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Elfbytes February '08

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

This is for product starting to ship in April 2008.

This months Elfbyte credit goes to: Brock, Craig, James,& 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 Feb 29th!

INDEPENDENT COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

AARDVARK VANAHEIM

GLAMOURPUSS #1

Written & illustrated by Dave Sim.

I don't think there are enough jokes in the English language for this. Also, combined with the fact that Dave Sim refuses to go on the internet and he only works in black & white, I'm quite certain that only a few of you know who he is.
Dave Sim is famous in the indie world for his epic 300 issue run on Cerebus (all of which never came out late as he was always on time on a monthly schedule!), Dave Sim returns to comic books with his new series Glamourpuss (you simply have to love the Canadian spelling). Typical of Sim, this comic promises to be about too many things to neatly fit into categorization, but touching the surface this is a parody of fashion magazines, while also being a book about super heroines. Definitely worth a look. Dave actually took the time to call all the Canadian comic shops and sent us a free preview copy. If you want come by the store and give it a look.

AIT / PLANET LAR

SEVEN SONS GN (Offered Again)

Written by Alexander Grecian. Illustrated by Riley Rossmo.

This graphic novel is set in the California Gold Rush of the 1850’s, and tells the tale of – wait for it – seven identical Chinese brothers. We also wanted to point out that it is written and illustrated by the same creative team that is now producing the fantastic new series Proof, so worth checking out for anyone who is enjoying that new book.

AVATAR

ANNA MERCURY #1

Written by Warren Ellis. Illustrated by Facundo Percio.

A new Warren Ellis comic! Warren Ellis breaks new creative ground as he gives us a sarcastic hot woman in a fetish suit running amok in a dystopian future. I don't think Ellis has ever tried something like this before. We’re convinced he must have cloned himself and chained the clone up in his basement to help him produce so many new comic books. The title character Anna Mercury crusades against an oppressive technocratic society by shooting and blowing up as much stuff as she can.

BOOM!

2 GUNS TP

Written by Steven Grant. Illustrated by Mat Santolouco.

This fantastic series was plagued by long delays between issues, but now you can read it all in one tidy package and get the energy and excitement all at once like it was meant to be read. It’s a story of cops and criminals and double crossing double crossers, and a lot of fun.

JENNY FINN: DOOM MESSIAH HC

By Mike Mignola, Troy Nixey, and Farel Dalrymple.

Here's something you Hellboy fans might miss out on, if you're not careful.

DABLE BROS

GEORGE R.R. MARTIN'S WILD CARDS: THE HARD CALL #1

By Daniel Abraham & Eric Battle.

In 1946, an alien virus was unleashed that changed the world forever, and people who were affected made their draw. It's kind of like RISING STARS or NEW UNIVERSAL, or even HEROES, where there's a big event that gives lots of random people powers, and they have to come to grips and see if there's a larger picture forming.

DRAWN & QUARTERLY

HAUNTED HC

By Philippe Dupuy.

I'm a big fan of Dupuy's previous works, which he co-created with Charles Baerberian, which were traditional indie works about being single, and having crappy jobs, etc, but were very tightly plotted and structured and were very charming. However, now that Dupuy's on his own, it looks like he's going all out, and ditching any kind of structure for that manic indie sketch-style energy, and I'm looking forward to the result

IDW

ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL #6

Written by Joss Whedon & Brian Lynch. Illustrated by John Byrne, Sean Galloway, David Messina, Stephen Mooney, & Kevyn Schmidt.

The usual writing team of Joss Whedon & Brian Lynch are joined by a plethora of artists to answer the question that has been bugging fans since the show ended: what happened after the huge cliff-hanger ending of the original series? This is the first issue of a two part story that finally examines exactly what happened. A must for any fan.

NEKO PRESS

CHOCOLATE MILK AND DOUGHNUT DOODLES GN

By Alex Chiu.

I just really like this book's title and it looks like it's got some cool drawings done in that wacky vinyl toy style.

ONI PRESS

QUEEN & COUNTRY: DEFINITIVE EDITION VOLUME 2

Written by Greg Rucka. Illustrated by various.

This fantastic series continues to get the deluxe treatment, as volume two of the definitive collection continues to explore the world of espionage of agent Tara Chase. This will end up being four volumes in total, and collect the entire series to date. Trust us, you’ll like it.

VALIANT

HARBINGER: THE BEGINNING HC

Written by Jim Shooter. Illustrated by David Lapham.

Recolored, Remasted and Resolicited!!!

X-O MANOWAR: BIRTH HC

Written by Bob Layton & Jim Shooter. Illustrated by Barry Windsor-Smith & Joe Quesada.

1990’s fan-favourite publisher Valiant returns this month with two collections of their two biggest characters: Harbinger & X-O Manowar. Collected for the first time, and digitally recoloured and remastered, these collections present the respective stories in a beautiful package that one can only hope is the beginning of a rebirth for some of the Valiant characters. Could new Valiant stuff be around the corner? Maybe. I'm guessing if there are enough orders for these books we may see the return.

VERTICLE INC

TEZUKA'S DORORO VOL 1 GN

By Osamu Tezuka.

Daigo Kagemitsu, who works for a samurai general, promises to offer body parts of his unborn baby to 48 devils in exchange for complete domination of the country. AND it's done by Tezuka. You wouldn't have comics if it weren't for Tezuka, so you should all read this and be grateful.

VIZ

DRAGONBALL & DRAGONBALL Z VIZ BIG EDITIONS VOL 1

By Akira Toriyama.

Supergiant collections of one of the best action-mangas ever. I grew up on this crazy-haired stuff.

FOREIGN BOOKS

TRANSFORMERS VISUAL WORKS BY the TOHAN CORPORATION

Are we the only ones who see a flaw in this Previews sales pitch? "Interviews from many creators. Text in Japanese. Not available in Japan." wtf?!

I'm not sure if that was a typo. Diamond has really dropped the ball in recent months as they are filled with spelling mistakes and tile changes that don't make sense from month to month. Anyways this is a Japanese book filled with all kinds of rad drawings of giant robots who turn themselves into cars who inspire Michael Bay to make crazy CGI movies that profess his undying love for the American military industrial complex. But still, who cares if it's in Japanese it's GIANT ROBOTS.

DARK HORSE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER - SEASON EIGHT, VOLUME 2: NO FUTURE FOR YOU

Written by Brian K. Vaughan & Joss Whedon. Illustrated by George Jeanty & Cliff Richards.

The second volume of Buffy Season Eight is here, and strongly follows on the heels of the first arc. Brian K. Vaughan delivers a great tale that focuses on everyone’s favourite bad-girl rogue slayer Faith. Faith has to track down a rogue-er slayer and kill her. Also, we get our first glimpse of the Big Bad for the season, Twilight. A must for any fan of the show, especially if you haven’t been reading the monthly issues.

STAR WARS OMNIBUS: DROIDS

Written and illustrated by various. Man I used to love the Driods cartoon when I was growing up. CHECK IT OUT ON YOUTUBE I vaguely remember the show featured a half mohawked punk Jedi with red hair. Anybody speak Botchie?

THE END LEAGUE #3

Written by Rick Remender. Illustrated by Mat Broome & Sean Parsons.

The third chapter in the epic new tale of the last days of the Earth, and the destruction the super-powered beings have wrought upon it. This story is off to an interesting start, and the pages look fabulous. Worth picking up for anyone who enjoys apocalyptic tales.

DC COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER VOL. 1 HC

Written by Frank Miller. Illustrated by Jim Lee & Scott Williams.

Finally the All Star Batman book ever finally gets a collection. Collecting the first nine issues of this over the top “All Star” series by Miller & Lee. See Batman set people on fire and get all hot after killing people and have sex with Black Canary while in costume! See Batman try and force a young orphan to eat rats! See Batman refer to himself as "the Goddamn Batman" at every opportunity! "I'm the Goddamn Batman" is only outdone by "I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!" as the catchphrase of the year. Love it or hate it, everyone seems to have an opinion about Miller pushing the boundaries and definitions of the “God-damn” Batman. If the long delays between some of the previous issues kept you away from this, now is your chance to read it all in one “God-damn” sitting.

BATMAN #676 SPECULATOR ALERT!

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Tony Daniel. Cover by Alex Ross.

The new story line – “Batman: R.I.P.” – begins here. Grant Morrison has been doing a very good job on his Batman run thus far, and this storyline promises to push the boundaries and reshape the mythos of the bat. I'm guessing Batman dies, and gets replaced by his angrier, former sidekick with a costume designed by Alex Ross. Heck it worked for Marvels Captain America. Prepare for the media frenzy. Hey all you speculators out there -order a gazillion copies.

However, DC be warned, if they kill Batman I'm going to do my best to fly batplanes in to DC Headquarters.

BATMAN: DEATH MASK #1

Written & illustrated by Yoshinori Natsume.

Acclaimed manga creator Natsume attempts to do what other manga luminary Kia Asamiya couldn’t and live up to the hype that surrounds his American comics debut in this story about a serial killer with ties to Batman’s past.

Batman manga. Warning for you whiny mainstream nerds, in true manga fashion, this book will be in black & white. Try not to cry. And I'm being serious. I've met people who won't read THE WALKING DEAD for no other reason that it's in black & white. You're missing out on everything that's cool. By the way "Real books" without pictures are black and white too.

BLUE BEETLE #26

START READING HERE!

Written by Jai Nitz. Illustrated by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott.

A special over-sized all Spanish issue. No, really. This script (in English) will be contained in the issue as bonus material (and a translation guide). But even better, this issue will serve as an excellent starting place for those of you who haven’t been picking this one up. One of the most consistently good superhero comics being published, this one deserves your attention.

BRAVE AND THE BOLD #12

Written by Mark Waid. Illustrated by Jerry Ordway & Bob Wiacek

The big finale to the storyline that has been weaving itself through the series to date, starring pretty much everyone in the DC Universe.

INFINITY INC. #8

START READING HERE!

Written by Peter Milligan. Illustrated by Pete Woods.

Artist Pete Woods begins as the new ongoing artist for this series that has thus far lacked that extra something to grab people’s attention. Perhaps his art will do the trick.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #20

Written by Dwayne McDuffie. Illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver.

Wonder Woman confronts the Flash about why he hasn’t been on call for the League, but instead she’s forced to turn to him for help as they take on the Queen Bee! This book is building some serious buzz … sorry, we couldn’t resist.

SUPERMAN #675 SPECULATOR ALERT!

Written by Kurt Busiek. Illustrated by Renato Guedes. Cover by Alex Ross.

It’s the end of an era as Busiek goes out on a serious high note, pitting big blue against Paragon and the forces of the Daxam!

TITANS #1

Written by Judd Winick. Illustrated by Ian Churchill.

This new series is what the fans have been waiting for, as the team from the glory days of the Wolfman/Perez era reunite once more to face the challenges that only they can confront. However, it looks like the series might start out on a sombre note, as they “forge a new team from the ashes of old, dead friends!” Just makes you feel all warm inside, eh?

WILDSTORM

DC / WILDSTORM: DREAM WARS #1 & #2 (of 6)

Written by Keith Giffin. Illustrated by Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott.

After ARMAGEDDON and REVELATIONS, WildStorm continues it's Biblical miniseries with some A-List talent by having Chris Sprouse draw the final miniseries in the destructive trilogy. It's all come down to this, and the WildStorm universe is in for a pretty big change at the end of it all... The DC big three might be the solution to all the problems of the Wildstorm Universe; unless they turn out to BE the problem. Do you think the DC heroes will throw down with their Wildstorm counterparts? That would be original, eh?

WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY VOL. 2 TP

Written by Gail Simone. Illustrated by Neil Googe.

The second (and unfortunately, last) volume of this underappreciated series that came from Wildstorm last year. Clever writing, stylized art, and an excellent idea. What more could you ask for? Do yourself a favour and pick it up and see what you (and almost everyone else) missed out on.

IMAGE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

PERHAPANAUTS #1

START READING HERE!

Written by Todd Dezago. Illustrated by Craig Rousseau.

The new ongoing adventures of the Perhapanauts begin here, and provide you the perfect opportunity to jump onboard. This series has all of the supernatural & mystery elements you’ve come to love in Hellboy & BPRD, with some light-hearted elements & humour throw into the mix.

WALKING DEAD #50

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn.

Everything in this series has been continually building towards bigger and bigger horrors, and so after the recent events, this anniversary issue takes a moment to catch its breath with a stand alone story.

WALING DEAD #1 SPECIAL EDITION

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn.

We're fifty issues in, so here's #1 again, with a full script, series proposal, and all kinds of other bonus features.

WALKING DEAD VOL. 8: MADE TO SUFFER TP

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn.

It’s all been building towards this, with the tagline “No One is Safe”, as this volume contains some of the biggest horrors the cast has yet had to face.

MARVEL COMICS HIGHLIGHTSHTS

SECRET INVASION #1 (of 8)

SPECULATOR ALERT!

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu.

The big Marvel “event” limited-series of 2008 begins here! The Skrull’s secret invasion of Earth finally becomes clear, but will the heroes see the danger in time to stop them. Or will this series simply be another excuse for them to fight each other all over again? Is anyone else starting to be seriously concerned this is going to prove to be a mega “clone saga” when all is said and done? We hope this isn’t opening a Pandora’s Box of easy continuity fixes for every future Marvel writer who can’t figure their way out of a mess they wrote themselves into.

What I've always wanted to know is, what happened to those Skrulls who became cows at the end of that Fantastic Four issue? Did someone drink Skrull milk? Or eat Skrull steak?

MIGHTY AVENGERS #12

Secret Invasion Tie-In!

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Alex Maleev.

Learn where Nick Fury has been all along, and just how much about the secret invasion he’s known in this special Secret Invasion tie-in that reunites Bendis with long-time Daredevil collaborator Alex Maleev.

NEW AVENGERS #40

Secret Invasion Tie-In!

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Jim Cheung.

This issue promises to reveal the answers to how, when, and why the Skrull’s began their invasion of Earth. A must for anyone who has been waiting to know.

MS MARVEL #26

Secret Invasion Tie-In!

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated illustrated by Adriana Melo.

The secret of Secret Invasion is that only people named Brian are allowed to write tie-ins.

SECRET INVASION: THE INFILTRATION TP

By various.

This book is a brief recap of recent Avengers issues that lay the groundwork to the Secret Invasion.

AVENGERS INNITIATIVE #12

Written by Dan Slott & Christos Gage. Illustrated by Steve Uy.

Iron Man shows up at Camp Hammond to find out what the heck has been going on with all the heroes in training there. Plus, there’s something Skrully happening as well.

IRON MAN #28

Written by Daniel & Charles Knauf. Illustrated by Roberto De La Torre.

Featuring Iron Man! This really has been a surprisingly strong read since the end of “Civil War”, as the Knaufs have cultivated one of the most interesting Iron Man runs in ages, and it all culminates here as Iron Man takes on his arch nemesis the Mandarin.

IRON MAN POSTER BOOK

Marvel says this book contains “36 powerful posters!” What exactly makes a poster powerful? Maybe it’s that these posters feature Iron Man! Did you know he has a movie coming out this May?

IRON MAN: LEGACY OF DOOM #1 (of 4)

Written by David Micheline. Illustrated by Ron Lim & Bob Layton.

Say it with us now; “featuring, Iron Man!” This limited series is the long awaited conclusion to the Camelot trilogy. But we’re curious: is it still “long awaited” if we simply forgot about it? Plus, straight out of cryo-freeze, and picking up where the 90’s left off, it’s Ron Lim!

ULTIMATE HULK VS ULTIMATE IRON MAN: ULTIMATE HUMAN HC

Written by Ultimate Warren Ellis; illustrated by Ultimate Cary Nord.

What a coincidence that both Iron Man and Hulk have movies coming out very soon....

HULK #4

Written by Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by Ed McGuinness.

There was a time when Jeph Loeb was noted for strong, layered character driven stories, but instead he’s bringing you his version of World War Hulk as Red Hulk and Green Hulk fight for the last M&M. ‘Nuff said.

HULK: PLANET HULK TPB

Written by Greg Pak. Illustrated by Carlo Pagulayan, aaron Lopresti, Gary Frank, & Takeshi Miyazawa. Cover by Ladronn.

For those of you who haven’t yet read this fantastic story, now is your chance to pick it up in one oversized soft cover collection. It’s got everything you could want in a Hulk story; from gladiator battles, to heroic rebellions, to love stories, and even a fight against the Silver Surfer, so do yourself a favour and pick this one up.

HULK VS. HERCULES: WHEN TITANS CLASH

Written by Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente. Illustrated by Leonard Kirk.

Hulk fights Herc to prove he’s incredibler! Yet another word made up by Craig!

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #116

Written by Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente. Illustrated by Rafa Sandoval.

Herc fights the Eternals as Pak continues the greatest career resurrection since Travolta’s agent saved him from that Battlefield Earth fiasco.

THE ORDER #10

Written by Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Barry Kitson.

Unfortunately this smart new series spinning out of the Initiative comes to a premature end with this issue, which promises to wrap up the threads that have been placed through out the series. Matt Fraction continues to prove why he’s the best new writer in comics, and Barry Kitson’s art is fantastic, so even if you’ve not been picking this one up, the creative team will be sure to deliver.

DAREDEVIL: BLOOD OF THE TARANTULA

Written by Ed Brubaker & Ande Parks. Illustrated by Chris Samnee. Cover by Marko Djurdjevic.

Former villain Carlos LaMuerte (see Black Tarantula) is trying to redeem himself by playing Robin Hood and helping clean up Hell’s Kitchen. Predictably things go sour, and he’s forced to seek the help of Daredevil.

FANTASTIC FOUR #556

Written by Mark Millar. Illustrated by Bryan by Hitch.

Apparently people just never learn, so we’ll say it again: “If you build a synthetic organism (virus, computer, robot, clone, etc) and charge it with eliminating all threats to world peace, it will use it’s over developed sense of logic and kill mankind. Every time.” Damn it people!

IMMORTAL IRON FIST #14

Written by Matt Fraction & Ed Brubaker. Illustrated by David Aja.

The epic “Seven Capitol Cities of Heaven” story-line, otherwise known as the kung-fu tournament to end all tournaments, reaches its climactic conclusion here. It’s all been building to this, and this title keeps getting better each and every month, so don’t make us hunt you down and force you to read this.

PENANCE RELENTLESS TP

Written by Paul Jenkins. Illustrated by Paul Gulacy.

Learn how one of the stupidest characters in the Marvel Universe transforms himself into one of the stupidest characters in the Marvel Universe.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #555, #556, & #557;

Written by Zeb Wells. Illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

Marvel continues to throw top talent at their top character as Bachalo lends his frenetic and unique style to the flagship title as the exciting thriceness continues! Look, Craig made up a word! Oh, and just to ensure they get your attention, Marvel is throwing in Wolverine. Yes, that Wolverine.

SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #8

Written by Kevin Grevioux & Nate Piekos. Illustrated by Ray Height & Zach Howard.

Rumour is there’s an Iron Man movie on the way … which means the world’s most notorious AA member will be popping up everywhere. Like here, as Spiderman needs a little assist to halt the evil Nazi Robot. Are there good Nazi robots?

THOR: AGES OF THUNDER

Written by Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Patrick Zircher.

Fraction does the god of thunder!

CABLE #2

Written by Dwayne Swierczynski. Illustrated by Ariel Olivetti.

Bishop’s turning into a real jerk.

YOUNG X-MEN #1

Written by Marc Guggenheim. Illustrated by Yanick Paquette. Cover by Terry Dodson.

In the aftermath of the Messiah Complex, the X-Men are no more, and so Cyclops recruits a new group (some familiar faces, along with some new faces) to fight the newest incarnation of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Talk about bad influence; Cyclops asks the kids to hunt and kill the Brotherhood. Does anyone else miss New X-men already?

If you re-order the letters of MESSIAH COMPLEX you get X-MEN DISSASEMBLED, and now they get relaunched like the Avengers did. And look how on-time and successful Young Avengers was! Ha! Ha!

TOYS & MISC. HIGHLIGHTS

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS MINIMATES BOX SET

These are probably the coolest set of the Minimates yet, with Clarice, Buffalo Bill, and two versions of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

STAR WARS: MIGHTY MUGGS 6 INCH VINYL FIGURES

The first series of these vinyl Star Wars toys were great, and this second series is sure to be equally cool.

SIMPSONS: HOMER SIMPSON 3 INCH QEE FIGURES

Now you can combine your love of all things Simpsons with your need for more Qees. The first Simpsons qees featured Bart, but these Homer Qees look like they’ll be even more fun.

FUTURAMA SERIES 3 ACTION FIGURES

This third series offers Bender and Kiff, as well as the pieces for the build a figure Robot Devil.

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