PREVIEWS VOL. XIV #2 PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS MEGA MANGA & MORE! #4 The Mega Manga & More! catalog features a huge selection of manga and anime-related products — comics and books, toys, models, cards, posters… and more — all available for immediate order from your favorite retailer! Catalog, 8x11, FC PI PREVIEWS #3 (MARCH 2004) 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, the coolest merchandise on Earth, plus exclusive items available nowhere else! This issue features items scheduled to ship from May 2004 through July 2004! Catalog, 8x11, 480+pg, PC $4.50 MARVEL PREVIEWS #7 Each issue of Marvel Previews will be a comic book-sized, 96-page, full-color guide and preview to all of Marvel's upcoming releases, PLUS a full 22-page story in each issue — either a special advanced preview of an upcoming blockbuster new project, or a sold-out, jumping-on point issue from one of their hottest books! It's your one source for advanced Marvel solicitations! This March issue features items scheduled to ship in may 2004! FC, 96pg $0.99 (or Free with Purchase of Previews) PREVIEWS CONSUMER ORDER FORM #3 (MARCH 2004) Previews makes it easy for you to order every item in the catalog with this separate order form booklet! This issue ships in late February 2003 for items on sale in May 2004. Comic-sized, 62pg, PC PI PREVIEWS ADULT #3 (MARCH 2004) 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 $0.95 COMICS SECTION PREMIER VENDORS DARK HORSE COMICS SHI: JU-NEN #1 BILLY TUCCI (W/A) On sale April 14, FC, 32pg, (1 of 4), $2.99 Dark Horse celebrates Shi's 10th Anniversary with a new Tucci series! Ana Ishikawa returns to her native Japan where she desperately tries to avert an all out war between the secretive sects of the Kyoto and Nara Sohei. And with the Narans of the verge of annihilation, the Kyoto Sohei are about to rub it in—with the encouragement of the Yakuza and with potentially disastrous consequences. Once again, Ana in the guise of Death Incarnate, will take up the naginata and don her grandfather's Kabuki face paint in order to save both cities, even if it means turning to her father's murderer Masahiro Arashi to do so. EL ZOMBO #1 (OF 3) KEVIN MUNROE (W) and DAVE WILKINS (A) DAVE WILKINS and TONY WASHINGTON (Cover) On sale April 21, FC, 32pg, $2.99 El Zombo is the story of the unlikely friendship between a temperamental undead wrestler and an equally difficult 10-year-old girl from East L.A. Pro wrestling champ El Zombo gets a second lease on life after being unceremoniously murdered in a back alley for refusing to take a dive in the ring. His deal is to return to Earth to help Belisa Montoya— a troubled girl about to fall victim to a horrible unknown accident. Returning at first for selfish reasons of revenge, El Zombo soon finds himself at a crossroads, forced to choose between his own vengeance and saving the life of this girl he now deeply cares for. El Zombo #1 is the first of a three issue series. STEVE RUDE'S THE MOTH #1 STEVE RUDE (A) and GARY MARTIN (W/A) On sale April 00, FC, 32pg, $2.99 WARNING!! Dark Horse takes no responsibility for bodily injuries sustained while reading The Moth #1. The unbridled action spilling from the pages are an understandable consequence of teaming (penciler) Steve Rude, and (writer/ inker) Gary Martin together. So if you get punched in the eye because you're holding this comic too close, don't come crying to us! In this issue, The Moth runs smack into the face of trouble, in the form of his archrival, Nestor the bounty hunter. Check out the picture of Nestor, in the dictionary definition of the word scum! MICHAEL CHABON PRESENTS: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF THE ESCAPIST VOLUME 1 TPB MICHAEL CHABON (W), GLEN DAVID GOLD, HOWARD CHAYKIN (W/A), BILL SIENKIEWICZ (A), KYLE BAKER, JIM STARLIN, GENE COLAN, STEVE LIEBER (A), SCOTT MORSE, ERIC WIGHT (A), KEVIN McCARTHY, MIKE BARON On sale April 24, SC, 152pg, FC, 8 1/4" x 5 1/2", $17.95 Master of Elusion, foe of tyranny, and champion of liberation—The Escapist! Operating from a secret headquarters under the boards of the majestic Empire Theater, the Escapist and his crack team of charismatic associates roam the globe, performing amazing feats of magic to aid all those who languish in oppression's chains. The history of his creators, Joe Kavalier and Sam Clay, was recently chronicled in Michael Chabon's Pulitzer Prize- winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. The best of the Escapist's adventures are now collected into one volume for all to enjoy! This thrilling volume of Michael Chabon Presents…The Amazing Adventures of The Escapist collects the first two issues of the comic book and features an original story penned by Michael Chabon, the comics debut of novelist Glen David Gold, a new story written and drawn by Howard Chaykin, the painted artwork of Bill Sienkiewicz, and a wraparound cover by Chris Ware! CONAN #3 KURT BUSIEK (W), CARY NORD (A), and DAVE STEWART (C) JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER (Cover) On sale April 28, FC, 32pg, $2.99 In the aftermath of "The Frost Giant's Daughter," Conan heads into battle with the men of Asgard, never suspecting the treachery they hold in store for him, nor the horror coming down from Hyperborea. Dark Horse's bold new interpretation of Robert E. Howard's greatest creation. ULTRAMAN TIGA #9 (OF 10) TONY WONG (W) and KHOO FUK LUNG (A) UDON (Cover) On sale April 28, FC, 40pg, (9 of 10), $3.99 It's all-out war! The alien presence controlling Japan's military reveals its true identity and makes a stand against the Ultraman called Tiga. As Tiga and the gigantic monstrosity take their fight to the skies, the former members of the Global Unlimited Task Squad are doing all they can to stop the anarchy in the streets below. Just when things can't seem to get any worse, a new and deadlier enemy emerges; an opponent from Tiga's long-dead past carry a destructive secret and the power to lay the Ultra-warrior to waste! Continuing the electrifying Hong Kong series. THE INVINCIBLE ED TPB RYAN WOODWARD (W/A) On sale May 12, SC, 112pg, FC, $13.95 A regular geek at Chesterton High, Ed, mistakenly receives the alien power of invincibility but to his horror, being a superhero just hurts like hell! Without super strength, heat vision, or anything at all, Ed learns the ropes of being a superhero with only an extremely high level of pain tolerance. Jealously enraged at Ed's benefit, Lance Lundgrin, schemes to overthrow the geek-gone-super geek. Through the relentless and hilarious pain inflicted on him, Ed learns how to believe in himself and make self sacrifices for the greater good. Collecting the four-issue miniseries. TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY: UNCLE GABBY HC TONY MILLIONAIRE (W/A) On sale May 19, HC, 40pg, FC, $14.95 The Sock Monkey returns home from the University where he has become a Master Poet dedicated to the Science of Un-naming Objects. He embarks on a journey of sentimentality as he rediscovers his childhood home. However, things are not as he remembers them, and he is subjected to an avalanche of heart-breaking realization. B.P.R.D.: A PLAGUE OF FROGS #2 MIKE MIGNOLA (W) and GUY DAVIS (A) On sale April 7, FC, 32pg, $2.99 The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense traces the disappearance of a giant fungus to a deserted town. Separated from the group when their helicopter crashes, Roger the Homunculus, enthralled by a mysterious child, winds up hanging from the neck in an abandoned building. Meanwhile, the rest of the B.P.R.D. team lies unconscious at the crash site, and Abe Sapien dreams of underwater terrors. HELLBOY: WEIRD TALES #8 KIA ASIMIYA (W/A) , TOMMY LEE EDWARDS (W/A), and JILL THOMPSON (W/A), MICHAEL W. KALUTA (Cover) On sale April 14, FC, 32pg, $2.99 This award-winning lineup of creators present their takes on our favorite paranormal investigator's entanglements with a monstrous toy company, WWII fighter pilots, and a skeleton casting call. Featuring a pin-up by Gary Fields. On the heels of the Hellboy film premiere, Hellboy: Weird Tales #8 is the conclusion to the hugely successful series. TALES OF THE VAMPIRES #5 JOSS WHEDON (W), ALEX SANCHEZ (A), BRETT MATTHEWS (W), SAM LOEB (W), and others, BRIAN HORTON (Cover) On sale April 14, FC, 32pg, $2.99 Joss Whedon wraps up his Tales of the Vampires series, finally revealing the truth behind the young Watchers' training program and their introduction to their ancient vampire tutor. Brett Matthews (Spiderman/Wolverine) returns with a story of Buffy's favorite vampire—Angel. THE GOON VOLUME 2: MY MURDEROUS CHILDHOOD (AND OTHER GRIEVOUS YARNS) TPB ERIC POWELL (W/A) On sale May 5, SC 128pg, FC, $13.95 The Goon and Franky have been best friends ever since they was tykes. Find out how the two little ankle-biters became best pals, and how they muscled their way into the rackets of big-time crime-boss, Labrazio—who, incidentally, nobody's seen in a while. This trip down memory lane ain't gonna be no joyride, neither. Franky and the Goon are going to have to take on a horde of zombies, an army of hoboes, a couple of grave robbin' mongoloids, a guy with a gold head and his killer robot, a pie-crazed skunk ape, one homely, man-crazy sea hag, and whole lot of other things that smell just as bad if not worse. Pick up a copy, because those uptown rich people may have the cops and their G- men, but down here all we got is the Goon! Collecting issues #1-4 of the Dark Horse series, plus the 8-page story from Drawing on Your Nightmares; "The Brothers Mud." THE GOON #6 ERIC POWELL (W/A) On sale April 14, FC, 32pg, $2.99 As if the Goon doesn't have enough to worry about, what with zombies, werewolves, vampires, bog lurks, and psychic amphibious mammals running around, the last thing he needs is an ALIEN INVASION! A gelatinous space blob comes to town for a little Earthly vacation, but all hell breaks loose when he unleashes an unstoppable, towering, fire-breathing, Mexican lizard! All seems lost until a figure from the past steps in to lend the Goon a hand, but WILL IT BE TOO LATE?! Eric Powell's The Goon has been hailed as a book that would "leave you drooling like an undead ghoul at a brain buffet" by Entertainment Weekly. 3 X 3 EYES VOLUME 8: DESCENT OF THE MYSTIC CITY TPB YUZO TAKADA (W/A) FOR MATURE READERS On sale May 5, SC, 288pg, b&w, 5 3/4" x 8 1/4", $18.95 Pai doesn't look a day over sixteen; of course, she's 300 years old and the last of an ancient mystical race. Yakumo looks no different than your average Tokyo teen; however, he's been resurrected from the dead as Pai's immortal slave and defender. They're both on a quest to return Pai to her hidden homeland and ultimately to return Yakumo to his mortal form. They've been through hell and high water to find a lost Tibetan shrine that holds the keys to the Sacred Land of Kunlun. But with the mission accomplished, the return to Kunlun turns out not to be the heartfelt reunion Pai had hoped for, but could instead reveal her incredible journey to be only a ruse that could well release the evil Kaiyan Wang from imprisonment in the Sacred Land! Collecting stories from Super Manga Blast! issues #32-40. BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #88: LIGHT AND SHADOW ONE-SHOT HIROAKI SAMURA (W/A) FOR MATURE READERS On sale April 14, b&w, 32pg, $2.99 Hunted by the surviving members of the Shingyötö-ryü clan, Rin continues her flight towards Edo. She travels in a strange alliance with Anotsu, her sworn enemy who is suffering from a mysterious ailment. Will Rin have her chance to finally take him out…or will she find herself fighting alongside him? Done in Hiroaki Samura's kinetically masterful fashion, the thrilling action sequence in this one-shot issue is on par with Rin's "Flight of the Golden Wasps" move. With Manji also hot on Rin's trail, several major players in this revenge epic begin to move closer to an inevitably bloody reunion! CANNON GOD EXAXXION STAGE 3 TPB KENICHI SONODA (W/A) On sale May 12, SC, 224pg, b&w, 5 3/4" x 8 1/4", $15.95 Hoichi is Kano is a typical Tokyo teenager...EXCEPT that he pilots a state-of-the-art integrated gunsuit AND the antimatter-powered, cannon-toting, mega-robot Exaxxion AND he may be humankind's last hope against colonizing aliens. Other than that, he's just your absolutely typical teen. Luckily, these extras will make matters a bit easier when he has to rescue his high-school crush—and his Mom!—from alien imprisonment. Of course, he may have to spend a bit of time explaining about his sexy shape-shifting android assistant, and he might need to do some image damage control after he levels a building or two, but that's nothing any teenager couldn't talk their way out of, right? It's not like he stole a car or something! Collecting issues #14-20 of the series. SUPER MANGA BLAST! #42 Featuring Cannon God Exaxxion, Seraphic Feather, What's Michael?, Club 9 and Shadow Star! KENICHI SONODA (W/A), MOHIRO KITOH (W/A), MAKOTO KOBAYASHI (W/A), YUZO TAKADA (W/A), and HIROYUKI UTATANE (W) & YO MORIMOTO (A) FOR MATURE READERS On sale April 28, b&w, 128pg, $5.99 In Cannon God Exaxxion, when aliens threaten to enslave the world, Hoichi Kano becomes humanity's hero as the pilot of the gigantic Exaxxion robot! Dark science fiction drama collides with full-tilt, futuristic thrills in Seraphic Feather. With a revolution stirring on Earth's moon, Sunao becomes both sidekick and protector for two U.N. investigators. The secrets that these two women hide may save the moon colonists…but will they also lead him to his death? Makoto Kobayashi's hilarious What's Michael? features the world's most conniving cat as he continues to charm and alarm his various companions. In Club 9, country girl "Hello" Hattori has just settled into college life and her new job in the big city, but the affections of several admirers will bring humorous, unwanted complications. Shadow Star, races to a dramatic confrontation, as Shiina continues to cope with incredible new friends and a growing, malicious group of dragon bearers bent on world chaos! OH MY GODDESS! #107: SORA UNCHAINED PART 3 (OF 8) KOSUKE FUJISHIMA (W/A) On sale April 7, b&w, 32pg, (3 of 8), $2.99 The "Sora Unchained" storyline revs into high gear this month, as Belldandy comes to meek Sora's assistance with some confidence lessons. Sometimes all it takes is a helping hand to swipe one's fears aside on the road towards success. Shy and clumsy Sora has the brains and the light frame it takes to master cart racing. Now all she needs is the gusto and the self-assurance! Roaring towards a fun, hectic conclusion, Kosuke Fujishima delivers another extended tale filled with complicated relationships, hilarious scenarios, and good-intentioned goddess magic! OH MY GODDESS! VOLUME 18: THE PHANTOM RACER TPB KOSUKE FUJISHIMA (W/A) On sale May 19, SC, 256pg, b&w, 6" x 9", $17.99 Motorcycle mania has gotten the best of Meguimi, Keiichi Morisato's little sister and college student (and Goddess roommate). Driven to be the best biker around, she decides to test her skill against the Phantom Racer, a ghostly apparition that sometimes appears on a dark stretch of country road. Keiichi and his earthbound-goddess girlfriend, Belldandy, aren't far behind to keep an eye on her, but Meguimi better watch the road, because racing phantoms could get her killed! Meanwhile, at Keiichi's technical school, the cybernetic creations of a nutty professor nicknamed "Dr. Moreau" are trouble waiting to happen. Can Keiichi and Belldandy stop the crazed Doctor from unleashing mechanized mayhem on the unsuspecting college campus? Collecting issues #96-104 of the ongoing series. SERAPHIC FEATHER VOLUME 5: WAR CRIMES TPB HIROYUKI UTATANE (W/A) and TOSHIYA TAKEDA (W) FOR MATURE READERS On sale May 26, SC, 240pg, b&w, 6" x 9", $17.95 The lure of powerful alien technology discovered on a buried alien starship on the dark side of the moon is the nexus for an international, even interplanetary, game of power, deception, and violence. The key players: Sunao Oumi, a young paranormal unwittingly caught up in the maelstrom; M-ZAK, a beautiful (and lethal) super-agent; Kei Heidemann, Sunao's back-from-the-dead former love; and Apep Heidemann, Kei's brother, a mysterious scientist who has harnessed the alien craft's unimaginable power. M-Zak and Sunao are on the trail of vicious kidnappers who've taken Kei hostage. The kidnapping is only part of a plot by the Dystra Corporation to stage a coup and take control of the moon from UN forces, with a final goal to make the moon independent from earth! Collecting stories from Super Manga Blast!issues #35-43. ALSO AVAILABLE SERAPHIC FEATHER VOLUME. 1: CRIMSON ANGEL TPB by Hiroyuki Utatane and Yo Morimoto SC, 232pg, b&w (STAR) . . . $17.95 SERAPHIC FEATHER VOLUME. 2: SEEDS OF CHAOS TPB by Hiroyuki Utatane and Yo Morimoto SC, 240pg, b&w, 9" x 6" (STAR) . . . $17.95 SERAPHIC FEATHER VOLUME. 3: TARGET ZONE TPB by Hiroyuki Utatane and Yo Morimoto SC, 240pg, b&w, 6" x 9" (STAR) . . . $17.95 SERAPHIC FEATHER VOLUME 4: DARK ANGEL TPB by Hiroyuki Utatane and Yo Morimoto FOR MATURE READERS SC, 240pg, b&w, 6" x 9" (STAR) . . . $17.95 *********************** THE RING VOLUME 2 TPB by TAKASHI HIROSHI (W) and MEIMU (A) FOR MATURE READERS On sale May 12, SC, 192pg, b&w, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4", $13.95 The fabulously creepy story of The Ring takes a side step from the plot of the original Japanese film, taking the reader into life after all that tragedy and mystery. And guess what? Sadako, the psychic killer, isn't so easily disposed of. Beautifully illustrated by the adept Meimu, The Ring Volume 2 takes the reader into the life of Mai Takano, after her beloved Professor Ryuji is killed by Sadako. Adding to the sci-fi element, both Mai and little Yoichi, son of Ryuji and Reiko, have developed psychic powers and are often haunted by the powerful Sadako. This thick volume of material presents sci-fi action and horror reminiscent of Steven Spielberg's Poltergeist. TRIGUN MAXIMUM VOL. 1: THE HERO RETURNS TPB YASUHIRO NIGHTOW (W/A) FOR MATURE READERS On sale May 19, SC, 192pg, b&w, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4", $13.95 The hottest manga on the market enters brand new storytelling territory! As an anime series, Trigun gained a multitude of fans across the otaku landscape, before gaining a burgeoning mainstream manga audience. Now, Trigun Maximum goes beyond the story available in the anime and the first two top selling manga volumes. Our hero Vash the Stampede disappeared for two years after blasting a crater onto the moon above the desert planet he saved from annihilation. But with good people and bad alike trying to track him down, he won't stay lost for long! Count on more crazy gunslinger action, new dastardly villains…and a new outfit, to boot! STAR WARS: CLONE WARS VOLUME 4: LIGHT AND DARK TPB JOHN OSTRANDER (W), JAN DUURSEMA (P), and DAN PARSONS (I) THOMÁS GIORELLO (Cover) On sale May 12, SC, 136pg, FC, $16.95 The Jedi are taught to use the Force for good; to avail themselves only to the light side. But the dark side can be a dangerous temptation to even the strongest Jedi, as Aayla Secura learns when she battles former Jedi-in-training Aurra Sing, and Quinlan Vos discovers when he crosses swords with a true master of the dark, Count Dooku. Set against the backdrop of the Clone Wars, this novel-length adventure is filled with espionage, betrayal, and amazing lightsaber battles. It all begins with a dangerous undercover assignment that leads to…well, we dare not reveal the shocking ending! A story that is sure to have Star Wars fans talking—and wondering whether the fate of the Jedi lies in the light, or the dark…This volume collects Star Wars: Repubic issues 54 and 63, Star Wars: Jedi—Aayla Secura, and Star Wars: Jedi—Dooku. STAR WARS: EMPIRE #20 RON MARZ (W), TBA (A), DOUG WHEATLEY (cover) On sale April 7, FC, 32pg, $2.99 It's six months after the destruction of the Death Star, and every Rebel in the galaxy has a price on his or her head. Worse, the Rebel Alliance still has not been able to locate a new, secret location for a base. But Princess Leia has an idea: an acquaintance from Alderaan has a hunting preserve on a small, uninhabited moon. It might be the idealt spot— provided she can persuade her friend to allow it, and that the Imperials don't find out, and if the local wildlife doesn't prove to be too dangerous…The perfect spot for the Rebel base may just be the perfect spot for a princess to die! STAR WAR: REPUBLIC #64 JOHN OSTRANDER (W), GREG TOCCHINI (A) TOMÁS GIORELLO (Cover) On sale April 00, FC, 32pg, $2.99 As the fires of revolution sweep across the galaxy, it's impossible to gauge the number of personal tragedies caused by the Clone Wars. But some tragedies are more calculated than others, and when they result in the deaths of a Jedi Master and his Padawan, they deserve a closer look. Jedi Ronhar Kim strikes up a friendship with a rising politician, never dreaming that, years later, the relationship will make him the target of one of the greatest evils the galaxy has ever seen! KOTOBUKIYA STAR WARS ANAKIN SKYWALKER VINYL MODEL KIT On sale May 12, 13" tall, vinyl figure, packaged in window box, $94.99 Dark Horse continues its exciting import program of the award-winning Kotobukiya large vinyl Star Wars figures. The master craftsmen responsible for the creation of these figures have spared no expense in getting every detail just right. This month's release from the Episode II series is an action pose of Anakin Skywalker. Poised and ready for battle, he conjures up all the excitement of filmdom's most cherished space fantasy. Measuring approximately 13" from the base to the tip of his light saber, this figure is detailed and highly collectible. Packaged in a giant color window-box, this item will be a must for any serious collection. KOTOBUKIYA STAR WARS DARTH VADER VINYL MODEL KIT On sale May 12, 13" tall, vinyl figure, packaged in window box, $99.99 New! Just released in japan! A new phase in our import program of the award-winning Artfx large vinyl Star Wars figures. This one is perhaps the best one yet created in this or any other Star Wars licensed products program. Quite a statement, we know, but the picture speaks for itself we think. This month's release is an action pose of evil Darth Maul, surely among the most popular .Exuding menace, he is one bad dude!. Measuring approximately 13", packaged in a giant color window-box, this item will go quickly. THE MATRIX: NIOBE MINI-BUST On sale May 17, 6 3/4" tall, fully painted mini-bust . . . $45.00 Gentle Giant Studios has set a new standard for sculpted mini-busts. They have rocked us with a series of sculptures of characters from The Matrix. One of the best characters to emerge in the final films is Niobe, portrayed by the fabulous Jada Pinkett Smith, who posed for this piece in a three-dimensional computer scanning session with Gentle Giant. Using this data, their artisans refined the structure through traditional sculpting and painting to arrive at something quite special. Just as her exciting performance redefines the female action heroine, Gentle Giant's craftsmanship redefines the level of realism for this kind of collectible. The bust will be packaged in deluxe special packaging, and will be a numbered, limited-edition. Exact edition size has not been finally determined by Gentle Giant as of press time. HELLBOY MOVIE PRODUCTS 2004 is a big year for Hellboy. Revolution Studios is releasing a major motion-picture starring the world's greatest paranormal investigator, Hellboy! To celebrate, Dark Horse is making t-shirts, PVC sets, coasters, and tin signs. HELLBOY MOVIE T-SHIRTS ON SALE MAY 12 HELLBOY MOVIE LOGO BLACK ADULT TEE M-XL…$17.99 XXL…$19.99 HELLBOY WITH GUN BLACK ADULT TEE M-XL…$17.99 XXL…$19.99 HELLBOY IN PROFILE BLACK ADULT TEE M-XL…$17.99 XXL…$19.99 KROENEN BLACK ADULT TEE M-XL…$17.99 XXL…$19.99 HELLBOY MOVIE PHOTO COASTER SET On sale April 7, 4 full color coasters, 1/8" thick, packaged in a printed circular tin case, $12.99 Hellboy Coaster Set featuring Hellboy, Abe Sapien, Liz Sherman, and the official movie logo. These1/8" thick, high-quality coasters come packed in a beautifully printed circular tin case. HELLBOY IN PROFILE TIN SIGN On sale April 14, 12" x 16.7" full color tin sign, $19.99 Measuring 12" x 16 ¾" this Hellboy tin sign is the perfect size to decorate your wall, door, or creepy attic room. We've chosen a stunning image of Hellboy in profile, inspired by Mike Mignola's original artwork. This sturdy sign is made of pressed tin, with folded, rounded edges and comes packaged in poly bag with header card. CLASSIC COMIC CHARACTERS #47: BARNEY GOOGLE On sale June 9, 5 1/4" tall, packaged in a full-color tin w/pinback button and booklet, $49.95 This month we bring you Barney Google, sports and gambling aficionado, seen in comic strips and animated cartoons since 1919. With his instantly recognizable cigar and top hat, this diminutive fellow was a fan of sports and especially fond of the racetrack. The strip started as a daily one-punchline cartoon. In 1926 Barney was joined by sidekick Spark Plug, a ragged racehorse, inspiring a full-length strip and more detailed plot lines. Eventually Barney ran from the law into the Kentucky woods, meeting up with Snuffy Smith, who became the focus of the strip. This statue is offered in an limited edition of 550 numbered pieces and comes packaged in a special litho-printed full-color tin box with a vintage-style pinback button, and booklet about the character and his creator, Billy DeBeck. FRAZETTA PHOTO ZIPPO® LIGHTER #3: THE BRAIN On sale May 12, FC image on chrome zippo® lighter, $39.99 Third in a series of full-color collectible Zippo® lighters featuring the paintings of Frank Frazetta. The lighter uses an advanced manufacturing process that allows exacting full- color work to be permanently adhered to a Zippo® lighter with no loss of accuracy in the reproduction. We bring you "The Brain" in vivid color. Originally presented in the 1960's as a cover to the Warren magazines that helped launch the Frazetta renaissance, this image has stood the test of time and stands in the pantheon of Frazetta classics. Packaged in a tin box encased in a full-color cardboard sleeve. GHOST GHOST: BLACK OCTOBER TP by Eric Luke and various SC, 144pg, FC (STAR09382) . . . $14.95 GHOST: EXHUMING ELISA TP by Eric Luke, Ivan Reis, and Randy Emberlin SC, 160pg, FC (STAR07039) . . . $17.95 GHOST JADE SHOTGLASS Jade green shotglass, illustration by Brian Apthorp and Gary Martin (STAR11143) . . . $6.95 GHOST: NOCTURNES TP by Eric Luke, Adam Hughes, and various SC, 96pg, FC (STAR01805) . . . $9.95 GHOST: NO WORLD SO DARK TP by Chris Warner, Christian Zanier, and Steve Moncuse SC, 136pg, FC (STAR10792) . . . $14.95 GHOST: PAINFUL MUSIC TP by Eric Luke, Ivan Reis, and Randy Emberlin SC, 96pg, FC (STAR09575) . . . $9.95 GHOST STORIES TP by various SC, 96pg, FC (STAR01007) . . . $8.95 GHOST/BATGIRL: THE RESURRECTION ENGINE TP by Mike Kennedy and Ryan Benjamin SC, 96pg, FC (STAR13610) . . . $11.95 GHOST ZIPPO? LIGHTER Matte-white Zippo® illustrated by Adam Hughes (STAR11007) . . . $29.95 GACHA! Are you a fan of everything portable and plastic? When your local burger joint has happy meal toys you just can't live without, do you scour every location just to get a complete set? If that sounds like you, then you're going to love the new line of collectible Gacha figures, picture viewers, bracelets, and more that Dark Horse and Diamond Comic Dist. are teaming up to bring Gacha to a retailer near you. The Gacha toy vending program was developed by TOMY Yujin, an affiliate of TOMY, one of the largest Japanese toy companies. For over ten years they have been selling miniature licensed toys to the Japanese vending trade. These toys have provided great play value to children while creating a whole new collectible market for adults. Combining a long history as a toy manufacturer with knowledge of collectibles and vending, TOMY has earned the respect and support of both consumers and retailers. These limited-edition collections will feature some of today's most popular licenses like The Simpsons, Disney, Pokémon, Nintendo, Lord of the Rings, and more. Collect 'em all! To find a participating comics retailer near you call 1-888-266-4226 or on the web at csls.diamondcomics.com. Retailers! See the your order form for details on ordering and a special offer! AVAILABLE NOW! HELLBOY MOVIE FIGURES NEW HAMTARO FINGER PUPPETS MICKEY PARACHUTE FIGURES MARVEL SUPERHERO BOBBLE HEADS POKEMON BOBBLE HEADS G.I. JOE MINIVIEWERS HAMTARO FIGURE COLLECTION SERIES 1 SIMPSONS BOBBLE HEADS #2 TOMICA CARS #4 SIMPSONS NUCLEAR BOBBLE HEADS SIMPSONS FIGURE COLLECTION SERIES 2: SPRINGFIELD ELEMENTARY SERIES SIMPSONS KEYCHAINS ALSO AVAILABLE DISNEY PRINCESS FIGURES #2 DISNEY PRINCESS MUGS #3 LORD OF THE RINGS THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING BUST FIGURE COLLECTION SERIES 1 LORD OF THE RINGS THE TWO TOWERS BUST FUGURE COLLECTION SERIES 2 MATTEL BARBIE FIGURES MATTELS BARBIE MUGS WINNIE THE POOH BIRTHSTONE RINGS WINNIE THE POOH FRUIT FIGURE KEYCHAINS WINNIE THE POOH MUGS WINNIE THE POOH ROCK ALONG FIGURES ********************** TOP 10 SELLING MANGA TRADES AKIRA BOOK 1 by Katsuhiro Otomo Post-apocalypse Neo-Tokyo, 2019. The lives of two streetwise teenage friends, Tetsuo and Kaneda, change forever when dormant paranormal abilities begin to waken in Tetsuo, who becomes a target for a shadowy government operation, a group who will stop at nothing to prevent another catastrophe like that which leveled Tokyo. And at the core of their motivation is a raw, all-consuming fear: a fear of someone—or something—of unthinkably monstrous power known only as...Akira. And Akira is about to rise! FOR MATURE READERS SC, 364pg, b&w, 6-3/4" x 9-3/4" (STAR12302) . . . $24.95 ASTRO BOY VOLUME 1 TPB by Osamu Tezuka Created by the late Osamu Tezuka, a revered animator and cartoonist and considered the Walt Disney of Japan, his Astro Boy was the first manga series to be adapted to animation and became a worldwide phenomenon, making Astro Boy the Mickey Mouse of anime— a jet-powered, super-strong, evil-robot-bashing, alien-invasion-smashing Mickey Mouse, that is! Exciting, whimsical, and touching. SC, 224pg, b&w, 7" x 4 1/2" (STAR15434) . . . $9.95 BERSERK VOLUME 1: THE BLACK SWORDSMAN TPB by Kenturo Miura His name is Guts, the Black Swordsman, a feared warrior spoken of only in whispers. Bearer of a gigantic sword, an iron hand, and the scars of countless battles and tortures, his flesh is also indelibly marked with The Brand, an unholy symbol that draws the forces of darkness to him and dooms him as their sacrifice. Accompanied by Puck the Elf, more an annoyance than a companion, Guts relentlessly follows a dark, bloodstained path that leads only to death...or vengeance. FOR MATURE READERS SC, 224pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $13.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: BLOOD OF A THOUSAND TPB by Hiroaki Samura "To end his eternal suffering, he must slay one thousand enemies!" Manji, a ronin warrior of feudal Japan, has been cursed with immortality. To rid himself of this curse and end his life of misery, he must slay one thousand evil men! His quest begins when a young girl seeks his help in taking revenge on her parents' killers…and his quest won't end until the blood of a thousand has spilled! FOR MATURE READERS SC, 136pg, b&w (STAR09342) . . . $14.95 GUNSMITH CATS VOLUME 1: BONNIE & CLYDE TPB by Kenichi Sonoda Meet Rally and Minnie-May—The Gunsmith Cats—two of the most fun-loving, well- armed, bounty-hunting women in Chicago! Whether they're chasing bail jumpers or fending off the mob, you can bet on a healthy supply of guns, bombs, car chases, and more guns! In this 176-page trade paperback—collecting issues 1 through 6 of the series— the pair run afoul of Bonnie and Clyde, a couple of hired guns working mob jobs in the Windy City. FOR MATURE READERS SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR09143) . . . $13.95 INTRON DEPOT 1 TPB by Masamune Shirow Beautifully printed in Japan and featuring text in both Japanese and English, this package features nearly two hundred full-color Shirow works, 47 published for the first time anywhere in the world! This book is a nearly complete archive of Shirow's color work from 1981 to 1991, including material from Appleseed, Dominion, Black Magic, Orion, and much more. FOR MATURE READERS SC, 148pg, FC, 9 1/2" x 13" . . . $44.95 GHOST IN THE SHELL TPB by Masamune Shirow In a world in which the human mind can be programmed like a computer, where does the human soul end and the cybernetic machinery begin? What does it mean to be human? From Masamune Shirow, the creator of Appleseed, Orion, and Dominion: Tank Police, comes an epic, dystopian tale of politics, covert actions, and cyborgs with attitude! FOR MATURE READERS SC, 352pg, b&w (STAR01697) . . . $24.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOLUME 1: THE ASSASSIN'S ROAD TPB by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima Lone Wolf and Cub (Kozure Okami in Japan) is acknowledged worldwide for the brilliant writing of creator Kazuo Koike and the groundbreaking cinematic visuals of the late Goseki Kojima, creating unforgettable imagery of stark beauty, kinetic fury, and visceral thematic power that influenced a generation of storytellers both in Japan and in the West. FOR MATURE READERS SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6"(STAR11783) . . . $9.95 OH MY GODDESS! VOLUME 1: WRONG NUMBER TP by Kosuke Fujishima At long last, the "lost" Oh My Goddess stories are collected for the first time. Keiichi Morisato, 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. SC, 160pg, b&w, 5 3/4 x 8 1/4 (STAR15854) . . . $13.95 TRIGUN VOLUME 1 TPB by Yasuhiro Nightow Vash is a nice guy, but everyone wants to kill him. An enigma of a man with a coat full of bullet holes, he's widely feared because of the destruction left in his wake. And he's also highly valued for the price on his head. But he's no easy man to kill. Of course, that doesn't stop people from trying. What's his mission? Where's he from? FOR MATURE READERS SC, 360pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $14.95 SOCK MONKEY THE ADVENTURES OF TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY TP by Tony Millionaire b&w, 96pg, SC (STAR11519) . . . $9.95 COLLECTED WORKS OF TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY TPB (VOLUMES 3-4) by Tony Millionaire SC, 88pg, b&w, $12.95 SOCK MONKEY: A CHILDREN'S BOOK TP by Tony Millionaire b&w, SC, 6" x 9", 80pg (STAR14506) . . . $9.95 SOCK MONKEY: THE GLASS DOOR KNOB HC by Tony Millionaire HC, 40pg, 8"x10", FC . . . $14.95 SOCK MONKEY ART FESTIVAL POSTER FC, 24" x 32" (Sock Monkey) . . . $10.00 (each) SOCK MONKY BENDY TOY 5" bendable toy, full color, on blister card, $9.99 SOCK MONKEY LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR11660) . . . $19.95 SOCK MONKEY MAGNET SET 7 piece FC, thick magnets (STAR13274) . . . $9.99 SOCK MONKEY STICKERS Sock Monkey 3 panel, FC . . . $1.99 (each) Sock Monkey head shot, FC . . . $1.99 (each) Sock Monkey in flowers, FC . . . $1.99 (each) Sock Monkey in chair, FC . . . $1.99 (each) TONY MILLIONAIRE'S DRINKY CROW PVC 6" PVC figure, packaged in full-color window box . . . $19.99 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY DOLL 22" plush doll (STAR14900) . . . $19.99 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY JOURNAL 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" spiral bound journals, 128pg, $9.99 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 STATUE 8" tall, full-painted, packaged in full-color box, $75.00 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY ZIPPO® LIGHTER FC, chrome Zippo® lighter (STAR12362) . . . $29.99 HELLBOY HELLBOY VOLUME 1: SEED OF DESTRUCTION TPB by Mike Mignola SC, 128pg, FC, $17.95 HELLBOY VOLUME 2: WAKE THE DEVIL TPB by Mike Mignola SC, 144pg, FC, $17.95 HELLBOY VOLUME 3: THE CHAINED COFFIN AND OTHERS TPB by Mike Mignola SC, 168pg, FC, $17.95 HELLBOY VOLUME 4: THE RIGHT HAND OF DOOM TPB by Mike Mignola SC, 144pg, FC, $17.95 HELLBOY VOLUME 5: CONQUEROR WORM TPB by Mike Mignola SC, 144pg, FC, $17.95 HELLBOY: THE BONES OF GIANTS ILLUSTRATED NOVEL by Mike Mignola And Christopher Golden b&w, 200pg (STAR14867) . . . $14.95 HELLBOY: ODD JOBS by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, and others SC, 216pg, FC, 6" x 9" (STAR10486) . . . $14.95 B.P.R.D. BASEBALL HAT Black, embroidered hat (NOV020040) . . . $17.99 B.P.R.D. COFFEE MUG Black mug w/B.P.R.D. logo (SEP020080) . . . $9.99 B.P.R.D. EMBROIDERED PATCH 3" FC, embroidered patch . . . $4.99 B.P.R.D. STATIONERY SET 8 letter sheets (four different styles), 6 envelopes (4 different styles), and a set of stickers (MAR030050) . . . $4.99 B.P.R.D. ZIPPO® LIGHTER Black Ice chrome Zippo® lighter, packaged in tin box (MAR030053) . . . $29.99 HELLBOY BASEBALL CAP Black, embroidered hat (STAR09192) . . . $14.95 HELLBOY JOURNAL 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" covered, spiral bound journal, 128pg (JAN030100) . . . $9.99 HELLBOY LUNCH BOX FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR10349) . . . $14.99 HELLBOY LUNCH BOX #2 FC, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4" (STAR19576) . . . $14.99 HELLBOY COFFEE MUG White outside, black inside . . . $9.99 HELLBOY ORNAMENT 3 1/4" ornament, fully-painted (STAR17066) . . . $19.95 HELLBOY PVC SET Seven piece set, packaged in a full color window box (STAR13684) . . . $39.99 HELLBOY SOFT VINYL FIGURE 13 3/4" tall, fully painted, soft vinyl figure, packaged in a full-color window box (STAR13505) . . . $59.99 HELLBOY SHOTGLASS Clear shot glass w/ red & white art, Hellboy on one side, logo on the other (STAR09241) . . . $5.95 HELLBOY STICKERS Hellboy sticker #1 (Hellboy logo), FC (APR020100) . . . $1.99 (each) Hellboy sticker #2 (The Right Hand of Doom), FC (APR020101) . . . $1.99 (each) Hellboy sticker #3 (Menacing Portrait), FC (APR020102) . . . $1.99 (each) Hellboy sticker #4 (New B.P.R.D. logo), FC . . . $1.99 (each) Also available in a pack, contains four stickers (SEP020081) . . . $6.99 HELLBOY SWEATSHIRT Hellboy logo/ black hooded sweatshirt with front pocket M-XXL . . . $39.99 HELLBOY T-SHIRTS BPRD - BUREAU FOR PARANORMAL RESEARCH AND DEFENSE/PLAIN TEE/WHITE/ADULT M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 RED HELLBOY WITH FIRE/PLAIN TEE/BLACK/ADULT M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 HELLBOY TRIPTYCH/PLAIN TEE/BLACK/ADULT M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 HELLBOY TRIPTYCH/BABYDOLL/BLACK/ADULT S-L . . . $17.99 HELLBOY ICONS/PLAIN TEE/BLACK/ADULT M-XL . . . $17.99 XXL . . . $19.99 HELLBOY ICONS/BABYDOLL/BLACK/ADULT S-L . . . $17.99 HELLBOY ZIPPO® LIGHTER Three-color chrome Zippo® lighter (STAR06649) . . . $29.95 ALIENS/PREDATOR RELISTS ALIENS BOOK ONE TP by Mark Verheiden and Mark A. Nelson SC, 168pg, b&w (STAR00021). . . $13.95 ALIENS BOOK TWO LTD ED HC by Mark Verheiden and Denis Beauvais HC, 000pg, FC (STAR01817) . . . $79.95 ALIENS: APOCALYPSE — THE DESTROYING ANGELS TP by Mark Schultz and Doug Wheatley SC, 96pg, FC (STAR10202) . . . $10.95 ALIENS: FEMALE WAR TP by Mark Verheiden and Sam Kieth SC, 112pg, FC (STAR07106) . . . $16.95 ALIENS: GENOCIDE TP by Mike Richardson, John Arcudi, Damon Willis, and Karl Story SC, 112pg, FC (STAR00414) . . . $14.95 ALIENS: GENOCIDE TP (REMASTERED) by Mike Richardson, John Arcudi, Damon Willis, and Karl Story SC, 112pg, FC (STAR06258) . . . $16.95 ALIENS: HARVEST TP by Jerry Prosser and Kelley Jones SC, 120pg, FC (STAR07443) . . . $16.95 ALIENS: HIVE TP by Jerry Prosser and Kelley Jones SC, 120pg, FC (STAR070478) . . . $16.95 ALIENS: KIDNAPPED TP by Jim Woodring, Justin Green, and Francisco Solano Lopez SC, 80pg, FC (STAR08854) . . . $9.95 ALIENS: NIGHTMARE ASYLUM TP by Mark Verheiden and Den Beauvais SC, 112pg, FC (STAR07107) . . . $16.95 ALIENS: ROGUE TP by Ian Edginton and Will Simpson SC, 112pg, FC (STAR06780) . . . $16.95 ALIENS: STRONGHOLD TP by John Arcudi, Doug Mahnke, and Jimmy Palmiotti SC, 112pg, FC (STAR01938). . . $14.95 ALIENS: STRONGHOLD TP (REMASTERED) by John Arcudi, Doug Mahnke, and Jimmy Palmiotti SC, 112pg, FC (STAR06672). . . $16.95 ALIENS: TRIBES HC GSA by Steve Bissette and Dave Dorman HC, 72pg, Smythe-sewn, FC (STAR00289) . . . $24.95 ALIENS VS. PREDATOR ANNUAL #1 by Various FC, 48pg (STAR10223) . . . $4.95 ALIENS/PREDATOR: DEADLIEST OF THE SPECIES LTD. ED. HC by Chris Claremont, Eduardo Barreto, Jackson Guice, John Beatty, and others HC, 000pg, FC (STAR09350) . . . $$99.95 ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: ETERNAL TP by Ian Edginton and Alex Maleev SC, 88pg, FC (STAR10057) . . . $9.95 ALIENS VS. PREDATOR VS. THE TERMINATOR TP by Mark Schultz, Mel Rubi, and Mark Lipka SC, 96pg, FC (STAR13554) . . . $11.95 ALIENS VS. PREDATOR/WITCHBLADE/DARKNESS: MINDHUNTER TP by David Quinn, Mel Rubi, and Mike Perkins; cover by Dwayne Turner SC, 96pg, FC (STAR13989) . . . $12.95 ALIENS VS. PREDATOR LTD ED LITHOGRAPH by Dave Dorman Signed and numbered Lithograph (27" x 19 1/2") (STAR10565). . . $79.95 ALIENS ZIPPO® LIGHTER 3-color Zippo® lighter with gun metal finish (STAR12259) . . . $29.99 ALIEN: NOSTROMO ZIPPO? LIGHTER Black matte lighter with brass etching (STAR13311) . . . $29.95 DC COMICS Feature Articles Azzarello and Lee take on the Man of Steel! SUPERMAN #204 JIM LEE. Do we have your attention? You've been hearing the buzz for months, and now the main event is finally here! Fresh off his blockbuster run on BATMAN, Lee — Wizard Magazine's Best Artist of 2003 — is getting back in the ring to go twelve rounds with the Man of Steel. Along with inker extraordinaire Scott Williams, the "Hush" art team is going to give you a Superman like none you've ever seen before. BRIAN AZZARELLO. Every great fighter needs a great sparring partner, and this time around, Eisner Award-winning writer Azzarello, hot off his own best-selling 6-issue run on BATMAN, delivers the goods. Together, these heavyweights present "For Tomorrow" a 12-part storyline sure to grab readers by the throat and hold on tight. It kicks off in SUPERMAN #204, an extra- sized 40-page issue! A cataclysmic event has struck the earth. Millions of people have vanished without a trace. No one is left unaffected — not even Superman. A year has passed, and Superman is left with many questions and very few answers. For a hero who tries to have all the answers, it's torture. And just as the action heats up and the stakes are raised, one huge question emerges: Just how far is Superman willing to go "For Tomorrow"? This project is supported with a full-color 22"x 34"promotional poster, a 6-page preview in Wizard #149,trade and house ads,and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. SUPERMAN is an ongoing series co-edited by Eddie Berganza and Will Dennis. The 40-page issue #204 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 28 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. ARRIVING IN APRIL 2004 ACTION COMICS # 814 April's sweeping changes for the Man of Steel don't stop with Brian Azzarello's & Jim Lee's SUPERMAN and Greg Rucka's & Matthew Clark's ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN! Fresh off the innovative SUPERMAN: METROPOLIS, writer Chuck Austen (Uncanny X-Men), along with stellar interior artists Ivan Reis (Captain Marvel, Lady Death) & Marc Campos, takes ACTION COMICS to a new level with issue #814! Throw in the talents of legendary artist Arthur Adams (TOM STRONG'S TERRIFIC TALES, Monkeyman & O'Brian) on covers, and ACTION COMICS becomes a surefire hit! This dynamic new creative team weaves a thrilling tale that exposes a day in the life of Superman…a day that's far from ordinary! There are robbers to catch, children to save, and the hordes of Apokolips to stop… and Darkseid's minions provide only a hint of the threats that challenge the Man of Tomorrow. Plus, Clark's job at the Daily Planet is in jeopardy. But is Lois trying to hide that news from him? This project is supported with a full-color 22"x 34"promotional poster,trade and house ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. ACTION COMICS is an ongoing series edited by Eddie Berganza. The 32-page issue #814 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 14 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. ARRIVING IN APRIL 2004 A new 5-part story by Winick, Nguyen and Friend! BATMAN #626: "AS THE CROW FLIES" In the wake of the best-selling "Hush" and "Broken City" story arcs, the Dark Knight is poised for a monumental tale picking up plot threads from those two stories! Written by award-winner writer Judd Winick (OUTSIDERS, GREEN ARROW) with stunning art by WILDCATS VERSION 3.0's Dustin Nguyen & Richard Friend and dramatic painted covers by Matt Wagner (BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY, Grendel), this is an issue not to be missed! It all begins in BATMAN #626,part 1 of the 5-part thriller "As the Crow Flies!" The Gotham underworld is thrown into turmoil as its crimelords are slipping into a rabid — and murderous — frenzy. Is it coincidence or part of an elaborate and sinister power play? One thing's for sure: The machinations of Scarecrow and The Penguin will have Batman hard-pressed to restore order! This project is supported with a full-color 11"x 34"promotional poster,trade and house ads,and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. BATMAN is an ongoing series edited by Bob Schreck. The 32-page issue #626 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 28 with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. JLA: KID AMAZO HARDCOVER What if everything you thought you knew about yourself was a lie? What if instead of an ordinary student, you were the secret son of JLA super-villain Amazo? JLA:KID AMAZO is a stunning new 96-page hardcover graphic novel written by the super-hot Peter Milligan (HUMAN TARGET, X-Statix) and illustrated by cutting- edge artist Rob Haynes (Daredevil: Ninja, JLA-Z) answering these questions by shining a light on Pete Halloran, one of the JLA's newest — and strangest — adversaries! When Pete discovers to his horror that he is really the "son" of the android Amazo — and hard-wired to fight his "father's" sworn enemies, the JLA — his life is turned upside-down. At first, he resists his violent destiny. But will his bizarre cyborg nature win out over the stability of his everyday life? And what happens when the JLA must confront not just one but two adversaries who possess all their powers? This project is supported with a 6-page preview in an upcoming DC Horizon,trade and house ads. JLA: KID AMAZO is a 96-page original hardcover graphic novel edited by Mike Carlin. It is advance-solicited to arrive in comic-book stores on May 5 with a cover price of $24.95 U.S. ARRIVING IN APRIL 2004 Die now, Live Forever: BITE CLUB BITE CLUB is The Sopranos with vampires, a new 6-issue miniseries that paints Miami red with the infected blood of a dysfunctional mafia family. From critically acclaimed writers Howard Chaykin & David Tischman, the team that brought you SON OF SUPERMAN and THE SECRET SOCIETY OF SUPER-HEROES, BITE CLUB is an explosive new monthly series that blows the neck out of every vampire story you've ever read. BITE CLUB is illustrated in a bold, clean style by David Hahn (Private Beach, ROBIN), and features amazing painted covers by fan-favorite Frank Quitely (THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS, New X-Men). When Eduardo Del Toro is brutally murdered, he leaves control of the cartel to his youngest son, Leto — Miami's first vampire priest — a principled young man who wants nothing to do with the family business. But the mob is also in Leto's blood, and his conflict between "God" and "Godfather" is the explosive backdrop for this hard-hitting, post modern take on vampire mythology — that includes blood smoothies, SPF 150 suntan lotion, and dentures with retractable fangs. This project is supported with trade and house ads. BITE CLUB is a 6-issue VERTIGO miniseries edited by Shelly Bond and is suggested for mature readers. The 32- page issue #1 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 14 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. TOUCH TOUCH,a new DC Focus series written by John Francis Moore with art by Wesley Craig & Prentis Rollins and a cover by Tomer Hanuka, (MIDNIGHT MASS: HERE THERE BE MONSTERS) chronicles Goodman's rise and fall on the glitzy streets of Sin City. Meet Rory Goodman. He's super-strong, invulnerable, charismatic and Las Vegas's newest star. But being able to punch through buildings isn't going to help when his greatest threat is right under his nose. The secrets behind Rory's life and powers all lie in the hands of his friend and agent, Cooper Santiago. But Santiago — who makes a living finding people with powers — harbors a dangerous secret of his own. Is he out to make the world a better place, or just make a quick profit off the bizarre abilities he uncovers? Can anyone be trusted in a world where what's on the surface is the only thing that counts? This project is supported with trade and house ads and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. TOUCH is an ongoing DC FOCUS series edited by Matt Idelson. The 32-page issue #1 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 14 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. FRACTION Does power corrupt? You better believe it. FRACTION,a new DC Focus series written by David Tischman (BARNUM, SON OF SUPERMAN) with stunning art by Timothy Green II (Star Wars) and covers by Tomer Hanuka, revolves around four tough young men from Philadelphia's mean streets whose idea of a high school reunion is pulling off a drunken robbery for old times' sake. But what they end up stealing is the four components to a high-tech suit of battle armor: a helmet, chestplate, gauntlets and boots, each with incredible abilities. One game of rock- paper-scissors later, they've divided the parts among themselves — and a tight knot of lifelong friendships unravels. The suit's components will change each man's life, inspiring paranoia, in-fighting, the wildest of hopes and dreams — and the chance to either play hero or become one hell of a villain. Meanwhile, someone out there will stop at nothing to get the whole suit back. The ex-con. The family man. The mama's boy. The angry punk. How far will each friend go for a piece of the action? Will the suit — and its mysteries — outlast them all? This project is supported with trade and house ads and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. FRACTION is an ongoing DC FOCUS series edited by Joan Hilty. The 32-page issue #1 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 21 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. ARRIVING IN APRIL 2004 BATMAN: HARLEY & IVY MINISERIES The highly anticipated miniseries by the superstar creators of Batman: The Animated Series kicks off in April's BATMAN:HARLEY &IVY #1!Written by the Eisner Award-winning team behind BATMAN: MAD LOVE, Paul Dini (JLA: LIBERTY & JUSTICE) & Bruce Timm (BATMAN: ADVENTURES), HARLEY & IVY takes a closer look at the relationship between two of Batman's sexiest foes: the mirthful Harley Quinn and the deadly Poison Ivy! HARLEY & IVY also features inker Shane Glines as well as painted covers by Timm. Harley has just royally screwed up Ivy's theft of a rare Zombie Root. Unfortunately, the snafu sends the duo back to Arkham — and Ivy vows she'll never work with Harley again. But Harley won't be denied, and when Ivy breaks out of Arkham and heads for South America to find a new Zombie Root, she's right behind her! Everyone's favorite femmes fatales are about to find themselves up against oily politicians, cutthroat mercenaries, Batman…and even Hollywood! This project is supported with trade and house ads and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. BATMAN: HARLEY & IVY is a 3-issue miniseries edited by Joan Hilty. The 32-page issue #1 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 28 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. Six DCU Heroes form a human battle machine! ENGINEHEAD Six desperate DC heroes sacrifice their lives to fuse into one being with the potential to change the entire DC Universe in ENGINEHEAD, a bold new 8-issue miniseries written by Joe Kelly (ACTION COMICS) with art by the critically acclaimed Ted McKeever (Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, The Matrix Comics). Enginehead is the ultimate "mechanic," a human machine forged from the bodies, powers, and weapons of six individuals from the DCU: Professor Emil Hamilton, Automan, Rosie the Riveter, Ford, Brainstorm and Doctor Cyber. Like a real mechanic, he's charming, secretive, gruff, knowledgeable… and you never really know for sure what he did to fix things. You just know it works. The six partially mechanical heroes merge to become Enginehead — a "heavy metal real-time" mechanical being and the newest anti-hero in the DCU. Built by its creator as a tool to further a noble plan, Enginehead takes up residence in Irontown, a new DC locale. This book meshes the action and inspiration of a DC super-hero comic with the depth and conceptual grittiness of VERTIGO. Weaving strong characterization, high concepts, and big-wheel action against a gothic-mechanical backdrop, ENGINEHEAD is a loud, industrial-strength story built to thrill! This project is supported with house ads and a 6-page preview in an upcoming DC Horizon. ENGINEHEAD is an 8-issue miniseries edited by Bob Schreck. The 32-page issue #1 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 7 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S.ARRIVING IN APRIL 2004 WONDER WOMAN STATUE The stunning art of Adam Hughes explodes into three-dimensional form for the first time with the breathtaking WONDER WOMAN STATUE,sculpted by Tim Bruckner! Designed with the intensity and beauty only Hughes can deliver and sculpted with the fluidity of Bruckner's greatest pieces, this limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue portrays the Amazon Warrior in battle with the dreaded hydra. This statue measures approximately 11" inches tall x 7 ½" wide x 7" deep and is packaged in a 4-color box. This project is supported with a full-color promotional poster and trade ads. The WONDER WOMAN STATUE is advance-solicited. It arrives in comic-book stores August 25, 2004 with a price of $195.00 U.S. ARRIVING IN APRIL 2004 ARTIST SIGNATURE SERIES: ACTION FIGURE EXCLUSIVE EDITION BATMAN: HUSH BY JIM LEE For the first time ever, the DC Direct Gallery invites collectors behind the scenes with the introduction of the ARTIST SIGNATURE SERIES:ACTION FIGURE EXCLUSIVE EDITION BATMAN:HUSH BY JIM LEE! This ultimate, high-end set was created with the most discriminating collector in mind. Fans of Batman, Jim Lee and action figures will now have a chance to own a piece of DC Comics action figure history! This masterpiece features a dramatic new paint variant of the BATMAN ACTION FIGURE from the "Hush" story arc designed by Jim Lee and sculpted by Tim Bruckner, plus a resin replica of the original sculpture created from Jim Lee's designs and an unpainted PVC pre-production "test-shot" used to approve production molds. In addition, all three figures will be numbered. This deluxe signature series set will be packaged in a deluxe gold foil-stamped gift-display box with a double-panel lid. A signed replica of Jim Lee's original concept art, suitable for framing, is displayed on one of the inside cover panels. The opposite panel displays both a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity autographed by DC Direct premier sculptor Tim Bruckner and a mini-booklet that tells the story of how an action figure is made. This is first in a series and will prove to be a fan-favorite in years to come! The ARTIST SIGNATURE SERIES: ACTION FIGURE EXCLUSIVE EDITION BATMAN: HUSH BY JIM LEE is advance-solicited. It arrives in comic-book stores August 18, 2004 with a price of $250.00 U.S. DC COMICS ARRIVING IN APRIL 2004 WONDER WOMAN #203: "BITTER PILLS" Following the critically acclaimed "Down to Earth" storyline, Batman comes to Wonder Woman's aid in WONDER WOMAN #203, part 1 of the 3-part "Bitter Pills" from writer Greg Rucka, who brought these heroes together in 2002's critically acclaimed WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA. Rucka is joined by interior artists Drew Johnson & Ray Snyder and cover painter J.G. Jones! When Darrel Keyes, head of the anti-Wonder Woman group "Protect Our Children" was murdered on the steps of the Themysciran Embassy, the ensuing riot was just one of a torrent of crises facing Diana. Now, as the changes that befell her island home drastically alter her responsibilities in the DCU, Diana doesn't have the time necessary to focus on the murder. Clearly, Wonder Woman needs help... and who better to solve a mystery than the Dark Knight Detective? Batman quickly discovers the connection between Keyes's death and another murder: one orchestrated by well-respected businesswoman Veronica Cale. Is Wonder Woman finally going to learn that the Texas billionaire is the villain behind so many of her recent troubles? Or will another deception muddy the waters even further? WONDER WOMAN is an ongoing series edited by Ivan Cohen. The 32-page issue #203 is scheduled arrive in comic-book stores April 21 with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES HARDCOVER What do you get when you pair up DC's heaviest hitters — and comics' most iconic characters — with two of the most popular creators in the industry, writer Jeph Loeb (BATMAN: HUSH) and artist Ed McGuinness (SUPERMAN)? You get one of the hottest comic books on the stands — one that sold out several printings of its debut issue: SUPERMAN/BATMAN! Now, the first six issues of this hit series are collected in the 160-page hardcover SUPERMAN/BATMAN:PUBLIC ENEMIES , with Loeb & McGuinness joined by inker Dexter Vines to tell a story so jam-packed with action, guest stars and surprises, your head will spin! In fact, this story is so big, the hardcover contains two new story pages by McGuinness & Vines never before published! SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES also sports a striking wrap-around cover by McGuinness (no dustjacket). A band of bright red metallic foil across the middle highlights the combined SUPERMAN/BATMAN logo. In this amazing tale, President Lex Luthor accuses Superman of a horrible act against mankind and assembles a top-secret team of powerhouse super-heroes to bring in the Man of Steel — dead or alive! But with the help of the Dark Knight Detective, Superman plans to turn the tables on his archnemesis, and the "World's Finest" duo is prepared to topple Luthor's reign once and for all. Also included in this volume is a 2-page tale from SUPERMAN/BATMAN SECRET FILES 2003, written by Loeb and illustrated by his BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN and SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS collaborator, Tim Sale. Plus, a sketchbook section by McGuinness! This project is supported with house ads. ? • 160-page hardcover ? • In stores April 21 • $19.95 U.S. Kyle Rayner's final victory! GREEN LANTERN # 176: "HOMECOMING?" The new creative team of returning writer Ron Marz, artists Luke Ross (Spectacular Spider-Man, Scion) & Rodney Ramos and cover artist Brandon Peterson (Ultimate X-Men, Mystic) takes over the adventures of the Emerald Avenger in GREEN LANTERN #176, as Kyle's creator returns to write one more story that sets the stage for the future of GREEN LANTERN! After more than a year in space, Kyle Rayner finally returns to Earth. But he soon learns that sometimes you can't go home again, as he finds life has gone on without him in Part 1 of the 6-part "Homecoming?" Everywhere he turns, from his girlfriend Jade to his place within the JLA, Kyle is confronted by the possibility that he's not needed. The hard truths he faces are just the beginning of his woes in an arc in which the "last" Green Lantern will be forced to question the role he's taken on, and his very future as GL! GREEN LANTERN is an ongoing series edited by Peter Tomasi. The 32-page issue #176 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 28 with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. H-E-R-O #15 It's a changing of the guard in H-E-R-O #15, as new series penciller Dale Eaglesham (GREEN LANTERN, Sigil) jumps on board, and longtime classic H-E-R-O device owner Robby Reed returns! In H-E-R-O #15,written by Will Pfeifer with art by Eaglesham & Wade von Grawbadger and a painted cover by John Van Fleet, Robby Reed comes back in search of the H-E-R-O device, an item he kept in his possession for longer than any character in the DC Universe. For years, he transformed into heroes like "Giant Boy," "King Kandy" and "The Mighty Moppet." Now, decades later, he shows up at the door of Jerry Feldon — last seen using the device in H-E-R-O #1-4 — and tells him that, together, they've got to track down the device! Over a few beers at a local bar, Reed addresses some of the burning questions prompted by his reappearance: How did a nice kid with a magic device turn into a ruthless escaped convict? If he doesn't have the H-E-R-O device anymore, why does he still have the powers? And, if he has the powers anyway, why is he so desperate to find that gizmo? H-E-R-O is an ongoing series edited by Peter Tomasi. The 32-page issue #15 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 14 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. SMALLVILLE TRADE PAPERBACK Nine exciting comics stories featuring characters from the hit show from the WB! explode in SMALLVILLE, a 160-page trade paperback collecting material from SMALLVILLE: THE COMIC and SMALLVILLE #1-4! This volume, which features a painted cover by John Van Fleet and an introduction by Smallville TV series consulting producer Jeph Loeb (BATMAN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) — is written by Mark Verheiden, Clint Carpenter, and Michael Green, with art by Roy Allan Martinez, Kilian Plunkett, John Paul Leon, Renato Guedes, Tom Derenick, Mark Morales, Oclair Albert, Norm Rapmund, and Adam DeKraker. Witness young Clark Kent's battles with a raptor-like Kryptonite freak in Smallville and another foe he can't even see! Watch as strange things happen at the Miss Smallville beauty pageant, then find out what Chloe did during her summer internship at the Daily Planet! Plus, one of Lex's old friends is murdered, and Lex is the prime suspect! All this, and much, much more! This project is supported with house ads. ? • 160-page trade paperback ? • In stores April 7 ? • $9.95 U.S. JLA: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TRADE PAPERBACK Three star-spanning tales of the JLA are collected in JLA:RULES OF ENGAGEMENT,a 144-page trade paperback reprinting JLA #77-82. This collection features stories written by Joe Kelly and Rick Veitch, with stunning art by Darryl Banks & Wayne Faucher, Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen, and Duncan Rouleau & Aaron Sowd, with a cover by Mahnke & Nguyen. In RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, the World's Greatest Super-Heroes must confront Mnemon's attack on the solar system, followed by a visit to an alien world as the team tries its hand at being proactive. But the resulting conflict within the team and on the world of Kylaq heightens tensions between the heroes! The collection's final story featured is the 3-part "White Rage," in which a commune of metahumans comes under attack and the JLA is all that stands between them and the U.S. Army. This project is supported with house ads. ? • 144-page trade paperback ? • In stores April 7 ? • $12.95 U.S. JLA: ONE MILLION TRADE PAPERBACK One of the most exciting events in DC history is collected in JLA:ONE MILLION,reprinting the complex story taking place in our own 20th century and in the far-flung 853rd century — one million months after the publication of ACTION COMICS #1. This volume is a new printing of the previously released DC ONE MILLION trade paperback. Including the popular miniseries that tied the event together — written by Grant Morrison (JLA) with art by Val Semeiks and Prentis Rollins — the 208-page JLA: ONE MILLION tells the story of the JLA's first meeting with their successors, an encounter that nearly becomes their doom thanks to the machinations of the immortal Vandal Savage and the sentient super-computer Solaris, the Tyrant Sun. Reprinting DC ONE MILLION #1-4 and the #1,000,000 issues of JLA and STARMAN in their entirety, along with portions of the tie-in issues of DETECTIVE COMICS, GREEN LANTERN, RESURRECTION MAN, and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW, the collection also includes text pages summarizing the nonreprinted tie-in issues. This project is supported with house ads. ? • 208-page trade paperback ? • In stores April 21 ? • $19.95 U.S. BATMAN: GOTHAM CENTRAL TRADE PAPERBACK Living in the shadow of the Bat has made the detectives of Gotham's police force determined to prove they have what it takes to enforce the law in a city rife with criminals — with or without Batman's help. Their stories are told in BATMAN:GOTHAM CENTRAL,a 128-page trade paperback collecting the first five issues of the critically acclaimed series by fan-favorite writers Greg Rucka & Ed Brubaker with moody, evocative art and a cover by Michael Lark. Plus, this volume features sketchbook material by Lark and an introduction by Mystery Grandmaster Lawrence Block. When Mister Freeze takes down one of their own, the cops of GCPD make it their business to bring him in. It's a race against time to stop the super-powered villain and solve the crime before the Caped Crusader intervenes and a young girl's murderer gets away! This project is supported with house ads. ? • 128-page trade paperback ? • In stores April 28 ? • $9.95 U.S. BATGIRL: FISTS OF FURY TRADE PAPERBACK The collected adventures of Batgirl continue in BATGIRL:FISTS OF FURY,collecting BATGIRL #15-16, 21, and 26-28. This fourth BATGIRL trade paperback features the work of writers Kelley Puckett and Scott Peterson and artists Damion Scott, Phil Noto, Vincent Giarrano, Robert Campanella, and Jesse Delperdang. In this action-packed volume, Batgirl faces the deadliest of Gotham's villains: The Joker! The Clown Prince of Crime gets the "Last Laugh" when Cassandra and guest star Spoiler must defeat a "Jokerized" Shadow Thief. Then, can Batgirl stop the father of a young boy from making a lethal mistake? And just who are the mysterious agents that are after our heroine? This project is supported with house ads. ? • 144-page trade paperback ? • In stores April 14 ? • $14.95 U.S. Y: THE LAST MAN #21: "WIDOW'S PASS" Wizard Magazine's "Best Book of 2003" begins the 3-part story "Widow's Pass," featuring guest artist Goran Parlov (Terminator 3: Before the Rise), in Y:THE LAST MAN #21.Written by Brian K. Vaughan with inks by José Marzan Jr. and a painted cover by Aron Wiesenfeld, "Widow's Pass" finds Yorick, Agent 355, Dr. Mann, and Ampersand the monkey on their way to San Francisco. Unfortunately for them, a pit-stop in a small Arizona town brings them face-to- face with a heavily armed anti-American militia made up of female survivors. These women think the U.S. government is responsible for the death of all men…and they may be right. Will they convince Yorick's companions? Y: THE LAST MAN is an ongoing series edited by William Dennis and is suggested for mature readers. The 32-page issue #21 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 7 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. HELLBLAZER #195: "OUT OF SEASON" John Constantine is on the run again — from an inexplicably obsessed serial killer…a voluptuous demon…and his own past. It all goes down in HELLBLAZER #195,the first installment in the 2-part "Out of Season," written by Mike Carey with art by Leonardo Manco and a painted cover by Tim Bradstreet. But unknown to Constantine, unseen powers are making sure that everything he's fleeing catches up with him. And with a bad case of amnesia, chances are Constantine won't even see the onslaught coming. HELLBLAZER is an ongoing series edited by William Dennis and is suggested for mature readers. The 32-page issue #195 is scheduled to arrive in comic-book stores on April 28 with a cover price of $2.75 U.S. FABLES: STORYBOOK LOVE TRADE PAPERBACK FABLES:STORYBOOK LOVE is the third collection of writer Bill Willingham's runaway VERTIGO hit FABLES, collecting eight issues and featuring art by Bryan Talbot, Lan Medina, Mark Buckingham, Linda Medley, Steve Leialoha and Craig Hamilton. Included in this volume is the 4-part title story originally presented in FABLES #14-17, featuring the final showdown between Snow White, Bigby Wolf and Goldilocks. Also included is "A Sharp Operator" from FABLES #12-13, a 2-part caper story that dramatically demonstrates the dangers of trying to shine the light of publicity on the Fables, as well as the one-shots "Bag o' Bones" and "Barleycorn Brides" from FABLES #11 and #18. All this, plus a new wraparound cover by FABLES cover artist James Jean. This project is supported with house ads. ? • 192-page VERTIGO trade paperback ? • In stores April 21 ? • Suggested for mature readers ? • $14.95 U.S. HUMAN TARGET: STRIKE ZONES TRADE PAPERBACK Writer Peter Milligan and artist Javier Pulido continue the tale of professional assassin decoy Christopher Chance in HUMAN TARGET:STRIKE ZONES, a new VERTIGO trade paperback collecting the first five issues of the acclaimed new series. HUMAN TARGET: STRIKE ZONES picks up Chance's story immediately following the graphic novel HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT, as Chance jets from Hollywood to New York City. His strange profession continues to blur the boundaries between illusion and reality, leaving him ever more uncertain about who he really is — and how much that really matters. This project is supported with house ads. ? • 128-page VERTIGO trade paperback ? • In stores April 7 ? • Suggested for mature readers ? • $9.95 U.S. RED / TOKYO STORM WARNING TRADE PAPERBACK Wildstorm's series of flipbook trade paperbacks continues with this 144-page volume reprinting the explosive espionage-thriller RED and the action-packed giant-robot adventure of TOKYO STORM WARNING,both from the wild imagination of critically acclaimed writer Warren Ellis! In RED, Ellis and artist Cully Hamner (BATMAN: TOUCH) bring us a stark tale of revenge, as retired CIA killer Paul Moses finds himself forced back into the game by a change in administration. This is the tale of one man, trained in the art of murder, against the agency that educated him. In TOKYO STORM WARNING, with art by James Raiz (Warlands: Age of Ice) & Andrew Currie (The Ultimates), Ellis imagines a world in which the atomic bomb was dropped on Tokyo instead of Hiroshima, leading to a radically different future. Can American test pilot Zoe Flynn help turn the tide against massive monsters using futuristic ARCangels? This project is supported with house ads. ? • 144-page Cliffhanger trade paperback ? • In stores April 7 • $14.95 U.S. ? • Suggested for mature readers TOM STRONG BOOK THREE HARDCOVER The star-spanning adventures of Tom Strong and his colorful band of companions and family members continues in TOM STRONG BOOK THREE , a 144 page hardcover collecting issues #15-19 of the acclaimed series! TOM STRONG BOOK THREE is written by Alan Moore, with art by Chris Sprouse & Karl Story and a cover by Sprouse & José Villarrubia. Additional story and art are provided by Leah Moore, Howard Chaykin, and Shawn McManus. In TOM STRONG 2, Tesla took one of the gem-suits and had a "hot time" visiting the depths of a volcano. Now Val Var Garm, leader of the Salamanders, has come back to kidnap her. And even if Tom and Dhalua manage to rescue their daughter, they might still lose her — to a new boyfriend! Plus, Coleman Grey, the Weird Rider, comes to enlist the aid of the heroes of Millennium City when alien ants try to enslave the human race. And if all that's not enough, we look back at the time Tom and Dhalua saved M.O.M. and the women of Electric Ladyland from the perils of technology, the dastardly demise of Paul Saveen, and more! This project is supported by house and trade ads. ? • 144-page America's Best Comics hardcover ? • In stores April 28 BATMAN IN WORLD'S FINEST ARCHIVES VOL. 2 HARDCOVER DC continues collecting the early adventures of the Dark Knight in BATMAN IN WORLD 'S FINEST ARCHIVES VOL.2,a new 228-page hardcover collecting a treasure trove of rare material. This volume features 16 adventures of Batman and Robin from WORLD'S FINEST COMICS #17-32 (1941-1948), one of which has never been reprinted since it originally appeared! A rich vein of seldom-seen comics history is now re-presented for fans both old and new, showcasing the classic early work of Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Dick Sprang, Jack Burnley and others. These are early Batman and Robin stories at their most exciting! Plus, this volume features an introduction by comics historian Bill Schelly. ? • 228-page hardcover ? • In stores April 14 ? • $49.95 U.S. THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 13 HARDCOVER "THE SPIRIT still crackles with the energy of an artist consumed with the excitement of cascading new ideas. Inspired by the Hollywood noir movies of the period, Eisner brought something brand new into the world — not 'movies-on-paper' but picture-writing that keeps moving in your head." — ART SPIEGELMAN "One of the field's masters." — LIBRARY JOURNAL "The Citizen Kane of comics." — USA TODAY Long recognized as one of the most gifted and ambitious creators in comics, Will Eisner's reputation grew exponentially with the material presented in THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL.13. This handsome 196-page hardcover presents seven Spirit sections originally published between July and December, 1946, just a year after Eisner's honorable discharge from the Army. His work here revolutionized comics, presenting new methods of storytelling, previously unseen depths of characterization, and a boldly original art style. This volume features a cover by Eisner and an introduction by comics historian R.C. Harvey. ? • 196-page hardcover ? • In stores April 28 ? • $49.95 U.S. DC UNIVERSE: BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS #793 WRITTEN BY ANDERSEN GABRYCH AND A.J. LIEBERMAN; ART BY PETE WOODS, CAM SMITH, JEAN-JACQUES DZIALOWSKI AND DAN GREEN; COVER BY TIM SALE In stores April 7. The conclusion of "The Surrogate!" Batman struggles for a way to safety through a mountain of rubble as Leslie Thompkins desperately tries to save an innocent woman and her unborn child! And in the back- upby A.J. Lieberman, Jean-Jacques Dzialowski and Dan Green, the Tailor gets ready for a battle he knows he can't win! FC, 40 PG. $2.95 BATMAN #626 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART BY DUSTIN NGUYEN AND RICHARD FRIEND; PAINTED COVER BY MATT WAGNER In stores April 28. Part 1 of the 5-issue thriller "As the Crow Flies," written by Judd Winick with art by WILDCATS VERSION 3.0's Dustin Nguyen & Richard Friend and painted covers by Matt Wagner! Gotham's underworld is thrown into turmoil as its crimelords slip into a rabid — and murderous — frenzy. Is it coincidence, or part of an elaborate and sinister powerplay? Join a hot new creative team for an unforgettable soon-to-be classic! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #178 WRITTEN BY DEVIN GRAYSON; ART BY JEAN-JACQUES DZIALOWSKI AND GEORGE RODRIGUEZ; COVER BY JOCK In stores April 14. Part 2 of the 2-part "Lost Cargo," a tale set in current continuity told by Devin Grayson (NIGHTWING) with art by Jean-Jacques Dzialowski (BATGIRL) and George Rodriguez. The clock is ticking on the lives of 30 exotic dancers, and Batman is nowhere to be found. But Catwoman and Matches Malone are on the case! Waitaminute…Catwoman is working with Matches!? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #52 WRITTEN BY A.J. LIEBERMAN; ART BY AL BARRIONUEVO AND FRANCIS PORTELA; COVER BY LEE BERMEJO In stores April 21. For two months, Hush has tormented the Riddler. But now the Joker is stepping in, and when these arch-villains draw their lines in the sand, you can count on blood being spilled! Meanwhile, Batman, Robin, and Oracle desperately attempt to track Hush, but all their leads run into dead ends. And when the mysterious Tailor enters the picture carrying vital information that could shift Gotham's balance of power square into Hush's hands, things get even worse. All that and the Penguin, too! FC, 40 PG. $2.95 BATGIRL #51 WRITTEN BY DYLAN HORROCKS; ART BY RICK LEONARDI AND JESSE DELPERDANG; COVER BY JAMES JEAN In stores April 28. A mysterious environmental artist is the talk of Gotham City, but her Garden of Eden is having disturbing effects on the city's population. That can mean only one thing: Poison Ivy's back! Can Batgirl nip Ivy's plan in the bud before Gotham is overrun by psychotropic green? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATGIRL: FISTS OF FURY TP WRITTEN BY KELLEY PUCKETT AND SCOTT PETERSON; ART BY DAMION SCOTT, PHIL NOTO, VINCENT GIARRANO, ROBERT CAMPANELLA, AND JESSE DELPERDANG; COVER BY SCOTT AND CAMPANELLA In stores April 14. A thrilling trade paperback collecting BATGIRL #15-16, 21, and 26-28! In this action- packed volume, Batgirl faces the deadliest of Gotham's villains — the Joker — who gets the "Last Laugh" when Cassandra and guest-star Spoiler must also defeat a "jokerized" Shadow Thief. Then, can Batgirl stop the father of a young boy from making a lethal mistake? And just who are the mysterious agents that are after our heroine? For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $14.95 STAR OF THE MONTH BATGIRL: A KNIGHT ALONE TP WRITTEN BY KELLEY PUCKETT; ART BY DAMION SCOTT, COY TURNBULL, ROBERT CAMPANELLA, DAN DAVIS, AND JOHN LOWE; COVER BY SCOTT AND CAMPANELLA In stores April 14. Reoffered to coincide with the BATGIRL: FISTS OF FURY TP, this volume collects BATGIRL #7-11, 13 and 14. Batgirl was once able to sense when attacks were coming. But now she seems to have lost her special talents, and Lady Shiva's looking for a fight. (STAR 14229D) SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $12.95 ************************ BATMAN ADVENTURES #13 WRITTEN BY TY TEMPLETON AND DAN SLOTT; ART BY RICK BURCHETT AND TERRY BEATTY; COVER BY KELSEY SHANNON In stores April 21. Who's in charge of Gotham City? The Penguin and Batman face off over it — but you'll be surprised by the answer! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 BATMAN: CITY OF LIGHT #7 WRITTEN BY THE PANDER BROTHERS AND MARK PANICCIA; ART BY THE PANDER BROTHERS AND ALVARO LOPEZ; COVER BY THE PANDER BROTHERS In stores April 7. The penultimate chapter of the engrossing miniseries! Purge has kidnapped another victim, and Tower One threatens to smash Detectives Allen and Montoya to smithereens. Can Batman keep his crumbling psyche together long enough to save them all? FC, 32 PG. (7 OF 8) $2.95 BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS #9 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART AND COVER BY KLAUS JANSON In stores April 14. The pulse-pounding conclusion to one of the year's most shocking miniseries! Batman's greatest adversary has fallen, but the danger hasn't passed. Nyssa's endgame reaches the point of no return in Metropolis, while the ultimate legacy of Ra's al Ghul plays out a world away in Arabia. Batman can't be in two places at once, which means something bad is going to happen. Who will pay the price? FC, 32 PG. (9 OF 9) $2.95 BATMAN: HARLEY & IVY #1 WRITTEN BY PAUL DINI; ART BY BRUCE TIMM AND SHANE GLINES; PAINTED COVER BY TIMM In stores April 28. The highly anticipated miniseries by Paul Dini & Bruce Timm — the superstar creators of Batman: The Animated Series — kicks off! A snafu by Harley sends Poison Ivy back to Arkham, and Ivy swears off working with Harley forever. But Harley won't take no for an answer, so when Ivy breaks out and heads to South America, Harley's right behind her. Oily politicians, cutthroat mercenaries, and shower scenes abound! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 3) $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH HARLEY & IVY: LOVE ON THE LAM WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; PAINTED ART AND COVER BY JOE CHIODO In stores April 28. Reoffered to coincide with BATMAN: HARLEY & IVY #1! Before Harley Quinn got her own monthly series, she teamed up with Poison Ivy for an unforgettable night on the town filled with wacky hijinx and unfortunate scenarios. These two ladies of Gotham are lovingly brought to life by writer Judd Winick and painter Joe Chiodo. Prestige Format. (STAR 14163D) FC, 48 PG. $5.95 ************************ BATMAN IN WORLD'S FINEST ARCHIVES VOL. 2 HC WRITTEN BY BILL FINGER, DON CAMERON, AND VARIOUS; ART BY BOB KANE, WIN MORTIMER, JIM MOONEY, DICK SPRANG, JERRY ROBINSON, JACK BURNLEY AND VARIOUS; COVER BY KANE In stores April 14. Batman and Robin are perhaps the most famous super-hero team in comics history. Relive some of the Dynamic Duo's classic first adventures in this 240-page hardcover, reprinting 16 adventures from WORLD'S FINEST #17-32, circa 1941-1948! Only one of these stories has been reprinted since its original release! For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 228PG, FC $49.95 STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN IN WORLD'S FINEST ARCHIVES VOL. 1 HC WRITTEN BY BILL FINGER; ART BY BOB KANE, JERRY ROBINSON, DICK SPRANG, AND VARIOUS; COVER BY KANE In stores April 14. Reoffered to coincide with the BATMAN IN WORLD'S FINEST ARCHIVES VOL. 2 HC, this volume collects the first seventeen solo adventures of the Dynamic Duo from WORLD'S FINEST COMICS — most of them unseen for over 60 years! These stories include the first appearance of the Scarecrow and the last appearance of the rotund Alfred. (STAR 16574X) HC, 7X10, 240PG, FC $49.95 ************************ BIRDS OF PREY #66 WRITTEN BY GAIL SIMONE; ART BY MICHAEL GOLDEN AND MIKE MANLEY; COVER BY ALEX TOTH In stores April 21. A special issue featuring guest art by Michael Golden & Mike Manley, with a spectacular cover by the legendary Alex Toth! Canary discovers that a bizarre link to the past may have deadly consequences in the present, as she uncovers a time when the Golden Age Birds of Prey stalked a serial killer! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 CATWOMAN #30 WRITTEN BY ED BRUBAKER; ART AND COVER BY PAUL GULACY AND JIMMY PALMIOTTI In stores April 28. Place your bets — the climactic battle between Catwoman and Zeiss happens here! With all her friends deserting her and the East End slipping through her grasp, can Selina survive a rooftop showdown with a villain who once fought Batman to a standstill? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 GOTHAM CENTRAL #18 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART BY GREG SCOTT; COVER BY LARK AND STEFANO GAUDIANO In stores April 14. As the cops of Gotham Central put their lives back together after the Joker's assault, their hottest homicide case comes to a head! The connections to murders in a pharmaceutical company run much deeper than anyone imagined, and have attracted the attention of one of Gotham's masked vigilantes. The bodies are piling up, and time's running out! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATMAN: GOTHAM CENTRAL TP WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA AND ED BRUBAKER; ART AND COVER BY MICHAEL LARK In stores April 28. Collecting the first five issues of the critically acclaimed series! After the gruesome murder of two cops, Gotham's Special Crimes Unit is in a race against time to bring in Mister Freeze…without the help of the Dark Knight! Plus, a sketchbook by Michael Lark and an introduction by mystery grandmaster Lawrence Block. For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 128PG, FC $9.95 STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN: NINE LIVES SC WRITTEN BY DEAN MOTTER; ART AND COVER BY MICHAEL LARK ELSEWORLDS. In stores April 28. Reoffered to coincide with the GOTHAM CENTRAL TP! In this acclaimed adventure, the vigilante known as the Bat-Man discovers the dead body of his ex-girlfriend, Selina Kyle. But can he find her killer? This gripping tale is told in a sideways "landscape" format to better showcase the graphic, cinematic style of the art. (STAR 18964D) SC, 11X7, 128PG, FC $17.95 ************************ NIGHTWING #92 WRITTEN BY DEVIN GRAYSON; ART BY MANUEL GARCIA AND ANDY OWENS; COVER BY SCOTT MCDANIEL AND OWENS In stores April 14. Classic NIGHTWING artist Scott McDaniel contributes the cover to an issue featuring the battle of the century: Nightwing vs. Blockbuster! Blockbuster has thrown every resource at his disposal into his war against Dick Grayson, and Nightwing has weathered the storm despite a slew of shocking casualties. But now the war boils down to two men, face to face at last! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ROBIN #125 WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ DE LA FUENTE AND AARON SOWD; COVER BY JASON PEARSON In stores April 21. Johnny Warlock's plan of vengeance against Robin is set in motion — but that's the least of the Boy Wonder's problems! Tim Drake's greatest fear has come to pass, as his secret identity has unraveled, casting a cloud of uncertainty over his future as Robin! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 DC UNIVERSE: SUPERMAN ACTION COMICS #814 WRITTEN BY CHUCK AUSTEN; ART BY IVAN REIS AND MARC CAMPOS; COVER BY ARTHUR ADAMS In stores April 14. The new creative team of Chuck Austen, Ivan Reis & Marc Campos and cover artists Arthur Adams takes over! A day in the life for anyone else would be ordinary, but not for Superman! There are robbers to catch, children to save, and the hordes of Apokolips to stop. And Darkseid and his minions provide only a hint of the threats on the way to challenge the Man of Steel. Plus, Lois tries to hide that Clark's job at the Daily Planet is in jeopardy! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #627 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART BY MATTHEW CLARK AND NELSON; COVER BY GENE HA In stores April 21. The debut of new team of acclaimed writer Greg Rucka, Matthew Clark & Nelson and cover artists Gene Ha! An old foe comes to Metropolis with murder — and something much more sinister — on his mind. Meanwhile, Clark's job troubles continue as he rides along with the Special Crimes Unit. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 SUPERMAN #204 WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO; ART AND COVER BY JIM LEE AND SCOTT WILLIAMS In stores April 28. Fan favorites Brian Azzarello, Jim Lee & Scott Williams take on the Man of Steel in an extra-sized issue! As people around the world disappear, a new world threat tests Superman like never before reveals itself! Plus, the introduction of Father Leone, a figure who will play an important role in coming months. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 SUPERMAN/BATMAN #9 WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART AND COVER BY MICHAEL TURNER In stores April 21. Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner continue the thrilling saga "The Supergirl From Krypton!" The mysterious girl trapped inside the Kryptonite meteor that fell to Earth is taken to the Fortress of Solitude, where Superman and Batman try to teach her to fit into our society. But on Apokolips, someone else has plans for her, as do the Amazons! FC, 32 PG. $2.95 SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES HC WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART BY ED MCGUINNESS, DEXTER VINES AND TIM SALE; COVER BY MCGUINNESS In stores April 21. Comics' most iconic characters join forces in this fantastic hardcover collecting the first six issues of the fan-favorite series! Jeph Loeb and artists Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vines joined forces for this fantastic tale that pits the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight against a top-secret team backed by Lex Luthor! Can our heroes take down a team composed of such powerhouses as Captain Marvel, Hawkman, Power Girl, and Black Lightning? You better believe it! Plus, a 2-page story by Loeb & Tim Sale and a new cover and sketchbook section by McGuinness! For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $??.?? STAR OF THE MONTH SUPERMAN VOL. 3: 'TIL DEATH DO US PART TP WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY, JEPH LOEB, MARK SCHULTZ, J.M. DEMATTEIS, STUART IMMONEN AND JAY FAERBER; ART BY ED MCGUINNESS, DOUG MAHNKE, KANO, YANICK PAQUETTE, IMMONEN AND VARIOUS; COVER BY MAHNKE AND TOM NGUYEN In stores April 21. Reoffered to coincide with the SUPERMAN/BATMAN HC, also featuring art by Ed McGuinness! Could one of Superman's deadliest foes be the answer to Clark's and Lois' troubles? Reprinting SUPERMAN #155-157, THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #577-578, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #99-100, and ACTION COMICS #764-765. (STAR 14895D) SC, 7X10, 224PG, FC $17.95 ************************ SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT #9 WRITTEN BY MARK WAID; ART AND COVER BY LEINIL YU AND GERRY ALANGUILAN In stores April 7. The exciting miniseries exploring Superman's origins continues! Clark Kent uncovers what Lex Luthor really has planned for Metropolis, and it could mean the end of Superman. Meanwhile, the Man of Steel gets his first real glimpse of his lost homeworld. FC, 32 PG. (9 OF 12) $2.95 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 April 14. Reoffered to coincide with the release of the RETURN OF SUPERMAN: BLACK-SUITED SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE (solicited in Previews Volume XII #12), this trade paperback collects the entire "Reign of the Supermen" storyline that followed "The Death of Superman." (STAR 14367D) SC, 7X10, 480PG, FC $19.95 ************************ SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY #4 WRITTEN BY KURT BUSIEK; ART AND COVER BY STUART IMMONEN In stores April 21. The miniseries chronicling the life of a real-world Clark Kent concludes! The new Superman is close to the end of his life…his power ebbing and the world changing around him. Can he face one final challenge? Prestige Format. FC, 48 PG. (4 OF 4) $5.95 SMALLVILLE TP WRITTEN BY MARK VERHEIDEN, CLINT CARPENTER AND MICHAEL GREEN; ART BY ROY ALLAN MARTINEZ, KILIAN PLUNKETT, JOHN PAUL LEON, RENATO GUEDES, TOM DERENICK, MARK MORALES, OCLAIR ALBERT, NORM RAPMUND, AND ADAM DEKRAKER; PAINTED COVER BY JOHN VAN FLEET In stores April 7. Nine exciting comics stories featuring characters from the hit WB! series explode in this 160-page trade paperback collecting material from SMALLVILLE: THE COMIC and SMALLVILLE #1-4! Clark Kent battles a raptor-like Kryptonite freak and an invisible foe in Smallville, while strange things happen at the Miss Smallville beauty pageant. Plus, find out what Chloe did on her summer internship at the Daily Planet! All this, and much, much more! For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $9.95 STAR OF THE MONTH SMALLVILLE: CLARK KENT ACTION FIGURE In stores April 7. Reoffered to coincide with the SMALLVILLE TP! Clark Kent (played by actor Tom Welling on the show), stands approximately 6 3/8" tall, has 7 points of articulation and thermal chromatic hands that change color. Clark comes with a removable backpack, a 1 1/4" block of Kryptonite and a collectible trading card from Inkworks featuring a photo of the character. Packaged in a 4-color blister pack. (STAR 17999Z) FIGURE PI DC UNIVERSE AQUAMAN #17 WRITTEN BY WILL PFEIFER; ART BY PATRICK GLEASON AND CHRISTIAN ALAMY; COVER BY ALAN DAVIS AND MARK FARMER In stores April 14. Martian Manhunter guest stars as "American Tidal" continues! Thousands are trapped beneath the ruins of San Diego, scared and starving — but somehow able to breathe underwater! It's up to Aquaman to dig them out of the wreckage with the aid of Martian Manhunter. Meanwhile, San Diego survivor Lorena Marquez wakes up in JLA HQ, wondering how she wound up on the moon! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH BIZARRO COMICS SC WRITTEN BY CHRIS DUFFY, KYLE BAKER, IVAN BRUNETTI, EDDIE CAMPBELL, MARK CRILLEY, EVAN DORKIN, BOB FINGERMAN, SAM HENDERSON, DYLAN HORROCKS, CHIP KIDD, JAMES KOCHALKA, PAUL POPE, ANDI WATSON, AND VARIOUS; ART BY STEPHEN DESTEFANO, JESSICA ABEL, BAKER, DAVE COOPER, CRILLEY, DORKIN, HUNT EMERSON, FINGERMAN, DEAN HASPIEL, HORROCKS, JOHN KERSCHBAUM, JASON LITTLE, TONY MILLIONAIRE, PAT MCKEOWN, BRIAN RALPH, JAY STEPHENS, CRAIG THOMPSON, WATSON, BILL WRAY AND VARIOUS; COVER BY MATT GROENING In stores April 21. A host of comics' most innovative writers and artists contribute their unique takes on the characters populating the DC Universe. This softcover edition of the original hardcover features a "bookend" story by Chris Duffy and Stephen DeStefano and includes the Eisner Award-winning short story "Letitia Lerner — Superman's Babysitter" by Kyle Baker and Liz Glass. (STAR 17970D) SC, 7X10, 240PG, FC $19.95 *********************** CAPER #7 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART AND COVER BY JOHN SEVERIN In stores April 28. Writer Judd Winick (OUTSIDERS, GREEN ARROW) and artist John Severin (Rawhide Kid) expose the seedy side of 1970s Hollywood in this murder mystery! Debbie Ashley has been brutally murdered, her husband John Hawks is the only suspect, and the world is only going to get messier. As the secrets of Tinseltown's elite begin to surface, no one involved may be safe from an insane killer seeking to bring justice to those he sees as "unclean" — starting with the Hollywood inner circle that John and Debbie were part of. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (7 OF 12) $2.95 DC: THE NEW FRONTIER #4 WRITTEN BY DARWYN COOKE; ART AND COVER BY COOKE In stores April 28. It's a mystery in space as Superman, the Suicide Squad, and the Challengers of the Unknown encounter a frightening extraterrestrial lifeform. Could this hideous creature have anything to do with the sense of impending doom all the heroes are experiencing? Plus, Hal Jordan is grounded! No Ads. FC, 64 PG. (4 OF 6) $6.95 ENGINEHEAD #1 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY TED MCKEEVER In stores April 7. A thrilling miniseries by Joe Kelly & Ted McKeever melds six heroes into one machine- based super-hero: Enginehead! The action goes down in Irontown, as Enginehead is created from a handful of DC heroes, Professor Emil Hamilton, Automan, Rosie the Riveter, among them. But what noble purpose will Enginehead serve? And how will this mechanical beast interact with the rest of the DCU? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 8) $2.50 FALLEN ANGEL #10 WRITTEN BY PETER DAVID; ART BY DAVID LOPEZ AND FERNANDO BLANCO; COVER BY BRIAN STELFREEZE In stores April 14. The Angel brings a piece of the cross to Sister Anne, but instead of being grateful, she demands that Lee make amends for the blood she shed in getting the shard. Which leads her back to Béte Noire, and her victim: Black Mariah! MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.95 THE FLASH #209 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY HOWARD PORTER AND LIVESAY; COVER BY MICHAEL TURNER In stores April 28. Get ready for the race to be Fastest Hero Alive: Superman vs. The Flash! The JLA doesn't like being left in the dark when it comes to their members' personal lives…especially when a longtime teammate refuses to divulge his true identity. But Flash doesn't have time to hang around the Watchtower while Keystone City is in trouble — so it's up to Superman to bring him back! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 FRACTION #1 WRITTEN BY DAVID TISCHMAN; ART BY TIMOTHY GREEN II; COVER BY TOMER HANUKA DC FOCUS. In stores April 21. The newest DC Focus series tells the tale of four tough Philly guys who steal the components of a powerful battle suit! When they split the parts between them, all their lives are changed as paranoia and in-fighting turn them against one another. And someone out there wants the suit back. What would you do for a piece of the action? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 GREEN ARROW #37 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART BY PHIL HESTER AND ANDE PARKS; COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN AND ALVARO LOPEZ In stores April 14. Part 4 of the 5-part "City Walls!" The Riddler's setting off weapons of mass destruction? Giant demons are holding Star City under martial law? Gangsters are fighting side by side with cops? Batman's looking for answers in the occult? Are you sure this is GREEN ARROW? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 GREEN LANTERN #176 WRITTEN BY RON MARZ; ART BY LUKE ROSS AND RODNEY RAMOS; COVER BY BRANDON PETERSON In stores April 28. The new creative team of writer Ron Marz and penciller Luke Ross (Scion) takes over, as Kyle Rayner's creator returns to write a story that will set the stage for the future of GREEN LANTERN! After more than a year in space, Kyle returns to Earth. But he soon learns that sometimes you can't go home again, as he finds life has gone on without him in Part 1 of the 6-part "Homecoming?" For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 HARD TIME #3 WRITTEN BY STEVE GERBER; ART BY BRIAN HURTT; COVER BY TOMER HANUKA DC FOCUS. In stores April 7. Ethan Harrow's harrowing stint in jail continues! Nobody knows how a skinhead was beaten to a pulp in a secure cell at State Penitentiary — but everyone knows it has something to do with the new kid. Ethan is being watched by the inmate cliques of State, the prison shrink, and a terrifying self- appointed preacher — and he's about to find out that friends aren't what they seem. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 HAWKMAN #27 WRITTEN BY ED BRUBAKER; ART AND COVER BY SEAN PHILLIPS In stores April 21. The critically acclaimed team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (SLEEPER) steps in for a hard-hitting Past Lives tale steeped in mystery! A Pinkerton Detective on the trail of a stolen artifact stumbles across his long-lost love, a tragic beauty who has turned to crime and drug-addiction in the sleazy red-light districts of World War I-era St. Roch. But will their meeting be the death or them both? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 H-E-R-O #15 WRITTEN BY WILL PFEIFER; ART BY DALE EAGLESHAM AND WADE VON GRAWBADGER; PAINTED COVER BY JOHN VAN FLEET In stores April 14. Former H-E-R-O device owner Robby Reed stars in an issue featuring the debut of new series artist Dale Eaglesham (Sigil)! Of all the people who've possessed the H-E-R-O device, Robby Reed had it the longest. For years, he transformed into heroes like "Giant Boy," "King Kandy" and "The Mighty Moppet." Now, decades later, he shows up at the door of Jerry Feldon (last seen using the device in H-E-R-O #1-4) and tells him that they've got to track it down together! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 JLA #96 WRITTEN BY JOHN BYRNE AND CHRIS CLAREMONT; ART AND COVER BY BYRNE AND JERRY ORDWAY In stores April 14. John Byrne and Chris Claremont's landmark "The Tenth Circle" continues with Part 3 of 6! The Circle has turned the JLA against one another — and it looks like it's up to Wonder Woman to close the Circle completely! And for a moment, it looks like she does! Plus, we meet more mysterious allies, and learn of a connection to the JLA's Faith! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 JLA #97 WRITTEN BY JOHN BYRNE AND CHRIS CLAREMONT; ART AND COVER BY BYRNE AND JERRY ORDWAY In stores April 28. The John Byrne/Chris Claremont/Jerry Ordway blockbuster, "The Tenth Circle," continues with Part 4 of 6! A critically wounded Wonder Woman bears a "message" to the rest of the JLA — one that sends her teammates on an unexpected journey to the Florida Keys. Meanwhile, the mysterious Nudge tries to free Superman from the thrall of the vampire coven before its sinister plans are unleashed against a small, southwestern town! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 JLA: KID AMAZO HC WRITTEN BY PETER MILLIGAN; ART AND COVER BY ROB HAYNES Advance-solicited; In stores May 5. A stunning new 96-page hardcover graphic novel by super-hot writer Peter Milligan (HUMAN TARGET, X-Statix) and illustrated by cutting-edge artist Rob Haynes (Daredevil: Ninja)! When college student Pete Halloran learns that he's actually the son of JLA adversary Amazo, his life is turned upside-down. He's hard-wired to fight his father's enemies, and his malevolent nature may force him to carry out his destiny. How will the JLA confront two villains who possess all their powers? For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 96PG, FC $24.95 STAR OF THE MONTH JLA: LIBERTY AND JUSTICE WRITTEN BY PAUL DINI; ART AND COVER BY ALEX ROSS In stores April 28. Reoffered to coincide with the FLASH/SUPERMAN COLLECTOR'S PLATE (solicited in PREVIEWS Vol. XIII No. 10) ! The original members of the classic Justice League are back in an original graphic novel told in sequential comic-book storytelling by multiple award-winners Paul Dini and Alex Ross! The JLA must confront a threat from space in the form of a deadly space-borne virus that sets off a chain reaction of worldwide fear and panic. (STAR 20121D) SC, 10X13, 96PG, FC $9.95 ************************ JLA: ONE MILLION TP—NEW PRINTING WRITTEN BY GRANT MORRISON AND VARIOUS; ART BY VAL SEMEIKS, PRENTIS ROLLINS AND VARIOUS; COVER BY SEMEIKS AND ROLLINS In stores April 7. The event that brought the JLA face to face with their 853rd century successors is collected in a new printing of the mammoth trade paperback! Telling the story of the JLA's first meeting with Justice Legion A — an encounter that nearly became their doom — the JLA: ONE MILLION collection reprints issues #1-4 of the popular DC ONE MILLION miniseries. Also included are the #1,000,000th issues of JLA and STARMAN in their entirety, along with portions of the tie-in issues of DETECTIVE COMICS, GREEN LANTERN, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW, and RESURRECTION MAN. This collection was previously issued as DC ONE MILLION. For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 208PG, FC $19.95 JLA: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TP WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY AND RICK VEITCH; ART BY DARRYL BANKS, WAYNE FAUCHER, DOUG MAHNKE, TOM NGUYEN, DUNCAN ROULEAU AND AARON SOWD; COVER BY MAHNKE AND NGUYEN In stores April 7. In this trade paperback collecting JLA #77-82, the World's Greatest Super-Heroes must confront Mnemon's attack on the solar system, followed by a visit to an alien world as the team tries its hand at being proactive. Plus, the 3-part story "White Rage," in which a commune of metahumans comes under attack and the JLA is all that stands between them and the U.S. Army. For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $12.95 STAR OF THE MONTH JLA VOLUME 11: THE OBSIDIAN AGE BOOK ONE TP WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART BY DOUG MAHNKE, TOM NGUYEN, YVEL GUICHET AND MARK PROPST; COVER BY MAHNKE In stores April 7. Reoffered to coincide with the JLA: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TP, this 160-page trade paperback collects the first half of the "Obsidian Age: The Hunt for Aquaman" saga from JLA #66-71! BOOK ONE introduces Faith, the enigmatic Manitou Raven and the threat of the Ancients. (STAR 18497D) SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $12.95 JLA VOLUME 12: THE OBSIDIAN AGE BOOK TWO TP WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART BY DOUG MAHNKE, TOM NGUYEN, YVEL GUICHET, MARK PROPST, LEWIS LAROSA, AL MILGROM, DIETRICH SMITH, DARRYL BANKS, SEAN PARSONS, AND WAYNE FAUCHER; COVER BY MAHNKE In stores April 7. Reoffered to coincide with the JLA: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TP, this volume collects JLA #72-76, as the JLAers fight back from death to stop the Ancients from rewriting history. Aquaman has been found, but now he and the Atlanteans must be rescued. (STAR 19377D) SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $12.95 ************************ JSA #60 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY DON KRAMER AND KEITH CHAMPAGNE; COVER BY ETHAN VAN SCIVER In stores April 14. The murder of a new legacy hero in the deep South puts the JSA on the trail of a very unlikely killer. Mr. Terrific, Doctor Mid-Nite, Flash and Hourman take the spotlight in this twisted mystery tale! Plus, the new Doctor Fate gets a visit from the Spectre. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #30 WRITTEN BY STUART MOORE; ART BY TIM LEVINS AND ROBIN RIGGS; COVER BY BUTCH LUKIC In stores April 7. It's action in the far future as the Flash — the Fastest Man Alive — battles alongside Kamandi, the last boy on Earth! But even if they can defeat an army of apes, Flash's biggest problem lies ahead. Can he get back to his own era in time to stop his Justice League teammates from dooming the world? FC, 32 PG. $2.25 KINETIC #2 WRITTEN BY KELLEY PUCKETT; ART BY WARREN PLEECE; COVER BY TOMER HANUKA DC FOCUS. In stores April 28. The new DC Focus series revolving around a frail teen confronted with enormous power continues! Tom is faced with an event so huge that his life flashes before his eyes! Take a ringside seat as Tom's miserable life reaches a turning point when he makes a life-altering discovery that will change who — and what — he is! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE LEGION #32 WRITTEN BY DAN ABNETT AND ANDY LANNING; ART BY CHRIS BATISTA AND CHIP WALLACE; COVER BY TONY HARRIS AND TOM FEISTER In stores April 28. R.J. Brande's peace mission to the Second Galaxy goes disastrously wrong when his team falls foul of the murderous Credo. But when the Credo discovers that Livewire has been reincarnated in Element Lad's body, they fear it means only one thing: The supremely evil Progenitor is back! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE LIGHT BRIGADE #3 WRITTEN BY PETER TOMASI; ART AND COVER BY PETER SNEJBJERG In stores April 28. The penultimate issue of the series that melds the supernatural edge of PREACHER with the epic scope of Saving Private Ryan! War and horror on a grand scale continue, as the soldiers of light prepare to do battle against the soldiers of darkness. Things go from bad to worse as the Light Brigade faces unexpected foes while creating deadly ammunition to counter Zephon the Nazi angel and his unholy minions! Prestige Format. MATURE READERS FC, 48 PG. (3 OF 4) $5.95 THE MONOLITH #3 WRITTEN BY JIMMY PALMIOTTI AND JUSTIN GRAY; ART AND COVER BY PHIL WINSLADE In stores April 7. "Heart of Stone" continues as the secret to how the Monolith was sealed beneath Alice's house is revealed! He remained there for decades until she needed him — and that time has come! Alice is finally cornered — can she turn her stone discovery into a true guardian angel? FC, 32 PG. $2.95 OUTSIDERS #11 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART BY WILL CONRAD AND SEAN PARSONS; COVER BY TOM RANEY AND PARSONS In stores April 21. Featuring guest art by Will Conrad (Elektra)! Arsenal confronts his inner demons as his recent brush with death continues to haunt him. Unfortunately, his soul-searching leads to serious conflicts with two of his teammates! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 PLASTIC MAN #5 WRITTEN BY KYLE BAKER; ART AND COVER BY BAKER In stores April 7. The story so big, four issues couldn't contain it! Remember when we told you Plas's origin tale was gonna end last month? Well, we stretched the truth! The madness continues here, as Plastic Man confronts the ghosts of his past as Eel O'Brien. Plus, because you demanded it — more hijinks from Woozy Winks! FC, 32 PG. $2.95 ROSE & THORN #5 WRITTEN BY GAIL SIMONE; ART BY ADRIANA MELO & DAN GREEN; COVER BY ADAM HUGHES In stores April 21. The provocative miniseries by BIRDS OF PREY writer Gail Simone continues! It's "girls gone wild" as Thorn rampages against The 100 while her deranged nemesis Ashleigh guns for everyone else! Also, a shocking secret concerning one of Rose's closest allies is revealed! FC, 32 PG. (5 OF 6) $2.95 TEEN TITANS #10 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART AND COVER BY MIKE MCKONE AND MARLO ALQUIZA In stores April 14. Part 2 of the 5-part "Raven Rising!" The Teen Titans seek out the Cult of Brother Blood in an attempt to learn where Raven is being held against her will. But there's someone else on the trail: a mercenary the Titans just had a run in with! Plus, see what makes the all-new Brother Blood the scariest villain in the DCU. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 TEEN TITANS GO! #6 WRITTEN BY J. TORRES; ART BY TODD NAUCK AND LARY STUCKER; COVER BY DAVE BULLOCK In stores April 28. Thunder and Lightning duel in the middle of Jump City! But when Cyborg and Beast Boy get involved, it turns into a massive free-for-all. And you know what that means: a slew of property damage! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 TOUCH #1 WRITTEN BY JOHN FRANCIS MOORE; ART BY WES CRAIG AND PRENTISS ROLLINS; COVER BY TOMER HANUKA In stores April 14. The newest DC Focus series takes a look at the action on the Las Vegas strip! Meet Rory Goodman. He's super-strong, invulnerable, charismatic — and he's Vegas's newest star. But being able to punch through buildings isn't going to help him when his greatest threat is right under his nose. The secrets behind Rory's life and powers all lie in the hands of his friend and agent, Cooper Santiago. Who can be trusted in a world where what's on the surface is the only thing that counts? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 WONDER WOMAN #203 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART BY DREW JOHNSON AND RAY SNYDER; PAINTED COVER BY J.G. JONES In stores April 21. Part 1 of the 2-part "Bitter Pills," guest-starring Batman! Diana's new responsibilities in the wake of the events of "Down to Earth" leave her little time to investigate the murder that took place literally, on her doorstep. When the Dark Knight lends a hand, will the villainy of Veronica Cale finally be brought to light? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 STAR OF THE MONTH WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA SC WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART BY J.G. JONES AND WADE VON GRAWBADGER; PAINTED COVER BY JONES In stores April 21. Reoffered to coincide with WONDER WOMAN #203, this original graphic novel is Greg Rucka's first tale of WONDER WOMAN and features art by monthly cover artist J.G. Jones (Wanted). Wonder Woman faces off against her JLA-companion Batman in this thrilling softcover version of the original hardcover graphic novel! (STAR 19349D) SC, 7X10, 96PG, FC $17.95 ************************ DC: BEYOND THE UNIVERSE THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 13 HC WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY WILL EISNER; COVER BY WILL EISNER In stores April 28. Reprinting Spirit Sections from July – December 1946. Included in this volume is the introduction of P'Gell, the return of the Octopus, appearances by Cox Robin and Olga Bustle, and classic Spirit Halloween and Christmas tales! Plus, an introduction by comics historian R.C. Harvey. For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 196PG, FC $49.95 STAR OF THE MONTH WILL EISNER'S INVISIBLE PEOPLE SC WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY WILL EISNER; COVER BY WILL EISNER In stores April 28. Reoffered to coincide with THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 13! Linked by a common theme, this trio of portraits by comics legend Will Eisner presents the dramatic turning points in three seemingly undistinguished lives, told with subtlety, irony and passion. (STAR 11759D) SC, 7X10, 128PG, B&W $12.95 ************************ CARTOON CARTOONS #29 WRITTEN BY JESSE LEON MCCANN, SCOTT CUNNINGHAM, SHOLLY FISCH, AND SCOTT ROBERTS; ART BY MARC PERRY, JORGE PACHECO, MIKE KAZALEH, MIKE WETTERHAHN, TIM CHI LY, MATT JENKINS AND JEFF ALBRECHT; COVER BY GARY FIELDS In stores April 28. What scares the Grim Reaper? Getting dragged to the circus by Billy & Mandy! Plus, Dexter creates a soda pop that won't stop, and I.M. Weasel grows an I.R. Baboon butt! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 LOONEY TUNES #113 WRITTEN BY FRANK STROM, SAM AGRO AND BILL MATHENY; ART BY DAVID ALVAREZ, MIKE DECARLO, WALTER CARZON AND HORACIO OTTOLINI; COVER BY ALVAREZ AND DECARLO In stores April 7. Marvin the Martian kidnaps Wile E. Coyote…or is it the other way around? Plus, tales starring Witch Hazel, Rocky & Muggsy, and the evil twin of Yosemite Sam! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 THE POWERPUFF GIRLS #49 WRITTEN BY ROBBIE BUSCH, SEAN CAROLAN AND JENNIFER MOORE; ART BY PHIL MOY. CHRISTOPHER COOK AND MIKE DECARLO; COVER BY MOY In stores April 21. Cell-ebrate with the Powerpuff Girls as they beat the dumb but destructive Amoeba Boys silly in two terrific tales! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 SCOOBY-DOO #83 WRITTEN BY JOHN ROZUM & FRANK STROM; ART BY JOE STATON, SCOTT MCRAE, LEO BATIC & HORACIO OTTOLINI; COVER BY JOE STATON In stores April 14. It's "Riot on the set!" as ghosts haunt the sets of a monster movie and a spooky TV show! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 WILDSTORM ARROWSMITH/ASTRO CITY WRITTEN BY KURT BUSIEK; ART BY CARLOS PACHECO, BRENT ANDERSON, AND JÉSUS MERIÑO; COVER BY ALEX ROSS CLIFFHANGER. Resolicited; In stores April 21. A special book featuring tales from two great WildStorm series! Get ready for two 8-page prelude stories — one for each book — as well as maps, behind-the-scenes sketchbook art by Alex Ross, Brent Anderson and Carlos Pacheco, and an interview with Kurt Busiek about the future of both series. This Special is a perfect introduction to new readers of either series, and a special treat for ongoing readers of both! Retailers please note: This issue is resolicited. All previous orders have been cancelled. FC, 32 PG. $2.95 THE AUTHORITY #11 WRITTEN BY ROBBIE MORRISON; ART AND COVER BY DWAYNE TURNER AND SAL REGLA In stores April 7. The members of the Authority, settling uneasily into its role as the new leaders of the United States of America, confronts an international crisis none of them could have anticipated: the return of Jenny Quantum's mother! With the backing of the Chinese government, she demands visitation rights to her estranged daughter! MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.95 RED/TOKYO STORM WARNING TP WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART AND COVERS BY CULLY HAMNER, JAMES RAIZ AND CARLOS D'ANDA In stores April 7. The series of Warren Ellis flip-book trade paperbacks continues in this volume, reprinting the explosive espionage-thriller RED and the action-packed giant-robot adventure of TOKYO STORM WARNING! In RED, Ellis and artist Cully Hamner (BATMAN: TENSES) bring us a stark tale of revenge, as retired CIA killer Paul Moses finds himself forced back into the game to gain revenge on the agency that trained him! In TOKYO STORM WARNING, Ellis joins James Raiz (Transformers) for a tale of giant robots taking on atomic monsters in Japan's capital city in a desperate clash for survival and supremacy! For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $14.95 ROBOTECH: INVASION #4 WRITTEN BY JAY FAERBER AND KEN SIU-CHONG; ART BY TAKESHI MIYAZAWA AND OMAR DOGAN; COVER BY TAKESHI MIYAZAWA In stores April 7. Spirits run high among Robotech's New Generation as the survivors of the 10th Mars Division renew their ambitious exhibition to liberate the Earth from the Invid. However, Lancer and Carla are torn apart as another woman from Lancer's past returns to lead the new mission! And in the companion story, the space cruiser Oberth arrives to evacuate the embattled Mars Base One while Karl Riber must race against time after discovering a secret Robotech weapon lying dormant deep beneath the surface! FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 5) $2.95 STORMWATCH: TEAM ACHILLES #21 WRITTEN BY MICAH IAN WRIGHT; ART BY CLEMENT SUAVE; COVER BY JASON PEARSON In stores April 14. The fallout from COUP D'ÉTAT continues! Santini tries to build an economic backbone for the new Stormwatch, carrying out his part of the unsavory bargain with his new paymasters: The Illuminati! Plus, Santini's not the only person with a new name and a new boss. Enter: the all-new Giant! Will Team Achilles ally themselves with the anti-hero? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.95 WILDCATS VERSION 3.0 #20 WRITTEN BY JOE CASEY; ART BY DUNCAN ROULEAU AND JOHN DELL; COVER BY DUSTIN NGUYEN AND RIAN HUGHES In stores April 28. The old order changes as Cole Cash assembles his own Covert Action Team that heads to Europe for a major rescue operation! It's the return of C.C. Rendozzo, the Beef Boys and…Dolby the Grifter? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.95 AMERICA'S BEST COMICS TOM STRONG #26 WRITTEN BY MARK SCHULTZ; ART BY PASCUAL FERRY; COVER BY CHRIS SPROUSE In stores April 14. Buckle up for a high-flying tale that takes Tom and his companions from the back streets of Millennium City to the top of the world! Aircraft across the world are mysteriously grounded as all engine- driven flight is rendered impossible. Now, after discovering a secret from his past, Tom Strong must solve this mystery — or mankind will forever be banned from the skies! Featuring guest creative team Mark Schultz (Cadillacs and Dinosaurs) and Pascual Ferry (SUPERMAN). FC, 32 PG. $2.95 TOM STRONG'S TERRIFIC TALES #10 WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE AND STEVE MOORE; ART BY PETER KUPER, ARTHUR ADAMS, BRUCE TIMM, AND ALAN WEISS; COVER BY WEISS In stores April 21. Peter Kuper, maestro of graphic impressionism, collaborates with the legendary Alan Moore for an urban jungle tale of Tom Strong! Plus, in Part 2 of "Jonni Future," Arthur Adams and Bruce Timm once again provide the delightful delineatio's of our delectable heroine, while Alan Weiss brings young Tom Strong ever closer to maturity in a third captivating tale! FC, 32 PG. $2.95 TOM STRONG BOOK THREE HC WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE AND LEAH MOORE, ART BY CHRIS SPROUSE, KARL STORY, LEAH MOORE, HOWARD CHAYKIN AND SHAWN MCMANUS; COVER BY SPROUSE AND JOSE VILLARRUBIA. In stores April 28. Collecting issues #15-19, TOM STRONG BOOK THREE brings back some old favorites…and introduces some new ones! Val Var Garm kidnaps Tesla Strong, but even if Tom and Dhalua rescue their daughter, they might still lose her — to a new boyfriend! Plus, Coleman Grey, the Weird Rider, comes to enlist the aid of the heroes of Millennium City when alien ants try to enslave the human race. And if all that's not enough, we look back at a few of Tom's previous adventures, including the dastardly end (for real this time!) of Paul Saveen, arch-nemesis of our handsome hero! For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $24.95 STAR OF THE MONTH TOM STRONG BOOK TWO TP WRITTEN BY ALAN MOORE; ART BY CHRIS SPROUSE, AL GORDON, KYLE BAKER, HILARY BARTA, PAUL CHADWICK, RUSS HEATH, PETE POPLASKI, AND ALAN WEISS; COVER BY SPROUSE AND KARL STORY In stores April 28. Reoffered to coincide with TOM STRONG BOOK THREE HC! From the fearsome depths of a fiery volcano to the furthest reaches of space, Tom Strong's adventures take him across the universe! Reprinting TOM STRONG #8-14, featuring the likes of Tom Strange and Warren Strong, plus time travel, other dimensions and interstellar family trips! (STAR 19498D) SC, 7X10, 192PG, FC $14.95 ************************ VERTIGO BITE CLUB #1 WRITTEN BY HOWARD CHAYKIN AND DAVID TISCHMAN; ART BY DAVID HAHN, PAINTED COVER BY FRANK QUITELY In stores April 14. A new miniseries by the writing team of Howard Chaykin & David Tischman, artist David Hahn (Private Beach), and cover artist Frank Quitely (THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS) mixes vampire mythology with modern-day mafia action. When Eduardo Del Toro is brutally murdered, he leaves control of the cartel to his youngest son, Leto — Miami's first vampire priest — who wants nothing to do with the family business. But the mob is in Leto's blood, and his conflict between "God" and "godfather" is the explosive backdrop for this hard-hitting tale. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 6) $2.95 STAR OF THE MONTH AMERICAN CENTURY: SCARS AND STRIPES TP WRITTEN BY HOWARD CHAYKIN AND DAVID TISCHMAN; ART BY MARC LAMING AND JOHN STOKES; PAINTED COVER BY CHAYKIN In stores April 14. Reoffered to coincide with BITE CLUB #1, this volume collects AMERICAN CENTURY #1-4, in which fighter jock Harry Block reinvents himself as Harry "Kraft" and sets out to live an extraordinary new life of action and adventure! (STAR 14142D) MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 96PG, FC $8.95 ************************ FABLES #24 WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY MARK BUCKINGHAM AND STEVE LEIALOHA; PAINTED COVER BY JAMES JEAN In stores April 14. Boy Blue has gone missing. Trouble is brewing up at the Farm. And Bigby is still out of town. Everything seems to be going haywire, but it gets even worse when Bigby finds something horrible at the Canada gate. The residents of Fabletown are about to get a seriously rude awakening when the brothers Hugh, Drew and Lou show up with a gun-toting ultimatum and the bodies begin to pile up. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 FABLES: STORYBOOK LOVE TP WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY BRYAN TALBOT, LAN MEDINA, MARK BUCKINGHAM, LINDA MEDLEY, STEVE LEIALOHA AND CRAIG HAMILTON; PAINTED COVER BY JAMES JEAN In stores April 28. A new trade paperback collecting the acclaimed FABLES #11-18, including the 4-part "Storybook Love." Also included are the 2-part "A Sharp Operator" and the single-issue tales "Bag o' Bones" and "Barleycorn Brides." Don't miss this amazing third collection, topped off with a stunning new wraparound cover by James Jean. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 192PG, FC $14.95 STAR OF THE MONTH FABLES VOLUME 2: ANIMAL FARM TP WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY MARK BUCKINGHAM AND STEVE LEIALOHA; COVER BY JAMES JEAN In stores April 28. Reoffered to coincide with the FABLES: STORYBOOK LOVE TP, this volume collects FABLES #6-10. Travel to upstate New York, where the non-human Fable characters have found refuge on a farm, miles from mankind. But all is not well on the farm — and a conspiracy to free them from the shackles of their perceived imprisonment may lead to a war that could wrest control of the Fables community away from Snow White. (STAR 19073D) MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 128PG, FC $12.95 ************************ HELLBLAZER #195 WRITTEN BY MIKE CAREY; ART BY LEONARDO MANCO; PAINTED COVER BY TIM BRADSTREET In stores April 28. "Out of Season," Part 1 of 2, featuring guest artist Leonardo Manco. Down and out on the South Coast of England, John Constantine is fleeing a murder charge, an inexplicably obsessed serial killer, a voluptuous demon and his own past. But unseen powers are working to make sure that each and every one of them catches up with him. And with a bad case of amnesia, chances are Constantine won't even see the onslaught coming. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.75 HUMAN TARGET #9 WRITTEN BY PETER MILLIGAN; ART AND COVER BY CLIFF CHIANG In stores April 21. The explosive conclusion to the 3-part "Which Way the Wind Blows." American terrorists. Multi-million dollar bank robberies. Bloody shootouts. Ex-Weatherman James Malloy has blown into town, and he's found a way to coerce Chance into his new assault upon the American government. But in a confrontation already marked with surprises and twists, perhaps nothing is more startling than what Chance learns about the face of contemporary terrorism. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.95 HUMAN TARGET: STRIKE ZONES TP WRITTEN BY PETER MILLIGAN; ART AND COVER BY JAVIER PULIDO In stores April 7. A new trade paperback collecting the first five issues of the acclaimed series. Christopher Chance has left L.A. for New York City, but his strange career as a professional assassin decoy continues to blur the boundaries between illusion and reality, leaving him ever more uncertain about who he really is — and how much that really matters. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 128PG, FC $9.95 STAR OF THE MONTH HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT SC WRITTEN BY PETER MILLIGAN; ART AND COVER BY JAVIER PULIDO In stores April 7. Reoffered to coincide with the HUMAN TARGET: STRIKE ZONES TP, this softcover version of the acclaimed original hardcover graphic novel finds Christopher Chance hired to impersonate an aging film actor marked for death by an extortionist who preys upon the Hollywood glitteratti. (STAR 19215D) MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 96PG, FC $19.95 ************************ THE LOSERS #11 WRITTEN BY ANDY DIGGLE; ART AND COVER BY JOCK In stores April 28. Part 3 of the 5-part "Island Life." As veteran agent Marvin Stegler digs ever closer to the truth, the beleaguered Losers race against time to seize top secret files from a Caribbean villa. But when Max's reinforcements trap them in a running battle through a town swamped by volcanic ash, they find themselves going up against the most unstoppable adversary of all: Mother Nature! MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.95 LUCIFER #49 WRITTEN BY MIKE CAREY; ART BY PETER GROSS AND RYAN KELLY; PAINTED COVER BY CHRISTOPHER MOELLER In stores April 21. The conclusion to the 4-part "Stitchglass Slide." The eviction of the immortals nears its end, but as Elaine and Mazikeen do battle against forests and mountains, the identity of their final quarry becomes ominously clear. Meanwhile, strange holes have begun to appear in Hell, and Lucifer's gate seems to be counting down to a major catastrophe. For how can anything endure without the will of God? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.50 MIDNIGHT, MASS: HERE THERE BE MONSTERS #4 WRITTEN BY JOHN ROZUM; ART BY PAUL LEE; COVER BY TOMER HANUKA In stores April 28. Drawing upon the best of their resources — though they don't always agree on what that is — legendary paranormal investigators Adam and Julia Kadmon make their way towards the monster colony at Hope Falls. The monsters' claim-stake dates back to fleeing the advance of Christopher Columbus — and now history has placed their ferociously guarded hopes on a collision course with the Kadmons. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 6) $2.95 MY FAITH IN FRANKIE #4 WRITTEN BY MIKE CAREY; ART BY SONNY LIEW AND MARC HEMPEL; COVER BY HEMPEL In stores April 7. The miniseries concludes as Jeriven has been dragged down to Bragash's hellish realm to face eternal torments. Even worse, he's lost his one and only worshipper. But now that the once-smitten Frankie knows she's been strung along, she's ready to do battle for Jeriven's very existence. Will she be in time to save her god from a fate worse than death? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 4) $2.95 THE SANDMAN PRESENTS: THESSALY — WITCH FOR HIRE #3 WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY SHAWN MCMANUS; PAINTED COVER BY TARA MCPHERSON In stores April 7. Thessaly's quest to find an answer to her most recent monster problem has her trekking across fantastical landscapes, scouring through huge tomes of spells, and visiting a library you'd only see in your dreams. Meanwhile, back at the Casa de Thessaly, Fetch has been whiling away the time catnapping as Thess' impending doom draws nigh. MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (3 OF 4) $2.95 SWAMP THING #2 WRITTEN BY ANDY DIGGLE; ART AND PAINTED COVER BY ENRIQUÉ BRECCIA In stores April 7. The new series returning the classic Swamp Thing to his roots continues. Abby tries to reason with the fearsome Swamp Thing, only to discover that the all-powerful elemental has turned his back on humanity once and for all. While the Swamp Thing is determined to make Tefé pay for the damage she wrought on the Green, Tefé finds herself drawn halfway around the world to confront her mysterious