott Allie, penciled by Mario Guevara, colored by Dave Stewart, cover by John Cassaday and Laura Martin.
"It has fallen upon me, now and again in my sojourns through the world, to ease various evil men of their lives."
Mysteries emerge during Solomon Kane's stay in the Castle of the Devil -- the beasts that prey upon the local peasantry make their presence known, and another body is discovered. Kane begins to doubt the legends about the ancient chapel beneath the castle. Did a devil-worshiping monk really die there at the hands of his brothers, or was there something even more sinister afoot? And what lives down there now?
Expands upon Robert E. Howard's unfinished "Castle of the Devil."
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 29.
STAR WARS: CLONE WARS #2
Written by Henry Gilroy, penciled by Scott Hepburn, inked by Dan Parsons, cover by Kilian Plunkett.
Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi have discovered the dastardly plot of Count Dooku -- the entire population of the planet Kiros are in danger! Along with fresh new Padawan Ahsoka Tano -- Anakin and Obi-Wan have liberated the droid-occupied planet and halted its destruction, but the native Togruta people have disappeared . . . Now, our Jedi must find the missing citizens, before Count Dooku can carry out his master plan!
40 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 8.
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS VOLUME 2 -- CRASH COURSE
In the latest galaxy-spanning Clone Wars adventure, Anakin Skywalker and his young Padawan Ahsoka Tano go undercover in the cutthroat world of podracing in hopes of crushing a diabolical Separatist spy ring. Watch out, Jedi -- speed kills!
This new series is a compliment to Lucasfilm's CGI-animated The Clone Wars movie, and television programs that will air on The Cartoon Network and TNT!
96 pages, $7.95, in stores on Dec. 31.
STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC #34
Written by John Jackson Miller, penciled by Brian Ching, colored by Michael Atiyeh, cover by Ching.
"Vindication," part 3 of 4. The secret Jedi Covenant has one leader, but it isn't the devoted Jedi seer, Lady Krynda Draay . . .
As Padawan Zayne Carrick struggles to clear his name, the Masters who framed him for murder are finding the ideals they have worked so hard to protect are crumbling. They have been deceived by a trusted advisor whose hostile takeover will pit the Jedi Knights against one another -- true Jedi of the Order vs. the misguided Jedi of the Covenant!
40 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 22.
STAR WARS: LEGACY #29
Written by John Ostrander, penciled by Jan Duursema, inked by Dan Parsons, colored by Brand Anderson.
"Vector," part 10 of 12.
With his bounty-hunter pals and a team of Imperial Knights, Cade Skywalker plans to assassinate the Sith Emperor Darth Krayt. The first step in their scheme requires a risky attack on a remote Imperial outpost in hopes of drawing Krayt away from Coruscant.
