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Elfbytes February '09

(Note: this is not your average cut and paste, we actually write this stuff.)

This is for product starting to ship in April 2009.

This months Elfbyte credit goes to: Brock, James, Craig, Sean, Omar, Thomas & Ethan.

For your convenience, click links below to jump to a certain Publisher.

Independent Comics | Dark Horse Comics | DC Comics
Image Comics | Marvel Comics | Toys & Stuff

Remember to get your orders in ASAP! Initial orders due Feb 25th!

INDEPENDENT COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

ARCHAIA STUDIO PRESS

THE KILLER HC

Written by Matz. Illustrated by Luc Jacamon.

By far one of the best Hitman stories I’ve ever come across, The Killer is about a French Hitman who starts to lose focus on the job. A book more about the man then the conspiracy, it is simply enthralling to become a part of his seedy world, with the beautiful art of Luc Jacamon. This hardcover collects the first 4 issue arc.

ASPEN

SOULFIRE #9

Written by Michael Turner & JT Krul. Illustrated by Joe Benitez.

Michael Turner’s epic blend of sci-fi and fantasy continues with superstar Joe Benitez on art. The first story arc, long left uncompleted, reaches its penultimate issue as Grace leads the charge against the villainous Ranier.

AVATAR PRESS

IGNITION CITY #1 (of 5)

Written by Warren Ellis. Illustrated by Gianluca Pagliarani.

Warren Ellis is on one hell of a retro-punk kick these days, and brings us the alternate world retro-future of 1956 in this new limited series about Earth’s lawless last space port, Ignition City.

Spaceflight is becoming illegal, and former space pilot Mary Raven returns to Ignition City to find that her father was murdered. I bet you at some point in the investigation someone is sarcastic and maybe smokes a cigarette. This is a must for fans of Ellis or anyone who appreciates smart retro sci-fi.

GRAVEL VOL 1 TP: BLOODY LIARS

Written by Warren Ellis & Mike Wolfer. Illustrated by Raulo Caceres & Oscar Jiminez.

Combat magician William Gravel returns to England to find out that he's been replaced in the Minor Seven, a collection of English Magicians. They're holding out on him, so he does the only thing he can do: sets out to kill them one by one. Sometimes he's sarcastic and maybe smokes a cigarette.

BOOM STUDIOS

IRREDEEMABLE #1

start reading here!

Written by Mark Waid. Illustrated by Peter Krause.

Think of this by what must be its alternate title: What If Superman Went Evil? Not an entirely new premise, in fact it is ground Waid has covered previously, but this new series promises to delve deeper and examine the premise in a new light. Add the excellent pencils of Peter Krause, and this book looks well worth picking up.

DEVIL’S DUE PUBLISHING

VOLTRON: A LEGEND FORGED TP

Written by Josh Blaylock. Illustrated by Julia Bax & Mike Bear.

The quintessential giant combining robot of the 80’s finally has a definitive origin, courtesy of Josh Blaylock. Discover how, 12 centuries ago, the galaxy’s greatest minds combined Magic and Science to create the universe’s mightiest warrior: Voltron, Defender of the Universe.

DRAWN & QUARTERLY

A DRIFTING LIFE TP

Written & illustrated by Yoshihiro Tatsumi.

Tatsumi is the guy who did THE PUSH MAN, GOOD-BYE, and ABANDON THE OLD IN TOKYO, three excellent, super-depressing slice of life stories in postwar Japan. This book is about himself, and I imagine it will be equally depressing, since all cartoonists seem to be weird shut-ins.

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

THE COMPLETE DRACULA #1 (of 5)

Written by Bram Stoker. Adapted by Leah Moore & John Reppion. Illustrated by Colton Worley. Cover by John Cassaday.

Dynamite has decided to present Stoker’s classic tale with the lost “first chapter”, and has chosen to have Alan Moore’s daughter Leah adapt it. Well, I guess it’s a step up from her work on WITCHBLADE: SHADES OF GRAY.

ONI PRESS

MY INNER BIMBO TP

Written & illustrated by Sam Keith.

The talented but underappreciated Sam Keith brings his unique storytelling ability to this tale of a man who is faced with the literal physical embodiment of his under-developed feminine side.

RESURRECTION VOL. 1 TP

Written by Marc Guggenheim. Illustrated by David Dumeer & Douglas Dabbs.

Guggenheim, best known for his work at Marvel (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and the television show ELI STONE, creates an engaging story of what happens when a prolonged alien invasion of Earth suddenly stops. This collection is specially priced at a mere $6.00 US, so it’s well worth picking up for some budget friendly reading enjoyment.

RED 5 COMICS

ATOMIC ROBO AND THE SHADOW FROM BEYOND TIME #1 (of 5)

start reading here!

Written by Brian Clevinger. Illustrated by Scott Wegener.

The third Atomic Robo series arrives just in time! The first two volumes are extremely enjoyable, and quite probably one of the best surprises on the shelf in the past year and half. This title is a wonderful mash-up of action, science-fiction, history, and the occult, with just the right amount of humour thrown in, and this new series is the perfect place for you to discover a new favourite. Strongly recommended!

TOP SHELF

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN VOLUME III: CENTURY #1 “1910”

Written by Alan Moore. Illustrated by Kevin O’Neill.

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! The League is back!!! Aside for it not being available in Canada, The Black Dossier was the best comic I read last year (except for the shit-ass Absolute Edition, don't get me started) and I'm really looking forward to this. This new LoEG series is being published by Top Shelf instead of ABC, but otherwise all the things that matter remain the same. Moore & O’Neill bring us Volume III in three self contained books, of which “1910” is the first. Really, there’s no explanation needed as to why you want this book. Yes this WILL BE AVAILABLE IN CANADA so send your orders in.

ALIENS #1 (of 4)

start reading here!

Written by John Arcudi. Illustrated by Zach Howard & Mark Irwin.

It’s hard to believe it's been 30 years since Sigourney Weaver first met the drooly little monsters. This all new series, planned as the restart for the franchise, promises to restore the acid blooded beasts to their rightful place as bastions of terror over sci-fi. We bet you the story will go something like this: a group of humans go somewhere in space, find some weird sticky caves that are really dark, and think “I want to go to there!” and one by one, they die horrific deaths. And in case you needed more incentive to read this, it is written by John Arcudi (BPRD), so show your love and pick up a copy.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #24

Written by Jim Krueger. Illustrated by Cliff Richards & Andy Owens. Covers by Jo Chen & Georges Jeanty.

A stand alone issue focusing on everyone’s favourite bad-girl slayer Faith and her new partner / watcher Giles. Find out what they’ve been up to since we last saw them in the second arc of SEASON EIGHT.

WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO: THE DEFUSER (one-shot)

Written by Jeremy Barlow. Illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo.

Direct from the Stan Lee’s television series and leaping onto the comics page, it’s The Defuser! Um really? We’re guessing he was the winner, although we’re wondering how he was even one of the finalists. From the sound of it, he’s Punisher meets Iron Man meets Batman meets D-Man meets Lame. Happy reading!

CREEPY ARCHIVES VOLUME 4 HC

Written by various. Illustrated by various.

If you miss the good ole days of horror comics, back when artists like Alex Toth & Frank Frazetta were illustrating some amazing classic horror stories? Well these beautiful oversized hard covers collect old Creepy Magazines and are a must for any fan or horror comics. You don’t need to read them in any particular order and they even reprint the old ads that appeared in the magazines for things like grow your own monster kits and what not. A real treat.

DRAGONERO TP

Written by Luca Enoch & Steffano Vietti. Illustrated by Giuseppe Matteoni.

Apparently this is an original graphic novel in the vein of LoTR, but all I can think of is the Simpson’s SUV song, Canyonero. Adapted it would go something like this;

“Can you name the book, costs nineteen ninety five?
A borrowed idea of a quest to stay alive.
Dragonero! Dragonero!
It reads real slow, it’s not that great,
But it’s already finished so it won’t be late.
Dragonero! Dragonero!
Two hundred Ninety six pages of black and white.
That’s a shit load of paper cuts if you don’t read it right.
Dragonero! Dragonero!
Top of the line in Fantasy schlock,
It might not deserve to ever be mocked.
Dragonero! Whoa, Dragonero!”

SINFEST VOL 1 TP

Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Ishida.

One of my favourite webcomics gets a proper book at last. It's hard to describe Sinfest, really, but it's brilliant. Comic reflections on every day life and modern culture? With porn-loving pigs. And Satan?

It's really good.

NEL GAIMAN PRESENTS: TWILIGHT OF THE GODS AND OTHER TALES

Written by Richard Garnett. Illustrated by Henry Keen.

Literary superstar Neil Gaiman is working with Dark Horse to bring back long out of print works that he personally selects in affordable trade paperbacks. This volume, containing 28 stories, features stories of myth and gods, including a tale of Lucifer playing chess for the soul of man.

DC COMICS HIGHLIGHTSS

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #2 (of 3)

Written by Tony Daniel. Illustrated by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea.

When the walls of Arkham fall, Nightwing and the rest of the bat family have their hands full. But what do they do when the Dark Knight himself returns? And why is he acting so oddly? Is it really him? Probably not. Keep up with all the surprising twists and turns in this second of three action packed issues that chart out the destiny of Gotham city in the aftermath of Bruce Wayne’s disappearance.

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL - ARKHAM ASYLUM #1 (one-shot)

Written by David Hine. Illustrated by Jeremy Haun. Cover by Ladronn.

This “Battle for the Cowl” one-shot tie-in focuses on the venerable institution, and what happens when Batman is no longer around to contain the madness freed from within the walls of Arkham. I think Def Lepard said it best, “When the walls came tumbling down. When the walls came tumbling down. Everybody ran as they screamed at the sound when the walls came tumbling down. When the walls came tumbling down. When the walls came tumbling down. Nobody made a sound.” Sheer poetry.

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL - MAN-BAT #1 (one-shot)

Written by Joe Harris. Illustrated by Jim Calafiore. Cover by Ladronn.

Dr. Kirk Langstrom, better known to you & I as Man-Bat, joins the fray to help stem the rising tide of chaos in Gotham, in this “Battle for the Cowl” tie-in. It looks like Arkham escapee Dr. Phosphorus is gonna be in trouble.

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL - THE UNDERGROUND #1 (one-shot)

Written by Chris Yost. Illustrated by Pablo Raimondi. Cover by Ladronn.

The third of three “Battle for the Cowl” one-shots this month, this issue spotlights the colourful characters from Batman’s rouge’s gallery, and their plans for the vulnerable city in the wake of Batman’s disappearance.

ORACLE #2 (of 3)

Written by Kevin VanHook. Illustrated by Don Kramer & Jay Leisten. Cover by Guillem March.

BIRDS OF PREY may be done, but you can still keep up with the adventures of Barbara Gordon in her very own limited series. Two super-nerds face off when the Calculator decides to use the anti-life equation to save the life of his daughter, and Oracle intervenes. Fight! Fight! Fight! Wow, look at how cover artist Guillem March still managed to find a way to do a cleavage shot on a crippled person.

DEAD ROMEO #1 (of 6)

Written by Jesse Blaze Snider. Illustrated by Ryan Benjamin.

Undead vampire rock n' roll romance. Cover looks sweet. I just kind of like the title, really.

THE FLASH: REBIRTH #1 (of 5)

On your marks, get set... start reading here!

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver.

Arguably the biggest book being released by the big two this month, the team that successfully revived Hal Jordan now seeks to do the same with Barry Allen. Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver aim to redefine the entire Flash family in this must read new limited series. The recently resurrected Barry struggles to catch up to a fast moving world that seems to have left the fastest man alive in its dust. Of course, some would question why he needed to be brought back in the first place. Look. The Silver Age happened. You were a kid and you loved it. But now it's over. Why can't we all just move on? Or rather, why do we get man-child love notes to the past like this and JSA? If we have to do homages to the Silver Age, why can't it be like Grant Morrison's Batman? Regardless of how you feel, this one will be a must read!

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #35

Written by Peter J. Tomasi. Illustrated by Patrick Gleason & Rebecca Buchman.

The synergy of awesomeness between Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps is just amazing. The Corps features a great cast of unique characters that really lets you explore the eclectic mash of the worlds in the DCU. With “Blackest Night” on the horizon, GLC is running at full steam, so buckle up. In this issue Sodam Yat and Arisia take on Mogul and the Sinestro Corps, while the rest of the Corps tries to prevent the ultimate jail break.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #26

Written by Geoff Johns. Illustrated by Dale Eaglesham & Nathan Massengil. Covers by Alex Ross.

Three beautiful Alex Ross pieces of art cover a story that celebrates the birthday of the JSA’s most charming member: Stargirl. This is just the kind of character-centered tale that the outgoing writer Johns does so well, so be sure to check it out and savour it while it lasts.

Attention all comic saver files, if you neglect to tell us which cover to order you you will have to settle with the one we select if you want your discount to apply. These covers can be ordered separately in Previews. Naturally, please be sure to inform us if you want all three.

COVER A	COVER B	COVER C

THE OUTSIDERS #17

Written by Peter J. Tomasi. Illustrated by Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott.

Although not tying into “Battle for the Cowl”, this series has been significantly affected by the disappearance of Batman and has come out better for it. This title is focused and consistently telling some very enjoyable superhero stories, and also features some very nice artwork by Garbett and Scott. Worth picking up.

SECRET SIX #8

start reading here!

Written by Gail Simone. Illustrated by Carlos Rodriguez & Bitt.

This depraved team of killers is a pleasure to read because Gail Simone knows the characters so well. She just nails every line of dialogue and pits them in situations that give the reader that “hell yeah!” attitude. This issue is a great jumping on point, for new readers.

SUPERGIRL #40

Written by Sterling Gates. Illustrated by Jamal Igle & Jon SIbal.

“Who is Superwoman” part 4. Supergirl uncovers some shocking secrets and must now decide what to do with them.

SUPERMAN #687

Written by James Robinson. Illustrated by Renato Guedes & Wilson Magalhaes.

Superman’s chosen replacement to defend Metropolis, Mon-El, is faced with the backlash of the events of New Krypton. He’s not even Kryptonian (he’s Daxamite), and STILL the people of Earth want nothing to do with him. What’s a guy to do?

ACTION COMICS #876

Written by Greg Rucka. Illustrated by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jose.

Nightwing and Flamebird take on Zod’s paramour, Ursa!

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #2 (of 12)

Written by James Robinson and Greg Rucka. Illustrated by Pete Woods.

Superman continues trying to shape New Krypton into a world that lives up to his lofty standards, but those darn Kryptonians just don’t want to cooperate. And a little trouble-maker called Zod is about to make his move …

THE WARLORD #1

start reading here!

Written by Mike Grell. Illustrated by Joe Prado & Walden Wong. Cover by Mike Grell.

Mike Grell returns to his most famous creation in this new ongoing series which we can only hope will make up for the disappointing Bruce Jones series a few years ago. In the start to this new series, a team of palaeontologists discover a portal into Skartaris, the savage country at the hollow center of the Earth. Their arrival sparks a new adventure in the life of Travis Morgan, the first surface dweller to find himself stranded in there.

FINAL CRISIS HC

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco, & Doug Mahnke.

I can't read CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS. It's boring. I didn't really like IDENTITY CRISIS because I couldn't keep track of which colour was who talking. INFINITE CRISIS was one of those Penthouse Letters to the Ghost of Comics Past that I have no real interest in. But Final Crisis, however was pretty awesome. That speech by Darkseid? Chilling! I get that people are choked about the fill-in art, but you could do worse than assemble Jones, Pacheco, and Mahnke in one book. I wonder if there will be a Deluxe format with the other Grant Morrison tie-ins down the road? We can only hope so.

STARMAN OMNIBUS 3 HC

Written by James Robinson. Illustrated by Tony Harris and various.

Sure, you might be tight for cash, but can you really leave your set incomplete? Really?

STATIC SHOCK: REBIRTH OF COOL TP

Written by Dwayne McDuffie & Robert L. Washington III. Illustrated by John Paul Leon & Steve Mitchell.

Not to be mistaken for Ethan’s ever popular autobiography COMIC SHOP: REBIRTH OF FOOL, this series will help fill in all those nagging questions arising from the inclusion of Static on the new Teen Titans roster. Questions like, “who the sweet frak is Static?”

VERTIGO

The “Great Fables Crossover” begins this month! The two ongoing FABLES books are joined by a limited series, and will tell one titanic tale for the next three months in a 9 part story!

THE GREAT FABLES CROSSOVER PART 1 FABLES #83

Written by Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges. Illustrated by Mark Buckingham & Andrew Pepoy.

THE GREAT FABLES CROSSOVER PART 2 JACK OF FABLES #33

Written by Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges. Illustrated by Russ Braun & Jose Marzan Jr..

THE GREAT FABLES CROSSOVER PART 3 THE LITERALS #1 (of 3)

Written by Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges. Illustrated by Mark Buckingham & Andrew Pepoy.

MADAME XANADU #10

Written by Matt Wagner. Illustrated by Amy Reeder Hadley.

Lover’s quarrels are never pretty, and when The Phantom Stranger and Madame Xanadu meet for a final confrontation, the entire world hangs in the balance.

SEAGUY: THE SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #1 (of 3)

Written by Grant Morrison. Illustrated by Cameron Stewart.

The first time was fantastic, a tight, hilarious story, and I think it’s fair to say we can expect much of the same here as Morrison attempts to redefine the superhero mythos, even more than he already did in that FINAL CRISIS story you might have been reading. Plus, an Alien from the planet Earth, Silvan Niltoid, the Happy Group and Doc Hero.

UNKNOWN SOLDIER #7

start reading here!

Written by Joshua Dysart. Illustrated by Alberto Ponticelli. Cover by Dave Johnston.

This excellent new series is quickly gaining fans, and this stand-alone issue is the perfect place for you to jump on and discover for yourself just how good it is. It is brutal (in the best possible way) and poses some real questions in real world Uganda. The realistic grit of what you read makes it almost painful to turn each page, because you realize that the events in this book are based on things that really do happen in Africa. We dare you to read one issue, and not be left wanting to know more.

HELLBLAZER: ROOTS OF COINCIDENCE TP

Written by Andy Diggle. Illustrated by Leonardo Manco & Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Collecting issues #243-244 and #247-249, this volume sees Constantine seeking to discover who is behind manipulating all the events around him. Does he dare tap into a terrible source of power that may prove too blasphemous even for him?

TRANSMETROPOLITAN VOL. 2 TP (new edition): LUST FOR LIFE

Written by Warren Ellis. Illustrated by Darick Robertson & Rodney Ramos.

For those who have never read Transmetropolitan, now is your chance to enjoy the depravity of a Utopia from the mind of Warren Ellis from the beginning. The first volume was recently released, and the first issue is online for free, so check it out and get hooked. It really is a must read.

WILDSTORM

EX MACHINA #41

Written by Brian K. Vaughan. Illustrated by Tony Harris & Jim Clark.

The march to the end of this acclaimed series begins to ramp up, and this new arc promises to reveal the truth behind the Mayor Mitchell Hundred / The Great Machine’s strange powers.

ABSOLUTE PROMETHEA VOL. 1 HC

Written by Alan Moore. Illustrated by J.H. Williams III & Mick Gray.

Yet another Alan Moore masterpiece collected into one of those beautiful slip case hard covers. This will look great next to your Absolute WATCHMEN and LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN. William’s art is so nice to look at, and will look even prettier in this beautiful super deluxe hardcover edition. And if you decide you can’t go the route of the expensive Absolute edition, make sure you pick up this series in another format, because it’s worth reading.

POINT BLANK TP (new edition)

Written by Ed Brubaker. Illustrated by Sean Phillips.

The prelude to SLEEPER gets a fancy new trade paperback, which is good, because it's awesome. Of course, the fact SLEEPER is being turned into a major motion picture probably doesn’t hurt either. This great noirish tale of espionage follows a drunken Cole Cash, otherwise known as the Wildcat Grifter, as he investigates a brutal attack on his old army buddy / super-spy John Lynch. Only he's in no way prepared for the answer to this mystery. This is like the grim, depressing HOBBIT, if THE LORD OF THE RINGS was a supercrime noir epic instead of a travelogue of cuddly midgets who like to eat. Or something.

ZUDA

BAYOU VOL. 1 TP

Written & illustrated by Jeremy Love.

This critically acclaimed webcomic from DC’s on-line Zuda imprint, sees its first volume published. Combining the supernatural with the Depression-era American South, you can now read for yourself what the buzz is all about.

IMAGE COMICS HIGHLIGHTS

BAD DOG #3

Written by Joe Kelly. Illustrated by Diego Greco.

Bad Dog has to be one of the best new books I’ve picked up in the last year. The first issue was a goldmine of ideas and characters which I will anxiously await for month to month. If you enjoy profanity, booze, bounty hunters and the idea of a Werewolf suffering an existential crisis, then look no further. Give this book a shot, it demands your attention.

INVINCIBLE #61

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Ryan Ottley & FCO Plascencia.

In the aftermath of the biggest super-hero crossover / team-up in Image history, everything has changed, and only Invincible is left to rebuild. Unfortunately he will find no rest when a new foe by the name of Conquest comes knocking!

OVERLOOK #1 (of 3)

Written by Joshua Williamson. Illustrated by Alejandro Aragon.

If you enjoy your crime book dirty and hard boiled, then look no further, as Mickey, a dirty prize fighter who’ll do anything for a buck, is hired to infiltrate and underground boxing outfit. His prize, the mobster who hires him will assassinate the victim of his choice. This book looks brutal, and will should read like a punch in the gut.

SMASH! (one-shot)

Written by Jeph Loeb. Illustrated by Rob Liefeld.

From the unoriginal and inartistic mind of comics greatest thief and all around asshole... Rob Liefeld. Not content enough to rip off the X-MEN with YOUNGBLOOD, here we have a purple Hulk. Seriously. He looks just like Hulk. Only he's purple. Does he wear green pants? And if you thought Liefield’s FIGHTING AMERICAN was bad, check out Previews page 151 and tell me it doesn’t look traced. And who writes it? The writer of HULK. The guy who made Hulk red. Comics are over, kids. We lost. Take our advice, save your money and skip this or better yet try something else.

VIKING #1

Written by Ivan Brandon. Illustrated by Nic Klein.

What is this Viking craze that seems to be hitting the market lately? It seems to be the right time for Marvel to get working on that Thor movie. At last count I have about 4 new titles that are based in the Norse world. For fans of Northlanders who just can’t get enough, Image is launching Viking. The book is about the most violent criminal underworld in history, Vikings and Crime? Sold! Now I can’t get a Swedish version of Scarface out of my head.

WALKING DEAD #60

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn.

The thinning rank of survivors have managed to last for 5 whole years. Pretty impressive eh? More impressive is that fact that Kirkman’s Image books are all guaranteed to ship on time. In the case of this title, it could also be guaranteed not to suck. Too bad Marvel can’t slap either of those on its books, isn’t that right ULTIMATE HULK vs. WOLVERINE?

WITCHBLADE #126

Written by Ron Marz. Illustrated by Stjepan Sejic.

The epic new storyline “War of the Witchblade” continues as the problems between the two bearers of the blade escalate. And now is the perfect time to give this title a shot if you haven’t read it. Heres a look at Cover A by Stjepan Sejic. A Tim Seeley cover is available to order as well. If you already get this title, be sure to let us know which cover you want. Remember, just because it looks good, doesn’t mean it is simply a T’n’A book.

APES AND BABES: THE ART OF FRANK CHO

Illustrated by Frank Cho (duh!!!).

I’m buying this book. I’m buying this book because I love Frank Cho art. I’m Buying this book because I love franks Cho art and I love women (even if they don’t love me). I’m buying this book because I love Frank Cho art, I love women, and apparently I, um, also love monkeys (who sadly also don’t love me).

ASTOUNDING WOLFMAN VOL. 2 TP

Written by Robert Kirkman. Illustrated by Jason Howard & Ryan Ottley.

Robert Kirkman’s (INVINCIBLE / WALKING DEAD) other book is now 12 issues deep, and collected for your reading pleasure.

IMAGE ILLUSTRATED CLASSICS VOL 1 HC: MOBY DICK

Written by Herman Melville. Adapted by Bill Sienkiewicz & Dan Chichester.

Billy the Sink. Giant Whale. End of Story!

PHERONE GN

Written by Viktor Kalvachev, Patrick Baggatta, & Jim Sink. Illustrated by Viktor Kalvachev.

This sexy graphic novel focuses on a femme fatale trying to unravel the mystery of her past, and willing to do whatever it takes to get to reach her goal. It’s so good, it took three people to write it!

MARVEL COMICS HIGHLIGHTSHTS

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #12

Written by Paul Cornell. Illustrated by Leonard Kirk. Cover by Stuart Immonen.

This series has been consistently kick-ass good since it launched almost one year ago, and deserves to have as many readers as possible.

DARK REIGN: THE CABAL

Written by Jonathan Hickman, Matt Fraction, Peter Milligan, & o thers. Illustrated by Adi Granov, Kyle Holtz, & others. Cover by Daniel Acuna.

A must for anyone who isn’t sick of the constant branding and re-branding of the Marvel Universe (CIVIL WAR covers that lead to THE INITIATIVE banners, which gave us SECRET INVASION labels, etc, etc). First came the Illuminati. Now after the path of destruction that SECRET INVASION left, Dark Reign brings us the Cabal. Doctor Doom, Emma Frost, Loki, The Hood, Namor, and Norman Osborn. Can this group be civil and work together? Will they be able to trust and follow the lead of the Green Goblin? Trust me, this one-shot won’t disappoint! And if it does, no refunds!

DARK REIGN HAWKEYE #1 (OF 5)

Written by Andy Diggle. Illustrated by Tom Raney.

I’ll read anything Andy Diggle writes. I think the man has a knack for telling entertaining stories, and now he has his hands on my favourite marvel villain; Bullseye. The question here is how long will it take for the premier killer in the marvel universe, playing superhero (read DARK AVENGERS), to go out of control? This book is a ticking time bomb I can’t wait to get my hands on.

DEADPOOL #9

Written by Daniel Way. Illustrated by Paco Medina.

“Magnum Opus” part 3 of 4. The crossover between Thunderbolts and Deadpool continues here and I can’t think of greater mash up of characters to throw at each other. The chaos and carnage shall be glorious.

EXILES #1

Written by Jeff Parker. Illustrated by Salvador Espin.

The Exiles is back with a new #1! We can only hope the third time’s the charm! And how can you go wrong when you don’t have an aging Chris Claremont behind the reigns?? The Beast, The Witch, Panther, Forge, Polaris, and the return of fan-favourite Blink! Is this the Exiles we know? Is this Claremont’s Exiles? Or will Jeff Parker bring back the awesomeness of Exiles of old? I might even start collecting this title again!

INCOGNITO #4

Written by Ed Brubaker. Illustrated by Sean Phillips.

Have Brubaker and Phillips ever done a bad book together? The answer is a big resounding No. These guys are just amazing together, and Incognito is such a unique book. Its fusion of the Crime and Superhero genres provide for awesome characters in fresh scenarios that make this book a joy to read. When a villain in the witness protection program gets bored, what does he do for fun?

MS. MARVEL #38

Written by Brian Reed. Illustrated by Patrick Olliffe. Cover by Phil Jimenez.

Just in case you’ve missed DARK AVENGERS, Norman Osborn has created his own version of the Avengers, with evil doubles of all the heroes we know and love. And long time baddie and evil bitch Moonstone has replaced the former Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers. Find out what affects this will have beginning this issue.

SECRET WARRIORS #3

Written by Brian Michael Bendis & Jonathan Hickman. Illustrated by Stefano Caselli.

With the first issue on the racks now, it’s clear that despite your feelings about SECRET INVASION are, some good did come out of it. Secret Warriors flips years of Marvel’s status quo on its head and sets up some great story possibilities. This book is also full of back up features which help you piece together the puzzle if you have what it takes. This book is announcing Hickman’s arrival the way that IMMORTAL IRON FIST did for Matt Fraction two years ago. All in all a smart and engrossing read.

SPIDER-WOMAN #1

start reading here!

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Alex Maleev. Covers by Alex Ross & Alex Maleev.

After several years of teasing, the new Spider-Woman series finally arrives, brought to us by the kick-ass creative team of Bendis & Maleev. This one should be 100% worth reading.

THUNDERBOLTS #131

Written by Andy Diggle. Illustrated by Bong Dazo.

“Magnum Opus” part 4 of 4. The final part of the Deadpool & Thunderbolts crossover. To steal a line from A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, are you ready for a little bit of the old Ultra Violence?

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #133

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Illustrated by Stuart Immonen.

FINAL ISSUE! *sniff* :(

Judging by everything that has happened in the ULTIMATUM mini-series, this month we must bid a sad farewell to our dear friend Ultimate Spidey. Will Bendis end his historic run with a bang? Will Omar cry and weep like a 6 year old girl? But don’t fear, as someone (we don’t yet know who) will be wearing the costume in the new Ultimate Spider-Man title launching a few months from now.

WOLVERINE THE ANNIVERSARY

Written by William Harms & Jonathan Maberry. Illustrated by Jefte Palo & Roland Boschi. Cover by Simone Bianchi.

I’ll be honest I have no idea who the writers for this book are, but with art from Jefte Palo and Roland Boschi consider me sold. These two talents have a great knack for gritty and dark stories so attaching them to a wolverine special is a natural thing. Plus it’s more Wolverine.

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #1

start reading here!

Written by Jason Aaron. Illustrated by Ron Garney. Covers by Adam Kubert & TBA (otherwise known as whoever can put something together quickly in Photoshop).

I know what you’re thining: “Another Wolverine book?!?” He is already on 3 different teams, guest-appearing in god knows how many titles, and has 3 titles of his own: does he really need another one? With Jason Aaron and Ron Garney (the creative team behind the “Get Mystique” arc) at the helm, HELL YEAH he does! This is the Wolverine title as we’ve all hoped and dreamed it should be! Just in time to wet your appetite for the new Wolverine movie. And in a radical departure from the formula, this series will focus on Wolverine's home & gardening tips, how to crochet a tea cozy, and then use the tea cozy to wipe up the blood of forty six ninjas you've just stabbed in the guts.

X-FACTOR #42

Written by Peter David. Illustrated by Valentine De Landro.

Probably one of the best comics Marvel has put out over the past three and a half years, this title has been dropping some awesome story surprises the past few months, and this issue promises to keep the punches coming. Do yourself a favour and pick this book up and discover yourself a new favourite.

THE PUNISHER WAR ZONE: THE RESURRECTION OF MA GNUCCI PREMIERE HC

Written by Garth Ennis. Illustrated by Steve Dillon.

Ennis & Dillon on a Punisher that is funny and not as depressing as the Max title! Quadriplegic mafia revenge! Hooray!

UNCANNY X-MEN: MANIFEST DESTINY HC

Written by Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction. Illustrated by Greg Land & Terry Dodson.

The X-Men move to California so they can vote for, then against mutant marriage. This book would be great if it weren't for Greg “pornface” Land, though.

TOYS & MISC. HIGHLIGHTS

BACK TO THE FUTURE: MARTY MCFLY HAT REPLICA

This really makes me want a hover board. Where is my damn hover board!!!! A nice little touch for BACK TO THE FUTURE fans. Be ahead of the crowd and wear some style that’s ahead of it’s time, or lost back in the 80’s. Just do us a favour and don’t wear it to your local comic store.

BLACKEST NIGHT: SERIES 1 ACTION FIGURES

What promises to be one of the biggest stories of the year, comes your way as one of the coolest series of action figures. Featuring Alpha Lantern Boodikka, Blue Lantern Saint Walker (whoever that is), Red Lantern Atrocitus, and a Black Lantern who we won’t name (but if you don’t care about spoilers, you can find out by looking at page 130 of this month’s Previews.

CLASSIC MARVEL FIGURINE COLLECTION MAGAZINE

This month the Marvel collection features: Nighthawk and Blink, and the extra cool mega special Prof. X and Lilandra.

DARKWING DUCK MINI-MAQUETTE

Think of Batman but if he were stuck in the world of Disney, and who just happens to be mildly incompetent. Darkwing Duck was a spin-off of the old DUCK TALES cartoon. You remember the cartoons from when you were a kid. Don’t lie, I know you do. Is it just me that remembers this? it’s just me ...

THE DC SUPERHERO FIGURINE COLLECTION MAGAZINE

This month, these excellent lead figures feature: Cat Woman, Ra’s Al Ghul, Lex Luthor, Captain Cold, and Aquaman, and the special edition Anti-Monitor.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS 4^th EDITION: ARCANE POWER HC

Now a tome for all the magic lover’s of D&D, they’ve been doing a great job providing new options for character classes and paragons. If martial power is any indication then this is a must own for all 4^th edition players.

FUTURAMA SERIES 6 ACTION FIGURES

Maybe I’ve just got a soft spot for FUTURAMA, but these figures have been awesome thus far, and this month’s series is no exception, featuring: Leela as Clobberella and Amy Wong, plus more components to help you build the bonus figure Robot Santa.

GRIND THE RABBIT PLUSH

Because who doesn’t want a Rabbit as Roadkill plushy? Probably not suited for kids, but rather for people with a good, but mildly depraved, sense of humour.

HEALTH ENERGY POTION

From the guys that brought you Mana, now cometh Health Energy Potion. A new Red potion which is sure to bring you back to life when you most need it, like when you have to smite some pesky Kobold.

JEAN GREY STATUE

Jean Grey might be dead but she is still one of the hottest red-heads in comics! Sculpted by Mark Newman and in her 1990s Uncanny X-Men (Jim Lee) costume, this Jean Grey Bowen Designs statue stands over 13 inches tall with a translucent base.

LANTERN CORPS SYMBOL T-SHIRTS

What Corps do you belong to? This month Compassion, Will and Avarice make an appearance with an Indigo Lantern T-Shirt, Orange Lantern T-Shirt and a brand spanking new Green Lantern T-shirt.

MARVEL BLACK WIDOW BISHOUJO STATUE

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Last month the first statue of this line was offered, featuring ROGUE from the X-Men. (Its not too late to get your orders in if you want that one). But this month the second statue offered in a new series of Japanese Bishoujo (pretty girl) style Marvel Comics superheroines. BLACK WIDOW, the beautiful Russian super-spy and member of the Mighty Avengers is looking really good. This original design has been specially created by the incomparable illustrator and Japan's leading Bishoujo artist, Shunya Yamashita! This will be Hot! Hot! Hot!

NOVA STATUE

Bowen Designs makes some nice statues, but more so they make statues of every frickin’ Marvel character, and for that I am appreciative because everyone can pick up their favourites no matter how obscure. And I think it’s pretty damn cool to see a classic Nova statue. (By the way, if you aren’t reading NOVA, what the hell are you waiting for? It’s freaking awesome!)

OBAMA: TIME FOR A CHANGE HOODIE

With Obama fever at full gear, who doesn’t want to show the love? This hoodie has Obama doing his best Superman. You know you want it.

ROCKY DFORM STATUES

First thing I could hear in my mind when I saw these was that strange grunting noise only Mr. T can do. That and ding ding. I pity the fool who don’t buy these statues!

(They’re cheap too).

THE SMURFS BEANBAG PLUSHES

Because everyone wants a Smurfette.

Bring home the fun with your favorite Smurfs Beanie Plush from JAKKS Pacific! Kids can smurf along with this soft and lovable beanie plush that transports their imaginations to the magical world of the Smurfs! Smurf! It's fun to say and you can substitute it with swearing just like FRAK on Battlestar Galactica.

STAR WARS LIGHTSABER PENS

Why not? Each pen comes with pack in a tin collector’s box and even makes that wicked snap hiss sound of a light saber igniting.

STAR WARS MIMOBOT 2GB FLASHDRIVES

Now you can carry you’re information with a whole new slew of characters. The cool thing about these is that if the drive is a character with a helmet, it reveals the helmetless version when you pop the top off. A nice little touch.

UNIFORMZ: SUPERMAN

These three deformed Superman vinyl figures look pretty rad.

I’m fairly certain that Superman uses the exact same mold as Batman, save the head and cape - which, unfortunately, does not reduce the price. I thought that the usual high cost of vinyl figures was based on limited production runs by smaller companies, and last time I checked, Time-Warner wasn’t exactly a mom ‘n’ pop. You got multinational conglomerate in my vinyl, guys - but I still loves ya’.

WATCHMEN: TALES OF THE BLACK FREIGHTER DVD / BLU-RAY

With the WATCHMEN movie looming and only weeks away, Tales of the Black Freighter hits DVD and Blu-ray to satiate our voracious Watchmen appetites. This animated film looks great and will be a great way to cap off the Watchmen experience

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