PREVIEWS VOL. XII #3 PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS STAR SYSTEM SUMMER 2002 CATALOG The Star System Summer Catalog: more than 3,000 items; a cornucopia of comics and related merchandise, with everything from Aardvarks to X-Men… plus an expanded Toys section! NOTE: Due to the exceptionally large volume of product in the Star System, not all items will be pictured in this catalog. Catalog, 8.5x11, FC PI PREVIEWS #5 (MAY 2002) Previews is your ultimate source for all the merchandise available from your local comic book specialty retailer… approximately two months in advance! Hundreds of comics from a myriad of publishers, merchandise, and exclusive editorial content available nowhere else! This issue features items scheduled to ship from July 2002 through September 2002! Catalog, 8x11, 400+pg, PC $3.25 PREVIEWS PRIMO FLYER #5 Primo is the monthly publication featuring some of the best and most desirable items from Previews! This issue highlights items in the May 2001 catalog! Digest, 5x8, FC MSRP: PI PREVIEWS CONSUMER ORDER FORM #5 Previews makes it easy for you to order every item in the catalog with this separate order form booklet! This issue ships in late April 2002 for items on sale in July 2002. Comic-sized, 62pg, PC MSRP: PI PREVIEWS ADULT #5 Previews Adult features Adult-oriented art, info, and related news not found in Previews. NOTE: Due to customs and international restrictions, adult material may not be available in some international markets. Please check with your local comic book specialty retailer for availability. ADULT MATERIAL Catalog, 24pg, b&w MSRP: $0.75 COMICS SECTION PREMIER VENDORS DARK HORSE COMICS LONE WOLF 2100 #1 (OF 4) by MIKE KENNEDY and FRANCISCO RUIZ VELASCO; cover by FRANCISCO RUIZ VELASCO It's a hundred years from now and the world is coming apart. A deadly man-made virus known as the "War Spore" is spreading, the debilitating effects felt by man and android alike. Whole populations have become refugees; barred at every border. Human-like android emulation constructs called EmCons, suspected of intentionally releasing the virus, are in revolt. Only a few places on earth remain safe havens from the Spore… Hiding among the displaced hordes are a man named Itto and a young girl, Daisy. She is the daughter of a renowned scientist who was working on a cure for the virus. He was her father's bodyguard, but now his accused murderer. They're on the run from the operatives of the Cygnat Owari Corporation, men — and machines — who will stop at nothing to kill the man and retrieve the girl. Whether Daisy is an infectious carrier of the virus, as the corporation claims, or something more, as Itto believes, escape is but the first step on their journey, the final destination of which is vengeance… Part homage, and partly a re-imagining of the original Lone Wolf and Cub manga, this special project is being done in association with MegaHouse (the authorized licensors of Lone Wolf and Cub), and under the watchful eye of Kazuo Koike, the writer and co-creator of Lone Wolf and Cub. On sale May 22 FC, 32pg (1 of 4) . . . $2.99 SUPERMAN/ALIENS II #1 by CHUCK DIXON, JON BOGDANOVE, and KEVIN NOWLAN; cover BY JON BOGDANOVE and KEVIN NOWLAN Superman faces the eternal ferocity of Aliens again in this explosive four-part series! Darkseid is bad enough, with his forces of Parademons and loyal henchmen on Apokolips, but, when a ship carrying the Alien brood crashes into his domain, will he finally find the key to creating a relentless, indestructible army? On a visit to New Genesis, Superman is welcomed by the New Gods, including Orion and Highfather. A warning predicts that a horror will soon visit New Genesis. Will even the might of the Man of Steel, combined with scores of super-powered beings, be enough to stop Darkseid's new hordes? An all-star creative team brings the now-classic Aliens to life with a superhero twist and they'll have you screaming for the next issue! On sale May 1 FC, 32pg (1 of 4) . . . $2.99 MURDER MYSTERIES HARDCOVER original short story created & written by NEIL GAIMAN adaptation created and illustrated by P. CRAIG RUSSELL One of the most celebrated writers in the history of comics teams up once again with one of the industry's most accomplished artists! For the first time in nine years, since the award-winning 50th issue of Sandman, Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell once again venture into the world of myth and angels. Constructing and maintaining all of heaven and earth is an immense task, which God has divided up amongst the various ranks and stations of angels. As with any such huge effort, there are bound to be casualties. This unique passion play sheds light on the hands behind creation, as well as one lonely man in Los Angeles who gets to hear the whole story of a most unspeakable crime: a murder in paradise! P. Craig Russell adapts Neil Gaiman's poignant short story with the subtlety and grace which earned him two Eisner Awards last year for his work on Dark Horse's Ring of the Nibelung series. The reunion of these two legendary comics creators is a guaranteed masterpiece. SPECIAL ADVANCE SOLICITATION On sale June 12 FC, HC, 7"x10", 64 pg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.95 THE AMAZING SCREW-ON HEAD created, written, & illustrated by MIKE MIGNOLA Yes, even the creator of the world's greatest supernatural investigator needs a break once in a while, and when Mike Mignola tires (however briefly) of a steady diet of Hellboy, he turns to diversions such as The Amazing Screw-On Head! When Emperor Zombie threatens the safety of all life on Earth, the president enlists the aid of a mechanical head. With Screw-On Head and Mr. Groin on the job, you just know there will be flying machines to be piloted, tombs to be robbed, and weird alien menaces to be thwarted — all that and talking dogs, too! It's pure mayhem — and pure Mignola! On sale May 15 FC, 32pg, no ads . . . . . . . . . . . $2.99 USAGI YOJIMBO #57 created, written, & illustrated by STAN SAKAI The time has come for Usagi's former sensei, Katsuichi, to take part in a duel with the dangerous swordsman Koji. As he and his small band of travelers make their way to meet Koji at the Kitanoji Temple, they soon come across a tiny village being terrorized by a gang of renegade ronin. Now Katsuichi must choose — ignore the villagers' plight and maintain his course, or stay and fight, risking to forfeit the duel altogether. Either path puts his honor on the line! On sale May 29 b&w, 24 pg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.99 MIKE MIGNOLA'S HELLBOY RELISTS Enter the world of Eisner Award winning creator Mike Mignola's Hellboy. From lunch boxes to lighters, this swag's so cool — it's scary! Exclusively from Dark Horse Comics. HELLBOY BASEBALL CAP One size fits all, black/red/yellow, embroidered logo (STAR09192) . . . $14.95 HELLBOY: THE BONES OF GIANTS ILLUSTRATED NOVEL by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden SC, 200pg, b&w (STAR14867) . . . $14.95 HELLBOY: THE CHAINED COFFIN AND OTHERS TP by Mike Mignola SC, 176pg, FC (STAR08240) . . . $17.95 HELLBOY LUNCH BOX FC, 8"x7"x3-3/4" (STAR10349) . . . $19.95 HELLBOY: ODD JOBS by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, and others SC, 216pg, FC, 6"x9" (STAR10486) . . . $14.95 HELLBOY PVC SET Seven-piece set, packaged in a full-color window box (STAR13684) . . . $39.99 HELLBOY: THE RIGHT HAND OF DOOM TP by Mike Mignola FC, 144pg, SC (STAR11164) . . . $17.95 HELLBOY: SEED OF DESTRUCTION TP by Mike Mignola, John Byrne, and Mark Chiarello SC, 128pg, FC (STAR06740) . . . $17.95 HELLBOY SHOT GLASS Clear shot glass w/red & white art, Hellboy on one side, logo on the other (STAR09241) . . . $5.95 HELLBOY SOFT VINYL FIGURE 13-3/4" tall, fully painted, soft vinyl figure, packaged in a full-color window box (STAR13505) . . . $59.99 HELLBOY: WAKE THE DEVIL TP by Mike Mignola SC, 144pg, FC (STAR06597) . . . $17.95 HELLBOY WRISTWATCH Analog quartz, water-resistant dial, brass casing, black leather band, packaged in a black-matte wood box, certificate of authenticity (STAR10685) . . . $49.95 HELLBOY ZIPPO® LIGHTER Three-color chrome Zippo® lighter (STAR06649) . . . $29.95 ******************************* DARK HORSE EXTRA #47 It's going to be one heck of a May Day with this month's Dark Horse Extra! The festivities begin with a brand new strip from Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow & Tara, previewing our new mini-series penned by Tara herself, Amber Benson! Also this month, the conclusion of Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo, PLUS an action-packed Star Wars strip! Speaking of Star Wars, May also marks the release of a "little" film you may have heard of called Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones. Get in on the Jedi fever with this month's poster, a sneak peek at our upcoming series Star Wars Infinities — The Empire Strikes Back! All this, plus get the dish on all the May Dark Horse titles and products! Be sure to pick up issue #47 of Dark Horse Extra! On sale May 1 FC, 4pg, 14-3/4" x 21-1/2" folded to 14-3/4" x 10-3/4" . . . PI THE TENTH: NIGHTWALKERS #2 by TONY DANIEL and ROMANO Victor DeLeon and his Special Ops unit target the incubation chambers for what will become the new breed of Darkk Warriors to carry on Rhazes Darkk's bidding to re-inhabit Earth! But as Victor and company close in, a strange new beast decides this is the creepiest time to pick them off one by one. Meanwhile, rogue-Russian-built cyborg, Adrenalynn has aborted her mission to kill Esperanza after learning of Darkk's new plans for a new monster empire. But will Espy and Adrenalynn arrive in time to save Victor's life? Or will they inadvertantly set the wheels in motion for a new global takeover? Find out in issue two of The Tenth: Nightwalkers. On sale May 8 FC, 32pg (Cover A) . . . $2.99 FC, 32pg (Cover B) . . . $2.99 THE TENTH: NO SWEETS AFTER DARK TP by TONY DANIEL, BEAU SMITH, SALEEM CRAWFORD, and BATT Esperanza del Toro has never been what you would call a "normal" girl. Her psychic powers have branded her as a freak all her life — leading her to a companionship with an ex-CIA agent who has been mutated into a powerful, blood-drinking monster known as the Tenth, and pitting the two of them against an ever-growing army of enemies even stranger than themselves. In this sequel to last year's The Tenth: Blackout, Esperanza and the Tenth face new adversaries and old, and Espy finds her psychic link with the Tenth severed — perhaps forever — leaving them both alone and at the mercy of their foes! On sale June 19 SC, 96pg, FC . . . $9.95 SPYBOY SPECIAL (ONE-SHOT) by PETER DAVID, POP MHAN, NORMAN LEE, CLEM ROBINS, GUY MAJOR, and others; cover by FRANCISCO RUIZ VELASCO Hot on the heels of their crossover adventure of a lifetime, SpyBoy, Bombshell, and SpyGirl go from the frying pan into the...well, you know. It's a far-flung story you never thought you'd see! After a mission gone wrong, Bombshell awakens from a coma ten years into the future. She discovers that Alex Fleming — once known as SpyBoy – is married to Yukio (SpyGirl) and is heading up the deadliest spy organization in history. Only Bombshell has a hope of stopping him, except … is any of it real? Or has Bombshell been brainwashed into a "House of Games" style plot that could spell the end of a perfectly innocent young hero? The whole SpyBoy gang returns, headed by super-scribe Peter David and fan-favorite Pop Mhan! Francisco Ruiz Velasco (Battle Gods) joins the team, bringing his cool style to the cover of this double-size one-shot! This foray into fun also includes some extra surprises and pin-ups! On sale May 15 FC, 48pg (one-shot) . . . $4.99 ALSO AVAILABLE SPYBOY STICKERS Bombshell sticker #1 (Shy mini-bombshell), FC (JUN010050) . . . $1.99 (each) Bombshell sticker #2 (Angry mini-bombshell), FC (JUN010051) . . . $1.99 (each) SPYBOY VOL. 1: THE DEADLY GOURMET AFFAIR TP by Peter David, Pop Mhan, and Norman Lee SC, 80pg, FC (STAR13010). . . $8.95 SPYBOY VOL. 2: TRIAL AND TERROR TP by Peter David, Pop Mhan, and Norman Lee SC, 80pg, FC (STAR13489) . . . $9.95 SPYBOY VOL. 3: BET YOUR LIFE TP by Peter David, Pop Mhan, Carlos Meglia, and Norman Lee; SC, 80pg, FC . . . $9.95 SPYBOY VOL. 4: UNDERCOVER, UNDERWEAR TP by Peter David, Pop Mhan, Sunny Lee, and Norman Lee SC, 88pg, FC (OCT010017) . . . $9.95 SPYBOY SPYLIGHT high-beam flashlight that fits into metal Zippo® casing (STAR11073) . . . $24.95 *************************** THE TOWERS OF BOIS-MAURY VOL. I: BABETTE HC by HERMANN Sir Aymar, a knight of great skill and deep honor, journeys the countryside of Middle Age Europe, displaced from his own lands, fighting for his chance to return home and reclaim the towers that are "the tallest and most beautiful in all the land." While visiting a friendly lord, Aymar becomes entangled in a matter of court intrigue, a twisted knot of murder and deceit that threatens to destroy old friendships and innocent lives — even when truth and honor prevail. Hermann, international comics superstar and creator of Jeremiah, Bernard Prince, Comanche, Blood Ties, and Rodrigo, is one of comics most skilled and versatile storytellers, a master of light, shadow, composition, and character. Few creators of graphic fiction are capable of producing such a sweeping, ambitious work that succeeds so gloriously on so many levels. The Towers of Bois-Maury is Hermann's masterwork, a series of vast scope, breathtaking imagery, and emotional intensity and is another essential Venture graphic album, produced in a beautiful laminated hardcover English-language edition in association with Strip Art Features FOR MATURE READERS. On sale May HC, 48pg, FC, 9" x 12" . . . $14.95 THE TOWERS OF BOIS-MAURY VOL. II: ELOISE DE MONTGRI HC by HERMANN with FRAYMOND Displaced feudal lord Sir Aymar is again drawn into conflict in a land not his own. A group of cutthroat brigands — led by a bestial false shepherd in ghastly ram's garb — has pillaged and burned the Castle De Caulx, with only the lord's young son escaping alive. Rallying the local peasants and the mysterious and lovely Eloise De Montgri, a crossbow wielding stranger from a far land, and calling upon the honor of the wandering Aymar, the young heir commands a desperate final confrontation with the murderous outlaws, a struggle that will not only decide the fate of a people, but will unearth painful secrets locked within the heart of the troubled Eloise. The second volume of Hermann's monumental Towers of Bois-Maury series, Eloise De Montgi is a riveting historical drama of beauty and horror, another unforgettable Venture graphic album, produced in a gorgeous laminated hardcover English-language edition in association with Strip Art Features. FOR MATURE READERS. On sale May HC, 48pg, FC, 9" x 12" . . . $14.95 SUPERMAN/TARZAN: SONS OF THE JUNGLE TP by CHUCK DIXON and CARLOS MEGLIA A tiny space-pod rocketing from a doomed, little-known world crash-lands in mysterious East Africa, interrupting a vicious mutiny off the jungle coast. Who would know that this single anomalous event would disrupt the known course of time and space? It sets the lives of two legendary comic-book heroes — Superman and Tarzan — on very different paths. Orphaned Kal-El, last survivor of Krypton, is now the one raised by apes to become the mighty Lord of the Jungle. John Greystoke, heir to fortune and privilege, now becomes an adventuring wastrel draped in luxury, but not fulfillment. Fate will draw these men together in unexpected ways at the mythical lost city of Opar. Each man will face great danger, and discover his true destiny! Both heroes will be changed forever…if they survive! Collecting the four issue mini-series. On sale June 5 SC, 80pg, FC . . . $9.95 ANGEL: LONG NIGHT'S JOURNEY TP by BRETT MATTHEWS, JOSS WHEDON, MEL RUBI, and CHRIS DREIER; cover by MEL RUBI Angel searches for a kidnapped child and stumbles upon a force of unspeakable evil and unimaginable power. It seems some insidious character has an old bone to pick with L.A.'s resident vampire detective. Now Angel must go toe to toe with some of the toughest monsters around. Artist Mel Rubi takes us from the darkened mean streets of Los Angeles, to the dizzying heights of the city's skyscrapers, and face to face with some of the strangest, most grotesque, and most unsettlingly seductive creatures Angel has ever faced. Brett Matthews and Angel creator Joss Whedon have retooled and reinvented Angel, giving us a story that is much too big for the small screen. Collecting the four issue mini-series. On sale June 26 SC, 104pg, FC . . . $12.95 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #45: DEATH OF BUFFY PART 3 (OF 3) by TOM FASSBENDER, JIM PASCOE, CLIFF RICHARDS, and JOE PIMENTEL; cover by BRIAN HORTON and PAUL LEE Buffy is dead. A horde of lizard-demons plan to resurrect their fallen leader and paint the town blood red. Can Buffy's friends face the threat without a Slayer to defend them? Willow finds that she can learn a great deal from these reptilian mystics. And if there's going to be one resurrection, why can't there be two? This is the slam-bang, "dang, I banged my fang!" conclusion to the Death of Buffy storyline, illustrated by the Cliff Richards & Joe Pimentel, and written by Tom Fassbender & Jim Pascoe, the conspirators who brought you False Memories, Out of the Woodwork, and the techno-delectable illustrated Buffy novel Creatures of Habit. Don't miss out on the excitement as Dark Horse lays the groundwork for Buffy's blockbuster 50th issue! On sale May 29 FC, 32pg (3 of 3) (Art cover) . . . $2.99 FC, 32pg (3 of 3) (Photo cover) . . . $2.99 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: FALSE MEMORIES TP by TOM FASSBENDER, JIM PASCOE, CLIFF RICHARDS, and JOE PIMENTEL Remember that time when Buffy's little sister Dawn first found out that Buffy is the Slayer? And then when Angel almost killed Dawn, because no one had told her that he'd turned evil again? Buffy and the gang all have memories connected to Dawn, and only Buffy and Giles know they're not real. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions as to how Dawn came into Buffy's life, and where these memories come from. Now, Dawn has vanished without a trace, and the Scooby gang has no clue where to find her. But Buffy will stop at nothing to find her little sister, even if she has to face off against a cadre of crazed, bloodsucking monks and a former Vampire Slayer turned Slayer Vampire! Collecting issues #35-#38 of the ongoing series. o Mainstream media coverage of Buffy the Vampire Slayer has never been more enthusiastic than it is now, as critics and fans alike rave over the exciting sixth season of the hit television show, which started with Buffy's dramatic and controversial resurrection from the grave! On sale June 12 SC, 96pg, FC . . . $12.95 ASTRO BOY VOLUME 4 by OSAMA TEZUKA; translation by FREDERIK L. SCHODT Standing shoulder to shoulder with comics and animation icons Krazy Kat, Mickey Mouse, and Tin Tin, Osama Tezuka's Astro Boy remains as fresh today as when the boy robot first appeared nearly fifty years ago. And Tezuka's Astro Boy original manga are now finally available in America in an English-language edition, produced in collaboration with Studio Proteus and translated by Frederik L. Schodt, well-known to manga readers for his work on Ghost in the Shell. In this volume: Astro fights to free abused robots from a robot theme park that masks a secret weapons factory; Astro and fellow robots are stranded on the moon only to discover a valley full of diamonds...but they are not alone, and the diamonds are not unguarded; Astro becomes trapped in the twentieth century after a child prodigy's time machine breaks down; and Professor Ochanomizu and Astro Boy are caught up in a movement to overthrow a dictator who has a machine capable of producing human clones...and a force of evil robots to defend it! On sale June 26 SC, 216pg, b&w, 4 1/2" x 7" . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 22: HEAVEN AND EARTH TP by KAZUO KOIKE and GOSEKI KOJIMA; cover by GOSEKI KOJIMA Rain. Poison. Explosives. Vengeance. It's a deadly combination that forms a volatile mixture of deceit, betrayal, and hate as the final showdown between Lone Wolf assassin Ogami Itto and his nemesis Retsudo begins. While the torrential rains continue to pound Edo, the fiery Retsudo and his bloodthirsty Yagyu army rush along the banks of the swelling Hatcho River, racing to beat a load of explosives that's traveling down the other side, heading right into the hands of the vengeful samurai Ogami. Meanwhile, the cunning poisoner Abeno sees his chance to destroy both sides as they run headlong on their collision course — he's going flood all of Edo! Forced to put their battle aside, Ogami and Retsudo find themselves fighting side by side to save all of Edo from the floods, while Ogami's little son Daigoro wanders alone, fighting for his life and searching for his father! It's a deluge of evil, and it threatens to wash away all that stands in its path! o Every story in each new volume of Lone Wolf and Cub is being presented to American readers for the first time! o A true roller coaster ride all the way to the finish! FOR MATURE READERS On sale June 26 SC, 288pg, b&w, 4" x 6"…$9.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #68: BEASTS PART 3 (OF 7) by HIROAKI SAMURA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Oh, the horror! We don't want to reveal storylines or dead characters before an issue prints, so let's just briefly go over what horrible things are in store for Blade of the Immortal readers. One surprise, no one dies. But someone wishes she was dead, considering the torture she's being subjected to: bondage, hot water, hanging from the rafters, bamboo beneath the fingernails, hot spikes being driven into legs, and then there's the standard beatings and humiliation. One wouldn't guess that these elements might be sales points, but then again, this is Blade of the Immortal, and these aren't your regular comic-book readers. FOR MATURE READERS On sale May 8 b&w, 32pg (3 of 7) . . . $2.99 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: SECRETS TP by HIROAKI SAMURA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Anotsu Kagehisa, murderous leader of the rogue Ittö-ryü, has journeyed to the mountains far from Edo to the romote Shingyötö-ryü dojo under invitation to bring the sword school under his wing. But instead of a warm welcome, Anotsu finds a dojo full of angry young men who don't want to take orders from an upstart, unless he can proves he's tougher than the best of them! That sits just fine with Anotsu, who has dedicated his life to putting the killing back into Japan's formalized sword schools, but Anotsu suspects that something more than proof of his worthiness lies beneath the challenge. Meanwhile, the immortal swordsman, Manji, is recovering from a battle that left him literally cut to pieces. His charge, Rin, is till nowhere to be found, bound for vengeance against Anotsu, but soon his troubles may become a bit more immediate, troubles that even an immortal may not survive! Collecting issues #58-#65 of the ongoing series. FOR MATURE READERS On sale June 12 SC, 232pg, b&w . . . $16.95 CANNON GOD EXAXXION #7: STAGE 1 PART 7 (OF 8) by KENICHI SONODA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Hoichi's on the run, with an armada of steel-slicing, bone-crunching Riofaldian death machines hot on his tail! Racing to reach the giant robot Exaxxion before the vicious alien Ambassador Shes'ka can put an end to the human uprising — and to Hoichi's life — all eyes are on the young pilot as he fights his way through one alien threat after another, determined to reach his destination. But even if he does take the controls of Exaxxion, he's hardly had the training or experience needed to pilot the high tech behemoth. Add that to the fact that the U.N. military is treating Exaxxion like it's as much of a threat as the Riofaldians, and Earth's last defense could be over before it's even begun! FOR MATURE READERS On sale April 17 b&w, 24pg (7 of 8) . . . $2.99 OH MY GODDESS! PART XI #10: MYSTERY CHILD PART 8 (OF 8) by KOSUKE FUJISHIMA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Time is running out! In this last chapter of "Mystery Child," it looks like no one can stop the young demon boy from achieving his goal. Time as we know it could cease to exist on Earth, and even the beautiful Belldandy and precocious Peorth are helpless against this demon who has turned the two back into toddlers. And Keiichi, well, he's always helpless. Things are looking pretty grim for planet Earth, but maybe, just maybe Belldandy can break through the powers of this mystery demon child, regardless of her newfound youth. Don't miss the exciting and charming final chapter of "Mystery Child." I mean, considering how cute Bell and Peorth are as little girls, it doesn't seem like an option anyway! On sale May 1 b&w, 48pg (8 of 8) . . . $3.99 OH MY GODDESS!: WRONG NUMBER TP by KOSUKE FUJISHIMA; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS At long last, the "lost" Oh Mh Goddess" stories are collected for the first time, in this new, remastered first volume of the popular manga series, the first of three new volumes that restore the complete Oh My Goddess storyline and fill in early details of this delightful, funny, and exciting tale of college student Keiichi Morisato, who accidentally dials the Goddess Technical Helpline and is delivered the living, breathing, literal goddess Belldandy...and one wish. When he jokingly asks for Belldandy to stay with him forever, he gets his wish, and one hilarious headache after another as Keiichi and his Goddess-out-of-water adjust to the inevitable clash of the Spiritual Plane and the Material World. Also includes material from the previously published 1-555-Goddess. On sale June 5 SC, 160pg, b&w, 5 3/4 x 8 1/4 . . . $13.95 SUPER MANGA BLAST! #22 by MOHIRO KITOH, MAKOTO KOBAYASHI, YUZO TAKADA, and HIROYUKI UTATANE & YO MORIMOTO; produced by STUDIO PROTEUS Dark Horse continues to provide manga fans with the freshest and finest every month — and this month is no exception! Club 9 continues to charm, Haruo's date with the dashing and dangerous TV newscaster Tokugawa goes horribly awry! Over in 3x3 Eyes, Yakumo and Pai have a plan that will stem the forces of evil that grow ever closer around them. But overconfidence could be their downfall! Meanwhile, in What's Michael?, the inquisitive tabby Michael discovers that making peace with the new baby in the house will not only be difficult — it might be the death of him! The intrigue continues in Shadow Star, as the police maintain their stakeout on Akira, only to run into a very aggressive little dragon with ideas of his own. Rounding out the bunch is Seraphic Feather. While the UN assault team continues to roll through more of Apep's underground facility, Rix and Apep have another battle of electricity and disembodiment! FOR MATURE READERS On sale May 29 b&w, 128pg . . . $5.99 STAR WARS: EPISODE II — ATTACK OF THE CLONES #3 AND #4 by HENRY GILROY, JAN DUURSEMA, RAY KRYSSING, and DAVE MCCAIG; covers by TSUNEO SANDA Dark Horse Comics proudly continues the comics adaptation of the long-awaited second Episode of the Star Wars saga. Adapted for comics by Henry Gilroy from an original screenplay by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales, this series tells of a young Jedi coming of age, forbidden love, and a threat that has been a decade in the planning… Artfully illustrated by Jan Duursema and Ray Kryssing, this four-issue series is a must for the serious Star Wars collector. On sale May 1 Issue #3, FC, 48pg (Sanda cover) . . . $3.99 Issue #3, FC, 48pg (Photo cover) . . . $3.99 On sale May 8 Issue #4, FC, 48pg (Sanda cover) . . . $3.99 Issue #4, FC, 48pg (Photo cover) . . . $3.99 CLASSIC STAR WARS: A LONG TIME AGO... VOLUME 1 TP by ROY THOMAS, HOWARD CHAYKIN, STEVE LEIALOHA, FRANK SPRINGER, TOM PALMER, DONALD F. GLUT, ALAN KUPERBERG, ARCHIE GOODWIN, CARMINE INFANTINO, and TERRY AUSTIN Dark Horse Comics is proud to present Classic Star Wars: A Long Time Ago... featuring classic Star Wars stories not seen in over twenty years! Originally printed by Marvel Comics, these stories have been recolored and are sure to please Star Wars fans both new and old. Volume 1 contains stories from the original Marvel run like the riveting classics "Eight for Aduba-3," "Star Search," and the smash hit of June 1978 "Doomworld!" o Classic Star Wars: A Long Time Ago Volume 1 is the first book in a new 8-volume series that will collect every story ever told in the original Marvel Star Wars comic-book series. On sale June 5 SC, 336pg, FC . . . $29.95 STAR WARS #42: RITE OF PASSAGE PART 1 (OF 4) by JOHN OSTRANDER, JAN DUURSEMA, RAY KRYSSING, and DAVE MCCAIG; cover by JAN DUURSEMA & DAVE MCCAIG A crisis within the government of the planet Ryloth necessitates a Jedi mediator. Master Tholme is dispatched along with the Twi'lek Jedi, Aayla Secura for a visit to the planet of her birth. While Tholme negotiates with those in the seats of power, Aayla goes undercover as a slave — getting a taste of what her life might have been like had she stayed on Ryloth, and discovers a conspiracy that could topple the government and sever Ryloth's teis to the Republic! Aayla is on the cusp of graduating from Padawan learner to a full-fledged Jedi Knight, but stopping the evil plot may be a test beyond her abilities! On sale May 15 FC, 32pg (1 of 4) . . . $2.99 STAR WARS: JANGO FETT — OPEN SEASONS #2 (OF 4) by HADEN BLACKMAN, RAMON F. BACHS, and RAUL FERNANDEZ; cover by RAMON F. BACHS A young Jango Fett finds himself trapped behind enemy lines in the second issue of "Open Seasons," a limited series revealing the history of this notorious bounty hunter. Hounded by the evil Death Watch, Fett and his crew must charge headlong into one of their most dangerous missions, and not everyone is coming home... On sale May 22 FC, 32pg (2 of 4) . . . $2.99 DHORSE DELUXE T-SHIRTS BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL SHIRTS One thousand lives must pass through the blade of Manji before he can be released from this world. And one thousand washes will never fade the beauty of these shirts inspired by Hiroaki Samuras's graphic masterpiece – Blade of the Immortal. These are the first fully licensed B.O.I. shirts ever available in the United States, the wait is over! On sale May 22 ANATSU, MANJI, & RIN/PLAIN TEE/WHITE M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 MANJI & RIN/PLAIN TEE/BLACK M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 ALSO AVAILABLE BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: BLOOD OF A THOUSAND TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 136pg, b&w (STAR09342) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: CRY OF THE WORM TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR09466) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: DARK SHADOWS TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 192pg, b&w (STAR12025) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: DREAMSONG TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 208pg, b&w (STAR10275) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: THE GATHERING TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 208pg, b&w . . . $15.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: THE GATHERING VOL. II TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 216pg, b&w (SEP010041) . . . $15.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: HEART OF DARKNESS TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 240pg, b&w . . . $16.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: ON SILENT WINGS TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR09943) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: ON SILENT WINGS II TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 184pg, b&w (STAR10899) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL ZIPPO® LIGHTERS Black and red on chrome zippo® lighter (STAR10111). . . $29.95 Laser-etched brass on black-matte zippo® lighter (STAR10110). . . $29.95 ************************* DHORSE DELUXE STATIONERY EXOTIQUE Dark Horse is having a helluva good time teaming up with some of today's finest lowbrow/alternative artists to create a collection of super-cool snail mail stationery sets. Think outside the (e-mail)box as you let your friends know that you care enough to send the very hippest! To see all of the graphics go to www.darkhorse.com and check out the all new product zone! Shag is a product of the sprawling suburbs of Los Angeles, California. He's intrigued with the commercial art and advertising of the 50's and 60's and strives for a tight, clean appearance to his work. Though he considers himself more an illustrator than a "fine artist," galleries in the US, Europe, Australia and Japan have hosted solo exhibitions of his art. Shag's recent ventures in merchandising and prints have been equally successful. Signed, limited edition products ranging from handbags to Tiki mugs have created some desperation among collectors of his work who are eager to get everything before the editions sell out! http://www.shag-art.com/ Martin Ontiveros creates illustrations and paintings in a flat, silkscreen style. He has illustrated four volumes of Dav Pilkey's (Captain Underpants, Big Dog and Little Dog) Ricky Ricotta series and recently exhibited in "The Truth Show," a group art show featuring Martin with notaries Mitch O'Connell, Shepard Fairey, Bwana Spoons, Tim Biskup, Mary Fleener and others. Think cowboy robots. http://www.thetruthshow.com/ontiveros.html Lisa Petrucci is obsessed with pin-ups and pop culture. Her paintings are reflective of various interests - from collecting sleazy vintage men's magazines and watching sexploitation sinema from the 50's & 60's; to the toys, dolls, television shows, comics and collectibles from her childhood. These two seemingly unrelated worlds collide and happily mesh together in her art. Lisa's work has been exhibited and enjoyed in the US, Canada, UK and Sweden and has been featured in many diverse publications. http://www.lisapetrucci.com/ Each set includes 8 letter sheets (four different styles), 6 envelopes (4 different styles), and a set of stickers. Packaged as a work of art itself with a printed belly-band all inside a poly bag. On sale June 19 DH Deluxe Stationary Exotique Set # 1: Shag's Supersonic . . . $4.99 DH Deluxe Stationary Exotique Set # 2: Shag's XXXXXXXX . . . $4.99 DH Deluxe Stationary Exotique Set # 3: Martin's Rootin-Tootin' Robots . . . $4.99 DH Deluxe Stationary Exotique Set # 4: Lisa Petruccia's Kick-Ass Kuties . . . $4.99 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S DRINKY CROW PVC Dook! Dook! Dook! Drinky Crow comes to life! This 6 inch miracle of plastic comes with a bottle of booze and interchangeable eyes. Abducted from the Maakies strip by Tony Millionaire, Drinky Crow is the perfect companion for all your debauched activities. The bottle fits nicely into The Crow's beak, that he may suck easily on the fountain of despair. When he's done, pop in the "drunken" eyes, for a realistic feeling! Set him on a shelf in a dark room, get drunk, and see how depressed you can get staring at him! On sale July 24 6" PVC figure, packaged in full-color window box . . . $19.99 ALSO AVAILABLE SOCK MONKEY TP by Tony Millionaire b&w, 96pg, SC (STAR11519) . . . $9.95 SOCK MONKEY: A CHILDREN'S BOOK TP by Tony Millionaire b&w, SC, 6" x 9", 80pg . . . $9.95 SOCK MONKEY LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR11660) . . . $19.95 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY & MR. CROW SHOT GLASSES FC, graphic on front, logo on back (Sock Monkey) (STAR12361) . . . $6.99 FC, graphic on front, logo on back (Mr. Crow) (STAR12360) . . . $6.99 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY ZIPPO® LIGHTER FC, chrome Zippo® lighter (STAR12362) . . . $29.99 SOCK MONKEY STICKERS #1 (Sock Monkey 3 panel), FC . . . $1.99 (each) #2 (Sock Monkey head shot), FC . . . $1.99 (each) #3 (Sock Monkey in flowers), FC . . . $1.99 (each) #4 (Sock Monkey in chair), FC . . . $1.99 (each) SOCK MONKEY MAGNET SET 7 piece FC, thick magnets (STAR13274) . . . $9.99 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY DOLL 22" plush doll . . . $19.99 ************************* TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN LUNCH BOX Awash in a sea of caffeine, adrift on a tin of titanic proportion and pressed against the belly of life, our hero Too Much Coffee Man awaits his fate. His creator, Shannon Wheeler, illustrated this lunchbox with the sole purpose of intervening into the fate of mankind. "Release him unto this world so that the people may rejoice," and so it was, and so it will be. The Too Much Coffee Man lunch box awaits you. o See our complete line of lunch boxes on page 00! On sale August 28 FC, embossed metal lunch box, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" . . . $19.99 TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN ITEMS STILL AVAILABLE TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN'S AMUSING MUSINGS by Shannon Wheeler b&w, 144pg (SEP010019) . . . $12.95 TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN'S GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED TP by Shannon Wheeler SC, 144pg, b&w (STAR08167) . . . $10.95 TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN'S PARADE OF TIRADE TP by Shannon Wheeler SC, 144pg, b&w (STAR10415) . . . $12.95 TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN T-SHIRTS Coffee cup with wings/Plain Tee/White/Adult M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 SKULL WITH COFFEE CUP/PLAIN TEE/BLACK/ADULT M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 COFFEE CUP STAIN/PLAIN TEE/WHITE/ADULT M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN W/LOGO/PLAIN TEE/ASH/ADULT M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN STICKERS #1 (Black with Skull mug), FC . . . $1.99 (each) #2 (LOVE), FC . . . $1.99 (each) #3 (Round with coffee stain), FC . . . $1.99 (each) #4 (Rectangular coffee with wings), FC . . . $1.99 (each) TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN MUG 20 ounce mug with full color image . . . $12.95 ********************** BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL MANJI DELUXE ACTION FIGURE We are pleased to follow up the smash hit MegaHouse super deluxe 12" figures of Lone Wolf and Cub with another fantastic release — Manji from Hiroaki Samura's Blade of the Immortal. This is the main character from the Eisner Award-Winning saga. The figure comes complete with a hancrafted cloth costume, removable sandals, eight different swords and other samurai weapons that we see in the story. The Manji figure is hyper-articulated and represents the state of the art of both dollmaking and action figure construction. Only 400 of these figures have been created. We are fortunate to have secured 100 of them for our customers. On sale May 29 12" tall, packaged in a window box complete with instruction booklet . . . $PI PRODUCT RELISTS New products now available for reorder! HBO: BAND OF BROTHERS ZIPPO® LIGHTER STANDARD AND COLLECTOR'S EDITIONS Standard edition, black matte finish, olive green logo . . . $39.99 Collector's edition, high-polish chrome, engraved logo w/gold inlay . . . $100.00 CLASSIC COMIC CHARACTERS #28: ALLEY OOP STATUE 5" tall, packaged in full-color tin box w/certificate, pinback button, and info booklet. Limited to only 600 numbered copies . . . $49.95 CLASSIC COMIC CHARACTERS #29: LITTLE NEMO STATUE 5" tall, packaged in full-color tin box w/certificate, pinback button, and info booklet. Limited to only 600 numbered copies . . . $49.95 CYBERWORLD PORTFOLIO Six 13 1/2"x 10 3/8" color prints . . . $19.99 FUTURAMA BENDER HALLOWEEN MASK Gray full size plastic mask w/elastic string . . . $5.99 FUTURAMA PAPER DOLL BOOK Futurama Paper Doll Book . . . $5.99 GUNSMITH CATS: RALLY AND MINNIE MAY ACTION FIGURES Rally Action Figure 6 1/2" tall, 12 points of articulation . . . $14.99 Minnie May Action Figure 6" tall, 10 points of articulation . . . $14.99 GUNSMITH CATS STATUE 8" tall, fully painted and assembled (STAR14603) . . . $150.00 MASAMUNE SHIROW 2002 CALENDAR FC, 19 3/4" x 8 1/4" unfolded . . . $24.99 OLIVIA MAGNET SET 4 full-color magnets . . . $12.99 PLANET OF THE APES LIMITED-EDITION THADE STATUE 12" tall, fully painted, limited-edition, packaged in a full-color collectors box (STAR14616) . . . $150.00 LUNCH BOXES BETTIE PAGE LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR10342) . . . $19.95 BONE LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR11644) . . . $19.95 CHRIS WARE LUNCH BOX FC, embossed metal . . . $19.99 DEVIL GIRL LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR12577) . . . $19.99 FLASH GORDON LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR12314) . . . $19.99 FUTURAMA LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR12315) . . . $19.99 GROO LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR10347) . . . $19.95 HELLBOY LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR10349) . . . $19.95 INTRON DEPOT LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR11684) . . . $19.95 LITTLE NEMO IN SLUMBERLAND LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" . . . $19.99 MADMAN LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR11005) . . . $19.95 MILK & CHEESE LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3-3/4" (STAR10355) . . . $19.95 OLIVIA LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3-3/4" (STAR11006) . . . $19.95 SOCK MONKEY LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR11660) . . . $19.95 SPIRIT LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" . . . $19.99 THUNDERBIRDS LUNCH BOX FC, embossed metal lunch box, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" . . . $19.99 LONE WOLF AND CUB RELISTS LONE WOLF AND CUB VOLUME 1: THE ASSASSIN'S ROAD TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6"(STAR11783) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOLUME 2: THE GATELESS BARRIER TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR11929) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOLUME 3: THE FLUTE OF THE FALLEN TIGER TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR12325) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 4: THE BELL WARDEN TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR12326). . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 5: BLACK WIND TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 288pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR12634). . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 6: LANTERNS FOR THE DEAD TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 288pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR12817) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 7: CLOUD DRAGON, WIND TIGER TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR13112) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 8: CHAINS OF DEATH TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR13290) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 9: ECHO OF THE ASSASSIN TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 288pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR13578) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 10: HOSTAGE CHILD TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR13691) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 11: TALISMAN OF HADES TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR13906) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 12: SHATTERED STONES TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR14042) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 13: THE MOON IN THE EAST, THE SUN IN THE WEST TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Bill Sienkiewicz SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR14486) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 14: DAY OF THE DEMONS TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Bill Sienkiewicz SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR14742) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 15: BROTHERS OF THE GRASS TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Bill Sienkiewicz SC, 352pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (STAR14652) . . . $9.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOL. 16: THE GATEWAY INTO WINTER TP by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima; cover by Bill Sienkiewicz SC, 320pg, b&w, 4" x 6" (SEP010043) . . . $9.95 New trade paperbacks now available for reorder! ADRENALYNN: WEAPON OF WAR TP by Tony Daniel and Martin Egeland SC, 96pg, FC . . . $12.95 ALIENS VS. PREDATOR TP by Randy Stradley, Phill Norwood, Chris Warner, Karl Story, and Robert Campanella SC, 176pg, FC . . . $19.95 THE BIG HOAX by Carlos Trillo and Roberto Mandrafina SC, 128pg, b&w 7" x 9 1/2" . . . $10.95 BIRD: THE TATTOO by Carlos Trillo and Juan Bobillo HC, 48pg, FC, 9" x 12" . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: THE GATHERING VOL. II TP by Hiroaki Samura SC, 216pg, b&w (SEP010041) . . . $15.95 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: AUTUMNAL TP by Chris Boal, Tom Fassbender, Jim Pascoe, Cliff Richards, and Joe Pimentel SC, 80pg, FC . . . $9.95 GUNSMITH CATS: MISTER V TP by Kenichi Sonoda SC, 224pg, b&w . . . $18.95 OTTO PORFIRI: DRAMA ON THE CLIFF TP by Franco Saudelli SC, 88pg, b&w 7" x 9 1/2" . . . $9.95 RODRIGO HC by Hermann and Yves Huppen HC, 56pg, FC, 10" x 13" (SEP010026) . . . $16.95 SCATTERBRAIN HARDCOVER COLLECTION by Mike Mignola, Craig Thompson, Kilian Plunkett, Jim Woodring, Sergio Aragonés, Evan Dorkin, Steve Parkhouse, Steve Guarnaccia, Greg Clarke, Jay Stephens, Dave Cooper, & more; cover art by Craig Thompso FC, HC, 9" x13", 128pg . . . $19.95 STAR WARS: TWILIGHT TP by John Ostrander, Jan Duursema, and Rick Magyar; cover by Andrew Robinson SC, 96pg, FC . . . $12.95 STAR WARS: UNDERWORLD — THE YAVIN VASSILIKA TP by Mike Kennedy and Carlos Meglia; cover by Carlos Meglia SC, 120pg, FC . . . $14.95 ************************ DC COMICS No More Happily Ever After… FABLES Her apartment's a bloody crime scene. Her body's nowhere to be found. And it's not a simple case of murder. Welcome to Fabletown… When a group of fairy tale characters are exiled from their respective homelands, they're forced to take up secret residence in modern day New York City. Life in the "real" world among the "mundanes" isn't easy for these displaced refugees. Modern problems such as making the rent are added to their accustomed challenges of keeping their fangs to themselves and their enchantments in good operating order. Manhattan is the setting for FABLES — a new ongoing VERTIGO series created and written with predatory wit by Bill Willingham (Coventry, THE SANDMAN PRESENTS: MERV PUMPKINHEAD — AGENT OF DREAM). This series features a rotating roster of amazing artists, including Lan Medina (Aria, WONDER WOMAN SECRET FILES) & Steve Leialoha (THE SANDMAN PRESENTS: PETREFAX) on the first story arc, with Mark Buckingham (DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING, Peter Parker: Spider-Man) and others on future issues. FABLES will appeal to genre fans of both dark fantasy and urban reality. To illustrate this dichotomy, issue #1 features two covers — an evocative painting by newcomer James Jean, and a dynamic, line art illustration by Alex Maleev (Daredevil, BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND). The primary suspect in Rose Red's murder is her latest boyfriend, Jack — an unrepentant rascal who's caused no end of trouble for the Fable community since his beanstalk-climbing days. It's up to Deputy Mayor Snow White and a reformed Bigby Wolf, Fabletown's one-man police force, to sniff out whodunnit to Snow's estranged party-girl sister. Can the reluctant partners solve the mystery of Rose Red's murder without killing one another in the process? The ensemble cast of FABLES also includes (among many others) the down-on-his-luck philanderer Prince Charming, who's trying to replenish his lost fortune by selling his royal title on the internet; Beauty and the Beast, who're immersed in a 400-year-old marital crisis; and a pesky, adventurous little pig, who finds city life far more suitable than life Upstate on The Farm and threatens to blow everyone's cover in the process. Willingham said about the new series: "These aren't the charming, lovable fairy stories that captured the imagination of your saccharine youth. Not even close. These tales are about jealousy, misery, murder, betrayal, revenge, regret, and armed revolution. They hearken back to the dark roots of our folklore, before they were sanitized for a more delicate society." This project is supported with a 4-color poster, house and trade ads, and a website promotion at www.dccomics.com. FABLES is an ongoing VERTIGO series edited by Shelly Bond, and is suggested for mature readers. The 32-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores May 8 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. Note: This issue will ship with two covers. All orders will be comprised of covers by James Jean (50%) and Alex Maleev (50%). EVOLVING VERTIGO A new era has arrived for one of the most cutting-edge imprints in comics, with a new look spearheading some exciting upcoming projects. Beginning this May, all regular monthly VERTIGO titles adopt a new trade dress that sets them apart on the stands, starting with FABLES #1 (see related article). But FABLES is just the beginning of the next VERTIGO revolution. "We have a lot of cool projects making their debuts for the rest of the year," says Karen Berger, Vice President — Executive Editor, Vertigo. "The new cover treatment is just one of many exciting things readers can look forward to. Besides the great items offered this month, VERTIGO has upcoming projects to satisfy all kinds of comics readers:" THE FILTH — Ongoing series by Grant Morrison, Chris Weston & Gary Erskine. "We're keeping the lid tight on this project for now," says Berger. "But rest assured it's another brilliant new venture from the man who re-invented the JLA and New X-Men and brought us THE INVISIBLES." 100% — Writer/artist Paul Pope returns with a 5-issue miniseries following three young couples in a stark New York City of the future. Y-LAST MAN — Ongoing series by Brian K. Vaughn and Pia Guerra. A mysterious virus wipes out every living thing on Earth with a Y-chromosome...except for one man. THE DARWIN THEORY — A 3-issue miniseries by Joe Casey & Ben Templesmith. "Think X-Files meets James Bond" BLOOD AND WATER — A 6-issue miniseries by Judd Winick and Tomm Coker that's a vampire tale with a VERTIGO twist. FIGHT FOR TOMORROW — acclaimed author Brian Wood joins artists Denys Cowan & Kent Williams for a 6-issue miniseries of violence and retribution set in New York's Chinatown. VERTIGO COLLECTIONS — Look for new collections for 100 BULLETS, AMERICAN CENTURY, ANIMAL MAN, LUCIFER, THE INVISIBLES, and TRANSMETROPOLITAN. Plus, trade paperbacks of the JOHNNY DOUBLE and USER miniseries." ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVELS — Look for the ENDLESS NIGHTS hardcover by Neil Gaiman and some amazing artists, including Milo Manara, Prado, Bill Sienkiewicz, P. Craig Russell, Tanino Liberatore, and Storey. Then discover ORBITER by Warren Ellis and Colleen Doran, about a mysterious space shuttle that returns to Earth ten years late…with only one crewmember alive. Plus, writer/artist Ty Templeton brings us BIGG TIME, about a loser who wants to be famous or die trying. Look for the new trade dress on the following VERTIGO titles this May: In stores May 8: · FABLES #1 · HUNTER: THE AGE OF MAGIC #11 · TRANSMETROPOLITAN #56 In stores May 15: · AMERICAN CENTURY #15 · LUCIFEER #26 In stores May 22: · HELLBLAZER #174 · MIDNIGHT, MASS #2 In stores May 29: · 100 BULLETS #36 · CODENAME: KNOCKOUT #13 Read it here first! DC FIRSTS Several "DC FIRSTS" are revealed this May in the form of four 48-page one-shots — some never-before-told stories, and some new versions of classic tales — featuring must-see first encounters, first adventures, and first-ever events! In DC FIRST: SUPERMAN/LOBO — written by Keith Giffen with art by Cliff Rathburn & Rob Leigh — the Man of Steel and the Main Man have a lot more in common than you might expect. They're orphans from space. They live by a rigid code of honor. And after guzzling gallons of space-brew, they both enjoy belching contests! No, waitasecond…only Lobo does that. Actually, this story is one all Superman fans have been hoping we'd never show: the very first encounter between Superman and Lobo! How did their great relationship start off so well? Why does Superman grit his teeth every time he hears the word "frag"? And why does Lobo hate this milksop planet we call Earth? Read it and weep! In DC FIRST: THE FLASH/SUPERMAN — written by Geoff Johns with art by Rick Burchett & Prentis Rollins — it's a whole different kind of "first," as we witness the first race ever between Superman and the Flash! Think you've seen this race before? Think again! While the Man of Steel may have raced Barry Allen and Wally West, he's never raced the original Golden Age Flash, Jay Garrick! One of the deadliest Flash foes ever, Kadabra, has forced our heroes to race against the clock to save the life of Wally! Just how is the so-called "Fastest Man Alive" going to get out of this predicament? DC FIRST: GREEN LANTERN/GREEN LANTERN — written by Ben Raab with art by Pete Woods & Rob Stull — re-presents a classic tale told in an all-new way: the very first adventure together featuring the Golden Age and Silver Age Green Lanterns! Alan Scott and Hal Jordan team up to face the ancient Oan menace: Krona. Krona seeks to discover the origins of the universe, despite the warnings that it would cause terrible destruction to the universe — and it's up to our pair of ring-slingers to stop him! Finally, a very personal tale is told in DC FIRST: BATGIRL/THE JOKER, written by Steven Grant with present-day art by Bill Sienkiewicz. Everyone who's read BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE remembers the chilling and brutal encounter between Barbara Gordon and the Joker. When Oracle recounts her first encounter with the Clown Prince of Crime as the original Batgirl (in a flashback sequence illustrated by upcoming BIRDS OF PREY writer Terry Moore), the current Batgirl gets it in her mind to challenge the Joker to a duel. Uh-oh! Batman would not approve! All four DC FIRSTS one-shots feature dazzling covers by the one-and-only Kevin Nowlan ("Jack B. Quick" in TOMMOROW STORIES)! Be the FIRST to read them all! This project is supported with house and trade ads, and a website promotion at www.dccomics.com. DC FIRST: SUPERMAN/LOBO is edited by Dan Raspler and arrives in comic-book stores May 1. DC FIRST: THE FLASH/SUPERMAN is edited by Joey Cavalieri and arrives in comic-book stores May 8. DC FIRST: GREEN LANTERN/GREEN LANTERN is edited by Michael Wright and arrives in comic-book stores May 15. DC FIRST: BATGIRL/THE JOKER is edited by Lysa Hawkins and arrives in comic-book stores May 29. All four DC FIRST issues are 48-pages with a cover price of $3.50 U.S. each. HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT Hardcover Peter Milligan, writer of the acclaimed HUMAN TARGET miniseries (with art by the late, great Edvin Biukovic) returns to VERTIGO with HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT, a riveting, action-packed modern noir with a psychological undercurrent. For this 96-page original hardcover, Milligan — one of the writers who defined VERTIGO with his groundbreaking work on SHADE THE CHANGING MAN, ENIGMA, THE EXTREMIST and many others (as well as currently penning the fan favorite X-Force) — teams with sensational European illustrator Javier Pulido (ROBIN: YEAR ONE). Christopher Chance's profession is an unusual one: for a price, he will impersonate the intended target of a possible assassination. His skills at mimicking his clients verge on the uncanny, and Chance sometimes finds himself slipping disturbingly far into character. When Chance is hired to impersonate an aging film actor marked for death by an extortionist who preys upon the Hollywood glitteratti, what seems like an open and shut case soon spirals down a path of danger and deceit into the seamy underbelly of the Hollywood dream factory; a fetid flipside to the everyday excesses of the City of Angels. Chance's investigation into the kidnapping of a child actor brings Chance face-to-face with a cast of characters whose motives are fuelled by a diverse array of personal demons. The cast includes: a grief-stricken father desperate for the return of his missing son, his mysterious younger wife, an aspiring screenwriter with an obsessive lust for stardom, and a narcotics- addicted stripper who puts up with repeated abuse from her lover. In this world of glamour and glitz lurks shattered dreams, illicit drugs, destructive love, and the hope of salvation in someone else's skin. As Chance slips further into his cover identity, will he ever find the way back to his true self? This project is supported with house and trade ads, and a website promotion at www.dccomics.com. HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT is a 96-page VERTIGO hardcover edited by Karen Berger, and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores May 22 with a cover price of $29.95 U.S. This Kitten Has Claws! JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH CHRIS BACHALO CREATING CATWOMAN Joanie Jordan is one of the top models in the world: a woman whose stunning features and flawless figure have been featured on the covers of every fashion magazine, and whose name is known to elite designers and adolescent boys alike. But, though she loves her chosen career, Joanie wishes she could do more to help people. And she's about to get her chance, through the oddest set of circumstances she could dream of, in JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH CHRIS BACHALO CREATING CATWOMAN — the latest in the series of one-shots in which living legend Stan Lee has reinvented the best- known characters of the DC Universe with the help of some of comics' greatest artists. Stylishly illustrated by Bachalo (DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING, THE WITCHING HOUR) and his STEAMPUNK collaborator, inker Richard Friend, JUST IMAGINE...CATWOMAN finds Joanie — at home alone on a stormy Beverly Hills evening — victim of attempted robbery and blackmail. But fate, in the form of the green mist that has played a role in so many of the JUST IMAGINE... one-shots to date, plays a hand, sending a lightning bolt through a cloud of the emerald mist. The bolt strikes Joanie and her pet cat, Ebony, transforming both of them into beings that are neither entirely human nor entirely feline. Possessing incredible powers that include lethal claws at the end of her fingers, incredible agility, and more, Joanie must find ways to balance life on the catwalk with life as a cat-woman. What's a supermodel/super-heroine to do? Completing this JUST IMAGINE... package are two covers, one by Bachalo and Friend, the other by WONDER WOMAN's Adam Hughes. Plus, an "On the Street" backup story (written by Michael Uslan and featuring art by the team that recently launched the new CATWOMAN series, Darwyn Cooke & Mike Allred), that introduces Dinah Drake, a rival supermodel with a pet canary and a nose for trouble. Will she learn Joanie Jordan's secret? This project is supported with house ads. JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH CHRIS BACHALO CREATING CATWOMAN is a 48-page Prestige Format one-shot edited by Mike Carlin. It arrives in comic-book stores May 1 with a cover price of $5.95 U.S. GREEN LANTERN Month! In GREEN LANTERN #50, we witnessed the shocking fall of Hal Jordan and were introduced to Kyle Rayner, who has since become the current Green Lantern. In issue #100, we saw Kyle teamed up with (a younger) Hal in the past, leading to the unforgettable "Emerald Knights" storyline. Now, in the extra-sized GREEN LANTERN #150, prepare for even more big surprises! But that's only the beginning of a new Green Lantern Month, which also includes GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES #3, the DC FIRST: GREEN LANTERN/GREEN LANTERN one-shot (see DC FIRSTS article), and the GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE TP. Plus, several DC Direct products are advance-solicited this month, including a new production run of the GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE, the GREEN LANTERN GUARDIAN: GANTHET STATUE and the JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: GREEN LANTERN JOHN STEWART MAQUETTE (see DC Direct listings for more info)! In GREEN LANTERN #150 (written by Judd Winick with art by Dale Eaglesham & Rodney Ramos, and featuring a knockout cover by superstar Jim Lee), it's the end of Ion and the return of Green Lantern! But just who is going to wear the Green Lantern ring? As Kyle visits the moments in the past when various heroes have been given the GL ring (featuring art by Pat Quinn & John Lowe), he must decide exactly how he can best serve the cause of good. With appearances by Hal Jordan (now the Spectre), Alan Scott, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and others, this issue is the beginning of a whole new Green Lantern! And it's a must-have for anyone who has ever dreamed that the Green Lantern Corps could exist again. After the cataclysmic events of GREEN LANTERN #150, explore the past and ever-changing present of Kyle Rayner and DC's other ring bearers in GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES #3! While Kyle fights a dangerous new foe, Jade's discovery of a different ring from Kyle's past causes her to have worries about their relationship (written by Ben Raab with art by Jamal Igle & Dan Davis). Plus, more stories and profiles of Kyle's enemies and allies! Then, in the GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE trade paperback, a nightmarish creation from Kyle's childhood imagination has come to life. He is Oblivion, and he's on a direct course towards Earth. Leaving devastation in his wake, even the force of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes, the JLA, cannot stop him. Aided by six Green Lanterns from different time periods, Kyle not only must battle a foe from his childhood nightmares but his own inner demons and uncertainty as well. With an all-star line-up of writers and artists — including Brian K. Vaughan, Scott Beatty, Jay Faerber, Judd Winick, Norm Breyfogle, Trevor McCarthy, Pete Woods, Cary Nord, Ron Randall, Randy Green, and Robert Teranishi — CIRCLE OF FIRE continues to follow the adventures of Kyle Rayner, a young Green Lantern destined to become one of Earth's greatest heroes. This collection reprints GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE #1 & 2, GREEN LANTERN/ATOM #1, GREEN LANTERN/POWER GIRL #1, GREEN LANTERN/ADAM STRANGE #1, GREEN LANTERN/FIRESTORM #1, and GREEN LANTERN/GREEN LANTERN #1. These projects are supported with house and trade ads, and a special Green Lantern website game at www.dccomics.com. GREEN LANTERN #150 is a 48-page issue edited by Bob Schreck with a cover price of $3.50 U.S. GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES #3 is a 48-page issue co-edited by Mike McAvennie & Ivan Cohen with a cover price of $4.95 U.S. GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE is a 224-page trade paperback with a cover price of $17.95 U.S. Check out these GREEN LANTERN items offered this month: May 8: GREEN LANTERN #150 May 15: DC FIRST: GREEN LANTERN/GREEN LANTERN May 22: GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE TP May 29: GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES #3 June 12: GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE — NEW PRODUCTION RUN August 21: JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: GREEN LANTERN JOHN STEWART MAQUETTE August 28: GREEN LANTERN GUARDIAN: GANTHET STATUE SUPERBOY #100 SUPERBOY turns 100! Well, the Kid himself doesn't turn 100 — in fact, he's got a lot of growing up to do…but that's a whole other story. SUPERBOY #100 is an extra-sized extravaganza, however — and to celebrate, Superboy's apartment building gets demolished! Brought to you by the current SUPERBOY creative team of writers Jimmy Palmiotti & Dan DiDio, and artists John McCrea & James Hodgkins, issue #100 finds the friends and foes that Superboy's made over the past six issues all converging at the Calvin Gardens building in Suicide Slum. Destruction and death for one person is all but certain, and when the tragedy results in Superboy asking some hard questions about what's next in his future, a visit from Superman prompts the Kid to go on a journey and do the unthinkable! This issue features a special 8-page flashback tale brought to you by the series' original creative team of writer Karl Kesel (HARLEY QUINN) and penciller Tom Grummett (THE POWER COMPANY), and serves as a great jumping-on point for SUPERBOY's next storyline! Wrapped in a painted cover by Bill Sienkiewicz, this issue is one you can't pass up! This issue is supported with house ads. SUPERBOY #100 is a 48-page issue edited by Mike McAvennie. It arrives in comic-book stores May 29 with a cover price of $3.50 U.S. THE NAMES OF MAGIC TRADE PAPERBACK Young Tim Hunter once was told that he was destined to be the world's most powerful magician. Since then, magic has brought Tim nothing but grief and misery, but he's learned through bitter experience that he's stuck with it no matter what. Now, in the first story following the end of THE BOOKS OF MAGIC ongoing series, Tim Hunter is ready to take control of his destiny again in THE NAMES OF MAGIC — a 128-page VERTIGO trade paperback reprinting the 5-issue miniseries. Written by Dylan Horrocks, with art by Richard Case and a painted cover by John Bolton, THE NAMES OF MAGIC finds Tim reunited with the four mystics who revealed his destiny to him in the original THE BOOKS OF MAGIC miniseries. Tim learns of the existence of the White School — a refuge where he might finally be protected from the deluge of forces trying to claim his power for themselves. Before he can gain entry, he must find his true name before an ancient secret society that would control him tries to track him down. But Tim's true name is hidden in the realm of Faerie, and there he must face forces that are just as deadly to the young magician — forces that know all too well the astonishing truth of Tim Hunter's origins, and what they mean for all the worlds. This project is supported with house ads. THE NAMES OF MAGIC is a 128-page VERTIGO trade paperback and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores May 1 with a cover price of $14.95 U.S. A Knight Falls Again AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #90 The hints have been coming for some time. Loyal AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT readers have seen indications that Jean Paul Valley has become inexplicably stronger — much, much stronger — while readers of last year's SECRET FILES GUIDE TO THE DC UNIVERSE 2001-2002 saw that a grave future has been forecast for DC's newest powerhouse. Now the pieces begin to come together, as Azrael learns that his transformation is not necessarily a good thing in AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #90, guest-starring Nightwing! Written by Azrael co-creator Dennis O'Neil, with art by Sergio Cariello & James Pascoe and a stunning cover by Mike Zeck & Jerry Ordway, issue #90 finds Azrael in profound denial about the news he's received. But why does his denial take him to Wayne Manor...and to the "AzBats" armor he wore during BATMAN: KNIGHTFALL? The answers will mean the end of an era for Azrael — and we're not kidding! AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT is an ongoing series edited by Mike Carlin. The 32-page issue #90 arrives in comic- book stores May 8 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY Volume One Oversized Slipcased Hardcover In the twilight of the 20th century, a force emerged to protect the Earth from outside threats…and from itself. They were the front line. The last chance. The final defense. The only hope. They were the Authority — exploding onto the scene to drop-kick the world into a new millennium and redefine the way we think about super-hero comics. Now the first year of WildStorm Productions' groundbreaking title is collected in THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY Volume One — a massive 320-page slipcased, oversized (8 1/8" x 12 1/4") hardcover edition reprinting THE AUTHORITY #1-12, the complete run by writer and co-creator Warren Ellis and artists Bryan Hitch & Paul Neary. THE AUTHORITY is hard-hitting, high-octane action with dizzying velocity — the story of seven super-powered individuals who vow to make the world a better place, making their own rules, answering to nobody, and taking no prisoners. Strap yourself in for three unforgettable adventures with super-hero iconoclast Jenny Sparks, the Spirit of the 20th Century, along with King of the Cities Jack Hawksmoor, the nanite-infused Engineer, winged Swift, the reality-altering Doctor, and the genetically-enhanced duo of Apollo and Midnighter. Super-terrorists? Interdimensional invaders? A godlike entity from outer space? Take your best shot. This is the Authority. Pay allegiance or get your head kicked in. THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY is brimming with extra behind-the-scenes looks at the book's creative process, including a full script by Warren Ellis, plus design and supplementary material provided by the entire creative team. Experience the Authority in a bold new way. This project is supported with house and trade ads. THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY Volume One is a 320-page slipcased (8 1/8" x 12 /14") hardcover. It is advance- solicited and arrives in comic-book stores August 28 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. WONDER WOMAN ARCHIVES Volume Three Hardcover She's the greatest super-heroine to ever grace the comics page! Gifted with powers by the Greek Gods, Wonder Woman left her Amazon Island home to become one of the greatest champions of "Man's World." Now more of her earliest adventures are collected in WONDER WOMAN ARCHIVES Volume Three — a 240-page hardcover reprinting the Wonder Woman stories from SENSATION COMICS #18-24 and WONDER WOMAN (first series) #5-7! Written by Wonder Woman creator William Mouton Marston, with art by H.G. Peter and Frank Godwin, Volume Three also features an introduction by noted comics historian Les Daniels (Wonder Woman: The Complete History). Wonder Woman enters a prime period with this volume that features the debut of one of her most famous adversaries: the Cheetah! Also introduced is another great villain, Dr. Psycho, to bedevil our favorite Amazon. In addition to these landmarks there is the return of Mars, Lord Conquest, the Duke of Deception, and the Earl of Greed! Toss in stories of a lost race of Incas, a school bully, a trip 1000 years into the future, Fifth Columnists, yet another face-off with the Cheetah, and much more, and you have a collection of tales that depict our favorite Amazon at her Golden-Age best! WONDER WOMAN ARCHIVES Volume Three is a 240-page hardcover, arriving in comic-book stores May 1 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. PROMETHEA AND SOPHIE DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET From the critically-acclaimed line of AMERICA'S BEST COMICS comes the woman-warrior known as Promethea! The heroic Promethea, and her human alter ego Sophie, are now beautifully-formed action figures! The PROMETHEA AND SOPHIE DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET is advance-solicited this month for arrival in September. Promethea, the woman of myth, conjured from a realm which Sophie continues to travel in search of enlightenment, stands approximately 6 1/4" tall and comes with a removable clear blue plastic, glitter-coated staff and faux-stone sun symbol base, with a non-removable plastic skirt and cape. Sophie stands approximately 5 1/2" tall and comes with a removable backpack and a manhole-cover base for posing. Both figures feature multiple points of articulation, and are packaged together with their accessories in a 4-color window box. The PROMETHEA AND SOPHIE DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET is advance-solicited and arrives in comic-book stores September 18. Consult your retailer for pricing information. THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN PVC SET You've read the acclaimed, action-packed blockbuster of a sequel THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN. You've bought THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN STATUE for display. But you're still thirsting for more of Frank Miller's innovative reinterpretations of classic DC characters, aren't you? Well look no further, as DC Direct is proud to present THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN PVC SET, advance- solicited this month for arrival in September! Six key characters from the epic miniseries are featured in this beautifully- detailed PVC Set that perfectly captures Miller's unique vision. Batman, Catgirl, Superman, Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman, and the Atom are all immortalized in figures ranging from 2 1/8" to 4 1/8" tall. These six powerful figures come packaged in a 4-color window box, and make a perfect addition to any display shelf. THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN PVC SET is advance-solicited and arrives in comic-book stores September 25 with a price of $39.95 U.S. DC FIRSTS DC FIRST: SUPERMAN/LOBO WRITTEN BY KEITH GIFFEN; ART BY CLIFF RATHBURN AND ROB LEIGH; COVER BY KEVIN NOWLAN In stores May 1. Here it is! The first encounter between the Man of Steel and the Main Man! It's the story all Superman fans have been hoping we'd never show: the very first encounter between the Man of Steel and the Main Man! How did their great relationship start off so well? Why does Superman grit his teeth every time he hears the word "frag"? And why does Lobo hate this milksop planet we call Earth? Read it and weep! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $3.50 DC FIRST: THE FLASH/SUPERMAN WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY RICK BURCHETT AND PRENTIS ROLLINS; COVER BY KEVIN NOWLAN In stores May 8. It's a DC FIRST! Presenting the first race ever between Superman and the Golden Age Flash, Jay Garrick! One of the deadliest Flash foes ever, Kadabra, has forced our heroes to race against the clock to save the life of the latest Flash, Wally West! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $3.50 DC FIRST: GREEN LANTERN/GREEN LANTERN WRITTEN BY BEN RAAB; ART BY PETE WOODS AND ROB STULL; COVER BY KEVIN NOWLAN In stores May 15. Retelling the very first meeting between the Golden Age and Silver Age Green Lanterns! Alan Scott and Hal Jordan team up to face the ancient Oan menace, Krona. Krona seeks to discover the origins of the universe, despite warnings that it would cause terrible destruction to the universe, and it's up to our pair of ring-slingers to stop him! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $3.50 DC FIRST: BATGIRL/THE JOKER WRITTEN BY STEVEN GRANT; ART BY BILL SIENKIEWICZ AND TERRY MOORE; COVER BY KEVIN NOWLAN In stores May 29. When Oracle recounts her first encounter with the Joker as the original Batgirl, the current Batgirl gets it in her mind to challenge the Clown Prince of Crime to a duel. Uh-oh! Batman would not approve! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $3.50 STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE; ART AND COVER BY BRIAN BOLLAND In stores May 29. Reoffered to coincide with the release of DC FIRST: BATGIRL/THE JOKER, this critically-acclaimed one-shot features the amazing talents of writer Alan Moore (WATCHMEN, PROMETHEA, From Hell) and artist Brian Bolland (CAMELOT 3000, Judge Dredd). The Joker goes to some sick and twisted lengths to prove a point to Batman, but will the Dark Knight "get it"? Prestige Format. (STAR00048D) FC, 48 PG. $5.95 ********************** BRUCE WAYNE: FUGITIVE DETECTIVE COMICS #770 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA AND JUDD WINICK; ART BY STEVE LIEBER, CLIFF CHIANG AND MARK MCKENNA; COVER BY ANDREW ROBINSON In stores May 8. "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" Part 8! As we reveal yet another clue to the riddle of Vesper Fairchild's murder, Batman comes into conflict with an agent of the organization known as Checkmate. Both seek to bring down the Lucky Hand Triad, and both are desperate to get a deadly shipment of drugs off the street. But can two men whose lives are shrouded in secrecy and solitude commit to a temporary partnership? And can they stop the frightful menace of Ekin- Tzu? Plus, Chapter Eight of "Josie Mac," by Judd Winick and Cliff Chiang. FC, 40 PG. $2.50 NIGHTWING #69 WRITTEN BY CHUCK DIXON; ART BY WILLIAM ROSADO AND ROB STULL; COVER BY MICHAEL GOLDEN In stores May 8. "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" Part 9, guest-starring Robin and Alfred! In order to prove that Bruce was framed for murder, Dick must prove that someone was able to break into the Batcave. But with miles of unexplored caves and Batman's air-tight security system, can even Nightwing find a security gap? FC, 32 PG. $2.25 BIRDS OF PREY #43 WRITTEN BY CHUCK DIXON; ART BY DAVE ROSS AND ANDREW PEPOY; COVER BY PHIL NOTO In stores May 22. "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" Part 10! What is the mysterious connection between the final news story of Vesper Fairchild's career and the break- ins at Wayne Manor? Oracle must find the connection, but when Alfred comes forward with even more evidence, the pieces begin to fall into place. Meanwhile, Black Canary makes a final decision regarding Spoiler, and Deathstroke returns…which can only mean trouble. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATMAN #603 WRITTEN BY ED BRUBAKER; ART BY SEAN PHILLIPS; COVER BY SCOTT MCDANIEL In stores May 29. "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" Part 11, featuring guest-artist Sean Phillips (WILDCATS, SCENE OF THE CRIME)! Old wounds are reopened as Batman is put on the one case he never expected. The Dark Knight is summoned to the bedside of a dying ex-cop, whose wish is to have Batman solve the one case the cop could never close: the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne! Guest-appearance by Catwoman! Plus, another piece to the Vesper murder is revealed. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 DC UNIVERSE: BATMAN BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #155 WRITTEN BY MIKE BARON; ART AND COVER BY BILL REINHOLD In stores May 8. Concluding the 2-part story "Colossus," by The Badger's Mike Baron and Bill Reinhold. Someone is killing everyone connected to the long-dead designer of the Gotham Civic Center. But Batman is about to discover that's just the start of the killer's murderous plans! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #29 WRITTEN BY DEVIN GRAYSON AND PAUL KUPPERBERG; ART BY LEONARDO MANCO AND JOHN WATKISS; COVER BY BRIAN BOLLAND In stores May 15. Part 2 of a tale featuring the deadly Mortician! Batman must devise a way to stop the Mortician from raising more homicidal zombies, while battling the army he's already brought back to life! Plus, a Batman Black & White backup, "No Escape," written by Paul Kupperberg with art by John Watkiss. FC, 40 PG. $2.50 AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #90 WRITTEN BY DENNIS O'NEIL; ART BY SERGIO CARIELLO AND JAMES PASCOE; COVER BY MIKE ZECK AND JERRY ORDWAY In stores May 8. Nightwing guest-stars as Azrael's recent changes take a shocking turn — one that leads him back to his "Azbats" armor from BATMAN: KNIGHTFALL! Feats of strength once beyond him have become easy for Jean Paul Valley. Now a strange new demeanor has overtaken the erstwhile angel, turning him against his closest confidante, and causing him to retake the mantle of the Bat. Has too much power corrupted Jean Paul? Or is that the least of his problems? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATGIRL #28 WRITTEN BY KELLEY PUCKETT; ART AND COVER BY DAMION SCOTT AND ROBERT CAMPANELLA In stores May 8. A new villain enters the scene. His name is Sensor, and he has the ability to read minds…which is a problem in a town where the heroes wear cowls to mask their secret identities. A top-secret super-powered black-ops organization has its eyes on Batgirl…and they're sending in their best to do the job. But is the job to recruit her or to take her out? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #50 WRITTEN BY SCOTT PETERSON; ART BY TIM LEVINS AND TERRY BEATTY; PAINTED COVER BY DARWYN COOKE In stores May 22. Landmark 50th issue, featuring a painted cover by Darwyn Cooke (CATWOMAN, BATMAN: EGO)! Catwoman returns! As she faces off with Batman during a foiled break-in, the Cat-burglar takes a bomb. The mystery of who planted it — and what Catwoman was really up to — is one the Dark Knight has to solve with his heart instead of his head, in an action-packed 50th issue! FC, 32 PG. $1.99 CATWOMAN #7 WRITTEN BY ED BRUBAKER; ART BY BRAD RADER AND CAMERON STEWART; COVER BY PAUL POPE In stores May 22. Selina's closest friend and confidant, Holly, has gotten herself into life-threatening danger. Catwoman is racing to the scene, but will she make it in time? Meanwhile, Detective Allen (from the Batman books) is drawn into the corrupt cop conspiracy, and Slam Bradley continues his investigation the way only he can…in his boxers! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY FRANK MILLER; COVER BY MILLER All three issues of the hottest-selling, most anticipated comic-book of the past five years are still available. Acclaimed writer/artist Frank Miller returns to deliver us a trimmer, more streamlined Dark Knight, and a new persona for Carrie Kelly: Catgirl! THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN #1 (CURRENT PRINTING) In stores May 1. It all starts here! Three years after the events in THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, Batman knows the world is nowhere near the perfect little place it pretends to be. It's time to find where all the heroes have gone, and the Dark Knight is the right man for the job. Retailers, please note: Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. Prestige Format. (STAR14873) FC, 80 PG. (1 OF 3) $7.95 O/A THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN #2 (CURRENT PRINTING) In stores May 1. Heroes are found, Batman begins his new war, and…the only other thing we can tell you about issue #2 is: expect the unexpected! Retailers, please note: Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. Prestige Format. FC, 80 PG. (2 OF 3) $7.95 O/A THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN #3 (CURRENT PRINTING) In stores May 1. The third and final chapter of this epic saga has to be seen to be believed. Featuring more surprises than you're bound to see in any other comic-book this year! Retailers, please note: Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. Prestige Format. FC, 80 PG. (3 OF 3) $7.95 ******************************* HARLEY QUINN #20 WRITTEN BY KARL KESEL; ART BY BRANDON BADEAUX AND DAN DAVIS; COVER BY TERRY DODSON AND RACHEL DODSON In stores May 15. Last month, Superman busted in and busted up Harley's latest and greatest scheme. Now, the Metropolis story is over, and Harley has paid the ultimate price for her many sins against humanity. So where is she? And what old crimes from her not-so-distant past are going to revisit her in the worst way imaginable? To be more than vague here only would ruin the surprise! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ROBIN #102 WRITTEN BY JON LEWIS; ART AND COVER BY PETE WOODS AND ANDREW PEPOY In stores May 22. Tim has fallen under the thrall of a mysterious woman, one who might seem familiar to longtime readers. Spoiler's on the case, but when she prevents a murder she steps into an even deeper mystery. Meanwhile, Jack and Dana continue to struggle with their new lives in Gotham, and someone's about to make a deadly decision! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 DC UNIVERSE: SUPERMAN SUPERMAN #182 WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART AND COVER BY ED MCGUINNESS AND CAM SMITH In stores May 1. Guest-starring the all-new Suicide Squad! Lois starts digging up information on President Luthor and uncover the existence of the Squad, leading to a confrontation between the Man of Steel and a team that's willing to die to keep its secret. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #604 WRITTEN BY JOE CASEY; ART BY CARLOS MEGLIA; COVER BY CARLOS PACHECO AND JESÚS MERIÑO In stores May 8. Superman and Ultra-Man of the Crime Syndicate throw down in the Fortress of Solitude! And the insanity just keeps coming, as two unwanted guests show up to cause more trouble and take the mysterious Superbaby. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #126 WRITTEN BY MARK SCHULTZ; ART BY YVEL GUICHET AND DEXTER VINES; COVER BY MICHAEL GOLDEN In stores May 15. "The Pantheon," Part 1 of 2. A forgotten pantheon of gods come to offer the Man of Steel godhood to bolster its ranks. Will Superman fall to the temptation in order to save his loved ones? FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ACTION COMICS #791 WRITTEN BY BEN RAAB; ART BY DEREC AUCOIN; COVER BY JOHN PAUL LEON In stores May 22. A flashback tale set in Smallville! Superman's actions have never hurt anyone, right? Well, sometimes doing the right thing can have terrible consequence, as we learn in a tragic tale from Clark's past. When young Clark tries to get an overweight girl to come to a school dance with him, bad things begin to happen. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 SUPERBOY #100 WRITTEN BY JIMMY PALMIOTTI, DAN DIDIO AND KARL KESEL; ART BY JOHN MCCREA, TOM GRUMMETT, JAMES HODGKINS, AND KESEL; PAINTED COVER BY BILL SIENKIEWICZ In stores May 29. It's an extra-sized 100th issue! And to celebrate, Superboy's apartment building gets demolished! When the Kid's friends and foes all converge at the Calvin Gardens building in Suicide Slum, destruction and death is all but certain. And when the tragedy results in Superboy asking some hard questions about what's next in his future, a visit from Superman prompts the Kid to go on a journey and do the unthinkable! Featuring a special 8-page flashback tale by the series' original creative team of Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $3.50 STAR OF THE MONTH SUPERMAN: THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN TP WRITTEN BY DAN JURGENS, KARL KESEL, LOUISE SIMONSON, ROGER STERN, AND GERARD JONES; ART BY JON BOGDANOVE, TOM GRUMMETT, JACKSON GUICE, JURGENS, M.D. BRIGHT, AND VARIOUS; COVER BY VARIOUS In stores May 29. Reoffered to coincide with the release of SUPERBOY #100, this mammoth trade paperback features the very first appearance of the current Superboy (as well as Steel, the Eradicator, and the Cyborg Superman). Collects the entire "Reign of the Supermen" storyline that followed "The Death of Superman." (STAR14367D) SC, 7X10. 480PG, FC $19.95 ************************ SUPERGIRL #70 WRITTEN BY PETER DAVID; ART BY TODD NAUCK AND ROBIN RIGGS; COVER BY LEONARD KIRK AND RIGGS In stores May 22. Mary Marvel joins Supergirl and Buzz for their next stretch on the road — a road that is suddenly covered in...frogs? Blame Hurmizah, a.k.a. the Black Plague. He's one of the Demon Mother Lilith's co-rulers, and it appears he'd like nothing better than to see Supergirl, Mary and Buzz croak! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 DC UNIVERSE DEADMAN #6 WRITTEN BY STEVE VANCE; ART BY JOSÉ LUIS GARCÍA-LÓPEZ AND JOSEF RUBINSTEIN; COVER BY MIKE MIGNOLA In stores May 15. "Death and the Maiden," Part 2. Deadman is hot on the trail of his ghost-woman's killer. But will his discovery destroy his last chance for a love destined to last for all time? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 DOOM PATROL #8 WRITTEN BY JOHN ARCUDI; ART AND COVER BY TAN ENG HUAT In stores May 1. A new Robotman comes to grips with the people who brought him back from the "dead," and the freak named Ava reveals a whole new side of herself. Plus the most unexpected story conclusion in the new DOOM PATROL's (seven issue) history! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE FLASH #186 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY SCOTT KOLINS AND DOUG HAZLEWOOD; COVER BY BRIAN BOLLAND In stores May 29. "Crossfire," Part 3 of 5. The Thinker has "possessed" the Flash hoping to add Wally's speed to his computer-like mind. Meanwhile, the new Rogues run rampant throughout Central City! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ******************************* Look for the POCKET SUPER HEROES SERIES I: SILVER AGE FLASH VS. CAPTAIN COLD, offered elsewhere in the DC section of Previews. ******************************* GREEN ARROW #15 WRITTEN BY KEVIN SMITH; ART BY PHIL HESTER AND ANDE PARKS; PAINTED COVER BY MATT WAGNER In stores May 29. Kevin Smith ends his run on GREEN ARROW with a bang! Truth be told, it's going to be a whole lotta' bangs. Smith never has ceased to amaze and surprise readers during his run on Green Arrow. He's taken Oliver Queen from Hell's gates to Heaven's fields in the "Quiver" storyline. He's shed new light on the underbelly of Star City and unfinished parts of Ollie's life. With this landmark fifteenth issue, Kevin Smith bids farewell to the hero he helped bring back from the dead. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 GREEN LANTERN #150 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART BY DALE EAGLESHAM , PAT QUINN, RODNEY RAMOS, AND JOHN LOWE; COVER BY JIM LEE In stores May 8. Extra-sized issue! The end of Ion! The return of Green Lantern! But just who is going to wear the Green Lantern ring? As Kyle visits the moments in the past when various heroes have been given the Green Lantern ring, he must decide exactly how he can best serve the cause of good. With appearances from Hal Jordan (now the Spectre), Alan Scott, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and others, this issue is the beginning of a whole new Green Lantern! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $3.50 GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE TP WRITTEN BY BRIAN K. VAUGHAN, SCOTT BEATTY, JAY FAERBER, AND JUDD WINICK; ART BY NORM BREYFOGLE, TREVOR MCCARTHY, PETE WOODS, CARY NORD, RON RANDALL, RANDY GREEN, ROBERT TERANISHI, AND VARIOUS; COVER BY NORD AND MARK LIPKA In stores May 22. Reprinting all seven issues of the GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE event! A nightmarish creation from Green Lantern's childhood imagination has come to life. He is Oblivion, and he's on a direct course for Earth. Aided by six Green Lanterns from different time periods, Kyle Rayner must not only battle a foe from his childhood nightmares but his own inner demons and uncertainty as well. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 224 PG. TRADE PAPERBACK $17.95 GREEN LANTERN: BAPTISM OF FIRE TP WRITTEN BY RON MARZ; ART BY DARYL BANKS, PAUL PELLETIER, AND ROMEO TANGHAL; COVER BY BANKS AND TERRY AUSTIN In stores May 22. Reoffered to coincide with the release of GREEN LANTERN: CIRCLE OF FIRE TP, this trade paperback reprints GREEN LANTERN #59, 66, 67, 70-75, and features Kyle Rayner's adventures with other DC heroes including the Flash, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, Adam Strange, Batman, and Robin. SC, 7X10, 208PG, FC $12.95 GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES #3 WRITTEN BY BEN RAAB, JUDD WINICK, DAN CURTIS JOHNSON, AND VARIOUS; ART BY JAMAL IGLE, GREG SCOTT, MARTIN NODELL, BRENT ANDERSON, PHILIP BOND, MICK GRAY, AND VARIOUS; COVER BY JIM LEE In stores May 29. After the cataclysmic events of GREEN LANTERN #150, explore the past and ever-changing present of Kyle Rayner and DC's other ring bearers! While Kyle fights a dangerous new foe, Jade's discovery of a different ring from Kyle's past causes her to have worries about their relationship (written by Ben Raab with art by Jamal Igle & Dan Davis). Plus: Chase and the DEO investigate the corrupting power of the various Green Lantern rings (written by Dan Curtis Johnson with art by Greg Scott & Mick Gray); the first-ever look at Kyle Rayner's "City Dwellers" comic strip (written by Judd Winick with art by Philip Bond); an Alan Scott pinup by Golden Age Green Lantern artist Martin Nodell; and profiles of Kyle's enemies and allies! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 48 PG. $4.95 HAVEN: THE BROKEN CITY #6 WRITTEN BY ASHLEY-JAYNE NICOLAUS AND MATTHEW P. SCHUSTER; ART AND PAINTED COVER BY ARIEL OLIVETTI In stores May 22. The heroes of Haven explore the "skid road" formed by their city's arrival on Earth, hoping to find lost equipment and survivors from the crash. But the results of their search are nothing like what they expected, as they learn new and disturbing things about the natives of the world that is now home to DC's newest race of champions. FC, 32 PG. (6 OF 9) $2.50 HAWKMAN #3 WRITTEN BY JAMES ROBINSON AND GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY RAGS MORALES AND MICHAEL BAIR; PAINTED COVER BY ANDREW ROBINSON In stores May 1. The new series starring DC's Winged Warrior continues! Hawkman finds himself trapped on the wrong side of an inter-dimensional portal. Not only must he contend with Copperhead and the Shadow Thief, but he also must find the safest way between two ancient warring tribes in an East-Indian world, known only as the Battlelands. The name speaks for itself. His only hope for survival lies in Hawkgirl, who should be guarding the entrance, but her luck is running out... FC, 32 PG. $2.50 IMPULSE #86 WRITTEN BY TODD DEZAGO; ART BY CARLO BARBERI AND RICH FABER; COVER BY BARBERI AND WAYNE FAUCHER In stores May 8. Following the "World Without Young Justice" crossover, Impulse has come to possess the near-infinite magical abilities of Bedlam! The most irresponsible, irrepressible, impulsive kid in the DC Universe is now its most powerful hero! This is a world in which Bart's every whim is made real. Look out! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 JLA #66 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY DOUG MAHNKE AND TOM NGUYEN In stores May 29. From the present to the past, from the moon to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, come a pair of warrior-priests the likes of which the world hasn't seen in thousands of years. These lords of the Earth, from kingdoms that predate history, have no patience for the lowly members of the Justice league — and have very violent ways of expressing themselves! This newest danger is only the precursor of the menace that will haunt the JLA for many months to come... FC, 32 PG. $2.25 JSA #36 WRITTEN BY DAVID S. GOYER AND GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY LEONARD KIRK AND KEITH CHAMPAGNE; COVER BY RAGS MORALES In stores May 22. "Stealing Thunder," Part 4 of 5. The penultimate chapter of the shocking, unpredictable storyline erupts as The Ultra-Humanite grinds down on the JSA. This one's a knock-down drag-out battle royale, where we see Hourman's new powers, witness Wildcat as he learns how to fly, and mourn innocence lost! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH CHRIS BACHALO CREATING CATWOMAN WRITTEN BY STAN LEE (LEAD STORY) AND MICHAEL USLAN (BACKUP); ART BY CHRIS BACHALO AND RICHARD FRIEND (LEAD) AND DARWYN COOKE AND MIKE ALLRED (BACKUP); COVERS BY BACHALO AND FRIEND (FRONT) AND ADAM HUGHES (BACK) In stores May 1. Chris Bachalo (STEAMPUNK, DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING) joins comics legend Stan Lee to introduce comics' sexiest new super- heroine! Joanie Jordan is a supermodel with a yearning to do more than pout prettily for the camera. But when an unexpected turn of events gives her the claws and agility of a cat, she learns that life on the catwalk was a breeze compared to life as a Catwoman! Plus, a backup story illustrated by Darwyn Cooke & Mike Allred! For more information, see the feature article. Prestige Format. FC, 48 PG. $5.95 JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #7 WRITTEN BY LEN KAMINSKY; ART BY JOE STATON AND RICK BURCHETT; COVER BY DARWYN COOKE In stores May 8. Meet the Fastest Fax Alive as the League's speediest member tries to save time by traveling through the telephone lines — and accidentally dials a fax machine by mistake! But being flat as a pancake isn't all it's cracked up to be, and when the fun of slipping under doorways wears off, the Flash thinks his career is over...until the Earth is invaded by amazingly thin creatures from the Second Dimension! Cover by Darwyn Cooke (CATWOMAN, BATMAN: EGO)! FC, 32 PG. $1.99 STAR OF THE MONTH JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR (1975) WRITTEN BY JOHN BROOME, GARDNER FOX, BOB KANIGHER, AND JULIUS SCHWARTZ; ART BY CARMINE INFANTINO, MURPHY ANDERSON, AND VARIOUS In stores May 15. Reoffered to coincide with the JSA VILLAINS: VANDAL SAVAGE ACTION FIGURE, this 100-page replica reprint Spectacular features the JSA against not only Savage, but a slew of deadly adversaries! FC, 96 PG. $6.95 ******************************* LAB RATS #2 WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN BYRNE; COVER BY BYRNE In stores May 15. John Byrne's newest experiment in teen heroics continues! What they thought was a vacation turns out to be anything but recreational when the all-too-human students from "the Campus" discover an amusement park that hides a terrifying secret — one that may cost the life of one of their own! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE LEGION #8 WRITTEN BY DAN ABNETT AND ANDY LANNING; ART AND COVER BY OLIVIER COIPEL AND LANNING In stores May 22. It's do or die for the Legion — and Earth — as the team unites in a final battle against Ra's al Ghul, who's successfully jump-started the Terrorform beings that will herald a forced premature evolution of mankind! However, a traitor waiting for the perfect moment to strike may affect the outcome for all involved! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE POWER COMPANY #4 WRITTEN BY KURT BUSIEK; ART BY TOM GRUMMETT AND PRENTIS ROLLINS; COVER BY GRUMMETT AND MICHAEL BAIR In stores May 15. The Power Company's offices are under attack! But who's left to hold the fort? Sapphire makes her entrance in its defense, but will her strength and guile be enough? It may be time for Josiah Power to reveal a little about himself or, in this case, the monster within. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE SPECTRE #17 WRITTEN BY J.M. DEMATTEIS; ART BY NORM BREYFOGLE AND JIM ROYAL; COVER BY DAVE JOHNSON In stores May 1. "Mystery in Space," Part 3 of 3. Helen's surprising manifestation of cosmic power leaves her young soul helplessly adrift in the depths of space, while, back on Earth, her body lies dying. Hal Jordan is confronted with an alien armada on a mission of destruction, and, as the Spectre, he must decide to save Helen's life, or prevent the armada from annihilating a brand new universe. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 SUICIDE SQUAD #9 WRITTEN BY KEITH GIFFEN; ART BY PACO MEDINA AND JOE SANCHEZ; COVER BY MICHAEL BAIR In stores May 8. It's high noon in Washington, D.C., as Havana and the Wall go toe-to-toe. It's a battle of wits, and wait until you see who's got more ammunition. This issue gives an inside look into the life of Amanda Waller and a bit of background on the current Suicide Squad. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE TITANS #41 WRITTEN BY JAY FAERBER; ART BY PETER GRAU AND RAY KRYSSING; COVER BY BARRY KITSON In stores May 29. The Titans all thought she was autistic. But now Nikki, the silent member of the D.E.O. Orphanage kids, reveals the true nature of her powers — launching the Titans on an adventure that will change not only their lives, but their sense of reality as well! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 WONDER WOMAN #181 WRITTEN BY PHIL JIMENEZ; ART BY ROY ALLAN MARTINEZ, JIMENEZ AND ANDY LANNING; COVER BY JIMENEZ AND JOSÉ VILLARRUBIA In stores May 29. As Villainy, Inc. takes over the Atlantean city of Shamballa, Wonder Woman liberates the prisoners of Skartaris. Can she unite the warring people of the lost world and lead them to victory? Plus, the continuing back-up (illustrated by Phil Jimenez) featuring Troia's quest to find out what happened to Fury. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 WONDER WOMAN ARCHIVES VOL. 3 HC WRITTEN BY WILLIAM MOUTON MARSTON; ART BY H.G. PETER AND FRANK GODWIN; COVER BY PETER In stores May 22. Wonder Woman enters a prime period with this volume that includes the introduction of one of her most famous adversaries: The Cheetah! Also introduced is another great villain, Dr. Psycho — plus, the return of Mars, Lord Conquest, the Duke of Deception, and the Earl of Greed. This collection reprints SENSATION COMICS #18-24 and WONDER WOMAN #5-7, and features an introduction by noted comics historian Les Daniels. FC, 228 PG. HARDCOVER $49.95 YOUNG JUSTICE #45 WRITTEN BY PETER DAVID; ART BY TODD NAUCK AND LARY STUCKER; COVER BY HUMBERTO RAMOS In stores May 1. The conclusion to the 5-part "World Without Young Justice!" The exciting crossover that ran last month through IMPULSE, ROBIN and SUPERBOY comes to a head as the alternate reality versions of Young Justice battle with the real team for their continued existence. Can our reality really handle two Young Justices? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 DC: BEYOND THE UNIVERSE CARTOON CARTOONS #11 WRITTEN BY MICHAEL KRAIGER, FRANK STROM AND SHOLLY FISCH; ART BY VINCENT DEPORTER, ANGUS BUNGAY, DAVE SIMONS, AND MIKE KAZALEH; COVER BY DEPORTER In stores May 29. Ed, Edd n Eddy get a love letter — and none of them wants it! Plus Cow & Chicken, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and some really big zombie veggie-burgers! Really. FC, 32 PG. $1.99 LOONEY TUNES #90 WRITTEN BY FRANK STROM AND EARL KRESS; ART BY DAVID ALVAREZ AND MIKE DECARLO; COVER BY NEAL STERNECKY In stores May 1. Awright, ya bums — Rocky and Muggsy is takin' over this issue, see? The dimwitted gangsters go up against Bugs, Sylvester, and another little- big duo: Marc Anthony and Pussyfoot! FC, 32 PG. $1.99 THE POWERPUFF GIRLS #27 WRITTEN BY BRETT LEWIS; ART BY CHRISTOPHER COOK AND MIKE DECARLO; COVER BY PHIL MOY In stores May 15. When the Professor grounds the Girls for an incredibly messy room, even Powerpuff power can't keep it clean. It's almost like magic — evil HIM magic! FC, 32 PG. $1.99 SCOOBY-DOO #60 WRITTEN BY JOHN ROZUM; ART BY JOE STATON AND HORACIO OTTOLINI; COVER BY STATON In stores May 8. "The Dragon's Eye" begins! A jewelry theft in Paris puts Scooby and the gang onto a mystery that'll send them all around the world! "Dragon's Eye" will continue as a backup serial for the next seven issues of SCOOBY-DOO — and it all starts in this special 60th issue! FC, 32 PG. $1.99 WILDSTORM THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY VOL. 1 OVERSIZED HC WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART AND COVER BY BRYAN HITCH AND PAUL NEARY Advance-solicited; in stores August 28. The absolute must-have collection is here with THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY Volume One! Collecting all twelve issues of Warren Ellis', Bryan Hitch's & Paul Neary's run on THE AUTHORITY — plus extra, behind-the-scenes looks at the book's creative process, with a full script by Warren Ellis, and design and supplementary material provided by the entire creative team. All in a deluxe, slipcased hardcover edition! For more information, see the feature article. HC, 8X12, 320PG, FC $49.95 STAR OF THE MONTH DANGER GIRL: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION HC WRITTEN BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL AND ANDY HARTNELL; ART BY CAMPBELL, ALEX GARNER AND VARIOUS; COVER BY CAMPBELL CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores May 8. All seven issues of the first volume of DANGER GIRL are collected in this sizzling hardcover that also features the ultra-rare introductory short story from the NEW HORIZONS VOYAGER PACK (originally polybagged with GEN13 #25), a complete cover gallery, an amazing sketchbook section, and an introduction by noted actor and DANGER GIRL fan Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, Xena)! (STAR14852D) HC, 7X10, 262PG, FC $29.95 ******************************* THE ESTABLISHMENT #9 WRITTEN BY IAN EDGINTON; ART AND COVER BY CHARLIE ADLARD In stores May 15. Having traced the source of Russia's zombie problem to several nuclear power stations, fueled, not by fissionable material but by the harnessed negative energy of captive demon-god embryos, the team has to prevent a China Syndrome of Biblical proportions! Only the former ghost, Truelove, can save the day. But is he willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and die again to prevent Hell from paying a house call? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 GEN13 #77 WRITTEN BY ADAM WARREN; ART BY RICK MAYS AND JASON MARTIN; COVER BY WARREN In stores May 15. The pulsating, extra-sized final issue concludes the 3-part "This is How The Story Ends." In the aftermath of an apocalyptic abuse of gen-factor-derived technology, all hell is breaking loose, and only one super-team can stop the destruction: Gen13! Too bad the team is nowhere to be found… or are they? Could this be a new Gen13 line-up, thrown into last-ditch action as the gen-factor runs disastrously amuck? Or could we be seriously yanking your chain, given that this is the final issue of this volume of GEN13? Find out in this oversized, 40-page, action-packed, series-ending extravaganza! And watch this space for news about GEN13 Volume 2! FC, 40 PG. $3.50 HIGH ROADS #2 WRITTEN BY SCOTT LOBDELL; ART AND COVER BY LEINIL YU AND GERRY ALANGUILAN CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores May 1. Cliffhanger's latest action-packed series! Can you imagine a more romantic place to die than Paris, the City of Lights, in the final days of World War II? Watch as U.S. Army officer Nick Highroad and the diminutive British actor Sir Arthur Bombridge come to the rescue of the beauty known only as Sloan, a woman of ill repute who insists she's Hitler's beloved former mistress! Not that anyone is doubting her, now that she's being dragged screaming across the rooftops of Paris by an elite squad of Nazi ninjas known as the Brotherhood of the Iron Cross! FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 6) $2.95 OUT THERE #11 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AUGUSTYN; ART AND COVER BY HUMBERTO RAMOS AND SANDRA HOPE CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores May 22. "The Road to El Dorado," Part 5 of 6. Becky, Abel and the kids continue their trip around the Southwest, searching for any clue that might reveal where to find El Dorado City. But none of them imagined they'd have a reunion in their dreams! Thrilled as they are to see family and friends again, will they be able to resist the temptation to rescue them by making a deal…with Draedalus? FC, 32 PG. $2.95 ROBO DOJO #4 WRITTEN BY MARV WOLFMAN, J. TORRES AND CONOR LIBBY; ART BY GREG LANE, DARIO BRIZUELA AND VINCE RUSSELL; COVER BY MICHAEL GOLDEN In stores May 8. The Techno Council takes control of Robo Dojo and all its secrets! With both Alpha and Omega teams captured, who will stop the Techno Council from turning their robojin designs into weapons of war? In NANOBOTZ, the team is devastated when one of them is critically injured and must undergo nanotron reconstruction or perish! FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 6) $2.95 STEAMPUNK #12 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY CHRIS BACHALO AND RICHARD FRIEND CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores May 29. Extra-sized final issue extravaganza! In their wildest adventure yet, Cole and Company finally escape England — and the clutches of the evil Lord Absinthe — only to crash-land in wartorn France. There they meet a twisted version of Napoleon, more machine than man, a half-mad revolutionary fighting a desperate cat-and-mouse game against Absinthe for the freedom of France. Also, as Cole is tried for war crime, Vicki must come to terms with her feelings for our hero, which leads to the shocker ending you've been waiting for! FC, 40 PG. $3.50 STAR OF THE MONTH STEAMPUNK: MANIMATRON TP WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY CHRIS BACHALO AND RICHARD FRIEND CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores May 29. Reoffered to coincide with STEAMPUNK #12, the epic conclusion to the CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS series, this trade tells the story of Cole Blaquesmith, man out of time. Collecting the first 5-issue story arc from creators Joe Kelly and Chris Bachalo, MANIMATRON also includes the rare STEAMPUNK: CATECHISM one-shot and the nearly impossible to find STEAMPUNK: IDIOSINCRATICA. (STAR13660D) SC, 7X10, 176PG, FC $14.95 ******************************* AMERICA'S BEST COMICS TOM STRONG #17 WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE; ART AND COVER BY CHRIS SPROUSE AND KARL STORY In stores May 15. It's the middle chapter of our grand 3-part extravaganza! Tom Strong, with a little help from some friends — terrestrial and other — is joined by the mysterious Weird Rider to do battle with spaced-out insects intent on turning Earth into a giant anthill! FC, 32 PG. $2.95 TOM STRONG'S TERRIFIC TALES #4 WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE AND STEVE MOORE; ART BY PAUL RIVOCHE, ARTHUR ADAMS AND ALAN WEISS; COVER BY ADAMS In stores May 1. Tom Strong soars from the greatest heights of Millennium City to its furthest depths…almost. While, decades earlier on Attabar Teru, Young Tom Strong meets a lovely creature who entices and delights him — even if there is something...fishy about her. And, billions of years from now, all Hell breaks loose — just another day for Jonni Future! FC, 32 PG. $2.95 VERTIGO 100 BULLETS #36 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO; ART BY EDUARDO RISSO; PAINTED COVER BY DAVE JOHNSON In stores May 29. The conclusion to the 6-part "The Counterfifth Detective." Private Eye Milo Garret's spiral continues, as he uncovers the truth about exactly why he's been left a scarred, broken man. It's said the truth will set you free, but for Milo it's not before he's been backed into a corner, beaten down, and spat back up. Milo's only possible escape lies in the attaché case Graves gave him, but can a man really hope to escape his past? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 AMERICAN CENTURY #15 WRITTEN BY HOWARD CHAYKIN AND DAVID TISCHMAN; ART BY LUKE ROSS AND JOHN STOKES; PAINTED COVER BY GLEN ORBIK In stores May 15. "An American in Paris," Part 2 of 3. Harry Kraft discovers a warehouse full of stolen paintings, but the Nazi loot is le key to a pompous French art dealer's plan to flood the world with near-perfect frauds. With Henri, the half-baked baker, on his tail, Harry's only hope is the mysterious Angelique. But will this Parisian angel put him on Cloud Nine, or six feet under? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 CODENAME: KNOCKOUT #13 WRITTEN BY ROBERT RODI; ART BY AMANDA CONNER AND JIMMY PALMIOTTI; COVER BY TOMAS GIORELLO In stores May 29. "Fleshback 1932: Arrivederci, Roma" — a standalone issue. In Mussolini's Italy, Go-Go's anarchist mother, Fiorella Fiasco, battles Angela's secret agent grandmother, Pearlie Gates. Throw in the pint-size Italian spitfire Bamboletta, and it's a Golden Age she-devil spectacular! Meow! MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE CRUSADES #15 WRITTEN BY STEVEN T. SEAGLE; ART BY KELLEY JONES AND RON RANDALL; PAINTED COVER BY ARON WIESENFELD In stores May 1. Every day in San Francisco seems to be a holy day as the Ash Wednesday Killer steps up his schedule of slaughter. But are his deeds the work of an obsessed serial killer…or is the out-of-commission Knight somehow escaping from his resting place to enact a new campaign of terror? Ingenue reporter Venus Kostopikas and Detective Addas Petronas cross paths in their quest to crack the case…and in their search for love. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING TP WRITTEN BY NEIL GAIMAN; ART BY CHRIS BACHALO AND MARK BUCKINGHAM; PAINTED COVER BY DAVE MCKEAN In stores May 1. Reoffered to coincide with the release of JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH CHRIS BACHALO CREATING CATWOMAN, this trade paperback collects the first miniseries starring the popular character created by critically-acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman, and featuring art by JUST IMAGINE…CATWOMAN's Chris Bachalo. Featuring an introduction by musician Tori Amos. (STAR00728D) MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 104PG, FC $12.95 ******************************* FABLES #1 WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY LAN MEDINA AND STEVE LEIALOHA; VARIANT COVERS BY JAMES JEAN (PAINTED) AND ALEX MALEEV In stores May 8. A new VERTIGO series takes a decidedly dark spin on familiar fairy tale characters. Led by Snow White, a reformed Bigby Wolf, and a slew of others, the secret community of Fabletown is adjusting to life among the "mundanes." But this is no fairy tale, and when Snow White's estranged sister, Rose Red, goes missing — her apartment a grizzly, bloody scene — it's up to her sister and Mr. Wolf to find the culprit. But the question remains, will they find Rose intact, or will the cryptic message on her wall come true: "No More Happily Ever After?" For more information, see the feature article. This issue will ship with two covers. All orders will be comprised of covers by James Jean (50%) and Alex Maleev (50%). MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH THE SANDMAN PRESENTS: MERV PUMPKINHEAD — AGENT OF DREAM — RELIST WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY MARK BUCKINGHAM AND JOHN STOKES; PAINTED COVER BY KEVIN NOWLAN In stores May 8. Reoffered to coincide with the release of FABLES #1, this hilarious one-shot — also written by FABLES's Bill Willingham — features everyone's favorite pumpkinhead as a daring Super-spy Agent of Dream…or is that all just in his head? Prestige Format. (STAR11938D) MATURE READERS FC, 48 PG. $5.95 ******************************* HELLBLAZER #174 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO; ART BY MARCELO FRUSIN; PAINTED COVER BY TIM BRADSTREET In stores May 22. The conclusion to "Ashes and Dust." FBI Agent Frank Turro's investigation into the death of John Constantine comes to a grisly end as he confronts the tragic individual responsible, but not before friends, enemies, and lovers from Constantine's past converge on the insane scene. Question is, are they there to pay their respects, or dance on his grave? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT HC WRITTEN BY PETER MILLIGAN; ART AND COVER BY JAVIER PULIDO In stores May 29. Christopher Chance is hired to impersonate an aging film actor marked for death by an extortionist who preys upon the Hollywood glitteratti. What seems like an open-and-shut case results in Chance's being hired to find a missing child actor, and his cover leads him down a dangerous trail of drugs, violence and frustrated desperation. As Chance slips further into his cover identity, will he ever find a way back to his true self? For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS HC, 7X10, 96PG, FC $29.95 STAR OF THE MONTH HUMAN TARGET TP WRITTEN BY PETER MILLIGAN; ART BY EDVIN BIUKOVIC; COVER BY TIM BRADSTREET In stores May 29. Reoffered to coincide with the release of the HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT HC, this trade paperback collects the original VERTGO miniseries that reinvented one of DC's signature characters from the 1970s. MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 104PG, FC $12.95 ******************************* HUNTER: THE AGE OF MAGIC #11 WRITTEN BY DYLAN HORROCKS; ART BY RICHARD CASE AND STEVE BIRD; PAINTED COVER BY JON FOSTER In stores May 8. The conclusion to the 4-part "The Evil Gene." Dr. Fabien's deadly virus of love is at large in London, and Tim must stop it before the entire city is consumed. But he can't do it without the help of an angel and the mysterious Spirit of London. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 LUCIFER #26 WRITTEN BY MIKE CAREY; ART BY PETER GROSS AND RYAN KELLY; PAINTED COVER BY CHRISTOPHER MOELLER In stores May 15. Part 2 of the 3-part "Purgatorio," featuring Death of the Endless. Death has come to Lucifer's cosmos, to confront not one, but two supposedly immortal beings. Her intentions are far from clear, but her actions will prove both terrible and irrevocable, and change forever the destiny of both the Morningstar and the world he's worked so hard to create. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 MIDNIGHT, MASS #2 WRITTEN BY JOHN ROZUM; ART BY JESUS SAÍS AND JIMMY PALMIOTTI; PAINTED COVER BY TOMER HANUKA In stores May 22. VERTIGO's new horror, fantasy, romance, mystery miniseries continues. Picture a lone farmhouse, under a moonless sky. Through the window you see that a TV is playing. Two figures are watching TV. One is human. One is not. Adam and Julia Kadmon undergo their most desperate adventure...one that will change the way they work forever. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 8) $2.50 THE NAMES OF MAGIC TP WRITTEN BY DYLAN HORROCKS; ART BY RICHARD CASE; PAINTED COVER BY JOHN BOLTON In stores May 1. Reprinting the 5-issue miniseries, THE NAMES OF MAGIC finds Tim reunited with the four mystics from the original THE BOOKS OF MAGIC miniseries. Tim learns of the existence of the White School — a refuge where he might finally be protected from the deluge of forces trying to claim his power for themselves. Before he can gain entry, he must find his true name, while an ancient secret society that would control him tries to track him down. MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 128PG, FC $14.95 S.C.I.-SPY #4 WRITTEN BY DOUG MOENCH; ART BY PAUL GULACY AND JIMMY PALMIOTTI; COVER BY GULACY In stores May 1. The sins of the past always come back to haunt you, as Motherbank is learning this first hand. In this issue, Sebastian Starchild learns the truth behind his mysterious origin, what the Hunger Bugs really are and from whence they come, and the devastating secret Motherbank has been harboring for nearly a thousand years. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 6) $2.50 TRANSMETROPOLITAN #56 WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART BY DARICK ROBERTSON AND RODNEY RAMOS; COVER BY GENE HA In stores May 8. Martial law is expanding out from the Reclamation Zone to take control of the City; martial law run from the White House, and a President savaged by Spider Jerusalem. The beginnings of unrest stir, and no one really knows how the Smiler will react. Actually, Spider Jerusalem has a good idea…but he's officially on the run now. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH USER WRITTEN BY DEVIN GRAYSON; PAINTED ART BY JOHN BOLTON AND SEAN PHILLIPS; COVERS BY BOLTON In stores May 29. Devin Grayson's gender-bending techno-drama is offered again, featuring lush "online fantasy" sequences painted by John Bolton, and stark "real world" art by Sean Phillips. Meg Chancellor discovers herself — by becoming someone else — in the seductive escapism of a fantasy-based online world. FC, 48pg. Prestige Format. MATURE READERS #1 (STAR12485) $5.95 #2 (STAR12836) $5.95 #3 (STAR13016) $5.95 ******************************* MAD MAD MAGAZINE #418 WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY THE USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS In stores May 1. Today's fortune cookie says: "Odds are good that this issue will have a parody of a major summer blockbuster movie!" If not, then that's the last time we'll go to that Chinese restaurant! MAGAZINE, 48PG, FC/B&W $3.50 MAD XL #15 WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY THE USUAL GANG OF IDIOTS In stores May 8. It's another jam-packed issue of MAD XL, loaded with more of the Best of the Web, MAD Marginals XL, and a featured writer of the month. Plus, Dick "Duck" Edwing's sickest history gags! MAGAZINE, 96PG, B&W $4.99 DC DIRECT BATMAN: DARK VICTORY SIGNATURE SERIES PRINT BY TIM SALE ART BY TIM SALE Advance-solicited; in stores August 14. DC Direct continues its Signature Print Series with a stunning piece featuring the art from the cover of the BATMAN: DARK VICTORY hardcover. This print, showcasing Sale's unique rendition of the Dark Knight and his young sidekick Robin, features new background art by the artist. This numbered print is double-matted, measuring approximately 20" x 16", with an image area measuring 16" x 10", and includes a Certificate of Authenticity and a card signed by Sale. Retailers, please note: The BATMAN: DARK VICTORY SIGNATURE SERIES PRINT BY TIM SALE 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. PRINT, 20X16, FC $99.95 THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN PVC SET Advance-solicited; in stores September 25. From DC Direct comes a striking new PVC Set, featuring key characters from the acclaimed and best-selling miniseries by Frank Miller. THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN PVC SET features finely detailed, hand-painted PVC figures of six of the leading characters from this epic story — Batman, Catgirl, Superman, Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman, and The Atom — ranging from 2 1/8" to 4 1/8" tall. Packaged in a 4-color window box. Retailers, please note: THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN PVC 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. PVC SET (6 PIECES) $39.95 STAR OF THE MONTH THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN STATUE In stores May 1. This one-of-a-kind statue is still available! In celebration of the successful sequel to the classic Frank Miller tale THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS comes THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN STATUE! This hand-painted cold-cast porcelain statue features a stunning rendition of Batman with his sidekick, Catgirl, perched on his shoulder. This statue is overall approximately 13 1/4" tall x 5 3/4" deep, on a base that is 7" wide x 5" deep. Packaged in a 4-color box. Retailers, please note: Quantities are limited. Orders may be allocated. (STAR14689X) STATUE $195.00 ******************************* THE GOLDEN AGE DR. FATE BY ALEX ROSS POSTER PAINTED ART BY ALEX ROSS Advance-solicited; in stores August 28. Empowered by the mystic helmet and amulet of Nabu, the god of order, archaeologist Kent Nelson was transformed from mortal man to the master of magic, Dr. Fate! DC Direct continues its line of posters painted by renowned artist Alex Ross with this eye-catching 22" x 34" poster — designed to be displayed on its own or placed side-by-side with others. Retailers, please note: THE GOLDEN AGE DR. FATE BY ALEX ROSS POSTER 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. POSTER, 22X34, FC $7.95 THE GOLDEN AGE SPECTRE BY ALEX ROSS POSTER PAINTED ART BY ALEX ROSS Advance-solicited; in stores August 28. Murdered by gangsters, police detective Jim Corrigan was offered the chance to live anew...as the spirit of vengeance, the Spectre! Another stunning painting by renowned artist Alex Ross continues the line of 22" x 34" posters that are designed to be displayed on their own, or placed side-by-side with others. Retailers, please note: THE GOLDEN AGE SPECTRE BY ALEX ROSS POSTER 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. POSTER, 22X34, FC $7.95 GREEN LANTERN GUARDIAN: GANTHET STATUE SCULPTED BY SAM GREENWELL Advance-solicited; in stores August 28. Almost as old as time itself, the immortal Guardians of the Universe have taken it upon themselves to watch over the cosmos. To aid in their work, the Guardians created the Green Lantern Corps, a galactic police force armed with Power Rings that transform their every thought into reality. First among the brotherhood of the Guardians was Ganthet — a brilliant, yet enigmatic being even for his race. The GREEN LANTERN GUARDIAN: GANTHET STATUE is hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain, with the figure measuring approximately 4" tall (overall 5" tall on 4 3/8" diameter base). Packaged in a 4- color box. Retailers, please note: The GREEN LANTERN GUARDIAN: GANTHET 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. STATUE $49.95 GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE — NEW PRODUCTION RUN Advance-solicited; in stores June 12. By popular demand, the action figure of the greatest of all Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan, is reissued! The GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN ACTION FIGURE features multiple points of articulation and stands approximately 6 1/4" tall, and comes packaged with a Power Battery he can hold (scaled to size of figure) and a one-size-fits-all PVC Power Ring for the consumer's use. This figure (previously released as part of the "Hard-Traveling Heroes" group) is reissued in completely new, 4-color blister packaging in line with the GREEN LANTERN CORPS packaging. Retailers, please note: The GREEN LANTERN 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. FIGURE PI JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES: ALFRED E. NEUMAN AS GREEN ARROW ACTION FIGURE Advance-solicited; in stores September 4. The stupidity just keeps on coming with a new entry in the line of JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES: ALFRED E. NEUMAN AS GREEN ARROW! MAD MAGAZINE's resident moron straps on a bow and arrow to fight the bad guys as the Emerald Archer, Green Arrow. This ridiculous action figure features multiple points of articulation, stands approximately 6 1/8" tall, and comes packaged with a golf bag-quiver, an extra set of hands, a bow that looks like a fishing rod, and a plunger arrow. This figure is also offered as part of the JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES ASSORTMENT I. Packaged in a 4-color blister pack. Retailers, please note: This is a resolicitation. All previous orders have been cancelled. The ALFRED E. NEUMAN AS GREEN ARROW 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. FIGURE PI JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES: ALFRED E. NEUMAN AS ROBIN ACTION FIGURE Advance-solicited; in stores September 4. The world needs heroes! Unfortunately, the best we can do is MAD MAGAZINE's own gap-toothed idiot, with the ALFRED E. NEUMAN AS ROBIN ACTION FIGURE! Battling The Joker is gonna be the least of Batman's worries with this "hero" fighting at his side! This moronic action figure features multiple points of articulation, stands approximately 6 1/8" tall, features a cloth cape and comes packaged with a sling shot and a lollipop emblazoned with the "Bat-signal." This figure is also offered as part of the JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES ASSORTMENT I. Packaged in a 4- color blister pack. Retailers, please note: This is a resolicitation. All previous orders have been cancelled. The ALFRED E. NEUMAN AS ROBIN 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. FIGURE PI JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES ASSORTMENT I Advance-solicited; in stores September 4. MAD MAGAZINE'S resident idiot, Alfred E. Neuman, becomes the mighty heroes of the Justice League of America in that very, er...special way he has. The "What, me worry?" kid is giving everybody something to worry about if he thinks his portrayals of our beloved heroes is funny! The JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES ASSORTMENT I stars Alfred as Superman, Batman, Robin, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow. Each figure features multiple points of articulation, hysterical accessories, and comes packaged in its own 4-color blister card. Each assortment contains: 2 Batman, 2 Superman, and 1 each of Green Lantern, Flash, Green Arrow, and Robin — for a total of 8 figures! Retailers, please note: ALFRED E. NEUMAN AS SUPERMAN, BATMAN, THE FLASH, and GREEN ARROW were previously released as singles to the comic-book specialty market. The JUST-US-LEAGUE OF STUPID HEROES ASSORTMENT I 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. This product is being offered simultaneously outside of the comic book specialty market. Because combined orders drive the manufacturing of this particular product, lack of orders may necessitate the cancellation of this product. Notification of cancellation, if necessary, would be announced by the end of April 2002. FIGURE PI JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: GREEN LANTERN JOHN STEWART MAQUETTE SCULPTED BY KAREN PALINKO Advance-solicited; in stores August 21. DC Direct continues its line of cold-cast porcelain maquettes featuring the super-heroes as they appear on the hit Justice League WB Animation series on Cartoon Network! The Justice League's resident Green Lantern, John Stewart, is immortalized in this maquette measuring approximately 8 3/4" tall x 4" wide. Maquette statues are based on models designed for the series and are usually produced exclusively for the artists and animators as the definitive models on which to base their drawings. DC Direct is making these special maquettes available to fans! Packaged in a 4-color box. Retailers, please note: The JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: GREEN LANTERN JOHN STEWART MAQUETTE 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 May-released product, solicited in this month's issue of Previews. MAQUETTE $89.95 STAR OF THE MONTH LOBO SOFT TOY In stores May 1. Reoffered to coincide with the release of the DC FIRST: SUPERMAN/LOBO one-shot, this loveable 7" tall plush of the Main Man is as soft as they come. But don't let Lobo hear you call him sof