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Elfbytes August '08

(Note: this is not your average cut and paste, we actually write this stuff.)

This is for product starting to ship in October 2008.

This months Elfbyte credit goes to: Brock, James, Craig, Omar, Sean, Thomas & Ethan.

For your convenience, click links below to jump to a certain Publisher.

Independent Comics | Dark Horse Comics | DC Comics
Image Comics | Marvel Comics | Toys & Stuff

Remember to get your orders in ASAP! Initial orders due Aug 27th!

INDEPENDENT COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

ASPEN MLT INC.

SOULFIRE: SHADOW MAGIC #0

Written by Vince Hernandez. Illustrated by Sana Takeda.

Kind of like Soulfire: Year One, as we learn about Soulfire’s heroine Grace in her early years. In a world of magic, war, and dragons, can the love that binds Grace and her lover survive the rapid onslaught of hate and violence that besets their land? Plus! Illustrated by manga-esque artist Sana Takeda, she of the tentacle-rape HEROES FOR HIRE cover. So this will have lots of squishy manga boobs for your enjoyment.

AVATAR PRESS

CROSSED #1 (of 9)

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Jacen Burrows.

Garth Ennis takes on survivalist horror and it’s probably going to be really gross. But in my book, he’ll have to work pretty hard to top that giant meat-woman from PREACHER.

DOKTOR SLEEPLES VOL 1: ENGINES OF DESIRE TP / HC

Written by Warren Ellis. Illustrated by Ivan Rodriguez.

Where is the future we were promised? Weird bastard Doktor Sleepless returns to the sleepy village of Heavenside and proceeds to fuck things up. Performance art? Techno-anarchist rebellion? Cthulhu-induced mania? Maybe all three. Absolutely worth reading, and in your choice of either soft cover or hard cover.

BLACKHALO PRODUCTIONS

ALMIGHTY GN

Written & illustrated by Eduardo Laroche.

Set in a post apocalyptic world where the USA has been turned into a third world country ruled by Militias and ruthless motorcycle gangs, a girl has been abducted and a killer has been hired to find her and bring her back home. Sounds like a good time to me.

CHECKER Book Publishing Group

SOJOURN OMNIBUS VOL. 1

Written by Ian Edginton. Illustrated by Greg Land.

If you weren’t a reader of Crossgen comics, then you might be unaware that the artist known now and forever as the ‘King of drawing really hot chicks’ (otherwise known as tracing porn), Greg Land, got his start on a comic called Sojourn. Although Crossgen is no more, the Sojourn Omnibus is here, and collects the first 24 issues of the fantasy adventures of Arwyn and Gareth against the evil army of Mordath!

DEVIL’S DUE PUBLISHER

REST #1 (of 4)

Written by Mark Powers. Illustrated by Shawn McManus & Lizzy John.

In a near future, a drug has been developed that replaces your need for sleep. This is the story about how it affects one man, as he is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy and a non-stop life.

DYNAMIC FORCES

THE ROMITA LEGACY HC

I don’t really need to say anything to sell this book. As a Spider-fan this one became a must own from the moment I set eyes on it. Ask anyone, and the name most associated with Spider-man is Romita. Two generations of Romita have brought the wall crawler to life, and both have left their significant stamp on him. This Hardcover traces the Romita’s in their history as Marvel artists. The book will come in both a Signed and Unsigned edition.

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

GARTH ENNIS’S BATTLEFIELDS: THE NIGHT WITCHES #1

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Russ Braun. Cover by John Cassaday.

Okay, I used to laugh at Dynamite, because really, all they had were some crappy licensed books like TERMINATOR and XENA, but all of a sudden, they’re publishing Garth Ennis creator owned work and they’ve just signed a deal to be the new distributor for French publisher Les Humanoides. Looks like the joke’s on me! (I’ll just ignore the fact that they’re also publishing a second XENA vs. ARMY OF DARKNESS crossover this month. Selective ignorance! Huzzah!)

HOUGHTON MIFFLIN

THE ESSENTIAL DYKES TO WATCH OUT FOR HC

Written and illustrated by Alison Bechdel.

This is the cartoonist that created the excellent auto-bio graphic novel FUN HOME. I’ve never read Dykes to Watch Out For, but I can guarantee you one thing: Orson Scott Card fucking hates it.

I.D.W. PUBLISHING

G.I. JOE: A NEW BEGINNING #0

Written by Larry Hama. Illustrated by Robert Atkins.

G.I. Joe return, written by the master himself, Larry Hama! The Joes have found a new publishing home at IDW, and even if you’re not that big a Joe fan, this specially priced introductory issue is the perfect way for everyone to reintroduce themselves. And hey! Suddenly, G.I. Joe and Transformers are at the same publisher! What a random crazy happenstance! You don’t think they’ll do some kind of…CROSSOVER, do you?

GHOSTBUSTERS: THE OTHER SIDE #1

Written by Keith Champagne. Illustrated by Tom Nguyen.

And IDW scores another license. Remember when they used to just publish nipples drawn by Ashley Wood? Well, now the original Ghostbusters return in an all new tale of fright, horror, and slime! Join Spengler, Stantz, Zeddemore, and Venkman, in this four part story that will for sure have you singing, “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!”

RICHARD MATHESON’S HELLHOUSE TP

Written by Richard Matheson & Ian Edginton. Illustrated by Simon Fraser.

Based on one of the most terrifying novels from Matheson’s extensive bibliography, Hellhouse tells the tale of a team of paranormal experts tasked with surviving the night in the fabled Belasco House, also known as “Hell House” or “Den of Evil” or “Pit of Death” or something like that. Now… who expects a quiet night of hot cocoa and marshmallows?

PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: BARACK OBAMA

Written by Jeff Mariotte. Illustrated by Tom Morgan. Cover by J. Scott Campbell.

A biography comic about Obama! It’s not like Obama ever wrote a book about the very same thing or anything…

PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: JOHN MCCAIN

Written by Andy Helfer. Illustrated by Stephen Thompson. Cover by J. Scott Campbell.

Good to see IDW is still big into publishing books about zombies.

STAR TREK: NEW FRONTIER TP

Written by Peter David. Illustrated by Stephen Thompson.

Ten years ago, Peter David carved for himself a niche in the Star Trek universe by creating The New Frontier, a series that explored the adventures of a ship NOT named Enterprise or Voyager. Now, this little part of the universe has grown to be almost as popular as its television brethren, and its foray into comics is a welcome one indeed. In this adventure, the crew of the starship Excalibur track down a missing prototype time ship that could cause havoc for the entire galaxy.

NEW ENGLAND COMICS

THE TICK: THE COMPLETE EDLUND TP

Written & illustrated by Ben Edlund.

Possibly the dumbest superhero ever (and I mean that in a really good way), the entire run of the Tick‘s original series is presented in one kick-ass volume. Can you say “Spoon!”?

PANTHEON BOOKS

BREAKDOWNS: PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG %@&*! HC

Written and illustrated by Art Spiegleman.

A self-reflection by the most respected graphic novelist to ever create a WWII memoir with mice in it.

PLATINUM STUDIOS

SOCORRO GN

Written by Steven Grant. Illustrated by Tony O’Donnell.

Socorro is a CIA-trained former soldier of a brutal Latin American dictatorship. When he gets tired of doing all that government-sanctioned killing, he moves to Los Angeles and begins a one-man crusade to bring justice to the poor, the disenfranchised, and those with nowhere else to turn. Kind of like Zorro, only with more shots to the gut.

PURE IMAGINATION PUBLISHING

STEVE DITKO: EDGE OF GENIUS SC

Steve Ditko was a very reclusive man and helped create some very beloved characters in comics, from Blue Beetle to Spider-man. This book showcases his earliest works, collecting strips from 1954 to 1955, and ranges through various genres. This feels like it is going to be something really special to sit down and read.

RADICAL PUBLISHING

CITY OF DUST #1

Written by Steve Niles. Illustrated by Zid.

Wow, that Steve Niles dude really gets around. Here’s some kind of post-apocalyptic imagination homicide story, or something. With five different covers.

UDON

STREET FIGHTER II TURBO #1

Written by Ken Siu-Chong. Illustrated by Chamba.

Here we go again! We’ll get six issues, and then it’ll disappear for three years while Udon reprints Korean love comics in a desperate bid for cash.

DARKSTALKERS GRAPHIC FILE

An English translation of a Capcom art book! I really want the MEGAMAN one, so hopefully Udon does that right. I’ll totally finance a Street Fighter miniseries if they import that MEGAMAN art book!

VERTICAL INC

TEZUKA’S BLACK JACK VOL. 1 & VOL. 2 TP

Written and illustrated by Osamu Tezuka.

A superhero surgeon! One who performs surgery regardless of the law! That doesn’t quite make him sound like a hero, though, does it?

VIRGIN COMICS

NOWHERE MAN #0

Written by Hugh Jackman & Marc Guggenheim. Illustrated by Paul Gulacy. Cover by Marko Djurdjevic.

What and who is Nowhere Man? The minds of Hugh Jackman (from the X-MEN movie trilogy), Marc Guggenheim (WOLVERINE, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN), Paul Gulacy (PENANCE, CATWOMAN) and Marko Djurdjevic (DAREDEVIL) bring you a tale 500 years in the future, with an oppressive government that monitors everything, including your mind.

DARK HORSE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

CREEPY ARCHIVES VOL. 2

Written by. Archie Goodwin, Larry Ivie Illustrated by. Reed Crandall, Gray Morrow, Alex Toth, Al Williamson

In time for Halloween, the second volume of Creepy is hitting shelves. Creepy was one of those great anthology series from way back when, where the who’s who of horror comics cut their teeth. So grab your flashlight and hide under the covers as you relive some truly great horrific stories.

HELLBOY: IN THE CHAPEL OF MOLACH (one-shot)

Written by Mike Mignola. Illustrated by Mike Mignola & Dave Stewart.

Mike Mignola draws his most famous creation for the first time in more than three years in this special one-shot. Geeks, Nerds, and MILFs everywhere are salivating over the thought (okay maybe not MILFs, but take a moment to ponder that thought). The big red guy investigates an ancient chapel in Eastern Europe where an artist has become compelled by something sinister to hide away and complete his life’s work. A must for any Hellboy fan, or the perfect gateway if this summer’s movie made you curious about the comics.

REX MUNDI #14

Written by Arvid Nelson. Illustrated by Juan Ferreyra. Cover by John Cassaday.

The final arc of this epic story begins here, and if you’ve not been reading this series yet, now is the perfect time to find out what you’ve been missing.

DC COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

BATMAN #681

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea. Cover by Alex Ross.

This is the big one! Grant Morrison’s epic R.I.P. concludes here, and promises that nothing will ever be the same again. Who knows, maybe that phrase will actually mean something this time around.

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #22

Written by Andrew Kreisberg. Illustrated by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens.

Reading the solicitation for this story, you would almost believe that the people who publish the comics have talked to the people who make the movies. This four part story arc gives readers a look into the very first time Batman hauled the Joker in the Gotham City Police Department, and is no doubt at least somewhat inspired by some of the themes put forward in this summer’s blockbuster movie THE DARK KNIGHT.

BOOSTER GOLD #13

Written by Rick Remender. Illustrated by Pat Olliffe.

The team of Remender and Olliffe (from the recently departed ALL NEW ATOM) re-team for a two issue stint on Booster Gold, bringing with them high-concept sci-fi and high-octane art. When Starro the Conqueror takes over the Time Master, it is up to Booster Gold to anonymously save humanity’s butt yet again.

DC UNIVERSE: HALLOWEEN ’08 (one-shot)

Written & illustrated by various.

The annual anthology returns just in time for Trick or Treat season, and before you poo poo the silly tradition, I would point out two very important things. One, DC’s previous Halloween specials wrought the uber team of Sale and Loeb with the BATMAN HAUNTED KNIGHT tales. Two, Halloween is the only time of year that special magic makes it safe for kids to eat candy from strangers.

FINAL CRISIS: RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS #1 (one shot)

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Shane Davis & Sandra Hope.

We’ve seen Green, we’ve seen Yellow, and we’ve been introduced to Purple; now it’s Red’s turn to shine. Red is the color of anger and hatred in the DC Universe, and these new Lanterns are turning their hatred towards “the greatest Green Lantern ever”, Sinestro, to exact their revenge! Not only does this one-shot tie in to FINAL CRISIS, but it is also the beginning of the next Green Lantern epic, “Blackest Night”, so make sure you pick this one up.

FINAL CRISIS: RESIST (one shot)

Written by Greg Rucka & Eric Trautmann. Illustrated by Ryan Sook.

The unlikely team of Cheetah, Mr. Terrific, and Snapper Carr scramble to salvage the remnants of Checkmate for one final desperate bid to unrest Darkseid.

FINAL CRISIS: SUBMIT (one-shot)

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Mathew Clarke & Norm Rapmund.

Black Lightning and the Tattoo Man team up to save a family from the darkness that Darkseid has delivered. Can this odd couple achieve the same success and longevity of Riggs and Murtoch, or are they doomed to go the way of the Martian Manhunter, and eat it hard?

GREEN LANTERN #36

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy. Cover by Shane Davis.

It’s still a ways away but Geoff Johns consistently keeps me utterly enthralled with his lead up to “Blackest Night”. Tying directly to the events of Rage of the Red Lanterns, this issue sees Hal and the Corps heading to the frontlines as they take the fight to the Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps on the planet Ysmault. And while we’re on the subject of “Blackest Night”, I’ve got two words for you: Zombie Lanterns. Next summer can’t get here fast enough.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #26

Written by Dwayne McDuffie. Illustrated by Ed Benes.

Vixen battles to overcome the power of the African spider-god Anansi, who has warped the histories of the various JLA members, but the really interesting part should be seeing what the deal is with Batman becoming a gun-slinging cowboy of the darkness.

NIGHTWING #149

Written by Peter J. Tomasi. Illustrated by Don Kramer & Jay Leisten.

Dick has some old friends over to for a party. Unfortunately these kids play rough, and soon poor old Dicky is getting smacked around like the beach ball in a Dolphin show. Mr. Freeze, Joker, Penguin Two Face and Ivy have decided to kill some poor woman, and with Batman nowhere to be found, its good old Nightwing to the rescue.

SUPERGIRL #34

Written by Sterling Gates. Illustrated by Jamal Igle & Keith Champagne. Cover by Josh Middleton.

A new era for both Supergirl (as well as the entire Super-verse) begins this month, with rising star Sterling Gates being hand-picked and firmly endorsed by Geoff Johns & James Robinson. The goal is nothing less than to bring some much needed stability, focus, and purpose to the much troubled Supergirl title, and in the process make the girl of steel a must read title. So jump on board now and see the excitement grow.

SUPERMAN AND BATMAN VS. VAMPIRES AND WEREWOLVES #1 & #2 (of #6)

Written by Kevin VanHook. Illustrated by Tom Mandrake.

Okay. It’s stupid. But it’s out in October. It’s a Halloween thing. I get that. But why drag it out for six issues? Why do we still want to be reading about Werewolves at Christmas? Unless they turn Santa into a Werewolf. Then the Elves could turn into Red Lanterns or whatever.

SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON SPECIAL #1 (one-shot)

Written by Geoff Johns, James Robinson, & Sterling Gates. Illustrated by Gary Frank, Renato Guedes, & Pete Woods.

All of a sudden, there are 100,000 Kryptonians. Which I think is probably bad news, since every Kryptonian besides Superman that’s been revealed has turned out to be a douche bag like Zod. This one-shot kicks off the massive 9 part story arc “New Krypton”, and will be continued in the pages of ACTION COMICS, SUPERMAN, and the cancer fighting SUPERGIRL!

TERROR TITANS #1 (of 6)

Written by Sean Mckeever. Illustrated by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson.

Clock King unleashes his band of temperamental teens on the Dark Side Club in hopes of bringing resolution to the Gladiator style pits. And with the addition of one-time Titan Ravager, you know this is only the first, itty bitty step in a far more diabolical plan.

VIXEN: RETURM OF THE LION #1 (of 5)

Written by G. Willow Wilson. Illustrated by Cafu. Cover by Joshua Middleton.

The JLA’s animal powered member gets her own mini-series, which examines a mystery from her past and how it affects bother and the League in the present. Written by up and coming G. Willow Wilson, with stunning interiors by Cafu, and gorgeous covers by Middleton.

BATMAN: GOTHAM UNDERGROUND TP

Written by Frank Tieri. Illustrated by Jim Calafiore & Jack Purcell.

This recent mini-series is now collected, and you can read for yourself this excellent tale of Gotham’s myriad villains and colourful characters as the ultimate battle for control of the criminal underworld begins.

GREEN LANTERN: SECRET ORIGIN HC

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert.

Having never received a definitive “year one” like story, Hal Jordan finally gets one courtesy of Johns and Reis. While examining what happens to the life of Jordan immediately after receiving his ring, this book also weaves in events that will tie directly into the Blackest Night prophecy. Hooray for revisionist Silver Age crap!

GREEN LANTERN CORPS: RING QUEST TP

Written by Peter J. Tomasi. Illustrated by Patrick Gleason and various.

After taking over the writing duties from Dave Gibbons, partway through the “Sinestro Corps War”, Peter Tomasi comes into his own with this volume of emerald charged actions. When Mongul receives a yellow power ring, he launches a campaign to take over the universe that only the Green Lantern Corps can halt. Featuring the death of one of the series’ most interesting lanterns, the end of this tale also includes the induction of one of the most unique and unexpected Lanterns of all.

JLA / AVENGERS TP

Written by Kurt Busiek. Illustrated by George Perez.

This dream series is finally collected, and is an absolute must for any fan of Marvel and DC! No one can deliver these characters like George Perez, and Busiek’s story more than lives up to the challenge. This will not disappoint you!

THE SPIRIT VOL. 1 TP

Written by Darwyn Cooke & Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by Darwyn Cooke & J. Bone.

Whether you’ve been waiting for the trade (which has taken forever to come out), or simply never picked up Darwyn Cooke’s Revamp of Will Eisner’s beloved characters, this is your chance for a real treat. Aside from Cooke’s art (which is always a selling point), he really captured what made the Spirit such an icon in Eisner’s hands, and shows why he is still relevant today. Take a peek inside and you’ll find some good old fashioned quirky tales.

DC / WILDSTORM

GEARS OF WAR #1

Written by Joshua Ortega. Illustrated by Liam Sharp.

The best-selling video game franchise arrives in comic book stores with a blast, just ahead of the release of the new Xbox 360 game! This ongoing series starts with a mind-blowing 6 part story arc, which should be perfect for all of you who can’t wait for the game.

TOP TEN SEASON TWO #1 (of 4)

Written by Zander Cannon. Illustrated by Gene Ha.

So, Alan Moore’s quit DC in a huff, but HA-HA! DC still owns all of Alan’s shit. But it’s good news for us, I guess, because we still get Top Ten, done by the entire Top Ten team. Except, um, Alan Moore. But this will still be an excellent read, so make sure you witness the adventures of the 10^th precinct as a new commissioner and a new rookie cop seek to make their names.

So, the whole WildStorm Universe got blown up at the end of the NUMBER OF THE BEAST miniseries, and now the world is a crazy, Mad Max-like world of horror and survivalist superhumans. Good stuff! And now is the perfect time to jump on board and see how good this very under rated new direction is.

GEN 13 #23

Written by Scott Beatty. Illustrated by Mike Huddleston.

The Gen 13 kids run away from post-apocalyptic cannibals.

WILDCATS #4

Written by Christos Gage. Illustrated by Neil Googe.

The Wildcats get into a big fight in the Nevada Garden, last seen in Warren Ellis’s StormWatch.

THE AUTHORITY #3

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. Illustrated by Simon Coleby.

The Midnighter takes on an army of insane zombies.

STORMWATCH PHD #15

Written by Ian Edington. Illustrated by Leandro Fernandez & Francisco Paronzini.

StormWatch has to scramble to prevent newly awakened Soviet doomsday machines from blowing up the United States! Except, who really gives a fuck, because everything got blowed up already?

DC / VERTIGO

FABLES VOL. 11: WAR AND PIECES TP

Written by Bill Willingham. Illustrated by Mark Buckingham & various.

The latest instalment of the fan favourite series Fables collects issues #70 through #75, and turns up the heat on the people of Fabletown as the series builds up to the epic war between the Fables and the Adversary.

HELLBLAZER #249

Written by Andy Diggle. Illustrated by Leonardo Manco.

Following Mike Carey’s celebrated run on Hellblazer was not an easy task, but Andy Diggle proved more than capable. In this, his final issue, he seeks to go out with a bang as John Constantine finally comes face to face with the shadowy villain that has been manipulating him from the moment Diggle stepped onto the book.

KILL YOUR BOYFRIEND TP (new printing)

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Phillip Bond & D’Israeli.

No it's not KILL BILL. It's an underrated black comedy classic by Morrison, from before he went all mainstream. And Phillip Bond’s artwork is a perfect match for this quirky tale of sex, drugs, and anarchy.

MADAME XANADU #5

Written by Matt Wagner. Illustrated by Amy Reeder Hadley.

Madame Xanadu continues her mystical journeys through history as she heads to Paris to become the trusted advisor of Marie Antoinette herself. But when the Phantom Stranger returns into her life to incite the bloody revolution, Madame Xanadu discovers that there is more going on than she realizes, and the bloody revolt might be all that stands in the way of a demonic incursion.

SCALPED #22

Written by. Jason Aaron. Illustrated by. R.M. Guera.

This month in “why aren’t you reading Scalped” I present to you another selling point for this series: painted covers by Jock. Aside from that and everything else I’ve already said about why this is one of the best series on the racks every month, this month gives us more on Chief Red Crow’s past, and flashes back to his very first murder.

UNKNOWN SOLDIER #1

Written by Joshua Dysart. Illustrated by Alberto Ponticelli.

The Unknown Soldier is basically a dude that looks like Hush who shows up during various wars and kills a whole fuck ton of people.

IMAGE COMICS HIGHLIGHTSS

ASTOUNDING WOLF MAN #11

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Jason Howard.

This is second part of the Invincible / Wolf-Man cross-over, and an excellent chance for you to discover Kirkman’s most recent creator-owned superhero creation, the Astounding Wolf-Man. This crossover is like putting your two kids in a death match. Who would you root for?

CYBLADE #1

Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov. Illustrated by Rick Mays.

The first winner of Top Cow’s neat little Pilot Season stunt, former CyberForce “bad girl” gets her own series. Ahhh, remember the 90s and all of their Bad Girls? There ought to be some kind of reunion book, with Shi and Witchblade and Lady Death. They could call it DeathBoobs. In the meantime however, this series focuses on Cyblade as she kneels naked in the shower.

INVINCIBLE #57

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Ryan Ottley & FCO Plascenia.

Invincible and Wolf-Man guest star in each other’s books this month, and have an old school superhero “fight because of a misunderstanding” before making friends with each other.

PILOT SEASON 2008 COMPLETE SET

Written & illustrated by various.

This set collects this year’s six contestants in Top Cow’s now annual Pilot Season competition, and is the perfect way for you to read all of the contending books. I especially recommend Jonathan Hickman’s entertaining and highly literate sci-fi epic THE CORE, or the exceptionally original and intriguing premise of GENIUS.

SAVAGE #1 (of 4)

Co-plotted by Jeff Frank & Steve Niles. Script by Jeff Frank & Dan Wickline. Illustrated by Mike Mayhew.

What is Steve Niles’s name even doing on this thing? Will it sell more copies? In any case, this has Werewolves fighting Bigfoot. So that’ll be, you know, fun.

SPAWN #185

Written by Todd McFarlane & Brian Holguin. Illustrated by Whilce Portacio & Todd McFarlane. Cover by Todd McFarlane. Variant Covers by Whilce Portacio & Greg Capullo. Spawn created by Todd McFarlane.

Love him or hate him, you cannot deny that Todd McFarlane’s return to Spawn is a big deal! Todd McFarlane. Did you forget Spawn was even being published? Todd McFarlane. Wasn’t Spawn delayed for like, a year? Todd McFarlane. Maybe Todd McFarlane will steer Spawn back on track. Todd McFarlane. Todd McFarlane. PAY ATTENTION TO TODD MCFARLANE!

IMPALER VOL. 1 TP

Written by William Harms. Illustrated by Nick Marinkovich, Nick Postic, & Francis Tsai.

This highly original and excellently written story is collected for the first time, just in time for the continuation of the tale in a new ongoing series. Highly recommended.

OUTLAW TERRITORY, VOL. 1 GN

Written & illustrated by various.

Some of the biggest names in comics get together in this collection of short stories about one of the roughest and grittiest times in American history; the Wild West. Promising to be dirty and tough as nails, in the vein of DEADWOOD, 3:10 TO YUMA, and NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, this collection will be a must for all the Western fans out there.

SCREAMLAND TP

Written by Harold Sipe. Illustrated by Hector Casanova.

For those who missed, dismissed or said “I’ll wait for the trade on this one”, don’t miss out on picking up one of the funniest and original series this year. Perfect for Halloween, Screamland asks “What if the universal monsters where real and the actors in the movies made about them?” and examines how they would survive in this modern world of computer animation and digital effects. A wonderful satire, with flawed characters and absurd situations. And yes, they even talk about the gay monster porn.

MARVEL COMICS HIGHLIGHTSHTS

ANITA BLAKE VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE LAUGHING CORPSE

By Laurel K. Hamilton and Jessica Ruffner with covers y Ron Lim.

Wasn’t it last year that Ron Lim’s career was deader then Michael Turner (or is it too early for a Michael Turner joke?) and now he’s the feature artist on the variant cover? That aside, the copies with the regular cover will contain the same great story as the Ron Lim Variant. Anita Blake is struggling to solve a crime with a scene so gruesome it makes even her stomach churn, while the Animator (and we’re not talking Walt D.) contemplates a lucrative offer to resurrect a 250 year old corpse (which incidentally is the process Marvel uses to keep Stan Lee going for his movie cameos) regardless of the potential consequences.

ENDER’S GAME: FIRST SERIES #1 (of 5)

Written by Christopher Yost. Illustrated by Pasqual Ferry.

Oh hey! Orson Scott Card is a big fat hate-mongering homophobe! Enjoy your comics! And try not to let the fact that you’re giving money to a big fat hate-mongering homophobe bother you! However, if you’ve previously enjoyed the ENDER novels, or are interested in seeing why they have received so much attention, Marvel’s next big novel adaptation begins here.

GHOST RIDER #28

Written by Jason Aaron. Illustrated by Tan Eng Huat. 50/50 Covers by Marc Silvestri.

It’s Ghost Rider vs. Ghost Rider, as the original Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, faces off against his predecessor Danny Ketch. And what’s with the blue flame?

GHOST RIDER: DANNY KETCH #1 (of 5)

Written by Simon Spurrier. Illustrated by Javier Saltares. Cover by Clint Langley.

If you’ve been reading the regular series of Ghost Rider, you already know that Danny Ketch (the Ghost Rider from the ‘90s) has returned. But where was he and what happened? This five part mini-series ties promises to reveal all the answers. But in the meantime, all you need to know is that Johnny Blaze’s Ghost Rider skull is orange and Dan Ketch’s Ghost Rider skull is blue. Hmmm, how can you tell your comic publisher is in bed with a toy company? Random colour variants of its superheroes. Like Hulk. Or Nick Fury.

MARVEL ZOMBIES 3 #1 (of 4)

Written by Fred Van Lente. Illustrated by Kev Walker. Cover by Greg Land.

Okay. Just when you thought the “Marvel Zombies” franchise was dead, along comes the third series. But it’s not done by Kirkman or John Layman. That needn’t be so bad. Fred Van Lente’s a good writer on his way up, and it seems to star Machine Man, who if he can keep his personality from NEXTWAVE, should make for an entertaining read. The bad: Greg “Pornface” Land on covers. Now when he draws undead super-women, I’m going to be forced to ask myself what necrophilia websites he’s visiting for his ~~blatant tracing reference~~ inspiration. And supposedly this one will be in-continuity and have real implications on the 616 Marvel Universe. Well, at least it’s not MARVEL APES.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #474

Written by Mark Guggenheim. Illustrated by Barry Kitson.

This one-off story entitled “What ever happened to Flash Thompson?” rather predictably takes a look at what came of Spider Man’s biggest fan. Unpredictably it finds Flash embroiled in combat in the Middle East, as Peter Parker’s one time detractor and nemesis grows up quick. This issue should prove to be a quality and more serious detour from the usual stand up routines of a certain crime fighting web slinger.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #475

Written by Joe Kelly. Illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

Bachalo on Spider Man makes me happy like a Yaletown Chihuahua in a pink purse. And he wonderfully illustrates this story of Mr. Negative demanding that the NY City Mob unite under one banner … his. Unleashing Hammer Head like a blunt instrument, this over achiever looks to destabilize the Mayoral elections, and sow chaos through out the city. Poor Spidey, as always, is forced to cut in and attempt to crack wise while getting his ribs cracked when Aunt May and her F.E.A.S.T. kids get caught in the action.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1

Written by Marc Guggenheim. Illustrated by Mike McKone.

I’m pretty sure Amazing Spider-Man’s had annuals before this. It must be some kind of Mephisto mind-wipe. If you’ve been reading Spider-Man since the “Brand New Day” relaunch, you’ll want to make sure to pick up this year’s annual, where we’re promised the mysterious secret of Jackpot will finally be revealed.

SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #3 (of 5)

Written by Terry Moore. Illustrated by Craig Rosseau. Cover by Terry Moore.

After reading the first issue I can safely say the light hearted and tender tradition which Sean Mckeever created for this series remains intact. With a title like this one it almost seems more poignant now that they’ve broken up Pete and MJ in the regular Marvel Universe. Give yourself a break or just have some fun and pick it up.

ULTIMATE CAPTAIN AMERICA ANNUAL #1

Written by Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by John Romita Jr.

A Captain America comic all about the origin of Ultimate Black Panther. Score one for race relations. At least they’re not The Gays, right Orson?

ULTIMATE HULK ANNUAL #1

Written by Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by Marko Djurdjevic & Ed McGuinness.

Okay. First of all, shouldn’t a series be out, for say, a year before it gets an annual? I suppose, technically, ULTIMATE HULK VS WOLVERINE has been out for like, five years, but given that it has only had two issues published, I don’t think it applies. Secondly, shouldn’t Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness work harder to get regular Red Hulk’s comic out on time before moving on to Ultimate Hulk? Thirdly, what’s the point of having a separate, Ultimate Universe, if you’re just going to use the creative teams of their regular-ass counterparts?

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #3

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by David Lafuente.

This issue is all about sex. Peter Parker and Mary Jane talk about taking their relationship to the next level. And we don’t think in an “after-school special” kind of way. But I can’t help but feel that Marvel is putting out this issue to teach its readers about sex, since most likely will never have any themselves.

IRON MAN CHANGES TO --- >WAR MACHINE: WEAPON OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #34

Written by Christos Gage. Illustrated by Sean Chen. Cover by Adi Granov.

The Skrull “not so secret” Invasion continues as Tony Stark’s good buddy and emergency back up War Machine, takes over this title as he battles his way through little green men. So instead of two monthly Iron Man titles, we now get the white Iron Man and the black Iron Man each with their own book.

WOLVERINE: MANIFEST DESTINY #1 (of 4)

Written by Jason Aaron. Illustrated by Stephen Segovia.

If Jason Aaron being back on Wolverine isn’t enough to get you reading this mini, then the addition of the born to draw Wolverine Stephen Segovia should just push you past the edge. What a great pairing for this X-man’s new start in San Fransisco. It’s also worth pointing out that Jason Aaron’s Vertigo crime book SCALPED is one of the best books EVER and you should all start reading Scalped. There are boobs in it! And fucking!

ASTONISHING X-MEN: GHOST BOXES #1 (of 2)

Written by Warren Ellis. Illustrated by Alan Davis & Adi Granov. Cover by Simone Bianchi.

In the fine ASTONISHING X-MEN tradition, there are delays. However, with a new twist: series writer Warren Ellis coughs up some filler with art by two really good artists.

X-MEN: ORIGINAL SIN #1 (one shot)

Written by Mike Carey & Daniel Way. Illustrated by Mike Deodato & Scot Eaton.

ATTENTION readers of X-MEN: LEGACY and WOLVERINE: ORIGINS! This is the first part of a multi-part crossover between the two titles. This is your first warning WAY AHEAD OF TIME that this is happening, so don’t be a little bitch and whine about it when they “spring this crossover on you without warning”. You guys are adults, PAY ATTENTION.

DAREDEVIL: CRUEL AND UNUSUAL TPB

Written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka. Illustrated by Michael Lark.

Old GOTHAM CENTRAL pals Rucka and Lark have re-teamed with Ed Brubaker in the pages of DAREDEVIL to bring us what is sure to be considered one of the greatest crime stories of the year. With tights. Equal parts legal thriller and vigilante violence, this story of Matt Murdock’s quest to save an innocent criminal (?) definitely satisfies readers old and new alike and deserves a permanent space on your shelf with this collection.

HAUNT OF HORROR: LOVECRAFT PREMIERE HC

Written by Richard Corben. Illustrated by Richard Corben.

Horror comics legend Richard Corben tackles the poems and short stories of Lovecraft. That alone should give you a tingly sensation. This series really is a match made in heaven, and now ready for all the trade waiters out there.

MARVEL ZOMBIES TP

Written by Robert Krikman. Illustrated by Sean Phillips. Covers by Arthur Suydam.

Perfectly timed to coincide with the beginning of Marvel Zombies 3, now you can read the series where it all began! And for the very first time, you can read it in soft cover instead of those nice hard covers that kept selling out.

TOYS & MISC. HIGHLIGHTS

BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE: THE JOKER: JIM LEE

We can all agree that THE DARK KNIGHT kicked some serious ass, and by this point everyone’s seen it at least twice and knows how terrifying Heath Ledger’s turn as the Joker was. So to build off of that, DC Direct is offering a new statue in their Batman Black and White line of the Joker as done by Jim Lee. Truly a deranged piece and beautiful addition to this line of 6 inch statues.

HAH HA HA Hheeeh he he ha ha ha heh Ha ha hah ahaha ahh!!!!!

HELLBOY ZIPPO LIGHTER #2

Is there any more fitting way to light a stogie (well, actually, one should always use a wooden match to preserve the flavour), or whenever you are in need of fire, than to light up with Hellboy? Add the fact that it’s a Zippo with Mignola art, and I’m sold.

INDIANA JONES: IDOL REPLICA BANK

Wanna know why a couple of old fuddy duddies like Belloq and Jones were after that shiny golden idol in the first place? Find out by purchasing this nifty bit of treasure and safeguarding it in your secret trove. Just watch out for rolling stones.

LANTERN CORPS: RED SYMBOL T-SHIRT & VIOLET SYMBOL T-SHIRT

It’s no longer simply about the Green Lanterns. Last year saw the introduction of the Yellow Lanterns, the Sinestro Corps, and as we build towards “Blackest Night” we meet both the Red Lanterns and the Violet Lanterns. So show where your allegiance lies and choose your colours or colors for all you americans!

THE LONE RANGER 75^th ANNIVERSARY “MEGA” BUST

Cause there just aren’t enough gunslinger statues out there, and mostly I think because it needed to be done, with the main series kicking so much ass and all, the lone ranger gets a bust based on the art of John Cassaday. Celebrate the 75^th anniversary with this great piece. Now all they need is a Tonto.

Hi-Ho Silver away!

MARVEL MIGHTY MUGGS FIGURES

Mighty Muggs have been taking over the world and everyone needs to get their hands on these great figures. The newest assortment of these incredibly cool vinyl figures includes the Human Torch, the Silver Surfer, and Galactus, plus two Previews Exclusives: the Red Skull and Thanos! Sorry folks, No Infinity Gauntlet. I guess infinity gems are hard to come by.

MARVEL MINIMATES SERIES 23 & SERIES 24

The series 23 assortment has: Nova & Gamora, Cloak & Dagger, Mark 1 War Machine & Spymaster, and limited Mark 2 War Machine – Jim Rhodes!

The series 24 assortment has: classic Spider-Man & Shocker, Cosmic Spider-Man & Transformation Venom, Back in Black Spider-Man & Kraven, and limited Tarantula!

Holly crap- Cosmic Spider-man!? What's next? All the alternate identities that Spidey changed to after the ever beloved clone saga? Sheesh!

SERENITY: LITTLE DAMN HEROES – KAYLEE ANIMATED MAQUETTE

This month has a couple of goodies for the Whedonites out there. This cute animated maquette of Kaylee from Firefly really captures that almost shiny, light hearted and free spirited nature she wears on her sleeve. A perfect addition for the shelf of anyone who can’t get enough Firefly. Just look at it: it could seriously brighten up a room!

Hide the Strawberries!

STAR WARS SLIPPERS

Possibly the coolest slippers you could ever ask for! Keep your feet warm with Yoda, Chewie, or Darth Vader.

WATCHMEN MOVIE: RORSCHACH GRAPPLING GUN AND MASK PROP REPLICA SET

Rorschach is arguably one of the most bad ass characters to ever grace the pages of the comics we love to read so much, and I’m sure he’ll be just as bad ass in the movie. To ratchet up the hype DC is giving you a chance to feel like Rorschach. This will definitely add flavour to any mantle piece.

My cousin calls this "Black Butterfly-Man". Hilarious.

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