BRIEFLY

ZORRO COMICS: American Mythology Production has announced a return to comics for Zorro, in a supernatural-laced series, Zorro: Swords of Hell, from writer David Avallone and artist Roy Allan Martinez.

Here's how American Mythology describes the first issue:

"Wealthy playboy Don Diego de la Vega celebrates the defeat of his nemesis, the villainous Alcalde Quintero, by his secret alter-ego Zorro with a joyous celebration at his hacienda... but unknown to de la Vega and his beloved Lolita, his actions have set a terrible vengeance in motion. A dark power has risen in Alta California, an unstoppable horde of demonic horsemen intent on bringing Hell to Earth, and Zorro -- the defender of the people -- must use every weapon, every skill, every ounce of strength and resolve to bring this infernal incursion to heel."

"I've been a big fan of Zorro since I was a kid, when my father sat me down to watch one of his very favorite movies: the 1940 Tyrone Power Mark of Zorro," Avallone said. "It became one of my favorites, too... and still is! I was thrilled when American Mythology asked me to write such an iconic pulp hero; the guy who showed the Shadow and Batman how it's done. And as a long-time resident of Los Angeles, it's a kick to visit my beloved city 200 years ago, and play off what it was then and what it was fated to become."

The first issue will feature covers by Martinez, S.L. Gallant, Joe Pinto and Alex Toth.

SPIDEY VARIANT: Marvel Comics has released John Cassaday's variant cover to Amazing Spider-Man #800. The issue will be on sale on May 30; Marvel noted that the art shown is not the final cover.

ARCHIE PARTNERS: Archie Comics is teaming with Mammoth Media, the company redefining entertainment for the mobile-first generation with apps like Yarn and Wishbone, to produce original mobile story content based on the Riverdale, Betty & Veronica and Sabrina The Teenage Witch comic book series.

NEW SONIC PRINTINGS: IDW Publishing has announced Sonic the Hedgehog #1 Third Printing and Sonic the Hedgehog #2 Second Printing, available in stores on Wednesday, May 16, with Sonic the Hedgehog #3 Second Printing slated for release on Wednesday, May 23.