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Elfbytes May '09

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

This is for product starting to ship in July 2009.

This months Elfbyte credit goes to: Brock, James, Craig, 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 May 27th!

INDEPENDENT COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

AMAZE INK / SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS

ZEKE DEADWOOD: ZOMBIE LAWMAN VOL. 1 - LEGALLY DEAD

Written & illustrated by Thomas Boatwright with Ryan Rubio.

I know, you’re all zombied out, but this looks like a fun book. The only law man in a small Wild West town happens to be a zombie, and the town’s folk aren’t sure if they want to be saved. From the creators of CEMETARY BLUES.

ANTARCTIC PRESS

PRESIDENT EVIL

Written & illustrated by David Hutchinson.

Obama fights the re-animated corpses of all the dead presidents who came before him. I only really mention this because I like the title.

ARCHAIA

MOUSE GUARD VOL. 2 HC: WINTER 1152

Written & illustrated by David Petersen.

After all the problems Archaia dealt with over the past year, along last, the second volume of Mouse Guard has arrived! And in case you’ve not yet read this excellent series, the first volume FALL 1152 is also available for order this month. In fact, buy a lot of Archaia's books! They have lots of great stuff: Mouse Guard, ARTESIA, OKKO, etc. If you like fantasy & sci-fi comics in the vein of Humanoids, you should check their stuff out.

BOOM! STUDIOS

28 DAYS LATER #1

Written by Michael Alan Nelson. Illustrated by Declan Shalvey.

A new comic series debuts, that connects the movie 28 DAYS LATER and its sequel, 28 WEEKS LATER, as it focuses on Selena, one of three survivors from the first movie, as she returns to England. I bet you there will be blood.

HEXED HC

Written by Michael Alan Nelson. Illustrated by Emma Rios.

This series was an excellent surprise, from a publisher that keeps putting out better and better books all the time. Do yourself a favour and pick up this collected volume.

DEVIL'S DUE

BARACK THE BARBARIAN: QUEST FOR THE TREASURE OF STIMULI #2 (of 4)

Written by Larry Hama. Illustrated by various artists.

Dear God, help us all. Last month wasn’t just a one-shot, and it looks like this is going to continue for another few issues.

FANTAGRAPHICS

TALES DESIGNED TO THRIZZLE VOL 1 HC

Written & illustrated by Michael Kupperman.

Again, I just really like the title. But I note that this comic features stories about Jesus's half-brother Pagus. And bacon. And the silent robot Citobor. Actuall, now that I think about it, it sounds kind of awesome on the inside, too.

HEAVY METAL MAGAZINE

TMNT 25^th ANNIVERSARY BY KEVIN EASTMAN TP

Written & illustrated by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

With the popularity of the TMNT franchise growing back to almost the levels from the 80s, and rumours of a relaunched live-action film, there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the classic turtles stories. This collection includes issues and stories hand-picked by Eastman as “some of his personal all-time favorite Turtles tales”. Plus, these tales have been re-mastered, re-touched, and with some of them (for the first time ever) coloured!!!

I.D.W. PUBLISHING

DOCTOR WHO #1

Written by Tony Lee. Illustrated by Al Davidson.

Finally, a new ongoing Doctor Who series! Each arc will feature different creative teams, and will be a sure-thing for any Whovian.

FALLEN ANGEL: REBORN #1

Written by Peter David. Illustrated by J.K. Woodward.

Peter David’s excellent Fallen Angel returns, and the opening four-part story features Illyria from Joss Whedon’s ANGEL. So all you Joss fans should make sure to give this book a try and see how good it is.

THE HUNTER

Written & illustrated by Darwyn Cooke.

Cooke adapts the excellent “Parker” series of crime novels by recently deceased Donald Westlake (a.k.a. Richard Stark). Betrayed by the woman he loved and double-crossed by his partner in crime, Parker makes his way across the country with one thought in his mind: REVENGE!

MIRAGE STUDIOS

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE COLLECTED BOOK VOLUME 1 TP

Written & illustrated by Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird.

To celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the TMNT, the original 11 issues and the 4 one-shots are finally being reprinted! I have been waiting forever for them to reprint the series that brought my childhood smiles and excitement, although I feel very old, all of a sudden.

ONI PRESS

WASTELAND: THE APOCALYPTIC EDITION HC

Written by Antony Johnston. Illustrated by Christopher Mitten.

The first 13 issues of this excellent post-Big Wet sci-fi epic are brought together in a deluxe hardcover. Also features some short prose Wasteland stories by Johnston. Highly recommended.

RAW JUNIOR

LITTLE MOUSE GETS READY HC

Written & illustrated by Jeff Smith.

A brand new Jeff Smith kids book about a mouse putting on clothes. I smell Eisner. A must for any fan of BONE or Smith’s work.

TITAN PUBLISHING

LENORE: NOOGIES PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE HC

Written & illustrated by Roman Dirge.

A full-colour collection of the first Lenore book. Includes four homemade colour art cards shrink-wrapped in the book!

DARK HORSE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

B.P.R.D.: 1947 #1 (of 5)

Written by Joshua Dysart & Mike Mignola. Illustrated by Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba. Cover by Mike Mignola.

Thankfully, PREVIEWS tells us that BPRD 1947 is a “direct sequel” to BPRD 1946! Astonishing! We would have never figured that out! Like its predecessor, the afore-mentioned and excellent BPRD 1946, this series focuses on the early years of Hellboy and the formative years of the Bureau. It also features the art of kick-ass superstar artists Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba, so there’s even more reason to grab this one.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #26

Written by Jane Espenson. Illustrated by Georges Jeanty. Cover by Jo Chen.

Under the guidance of Executive Producer Joss Whedon, Buffy season 8 has been in very good creative hands, and this newest arc is no exception, with Jane Espenson at the wheel. This issue sees Buffy dealing with the fact that the world now hates and fears Slayers and loves vampires.

DETHKLOK VS. THE GOON ONE-SHOT

Written by Eric Powel and Brendon Small. Illustrated by Eric Powell.

Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse is about an American/Scandinavian death-metal band called Dethklok. And now the same dark comedy viewers have seen on television will meet Eric Powell’s The Goon in an all out death-undead, brutal battle! The Goon is not published this month but if you want a taste of what you are missing, pick this issue up!

EMILY THE STRANGE #1 (of 4)

Written by Rob Reger. Illustrated by Buzz Parker.

The world’s strangest 13 year old finally gets an origin story in this, the first full length Emily comic series. Find out why exactly Emily is so… weird. Hah, bet you thought I was going to say “strange”, didn’t ya?

STAR WARS: INVASION #1 (of 5)

Written by Tom Taylor. Illustrated by Colin Wilson. Cover by Jo Chen.

The Yuuzhan Vong are coming to Dark Horse comics! First introduced in R.A. Salvatore’s New Jedi Order novel Vector Prime, the Yuuzhan Vong are some of the toughest foes the Star Wars heroes have ever had to face. Check out the free online preview on starwars.com.

WITCHFINDER: IN THE SERVICE OF ANGELS #1 (of 5)

Written by Mike Mignola. Illustrated by Ben Steinbec.

Another Hellboy prequel series presents an early adventure of occult investigator Edward Grey, as he tackles the Heliopic Brotherhood of Ra.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 8 VOLUME 5: PREDATORS AND PREY

Written by Jane Espenson, Steven S. DeKnight, Drew Z. Greenberg, and others. Illustrated by Georges Jeanty and Cliff Richards.

Yet another volume of the fantastic Buffy Season 8, and another addition for your bookshelf. Everything changes for Buffy and the Slayers when vampires become media darlings and an accepted part of society thanks to a new reality tv show. And we also see more of Faith & Giles.

NOIR TPB

Written by Brian Azzarello, Ed Brubaker, David Lapham, and others. Illustrated by Fabio Moon, Gabriel Ba, Sean Phillips, and others.

The biggest names in crime comic book fiction unite for an anthology of murder and deceit, in true noir style: BLACK AND WHITE! Any fan of 100 BULLETS or CRIMINAL or Vertigo should check this out.

PICTURES THAT TICK

Written & illustrated by Dave McKean.

A collection of McKean's short comic stories from the 1990s and 2000s. Another treat for Vertigo fans, I think, or anyone who liked MIRRORMASK. Somebody must've liked MIRRORMASK.

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY VOL. 2 LIMITED EDITION HC: DALLAS

Written by Gerard Way. Illustrated by Gabriel Ba.

If you absolutely love the Umbrella Academy then you need to pick up this book! It’s the newest volume of the kick-ass series, and a whole bunch of extras and juicy goodness. A must for die-hard fans who cannot wait for the measly trade paperback.

DC COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

BATMAN #688

Written by Judd Winick. Illustrated by Mark Bagley & Art Thibert.

The adventures of the new Batman continue, with Mark Bagley (finally free from his TRINITY deadline constraints) illustrating for the next four issues. In this issue, while the new Batman trains the new Robin, one of his archvillains makes a startling discovery about him.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #2

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Frank Quitely.

The new Batman and Robin discover that they might not be such a good team after all as they face the bizarre Circus of the Strange inside the Gotham City Police Department.

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #31

Written by Peter Milligan. Illustrated by Andy Clarke. Cover by Guillem March.

Years ago, Milligan wrote a kick-ass 3-part Batman story called DARK KNIGHT, DARK CITY. That alone makes this five-issue story worth reading, as Milligan writes an awesome, awesome Batman. Also, the cover is drawn by Guillem March (artist of Oracle and Gotham City Sirens) and doesn't feature shiny down-blouse boobs! It’s a milestone achievement! Next, you'll see Ed Benes draw a panel that doesn't feature Wonder Woman's ass and side-boob.

BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM #2

Written by Paul Dini and Mark Andreyko. Illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, Georges Jeanty, and Karl Story.

In the main feature, it’s Batman and Commissioner Gordon against Firefly. In the co-feature, Kate Spencer must decide whether to use her legal powers or superpowers to solve the mystery of who killed the previous Gotham D.A..

BLACKEST NIGHT #1 (of 8)

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

“The next big event will soon be here,

On a Wednesday it shall appear

Comics fans will all have fun

Ivan Ries will draw until it’s done

And the great Geoff Johns will write

Finally the Blackest Night.”

The event you’ve been waiting two years for, and that Geoff Johns has been building towards since the return of Hal Jordan, has finally arrived! The War of Light, building in GREEN LANTERN and GREEN LANTERN CORPS for much of the past year, begins in earnest and the long prophesied Blackest Night promises that the dead will rise in this epic limited series. The Black Lanterns are here, and only Hal Jordan can save us, because nobody liked Kyle Rayner, even though he was the best Green Lantern ever. EVER! This promises to be summer blockbuster comics at its best!

BLACKEST NIGHT: TALES OF THE CORPS #1, #2, & #3 (of 3)

Written by Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi. Illustrated by Rags Morales, Chris Sprouse, Ivan Reis, Doug Mahnke, and others. Covers by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter.

This three issue series delivers some relevant background details on some of the key players in the BLACKEST NIGHT epic, featuring the work of some top notch creators. Spotlighting Green Lantern Kilowog, Star Sapphire Carol Ferris, Red Lantern Vice, Blue Lantern Saint Walker, Orange Lantern Blume, and the first appearance of Indigo, head of the Indigo Tribe.

THE FLASH: REBIRTH #4 (of 6)

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Ethan Van Scriver.

Barry’s return promises trouble for the entire speedster population of the DCU. What’s he going to do about it? Plus, discover the destiny of Wally and his twins.

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #2

Written by Paul Dini. Illustrated by Guillem March.

Hush has escaped and is making the most of the fact that he looks exactly like Bruce Wayne. Can Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy stop him before he goes too far?

GREEN LANTERN #43

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy.

Serving as the official prologue to Blackest Night, this issue takes a look at longtime GL foe Black Hand and how he ties into the Black Lantern mythos. Also, Doug Mahnke begins as the new ongoing artist for the series.

GREEN LANTERN #44

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy.

Blackest Night continues as Barry Allen and Hal Jordan come face to face with an old friend: Zombie Martian Manhunter! Plus, Sinestro sets into motion his plans to wrest back his corps from Mongul! And don’t worry about the tombstone of Bruce Wayne on the cover, because he’s not dead!

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #38

Written by Peter J. Tomasi. Illustrated by Patrick Gleason and Rebecca Buchman.

“Emerald Eclipse” concludes just in time for the start of BLACKEST NIGHT. The vicious sciencell revolt has led to the Guardians introducing yet another new law into the book of Oa. And if Guy and Kyle are fighting it, you know it can’t be a good one.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #35

Written by Len Wein. Illustrated by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose.

It’s that cursed, meddling Royal Flush Gang against the League again. But this time, Superman and Wonder Woman are on hand to bail the league out.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #1 (of 6)

Written by James Robinson. Illustrated by Marco Cascioli.

A new team forms to seek justice for the deaths of Batman and Martian Manhunter. Green Arrow & Green Lantern lead Congarilla, Supergirl, Shazam, the Atom, and Starman (the blue one) against Prometheus. Originally planned as the second ongoing JLA book, various editorial conflicts and creative problems have chopped this down to a six-issue series. Written by James Robinson (STARMAN, SUPERMAN) and illustrated by Mauro Cascioli (TRIALS OF SHAZAM), this limited series promises to be excellent. Plus, there are monkeys on the cover, so I can't imagine that this will be bad, you know? There's never been a bad comic that featured superpowered monkeys.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #29

Written by Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges. Illustrated by Jesus Merino.

“Fabled” writers Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges take over scripting chores as a new era for the JSA kicks off. Two new members - King Chimera and All American Kid - may be linked to a growing threat that forebodes terrible fates for all but one society member. Will the team unravel this web of mystery before the worst occurs?

R.E.B.E.L.S. #6

Written by Tony Bedard. Illustrated by Claude St. Aubin and Scott Hanna.

Remember Starro, the funny looking giant celestial star fish? Well, he’s had a makeover and is now a proper intergalactic bad-ass despot. Can Vril Dox and his team defeat him?

RED ROBIN #2

Written by Christopher Yost. Illustrated by Ramon Bachs & Art Thibert.

Red Robin continues his global search for Bruce Wayne, but now he has Ra’s al Ghul and the League of Assassins to contend with. Guest starring Spoiler. And if THAT’S not a clue as to who Red Robin is, I don’t know what is.

SUPERMAN #690

Written by James Robinson. Illustrated by Renato Guedes and Wilson Magalhaes.

So far, there are two super-powered Daxamites operating as heroes in the DCU: Mon-El and Sodom Yat. You’d think they’d make a good team-up, right? So why are forces from the future trying to ensure that, for the sake of tomorrow, they never meet? Also, Mon-El still deals with the idea that he’s dying. Again.

SUPERGIRL #43

Written by Sterling Gates. Illustrated by Jamal Igle and Jon Sibal.

After the whole Superwoman mess, things now seem to be going well for Supergirl… until Superman tells her that all is not as it seems in their family. Plus, isn’t that a gorgeous Josh Middleton cover?

SUPERMAN / BATMAN #62

New series artist Rafael Albuquerque (BLUE BEETLE) starts his run with this team-up featuring the ultimate dynamic duo, Supergirl and Robin. Read and see how they take on the inmates of Arkham Asylum.

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #5

Written by James Robinson and Greg Rucka. Illustrated by Pete Woods.

General Zod puts Kal-El on trial for treason. But can Superman trump the charges and escape the death sentence? Or will he kneel before Zod?

TITANS #15

Written by JT Krul. Illustrated by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter.

A prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS! See how Tempest’s return affects the team … but what does he have to do with the events of Blackest Night?

WARLORD #4

Written by Mike Grell. Illustrated by Joe Prado & Walden Wong. Cover by Matt Grell.

This fantastic new re-launch continues, with the lands of Shamballah in desperate need of a revolution against the evil from the Shadowlands. But the most likely leader of any resistance, the Warlord, has been captured and is in grave danger.

ELFSAR'S PICK OF THE MONTH!!!!WEDNESDAY COMICS #1 - #4 (of 12)

Possibly the greatest idea to hit comics since the cape, this ground-breaking weekly series promises to deliver pure enjoyment for fans! Printed on a tabloid size layout and folded, it will be reminiscent of the newspaper comics section. Featuring 15 different stories by some truly spectacular creators, this is likely going to be by far

BATMAN: written by Brian Azzarello & illustrated by Eduardo Risso!

METAMORPHO: written by Neil Gaiman & illustrated by Mike Allred!

KAMANDI: written by Dave Gibbons & illustrated by Ryan Sook!

SUPERMAN: written by John Arcudi & illustrated by Lee Bermejo!

TEEN TITANS: written by Eddie Berganza & illustrated by Sean Galloway!

HAWKMAN: written and illustrated by Kyle Baker!

WONDER WOMAN #34

Written by Gail Simone. Illustrated by Aaron Lopresti & Matt Ryan.

A two part story begins featuring Wonder Woman & Black Canary, teaming up to kick-ass as only they can.

BATMAN: HUSH TP

Written by Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by Jim Lee & Scott Williams.

For the first time, the epic Batman tale that introduced Hush is now available in one softcover volume.

GOTHAM CENTRAL VOL.2: JOKERS AND MADMEN HC

Written by Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker. Illustrated by Michael Lark, Greg Scott, Brian Hurt and Stefano Gaudiano.

The second special hard cover collection of one of the best crime series ever produced in mainstream comics. This volume spotlights two cases faced by Gotham’s special crimes unit as they try to solve cases without the Dark Knight’s aid. In the first case, the Joker terrorizes the city at Christmastime. In the second, Harvey Bullock faces tough choices as he finishes business that was previously unfinished.

METAL MEN TP

Written & illustrated by Duncan Rouleau.

Perhaps you missed this very enjoyable limited series from early last year. Well now is your chance to catch up on that fun book and to also get ready for their new ongoing co-feature in the back of the new DOOM PATROL series starting later this summer.

NIGHTWING: THE GREAT LEAP TP

Written by Peter J. Tomasi. Illustrated by Rags Morales, Don Kramer, Michael Bair and Jay Leisten.

Collecting the final issues of the Nightwing series, this story features Nightwing defending NYC from the evil of Two-Face. A Batman R.I.P. tie-in!

SECRET SIX VOL. 1 TP: UNHINGED

Written by Gail Simone. Illustrated by Nicola Scott & Doug Hazlewood.

This book is well written, beautifully illustrated, and one of the most kick-ass fun books being published right now, and yet, there are still a lot of people not reading it. So pick up this first collection and discover what you’ve been missing.

SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON VOL. 2 HC

Written by Geoff Johns, James Robinson, and Sterling Gates. Illustrated by Renato Guedes, Jose Wilson Magalhaes, Pete Woods, Jamal Igle, and Keith Champagne.

Collecting the second half of the Superman epic tale that sees the birth of a new planet and the death of a long-time supporting cast member, this is a status-changing event that can’t be missed.

TEEN TITANS: CHANGING OF THE GUARD TP

Written by Sean McKeever. Illustrated by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose.

With the loss of much of their roster, the Teen Titans holds a recruitment drive to fill in the blanks. But what happens when mascot Wonder Dog finally reveals his true colors? Collecting Teen Titans #62 to #69.

VERTIGO

FABLES #86

Who is Dunster Happ and what is his connection to Mister Dark? This issue explores the past of Mr. Dark and all those who have crossed his path. Who is he? How did he end up in the magical box in a far-away land? And what does he want with our world and with the Fables we have come to love?

GREEK STREET #1

Written by Peter Milligan. Illustrated by Davide Gianfelice.

Murder. Sex. Violence. Incest. Blood. Peter Milligan re-imagines the classic Greek tragedies in modern day London. This new series looks fantastic, and the first issue is only $1, so there’s no excuse not to give this book a try.

HELLBLAZER #257

Written by Peter Milligan. Illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini.

Being in a romantic quadrangle sucks big time. But when one of the corners is John Constantine? Well, that’s just hell, isn’t it?

MADAME XANADU #13

Written by Matt Wagner. Illustrated by Michael Wm. Kaluta.

Continuing Kaluta’s triumphant return to a character he made famous, this issue sees Madame Xanadu running to the aid of a young girl desperate for answers regarding the death of her father. But, wouldn’t you know it, the seer digs up just the kind of information and secrets that really shouldn’t be dug up.

THE UNWRITTEN #33

Tom Taylor travels to the site where his father wrote the first Tommy Taylor novel. It can’t be a coincidence that the location just happens to be where Frankenstein was born, can it? Cue Twilight Zone music.

FABLES VOL. 12: THE DARK AGES TP

Written by Bill Willingham. Illustrated by Mark Buckingham and others.

This volume of the award winning series FABLES collects issues #76-82. This collection takes place right after the war against the adversary. The Fables have won a hard fought battle, many lives have been lost, but unfortunately they don’t have time to celebrate or bury their dead as Mr. Dark has escaped from his prison and he wants to destroy every magical living thing!!!!

FABLES DELUXE EDITION VOL. ONE HC

Finally following in the footsteps of Y THE LAST MAN, Willingham’s acclaimed, Eisner award winning series is now being presented in a deluxe hardcover edition. This volume collects issues #1 to 10, and allows you to experience this fantastic series from the very beginning! Follow the stories of the denizens of Fabletown as they face the evil machinations of The Adversary while trying to make a living for themselves living among humans in the everyday world.

UNKNOWN SOLDIER VOL. 1 TP: HAUNTED HOUSE

Written by Joshua Dysart. Illustrated by Alberto Ponticelli.

The first volume of this excellent new series is now available, and is a must for any Vertigo fan. It also features a decent introductory price of only 9.99 US, so pick it up and discover a new favourite.

WILDSTORM

FREDDY VS JASON VS ASH: THE NIGHTMARE WARRIORS #2 (of 6)

The ultimate battle royale continues as Jason Voorhees returns to terrorize the survivors of the various Freddy and Jason killing sprees. Also featuring the return of Tommy Jarvis, here to ensure Jason’s death once and for all. Yeah, right.

NORTH 40 #1 (of 6)

This new series tells the tale of a small Midwestern community that experience the wrong end of some very dark magic. Not a lot has been revealed about this new series yet, but read and find out what happens to the survivors in the aftermath, and what they must do to fight their changed world and the evil that was unleashed. It looks like it could be pretty cool.

THE AUTHORITY: WORLD’S END BOOK ONE TP

Following the cataclysmic conclusion to NUMBER OF THE BEAST, the WildStorm Universe is in ruins. The Authority failed to save the planet from destruction and now struggle to survive in a brutal, post-apocalyptic environment, but with humanity largely dead and the Earth broken, what does the term “hero” even mean? The arrogance is gone, the self-confidence shattered, they are broken: both in spirit and body. Some of their powers have gone or have changed beyond recognition. Their authority has been undermined. The world ended on their watch. They are to blame. They failed the world. If you’re enjoying GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY or WAR OF KINGS, read this book.

TOM STRONG DELUXE EDITION BOOK 1 HC

Alan Moore’s excellent series about science hero Tom Strong and his amazing adventures is finally collected into a series of deluxe hard covers, with the first volume collecting issues #1 - #12, and featuring artwork by Chris Sprouse, Arthur Adams, Jerry Ordway, Dave Gibbons, Gary Frank, Paul Chadwick, and more!

ARMAGEDDON NOW: THE BEAST #1 (of 5)

Written by Phil Hotsenpiller and Rob Liefeld. Illustrated by Rob Liefeld and Mike Capprotti.

A sci-fi story set in the aftermath of WW3. Featuring fully painted Liefeld art. We’ll leave it up to you to decide if that’s a good thing or not.

CYBERFORCE / HUNTER-KILLER #1 (of 5)

Written by Mark Waid. Illustrated by Kenneth Rocafort.

The Hunter-Killer team exists to hunt down rogue Ultra-Sapiens, which brings them into a shattering conflict against CyberForce (although they’ll likely team-up against some big-bad before the series is over). Personally, I think Hunter-Killer's just hunting down anyone who's ever been drawn by Pat Lee. But it’s written by Mark Waid, and made to look pretty by artist Kenneth Rocafort, so it should be quite good.

INVINCIBLE #64

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Ryan Ottley and FCO Plascencia.

Still going strong as one of Image’s best titles, this issue deals with the bloody aftermath of the Invincible War and promises a casualty. It better not be Atom Eve, like the cover threatens!

SAVAGE DRAGON #150

Written by Erik Larsen. Illustrated by Erik Larsen.

One hundred and fifty issues is a milestone for any title, especially one coming from outside the big two. And to mark the occasion, this issue features the return of Savage Dragon’s deadliest foe: Overlord!

THE ART OF TOP COW

Featuring art by Marc Silvestri, Michael Turner, Eric Basaldua, Stjepan Sejic, and many more.

Do you like boobs? Mystical battle-thongs of destiny? How about long-legged women who are bending over rocks and stuff on the beach? Then do we have a book for you ...

BOMB QUEEN OMNIBUST VOL. 1 HC

Written & illustrated by Jimmie Robinson.

The first three Bomb Queen series are collected into one busty volume.

THE FIVE FISTS OF SCIENCE OGN (new printing)

Written by Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Steven Sanders.

Mark Twain and Nicholas Tesla: Action heroes. Superstar writer Matt Fraction gives us the story of how Twain and Tesla teamed up to bring an end to war, going head to head against an evil science / black magic cabal. If you're digging any of Fraction’s more recent work (IRON FIST, UNCANNY X-MEN, or INVINCIBLE IRON MAN), you definitely need to check this out, too. It's even in colour! So you don't have an excuse.

INVINCIBLE VOL. 11 : HAPPY DAYS TPB

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

Still the absolute best in superhero stories month after month.

LIBERTY MEADOWS SUNDAY STRIPS VOL. 1 HC

Written & illustrated by Frank Cho.

Frank Cho’s masterpiece is finally being collected into a series of stunning hardcovers beginning in July.

PROOF VOL. 3 TP: THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!

Written by Alex Grecian. Illustrated by Riley Rossmo.

This series started off strong, and has only gotten better as it has progressed. It’s an intelligent, fun, well crafted book that deserves as many readers as it can get. Treat yourself.

MARVEL COMICS HIGHLIGHTSHTS

CABLE #16

Written by Dwayne Swierczynski. Illustrated by Paul Gulacy.

The next arc in this MAD MAX meets mutants series picks up mere moments after the “Messiah Complex” story lets off. Still burdened by the child Hope, Nathan Summers continues his endless struggle to save the mutant race all the while hunted by heavily armed killers. If you’re a fan of end of world movies such as I AM LEGEND or WATERWORLD, this might be the book for you. Following a huge cross-over, this is a great place to hop on board, and unlike many other titles, this was not an instant sell out so back issues are not impossible to come by … yet.

DARK AVENGERS #7

Written by Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Mike Deodato.

“Utopia” part 3. Continuing the epic cross-over battle between everyone’s favourite mutants and Norman Osborne’s phoney Avengers team.

DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #1

Written by Victor Gischler. Illustrated by Bong Dazo. Covers by Arthur Suydam. Variant cover by Ed McGuinness.

Fresh off his crowd pleasing appearance in the X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE movie, the character who as recently as last year couldn’t even support a team-up book with Cable, beginning this month Deadpool gets his second ongoing series. The first arc is 6 issues of mayhem that could only appear in a Deadpool story, as Marvel’s mouthiest mercenary is dispatched to the Savage Land to retrieve the head of his Zombieverse counterpart and return it whence it came. This will be the only book to ever feature Cavemen, Assassins, Zombies, Dinosaurs, Women in Loin Cloths, a man named Bong, and International Terrorists. It’s like a smorgasbord of campy action!!!!! Who doesn’t love a smorgasbord?

INCREDIBLE HULK #600

Written by Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by Ed McGuinness. Covers by Alex Ross & Ed McGuinness.

The Hulk returns to both the classic numbering AND his famous adjective, although by the generally accepted rules of math, this is only issue #599. This over-sized issue has the story that promises to finally reveal the identity of the annoying Red Hulk, guest-starring appearances by Spider-Man and She-Hulk, and also contains a reprint of Hulk: Gray #1. And if we’re really lucky, it might finally feature Jeph Loeb hitting the road and leaving behind all writing materials and forms of communication. And maybe he’ll take Chris Claremont with him when he goes.

IMMORTAL WEAPONS #1 (of 5)

Written by Jason Aaron & Duane Swierczynski. Illustrated by Mico Suayan & Travel Foreman.

Yes, the awesomeness that was IMMORTAL IRON-FIST is no more, but thankfully we now have five months of almost-as-awesomeness in the form of a limited series focusing on the kick-ass Immortal Weapons! This month Jason Aaron brings us the history of Fat Cobra!

KID COLT #1 (of 1)

Written by Tom DeFalco. Illustrated by Rick Burchett.

I absolutely love the resurgence of Westerns. This series provides yet another example of how cowboys are back in style, as one of the originals gets another shot (pun intended) and finds himself back in the saddle again (another intended pun). Blaine Cole and Everett Hawkmoor team up to battle a corrupt sheriff and a deadly bounty hunter in a book that you should definitely give a shot (3rd pun).

MARVEL DIVAS #1

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Illustrated by Tonci Zonjic. Cover by J. Scott Campbell.

Bugger the Fantastic Four, this is the “Femtastic” four, as Blackcat, Hellcat, Firestar and Photon band together to bring you an honest look at the glamorous life of a Superheroin. Think Sex and the City meets ANTM (and if you know what that stands for you either lost control of the remote to your girlfriend or have a rather pronounced feminine side). While I cannot attest for the quality of this series, I can promise it will at least be nothing like any other book in the Marvel stables.

REBORN #1 (of 5)

Written by Ed Brubaker. Illustrated by Bryan Hitch.

Marvel is once against keeping secrets from us, forcing us to wait to find out what this one is about. Who is being reborn? The hints seem to suggest it might be Steve Rogers, or at least somehow tied to Captain America. If so, it’s too bad they didn’t bring him back in Brubaker’s consistently awesome Cap book. But then, who knows? Maybe it's Jubilee. Is Jubilee even dead? She oughtta be. Maybe they'll kill her in Reborn. Whoever it is, with Brubaker & Hitch as the creative team, it should be worth the wait.

SCOURGE OF THE GODS – THE FALL #1 (of 3)

Written by Valrie Mangin. Illustrated by Aleksa Gajic.

Fans still mourning the loss of BSG may want to consider this Soleil imprint import focusing on a battle between good and evil, as the Gods of Roman Lore, battle for supremacy of the Universe, all while railing against a destiny that might have predetermined everything centuries before.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600

Written by Dan Slott, with Stan Lee, and others. Illustrated by John Romita Jr., Marcos Martin, Mario Alberti, and others. 50/50 covers by John Romita Jr. & Alex Ross.

Unlike this month’s INCREDIBLE HULK, and the recent THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA anniversary issues, Spidey’s title reverted to the original “legacy” numbering in time for issue 500, and has jumped forward rather quickly thanks to the three times a month publishing schedule it has now adopted. However, that doesn’t take away from the significance of this month’s anniversary issue. There’s a whole bunch of fantastic stuff contained in the 100+ pages of all new (all new! meaning no reprints!) material, but the really important part is the return of Doc Ock! Almost everyone reading comics today has thumbed through a Spider title at some point, and this is the perfect chance to do it again.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #36

Written by Marc Guggenheim. Illustrated by Patrick Olliffe.

Annual Alert! (if you're already subscribing to the series, YOU STILL NEED TO ORDER THIS TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT!)

Spidey’s on the way to a wedding (no, it’s not his), and super-powered mayhem ensues.

ULTIMATUM: FANTASTIC FOUR REQUIEM #1 (of 1)

Written by Joe Pokatski. Illustrated by Robert Atkins.

This one-shot wraps everything up for the Ultimate Fantastic Four in the aftermath of ULTIMATUM. What will become of the Ultimate first family? Read this and find out.

ULTIMATUM: SPIDER-MAN REQUIEM #2 (of 2)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Mark Bagley & Stuart Immonen.

This is the second of two issues wrapping up all of the loose ends of the first volume of Ultimate Spider-Man, clearing the way for the newly revamped, post-ULTIMATUM, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man starting soon.

ULTIMATUM: X-MEN REQUIEM #1 (of 1)

Written by Aron E. Coleite. Illustrated by Ben Oliver.

Another casualty of ULTIMATUM, this one-shot addresses all of the remaining questions regarding everyone’s favourite Ultimate mutants.

USA COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1

Written by John Arcudi. Illustrated by Steve Ellis.

I personally think this is the most enticing book yet in the 70th anniversary run off Marvel has been churning out. A long forgotten character who makes his hay by slaughtering Nazi scum. The Punisher of World War II tears through the Nazi ranks like a bayonet through butter, as he quietly caries out his secret mission, tracking a reporter on a heavily armed train. But the tipping point for me is Arcudi, one of the most under appreciated writers in comics.

WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #17

Written by Peter David. Illustrated by Ronan Cliquet.

Among Wolverine’s many aliases is the mysterious man of mystery known as Patch. And here he is, with Kitty Pryde along for the ride!

X-FACTOR #46

Written by Peter David. Illustrated by Valentine De Landro.

This book is awesome! How awesome? Very awesome! It’s hands-down one of the best comic books being published by anyone right now, and you really, REALLY should be reading it!

DARK X-MEN: THE BEGINNING #1 & #2 (of 3)

Written by Paul Cornell, James Asmus, and others. Illustrated by Humberto Ramos, and others.

This three issue series spotlights the new Dark X-Men, featuring three characters in each issue. Who are the Dark X-Men, you ask? Well, just looking at the cover, there's Namor, Dark Wolverine, Emma Frost, Cloak & Dagger, and Mimic. Seems pretty obvious. The first two issues (out this month, with #3 wrapping it all up next month) showcase Emma Frost (that two-timing bitch), Mimic, Cloak & Dagger, Daken, Weapon X, and Dark Beast (how exactly is he still around from AGE OF APOCALYPSE?!?). This is a must for anyone reading Fraction’s kick-ass UNCANNY X-MEN run, or fans of DARK REIGN.

UNCANNY X-MEN #513

Written by Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Terry Dodson.

“Utopia” part 2. This issue picks up where last month’s DARK AVENGERS / UNCANNY X-MEN one-shot left off, and spins directly into this month’s issue of DARK AVENGERS.

UNCANNY X-MEN FIRST CLASS #1 (of 8)

Written by Scott Gray. Illustrated by Roger Cruz.

The first set of X-Men First Class books were utterly charming in the way they took a look at a more innocent time in the first X-Men’s lives. Expect more nostalgic greatness in a series that now takes a look at the second wave of X-Men, including Colossus, Wolverine, and the rest.

X-MEN LEGACY #226

Written by Mike Carey. Illustrated by Dustin Weaver.

Although not spinning directly out of the “Utopia” story in DARK AVENGERS & UNCANNY X-MEN, this issue ties-in closely, and also sets up the next stage of this excellent title.

MEPHISTO VS. PREMIERE HC

Written by Al Milgrom. Illustrated by John Buscema.

Before he went around undoing marriages, Mephisto took on Marvel’s top teams in epic clashes for the heroes’ souls. It’s the devil vs The Avengers, the Fantastic Four, The X-Men, and X-Factor.

SPIDER-MAN: SPIDER-MAN AND THE HUMAN TORCH HC

Written by Dan Slott. Illustrated by Ty Templeton.

There was a time when the Marvel U was uncluttered by Skrulls or Norman Osborne or Civil Wars. It was a time of lighthearted adventure and was the setting of one of the best dynamic duos this side of Batman and Robin: Spidey and Torch! Well, this book features some old school tales set in those years, sure to tug on anyone’s nostalgic heartstrings.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY JMS ULTIMATE COLLECTION BOOK ONE TPB

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Illustrated by John Romita Jr.

Many people look to JMS’ run on Amazing Spider-Man as one of the defining runs of this generation, and rightly so. Filled with stories ranging from the exploration of the spider totems to the special September 11 issue, this book is just the start of a truly epic adventure.

SPIDER-MAN NEWSPAPER STRIPS HC

Written by Stan Lee. Illustrated by John Romita Sr..

This is pure wonderfulness, and an absolute must for any Spidey-fan. Every single newspaper strip from 1977 through 1980, by the incomparable team of Stan Lee and John Romita Sr.!

BOWEN DESIGNS: THOR THE FROG GOD OF THUNDER MINI-BUST

C’mon! Thor, the Thunder-Frog! That’s awesome!!!

CLASSIC MARVEL FIGURINE COLLECTION

The Hobgoblin and Baron Zemo are added to the Marvel collection this month, with the added mega-special Uatu the Watcher!

DC SUPERHERO COLLECTION FIGURINE

This month sees Starfire, Martian Manhunter, Hitman, and Batgirl join the DC collection, as well as the special edition Gorilla Grodd (which looks SO cool!).

HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE SERIES 3 ACTION FIGURES

Based on the art of George Perez, this series brings us Aquaman’s foe Ocean Master, Brainiac, Plastic Man, and Superman. Relive the post-crisis 80’s folks!

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ACTION FIGURE BOX SET

Based on the art of Ed Benes, this box set of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and Green Lantern figures comes with an exclusive 48 page comic book!

STAR WARS: THE OFFICIAL STARSHIP AND VEHICLE COLLECTION

Just like the amazing Superhero collection magazines these fantastic technical guides relate the history and specifics of each Star Wars vessel and are accompanied by detailed models, starting this month with your favourites like Millennium Falcon and the X-Wing.

TRINITY BOOKENDS

Designed by Mark Bagley and sculpted by Dave Cortes, this is a great piece to own regardless of how you feel about the Trinity comic series. Wonder Woman and Superman form the end pieces of this set, with Batman standing on his own in a separate middle piece. Your bookshelf never looked cooler.

TURNY BURNY UGLYDOLL

Turny Burny are best friends and big time trouble makers, although they insist it’s all just a misunderstanding and that the trouble making is all being done by their doppelgangers from an alternate dimension! Do you ever get Déjà vu? Well Turny Burny insists every time you feel Déjà vu, there is a dimensional portal opening up somewhere! Are you ready to take sides? Pick your side with the Turny Burny Black & White Uglydoll or the Turny Burny Blue/Pink Uglydoll! Each color set comes in 4 plush sizes: 3”, 7”, 12”, and 24”!!!

UNI-FORMZ: GREEN LANTERN

First we saw Batman get the deformed treatment, followed by Superman. And now Green Lantern Hal Jordan gets the super-cool Uni-Formz style vinyl toys, with three different designs for you to collect.

WATCHMEN KUBRICKS AND BEARBRICKS

I, Kubrick Jesus hereby command you to add these extraordinary toys to your collection lest ye feel my mighty wrath!

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