ASPEN COMICS FOR JULY

HAUNTED CITY #0

Written by Peter Johnson, art by Michael Ryan, colored by Peter Steigerwald.

In the corners of our minds, we find ourselves asking...who protects us from the unknown? Detective Tom Whalen is a "lifer" on the force, as well as a veteran of the decrepit streets of New York City...along with all the freaks that come with it. Yet, the city might not be anything close to what he thinks it is, in fact—it might just be far worse than he ever imagined! Journey through the supernatural origin and expansion of America's most famous metropolis, New York City, in this introductory Haunted City zero issue that will uncover those which dwells in the shadows of the paranormal, and also reveals why Detective Whalen may not be able to survive the city he's spent his entire life protecting.

Aspen Comics teams up with producer and director McG's Wonderland Sound and Vision for all-new story that sets the stage for the Haunted City #1 issue next month. Complete with an additional sketchbook section, never before seen art, and a stunning cover by series artist Michael Ryan.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on July 6.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS (VOL. 2) #1

Written by David Whol, art by Eduardo Francisco, colors by Sunny Gho.

Aspen's first intra-series summer event, "The Hit List Agenda" takes off right here. A new corporate power player has emerged in the wake of Ching's death and Iris' disappearance, but this time, it is no man calling the shots, but a woman -- Diane Coverdale. However, dangerous elements are still at play in the high stakes world of corporate domination, and Coverdale must obtain a familiar form of defense to guard herself and her assets -- introducing Executive Assistant: Acteia. Sworn to protect her employer at all costs, Acteia proves to be quite deadly, but when Coverdale's life is threatened, she must learn that discretion can be as effective as any weapon in her arsenal. And how exactly does Iris fit into all of this? Pick up the first chapter of "The Hit List Agenda" and find out!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on July 6.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ORCHID #1

Written by Scott Lobdell, art by Micah Gunnell, inks by Rob Still, colors by David Curiel.

"The Hit List Agenda" sets its sights on Executive Assistant: Orchid! Aspen's first intra-series summer event, "The Hit List Agenda" debuts right here! The blood trail of "The Hit List Agenda" leads to a small, poverty-stricken Colombian village in South America. A powerful drug cartel led by Ramos Cordova seeks to strengthen their grip of power and fear over their oppressed citizens. Executive Assistant: Orchid is up to the task as her master and his unruly son Umberto, use her element of surprise to settle an old debt with their rivals -- definitively. But, when her orders send her north to Dallas, her mission may unwittingly engulf her into a conspiracy larger -- and more dangerous -- than her "capable" abilities can handle!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on July 13.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: LOTUS #1

Written by Vince Hernandez, art by Oliver Nome, colors by Emilio Lopez.

Aspen's first ever intra-series summer event, "The Hit List Agenda" debuts here! The turmoil in South Asia erupts into chaos as "The Hit List Agenda" sets its sights on the Republic of India. Amidst the bloodshed of a devastating attack on the Israeli Embassy, one woman's actions will force the government's hand in inching towards a potential war with a rival nuclear superpower == Executive Assistant Lotus! Yet, the catastrophic national conflict she has set into motion by her exploits is nothing compared to the life-altering conflict rising inside her due to the misdeeds of her past!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on July 20.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: VIOLET #1

Written by Marc Andreyko, art by Pop Mahn, colors by John Starr.

Aspen's first ever intra-series summer event, "The Hit List Agenda" debuts here! England takes center stage in “The Hit List Agenda” as one man, Henry Vincent, the heir to the Velchem fortune, decides to protect his wealthy corporate interests--as well as his life—with force. Executive Assistant: Violet is the solution. However, when the events of his father"s death become clear, and the crisis surrounding Vincent"s various holdings begin to reach a boiling point across the globe, Violet must prove she has what it takes to protect their future while also confronting the demons within!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on July 27.

FATHOM (VOL. 4) #3

Written by Scott Lobdell, pencils by Alex Konat, colors by Beth Sotelo.

A weary and frustrated Aspen arrives in Saudi Arabia at the request of scientists from an international conference of deep-sea researchers, but mostly, looking to avoid the scornful eye of the U.S. Government. However, Aspen soon realizes her refuge from the Americans' concerns has now become a solution for a new groups' crisis. At the request of the powers-that-be, she is hesitantly thrust back into the depths to moderate a search for oil reserves that soon turns into a discovery far greater—and potentially far more catastrophic—than what they ever could have anticipated.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on July 20.

CHARISMAGIC #4

Written by Vince Hernandez, art by Khary Randolph, colors by Emilio Lopez.

Everything you thought you knew about magic will... Vanish. Journey into a world where the lines between magic and reality are blurred...And where one man will soon find himself as the last remaining hope for all mankind. Hank, Sudana and Sparkles make their way into the treacherous jungles of Costa Rica in search of the wizard Kon for help. Yet, their journey may end before it even begins when they encounter The Guardians, magical panthers tasked with protecting the temple of Kon—who may or may not be allies to their cause. Inside Kon"s temple, the ancient wizard battles the newly returned Samsun, but the tides of magic power have shifted—and not in his favor. In the Void Realm, Hector and Alle"s capture by a mystical shaman will provide a glimmer of hope to the pair stuck in the hellish landscape of the Void, but will they be able to survive in order to enjoy it?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on July 27.