ASPEN COMICS FOR AUGUST

BROKEN PIECES #0

Written by Mark Roslan, art and cover by Micah Kaneshiro.

What is lost in life is found inÉdeath!

Aspen Comics offers its newest original series, Broken Pieces!

In a future torn apart by the deadly catastrophe of biological contamination, pollution and corporate greed, one man will discover an even more tragic fate. Dr. Richard Adams, along with his loving wife, Dr. Gabriella Adams, stood at the forefront of research in advanced medicine and bio-rejuvenation. However, one fatefulÑand fatal-- moment will change everything about their purpose, their relationship, and each other. When the tragedy of events literally tears apart everything about his being, Richard is left with no choice but to pick up the fragmented pieces of his reality in order to save his wife -- as well as potentially the fate of mankind.

Featuring a new 12-page prelude story that sets the stage for the Broken Pieces #1 issue heading your way next month, this special zero issue comes complete with an additional sketchbook section, never before seen art, and a stunning cover by hot new series artist Micah Kaneshiro.

$2.50, in stores on August 3.

HAUNTED CITY #1

Writte by Peter Johnson, art by Michael Ryan.

In the corners of our minds, we find ourselves askingÉwho protects us from the unknown?

Time is running out for Detective Tom Whalen. He's got NYPD Internal Affairs breathing down his neck, Korean drug dealers chasing him across the streets of Manhattan, and a lunatic Albanian crime boss wanting him dead. His only chance for salvation: a Priest who comes to him offering him a chance to work on his team. But, Whalen soon discovers that this is a very special team: it's a secret unit within the NYPD that has existed for centuries. A unit as old as New York itself, sworn to protect the city from monsters and myths, the terrors and nightmares that exist in the darkest shadows and corners of the great metropolis.

Meanwhile, 10-year-old Deshawn Carver seeks escape from school bullies and his abusive home life in the form of an ancient-looking figurine he carries as a totem. When the figurine suddenly comes to life as a terrifying and beautiful Celtic demon goddess, his fate is changed forever. Until a group of city workers find his dead body in a centuries-old tunnel 700 feet below the city streets, an impossible mystery for Tom and his new cohorts begins...

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on August 10.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS (VOL 2) #2

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

Aspen's first ever intra-series summer event, "The Hit List Agenda" continues right here! Answers to the jaw-dropping cliffhanger that ended Volume One are finally revealed! Discover the truth about Iris' fate after her release from Mr. Ching's imposing hold over her life, and how, in the process, she managed to escape the clutches of death as well. However, with the revelations surrounding Iris and her reappearance now exposed, another Executive Assistant from her past makes a dramatic return in deadly fashion!

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on August 10.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ORCHID #2

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! Family ties turn bloody in "The Hit List Agenda" as the Cordova Cartel uses Executive Assistant Orchid's masterful skill for the art of killing, to continue to strengthen their grip on the drug game. Yet the family will soon discover, it is far more deadly to maintain their power, than to acquire itÑand much more costly! The events of this issue come colliding into "The Hit List Agenda" with blunt force in the shocking final page!

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on August 17.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: LOTUS #2

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

"The Hit List Agenda" zeros in on Executive Assistant: Lotus! For Lotus, a new life of purpose begins to take hold, but she will learn the skeletons of her past are not easily ignored. Under the tutelage of Virat and his determined political agenda, Lotus becomes more focused on the goals of someone other than herself for once -- and finds peace in it. It's when she foolishly decides to protect Virat against his own wishes that Lotus discovers her role in "The Hit List Agenda" may have been plotted all alongÑwithout her even knowing!

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on August 24.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: VIOLET #2

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

Executive Assistant Violet has mommy issues -- namely, her mother is an Executive Assistant as well! To make matters worse, a love interest from her past causes old feelings to stir inside. And as if that weren't enough, the events of "The Hit List Agenda" force Violet to prove her worth in protecting her employer Henry Vincent's life from the merciless forces that want them both dead!

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on August 31.