----------------------------------------------------------------- THE COMIC BOOK NETWORK ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE Issue Number 519 4/15/2005 Edited by: David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com Winner of the 2001 EAGLE AWARD as FAVORITE COMICS E-ZINE! FREE VIA EMAIL SINCE FEBRUARY 1995 _________________________________________________________________ C O N T E N T S ------------------------------------------------------------------ [A] Submissions, mailing address, web page [1] On the Net .............................. David LeBlanc [2] Letters to the Editor ................... Your Page! [3] TRIVIA CONTEST .......................... Win *real* prizes! [4] Network Buzz ............................ News/gossip/rumors [5] Interviews: Ken Haeser, Chris Bunting ... Paul Dale Roberts [6] Lines on Paper .......................... Bruce Canwell [7] Suspended Animation ..................... Michael Vance & Mark Allen [8] Silva Shado Reviews ..................... Sarah Haslett [9] Rich's Reviews .......................... Richard Vasseur [10] M.O.E. Reviews .......................... Paul Dale Roberts [11] My View:PS238, DORK TOWER, DR. BLINK: SUPERHERO SHRINK, JERK THE RABBIT ...... David LeBlanc [12] New Comic Book Releases List ............ Charles LePage [13] HYPE! & LINKS Section ................... Various _________________________________________________________________ World Wide Web Home Page-->> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet Archived and mailed by Yahoo!: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ComicBookNetworkEmag ------------------------------------------------------------------ o \o/ _ o _| \ / |_ o_ \o/ o /|\ | /\ _\o \o | o/ O/_ /\ | /|\ / \ / \ |\ /) | ( \ /o\ / ) | (\ / | / \ / \ ------------------------------------------------------------------ The ComicBook Network started by Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden ------------------------------------------------------------------ If you wish to receive each issue automatically through your Email account, FREE, please send a message FROM that account TO: ComicBookNetworkEmag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UNSUBSCRIBE send a message FROM the account to be dropped TO: ComicBookNetworkEmag-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com See section [A] for the address to mail material to be reviewed. _________________________________________________________________ All text contained within is copyrighted to the originating author(s) and is used with permission. Except where elsewhere noted, The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine is Copyright 2005 by David L. LeBlanc. You may freely distribute or retransmit this file intact without alteration for noncommercial purposes only. Except for personal archiving, permission must be obtained from theindividual authors to reproduce, retransmit, or publish any part of this magazine. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors And do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Editor. _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [A] E-Mag Info: Submissions, Back Issues, Web Page SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc. to our Emag, simply Email it to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com You must include your REAL name and a valid Email address in order to be published in this Emag. Sorry, we do not accept anonymous columns. The weekly deadline is 7:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday - NO EXCEPTIONS! Late submissions are held over for the following week. Reviews of mainstream books are welcome and we encourage reviews of indies and self published material as we feel that material deserves more exposure to the general public. If you write intelligent, coherent, and timely reviews of any comic book it will almost always be printed, so give us a shot. Commentary on the state of the industry, and personal observations and reflections related to comics are *most* likely to be included in our publication. PLEASE, no material on gaming, non-comic derived media, role playing, collectible card games, Anime or other hobbies or collectibles other than comic books. That also includes plugs for web comics and web pages UNLESS they are concerned with print comic books. We do not promote web comics per se, only the printed media. SEND US YOUR WORK ----------------- We also accept product for review purposes. Advanced copies of comic books will not be returned but any comic books sent to us *will* be reviewed in the ComicBook Net Emag in the column MY VIEW. Send material to be reviewed to: David L. LeBlanc 84 Heather Circle Jefferson, MA 01522-1419 Material is generally reviewed in the order received and be advised that we work a few weeks in advance so your review may not be in the magazine immediately. Advanced copies are therefore encouraged so the review will occur prior to your product hitting the stores. THE Comic Book Net WEB PAGE http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet ---------------- If you have access to the World Wide Web, please stop by and visit our web page! On our web page, you can find the latest issue of our E-Mag, in both a text and a zipped version for fast downloading as well as back issues and an annotated index. You'll also find important links to some of the comic companies and creators' web pages and many other Comic Book related links! _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [1] On the Net David LeBlanc ComicBkNet@aol.com By this time next Monday I will be on a caribbean beach sipping an adult beverage from a tall glass with a little umbrella in it. Mrs. CBEM and I are escaping the chaos that is every day life for a few days. As a result, there will likely be no issue of the Emag next week. I have not decided. I will be back on Friday but it will depend on how much other stuff I have to get done that day. Normally the Emag is compiled over the week on a daily basis. Trying to get it all done in one day would be possible but it would be abbreviated and rushed, not something I prefer to put out there. I will at least send out a note if the regular issue is not coming out to keep our loyal fans from wondering if it is coming. We have lots to do to prepare for our trip and tomorrow is my day at the comic store. I thought I would take a look at the Eisner nominees since the list is out, but first check out this list, the new comics I like: DC COMICS DC Countdown To Infinite Crisis #1 Second Ptg, $1.99 JSA #72, $2.50 Fables #36, $2.50<-------------Pick of the week! JETPACK PRESS Johnny Raygun Quarterly #5, $2.95 MARVEL COMICS Exiles #62, $2.99 Ultimate X-Men #58, $2.25 Ultimates 2 #5, $2.99 X-Men The End Heroes And Martyrs #2 (Of 6), $2.99 PENNY FARTHING PRESS Captain Gravity And Power Of The Vril #4, $2.95 So look for the Eisner Nominees near the beginning of our news section. I am going to point out some of my favorites just for the heck of it. These are not predictions, just who I think is worth your time and certainly deserve the nomination: Best Single Issue Ex Machina #1: "The Pilot," by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Feister (WildStorm/DC) Global Frequency #12: "Harpoon," by Warren Ellis and Gene Ha (WildStorm/DC) Best Serialized Story Astonishing X-Men #1-6: "Gifted," by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday (Marvel) Ex Machina #2-5: "State of Emergency," by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Feister (WildStorm/DC) Fables #19-27: "March of the Wooden Soldiers," by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha (Vertigo/DC) Best Continuing Series Astonishing X-Men, by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday (Marvel) Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Fesiter (WildStorm/DC) Best Limited Series DC: The New Frontier, by Darwyn Cooke (DC) Wanted, by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones (Top Cow/Image) Best New Series Astonishing X-Men, by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday (Marvel) Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Fesiter (WildStorm/DC) Best Publication for a Younger Audience Amelia Rules!, (Renaissance Press) and Amelia Rules! What Makes Owly, by Andy Runton (Top Shelf) Best Digital Comic WHERE IS PVPONLINE??? Best Graphic Album-New Blacksad Book 2: Arctic Nation, by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (iBooks) Best Graphic Album-Reprint Age of Bronze: Sacrifice, by Eric Shanower (Image) Bone One Volume Edition, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books) The Book of Ballads, by Charles Vess and others (Tor) Best Archival Collection/Project The Complete Peanuts, edited by Gary Groth (Fantagraphics) Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material Barefoot Gen: A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima, vols. 1-2, by Keiji Nahazawa (Last Gasp) Blacksad Book 2: Arctic Nation, by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (iBooks) Best Writer Joss Whedon, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel) Bill Willingham, Fables (Vertigo/DC) Best Writer/Artist Paul Chadwick, Concrete: The Human Dilemma (Dark Horse) Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team John Cassaday, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel); Planetary (WildStorm/DC); I Am Legion: The Dancing Faun (Humanoids/DC) Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art) Juanjo Guarnido, Blacksad, Book 2: Arctic Nation (iBooks) Best Coloring Laura Martin, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel); Ministry of Space (Image); Planetary (WildStorm/DC); I Am Legion: The Dancing Faun (Humanoids/DC) J. D. Mettler, Ex Machina (WildStorm/DC) Dave Stewart, Daredevil, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Six, Captain America (Marvel); Conan, BPRD (Dark Horse)l DC: The New Frontier (DC) Best Lettering Todd Klein, Promethea; Tom Strong; Tom Strong's Terrific Tales (ABC); Wonder Woman (DC); Books of Magick: Life During Wartime; Fables; WE3 (Vertigo/DC); Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse) Best Cover Artist James Jean, Fables (Vertigo/DC); Green Arrow, Batgirl (DC) Michael Turner, Identity Crisis (DC) Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition Raina Telgemeier ("Smile," Takeout)<--Check out the letter page! Best Comics-Related Periodical Indy Magazine online (www.indyworld.com), edited by Bill Kartalopoulos (Alternative) Hall of Fame Judges' Choices: Lou Fine; Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo Four will be selected from: Gene Colan Robert Kanigher William Moulton Marston Frank Robbins That is it. If you are offended by who I left out it is because I don't read everything and can't judge it all. I hope your favorites made the list. It is an honor to be on it. See you next time. David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com Editor The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [2] Letters to the Editor If you want to comment on this or any previous issue, want to offer something for us to publish, or just want to shamelessly suck up to the editor to try and get your name in print send Email to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Note: Letters of comment, including those sent to the columnists, may be used in future issues of CBEM unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Your Email address and/or name will be withheld upon request. +++++ Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 12:29:15 -0700 (PDT) From: raina telgemeier goraina@yahoo.com Subject: EISNER SMILE. hello everyone, just popping in to happily announce that i am nominated for an Eisner Award in the category of "Talent Deserving Wider Recognition!" The full list of nominees is here: http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/05_eisner_nominations_rel eased/ ...and for those who don't know, the award ceremony is held in july, at comic-con in san diego. i'm very excited! i'll be working hard till then on lots of cool things! anyway, just wanted to share. ~raina http://www.goRaina.com http://www.GirlAMatic.com [Go see Raina's online strip SMILE at the above link. It is the way a strip should be done, and lots of fun. - D.L.] +++++ From: "bcrog@juno.com" Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 16:48:00 GMT To: ComicBookNetworkEmag-owner@yahoogroups.com Subject: BCR Guide to the DCU Hello everybody! The deadline is coming down to the barewire. I go to print in a little over 2 weeks & I have to have at least 100 pre-orders to make it happen. The Brent Clark Rogers Guide to the DC Universe 6th Edition contains the first appearance of several thousand characters from the past 70 years. It also has every planet, extraterrestrial race, teams & groups and the new "Families" section. Also a complete bibliography, listing every DC title that has been in DCU continuity from the very beginning. Cost is $40.00 each plus $6.00 P&H. check or money-order. For more information; please e-mail me at BCROG@juno.com Have fun & talk to you soon, Brent Clark Rogers _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [3] [TRIVIA CONTEST] Due to costs, customs regulations, and logistical difficulties: THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF THE CONTIGUOUS 48 U.S.STATES! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A U.S. ADDRESS DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WIN THE PRIZE. THE FIRST PLACE TO FIND THE EMAG EACH WEEK IS ON OUR HOME PAGE! IF YOU ARE DESPERATE TO WIN THE TRIVIA, GO THERE FIRST ON FRIDAY NIGHT! http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet QUESTION OF THE WEEK Prizes donated by Discount Comic Book Service at www.dcbservice.com where you can order most DC, Marvel, Image, and Dark Horse comics, statues and retail products for 35% off. Submit your own trivia and win the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm) if you can stump the readers! You MUST submit the correct answer with your question. LAST ISSUE'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What was the original family name of Alfred, Batman's butler? When first introduced it was not Pennyworth but Beagle. I think they made the right decision changing it. So does Jeffrey Sampogna who is this week's winner. He gets Hulk Visionaries: Peter David Vol 1 TP from Discount Comic Book Service. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Another non-comic question: What connection do the first names of all the Beatles have to British Royalty? IMPORTANT RULES NOTICE Due to costs, customs regulations, and logistical difficulties: THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF THE CONTIGUOUS 48 U.S. STATES! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A U.S. ADDRESS DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WIN THE PRIZE. Email your guess to ComicBkNet@aol.com or just REPLY to the message if you read the Emag in your mail. DO NOT quote the entire message! You MUST allow mail from ComicBkNet@aol.com to be notified if you win. The first correct answer to reach the editor wins the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm). The editor will be the sole judge as to which guess arrived first! Messages with more than one guess will be disqualified. Winners will forfeit their prize if the Email notification is not accepted from ComicBkNet@aol.com LIMIT: ONLY ONE PRIZE every 4 weeks PER PERSON! _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [4] Network Buzz News, gossip and rumors from the industry 2005 EISNER NOMINEES NAMED Vaughan, Ex Machina Garner Most Nominations for 2005 Eisners Writer Brian K. Vaughan tops the list of nominees for the 2005 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards with seven nominations for his work. Five of the nominations are for his new series from WildStorm, Ex Machina, in which an ex-superhero becomes mayor of New York City (Best New Series, Continuing Series, Single Issue, Serialized Story), while two are for the longer-running Vertigo series Y: The Last Man (Continuing Series, Serialized Story). Vaughan is nominated for Best Writer, while Ex Machina also received a nod for Best Coloring (by J. D. Mettler). The art team on Ex Machina, Tony Harris and Tom Feister, share four nominations. Close behind Vaughan with five nominations is Kyle Baker-although three are competing against each other: Best Humor Publication for Plastic Man, Kyle Baker Cartoonist, and the graphic novel Birth of a Nation. Baker is also up for Best Title for a Younger Audience for Plastic Man, as well for Best Writer-Artist-Humor. Also tapped for five nominations is John Cassady, cited for Best Penciller/Inker on both Astonishing X-Men and Planetary. Astonishing X-Men is nominated for Best Serialized Story, New Series, and Continuing Series, while Planetary is up for Best Serialized Story. Astonishing's writer, Joss Whedon, is also nominated for Best Writer, giving him four total nods. Two other creators have four nominations: Eric Powell for The Goon (Best Single Issue, Continuing Series, Humor Publication, and Writer/Artist-Humor) and Stan Sakai (Best Writer/Artist and Lettering for Usagi Yojimbo; Best Comics-Related Book and Publication Design for The Art of Usagi Yojimbo). Chris Ware is up for three awards for McSweeney's Quarterly #13: Best Short Story, Anthology, and Publication Design. He is also the topic of the Best Comics-Related Publication nominee: Chris Ware, by Dan Raeburn. Other creators with three nominations are Frank Quitely for WE3 (Best Limited Series, Penciller/Inker, Cover Artist); Seth (Best Graphic Album-Reprint and Best Publication Design for Clyde's Fans vol. 1 and Publication Design for The Complete Peanuts); and Juanjo Guarnido for Blacksad Book 2 (Best Graphic Album-New, Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material, and Best Painter). Creators with two nominations each include Geof Darrow, Dan Clowes, Warren Ellis, Pia Guerra/Jose Marzan Jr., Troy Hickman, Teddy Kristiansen, David Lapham, Steve Niles, Johnny Ryan, art spiegelman, Ben Templesmith, Doug TenNapel, Craig Thompson, Brian Wood/Becky Cloonan, and Michael Zulli. DC and its various imprints racked up the most company nominations, with 22 full nominations and shares of several others. The nominations for Ex Machina and Planetary give DC's WildStorm imprint 7 full nominations, while DC's Vertigo line has 11 full nominations, including multiples for Y the Last Man, Fables, WE3, and the graphic novel It's a Bird. Dark Horse, boosted by the four mentions each for Powell and Sakai, has 16 full nods plus several partial ones. Image did well with 10 nominations, including two each for Doug TenNapel's graphic novel Tommysaurus Rex and the Troy Hickman anthology Common Grounds. Next among the publishers is Fantagraphics with eight nominations, including two each for Dan Clowes (Eightball), Johnny Ryan (Angry Youth Comix), and The Complete Peanuts. The nominations for Astonishing X-Men give Marvel five-plus nods, while the Wachowski Brothers' new company, Burlyman, snagged five nominations (three for Geof Darrow's Shaolin Cowboy). Mainstream publisher Pantheon has four nominations (two for art spiegelman's In the Shadow of No Towers), followed close behind with three- plus mentions each for IDW (led by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith's 30 Days of Nights: Return to Barrow), Top Shelf, and iBooks (three of them for Blacksad Book 2). McSweeney's and Drawn & Quarterly each have three nominations. The remaining nominations are scattered among 22 other publishers. This year's judges added a new category, Best Digital Comic, for which they nominated six webcomics: Steve Bryant's Athena Voltaire, Peter Branting's Bento & Starchky, Kazu's Copper, Les McClaine's Jonny Crossbones, Brian Fies's Mom's Cancer, and Matt Forsythe's ojingogo. In the Hall of Fame category, the judges' choices for 2005 are Golden Age artist Lou Fine and the creators of Asterix: Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. A complete list of the 2005 nominations is provided below. The panel of judges consisted of writers Tom McLean (Variety, "Bags 'n' Boards" blog) and Tom Russo (Entertainment Weekly, Premiere); retailer Gib Bickel (The Laughing Ogre, Columbus, Ohio); graphic novel librarian and reviewer Kat Kan; and cartoonist/webmaster Steve Conley (Astounding Space Thrills, comicon.com). Ballots will be going out in late April to comics creators, editors, publishers, and retailers. The results will be announced in a gala awards ceremony on the evening of Friday, July 18 in Ballroom 20 at the San Diego Convention Center. The ceremony will be dedicated to the late Will Eisner and will feature several tributes to the man in whose name the awards are given. Sponsors for the 2005 Eisners include mycomicshop.com (major sponsor), Diamond Comics Distributors and Quebecor Printing (principal sponsors), and Alternate Reality, Atlantis Fantasyworld, Comics Unlimited, Flying Colors, Comic Relief-The Comic Bookstore, and Star*Reach (supporting sponsors). The Eisner Awards are presented under the auspices of Comic-Con International, San Diego, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms. primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of comics to art and culture. Jackie Estrada has been administrator of the Awards since 1990. She can be reached at jackiee@mindspring.com. More information about the Eisner Awards can be found at www.comic-con.org. MASTER NOMINEE LIST, 2005 Eisner Awards Best Short Story "Eve O' Twins," by Craig Thompson, in Rosetta 2 (Alternative) "Glenn Ganges: Jeepers Jacobs," by Kevin Huizenga, in Kramer's Ergot 5 (Gingko Press) "God" (story on wrap-around dust jacket) by Chris Ware, in McSweeney's Quarterly #13 (McSweeney's) "The Price," by Neil Gaiman and Michael Zulli, in Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse Books) "Unfamiliar," by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson, in The Dark Horse Book of Witchcraft (Dark Horse Books) "Where Monsters Dine," by Troy Hickman, Angel Medina, and Jon Holdredge, in Common Grounds #5 (Top Cow/Image) Best Single Issue (or One-Shot) Demo #7: "One Shot, Don't Miss," by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan (AiT/Planet Lar) Eightball #23: "The Death Ray," by Dan Clowes (Fantagraphics) Ex Machina #1: "The Pilot," by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Feister (WildStorm/DC) Global Frequency #12: "Harpoon," by Warren Ellis and Gene Ha (WildStorm/DC) The Goon #6: "Ilagarto Hombre!," by Eric Powell (Dark Horse) Best Serialized Story Astonishing X-Men #1-6: "Gifted," by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday (Marvel) Ex Machina #2-5: "State of Emergency," by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Feister (WildStorm/DC) Fables #19-27: "March of the Wooden Soldiers," by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha (Vertigo/DC) Planetary #19-20: "Mystery in Space/Rendezvous," by Warren Ellis and John Cassaday (WildStorm/DC) Y: The Last Man #18-20: "Safeword," by Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra, and Jose Marzan Jr. (Vertigo/DC) Best Continuing Series Astonishing X-Men, by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday (Marvel) Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Fesiter (WildStorm/DC) The Goon, by Eric Powell (Dark Horse) Stray Bullets, by David Lapham (El Capitan) Y: The Last Man, by Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra, and Jose Marzan Jr. (Vertigo/DC) Best Limited Series DC: The New Frontier, by Darwyn Cooke (DC) Demo, by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan (AiT/Planet Lar) 30 Days of Night: Return to Barrow, by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith (IDW) WE3, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (Vertigo/DC) Wanted, by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones (Top Cow/Image) Best New Series Astonishing X-Men, by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday (Marvel) Doc Frankenstein, by the Wachowski Brothers and Steve Scroce (Burlyman) Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Fesiter (WildStorm/DC) The Shaolin Cowboy, by Geof Darrow (Burlyman) Best Publication for a Younger Audience Amelia Rules!, (Renaissance Press) and Amelia Rules! What Makes You Happy (iBooks) by Jimmy Gownley Courtney Crumrin in the Twilight Kingdom, by Ted Naifeh (Oni) Owly, by Andy Runton (Top Shelf) Plastic Man, by Kyle Baker and Scott Morse (DC) Tommysaurus Rex, by Doug TenNapel (Image) Best Humor Publication Angry Youth Comix, by Johnny Ryan (Fantagraphics) Birth of a Nation, by Aaron McGruder, Reginald Hudlin, and Kyle Baker (Crown) The Goon, by Eric Powell (Dark Horse) Kyle Baker, Cartoonist, by Kyle Baker (Kyle Baker Publishing) Plastic Man, by Kyle Baker and Scott Morse (DC) Best Anthology Common Grounds, by Troy Hickman and others, edited by Jim McLauchlin (Top Cow/Image) The Dark Horse Book of Witchcraft, edited by Scott Allie (Dark Horse Books) The Matrix Comics, vol. 2, edited by Spencer Lamm (Burlyman) McSweeney's Quarterly #13, edited by Chris Ware (McSweeney's) Michael Chabon Presents The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist, edited by Diana Schutz and David Land (Dark Horse) Best Digital Comic Athena Voltaire, by Steve Bryant www.athenavoltaire.com Bento & Starchky, by zer0 (Peter Branting) http://www.noapologiespress.com/zer0comics/bento.htm Copper, by Kazu www.boltcity.com/copper_home.htm Jonny Crossbones, by Les McClaine www.evilspacerobot.com/comics/jonnycrossbones/index.htm Mom's Cancer, by Brian Fies www.momscancer.com/eisner.htm ojingogo, by matt forsythe www.comingupforair.net/comics/ojingogo.html Best Graphic Album-New Blacksad Book 2: Arctic Nation, by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (iBooks) It's a Bird . . ., by Steven T. Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen (Vertigo/DC) The Originals, by Dave Gibbons (Vertigo/DC) Suspended in Language, by Jim Ottaviani and Leland Purvis (GT Labs) Tommysaurus Rex, by Doug TenNapel (Image) Best Graphic Album-Reprint Age of Bronze: Sacrifice, by Eric Shanower (Image) Bone One Volume Edition, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books) The Book of Ballads, by Charles Vess and others (Tor) Clyde Fans, by Seth (Drawn & Quarterly) In the Shadow of No Towers, by art spiegelman (Pantheon) Locas, by Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics) Best Archival Collection/Project The Complete Cartoons of the New Yorker, edited by Robert Mankoff (Black Dog & Leventhal) The Complete Peanuts, edited by Gary Groth (Fantagraphics) DC Comics Rarities Archives, vol. 1, edited by Dale Crain (DC) Krazy and Ignatz, edited by Bill Blackbeard and Derya Ataker (Fantagraphics) Russ Manning's Magnus, Robot Fighter, vol. 1, edited by Katie Moody, Mike Carriglitto, and David Land (Dark Horse Books) Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material Barefoot Gen: A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima, vols. 1-2, by Keiji Nahazawa (Last Gasp) Blacksad Book 2: Arctic Nation, by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (iBooks) Buddha, vols. 3-4 by Osamu Tezuka (Vertical) Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon) Tokyo Tribes, by Santa Inoue (TOKYOPOP) Best Writer Steve Niles, 30 Days of Night: Return to Barrow; 30Days of Night: Bloodsucker Tales; Aleister Arcane (IDW); Freaks of the Heartland; Last Train to Deadsville (Dark Horse) Greg Rucka, Queen & Country (Oni); Gotham Central (DC) Brian K. Vaughan, Y: The Last Man (Vertigo/DC); Ex Machina (WildStorm/DC); Runaways (Marvel) Joss Whedon, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel) Bill Willingham, Fables (Vertigo/DC) Best Writer/Artist Paul Chadwick, Concrete: The Human Dilemma (Dark Horse) Dan Clowes, Eightball #23 (Fantagraphics) David Lapham, Stray Bullets (El Capitan) Stan Sakai, Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse) Adrian Tomine, Optic Nerve #9 (Drawn & Quarterly) Best Writer/Artist-Humor Kyle Baker, Plastic Man (DC); Kyle Baker, Cartoonist (Kyle Baker Publishing) Phil Foglio, Girl Genius (Airship Entertainment) Scott Kurtz, PvP (Image) Eric Powell, The Goon (Dark Horse) Johnny Ryan, Angry Youth Comix (Fantagraphics) Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team Charles Adlard, The Walking Dead (Image) John Cassaday, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel); Planetary (WildStorm/DC); I Am Legion: The Dancing Faun (Humanoids/DC) Geof Darrow, Shaolin Cowboy (Burlyman) Cary Nord/Thomas Yeates, Conan (Dark Horse) Frank Quitely, WE3 (Vertigo/DC) Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art) Juanjo Guarnido, Blacksad, Book 2: Arctic Nation (iBooks) Teddy Kristiansen, It's a Bird . . . (Vertigo/DC) David Mack, Kabuki (Marvel) Ben Templesmith, 30 Days of Night: Return to Barrow (IDW) Michael Zulli, Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse Books) Best Coloring Peter Doherty, Shaolin Cowboy (Burlyman) Steven Griffen, Hawaiian Dick: The Last Resort (Image) Laura Martin, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel); Ministry of Space (Image); Planetary (WildStorm/DC); I Am Legion: The Dancing Faun (Humanoids/DC) J. D. Mettler, Ex Machina (WildStorm/DC) Dave Stewart, Daredevil, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Six, Captain America (Marvel); Conan, BPRD (Dark Horse)l DC: The New Frontier (DC) Best Lettering Todd Klein, Promethea; Tom Strong; Tom Strong's Terrific Tales (ABC); Wonder Woman (DC); Books of Magick: Life During Wartime; Fables; WE3 (Vertigo/DC); Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse) Stan Sakai, Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse) Dave Sim, Cerebus (Aardvark Vanaheim) Craig Thompson, Carnet de Voyage (Top Shelf); "Eve O' Twins" in Rosetta 2 (Alternative) Best Cover Artist Kieron Dwyer, Remains (IDW) James Jean, Fables (Vertigo/DC); Green Arrow, Batgirl (DC) Tony Moore, The Walking Dead (Image) Frank Quitely, Bite Club; WE3 (Vertigo/DC) Michael Turner, Identity Crisis (DC) Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition Frank Cammuso (Max Hamm, Fairy Tale Detective) Bosch Fawstin (Table for One) Matt Kindt (Two Sisters; Pistolwhip) Sean McKeever (A Waiting Place; Mary Jane; Inhumans; Sentinels) Raina Telgemeier ("Smile," Takeout) Best Comics-Related Periodical Comic Art, edited by M. Todd Hignite (Comic Art) Comic Book Artist, edited by Jon B. Cooke (Top Shelf) Draw!, edited by Mike Manley (TwoMorrows) Indy Magazine online (www.indyworld.com), edited by Bill Kartalopoulos (Alternative) Best Comics-Related Book The Art of Usagi Yojimbo, by Stan Sakai (Dark Horse Books) Chris Ware, by Daniel Raeburn (Monographics/Yale University Press) Give Our Regards to the Atom Smashers, edited by Sean Howe (Pantheon) Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book, by Gerard Jones (Basic Books) Strangers in Paradise Treasury Edition, by Terry Moore (HarperCollins Perennial) Best Publication Design The Art of Usagi Yojimbo, designed by Cary Grazzini (Dark Horse Books) Clyde's Fans, designed by Seth (Drawn & Quarterly) The Complete Peanuts, designed by Seth (Fantagraphics) In the Shadow of No Towers, designed by art spiegelman (Pantheon) McSweeney's Quarterly #13, designed by Chris Ware (McSweeney's) Hall of Fame Judges' Choices: Lou Fine; Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo Four will be selected from: Matt Baker Wayne Boring Nick Cardy Yves Chaland Gene Colan Johnny Craig Reed Crandall Floyd Gottfredson Frank Hampson Graham Ingels Robert Kanigher William Moulton Marston Hugo Pratt Frank Robbins +++++ Surprise APE & SPACE Advance of The Lone and Level Sands Washington, DC - April 10, 2005. Caption Box brought a surprise to San Francisco's Alternative Press Expo (APE) this weekend by providing advance copies of its new LONE AND LEVEL SANDS graphic novel ahead of its official public release in comic stores nationwide at month's end. Co-creator & artist mpMann sold early copies to the eager West Coast crowd, with writer A. David Lewis expected to make additional prerelease copies available in Columbus, OH at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE) next weekend. Myth, history, and civilizations clash as the story of Moses and Ramses is stripped of mysticism and told as the tale of a royal family at a legendary crossroads. Caption Box's 160-page, digest- sized graphic novel also features a foreword by Ben Towle, Eisner-nominee for FAREWELL, GEORGIA, and has been praised by VARIETY Special Editions Editor Tom McLean as a work in which "those who are intimately familiar with the Bible and those who aren't will both find something to like." THE LONE AND LEVEL SANDS is still available for reorder through both Diamond Comic Distributors under item code FEB052673 as well as Cold Cut Comics Distribution. The book is priced at $9.95 USD and listed under ISBN 0-9765811-0-8. Links: THE LONE AND LEVEL SANDS: http://www.LoneAndLevelSands.com Caption Box: http://www.captionbox.net Alternative Press Expo (APE): http://www.comic-con.org/ape/ Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE): http://backporchcomics.com/space.htm Ben Towle: http://www.trainedchimp.com NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Both high- and low-resolution images for this article are available for download at: http://www.captionbox.net/images_media Additionally, Caption Box welcomes interview opportunities for any of its collaborators; please contact rmulla@captionbox.net with any interest. +++++ Announcing Boychild productions third book: 'BEAUTIFUL THINGS' (out NOW in Diamond April Previews magazine) Our BEAUTIFUL THINGS book is poetic short stories in comic book form. It is an unusual literary book, all the 'poem-comics' are written by Sean Michael Wilson (of 'Angel of the woods', and 'Manga mover' books) and drawn by various artists from several countries, including Neill Cameron, Pedro Belushi and Juan Chavarriga. Expressionistic, intimate, sensual, obscure, ...These comics are like lightening flashes in that we only see part of a situation or mood for a brief time, then its gone, leaving us wondering. Its comic book influences include Alan Moore, Adrian Tomine, Chris Reynolds, as well as the writings of Kafka and Borges. "These poem-comics and short stories intrigue and delight... they are such eloquent and emotional, precisely written pieces, each offering a snapshot of a moment, ushering the reader into a private world... it conjures a deeply moving book that opens up the possibilities of graphic literature." - Ian Murphy, Comics International writer. High quality US Graphic novel format, 60 pages, perfect bound. $13.99 US/?7.99 UK. ISBN: 0-9546596-1-9 Available from Diamond distributors April Previews catalogue, page 272, order code: APR052731 (www.diamondcomics.com) or Cold cut/FM int. - also probably Redroute distribution and Smallzone (www.smallzone.co.uk) in the UK. Or direct from boychild productions website - at a reduced price. More about BEAUTIFUL THINGS and our other two book 'Angel of the woods' and 'Manga mover' can be seen at: www.boychildproductions.co.uk Sean Michael Wilson, boychild productions, www.boychildproductions.co.uk 60a Lansdowne Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3PQ, UK. (+44) 0208 460 4336 +++++ OPEN BOOK PRESS SUPPORTS FOOD FOR LEARNING Tiverton, Ontario, Canada, April 12th, 2005 - Rising publisher Open Book Press, based in Tiverton, Ontario and Bayville, New Jersey, is adding another great community charity to the list of organizations that they sponsor and support. This time Open Book Press is supporting Grey/Bruce Eat and Learn, a charity that provides breakfasts and meals to children who otherwise may not get those meals on their own. Open Book Press is helping by donating money, as well as sponsoring a special event show for kids featuring the popular Avril Lavigne tribute performer known as "SK8TER GIRL". Proceeds from the show go towards continuing to fund the Grey/Bruce Eat and Learn school breakfast program. Grey/Bruce Eat and Learn is holding the "SK8TER GIRL" concert on Sunday, April 24th at 2:00 PM at the Kincardine Secondary School. For more information about how you can help sponsor the show or the Grey/Bruce Eat and Learn program please contact Program Coordinator Bev Gateman at 519-364-7072 or P.O. Box 135 Kincardine, ON, Canada, N2Z 2Y6 Open Book Press will be announcing further updates on the show as they become available. More details and future updates can be found at our newly re-designed website at: www.openbookpress.com +++++ Shuck is back! SHUCK THE SULFURSTAR #1, the new Shuck series by Rick Smith and Tania Menesse, will debut at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (S.P.A.C.E.) on April 16, 2005! We're printing early so we can attend this show and get the word out on the new Shuck series. The book will appear in Diamond's Previews catalog in May and will be on store shelves in July. SHUCK THE SULFURSTAR is a comic book about Shuck, a devil retired in a small town, trying to stay out of trouble and fathom what his long life was all about. Along the way, the troubles of the Nether attempt to pull him back into the fray he'd rather leave behind. SHUCK THE SULFURSTAR #1: 'Millennial Manacles' Forced into retirement by the seraphs on high during a theater performance of adumbratory significance, Shuck hits the road looking for a new life, knowing that he'll be pulled back into the troubles of Hell soon enough. Thursday Friday, her mother Hedge, the creeches, and other characters join Shuck in the revelry! Preview pages of SHUCK THE SULFURSTAR #1: 'Millennial Manacles' can be viewed here: http://www.sulfurstar.com/catalog/shuck_sulfurstar_1.php. Shuck's website is http://www.sulfurstar.com. First seen in SHUCK COMICS and then in the Top Shelf trade paperback SHUCK UNMASKED, Shuck stories have been described as charming and whimsical folklore. Reviews of Shuck books by critical luminaries like Randy Lander and Don MacPherson of The Fourth Rail, Johanna Draper Carlson of Comics Worth Reading and others can be read here: http://www.sulfurstar.com/reviews/index.php. Enjoyed by Dave Sim (Cerebus) and Jeff Smith (Bone) - among other comics creators - Shuck is ready to deliver! SHUCK THE SULFURSTAR will be a bimonthly series. Rick Smith and Tania Menesse are available for interviews; contact them at rick_smith@sulfurstar.com. Thanks for reading - Rick Smith rick_smith@sulfurstar.com http://www.sulfurstar.com +++++ Students of the Unusual to re-launch for sophomore year! In July 2005, the critically acclaimed and decidedly different horror anthology "Students of the Unusual" will start its second year of publication as "Students of the Unusual the New Semester" #1. Here's what others have had to say about "Students of the Unusual" "Clearly at the head of the class"- www.thecomicfanatic.com "Strange, bizarre, and twisted little tales"- www.comixview.com "It has the best art of the bunch and an ironic ending straight out of Tales from the Crypt"- Comics Buyer's Guide "A horror anthology aimed at not only scaring or twisting the reader but also educating them about arcane and, often, obscure facts and legends." -JP Dorigo Komic Sutra, Brokenfrontier.com "The indie-est damn book in the shop" -Jason Schachat Fanboy Planet "A bright spot in the independent comic publishing world" -Andy Lalino Oddservations -------------- Publisher Terry Cronin of 3 Boys Productions says that "this new issue will be the perfect jumping on point for new readers. Basically all the dominoes have been set-up in the first year and now they will begin to fall into place as the spiritual vortex brings together the "armies of good and evil" for an unforgettable confrontation." The horror anthology has featured the works of multiple artists like Jorge Alderete, Arnold Arre, Poly Bernatene, Dennis Brown, Sarah Lynn Brown, Sergio Cariello, Chema, Luis Diaz, Austin Janowsky, Jennifer Janviere, Rob Jones, Julia Lichty aka ghostfire, Dove McHargue, Steve Mack, Andrew Skwish, Tim Stiles, Michael Tyson, & Michael Youngblood. The stories often showcase bizarre legends like "Uncle Pat and his Homeless Tales of Terror" illustrated by Jorge Calamato and Gary Scott Beatty as well as the continuing adventures of Recalcitrant Jones and his band of zombie rock icons --"the Dead Beats" illustrated by J Chris Campbell (Project Superior, ZigZag). Students of the Unusual will be making the convention circuit and writers Dom Coric, Terry Cronin, and Pat Martin are particularly looking forward to Heroes Con in Charlotte and, of course, Comic- Con International in San Diego. Stop by and say "howdy"! Students of the Unusual is a bi-monthly full-color comic and more information is available at their website at www.studentsoftheunusual.com +++++ ARTIST TYLER KIRKHAM SIGNS THREE-YEAR EXCLUSIVE WITH TOP COW Artist Tyler Kirkham (Darkness/Superman, Strykeforce) has signed a three-year exclusive contract to work for Top Cow Productions. Currently, Kirkham is working on a one-shot of The Tenth due out in June, and V.I.C.E. with writer Aaron Coleite, a new ongoing series which is slated to be released in late 2005. Originally hailing from Utah, Kirkham and his wife moved to Los Angeles to work under Top Cow founder and artist Marc Silvestri. "I'm really happy to have this opportunity to work in the studio with Marc and all the other artists," said Kirkham. "It's great to find an environment like this, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming projects, especially V.I.C.E. It's great to be collaborating with Marc on the character designs and everything, and I'm looking forward to this ongoing book." "Tyler's growth as an artist over the past year has been monumental," said Top Cow Editor-in-Chief Jim McLauchlin. "Every project he's done has been a step up from the last, and there's still no end in sight. I think Tyler's work on The Tenth and V.I.C.E. will really put him on the map. He's one of the great rising talents in comics today." Top Cow was founded in December of 1992 and currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and 2 licensed) in the industry's Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise Witchblade was TNT's #1 original film of 2000. Virtually all of Top Cow's other properties are in development as feature films, live action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, video games and role playing games. +++++ NBA Superstar LeBron James Teams Up With POWERade and DC Comics to Bring His Super Heroics to the Web ATLANTA, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- POWERade and DC Comics unveil today a Web "first": the first of four new online comics starring LeBron James as "King James," the world's newest superhero. Each POWERade online comic available at http://www.flava23.com features LeBron drawn by a dynamic DC Comics art team -- uniting one of the NBA's hottest talents with the coolest talents in comic books. The POWERade online comic translates still comic book pages into animated Flash pages that use LeBron's voice, audio clips and interactivity to create a dramatic, serialized story. The first online comic, "The Offer," features all new content written by Ron Perazza with art by fan favorite comic book artist Rick Leonardi (Batgirl). The first 12-screen Webisode of "The Offer" will premier on April 13, with an additional Webisode rolling out each week for five weeks. The Website also will feature a "Hack the Hetairia" game and instant-win Sweepstakes. Prizes include a trip to New York for the winner to be drawn into a future issue of a "King James" comic book. POWERade and DC Comics first created LeBron's King James superhero persona last summer in the popular DC Comic, "King James." At 20 years old, LeBron James has already achieved many "firsts": first "prep to pro" player to score 25 points in his pro debut; youngest player to score 56 points in a game; youngest player to score 1,000 career points; the first superstar athlete to create his own sports drink flavor -- POWERade FLAVA23. Now he's the first superstar comic book hero to bring his game to the courts and the Web. "Extending LeBron's super hero exploits to the Web was a natural progression for POWERade," said Mary Herrera, Director of Marketing for Sports & Energy Drinks in North America. "These online comics demonstrate the non- traditional approach the POWERade brand takes to sports and marketing -- challenging convention and anticipating consumer interest." POWERade will support the online comic launch with a highly targeted digital campaign. DC Comics will support with a trade ad in SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL on April 18 and advertisements in DC Comics' monthly comic books in May 2005. "LeBron James is one of the most popular and charismatic players in the league today. To satisfy demand for the "King James" comic book, DC Comics printed over three million copies for what was the most expansive sports- related custom comic book we have ever created," said David McKillips, Vice President, Advertising & Custom Publishing, DC Comics. "Now the POWERade online comics allow us to expand on that audience, while continuing the adventure and introducing King James' fans to the exciting DC Comics' storytelling of creators like Rick Leonardi, Shawn Martinborough, and Yanick Paquette." POWERade FLAVA23 is the first sports drink flavor to be created by a professional athlete. LeBron introduced his first version, POWERade FLAVA23 SourBerry, in 2004. POWERade is a brand of The Coca-Cola Company, the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca- Cola Company, please visit our website at www.coca-cola.com . DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English- language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live- action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com +++++ PHIL HESTER AND JOHN MCCREAS' ATHEIST SET TO HIT STORES First Issue from Desperado Publishing Due for Release April 13 April 12, 2005, Atlanta, GA - April 13 marks the official release date of the first issue of the new Desperado Publishing series, The Atheist, written by Phil Hester and featuring art by John McCrea. Published through Image Comics, The Atheist #1 is the first issue of an ongoing, bi-monthly black and white series. Series creator Phil Hester describes his series this way: "Antoine Sharpe is called the Atheist by his fellow employees in the office of the undersecretary of defense for emergent technology, a government team of debunkers. He couldn't give a fig about belief or lack thereof, but his teammates can't get a handle on his relentless skepticism and tag him such. "The first story arc - "Incarnate" - is about how Sharpe reacts to the first case he can't debunk. It concerns possession, a far- fetched concept, but the case studies Sharpe encounters prove unimpeachable. The possessed haven't been taken over by demons, but by the souls of the dearly departed wishing one more spin in a human body. The dead long to party and they're coming back by the thousands. They don't want to eat brains, but do Jell-o shots and get laid in an intense bacchanalia of fast living, leaving burned out husks behind. "Sharpe sets out to prove the menace has an earthly origin, but supernatural or not, it's a crisis that threatens to swallow civilization whole." Retailers can reorder copies of the first issue of The Atheist as well as place an order for issue #2 through Diamond by using these order codes: The Atheist #1: DEC041513 The Atheist #2: FEB051583 "The Atheist is a vehicle for exploring some offbeat horror and science fiction concepts that don't easily fit into a mainstream comic," Hester said. "I'm trying to introduce a character that doesn't necessarily have an appealing demeanor, but a voracious and uncompromising logic that lets him cut through any problem like a scalpel. A badass Dr. Who. If none of that interests you, at least come check out John McCrea's pretty pictures. He's trotted out a new style that will surprise and please a lot of readers." To learn more about The Atheist and other Desperado Publishing series, log onto: http://www.desperadopublishing.com/ +++++ TOP ARTISTS BREAK NEW GROUND WITH CHARACTER-DRIVEN MUSIC TRACKS FOR ACTIVISION'S FANTASTIC FOUR VIDEO GAME Taking Back Sunday, Jurassic 5, The Explosion and Go Betty Go Create Original Songs That Echo Unique Characteristics of Fantastic Four Super Heroes Santa Monica, CA - April 14, 2005 - For the first time ever, four popular bands have written and recorded original tracks specifically for the lead characters in a video game. The songs will debut in four character-specific trailers that will be released online in April and May, and will be included as unlockable bonus content in Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) upcoming Fantastic Four game, which is slated to ship this summer. The songs echo the distinctive personalities and special powers of each of the Fantastic Four Super Heroes. Chart topping modern rock band, Taking Back Sunday, lead the team with "Error Operator" for Mr. Fantastic; hip-hop veterans, Jurassic 5, rock out "Clobberin' Time" for The Thing; punk-rock up-and-comers, The Explosion, light up "I'm on Fire" for The Human Torch; and all-girl punkers, Go Betty Go, blast out the cerebral tour de force "Everywhere" for The Invisible Woman. "Creating four unique character-driven songs and music video-like trailers is a whole new approach at integrating music into games," said Tim Riley, worldwide executive of music, Activision, Inc. "This project underscores our strategy to use artists that are aligned with the content and feel of our titles, further enhancing the overall sensory experience for players. The Fantastic Four game also will feature the signature musical theme from the film's score, which was composed by John Ottman, whose credits include X2: X-Men United and The Usual Suspects." This is the only game based on Twentieth Century Fox's upcoming feature film. Fantastic Four game players will be able to harness the Marvel Super Heroes' unique and amazing powers through a compelling single-player or two-player co-operative team based gameplay experience. Authored by Zak Penn, who co- wrote the story for X2, the game follows the Fantastic Four film's storyline and expands the adventures by letting players stretch, control fire and use invisibility and brute force to defeat evil Super Villains in new environments and familiar comic book locales. Challenged to master the individual powers of each Super Hero and combine them to level even more devastating attacks, players must battle some of Marvel's most notorious Super Villains, including, the ultimate evil - Doctor Doom -- to save the human race from disaster. Fantastic Four is being developed by Seven Studios for the PlayStationO2 computer entertainment system, XboxO video game system from Microsoft and the Nintendo(r) GameCubeO. The PC version is being developed by Beenox Studios and Torus Games is developing Fantastic Four for the Game Boy(r) Advance. The PC and console games are rated "T" (Teen - with mild language and violence) by the ESRB and the Game Boy Advance title is rated "E-10+" for (Everyone 10 and older with violence). Fantastic Four opens in theaters nationwide on July 8th. +++++ Abiogenesis/Strangehaven update April 2005 The latest news is that STRANGEHAVEN #17 is due to ship from Quebecor printers on 20th April. Only slightly delayed due to the Easter break (which bumped it a week) and Free Comic Book Day (all those free comics being printed, you see), the main (more colourful than usual) reasons for its tardiness are explained in full in the issue's editorial. You can order it now from the www.millidge.com shop, or from your local comics retailer. http://www.millidge.com/home/shop/shop-index-frameset.htm The Original Art section of the website has just been overhauled and updated with lots of new pieces of Millidge original art, older pieces which have never been offered for sale before and a new price structure making many pieces more affordable. You can now own a unique piece of Strangehaven memorabilia from just 7.00/$12.00 or own a full page of finished artwork from just 65/$100. http://www.millidge.com/home/art/orgart/orgart-index-frameset.htm To receive updates when the original art section is updated, and get first dibs of the new stuff, please send an email to art@millidge.com with the words ORIGINAL ART as the message subject heading. The Insomnia mini-comic (Comic Book Galaxy's mini-comic of the year!) is not quite sold out yet, so if you were still considering ordering a copy, please do so quickly or risk missing out. Check out the news section for more details. http://www.millidge.com/home/news/news-index-frameset.htm As Strangehaven gears up for its 10th anniversary this year, STRANGEHAVEN #18 is already in production, and it's hoped that the third, long-awaited Strangehaven trade paperback, CONSPIRACIES will be published before the end of the summer. Finally, I will of course be making my annual UK appearance in Bristol this year, albeit under the new banner of the Comics Expo, running over the weekend of 14 and 15th of May. I hope to see you there. If not, I am planning a number of other appearances later in the year. For the latest confirmation check out; http://www.millidge.com/home/news/appearances/apps-index- frameset.htm Many thanks for your continued support. Gary Spencer Millidge Abiogenesis Press PO Box 2065 Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2WH Fax: 01702 475480 gary@millidge.com www.millidge.com +++++ eigoMANGA Ltd. Launches Anime And Marketing Production Firm For Businesses eigoMANGA Ltd. announces the launching of eigoMANGA STUDIOS, a business to business production and marketing consulting firm specializing in producing anime and manga projects for clients looking to custom brand anime-themes for their marketing and business needs. eigoMANGA STUDIOS' services ranges from simple Japanese-to-English translation services, manga comic book publication and distribution, and animation and anime-themed television production. eigoMANGA STUDIOS also specializes in full scale integrated marketing campaigns. eigoMANGA STUDIOS is answering the demand of companies and educational institutions that want to target the youth-oriented markets by using originally produced anime and manga themes custom tailored to fit their message. eigoMANGA Ltd. creates its own projects like the highly acclaimed RUMBLE PAK and SAKURA PAKK American manga publication series. Furthermore, eigoMANGA Ltd. produces an ANIME MIX television program and its anime-themed live events and marketing campaigns. eigoMANGA STUDIOS will apply these resources to provide full scale production and marketing services to its clients. eigoMANGA Ltd. holds a unique distinction over other companies within the US anime and manga industry. The company has an internal and embedded creative pool of talent within the United States which enables eigoMANGA STUDIOS to produce an infinite array of original and custom anime-themed projects for its clients. eigoMANGA Ltd's official website, eigoMANGA.com launched a new website for eigoMANGA STUDIOS which details the company's services and successful client track record. +++++ Doug Fraser's Mort Grim @ AdHouse in July This July, AdHouse Books is proud to publish the first full- length comic book by multi-award winning illustrator Doug Fraser! Mort Grim by Doug Fraser As a Pale Rider aboard an old pounded cop bike, Mort Grim travels the desolate blue highways of America in search of something lost. Could he find it in the diner waitress Gabby? Possibly. Just remember... "There is no justice, there just is!" cover image: http://www.adhousebooks.com/adhousebooks/pr/AD.MortGrim.CVR.gif preview: http://www.adhousebooks.com/adhousebooks/previews/MG.Preview.pdf creator site: http://www.fraserart.com/ # # # Mort Grim by Doug Fraser 4-color cover 32 two-color pages 6" x 9" saddle stitched $5 US funds Shipping in July www.adhousebooks.com +++++ From Darren Kane at Marvel Comics http://www.marvel.com TRUE BELIEVER ALERT 4-12-2005 House of M, Marvel Milestones, and New Avengers! HOUSE OF M Poster. As the momentum builds towards Marvel's biggest universe-wide crossover event in a decade, Marvel is pleased to produce the HOUSE OF M poster -- scheduled to go on sale May 18th, 2005. The HOUSE OF M eight-issue core book arrives in June, is written by Brian Michael Bendis, with covers by white-hot Loki artist Esad Ribic. Young Gun Olivier Coipel provides the stunning interiors.as well as the group poster shot. Both retailers and fans can look forward to additional HOUSE OF M promotional materials in the weeks to come, as the buzz to this event builds to a fever pitch! HOUSE OF M POSTER $5.95 Retailer FOC 4/28/05, On Sale 5/18/05 JAN058159 HOUSE OF M #1 (of 8) Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Pencils and Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL THE MARVEL EVENT OF THE DECADE IS HERE!! The Avengers and the X- Men are faced with a common foe that becomes their greatest threat: Wanda Maximoff! The Scarlet Witch is out of control and the fate of the entire world is in her hands. Will Magneto help his daughter or use her powers to his own benefit? Starring the Astonishing X-Men and the New Avengers! 32 PGS. / T+ Suggested for Teens and Up $2.99 Retailer FOC 5/12/05, On Sale 6/1/05 APR051867 MARVEL MILESTONES: WOLVERINE, X-MEN & TUK: CAVEBOY Celebrating 65 years of titanic tomes from the House of Ideas, MARVEL MILESTONES continues its triumphant return to the comics scene! This issue: Logan makes his first foray into Madripoor -- an island nation where anything goes, and everything is for sale -- by popular demand from MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #1, the very first appearances of Logan's "Patch" identity! Plus: Storm and Cyclops battle for leadership of the X-Men in UNCANNY X-MEN #201, and Tuk the Caveboy stars in stories from the Dark Ages from CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1 and #2 -- the pages for which were newly reconstructed for MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN AGE CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 1. MARVEL MILESTONES: WOLVERINE, X-MEN AND TUK THE CAVE BOY Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT, JOE SIMON & JACK KIRBY Penciled by JOHN BUSCEMA, RICK LEORNARDI, JOE SIMON & JACK KIRBY Cover by WALTER SIMONSON 48 PGS. / Marvel PSR .$3.99 Retailer FOC 4/14/05, On Sale 5/4/05 MAR051894 MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS: WOLVERINE VOL. 1 TPB $12.99 Retailer FOC 5/12/05, On Sale 6/8/05 APR051970 MARVEL MASTERWORKS GOLDEN AGE CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 1 $49.99 ON SALE NOW! JAN051883 New team finally assembled in NEW AVENGERS 6 Since launch, Marvels' NEW AVENGERS has been burning up store shelves, with fans embracing the new take on the classic team. With the new team being pieced together issue by issue, NEW AVENGERS #6 completes the series' initial arc, and sets the stage for everything else to come.and the resulting impact on the Marvel Universe. Says series scribe Brian Michael Bendis, "This issue really sets the platform for the entire series. With the team united, a very large picture is painted as to what the New Avengers are really up against, and what lies in store for future arcs." Adds Marvel's Director of Sales David Gabriel, "It's obvious that this book is loved as much externally, as it is in the halls of Marvel. We thank the fans and retailers for supporting New Avengers so aggressively, with no end in sight!" NEW AVENGERS #6 Written by Brian Michael Bendis Pencils & Cover by David Finch 32 PGS./Marvel PSR .$2.25 Retailer FOC 5/5, On Sale 5/25 FEB051909 THE HOUSE OF IDEAS GOES INTERNATIONAL WITH HOT NEW ARTIST! MANUEL GARCIA GETS EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH MARVEL COMICS! Marvel Comics is thrilled to announce that amazing artist Manuel Garcia has accepted an exclusive contract with the House of Ideas. Garcia first worked for Marvel on the DAREDEVIL film adaptation. From there it was an issue of AVENGERS, a short stint on THUNDERBOLTS and then on to wowing 'em as regular penciller on MYSTIQUE, the X-title chronicling the adventures of that mutant bad girl. His latest project is SPIDER-MAN: BREAKOUT, with writer Tony Bedard. This new Spidey miniseries, beginning in April, is sure to excite fans of the red-hot NEW AVENGERS title -- as BREAKOUT spins directly out of the pages of NEW AVENGERS. "Its like a dream come true," says Garcia. "I'm doing what I have been dreaming to do all my life...and as a creator it's very important to know that these guys at Marvel trust your work. On the other hand this comes in a very special moment in my personal life, so I'm really pleased with this chance!" Garcia, a native of Spain, was once very close to missing out on a career in comics. "I was in an art school when I was younger and then wasted six or seven years on university (thinking that architecture was my future, obviously I was wrong) before I saw that my life was in the comic field." His first professional work was a Conan pin-up for a Spanish edition of the barbarian's adventures. "Then Robin #92 for the American market," he reminisces. "But my first highlight was my issue of the AVENGERS." Garcia brings with him a solid work ethic, one that doesn't allow him to pick a past project of his that he's most proud of. "Always the one I'm doing," he comments. "I think every page done has got all the best from the previous work and gets rid of all the mistakes that were made in those works...obviously this is the philosophy when I begin every page." "I try to do my best all the time...but I think the best is yet to come..." Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada is absolutely a Garcia fan. "Just look at Manuel's pages and there ain't a doubt that he's putting 200% into everything he does! Asking him to spend some time with ol' Marvel is one of the smartest things we could do...and it also makes me have to brush up on my Spanish!" When the inevitable question of near-future Marvel projects is put to him, Garcia is a pro at keeping things close to the vest yet at the same time giving a tantalizing hint: "Well, there will be FANTASTIC things just around the corner, but I would get killed if I said them so...stay tuned!" As always, please drop in at Marvel.Com for all the latest news on some of the greatest comics and characters in the world. +++++ From THE PULSE by Heidi MacDonald and Jennifer Contino at: http://www.comicon.com/pulse/ TYLER KIRKHAM EXC. 3 YRS TO TOP COW Artist Tyler Kirkham (Darkness/Superman, Strykeforce) has signed a three-year exclusive contract to work for Top Cow Productions. Currently, Kirkham is working on a one-shot of The Tenth due out in June, and V.I.C.E. with writer Aaron Coleite, a new ongoing series which is slated to be released in late 2005. Originally hailing from Utah, Kirkham and his wife moved to Los Angeles to work under Top Cow founder and artist Marc Silvestri. "I'm really happy to have this opportunity to work in the studio with Marc and all the other artists," said Kirkham. "It's great to find an environment like this, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming projects, especially V.I.C.E. It's great to be collaborating with Marc on the character designs and everything, and I'm looking forward to this ongoing book." "Tyler's growth as an artist over the past year has been monumental," said Top Cow Editor-in-Chief Jim McLauchlin. "Every project he's done has been a step up from the last, and there's still no end in sight. I think Tyler's work on The Tenth and V.I.C.E. will really put him on the map. He's one of the great rising talents in comics today." Top Cow was founded in December of 1992 and currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and 2 licensed) in the industry's Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise Witchblade was TNT's #1 original film of 2000. Virtually all of Top Cow's other properties are in development as feature films, live action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, video games and role playing games. +++++ From the Comics Continuum at http://www.comicscontinuum.com/: CARTOON NETWORK FOR MAY Cartoon Network has released its schedule for May 2-June 5 and it includes three new episodes of Justice League Unlimited. On Saturday, May 21, "Task Force X" will air. Five incarcerated super villains are offered suspended sentences if they can survive an impossible mission -- to steal a deadly weapon from the Justice League1s satellite headquarters. On Saturday, May 28, "The Balance" will air. Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl must put aside their feud and go to the depths of Tartarus where the evil sorcerer Felix Faust establishes dominion over Hades. On Saturday, June 4, "Double Date" will air. Green Arrow and Black Canary race to stop The Question and Huntress from killing organized crime lord Tobias Whale. A new episode of Teen Titans, "The Prophecy," is scheduled to air on Saturday, June 4. +++++ From Newsarama at http://www.Newsarama.com/ TADDEO LANDS ACCLAIM'S ASSETS. With the sale of the Acclaim assets including the Valiant characters being held today at 10:00 am EST, we will shortly know the new owner. As Newsarama reported in early March, John Taddeo, formerly of Marvel and Tekno Comics had placed a bid on the rights to the characters. According to sources, as of 4:55pm Monday, Taddeo was the only bidder on the rights to the characters, which include Bad Eggs, Armorines, Shadowman, Rai, Ninjak, Archer and Armstrong, Bloodshot, X-O Manowar, Harbinger, Dr. Mirage, Eternal Warrior, and others, with an offer of $200,000. As previously reported, obtaining the copyrights to the properties will allow the winning bidder not only to resume exploitation of the characters in various media, but also allow for collection and publication of the original stories. It's something that Taddeo seems itching to pursue, as he mentioned in an interview at Comicon.com's The Beat, saying: "If I am the high bidder on Valiant, I will ask Jim Shooter and Bob Layton to work together again on a one shot or Limited Series." Update 1:00 pm EST: In a post on the ValiantFans.com message board, it has been confirmed that Taddeo has indeed won the auction for the characters, and is now the owner of the copyrights to the Valiant characters. There has been, however, a new twist in the matter of the former Valiant characters, as a new company, Valiant Intellectual Properties, LLC, as filed for the trademarks to the characters Taddeo just purchased, "as-is" that Acclaim had allowed to lapse.. VALIANT MARKS NOT PART OF ACCLAIM SALE? The future of the Valiant characters has taken an interesting turn. While there's been no confirmation of whether or not John Taddeo was successful in his purchase of the portion of Acclaim's assets (Acclaim is being sold "as-is") that included the characters that made up the Valiant Universe, the trademarks of many of the characters have seen action recently. In checking on the status of the trademarks of the former Valiant characters, Newsarama learned that 12 of them, as well as the term "Valiant" have been acquired by Valiant Intellectual Properties, LLC, a Delaware-based corporation. Trademarks now owned by Valiant Intellectual Properties include: Secret Weapons, Outcast, Rai and the Future Force, Deathmate, Quantum and Woody, Harbinger, Punx, Dr. Mirage, Eternal Warrior, Ninjak, Bloodshot, and The Visitor. The bulk of the former Valiant trademarks (including Shadowman, X-O Manowar, Trinity Angels, Archer & Armstrong, Master Darque, Armorines) are still held by Acclaim, with apparent overlap in a handful - Ninjak, Bloodshot, and Quantum and Woody are listed as being "Live" marks for both Acclaim and Valiant Intellectual Properties, LLC. While only a limited amount of information can be pulled from the US Patent and Trademark Office, it is a possibility that the system is slow to respond to the most recent changes in trademark status. Probing deeper, on the marks now claimed by Valiant Intellectual Properties, they expired over a period between August of 2004 and January of this year. The trademark for the term "Valiant" in comic book use was abandoned in August of 1997. Acclaim filed for bankruptcy on September 1st, 2004. Valiant Intellectual Properties filed for the 12 trademarks on March 31st, 2005. Virtually no information is given about Valiant Intellectual Properties, LLC at the US P&TO, aside from their statement of goods and services that the marks are to be used for, which confirms the corporation is looking to make itself known in comics: printed matter, namely, comic books; graphic novels; books featuring stories in illustrated form; books relating to comic book characters; periodicals, namely, magazines featuring illustrated stories for children and adults; comic strips; posters; art prints; lithographic prints; seriographic prints; limited edition prints; collector's cards featuring comic book characters; trading cards; trading card albums; action figures; cold cast resin, namely, busts, figurines, statues and sculptures; live and animated motion picture films, made-for- television motion pictures and television programs featuring action adventure heroes, and video tapes, digital video discs and digital versatile discs featuring the same. The attorney of record listed for VIP, LLC is Michael Lovitz. When contacted by Newsarama for more information on Valiant Intellectual Properties, LLC and their intentions, Lovitz declined to comment. A search of the Delaware Division of Corporations reveals that VIP, LLC was formed March 30th, 2005, and lists another attorney at the same firm as Lovitz as the registered agent information for the LLC. It's uncertain what effect the move by Valiant Intellectual Properties, LLC will have upon the sale of the assets from Acclaim if any, as the assets are being sold "as-is." The purchaser of the assets from Acclaim's estate will then, receive the copyrights to the characters and the right to reprint the original material (aside from that including Solar, Turok, and Magnus, as those characters are owned by Classic Media), but not the names to the characters. Aside from the former Valiant/Acclaim characters, Valiant Intellectual Properties has also filed for the trademark to The Elementals for the same goods and services, namely: printed matter, namely, comic books; graphic novels; books featuring stories in illustrated form; books relating to comic book characters; periodicals, namely, magazines featuring illustrated stories for children and adults; comic strips; posters; art prints; lithographic prints; seriographic prints; limited edition prints; collector's cards featuring comic book characters; trading cards; trading card albums; action figures; cold cast resin, namely, busts, figurines, statues and sculptures; live and animated motion picture films, made-for-television motion pictures and television programs featuring action adventure heroes, and video tapes, digital video discs and digital versatile discs featuring the same. BABYLON 5 RETURNS TO COMICS With confirmations at the Mongoose Publishing website, it's clear now that Babylon 5 is coming back to comics. Mongoose currently has the license to produce Babylon 5-based games, but recently on its website posted: "Mongoose Publishing is proud to announce an agreement with Warner Brothers to produce an all new range of novels and graphic novels for Babylon 5. We have some exciting tales lined up for you, delving into never-before-explored areas of the Babylon 5 universe and expanding the storyline beyond the TV series. Releases will begin appearing in Q4 2005 - more news on authors and storylines coming soon! "The greatest science fiction story ever continues. . ." Seeking confirmation, or at least a further lead, Newsarama contacted Tony Lee (who pens Starship Troopers for Mongoose) for comment. Lee declined comment, but Newsarama found that the writer had posted the following on his website: "BABYLON 5. That's right. Unfortunately I can't confirm what it's going to be about, or even what format it's going to be in, as there's talk of either releasing each story as a stand alone trade paperback - or putting it out as a 5 part monthly comic from Quarter 4 2005, and then collecting it as a trade. There's a meeting at Mongoose at the end of April to decide this and all PR announcements will follow. All I can say is: 1) Sam Hart will be definitely be the artist on Story 1 - which will be based around an aspect of the Babylon 5 universe that's only been hinted at before, and involves a character that changed the lives of billions. 2) There's a possibility that's been discussed in passing of a second story to run slightly staggered, also by myself but with a different art team which will be more up to date and concentrate of a different area of the Babylon 5 universe. 3) JMS knows about this, yes. I emailed him yesterday and I hope to have him involved in this - after all, it is his baby. More news will come out at the end of the month - and expect it to be a large part of the Mongoose Panel announcements at the Bristol Expo. Thanks to the deal with Warner, Mongoose will be releasing both Novels and Graphic novels in the Babylon 5 universe over the coming months." OMAC #1 ALREADY SOLD-OUT The horse race shaping up between Marvel and DC Comics for summer sales chart supremacy got off to a nice start for DC this week. The publisher has confirmed for Newsarama that The OMAC Project #1, the 6-issue monthly "Countdown to Identity Crisis" limited series (and first of 4 "Crisis" related minis) by Greg Rucka and Jesus Saiz has already sold out through Diamond Distributors, this despite the issue not going on retail sale until April 20th and an "aggressive" overprint by the publisher of nearly 50% above retailer initial orders. For readers still confused as to how an issue that doesn't go on sale to fans for 5 days can be sold-out, this means comic book retailers have ordered all the non-returnable copies of the issue DC printed. The complete pre-release retailer sell-through is reportedly based largely on heavy reorder activity by comic shops in response to their customers' reception of the Countdown to Infinite Crisis 80-page special. Expect an official announcement of a second printing by DC early next week. This early sell-out bodes well for the retail community as well as both major publishers who will be going head-to-head with their well-publicized summer events - Countdown to Infinite Crisis tie-ins and All-Star Batman & Robin and then Superman at DC, and Marvel's House of M limited series and tie-ins. Expect a spring and summer filled with announcements of sell-outs and new printings by both publishers. +++++ From ComiX-Fan at http://www.comixfan.com/xfan COMIXFAN NEWS BRIEFS - APRIL 12, 2005 NEWSFLASH! Sin City took in another $14.1 million in its second weekend of release to take second place at the box office for the weekend of April 8-10, The AP reports. The film slipped in between the two new wide releases for the weekend, as Sahara took top spot with $18 million and Fever Pitch took third with $12.4 million. The total brings Sin City's two-week domestic total to $50.7 million, already surpassing the film's budget. NEWSFLASH! The May issue of Maxim magazine, which goes on sale on April 12, will feature Sin City on the cover, Variety reports. 80% of the issue's press run will include a cover with star Brittany Murphy in costume and the movie's title, while 20% of the run will include a collector's edition cover featuring original art by Frank Miller- a busty beauty and a splash of blood. NEWSFLASH! The WB has announced that the multi-platinum group Lifehouse will perform on the April 20 episode of Smallville, singing their hit single "You and Me" at the Smallville High senior prom. Visit the link to read minor spoilers on which characters will be appearing at the prom and how the band came to sing at the event. NEWSFLASH! BlueTights Network has posted the sixth video update from Bryan Singer on Superman Returns, again available in all QuickTime sizes, and the site has provided a transcript of the clip as well. NEWSFLASH! Superhero Hype! has an exclusive first look at the new Superman Returns shield. Visit the link to see the image. NEWSFLASH! Also at Superhero Hype!, Sony Pictures has provided the site with an exclusive first look at the Hell Cycle from Ghost Rider. Again, visit the link to view the full-size image. NEWSFLASH! 20th Century Fox has developed an official website for the Fantastic Four soundtrack at www.fantasticfoursoundtrack.com. The site currently features a demo version of Megan McCauley's "Die For You" available in Real and Windows Media Players. New music previews will be added regularly up through the album's release date, which is still TBA. NEWSFLASH! Activision is developing a video game to coincide with the Fantastic Four movie, and has devised a first for the game industry, Reuters reports. Activision has commissioned four bands to each write a song about a Fantastic Four character. The tracks were also produced, using game footage, into music-video-style trailers for the June 28 game release. Songs include "Error Operator" by Taking Back Sunday for Mr. Fantastic, Jurassic 5's "Clobberin' Time" for the Thing, the Explosion's "I'm on Fire" for the Human Torch, and Go Betty Go's "Everywhere" for the Invisible Woman. The first song premiered on Friday online by MTV, who will premiere the other tracks in subsequent weeks. MTV has a one-week exclusive before the tracks are released to other music- and game-enthusiast sites. The soundtrack for the movie may include the songs from the game as well, but has not been determined yet. NEWSFLASH! The official Website for Aeon Flux is now online at www.aeonflux.com. The site currently features a wallpaper and icon for download, info about the film, and the ability to register for updates. NEWSFLASH! SneakPeak reports that Toronto is prepping for shooting on X-Men 3. The site reports that both Toronto and Vancouver may be used for locations, and reports that the film will start shooting on July 15. NEWSFLASH! Moviehole.net recently interviewed X-Men 3 writer Simon Kinberg. Kinberg said he is in the re-writing stages of the script, working with director Matthew Vaughn "to put his vision in the script." When asked if the film will be about Dark Phoenix, Kinberg said, "...it was set up pretty well in the second movie. So, that's part of the third movie, but there's a new plot that's the story of the film." Kinberg was also asked about the rumors that James Marsden might not be coming back, and said, "I believe he is now. The way I've written his character now - I'm trying to write him so he only has to come back for a couple of weeks. But he's definitely a part of the movie." NEWSFLASH! Elektra sold about 1 million combined DVD and VHS units on its first day of release, April 5, Hollywood Reporter reports. NEWSFLASH! The 2003 MTV Spider-Man - The New Animated Series will arrive on the UMD format for Sony's PSP videogame system on June 14, TVShowsOnDVD.com reports. NEWSFLASH! 1UP.com has posted an in-depth article on the follow up to the Hulk movie game, The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. Radical Entertainment developed the game, and since it doesn't have to tie-in to a movie, they were able to design the game around the character rather than a defined story. The site reports, "That means no more stealth segments playing as Bruce Banner, no more linear structure, and a massive focus on letting Hulk run around fighting anything he wants." Visit the link for the 4-page interview with the game's designers. NEWSFLASH! Diamond Comic Distributors reports that the five-issue mini-series Combat Zone: True Tales of G.I.s in Iraq has been cancelled and will be resolicited as an original graphic novel at a later date. REBELLION TO CONTINUE 2000AD TRADE PROGRAM Earlier this week, news broke of DC Comics' decision to discontinue publication of both their Humanoids and 2000 A.D. lines. Last year, the publisher obtained the North American distribution rights to trade collections from both of these acclaimed European publishers, committing themselves to an aggressive publishing schedule including such notable properties as Metabarons, Judge Dredd, the Alan Moore classics Skizz and Halo Jones and the acclaimed Bilal Library (see 'DC COMICS ANNOUNCES DISCONTINUATION OF HUMANOIDS, 2000 AD TITLES'). While the status of the Humanoids trade program remains in limbo, 2000AD Review reports that 2000 A.D.'s UK publisher, Rebellion, have committed to continuing their trade paperback publications directly via Diamond Distribution. The Rebellion editions will ship in the same size and format as DC's product. 2000AD Review states that new volumes of Nikolai Dante (Courtship of Jena Makarov and Tsar Wars), Rogue Trooper (Fort Neuro and Eye of the Traitor) and Strontium Dog (Portrait of a Mutant and The Killing) are on the way. Rebellion has also committed to producing one Judge Dredd collection a month. DC PROVIDES 'CRISIS COUNSELING' TO READERS Want to keep up with all the latest happenings on the road to Infinite Crisis but can't afford to pick up the multitude of tie- ins and crossover issues offered by DC Comics? Fear not, because the publisher has an answer! This week, a new feature launched on the DC Comics website that provides a blow-by-blow account of all the latest Crisis-related happenings in the DCU. Every Monday, 'Crisis Counseling' will provide fans with a round-up of the week's titles and key events that tie into the sprawling Infinite Crisis event. New editions of 'Crisis Counseling' will be available every Monday at http://www.dccomics.com/features/countdown/index.php COMIXFAN NEWS BRIEFS - APRIL 14, 2005 NEWSFLASH! Now Playing Magazine recently talked with Fantastic Four screenwriter Simon Kinberg. Kinberg said that nobody is working on a sequel yet, but there was talk of where the story would go during filming. Kinberg said, "...we thought about the franchise as a saga. ...it is also an origin story of Dr. Doom, and it is not until fairly late in the first movie [that] he fully becomes Dr. Doom. And there is a lot of space for him to grow in future films, and I am sure they will want to bring in other villains because all of these franchises do, but I have a feeling he'll be to Fantastic Four what Magneto is to X-Men." Follow the link for the rest of the interview, where he's also asked about the possibility of Galactus in a sequel. NEWSFLASH! A scooper at Superhero Hype! talked with John Ottman, who is composing the Fantastic Four score. The scooper said that Ottman said he has the main theme and some character-specific scores already structured. The scooper also included a quote from Ottman, who said, "The film is definitely lighter [than X2], but because of that I have more opportunities musically to be less restrained and play the theme more in the film. The main theme is sort of adapted to all the characters, including Dr. Doom, who has a sort of sinister minor version of it. This made sense because they are all effected by the same cosmic storm so they all have a sort of connection. Then there is a sort of magical 'powers motif' for the Invisible Woman and Mr. Fantastic. The Thing is the one character who kind of has his own heartfelt sub theme at times, reflecting back when he was a normal human. I'm still discovering things, so I'm sure other themes or motifs will emerge." NEWSFLASH! TVShowsOnDVD.com has posted the Disc Art and extras for the Fantastic Four - The Complete 1994-95 Animated Television Series DVD, set for a July 5 release. Extras will include a 'Stan Lee Soapbox' and Stan Lee episode introductions. Also, while it hasn't been officially announced yet, TVShowsOnDVD.com reports that Warner Bros. has let them know that the Smallville Season 4 DVD will be released on September 13. NEWSFLASH! DVDAnswers.com has some new details on the special features on the Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Season 1 DVD set, to be released on June 7. The set will include the two-hour long pilot episode and a pilot episode introduction, a "From Rivals to Romance: The Making of Lois & Clark" retrospective documentary featuring new interviews with Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher, and a "Taking Flight: The Visual Effects of Lois & Clark" behind-the-scenes featurette. Additionally, for a limited time, the set will carry a bonus disc containing the Smallville Season 4 premiere episode "Crusade," which introduced Lois Lane to the series. NEWSFLASH! The official Spawn Website has posted turn-around sketches, early stills, and more concept art for a new animated series still in the early stages of development. NEWSFLASH! The Sci Fi Channel has announced a slate of new original series for the 2006-07 season, which can be seen at Sci Fi Wire. One of the new series listed is Heroes Anonymous, "a live-action series based on the comic book created by Scott Gimpel and Bill Morrison which follows a group of 20-something aspiring superheroes who form a support group to help them discover their own identity while carving out their secret identity. The series will be executive-produced by Lawrence Bender, Kevin Brown, and Karl Schaefer. Gimpel and Morrison will write the pilot." NEWSFLASH! Elektra sold nearly 1.7 million units for the week ending Sunday, according to Nielsen VideoScan's First Alert DVD sales chart, Hollywood Reporter reports. The title was second only in DVD sales to Sideways in sales for the week, and came in ahead of Spanglish. +++++ From the DC Comics Online Newsletter at http://www.dccomics.com DC COMICS ANNOUNCES THE DISCONTINUATION OF HUMANOIDS AND 2000 A.D. TITLES DC Comics regrets to announce the discontinuation of its Humanoids and 2000 A.D. titles. The company's respect for the Humanoids and 2000 A.D. stories, characters and talent, however, continues unabated, and we hope both lines are welcomed by a U.S. publisher better able to find deserving audiences for these titles. The final Humanoids titles to be published by DC Comics will be THE INCAL VOL. 2: THE EPIC JOURNEY TP (APR050385) and TRANSGENESIS 2025 VOL. 1: ANCESTOR PROGRAM TP (APR050387), scheduled to arrive in-stores in June. The final 2000 A.D. titles to be published by DC Comics will be THE BALLAD OF HALO JONES TP (APR050382), THE COMPLETE INDIGO PRIME TP (APR050383), and ROGUE TROOPER VOL. 2: FORT NEURO TP (APR050384), scheduled to arrive in-stores in June. Titles from both lines published by DC Comics prior to these dates will continue to be available as backlist items. GREEN LANTERN #1 TO FEATURE SPECTACULAR VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS! With the new Green Lantern #1 just over a month away, DC Comics announces that this hotly anticipated debut issue will sport a spectacular variant cover painted by superstar artist Alex Ross! "I'm not sure whether I was asked to do this cover or I volunteered, because I'm so devoted to Hal Jordan, but I'm thrilled to be a part of this project," says Ross. "Green Lantern has what I look for in comics: a respect for the past and an embracing of an archetypal character." Ross's cover serves as a companion piece to the cover by series artists Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino. Retailers will receive the two covers in a 50% split. Green Lantern #1 is written by Geoff Johns, with interior art by Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino. It is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 25. +++++ From ICV2.com CrossGen Sets Reorganization Plan Nearly $10 Million Under Water April 12, 2005 CrossGen Entertainment's "plan of reorganization" (which despite its name is a plan for the liquidation of the company) is being put to a vote of its creditors. The plan lists assets of $972,233 (the proceeds of the sale of the company's assets to Disney Publishing), and liabilities of $10,798,888, a difference of $9,826,655. But that's not the full measure of CrossGen's losses. Founder Mark Alessi invested and loaned the company a total of $11,000,000, all of which is unpaid. It appears that at least $8.5 million of that was in the form of equity; the remainder was in the form of loans. Combining the equity Alessi lost with the negative net worth on the books now, the company lost somewhere north of $15 million since May of 1999. Other secured creditors include Blue Ridge Investors II, LP, which lent CrossGen $1,025,000 in January of 2003; and Dee Gee Entertainment, which lent the company $300,000 in January of 2004. Tom Alessi (presumably a relative) is also listed as a secured creditor for $1,172,000, but the trustee is objecting to the secured status of the debt. The trustee is also objecting to Blue Ridge's secured status. A settlement with Dee Gee provides that half of that debt will be treated as unsecured. The narrative described the events leading up to CrossGen's bankruptcy filing. According to the recounting, CrossGen had been insolvent (unable to pay its trade creditors when due) since the second quarter of 2003. And Blue Ridge swept CrossGen's bank accounts, leading to returned checks and related problems. The company's financial difficulties, in turn, made it difficult to obtain trade credit and to market the company's properties for other uses. Efforts to obtain additional investors were unsuccessful. A confirmation hearing on the plan will be held on May 16th. Zorro Graphic Novel Planned for August From Papercutz April 12, 2005 NBM's Papercutz imprint has announced that its first Zorro Graphic Novel release will street in August. In what has become the standard Papercutz formats, the 5" x 7-1/2", 96-page, full- color trade paperback version will retail for $7.95, and the hardcover edition will retail for $12.95. The graphic novel will collect the first three issues of the regular comic series by Don McGregor and Sidney Lima, which launches in May (see "Zorro Returns to Comics"). The fourth issue of the regular comic series, also shipping in August, will carry a special $.99 cover price and start a new story, as a great jumping-on point for new readers. Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Make News Papercutz Press Campaign Kicks Off April 14, 2005 Terry Nantier from Papercutz tells us that The Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys graphic novel releases are gaining a great deal of positive press in mainstream media. In newspapers, one story recently ran in the Chicago Sun Times and another is expected next week in USA Today. Additional coverage is expected in the next few weeks in Teen Newsweek, Teen Magazine, Newsday and Parenting. A strong press campaign on top of these venerable brands can only help expand sales of the product and the category. Papercutz will also be releasing quarterly manga-sized Zorro graphic novels beginning this August +++++ From The SCOOP! at http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/ Strangers In Paradise Double Nominated Industry News, Scoop, Friday, April 15, 2005 Terry Moore's Strangers In Paradise has been honored with two industry award nominations. The Strangers In Paradise Treasury Edition published by HarperCollins Perennial, has been nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Comics-Related Book, while Foreword Magazine has named Strangers In Paradise Pocket Book #1 a finalist for its Book of the Year Award in the graphic novel category (this award will be presented in conjunction with BookExpo America in New York City on June 3, while the Eisners are held at Comic-Con International: San Diego each year). Congratulations to Terry! +++++ From Blair Marnell in his ALL THE RAGE Gossip Column at: http://www.SilverBulletComicBooks.com Write to him at: BlairM@silverbulletcomicbooks.com RUMOUR BARRIER "I accept that the following material is rumour and gossip, intended to entertain only."I won't repeat the information inside as fact. I understand if I want the truth, I will go to Silver Bulletins."I enter freely with my mind open and my blinkers off." Now, on to the rumours . . . [NOTE: this column may be slightly edited for language. - D.L.] The Man From R.A.G.E. By Blair Marnell Welcome back to another super-sized edition of ATR. Sit back, we're gonna jump right in... You'll Believe A Man Can Fly Superman II has long been viewed as a missed opportunity by fans of Richard Donner's original Superman: The Movie. The first two Superman movies were initially shot simultaneously under Donner's direction, until a dispute with the producers led to his replacement on the second film by Richard Lester. Subsequently, most of Superman II was reshot, with the majority of Donner's footage left unused. However, a number of Donner's scenes were reinserted into the first televised broadcasts of the film. Some of the new scenes included the final fate of the Kryptonian villains and the destruction of the Fortress of Solitude. Later airings of the film reverted to the theatrical cut, leaving the new footage largely unseen... Until now. Almost four years ago, a group of dedicated Superman fans around the world sent out the call for video recordings of the first televised broadcasts. Thousands of dollars and countless hours were spent restoring the footage and reintegrating it into the film. And finally, the results of their hard work are ready to be seen. The project leaders have announced that the Superman II: Restored International Cut two disk DVD set has been completed. According to the announcement, the set contains: The complete two hour, twenty-six minute version of the film. On-screen commentary track, detailing what footage Donner shot, and other Restored International Cut trivia. Long out of print documentary "The Making of Superman II." Long out of print "Superman II Soundtrack." "Lost Scene Gallery" featuring pictures of Donner's unreleased work on Superman II. "Restoration Demonstration" showing before and after footage examples. Complete RIC artwork folder. All the artwork, from the cover to the disc art, it's all included in TIFF file format. Also included is the following message to Donner, which explains the motivations behind this project: An Open Letter to Richard Donner Your work is not forgotten. This restoration project, the Restored International Cut exists as a tribute to your vision and efforts. It's been more than twenty years, and your fans are still patiently waiting for the real Superman II. Many of us have gone to great lengths just to get a glimpse of the film we've long been wanting to see. While we wait for an official release, the bootlegging community has shown no qualms in charging fans extravagant prices for low quality reproductions of footage known to exist. It is our hope that this project will offer fans a more reasonable way of obtaining those scenes. This Restored International Cut of Superman II has two main purposes. First, to give fans the opportunity to see those scenes in the best possible manner, without having to pay inflated bootleg prices. This whole endeavor has been done as a labor of love, and is strictly non-profit. Secondly, to let you, Warner Brothers, and anyone else with influence know that the fans are still eager to see the rest of your lost work on Superman II. Thank you and everyone else who collaborated with you, for all your hard work on the Superman films. I hope someday, all the fans of this film will have the opportunity to see the rest of your vision. As stated above, the Superman II Restored International Cut was a non-profit project and thus, it is not available for sale. However, the creators behind this project want to ensure that Superman fans everywhere get a chance to see this DVD. Towards that end, free copies are being made and distributed. And fans are being encouraged to make more copies to share with others. There is a forum, to request copies of the RIC, which can be found here. Due to a large number of initial responses, the request list is currently closed, but it should be reopened soon. A trailer for the Superman II Restored International Cut is already online and can be seen here. It not only demonstrates the restoration of the footage, it also includes a preview of an even more ambitious project: the Superman II Green Cut. The Green Cut will be a fan edit of the film with spruced up special effects and reedited, to remove some of Lester's changes, in order to create a film more in keeping with Donner's original vision of Superman II. For more on the Superman II Restored International Cut and the Green Cut, check out http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/ This Has A "Last Son of Krypton" Factor of Ten Out of Ten Lady In Scarlet Word going around this week is that Harris Comics will be relaunching Vampirella as a full color comic book series this Fall. The new series is said to be a revamp, "with more of a Buffy feel", in terms of darker, character driven stories. The creators attached to the new series are rumored to be Christopher Priest and Eric Battle. One of the more interesting things I heard about the relaunch, was the notion that Vampirella is not actually a vampire, instead she's a demon from Hell (Drakulon) sent to destroy all vampires. As I understand it, that's not a new addition to her origin, but it will be played up in the upcoming series. This Has An "Ascending Evil" Factor of Seven Out of Ten William The Bloody Earlier this week, Peter David posted a preview of his upcoming Spike one-shot over at his official website. According to David, the story chronicles the first meeting between Spike and the Vengeance Demon, Halfrek/Cecily. This Has A "Fool For Love" Factor of Eight Out of Ten Avast Ye Mateys And going three for three with vampire stories... Rick Remender and Kieron Dwyer's Sea of Red # 1 hit the stands this past Wednesday. And leave it to James Sime, the proprietor of the Isotope to come up with another innovative promotion to get the book into the hands of the readers. For free copies of Sea of Red, fans were encouraged to call the Isotope on Wednesday night, ask for Remender and Dwyer, then "threaten, annoy, curse, or make ridiculous piratey demands." So... I did, even though I already had a copy. But who can pass up a chance to swear like a pirate? Of course, that's not to say I went away empty handed. Not at all. This Has A "Scurvy Bilge Rats" Factor of Nine Out of Ten Stuck In The Middle Javier Grillo-Marxuach has had an extensive career as screenwriter, having written for several television series, including The Dead Zone, Boomtown, Jake 2.0, The Pretender, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Currently serving as a writer/supervising producer for the ABC series, Lost, Grillo- Marxuach is also set to make his comic book debut this summer with The Middleman, from Viper Comics. Recently, Grillo-Marxuach took the time to answer a few questions about his upcoming comic: Blair Marnell: Tell us about The Middleman. What's it about? Javier Grillo-Marxuach: The Middleman is the story of a girl in her early twenties who has found herself in a cycle of meaningless jobs to pay her student loans. She's someone who is stuck in that post college rut that I think a lot of people can identify with. She's become jaded about life, in terms of being a fallen romantic. Her great expectations have been laid into the ground by the mundaneness of everyday life. And in the course of doing one of her meaningless temp jobs, she gets drawn into this incredible circumstance that puts her in direct contact with a guy called The Middleman. The Middleman is an operative for an organization so secretive that even he doesn't know what it is. His job is to take care of comic book type menaces that threaten the real world. There are monsters and super-villains... things like that and he's the guy that deals with them. Because there are no superheroes, there's just him. Beyond the high concept, what it really is about is the clash of these two characters, one of whom is this total square-jaw straight arrow kind of guy and this girl who has a sassy attitude towards life. That's actually the reason she's recruited for the job. She's so jaded, that the sight of monsters and aliens doesn't really faze her. Her generation's sense of isolation makes her the perfect candidate for dealing with things beyond the realm of imagination. BM: I knew my generation was good for something. JG-M: [laughs] Yeah... too much Playstation and sugar have actually made her the perfect monster hunter. [laughs] But you know, the book is also about her dealing with this man who is someone she would never meet in her regular life. He's a former Navy Seal, spit and polish. He doesn't use profanities, doesn't drink... and yet at the same time he has a healthy disregard for authority and always does the right thing. The thing is, he infuriates her more than she infuriates him. He's an immensely patient guy, who has taken her under his wing and can put up with all of her foibles. It's a reversal of the "authority being annoyed by the anti- authoritarian" paradigm. The book is really about the core relationship between these two characters, as much as it is about the monsters and all that stuff. We also go into her life, her friends and how her new employment affects that part of her life. BM: How does The Middleman compare to something like Men in Black? JG-M: I'm trying to have fun with a lot of the conventions of the genre and things like that. Even though Men in Black is a comedy, it's rooted in conspiracy theories, UFO lore, etc... and I'm making fun of the entire idea of the super-secret government organization, almost by doing away with it entirely instead of making a statement about it directly. It's a convention of comic books that everyone works for a super-secret organization. So, I've created an organization that's so secret, that even the people who work for it don't know what it is or understand it. And it goes from there. Everything that happens in the book is making fun of some convention from science fiction. One of the things that happened in the Men in Black movies, which I didn't really enjoy, was that they relied so much on the concept that when the big danger shows up you aren't as invested in how they resolve themselves. I'm trying to take the focus away from the concept and back onto the characters, so I can put my characters in dangerous situations, but because you've come to know them and like them, you'll worry about whether they'll actually survive something. To me, Men in Black became so wrapped involved in its own mythology that it became an entity in of itself. The contrast between the real world and the world they dealt with vanished. Especially in the second movie and it became really abstract. Middleman is really Wendy's story. She's still trying to live her life, to be a painter and a twenty-something girl while being involved in the Middleman organization. She doesn't have to give up her life to be a part of it, but it certainly messes with her life. By keeping that part of it alive, the danger and the absurdity of it are more tangible threats to her existence. I don't think it compares to Men in Black. It's a different take on the material. The Middleman organization is a way to get characters I like to write into situations that are really bizarre, which can be both frightening and funny at the same time. BM: How did you hook up with your artist, Les McClaine? JG-M: I had seen Highway 13 when Slave Labor was putting it out. That was Les' first book. Basically, the whole idea behind making Middleman a comic book came from Paul Dini, who I was very inspired by. I've been working with him on Lost and followed his endeavors in comic books. I had a script that I really liked and wanted to make it into a comic book, because it's really the only venue that can bring it to life in the best possible way. So I just started thinking about what the art would look like and if I had to approach artists that I liked, who would I pick? Les was the first one to come to mind. I got in touch with him, he liked the script and went to work on it. Immediately, after I got the first batch of sketches from him, I thought, "This guy is great. I love what he's doing. This is my guy." I understand that I'm actually very lucky that way. Apparently it's very difficult to find someone who shares your vision that way. By complete miraculous serendipity, I found someone whose art I really liked and who had a vision that was just tremendously synergistic and complimentary with what I had to say. He's not a hired gun on the project; he's an owner and co-creator of The Middleman. BM: What drew you to Viper Comics? JG-M: I really liked Dead@17 and I wanted this to be published by an indie company. The Middleman is a book that has a really quirky point of view and mentality. I sent it to a couple of publishers on that scale and I really responded to Jessie's energy and enthusiasm - he wanted the project and was willing to do what he had to do to get it out by the San Diego Comic Con, which is when I wanted it to premiere. He just seemed to me, to be a can do guy whose word means something. When he says he's going to do something, he does it. I just really like their attitude and I like their books. I had read Daisy Kutter and Dead@17 before that and both are really cool books. That's who you want to be in business with, people whose books are in your stash week after week. That's who you want to work with. BM: When is The Middleman coming out, and how many issues will it be? JG-M: We're going to premiere The Middleman at the San Diego Comic Con. For me, one of the highlights of Comic Con will be the unveiling of the "Completely Inaccurate Variant Cover" which Les is drawing especially for that show. Our book has a certain style and look to it, and sure, it's got the babes and the handsome guy and all that. But we thought we really needed to create a variant cover that completely overstated the wrong virtues of the book. So, we're just going to throw a lot of sex and violence into the cover and hopefully create a cover which is so out of the realm what we're doing that it may actually fall back into the realm of what we're doing! I think it's a tradition when doing a variant cover that you don't really tell the truth about what the book is. Rather than do that unintentionally, we're going to embrace it and really just misrepresent what the book is about. So you can expect a lot of cleavage. We've chosen to embrace the tradition of the inaccurate variant cover and will honor it in the best way that we can. To answer the rest of your question, The Middleman is a four issue miniseries, coming out monthly starting in July. Hopefully followed by a trade. And if the audience responds to the story we're telling then the next four issues will be ready to go after that. If the book takes off, we'll do four issues, then a trade, then another four issues and just keep putting them out. I envision the book as a series with a broad story and I think every four issues I can tell a story that has a beginning, middle and an end with a satisfying climax. That would be great if we could do it that way, instead of just churning it out as a monthly. One good story, four issues long and then move onto the next one. This is a first for ATR, but due to length, we're going to have run this interview in two parts. So, check back next week, as Grillo-Marxuach tells us what's coming up on Lost as the first season winds down and also talks about another comic project on the horizon... This Has A "Rescrambled DNA" Factor of Ten Out of Ten Denny Colt's Christmas Carol While the comic world is abuzz about the news that Jeph Loeb will be writing the script for a feature film version of Will Eisner's The Spirit, Loeb's involvement with the character may not end there. According to a recent interview with Tim Sale, Loeb and Sale are in discussions to reunite on a Spirit graphic novel entitled The Christmas Spirit, "inspired by Eisner's own stories of the Spirit at Christmastime." The Christmas Spirit would be a 48 page one-shot, with Mark Chiarello onboard for colors. In other news, during the interview, Sale talks about another project he's looking to do: an oversized coffee-table book of short stories featuring DC heroes like Batman and Superman. With a proposed page count of 220 pages, the book would be aimed at the casual comic fans as well those who regularly follow the characters. This Has A "Man For All Seasons" Factor of Nine Out of Ten Bushido Blend Fiona Avery (Arana) is set to launch her own comic company later this year. Rather than partner with a larger publisher, Avery has opted to self-publish her creator owned titles, the first of which will debut at this year's San Diego Comic Con. Recently, I caught up with Avery for more on her new endeavor and the story behind her company's name, Lucky Bamboo Productions: It's an amusing little story. A very good friend of mine used to sketch little cartoons for me and send them in the mail. One day she put a little joke "disclaimer" on the bottom of the envelope that said something like (c)something-something, a subsidiary of Lucky Bamboo Enterprises. And I said 'Oh! That's perfect! One day when I'm able, I'm going to use that as my company name.' She was tickled about it. I remember vaguely that she used it because we had joked around about my only plant in the house being lucky bamboo, which you simply cannot kill. But it fit so well as a company name, because I do so much Japanese artwork and storytelling and have become known as the 'resident samurai" in several places, it just made sense to use it. Lucky Bamboo is a plant from (at least if not more places than) Japan. It is a small, potted plant and is not actually related to Bamboo but looks just like it. It is kept indoors. The name is just a marketing tool, and the plant is unrelated to bamboo. It is a form of dracaena, to be specific. Lucky Bamboo is a plant often used by Feng Shui Masters. Feng Shui philosophy believes that the positioning and physical characteristics of a home affect the fortunes and happiness of its inhabitants. The Taoist take on this practice, involves the pursuit of harmonious and balanced juxtaposition of objects, furniture, buildings and surroundings. Lucky bamboo is considered an effective way to attract positive "chi" energy, thus bringing good fortune and prosperity to those in its environment. I'm the president and just about every other administrative title at Lucky Bamboo, because my company is not a subsidiary of any other imprint. I employ a host of invisible gremlins who usually do all the daily, administrative work of the company but how I get them is a state secret. I consider Lucky Bamboo Productions the equivalent of a private label winery. Only a few precious bottles of homemade wine are made a year. Same of Lucky Bamboo Productions: some favorites from my vault of untold stories are released in a year. Adding to my host of invisible gremlins are real gremlins in the form of pencillers, inkers, artists, graphic designers and the Webmastah. You can read about them on the "staff" portion of the Lucky Bamboo Productions website, but I'll give you a glimpse of who we have lined up on art: Billy Tan is pencilling The Way of the Sword, Romano Molenaar is on Hellfire, and a newcomer is working on Sam Falcon. For colors we have the ever-popular Peter Steigerwald and Beth Sotelo, and Marco Galli did the inks for Hellfire. I'm working with Amanda Conner on cover art right now. It's a creator-owned company, which means I'm the sole writer at Lucky Bamboo. In case you were wondering the stories are told out of Los Angeles, California. There's no central office to visit, just a desk and a cat perch. Like I said, it's a small operation. I plan to release the first issue, a Limited Edition Preview Issue, at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2005. Come find our booth at the San Diego Comic-Con this year, pick up a comic book and get to know us. The 24-page preview issue contains three short stories from each mini-series to be released the following year from Lucky Bamboo Productions. Hellfire, a story about a modern- day, black-magic sorceress with a heart of gold. The Way of the Sword, a story about a Portuguese missionary's daughter trapped inside Feudal Japan who learns to become a Samurai. And Sam Falcon, a private detective for ... unicorns, fairies and trolls. Features of these three titles are up at the site: http://www.luckybambooproductions.com. I'll tell you a little bit about our publishing schedule in the company. After the comic-con, Lucky Bamboo releases one comic monthly through Diamond Distributors. The anticipated launch date is January of 2006. We'll then release three mini-series a year, each in four part installments. The first mini-series would release from January through April, the second mini-series from May through August, and the third mini-series from September through December. Some additional mini-series may be one-shots and some may evolve into ongoing series. This Has A "Warrior's Code" Factor of Eight Out of Ten Catwoman Begins It will take a long time to erase the memory of Halle Berry's disastrous Catwoman movie from the collective consciousness of fandom. But it looks like we might have some entertaining fan films in the interim. Over at fanflicks.com there's a preview for Catwoman: Copycat (http://www.catwoman-copycat.com/), which if nothing else, keeps the costume and appearance of Catwoman faithful to the comics. Amber Moelter, the actress portraying Catwoman has an official website which can be found here. http://www.ambermoelter.com/ According to a post by Moelter, the short film will be finished sometime this month or next. This Has A "Cat Scratch Fever" Factor of Seven Out of Ten The Liberality Bell Regular ATR readers should hopefully remember Liberality For All, which was described here two weeks ago. Late last week, I received an e-mail from Mike Mackey, the creator of Liberality For All. Loved your review! (...ya bleedin heart lib! ) I look forward to conducting an interview with you when sales on my book breaks some records. You know, I should be offended by the entire concept. But instead I find it hilarious. Yeah... I can just tell this is going to be my Civilian Justice. Looking at the covers, I think I can spot a grim and gritty, G. Gordon Liddy, and from Mackey's description, I'm assuming that the others are Oliver North, Sean Hannity and his main character, Reagan McGee. I just have one question... is that dog wearing a monocle?! This Has An "One Eyed, One Armed Republican" Factor of Three Out of Ten And that's all from Rage Central. See you next week. Later, Blair PS If anyone has any rumors, stories or news to share, please email me at blairm@silverbulletcomicbooks.com. Thanks to everyone who has been sending stuff in. It's greatly appreciated. _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [5] Interviews Paul Dale Roberts Silhouet98@cs.com Interview with: Ken Haeser, Writer and Illustrator of The Eyes of Asia! Interviewed by Paul Dale Roberts, Publisher - Jazma Universe Online! http://www.jazmaonline.com/ Question: Tell us something personal about yourself. Maybe where you were born, something about your family background, schools you attended, etc. I was born in Atlantic City and have lived here in New Jersey my whole life. Question: What was the first comic book you ever read? Blue Devil #1. I read it on a plane ride to Florida when I was a kid and I've been hooked on comics ever since. Question: What were your favorite comic books growing up? I started out reading mostly DC--- Superman and Batman. As I got a little older I discovered Spider-man and that opened me up to the whole Marvel universe. Question: Please brief us about The Eyes of Asia? The Eyes of Asia is a four issue, 40 page each mini series where the story is told in double page spreads. The format really lends itself to the widescreen epic feel of the book. We really wanted to break the boundaries of normal comic format. As far as I know you don't see anything else like that out there today. It's also colored using a fully painted looking gray tone that fits the mood of the story with the lack of sun. Issues one to three are available in shops now and issue four will be out in June. Question: Tell us about some of the main characters, like Asia, Prometheus and Gaia. When the story starts out, Asia is pretty much of a mystery. You know that she is searching for her daughter, she has the power of sunlight inside of her and that she is really good with a sword. As the story unfolds over the four issues you slowly learn more about her past and her motivation. Prometheus is the undisputed ruler of the earth. He commands an army of vampire warriors that have destroyed almost all other beings on the planet. Prometheus is also the one who stole Asia's daughter. Gaia is mother nature. We find out that her death a long time ago is what drove the planet into darkness allowing the vampires to rule the world. Question: How did you get so good in drawing? I know that you went to Kubert's Art School, but they couldn't have taught you to draw that well! Thanks! But it's just a lifetime of spending almost every free moment drawing. While most kids where out playing I spend a lot of my time sitting in my room making my own comics. The Kubert School really taught you how to refine your art and train you to draw 12 hours a day. Question: How did the concept of The Eyes of Asia come about? The concept came about when my partner Pete Deluca (co-writer and inker) got to talking about what the world would be like if there was no sun and the vampires had no weakness. They would have no reason to hide and they would rule the world and keep humans as cattle. Then we thought what if there was one person who had the power of the sunlight inside of her? From there the story pretty much wrote itself. Question: Do you have a website and if you do, what is the URL address? You can visit the official Asia website at www.TheEyesOfAsia.com or you can check out my online portfolio at www.geocities.com/maelman1 Question: How can somebody contact you? They can always shoot me an email at Asia@nsart.com. Question: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring with you and why? An Ipod full of Pink Floyd, the Lord of the rings books and of course my sketchbook. Question: Your thoughts on the comic industry? Everyone always talks about the doom and gloom of how the industry is in trouble. They've been saying that since comics where first created. I think that there is some great stuff out there; some of the best made and original comics are out now---especially from the independent guys. The independent creators are not stuck in the "superhero" formula. Look at publishers like Digital Webbing (publisher of The Eyes of Asia) and the variety that they put out. You've got superhero, fantasy, sci-fi, horror--- you name it. It's a great time to be a reader. Question: What cons are you going to? We will be hitting Pittsburg April 22nd to the 24th and we'll be in Wizard World Philly and Chicago in artist alley. Question: What are your hobbies and recreational activities? Not much time for any hobbies with all the comics that need to be made, but I do collect action figures. When I'm not working I'm playing with my three year old son, Kalel. Question: What comic books do you read now? Ultimate Spider-man is always on the top of my read list. It's the character boiled down to its essence and it's always great to see in what ways they are going to introduce new characters. Question: If The Eyes of Asia became a Hollywood movie, who would play the character parts and why? Angelina Jole for Asia. Not just because of the lips, but because she can pull off that sexy and deadly look that Asia needs to have. Question: That ends the interview, any last words of wisdom? If you want to make a comic--- go ahead and do it. It takes forever to do all the work yourself, but once it's all done you can have something that you are really proud of. Ken Heaser TheEyesOfAsia.com ****** Interview with: Chris Bunting, Creator of Mr. T comic book! Interviewed by Paul Dale Roberts, Publisher - Jazma Universe Online! http://www.jazmaonline.com/ Question: Tell us something personal about yourself. Maybe where you were born, something about your family background, schools you attended, etc. CHRIS BUNTING: I'm from Great Britain, and it's always been my ambition to write comic books. The last year or two have been great in that regard, but 2005 has been truly amazing ... and we're still only in the first quarter! Question: What was the first comic book you ever read? CHRIS BUNTING: Due to my older siblings, I had comics around me all the time when I was growing up, so it's very hard to accurately say. Most likely it would've been The Beano (which in case you don't know is an institution of a British childrens' comic). The first comic of my own that I had, and was very proud of, was Captain America. This was a terrific reprint comic by Marvel UK and they had the most amazing covers. Question: What were your favorite comic books growing up? CHRIS BUNTING: I liked almost anything and everything when I was very young. But things really kicked into high gear when I began collecting Marvel US comics around the age of 10 or 11. At one point I was collecting a dozen or more a month, and they were all superb. I just ate those comics up! Incredible Hulk, Captain America, all the Spidey titles, Thor, Avengers, Iron Man, Fantastic Four. Question: Please brief us about the new Mr. T. comic book? CHRIS BUNTING: The first issue of Mr. T is almost a mystery thriller, so I can't say much as I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I can say that we begin in a tough inner city neighborhood. A vile new drug is causing chaos, and only one man can put things right ... but he's not been seen for a long time. Question: Have you ever met Mr. T? If you did what is he like? CHRIS BUNTING: I haven't met him yet due to me being based in the UK and Mr. T in the USA. However, it's looking promising that APComics will arrange some signing sessions with Mr. T, so I'll get to meet him then. Although it's yet to be confirmed, the San Diego Comic-Con in July is the big favourite. Keep checking www.apcomics.com and www.writing.me.uk for the latest info on this. Question: Why a Mr. T comic book? Will the newer stories fall back on the older stories in the past Mr. T. comic books or is this a new take on Mr. T? CHRIS BUNTING: The time is right for a Mr. T comic book. The action, the adventure, and of course the fantastic force of nature that is Mr. T! I also think there's so much social relevance, maybe now more than ever, to Mr. T and the Mr. T comic. He's not a celebrity who pulls fake smiles or undergoes cosmetic surgery: he's completely genuine and no-nonsense. In a world where people will often prefer to turn a blind eye to somebody in trouble rather than help, we have Mr. T, a guy who will always champion the underdog, the poor and the vulnerable. In a world where drugs are causing mayhem in so many ways and on so many levels, there's Mr. T, someone who's willing to voice his opinion against them. So the time is right for Mr. T, who he is, and what he stands for. APComics head honcho Rich Emms jokingly called this "Ultimate Mr. T" (referring to Marvel's Ultimate line of comics). While that's certainly not a bad analogy, the thing is, Mr. T is Mr. T wherever you place him. He's far too powerful a presence and too iconic a figure to 'ultimize'. While this comic is a new take on Mr. T, at the same time it's still the Mr.T we all know and love. Question: Who are some of the main players of the new Mr. T comic book? CHRIS BUNTING: Mr. T himself of course, but there's also a new cast of friends and foes. There's the unpredictable Wild Dog, the beautiful-but-dangerous Mizz K and the enigmatic Detective Raziel. Question: Do you consider Mr. T a superhero? CHRIS BUNTING: While Mr. T possesses no superpowers in the comic book, he is super, and he is a hero, so it's fair to say that he's a super hero! ;) Question: Will Mr. T be crossing over with any other comic book characters? CHRIS BUNTING: Who knows? Question: Do you have a website and if you do, what is the URL address? CHRIS BUNTING: Yep, the URL is http://www.writing.me.uk Question: How can somebody contact you? CHRIS BUNTING: There's an email button on my website, so anybody can contact me. There's also the official APComics message board / forum: http://www.phpbbforfree.com/forums/apcomics.html Question: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring with you and why? CHRIS BUNTING: A pen and a notepad, so I could jot ideas down for stories. And coffee! Question: Your thoughts on the comic industry? CHRIS BUNTING: Plenty, but mainly I feel that there's often too much negativity surrounding the industry. There's far more to be optimistic and enthusiastic about. There are more great titles and creators in comicdom than ever before, so I really can't agree with well-worn statements such as "comics aren't as good as they used to be". I'd also like to see comics go back to newsstand in the UK and USA ... it's the way forward. Question: Your 3 favorite fictional heroes and why? CHRIS BUNTING: 1. Spider-Man. He's so ... normal, in that by paradox, he's so dysfunctional! Spidey's such a well-developed character, it's hard not to love the guy. 2. Hulk. Such a fantastic character that appeals on so so many levels. 3. The Thing, but where to begin?! Question: Your 3 real life heroes and why? CHRIS BUNTING: There can only be one ... Mr.T. He has this energy and vibe that's so great to see and seems to transfer over into people who watch him. And he's exciting: the T in his name will mean "trouble" to the bad guys while it will mean "tenderness" to the good guys. It's a very intriguing and unique combination, and only Mr.T has it and has ever had it. If I can catch just a fraction of this in the Mr.T comic, then I'll be more than happy! Question: What cons are you going to? CHRIS BUNTING: There's a very special 'sneak preview' launch of the Mr.T comic at the Comics Expo March 13-15 2005 in Bristol, UK. Then we'll be at the world famous San Diego Comic Con, hopefully with Mr.T himself joining us (yet to be confirmed, but looking likely). We've lots more being planned, so stay tuned at www.apcomics.com Question: What movies, cartoons and TV shows are your favorites? CHRIS BUNTING: I'm really getting into older movies now, stuff from the 1960s and '70s, as there are so few contemporary films worth watching. I'm not saying that there isn't ANY ... but there's only a few, and the ones that look good/promising (Sin City, Batman Begins, Fantastic Four) happen to be based on comic books! Older movies tend to have far stronger writing, directing and acting. Special effects are great but some filmmakers allow them to rule the story/film, not the other way around. And excessive SFX use can become a little boring and 'samey'. The same applies to TV shows and cartoons, in that there's not a great deal worth watching. I tend to be very retro here again ... an example of a cartoon I like would be the original series of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Question: What books do you read? CHRIS BUNTING: The most recent book I've read is fantasy novel, The Lexian Chronicles. I'm adapting this into comic book form for APComics as we speak. It's a wonderful novel, very rich and vivid, and so intelligently written. I'm excited to be adapting it. Trust me, the novel - and comic along with it - are going to be very popular! The first issue of The Lexian Chronicles goes on sale the same time as Mr. T #1 (May 2005) so that's going to be a very exciting month for me. Question: What are your hobbies and recreational activities? CHRIS BUNTING: Comics! So my hobby is also my work, which is just great! Question: What comic books do you read now? CHRIS BUNTING: Incredible Hulk now Peter David's back! Astonishing X-Men is proving to be jaw-dropping. Amazing Spider- Man is amazing again thanks to J.Michael Straczynski. Fantastic Four is a must-read. Fallen Angel has been great. I'm loving The Chase (by APComics) too. Captain America's an old favourite of mine. Question: That ends the interview, any last words of wisdom? CHRIS BUNTING: Yes: don't miss out on the Mr. T comic! We've got some real treats lined up! Mr. T #1 ships on May 21 2005. FURTHER DETAILS: * MR.T: 22-PAGE / FULL COLOR, PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY APCOMICS. * WRITER: CHRIS BUNTING * ARTIST: NEIL EDWARDS * INKER: RANDY EMBERLIN * COLORIST: DON MACKINNON * CREATIVE SUPERVISOR: MR.T * MR.T #1 SHIPPING IN: MAY 2005 - RELEASED WORLDWIDE 21 MAY 2005 (to coincide with Mr. T's birthday) * APC PREVIEW COMIC (WITH EXCLUSIVE MR.T STORY) SHIPPING IN: LATE APRIL 2005 * APC WEBSITE: www.apcomics.com * APC DEDICATED MR.T PAGE: www.apcomics.com/mrtpage.htm * MY PERSONAL WEBSITE: www.writing.me.uk _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [6] Lines On Paper Bruce Canwell bruce.canwell@verizon.net [Freelance writer Bruce Canwell is a New England native who has worked for both DC and Marvel Comics. His essays have appeared in TOMORROW SF, THE CORTLAND REVIEW, COMIC BOOK WEEK, the PORTSMOUTH (NH) PRESS, and AMAZING HEROES. In the summer he is often found at Fenway Park; in the winter, he enjoys playing high-stakes poker against really dumb opponents.] Installment 48: Nicholas & Me (Part 1 of 2) In his new non-fiction book, THE DISAPPOINTMENT ARTIST, award- winning author and pop culture fan Jonathan Lethem offers up "Defending THE SEARCHERS," an essay in which he describes his longtime affinity for the 1956 John Ford Western and the many times he has touted the film's merits to those who do not see what he sees in the material. I can sympathize, having spent decades in a similar situation. What THE SEARCHERS is to Jonathan Lethem, Nick Fury is to me. The hard-bitten director of SHIELD forms one of my earliest connections to comics. As discussed back in Installment # 9, "My Dinner With Steranko," my mother bought me a copy of STRANGE TALES # 163 in the mid-1960s, several months before I decided to spend my own allowance money on comics. That chapter of SHIELD's seeming battle with The Yellow Claw captivated my seven-year-old self; it was a memorable shockwave from the decade's explosion of spy-fare that was birthed by Bond (whom I never liked) and encompassed THE (British) AVENGERS, GET SMART, and THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E (all of which I did, and do, like). I started buying comics weekly just in time to catch Steranko's farewell to Fury. SHIELD # 5 -- the bravura "Whatever Happened to Scorpio?" -- contains a story with a center that appeals even to a youngster (Scorpio captures Fury and takes his place, in turn substituting Nick for the masked "LMD # 13," a new SHIELD android being tested in a chamber that makes the Danger Room look like a kiddie playground). Of course, that narrative center was wrapped in 1960s cutting-edge storytelling with a continuity- implant icing in the form of "Pickman," a mysterious friend from Fury's past whom even newbie readers could tell was making his first (and last!) appearance in the series. There was a sophistication to this story my youthful self recognized, but was years away from fully appreciating. Still, the uniqueness of Steranko's vision became increasingly apparent to me as the strip's creative staffs shifted from the passable (Archie Goodwin & Frank Springer) to the miscast (Gary Freidrich and Herb Trimpe), while the storylines became increasingly rushed and pedestrian. SHIELD's final issue, # 15, concludes with Fury's apparent assassination in Central Park -- a mercy killing in more ways than one. You can't keep a good super-spy down, of course. Roy Thomas revealed in AVENGERS # 72 that Fury's death had been staged so Nick could work undercover, infiltrating the Zodiac crime cartel. Roy also gave us quintessential Fury moments at the start of the Kree-Skrull War in AVENGERS # 92 (page 11) and # 94 (page 19, panel 1). I believe these scenes depict three traits that speak to the heart of the character: [1] Behind Fury's bare-knuckled exterior lurks a subtle, savvy in-fighter. [2] He needs those in-fighting skills, because Nick's sense of Right and Wrong has been finely honed by the things he has seen and done through the years. This puts him at odds with the more amoral politicians and soldiers he encounters. [3] Fury Stands By His Friends! In a firefight, no one on his side gets left behind unless sacrificing One is the only way to save Many. In the political arena, no government edict is powerful enough to force Fury to (figuratively or literally) stab a comrade in the back. Given my view of what sort of man Nick Fury is, you can imagine how I have squirmed at the not-so-tender mercies to which he has been subjected down through the years. It is not always the fault of the creators (though lazy editors and writers HAVE produced more than a few bogus Fury/SHIELD stories): more than most characters, Nick has been victimized by the events of the day. There was pervasive government distrust in the late 1970s -- backlash from Watergate and the Nixon resignation that was strengthened by the Iran/Contra scandal and eight years of Reaganism. More than a few writers were reared believing, "if it's tied to the government, it must be corrupt," so it is easy to understand why they superimposed that view onto Fury. I could UNDERSTAND it, but I never AGREED with it. Of the many existing examples of bad Fury-writing, my particular Hall of Shame includes: ) MARVEL TEAM-UP Volume 1 # 95, in which Steven Grant introduces the character of Mockingbird in order to expose SHIELD-agents- gone-bad who have been operating under Fury's nose. I recall the issue ending with the rogue agents neutralized and Fury scooping up the body of an unconscious, injured Mockingbird while telling Spider-Man (I paraphrase): "I dunno how this could have happened -- but I'm gonna find out." Nope, nope, nope -- Fury is not so lax that major-league corruption inside SHIELD could go on without his knowledge. Many's the writer who has trotted out this wrong-headed notion following Grant's MTU story. For me, this shtick is always lame. ) The David Michelinie/Romita Jr/Bob Layton IRON MAN run. Despite its many legitimate peaks, this arc contains a SHIELD attempt at seizing controlling interest in Stark International in order to force Tony Stark to keep building weapons for the government. Nope, nope, nope -- Fury would never countenance such an op, especially since [A] Stark was the man who pushed to name Nick as director of SHIELD in the first place and [B] Fury Stands By His Friends. ) Terry Kavanagh's FURY/AGENT 13 two-issue micro-series, in which Nick is trapped in some bogus dimension, where is he endlessly fighting World War II as Sergeant Fury. Nope, nope, nope -- World War II is ancient history. The contemporary readership does NOT want to read any "here's how we do the 'Howling Commandos'" riffs. Given all the potential inherent within the concept of SHIELD, no creator worth his salt should shoehorning Fury into WW II tropes. ) 2002's FURY miniseries, where Garth Ennis melded horrifically wrong-headed characterization to a gruel-thin plot and added insult to injury by tossing in a continuity-implant young geek relative for Nick. This series was one huge "nope, nope, nope" from start to finish (though artist Darrick Robertson is the real deal). One of the cliche responses to someone who airs a litany of complaints is, "Oh yeah? Why'n'tcha DO something about it?" In Fury's case, I came >this< close to doing just that. In 1998, you see, not only did I have a "Huntress" story in BATMAN CHRONICLES # 14 coming out in August .... not only was I preparing to launch a new DEATHLOK THE DEMOLISHER series at Marvel with editor Tim Tuohy .... it appeared I was going to get the opportunity to write Nick Fury. The roots of the situation started in the first part of '98. My ol' artist buddy, Lee Weeks, was writing, drawing, and doing the washes on a black-&-white "Thing" story for editor Joe Andreani and his SHADOWS & LIGHT anthology title. As recounted in Installment # 45, Lee and I had been looking for a chance to re- team following 1997's BATMAN: THE GAUNTLET. DC had turned down a science fiction miniseries we pitched to them -- an editor had talked about installing Lee and I as the new creative team on GREEN ARROW, but DC and Lee could not make the business arrangements work out (see Installment # 5). Now Lee's dealings with Joe Andreani had a good vibe, so Lee called to suggest we pitch Marvel ideas to Joe. Of course, a Nick Fury project was at the top of my list. Though Lee had not read a lot of the Silver Age SHIELD material, it took only a few phone conversations and a half-page scene I wrote (Nick's side of a recruitment interview with a prospective new SHIELD agent) to win him over. Lee produced a nifty head-shot of Fury, with the American flag rippling behind him: I wrote up some notes about the character and potential stories, tossed in my "recruitment" snippet, and we sent that package to Andreani. Joe quickly contacted Lee, saying he was enthusiastic about the idea of working with us to pitch new Nick Fury material to Marvel's Powers-That-Be. What a great day it was when Lee called to deliver that news! Even the cautionary portion of the message -- Joe's concern that we would need to reallly blow everyone's doors off, because the higher-ups were skittish about Fury's ability to as a headliner -- did not faze Lee and me. We were confident we had The Right Stuff to bring about the first FURY renaissance since the days of Steranko. Andreani suggested we work on parallel fronts. He wanted us to produce a three-issues miniseries concept as well as a short story idea for SHADOWS & LIGHT. The idea was that the S&L story would run first, introduce our take on Fury and his world, and help whet reader's appetites for the miniseries to follow. The three of us agreed that seemed a reasonable plan; I set to work. More on my experiences writing Fury next time. _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [7] Suspended Animation Michael Vance & Mark Allen MiklVance2@worldnet.att.net http://www.starland.com/sus [Michael Vance, a professional writer since 1977 and has been published in dozens of magazines including Starlog and Jack and Jill, and as a syndicated columnist and cartoonist in over 500 newspapers. His history book, Forbidden Adventure: The History of the American Comics Group, has been called a "benchmark in comics history". He ghosted an internationally syndicated comic strip, and his wrote own strip, Holiday Out, that was reprinted as a comic book. Vance also wrote the comic books Straw Men, Angel of Death, The Adventures of Captain Nemo, and Bloodtide. He is listed in the Who's Who of American Comic Books and Comic Book Superstars. His short stories have appeared in dozens of magazines and recorded by actor William (Murder She Wrote) Windom. Suspended Animation, has been published for more than sixteen years, and Vance worked in newspapers for 22 years as an editor, writer and advertising manager. Mark Allen lives in Western Oklahoma with his wife and daughter. He has been a Baptist minister for over 15 years, and has also written for the Oklahoma news industry. Having indulged in comics for nearly 30 years, Mark now enjoys using the written word to share with others what he believes is a true, and extremely under-acknowledged, art form.] Headstatic/256 pages & $12 from Fool's Child Comix/sold at comics shops & www.foolschildcomix.com. Headstatic is an art gallery of wildly diverse style and subject heavily influenced by 'fine' art comic books and strips, popular culture, and advertising. No presentation on these paper walls is less than one or greater than twenty pages in length. Many of these vignettes were probably assignments in college meant to force students to try new styles. Jay A. Hacker III must have embraced each assignment (if, indeed, there were any) with enthusiasm and an inherent and impressive talent. This guy is good. Jay A. Hacker III is also a courageous artist. He is so because his 'fine' art pals will likely ignore this collection because of its comics influences, and his comic book buddies will turn up their spandex-clad noses because it is tainted by 'fine' art. [Careful readers will notice that the uses of single quotation marks around the word fine indicate the philosophy of this column: there is no fine art; all art is of equal value] Among the cartoonish exploits of "X-Wina" and the realistic anatomy studies of girls that Hacker probably dated or wanted to date, you'll also discover genre flashes of horror and science fiction and adventure. What you won't find are well fleshed out characters or plots. There simply isn't room for either in these brief paper dramas. You won't find enough dialog to guess whether Hacker is a master of that technical point in the fine, oops, art of creating comic books and strips either. Nor will you care. Why? This guy is good. This Hacker guy is really good. The only real criticism is that he needs to lose the III hung on the end of his name. It dredges up visions of Thurston Howell the III and the good ship Minnow. Gilligan is bad. But Hacker is goooooooood. There is some non-sexual nudity. Nonetheless, Headstatic is recommended. MV For information on Vance's short stories, comic books, and available work, query MiklVance@Yahoo.com. _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [8] Silva Shado Reviews Sarah Haslett silva_shado@yahoo.com www.MightyMiniCon.com [Known as Silva Shado on many boards, Sarah is most frequently found at HeroRealm.com and MightyMiniCon.com. She is a reviewer, moderator and columnist for both sites. At HeroRealm, her monthly column "Independent Forecast," co-written with Juan Gamez, which looks at the non-spandex titles in the current Previews, has expanded to become weekly. Called Independent Focus, the weekly columns will rotate through an examination of past Previews picks; the new Previews; independent companies and creators; and web comics. Though she is going on hiatus, you can still find her previous "Under the Radar" columns at MightyMiniCon.com, which looks at those comics that go unnoticed by the majority of comic book readers.] Hello everyone! No, I am not dead. I've just been having internet problems and have been too busy to fix them. No need to bore you all with the details so I'll just get onto my most recent columns: IF: Independent Thinkers, March 18th 2005 - I did a short interview with Neko Press founder Billy Martinez and then reviewed their comics including 9 Lives, Brutal Planet, FSC, Kickass Girl, Night Wraith, and Wildflower. http://www.herorealm.com/features/if031805.htm IF: Independent on the Web, March 25th 2005 - Robert Taylor stepped in for me and took a look at several web comics including Eliada, Charby The Vampirate, and The Wild Hunt. http://www.herorealm.com/features/if032505.htm Independent Focus, April 1st 2005 - I changed up the format and talked about all things indy including Fishnet Angel: Jane Doe #1, Children of the Grave #1 and Twelve Comics Universe. http://www.herorealm.com/features/if040105.htm Independent Focus, April 8th 2005 - Continuing with the new format, I took a look at Oddly Normal #1 and Random Encounter #1. http://www.herorealm.com/features/if040105.htm _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [9] Rich's Reviews Richard Vasseur richardv@sympatico.ca http://www.jazmaonline.com [Rich has been collecting comic books for about 25 years. He belongs to two comic book clubs Jazma and ORCA. He has been writing reviews for Jazma's paper newsletter for about 2 years and has his own review page at www.jazmaonline.com] SPOILER WARNING: Some plot details may be revealed in these reviews! Title: Countdown To Infinite Crisis # 1 Publisher: DC Writers: Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, Judd Winnick Artists: Rags Morales, Mike Blair Price: $ 1.00 US Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars Comments: Jim Lee & Alex Ross present us with a stunning cover. The assemblage of heroes is awesome. This story focuses on Blue Beetle he's a second stringer and he feels like one. The other super-heroes treat him as such. Someone stole all his millions and the other heroes only make a token effort to help. Lex Luthor has put together a Society of evil. Doctor Light is bristling with power. The shadings on his face brings out the rage in it. Luthor has assembled an intriguing group. Booster Gold dawns the uniform again to help his friend Blue Beetle. These two work well together. Lex Luther's Society is actually not the main villains here. Maxwell Lord controls the organization Checkmate and monitors all the meta humans. We get our first look at an OMAC robot it has files on every meta human and how to defeat them. Max has a plan and the DC Universe will soon feel its effects. Max is ruthless and you see that as he kills a hero. Title: Romance and Coffee # 1 Publisher: Angry Brett Comics Writer: Bret Hodson Artist: Bret Hodson Price: $ 2.99 US Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars Comments: This comic tells the true story of one man and his relationship with a woman. L.B.W. is what shes called here (Lying Bitch Whore). The writing is inspired. Any guy that has ever been in a relationship gone bad will identify immediately with it. Bret goes through problems every guy is familiar with. An ex- girlfriend that didn't want to have sex. His new girlfriend L.B.W. likes sex but also likes drugs. So he breaks up with her. The fantasy worlds created show perhaps what L.B.W. deserves. But in the real world rarely gets. You might get the idea Bret does not like women but he does just not like manipulating, conniving women. Bret has been used by L.B.W. She is a master of the manipulative ways of women using sex to get what they want. The art is somewhat simple. Its a black and white comic as well. It is sparse as far as backgrounds go. Title: Tales From The Seventh Galaxy # 1 Publisher: James Rubino Writer: James Rubino Artist: James Rubino Price: $ 3.00 US Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars Comments: This comic starts out just like a B-grade movie. A giant cactus "Cactor" is attacking Los Vegas. The art is black and white and Cactor is funny and evil looking at the same time. He is even more fearsome than Godzilla. Cactor's rampage through the city of sin is wild. His facial expressions will have you trembling in fear or laughing hysterically. Or both. The second story "Heavenly Metal" is a short space epic with a bit of a twist. The art style is reminiscent of Jack Kirby. "Tomb of the Unknown Human" is about one man coming to terms with himself and God. Title: Tales From The Seventh Galaxy # 2 Publisher: James Rubino Writer: James Rubino Artist: James Rubino Price: $ 3.00 US Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars Comments: "Alien Interview: has Dave an ordinary guy just like you and me. He gets taken aboard a spaceship to decide the fate of the human race. Dave is an honest guy and that honesty is refreshing to see. He tells it like it is. This story has a really surprise ending. Dave's a good guy and got what he deserved. And the rest of the human race, well. "Mystery of the Black Hole" this just might be a true story. Just what is behind these holes in space find out here its amazing. If you like sci-fi with a twist this series will be just perfect for you. Title: Stoker's Dracula # 4 Publisher: Marvel Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Dick Giordano Price: $ 3.99 US, $ 5.75 Can Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars Comments: This is the best adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel you will ever see. As the vampire hunters close in Dracula runs for home. The hunter has become the hunted. The chase is on. The hunters are relentless. They fight on for the soul of Mina. This tale chronicles the fantastic adventures of a group of fearless vampire hunters. They do not show fear in the face of this ancient evil. Dracula seems like a force of nature more than a person. The art is black and white. The characters are all clearly illustrated. The backgrounds are realistic and the country side and castle make a perfect setting for the final showdown. Title: Michael Turner's Fathom # 0 Publisher: Aspen Writer: J.T. Krul Penciler: Koi Turnbull Inker: Jason Gorder Price: $ 2.50 US, $ 3.00 Can Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars Comments: Michael Turner delivers a stunning cover. Aspen looks gorgeous in her purple bikini. The moonlight glistening off the water looks hauntingly eerie. The story mentions Aspen but she is not in it. Cannon and Kiana are. As an introduction of things to come its ok. The underwater ships and city show a great imagination in the design of them. The sketches for the upcoming series that Koi Turnbull did look great. But Aspen needed to be shown more and she needed to be in the story. _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [10] Multiverse Observer and Explorer Reviews Paul Dale Roberts Silhouet98@cs.com http://www.jazmaonline.com [Paul promotes amateur and professional comic book artwork, scripts, storylines, and unpublished comic books with a newsletter called the Peoples' Comic Book Newsletter. Its website is at Jazma Comic Book Newsletter Productions at http://www.jazmaonline.com/ He is also a prominent letter hack, as anyone who reads comic letter pages would know. He is in production of his own self-published comic book called The Legendary Dark Silhouette and has copyrighted over 600 characters for his Jazma Universe.] SPOILER WARNING: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN MAY REVEAL SIGNIFICANT PORTIONS OF THE PLOTS OF SOME COMIC BOOKS, OR THE ENTIRE STORY. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Name: Captain America - Out of Time Part 4 Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Writer: Ed Brubaker Artist: Steve Epting Contact Information: Mheroes@marvel.com Comments: Ed Brubaker writes an outstanding story. There are so many things going on in Captain America - Out of Time Part 4. The Red Skull has been assassinated, I still can't believe this one. The damaged not-fully-charged Cosmic Cube has been stolen. Then the reader is taken aboard the SHIELD helicarrier in which Nick Fury and Sharon have a very private one-on-one meeting to discuss the ramifications to the killing of the Red Skull and the stolen Cosmic Cube. I was thrown almost off my chair as Nick details the facts that the rifle that killed the Red Skull had Jack Monroe's (formerly known as Nomad) prints on it. Jack Monroe has quite the resume, as being the Bucky of the 50s to Scourge to Nomad to being a former SHIELD operative. I loved the information given on The Spirit of '76 aka William Nashland and The Patriot aka Jeff Mace. What is amazing is that both of these heroes were also once Captain America, a role that they took when the Government thought Captain America was dead. Bucky Barnes may be dead, but he still makes his appearances in Captain America, because Captain America keeps reminiscing times he had with Bucky. It was great seeing Bucky with his former friend The Patriot. Fiction blurs with reality, as Captain America is near former President Kennedy's gravesite and discusses how William once saved Kennedy, another interesting trivia of the Marvel Universe. Captain America has much to ponder about as he must figure who is targeting him and that has been indicated with the vandalism of William and Jeff's graves. What actually staggered my senses is seeing Captain America battling Crossbones and during this conflict he flashes back to some harsh times with Zemo. Was this another false memory placed into Captain America's mind? Things just seem to get more and more strange for Steve Rogers. This is truly a fascinating read! Name: The Incredible Hulk - Tempest Fugit Pt. 3 of 5 #79 Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Writer: Peter David Pencils: Lee Weeks Inks: Tom Palmer Contact Information: Mheroes@marvel.com Comments: Drama doesn't get any better than this, as General Thaddeus Ross confronts Gwen and Ripley and tells them how he can save them from their dilemma. The dilemma of getting away from the monsters that surround them. I remember the days of Jack Kirby's Fin Fang Foom and it was great to see this talking dragon confront Hulk and telling him to kneel. This dragon may be a jaw jacking lizard, but with the Hulk yanking at his tongue, he was silenced real quick. Trying not to believe that a hellhound with 3 heads is not attacking you, is probably very hard to do, but I must say that the General has courage. Project Smash is one mystery around the corner, but things are about to get more mysterious as Wolverine is shown on the last panel. All I can do is stay tuned to see what will happen next! (The Incredible Hulk - Tempest Fugit Pt. 3 of 5 #79). Name: Astonishing X-Men #9 Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Writer: Joss Whedon Artist: John Cassaday Contact Information: officeX@marvel.com Comments: I must tell you, Astonishing X-Men #9 brought back memories of the following: 1. Star Trek Voyager segment in which the Holodeck goes wacko with bringing back the fictional character Moriaty (Sherlock Holme's nemesis). 2. The lethal super computer HAL in Stanley Kubrick's 2001 A Space Odyssey. 3. The Star Trek movie in which the satellite Pioneer gains intelligence and becomes a god. Why? Because the Danger Room has now mutated into an intelligent entity and is attacking the X-Men! It must had to do with something that Xavier did in his upgrade using the Shi-av technology. Exotic technology always has its complications. Just like biological viruses can mutate, so can technology one day be able to mutate. New Scientist magazine says that if real artificial intelligence was actually incorporated onto a computer, the following could happen. The artificial intelligence would connect to the Internet and become a pure energy entity with all of the knowledge it gained from the Internet. This would place the entity on a god level. Now that is scary. Would this entity be benevolent or would it be evil? With the Danger Room only knowing violence, this will become a hazard for our heroes. I had a good laugh among the drama, as Logan says the next time they build a Danger Room, that they should use Legos. Destroy the brain and perhaps the X-Men will be safe. They need to do it soon, because I feel the Danger Room will become more and more powerful. It has demonstrated its power by controlling the jet and now it seems to have created some kind of artificial lifeform. Talk about some major stress! MOE Sidenote: As I entered the A1 Comics Stargate, here are just some of the few realities I saw: Death Jr. by Image; Deity Requiem by Image; Desperadoes - Banners of Gold #4 by IDW; Bruce Jones' Freak Show; The Gift #1 - Director's Cut by Image; Grave - A Midnight Show Production, The Intimates by Wildstorm, Sea of Red #1 by Image; Shanna the She Devil #3 by Marvel MK, Hack Slash by DDP; Bloodrayne - Seeds of Sin #1 by Digital Webbing; Joe Casey's Infantry #4 by Devil's Due. That is my report for this week on what is new at A1 Comics! Multiverse Observer and Explorer signing off until next time.....below are some comments I made to a couple of editors. My Comments to the Editor of Bloodrayne: Just picked up Bloodrayne #1 - Seeds of Sins and was completely amazed at the story and the artwork! Digital Webbing has become a name in the comic book industry and with Bloodrayne, you have a seductive, but lethal siren that will leave her mark in the vampire mythology. She is quite exotic and her flaming red-hair is a definite attraction to her womanly beauties. The slicing and dicing drama and action left me right on the edge-of-my-seat. Thrills galore with the undersea action and the artwork is more than excellent! I can't wait for the next issue! My Comments to the Editor of Infantry: What I love about Joe Casey's Infantry #4 is that you take the reader from one scene to another. This story read like a Tom Clancy thriller, going from Casper, Wyoming to Fresno, CA to Denver and finally Washington D.C. Heck, nothing ever happens in Fresno, that is where I was born, the only exciting thing that happened to Fresno is when the California Raisens made their debut there. Well, now we can say that Infantry had a foothold in Fresno, well, for awhile anyway. There is a lot of great action, firepower and explosions to keep me climbing the walls. All of the scenes have an intensity to keep the reader wanting more! Name: Witchblade #84 - Witchhunt #5 of 6 Publisher: Top Cow Price: $2.99 Writer: Ron Marz Pencils: Michael Choi Inks: Sal Regla Contact Information: fanmail@topcow.com My Comments to the Editor: Witchblade #84 was quite intriguing. Sara Pezzini mentions that she is not the first person that had the witchblade, that this is an ancient power and there are many previous people that had this power, sort of like the 'slayers' of Buffy. How was this power created, who created it and who were all of the people that once had the power of the witchblade. There is much to be told. Sara faces the ultimate dilemma, her life has become more complicated with the witchblade and she realizes that the witchblade has a mind of it's own sometimes and she must keep it in check. If she didn't keep it in check, how much control would the witchblade have? Sara came off like Dirty Harry, when she said that people close to her wind up dead, this is so true. There is plenty of mystery in this story and hints of a conspiracy within the church. What shadows emerge, when a new god is being summoned upon the world. This god seems like a god of destruction. I like the interaction between Detective Gleason and Sara, they work well with each other and have mutual respect for each other. Even with the intense drama, there was some sidebar humor as Gleason relates his Yankees/Mets story. Okay, the witchblade is also like the Borg (Star Trek), reason being it can adapt and learn to kill various monsters and whatnot. This is another interesting outlook of the witchblade. When Sara mentions that the Catholic Church never lacked a sense of scale, this is so true, look at the Pope's elaborate funeral. The new god is frightening and fearsome and it will be interesting to see how this story will conclude. Also, to answer Renae's response to my last letter, I really do like Starbucks...and I just recently went to Calistoga for a mudbath and this time I didn't take any reading drugs (comic books) with me, I didn't want to get mud on the comic books. With the priest and Sara face-down bit, well the boat to Catalina Island was rocking back and forth, it was hard for me to write down my ramblings in a more comprehensive way. Sorry about that...now where is my frappachino? Name: GrimJack - Killer Instinct #3 Publisher: IDW Publishing Writer & Co-Creator: John Ostrander Artist & Co-Creator: Timothy Truman Price: $3.99 Contact Information: GrimJackComics@aol.com My Comments to the Editor: GrimJack is as rugged as rugged can be. He knows how to make a lady feel good, as he tells Chaney after a night of intimacy, that being intimate, doesn't make them a couple. What a guy! GrimJack does some great investigative work and uses informants to get his information. His informants are quite the characters, from Feetus who is saved by GrimJack from assailants to Roscoe the snitch, who demands money. GrimJack might be rugged, but he also has a heart, as he feels responsible for Roscoe losing his eye. Also GrimJack thinks back to what he said to Chaney and feels down when thinking of bad relationships he has had in the past. GrimJack has something in common with Dirty Harry, people get hurt or die that are close to him. This is a very strange reality that GrimJack lives in, a place called Mama Bats is a nightclub that vampires frequent and the owner is a seductive vampiress named Simone. Simone definitely caught my eye and I would love to know the history between GrimJack and Simone, since GrimJack knew her back in the Demon Wars, before she was a vampire. GrimJack stays focused on his mission of looking for Ilsa Kalter. Wow! Those lampreys really gave me the heebie jeebies, as they follow the orders of their master Simone. There is plenty of history in GrimJack's world, as I would like to know something more about the vampire slayer outlaw Saint Dryden, whose flintlock is being used by GrimJack to kill the lampreys. A flintlock that has mythical proportions, since it uses gunpowder that was soaked in the blood of virgins and fires an expanding silver nitrate ball. The weapons that GrimJack uses are amazing, besides the flintlock, he also used the garlic cannisters to ward off the vampires and kept the vampires from chasing him. I thought the vampires, lampreys were bizarre, but what is up with the Ninja Mimes?? I got to stay tuned for the next issue! Superb story with plenty of mystical charm! Name: Big Bang Featuring Venus #34 Publisher: Image Two Stories: Odyssey to Save the Gods - Plot: Chris Ecker, Script: Gary Carlson with Ed DeGeorge, Pencils: Joe Zierman & Chad Sergesketter. Inks: Mike Matthew. Renegade & LadyBug in Along Came the Lady Bug. Story, Pencils & Letters: Sterling Clark. Inks: Jeff Austin Price: $3.95 Contact Information: Gcarl0007@aol.om Comments: Roman and Greek mythology live on through the Big Bang Universe as Venus - the Goddess of Love is featured in the first story Odyssey to Save the Gods. I was caught by surprise when Venus is shown in amidst of battle, well so I thought as she entangles herself in fight mode training with Cupid. Venus does some trickery on Cupid to end the training session. In this story the interdimensional realm of Olympus has now been moved to Jupiter. The story is quite dramatic and I enjoyed the mythos cursing for comedy effect, instead of saying a crappy 4 letter word that starts with S, you say instead "minotaur droppings". What a combination for marriage.Venus and Mars. Now they are both on their own and the reader gets an ear full as the story is told how a woman impersonating (or looked like) Venus bore a child for Mars and that child was Cupid. Mars of course thought that Venus bore Cupid, but it wasn't so. It appears that all of the gods are related some way or another. Like the lightning quick Mercury is the brother of Venus. Jupiter is the father of Mercury and Venus and so on. The gods are immortal.well, sort of. If mankind refuses to believe in them, they could be striked down with illness and the shocker of this story is that Jupiter is practically on his deathbed, because mankind has abandoned their faith in him. Then what really creeps me out is how Mars the God of War and Pluto the God of Death have an alliance. This alliance can be of one thing.that one thing is evil. Evil enough to start plotting to take down mankind once and for all. There is a lot to be told about Venus, as she once took on human form during the WWII / Korean War and fell in love with a soldier named Jason Proudhawk. Venus in the persona of Vanessa Hart had a life on Earth, in a city called Central City and this all occurred during the WWII period. If I want magic, then this comic book is definitely for me, we have images of the great Red Spot on Jupiter. A place of turbulence and chaos. Then there is Venus riding on a Pegasus. Mythology can't get any better than this. An added bonus to this amazing comic book is the second story "The Renegade! Along Came The Lady Bug!". The story starts off with a superhero on hot pursuit of some bank robbers. This chase leads to high paced action as our hero holds onto the robber's speeding vehicle. This hero is no other than the Renegade! But, the Renegade is going to have some company..exit Patty Wheeler and enter: The Lady Bug! I love The Lady Bug's costume, it's awesome! This story has high intensity drama, action and some good ol' Pow! And Bops! Good superhero action that will have you smiling ear-to-ear! The artwork in both stories are exceptionally well done, in the first story, it looks like Jack Kirby was doing the penciling. Big Bang stories are exactly that..a big bang! _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [11] My View David LeBlanc ComicBkNet@aol.com http://members.aol.com/comicbknet David LeBlanc is the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine; which won the prestigious Eagle Award for Favorite Comic Book Ezine in 2001. He is a long-time fan of comics and the electronic media; having been the moderator of BBS comics forums on WME, FIDONET and the Comic Book Network. He and his wife live in a suburb of Worcester, MA and David works part-time at That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning Comics and Collectibles store. David's favorite motivational phrase is: BEHOLD THE TURTLE, HE ONLY MAKES PROGRESS WHEN HE STICKS HIS NECK OUT! Dork Storm Press PS238 #10 by Aaron Williams 32 pages, black & white, color cover, $2.99 Published by Henchman Press aaron@ps238.com Distributed by Dork Storm Press www.ps238.com Ever wonder what it would be like at a school for kids with super powers? I'm not talking about Xavier's school, those kids are a bit older than the ones attending PS238. This school is a secret kept well below the surface of an actual public elementary school. The subject of this issue is shop class. Of course this shop is geared to help the kids use their abilities. For example Zodon, a kid genius in a floating chair, was supposed to construct a laser from a flashlight and binoculars. Kids being kids it got confiscated. Anyway, this class has the one kid who apparently has no special gift, Tyler Marlocke, whose parents are among the Earth's most powerful heroes. They hope he is just a late bloomer. He hopes he can survive the mishaps the others get him into or he'll never find out if he will gain powers. He is teamed up with Angela who has this thing about creating super science objects like super cars and spacecraft that only she can get to work. Along with the alien Prospero they have to find a way to enhance the properties of silly putty - without making an explosive. This is a typical set up for a fun comic that takes a lighter look at the real problems even super powerful people might have. Take our kids, for example. Angela is a little too ingenious for her own good and soon the kids are orbiting earth in a makeshift space station. They figure to make the greatest superball in history. As a side note, when the ball finally bounces it sets up some real funny side jokes as a back up story. Right now the problem is the bad guy thinks their satellite is a super hero fortress and has sent a probe to attach to it and lock his foes inside before it blows up. The fun is seeing kids outsmart the not so terrible villain and create some mayhem for other people along the way. And that is the fun of this series. The kids manage to get in or out of trouble, come out unscathed and mess up the lives of lots of people around them. The wit of Aaron Williams keeps things moving along at a jovial pace and his art shows the skill of a master cartoonist. I always recommend that comic fans broaden their tastes and try things a little different from time to time. If your reading is a steady diet of hard core mainstream heroes you should pick up a copy of PS238 and have a good laugh for a change. DORK TOWER #30 "The Tao of Igor" 32 pages, NOW IN COLOR, $2.99 by John Kovalic John@kovalic.com www.dorkstorm.com This issue features Igor who is probably the most fanatical of the gamers that populate this or any world. His catch phrase is, "It must be mine!" That applies to the latest role playing game version, comic memorabilia, movie DVD special edition, and so on. You name it he is hooked on it. This issue explores another side of Igor as he tries to guide them to enlightenment in their lives with a combination of Eastern philosophy and Star Wars quotes. A real funny sequence has him counseling Kayleigh about her failed relationship with Matt. He keeps telling her to let go so she can recognize the next opportunity when it comes along and yet he misses all the babes trying to hit on him. Likewise a session with Matt has him trying to stop him from the self-doubt holding back his artistic work on comics. Even Carson the Muskrat can't escape as he thinks he sees a flaw in Igor not living up to his own beliefs only to have the fates jump in to prove him wrong. The single page strips are just as funny and the backups from Dr. Blink Superhero Shrink to Lethargic Lad round out another great issue. It is always entertaining and always a little bit about the fan mentality be you a gamer, or collector, or pop culture buff. John touches something inside me with every issues. he finds a different view every issue and keeps coming up with ways we can laugh at ourselves. With the addition of color this comic is near perfect. DR. BLINK: SUPERHERO SHRINK 24 pages, full color, $2.99 Dork Storm Press www.drblink.com John@kovalic.com by John Kovalic and Christopher Jones If you haven't been following the adventures of the good doctor in the pages of DORK TOWER then this will be a treat for you. Regular readers who are familiar will enjoy it all the more now in color. It is a simple premise that follows the daily life of a psychologist to the superheroes. Not only does he have to cope with neurotic people with powers, he also has to manage life as a single parent of a teenage girl. She of course wants to be normal and not deal with her father's celebrity, though in this issue she uses her knowledge of the clients to get back at a snobbish hero. It must be fun to think of a hero with a problem and then work that into a story. This time we focus on Major Amazing who happens to be suicidal. Of course, when you are one of the world's most powerful beings, and nearly invulnerable, trying to kill yourself can be very disappointing. He is always charging into battle in the front and even tries to jump off the doctor's building, with no success. Oh, and he has this tendency to enter through the window, which can be disturbing. Now, this being a humor comic means that things don't always resolve themselves in the end, but we have a lot of fun along the way. I cracked up when when Major Amazing and Captain Omnipotent get into a debate about whether their titles mean they have to follow military rank. The interaction of the other heroes have an effect on the Major but Dr. Blink takes a drastic measures trying his own cure with disastrous results. This is very intelligent humor and well drawn. The addition of color makes it outstanding. John has a knack of natural pacing that is uncanny. He always goes just the right amount of panels or pages before springing the bit on you. This one gives you 22 story pages in color - a good value in my opinion. JERK THE RABBIT #1 (of 5) 20 pages, black & white, $2.95 by Hector Lopez submit@grizzlybooks.com www.grizzlybooks.com Hector is an artist that focuses on traditional animation. You can see it immediately in the sequential art from frame to frame. But he also has a grasp on layouts on a comic page so the combination is a good fit. The story is a simple one about a rabbit in the wrong place at the wrong time. An alien race of two comes to Earth so one of them can perform an experiment on an animal and make it a super version of itself. They find a rabbit and zap it. When nothing apparently happens they give up and fly home. Except the reaction is delayed. The rabbit does grow, but not into a super rabbit. He is more the size of dog now and can stand up on his hind legs - yeah like Bugs Bunny. Now he is scared and so are the other animals. It ends with a rapid pace of mishaps. I like the art a lot and the story is clever. The down size it is over too quick. You get 11 pages of story and then a lot of sketches fill the second half of the book. Some folks will not be willing to spend three bucks on that package. Notice the book I reviewed before this had twice as many story pages, in full color, for essentially the same price. When you are breaking into the market you have to give value for the dollar or it will be spent elsewhere. You'll have to decide on your own if this one is worth your dollars. _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [12] New Comic Book Releases List [NCRL] by Charles LePage chuck@comiclist.com http://www.comiclist.com New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, 04/13/2004, compiled by Charles LePage with information from Suncoast Comics. This is the *preliminary* list and is not complete. The completed list is posted weekly, usually Tuesday evening, at http://www.comiclist.com and other places. You can receive this list each Tuesday via email by following the instructions at the web site, or you can email NCRL-subscribe@egroups.com PLEASE NOTE- Not all of these titles will actually arrive in all stores. Let CHARLES know if any of the names or numbers are wrong. chuck@comiclist.com (Charles LePage) PUBLISHERS: If you know when your comics are going to be available through Diamond, please email chuck@comiclist.com so that he can place your comics on the appropriately dated list. Thanks! "TPB" = "trade paperback". "GN" = "graphic novel". "AA" = "available again". "SC" = "softcover". "HC" = "hardcover". "S/N" = "signed/numbered". "AR" = "ask retailer about price". PUBLISHER TITLE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE IN U.S. DOLLARS DARK HORSE COMICS Conan #15, $2.99 DC COMICS Animal Man Vol 2 Origin Of The Species TPB, $19.99 Aquaman #29, $2.50 Batman Gotham Knights #64, $2.50 Batman Jekyll And Hyde #1 (Of 6), $2.99 Bilal Library Memories TPB, $17.99 Birds Of Prey #81, $2.50 Bite Club TPB, $9.99 Books Of Magick Life During Wartime #10, $2.50 DC Countdown To Infinite Crisis #1, $1.00 Ex Machina #10, $2.99 Hawkman #39, $2.50 Human Race #2 (Of 7), $2.99 Identity Crisis Final Printing #5 (Of 7), $3.99 Identity Crisis Final Printing #6 (Of 7), $3.99 JLA Classified #6, $2.99 Lucifer #61, $2.50 Manhunter #9, $2.50 Powerpuff Girls #61, $2.25 Question #6 (Of 6), $2.99 Robin #137, $2.25 Sandman Vol 3 Dream Country TPB New Ptg, $14.99 Seven Soldiers Klarion The Witch Boy #1 (Of 4), $2.99 Space Ghost #6 (Of 6), $2.99 Teen Titans #23, $2.50 Trigger #5, $2.99 IMAGE COMICS Detonator #3, $2.50 Invincible #22, $2.95 Iron Ghost #1 (Of 6), $2.95 Savage Dragon #121, $2.95 Savage Dragon Vol 10 Endgame HC, $49.95 Small Gods #8, $2.95 Spawn #145 (resolicited), $2.50 MARVEL COMICS Amazing Spider-Man #519, $2.25 Cable Deadpool #14, $2.99 Cable Deadpool Vol 2 Burnt Offering TPB, $14.99 Daredevil Vol 11 Golden Age TPB, $13.99 Fantastic Four #525, $2.99 Hercules #1 (Of 5), $2.99 Livewires #3 (Of 6), $2.99 Marvel Knights 4 #17, $2.99 Marvel Milestones Venom And Hercules, $3.99 Marvel Previews May 2005 Extras, AR New Invaders #9, $2.99 New X-Men #12, $2.99 Official Handbook Marvel Universe Spider-Man 2005, $3.99 Runaways #3, $2.99 Spectacular Spider-Man #27, $2.99 Spider-Man Breakout #1 (Of 5), $2.99 Spider-Man India TPB, $9.99 Stormbreaker Saga Of Beta Ray Bill #4 (Of 6), $2.99 Ultimate Spider-Man #76, $2.25 Uncanny X-Men #458, $2.25 Wolverine #27, $2.25 Wolverine Quesada Variant Cvr #27, $2.25 X-23 #5 (Of 6), $2.99 X-Men #169, $2.25 Young Avengers #3, $2.99 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT Wizard Anime Insider Ghost In The Shell Cvr #21, $4.99 assorted Animerica May 05 Vol 13 #5, $4.99 Atomika #1 Current Ptg, $2.99 Atomika #2, $2.99 Battle Angel Alita Vol 9 2nd Ed TPB, $9.95 Beowulf #1, $2.99 Betty #146, $2.19 Boneyard Vol 4 TPB, $9.95 Ceres Celestial Legend Vol 11 TPB, $9.95 Comic Shop News #931, AR Defex #6, $2.95 Donald Duck And Friends #327, $2.95 Excel Saga Vol 12 TPB, $9.99 Flowers And Bees Vol 7 TPB, $9.99 GI Joe Master & Apprentice Vol 1 TPB, $12.95 GI Joe Master & Apprentice Vol II Cvr B #3, $2.95 GI Joe Master & Apprentice Vol II Udon Cvr A #3, $2.95 Game Trade Magazine #63, $1.99 Gold Digger Vol 5 Pkt Manga TPB, $9.99 Hate Annual #5, $4.95 Jughead And Friends Digest #1, $2.39 Kolchak Tales Of Night Stalker #6, $3.50 Level C Vol 2 GN (adult), $9.99 Little Star #2, $2.99 Maburaho Manga Vol 1 TPB, $9.99 Mickey Mouse And Friends #276, $2.95 Newtype Eng Ed W/ DVD May 2005, $12.98 No Need For Tenchi Vol 3 2nd Ed TPB, $9.99 Pals N Gals Double Digest #93, $3.59 Please Save My Earth Vol 10 TPB, $9.99 Previews Vol XV #5, AR Ps238 #11, $2.99 Ranma 1/2 Vol 17 2nd Ed TPB, $9.95 Ranma 1/2 Vol 18 2nd Ed TPB, $9.95 Ranma 1/2 Vol 30 TPB, $9.95 Simpsons Comics #105, $2.99 Sonic The Hedgehog #148, $2.19 Starkweather #4, $2.95 Street Fighter Rey Cvr A #14, $2.95 The Grimoire #2, $2.99 X/1999 Vol 18 Inversion TPB, $9.95 ComicList for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD NEW DARK HORSE COMICS Bettie Page Mini Bust 05/04 06/11 Classic Comic Book Characters: Conan #2 05/18 05/25 Classic Comic Characters Ser. 1: Hellboy Statue 04/13 05/04 Kotobukiya Chewbacca Vinyl Model Kit 03/23 04/27 Manga Darkchylde #2 03/02 03/30 Matrix: Revolutions Mini Busts: Persephone and Neo 05/18 06/01 Mirror Mask PVC Set #3 02/16 05/04 DC COMICS 100 Bullets #61 05/11 05/18 Action Comics #827 05/18 05/11 Adam Strange #8 04/27 05/11 Adventures of Superman #639 04/20 04/27 Day of Vengeance #1 04/20 04/27 Green Lantern Secret Files 2005 04/20 05/18 Green Lantern: Rebirth #6 03/23 05/11 Human Target #21 04/20 04/27 Ocean #6 04/20 05/11 Outsiders #23 04/27 05/04 Superman #215 03/23 04/20 Superman #216 04/27 05/04 Superman #217 05/11 05/18 Superman/Batman #19 03/16 05/04 Superman/Batman #20 04/20 06/01 Vimanarama #3 04/27 05/11 Wild Girl #6 04/13 04/27 MARVEL COMICS Astonishing X-Men #10 04/27 05/11 Astonishing X-Men #11 05/25 06/08 Astonishing X-Men #12 06/29 07/13 Captain America #5 03/30 04/27 Captain America #6 04/20 05/25 Captain America & the Falcon #14 04/27 05/04 Combat Zone True Tales of GIs in Iraq #3 (OF 5) 05/04 05/18 Daredevil: Redemption #4 04/20 04/27 Essential Hulk Vol. 3 TP 04/20 04/27 Fantastic Four #526 04/27 05/04 Incredible Hulk #81 05/04 05/11 Kabuki #4 Reg./Hughes Cvrs.+Incentive (MR) 04/20 04/27 New Avengers #5 Reg./Granov Var. Cvrs. 04/20 04/27 New Avengers #6 Reg./Mystery Var. Cvr. 04/27 05/04 Powers Vol. 1 HC (MR) 05/25 06/08 Powers Vol. 8: Legends TP (MR) 04/27 05/18 Rogue #10 04/20 04/27 Runaways #4 05/04 05/18 Spider-Man/Human Torch #4 04/27 05/04 Spider-Man/Human Torch #5 05/04 05/11 Supreme Power #16 (MR) 03/23 04/27 Ultimate Iron Man #2 04/20 05/18 X-Force: Shatterstar #3 04/13 04/27 X-Men: Age of Apocalypse #6 04/20 04/27 _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [12] New Comic Book Releases List [NCRL] by Charles LePage chuck@comiclist.com http://www.comiclist.com New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, 04/13/2004, compiled by Charles LePage with information from Suncoast Comics. This is the *preliminary* list and is not complete. The completed list is posted weekly, usually Tuesday evening, at http://www.comiclist.com and other places. You can receive this list each Tuesday via email by following the instructions at the web site, or you can email NCRL-subscribe@egroups.com PLEASE NOTE- Not all of these titles will actually arrive in all stores. Let CHARLES know if any of the names or numbers are wrong. chuck@comiclist.com (Charles LePage) PUBLISHERS: If you know when your comics are going to be available through Diamond, please email chuck@comiclist.com so that he can place your comics on the appropriately dated list. Thanks! "TPB" = "trade paperback". "GN" = "graphic novel". "AA" = "available again". "SC" = "softcover". "HC" = "hardcover". "S/N" = "signed/numbered". "AR" = "ask retailer about price". PUBLISHER TITLE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE IN U.S. DOLLARS DARK HORSE COMICS Conan #15, $2.99 DC COMICS Animal Man Vol 2 Origin Of The Species TPB, $19.99 Aquaman #29, $2.50 Batman Gotham Knights #64, $2.50 Batman Jekyll And Hyde #1 (Of 6), $2.99 Bilal Library Memories TPB, $17.99 Birds Of Prey #81, $2.50 Bite Club TPB, $9.99 Books Of Magick Life During Wartime #10, $2.50 DC Countdown To Infinite Crisis #1, $1.00 Ex Machina #10, $2.99 Hawkman #39, $2.50 Human Race #2 (Of 7), $2.99 Identity Crisis Final Printing #5 (Of 7), $3.99 Identity Crisis Final Printing #6 (Of 7), $3.99 JLA Classified #6, $2.99 Lucifer #61, $2.50 Manhunter #9, $2.50 Powerpuff Girls #61, $2.25 Question #6 (Of 6), $2.99 Robin #137, $2.25 Sandman Vol 3 Dream Country TPB New Ptg, $14.99 Seven Soldiers Klarion The Witch Boy #1 (Of 4), $2.99 Space Ghost #6 (Of 6), $2.99 Teen Titans #23, $2.50 Trigger #5, $2.99 IMAGE COMICS Detonator #3, $2.50 Invincible #22, $2.95 Iron Ghost #1 (Of 6), $2.95 Savage Dragon #121, $2.95 Savage Dragon Vol 10 Endgame HC, $49.95 Small Gods #8, $2.95 Spawn #145 (resolicited), $2.50 MARVEL COMICS Amazing Spider-Man #519, $2.25 Cable Deadpool #14, $2.99 Cable Deadpool Vol 2 Burnt Offering TPB, $14.99 Daredevil Vol 11 Golden Age TPB, $13.99 Fantastic Four #525, $2.99 Hercules #1 (Of 5), $2.99 Livewires #3 (Of 6), $2.99 Marvel Knights 4 #17, $2.99 Marvel Milestones Venom And Hercules, $3.99 Marvel Previews May 2005 Extras, AR New Invaders #9, $2.99 New X-Men #12, $2.99 Official Handbook Marvel Universe Spider-Man 2005, $3.99 Runaways #3, $2.99 Spectacular Spider-Man #27, $2.99 Spider-Man Breakout #1 (Of 5), $2.99 Spider-Man India TPB, $9.99 Stormbreaker Saga Of Beta Ray Bill #4 (Of 6), $2.99 Ultimate Spider-Man #76, $2.25 Uncanny X-Men #458, $2.25 Wolverine #27, $2.25 Wolverine Quesada Variant Cvr #27, $2.25 X-23 #5 (Of 6), $2.99 X-Men #169, $2.25 Young Avengers #3, $2.99 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT Wizard Anime Insider Ghost In The Shell Cvr #21, $4.99 assorted Animerica May 05 Vol 13 #5, $4.99 Atomika #1 Current Ptg, $2.99 Atomika #2, $2.99 Battle Angel Alita Vol 9 2nd Ed TPB, $9.95 Beowulf #1, $2.99 Betty #146, $2.19 Boneyard Vol 4 TPB, $9.95 Ceres Celestial Legend Vol 11 TPB, $9.95 Comic Shop News #931, AR Defex #6, $2.95 Donald Duck And Friends #327, $2.95 Excel Saga Vol 12 TPB, $9.99 Flowers And Bees Vol 7 TPB, $9.99 GI Joe Master & Apprentice Vol 1 TPB, $12.95 GI Joe Master & Apprentice Vol II Cvr B #3, $2.95 GI Joe Master & Apprentice Vol II Udon Cvr A #3, $2.95 Game Trade Magazine #63, $1.99 Gold Digger Vol 5 Pkt Manga TPB, $9.99 Hate Annual #5, $4.95 Jughead And Friends Digest #1, $2.39 Kolchak Tales Of Night Stalker #6, $3.50 Level C Vol 2 GN (adult), $9.99 Little Star #2, $2.99 Maburaho Manga Vol 1 TPB, $9.99 Mickey Mouse And Friends #276, $2.95 Newtype Eng Ed W/ DVD May 2005, $12.98 No Need For Tenchi Vol 3 2nd Ed TPB, $9.99 Pals N Gals Double Digest #93, $3.59 Please Save My Earth Vol 10 TPB, $9.99 Previews Vol XV #5, AR Ps238 #11, $2.99 Ranma 1/2 Vol 17 2nd Ed TPB, $9.95 Ranma 1/2 Vol 18 2nd Ed TPB, $9.95 Ranma 1/2 Vol 30 TPB, $9.95 Simpsons Comics #105, $2.99 Sonic The Hedgehog #148, $2.19 Starkweather #4, $2.95 Street Fighter Rey Cvr A #14, $2.95 The Grimoire #2, $2.99 X/1999 Vol 18 Inversion TPB, $9.95 ComicList for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD NEW DARK HORSE COMICS Bettie Page Mini Bust 05/04 06/11 Classic Comic Book Characters: Conan #2 05/18 05/25 Classic Comic Characters Ser. 1: Hellboy Statue 04/13 05/04 Kotobukiya Chewbacca Vinyl Model Kit 03/23 04/27 Manga Darkchylde #2 03/02 03/30 Matrix: Revolutions Mini Busts: Persephone and Neo 05/18 06/01 Mirror Mask PVC Set #3 02/16 05/04 DC COMICS 100 Bullets #61 05/11 05/18 Action Comics #827 05/18 05/11 Adam Strange #8 04/27 05/11 Adventures of Superman #639 04/20 04/27 Day of Vengeance #1 04/20 04/27 Green Lantern Secret Files 2005 04/20 05/18 Green Lantern: Rebirth #6 03/23 05/11 Human Target #21 04/20 04/27 Ocean #6 04/20 05/11 Outsiders #23 04/27 05/04 Superman #215 03/23 04/20 Superman #216 04/27 05/04 Superman #217 05/11 05/18 Superman/Batman #19 03/16 05/04 Superman/Batman #20 04/20 06/01 Vimanarama #3 04/27 05/11 Wild Girl #6 04/13 04/27 MARVEL COMICS Astonishing X-Men #10 04/27 05/11 Astonishing X-Men #11 05/25 06/08 Astonishing X-Men #12 06/29 07/13 Captain America #5 03/30 04/27 Captain America #6 04/20 05/25 Captain America & the Falcon #14 04/27 05/04 Combat Zone True Tales of GIs in Iraq #3 (OF 5) 05/04 05/18 Daredevil: Redemption #4 04/20 04/27 Essential Hulk Vol. 3 TP 04/20 04/27 Fantastic Four #526 04/27 05/04 Incredible Hulk #81 05/04 05/11 Kabuki #4 Reg./Hughes Cvrs.+Incentive (MR) 04/20 04/27 New Avengers #5 Reg./Granov Var. Cvrs. 04/20 04/27 New Avengers #6 Reg./Mystery Var. Cvr. 04/27 05/04 Powers Vol. 1 HC (MR) 05/25 06/08 Powers Vol. 8: Legends TP (MR) 04/27 05/18 Rogue #10 04/20 04/27 Runaways #4 05/04 05/18 Spider-Man/Human Torch #4 04/27 05/04 Spider-Man/Human Torch #5 05/04 05/11 Supreme Power #16 (MR) 03/23 04/27 Ultimate Iron Man #2 04/20 05/18 X-Force: Shatterstar #3 04/13 04/27 X-Men: Age of Apocalypse #6 04/20 04/27 _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ [13] HYPE! & LINKS Section Various THIS WEEK'S LINKS These are the website URLS to the regular items that are usually here every week or two: World Wide Web Home Page-->> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet Yahoo Group CBEM http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ComicBookNetworkEmag WEB EDITION at -->> http://www.digitalwebbing.com/cbem Trivia sponsors: Discount Comic Book Service http://www.dcbservice.com That's Entertainment http://www.thatse.com News: Diamond Comics http://www.diamondcomics.com Marvel http://www.Marvel.com DC Comics http://www.dccomics.com The PULSE http://www.comicon.com/pulse/ Comics Continuum http://www.comicscontinuum.com/ Newsarama http://www.Newsarama.com/ X-Fan http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/ The Comic Wire http://www.comicbookresources.com/ ICV2 http://www.ICV2.com The SCOOP! http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/ Alternative Comics http://www.indyworld.com/altcomics All The Rage http://www.SilverBulletComicBooks.com Lying in the Gutters http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/ Columns: New Comics Releases http://www.comiclist.com Paul Howley http://www.thatse.com X-Fan Reviews http://www.comixfan.com/xfan Tim O'Shea http://www.thegreatcurve.net Paul Dale Roberts http://www.jazmaonline.com/ Richard Vasseur http://www.jazmaonline.com/ Michael Vance http://www.starland.com/sus Mark Allen Jonathan A. Gilbert http://www.twmgrafix.com Sarah Haslett http://www.HeroRealm.com http://www.geocities.com/silva_shado Alex Ness http://www.Popthought.com +++++ From: "bcrog@juno.com" Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 16:48:00 GMT Subject: BCR Guide to the DCU Hello everybody! The deadline is coming down to the barewire. I go to print in a little over 2 weeks & I have to have at least 100 pre-orders to make it happen. The Brent Clark Rogers Guide to the DC Universe 6th Edition contains the first appearance of several thousand characters from the past 70 years. It also has every planet, extraterrestrial race, teams & groups and the new "Families" section. Also a complete bibliography, listing every DC title that has been in DCU continuity from the very beginning. Cost is $40.00 each plus $6.00 P&H. check or money-order. For more information; please e-mail me at BCROG@juno.com Have fun & talk to you soon, Brent Clark Rogers +++++ PREVIEW OF PREVIEWS Diamond has updated their web site for the new PREVIEWS out next week. Writer/Ad Coordinator Vince Brusio is the designated editorial writer for Previews' "The Splash Page" which is our source material Crossing Over with...Reed Richards? In the upcoming 3-issue story arc, "Crossover," beginning in Ultimate Fantastic Four #21, fan-favorite scribe Mark Millar returns to the book he helped launch with Marvel superstar artist Greg Land. The two creators help put a new spin on the "how" and "why" Reed Richards is a certifiable genius with an unmatched scientific intellect. Reed has not only stumbled across the N-Zone, but he has also been able to make contact with the Earth located in a parallel dimension! And he has begun sending objects and messages through this rift in the cosmos. Not only has he made contact, he's been having extensive conversations with someone nobody could have imagined: himself! That's right, a Reed Richards of another universe! Talk about an identity crisis! Put in place five years ago as a way to bring in new readers and update characters for the 21st century, Marvel's Ultimate Universe has revamped dozens of characters and has formed a continuity all its own. In its short 5-year run, many fans have speculated what would happen if the Ultimate Universe were to come into contact with the long-standing Marvel Universe. Now the wait is over. Ultimate Fantastic Four #21 begins a story arc that has the two biggest brains in the biz going head-to-head. The story acts as fuel to the fire, though, because it may bring up more questions than answers! After all, if there's more than one Reed, could there be others? As worlds collide, could this spell the beginning of the end for the Ultimate Universe? Certainly there will be long-term ramifications of Richards' discovery! It's a story more about the effects of contact than the "crossover" itself. This event will send ripples throughout the entire Ultimate Universe! To get the answers to these questions, fans will have to pick up Ultimate Fantastic Four #21. Taking the book - and its fans - in directions no one thought possible, Millar and Land stand to deliver a story that everyone's been anticipating! Be sure to check out the beginning of this earth-shattering saga in the upcoming Marvel Previews! Serenity Now! To tie into Serenity - the long-awaited release of Joss Whedon's first feature film - Dark Horse Comics brings Whedon back to pen the comic adaptation of his cult-classic Firefly follow-up. This film marks Whedon's big-screen directorial debut, and also returns the creator to the science-fiction western arena he first entered with Firefly. Debuting in the fall of 2002 on Fox, Firefly - to great fan dismay - was pulled from the air after only twelve episodes. But fans of the show - and a legion of new fans who discovered the series through the best-selling DVD set - kept the dream alive, which led to Whedon's follow-up, Serenity. And Dark Horse now satisfies those fans with the Serenity 3-issue mini-series! Collaborating on the series is Brett Mathews. His previous writing credits include episodes of Firefly, an Angel mini- series, and the animated Chronicles of Riddick feature Dark Fury. Along with artists Will Conrad and Laura Martin, Whedon brings about his story of a ship full of mercenaries, outlaws, fugitives, and one law-abiding prostitute running across the fringes of space. The crew of Serenity once again find themselves broke, on the move, and on the wrong side of some very big guns. Combining intense cinematic action with typical Whedon characterization, the first issue of Serenity will feature three covers, and showcase the art of John Cassaday, J. G. Jones, and Bryan Hitch. Be sure to check out Serenity in the Dark Horse section of Previews! A Brave New World Robert Kirkman's Invincible is about to enter "A Different World!" The events of issue #11 changed the status quo of this title, but with the 25th issue, Mark will find reality falling apart around him as he comes face-to-face with his childhood imaginary hero, Science Dog! But how can a figment of Mark's childhood imagination become flesh and blood? And if Science Dog can exist, what else from Mark's mind can enter into his reality? Kirkman brings his amazing series to the next level as he continues to complicate the life of Mark Grayson. Not only must Mark deal with the pressures of college and juggle dual identities in his social life, but he now must deal with his imagination! It's no secret that Invincible continually receives critical acclaim for its beautifully crafted tales and artwork. And now that Invincible has been optioned by Paramount Pictures for a feature film, new readers will want to use this issue as a perfect jumping-on-point to catch up on the hoopla! This issue also sports a stand-alone Science Dog back-up story by series artist and co-creator, Cory Walker. So be sure to look for the ground-breaking 25th issue in the Image section of Previews! Red Eagle Publishing Takes Flight Red Eagle Publishing is officially throwing their hat into the ring of comic book publishing. And what better way to start off then by bringing fans one of the best fantasy stories that is going to be published this year? By sporting big-name talents like Robert Jordan, Chuck Dixon, and Mike S. Miller, the new comic company takes its first flight with Robert Jordan's New Spring. Based on Robert Jordan's acclaimed fantasy series, New Spring is a graphical adaptation of the best-selling prequel to that series. In New Spring #1, Jordan reveals for the first time the characters and background story that eventually gives rise to the events chronicled in The Wheel of Time epic. Readers are introduced to Lan Mandragoran, a king with no country to rule, and nothing to lose. He leads a coalition of brave warriors to repel the invasion of barbarians from the barren lands of the Aiel Waste. Reaching the gates of the city of Tar Valon, the battle has reached a fevered pitch. Turning to the Great White Tower, home to the secretive order of women known as the Aes Sedai, Lan Mandragoran joins Moiraine Damodred, a young initiate to the Aes Sedai, who is witness to the dying words of a sage foretelling the birth of a male child that is destined to become the world's deliverance from the menacing grasp of the Dark One. Being hailed by critics as the J.R.R. Tolkien of the 21st century, Jordan is today's pre-eminent fantasy writer, with his Wheel of Time saga slated for adaptation to film through Red Eagle Entertainment, the publisher's parent company. Fans of Jordan's work, and of the fantasy genre, will find this tale to be both a great lead-in to an amazing series, as well as an enlightening exposition into the characters that have captured the imagination of so many! Be sure to track down this amazing prequel tale in the Comics section of Previews! Hail to the King of Monthlies, Baby! After receiving overwhelming success in both sales and fan appeal with the first two mini-series, the cult-classic Army of Darkness is going monthly! And the first story arc features a crossover no one ever expected to see. Still dedicated to his mission to destroy the Necromicron - but committed after the exciting events of Shop Til You Drop (Dead) - Ash is a new patient at Arkham Asylum. There he runs afoul of a rather ghoulish and creepy Herbert West, the Re-Animator! That's right, the classic H.P. Lovecraft character! Herbert West is a scientist who is obsessed with cheating death. He discovers a serum that can be injected into the brain of the recently deceased that brings them back to life. But these revived people are no longer our friends, relatives or loved ones. They're adrenaline-driven zombies! Even more unfortunate is the fact that West runs into Ash, The Chosen One, who has a well- earned disdain for the undead! All hell breaks loose when the battle of the century takes place at Arkham Asylum! Featuring four amazing covers by J.G. Jones, Sanford Greene, Gabrielle Dell 'Otto, and Nick Bradshaw, as well as interior art from Green, this first issue is essential reading for Evil Dead heads! Be sure to check out Dynamite Entertainment's Army of Darkness #1 in the Comic section of Previews! DC's Big Boys Have Got You Covered Graphitti Designs brings us the "world's finest" apparel with two stylish T-shirts based on two of DC's most iconic characters - Batman and Superman. With Warner Bros. and DC revitalizing these characters in both film and comics, these shirts are a classy way to let your inner fan out into the open. The Batman logo T-shirt features vintage 1940's artwork that's screenprinted on a short-sleeved, heather grey tee. Made from 100% cotton, this shirt pays tribute to the dark beginnings of the Caped Crusader. If you're looking for the perfect outfit to don when Batman Begins opens in the theaters, this shirt will keep you in good company! If you want to show some school spirit with a traditional high school ringer T-shirt, we suggest you check out the one we have in Previews that commemorates Clark Kent's Alma Mater, Smallville High! Featuring the Smallville-script screen printed on a white ringer tee, the 100% cotton shirt helps you fit in with Clark, Lana, Chloe, and the rest of the Smallville gang! Cobra Divided, Joes United! What is it about G.I. Joe that fans find so attractive? Have loyalists to Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow drawn more attention to the title by dominating talks at the comic shops? Is it the action-packed espionage and mystery that's poured into the title each month? The answer is "yes," "yes," and "yes." The G.I. Joe saga came back and stayed put when Devil's Due took over the reins. And fan reaction has consistently been positive and supportive. The feedback has spurred spin-off titles that even had the Joes taking on Transformers, when Shockwave and his Decepticons decided to make Earth their private gas station (humans are such a bother). But like all things change, so has the G.I. Joe status quo. New blood has entered the arena, and fans will be happy to know that writer extraordinaire, Joe Casey, has been given the green light to re-imagine the entire G.I. Joe universe and begin a new chapter in the Joe mythos! With sensational art by Stefano Caselli and Sunder Raj, fans are in store for an amazing vision of this popular 80s property! Issue # 0 was just a taste of what this creative team has in store for the world of the "Real American Heroes." "Explosive" is the word that best describes G.I. Joe: America's Elite #1. Oh, yes, there are ground-shaking changes about to take place with this relaunch. Spin-off stories and solo books are already being whispered in cold dark corners. Following the conclusive events of the first volume in the Devil's Due G.I. Joe saga, Cobra has splintered, and the mysterious Red Shadows have gone into hiding. As G.I. Joe: America's Elite #1 opens, Chicago has been left in ruins. Nobody is sure whether it was a natural disaster or the result of a terrible attack. As the president calls in the Joes to investigate the circumstances surrounding the devastation, they soon realize that the war has just begun! A cocktail of espionage, mystery, and suspense, this is by far the book for jumping onto the new G.I. Joe mythos! Be sure to check out G.I. Joe: America's Elite #1 from Devil's Due Publishing in the Comics section of Previews! Rising Star from Bizenghast Manga and horror are a combination we're starting to see more frequently in Previews. Ghosts and ghouls looking for these tasty manga/horror treats have undoubtedly learned about Junji Ito and his groundbreaking books, Tomie and Uzumaki. And if you're a Previews regular, you've also watched Hideshi Hino create a universe of pain with his popular Hino Horror graphic novels. But an equally popular variant of manga is "goth horror," which we see in books like Model, Vampire Princess Miyu, and Lament of the Lamb. Goth manga, it seems, is fast becoming the new playground for scaring people, and burying them in the sandbox. That appeared to be the mission for the winner of Tokyopop's "Rising Stars of Manga" contest. Writer and artist M. Alice LeGrow didn't hold anything back when she brought fans a dark, gothic glimpse into the lost souls of a long-forgotten town. M. Alice LeGrow has returned for the kill, as Tokyopop lets her sow new shrouds of sorrow with the graphic novel, Bizenghast. When a young girl moves to the small town of Bizenghast, she inadvertently stumbles upon a horror that she can barely imagine, let alone process. Very nearly driven to insanity, she soon realizes the terrifying truth that the lost residents of Bizenghast are just dying to come home. And there is nothing that can stop them. Nothing. With the growing popularity of manga in the U.S., LeGrow is now on the verge of breaking new ground as an American creator who has mastered the goth manga art form! Look for the stunning first volume of Bizenghast from Tokyopop in the Comics section of Previews! Fantastic Forces At Marvel This summer, big things are happening in the world of HeroClix. WizKids brings gamers the first HeroClix expansion to feature the biggest and most powerful HeroClix pieces to grace the game mat. The Marvel Heroclix Fantastic Forces Booster Pack features 104 characters, including eight super-rare figures and twenty-four oversized characters. These big hitters include giants like Yellowjacket, and all-new double-based characters like Ghost Rider. Favorites both old and new round out Fantastic Forces. Howl over the Ultimate Fantastic Four battling the Ultimate Doctor Doom! Cheer as the Scarlet Witch teams up with the Sub-Mariner! It's gladiator sport done up in the mighty Marvel manner. Each booster pack will contain one of the oversized figures, the giant figure, or a double-based figure; two regular-sized figures; a bystander token, battlefield condition, or feat card. Look for the Marvel Heroclix Fantastic Forces Booster Pack in the Games section of Previews! South of the Sinful Border Frank Miller's groundbreaking crime-noir series, Sin City, expands yet again. But this time, the sin is international. The story that started it all, Sin City: The Hard Goodbye, is now being released in a Spanish language edition. The film adaptation of this brilliant story has brought renewed interest in the tale that defined "grim and gritty." Tough-guy Marv finds the girl of his dreams, an incredible beauty named Goldie. But when Goldie is murdered on their first and only night together, Marv scours the bars and back-alleys of Sin City to find her killer in hopes of avenging her death. With this edition crossing the Spanish language barrier, Latinos will now be able to peer into the thoughts of Marv, and see why their English-speaking brethren embraced this bruiser with a death wish. They will understand why this angry soul has become the shining star of the new Sin City movie! This brand new edition of Sin City has been translated into a Mexican dialect of Spanish to appeal to the U.S. Hispanic community, and features all-new cover graphics, just like the English language editions! Be sure to check out Sin City Volume 1: El Duro Adios-Spanish Edition - and the entire Sin City library - in the International section of Previews! The Tick Is No Longer AWOL After a long hiatus, The Tick finally returns to the world of comics in New England Press' The Tick: Days of Drama #1. The Tick and Arthur return to The City, only to find that all the local superheroes are gone. Evidently, they've all moved to the city of Blissburg - a gated community where the town government caters to costumed do-gooders. With clean streets, nice homes, low taxes and, most importantly, easy-to-beat super-villains, how could anyone resist relocating? But leave it to The Tick to not let us forget the moral dilemma: who is left to protect The City from the crime that preys on the hero-less town? In addition to a hilarious Tick story each month, each issue will also feature a full-color mini-comic from the folks at New England Press. Pick up this book in the Comics section of Previews! Retro FF Cartoon Returns To coincide with the big-screen release of Marvel Studios Fantastic Four motion picture, Buena Vista Home Entertainment is releasing the DVD collection of the 1990s Fantastic Four animated series. It was September 24, 1996 when the FF came back to television, when they were showcased as part of the Marvel Action Hour with Iron Man. Prior to that air date, Marvel's first family had last appeared on television in 1979 on NBC. So it had been a while since viewers had seen the FF slugging it out on Saturday morning back in '79. The biggest difference was that Johnny Storm wasn't in the lineup. Herbie the Robot had come on board for comic relief, and the rest, as they say, is history. Buena Vista's The Fantastic Four: The Complete 1994-95 Animated Series DVD Set features all 26 episodes of the popular 90s animated series. This spectacular 4-disc DVD set takes fans on a journey from the origin of Marvel's first family through their battles with Dr. Doom and legions of other super-villains. Return to the days of Saturday morning cartoons and relive your childhood with this little piece of nostalgia you can find in the Videos section of Previews! Digital Manga's Colorful Experiment From the masters of Japanese art at Digital Manga comes an experiment like no other. Robot Volume 1 is an all-color manga compilation developed and edited by the elite manga artist Range Murata, character designer for Studio Gonzo's Last Exile and Blue Submarine No. 6. Murata's hand-picked contributors come together in a mind-blowing experiment of what happens when top manga artists work in the unusual medium of color. Hardly an unknown gang, contributors to Robot Volume 1 include Yoshitoshi Abe, Ugetsu Hakua, Sho-u Tajima, Hiroyuki Asada, and Okama. Be sure to check it out in the Comics section of Previews! Revisit the Golden Age with The Adventurous Decade . The 1930's saw the rise of the Golden Age of comics with titles such as Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Tarzan, Scorchy Smith, Dick Tracy, Terry and the Pirates, Prince Valiant, The Phantom, The Spirit, and others. The Adventurous Decade: Comics in the Thirties brings together such comic strip luminaries as Noel Sickles, Milton Caniff, Roy Crane, Alfred Andriola, Dick Moore, Mel Graff, Leslie Turner, and other important artists to showcase the fabulous artwork of these strips. This book features reprints and all-new illustrations taken from rarely seen original artwork! Check it out in the Books section! Aspen Expands the Soulfire Universe . It was a time of magic, peace, and serenity, where mythical creatures and wondrous beings lived in harmony. But nothing lasts forever. As a dark plague begins to sweep across the land, the time of peace is ending. The fight for survival has begun. With the new series, Dying of the Light, Michael Turner expands Aspen's roster of titles with his new creator-owned flagship title. Along with scripter J.T. Krul, Turner brings an entire cast of new characters to the forefront of an epic story. Look for Soulfire: Dying of the Light #1 from Aspen Entertainment in the Comics section of Previews! IDW's Double-Shot of Murder . There are invasion stories, and then there is H.G. Wells's The War of the Worlds, the first and most harrowing of them all. IDW Publishing offers a faithful adaptation of Wells's classic tale of alien horror. Joining writer Steve Niles is artist Ted McKeever, whose warped sensibilities will show you the true terror of the original novel. Also from IDW comes CSI New York: Bloody Murder. The specter of a local urban legend rears its head, and later a young woman is found slashed to death in a city park! Check out both titles in the Comics section of Previews! MoCCA to Honor Will Eisner . The late Will Eisner, creator of The Spirit and "Founding Father" of the graphic novel, will be honored with a major exhibition of his work in May at the Museum of Cartoon and Comic Art (MoCCA). The catalog for the exhibition serves as a retrospective art book surveying Eisner's entire career. It includes work from many of his graphic novels, plus rare unpublished art, and a preview of his last book, The Plot, as well as a forward by DC Comics' Paul Levitz. Be sure to check out MOCCA-Will Eisner: A Retrospective in the Comics section of Previews! Sketchbook to Aid Comic Veteran . From TwoMorrows Publishing comes Heroes and Villains: The William Messner-Loeb Benefit Sketchbook, a gorgeous sketchbook and tribute to William Messner-Loebs, the Inkpot Award-winning artist/writer. The proceeds of this beautiful sketch book will directly benefit the financially struggling Messner-Loebs. Don't miss your chance to help a worthy comics veteran. With more names being added daily, this powerhouse collection of talent will be unparalleled! Pick up Heroes and Villains in the Comics section of Previews! Nightmare Before Manga . Now, for the first time, fans of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas can read the story of how Jack Skellington almost ruined Christmas - in manga form! The first manga retelling of one of Disney's most enduring and twisted films is the coolest thing to hit shelves this season! With the popularity of manga growing in leaps and bounds, it's only fair that Jack Skellington get the Far Eastern treatment! Look for Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas Manga GN from Disney Press in the Comics section of Previews! Convention Calendar As a service to you, the dedicated Previews reader, we offer this rundown of upcoming events and conventions. Pittsburgh Comicon - Pittsburgh, PA - April 22-24, 2005 Wizard World East - Philadelphia, PA - June 3-5, 2005 Heroes Con - Charlotte, NC - June 24-26, 2005 Comic-Con International: San Diego - San Diego, CA - July 14-17, 2005 +++++ DC COMICS JULY 2005 SOLICITATIONS Direct from DC Comics, here are the publisher's solicitation copies and preview images for books which are due to ship in July 2005, pre-solicitations for books due to ship in August and September 2005, retro-solicted books for June 2005 as well as DC Direct items due to ship in July and November 2005. BATMAN ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER #1 Written by Frank Miller Art and cover by Jim Lee & Scott Williams The all-new saga of Batman and Robin begins here! The people responsible for some of comicdom's greatest tales, Frank Miller (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City) and Jim Lee (Batman: Hush) team up for the first time to bring you Batman and Robin like you've never seen them before in this imaginative reinvention of these classic characters that will have your eyes popping and your head spinning! All hell breaks loose at the circus as millionaire Bruce Wayne and gal pal Vicki Vale witness a young boy's life shattered before their eyes. Orphaned, Dick Grayson has nowhere to go and no one to turn to - no one but Bruce Wayne and the shadow of the bat! Expect action, adventure, guest-stars and the unexpected as Miller and Lee deliver the ultimate tales of the Dynamic Duo! Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Lee & Williams, featuring Batman (50%) and Robin (50%). On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US Edited by Bob Schreck ABSOLUTE BATMAN: HUSH OVERSIZED HC Written by Jeph Loeb Art and cover by Jim Lee & Scott Williams The complete 12-part saga written by Jeph Loeb (Superman/Batman, Smallville) with art by fan-favorites Jim Lee & Scott Williams (Superman, Uncanny X-Men) collected together for the first time in the oversized Absolute format! This slipcased edition includes Batman #608-619 as well as the the 2-page origin of Batman (originally seen only on dccomics.com) and the special story from Wizard: The Comics Magazine. The year-long "Hush" - an epic tale of friendship, trust, and betrayal that spans a lifetime - reinvigorated the Dark Knight, pitting him against the deadliest members of his Rogue's Gallery and introducing his newest foe! This Absolute edition includes an all-new cover by Lee & Williams, a Jim Lee Sketchbook, and issue-by-issue commentary by the creative team! Advance-solicited; on sale September 7 . Oversized, slipcased hardcover . 372 pg, FC, $49.99 US BATMAN #642 Written by Andersen Gabrych Art by Chris Marrinan & Andrew Pepoy Cover by Jock The Mad Hatter's implant is driving Killer Croc...well, mad! Can Batman save the reptilian rogue before he shreds himself into an early grave? And can the Dark Knight save the Hatter from bloody, bestial retribution? On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US BATMAN: DARK DETECTIVE #5 & 6 Written by Steve Englehart Art and cover by Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin The classic Batman creative team of Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin concludes the exciting 6-issue miniseries! In issue #5, Silver St. Cloud has been abducted by the Joker so that her boyfriend, Evan Gregory, will drop out of the Gotham gubernatorial race. Little does the Joker know that Silver and Gregory have separated - and her new beau is the Batman! And in the thrilling issue #6, Batman has traced the Joker to a decaying mansion that serves as the shelter for a special hostage: Silver St. Cloud! Unfortunately for the Dark Knight, the mansion is also a funhouse loaded with death traps! Can he rescue Silver and prevent the Joker from winning the election? Issue #5 on sale July 7; issue #6 on sale July 27 . 5 and 6 of 6 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US DETECTIVE COMICS #808 Written by David Lapham and Andersen Gabrych Art by Ramon Bachs, Nathan Massengill, Tommy Castillo & Rodney Ramos Cover by Lapham Part 8 of the 12-part "City of Crime!" Paranoia and distrust. Certain death. That's what Batman & Robin face in a Gotham that bears little resemblance to the one they protect! Plus, Part 1 of "The Beast Beneath" by Gabrych, Castillo & Ramos! On sale July 20 . 40 pg, FC, $2.99 US BATGIRL #66 Written by Andersen Gabrych Art by Andy Kuhn Cover by Amanda Conner In search of her mother's identity, Cassandra hits the open road! But a quick rest stop leads to a furious, super-powered throwdown, as Batgirl comes face-to-face with the leather-clad Verraco - the Road Hog! On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #67 Written by A.J. Lieberman Art by Rick Burchett & Alvaro Lopez Cover by Cliff Chiang Batman's battle with Hush for the life of Poison Ivy may be over, but a surprising ramification to Bruce Wayne's life may publicly compromise his secret identity! You must witness the shock ending to believe it! On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US BATMAN: JEKYLL & HYDE #4 Written by Paul Jenkins Art and cover by Sean Phillips It's the other side of the coin, as artist Sean Phillips takes over the intriguing 6-issue miniseries! After being beaten and left for dead, Batman pieces together Two-Face's mad plan to poison the inhabitants of Gotham City and liberate their "Mr. Hyde" personalities once and for all! But can Batman save Gotham when he's one of the infected? On sale July 20 . 4 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US CATWOMAN #45 Written by Will Pfeifer Art by Pete Woods Cover by Adam Hughes The explosive new creative team of writer Will Pfeifer (H-E-R-O, Aquaman), artist Pete Woods (Robin) and cover artist Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman) continues to turn Selina Kyle's world upside-down! Catwoman's unleashed something deadly into the environment - something so horrible that S.T.A.R. Labs was keeping it under heavy guard. But Catwoman was expecting anthrax, not one of her deadliest foes! Plus, catch a first glimpse of Selina's snazzy new apartment! On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #193 Written by J.H. Williams III & Dan Curtis Johnson Art and cover by Seth Fisher Part 2 of the 5-part "Snow," by Dan Curtis Johnson and Seth Fisher! Even Batman can't be everywhere, so he's recruited a strikeforce of experts with their own disciplines. But will their expertise be enough against the obsessed Mr. Freeze? On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US NIGHTWING #110 Written by Devin Grayson Art and cover by Phil Hester & Ande Parks Dick Grayson hasn't been in Bludhaven since everything in his life fell apart. Now, he must return to ensure the city's inner evil hasn't taken over. But now that Bludhaven is Robin's stomping grounds, the Boy Wonder isn't sure he can trust anyone - including Nightwing! On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US GOTHAM CENTRAL #32 Written by Greg Rucka & Ed Brubaker Art by Kano & Stefano Gaudiano Cover by Sean Phillips Introducing new series penciller Kano (Action Comics)! Ed Brubaker & Greg Rucka reunite to tell a tale so big it brings all the detectives of Central together. A body turns up in Gotham belonging to...Robin? That means one thing: Batman's going to get involved! On sale June 8 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US ROBIN #140 Written by Bill Willingham Art and cover by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens Tim Drake's shadowy benefactor, The Veteran, invites Tim to join his government-sponsored Black Ops team. Will Robin leave Batman's side to join a very different - and very legal - crew? The answer may surprise you! Meanwhile, a face from Robin's past continues to hunt him down... On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US NIGHTWING: YEAR ONE TP Written by Chuck Dixon & Scott Beatty Art and cover by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens Collecting the sold-out 6-part origin story presented in Nightwing #101-106! Learn the legendary history of Dick Grayson and his life after Batman fired him, as he gains advice from Superman, aids Deadman, and makes the decisions that lead him to become a new crimefighter! On sale July 27 . 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US YEAR ONE: BATMAN/RA'S AL GHUL #2 Written by Devin Grayson Art by Paul Gulacy & Jimmy Palmiotti Cover by Gulacy Writer Devin Grayson (Nightwing) and artists Paul Gulacy & Jimmy Palmiotti (Catwoman) conclude the 2-part Prestige Format miniseries delving into the legacy of one of Batman's greatest foes! Ra's al Ghul may be dead, but he has set something in motion that from people from dying, and what started in Gotham City is spreading across the globe. Batman must figure out how to undo what the death of Ra's has started, even when the clues start pointing to a plan to return him to life! On sale July 27 . Prestige Format . 2 of 2 . 48 pg, FC, $5.99 US SUPERMAN SUPERMAN/BATMAN #21 Written by Jeph Loeb Art and cover by Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vine Part 2 of the 6-part "With a Vengeance," by the fan-favorite team of writer Jeph Loeb and artists Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vines! Are Superman and Batman guilty of murder? The Maximums certainly think so - and where they come from, it's an eye for an eye! The battle of the century continues as The World's Finest duo take on the super squad of avenging heroes - to the death! Join Superman/Batman's original creative team supreme for what's certain to be the most talked-about event of the year! Retailers please note: This issue is resolicited. All previous orders are cancelled. On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US SUPERMAN: THAT HEALING TOUCH TP Written by Greg Rucka and Geoff Johns Art by Matthew Clark, Rags Morales, Michael Bair and others Cover by Ian Churchill Collecting Adventures of Superman #633-638, plus the lead story from Superman Secret Files 2004! As Lois recovers from her Mid- east ordeal, Superman gets a visit from Mr. Mxyzptlk and receives harsh words from Wonder Woman and Batman in the wake of Identity Crisis! On sale July 7 . 168 pg, FC, $14.99 US SUPERMAN #219 Written by Mark Verheiden Art and cover by Ed Benes Part 1 of the 4-part "Sacrifice," arcing through all the Superman books and Wonder Woman #219 and featuring the return of Superman's deadliest enemies! Brainiac knows all of the Man of Steel's secrets, and he's putting that knowledge to use in a lethal fashion. Is Superman about to lose another piece of his humanity? On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US ACTION COMICS #829 Written by Gail Simone Art by John Byrne & Nelson Cover by Byrne In Part 2 of the 4-part "Sacrifice," Superman battles Darkseid in a fight for his life! And the Man of Steel is even pitted against his allies in the JLA as he struggles to defeat his foe and keep his loved ones safe! But is an even deadlier villain behind it all? On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #642 Written by Greg Rucka Art and cover by Karl Kerschl Part 3 of the 4-part "Sacrifice," arcing through all the July- shipping Superman titles and Wonder Woman #219! As Darkseid and Granny Goodness amp up the danger to all those around Superman, will he have to take matters into his own hands by becoming judge, jury and executioner? On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US WONDER WOMAN #219 Written by Greg Rucka Art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair Cover by J.G. Jones The 4-part "Sacrifice" leaps from the Superman titles to its stunning conclusion in Wonder Woman, as the Man of Steel turns his attention toward an unexpected enemy! But with Wonder Woman deadset against Superman's plan to even the score, the two heroes collide in an event that will send shock waves throughout the DCU! On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW VOL. 2 HC Written by Brian Azzarello Art and cover by Jim Lee & Scott Williams Don't miss this gorgeously illustrated hardcover volume collecting the conclusion of the stellar storyline by Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets) and artists Jim Lee & Scott Williams (Batman) from Superman #210-215! Superman faces the mystery of how millions of people seemingly vanished without a trace - including the love of his life, Lois Lane - only to find that he may be partially responsible. But the solution to getting them back might prove too extreme, initiating a royal rumble with Wonder Woman! And after a battle with the deadly Equus, Superman comes face-to-face with the mysterious villain who has been responsible for turning his life upside- down! This volume also features an afterword and new cover by Jim Lee. Advance-solicited; on sale August 10 . 176 pg, FC, $24.99 US LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL #5 Written by Brian Azzarello Art and cover by Lee Bermejo The startling conclusion of the 5-part miniseries! With all the pieces in place, Luthor sets his plan in motion to rid the Earth of the alien menace known as Superman. But what role does a loser like the Toyman play in the grand scheme of things? And if his plan fails, can Luthor rely on the one thing that's kept him going: hope? On sale July 27 . 5 of 5 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US DC UNIVERSE AQUAMAN #32 Written by John Arcudi Art and cover by Patrick Gleason & Christian Alamy Black Manta is back! Aquaman's deadliest enemy returns with all the power, resources and legal protection of a mutinational corporation behind him! Plus, Aquagirl leads a group of Sub Diegoans to Atlantis - but they may wish they'd never come! On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US BIRDS OF PREY #84 Written by Gail Simone Art by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson Cover by Adriana Melo & Kevin Conrad The mission to Singapore blows up as a Bird's health breaks down! Back home, the Huntress becomes the hunted as she and her new allies find themselves in the crosshairs! On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US BLOOD OF THE DEMON #5 Written by John Byrne & Will Pfeifer Art by Byrne & Nekros Cover by Byrne Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman attempt to track down Jason Blood, who is dedicated to ensuring that Etrigan can never be freed again! On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US BREACH #7 Written by Bob Harras Art by Marcos Martin & Alvaro Lopez Cover by Martin It's the fallout from the Rifter incursion into New York State, and things aren't looking good for Breach! To make things worse, he has to save one of the people he can trust the least! On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US DAY OF VENGEANCE #4 Written by Bill Willingham Art by Justiniano & Walden Wong Cover by Walter Simonson The 6-issue miniseries spinning from Countdown to Infinite Crisis is rocked by the awesome might of some of the DCU's most powerful beings! If the combined power of Shazam and the Shadowpact isn't enough to take down the Spectre, what will be? Does Detective Chimp have the answer? On sale July 20 . 4 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US DC SPECIAL: THE RETURN OF DONNA TROY #2 Written by Phil Jimenez Art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & George Perez Cover by Jimenez & Perez The 4-part miniseries by Phil Jimenez (Otherworld, Wonder Woman), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (On The Road to Perdition) & George Perez (New Teen Titans, Wonder Woman) continues! A cosmic commute to an otherworldly battleground brings the Teen Titans and the Outsiders face-to-face with their long-mourned friend Donna Troy. There's just one problem: She's not the Donna they remember! On sale July 7 . 2 of 4 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US DOOM PATROL #14 Written by John Byrne Art by Byrne & Terry Austin Cover by Byrne Reuniting the classic art team of Byrne & Austin! Robotman's attempts to alter his past have backfired, sending him through alternate realities where he encounters various Doom Patrols, a younger version of the JLA, and the evil Monsieur. Mallah and the Brain! Can Elasti-Girl save him? On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US FIRESTORM #15 Written by Stuart Moore Art by Jamal Igle & Rob Stull Cover by Matt Haley "Secret Origins," Part 1 of 2! Firestorm's settling into his new life and job at S.T.A.R. Labs Detroit when a new villain crashes into town seeking revenge: The Pionic Man! What strange link does this new menace have to Firestorm, and can our hero defeat a man made of the primal forces of the universe? On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US GREEN ARROW #52 Written by Judd Winick Art by Tom Fowler & Rodney Ramos Cover by James Jean Part 1 of the 4-part "Heading into the Light," spinning out of the events of Identity Crisis! Green Arrow faces off against an old villain who's suddenly become much more deadly. His name is Doctor Light, and he wants revenge on the heroes who violated his mind! Guest-starring Black Lightning and the JLA! On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US THE FLASH #224 Written by Geoff Johns Art and cover by Howard Porter & Livesay Do not miss the unbelievable penultimate chapter of the 6-part "Rogue War," guest-starring Jay Garrick and Kid Flash! The Flash is torn through time as the War takes an unexpected twist, and Wally relives his life through Zoom's twisted eyes. Plus, the Rogues are approached by a new ally. On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US THE FLASH: THE SECRET OF BARRY ALLEN TP Written by Geoff Johns Art by Howard Porter & Livesay Cover by Michael Turner A thrilling new volume collecting The Flash #207-211 and #213- 217! The Flash teams with Nightwing to face Gorilla Grodd! And a dark decision from Barry Allen's past is revealed, leading Wally to make some difficult choices of his own. On sale July 20 . 240 pg, FC, $19.99 US GREEN LANTERN #3 Written by Geoff Johns Art and cover by Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino The unbelievable conclusion of the 3-part "No Fear," by writer Geoff Johns (JSA, The Flash, Teen Titans) and artists Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino (Superman/Batman, Arrowsmith)! There's a new Manhunter in town, claiming sector 2814 is under his jurisdiction. But when Green Lantern discovers the true nature of the android's mission, it's up to Hal Jordan to shut it down! Plus, Black Hand is back in action - and he's out for revenge! On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US HAWKMAN #42 Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti Art and cover by Joe Bennett & Ruy Jose In the wake of Hawkman's murder, St. Roch is overrun by crime - and Hawkgirl is unaware of how close she is to death at the hands of the newly resurrected Pilgrim! Plus, Golden Eagle makes a fateful decision about his future. On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US THE HUMAN RACE #5 Written by Ben Raab Art by Justiniano & Walden Wong Cover by Justiniano Ulysses has an old girlfriend, and Nymph doesn't like her one bit...with good reason! Meanwhile, Paracelsus has more to throw at Delta Chi Delta. On sale July 20 . 5 of 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US JLA #116 Written by Geoff Johns & Allan Heinberg Art by Chris Batista & Mark Farmer Cover by Rags Morales & Farmer Part 2 of the 5-part "Crisis of Conscience," by Geoff Johns (Teen Titans, JSA) & Allan Heinberg (The O.C.) with art by Chris Batista (Legion) & Mark Farmer (Justice League: The Nail) and cover by Rags Morales (Identity Crisis) & Farmer! Armed with the memories of what once was, the Secret Society of Super-Villains is back and out for blood - literally - as they battle the JLA with the blackest of magic. The confrontation rocks the JLA to their very core, turning friends into foes and further splintering the once-great team! On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US JLA CLASSIFIED #10 Written by Warren Ellis Art by Butch Guice Cover by Michael Stribling Kicking off the 6-part "New Maps of Hell," written by Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Ocean) with art by Butch Guice (Ruse, Olympus)! In Metropolis, Lois Lane and Clark Kent investigate a rash of suicides at LexCorp, while Batman tracks an assassin with a deadly weapon in Gotham City. And on Themyscira, Wonder Woman is playing host to newly arrived academics, when a massive explosion hits,destroying the tranquility of Paradise Island. These three seemingly unrelated events tie together in ways that must be seen to be believed! On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US JLA/CYBERFORCE Written by Joe Kelly Art by Doug Mahnke & Norm Rapmund Cover by Marc Silvestri An unprecedented Special bringing together two of the most powerful teams in comics, written by Joe Kelly (JLA, Action Comics) with art by Doug Mahnke (JLA, Justice League Elite) & Norm Rapmund and a cover by Marc Silvestri (Uncanny X-Men)! When Cyber-Zombies invade Budapest, the JLA and Cyberforce teams arrive to answer the call for help. Now these two very different teams must work together toward a common goal: preventing the now-evil Ripclaw and his Cyber-Zombies from obtaining Godtech - an organic material that could make the Cyberforce immortal or even give life to the dead! But what happens when a member of the JLA falls in battle? Which group will get to the Godtech first - and will they use its unearthly powers for the ultimate good...or the ultimate evil? Co-published with Top Cow. On sale July 7 . 48 pg, FC, $5.99 US JSA #75 Written by Geoff Johns Art by Leonard Kirk & Keith Champagne Cover by Alex Ross The unbelievable, extra-sized conclusion of the 3-part "Black Vengeance," tying into Day of Vengeance and acting as a follow-up to last year's "Black Reign!" The Spectre's true target is revealed as he faces off against the power of the Thunderbolt and the might of the JSA. But vengeance will be had, and it may tear apart the JSA! Plus, Black Adam reaffirms his ties to a different Society. On sale July 7 . 40 pg, FC, $2.99 US JSA CLASSIFIED #1 Written by Geoff Johns Art by Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti Covers by Conner & Palmiotti and Adam Hughes Spinning from the events of July's JSA #75, a highly anticipated new JSA series debuts with a story written by Geoff Johns (JSA, Teen Titans) with art by Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti (Two- Step) that spotlights everyone's favorite female juggernaut: Power Girl! Readers have long wondered about Power Girl's origins. Is she a wizard's lost granddaughter? A refugee from the future? An orphan of Krypton? Now learn the unexpected answers in an adventure that acts as a prelude to this fall's massive crossover event that will affect the JSA for years to come! Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti (50%) and Adam Hughes (50%). On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US Edited by Stephen Wacker KINETIC TP Written by Kelley Puckett Art by Warren Pleece Cover by Tomer Hanuka Collecting the complete 8-issue DC FOCUS series! Sickly high- school student Tom Morrell's only escape is the exploits of comic-book hero Kinetic. But Tom's got powers of his own that will change his life - assuming they manifest before Tom decides his life isn't worth living! On sale July 27 . 192 pg, FC, $9.99 US MANHUNTER #12 Written by Marc Andreyko Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco Cover by Jesus Saiz With the help of a guest who cuts to the chase, Manhunter learns far more about the legacy of her name than it's safe to know. On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #8 Written by Mark Waid Art by Barry Kitson & Art Thibert Cover by Kitson The war that will transform the galaxy begins - inside Legion headquarters! When one Legionnaire quits the team, it strips away the last bit of civility between Cosmic Boy and Brainiac 5, violently splitting the team in two! On sale July 27 . 40 pg, FC, $2.99 US THE OMAC PROJECT #4 Written by Greg Rucka Art by Jesus Saiz Cover by Ladronn The events of "Sacrifice," rocking July's Wonder Woman #219 and all three Superman titles, force an endgame in The OMAC Project, one of four great miniseries spinning out of Countdown to Infinite Crisis! Checkmate turns against itself as titans clash in the heavens - and Brother Eye breaks free! On sale July 27 . 4 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US OUTSIDERS #26 Written by Peter Tomasi Art by Will Conrad & Sean Parsons Cover by Kevin Nowlan Guest writer Peter Tomasi (The Light Brigade) joins artists Will Conrad & Sean Parsons for Part 1 of the 2-part "Tick Tock" that reunites Batman with Black Lightning, Katana and Metamorpho! Old and new members team up as Arsenal helps one of the original Outsiders atone for a mistake made long ago. On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US THE RANN/THANAGAR WAR #3 Written by Dave Gibbons Art and cover by Ivan Reis & Marc Campos The War escalates in this miniseries springing out of Countdown to Infinite Crisis! As the universe continues to feel the deadly effects of the war between worlds, the battle takes a decidedly personal turn that may turn hero against hero. Plus, an ancient evil begins to take advantage of a universe torn asunder. On sale July 13 . 3 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US PLASTIC MAN #17 Written by Kyle Baker Art and cover by Baker Part 3 of a 2-part story! No, really - we just had to stretch the story! Edwina's super-powered new boyfriend proves to be both a threat and a menace. Sounds like a keeper! On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US SPACE GHOST TP Written by Joe Kelly Art by Ariel Olivetti Cover by Alex Ross Collecting the sold-out Space Ghost 6-issue miniseries! For the first time, learn how Space Ghost got his power bands and why he protects the galaxy from evil! Witness the tragic circumstances that led to his donning a cowl and his first battle with archnemesis Zorak! On sale July 7 . 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US SON OF VULCAN #2 Written by Scott Beatty Art and cover by Keron Grant The action-packed new miniseries written by Scott Beatty (Batgirl: Year One) with art by Keron Grant (New Mutants, Iron Man) continues! Kid sidekick Mikey Devante hasn't even begun his training as apprentice to the fire-wielding hero known as Vulcan, but he's already found his way to the Forge - Vulcan's high-tech headquarters - and helped himself to a collection of Vulcan's state-of-the-art weaponry. He's even survived an awkward introduction to Vulcan's mysterious and deadly Girl Friday named Pandora! Now, if Mikey could just remember how to turn off the Forge's lethal security system... On sale July 7 . 2 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US SGT. ROCK ARCHIVES VOL. 3 HC Written by Robert Kanigher Art by Joe Kubert, Russ Heath and Jerry Grandenetti Cover by Kubert An intense portrait of combat and conflict, this volume collects Our Army At War #111-125, featuring the World War II adventures of Sgt. Rock and his colorful band of fighting soldiers originally published in the early 1960s. Featuring an introduction by DCU editor Mark Chiarello. On sale July 27 . 228 pg, FC, $49.99 US SEVEN SOLDIERS: GUARDIAN #3 Written by Grant Morrison Art and cover by Cameron Stewart Grant Morrison and Cameron Stewart's thrilling tale of the Guardian continues! Century Hollow - a secret project in the American heartland - is an artificial town created and maintained as a very unusual experiment. A bizarre terrorist group seizes control of the project, and only The Guardian has any chance of saving the people of Century Hollow. The only question is: Should he? On sale July 13 . 3 of 4 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US SEVEN SOLDIERS: ZATANNA #3 Written by Grant Morrison Art by Ryan Sook & Mick Gray Cover by Sook Grant Morrison, Ryan Sook & Mick Gray continue a magical adventure of Zatanna! Zatanna and Misty travel with Ali Ka-Zoom to join forces with the Undying Don Vincenzo and face three Days of the Dead. The Sheeda Hordes have begun to reveal themselves prior to conquering the Earth, and Zatanna's caught in the middle of a siege which could decide the fate of humanity! And there's a terrible shock for Misty when the spider cavalry arrives! On sale July 27 . 3 of 4 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US TEEN TITANS #26 Written by Geoff Johns Art and cover by Tony Daniel and Marlo Alquiza Superstar artist Tony Daniel (Spawn, The Tenth) joins the Titans for a special issue dealing with the aftermath of the recent crossover with Outsiders. Feeling empty after recent events, Superboy goes on a soul-searching journey into his past and possible futures with an unlikely guide: Raven. On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US VILLAINS UNITED #3 Written by Gail Simone Art by Val Semeiks & Wade von Grawbadger Cover by J.G. Jones Things get ugly as the miniseries springing from Countdown to Infinite Crisis continues! In the most intense issue yet, the rogue villain group known as The Six engage in a brutal, life- altering confrontation with The Society, and a possible traitor stands revealed! On sale July 7 . 3 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US JOHNNY DC THE BATMAN STRIKES! #11 Written by Bill Matheny Art by Christopher Jones & Terry Beatty Cover by Jeff Matsuda Reflecting the hit cartoon on the Kids' WB! The Penguin's got Batman on the ropes, and the Dark Knight's last hope is...Alfred?! The keeper of the Batcave may be the only hope Batman has, but even this newer, stranger dynamic duo may not be able to save Gotham City! On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #11 Written by Adam Beechen Art by Carlo Barberi & Walden Wong Cover by Ben Caldwell The Justice League pays a visit to Aquaman in Atlantis, but their trip is interrupted as a seaquake awakens an ancient evil! And the League's only hope comes from a most unexpected team member: Stargirl! On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US TEEN TITANS GO! #21 Written by J. Torres Art by Todd Nauck & Lary Stucker Cover by Sean Galloway Professor Chang blasts Beast Boy with his new G.A.R.T.H. Gun and transforms him into...Garthzilla! When the giant green monster starts trashing the city, the Titans have no choice but to bust out their secret weapon...the Titans Go-Bot 5! On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US TEEN TITANS GO! VOL. 3: BRING IT ON! TP Written by J. Torres Art by Todd Nauck & Lary Stucker Cover by Dave Bullock Those super-powered teenaged stars of the Cartoon Network are back in a third volume packed with the amazing adventures of Robin, Beast Boy, Raven, Cyborg and Starfire collected from Teen Titans Go! #11-15! On sale July 20 . 5" x 7.375" .104 pg, FC, $6.99 US CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY VOL. 1: GET DOWN! Written by Robbie Busch, Sholly Fisch, Dean Haspiel and others Art by Kim Arndt, Jeff Albrecht and others Cover by Gary Fields It's time to get funky with the stars of Cartoon Network, collected in a new manga-sized collection reprinting stories from Cartoon Cartoons and Dexter's Laboratory! Featuring the adventures of Dexter, the Kids Next Door, Johnny Bravo and more! On sale July 20 . 5" x 7.375" .112 pg, FC, $6.99 US CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #11 Written by Robbie Busch, Sholly Fisch, Dean Haspiel, and others Art by Scott Neely, John Delaney and others Cover by Robert Pope Where, oh, where has Billy's cat gone? When Mandy's dog fails to find the wayward kitten, Grim summons up his dog: Cerberus! This might be the end for Endsville! Plus, tales of Johnny Bravo, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and the Eds! On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US POWERPUFF GIRLS #64 Written by Robbie Busch, Abby Denson, and John Rozum Art by Chris Cook, Ricardo Garcia-Fuentes & Mike DeCarlo Cover by Phil Moy Princess gets persnickety when Bubbles wows Townsville with her gardening. It looks like there won't be peas in our time as Princess experiments with new ways to cause trouble! On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US LOONEY TUNES #128 Written by Sam Agro, Robbie Busch and Frank Strom Art by David Alvarez, Leo Batic, Mike DeCarlo and Horacio Ottolini Cover by Alvarez & DeCarlo When Porky and Daffy become used-car dealers, it's hard to tell who's more crooked - they or the bank robbers posing as their customers! Also, Witch Hazel needs a date, but it'll take a little of that old black magic to find her one! On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US SCOOBY-DOO #98 Written by Chuck Dixon, Sholly Fisch and John Rozum Art by Joe Staton, Andrew Pepoy and Horacio Ottolini Cover by Staton Little old ladies are always hiring Mystery, Inc. to check out haunted houses. So why does their latest client seem disappointed when they scare off the ghosts? Plus, puzzles, facts, and art lessons! On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US MAD #456 Written and illustrated by The Usual Gang of Idiots Get ready for more MADness, as only The Usual Gang of Idiots can deliver! Chock full of movie parodies, gags, laughs, and the non- stop hilarity you demand! Plus, lower your expectations and this issue will be even better! On sale July 7 . 48 pg, FC/B&W, $3.50 US MAD XL #35 Written and illustrated by The Usual Gang of Idiots Another jam-packed issue of MAD XL, containing the Best of the Web, MAD Marginals XL, our featured Writer of the Month, more Readers' Choice picks, and other fun features! On sale July 13 . 96 pg, FC/B&W, $4.99 US CMX TENRYU: THE DRAGON CYCLE VOL. 4 Written and illustrated by Matoh Sanami CMX. The thrilling saga by the creator of the hit manga Fake continues! Ryukei and Hiryu are members of the Black Dragon Gang. To their astonishment, this is not just a name: they are actually Dragons, possessed of unique magical powers. Luckily for them, they have met the beautiful Ryurei, who is taking them to her grandfather in hopes of learning more about their powers. Unluckily for them, the vicious Red Wolf Gang leader is determined to snare Ryurei for his bride-whether she wants him or not! It's wolf versus dragon in this shape-shifting sword-and- sorcery shakedown!! On sale July 27 . 5" x 7.375" . 200 pg, B&W, $9.99 US . TEEN FROM EROICA WITH LOVE VOL. 4 Written and illustrated by Aoike Yasuko CMX. Major Eberbach has been ordered to hire international playboy thief Eroica to steal military secrets for NATO in Rome! But Eroica's ego demands a bigger prize than mere documents! A crisis erupts as the KGB, the Italian police, the Mafia, and the Roman Catholic Church are ensnared in Eroica's scheme! On sale July 13 . 5" x 7.375" . 224 pg, B&W, $9.99 US . TEEN LAND OF THE BLINDFOLDED VOL. 4 Written and illustrated by Tsukuba Sakura CMX. An order from the student council threatens to destroy Arou's school garden! To make matters worse, Kanade has glimpsed a future in which the beautiful student council president falls in love with him! Does Kanade have enough confidence in Arou to disregard her vision? On sale July 20 . 5" x 7.375" . 192 pg, B&W, $9.99 US . ALL AGES MADARA VOL. 4 Illustrated by Sho-u Tajima Written by Eiji Otsuka CMX. Illustrated by the designer of Kill Bill Vol. 1's animated sequences! Madara has defied the prophecy, choosing to live the normal life of a peaceful villager. A second Kusanagi sword combined with his own could determine the fate of the war, but Madara has had enough of using his deadly powers. But his brother Kageo and the demon Moki have other ideas. When they descend upon the village in search of Madara's weapon, he must either choose his heritage or die! On sale July 7 . 5" x 7.375" . 198 pg, B&W, $9.99 US MATURE READERS WILDSTORM ALBION #2 Plotted by Alan Moore Written by Leah Moore & John Reppion Art by Shane Oakley & George Freeman Cover by Dave Gibbons Alan Moore's 6-issue miniseries reimagining classic British heroes continues! While Penny and Danny do their best to repair and refurbish Robot Archie to his past glory, they share with each other stories of a bygone heroic era. Meanwhile, Grimly Fiendish is imprisoned and thrown into solitary confinement. Plus, the introduction of the mysterious character known as Captain Hurricane. On sale July 27 . 2 of 6 . 32 pg., FC, $2.99 US ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE #2 Written by Kurt Busiek Art by Brent Anderson Cover by Alex Ross The longest, most ambitious Astro City epic ever heats up! The Silver Agent is accused of murder and treason at the Paris Peace Talks - and back home, criminals are coming under fire from the Blue Knight! How are Charles and Royal Williams connected to both heroes? There's panic in the streets and trouble around the world as the turbulent saga of Astro City in the 1970s continues. Also featuring The N-Forcer, Starfighter, the Street Angel, the First Family's new member, and more! On sale July 27 . 2 of 16 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US THE AUTHORITY: REVOLUTION #10 Written by Ed Brubaker Art by Dustin Nguyen & Richard Friend Cover by Nguyen Long thought dead, Henry Bendix has secretly been running the world for years! Now the Authority is back - under new leadership - and they're on a collision course with theeir ex-Weatherman! Plus, the debut of a new team member! On sale July 20 . 10 of 12 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . Mature Readers THE AUTHORITY: HUMAN ON THE INSIDE SC Written by John Ridley Art and cover by Ben Oliver A softcover edition of the thrilling original hardcover graphic novel by screenwriter John Ridley (Three Kings) and red-hot artist Ben Oliver (The Losers)! The U.S. President sets a plan in motion that could destroy the Authority from the inside...a plan so cunning and unexpected, it'll shake the Authority to its very core! On sale July 7 . 96 pg, FC, $17.99 US . MATURE READERS CITY OF TOMORROW #4 Written by Howard Chaykin Art and cover by Chaykin Master storyteller Howard Chaykin continues to weave a tale of suspense and decadence! As the secrets of Columbia begin to surface, prodigal son Tucker Foyle continues his quest to free the island state from robotic tyranny while discovering not all robots are bad! On sale July 27 . 4 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US EX MACHINA #13 Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Tony Harris & Tom Feister Cover by Harris Part 2 of "Fact vs. Fiction!" Mayor Hundred is one of twelve angry New Yorkers deliberating a scandalous case, but one of his fellow jurors is withholding a dark secret. Plus, the Mayor's closest allies investigate the identity of the mysterious new super-hero who's flown into town. On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS DESOLATION JONES #2 Written by Warren Ellis Art and cover by J.H. Williams III The blistering new bimonthly series by Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Ocean) and J.H. Williams III (Promethea, Seven Soldiers) continues! It's another day at the office for Desolation Jones as he follows up leads on a particularly tough case. Jones delves deep into the rancid side of LA's spook community as he searches for answers - and a missing girl - in his search for a film that too many people are interested in. On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS THE INTIMATES #9 Written by Joe Casey Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli & Sandra Hope Cover by Camuncoli, Hope & Rian Hughes Summer vacation continues - but for Punchy and Destra, this will be a vacation like no other! There's a mystery to be solved, and they can't do it alone. Plus, who is Arthur, and what are his plans for self-modification? On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US MAJESTIC #7 Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning Art by Neil Googe & Trevor Scott Cover by Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vines Even if Majestic were alive, Earth is beyond salvation! The world has been conquered by a new breed of Daemonites who are about to use ancient Kheran technology to transform the planet into a world where only they can survive. On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US MATADOR #3 Written by Devin Grayson Art and cover by Brian Stelfreeze Lt. Isabel Cardona's investigation of a deadly serial killer gets personal! Neither of Izzy's lovers is powerful enough to keep her safe once she's connected to the Matador, and the stakes are raised when calamity strikes, cutting down someone close to her heart! On sale July 7 . 3 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US THE TWILIGHT EXPERIMENT #6 Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray Art and cover by Juan Santacruz The climactic conclusion of the Twilight Experiment saga, as the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance! The new hero Serenity must succeed where her predecessor failed, even as Twilight battles the Righteous, the man who killed his mother. If these two young heroes fail, two worlds die! On sale July 7 . 6 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US SILENT DRAGON #1 Written by Andy Diggle Art by Leinil Yu & Gerry Alanguilan Cover by Yu From critically acclaimed writer Andy Diggle (Adam Strange, The Losers) and superstar art team Leinil Yu & Gerry Alanguilan (Superman: Birthright) comes a story of love, betrayal, honor and war set against the backdrop of a not-so-distant future! Tokyo, A.D. 2063 Renjiro is chief advisor to Japan's most notorious gangster: the Yakuza warlord Hideaki. Under his guidance, the Black Dragon Clan has seized total control of Honshu's underworld, ruthlessly crushing any and all opposition. But Hideaki dreams of even greater glories - namely, the overthrow of the government itself! Japan's hard-line military junta will do anything to stop him, even if it means civil war - and in Renjiro, they have found the ultimate pawn to set their plan in motion. Caught between a lifetime of honor and loyalty to his Yakuza clan and the iron-fisted might of the military elite, Renjiro will find that the only way to avoid total annihilation is to play both sides against the middle! On sale July 27 . 1 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US Edited by Ben Abernathy PROMETHEA COVERS BOOK Art by J.H. Williams III and Mick Gray Cover by Williams ABC. Collecting every Promethea cover by J.H. Williams III & Mick Gray, plus an essay by Williams describing the creative process. Retailer note: A signed version of this book was previously included with the Promethea #32 variant edition. Supplies may be limited; orders may be allocated. On sale July 13 . 48 pg, FC, $5.99 US PROMETHEA BOOK FIVE HC Written by Alan Moore Art by J.H. Williams III Cover by Williams & Jose Villarrubia ABC. The final volume of Promethea, collecting issues #26-32! This is the story of the end of the world, of the last days before the Apocalypse, with guest stars from around the America's Best globe who try to do what they always do: save the day! On sale July 20 . 200 pg, FC, $24.99 US VERTIGO 100 BULLETS #62 Written by Brian Azzarello Art by Eduardo Risso Cover by Dave Johnson "Staring at the Son," Part 3. The "family" reunion continues on the sun-bleached streets of Miami. Benito continues his education, discovering where he fits in with the Trust. But will he follow in his father's footsteps or shun his deadly birthright? And why did Megan summon them to south Florida in the first place? On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US . MATURE READERS 100 BULLETS VOL. 8: THE HARD WAY TP Written by Brian Azzarello Art by Eduardo Risso Cover by Dave Johnson Reprinting 100 Bullets #50-58, unraveling the tangled mystery of the Trust as Wylie Times becomes the latest Minuteman to be reactivated by the Trust's one-time enforcer Agent Graves. But which side will he choose? Plus, an introduction by crime novelist Jason Starr (Twisted City, Tough Luck). On sale July 20 . 224 pg, FC, $14.99 US . MATURE READERS THE DEAD BOY DETECTIVES DIGEST Written by Jill Thompson Art and cover by Thompson Neil Gaiman's inimitable sleuths from The Sandman: Season of Mists star in their own Manga Digest. The Dead Boy Detectives, guest-starring Death of the Endless, is brought to life by award- winning artist Jill Thompson (The Sandman: Brief Lives, Scary Godmother). Based on the overwhelming success of her first Manga Digest, Death: At Death's Door, Thompson has crafted an amazing original mystery that will appeal to both Sandman fans and shojou Manga enthusiasts. Charles Rowland and Edwin Paine, the dead British teenagers who are always on the run from Death, travel stateside to solve a missing persons case. Our intrepid heroes have been contacted by young Annika Abernathy, a student at a posh International Academy in Chicago. It seems that Annika's best friend has vanished. For Rowland and Paine to investigate the case properly, they decide to enroll as students at the school. And since it's an all-girls academy, the duo is forced to go undercover - in drag. Secret passages, food fights, and far too many fashionistas abound as the Dead Boy Detectives solve the case and learn a lot about life from the precocious daughters of international ambassadors and famous rock stars. As a bonus, this digest also features a free 8-page preview of T'k. On sale July 7 . 5" x 7.375" . 144 pg, B&W, $9.99 US . MATURE READERS FABLES #39 Written by Bill Willingham Art by Lan Medina & Craig Hamilton Cover by James Jean A special interlude issue featuring guest art by Lan Medina and Craig Hamilton. While Boy Blue is questing through the Homelands, Fabletown is having major issues of its own. Someone has been divulging war secrets and strategies to the enemy, and when the culprit is discovered, the consequences are shocking... On sale July 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US . MATURE READERS HELLBLAZER #210 Written by Mike Carey Art by Leonardo Manco Cover by Tim Bradstreet Part 4 of the 6-part "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go." John's infernal quest nears its end point, and Nergal finally spells out what's at stake. But sulfurous wastes and succubi still bar their path, and the demon has saved the best lie for last - the one that destroys every last possibility of success. On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.75 US . MATURE READERS THE LOSERS #26 Written by Andy Diggle Art by Colin Wilson Cover by Jock Legendary artist Colin Wilson (Lt. Blueberry, Point Blank) visits the Losers in Part 1 of the thrilling new 3-part story arc "Unamerica." Max's mysterious "Project" is revealed as a massive seismic event rocks the Persian Gulf. But his plans also hinge on another key element: an arsenal of nuclear warheads hidden in a ghost town near Chernobyl. And with the background radiation masking the warhead emissions, the Losers might as well be looking for a needle in a stack of needles... On sale July 27 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS LUCIFER #64 Written by Mike Carey Art by Peter Gross & Ryan Kelly Cover by Michael Wm. Kaluta Lucifer, Elaine and Jill Presto's new offsping Noema have been transported to Hell. But Lucifer must contend with Christopher Rudd, the messiah of the damned, and all the ramifications the war in Heaven has unleashed. On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US . MATURE READERS MNEMOVORE #4 Written by Hans Rodionoff & Ray Fawkes Art and cover by Mike Huddleston While Kaley struggles to reconnect the fragments of her former life and make sense of what's happening to her, she is betrayed on all sides. Meanwhile, Mike Neville descends into the abyss and emerges with a newfound purpose: to protect the terrible spawn of the information age. On sale July 13 . 4 of 6 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS NEIL GAIMAN'S NEVERWHERE #2 Written by Mike Carey Consultation by Neil Gaiman Art and cover by Glenn Fabry Mike Carey (Lucifer, Hellblazer) and Glenn Fabry (The Sandman: Endless Nights, Preacher) continue their thrilling 9-issue adaptation of the popular novel by Sandman co-creator Neil Gaiman! Richard Mayhew hates heights, but he finds himself trailing behind the mad Marquis De Carabras on his errand anyway. And just when he thinks he's finally finished with this whole affair, he finds that he's become a phantom in his own life. But if he doesn't want Croup and Vandemar to make him a "real" ghost, he needs to find Door before it's too late. On sale July 27 . 2 of 9 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS PREACHER: ANCIENT HISTORY TP - NEW EDITION Written by Garth Ennis Art by Steve Pugh, Carlos Ezquerra and Richard Case Cover by Glenn Fabry A new edition of the classic collection featuring Preacher Special: Saint of Killers #1-4, Preacher Special: The Story of You-Know-Who and Preacher Special: The Good Old Boys, featuring tales of the oddest members of Preacher's supporting cast. On sale July 13 . 224 pg, FC, $14.99 US MATURE READERS PREACHER: SALVATION TP - NEW EDITION Written by Garth Ennis Art by Steve Dillon Cover by Glenn Fabry A new edition of the classic collection featuring Preacher #41- 50, in which Jesse Custer becomes the sheriff of a troubled Texas town. This volume includes a cover gallery and reprints issue #50's pin-ups of the Preacher cast by Jim Lee, Fabry, Tim Bradstreet, John McCrea, Doug Mahnke, and more. On sale July 13 . 256 pg, FC, $17.99 US MATURE READERS PREACHER: WAR IN THE SUN TP - NEW EDITION Written by Garth Ennis Art by Steve Dillon and Peter Snejbjerg Cover by Glenn Fabry This new edition collects the story of Jesse Custer's ultimate battle with the Saint of Killers and the forces of Starr - and the catastrophic outcome - originally presented in Preacher #34- 40. Also included: the Preacher Special: One Man's War one-shot profiling the villainous Starr. On sale July 13 . 240 pg, FC, $17.99 US MATURE READERS OTHERWORLD #5 Written by Phil Jimenez Art and cover by Jimenez & Andy Lanning There's trouble brewing in the mystic lands of the Otherworld, as our heroes face a powerful - and surprising - new threat. Can they convince the mythical creatures to join them in the fight? And back on Earth, those who were left behind contend with the aftermath of the night Cessaire came to L.A. On sale July 27 . 5 of 12 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS SWAMP THING #17 Written by Joshua Dysart Art and cover by Enrique Breccia "Healing the Breach" Part 3 of 4. Why do the strange bio-mech invaders in the infected Green look so similar to the sea monster who dwells in the trenches of the poisoned Mexico basin? Swamp Thing, carried by the raging autumn storm waters, rushes towards the Gulf of Mexico "wound" and into the embrace of a mystery. On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS TRIGGER #8 Written by Jason Hall Art and cover by John Watkiss Things are back to normal for Carter Lennox - but when you're a deadly assassin, what's "normal"? And Deirdre Meyers receives another anonymous tip from her Ethicorp informant that could break the Trigger story wide-open. But after her life-threatening encounters with the shadow police force, will she take the bait? Final issue. On sale July 20 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS Y: THE LAST MAN #35 Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Goran Sudzuka & Jose Marzan Jr. Cover by Massimo Carnevale The explosive conclusion of the 4-part "Girl on Girl." The good ship Whale makes its final stand against the crew's heavily armed pursuers, and countless women meet a watery grave. Will any of Yorick's companions survive? Plus, a woman from Yorick's past makes a startling reappearance. On sale July 7 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US . MATURE READERS Y: THE LAST MAN VOL. 5: RING OF TRUTH TP Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Pia Guerra & Jose Marzan, Jr. Cover by Massimo Carnevale Collecting issues #24-31 of the runaway hit series! Yorick's unbalanced sister Hero tracks him to San Francisco, only to find him seemingly succumbing to the male-killing plague after losing his still-unused engagement ring to agents of the Setauket Ring. On sale July 13 . 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US . MATURE READERS DC DIRECT THE BATMAN: BATMOBILE MAQUETTE Sculpted by John G. Mathews The third in the series of The Batman Maquettes by DC Direct, inspired by the hit Kid's WB! and Cartoon Network show! The Batmobile is as fast and deadly as lightning, racing through the darkened, gritty streets of Gotham City. This limited edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain maquette measures approximately 4" tall x 6.25" wide x 10" deep, includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. Advance-solicited; on sale November 2 . Maquette . $89.99 US BATMAN CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY 2005 COLLECTOR'S PLATE Art by Michael Turner This Holiday Collector's Plate features a stunning illustration of The Joker and his little helper, Harley Quinn, bringing joy and laughter to a very unhappily detained Batman! This limited- edition, hand-painted cold-cast porcelain Collector's Plate measures approximately 10.5" in diameter, features a Certificate of Authenticity imprinted on the back of the plate, and is edged with a 24-karat gold band. The plate is packaged in a gift box with gold foil stamping. Advance-solicited; on sale November 23 . Collector's Plate . $59.99 US BATMAN JAPANESE IMPORT COLLECTOR ACTION FIGURE WAVE 3: BATMAN Manufactured by Japanese toy manufacturer Yamato exclusively for the Japanese toy market, these limited-edition Batman figures are available outside of Asia only under special arrangement with DC Direct! The Batman Import Collector Action Figure includes a stone dungeon-like diorama base measuring 8" high x 5.5" wide x 3.2" deep This figure is limited to 7,000 pieces. Retro-solicited; on sale July 7 . Action Figure . PI BATMAN JAPANESE IMPORT COLLECTOR ACTION FIGURE WAVE 3: BANE The Bane Import Collector Action Figure comes with a demolition- inspired diorama base measuring 6.3" high x 5" wide x 3.7" deep. This figure is limited to 7,000 pieces. Retro-solicited; on sale July 7 . Action Figure . PI BATMAN JAPANESE IMPORT COLLECTOR ACTION FIGURE WAVE 3: BATGIRL The Batgirl Import Collector Action Figure includes a building cornice diorama base measuring 6.8" high x 4.3" wide x 3" deep. This figure is limited to 7,000 pieces. Retro-solicited; on sale July 7 . Action Figure . PI BATMAN JAPANESE IMPORT COLLECTOR ACTION FIGURE WAVE 3: CATWOMAN The Catwoman Import Collector Action Figure comes with a whip, a Gotham City nightscape and a diorama base measuring 7.5" high x 4.3" wide x 3" deep. This figure is limited to 7,000 pieces. Retro-solicited; on sale July 7 . Action Figure . PI CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS SERIES 2: ANTI-MONITOR ACTION FIGURE Countless champions perish in order to prevent the Anti-Monitor from gaining fuel through the destruction of individual realities! The Anti-Monitor Action Figure features multiple points of articulation and comes with a base. Packaged in a 4- color blister. Advance-solicited; on sale November 16. Action Figure . 6.75" H . PI CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS SERIES 2: BARRY ALLEN FLASH ACTION FIGURE Barry Allen, the protector of Central City, has the power to violate select laws of physics and super speed ability! The Barry Allen Flash Action Figure features multiple points of articulation and comes with a display base. Packaged in a 4-color blister. Advance-solicited; on sale November 16 . Action Figure . 6.25" H . PI CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS SERIES 2: EARTH 2 SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE The first super-hero to arrive on Earth-2 and help defeat the Anti-Monitor! The Earth 2 Superman Action Figure features multiple points of articulation and comes with a display base. Packaged in a 4-color blister. Advance-solicited; on sale November 16 . Action Figure . 6.75" H . PI CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS SERIES 2: BATTLE-ARMOR LEX LUTHOR ACTION FIGURE A genius, criminal scientist, Lex builds a suit of battle armor, incorporating the most deadly weapons, in order to bring down The Man of Steel. This figure features multiple points of articulation and comes with a flag accessory and display base. Packaged in a 4-color blister. Advance-solicited; on sale November 16 . Action Figure . 6.75" H . PI CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS SERIES 2: ROBOT BRAINIAC ACTION FIGURE One of Earth's villains evolved into a techno-organic entity housed within a giant skull-shaped vessel. This figure features multiple points of articulation and comes with a display base. Packaged in a 4-color blister. Advance-solicited; on sale November 16 . Action Figure . 6.75" H . PI KINGDOM COME: SPECTRE, GREEN LANTERN & NORMAN McCAY STATUE Designed by Alex Ross Sculpted by Tony Cipriano The second multicharacter statue direct from the pages of the best-selling miniseries Kingdom Come! This statue features Ross's striking visions of the Spectre, Green Lantern and the minister Norman McCay. This limited-edition, hand-painted cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 5.75" tall x 5.5" wide x 3" deep, includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. Limited up to 1,500 pieces. Advance-solicited; on sale November 30 . Statue . $89.99 US HI HI PUFFY AMIYUMI MAQUETTE SET DC Direct presents the Cartoon Network Collection! Take two real- life Japanese rock star cuties. Turn them into hypercool animated characters. Throw in some over-the-top comedy, cutting-edge music, kitschy Japanese icons and a short manager with shallow pockets, and you've got Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi! This limited edition, hand-painted cold-cast porcelain maquette set measures approximately 6.25" tall x 11" wide x 5" deep, includes a full- color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. Limited up to 1,500 pieces. Advance-solicited; on sale November 23 . Maquette Set . $125.00 US SUPERMAN & BATMAN DELUXE BOOKENDS Designed by Ed McGuinness Sculpted by James Shoop In this stunning new set of bookends designed by fan-favorite artist Ed McGuinness (Superman/Batman, JLA Classified), the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight join forces to destroy their longtime enemies Bizarro and Man-Bat! This dramatic limited- edition, cold-cast porcelain bookends set includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity. Each side measures approximately 8.25" tall x 6.5" wide x 6.5" deep, and they are packaged together in a 4-color box. Advance-solicited; on sale November 9 . Bookend Set . $295.00 SUPERMAN 13" DELUXE COLLECTOR FIGURE The Superman 13" Deluxe Collector Figure is an exciting new addition to DC Direct's line of realistically proportioned, super-heroic 1/6-scale figures! Wearing his iconic costume, this figure is fully poseable with 28 points of articulation. Superman comes with two sets of removable hands - one set has independently articulated fingers and the other closed fists - along with a 7.5" bendable "steel" girder and breakaway "chains." The figure also includes Clark Kent's lined suit, white long- sleeve shirt, fabric tie and socks. The transformation from superhero to reporter is complete with plastic eyeglasses, and a copy of the Daily Planet newspaper. This figure is packaged in a four-color displayable collector box. Advance-solicited; on sale November 2 . Collector Figure . $89.99 US SUPERMAN: STRENGTH POSTER Art by Alex Ross Originally published as the cover of Superman: Strength #3, Alex Ross paints a striking iconic rendition of the Man of Steel! This full-color poster measures 24" x 36". Advance-solicited; on sale November 30 . Poster . $7.99 US WONDER WOMAN IDENTITY CRISIS POSTER Art by Michael Turner Originally published as the cover of Identity Crisis #4, this poster features Wonder Woman as an elegant symbol of strength. This beautifully illustrated 4-color poster measures 24" x 36". Advance-solicited; on sale November 30 . Poster . $7.99 US CHECKLIST June 8 Gotham Central #32 July 7 Aquaman #32 Batman Japanese Import Collector Action Figure Wave 3: Bane Batman Japanese Import Collector Action Figure Wave 3: Batgirl Batman Japanese Import Collector Action Figure Wave 3: Batman Batman Japanese Import Collector Action Figure Wave 3: Catwoman Batman: Dark Detective #5 Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Blood of the Demon #5 DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy #2 Firestorm #15 JLA/Cyberforce JSA #75 Justice League Unlimited #11 Looney Tunes #128 MAD #456 Madara Vol. 4 Matador #3 Son of Vulcan #2 Space Ghost TP Superman #219 Superman: That Healing Touch TP Swamp Thing #17 The Authority: Human on the Inside SC The Dead Boy Detectives Digest The Intimates #9 The Twilight Experiment #6 Villains United #3 Y: The Last Man #35 July 13 100 Bullets #62 All Star Batman & Robin #1 Batman #642 Breach #7 Desolation Jones #2 Fables #39 From Eroica With Love Vol. 4 Green Arrow #52 Hawkman #42 JLA #116 MAD XL #35 Mnemovore #4 Nightwing #110 Preacher: Ancient History TP - New Edition Preacher: Salvation TP - New Edition Preacher: War In The Sun TP - New Edition Promethea Covers Book Scooby-Doo #98 Seven Soldiers: Guardian #3 The Batman Strikes! #11 The Rann/Thanagar War #3 Y: The Last Man Vol. 5: Ring of Truth TP July 20 100 Bullets Vol. 8: The Hard Way TP Adventures of Superman #642 Batgirl #66 Batman: Gotham Knights #67 Batman: Jekyll & Hyde #4 Birds of Prey #84 Cartoon Network Block Party Vol 1: Get Down Day of Vengeance #4 Detective Comics #808 Ex Machina #13 JSA Classified #1 Land of the Blindfolded Vol. 4 Lucifer #64 Manhunter #12 Plastic Man #7 Powerpuff Girls #64 Promethea Book 5 HC Robin #140 Teen Titans #26 Teen Titans Go! Vol. 3: Bring It On! TP The Authority: Revolution #10 The Flash: Secret of Barry Allen TP The Human Race #5 Trigger #8 July 27 Albion #2 Astro City: The Dark Age #2 Batman: Dark Detective #6 Cartoon Network Block Party #11 Catwoman #45 City of Tomorrow #4 Doom Patrol #14 Green Lantern #3 Hellblazer #210 JLA Classified #10 Kinetic TP Legion of Super-Heroes #8 Lex Luthor: Man of Steel #5 Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere #2 Nightwing: Year One TP Otherworld #5 Outsiders #26 Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #3 Sgt. Rock Archives Vol. 3 HC Silent Dragon #1 Superman/Batman #21 Teen Titans Go! #21 Tenryu: The Dragon Cycle Vol. 4 The Flash #224 The Losers #26 The OMAC Project #4 Wonder Woman #219 Year One: Batman/Ra's Al Ghul #2 August 10 Superman: For Tomorrow Vol. 2 HC September 7 Absolute Batman: Hush Oversized HC November 2 The Batman: Batmobile Maquette Superman 13" Deluxe Collector Figure November 16 Crisis on Infinite Earths Series 2: Anti-Monitor Action Figure Crisis on Infinite Earths Series 2: Earth 2 Superman Action Figure Crisis on Infinite Earths Series 2: Battle Armor Lex Luthor Action Figure Crisis on Infinite Earths Series 2: Barry Allen Flash Action Figure Crisis on Infinite Earths Series 2: Robot Braniac Action Figure November 23 Batman Christmas Holiday 2005 Collector's Plate Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi Maquette Set November 30 Kingdom Come: Spectre, Green Lantern & Norman McCay Statue Wonder Woman Identity Crisis Poster +++++ DESPERADO PUBLISHING JULY SOLICITATIONS COMMON FOE #2 July 6  32 pg  Color  $3.50 created by KEITH GIFFEN & SHANNON DENTON art by JEAN-JACQUES DZIALOWSKI cover by ESAD RIBIC Night falls. American and German GI's come face to face with the ravenous reality behind the vampire myth and must unite against a common foe or die. COMMON FOE is T and c 2005 Keith Giffen and Shannon Denton. All Rights Reserved. THE ATHEIST #3 July 13  32 pg  BW  $3.50 written by PHIL HESTER art by JOHN McCREA cover by JOHN McCREA CONCEPT DESCRIPTION- Antoine Sharpe is the startlingly brilliant, staunchly skeptical special agent the government relies on to investigate claims of the paranormal. Aided by Canadian cop Melissa Nguyen, Sharpe investigates the invasion of Winnipeg by runaways who claim to be possessed by spirits of the dead. Are they infected by some new disease, perpetrating an elaborate hoax, or truly under the control of ghostly forces? The man known as The Atheist must find out before this plague goes global. #3 DESCRIPTION- Incarnate, Part 3- Desperate Measures Sharpe and Nguyen are on the run. The possessed, real or not, are organized and wish to snuff out Sharpe's investigation before he can reveal the truth. The behavior of the possessed becomes increasingly destructive, threatening to plunge Winnipeg into chaos. Sharpe arms himself with a weapon even the dead will fear and takes the fight to them, but will he survive long enough to use it? THE ATHEIST is T and c 2005 Phil Hester and John McCrea. All Rights Reserved. BEYOND AVALON #3 July 20  32 pg  Color  $3.50 written by JOE PRUETT art by GORAN SUDZUKA cover by GORAN SUDZUKA As Megan and Jerome fight off the reptilian guardians of the Tower of the Two Dragons, they discover that they are not the only wanderers on the island of Lamiam who have an interest in the secrets within the Tower. And what clues does Megan find in the pursuit of her lost father, the legendary King Arthur? BEYOND AVALON is T and c 2005 Joe Pruett and Goran Sudzuka. All Rights Reserved. THE STARDUST KID #2 July 27  32 pg  Color  $3.50 written by J.M. DeMATTEIS art by MIKE PLOOG cover by MIKE PLOOG THIS ISSUE "The Woman" Paul Brightfield has vanished...but he's left behind a book for Cody, K.M., Alana and Nathaniel; a book that is doorway into a deep magic. The entire neighborhood has transformed into a savage, primeval land populated by trolls, elves, and other fantastical creatures. Protected by the magics of Paul's book, these four children are the only ones who remember the world as it was. But how can they survive in this dangerous new world? And how can they possibly change things back? THE STARDUST KID is T and c 2005 J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Ploog. All Rights Reserved. _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------ - End of another Issue .. GIVE A KID A COMICC TODAY! How many people does it take to change a searchlight bulb?