PREVIEWS VOL. X #12 COMICS SECTION PREMIER VENDORS DARK HORSE COMICS ROCKSTAR GAMES' ONI #1 (of 3) by DAVID LAND and SUNNY LEE; cover by LORRAINE REYES Rockstar Games, makers of the award-winning Grand Theft Auto video game, have teamed up with Dark Horse to bring you their newest creation, Oni, timed for release with the sensational action game for Playstation2, Mac, and PC. Syndicate thieves have been spreading rumors of a ghost-like entity that attacks them after successful jobs and steals their loot. Though these rumors have made it to the TCTF (Technical Crimes Task Force), they have been treated as an underworld old wives' tale or as an excuse to cover a botched heist. Things change, however, when a WorldCo shipment is hijacked by ninjas and the crime is interfered with by the "ghost." That's when beautiful and deadly Konoko is called in to investigate, and that means things just got bad for the "ghost"! On sale February 14 FC, 32pg (1 of 3) . . . $2.99 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: LOVERS' WALK by CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN, RYAN SOOK, CLIFF RICHARDS, and OTHERS; cover by CLIFF RICHARDS Living in Sunnydale isn't all about killing monsters. There's also time for deep interpersonal relationships, friendship, and bonding. Like when two people come together to . . . kill monsters. Join us for three tales about some of Sunnydale's most interesting couples. Spike and Dru find out that breaking up really is hard to do. Buffy and Riley navigate the treacherous territory involved in dating the Slayer. And Willow and Tara try to have a nice, relaxing weekend at a bed and breakfast. This anthology is brought to you by a plethora of creative talent from the regular Buffy comics, and it's just in time for Valentines Day! Miss this one and it'll break your heart! On-sale February 7 FC, 32pg (Richards cover) . . . $2.99 FC, 32pg (Photo cover) . . . $2.99 OH MY GODDESS! PART X #1: THE SECRET OF SPEED PART 1 (OF 2) by KOSUKE FUJISHIMA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Keiichi's sister, Megumi, is no motorcycle hotshot…she just wants to get to class on time! What she doesn't realize is that beating the last bell is going to mean locking horns with Nekomi Tech's self-styled Queen of the Highway! The Queen is one young lady who expects to come in first every time, and she'll stop at nothing to discover Megumi's "Secret of Speed." On sale February 7 b&w, 40pg . . . $3.50 MONKEYBONE STATUE AND LIMITED-EDITION WATCH We are celebrating the release of one of this year's most unusual films with a limited-edition watch and statues. Monkeybone, directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach, Nightmare Before Christmas), stars Brendan Fraser and Bridget Fonda! The unique blend of stop-motion animation and live footage, combined with the fantastically strange environment known simply as "Downtown" will have science fiction and animation fans buzzing over the eye-popping strangeness of the edgy production. This fantastic movie about cartooning, comas, and underworld demigods also features the character of Monkeybone, who is a dark and funny cartoon alter-ego that comes to life. Our statue of Monkeybone is being produced in cooperation with Twentieth Century Fox. He stands approximately 8" tall on base, is fully painted, and comes packaged in a full-color collector's box. On sale March 28 Monkeybone statue . . . $99.99 When a small button is pressed, the Monkeybone watch face pops out from the rest of the watch. Each watch has the limited- edition number engraved into the back of the casing. It comes packaged in a handsome box that is sculpted as a bas-relief version of the detailed "exit pass" that is a key plot element of the film. On sale March 28 Monkeybone limited-editon watch . . . $49.99 DARK HORSE EXTRA #32 Baby, I love you. No, I really do, I mean it. I'm not just trying to get you to buy Dark Horse Extra #32! But baby, if you were to pick up this divine publication, you would find the three succulent strips and a fine poster from the upcoming Star Wars: Jedi vs. Sith. Let me break it down for you: it's also got the latest dish on every upcoming Dark Horse February title and news from www.darkhorse.com. Honey, this is more than just a one night stand. This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship— let me show you the love with Dark Horse Extra #32. On sale February7 FC, 4pg, 14-3/4" x 21-1/2" folded to 14-3/4" x 10-3/4" . . . PI SILKE #2 by TONY DANIEL; cover by TONY DANIEL Sandra Silke returns home to find out she's been framed for the murder of her dead CIA comrades, and as news footage showing her committing horrific murders streams across the airwaves and newspapers all over the country, she discovers that the only way for her to clear her name is to confront and expose the people responsible for her shape-shifting powers. But a souped-up predator by the name of Nathan is on the hunt for her, and he won't stop until she's dead! As her world becomes more and more surreal, Silke realizes that can't stay in hiding forever… Can she keep a cool head and survive? Don't miss a single chapter of this incredible story! On sale February 21 FC, 32pg . . . $2.99 WITCHBLADE/ALIENS/DARKNESS/PREDATOR: MINDHUNTER #3 (OF 3) by DAVID QUINN, MEL RUBI, and MIKE PERKINS. cover by DWAYNE TURNER. It's the final gauntlet of the ultimate big budget action movie on paper! Jackie (The Darkness) Estacado and Sara (Witchblade) Pezzini have unravelled the mystery of the Mindhunt — but now they must make a last stand for all humanity. They're trapped aboard a shuttlecraft hurtling toward Earth, but they are not alone. Fighting by their side is one mean mutha of a Predator with the power of the Witchblade! It'll take all three "heroes" to stop the unspeakable horror of an Alien-Darkness hybrid! On sale February 28 FC, 32pg (3 of 3) . . . $2.99 ANGEL #16 by CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN, TOM SNIEGOSKI, and CHRISTIAN ZANIER; cover by CHRISTIAN ZANIER The Buffy/Angel crossover continues! In part three of "Past Lives," Angel confronts the woman who's out to destroy him, and barely escapes alive. Meanwhile, Buffy and Giles begin to uncover who and what is behind the vendetta against Angel. As the players begin to gather in LA (including some well-known faces from Sunnydale), the stage is set for a final confrontation. The entire crossover is brought to you by Christopher Golden (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Watcher's Guide), Tom Sniegoski (Realworlds: Batman), and Christian Zanier (Rising Stars). On sale February 14 FC, 32pg (Zanier cover) . . . $2.99 FC, 32pg (Photo cover) . . . $2.99 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #30 by CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN, TOM SNIEGOSKI, and CHRISTIAN ZANIER cover by CHRISTIAN ZANIER The Buffy/Angel crossover, "Past Lives," comes to an explosive conclusion this issue! Angel and Giles reveal their past involvement with the woman who is out to destroy Angel, and it's up to Buffy and her friends to stop her. But it won't be easy. The only plan they have could get them all killed. When the dust settles, the lives of Buffy and Angel will never be the same. On sale February 28 FC, 32pg (Zanier cover) . . . $2.99 FC, 32pg (Photo cover) . . . $2.99 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: THE BLOOD OF CARTHAGE TP by CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN, CLIFF RICHARDS, and JOE PIMENTEL The gang is off to college and Buffy's whole world is changing. How much education does a girl who's destined to kill monsters her whole life really need? To quell her confusion, Buffy throws herself into Slaying with wild abandon and disastrous results. Her killing of Sunnydale's answer to big foot may just bring about the rising of the demon Ky-Laag, and the end of the world. And the only group who know what's going on and who want to stop it, the mysterious Blood of Carthage, also want to kill Buffy for starting it all. What's a gal to do? This trade paperback collects issues #21-25 of the monthly series and is its longest and most involved storyline to date. The events in this story will have repercussions in the Buffy-verse for years to come, so do not miss it! On sale March 21 SC, 128pg, FC . . . $10.95 AKIRA VOL. 2 TP by KATSUHIRO OTOMO In the year 2030, the dazzling Neo-Tokyo has risen from Tokyo's ashes, but the power that once levelled Tokyo and sent the world to the brink of Armageddon — a being of monstrous telekinetic power known only as Akira — lives on in absolute-zero frozen stasis far below the city. Those who stand guard will stop at nothing to keep Akira from awakening, but Tetsuo, an angry young man with immense — and rapidly growing — psychic abilities becomes obsessed with confronting Akira face-to- face. In time, Akira will surely awaken, and Tetsuo may be the only being potentially capable of controlling him, but Tetsuo is becoming increasingly unstable and violent, and a group including his former friend Kaneda sets out to destroy Tetsuo before he can release Akira — or before Tetsuo himself becomes so powerful that no force on Earth can stop him! FOR MATURE READERS On sale March 21 SC, 304pg, b&w . . . $24.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #54: THE GATHERING part 12 (of 15) by HIROAKI SAMURA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Manji, the immortal ronin warrior, is down for the count! Hyakurin and Shinriji are off to get help for Manji…or what's left of him! Manji would be even more frustrated if he knew that, not too many miles away, Rin is preparing to test the scrutiny of the Kobotoke checkpoint to hunt down her parents' murderer. She wouldn't stand a chance in hell getting through the checkpoint on her own, but she may just have an unexpected ally… FOR MATURE READERS On sale February 28 b&w, 32pg (12 of 15) . . . $2.99 GUNSMITH CATS: MISTER V #5 (of 11) by KENICHI SONODA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Goldie's drug deal is on…and Rally's on the inside! The Rally/Minnie-May bounty-hunting team is working like clockwork to shut down Goldie's operation for good. But the only thing neither of them prepared for is the reappearance of Rally's father, now known as Mister V! Rally's dad knows his daughter well enough to guess her every move in the darkened warehouse. And as a brainwashed slave, he'll also do whatever it takes to protect his Mistress Goldie! FOR MATURE READERS On sale February 21 b&w, 40pg (5 of 11) . . . $3.50 GUNSMITH CATS: KIDNAPPED TP by KENICHI SONODA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS It's a ho-hum assignment for bounty hunter Rally Vincent: stake out the house of a bail-jumping television magician/hypnotist, Mr. Smart. But when Smart's wife sets him up for a false kidnapping charge — the supposed kidnapping of his own daughter — with the help of her conniving lawyer lover, the gig gets messy. Especially when the young girl gets kidnapped for real by mobsters who place an explosive collar around her throat as insurance. The crooks need Smart's unique skills in an audacious robbery, and they're using his daughter's life as leverage! Can the booby-trap be disarmed before it's too late? Can Rally stop the gangsters before they pull off the heist and leave Smart holding the bag! The you-know-what's about to hit the fan! FOR MATURE READERS On sale March 7 SC, 232pg, b&w . . . $16.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 7: DRAGON CLOUD, WIND TIGER TP by KAZUO KOIKE and GOSEKI KOJIMA; cover by FRANK MILLER and LYNN VARLEY There is more than just blood between parent and child. Itto Ogami and his son Daigoro have seen more blood flowing from more bodies than anyone in Edo, but what connects them is their spirit and path. In this collection of classic stories, Itto must protect a young girl after her family is destroyed by a cunning courtesan. Meanwhile, Itto's arch-enemy, Yagyu Retsudo, has sent the civilian police force to round up the Lone Wolf as a common criminal, and before long, Daigoro is coincidentally tangled in a messy pair of crimes. And, most dramatically, Itto returns to the scene of one of his past executions to enter a tender and honorable sword fight against an executed lord's former retainer. FOR MATURE READERS On sale March 28 SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" . . . $9.95 SUPER MANGA BLAST! #10 by KOSUKE FUJISHIMA, MOHIRO KITOH, MAKOTO KOBAYASHI, YUZO TAKADA, and HIROYUKI UTATANE & YO MORIMOTO; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS America's favorite manga superseries delivers another massive, 128-page issue, with a Seraphic Feather cover that's sure to get your blood pumping! In Seraphic Feather, M-Zak pits her scientifically modified body and deadly sword against her nemesis, Rix Hayward. Rix has superpowers of his own…but he just may need to call for reinforcements this time! And trouble is brewing at the beach in Oh My Goddess! The Nekomi Tech Motor Club takes a summer outing to the same beachfront hotel as Sayoko and her Art Club cronies, and Belldandy's powers mysteriously switch off! It's, creating a swimsuit heaven on Earth! The mysteries deepen in 3x3 Eyes, as a determined Yakumo tries to jog an amnesiac Pai's memory, while saving her from strange marionette assassins! What's Michael? continues to have us rolling with laughter as a confused guard dog gets in trouble for acting like a cat! And the tension escalates in Shadow Star, as Shiina and Akira, with their "star creatures," face off against a murderous, mysterious boy and his deadly, flying dragon. FOR MATURE READERS On sale February 28 b&w, 128pg . . . $4.99 DARK HORSE MAVERICK SPECIAL ADVANCE SOLICITATION USAGI YOJIMBO: DEMON MASK TP AND LTD. ED. HC created, written, & illustrated by STAN SAKAI The close of 16th century Japan was a violent age, as rival feudal lords fought for land and power. Miyamoto Usagi braved many a battle only to lose his lord and find himself a masterless samurai, or ronin. While many ronin became bandits or mercenaries, Usagi chose the warrior pilgrimage: wandering the land, fighting injustice, seeking enlightenment. Eisner Award winner Stan Sakai has crafted a truly original and delightful work, an all-ages adventure epic that creates a world of excitement, mystery, and imagination, while building each story on painstaking research of Japan's history, culture, and mythology. Demon Mask is a collection of diverse Usagi stories, featuring a graveyard encounter with creatures from Japanese folktales, a whodunit clash with a mysterious masked assassin, a young adventure-lover insistent on receiving Usagi's sword training, a peasant village terrorized by a ravaging Spider Woman, and more. Few works of graphic fiction offer — or deliver — as much action, depth, and sheer fun as Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo. On sale March 14 SC, 224pg, b&w . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.95 On sale March 28 LTD ED HC, 224 pg, b&w w/dust jacket and individually signed and numbered tip-in plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $56.95 SERGIO ARAGONÉS ACTIONS SPEAK #2 (OF 6) created, written, & illustrated by SERGIO ARAGONÉS The madness continues! Sergio Aragonés, creator of Groo, brings us another heaping helping of his silent "pantomime" comics: the cartoons that made him justly famous. Sports, kids, fame, sex, and more — everything is lampooned, without any of those silly word balloons getting in the way. Miss this series now and you'll be kicking yourself later! On sale February 14 b&w, 24pg (2 of 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.99 GRENDEL: DEVIL'S LEGACY #12 (OF 12) created & written by MATT WAGNER illustrated by THE PANDER BROTHERS It has all come down to this: a lifetime of being kicked and pushed around, and now Christine Spar strikes back at the creature she sees as responsible — Argent the Wolf. While her friends race to find and stop her, Christine infiltrates the lair of her enemy and prepares to fight against the ancient beast. The battle is joined, but will either combatant survive? Dark Horse proudly presents the final chapter of this re-mastered classic, with story by series creator Matt Wagner, art by the Pander Bros., and new digital colors by Jeromy Cox. RETAILER ADVISORY: FOR MATURE READERS. On sale February 21 FC, 32 pg (12 of 12) . . . . . . . . . $2.99 THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG: SIEGFRIED #3 (OF 3) adaptation created, written, & illustrated by P. CRAIG RUSSELL Siegfried has won the Ring. What will his next conquest be? While Voton seeks advice on how to stave off the twilight of the gods, Siegfried begins his search for the maiden who may be claimed only by a man who has never known fear. Their two paths meet, and that meeting may bring about the worst of Voton's fears as well as the deepest of his desires. But now the way is clear for Siegfried to awaken his love: the forsaken Valkyrie Brunhildé. On sale February 7 FC, 32 pg (3 of 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.99 ********************* ALIEN: NOSTROMO ZIPPO? LIGHTER The M class starcruiser USCSS Nostromo carried its crew into deep space to meet their destiny. Ripley was the only one to survive. This Zippo® commemorates that ship's journey and her crew. It is a laser engraved black matte Zippo? with brass etching of the official USCSS Nostromo logo. On sale March 28 Black matte lighter with brass etching . . . $29.95 SOCK MONKEY MAGNET SET Make a monkey out of me! All my bits are here, stick them where you please. The options are varied and many. But, please remember that of arms and legs I have many and can therefore spare, but once tarnished my dignity is gone forever. On sale April 18 FC, thick magnets . . . $9.99 BETTIE PAGE COASTER SET Have a drink on Bettie! This set of four sturdy, thick coasters features full-color images of timeless super-babe Bettie Page by acclaimed photographer Bunny Yeager. The coasters are 1/8" thick cork, 4" square, with laminated tops. On sale April 11 Set of 4 full-color photo coasters . . . $12.99 BETTIE PAGE RELISTS BETTIE PAGE ACTION FIGURE Figure w/detailed box (STAR11260) . . . $19.95 BETTIE PAGE DRESS-UP MAGNET SET Full-color, 29 piece magnet set . . . $19.95 JIM SILKE'S BETTIE PAGE PORTFOLIO Regular edition of 400 numbered copies, plates signed by Jim Silke . . . $49.95 BETTIE PAGE LUNCH BOX Lunch box 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" w/bonus postcard (STAR10342) . . . $19.95 BETTIE PAGE ZIPPO® LIGHTER #1: QUEEN OF HEARTS Full color collector's box w/trading card (STAR010783) . . . $44.95 BETTIE PAGE ZIPPO® LIGHTER #2: HAWAII Full color collector's box w/trading card (STAR10784) . . . $44.95 BETTIE PAGE ZIPPO® LIGHTER #3: CLEOPATRA Full color collector's box w/trading card (STAR10785) . . . $44.95 BETTIE PAGE ZIPPO® LIGHTER #4:BACK IN BLUE Full color collector's box w/trading card (STAR10786) . . . $44.95 BETTIE PAGE ZIPPO SERIES II #1: BLACK BETTIE Chrome lighter w/photo, packaged in a tin w/full color sleeve . . . $44.99 ******************** CLASSIC COMIC CHARACTERS #19: DAGWOOD STATUE Ah, Dagwood Bumstead; maker of the perfect sandwich, husband of a beautiful wife, and king of the living-room sofa. Dagwood, we celebrate you and your 70 years of making us laugh with this statue of one of your finer moments. This statue is offered as a numbered limited-edition of 600. On sale April 4 5 1/2" tall, packaged in full-color tin box w/certificate, pinback button, and info booklet . . .$49.99 CLASSIC COMIC CHARACTER #20: BLONDIE STATUE In 1933 the gorgeous flapper Blondie Boopadoop married Dagwood Bumstead, the playboy son of a billionaire railway tycoon, and history was made. Seventy years after Chic Young created the strip Blondie, these two love birds are still going strong. Together they appear in their domestic bliss in over 2,000 newspapers worldwide. This statue is offered as a numbered limited- edition of 600. On sale April 4 5 1/2" tall, packaged in full-color tin box w/certificate, pinback button, and info booklet . . .$49.99 R. CRUMB'S DEVIL GIRL LUNCH BOX Our latest lunch box features some fantastic art by Robert Crumb. The theme is Devil Girl, and the medium is classically styled litho-printed tin. This full-size metal tote sports big bold Devil Girl graphics front, back, and sides, with double-embossing on the front image. You've pined for this, and now it's yours. On sale April 25 FC, embossed metal, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" . . . $19.99 SPIRIT LUNCH BOX Featuring splash panels by the indomitable Will Eisner, The Spirit lunchbox is truly a thing of beauty. These stand alone works of graphic art were a natural choice for Dark Horse to place on our old fashioned tin lunchboxes. From his secret hideaway in Wildwood Cemetary, The Spirit fights crime, champions the cause of the weak and sets women's hearts all a-flutter. Like The Spirit this lunchbox can really take a punch! Like the Spirit, this sturdy item can really take a punch! On sale Apirl 25 FC, embossed metal, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" . . . $19.95 STAR WARS #27: STAR CRASH (ONE-SHOT) by DOUG PETRIE, RANDY GREEN, and ANDY OWENS; cover by RANDY GREEN This issue, meet Jedi Yoshi Raph-Elan. On his way to a meeting of Jedi, Yoshi is attacked by an unknown enemy. Stranded without even a lightsaber, he must find out what this new threat wants. Along the way, he meets the beautiful princess Lourdes, and learns a lesson about trusting ancient prophecies. And it's all brought to you by Doug Petrie (Buffy: Ring of Fire and writer for the Buffy TVS TV series), Randy Green (Witchblade), and Andy Owens (Buffy and Angel). On sale February 28 FC, 32pg (one-shot) . . . 2.99 STAR WARS: OUTLANDER TP by TIMOTHY TRUMAN, TOM RANEY, RICK LEONARDI, and AL RIO; cover by KEN KELLY Ki-Adi-Mundi's first assignment after joining the Jedi Council will take him back to the fearsome desert wastelands of Tatooine. The Jedi Council has tracked a long wayward and powerful Jedi, Sharad Hett of the Sand People, to the backwater world, and it's up to Ki to find him and convince him to return. Only two things stand in his way: the vicious krayt dragon of Tatooine and the Jedi-slaying bounty hunter Aurra Sing! Ki has little choice but to ask for help from the slimiest crime lord of them all, Jabba the Hutt — and Jabba's aid always comes with a price! Outlander is full-throttle, white-knuckle Episode I-era adventure! On sale March 14 SC, 96pg, FC . . . $12.95 STAR WARS: QUI-GON & OBI-WAN — LAST STAND ON ORD MANTELL #2 (OF 3) by RYDER WINDHAM, RAMON F. BACHS, and RAUL FERNANDEZ; cover by RAMON F. BACHS and RAUL FERNANDEZ Investigating the deaths of a cargo freighter's crew, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi travel to a moisture plant on Ord Mantell. There, they they learn that a ruthless land baron named Taxer Sundown may have had ties with the ill-fated freighter. But when they discover that most of the Ord Mantell colonists are convinced that Taxer Sundown is a Jedi, Qui-Gon and Obi- Wan realize that they might be up against more than they can handle! On sale February 21 FC, 32pg (2 of 3) (Bachs/Fernandez cover) . . . $2.99 FC, 32pg (2 of 3) (Photo cover) . . . $2.99 STAR WARS: UNDERWORLD — THE YAVIN VASSILIKA #3 (OF 5) by MIKE KENNEDY and CARLOS MEGLIA; cover by ANDREW ROBINSON It's easy to get lost on the high seas of Mon Calamari, and when you're 8-feet tall and covered with hair, that's a prospect second only to Hell… Han, Chewie, and the rest of the Millennium Falcon's passenger list scour the floating city of Mon Ubris for the man who can lead them to the fabled Vassilika of Yavin. Unfortunately his trail leads out across the vast ocean plains towards the mysterious Bank of Knowledge. Bossk and his fellow bounty hunters might want to think twice before crossing their paths, however, as there's not much meaner than a water-logged Wookiee! On sale February 14 FC, 32pg (3 of 5) (Robinson cover) . . . $2.99 FC, 32pg (3 of 5) (Photo cover) . . . $2.99 DC COMICS Queen is dead. Long live Queen! GREEN ARROW Two of the most anticipated returns to comics commence this February in what is sure to be one of the most talked- about comic-book launches of 2001. White-hot creator Kevin Smith, the writer/director behind such popular independent films as Clerks, Chasing Amy and Dogma, as well as the writer of top-selling comics like Daredevil and Jay & Silent Bob, brings back comicdom's classic hothead character Oliver Queen (or does he?) in GREEN ARROW — an ongoing series that will shake up the status quo of the DC Universe. Joining Smith are master penciller Phil Hester (DETECTIVE COMICS, The Coffin) and inker extraordinaire Ande Parks (CATWOMAN, WONDER WOMAN), with beautifully striking, painted covers by Matt Wagner (Mage, BATMAN/GRENDEL). When we last saw Oliver Queen, he was seconds away from meeting his doom as he clutched a ticking bomb aboard a plummeting airplane. Until now, only Superman knew what really happened on that fateful day. But in the new GREEN ARROW series, readers finally get a chance to uncover the truth for themselves. Many characters populating the DC Universe are asking questions and demanding answers, including Queen's ex-lover Black Canary, his ex-partner Arsenal, and the son he hardly knew, Connor Hawke, who followed in his father's footsteps and temporarily became Green Arrow after Queen's "death." A certain Dark Knight from Gotham City has some questions of his own…and he may not like the answers. With Smith's masterful characterization and eye for action, GREEN ARROW begins an exciting new chapter in the history of the Emerald Archer. This project is supported with a promotional kit containing a 4-color poster, door/information stickers, and a co-op ad slick, plus house and trade ads. GREEN ARROW is an ongoing series edited by Bob Schreck. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores February 28 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. DC Group Editor Bob Schreck had this to say of his association with GREEN ARROW: "Kevin has been a total joy to work with. He presented me with an all-encompassing plot for the first twelve issues and has delivered every full script on time, if not early! We've got the first six issues written and should have the next six before he begins filming his next feature film. And it just so happens to be the best dialogue he's ever done! Don't worry, there's plenty of action and a whole lot of surprises in store. "Phil Hester has really poured his heart and soul into the project, showing us how he's been one of the industry's finest visual storytellers for years. Phil's not scrimping on the details, believe me! The same can be said for Ande Parks, as his inks over Phil's pencils are absolutely stunning. Phil and Ande are working very closely with Kevin and me, making sure that every step we take, we take with the full knowledge of all of our options, keeping in mind that what is best for the book is always our ultimate goal. Rounding out the team are Eisner-nominated letterer Sean Konot and the stunning coloring of Guy Major. And then, of course, there's the amazing cover paintings by Matt Wagner of Mage and Grendel fame on each and every issue! This is going to be a nice run, indeed! "The story is rock solid and a real page-turner that is sure to turn a few heads. Kevin definitely succeeds at hitting all the beats of this character necessary to get everybody's hearts a pitter-patter. Trust me, they're doing Ollie proud!" "God Wills it" THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE Prepare yourself for a tidal wave of unimaginable horror in THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE — a special low cost introductory Prestige Format issue for only $3.95, that serves as the opening salvo for the ongoing series that begins the following month with THE CRUSADES #1. A dark, enigmatic 11th-century Crusader has appeared in 21st-century San Francisco to render terrifying justice. Outfitted in dented chain mail, riding atop a massive blind horse, and brandishing a dire Dark Ages arsenal, "The Knight" (as he has been dubbed by the local media) commits acts of unspeakable, bloody violence against the moral dross of the City by the Bay under the ancient call of the Crusades, "God Wills It." Heads will roll, limbs will fly, and urban criminals large and small beware — the chaotic times of THE CRUSADES are upon us! THE CRUSADES is the creation of writer Steven T. Seagle (HOUSE OF SECRETS, SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE) and penciller Kelley Jones (BATMAN: HAUNTED GOTHAM, The Hammer). Joined by inker Jason Moore (BATMAN: HAUNTED GOTHAM, SLEEPY HOLLOW), Seagle and Jones have crafted a creepy urban adventure — a graphically arresting story about societal violence viewed through the eyes of a uniquely odd cast of San Francisco's "loudest" characters, spearheaded by Anton Marx, the city's notorious "shock jock." Who is "The Knight"? That's the key question on the lips of San Francisco's suddenly spooked residents. But while The Knight's origins and motives are shrouded in mystery, his actions, violent yet just, create moral quandaries and power struggles in a city divided in its opinions of his one-man campaign of pain. As The Knight hacks, slashes and terrorizes the degenerate denizens of the city, its citizens don't know whether to rejoice in relief or recoil in revulsion. A substantial supporting cast is thrust face-to-face with the grim reality that is the actions of The Knight…a meeting that will cause them to question their most deeply felt beliefs and their faith in a system of justice that for too long has stopped short of final judgment. This project is supported with a special low price, a 4-color poster and house and trade ads. THE CRUSADES is an ongoing VERTIGO monthly edited by Shelly Bond and is suggested for mature readers. The 48-page Prestige Format issue THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE arrives in comic-book stores February 7 with a cover price of $3.95 U.S. Subsequent issues, beginning with THE CRUSADES #1 in March, will be 32 pages with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. each. There's been a change in the weather… THE MONARCHY They lost everything that ever mattered. Former StormWatch weatherman Jackson King and his bride Christine Trelane watched as their super-human StormWatch teammates were murdered viciously, and their precious SkyWatch Station was lost. They then spent two demoralizing years biding their time, while living under the watchful eye of their former allies in The Authority. Now, spinning out of events featured in November's THE AUTHORITY #21, the powerful duo returns to the spotlight, heading to the frontlines of the WildStorm Universe with an edgy new purpose and an organization of their own: THE MONARCHY. THE MONARCHY is a new ongoing WildStorm Productions series written by Doselle Young (GANGLAND, STAR TREK: VOYAGER — AVALON RISING) with art and covers by John McCrea (JENNY SPARKS: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY, HITMAN) and Garry Leach (HITMAN, Miracleman). In THE AUTHORITY #21, King and Trelane seemed to undergo a startling transformation. Just what exactly happened to them, and why are they now seen as unstoppable? Joining them is Jon Farmer, a strange visitor from an alternate timeline who shares a long, secret history with King, and the striking Professor Q, a science-hero reminiscent of the best Silver Age DC characters. Through the course of the series, the team will evolve and change, bringing in various "outsiders" of the WildStorm Universe, including both brand-new characters and established ones that haven't been seen in some time (such as Union and Flint) — many of whom have gone through surprising transformations of their own. In the first issue, the team confronts the Young Authoritans — a group of youths who are taking the lessons of The Authority to extreme levels by going into poor neighborhoods and killing people they don't like. The Monarchy is determined to stop their pointless violence at any cost. If The Authority is Earth's moral hammer, then the shadow members of The Monarchy are a scalpel — a cold, bright blade slicing deep into the beating heart of the WildStorm Universe. Beyond the epic widescreen battles and hidden conspiracies there exists an underlying threat to everything — a menace that cannot be hammered back into the shadows. In order to save the world, The Monarchy must break every rule. But how far will they go to restore the balance? Emergency surgery will be required if the Earth is to survive, and THE MONARCHY stands ready to make the first cut. This project is supported with a 4-color poster and house and trade ads. THE MONARCHY is an ongoing WildStorm Productions series edited by John Layman. Issue #1 arrives in comic- book stores February 14 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. ORION: THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS TP In one of the greatest comic-book battles since Superman vs. Doomsday, the ultimate warrior of New Genesis confronts his "father," the master of Apokolips in ORION: THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS, a 144-page trade paperback reflecting the stylish vision of ORION writer/artist Walter Simonson (MANHUNTER: THE SPECIAL EDITION, Thor). THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS begins in a small, unassuming town in Nebraska, where things have gone very, very wrong. The townsfolk have had their minds wiped clean of everything — except for a single, terrible symbol. Together, they are being made to reveal the universe's most unholy prize — the Anti-Life Equation! But the ex-Justice Leaguer known as Orion, now questioning whether Darkseid is truly his father, has followed the leader of Apokolips to this small town to stop him from acquiring the Equation. Orion's ultimate goal: to honor his mother's demand for revenge…with the death of Darkseid! With the Newsboy Legion in tow, Orion soon is headed back to the realm of the Fourth World, where the entire host of New Genesis and Apokolips have gathered in the Firepits to witness the long-awaited battle between the two powerful New Gods. But only one will walk away alive! Collecting issues #1-5 of the hit ORION series, THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS also includes the two "Tales of the New Gods" backup stories from issues #3 (illustrated by Frank Miller) and #4 (illustrated by Dave Gibbons), which shed more light on the story of Tigra, Orion's mother, and Orion's ultimate origin. Plus, two bonus stories: "Goodness and Mercy" from SECRET ORIGINS OF SUPER-VILLAINS 80-PAGE GIANT #1 (written by Simonson, with art by Jon Bogdanove & Bill Reinhold), which tells the origin of Apokolips's feared Granny Goodness, and "Carnival in Armagetto" from LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE 80-PAGE GIANT #2 (written by Simonson, with art by Klaus Janson), a tale of a small act of hope and beauty in the desolation of Apokolips. Also solicited this month is the ORION AND DARKSEID DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET. Orion stands 6 3/8" tall, with multiple points of articulation, and features a removable Astro Harness that clips to his waist, hands and feet — plus removable helmet and alternate (angry-faced) head. The almighty DARKSEID stands 6 3/4" tall, and features multiple points of articulation and Omega Beam action (light-up eyes)! This is a resolicitation. All previous orders have been cancelled. This project is supported with house ads. ORION: THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS is a 144-page trade paperback, arriving in comic-book stores February 7 with a cover price of $12.95 U.S. The ORION AND DARKSEID DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET is advance-solicited, arriving in comic-book stores June 6. Consult your retailer for pricing information. SUPERBOY'S LEGION A rocketship blasts away from an exploding planet just in time. Inside the ship, the last survivor of an entire civilization sleeps. His destination: 20th-century Earth. Only the Kryptonian ship veers off-course, enduring a thousand-year journey into the 30th century, where it ends up being discovered by billionaire industrialist R.J. Brande. The story of the Last Son of Krypton takes a different, yet somehow familiar twist in SUPERBOY'S LEGION, a 2- issue Elseworlds miniseries in the Prestige Format from the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE NAIL creative team of writer/inker Mark Farmer and penciller Alan Davis (The Avengers). Brande's now adopted son, "Kal," grows up an impetuous teenager with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Alone and without purpose, Kal is regarded by many as a childish boy who dreams about the super-heroes who protected Earth a millennium ago. But certain events prompt young Kal to turn those dreams into reality, as he decides to find other unique teens like himself and form a Legion of Super-Heroes! Unfortunately, their first mission may turn into a nightmare for the young group of heroes, as unseen forces enter the equation and look to strengthen their grip on a universe they already control! Fans of the Legion of Super-Heroes should also look out for LEGION LOST #12, the not-to-be-missed conclusion of the epic maxiseries that has turned the world of the Legion upside down! If the Legion can't find a way to close a doorway that will lead the Progeny forces to the Lost Legionnaires' universe, then both galaxies are surely lost. Yet the solution may very well result in the Legionnaires not being able to go home...unless someone makes the ultimate sacrifice! Look for the upcoming LEGION QUEST 6-issue miniseries to answer where the remaining Legionnaires have been all this time. SUPERBOY'S LEGION is supported with house and trade ads. SUPERBOY'S LEGION is a 2-issue Elseworlds miniseries in the Prestige Format, edited by Mike McAvennie. The 48-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores February 21 with a cover price of $5.95 U.S. LEGION LOST #12 is a 32-page issue also edited by McAvennie, arriving in comic-book stores February 14 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. HEAVY LIQUID TP A story fueled by love, drugs and rock and roll erupts in HEAVY LIQUID, a 240-page VERTIGO trade paperback collecting the Eisner Award-nominated 5-issue miniseries by visionary writer/artist Paul Pope (THB, BATMAN: TURNING POINTS). HEAVY LIQUID blends a hypnotically compelling story with eclectic designs and striking 2-color inks to create a unique vision of the future. A hard-boiled noir mystery set in an unforgettable sci-fi Manhattan, HEAVY LIQUID propels comics readers into new literary landscapes, with bold, graphic artwork and the succinct storytelling that is Pope's most visually captivating yet. The post-modern mystery centers on "S," a man addicted to "heavy liquid," a substance that is both a drug and an art form. Hired to locate the one artist who can render the bizarre substance into the perfect sculpture, S's quest spans two continents where he faces danger from a trio of masked clowns; a hard-nosed criminal known as "the Cleaner"; a menacing teenage girl gang; and his own crippling addiction. Along the way, he rediscovers a lost love and learns, at long last, the weirdly shocking truth behind the Heavy Liquid. This project is supported with house ads. HEAVY LIQUID is a 240-page, 2-color VERTIGO trade paperback and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores February 28 with a cover price of $29.95 U.S. WEIRD WESTERN TALES The West has always been Wild…but it was never this Weird. From the Great Western Plains to the Great Frontier of Outer Space comes WEIRD WESTERN TALES, a 4-issue VERTIGO miniseries updating the popular DC anthology of the early 70s. Featuring over two dozen of today's top creators, WEIRD WESTERN TALES explores the dark nooks and crannies of the comic-book Western, while blending a variety of other genres into the mix — creating a unique cocktail of subversive entertainment. From High Noon showdowns gone awry to Wild West video games gone amok, the twelve stories in this anthology will amuse, terrify and entertain, offering twists in familiar territory with straight genre work in unlikely settings. WEIRD WESTERN TALES #1 features "Serial Hero," a prose tale written and spot-illustrated by Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), that tells the story of a drunken TV cowboy who gets a second chance to be a real-life hero. In "Tall Tale," Paul Pope (HEAVY LIQUID, THB) writes and illustrates a twist on the dime novels that gave rise to the legends of the Old West, where truth was definitely stranger than fiction. And in "Gun for Hire," Greg Rucka (DETECTIVE COMICS) writes and Rick Burchett (BATMAN/HUNTRESS) illustrates an action-filled romp that follows a very special six-gun that is literally "for hire." Future stories in this anthology will be by some of comics' finest talents, including Bruce Jones & Cully Hamner, Scott Cunningham & Daniel Zezelj, Darco Macan & Paul Gulacy, Joe Pruett & Marcelo Frusin, Jen Van Meter & Dave Taylor, Joe R. Lansdale & Sam Glanzman, and Nicholas Burns & Doug Wheatley. This series will also feature covers in a variety of styles by today's top artists, with issue #1's cover by Darwyn Cooke (BATMAN: EGO). This project is supported with house ads. WEIRD WESTERN TALES is a 4-issue VERTIGO miniseries coedited by Axel Alonso and Will Dennis and is suggested for mature readers. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores February 14 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. STAR TREK®: ENTER THE WOLVES When Ambassador Spock gives his blessing for the Cardassians to seek Federation membership, his father Sarek, Vulcan ambassador to the United Federation of Planets, opposes it. The bitter and public disagreement causes a rift between father and son in STAR TREK®: ENTER THE WOLVES, a Prestige Format one-shot from WildStorm Productions, written by well-known Star Trek and science fiction writers A. C. Crispin (Star Trek: Sarek) & Howard Weinstein (Star Trek: The Better Man) with dynamic artwork by Carlos Mota (STAR TREK SPECIAL) & Keith Aiken. While Spock has been advocating for the Cardassians, Sarek has been working for years to bring the Legarans (and their strategically vital homeworld) into the Federation, but progress has been slow. When sabotage seems to be directed at the Legarans, who is ultimately to blame? Things go from bad to worse when Perrin, Sarek's new wife, is kidnapped. Can the embittered father and son work together to rescue Sarek's bride? Will the Cardassians be admitted to the Federation? Will Sarek's years of careful diplomacy pay off with the Legarans? From the majesty of a Vulcan wedding to the diplomatic procedures of Vulcan to down-and-dirty action, this Star Trek extravaganza has it all! This project is supported with house ads. STAR TREK: ENTER THE WOLVES is a 48-page WildStorm Productions one-shot in the Prestige Format, edited Jeff Mariotte. It arrives in comic-book stores February 14 with a cover price of $5.95 U.S. PLANETARY: ALL OVER THE WORLD & OTHER STORIES HC In response to requests by fans and retailers, the PLANETARY: ALL OVER THE WORLD AND OTHER STORIES collection is now offered in a handsome hardcover — reprinting the sold-out PLANETARY #1-6 as well as the hard-to-find PLANETARY PREVIEW story. A second PLANETARY collection will be offered in hardcover next month. Elijah Snow is a hundred years old and trying to keep anyone from finding out. Jakita Wagner can punch out trucks and is trying to keep from dying of boredom. The man called The Drummer talks to machines and is fighting a losing battle to keep his sanity. Together, they are PLANETARY — mystery archaeologists of the late 20th century, tracking down evidence of a vast array of superhuman activity that the mainstream world never knew anything about. Written by Warren Ellis (TRANSMETROPOLITAN, THE AUTHORITY) with stunning art by John Cassaday (DESPERADOES, X-Men/Alpha Flight), ALL OVER THE WORLD features an introduction by AMERICA'S BEST COMICS' Alan Moore. In these compelling stories, readers meet the mysterious team as it explores a century of secret superhuman activity, dealing with a World War II supercomputer that can access other universes, a hidden island of dying monsters, a spectral spirit of vengeance, and much more. PLANETARY: ALL OVER THE WORLD AND OTHER STORIES is a 160-page WildStorm Productions hardcover. It arrives in comic-book stores February 21 with a cover price of $24.95 U.S. SUPERMAN: PRESIDENT LUTHOR Secret Files #1 No one thought it could really happen. The super-hero community, most especially Superman, has witnessed a truly landmark event in DC Universe history and seen their worst nightmare come true: Lex Luthor has been elected President of the United States! By now, the Luthor campaign has saturated the media with its official spin on who the new Chief Executive is. But in SUPERMAN: PRESIDENT LUTHOR Secret Files, a 48-page special with a cover by Tony Harris & Ray Snyder, some of the behind-the-scenes events that voters never got to see are brought to light. In the lead story (written by Greg Rucka), we learn how Lex decided to run for President (illustrated by Matthew Clark) and how he decided to pick Talia to run LexCorp (illustrated by Dale Eaglesham)! Also, sit in on a debate with Luthor and his mysterious opponent (written by Peter David with art by Stuart Immonen)! Then enjoy "The Last Temptation of Lex" (written by Phil Jimenez with art by Yvel Guichet), as Wonder Woman nemesis and former Injustice Gang member Circe visits Lex in the White House, with a tempting offer to become his First Lady. Plus, two more short stories (by Jeph Loeb & Mike Wieringo and Karl Kesel & Paul Pelletier), as well as in-depth profiles of President Luthor, LexCorp CEO Talia, Vice President Pete Ross and Luthor's surprising Cabinet by such talented artists as Lee Bermejo, Butch Guice and Louis Small, Jr. This is a truly important keepsake of the most memorable election in American history! This project is supported with house ads. SUPERMAN: PRESIDENT LUTHOR Secret Files #1 is a 48-page issue edited by Tony Bedard. It is retrosolicited to arrive in comic-book stores January 17 in time for Inaugural Day, with a cover price of $4.95 U.S. JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ARCHIVES VOL. 7 HC The latest volume reprinting the Silver Age adventures of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes includes some of the most popular stories of the Justice League. JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ARCHIVES Volume 7 is a hardcover that sees the return of two classic super-villain threats — the Royal Flush Gang and Queen Bee! Featuring stories written by Gardner Fox with art by Mike Sekowsky & Sid Greene and a new cover by John Workman, this volume also contains the fourth ever JLA/JSA crossover (featuring Earth-Two's adult Robin as one of the leaders of the JSA), and such special guest stars as the Elongated Man and Hawkgirl. One of the mostly fondly remembered storylines is also included as mistress of magic Zatanna's long hunt for her father, the Golden Age Magician Zatarra, finally comes to fruition. Volume 7 collects JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #51-57, 59 and 60 (#58 was a giant-sized reprint), originally published in 1967-68. JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ARCHIVES VOL. 7 is a 228-page hardcover arriving in comic-book stores February 14 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. SUPERMAN: "Return to Krypton" In SUPERMAN #166 (solicited last month), the Man of Steel discovered that everything he was told about the planet Krypton and all his knowledge of its past is a lie. Now, with the aid of Steel and Professor Hamilton, Superman is able to accomplish the unthinkable in "Return to Krypton" — a 4-part storyline running through all of Superman's books in February. Featuring covers by Paul Rivoche (Mr. X), the "Return to Krypton" storyline ushers in a look and feel for Superman's birth planet that hasn't been seen in nearly 20 years! Following events shown in SUPERMAN #166, the mind-bending adventure begins in Part 1 of "Return to Krypton" in SUPERMAN #167 (written by Jeph Loeb with art by Ed McGuinness & Cam Smith), as Superman travels to the land of his birth with Lois in tow, shocked to discover it is not the cold, sterile, emotionless environment he was led to believe. But how can Superman really be on this Silver Age Krypton anyway? And will he be able to save this world from its destruction? The following week in ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #589 (written by Joe Casey with art by Duncan Rouleau, Jaime Mendoza & Marlo Alquiza) Superman has an emotional reunion with his father Jor-El — but the visit may be cut short when his father's enemy, General Zod, unleashes the Eradicators against them. Then, in SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #111 (written by Mark Schultz with art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen), Clark and Lois become fugitives, adopting the identity of Kryptonian heroes Nightwing and Flamebird to survive. But whatever his appearance, the now powerless Kal-El may not survive the confrontation with General Zod's personal assassins, Kru-El and Faora. "Return to Krypton" concludes in ACTION COMICS #776 (written by Joe Kelly with art by Kano & Marlo Alquiza), where things aren't looking good for Superman and Lois — or for the planet Krypton, for that matter. General Zod is willing to bring about the planet's destruction rather than let anyone escape. While Jor-El makes a fateful decision, will Superman and Lois ever find a way home? All Superman titles are edited by Eddie Berganza, with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. SUPERMAN #167 arrives in comic-book stores February 7. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #589 arrives in comic-book stores February 14. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #111 arrives in comic-book stores February 21. ACTION COMICS #776 arrives in comic-book stores February 28. BATGIRL: SILENT RUNNING TP Cassandra Cain arose from anonymity in the midst of "No Man's Land" to assume the mantle of the new Batgirl. Fighting alongside Batman and his compatriots, she aided their efforts to restore order to Gotham City. In BATGIRL: SILENT RUNNING, a 144-page trade paperback reprinting BATGIRL #1-6 written by Kelley Puckett and Scott Peterson, with art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella, Cassandra fights a new battle — a conflict from within. Under the tutelage of the original Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, Cassandra hopes to rise above her heritage as the daughter of a notorious assassin and join the never-ending quest for justice. But the new Batgirl also has to live up to the expectations of the Dark Knight, and after Batman learns the complete story of Cassandra's past, those expectations may be impossible for her to meet. BATGIRL: SILENT RUNNING follows the new Batgirl as she displays an almost telepathic ability to predict her opponents' moves, defeating nearly every foe she confronts. But when a metahuman with mental powers attempts to "fix" Batgirl's inability to speak, Cassandra finds that her incredible fighting abilities are suddenly gone. Determined to get back to her former fighting prowess, she pushes herself to new limits — giving everything she's got to prove her worth as the new Batgirl. BATGIRL: SILENT RUNNING is a 144-page trade paperback arriving in comic-book stores February 21 with a cover price of $12.95 U.S. Clothes make the man... AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #75 For the last several issues of AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT, Jean Paul Valley has faced an awful truth: that another disciple of the Order of St. Dumas has donned the costume and name of Azrael...a deadly agent of a deranged madman. Now Jean Paul must take up a brand-new costume — one incorporating elements of all those that have gone before — and reclaim the mantle of Azrael for himself in AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #75, an extra-length issue guest-starring Batman! Written by Dennis O'Neil, with art by Sergio Cariello and James Pascoe, issue #75 finds the new, murderous Azrael still squarely in the thrall of the maniacally charismatic Jeremiah Thompkins (the brother of Gotham City's resident angel of mercy, Leslie Thompkins). Assigned to kill our Azrael's former mentor, Sister Lilhy, the pretender to the Azrael role can only be stopped by Jean Paul...but he is without the costume that triggers his extraordinary abilities. With the Dark Knight's help, he may be able to acquire a new costume, but will it be in time to avert a tragedy? And how will Jean Paul's mission be transformed by the final showdown with not one, but two pretenders to the role that must be his alone? Topped with a cover by Tony Harris and Ray Snyder, this issue represents a pivotal point in Azrael's career...not merely a cosmetic change but something that will leave readers wondering what's coming next. AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT is an ongoing series edited by Mike Carlin. The 48-page issue #75 arrives in comic- book stores February 14 with a cover price of $3.95 U.S. BATMAN: HOLLYWOOD KNIGHT In the Golden Age of Hollywood, at the height of production of the great serial movie adventures, the most successful serial of all features a man in a Bat-suit, fighting crime and striking fear into the hearts of evildoers. But this "fiction" soon becomes a reality in BATMAN: HOLLYWOOD KNIGHT, a 3-issue Elseworlds miniseries written by Bob Layton and illustrated by Dick Giordano. Byron Wyatt is a successful actor/director/producer, whose independent film company, Gotham Pictures, creates the Batman serials based on the popular comic-book character. But Wyatt (who stars as the Batman) and his success threaten to undermine the big studio Arkham Pictures, run by mogul Jack "the Joker" Napier. After several threats from Napier fail to sway Wyatt from stopping production of the serials, Napier uses his mob connections for a more permanent solution to his problem. After the mob kills off the production crew and sets fire to the sets, they find Wyatt in costume and shoot him in the head. Only Wyatt doesn't die. When the actor regains consciousness from his near-fatal head wound, he has no memory of his true identity. Instead, he only remembers his life as…the Batman, and is consumed with a thirst for vengeance for the murder of his "friend," Byron Wyatt! Will his memory fully return before the ultimate confrontation with Napier? And if so, will he still have the fearlessness of the Batman to bring Napier down for good? This project is supported with house ads. BATMAN: HOLLYWOOD KNIGHT is a 3-issue Elseworlds miniseries edited by Bob Schreck. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores February 21 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. CRIMSON #24 and CRIMSON: EARTH ANGEL TP Fan-favorite penciller/creator Humberto Ramos's CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS series CRIMSON introduced us all to Alex Elder — a typical angst-ridden teenager whose life forever changed for the worse after a fateful bite from a vampire. Severing all ties with family and friends, Alex was forced to begin life anew as one of the undead — forced into alliances he never wanted to be a part of. Now the popular series is coming to its tear-filled finale in CRIMSON #24, as Alex, along with Lisseth and Ekimus, face their ultimate destinies. Joined by writer Brian Augustyn and inker Sandra Hope, Ramos delivers an extra-sized conclusion to Alex Elder's story that is as epic in scope as it is poignant in spirit. CRIMSON may be ending this month, but that doesn't mean fans who are coming in late need to miss out on the fun. CRIMSON: EARTH ANGEL is the third trade paperback that collects the series (following the CRIMSON: LOYALTY AND LOSS TP and CRIMSON: HEAVEN AND EARTH TP). Reprinting CRIMSON #13-18 by the creative team of Ramos, Augustyn and Hope, EARTH ANGEL introduces Zophiel, an angel fallen from the grace of God. Stranded on Earth, amnesiac and now mortal, Zophiel finds new friends in Alex Elder and Joe. When Zophiel is kidnapped by would-be messiah Tan, Alex and Joe travel to a secret city beneath the sewers and subways of New York to rescue her — but at what price? Also included is a special Christmas story in which Alex learns that sometimes, one cannot avoid one's destiny. After CRIMSON, Humberto Ramos isn't finished with CLIFFHANGER, as he soon will be premiering his all-new series of interconnected miniseries entitled OUT THERE — a fun, sexy adventure that returns Ramos to the humor/action genre that first garnered him so much attention. A small town has been taken over by demons, and the townsfolk are trading their services for a better life! But five youths rebel against the underworld underlings, using their newly received mystical powers to try to save the day! It's another great CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS book by Ramos, Augustyn and Hope. CRIMSON: EARTH ANGEL TP is supported with house ads. CRIMSON #24 is a 40-page CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS issue edited by Scott Dunbier, arriving in comic-book stores February 28 with a cover price of $3.50 U.S. CRIMSON: EARTH ANGEL is a 144-page CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS trade paperback, arriving in comic-book stores February 14 with a cover price of $14.95 U.S DC UNIVERSE: BATMAN BATMAN #588 WRITTEN BY BRIAN K. VAUGHAN; ART BY SCOTT MCDANIEL AND KARL STORY; COVER BY MCDANIEL In stores February 7. Guest writer Brian K. Vaughan (SWAMP THING) begins a startling 2-part story, "Close Before Striking." Things get weird when Batman comes face to face with…Matches Malone? But isn't Matches just an alias of Batman? Questions abound, and one of Batman's all-time nastiest villains — Scarface — returns to unleash mayhem in Gotham. FC, 32 PG. $2.25* BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #140 WRITTEN BY DOUG MOENCH; ART AND COVER BY PAUL GULACY AND JIMMY PALMIOTTI In stores February 14. Part 4 of the 5-part "Terror." With Hugo Strange dead (again!), the Scarecrow initiates phase two of his plan to destroy Batman: the conversion of an abandoned mansion into a "Horror House" designed to kill anyone who steps over its deadly threshold. It's a series of deathtraps the likes of which Batman has never before faced! FC, 32 PG. $2.25* DETECTIVE COMICS #755 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA AND JORDAN B. GORFINKEL; ART BY SHAWN MARTINBROUGH, JEFF JOHNSON, STEVE MITCHELL, AND DAN PANOSIAN; COVER BY DAVE JOHNSON In stores February 21. Following the events of "Officer Down," a party is held as cops and Gotham's elite — including Two-Face — turn out to say farewell to one of Gotham's finest! But how can Bruce Wayne slip away and become Batman in order to stop Two-Face, when he can't seem to ditch his ever-present bodyguard, Sasha Bordeaux? Plus, Chapter 10 of "The Jacobian." FC, 40 PG. $2.50* BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #14 WRITTEN BY DEVIN GRAYSON AND PAUL DINI; ART BY ROGER ROBINSON, RONNIE DEL CARMEN AND JOHN FLOYD; COVER BY BRIAN BOLLAND In stores February 28. The deadly twins known as Double Dare have stolen some jewels from the Penguin, and just about everyone is looking to retrieve the property, along with the heads of the thieves on a platter! It takes both Nightwing and Azrael to slow these girls down! Also, Dick writes a letter to Bruce inquiring about the files that he and Tim found on the computer in the Batcave, and what effect they've had on the rest of the Bat-family. Plus, a black & white backup feature, "The Bet," written by Paul Dini and illustrated by Ronnie Del Carmen. FC, 40 PG. $2.50* AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #75 WRITTEN BY DENNIS O'NEIL; ART BY SERGIO CARIELLO AND JAMES PASCOE; COVER BY TONY HARRIS AND RAY SNYDER In stores February 14. An extra-sized issue guest-starring Batman introduces a new costume — and a new mission — for Azrael! Facing two pretenders to the role that must be his alone, will Jean Paul's new costume trigger the abilities he needs in time to avert a tragedy? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $3.95* STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN: SWORD OF AZRAEL TP WRITTEN BY DENNIS O'NEIL; ART AND COVER BY JOE QUESADA AND KEVIN NOWLAN In stores February 14. Reoffered to coincide with the release of the landmark 75th issue of AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT, this trade paperback contains the popular 4-issue miniseries where Azrael made his stunning debut — written by AZRAEL's Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by fan-favorite artist Joe Quesada (Daredevil) and the talented Kevin Nowlan (TOMORROW STORIES). (STAR 00540D) SC, 7X10, 112PG, FC $9.95 ************************************ BATGIRL #13 WRITTEN BY KELLEY PUCKETT; ART AND COVER BY DAMION SCOTT AND ROBERT CAMPANELLA In stores February 7. Batgirl comes to the aid of a sniper who was about to be setup as the fall guy, and finds herself facing some very shady government types — trained killers who now have Batgirl in their sights! What can our heroine do to stop the black operations run by our own government? FC, 32 PG. $2.50* BATGIRL: SILENT RUNNING TP WRITTEN BY KELLEY PUCKETT AND SCOTT PETERSON; ART BY DAMION SCOTT AND ROBERT CAMPANELLA In stores February 21. The first six issues of the ongoing BATGIRL series are collected in this trade paperback that features the most popular new hero to rise from the ashes of "No Man's Land." For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $12.95 BATMAN BEYOND #18 WRITTEN BY HILARY BADER; ART BY CRAIG ROUSSEAU AND ROB LEIGH; COVER BY BRIAN STELFREEZE In stores February 28. The Stalker comes to Gotham with a surprise for Batman: the return of Blight! Derek Powers, the man responsible for the death of Terry's father has been lured back to Gotham by the Stalker, and has one thing on his mind: revenge. Can Batman survive the double-team of the Stalker and Blight? FC, 32 PG. $1.99* BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #35 WRITTEN BY SCOTT PETERSON; ART BY TIM LEVINS AND TERRY BEATTY; COVER BY BOB SMITH AND BEATTY In stores February 7. Bruce Wayne finds himself on the jury of a man he helped capture, and worse yet, the perpetrator is about to go free! What can Bruce possibly do that Batman can't? FC, 32 PG. $1.99* BATMAN: HOLLYWOOD KNIGHT #1 WRITTEN BY BOB LAYTON; ART AND COVER BY DICK GIORDANO ELSEWORLDS. In stores February 21. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, two studios vie for cinematic supremacy: Gotham Pictures, featuring the successful adventure serials starring Batman and Arkham Studios, which is determined to shut the serial down at any cost…even murder! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 3) $2.50* STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT OF THE ROUND TABLE WRITTEN BY BOB LAYTON; ART AND COVER BY DICK GIORDANO ELSEWORLDS. In stores February 21. Reoffered to coincide with the release of BATMAN: HOLLYWOOD KNIGHT, this 2-issue miniseries is another Elseworlds tale by the same creative team. Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. Prestige Format. #1—FC, 48 PG. (STAR 08385H) $4.95 #2 —FC, 48 PG. (STAR 08522H) $4.95 ************************************ BIRDS OF PREY #28 WRITTEN BY CHUCK DIXON; ART AND COVER BY BUTCH GUICE In stores February 21. Part 1 of the 3-Part "History Lesson!" So whatever happened to the mercenary group the Ravens, who were lost way back in the past in issue #5? The mystery begins when a trio of Vikings burst forth from a S.T.A.R. Laboratory, and deepens when an ancient relic is uncovered with an inexplicable connection to Black Canary. Oracle sends Canary on the trail, but the doorway to the past goes in both directions. As Canary begins her perilous journey, will she find herself ending up in the history books? FC, 32 PG. $2.50* CATWOMAN #91 WRITTEN BY BRONWYN CARLTON; ART BY PETER DOHERTY AND WAYNE FAUCHER; COVER BY STAZ JOHNSON AND FAUCHER In stores February 28. A second Catwoman is running around wearing the old purple costume, determined to exact revenge on the G.C.P.D. But Selina Kyle won't rest until she uncovers the mystery of who this copy-cat Catwoman is. Meanwhile, with Gotham's finest out to uncover the mystery of Selina's "death" and the mayor's corrupt cops looking for payback, you know chaos is going to ensue! FC, 32 PG. $2.25* HARLEY QUINN #5 WRITTEN BY KARL KESEL; ART AND COVER BY TERRY DODSON AND RACHEL DODSON In stores February 14. Bo and Surley, the bounty hunters who've been on Harley's trail since issue #3, are joined by a new partner — a former FBI profiler who's about to uncover something verrrrry interesting about Harley's past. Meanwhile, Harley and the Quinntettes get a new member, and embark on a theft of, shall we say, gargantuan proportions! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 NIGHTWING #54 WRITTEN BY CHUCK DIXON; ART AND COVER BY GREG LAND AND DREW GERACI In stores February 14. Officer Dick Grayson sometimes finds his hands tied when it comes to getting lowlifes off the street. Fortunately, Dick has a night job that allows him to pick up where his police cases end. But on this night, as he tries to stop a brutal spousal abuser as Nightwing, someone very close to him has a horrible accident — one that may take a life! FC, 32 PG. $2.25* ROBIN #87 WRITTEN BY CHUCK DIXON; ART AND COVER BY PETE WOODS AND ANDREW PEPOY In stores February 21. In the aftermath of "Officer Down", Robin finds himself at the end of his rope and out of contact with Batman. As Tim's personal life begins to unravel, Batman enlists the aid of Spoiler to track his wayward sidekick down — with ramifications that will be felt for many months to come. This issue marks a significant and destructive turning point in the relationship of Batman and Robin! FC, 32 PG. $2.25* DC UNIVERSE: SUPERMAN SUPERMAN #167 WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART BY ED MCGUINNESS AND CAM SMITH; COVER BY PAUL RIVOCHE In stores February 7. Part 1 of "Return to Krypton," the storyline running through all the Superman books in February! Taking Lois with him, Superman returns to the land of his birth — but now it's seen in a way it hasn't looked in almost twenty years. Can Superman save this Silver Age Krypton from its destruction? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25* ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #589 WRITTEN BY JOE CASEY; ART BY DUNCAN ROULEAU, JAIME MENDOZA AND MARLO ALQUIZA; COVER BY PAUL RIVOCHE In stores February 14. Part 2 of "Return to Krypton!" Superman's visit and reunion with his father Jor-El may be cut short as his father's enemy, General Zod, unleashes the Eradicators against them! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25* SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #111 WRITTEN BY MARK SCHULTZ; ART BY DOUG MAHNKE AND TOM NGUYEN; COVER BY PAUL RIVOCHE In stores February 21. "Return to Krypton" Part 3! Fugitives of Krypton, Clark and Lois adopt the identity of Kryptonian heroes Nightwing and Flamebird to survive. But in whatever guise, the now powerless Kal-El may not survive the confrontation with General Zod's personal assassins, Kru-El and Faora. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25* ACTION COMICS #776 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART BY KANO AND MARLO ALQUIZA; COVER BY PAUL RIVOCHE In stores February 28. The conclusion of "Return to Krypton!" It looks like there's no way home for Superman and Lois. General Zod will bring about the planet's destruction rather than let anyone escape — meaning that Jor-El must make a fateful decision. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25* SUPERBOY #85 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY PASCUAL FERRY AND KEITH CHAMPAGNE In stores February 21. Guest-starring Batgirl and Batman! Superboy heads to Gotham City to hang out with Robin. But when the Boy Wonder is unavailable, the Kid instead meets up with Batgirl! One problem: The Dark Knight himself isn't too thrilled with that idea, so he puts Superboy through a series of tests to make sure he's on the up-and-up! Can the Kid make the grade? FC, 32 PG. $2.25* SUPERBOY'S LEGION #1 WRITTEN BY MARK FARMER; ART AND COVER BY ALAN DAVIS AND FARMER ELSEWORLDS. In stores February 21. The Last Son of Krypton arrives on Earth in the 30th century and is found by billionaire R.J. Brande. As "Kal" grows up with dreams about super-heroes of a millennium ago, he decides to find other super-powered teens like himself and form a Legion of Super-Heroes! For more information, see the feature article. Prestige Format. FC, 48 PG. (1 OF 2) $5.95 SUPERGIRL #55 WRITTEN BY PETER DAVID; ART BY DEREC AUCOIN AND RAY SNYDER; COVER BY LEONARD KIRK AND ROBIN RIGGS In stores February 28. It's bad enough that as Supergirl, Linda Danvers has only a portion of the powers she once had. Now she finds herself in the unenviable position of having to play bodyguard to President Lex Luthor, who's become the target of a man dealing with some serious issues of his own. Maybe she should just let the guy get in one shot? FC, 32 PG. $2.25* SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #54 WRITTEN BY DEAN MOTTER; ART BY ALUIR AMANCIO AND TERRY AUSTIN; COVER BY MIKE MANLEY AND AUSTIN In stores February 21. Lex Luthor's experiment with an outer space mineral has rendered all of Earth's Kryptonite utterly harmless to Superman! But why would Luthor make things better for the Man of Steel? Or is there something more sinister behind all of this? FC, 32 PG. $1.99* SUPERMAN: PRESIDENT LUTHOR SECRET FILES #1 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA, PETER DAVID, JEPH LOEB, PHIL JIMENEZ, AND VARIOUS; ART BY DALE EAGLESHAM, MATTHEW CLARK, STUART IMMONEN, YVEL GUICHET, MIKE WIERINGO, LEE BERMEJO, BUTCH GUICE, LOUIS SMALL JR., AND VARIOUS; COVER BY TONY HARRIS AND RAY SNYDER Retro-solicited; in stores January 17. Learn the behind-the-scenes events that led up to Lex Luthor winning the Presidential election. Plus, profiles on Luthor, the new LexCorp CEO Talia and Luthor's surprising Presidential Cabinet. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $4.95 DC UNIVERSE THE FLASH #171 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY SCOTT KOLINS AND DOUG HAZLEWOOD; COVER BY BRIAN BOLLAND In stores February 28. In "Blood Will Run," a creepy cult has formed around the Flash, its members vowing to slay anyone the Flash has ever rescued! But before Wally can get a handle on the situation, a startling new villain makes his diabolical debut! FC, 32 PG. $2.25* GREEN ARROW #1 WRITTEN BY KEVIN SMITH; ART BY PHIL HESTER AND ANDE PARKS; COVER BY MATT WAGNER In stores February 28. The Emerald Archer is back in a new ongoing series by the super-hot creative team of writer Kevin Smith, artists Phil Hester & Ande Parks, and cover artist Matt Wagner. For more information, see the feature article. Look for a signed version and a hand-drawn "Head Sketch" version in the Dynamic Forces section of Previews FC, 32 PG. $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #85 (MILLENNIUM EDITION) WRITTEN BY DENNIS O'NEIL; ART AND COVER BY NEAL ADAMS In stores February 28. Reoffered to coincide with the release of GREEN ARROW #1, this reprint of the classic THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD issue features the first "new-look" appearance of Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow. (STAR 11797D) FC, 32 PG. $2.50 ************************************ GREEN LANTERN #135 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART AND COVER BY DARRYL BANKS AND RICH FABER In stores February 7. Guest-starring the JLA! In Part 4 of the 5-part "While Rome Burned," Nero goes berserk in New York, and Kyle can't stop him alone. Fortunately for Kyle, he's getting some help from the JLA. But even the World's Greatest Heroes may not be able to stop the madman with the yellow power ring. FC, 32 PG. $2.25* HITMAN #60 WRITTEN BY GARTH ENNIS; ART BY JOHN MCCREA AND GARRY LEACH; COVER BY MCCREA In stores February 28. Final issue. The dramatic, mind-blowing conclusion of "Closing Time!" The extra-sized finale has Tommy and Natt facing off against Truman and his men. Bullets fly, people die, and the world of HITMAN will never be the same…! FC, 48 PG. $3.95 STAR OF THE MONTH HITMAN TP WRITTEN BY GARTH ENNIS; ART AND COVER BY JOHN MCCREA In stores February 28. You've been hearing about the crazy antics of Garth Ennis and John McCrea's HITMAN from your friends — but just as you decide to jump on board, the series comes to its epic conclusion! Well there's no need to worry — the first three issues of HITMAN are available in this manic trade paperback, plus Hitman's first appearance in THE DEMON ANNUAL #2 and the lead story in THE BATMAN CHRONICLES #4. SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $9.95 ************************************ HOURMAN #25 WRITTEN BY TOM PEYER; ART BY RAGS MORALES AND DAVID MEIKIS; COVER BY MORALES In stores February 14. Final issue. The Man of the Hour's time has run out as Hourman's roadtrip through time brings him and his friends to the end of his adventures! Join Snapper and the gang in bidding Tyler a tearful farewell, and discover what Tyler's surprising new mission will be! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 IMPULSE #71 WRITTEN BY TODD DEZAGO; ART BY CARLO BARBERI AND JUAN VLASCO; COVER BY ETHAN VAN SCIVER AND WAYNE FAUCHER In stores February 14. Lucius Keller — one of Max Mercury's oldest foes — has returned! Meanwhile, Impulse and Carol discover some strong feelings for each other — but this revelation comes far too late…because they may be separated for good! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 JLA #51 WRITTEN BY MARK WAID; ART BY MIKE S. MILLER AND ARMANDO DURRUTHY; COVER BY BRYAN HITCH AND PAUL NEARY In stores February 28. The latest JLA adventure, "Man and Superman," begins! Clark Kent and Superman standing side by side? Bruce Wayne staying at home while Batman patrols Gotham? The Justice Leaguers find themselves in a strange predicament when they somehow become separated from their own secret identities! What mysterious power could have caused this? Chaos sweeps the globe as the heroes and their ordinary human alter-egos search desperately for an answer! FC, 32 PG. $2.25* JSA #21 WRITTEN BY DAVID S. GOYER AND GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY BUZZ; COVER BY ALAN DAVIS AND MARK FARMER In stores February 21. A prologue to the upcoming return of Hawkman! After the mind-blowing aftermath of "Injustice Be Done," the legendary super-team takes a well-earned breather. Black Canary and Dr. Mid-Nite resume their "date." Sentinel and Jade have a father/daughter talk. And some startling revelations are exposed regarding Hawkgirl. Guest-starring the JLA's resident angel, Zauriel. FC, 32 PG. $2.50* JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ARCHIVES VOL. 7 HC WRITTEN BY GARDNER FOX; ART BY MIKE SEKOWSKY AND SID GREENE; COVER BY JOHN WORKMAN In stores February 14. The latest Archive Edition spanning the JLA's Silver Age adventures reprints JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #51-57, 59 and 60, featuring the return of super-villain threats such as the Royal Flush Gang and the Queen Bee! Plus the fourth JLA/JSA crossover and guest-stars Elongated Man, Hawkgirl and Zatanna. For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 228PG, FC $49.95 STAR OF THE MONTH JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE NAIL TP WRITTEN BY ALAN DAVIS; ART AND COVER BY DAVIS AND MARK FARMER ELSEWORLDS. In stores February 7. Reoffered to coincide with the release of SUPERBOY'S LEGION, this collection of the hit miniseries is another Elseworlds tale by the SUPERBOY'S LEGION creative team of Alan Davis and Mark Farmer, featuring a world and a JLA that never had the greatest super-hero ever: Superman. (STAR 08559D) SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $12.95 ************************************ LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE #39 WRITTEN BY DANNY FINGEROTH; ART BY RANDY GREEN AND WAYNE FAUCHER; PAINTED COVER BY KEVIN NOWLAN In stores February 28. Superman stars in the one-issue story "Sole Survivor of Earth," where an eccentric billionaire is convinced that the Earth is doomed and will soon explode! When he sends his only son rocketing into outer space, Superman takes a special interest for a very personal reason. FC, 32 PG. $2.50* LEGION LOST #12 WRITTEN BY DAN ABNETT AND ANDY LANNING; ART AND COVER BY OLIVIER COIPEL AND LANNING In stores February 14. The not-to-be-missed conclusion! It's the final issue of the Legion's greatest adventure! The Progenitor has discovered a dimensional doorway that will lead the Progeny forces to the Lost Legionnaires' universe. If the Legion can't find a way to close up the doorway, then both galaxies are surely lost. Unfortunately, the solution may very well result in the Legionnaires not being able to go home...unless someone prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice! Note: consult upcoming issues of Previews for information on LEGION QUEST, a 6-issue miniseries which reveals where the remaining Legionnaires have been while their allies were "lost." FC, 32 PG. (12 OF 12) $2.50 MARTIAN MANHUNTER #29 WRITTEN BY JOHN OSTRANDER; ART AND COVER BY TOM MANDRAKE In stores February 7. Everyone has secrets... But who can keep secrets from a telepath? Especially one that has no compunction against looking into your deepest hidden self? A side of the Martian Manhunter is revealed that even he has never seen before. FC, 32 PG. $2.50* ORION #11 WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY WALTER SIMONSON; COVER BY SIMONSON In stores February 21. It's full-length action from Walter Simonson as Orion takes over New Genesis and adds its might to his, thanks to the Anti-Life Equation! But what sinister, shadowy forces are plotting to destroy Orion before it's too late? It may already be too late for Desaad — Orion kills him this issue! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 ORION: THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS TP WRITTEN BY WALTER SIMONSON; ART BY SIMONSON, FRANK MILLER, DAVE GIBBONS, KLAUS JANSON, JON BOGDANOVE, AND BILL REINHOLD; COVER BY SIMONSON In stores February 7. The epic battle between Orion and Darkseid highlights this trade paperback collecting ORION #1-5, and other short Fourth World stories. For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $12.95 STARS OF THE MONTH JACK KIRBY'S NEW GODS TP WRITTEN BY JACK KIRBY; ART BY KIRBY, VINCE COLLETTA AND MIKE ROYER; COVER BY KIRBY In stores February 7. Reoffered to coincide with the release of the ORION: PARADISE LOST TP, this mammoth trade paperback collects Jack Kirby's epic space opera of the "Fourth World," featuring the first appearances of Orion and other New Gods, in black and white with gray tones added. Contains THE NEW GODS Volume 1 #1-11. (STAR07234D) SC, 7X10, 304PG, B&W $11.95 SHOWCASE #22 (MILLENNIUM EDITION) WRITTEN BY JOHN BROOME; ART BY GIL KANE AND JOE GIELLA; COVER BY KANE In stores February 28. Reoffered to coincide with the new production run of the GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE, this landmark issue of SHOWCASE featured the first appearance of the Silver Age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan! (STAR 11852D) FC, 32 PG. $2.50 ************************************ THE SPECTRE #2 WRITTEN BY J.M. DEMATTEIS; ART AND COVER BY RYAN SOOK In stores February 7. The new series starring Hal Jordan continues with "Redeeming the Demon" Part 1 of 3. Having cast off the Wrath — the vengeful, destructive spirit that has always been at the heart of the Spectre — new Spectre Hal Jordan tries to carry on with his holy mission, but is now plagued with doubts. Meanwhile, the goddess-like being known as Mystos has imprisoned the Wrath, and she uses it as bait to lure the Spectre into a trap. Will Mystos get the better of Hal by pitting him against the Wrath itself? FC, 32 PG. $2.50* STARMAN #76 WRITTEN BY JAMES ROBINSON; ART BY PETER SNEJBJERG; PAINTED COVER BY ANDREW ROBINSON In stores February 7. "Talking With David: 2001." Jack and his brother meet for what could be the final time. The secret of how the annual meetings happen is revealed, as David and Jack discuss the history and lineage of Starman. Featuring several unexpected guest stars who have touched David's life in the hereafter. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE TITANS #26 WRITTEN BY JAY FAERBER; ART BY PAUL PELLETIER AND BUD LAROSA; COVER BY J.H. WILLIAMS III AND MICK GRAY In stores February 21. The Titans stop Shockwave's second assassination attempt on newly elected Mayor James Hall, only to discover the murder attempt is one small part of a bizarre conspiracy to gain possession of the Titans' Island. Plus, a glimpse of a new group of characters destined to forever change the future of the Titans! FC, 32 PG. $2.50* STAR OF THE MONTH THE NEW TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES VOL. 1 HC WRITTEN BY MARV WOLFMAN; ART BY GEORGE PÉREZ AND ROMEO TANGHAL; COVER BY PÉREZ In stores February 7. Reoffered to coincide with the release of the CYBORG and RAVEN ACTION FIGURES (solicited in an earlier Previews), this hardcover volume contains the first eight issues of the fan-favorite NEW TEEN TITANS title from 1981 plus the preview story from DC COMICS PRESENTS #26. Featured stories include the Titanic group of teen heroes facing the menace of Trigon, as well as confronting their former mentors in the Justice League of America. (STAR 08800X) HC, 7X10, 240PG, FC $49.95 ************************************ WONDER WOMAN #167 WRITTEN BY PHIL JIMENEZ AND J.M. DEMATTEIS; ART BY JIMENEZ AND ANDY LANNING; COVER BY ADAM HUGHES In stores February 28. Part 4 of the 4-part "Gods of Gotham!" The Earth-shaking conclusion to co-writer/artist Phil Jimenez's first story arc arrives as Wonder Woman and Batman struggle to defeat the Children of Ares! As if Deimos, Phoebos and Eris weren't dangerous enough in the bodies of the Joker, Scarecrow and Poison Ivy, now the situation turns critical as Phoebos picks a new host-body. And the God of Fear's new pawn is the most fearsome imaginable! FC, 32 PG. $2.25* YOUNG JUSTICE #30 WRITTEN BY PETER DAVID; ART AND COVER BY TODD NAUCK AND LARY STUCKER In stores February 7. Secret vs. Spoiler?! When Secret believes that Spoiler is trying to take Robin away from her, smoke and sparks fly! So what's Robin got to say about all of this? Nothing for now — he's just trying to survive this fatal attraction. FC, 32 PG. $2.50* DC: BEYOND THE UNIVERSE STATIC SHOCK!: REBIRTH OF THE COOL #4 WRITTEN BY DWAYNE MCDUFFIE; ART AND COVER BY JOHN PAUL LEON MILESTONE MEDIA. In stores February 14. After the stunning ending to issue #3, Static stands alone risking everything in an epic battle against Power Junkie, the super-hero turned drug lord who now possesses the super-powers of over one hundred Bang Babies. Will this be Static's final adventure? FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 4) $2.50 CARTOON CARTOONS #2 WRITTEN BY PAUL KUPPERBERG, SCOTT CUNNINGHAM AND MICHAEL KRAIGER; ART BY NEAL STERNECKY, MIKE KAZALEH, JEFF ALBRECHT, VINCENT DEPORTER, AND ANGUS BUNGAY; COVER BY TIM HARKINS In stores February 21. All-new stories featuring all the stars of Cartoon Network's hit original shows! Johnny Bravo turns invisible in "See No Johnny;" Cow and Chicken buy some big trouble with magic beans in "Chicken and the Beanstalk;" and Ed Edd n' Eddy bake themselves a calamity cookie in "Half Bak-Ed!" FC, 32 PG. $1.99* DEXTER'S LABORATORY #20 WRITTEN BY JOHN ROZUM, JENNIFER MOORE AND SEAN CAROLAN; ART BY JOHN DELANEY AND MATT JENKINS; COVER BY BILL WRAY In stores February 28. When Mandark shrinks himself to literally find the way to his true love's heart, Dexter gets sucked into the action…and into Dee-Dee! Plus, Dexter bids big money on a Tyrannosaurus Rex in "Auction Action!" FC, 32 PG. $1.99* LOONEY TUNES #75 WRITTEN BY DAN SLOTT; ART AND COVER BY DAVID ALVAREZ AND MIKE DECARLO In stores February 7. A landmark 75th issue finds Bugs Bunny…dead? Yes, it's true — the wascally wabbit has bought the farm, and every creature who's ever been tricked, blasted, double-crossed, out-maneuvered and generally bugged by Bugs is under suspicion! Daffy sets out to find the culprit, because it's a terrible, awful, horrible, no good, very bad thing and, well…because he's the prime suspect. This special issue is jam-packed with all the mugs, goons and ninnies from all the years of classic Warner Bros. cartoons! Will Daffy be able to pick the right one out of the lineup? FC, 32 PG. $1.99* STAR OF THE MONTH BUGS BUNNY & FRIENDS: A COMIC CELEBRATION TP WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY VARIOUS; COVER BY WALTER CARZON AND RUBÉN TORREIRO In stores February 7. Reoffered to coincide with the landmark LOONEY TUNES #75 where Bugs Bunny has seemingly gone off to little bunny heaven, this trade paperback is a celebration of classic Looney Tunes characters and their wackiest escapades! (STAR 08387D) SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $14.95 ************************************ THE POWERPUFF GIRLS #12 WRITTEN BY ABBY DENSON; ART BY RICARDO GARCIA FUENTES; COVER BY PHIL MOY In stores February 21. A blizzard closes Pokey Oaks Kindergarten, and the Girls get a day off — but they're too snowed under with crimefighting to have fun. It'll take an Abominable Snowman to chill them out! FC, 32 PG. $1.99* SCOOBY-DOO #45 WRITTEN BY JOHN ROZUM AND BOB FINGERMAN; ART BY JOE STATON, KAREN MACHETTE AND STEPHEN DESTEFANO; COVER BY STATON AND DAVE HUNT In stores February 14. Mystery Inc. gets dazzled by a glittering ghost in New York City; also, when the gang's too busy to chase a pizza-stealing beast, Shaggy and Scooby set out to solve it themselves! FC, 32 PG. $1.99* WILDSTORM THE AUTHORITY #23 WRITTEN BY MARK MILLAR; ART AND COVER BY FRANK QUITELY AND TREVOR SCOTT In stores February 7. Part 2 of the 4-part "Brave New World." The Authority has been scattered to the four winds and the secret masters of the world have regained control. The status quo reigns supreme, and the team even comes up with a force that can match any of the big threats the Authority has confronted. However, it's all about to go horribly, horribly wrong… FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATTLE CHASERS #8 WRITTEN BY JOE MADUREIRA AND MUNIER SHARRIEFF; ART AND COVER BY MADUREIRA CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores February 21. Our intrepid heroes are battling for their lives against the awesome power of the Harvester. In the aftermath, Gully comes face to face with the mysterious man who's been pursuing her since the very first issue! This is one confrontation you will never forget! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 CRIMSON #24 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AUGUSTYN; ART AND COVER BY HUMBERTO RAMOS AND SANDRA HOPE CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores February 28. Final issue. CRIMSON wraps up with a bang as Lisseth and Alex, along with Ekimus, face their ultimate destinies. This extra-sized conclusion of Alex Elder's story is as epic in scope as it is poignant in spirit. We don't expect there to be a dry eye in the house... For more information, see the feature article. Look for a signed version and an alternate cover version in the Dynamic Forces section of Previews. FC, 40 PG. $3.50 CRIMSON: EARTH ANGEL TP WRITTEN BY BRIAN AUGUSTYN; ART BY HUMBERTO RAMOS, SANDRA HOPE AND VARIOUS; COVER BY RAMOS AND HOPE CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores February 14. Reprinting CRIMSON #13-18, this trade paperback introduces Zophiel, an angel fallen from the grace of God. Also included is a special Christmas story in which Alex learns that sometimes, one cannot avoid their destiny. For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $14.95 STAR OF THE MONTH CRIMSON: LOYALTY AND LOSS TP WRITTEN BY BRIAN AUGUSTYN; ART BY HUMBERTO RAMOS, SANDRA HOPE AND VARIOUS; COVER BY RAMOS AND HOPE CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores February 28. You may be catching on to the dark world of Humberto Ramos' CRIMSON just as it's ending. But don't despair — this trade paperback reoffering collects the first six sensational issues so you can follow the story of Alex Elder from the very beginning! (STAR 09472D) SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $12.95 ************************************ GEN13 #62 WRITTEN BY ADAM WARREN; ART BY ED BENES AND VINCE RUSSELL; COVER BY WARREN In stores February 14. It's just another day for our Gen-Active teens: a terrifying view into Grunge's oversexed daydreams, a shallow discussion of protectionist vs. egalitarian feminism, a startling episode of binge eating, and a sudden and shocking explosion of violence and mayhem, with potentially serious results! Did we mention this all takes place entirely in scenes from the drive-through lane of a fast-food joint? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 JEZEBELLE #2 WRITTEN BY BEN RAAB; ART AND COVER BY STEVE ELLIS AND MARK IRWIN In stores February 14. The miniseries starring WildStorm's new "battlemage" continues! They're hip! They're happenin'! They're also dead! Johnny B. Dark & The Shades are blowin' into town, and all Hell is about to break loose! Fifty years ago, they sold their souls for the ultimate hotrod. Now, they want their lives back and they don't care whose souls they gotta' steal to get 'em! Can Jezebelle save Salem from these ghostly greasers before it's too late? FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 6) $2.50 THE MONARCHY #1 WRITTEN BY DOSELLE YOUNG; ART BY JOHN MCCREA AND GARRY LEACH; COVER BY MCCREA In stores February 14. Spinning out of events in THE AUTHORITY #21, Jackson King, Christine Trelane and their new group, the Monarchy, go after the Young Authoritans — a group of youths who are taking the lessons of The Authority to extreme levels by going into poor neighborhoods and killing people they don't like. The world has fallen ill again, and it's time for the Monarchy to perform the emergency surgery required! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH STORMWATCH: FORCE OF NATURE TP WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART BY TOM RANEY, RANDY ELLIOTT AND VARIOUS; COVER BY RANEY AND SANDRA HOPE In stores February 14. Reoffered to coincide with the release of THE MONARCHY ongoing series, this trade paperback reprints STORMWATCH Volume 1 #37- 42, featuring stories with The Monarchy's Jackson King and Christine Trelane. SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $14.95 ************************************ PLANETARY: ALL OVER THE WORLD AND OTHER STORIES HC WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART AND COVER BY JOHN CASSADAY In stores February 21. The popular collection is now available in hardcover, containing the sold-out PLANETARY #1-6 as well as the little-seen PLANETARY PREVIEW STORY. For more information, see the feature article. Look for a signed, "head sketch" version in the Dynamic Forces section of Previews. HC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $24.95 STAR TREK®: ENTER THE WOLVES WRITTEN BY A.C. CRISPIN AND HOWARD WEINSTEIN; ART AND COVER BY CARLOS MOTA AND KEITH AIKEN In stores February 14. A bitter and public disagreement between Spock and his father Sarek causes a rift between them. But when Sarek's new wife is kidnapped, can the two work together to rescue her? For more information, see the feature article. Look for a signed version in the Dynamic Forces section of Previews. Prestige Format. FC, 48 PG $5.95 STAR TREK: VOYAGER® — PLANET KILLER #2 WRITTEN BY KRISTINE KATHRYN RUSCH AND DEAN WESLEY SMITH; ART AND COVER BY ROBERT TERANISHI AND CLAUDE ST. AUBIN In stores February 28. While the Doomsday Machine continues to destroy planet after planet, Janeway and the Voyager crew look on in horror as they try to find a way to defeat the device. With the minutes ticking away until the Planet Killer reaches an actual inhabited world, things are looking increasingly desperate. FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 3) $2.95 STEAMPUNK #7 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY CHRIS BACHALO AND RICHARD FRIEND CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores February 7. In Part 2 of "Mechanica Sundown," Cole learns the origins of the manimatronics that keep him alive, and gains another piece of the puzzle which is his memory. Laslo, Vicki and Cole undergo their own personal moments of crisis. Meanwhile, Faust goes on a tear through the countryside, and we meet a fringe group of freedom fighters known as the Sundowns. Note: This is a resolicitation. All previous orders have been cancelled. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 WILDCATS VOLUME 2 #20 WRITTEN BY JOE CASEY; ART AND COVER BY STEVE DILLON In stores February 7. Special guest artist Steve Dillon (PREACHER, Punisher) illustrates this action-packed, 2-part adventure as Grifter and Maul go head-to- head with the FBI in an old-fashioned Miami grudge match! Who is Agent Orange and how will he affect the future of the Wildcats? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 AMERICA'S BEST COMICS PROMETHEA #13 WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE; ART BY J.H. WILLIAMS III AND MICK GRAY; COVER BY WILLIAMS III AND JOSE VILLARRUBIA In stores February 21. Promethea and Sophie set out on a quest to find a different sort of magic. Meanwhile, they leave a brand-new-acting Promethea in their place! Who knows what kinds of mayhem this will lead to? FC, 32 PG. $2.95 TOMORROW STORIES #10 WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE; ART BY ART BY KEVIN NOWLAN, RICK VEITCH, DAME DARCY AND JIM BAIKIE; COVER BY NOWLAN In stores February 14. The triumphant return of Jack B. Quick highlights this over-the-top issue! Jack is in the middle of a slew of Alien invaders! The First American runs for president! Greyshirt becomes entangled with a new femme fatale foe, Lapis Lazuli! And Cobweb…well, we'll just keep that one to ourselves right now. FC, 32 PG. $2.95 TOP TEN #11 WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE; ART AND COVER BY GENE HA AND ZANDER CANNON In stores February 28. A sad aftermath to the apocalyptic events of the previous issue unfolds with devastating results. A new cop joins the force to replace the precinct's fallen brother officer. The mood is tense, the atmosphere uneasy — and the "nature" of the newbie makes it all the more troubling. Note: This is a resolicitation. All previous orders have been cancelled. FC, 32 PG. $2.95 HOMAGE COMICS ZERO GIRL #3 WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY SAM KIETH; PAINTED COVER BY KIETH In stores February 7. Things heat up as Amy Smootster and her counselor, Tim, are on the run from Vice Principal Hooly. When the runaway pair gets a little too close during a quiet moment together, Tim freaks — leaving Amy all alone in an alley which is quickly filling up with thugs! Meanwhile one of the bullies at school seems to be making a connection to Amy and her powers… FC, 32 PG. (3 OF 5) $2.95 VERTIGO 100 BULLETS #21 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO; ART BY EDUARDO RISSO; PAINTED COVER BY DAVE JOHNSON In stores February 7. "Sell Fish and Out to Sea" Part 1 of 2. Up until now, Agent Graves' choice of "clients" has made sense. Well, not anymore. Junkie Jack Dau has got some problems: He's penniless, he's homeless, and he's aimless. On top of all that, he's managed to alienate everyone he's ever cared about, or who's cared about him. When Agent Graves enters this broken man's life with the offer of revenge, Jack's already upside-down life gets body-slammed as he's forced to confront the person responsible for his fate. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH BREATHTAKER TP WRITTEN BY MARK WHEATLEY; ART BY MARC HEMPEL AND WHEATLEY; COVER BY HEMPEL In stores February 14. She will take your breath away — and leave you for dead. Mark Wheatley's and Marc Hempel's powerful, vibrant, sexy thriller BREATHTAKER is reoffered again, giving new readers a chance to experience Chase Darrow — a woman whose love is so satisfying and pure…you'd be willing to die for it! "Strong and surprising stuff." — Neil Gaiman (STAR 01035D) MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 208PG, FC $14.95 ************************************ THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE WRITTEN BY STEVEN T. SEAGLE; ART AND COVER BY KELLEY JONES AND JASON MOORE In stores February 7. An 11th-century Crusader comes to render a terrible judgment on the citizens of 21st-century San Francisco, setting off a firestorm of moral consequence in the hearts and minds of the people. This special low-priced Prestige Format one-shot of horror leads directly into the ongoing series beginning in March. For more information, see the feature article. Prestige Format. MATURE READERS FC, 48 PG $3.95 STAR OF THE MONTH SLEEPY HOLLOW MOVIE ADAPTATION WRITTEN BY STEVEN T. SEAGLE; ART AND COVER BY KELLEY JONES AND JASON MOORE In stores February 7. Timed to coincide with the release of THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE, this reoffered Prestige Format one-shot adapts the Tim Burton- directed movie SLEEPY HOLLOW and is by THE CRUSADES creative team of Steven T. Seagle, Kelley Jones and Jason Moore. Prestige Format. (STAR 10305D) FC, 64 PG $7.95 ************************************ DEADENDERS #14 WRITTEN BY ED BRUBAKER; ART BY WARREN PLEECE AND CAMERON STEWART; COVER BY PHILIP BOND In stores February 21. "Behind the Wheel" Part 1 of 2. Beezer takes Anna back home to Sector 5 to locate the final element that links their mysterious heritage to the cataclysm. But things go horribly wrong — and at the center of this homecoming apocalypse is the horror that has become Lieutenant Larry Younger. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE DREAMING #59 WRITTEN BY CAITLÍN R. KIERNAN; ART BY CHRISTIAN HOJGAARD AND RON RANDALL; PAINTED COVER BY DAVE MCKEAN In stores February 21. Part 3 of the 4-part "Rise," the final story arc of THE DREAMING. Echo continues her bloody assault on The Dreaming, leading an army of Nightmares to the gates of Lord Shaper's Palace. In the wake of the murder of his latest Raven, and with his kingdom in chaos, Daniel must make a fateful decision that will forever change the landscape of the Dreaming. Also guest-starring Cain, Abel, Brute, and Glob. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 EL DIABLO #2 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO; ART BY DANIJEL ZEZELJ; PAINTED COVER BY TIM SALE In stores February 28. The miniseries that burns a decidedly VERTIGO brand on a classic DC Western character continues. Out on the range, Sheriff Moses Stone and his posse swap stories about their prey, the outlaw El Diablo. Is he dead or alive? The Great Spirit given flesh? Man, myth, or the devil himself? The answers lie just beyond the light of the campfire. But then, that's where El Diablo himself waits for them. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 4) $2.50 HEAVY LIQUID TP WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY PAUL POPE; COVER BY POPE In stores February 28. Paul Pope's hypnotically compelling, Eisner-nominated miniseries, with art that features eclectic designs and striking 2-color separations, is collected in a stylish trade paperback. Set in an unforgettable sci-fi Manhattan, this post-modern mystery centers on "S," a man addicted to "heavy liquid," a substance that is both a drug and an artform. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS SC, 240PG, 2C $29.95 HELLBLAZER #159 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO; ART BY MARCELO FRUSIN; PAINTED COVER BY TIM BRADSTREET In stores February 28. Part 2 of the 4-part "Freezes Over." As the snow falls, anxiety rises in a tiny roadside cafe caught in the midst of a devastating blizzard. Tensions naturally run high in such situations, but when you add John Constantine to the mix, you're throwing gasoline on a fire. Sure, John's just playing with the stranded travelers, having a laugh at their expense, but with the discovery of a horribly mutilated body, the tables turn. Obviously, there's a brutally sick killer among them. Guess who's the smart-mouthed prime suspect? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 LUCIFER #11 WRITTEN BY MIKE CAREY; ART BY PETER GROSS AND RYAN KELLY; COVER BY DUNCAN FEGREDO In stores February 7. Part 2 of the 4-part "Children & Monsters." When a mysterious stranger tracks down British school-girl Elaine Belloc and claims to be her father, a nasty secret unravels that begins to claim lives. Meanwhile, the infinite legions of the Heavenly Host prepare for an epic battle with Lucifer who is still in the midst of organizing a ruthless army of his own. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE NAMES OF MAGIC #3 WRITTEN BY DYLAN HORROCKS; ART BY RICHARD CASE; PAINTED COVER BY JOHN BOLTON In stores February 28. Tim and the Walker take shelter with Nick Bear Claw, a New Age enthusiast who may be more hindrance than help. Desperate to find clues to his true name, Tim begs Walker to take him on a dangerous Spirit Journey. While many things may become clearer on the astral plane, unfortunately it will also make them more vulnerable to the Lotus and Mr. Lily. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (3 OF 5) $2.50 OUTLAW NATION #6 WRITTEN BY JAMIE DELANO; ART BY GORAN SUDZUKA AND SEBASTIJAN CAMAGAJEVAC; PAINTED COVER BY GLENN FABRY In stores February 21. A little sibling rivalry, a lot of narcotics, a fast car on wet blacktop…and Story is spinning out of control and into a Texas jail, leaving Jenny and Martin MIA. In New Mexico, Ruth has her own trouble staying on the road and calls on old flame Carlos for help. While deep in the Colorado mountains, Sonny is missing Rosa and discovering that, when you are a Johnson, danger and weirdness come with the territory. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 SWAMP THING #12 WRITTEN BY BRIAN K. VAUGHAN; ART BY GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI AND RICK MAGYAR; PAINTED COVER BY GLENN FABRY In stores February 14. Part 2 of the 6-Part "Red Harvest." More people than ever want to stop Tefé after she kidnaps Heather Strand, daughter of a powerful politician. But Tefé may finally have met her match. Is the young elemental controlling Heather, or is Heather the one calling the shots? Featuring guest art by exciting new talent Giuseppe Camuncoli. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 TRANSMETROPOLITAN #43 WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART BY DARICK ROBERTSON AND RODNEY RAMOS; COVER BY JOHN CASSADAY In stores February 14. "Out Loud" Part 1 of 3. The Smiler is operating on the American Constitution. Civic Center is remaking the City in the image of his New Politics. Some anonymous freak is turning a Print District street into Sniper Alley. And Spider Jerusalem is having black-outs and episodes of mental confusion that are not related to his usual diet of narcotics and whiskey. Things are going very wrong. And they're going to get worse before they get better…if they get better. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 USER #2 WRITTEN BY DEVIN GRAYSON; PAINTED ART BY JOHN BOLTON AND SEAN PHILLIPS; PAINTED COVER BY BOLTON In stores February 28. The eye-opening VERTIGO miniseries continues. Which is better: the virtual world or the mundane world? And who is the real Meg Chancellor? As Meg gets deeper and deeper into her online persona as young knight Guilliame de la Coeur, her relationships in the real world get worse and worse. Prestige Format. MATURE READERS FC, 48 PG. (2 OF 3) $5.95 WEIRD WESTERN TALES #1 WRITTEN BY DAVE GIBBONS, PAUL POPE AND GREG RUCKA; ART BY GIBBONS, POPE AND RICK BURCHETT; COVER BY DARWYN COOKE In stores February 14. A new VERTIGO miniseries begins updating the popular anthology of the '70s, offering weird and unique twists to a familiar genre. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 4) $2.50 MAD MAD MAGAZINE #403 WRITTEN AND DRAWN BY THE USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS In stores February 7. Love is in the air! Get your sweetie the perfect gift this Valentine's Day: MAD MAGAZINE! But don't despair when your loved one looks within our laugh-filled pages and then gives you a big slap in the face. It's a common reaction, and only means that your "Sugar-Muffin" is filled with a fiery passion! Ah…young love! MAGAZINE, 48PG, B&W $2.99* MAD XL #8 WRITTEN AND DRAWN BY THE USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS In stores February 14. Another member of the Usual Gang of Idiots is spotlighted in this issue! Plus, more "MAD Marginals XL" (Sergio Aragonés' "Drawn-out Dramas" presented in full size!). More Best of the Web highlights (original content from madmag.com). More Readers' Choice picks. More incredible features! More, more, more!! MAGAZINE, 96PG, B&W $4.99* PARADOX PRESS STAR OF THE MONTH THE BIG BOOK OF THE WEIRD WILD WEST SC WRITTEN BY JOHN WHALEN; ART BY VARIOUS; COVER BY GLEN BARR In stores February 14. This jam-packed BIG BOOK is reoffered to coincide with the new VERTIGO anthology WEIRD WESTERN TALES, just because you can never get enough of the weird wild west! Which stories really happened, and which ones are just urban legends? (STAR 08151D) SC, 8X11, 192PG, B&W $14.95 DC DIRECT BATMAN VILLAINS AND JOKER/HARLEY QUINN PRINT SET BY ALEX ROSS PAINTED BY ALEX ROSS. Advance-solicited; in stores March 7. DC DIRECT is proud to present this beautiful new print set by award-winning painter Alex Ross, featuring the various denizens of the Dark Knight's Rogues Gallery. Harley Quinn and her amour, the Joker, are gorgeously rendered in a reproduction of the cover to BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN. The second print features Batman surrounded by the worst of Arkham Asylum's inmates. These 10" x 13" prints come shrink-wrapped with cardboard and are perfect for framing. Retailers, please note: the BATMAN VILLAINS AND JOKER/HARLEY QUINN PRINT SET BY ALEX ROSS is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is advance-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for February-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. PRINT SET (X2), FC $19.95 DEADMAN ACTION FIGURE Advance-solicited. In stores June 20. Part of a new trio of supernatural action figures from DC DIRECT! Everyone's favorite dead super-hero, trapeze artist Boston Brand — aka Deadman — can now be yours to own! DEADMAN stands 6.5" tall and features multiple points of articulation and glow-in-the-dark headchest and logo. Pretend that DEADMAN is "possessing" your other action figures! (Other action figures sold separately). Packaged in a 4-color blister pack. Retailers, please note: The DEADMAN ACTION FIGURE is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is advance-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for February-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. FIGURE PI THE DEMON ACTION FIGURE Advance-solicited. In stores June 20. The rhyming, fire-breathing Demon Etrigan is a sight to behold — and now you can take him home with you to terrorize your other action figures! Standing 6" tall, THE DEMON features multiple points of articulation and comes with a cloth cape. Rhymes not included. Packaged in a 4- color blister pack. Retailers, please note: The DEMON ACTION FIGURE is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is advance-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for February-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. FIGURE PI THE SPECTRE HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE Advance-solicited. In stores June 20. Following the debut of the new SPECTRE series starring Hal Jordan, DC DIRECT offers this haunting new glow-in-the-dark action figure of Hal transformed by the Spirit of Vengeance, standing 6.5" tall. Featuring multiple points of articulation, the SPECTRE HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE also has a cloth cape and hood, with a wire within cape for posing. Packaged in a 4-color blister pack. Retailers, please note: THE SPECTRE HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is advance-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for February-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. FIGURE PI GREEN ARROW OLIVER QUEEN ACTION FIGURE — NEW PRODUCTION RUN In stores February 28. A new production run of the sold-out figure! In anticipation of the new ongoing GREEN ARROW series, DC DIRECT reoffers the GREEN ARROW OLIVER QUEEN ACTION FIGURE! The original Emerald Archer stands 6" tall and features nine points of articulation and quiver on back. Accessories include bow and three trick arrows (boxing glove arrow, handcuff arrow and drill arrow). Packaged in a 4-color blister pack. Retailers, please note: Quantities may be limited. Orders may be allocated. All previous back-orders for this item have been cancelled. FIGURE PI STAR OF THE MONTH GREEN ARROW BY ALEX ROSS POSTER PAINTED BY ALEX ROSS. In stores February 28. Reoffered to coincide with the release of GREEN ARROW #1 starring Oliver Queen, this poster by award-winning painter Alex Ross depicts Green Arrow in a classic pose — perfect for framing and displaying on your walls. Note: Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. (STAR 11923X) FC, POSTER $7.95 ************************************ GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE — NEW PRODUCTION RUN In stores February 28. A new production run due to demand from fans and retailers! The sold-out GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE is back! He may be the Spectre now, but Hal Jordan was once the former pride of the Green Lantern Corps. A striking 6" tall, this action figure features nine points of articulation and a plastic power battery in scale with the figure. In addition, each figure comes with a one-size-fits-all power ring (made of PVC) for the consumer's use. Packaged in a 4-color blister pack. Retailers, please note: Quantities may be limited. Orders may be allocated. All previous back-orders for this item have been cancelled. FIGURE PI ORION AND DARKSEID DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET Advance-solicited; in stores June 27. Create your own fights between the mightiest of the New Gods, father and son, as they now come in a handsomely designed Deluxe Action Figure Set! Orion stands 6 3/8" tall, with multiple points of articulation, and features a removable Astro Harness that clips to his waist, hands and feet — plus removable helmet and alternate (angry-faced) head. The mighty DARKSEID stands 6.75" tall, and features multiple points of articulation and Omega Beam action (light-up eyes)! Packaged in a 4-color window box. Retailers, please note: This is a resolicitation. All previous orders have been cancelled. The ORION AND DARKSEID DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is advance-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for February-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. FIGURE SET (X2) PI STARMAN JACK KNIGHT ACTION FIGURE — VARIANT VERSION In stores February 7. Offered separately for the first time, DC DIRECT offers the variant version of the STARMAN JACK KNIGHT ACTION FIGURE — just as the final exciting storyline to James Robinson's STARMAN races towards its conclusion. This variant version of Jack Knight sports a goatee, purple pants and a light blue shirt, and also has all the features of the standard version: multiple points of articulation, removable eye goggles and Jack's cosmic rod, which lights up when placed in both of his hands. Note: Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. FIGURE PI STAR OF THE MONTH STARMAN JACK KNIGHT ACTION FIGURE — RELIST In stores February 7. The standard version of the STARMAN JACK KNIGHT ACTION FIGURE is still available and has all the features of the variant version, but without a goatee and with khaki pants and a white shirt. Note: Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. FIGURE PI ************************************ SUPERMAN AND SUPERGIRL STATUE SCULPTED BY TIM BRUCKNER Advance-solicited. In stores May 30. DC DIRECT continues its line of full-size statues (that started with THE FLASH OF TWO WORLDS STATUE) capturing classic moments in DC history! Supergirl's first appearance in comics is reproduced in a fully-painted cold-cast porcelain statue (measuring 14.5" wide x 8.75" deep x 12" high), based on the cover to ACTION COMICS #252 where the Maid of Steel emerges from a rocket to surprise Superman! Comes in a 4-color box packaging with a Certificate of Authenticity. Retailers, please note: The SUPERMAN AND SUPERGIRL STATUE is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is advance-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for February-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. STATUE $195.00 WONDER WOMAN WATCH FEATURING ART BY H.G. PETER Advance-solicited; in stores April 4. The latest in DC DIRECT's line of plastic watches features a Golden Age depiction of the Amazon Princess taken from the cover of SENSATION COMICS #4 illustrated by H.G. Peter. This watch comes in clamshell-style packaging. Retailers, please note: The WONDER WOMAN WATCH is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is advance- solicited. Orders must be placed with those for February-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. WATCH $39.95 AQUAMAN WATER GLOBE SCULPTED BY SAM GREENWELL Pre-solicited; in stores June 13. The latest addition to DC DIRECT's line of snow globes features a cold-cast porcelain Aquaman seated on his throne as the "King of the Sea." This water globe measures 4.25" x 7" and has a detailed sculpted relief featuring creatures from the sea. Each globe is packaged in a 4-color box and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Retailers, please note: The AQUAMAN WATER GLOBE is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is pre-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for March-released product, solicited in next month's issue of Previews. SNOW GLOBE $79.95 DEATH STATUE SCULPTED BY BARSOM BASED ON DESIGNS BY CHRIS BACHALO VERTIGO. Pre-solicited; in stores June 27. Death comes to life! The Sandman's older sister stands 8" high x 4" wide x 3"deep, and is based on the retail poster art by Chris Bachalo (DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING, DEATH: THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE). Retailers, please note: The DEATH STATUE is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is pre-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for March-released product, solicited in next month's issue of Previews. STATUE $195.00 GREEN LANTERN ALAN SCOTT POWER RING PROP SCULPTED BY WILLIAM PAQUET Pre-solicited; in stores July 11. DC DIRECT offers a uniquely designed prop featuring the Golden Age Green Lantern Alan Scott — a bust that stands 3.25" tall and 3.25" wide and is part of a stand for a replica of his power ring. The "one-size" metal ring is painted metallic green with a glass cabochon stone, and is not intended to be worn. Comes in 4-color box packaging with a Certificate of Authenticity. Retailers, please note: The GREEN LANTERN ALAN SCOTT POWER RING PROP is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is pre- solicited. Orders must be placed with those for March-released product, solicited in next month's issue of Previews. PROP $89.95 VERTIGO TAROT DECK SET — NEW EDITION WRITTEN BY RACHEL POLLACK; PAINTED ART BY DAVE MCKEAN VERTIGO. Pre-solicited; in stores August 8. DC DIRECT is proud to offer this redesigned version of the popular classic VERTIGO TAROT DECK SET. This new packaging is smaller and similar to other tarot sets. Packaged in a 4-color box, the set includes 78 glossy laminated cards featuring VERTIGO characters painted by Dave McKean, and a 128-page softcover book about the cards written by tarot expert Rachel Pollack (DOOM PATROL). Retailers, please note: The VERTIGO TAROT DECK SET — NEW EDITION is manufactured to order, so only limited quantities may be available for reorder. Final product may differ from image shown. This item is pre-solicited. Orders must be placed with those for March-released product, solicited in next month's issue of Previews. TAROT DECK SET $29.95 IMAGE COMICS AGE OF BRONZE #10 (S/A) Eric Shanower "Sacrifice Part 1"—Part one of an all-new story arc begins with Helena's triumphant arrival in Troy. Paris proudly displays her before his admiring father, King Priam. But the Trojan council quickly polarizes into factions over whether to send Helen home or not. Meanwhile, Aeneas and Troilus are having troubles with their own love-lives. Please note: This spring's forthcoming Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships trade paperback collects only issues 1 through 9. B&W, 24pg $3.50 APHRODITE IX #3 Top Cow Comics (W) David Wohl (P) Dave Finch (I) Joe Weems V (C ) Steve Firchow Arrested for murders that she doesn't even remember committing, Aphrodite realizes she's at the center of a conspiracy that's much larger than she originally thought. Now she's more determined than ever to learn where she's from and who created her -- - and for what purpose??? Unfortunately there are also those that DON'T WANT her to know. Too bad for them... FC 32pp $2.50 BLOOD LEGACY: THE COMPLETE SET EDITION (S/A) Andy Park/Mark Pajarillo Offered in this special packaged edition, the first 4 individual issues of Blood Legacy are available in this limited set for those who want to read the complete story arc. Set includes Blood Legacy issues 1-4. FC Set of 4 books $8.95 BLOOD LEGACY: THE COMPLETE SET SIGNED EDITION (S/A) Andy Park/Mark Pajarillo Offered in this special packaged edition, the first 4 individual issues of Blood Legacy are available in this limited set for those who want to read the complete story arc. This enhanced special set also includes a signed issue #1 by artist Andy (Tomb Raider) Park. Set includes Blood Legacy issue #1 signed by Andy Park and issues 2-4. FC Signed Edition Set of 4 books $19.95 BUTCHER KNIGHT #3 Top Cow Comics (W) Charles Holland (P/I) Dwayne Turner Blood. Gore. Demon waste and dead cops. That's what filled the room where Dolgen's Section X squad found Luther Washington. Dolgen wants answers. But Luther is a question wrapped in an enigma and shows no sign of wanting that to change. Dolgen will not quit. He can't. He is an engine of destruction made flesh who hunts and kills monsters. Dolgen is determined to find out who and what Luther Washington is. He will do this at all costs. Unless Daria has anything to say about it. And she will. FC 32pp $2.50 DARKMINDS OFFERED AGAIN (W) Ken Siu-Chong, Pat Lee, & others (P) Pat Lee, Omar Dogan, & others (I) Alvin Lee, Rob Ross, & others The year is 2032. The city is Macropolis. The crimes are too numerous to even catalogue, but Agent Tedashi Nagawa has yet to leave a crime unsolved. Of course, his personal life is a disaster and his partners have a nasty habit of ending up dead. Bot cops and bullets. Cyborgs and psionic screams. Welcome to crime fiction's unyielding future. DARKMINDS VOL. 1½ Electric Dreams DARKMINDS VOL. 2 #0 The Bullet (Ships with two covers in equal ratio.) DARKMINDS VOL. 2 #1 The More Things Change... (Ships with three covers in equal ratio.) DARKMINDS VOL. 2 #2 Changing Faces (Ships with two covers in equal ratio.) FC 32pp $2.50ea THE DARKNESS #38 (P) Scott Lobdell (P) Mark Pajarillo Jackie Estacado has barely completed his training with RIPCLAW, when THE DARKNESS is forced to battle THE CONQUISTATOR and his legion of Hostile Cherubs! But will even these two be enough to stem the coming Blood Tide -- or is Jackie going to have to look towards his sister Capris for help!? FC 32pp $2.50 DARK REALM #3 (W) Robert Chong (A) Taeson Chang (C) Quantum Color Fx As the "chosen one", Detective Shannon Davenport is about to inherit an awesome power that is handed down just once every millennium. That is, if she can survive until the stroke of midnight. Only by slaying her during the DARK RITUAL can BANTAR, the Dark King, steal the right of power to become the absolute ruler of both the Dark Realm and the Earth. Can anyone stop the supreme demon before it is too late? Find out in this exciting penultimate issue featuring Korean superstar, TAESON CHANG'S best artwork yet! FC 32pp $2.95 DOUBLE IMAGE #1 STARRING THE BOD (W) Larry Young (A/C) John Heebink Just another story in Hollywood. A gorgeous girl in her hometown in rural Kansas, Kelly Gordon leaves her college drama department to make it big in Hollywood. She's talented and brainy, but is underestimated by most folks because she's stunningly beautiful. Gorgeous. Built. Blonde, blue-eyed, wholesome. A babe cliche. No one takes her seriously because of her looks. But after an on-set special-effects gig goes awry, Kelly becomes invisible! Yesterday, no casting agents in Hollywood would see her; now no one CAN see her! THE BOD is brought to you by ASTRONAUTS IN TROUBLE writer Larry Young and NICK FURY and ELVIRA artist John Heebink. She's out of sight! Also debuting in this same issue, Joe Casey and Charlie Adlard's CODEFLESH (W) Joe Casey (A/C) Charlie Adlard (L) Comicraft When super-villains get arrested, who bails 'em out? Cameron Daltrey, owner of Daltrey Bail Bonds, that's who. And when those same super-villains skip out on bail, who drags them back in by the balls? He'd have to be a man who loves his job, no matter how it wreaks havoc on his life. An all-new monthly feature co-created by writer Joe Casey (ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, WILDCATS, X-MEN: CHILDREN OF THE ATOM) and triple-threat artist Charlie Adlard (BLAIR WITCH 2, ASTRONAUTS IN TROUBLE, X-FILES) depicts the seedier, brutal side of masked superheroes. Containing hard-hitting, bone-crunching action combined with adult characters and situations, this comic ain't for the squeamish! Recommended for twisted readers everywhere who want more from their comics than overly-sanitized, corporate-controlled superheroics. FC 32pp $2.95 FATHOM – TOMB RAIDER - WITCHBLADE CROSSOVER POSTER #1: TRIPLE THREAT Top Cow Comics (P) Michael Turner (I) Jonathan Sibal (C) Peter Steigerwald How would you like Lara Croft of Tomb Raider fame on your wall? Or how about the lovely Witchblade, Sara Pezzini? Maybe the alluring Aspen Matthews from Fathom? Now that we've got your attention, how about all three drawn by none other than superstar artist Michael Turner? That's right, the cover to Fathom #12 featuring all three of those amazing women from their pulse pounding crossover event is now available as a full size poster to hang where ever your heart desires! You've got the book, now pick up the poster from one of the most talked about events of the year! Note: Quantities Limited. Allocations May Occur. FC, 24 x 36 5.95 HELLSPAWN #7 Todd McFarlane Production (W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Ashley Wood (Cover) Ashley Wood "The Group" If you're interested in what makes the Hellspawn tick, this one's for you. Hellspawn #7 features one of the most unique perspectives into Spawn's psyche you will ever see. Special artwork by Todd McFarlane helps bring to life this singular event. And… a secret group meeting in a church basement reveals just how far and wide the Spawn legacy reaches. This urban horror masterpiece is brought to you by Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis and multimedia genius Ashley Wood. FC 32pp $2.50 MIDNIGHT NATION #5 Joe's Comics (W) J. Michael Straczynski (P) Gary Frank (I) Jason Gorder(C ) Dan Kemp No one has ever succeeded in reclaiming his soul from the Men. That truth, which means the potential demise of David Grey, comes home when Laurel must encounter one of her previous failures. FC 32pp $2.50 NO HONOR #1 Top Cow Comics (W) Fiona Avery (P) Clayton Crain In February 2001, view the world through the eyes of a world-class art thief. Witness the theft of an antique katana and the rebirth of an ancient Samurai soul in the body of a thief without honor. Fall in love with someone you could never possibly know, hunt while being hunted, and taste the world again for the first time in 1300 years. NO HONOR is Fiona Avery's four- issue tale of one thief who finally runs out of luck and runs into Tannen Yojimbo, the spirit of a Samurai who will change his world forever. FC 32pp $2.50 OBJECTIVE FIVE #7 (P) Luke Lizalde (I) Crime Lab Inks (C) Tyson Wengler (W) Todd Samovitz & Kevin Hoffer "Origins" OBJECTIVE FIVE #7 reveals exactly what the Chinese have in mind for the Objective Five team. After being kidnapped, our heroes find Russian bio-weapons alive and well in China. While being interrogated by the champions of human rights, the team discovers just how deep the Chinese are into the "super soldier" virus program. Could this same program reveal the origins to the virus that infected them? Don't miss this psychological thriller! FC 32pp $2.95 POWERS COLORING AND ACTIVITY BOOK (W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Mike Avon Oeming Ever stop by your local police precinct and get one of those coloring/activity books the cops hand out to teach safety tips and crime prevention? Well, this month the team behind the super hit comic, Powers, brings you the coloring/activity book that they hand out at the precinct where the comic book Powers takes place. Find out what happens if you don't listen to the rules and touch a super hero without permission... Find out what happens if you put on a costume and cape and jump off a large building in an attempt to get your favorite super heroes attention... Find out what to do if your father is, in fact, a super villain. It's all here, in this one of a kind comic book surprise. BW 16pp $1.50 RISING STARS #14 Joe's Comics (W) J. Michael Straczynski (P) Christian Zanier It's the fight everybody's been waiting for: Patriot versus Matthew Bright, Critical Maas goes critical mass, and the final truth behind the murders is revealed at last. FC 32pp $2.50 SAM & TWITCH #19 Todd McFarlane Production (W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Alex Maleev (Color) Jay Fotos (Cover) Ashley Wood "Bounty Hunter Wars, Part V"—The conclusion to one of the most action-packed storylines of any comic this year. The badass bounty hunter Bilal has gone too far and all the bounty hunters in New York are on his trail. Sam and Twitch must beat the hordes to reach Bilal first. But what will an enraged Twitch do when he finally faces the man who destroyed his life? A shocking ending you will not want to miss. FC 32pp $2.50 SAVAGE DRAGON #84 by Erik Larsen Mike Allred's The ATOMICS and MADMAN guest star as the Dragon fights BrainiApe and the deadly new Vicious Circle in the arena of death! And you're not going to believe who's behind all this insanity-- the shocker of the year for sure! PLEASE NOTE: Savage Dragon is featured in the Atomics this month from AAA Pop Productions. These stories do not crossover from one book to another and both comics can be read and enjoyed independently of each other. This (and EVERY) issue of Savage Dragon is COMPLETELY accessible to old and new readers. Savage Dragon comes with our Highest Possible Recommendation!! FC 32pp $2.95 OFFERED AGAIN SAVAGE DRAGON #75-#79 Erik Larsen woke up one morning and said to himself, "Erik, it's time to pull out all the stops. Let's get readers back on their toes and keep 'em there." And so he did. Never looking back, he began the Savage Dragon's Bold New Direction. Erik Larsen is the only Image founder still writing an drawing his book EACH and EVERY month, 84 issues strong. Each issue is 100% self-contained and completely accessible to old and new readers. Since issue #76, the Dragon has become one of Image Central's most reordered titles, behind only Powers and Red Star in sheer quantity. SAVAGE DRAGON #75 48 Pages, No ads, and the Ultimate Earth Shattering Set-Up FC 32pp $4.95 SAVAGE DRAGON #76—This Savage World SAVAGE DRAGON #77—Something Wild!! (Ships with two covers in equal ratio.) SAVAGE DRAGON #78—Mind Slaves of the Brain Child SAVAGE DRAGON #79—Attack of the 60-Foot Woman! FC 32pp $2.95Ea. SECTION ZERO #6 (S/A) Karl Kesel & Tom Grummett (C) Ben DiMagmaliw DON'T MISS THIS! The fantastic finale of SECTION ZERO'S unbelievable "Ground Zero" storyline-- and the first appearance of Kurt Busiek and George Pérez's creator-owned WESTWIND. Death, deceit and destruction define the final battle for the mysterious island known as Ground Zero a battle that will force SECTION ZERO to pay the ultimate price. By Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett. Plus: Nicholas West is a powerful attorney... and mystic, with the ability to control the elements. Introducing: WESTWIND, a different kind of rainmaker, in a back-up story by the AVENGERS team supreme, Kurt Busiek and George Pérez. FC 32pp $2.95 OFFERED AGAIN: SECTION ZERO #1-3 CRIMSON PLAGUE #1 YOUR FINAL CHANCE TO GET IN AT GROUND ZERO! Don't miss this opportunity. The opening chapters in the first electrifying epic of SECTION ZERO are available one last time. Don'Tc say we didn't warn you! SECTION ZERO #1 From a war-torn Asian country to the Australian Outback, Section Zero faces the fantastic and challenges the unknown. SECTION ZERO #2 One member falls and another rises to take their place as Section Zero fights a creat