PREVIEWS VOL. XIII #6 PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS PREVIEWS #8 (AUGUST 2003) Previews is your ultimate source for all the merchandise available from your local comic book specialty retailer… approximately two months in advance! Hundreds of comics from a myriad of publishers, merchandise, and exclusive editorial content available nowhere else! This issue features items scheduled to ship from September 2003 through November 2003! Catalog, 8x11, 480+pg, PC $3.95 PREVIEWS PRIMO FLYER #8 Primo is the monthly publication featuring some of the best and most desirable items from Previews! This issue highlights items in the August 2003 catalog! Digest, 5x8, FC PI PREVIEWS CONSUMER ORDER FORM #8 Previews makes it easy for you to order every item in the catalog with this separate order form booklet! This issue ships in late July 2003 for items on sale in October 2003. Comic-sized, 62pg, PC PI PREVIEWS ADULT #8 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 DARK HORSE COMICS GO BOY 7 : HUMAN ACTION MACHINE #2 TOM PEYER/JON SOMMARIVA/KRIS JUSTICE cover by FRANCISCO RUIZ VELASCO On sale August 6, FC, 32pg, $2.99 It would seem that Jonny Zero's life had come to an end when his family's plane was shot out of the sky by the evil genius The Cultist. But with an injection of robotic nanoplasm he was both saved and transformed —into GO BOY 7! Now The Cultist wants to complete the job that he started and has brought to life the very wreckage of the plane that once carried Jonny and his family. Can Jonny defeat the hulking wreckage monster, save the Go Base, AND come to grips with his new super-powered life all at the same time?! The answers will be found in GO BOY 7: Human Action Machine #2! Featuring the writing talents of Tom Peyer (Hourman) and the kinetic art of Jon Sommariva. GALACTIC #1 JIM KRUEGER/SANFORD GREENE/GREG ADAMS cover by JASON PEARSON On sale August 27, FC, 32pg, $2.99 Living with his single mom and searching for his missing, drug-addicted brother, young Heath barely gets by in this hard city. Throw in some gang-related troubles and a misunderstanding at school, and he quickly finds himself at the end of his rope. Heath doesn't know, though, that he's being watched by Galactic, one of the most powerful groups in the universe! These interplanetary crusaders see something in the young teen that even he himself doesn't notice —the potential for heroism. This first issue introduces Heath, his troubled world, and the fantastic members of Galactic, the strangest collection of anti-heroes you'll ever find! Plus, if you feel like you've been missing out on shock endings, this one delivers! SYN #1 KEITH GIFFEN/GREG TITUS/JULIAN WASHBURN cover by GREG TITUS & JULIAN WASHBURN On sale August 13, FC, 32pg, $2.99 In the future, on an Earth where humans have become extinct and machines rule the planet, a directive is given—"know man." But when the directive is taken too far, and machines begin to act human, an enforcer is called in to remedy the situation. It is known as Form Optional Synthetic - 240, an independent action search and destroy unit, tasked with hunting down and killing machines who seek to "know man" a little too well. But she thinks of herself as Syn and is more human than most of those she hunts... Don't miss out on "Genesis" the first chapter of the new Rocket Comics series Syn. Featuring the storytelling genius of Keith Giffen (Lobo, Ambush Bug) and the exciting artwork of newcomers Greg Titus and Julian Washburn. This is sure to be one of the most talked about comics of the year! HELL #2 BRIAN AUGUSTYN/TODD DEMONG/TIM KANE cover by CARLOS MEGLIA On sale August 20, FC, 32pg, $2.99 In the past hour Corey Rollins has been pursued by FBI agents, stumbled across a secret military base, been thrown into a teleportation device that has transported him to an island known as HELL, and now he's surrounded by a welcoming committee of monstrous ape men. And that's just for starters. Join Corey as he battles through Hell trying to find his missing father and find a way off of the island. Written by Brian Augustyn (Out There, Crimson, JLA) and illustrated by Todd Demong and Tim Kane. Featuring colors by Carlos Meglia! CRIMINAL MACABRE #4 (OF 5) A Cal McDonald Mystery STEVE NILES/BEN TEMPLESMITH On sale August 13, FC, 32pg, (4 of 5), $2.99 What does a reclusive, germ-a-phobe, monster obsessed, flea raising, dead man have to do with the entire planet becoming overrun by monsters? That's exactly what Cal McDonald would like to know as he ducks and weaves his way through a labyrinth of nut-cases and freaks trying to unravel the greatest threat to mankind since...the last time Cal was on the case! Now if he can just stay sober long enough to solve the mystery. From the creators of 30 Days of Night, the smash hit that Wizard magazine called the #1 Breakout Event of 2002! THE GOON #2 ERIC POWELL On sale August 20, FC, 32pg, $2.99 Get your daily recommended allowance of giant killer robots, mad scientists, zombies, voodoo priests, decapitations, and midgets! It's everything a growing boy needs. Be there this August as Dark Horse Comics presents issue #2 of Eric Powell's, The Goon! It's more fun than a knife to the eye! The Goon battles a family of grave robbers eager to supply the Zombie Priest with fixin's for his army of the dead. Things get bad for everyone when they wind up in Hobo Jungle: A forest where the destitute have given up train hopping for a feral life of cannibalism in the wild. Will the Goon and his enemies end up in a hobo stew? Zombies provided by Jethro and Earl Zombie Wranglerin' and The Adopt-A-Zombie Foundation. HELLBOY: WEIRD TALES #4 JASON PEARSON/JOHN ARCUDI/ROGER LANGRIDGE/OVI NEDELCU/TOM SNIEGOSKI/JOHN CASSADAY cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU On sale August 27, FC, 32pg, $2.99 Another star-studded issue of stories which Entertainment Weekly called, "A must for fans of Mike Mignola's retro-cool creation." In Jason Pearson's twelve-page story of a blighted house, the flame-throwing Liz Sherman is forced to deal with her family, who she killed when she was a little girl. In more light-hearted fare, Arcudi and Langridge (who worked together on Legends of the Dark Knight: Auterism) deliver a bizarre take on Abe Sapien as Bureau second fiddle to the popstar Hellboy, while Tom Sniegoski (BPRD: Hollow Earth) and animator Ovi Nedelcu show The World's Most Amateur Paranormal Investigator, Hellboy, on his first fumbling mission. And Cassaday's Lobster Johnson strip gets more bizarre with each passing panel… BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #60: A STAKE TO THE HEART PART 1 (OF 4) FABIAN NICIEZA/CLIFF RICHARDS On sale August 27, FC, 32pg, (1 of 4), (Richards or photo cover), $2.99 Buffy Summers has faced vampires, demons and monsters but now she must face there scariest thing of all: the divorce of her parents. But with divorce comes all the bad feelings attached to it, for all the members of the family, and those bad feelings take on physical shapes. No vampire is safe as the tortured young Slayer takes her anger and frustrations to the streets of L.A. All the while she is being closely watched by the mysterious vampire with a soul, Angel. Be there for "A Stake to the Heart" part one, written by Fabian Nicieza and drawn by Cliff Richards. THE CHRONICLES OF CONAN VOLUME ONE TPB ROY THOMAS/BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH On sale September 17, SC, 144pg, FC, $15.95 In the early 1970s, Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian exploded on to the comics scene. Writer Roy Thomas teamed with a young artist named Barry Smith, and together the two mapped out some of the most stirring and memorable Conan adventures to come along since those written by Howard himself. Over the course of their 24 issue run together, Thomas and Smith defined Conan for a generation of comics readers, and now those stories are collected here in a series of trade paperbacks. Featuring completely remastered color and text corrections, and containing material not available for nearly thirty years, these books are the perfect companions to the upcoming all-new Conan series from Dark Horse. KISS #12 MIKE BARON/MEL RUBI/DEREK FRIDOLFS On sale August 20, FC, 32pg, (Rubi or photo cover), $2.99 While investigating a sudden surge in the Earth's monster population, the internally embattled Four Who Are One—along with their newest recruits, Christine 16 and Mr. Speed—are sucked into another, terrifying dimension. This horrifying, desolate world— as well as the monster crisis that's taken the Earth by storm—is clearly the work of the Unholy. Soon, our heroes' greatest fears are brought to life and inflicted upon each of them, rendering each one crippled with despair and self-loathing, while the Unholy's powers grow ever stronger. Can KISS make it out of this alive—and save the future of humanity in the process—or will their petty, human differences seal their ultimate fate? KISS: VOLUME 3: MEN AND MONSTERS TP SCOTT LOBDELL/MIKE BARON/MEL RUBI/PETER VALE On sale Septmeber 24, SC, 96pg, FC, $12.95 On the hard streets of New York, there are dangers lurking around every corner—often poised to strike at the most innocent of victims. Then there are the dangers we can't even see, those from worlds and dimensions we know nothing about. Extreme dangers call for extreme heroes, and world-famous rock band-turned-superheroes KISS are here to answer the call! Immerse yourself in a world where your greatest fears and deepest fantasies come to life, where you fight alongside Mr. Speed and Christine 16, and where monsters are real—but the heroes are real kick-ass! Collects issues #7-10 of the fan-favorite KISS monthly comic-book series. GRENDEL: GOD AND THE DEVIL # 7 MATT WAGNER/JOHN K. SNYDER III/BERNIE MIREAULT/JEROMY COX cover by JOHN K. SNYDER III On sale August 13, FC, 32pg, (7 of 10), $3.50 Matt Wagner's nightmarish forecast for the future plumbs new depths in this issue, as we witness the first direct confrontation between God and the Devil—the initial showdown between our drug-crazed Grendel and the malevolent Pope Innocent XLII. Left raw and exposed from this violent ordeal, the Pope heads straight for another throat—this one belonging to his newest minion, C.O.P. officer Pellon Cross! Meanwhile, corporate investigator Orion Assante continues his dangerous search for the truth, despite the government's forced dismantling of the Tower Commission. Now he's an outlaw on the hunt, with nothing less than God Himself as quarry. Re-presenting the original Grendel #30, with new color and new cover art. PUBO TP LELAND PURVIS On sale September 17, SC, 96pg, b&w, $9.95 Leland Purvis, the Xeric Award-winning creator of Vox (which Sequential Tart called "the standout new entry onto the [small press] scene this year"), takes a more lighthearted approach with a hilarious story about a bizarre misfit. The victim of an unusual—and one can only assume pointless—medical experiment, Pubo finds himself at the mercy of the animals and few humans in the deep dark woods of the Pacific Northwest. And he'd probably be just fine, if he weren't such a grumpy little bastard. But his natural, primal inclinations combine with his big-city, gruff demeanor, and it might turn out that there's nowhere for a little guy with a giant head to fit in. TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY 4 #2 TONY MILLIONAIRE On sale August 6, b&w, 24pg, (2 of 2), $2.99 Ann-Louise notices that the Sock Monkey is acting strangely, gazing at the moon and smelling flowers. She realizes that he probably needs some romance in his life, so she heads to the toy store to buy him a wife. Calamity and mayhem are the results, as the new plastic monkey encounters the true cause of Uncle Gabby's spring fever; a large, jealous, ungainly wench of a sock monkey who had been left behind one afternoon by Ann Louise's cousin. USAGI YOJIMBO: DUEL AT KITANOJI TPB & LTD. ED. HC STAN SAKAI TPB on sale September 3, SC, 224pg, 6" x 9", b&w, $16.95 LTD. ED. HC on sale September 24, HC, 224pg, 6" x 9", b&w w/color dust jacket and individually signed and numbered tip-in plate . . . $59.95 Nothing comes easy for rabbit ronin Usagi, not even being a spectator at the planned duel between his former teacher Katsuichi and Katsuichi's rival Nakamura Koji. Before the duel even begins, Usagi becomes embroiled in a dispute between Koji and a local fencing school. Along the way, Usagi discovers a devastating secret — a weakness in Koji's style. It's a secret that could save his teacher's life, but at the cost of his own honor. This 17th volume of Usagi Yojimbo collects issues #43-60, including the entire "Duel at Kitanoji" story, and a handful of other great shorts. And, as a special treat for our longtime fans, this collection features—for the first time!—preliminary sketches and designs by Sakai. With an appreciation by MAD magazine cartoonist Jack Davis! ULTRAMAN TIGA #1 (OF 10) TONY WONG/KHOO FUK LUNG On sale August 27, FC, 40pg, (1 of 10), $3.99 When it comes to electrifying, city-smashing, monster-bashing action, nothing can touch the adventures of Ultraman Tiga! In the year 2049, the Earth has settled into a period of relative peace, thanks in large part to the global efforts of GUTS—the Global Unlimited Task Squad—an international alliance dedicated to protecting mankind from threats within the planet and beyond. But when a mysterious meteor carrying an ominous message crashes next to GUTS headquarters, it heralds the end of peacetime and the return of the giant monsters that terrorized humanity many millions of years ago. Mankind's only hope is to find the lost land of Tiga and reawaken the 160-foot-tall warrior Ultraman! But that hope could be extinguished before it even begins, as the sinister monsters Melba and Golza set their sights on destroying Tiga and the sleeping guardian before he can arise to defeat them! Presenting the red-hot series from Hong Kong, translated in English for the first time!. Ultraman Tiga is brought to you by international superstars Tony Wong and Khoo Fuk Lung. Each issue is a bargain—40 full-color pages for only $3.99! ASTRO BOY VOLUME 19 TPB OSAMU TEZUKA On sale Septmeber 24, SC 208pg, b&w, 4 1/2" x 7", $9.95 Dark Horse Comics brings the original Astro Boy to America for the first time in an English-language edition! Fifty years old and still rockin', Astro Boy proudly wears the championship belt of all-ages robot action, still leading the manga and anime charge begun by master storyteller/cartoonist/animator Osamu Tezuka, the acknowledged creative and spiritual linchpin of Japan's leading entertainment media exports. Perhaps the most endearing, and enduring, creation to emerge from Tezuka's bottmoless creative wellspring, Astro Boy is packed with action, humor, and pathos, interlacing flights of the fantastic with timeless themes and wry commentary on humanity in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Translation by Frederik L. Schodt , author of Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics and translator of Ghost in the Shell. FUTURE WORLD VOLUME 1 TPB OSAMU TEZUKA On sale September 24, SC, 160pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $13.95 From the creator of Astro Boy and Metropolis, comes Future World, part of Osamu Tezuka's cycle of original science-fiction graphic novels – including Lost World and Metropolis – published in the late 1940s and early 1950s. When nuclear testing creates mutated animals with amazing supernatural abilities, the world and its great superpowers are drawn into political conflict that could light the fuse for World War III. A wry satire of the Cold War – and guest-starring some friends you may recognize from Astro Boy – Lost World is timeless graphic fiction from one of the medium's true masters, available for the first time in an English-language edition. BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #81: SHADOWS (ONE-SHOT) HIROAKI SAMURA FOR MATURE READERS On sale August 13, b&w, 32pg, (one-shot), $2.99 Those lucky enough to read Blade of the Immortal regularly are aware of creator Hiroaki Samura's penchant for a good plot twist. This issue is no exception. Fresh from a dramatic wedding that brought another sword school under his command, anti-villain Anotsu Kagehisa is on his way back to Edo. Accustomed to surprises on the road, Anotsu won't be fazed to encounter a strange combination of people in his path, all trying to stop him from moving forward, and all in big trouble when they face him. But the important thing about this issue is that Rin is back in the picture! Let's see how long she'll last this time. Winner of Japan's prestigious Media Arts Award and America's own Will Eisner Award. ALSO AVAILABLE BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: BLOOD OF A THOUSAND TP SC, 136pg, b&w (STAR09342) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: CRY OF THE WORM TP SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR09466) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: DARK SHADOWS TP SC, 192pg, b&w (STAR12025) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: DREAMSONG TP SC, 208pg, b&w (STAR10275) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: THE GATHERING TP SC, 208pg, b&w (STAR14147) . . . $15.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: THE GATHERING VOL. II TP SC, 216pg, b&w (STAR14935) . . . $15.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: HEART OF DARKNESS TP SC, 240pg, b&w (STAR13139) . . . $16.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: ON SILENT WINGS TP SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR09943) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: ON SILENT WINGS II TP SC, 184pg, b&w (STAR10899) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: SECRETS TP SC, 232pg, b&w (STAR15935) . . . $16.95 ********************************* OH MY GODDESS! #100: DR. MOREAU PART 1 (OF 5) KOSUKE FUJISHIMA On sale August 6, b&w, 32pg, (1 of 5), $2.99 Celebrating 100 issues! It's here! It's here! It's issue #100 of Oh My Goddess! and like always, it rocks! Keichi and Belldandy have a delivery to make to a professor at the university. But he's no ordinary professor. Actually, he's more of the "mad doctor" type, and he's obsessed with robotics. Can you feel the trouble brewing? Of course, eventually Skuld is going to have a run-in with this guy. Maybe even our little robot girl will have something to do with this storyline, too. But one thing is for sure, this new journey is going to be madcap and hilarious. Join us as we celebrate one hundred issues of one of the most fun comics published in the world, Oh My Goddess! OH MY GODDESS! RELISTS OH MY GODDESS!: THE ADVENTURES OF THE MINI-GODDESSES TP SC, 88pg, b&w (STAR11200) . . . $9.95 OH MY GODDESS!: CHILDHOOD'S END TP SC, 216pg, b&w (STAR15354) . . . $15.95 OH MY GODDESS!: THE DEVIL IN MISS URD TP SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR13583) . . . $14.95 OH MY GODDESS!: THE FOURTH GODDESS TP SC, 280pg, b&w (STAR14401) . . . $18.95 OH MY GODDESS!: LOVE POTION NO. 9 TP SC, 192pg, b&w (STAR09467) . . . $14.95 OH MY GODDESS!: MARA STRIKES BACK TP SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR11145) . . . $14.95 OH MY GODDESS!: MISS KEIICHI TP SC, 232pg, b&w (STAR13173) . . . $16.95 OH MY GODDESS!: NINJA MASTER! TP SC, 152pg, b&w (STAR12044). . . $13.95 OH MY GODDESS!: THE QUEEN OF VENGEANCE TP SC, 152pg, b&w (STAR10402) . . . $13.95 OH MY GODDESS!: SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL TP SC, 160pg, b&w (STAR09940) . . . $13.95 OH MY GODDESS!: TERRIBLE MASTER URD TP SC, 176pg, b&w (STAR11152) . . . $14.95 OH MY GODDESS!: WRONG NUMBER TP SC, 160pg, b&w, 5 3/4 x 8 1/4 (STAR15854) . . . $13.95 ************************** CANNON GOD EXAXXION #16 KENICHI SONODA FOR MATURE READERS On sale August 13, b&w, 32pg, $2.99 From the creator of Gunsmith Cats! Oh no! In the last issue, Hoichi, the reluctant teen hero with a giant robot cannon, made a risky move, and it might turn out to be really bad for his public image. Hoichi and his team of delicious and technically adept ladies (not to mention his genius grandfather) are not only fighting a war of violence, but also a battle of information, trying to keep the alien forces from turning the human population against Exaxxion. And now it looks like the information war will be a tough one, as the giant robot clumsily stumbles around. And when a giant robot stumbles around, you can bet it causes some damage. Look out Hoichi, don't step on those people! Yikes! GHOST IN THE SHELL II: MAN/MACHINE INTERFACE #7 MASAMUNE SHIROW FOR MATURE READERS On sale August 6, FC, 32pg, (no ads), $3.50 After arriving at the ocean-floating Poseidon Industrial Headquarters, super cyber-agent Motoko Aramaki is determined to infiltrate into the Decatoncale supercomputer, one of only three such systems on earth. But breaking through Poseidon's security into the network won't exactly be a walk in the park, and even if she manage to jack in, the dangers of the virtual dimension are every bit as deadly! The mind-mulching sequel to the manga/anime classic Ghost in the Shell, Masamune Shirow's Man-Machine Interface takes comics to a level never-before-seen, creating a fever-dream cyberscape of spectacular—and disturbing—realism. Special deluxe format with no interior advertising! SUPER MANGA BLAST! #35 MASAMUNE SHIROW/MOHIRO KITOH/MAKOTO KOBAYASHI/YUZO TAKADA/HIROYUKI UTATANE/YO MORIMOTO On sale August 27, b&w 128pg, $5.99 More action! More charm! More sci-fi goodness! More manga! That's what America is saying these days, and one of the best places to find it is Super Manga Blast! If it's charm you want, you won't be dissatisfied with Club 9, a delightfully charming and innocently sexy slice of life, and this month is particularly sweet. However, if it's sci-fi you're looking for, we've got lots! In 3x3 Eyes, Pai and Yakumo are back home and Pai's back to normal, as normal as she can be!. And in Seraphic Feather it's all action and shoot 'em up, space fun. Then there's Shadow Star, which gets deeper, more mysterious, and incredibly interesting in every installment. There's also a big chunk of those charming cats in What's Michael?, and a little visit from Shirow's Appleseed Hypernotes. Yep, we've got it all right here in Super Manga Blast! with plenty more to come! WHAT'S MICHAEL?: SHOW TIME TPB MAKOTO KOBAYASHI On sale September 17, SC, 88pg, b&w, 6" x 9", $8.95 Described as "Japan's version of Garfield, Heathcliff, and Krazy Kat all rolled into one," Makoto Kobayashi's What's Michael? mixes all-too-real feline folly with hilarious fantasy scenarios to create one of graphic fiction's true comedic originals. From the upsides of leftovers and air conditioning to the downsides of litter boxes and neutering, the laughs proceed without delay. Even people who hate cats love What's Michael?! Translation by Dana Lewis and Toren Smith (Oh My Goddess!, Blade of the Immortal) STAR WARS: EMPIRE #12: "DARKLIGHTER" PART 3 (OF 4) PAUL CHADWICK/DOUG WHEATLEY/CHRIS CHUCKRY cover by KILIAN PLUNKETT On sale August 6, FC, 32pg, $2.99 After the mutiny on board the Rand Ecliptic, Biggs Darklighter and his companions finally are able to make contact with the Rebel Alliance. The Rebels desperately need skilled pilots like Biggs and his friends, but it's hard to fight the Empire with the outdated fighter craft they have on hand. A plan is hatched to "liberate" several squadrons of X- wings, but until the Rebels get their hands on the new fighters, their only hope is pluck, luck, and the skill of pilots like Biggs Darklighter… STAR WARS: CLONE WARS VOLUME 2—VICTORIES AND SACRIFICES TPB HADEN BLACKMAN/JOHN OSTRANDER/TOMÁS GIORELLO/JAN DUURSEMA/BRIAN CHING On sale September 3, SC, 120pg, FC, $14.95 From one of the swamp moons of Naboo, to the war-torn cityscapes of Brentaal IV, the battles of the Clone Wars have thrown the galaxy into turmoil. New Separatist threats, ranging from deadly biological weapons, to dark Jedi, to unkillable alien bounty hunters, have the loyalist Jedi and their clone troops pushed to their limits. This graphic novel collection contains three separate, yet linked stories of heroism and sacrifice set during the time between Episode II and Episode III! STAR WARS: REPUBLIC #57: THE BATTLE OF JABIIM PART 3 (OF 4) HADEN BLACKMAN/BRIAN CHING cover by TOMÁS GIORELLO On sale August 20, FC, 32pg, $2.99 Fighting along side a squad of young Jedi whose Masters have been casualties of the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker is finally feeling at peace with himself and the anger he holds inside. So, of course, he receives new orders to report to a rear echelon position— just as the "Padawan Pack" is commanded to hold an indefensible position against an overwhelming Separatist attack! This issue depicts a major battle in the Clone Wars—and a turning point in the career of the young man who will one day become Darth Vader! STAR WARS MINI-BUST: GRAND MOFF TARKIN On sale October 15, 5 1/2" tall, numbered and limited to 7,500, packaged in a full-color box, $50.00 Gentle Giant studios continues their outstanding series of Star Wars sculpture releases with one of the most appreciated but seldom seen characters of all—Grand Moff Tarkin. Portrayed by legendary actor Peter Cushing in the original film, the artisans of Gentle Giant have captured his distinctive likeness with the ultra-realism and attention to detail that has become their hallmark. Grand Moff Tarkin was the Imperial governor of the Outland Regions, and the mastermind of the Death Star project. A brilliant and ruthless tactician, Tarkin was a loyal adherent to Emperor Palpatine's vision of the New Order. He saw the Death Star as the ultimate weapon to ensure absolute rule over the galaxy. The power of the battle station's prime weapon was enough to deter any rebellion, he reasoned. To demonstrate the Death Star's power, he destroyed the planet of Alderaan. Some questioned whether Tarkin's methods were merely bids to aggrandize his own status, in defiance of the Emperor's ultimate goal. The truth will never be known, for Tarkin perished aboard his creation. The Rebel Alliance dared to wage war with the Empire, and targeted a weak spot in the battle station. A proton torpedo volley fired by young Luke Skywalker sealed the station's fate. Tarkin was killed in the resulting explosion. NOTE: Gentle Giant reserves the right to increase the edition size if needed to fill initial orders. CONAN THE BARBARIAN MINI-BUST #1 On sale September 17, 7" high, packaged in a deluxe full-color box, limited edition, $44.99 One of the strongest (in every way) characters of heroic fiction is back with a vengeance– Conan! The brooding Cimmerian is a seething dynamo of savagery and power. Unfettered by the conventions of society, he cuts a swath of action and adventure across the landscape of author Robert E. Howard's imagination, locked in mortal combat with the fantastic denizens of his undreamed of world. Sculptor Jeffery Scott, well-known for his long tenure at Gentle Giant Studios, has captured the true essence of Conan. Exacting in its details, this piece brings forward a sculptural interpretation of Conan that delivers the goods. And then some. TIM BURTON PVC SETS AND T-SHIRTS Visionary director Tim Burton is also the author/illustrator of "The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories." Dark Horse Comics announces the start of an ongoing program of merchandise based on characters from this work, with the full participation and approval of Tim Burton himself! On sale September 10 Stain Boy PVC Set, three painted 4" figures (Stain Boy, Robot Boy, Girl With many Eyes), packaged in a full color window box, $14.99 Toxic Boy PVC three painted 4" (Toxic Boy, Mummy Boy, Penguin Boy) , packaged in a full color window box, $14.99 On sale August 6 TIM BURTON T-SHIRT #1 TIM BURTON T-SHIRT #2 BOB EGGLETON'S DRAGONS COASTER SET On sale September 24, 1/8" thick high-quality coasters packaged in a tin, $12.99 Bob Eggleton is one of the best and most prolific fantasy artists around. Best known for his finely detailed sci-fi, horror, and fantasy worlds, his work has graced countless book covers and magazine spreads. Includes four 1/8" thick high-quality coasters, each printed with full-color art, packaged in a circular, full-color tin. BROM DARKWERKS COASTER SET On sale September 24, 1/8" thick high-quality coasters packaged in a tin, $12.99 From his earliest memories Brom has been obsessed with the creation of the weird, the monstrous, and the beautiful. His bizarre and fantastic art style has earned him legions of fans. Includes four 1/8" thick high-quality coasters, each printed with full-color art, packaged in a circular, full-color tin. DHORSE DELUXE STATIONERY EXOTIQUE AND FANTASTIQUE On sale October 12, 8 letter sheets (four different styles), 6 envelopes (4 different styles), and a set of stickers, $4.99 (each) Dark Horse continues its line of stationery featuring some of today's finest outré artists. Email may be de rigueur, but the art of the letter is still considered top form in socializing from afar. GARY BASEMAN STATIONERY SET Gary Baseman was born in Los Angeles in 1960, and received a Phi Beta Kappa degree from UCLA in 1982. His works appear in major magazines and in conjunction with major international companies. Since 1985, he has taken part in several collective exhibitions and had one-man shows throughout the world. ATTABOY STATIONERY SET Attaboy is a renegade toy designer whose goo-filled images glow with an eerie, disturbed, childlike sensibility. His images appear in galleries, magazines, comics, strange candy devices, calendars, and toys all over. His T-shirts are sold in Japan and his candy-coated stickers and eyesore-causing books are sought after by young and bold. SUNNY BUICK TATTOOS STATIONERY SET "In my art death isn't something dark and scary. It is colorful and celebratory. I've found that inTibetan and Mexican cultures, death is repeatedly presented in a brilliant and compelling manner. Maybe it makes it easier to come to grips with if we can look at it and not be afraid. Skulls are beautiful to me and a great tattoo image. " JIM WOODRING STRANGE IDYL STATIONERY SET In the dark and sinister realms of the collective unconscious, artist Jim Woodring is a fearless adventurer—a documentarian whose record of his personal visions has won plaudits from Tokyo to Sarajevo. Woodring is best known for his groundbreaking alternative comics, especially the award-winning graphic novels of his Frank series. RACHEL WILLIAMS PENNY DREADFUL STATIONERY SET Rachel Williams is half English and half Welsh. She went to art school and majored in painting and is now inspired by the English, old things in general, musty smells mixed with lavender, memories and dreams, Beatrix Potter, Agatha Christie, and Northern Renaissance painting, and last but not least, trees. SIMON THORPE STATIONERY SET Thorpehas been working in the film industry for the last few years producing "set" paintings. He has worked on "The World Is Not Enough," the "Harry Potter" movies, and David Twohy's latest film "Below," among others. Thorpe is also known for his limited- edition "Stargate" prints. *********************** FLASH GORDON ORNAMENTS: RAYGUN AND SPACESHIP On sale October 1, Flash Gordon Raygun ornament, fully painted, $19.99 On sale Octobe r 1, Flash Gordon Spaceship ornament, fully painted, $19.99 The quintessential space hero – Flash Gordon. Whether fighting other-worldly space monsters or hell-bent on a mission to rescue his beautiful companion Dale Arden, Flash is adventure incarnate. Flash Gordon charged full-tilt from one perilous adventure to the next, always one step away from certain death. These fantastic miniature versions of a Flash Gordon Spaceship and Raygun are now available to you as detailed ornaments, fully painted and ready to display. Each is based on original Flash Gordon designs! IGNATZ AND KRAZY KAT BENDY TOYS On sale October 1, 4-6" tall bendy toy, full color, packaged on a blistercard, 9.99 Sold separately Ain't love a kick in the head? Or a brick, if you're Krazy Kat. Sweet Krazy and her mousey admirer Ignatz are coming to you as delightful, bendable versions of themselves. Bendy Krazy and Bendy Iggy are between 4-6" tall, come brightly colored and ready for posing. Reenact your favorite Herriman homilies! Sculpted by the amazing artisans of YOE! Studios. CRIMINAL MACABRE BLACK CAT CLUB SHOT GLASS AND ZIPPO® LIGHTER On saleAugust 20, Criminal Macabre Black Cat Club Shot Glass, $5.99 On saleAugust 20, Criminal Macabre Black Cat Club Zippo® Lighter, $29.99 Author Steve Niles has topped his smash hit 30 days of Night with the very well-received Dark Horse mini-series Criminal Macabre. As readers know, our hard-drinking, chain- smoking anti-hero cal MacDonald frequents a very eerie nightspot in Los Angeles known as The Black cat Club. This venue, known to harbor some exotic and very dangerous creatures of the night, is now immortalized on this shot glass and Zippo® lighter. When your friends ask you where you got this item, just smile and say that it's a deep dark secret. THE SOPRANOS™ MAGNET SET On sale October 8, 5 tough 4mm thick color magnets, $9.99 This set of 5 magnets features logos from the most familiar spots from around the neighborhood: The Bada Bing Club, Nuovo Vesuvio Ristorante, Satriale's Pork Store, Beansie's Pizza and Pasta, and the Sopranos logo. The full set is made up of tough 4mm thick color magnets, all laid out on a nice backing sheet with a header card. Stick 'em up. BENDY TOYS, COASTER SETS, AND ORNAMENTS BETTIE PAGE COASTER SET Set of 4 full-color photo coasters (STAR13136) . . . $12.99 BETTIE PAGE COASTER SET #2 Four coasters, 4" square, 1/4" thick, full color, package in a full color box (STAR15766) . . . $12.99 BETTIE PAGE ORNAMENT FC, packaged in a window box (STAR13093) . . . $19.99 COOP COASTER SET Four coasters, round, 1/4" thick, full color, packaged in a color tin case (NOV020046) . . . $12.99 FELIX THE CAT COASTER SET 4 full color coasters, 4" square, 1/8" thick, laminated tops, packaged in full color box (STAR17737) . . . $12.99 FELIX THE CAT ORNAMENT 4" tall ornament, fully painted (STAR17134) . . . $19.99 FUTURAMA: BENDER BENDY TOY 6" bendable toy, FC, on blister card (STAR12762) . . . $9.99 FUTURAMA: KIF KROKER BENDY TOY 6" bendable toy, FC, on blister card (STAR14040) . . . $9.99 FUTURAMA: LEELA BENDY TOY 6" bendable toy, FC, on blister card (STAR14000) . . . $9.99 HELLBOY ORNAMENT 3 1/4" tall ornament, fully painted (STAR17066) . . . $19.95 MASAMUNE SHIROW'S INTRON DEPOT COASTER SET 4 full color coasters, 4" square, 1/8" thick, laminated tops, packaged in full color box (STAR17591) . . . $12.99 OLIVIA COASTER SET 4 full-color coasters, 1/4" thick, in full-color box (STAR14995) . . . $12.99 OLIVIA ORNAMENT Full color ornament (STAR14996) . . . $19.99 SHAG COASTER SET 4 piece, full color coaster set packaged in a tin (STAR16358) . . . $12.99 SIN CITY COASTER SET 4 full-color coasters featuring: Marv, Goldie, Dwight, and Nancy (STAR11873) . . . $13.00 THE SOPRANOS COASTER SET 4 full-color coasters (STAR14670) . . . $12.99 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY BENDY TOY 5" bendable toy, FC, on blister card (STAR13191) . . . $9.99 TONY MILLIONAIRE'S SOCK MONKEY COASTER SET Four coasters, round, 1/4" thick, full color, packaged in a color tin case (NOV020047) . . . $12.99 SUMMER READING LIST AKIRA BOOK 1 TPB by Katsuhiro Otomo SC, 364pg, b&w, 6-3/4" x 9-3/4" (STAR12302) . . . $24.95 ASTRO BOY VOLUME 1 TPB by Osamu Tezuka SC, 224pg, b&w, 7" x 4 1/2" (STAR15434) . . . $9.95 BILLI 99 TPB by Sarah Byam and Tim Sale SC, 200pg, b&w (STAR16645) . . . $14.95 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: BLOOD OF A THOUSAND TPB by Hiroaki Samura SC, 136pg, b&w (STAR09342) . . . $14.95 FLOOD!: A NOVEL IN PICTURES TPB by Eric Drooker SC, 160pg, b&w (STAR16496) . . . $14.95 GHOST IN THE SHELL TPB by Masamune Shirow SC, 352pg, b&w (STAR01697). . . $24.95 GO GIRL! TPB by Trina Robins and Anne Timmons SC, 136pg, b&w, 6" x 9" (STAR16932) . . . $15.95 GRENDEL: WAR CHILD TPB by Matt Wagner and Pat Mceown SC, 304pg, FC (STAR00611) . . . $24.95 HARLEQUIN VALENTINE HC by Neil Gaiman and John Bolton FC, 40pg, HC, 7"x10" (STAR15245) . . . $10.95 HELLBOY: SEED OF DESTRUCTION TPB by Mike Mignola, John Byrne, and Mark Chiarello SC, 128pg, FC (STAR06740) . . . $17.95 LAST DAY IN VIETNAM TPB by Will Eisner brown ink on antique paper, 80pg (STAR11500) . . . $10.95 LONE WOLF AND CUB VOLUME 1: THE ASSASSIN'S ROAD TPB by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6"(STAR11783) . . . $9.95 MURDER MYSTERIES HARDCOVER original short story created & written by Neil Gaiman adaptation created and illustrated by P. Craig Russell HC, 7" x 10", 64pg, FC (STAR15851) . . . $13.95 POP GUN WAR TPB by Farel Dalrymple SC, 136pg, b&w, 6' x 9' . . . $13.95 THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG VOLUME 1: THE RHINEGOLD & THE VALKYRIE TPB by P. Craig Russell SC, 200pg, FC (STAR16520) . . . $21.95 SCATTERBRAIN HARDCOVER COLLECTION by Mike Mignola, Craig Thompson, Kilian Plunkett, Jim Woodring, Sergio Aragonés, Evan Dorkin, Steve Parkhouse, Steve Guarnaccia, Greg Clarke, Jay Stephens, Dave Cooper, & more; cover art by Craig Thompson FC, HC, 9" x13", 128pg (STAR14925) . . . $19.95 SIN CITY TPB by Frank Miller SC, 208pg. b&w (STAR12371) . . . 17 bucks SOCK MONKEY: THE GLASS DOOR KNOB HC by Tony Millionaire HC, 40pg, FC, 8"x10" (STAR16473) . . . $14.95 THE TALE OF ONE BAD RAT TPB by Bryan Talbot SC, 136pg, FC . . . $14.95 USAGI YOJIMBO: SHADES OF DEATH TPB by Stan Sakai; introduction by William Stout SC, 200pg, (STAR06915) . . . $14.95 *************************** DC COMICS Feature Articles DC's greatest heroes join forces! SUPERMAN/BATMAN The series everyone has been waiting for is here! Get ready for SUPERMAN/BATMAN, a new ongoing series that pairs two of DC's heaviest hitters — and comics' most iconic characters — in one action-packed monthly book! Written by Jeph Loeb, it continues the momentum from his best-selling stint on BATMAN, and features earth-shattering art by fan-favorite Ed McGuinness (SUPERMAN, THUNDERCATS) — making his return to the Man of Steel — and inker extraordinaire Dexter Vines! This extra-sized issue also features two covers by McGuinness & Vines — one spotlighting Superman, the other spotlighting Batman — and features a new format, utilizing a card-stock cover and glossy paper. SUPERMAN/BATMAN explores new facets of each legendary character, as the true identity of the man who murdered Bruce Wayne's parents is uncovered and Superman squares off against the biggest threat he's ever faced! And while the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel are otherwise occupied, Lex Luthor assembles a mysterious team of heroes assigned to help Superman…but is that their only objective? Plus, watch for appearances from the Batman and Superman supporting casts! This project is supported with house ads, a preview in Wizard magazine, two 11" x 34" full-color posters, and a mini-site at www.dccomics.com. SUPERMAN/BATMAN is an ongoing series edited by Eddie Berganza. The 32-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS OVERSIZED HARDCOVER Joined by a dream-team of artists from around the world, Neil Gaiman — the Hugo Award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of American Gods and the children's book Coraline — is returning to the beloved characters he made famous for THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS. Critically acclaimed and award-winning, THE SANDMAN set new standards for comics as literature; the 10-volume Sandman Library is recognized as one of the medium's greatest achievements. This September, Gaiman returns to the Sandman mythos with a 160-page oversized, original hardcover measuring 7 1/4" x 10 7/8": THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS. Alternately haunting, bittersweet, erotic and nightmarish, the seven stories in this book — one for each of the Endless siblings, each illustrated by a different artist — reveal strange secrets and surprising truths. In addition to the seven tales of the Endless, THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS includes a biography section in the spirit of the Sandman collections (designed by Dave McKean) and a summary of each volume in the Sandman Library. The seven tales include the following: P. Craig Russell (THE SANDMAN #50, The Ring of the Nibelung) illustrates the story of Death and a day — 200 years ago, on an island in the Venice lagoon — that goes on forever. Milo Manara (Click, Butterscotch) — the Italian artist famous for his captivating portrayals of the female form — paints a story of love and Desire in ancient times as a beautiful young woman gets everything she wants…at a price. Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra: Assassin, THE SHADOW) shows us who gets to enter Delirium's realm to perform a strange rescue mission. Spanish architect and illustrator Miguelanxo Prado (Streak of Chalk, Peter and the Wolf) takes us back for a Dream of the dawn of time, when stars spoke and even the Endless were young. Barron Storey (The Marat/Sade Journals), one of America's premiere illustrators for more than 30 years, creates 15 heartrending portraits of Despair. Glenn Fabry (award-winning PREACHER cover artist) draws a story of archaeologists uncovering the future and learning a little too much about Destruction. Frank Quitely (New X-Men, THE AUTHORITY, JLA: EARTH 2) contributes a final commentary on the Destiny of these Endless Nights. In addition to the short stories, THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS includes a biography section and a summary of each volume in the Sandman Library. The wraparound cover and book design are exquisitely crafted by THE SANDMAN cover artist Dave McKean. As Gaiman says, "Truth to tell, I missed them: Delirum and Desire and the rest of them...I've gotten to experience the delight of seeing the finest artists in international comics transform my scripts into stories." THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS will surely delight any fan of Gaiman's work. This project is supported with house and trade ads, an 8-page preview book, a counter display, a full-color poster, and a mini-site at www.vertigo.com. THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS is an oversized (7 1/4" x 10 7/8") 160- page VERTIGO hardcover edited by Karen Berger and is suggested for mature readers. It is advance-solicited and will arrive in comic-book stores September 17 with a cover price of $24.95 U.S. THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS POSTER Don't miss the perfect companion piece to the VERTIGO event of the year: THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS POSTER! This stunning portrait features each of the Endless, as painted by fan-favorite artist Frank Quitely (THE AUTHORITY, New X- Men). Measuring 24" x 36", this breathtaking poster is priced at $7.95 and will be in stores September 17, to coincide with the release of THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS hardcover. Can the Dark Knight make an ally of one of his oldest foes? BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS For years, Batman's most visionary foe has been Ra's al Ghul, a man who has used his near-immortality to try to wipe out humanity and start over. Now the war between Ra's and the Dark Knight is about to reach a crescendo. Time at last has caught up with al Ghul, and his greatest enemy may be the only one who can save him! BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS is a 9-issue miniseries written by the award-winning Greg Rucka (DETECTIVE COMICS, GOTHAM CENTRAL, Wolverine) and featuring art by the legendary Klaus Janson (DAREDEVIL, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS) that picks up where the preview story in DETECTIVE COMICS #783 left off. The series will feature card-stock covers and glossy paper. Should Batman save Ra's? For the Dark Knight, it's far more than a moral choice. Bruce Wayne also is suffering unexpected effects of the passage of time, and now the necessity of his mission has come into question. As Batman struggles with the direction of his life, al Ghul comes seeking not vengeance, but an alliance. But unbeknownst to Batman, a third party has entered the picture, someone whose might rivals even al Ghul's…someone who has other goals in mind for the human race. This project is supported with trade and house ads and a mini-site at www.dccomics.com. BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS is a 9-issue miniseries edited by Matt Idelson. The 32-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. SMAX: He's a man out of place, even on his home world! Welcome to Neopolis, home to a population of super-men, super-women, and super-children…and to Top 10, a very special police force. Now, one of Top 10's officers must return to his home planet, a backworld as different from this earth as an 18th-century Scottish village would be from modern Tokyo. It all begins in SMAX, a 5-issue miniseries written by comics legend Alan Moore and featuring art by Zander Cannon that spins out of the Eisner Award-winning ABC series TOP 10! Jeff Smax has received word that his beloved uncle passed away — now he must return home after years away…and he ain't happy about it! Joining Smax for moral support is his partner, Robyn "Toybox" Slinger, who's astonished to find a world of magic and spells…a world whose inhabitants are a mixture of elves, trolls, "goodhearted folk," and more! And it's a world that will never be the same when Smax is done with it! This project is supported with trade and house ads. SMAX is a 5-issue miniseries from AMERICA'S BEST COMICS edited by Scott Dunbier. The 32-pagee issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. HUMAN TARGET: The many lives of Christopher Chance are about to collide in a monthly series… For Christopher Chance — a man who earns a living impersonating assassination targets — there's a fine line between reality and illusion. That line is about to become even blurrier. Chance tries to start a new life in HUMAN TARGET, a new ongoing VERTIGO series written by Peter Milligan (SHADE: THE CHANGING MAN, X-Statix), one of VERTIGO's founding writers, and featuring hard-hitting art by Javier Pulido (ROBIN: YEAR ONE, HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT). The series kicks off with an extra-sized 40-page first issue at the regular issue price of $2.50 U.S. HUMAN TARGET creates an intriguing blend of psychological depth and high-octane action. Get in on the ground floor of what's sure to be one of 2003's most talked-about new books. Chance has been living as Frank White, taking on his job as a film producer, caring for Fred's wife, Mary, and even receiving plastic surgery to look like Frank. But his idyllic new reality is about to come crashing down around him, as a mysterious one- eyed man intends to give "Frank" a real taste of the violence he peddles in his films. This project is supported with trade and house ads, a preview in VERTIGO HORIZON, a full-color 11" x 34" poster, and a mini-site at www.vertigo.com. HUMAN TARGET is an ongoing VERTIGO series edited by Karen Berger and is suggested for mature readers. The 40-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. Subsequent issues are 32 pages with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. BATMAN: TENSES For a detective, following the trail of a cunning serial killer can be next to impossible. Batman's about to find out how much more difficult that task can be when the killer has psychic abilities! Travel back to the Dark Knight's first year as a costumed hero in BATMAN: TENSES, a 2-issue Prestige Format miniseries written by Joe Casey (WILDCATS VERSION 3.0, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN) with stunning art by Cully Hamner (RED) and Dexter Vines (Uncanny X-Men)! As Bruce Wayne struggles to balance his financial empire with his new career as a vigilante, Gotham City is plunged into fear as a ruthless murderer stalks its streets. But this is no ordinary killer. He can see into the future — a future he believes he's destined to make reality! Can Batman learn the ropes in time to bring down this lethal psychic before he takes more innocent lives? This project is supported with trade and house ads. BATMAN: TENSES is a 2-issue Prestige Format miniseries edited by Bob Schreck. The 64-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $6.95 U.S. BATMAN: HONG KONG HARDCOVER: The Dark Knight meets the Night Dragon! In BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS, Kia Asamiya told a manga-inspired tale that took the Dark Knight to a foreign land. Now, acclaimed writer Doug Moench (BATMAN, Master of Kung Fu) teams with superstar artist Tony Wong (Weapons of the Gods, The Legendary Couple, Mega Dragon and Tiger) — often referred to as "the Jack Kirby of China" — for BATMAN: HONG KONG, a 128-page hardcover that sends the Dark Knight to an exotic city on the other side of the globe! When Batman discovers Internet broadcasts of vicious snuff film murders, he's forced to track those responsible. But once all resources are exhausted in Gotham City, he's forced to pursue the killer to Hong Kong. Will the Dark Knight be effective in a foreign country with different laws and customs? Meanwhile, inspired by Batman, a new Hong Kong hero — the Night Dragon — joins the Dark Knight in his search for the murderer. Soon, the two heroes find themselves embroiled in a mystery that involves a family feud, street gangs, and the possible destruction of Hong Kong! BATMAN: HONG KONG expertly meshes Moench's thrilling story with spectacular art by Wong, known for combining various pencil, ink, and computer art. Don't miss it! This project is supported by trade and house ads. BATMAN: HONG KONG is a 128-page hardover edited by Andrew Helfer, arriving in comic-book stores August 13 with a cover price of $24.95 U.S. DOCTOR FATE: What mysteries lurk beneath the golden helmet? Get ready for a peek behind the golden mask of one of the JSA's most mysterious members — and one of the stars of the red-hot miniseries JSA: ALL-STARS — in a story that spins out of the top-selling JSA "Princes of Darkness" storyline! DOCTOR FATE is a 5-issue miniseries written by novelist Christopher Golden (The Ferryman, Of Saints and Shadows), pencilled by rising star Don Kramer (HAWKMAN), inked by Prentis Rollins and featuring covers by Paul Rivoche! The tale delves into the inner workings of an eternal hero — a man destined to die and be reborn time and again. As Hector Hall becomes accustomed to his new home in Salem, Massachusetts and develops newfound confidence in his role as Doctor Fate, destiny interferes. A young woman in Salem named Caitlin Bibeau has her eye on him, while Caitlin's angry ex, a thief named Justin Guilder, has been hired to steal an ancient, magical artifact — a blood- red, horned helmet. A centuries-old darkness is about to fall over the Tower of Fate and the town of Salem…but can Doctor Fate keep it from spreading? This project is supported with trade ads, house ads, and a mini-site at www.dccomics.com. DOCTOR FATE is a 5-issue miniseries edited by Peter Tomasi. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 13 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. PLANETARY #16 The acclaimed team of Warren Ellis (GLOBAL FREQUENCY, TRANSMETROPOLITAN) and John Cassaday (Captain America, DESPERADOES), hot off the monumental crossover PLANETARY/BATMAN: NIGHT ON EARTH, reunite for PLANETARY #16, marking the return of the bimonthly series embraced by fans and critics alike for its unique storytelling and jaw-dropping exploration of the secret history of the 20th century. With The Four momentarily in disarray, Elijah Snow initiates the second part of his comeback plan: to hunt down and discover the truth about Anna Hark, daughter of the criminal genius of the '30s, who died in the Adirondacks with the rest of Axel Brass' associates. But as Snow soon finds out, Hark's story begins in medieval China and ends in the spires of modern America! Don't miss this spectacular new beginning for one of the most thought-provoking and engaging comic-book series ever published! PLANETARY is an ongoing bimonthly WILDSTORM PRODUCTIONS series edited by Scott Dunbier. The 32-page issue #16 arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. CINNAMON: EL CICLO: Can a rogue gunslinger break a vicious cycle of vengeance? She went looking for the men who shot her father before her eyes when she was just a child. When she found them, she showed no mercy. Now, years later, one of their daughters has come looking for her! The cycle of vengeance and redemption plays out in CINNAMON: EL CICLO, a 5-issue miniseries by promising new writer Jen Van Meter (BATMAN: THE GOLDEN STREETS OF GOTHAM, WEIRD WESTERN TALES) with art by Francisco Paronzini (Dead to Rights) and Robert Campanella (BATGIRL) and covers by Howard Chaykin (American Flagg!). A gritty Western for the 21st century, EL CICLO weaves a tale of honor and revenge set against the sun-bleached backdrop of the New West — where bad men with guns still stalk the weak and dispossessed. And when a shady job takes Cinnamon north of the border and into the bad streets of L.A., she must face up to her dark past and uncertain future! This project is supported with trade and house ads. CINNAMON: EL CICLO is a 5-issue miniseries edited by Joan Hilty. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. REIGN OF THE ZODIAC: Twelve houses. Four alliances. One war. What if the Zodiac weren't just the stuff of mythology and legend? What if the Zodiac — and all its signs and meanings — were real? These questions and more are explored in REIGN OF THE ZODIAC, a sprawling new series renowned writer Keith Giffen (JUSTICE LEAGUE, LEGION OF SUPER- HEROES) calls his "life's work" — an original science-fiction cosmology teeming with warriors, nobles, knaves, heroes, damned fools, and a war that's coming to Earth…tomorrow! It's brought to life by peerless artist Colleen Doran (ORBITER, A Distant Soil), who provides stunningly detailed pencils. Paired with the exquisite inks of Bob Wiacek (Uncanny X-Men, ORION), Giffen's and Doran's work redefines science fiction for comics. Plus, fan-favorite Tony Harris (STARMAN, JSA: THE UNHOLY THREE) provides stunning painted covers. It all begins on a planet called Eidolon, populated by twelve Houses of the Zodiac. Its twin world is equidistant to it from the sun: Earth. Until a time of unspeakable disaster, the twin worlds were one — and it's now fallen to an arrogant young prince to create a new balance of power. Don't miss the start of a saga rife with intrigue, thrills and pure science-fiction wonder! This project is supported with trade and house ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. REIGN OF THE ZODIAC is an ongoing series edited by Joan Hilty. The 32-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $2.75 U.S. BAD GIRLS: The latest from DC's red-hot Dangerous Curves! It's tough being the new girl in town. Starting over at a new school. Not having any friends. Oh, and the popular girls all have super-powers. Welcome to the off-kilter world of BAD GIRLS, a 6-issue miniseries created and written by Bongo Comics cofounder Steve Vance (DEADMAN, THE BIG BOOK OF VICE) featuring art by Jennifer Graves (GOTHAM GIRLS) and covers by fan-favorite Darwyn Cooke (CATWOMAN) that takes on high-school power politics…the kind with a little too much power! With its mix of teen drama and super-powers, BAD GIRLS will appeal to a broad audience of readers. Lauren is the new girl in the mall-and-beach town of San Narciso, CA. Even though this is her third high school in two years, she's determined to call this one home. But she quickly finds herself trying to navigate the minefield of the teenage social hierarchy! Should she hang with the outcasts or with a clique of super-powered popular girls? What mystery lies just beneath the school's brand-new walls? And through it all, what to wear? This project is supported with trade and house ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. BAD GIRLS is a 6-issue miniseries edited by Joan Hilty. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S. BATMAN #618 After the shocking revelations of BATMAN #617, the Dark Knight faces the battle of his life! The acclaimed team of Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee and Scott Williams continues to up the ante for the Dark Knight in BATMAN #618, the eleventh — and penultimate — installment in the best-selling story arc "Hush." Batman has been through the wringer in the past 10 months, squaring off against everyone from the Joker to Superman. Now, in the wake of the betrayals he's discovered, the Dark Knight must prepare to battle the one person he cannot — will not — fight! Was this the master plan all along? Are there more twists still to come? There's only one way to find out! Don't miss this tale that leads up to the shocking conclusion to the year's most talked-about story! BATMAN is an ongoing series edited by Bob Schreck. Issue #618 arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. WONDER WOMAN #195: Greg Rucka and Drew Johnson embark on "The Mission!" A highly anticipated pairing of creator and character comes to fruition in August, as the award-winning Greg Rucka (WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA, Queen & Country, Wolverine) takes over as writer of the ongoing WONDER WOMAN series! With breathtaking interior art from the team of Drew Johnson (Tomb Raider: Journeys, G.I. Joe: Frontline) and Ray Snyder (JSA: THE UNHOLY THREE) and covers by fan- favorite WONDER WOMAN mainstay Adam Hughes, it's sure to be one of the biggest comics stories of the year! Readers discover the scope of the heroine's responsibilities in WONDER WOMAN #195, a self-contained story titled "The Mission," guest-starring the Man of Steel! Wonder Woman battles past armed security, warplanes and tanks to extract a brutal dictator from his African nation. Meanwhile, Superman offers his opinion of a project Diana's been working on since her arrival in Patriarch's World…a project that will provoke opposition the likes of which our heroine has never encountered, causing controversies that will provide a new, non-super-powered nemesis with the ammunition she needs to destroy Wonder Woman! This issue sets the stage for "Down to Earth," the creative team's first extended story arc and marks an incredible turning point in the life and adventures of one of comics' best-known characters! WONDER WOMAN is an ongoing series edited by Ivan Cohen. Issue #195 arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. JLA: "Trial By Fire"—The World's Greatest Super-heroes go biweekly! The world's villains are on the verge of mass suicide! The JLA is under attack! And Martian Manhunter is about to face a "Trial by Fire" as the JLA launches into a 6- issue storyline that ships biweekly for three months! It all kicks off in August's JLA #84 and #85, written by Joe Kelly with art and cover by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen, as super-villains across the globe are suddenly incapacitated with remorse over their heinous deeds…leading the JLA to investigate the cause of this mysterious about-face! When Firestorm is attacked in the JLA's backyard, the team realizes that if they don't figure out what's going on, they'll be next on the hit list! But how does the answer connect to J'onn J'onnz? JLA is an ongoing series edited by Mike Carlin. Issue #84 arrives in comic-book stores August 13 and issue #85 arrives in comic-book stores August 27, each with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. THE FLASH #201: Kicking off a new chapter in the life of the Scarlet Speedster! Get ready for a brand-new chapter in the life of The Flash — and a perfect jumping-on point for new readers! THE FLASH #201 is the opening salvo of the 6-part story "Ignition," written by Geoff Johns (TEEN TITANS, JSA, HAWKMAN) and illustrated by red-hot new series artist Alberto Dose (Spider-Man: Tangled Web), an illustrator poised to put his stamp on one of comics' most celebrated heroes! The 4-part story arc "Blitz" pitted The Flash against his opposite number — Professor Zoom — and the resulting conflict pushed the Fastest Man Alive to a landmark change! In the aftermath of that devastating attack, the Scarlet Speedster is nowhere to be found… and Keystone City is becoming a breeding ground for lethal street races and rogues! This project is supported with trade and house ads and a mini-site at www.dccomics.com. THE FLASH is an ongoing series edited by Joey Cavalieri. Issue #201 arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. THE AUTHORITY #0 THE AUTHORITY took off as one of the hottest books on the market. Now read the explosive prequel, collected for the first time! THE AUTHORITY #0 — "High Stakes" — originally appeared in the pages of STORMWATCH: TEAM ACHILLES #9, SLEEPER #3, and WILDCATS Version 3.0 #8, written by Robbie Morrison (THE AUTHORITY: SCORCHED EARTH) with art by Dwayne Turner (BATMAN: ORPHEUS RISING) & Sal Regla (STORMWATCH: TEAM ACHILLES) with Sandra Hope (OUT THERE). In addition to the 3-part story, THE AUTHORITY #0 also includes character designs by Turner! The story takes place in Alternate 66, a rogue dimension that's home to the nefarious Viceworld, where an entire society has been founded on the principals of gambling. The Authority's celebrity has made them one of the most lucrative games in town…and now, the Lord of Viceworld has manufactured an impossible challenge for the team: save the Earth from a massive invasion or die trying! This project is supported by house ads. THE AUTHORITY #0 is a 32-page WildStorm Productions Special suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. JLA: LIBERTY & JUSTICE COLLECTOR'S PLATE This meeting of the Justice League is now called to order! Gear up for the upcoming JLA: LIBERTY & JUSTICE special by Paul Dini and Alex Ross with the JLA: LIBERTY & JUSTICE COLLECTOR'S PLATE, the first in a line of DC Direct Gallery Collector's Plates painted by fan-favorite Alex Ross! This limited-edition, hand-painted plate measures approximately 10 1/2" in diameter, features a certificate of authenticity imprinted on the back of the plate, and is edged with a 24- karat gold band. Plus, the JLA: LIBERTY & JUSTICE COLLECTOR'S PLATE is packaged in an elegant black gift box adorned with foil stamping. The JLA: LIBERTY & JUSTICE COLLECTOR'S PLATE is advance-solicited, arriving in comic-book stores December 3 priced at $59.95 U.S. DEATH MANGA STATUE She's Death, older sister of Morpheus, the Sandman, and a member of the Endless, seven siblings who embody the best and worst of humanity. Sooner or later, Death comes for everyone, leading them from this world to the comfort — or curse — of the next one. Now get ready for the DEATH MANGA STATUE, inspired by July's DEATH: AT DEATH'S DOOR, the original manga softcover by Jill Thompson (solicited in Previews Vol. XIII, No. 5)! Sculpted by Jonathan Mathews and designed by Thompson, this limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 8" tall, features Death's name printed on the base, and is packaged in a 4-color box. Don't miss the perfect complement to any SANDMAN or VERTIGO collection! This project is supported with house ads and a full-color 11" x 17" poster. The DEATH MANGA STATUE is advance-solicited, arriving in comic-book stores December 3 priced at $74.95 U.S. WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA SOFTCOVER When a troubled young woman from Gotham City performs the ancient ceremony of Hiketeia for a surprised Wonder Woman, the Amazon must accept its pact of protection — for refusing it would guarantee retribution from the gods… WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA is a 96-page softcover version of last year's sold-out original hardcover graphic novel. Written by Greg Rucka (DETECTIVE COMICS, Queen & Country) and gorgeously illustrated by J.G. Jones (Marvel Boy, Black Widow) & Wade von Grawbadger (STARMAN), THE HIKETEIA finds our heroine caught in a moral dilemma that pits her against fellow JLA member Batman! It seems the Dark Knight has uncovered Danielle's dark past and has come to take her back to Gotham. Diana must now find a solution to a seemingly insoluble problem — one that, as in all Greek Tragedy, may end in death… THE HIKETEIA marked new WONDER WOMAN writer Rucka's first foray into the world of the Amazon, and provides a unique insight into his take on the beloved character. WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA is a 96-page softcover graphic novel. It arrives in comic-book stores August 13 with a cover price of $17.95 U.S. Y: THE LAST MAN — CYCLES TRADE PAPERBACK The second story arc of the runaway hit VERTIGO series Y: THE LAST MAN is collected in the new trade paperback CYCLES, by the critically lauded team of writer Brian K. Vaughan, artists Pia Guerra & José Marzán, Jr., and cover painter J.G. Jones. This volume reprints Y: THE LAST MAN #6-10 and features a special sketchbook section by artist and cocreator Guerra. As Yorick makes his way across the country to California, he and his companions are forced to make an unscheduled stop in Marrisville, Ohio — a small town with a big secret. As word of Yorick's arrival spreads, everyone in Marrisville soon has bigger things to worry about — specifically, the arrival of the Amazons bent on eliminating the last man from the world, with Yorick's sister Hero at the front of the pack! This project is supported with house ads. Y: THE LAST MAN — CYCLES is a 128-page VERTIGO trade paperback and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores August 13 with a cover price of $12.95 U.S. WILDCATS VERSION 3.0: BRAND BUILDING TRADE PAPERBACK The first six issues of the critically acclaimed new WILDCATS Eye of the Storm series by Joe Casey, Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend are collected in one handy trade paperback: WILDCATS VERSION 3.0: BRAND BUILDING! As head of the Halo Corporation, Jack Marlowe seems to be a strong-willed and visionary businessman. But who can tell just what devious schemes are hatching under his android exterior? From Third World factories to Los Angeles accounting firms, nothing under Marlowe's corporate umbrella is left unscathed. And those who don't like his plans are introduced to his deadly former teammate, Cole Cash, a.k.a. Grifter! This project is supported with house ads. WILDCATS VERSION 3.0: BRAND BUILDING is a 160-page WILDSTORM trade paperback and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $9.95 U.S. GEN13: SEPTEMBER SONG TRADE PAPERBACK What's the most important day of any high-school kid's year? The first day of school, of course…even if you're a member of the new GEN13! The first steps of a bold new Gen13 team are chronicled in GEN13: SEPTEMBER SONG, a 176-page trade paperback from WILDSTORM PRODUCTIONS collecting issues #0-6 of the new series. These issues are written by comics legend Chris Claremont (X-Treme X-Men, JLA: SCARY MONSTERS) with art by Alé Garza (NINJA BOY), Ramón F. Bachs (Star Wars: Jango Fett — Open Seasons), & Raúl Fernández (Star Wars: Jango Fett — Open Seasons) and a cover by Garza. The story begins as the mysterious Herod bestows supernatural powers on four unrelated teens warns them, "You will be judged." When they meet, they have no idea why they've been chosen, or how to work together as a team. Things only get worse when they turn up at high school for the start of a new year and meet guidance counselor (and former GEN13 leader) Caitlin Fairchild! This project is supported with house ads. GEN13: SEPTEMBER SONG is a 176-page WILDSTORM trade paperback. It arrives in comic-book stores August 13 with a cover price of $19.95 U.S. JLA: THE OBSIDIAN AGE BOOK TWO TRADE PAPERBACK Aquaman has been found…but now he and the Atlanteans must be rescued! Is the JLA up to the task? You better believe it! Concluding the landmark saga, JLA: THE OBSIDIAN AGE BOOK TWO collects JLA #72-76, written by Joe Kelly with art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen, Yvel Guichet & Mark Propst, Lewis LaRosa & Al Milgrom, Dietrich Smith, Darryl Banks, Sean Parsons and Wayne Faucher. Plus, this trade paperback features a new cover by Mahnke and an afterword by Kelly. The JLAers fight back from death to stop the Ancients from rewriting history as an eons-old creature born from the depths of Atlantis continues to leech the Earth of its water! And in the present, the replacement JLA must also stop the Ancients while learning how to function as a team. This project is supported with house ads. JLA: THE OBSIDIAN AGE BOOK TWO is a 160-page trade paperback. It arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $12.95 U.S. SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS II TRADE PAPERBACK Imagine if Superman and Batman aged normally from their debuts in 1938 and 1939! How would their legacies be passed on to future generations of heroes? The World's Finest duo is joined by the DC Universe's greatest heroes in acclaimed writer/artist John Byrne's SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS II, a 200-page trade paperback collecting the 4-issue Prestige Format miniseries! GENERATIONS II explores the darkest days of World War II, the tumultuous '60s, the grim and gritty '80s, a shocking near future, and much more! With appearances by Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, the JSA, the Spectre, Batgirl, Blackhawk, Deadman, Cyborg, and others, this momentous volume has twists galore! This project is supported with house ads. SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS II is a 200-page trade paperback. It arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $19.95 U.S. BATMAN: THE CULT TRADE PAPERBACK—NEW PRINTING For years the Dark Knight has weeded out Gotham City's evil. He's never been corrupted or broken…until now. BATMAN: THE CULT — NEW PRINTING collects the controversial classic by Jim Starlin and master horror artist Bernie Wrightson. THE CULT — back in print after 5 years — finds Batman pitted against charismatic Deacon Blackfire, a mystic figure with roots as old as Gotham itself. Blackfire has created an army among the city's disaffected and homeless…but what is his hidden agenda? As Batman's will and psyche are broken down, the Dark Knight is left vulnerable to Blackfire's influence. Torn by confusion and fear, Batman must end Blackfire's quest for martyrdom! BATMAN: THE CULT is a 208-page trade paperback. It arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $19.95 U.S. BATMAN/ALIENS II TRADE PAPERBACK They're the most dangerous creatures in the universe. But in the human hero known as Batman, these aliens may have met their match. BATMAN/ALIENS II is a 160-page trade paperback collecting the 3-issue Prestige Format miniseries written by Ian Edginton (Aliens vs. Predator: Eternal), with pencils and a sketchbook section by Staz Johnson (ROBIN, CATWOMAN) and inks by James Hodgkins (JENNY SPARKS: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY). Eighty years ago, an expedition to the South Pole uncovered a crashed spaceship containing the savage Aliens. Now, after years of hibernation, a nearly desiccated Alien escapes into Gotham City. It's very, very hungry, and only one man has a chance of stopping this murderous beast: the Dark Knight Detective known as Batman! This project is supported with house ads. BATMAN/ALIENS II is a 160-page trade paperback. It arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $14.95 U.S. HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT SOFTCOVER HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT, the riveting, action-packed modern noir previously released as an original hardcover graphic novel is now available as a 96-page VERTIGO softcover. HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT — a tale that leads into the new HUMAN TARGET ongoing series, is written by Peter Milligan (HUMAN TARGET, SHADE THE CHANGING MAN, X-Statix) and features art by sensational illustrator Javier Pulido (ROBIN: YEAR ONE). For a price, Christopher Chance will impersonate the intended target of assassination. His skills at mimicking his clients verge on the uncanny, and Chance sometimes finds himself slipping disturbingly far into character. As Chance slips further into his cover identity, will he ever find the way back to his true self? This project is supported with house ads. HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT is a 96-page VERTIGO softcover graphic novel and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $19.95 U.S. JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE BOOK TWO TRADE PAPERBACK It was one of the most talked-about projects of 2001! Living legend Stan Lee — the co-creator of X-Men, Spider-Man, the Hulk and the Marvel Universe — joined with some of comics' greatest artists to create original heroes based on the names of classic DC characters! Now the second quartet of these unforgettable one-shots is collected in JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE BOOK TWO — a 256- page trade paperback that includes an introduction by Michael Uslan, a gallery of sketches, artist profiles, and "behind-the-scenes" material. Plus, it sports a new cover by Stuart Immonen (The Incredible Hulk, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN)! The second of three volumes, this trade paperback collects JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH KEVIN MAGUIRE CREATING THE FLASH, …WITH JERRY ORDWAY CREATING THE JLA, …WITH JOHN BYRNE CREATING ROBIN, …WITH GARY FRANK CREATING SHAZAM!, and the lead story from JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE SECRET FILES #1, featuring art by Dan Jurgens and Bob Layton! Featuring the titanic writing talents of Stan Lee (with Uslan co-writing the "On The Street" backup stories and the Secret Files lead), this volume features art by Kevin Maguire & Karl Story, Jerry Ordway, John Byrne & Terry Austin, Gary Frank & Sandra Hope, Sergio Aragonés, John Severin, Kano, and Adam Hughes, who provided the original covers. This project is supported with house ads. JUST IMAGINE… STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE BOOK TWO is a 256-page trade paperback. It arrives in comic-book stores August 20 with a cover price of $19.95 U.S. SILVER AGE TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES VOLUME 1 HARDCOVER Get set for the first archive to chronicle the early adventures of one of DC's longest-running teams — one that would eventually provide inspiration for this summer's Teen Titans animated series on Cartoon Network! THE SILVER AGE TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES VOLUME 1 is a 216-page hardcover written by Bob Haney with art by master draftsmen Nick Cardy and Bruno Premiani and a new cover by Cardy. Volume 1 collects THE BRAVE & THE BOLD #54 and 60, SHOWCASE #59, and TEEN TITANS (first series) #1-5! When Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash first appeared in THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #54 (June-July 1964), they formed the core for what was to become one of comics' most exciting and beloved series! By their next appearance, they joined forces with Wonder Girl and chose a name for the team: the Teen Titans. Don't miss the first eight adventures of comics' landmark teen super-team, and one of the first series to address teen trends and concerns. This project is supported with house and trade ads. SILVER AGE TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES Volume 1 is a 204-page hardcover. It arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOLUME 11 HARDCOVER The year was 1945. World War II was drawing to a close — and a new chapter in the saga of THE SPIRIT, Will Eisner's immortal comics creation, was about to begin. THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 11 is a 216-page hardcover that collects stories from July 1 to December 30, 1945, including the first created after Chief Warrant Officer Eisner's return from the U.S. Army. This volume also includes an introduction by writer/artist and comics historian Michael T. Gilbert (Mr. Monster). Appropriately, Eisner returned with "The Christmas Spirit of 1945" — the penultimate episode in this volume. This warm-hearted tale signaled the beginning of a comics renaissance that would continue into the 1950s, ensuring THE SPIRIT a place in history as one of the greatest comics of all time. Also among the 26 stories in this volume are: "The Kuttup Shop," where murder is not a novelty; "The Vicram Forgery," which is anything but a pretty picture; and "The Alibi Factory," where innocence is made to order, as well as a second Eisner-penned tale! THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 11 is a 216-page hardcover. It arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. SCOOBY-DOO DOLLAR COMIC: Scooby-Doo For Just A Dollar! He's starred in movies and on TV, in video games and DVD releases, and — of course — in his own monthly comic book series! This August, with summer vacation in full swing and a new school year just around the corner, DC presents a special Scooby- Doo one-shot with a low, low cover price of just $1.00 U.S. The all-ages SCOOBY-DOO DOLLAR COMIC reprints the classic SCOOBY- DOO #1 (from 1997) and features stories by Terrance Griep (SCOOBY-DOO) and Chris Duffy (BIZARRO COMICS) with art by Ned Sonntag & Gary Fields and Ivan Brunetti (Schizo) and a cover by Glenn Barr (BROOKLYN DREAMS). This issue set the standard for Scooby's comics adventures as the Mystery Inc. Gang rescues Daphne from the Catwell Rest Home. Then, the gang faces a frog demon in a tale seen through the eyes of Scooby-Doo! SCOOBY-DOO DOLLAR COMIC is a 32-page comic-book arriving in comic- book stores August 6 with a cover price of $1.00 U.S. THE ABSOLUTE DANGER GIRL OVERSIZED HARDCOVER The phenomenally popular DANGER GIRL spun the tale of world-class adventuress Abbey Chase and her recruitment into a super-secret, super-sexy spy organization. Now this classic miniseries gets the Absolute treatment! THE ABSOLUTE DANGER GIRL is a limited-edition, signed-and-numbered, oversized (8 1/8" x 12 1/4"), slip-cased hardcover set that features two volumes: the 262- page DANGER GIRL: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION and the 64-page J. SCOTT CAMPBELL DANGER GIRL SKETCHBOOK! DANGER GIRL: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION collects the complete saga of Danger Girl, originally published in issues #1-7 of the acclaimed series written by Campbell & Andy Hartnell and featuring luscious art by Campbell & Alex Garner! This volume also includes the ultra-rare story found in the NEW HORIZONS VOYAGER PACK, a comprehensive cover gallery, and a sketchbook section by Campbell! The J. SCOTT CAMPBELL DANGER GIRL SKETCHBOOK, lovingly designed by Campbell, culls together the best drawings from his prodigious personal archives; a showcase for some beautiful preliminary drawings produced for the DANGER GIRL video game, action figures and PVCs. Plus, drool over breakdowns for DANGER GIRL pages, rarely seen covers, and two amazing DANGER GIRL flip-book animations that run along the inside corner flaps! The signed-and-numbered tip-in plate will be limited to 10,000 units, each signed by J. Scott Campbell. Allocations may occur on this item. THE ABSOLUTE DANGER GIRL is a Limited-edition, signed and numbered Oversized Two-Volume Hardcover Set. It is Advance-solicited and will arrive in comic- book stores on November 5 with a cover price of $75.00 U.S. THE MAXX BOOK ONE TRADE PAPERBACK Originally published by Image Comics in 1993, Sam Kieth's eclectic THE MAXX was a runaway sensation, running for 35 issues and inspiring a cult favorite MTV animated series. Now this wildly popular, long out-of-print comic returns as a series of collected editions from WildStorm Productions! THE MAXX BOOK ONE collects THE MAXX #1-6, featuring story, art and a painted cover by Sam Kieth (ZERO GIRL, Four Women, Wolverine, EPICURUS THE SAGE) and dialogue by William Messner-Loebs (WONDER WOMAN, EPICURUS THE SAGE). This volume introduces the surreal, quirky, yet touching universe of The Maxx, a homeless super-hero who lives in a cardboard box on the street. He befriends Julie, his social worker/soulmate, and the relationship they share, both in the real world and the dreamlike fantasy realm known as The Outback, forms the heart of THE MAXX…and it's a story only Sam Kieth could bring to such vivid life. This volume also features a cameo appearance by Erik Larsen's Savage Dragon. Alan Moore referred to Kieth's work as "Almost a country to itself...Kieth's oeuvre stands alone. He appears to have a direct line connecting him with the forgotten, nearly sunken world of childhood and the otherness of its peculiar reality." This project is supported with trade and house ads and a mini-site at www.wildstorm.com. THE MAXX BOOK ONE is a 216-page trade paperback and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores August 6 with a cover price of $17.95 U.S. EPICURUS THE SAGE TRADE PAPERBACK Get ready for an unorthodox look at the Classics! EPICURUS THE SAGE, a 160-page CLIFFHANGER trade paperback written by William Messner-Loebs (WONDER WOMAN, THE MAXX) with art and a new painted cover by Sam Kieth (THE MAXX, ZERO GIRL), collects both the original EPICURUS graphic novels from PIRANHA PRESS as well as the even rarer 15-page tale from FAST FORWARD #3! But to make this tome even more special, it also features a brand-new, 36-page Epicurus tale by Messner-Loebs & Kieth! Epicurus was a philosopher ahead of his time. While contemporaries espoused any number of inept and fascist views, Epicurus spoke of tolerance and brotherhood. Of course, his philosophy didn't make him very popular! Messner-Loebs & Kieth were also ahead of their time, mixing humor with history for this important comics work. Featuring appearances by a who's who of Greek mythology, from Alexander the Great to Zeus, EPICURUS THE SAGE is a must-have collection for anyone who enjoys thought- provoking comics! This project is supported with trade and house ads and a mini-site at www.wildstorm.com. EPICURUS THE SAGE is a 160-page CLIFFHANGER trade paperback and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores August 27 with a cover price of $19.95 U.S. DC Listings DC UNIVERSE: BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS #785 WRITTEN BY ED BRUBAKER AND RICK SPEARS; ART BY PATRICK ZIRCHER, AARON SOWD, AND ROB GOODRIDGE; COVER BY TIM SALE In stores August 6. Part 2 of "Made of Wood" finds Batman and Sentinel teaming up to solve a decades-old mystery! Can they find a serial killer before he carves up the innocents of modern-day Gotham? Plus, Part 1 of the 4-part backup tale "The Dogcatcher," by indie creators Rick Spears & Rob Goodridge (Teenagers From Mars), following the exploits of an unfortunate city worker who finds the Joker's lost dog! FC, 40 PG. $2.75 BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #170 WRITTEN BY TOM PEYER; ART AND COVER BY TONY HARRIS In stores August 13. Part 2 of "Irresistible," a 3-part story arc by Tom Peyer (THE AUTHORITY, HOURMAN) & Tony Harris (JSA: THE UNHOLY THREE, STARMAN)! Batman's hot on the trail of Frank Sharp, who desperately tries to use his mind-altering powers to manipulate the criminal underworld! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #44 WRITTEN BY SCOTT BEATTY AND JILL THOMPSON; ART BY DAVE ROSS, JOHN FLOYD AND THOMPSON; COVER BY BRIAN BOLLAND In stores August 20. You may think you know the truth about the death of Jason Todd…but you're wrong! As events in the present force Bruce Wayne to look into the past, some of the actions and events surrounding the demise of the second Robin become clearer. Plus, in the black-and-white backup, "The Best of Gotham" — a guide to Gotham City nightlife by Jill Thompson (DEATH: AT DEATH'S DOOR)! PC, 40 PG. $2.75 BATMAN #618 WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART AND COVER BY JIM LEE AND SCOTT WILLIAMS In stores August 27. After the shocking revelations of last issue, Batman faces the battle of his life! But given the betrayals he's discovered, can Batman possibly fight the one person whom he cannot — and will not — fight? Was this the master plan all along? Or are there still more twists to come? One thing is for sure: you can't miss this issue! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ARKHAM ASYLUM: LIVING HELL #4 WRITTEN BY DAN SLOTT; ART BY RYAN SOOK AND WADE VON GRAWBADGER; PAINTED COVER BY ERIC POWELL In stores August 6. Someone's opened all the cell doors in Arkham Asylum, and now it's party time! Dr. Arkham and his band of guards are left to face a horde of a thousand maniacs…including a ticked-off Killer Croc with a score to settle! FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 6) $2.50 BATGIRL #43 WRITTEN BY DYLAN HORROCKS; ART BY ADRIAN SIBAR AND ANDY OWENS; PAINTED COVER BY JAMES JEAN In stores August 20. Batman and Batgirl have tracked Dr. Death to Tarakstan, home of the super-powered terrorist known as the Black Wind. Can they stop the deadly doctor from delivering weapons of mass destruction into the hands of a madman? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BATGIRL: YEAR ONE #9 WRITTEN BY SCOTT BEATTY AND CHUCK DIXON; ART AND COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN AND ALVARO LOPEZ In stores August 13. The exciting conclusion of Batgirl's untold origin! Firefly and Killer Moth have turned their psychotic attention to the Gotham Police Headquarters, trying to make a name for themselves by leaving the place in ashes. Batgirl's going to take these bugs down, with or without the help of the Dynamic Duo! FC, 32 PG. (9 OF 9) $2.95 BATMAN ADVENTURES #5 WRITTEN BY DAN SLOTT AND TY TEMPLETON; ART BY TERRY BEATTY AND TEMPLETON; COVER BY KELSEY SHANNON In stores August 20. Featuring two full tales! Private detective Harvey Bullock is chained to a suitcase that everyone wants — including a marksman named Deadshot! Can Batman keep him off-target? Plus, in the backup story, learn how Bullock lost his badge! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 BATMAN/ALIENS II TP WRITTEN BY IAN EDGINTON; ART AND COVER BY STAZ JOHNSON AND JAMES HODGKINS In stores August 6. Collecting the miniseries that brought the ferocious Aliens into Batman's backyard again! A construction crew uncovers a sealed laboratory where the last survivor of an Antarctic expedition sought to seal away the evil he carried back to Gotham City. Now that evil has escaped, and only Batman can stop it! For more information, see the feature article. Co-published with Dark Horse Comics. SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $14.95 STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS HC WRITTEN BY KIA ASAMIYA; TRANSLATION BY MAX ALLAN COLLINS; ART AND PAINTED COVER BY ASAMIYA In stores August 13. Reoffered to coincide with BATMAN: HONG KONG HC. From the mind of Kia Asamiya, creator of Silent Mobius and Steam Detectives and artist on Uncanny X-Men, comes a unique manga take on the Dark Knight. It's a mammoth adventure featuring the World's Greatest Detective translated to English by ROAD TO PERDITION's Max Allan Collins! (STAR1801D) HC, 8X11, 352 PG, B&W $24.95 ******************************* BATMAN: THE CULT TP—NEW PRINTING WRITTEN BY JIM STARLIN; ART AND COVER BY BERNIE WRIGHTSON In stores August 6. A new printing of a classic Batman tale! Deacon Blackfire, a charismatic shaman with roots as old as Gotham City itself, has amassed the city's homeless into an army, one he seemingly uses to fight crime. But Blackfire has a hidden agenda… For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 208PG, FC $19.95 BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS #1 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART AND COVER BY KLAUS JANSON In stores August 13. Eisner Award-nominated writer Greg Rucka (GOTHAM CENTRAL, Wolverine) teams up with legendary artist Klaus Janson (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS) for a miniseries that pits Batman against one of his greatest foes: Ra's al Ghul! After centuries, time has caught up with al Ghul, and only his greatest enemy can save him! Can these longtime enemies become allies? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 9) $2.95 BATMAN: HONG KONG HC WRITTEN BY DOUG MOENCH; ART AND COVER BY TONY WONG In stores August 13. Following up on the success of Kia Asamiya's manga take on the Dark Knight in BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS comes a hardcover with art by superstar artist Tony Wong (Weapons of the Gods)! When Batman uncovers Internet broadcasts of vicious snuff film murders, he follows the trail of clues to Hong Kong. But can his methods and techniques work in a foreign country with different laws and customs? For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 128PG, FC $24.95 BATMAN: NEVERMORE #5 WRITTEN BY LEN WEIN; ART BY GUY DAVIS; PAINTED COVER BY BERNIE WRIGHTSON ELSEWORLDS. In stores August 6. The amazing conclusion to the Elseworlds tale! Edgar Allan Poe has faced his own inner demons as well as the mysterious Raven Murderer. Now his investigation is at an end, and not even the Batman's intervention and detective skills will be enough to prepare Poe for the truth that lies behind the murders of Baltimore's elite! FC, 32 PG. (5 OF 5) $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN: SON OF THE DEMON SC WRITTEN BY MIKE W. BARR; ART AND PAINTED COVER BY JERRY BINGHAM In stores August 13. One of Batman's greatest enemies, Ra's al Ghul — the Demon — is spotlighted in BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS. Now this classic graphic novel is reoffered, in which the Dark Knight works together with Ra's! SON OF THE DEMON shows a major turning point in Batman's relationship with Ra's and the Demon's daughter, Talia. (STAR00042D) SC, 8X11, 80PG, FC $9.95 ******************************* BATMAN: TENSES #1 WRITTEN BY JOE CASEY; ART BY CULLY HAMNER AND DEXTER VINES; COVER BY HAMNER In stores August 27. Writer Joe Casey (WILDCATS VERSION 3.0) joins artists Cully Hamner (RED) and Dexter Vines (Uncanny X-Men) bring you one of the creepiest Batman tales ever told! A serial killer stalks the streets of Gotham! As if that's not bad enough, the Dark Knight must figure out how to stop a madman who can see into the future! Prestige Format. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 64PG (1 OF 2) $6.95 STAR OF THE MONTH BATMAN IN THE SEVENTIES TP WRITTEN BY DENNIS O'NEIL, ARCHIE GOODWIN, PAUL LEVITZ, ELLIOT S! MAGGIN AND FRANK ROBBINS; ART BY NEAL ADAMS, JIM APARO, DICK GIORDANO, MARSHALL ROGERS, ALEX TOTH, JOE STATON, AND VARIOUS; COVER BY ADAMS In stores August 27. Reoffered to coincide with the release of the CLASSIC SILVER AGE BATGIRL & THE JOKER DELUXE ACTION FIGURE SET (offered in Previews Vol. XIII, #3), these 10 stories offer a look into a totally different era for the Dark Knight. Plus, an introduction by Dennis O'Neil. (STAR10425D) SC, 7X10, 192PG, FC $19.95 ******************************* BIRDS OF PREY #58 WRITTEN BY GAIL SIMONE; ART AND COVER BY ED BENES AND ALEX LEI In stores August 20. Savant's true demands for Oracle are revealed, as she's given 24 hours to "discover" Batman's true identity! But Savant doesn't realize that the Huntress is on the case and that Black Canary plans to be a less-than-cooperative hostage! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 CATWOMAN #22 WRITTEN BY ED BRUBAKER; ART AND COVER BY CAMERON STEWART In stores August 27. Catwoman's road trip has brought her to the underworld of Keystone City and an unlikely pairing with Captain Cold! The only way she can get the info she needs out of the rogue is to aid him in a quest that will take them deep into the Flash legacy. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 GOTHAM CENTRAL #10 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART AND COVER BY MICHAEL LARK In stores August 13. The "Half a Life" storyline reaches its thrilling conclusion! Now that all of Renée Montoya's secrets have come out, she's come face to face with the person behind it all. After being kicked off the force and having her personal life destroyed, Montoya's been pushed too far — and not even Batman can stop her. Check out this Eisner-nominated series and see what the buzz is about! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 HARLEY QUINN #35 WRITTEN BY A.J. LIEBERMAN; ART AND COVER BY MIKE HUDDLESTON AND TROY NIXEY In stores August 6. Harley Quinn has $500,000 riding on delivering a child to a certain location on time…only the kid's being hunted by every mob family in Gotham. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 NIGHTWING #84 WRITTEN BY DEVIN GRAYSON; ART BY RICK LEONARDI AND JESSE DELPERDANG; COVER BY J.H. WILLIAMS III In stores August 13. It's an all-out throwdown between Nightwing and Tarantula as Dick Grayson tries to bring in Blüdhaven's newest vigilante for the murder of Chief Redhorn! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ROBIN #117 WRITTEN BY JON LEWIS; ART BY PETE WOODS AND ANDREW PEPOY; COVER BY JO CHEN In stores August 20. Vague warnings from beyond time itself have Robin convinced that he's about to be betrayed by someone close to him. To complicate things, Robin doesn't know if it's someone trying to help him or trying to end his career…and his life! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 DC UNIVERSE: SUPERMAN ACTION COMICS #806 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART BY PASCUAL FERRY, KARL KERSCHL, AND CAM SMITH; COVER BY FERRY In stores August 6. Superman is attacked by an unkown assailant and left for dead, and it's up to Girl 13 (from the critically acclaimed "Lost Hearts" story) to protect him! But Natasha Irons, Steel's niece, thinks Girl 13 is the enemy! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #619 WRITTEN BY JOE CASEY; ART BY DEREC AUCOIN; COVER BY KEVIN NOWLAN In stores August 13. Lois Lane and Clark Kent are on the job! A new candidate for the presidency makes his presence known, but his political agenda may be tied to a plot that could destroy the whole world! FC, 32 pg. $2.25 SUPERMAN #196 WRITTEN BY STEVEN T. SEAGLE; ART AND COVER BY SCOTT MCDANIEL AND ANDY OWENS In stores August 27. Terror strikes Metropolis, and Superman must make a critical decision that results in the birth of a new adversary who wants to end all conflicts...by any means necessary! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT #2 WRITTEN BY MARK WAID; ART AND COVER BY LEINIL YU AND GERRY ALANGUILAN In stores August 6. Continuing young Clark Kent's heroic journey with another 40-page issue featuring a card-stock cover and glossy paper for just $2.95! The Man of Steel-to-be becomes embroiled in a political conflict in South Africa and must decide the best way to settle things. It's a tale that leads to Clark's accepting one of the key elements that will make him Superman! FC, 40 PG. (2 OF 12) $2.95 SUPERMAN: METROPOLIS #7 WRITTEN BY CHUCK AUSTEN; ART BY TEDDY KRISTIANSEN; COVER BY ASHLEY WOOD In stores August 20. An insightful and different take on Superman and Jimmy Olsen's friendship, as Jimmy realizes that he's lost Lena, the girl in the Tech. FC, 32 PG. (7 OF 12) $2.95 SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS III #8 WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN BYRNE; COVER BY BYRNE ELSEWORLDS. In stores August 13. Superman has learned the deadly secret behind Darkseid's attack on the Earth, but an attempt to take the battle to its source hurls the Man of Steel into the Smallville of 800 years in the past! Get ready for the time-tossed meeting of a pair of gods of New Genesis and a confrontation with a ruthless gunslinger named…Jonah Hex! FC, 32 PG. (8 OF 12) $2.95 SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS II TP WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN BYRNE; COVER BY BYRNE ELSEWORLDS. In stores August 27. Collecting the first sequel to John Byrne's SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS! Imagine if Superman and Batman aged normally from their debuts in 1938 and 1939! How would their legacies be passed on to future generations of heroes? With appearances by Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, the JSA, the Spectre, Batgirl, Blackhawk, Deadman, Cyborg, and others, this volume has twists at nearly every turn! For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 200PG, FC $19.95 STAR OF THE MONTH SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS TP WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN BYRNE; COVER BY BYRNE ELSEWORLDS. In stores August 27. Reoffered to coincide with SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS II TP, this trade paperback collects Byrne's initial GENERATIONS miniseries which explores the world radically changed by the 1938 crimefighting debut of Superman and the 1939 debut of Batman. (STAR16169D) SC, 7X10, 192PG, FC $17.95 SUPERMAN/BATMAN #1 WRITTEN BY JEPH LOEB; ART AND COVER BY ED MCGUINNESS AND DEXTER VINES In stores August 20. A new series by the all-star team of Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines that pairs DC's heaviest hitters in one high-octane book! A new, improved Metallo attacks both Metropolis and Gotham, bringing the guardians of each city together for a monumental battle! Plus, Lex Luthor assembles a mysterious super-team assigned to "help" the Man of Steel. Featuring a card-stock cover and glossy paper. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.95 ******************************* DC UNIVERSE AQUAMAN #9 WRITTEN BY RICK VEITCH; ART BY YVEL GUICHET AND MARK PROPST; COVER BY ETHAN VAN SCIVER In stores August 13. Aquaman and his archenemy, Black Manta, join forces to stop The Thirst from reanimating an army of corpses! Can these two foes put aside years of hatred to defeat an enemy more powerful than both of them? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 BAD GIRLS #1 WRITTEN BY STEVE VANCE; ART BY JENNIFER GRAVES; COVER BY DARWYN COOKE In stores August 6. Lauren is the new girl in the mall-and-beach town of San Narciso, California, and though this is her third high school in two years, she's determined to call this one home. But it's not easy finding a place among the cliques of the high-school social hierarchy…especially when the popular girls have super-powers! And what mystery lies beneath the school? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 6) $2.50 BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY #3 WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY MATT WAGNER; COVER BY WAGNER In stores August 27. Matt Wagner's tale featuring DC Comics' greatest super-heroes reaches its breakneck climax! While attempting to save the world from total destruction, an uneasy bond is formed by three new allies. Can they rally to defeat the mysterious eco-terrorist who commands the power to bring the world to its knees? Prestige Format. FC, 64 PG. (3 OF 3) $6.95 CINNAMON: EL CICLO #1 WRITTEN BY JEN VAN METER; ART BY FRANCISCO PARONZINI AND ROBERT CAMPANELLA; COVER BY HOWARD CHAYKIN In stores August 20. A tale of revenge and honor told against the sun-bleached asphalt of the New West! Cinnamon's drifted for years as a hired gun along the Mexican border, but when a shady job takes her north, she must face up to the ghosts that haunt her dark past! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 5) $2.50 DR. FATE #1 WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN; ART BY DON KRAMER AND PRENTIS ROLLINS; COVER BY PAUL RIVOCHE In stores August 13. A new miniseries spotlighting the mysterious golden-helmeted hero from the JSA! Hector Hall moves to Salem, Massachusetts in an effort to lead a normal life…but when Caitlin Bibeau and her angry ex-boyfriend come to town, they bring with them a centuries-old evil that dates back to ancient Egypt! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. (1 OF 5) $2.50 EMPIRE #2 WRITTEN BY MARK WAID; ART BY BARRY KITSON AND JAMES PASCOE; COVER BY KITSON In stores August 27. The saga of Golgoth's mighty reign of world domination continues! Another nation has fallen into the hands of the empire, yet Golgoth isn't happy. It's one thing to build an empire — it's quite another thing to maintain control of it…especially since the iron-fisted despot has taken more than one traitor into his confidence! MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 6) $2.50 FALLEN ANGEL #2 WRITTEN BY PETER DAVID; ART BY DAVID LOPEZ AND FERNANDO BLANCO; COVER BY BRIAN STELFREEZE In stores August 13. Peter David digs further into the mysteries of Bete Noire! "Asia Minor" — the astoundingly convivial head of Bete Noire's narcotics business — calls in a debt. Lee reluctantly agrees to guard a shipment of an especially potent drug passing through Bete Noire, but quickly finds herself involved with a mysterious man presenting himself as a rival drug lord! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 THE FLASH #201 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART AND COVER BY ALBERTO DOSE In stores August 27. A bold new beginning for The Flash, as new series artist Alberto Dose makes his debut! In the aftermath of the most horrific attack on The Flash ever, the Scarlet Speedster is nowhere to be found! As Keystone City becomes a breeding ground for lethal street races and rogues, a new type of Flash emerges — a new identity — one we can't say anything else about! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 WRITTEN BY KEITH GIFFEN AND J.M. DEMATTEIS; ART AND COVER BY KEVIN MAGUIRE AND JOE RUBINSTEIN In stores August 6. It's déja vu all over again as Maxwell Lord and the former heroes of the Justice League set up shop in a strip mall! Unfortunately, they're up against the one foe they hadn't counted on…the one enemy who can shut them down! Stronger than Despero…more powerful than the Legion of Doom! Get ready for the debut of The Local Community Board! FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 6) $2.50 GREEN ARROW #29 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART BY PHIL HESTER AND ANDE PARKS; PAINTED COVER BY MATT WAGNER In stores August 13. "Straight Shooter," Part 4 of 6! Released from the hospital, Ollie recuperates at home with Connor and Mia attending to his every need. But when Joanna Pierce shows up, tension mounts! Meanwhile, newscasts report that several people from the neighborhood around the construction site have gone missing! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 GREEN LANTERN #168 WRITTEN BY BEN RAAB; ART BY RICK BURCHETT AND RODNEY RAMOS; COVER BY ARIEL OLIVETTI In stores August 27. Green Lantern's efforts to restore order in outer space have brought him some unwanted attention. Stopping criminals and disasters is one thing, but being deemed a god by an entire planet is something he doesn't want to get mixed up in…especially since the local cosmically powered deities don't like competition! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 HAWKMAN #18 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY JOSÉ LUIS GÁRCIA-LÓPEZ; PAINTED COVER BY JOHN WATSON In stores August 6. A special issue guest-illustrated by master draftsman José Luis Gárcia-López! Carter Hall journeys to Germany to pay tribute to a man who was very important to him over 200 years ago. Take a trip through the past with Carter as he's forced to confront elements about his previous lives! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 H-E-R-O #7 WRITTEN BY WILL PFEIFER; ART BY PATRICK GLEASON AND CHRISTIAN ALAMY; PAINTED COVER BY JOHN VAN FLEET In stores August 13. Kicking off a new 2-part story! A group of guys calling themselves Chaos, Inc. finds the H- E-R-O device and records their crazy, irresponsible super-powered stunts on digicam, quickly turning them into the hottest thing on the underground Internet video circuit! Meanwhile, someone who's been searching for the H-E-R- O device through the years stumbles onto Chaos Inc.'s website and finally realizes who's in possession of the treasured device. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 HUMAN DEFENSE CORPS #4 WRITTEN BY TY TEMPLETON; ART AND COVER BY CLÉMENT SAUVE JR. AND JUAN VLASCO In stores August 13. A dizzying 30,000 feet above the California Coastline, the Human Defense Corps embarks on their most dangerous mission yet — a séance! But what they find may be far from dead and buried… FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 6) $2.50 JLA #84 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY DOUG MAHNKE AND TOM NGUYEN In stores August 13. J'onn J'onzz's "Trial By Fire" begins here, as JLA kicks off a 6-part storyline that ships biweekly! Super-villains across the globe are suddenly incapacitated by remorse over the deeds of their heinous pasts, leading the JLA to investigate the cause of this mysterious about-face! But how does the answer connect to the Martian Manhunter? For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 JLA #85 WRITTEN BY JOE KELLY; ART AND COVER BY DOUG MAHNKE AND TOM NGUYEN In stores August 27. The Martian Manhunter's red-hot "Trial By Fire" continues here! The world's villains are on the verge of mass suicide, and Firestorm has just been attacked in the JLA's own backyard. If the Justice League doesn't figure out who's behind the chaos soon, they'll be the next victims! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 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 August 20. Concluding the much-anticipated saga, 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. And in the present, the replacement JLA must also stop the Ancients while still learning how to function as a team! For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $12.95 OFFERED AGAIN O/A 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 August 20. Reoffered to coincide with JLA: THE OBSIDIAN AGE BOOK TWO, 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 and the enigmatic Manitou Raven and the threat of the Ancients. SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $12.95 ******************************* JLA: SCARY MONSTERS #6 WRITTEN BY CHRIS CLAREMONT; ART BY JOSH HOOD AND SEAN PARSONS; COVER by Arthur Adams In stores August 20. The miniseries comes to a pulse-pounding conclusion! It's the JLA's darkest hour, as its members are infected one by one with the monster-making virus! The world's only hope lies in the hands of…Plastic Man? FC, 32 PG. (6 OF 6) $2.50 JSA #51 WRITTEN BY DAVID S. GOYER AND GEOFF JOHNS; ART AND COVER BY LEONARD KIRK AND KEITH CHAMPAGNE; COVER BY CARLOS PACHECO AND JÉSUS MERIÑO In stores August 13. Dr. Fate returns, as the final fate of Mordru is revealed during the blistering aftermath of the "Princes of Darkness" saga! And what does the future hold for the estranged members of the JSA? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 JSA: ALL-STARS #4 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS, DAVID S. GOYER AND JAMES ROBINSON; ART BY MIKE MCKONE, WAYNE FAUCHER AND TONY HARRIS; COVER BY JOHN CASSADAY AND MARK LEWIS In stores August 6. Spotlighting the spectacular Stargirl! The Star-Spangled Kid enlists the aid of her partner and stepfather, S.T.R.I.P.E., as she heads out on a hunt for the one person she'd rather forget: her biological father. Plus, a backup Golden Age Starman tale by the team of James Robinson & Tony Harris (STARMAN)! FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 8) $2.50 STAR OF THE MONTH JSA: DARKNESS FALLS TP WRITTEN BY DAVID S. GOYER AND GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY STEVE SADOWSKI, MICHAEL BAIR, BUZZ, MARCOS MARTIN, AND KEITH CHAMPAGNE; COVER BY SADOWSKI AND MARK FARMER In stores August 13. Reoffered to coincide with the release of DOCTOR FATE: THE CURSE #1, this trade paperback reprints JSA #6-15. The JSA is once again called upon to save the planet from malevolent forces that may threaten the very fiber of the universe! But this time it's personal, as the foe they are fighting is a darkness- consumed Obsidian — the son of Alan Scott, Sentinel. (STAR15897D) SC, 7X10, 232PG, FC $19.95 ******************************* JUST IMAGINE… STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE BOOK TWO TP WRITTEN BY STAN LEE AND MICHAEL USLAN; ART BY KEVIN MAGUIRE, KARL STORY, JERRY ORDWAY, JOHN BYRNE, TERRY AUSTIN, GARY FRANK, SANDRA HOPE, DAN JURGENS, BOB LAYTON, SERGIO ARAGONES, JOHN SEVERIN, KANO, AND ADAM HUGHES; COVER BY STUART IMMONEN In stores August 20. A second collection of Stan Lee's revolutionary re-imaginings of the DC Universe's mightiest icons! This volume reprints JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH KEVIN MAGUIRE CREATING THE FLASH, …WITH JERRY ORDWAY CREATING THE JLA , …WITH JOHN BYRNE CREATING ROBIN, …WITH GARY FRANK CREATING SHAZAM, and more! For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 256PG, FC $19.95 STAR OF THE MONTH JUST IMAGINE… STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE BOOK ONE TP WRITTEN BY STAN LEE WITH MICHAEL USLAN; ART BY JOE KUBERT, JIM LEE, JOHN BUSCEMA, DAVE GIBBONS, MICHAEL WM. KALUTA, GENE COLAN, KYLE BAKER, JOSÉ LUIS GARCIÁ-LOPEZ, ADAM HUGHES, SCOTT WILLIAMS, DICK GIORDANO, AND TOM PALMER; COVER BY STUART IMMONEN In stores August 20. Reoffered to coincide with JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE BOOK TWO, this first of three volumes collecting Lee's one-of-a-kind one-shots reprints JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE WITH JOE KUBERT CREATING BATMAN, …WITH JIM LEE CREATING WONDER WOMAN, …WITH JOHN BUSCEMA CREATING SUPERMAN, and …WITH DAVE GIBBONS CREATING GREEN LANTERN! (STAR15979D) SC, 7X10, 224PG, FC $19.95 ******************************* JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #22 WRITTEN BY STUART MOORE; ART BY JOHN DELANEY AND ROBIN RIGGS; COVER BY KELSEY SHANNON In stores August 6. A menace from Green Lantern's past returns! The first time Green Lantern fought the alien race called the Shayol, they killed three of his fellow GL Corps members. Now they've arrived on Earth, and GL must decide how to deal with them — before Hawkgirl takes matters into her own hands! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 THE LEGION #23 WRITTEN BY DAN ABNETT AND ANDY LANNING; ART BY CHRIS BATISTA AND MARK FARMER; COVER BY TONY HARRIS AND TOM FEISTER In stores August 27. The secret behind "Dream Crime" is revealed in the senses-shattering conclusion to this 5-part storyline! The heroes of the 31st century find themselves faced with the most comprehensive, stealthiest conquest of civilization ever undertaken, plus a menace who exists only in their minds. FC, 32 PG. $2.50 LOBO UNBOUND #3 WRITTEN BY KEITH GIFFEN; ART BY ALEX HORLEY AND MIKE DECARLO; COVER BY HORLEY In stores August 6. Lobo's deeply immersed in the planet of self-exploders… and that's only the beginning of his problems! The Main Man's gotta' find a way to regain his dignity and his reputation from Bling-Bling the Hip-Hop Ho'. Of course, all Bling-Bling wants for Christmas is Lobo's head on a platter! One of Lobo's original artists, Mike DeCarlo, contributes a twisted 6-page comic-within-a-comic that explains why! MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (3 OF 6) $2.95 OUTSIDERS #3 WRITTEN BY JUDD WINICK; ART AND COVER BY TOM RANEY AND SCOTT HANNA In stores August 20. The Outsiders have their hands full with Gorilla Grodd and his army of angry apes! Meanwhile, across town, one of Nightwing's deadliest foes is torturing Lex Luthor with an electrifying experience! Will the Outsiders arrive in time in save the President? FC, 32 PG. $2.50 REIGN OF THE ZODIAC #1 WRITTEN BY KEITH GIFFEN; ART BY COLLEEN DORAN AND BOB WIACEK; PAINTED COVER BY TONY HARRIS In stores August 27. An original sci-fi cosmology teeming with warriors, politicians, nobles, knaves, heroes, damned fools, and a war that's coming to Earth… tomorrow! Fan-favorite writer Keith Giffen's self-proclaimed "life's work" pairs him with acclaimed artists Colleen Doran & Bob Wiacek for a tale of the war-torn planet Eidolon, where the Zodiac isn't the stuff of mythology…it's real! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.75 THE SILVER AGE TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES VOL. 1 HC WRITTEN BY BOB HANEY; ART BY NICK CARDY AND BRUNO PREMIANI; COVER BY CARDY In stores August 27. Collecting THE BRAVE & THE BOLD #54 and 60, SHOWCASE #59, and TEEN TITANS #1-5! This volume contains the first eight appearances of DC's super-teens — kicking off one of DC's most exciting legacies! Learn how Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash joined forces with Wonder Girl and Speedy to form this swingin', way-out team! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 204 PG. HARDCOVER $49.95 STAR OF THE MONTH SUPERMAN/BATMAN: WORLD'S FINEST TP WRITTEN BY DAVE GIBBONS; ART BY STEVE RUDE AND KARL KESEL; PAINTED COVER BY RUDE In stores August 20. Reoffered to coincide with SUPERMAN/BATMAN #1, this trade paperback presents a prior teaming of DC's greatest heroes! When Lex Luthor and the Joker make a deal to switch cities and adversaries, they just may get their wish to rid Metropolis and Gotham City of Superman and Batman forever! (STAR16776D) SC, 7X10, 160PG, FC $14.95 ******************************* SWEATSHOP #5 WRITTEN BY PETER BAGGE; ART AND COVER BY BAGGE In stores August 27. In this issue-length story, the entire SWEATSHOP crew attends a large comic-book convention — each with his or her own reasons for going. For Mel, it's vainglory, while romance and business opportunities occupy the minds of his staff members! Plus: Guest-appearances by Neil Gaiman and Ivan Brunetti. FC, 32 PG. $2.95 TEEN TITANS #2 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS; ART BY MIKE MCKONE AND MARLO ALQUIZA; COVER BY MCKONE AND ALQUIZA In stores August 13. Join the Teen Titans as they get a feel for their new team and a new routine! The new Teen Titans head out to meet the new and improved Cyborg, but things won't go as planned! Meanwhile, Wonder Girl gets a strange visit from an unlikely ally, and Impulse gets a lesson in reality he won't soon forget! FC, 32 PG. $2.50 WONDER WOMAN #195 WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART BY DREW JOHNSON AND RAY SNYDER; COVER BY ADAM HUGHES In stores August 20. A new creative team launches an incredible new era for comics' best-known heroine! Writer Greg Rucka (WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA, Wolverine) begins his highly anticipated, open-ended run with a self-contained issue featuring breathtaking interior art from the team of Drew Johnson (Tomb Raider: Journeys) & Ray Snyder (JSA: THE UNHOLY THREE). While Wonder Woman fights to capture the brutal dictator of an African nation, a new hire at the Themysciran Embassy discovers just how enormous Diana's mission truly is. For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $2.25 WONDER WOMAN: THE HIKETEIA SC WRITTEN BY GREG RUCKA; ART BY J.G. JONES AND WADE VON GRAWBADGER; PAINTED COVER BY JONES In stores August 13. Wonder Woman faces off against her JLA-companion Batman in this thrilling softcover version of the original hardcover graphic novel! For more information, see the feature article. SC, 96PG, FC $17.95 DC: BEYOND THE UNIVERSE THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 11 HC WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY WILL EISNER AND THE EISNER STUDIO; COVER BY EISNER In stores August 6. Reprinting Spirit sections from July 1, 1945 to December 30, 1945! In late 1945 Will Eisner received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, and in December of that year he returned to his masterwork — The Spirit! For more information, see the feature article. HC, 7X10, 216PG, FC $49.95 STAR OF THE MONTH THE BUILDING SC WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY WILL EISNER; COVER BY WILL EISNER In stores August 6. Reoffered to coincide with THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 11 HC, this striking graphic novel details the story of a building on the verge of demolition, explored through the life stories of four ghosts who lived there. (STAR11744D) SC, 8X11, 80PG, B&W $9.95 ******************************* CARTOON CARTOONS #21 WRITTEN BY TOM WARBURTON, BOBBI J.G. WEISS, JIM ALEXANDER AND SCOTT CUNNINGHAM; ART BY MAURICE FONTENOT, JARED DEAL, MATT JENKINS, JEFF ALBRECHT, DAVE SIMONS, CHUCK FRAZIER, AND ANDREW PEPOY; COVER BY FONTENOT AND DEAL In stores August 27. Fly high with the adventures of the Kids Next Door, fresh from Cartoon Network's newest hit show! Plus, Dexter the boy genius uses science to help his dad battle a backyard pest, and more! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 LOONEY TUNES #105 WRITTEN BY BILL MATHENY, EARL KRESS AND SCOTT CUNNINGHAM; ART BY DAVID ALVAREZ, LEO BATIC, MIKE DECARLO AND RUBEN TORREIRO; COVER BY ALVAREZ AND DECARLO In stores August 6. Pépé Le Pew goes a-courtin'; the Three Bears get Daffy Duck as a houseguest; and Bugs Bunny takes Elmer Fudd on a bang-up museum tour! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 THE POWERPUFF GIRLS #41 WRITTEN BY ROBBIE BUSCH AND JOHN ROZUM; ART BY CHRISTOPHER COOK AND MIKE DECARLO; COVER BY PHIL MOY In stores August 20. Townsville heats up when Buttercup eats garlic pizza, and we ain't talkin' pepperoni! Plus, the Girls battle a mind-absorbing monster! FC, 32 PG. $2.25 SCOOBY-DOO #75 WRITTEN BY EARL KRESS AND ROBBIE BUSCH; ART BY JOE STATON, HORACIO OTTOLINI, SCOTT JERALDS AND ANDREW PEPOY; COVER BY JOE STATON In stores August 13. Everything old is new again for this 75th issue! The Mystery Inc. gang's got a hip new look and a juiced-up Mystery Machine, as seen on the hit Kids WB! show What's New, Scooby-Doo? FC, 32 PG. $2.25 SCOOBY-DOO DOLLAR COMIC WRITTEN BY TERRANCE GRIEP AND CHRIS DUFFY; ART BY NED SONNTAG, IVAN BRUNETTI AND GARY FIELDS; COVER BY GLENN BARR In stores August 6. A Scooby-Doo spectacular for just $1.00! This special one-shot reprints the stories from 1997's SCOOBY-DOO #1 at a low, low price! For more information, see the feature article. FC, 32 PG. $1.00 WILDSTORM 21 DOWN #12 WRITTEN BY JIMMY PALMIOTTI AND JUSTIN GRAY; ART BY JESÚS SAIZ AND PALMIOTTI; PAINTED COVER BY JOE JUSKO In stores August 6. The astonishing conclusion to "Roadside Attractions!" Alex confronts a being claiming to be Herod. Mickey and Preston's lives are drastically transformed. And all of 21 DOWN undergoes a dramatic change! This issue's startling revelations and shocking secrets lay the groundwork for the upcoming second 21 DOWN series, as the same creative team takes the critically acclaimed series in a bold new direction! FC, 32 PG. $2.95 THE ABSOLUTE DANGER GIRL OVERSIZED HC WRITTEN BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL AND ANDY HARTNELL; ART BY CAMPBELL AND ALEX GARNER; COVER BY CAMPBELL Advance-solicited; in stores November 19. Collecting the phenomenally popular DANGER GIRL: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION and THE J. SCOTT CAMPBELL DANGER GIRL SKETCHBOOK as a limited-edition, signed-and- numbered, oversized, slip-cased, two-volume hardcover set! This Absolute Edition features the full 7-issue miniseries plus a ton of behind-the-scenes sketches and a cover gallery. For more information, see the feature article. Retailers please note: this edition is limited to 10,000 copies. Orders may be allocated. HC, 8X12, 326PG, FC $75.00 ARROWSMITH #2 WRITTEN BY KURT BUSIEK; ART AND COVER BY CARLOS PACHECO AND JESÚS MERÍÑO CLIFFHANGER PRODUCTIONS. In stores August 20. The miniseries reuniting the all-star team of Kurt Busiek, Carlos Pacheco and Jesús Meriño continues! War, magic and romance abound as Fletcher Arrowsmith commences his training as a mystical aviator in 1915 New York. But with the world gripped by a global war and death looming, is there time for a young man to fall in love? Unforgettable characters and an exotically different world spring to life as this much-anticipated tale unfolds! Go to http://www.wildstorm.com/arrowsmith/arrowsmith.html now for a special 8-page preview of ARROWSMITH! FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 6) $2.95 ASTRO CITY: LOCAL HEROES #4 WRITTEN BY KURT BUSIEK; ART BY BRENT ANDERSON; PAINTED COVER BY ALEX ROSS HOMAGE COMICS. In stores August 13. The miniseries continues with an Astro City courtroom drama! What happens when a lawyer argues the "death-like coma" and "evil twin" defenses to keep a murderer out of jail? It's a rare glimpse of Astro City in the 1970s — including a first look at the Blue Knight — a new breed of "hero" for a troubled era! FC, 32 PG. (4 OF 5) $2.95 THE AUTHORITY #0 WRITTEN BY ROBBIE MORRISON; ART BY DWAYNE TURNER, SAL REGLA AND SANDRA HOPE; COVER BY TURNER AND HOPE EYE OF THE STORM. In stores August 6. THE AUTHORITY is one of the hottest books in comics — now the explosive tale that led into the new series is collected in one volume! This issue reprints the 3-part story "High Stakes," serialized in three Eye of the Storm titles. Find out how our heroes react when a murderous bet is made at the expense of the planet Earth! Also included are character designs by Dwayne Turner. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS FC, 40 PG. $2.95 THE AUTHORITY #4 WRITTEN BY ROBBIE MORRISON; ART BY DWAYNE TURNER AND SAL REGLA; COVER BY TURNER AND REGLA EYE OF THE STORM. In stores August 6. The first story arc comes to an apocalyptic conclusion! Following the brutal assault on the Carrier that left the team in shambles and Swift captured, The Authority has declared war on Reality Incorporated. But survival may be their only consolation, as they face overwhelming firepower and a planet full of the horrific Hybrids! MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. $2.95 EPICURUS THE SAGE TP WRITTEN BY WILLIAM MESSNER-LOEBS; ART AND PAINTED COVER BY SAM KIETH CLIFFHANGER. In stores August 27. Messner-Loebs's & Kieth's quirky look at the ancient Greeks featuring a new 36-page story! For the first time, both the original EPICURUS graphic novels, along with the hard-to-find 15-page tale from FAST FORWARD #3, are collected into one snazzy volume, wrapped in a beautiful new Kieth cover painting. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS SC, 160PG, FC $19.95 EXTINCTION EVENT #2 WRITTEN BY ROBERT WEINBERG; ART BY BRETT BOOTH AND SAL REGLA; COVER BY BOOTH In stores August 6. The modern-day prehistoric saga continues! As the research team works to uncover the secrets of an ancient, advanced dinosaur civilization, it stumbles across an even greater discovery: thousands of the prehistoric beasts in cryogenic sleep! What happens when they inadvertently activate the waking mechanism? Will the dinosaurs be civilized enough to seek a peaceful resolution, or will they be driven by animal instinct? FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 5) $2.50 GEN13 #12 WRITTEN BY CHRIS CLAREMONT; ART BY RAMÓN F. BACHS AND SANDRA HOPE; COVER BY ALÉ GARZA AND HOPE In stores August 13. Caitlin Fairchild died with the rest of the original GEN13, but she came back. The others didn't… or so she thought! A sinister European power broker known only as the G-Nome has a client looking for a young team, and the new GEN13 fits the bill. And he's got the perfect enticement to get them involved: evidence that the original GEN13 — despite all the proof to the contrary — may still be alive and in his power! Now Caitlin must choose between the friends she lost and the young people who've just begun to trust her! FC, 32 PG. $2.95 GEN13: SEPTEMBER SONG TP WRITTEN BY CHRIS CLAREMONT; ART BY ALE GARZA, RAMÓN F. BACHS, SANDRA HOPE AND RAÚL FERNÁNDEZ; COVER BY GARZA In stores August 13. Collecting GEN13 #0 through 6, featuring the series relaunch by Chris Claremont (X- Men), Alé Garza (NINJA BOY) and Sandra Hope (CRIMSON)! The mysterious Herod chooses four teens, granting them powers and leaving them with the enigmatic warning "You will be judged." Can the four come together under the leadership of Caitlin Fairchild, leader of the old Gen13 team? For more information, see the feature article. SC, 7X10, 176PG, FC $19.95 STAR OF THE MONTH GEN13: COLLECTED EDITION TP WRITTEN BY JIM LEE, BRANDON CHOI AND JEFF MARIOTTE; ART AND COVER BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL AND ALEX GARNER In stores August 13. Reoffered to coincide with GEN13: SEPTEMBER SONG, this classic trade-paperback collects the stories that introduced the original Gen-Actives to the world! This stunning volume features full-color reprints of the 5-issue GEN13 miniseries, with art by DANGER GIRL's J. Scott Campbell and Alex Garner. (STAR08665D) SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $12.95 ******************************* GLOBAL FREQUENCY #11 WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART BY JASON PEARSON; COVER BY BRIAN WOOD In stores August 27. Five years ago, Aleph was the brilliant underachiever on campus…then she met Miranda Zero, and her life changed. Now she's the focal point of the Global Frequency rescue organization, coordinating crucial data during each operation. That is, until five minutes ago. The Global Frequency HQ has been breached, and Aleph must stand her ground and fight — for her life, and the life of every other agent on the Frequency! FC, 32 PG. (11 OF 12) $2.95 THE MAXX BOOK ONE TP WRITTEN BY SAM KIETH AND WILLIAM MESSNER-LOEBS; ART AND COVER BY KIETH CLIFFHANGER. In stores August 6. Sam Kieth's The Maxx, originally published by Image Comics, ran 35 issues and inspired a cult-favorite animated series on MTV. Now this wildly popular, long-out-of-print comic returns as a series of highly anticipated collected editions from WildStorm! BOOK ONE, collecting the first six issues, introduces us to the surreal-yet-touching universe of The Maxx, a homeless super-hero who lives in a cardboard box on the street, and his social worker/soulmate, Julie. Featuring a cameo appearance by Erik Larsen's Savage Dragon. For more information, see the feature article. MATURE READERS SC, 7X10, 144PG, FC $17.95 STAR OF THE MONTH ZERO GIRL TP WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY SAM KIETH; PAINTED COVER BY KIETH HOMAGE COMICS. In stores August 6. Reoffered to coincide with Sam Kieth's THE MAXX BOOK ONE TP, this engaging trade paperback collects Kieth's hit HOMAGE miniseries of 2000. Amy Smootster isn't like other teenagers. Besides falling in love with her guidance counselor and trying to survive high school, a whole mess of weirdness is about to fall at Amy's (wet) feet. SC, 7X10, 128PG, FC $14.95 ******************************* PLANETARY #16 WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART AND COVER BY JOHN CASSADAY Resolicited; in stores August 27. The acclaimed series from Ellis and Cassaday is back! With The Four momentarily in disarray, Elijah Snow initiates the second part of his comeback plan: to hunt down and discover the truth about Anna Hark, daughter of the criminal genius of the '30s, who died in the Adirondacks with the rest of Axel Brass' associates. Her story begins in medieval China and ends in the spires of modern America! For more information, see the feature article. Retailers please note: This is a resolicitation; all previous orders are cancelled. FC, 32 pg. $2.95 THE POSSESSED #2 WRITTEN BY GEOFF JOHNS AND KRIS GRIMMINGER; ART AND COVER BY LIAM SHARP CLIFFHANGER. In stores August 20. The demon-infested miniseries continues! The exorcists storm a Philadelphia high-rise where a First Communion ceremony has been up-ended by the violent possession of a young boy, coming face-to-face with a demonic spirit that will go to any lengths to stay in our world. But what secrets does this spirit hold about future otherworld attacks? And who isn't telling the exorcists the entire truth about the past? MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 6) $2.95 RED #2 WRITTEN BY WARREN ELLIS; ART AND COVER BY CULLY HAMNER HOMAGE COMICS. In stores August 27. The action-packed miniseries continues! Paul Moses, the C.I.A.'s retired killer extraordinaire, has been reactivated following an attempt on his life… an attempt authorized by the new Director of the C.I.A.! Now it's a game of cat-and-mouse, as Moses vows to kill those who ordered his murder. FC, 32 PG. (2 OF 3) $2.95 ROBOTECH: LOVE AND WAR #3 WRITTEN BY JAY FAERBER AND KEN SIU-CHONG WITH TOMMY YUNE; ART BY LONG VO, CHARLES PARK, JO CHEN AND ALAN TAMM; COVERS BY LONG VO AND KILIAN PLUNKETT In stores August 6. Max and Miriya finally meet