Do you like Batman Arkham City? Newsletter 5/11/12

By admin | Published: May 11, 2012

Sure, we all do!
I mean, who doesn’t like Arkham City? It’s like all the crazy Batman fun from Arkham Asylum — IN A WHOLE CITY!!! Being Batman, running and swinging and jumping and swooping through a whole city full of thugs and supervillains — it’s like the greatest thing ever! I don’t get any sleep anymore, trying to solve all the Riddler challanges, learning all the free-form combat moves, and . . .

. . . wait — what was my point again?

Oh yeah! We ALL love Arkham City, which is why we’re all so stoked that the new series of the action figures are out this week, featuring five new figures!!!

There are also some fine new comic books this week, including John Byrne’s return to a sort of old skool style of superhero storytelling. It’s an IDW title called Trio, and I think it MIGHT be a little inspired by a certain FANTASTIC comic book team he used to write and draw for Marvel in the olden days. . . .

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Comics
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Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:


BATMAN #9
“NIGHT OF THE OWLS” continues here!• Batman must stop the TALONS that have breeched the Batcave in order to save an innocent life…and Gotham City!• In the backup story, learn more about the PENNYWORTH family and the secrets they’ve kept from the Wayne family!


TRIO #1
ZAP! POW! BAM! — are sound effects you may actually see in this series, as John Byrne returns to his roots with a brand-new superhero series.

Their code names are simple ONE, TWO and THREE, but the world calls them ROCK, PAPER and SCISSORS.

Together, they are Trio.


MYSTERY IN SPACE #1
This one-shot anthology is loaded with unsettling short stories that will hijack your imagination and take you to strange, mysterious places. Journey to the edge of the abyss with Michael Allred! Plus: Broken hearts will be cryogenically frozen, a zero-gravity menage á trois will be compromised by aliens, and solar systems will spiral out of control when top comics talents and exciting newcomers collide!


UNCANNY X-FORCE #25
THE FINAL EXECUTION PART 1 The battle between the Omegas and X-Force begin! Who is this Omega team and what is their grudge with X-Force?

Featured Graphic Novels:


BATMAN VOL. 1: THE COURT OF OWLS HC
Following his groundbreaking, critically acclaimed run on DETECTIVE COMICS, writer Scott Snyder (American Vampire) begins a new era of The Dark Knight with artist Greg Capullo (Spawn) and a new beginning for BATMAN! In this hardcover collecting the first six issues, a series of brutal murders rocks not only Gotham City to its core but also the Caped Crusader himself when the prime suspect is one of Batman’s closest allies – Dick Grayson!


SPIDER-MAN: SEASON ONE HC
Marvel: Season One is a new initiative aimed at attracting new comic fans from the millions of people who know Marvel characters from movies, television, and video games. Each Season One volume is a stand-alone tale designed to give readers a complete story, modernizing the seminal origins of these super-hero icons while also offering new revelations for long-time fans. This is the real Marvel Universe that current fans know and love, updated for a new generation.

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Games
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POKEMON TCG: BLACK & WHITE – DARK EXPLORERS
As you explore the darkness, the Pokémon TCG: Black & White—Dark Explorers expansion ushers in the return of the immensely powerful Darkrai-EX and a lineup of Darkness-type Pokémon, like Zoroark, Umbreon, and Sableye, to knock your opponent’s lights out! Playing with Trainer cards like Dark Patch, included in the expansion to help give Darkness-type decks an edge you’ll not only navigate the darkness, you’ll rule it!


A GAME OF THRONES LCG:  VALAR MORGHULIS CHAPTER PACK
The first Chapter Pack in the Beyond the Narrow Sea cycle for A Game of Thrones: The Card Game, Valar Morghulis transports players to the massive and diverse Eastern continent of Essos with characters, locations, and events drawn from George R.R. Martin’s A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. Players gain fantastic options for exciting new strategies, including versatile decks that start without agendas.

New locations reduce the “out of House” gold penalties for characters, making thematic Trait-based decks more viable than ever, and new River plots build upon each other to create interesting and increasingly powerful strategic options. Beginning a cycle intended to welcome new players while providing veterans with exciting challenges, Valar Morghulis is an excellent second purchase for players looking to expand upon the Core Set!

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Toys / Collectables
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BATMAN ARKHAM CITY: SERIES 2
Each Series 2 Batman Arkham City Action Figure features multiple points of articulation, character-specific accessories, and a display base.  The series includes: The Riddler, Catwoman, Batman – (Detective Mode Variant), Hush, and Jervis Tetch: The Mad Hatter.


MARVEL MINIMATES: WAVE 45 – AVENGERS
A Diamond Select Release! Art Asylum Designs & Sculpts! They’ve brought you Marvel Movie Minimates in the past, and now that the ultimate Marvel Movie is almost here, more movie Minimates are on their way from DST! This Avengers movie-based wave of Marvel Minimates includes four all-new two-packs: Iron Man MK 7 and the Hulk, Captain America and Thor, the specialty-exclusive Loki’s Captain and a Footsoldier and an exclusive, short-packed set featuring Maria Hill vs another Footsoldier! Each Minimate stands 2 inches tall with 14 points of articulation and a variety of removable and interchangeable parts and accessories.

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FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! Newsletter 5/4/12

By admin | Published: May 4, 2012

That’s right, folks, it’s the first Saturday in May again, and that means Free Comic Book Day!!!

Free Comic Book Day is a single day — the first Saturday in May each year — when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE to anyone who comes into their stores. Everyone who comes to the Emerald City stores can choose up to three of the comics on the list below. Some are in very limited quantities, some we have a ton of — come by early for more choices! We are open from 11 to 6.

We will have a number of graphic novels for half-off, to get you started on some of our favorite series.

Also, we will have our big graphic novel sale: buy one graphic novel, get the next (of equal or lesser value) for half-off.

Also also, we will have comic book story packs — complete stories bagged together at a discount — for an additional half-off the stickered price!

Here’s the list of free comics:
AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON POINT ONE
BONGO FREE-FOR-ALL / SPONGEBOB FREESTYLE
DC COMICS THE NEW 52 SPECIAL ED
IMAGE 20
MEGA MAN
MOUSE GUARD LABYRINTH & MORE
PEANUTS ADVENTURE TIME FLIPBOOK
STAR WARS SERENITY
TRANSFORMERS
YO GABBA GABBA FREE COMIC BOOK TIME
2000 AD JUDGE DREDD SPEC
ANIMAL PLANET WORLD MOST DANGEROUS ANIMALS
ANTARCTICS ZOMBIE KID
ANTI
ARCANA PRESENTS INTRINSIC
ATOMIC ROBO & FRIENDS
BAD MEDICINE
BARNABY
BUFFY THE GUILD
BURT WARD BOY WONDER
CENSORED HOWARD CRUSE
DC NATION SUPERMAN FAMILY FLIP BOOK
DINOSAURS VERSUS ALIENS
FINDING GOSSAMYR STUFF OF LEGEND
GRAPHIC ELVIS PREVIEW
INFERNAL DEVICES CLOCKWORK ANGEL
JURASSIC STRIKEFORCE 5
LADY DEATH THE BEGINNING
MOOMIN COLOR SPECIAL
MY FAVORITE MARTIAN SPECIAL EDITION
OVERSTREET COMIC BOOK MARKETPLACE
ROCKHEAD & ZINC ALLOY 2-FOR-NONE
SMURFS & DISNEY FAIRIES FEAT TINKER BELL
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
SPIDER-MAN SEASON ONE
THE HYPERNATURALS
TOP SHELF KIDS CLUB
VALIANT PREVIEW
VOLTRON FORCE SHELTER FROM THE STORM
WALT DISNEYS DONALD DUCK FAMILY COMICS
WITCHBLADE UNBALANCED PIECES
WORLDS OF ASPEN

There are so many great new #1 comics and new graphic novels featured this week, we didn’t even have space to feature the new Justice League: Origin hardcover, collecting the first 6 issues of the new series by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee! But it’s here, and it’s awesome!

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Comics
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Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:


DIAL H #1
A brand new series by bestselling and Hugo award winning novelist CHINA MIEVILLE! What would happen if you discovered the H Dial, an unbelievably powerful artifact that turned you into a super hero? And what if you found out that the world is threatened by this very device that’s become your uncontrollable obsession? These are just the first questions asked in this thrilling and inventive storyline that introduces the strangest super heroes and super villains in the DCU while exploring the boundaries of reality!


EARTH 2 #1
First issue of an ongoing series from writer JAMES ROBINSON and artist NICOLA SCOTT! Who are the heroes of EARTH 2 – and what befell them? Starring ALAN SCOTT, JAY GARRICK and many others! You may think you know Earth 2…but this is DC Comics – The New 52, where anything can happen! Don’t miss the extra-sized debut issue!


X-O MANOWAR #1
The all-new Valiant Universe kicks off with a landmark, oversized # 1 issue of X-O Manowar by New York Times-bestselling author Robert Venditti (The Surrogates, The Homeland Directive) and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord (Conan)! Born into battle, Aric of Dacia — heir to the throne of the Visigoth people — has never known peace. After a brutal encounter with a mysterious enemy known as The Vine leaves him a prisoner on an alien world, the only hope Aric has of returning to his family and saving them from slavery is to seize a weapon of incalculable destruction and become X-O Manowar!


EXILED #1
After the events of FEAR ITSELF, the NEW MUTANTS have further entwined their destiny with Asgard. As a forgotten hero more powerful than Thor himself returns, the team must brace themselves for matters that will pit member against member.

Featured Graphic Novels:


HARVEY PEKAR’S CLEVELAND
With an introduction by Alan Moore!

A lifelong resident of Cleveland, Ohio, Harvey Pekar (1939-2010) pioneered autobiographical comics, mining the mundane for magic since 1976 in his critically acclaimed series American Splendor.

Harvey Pekar’s Cleveland is sadly one of his last, but happily one of his most definitive graphic novels. It presents key moments and characters from the city’s history, intertwined with Harvey’s own ups and downs, as relayed to us by Our Man and meticulously researched and rendered by artist Joseph Remnant. At once a history of Cleveland and a portrait of Harvey, it’s a tribute to the ordinary greatness of both.


ANIMAL MAN VOL. 1: THE HUNT
One of the breakout hits from DC Comics – The New 52! In these tales from issues #1-6 of the new series, Buddy Baker has gone from “super” man to family man – but is he strong enough to hold his family together when Maxine, his young daughter, starts to manifest her own dangerous powers? As these new abilities continue to terrify Buddy and his wife Ellen, things take a turn for the worse as Buddy and Maxine begin a journey into the heart of The Red. Don’t miss the amazing series from writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Travel Foreman (The Immortal Iron Fist)!

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Games
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MAGIC THE GATHERING: AVACYN RESTORED
Ignite the Dawn!

The archangel Avacyn has returned! A bright, fiery dawn banishes Innistrad’s shadows. Humanity takes up arms and drives back the creatures of the night. With flights of angels overhead, the righteous band together and wield holy light and miraculous magic to restore the balance of their world.

The Avacyn Restored TCG set features 244 black-bordered cards, including randomly inserted premium versions of all cards in the set. The Avacyn Restored set is available in booster packs, intro packs, and fat packs.


HIVE POCKET
Hive Pocket is the very same wonderful game we all love, but in a compact version. With all its pieces in a portable small cloth bag, this game can provide fun just about anywhere!

This edition includes two bonus pieces, “The Mosquito” and “Ladybug,” expansions to the game which provide additional hours of fun!

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Toys / Collectables
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MARVEL MINIMATES: WAVE 44
Includes the following figures:
Iron Man & Captain America, Hulk & Thor, Ant-Man & Kree Sentry, and Ant-Man (new) & Kree Sentry.

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“The FIGHTINGEST BOOK you’ve EVER READ!” Newsletter 4/27/12

By admin | Published: April 27, 2012

Seriously, we didn’t make that up — here’s what the first page of  AvX: Vs. #1 ACTUALLY SAYS:

Q: What is this book?
A: IT’S VERSUS #1! The FIGHTINGEST BOOK you’ve EVER READ, where we take fights from AVENGERS VS X-MEN and expand them into ALL-OUT SMASH-UPS!

Q: AVENGERS VS X-MEN? Isn’t that the comic book event of the year?
A: IT SURE IS!

Q: So this is part of a big event book that is the centerpiece of the Marvel Universe, with continuity connectivity to all corners of the super hero world?
A: NOPE! This book is about AWESOME BRAWLING! You want PLOT? LOOK ELSEWHERE, CHUM. You want a KNOCK-DOWN, DRAG-OUT WHUPPIN’? WE GOT YOU COVERED.

Q: When do these take place?
A: Right SMACK in the middle of AVENGERS VS X-MEN #2.

Q: What happens in that issue?
A: What are you, DENSE? Go buy it, if you wanna know. THIS IS ABOUT FIGHTS.

Q: …OK, I think I get you…?
A: GOOD.

[Hi, it's us — The Emerald City — again]
So … wow. Hey, if that didn’t do it for you (or even UNdid it for you), here’s what makes it awesome: Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert on the Iron Man / Magneto fight, and Kathryn & Stuart Immonen on the Thing / Namor fight! YES!

Also, in this very Marvel-centric week here at The Emerald City: the new Marvel superheroes roleplaying game, from Margaret Weis Productions!

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Comics
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Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:


AVENGERS VS. X-MEN: VERSUS  #1
The Premier Tie-In To Avengers Vs. X-Men! • All-Out Action Featuring Cover To Cover Battles, Each Issue Expanding On Fights From The Main Avx Book—In Ways You Can’t Imagine! • This Issue: Iron Man Vs. Magneto And Thing Vs. Namor!


STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES – BOBA FETT IS DEAD #1
The news spreads from one end of the galaxy to the other like wildfire: Boba Fett, the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter, is dead.

But when members of the team that killed Fett are themselves picked off one by one, Connor Freeman–the son of one of Jango Fett’s clones–gets pulled into the action in a most unexpected way!


MASS EFFECT: HOMEWORLDS #1
Mass Effect 3 lead writer Mac Walters kicks off a new series of single-issue stories featuring heroes and adventures essential to the story of BioWare’s latest blockbuster!

Each issue will star one of the main characters of Mass Effect 3 in a story written by the BioWare writer who wrote that character in the game—beginning with a Mac Walters-penned tale of brash young gun James Vega!


ALL-STAR WESTERN #8
Amadeus Arkham has been arrested in a New Orleans opium den! Jonah Hex has joined an anarchist group called the August 7! Nighthawk and Cinnamon are nowhere to be found, and they’re the ones who dragged Hex and Arkham into this conflict in the first place! But someone must have a plan, right? Right?? Plus: Being trained by a samurai in the desert might have been a strange beginning for a cowgirl vigilante, but Nighthawk and Cinnamon are in for an even stranger twist as they search for a way out of this trap!

Featured Graphic Novels:


THE ART OF AMANDA CONNOR
Desperado and IDW are proud to present this inaugural collection of one of comics’ brightest and most popular talents in the field today. Her art has been called charming, inviting, friendly, and accessible. A foundation of elegance, dynamic design, and personality can be found in every single panel of her work. Sought after by all the top writers in comics today – including Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, Mark Millar, Warren Ellis, and Jimmy Palmiotti – Amanda Conner, with her amazing modern and tasteful take on the classic pin-up, has paved the way for countless female artists in a predominately male-oriented industry.


DARKHAWK CLASSIC VOL.1
Begin The Saga Of The Darkhawk! Long Before War Of Kings, Teenager Chris Powell Began His Journey As A Dark Force For Justice. Thrill To The Earliest Adventures Of One Of Marvel’s Hottest Heroes For The ’90S As The Newborn Darkhawk Unravels The Mystery Of His Armored Avenging Alter Ego, And Encounters Some Of The Marvel Universe’s Finest Heroes And Villains Along The Way. From Alliances With Spider-Man, Captain America And Daredevil To All-Out Brawls With The Hobgoblin, Portal And The U-Foes, Darkhawk Soars To Unparalleled Heights! Collecting Darkhawk #1-9.

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Games
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MARVEL HEROIC ROLEPLAYING BASIC GAME
The Avengers have been disassembled, the Fantastic Four are somewhere in space, and the X-Men aren’t answering their phone. When dozens of dangerous villains are sprung from the maximum-maximum security prison known as the Raft, who’s going to stop them? You are.

The Marvel Heroic Roleplaying Basic Game uses the acclaimed “Breakout” story arc from Brian Michael Bendis’ New Avengers to launch the Marvel Heroic Roleplaying Basic Game product line. The Operations Manual gives you all the rules you need to play, from gathering your heroes to taking on the likes of Carnage and Mister Hyde in a desperate free-for-all!

Hero Files for Captain America, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Iron Man, Wolverine, and more!
A mighty mob of Marvel Super Villains, from Armadillo to Zzzax!
Easy to learn game rules make this a perfect entry point to super hero roleplaying games!
All the action and drama that gamers have come to expect from Margaret Weis Productions and the Cortex Plus System!


LORD OF THE RINGS LCG: WATCHER IN THE WATER ADVENTURE PACK
Elrond is troubled by the great numbers of Orcs that plagued his daughter’s journey across the Misty Mountains. He requests heroes to explore the mines of Moria, hoping they can determine the source of the increased Orc activity, but before the heroes can explore Moria’s vast network of mining tunnels, they must first gain entranceE

The Watcher in the Water represents an action-packed turning point in the Dwarrowdelf cycle of Adventure Packs for The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game. The heroes seek a means into the dark and abandoned realm of Moria, but they must first survive a ferocious battle with seething masses of tentacles. Combining tense combat with clever riddles, the 60 new cards of The Watcher in the Water include a thrilling scenario, a new hero, and three copies of each player card.

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Toys / Collectables
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BATMOBILE 1/32 SCALE SLOT CAR KIT
It’s television’s classic Batmobile, as an exciting 1/32-scale electric slot car! Utilizing an all-new adjustable electric slot car chassis, Polar Lights presents the classic 1966 television Batmobile as a complete kit that allows you to build a fully working electric slot racer. Just assemble, paint, decal, and drive! To the Batcave!


SIDESHOW: ZARTAN SIXTH SCALE FIGURE
The Zartan 12 inch Figure features:
* Articulated Prometheus 1.2 body with over 30 points of articulation
* Newly developed and sculpted arms and neck
* Highly detailed and hand painted Zartan portrait
* Fabric Hooded Jacket
* Fabric Shirt
* Fabric Pants
* Detailed and sculpted Chest Armor and layered Shoulder Armor
* Fabric Belt with sculpted Skull Buckle
* Fabric Magazine Pouch/Holster Belt
* Four (4) Belt Magazine Pouches
* Drop-Leg Holster
* Laser Pistol
* Fabric Shoulder Bag
* One (1) pair Wrist Gauntlets
* One (1) pair gloved fists
* One (1) right gloved bow hand
* One (1) right gloved trigger hand
* One (1) left gloved tight trigger hand
* One (1) right gloved single point hand
* One (1) right gloved double point hand
* One (1) right gloved thumbs up hand
* One (1) pair gloved large C grip hands
* One (1) left gloved small C grip hand
* One (1) right gloved cupped hand
* Two (2) Mines
* Sculpted Mask
* Functioning Back Pack with Mask Storage
* Skinnin’ Knife
* Knife Sheath
* VSS Sniper Rifle
* Long Range Sight
* Red Dot Sight
* Five (5) Rifle Magazine
* Compound Bow
* Five (5) Arrows
* Newly developed sculpted buckle boots with shin armor
* One (1) pair standing bottom buckle boot
* One (1) pair action bottom buckle boot
* 1:6 Scale GI JOE Figure Stand with COBRA logo

OMG — did you actually just read all of those bullet points?! Wow.

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Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of comics? Newsletter 4/20/12

By admin | Published: April 20, 2012

The Shadow’s nose!

… you know, ’cause it’s all big and stuff — projected into the minds of his enemies, along with his beady eyes — and he, like … KNOWS what evil lurks in the hearts of men. Get it? “Knows” — “nose?”

Well, anyhoo … Garth Ennis (Preacher, Punisher) is writing this new The Shadow revival that arrived this week from Dynamite Entertainment, with pretty covers by Howard Chaykin, John Cassaday, Jae Lee, and The Alex Ross.

Also this week, we got some more copies of our favorite new series: Saga, by Brian K. Vaughan (Ex Machina, Y The Last Man, Runaways) and Fiona Staples. The first two issues are out now, so come get started on what is sure to be one of YOUR favorite new series, too!

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Comics
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Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:


THE SHADOW #1
by Garth Ennis
1938: The Shadow returns in a tale of blazing action and deadly intrigue, as a night of carnage on the New York waterfront plunges the mysterious vigilante into a conspiracy involving the fate of the world itself. As storm clouds gather across the globe, American Military Intelligence meets with a certain Lamont Cranston, determined to beat a host of spies and assassins to the greatest prize of all … but what that might be, only the Shadow knows.


BATMAN #8
Broken and beaten, Bruce Wayne has retreated from Gotham City – the city of Owls – to Wayne Manor. But no place is safe, because the Court is about to strike at the heart of city, and nothing will ever be the same. Be there for the start of the battle for Gotham City’s soul…and the prelude to “The Night of the Owls.”And in the first chapter of a new backup story, learn the secret history of The Court of Owls – as well as the secrets of Gotham City and the Wayne family!

RESET #1
by Peter Bagge (HATE)
If you could relive major events in your life, would you take a stab at making things better–and would your best attempts only make things worse? Or would you use your second chance to put your most twisted, perverted fantasies in motion? These are questions washed up actor and comedian Guy Krause asks himself after he signs up to be the main research subject for a virtual reality experiment.
Relive your life until it REALLY hurts!


UNCANNY X-FORCE #24
Aoa Wolverine, Deadpool And Nightcrawler Go On Mission To Kill Aoa Iceman! • What’s Left Of X-Force Returns From Otherworld!

Featured Graphic Novels:


CINDERELLA: FABLES ARE FOREVER
Fabletown’s favorite secret agent and bon vivant Cinderella is back on the job in this title collecting the hit miniseries! Someone is killing sorcerers out on the Farm, and all signs point to Cinderella’s archnemesis from the old days. The only problem is, Cinderella has always believed that her nemesis has been dead for years.


FEAR ITSELF: THE DEEP HC
As fear itself hits the marvel universe, an extreme faction of the anti-mutant purifiers believes the end of the world is nigh — and that it’s up to them to save as many human souls as they can before the serpent strikes. Can x-force stop their drive for worldwide suicide? Plus: namor is targeted for death by one of the hammer-wielding worthy! With the x-men under siege and all hope seemingly lost, the sub mariner finds an ally in his old friend dr. Strange. Can strange recruit a team powerful enough to keep the seas—safe from the spread of fear and chaos gripping the world? If he can’t, there may just not be any hope—for the rest of the marvel universe! Collecting fear itself: uncanny x-force #1-3 and fear itself: the deep #1-4.

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Games
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MISKATONIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
The Miskatonic School for Girls is a high class private school filled with a wonderful variety of charming children. Unfortunately, the staff of the school is made up by a variety of Cthulhu-ian monsters and cultists—all desperately trying to hide their true selves.

In this deck building game, players take the roll of one “House” in the school. During turns, players will add new students to their house (deck), while adding bizarre and mind altering faculty members to the other Houses.

Each player tracks their house’s sanity on their House Tracker. The last player to have any sanity left in their House wins! while the other houses go stark raving mad.


DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HALLS OF THE UNDERMOUNTAIN
Beneath the streets of Waterdeep, a sinister dungeon awaits adventurers brave enough to face its perils. Created ages ago by the wizard Halaster, the sprawling dungeon is a lair for terrible monsters and ruthless villains. In the dark chambers, they hunger for victims and plot the downfall of those who dwell on the streets above. Who will unravel the twisting labyrinth to reveal its secrets, claim its treasures, and stop the foul machinations of the dungeon’s denizens?

Halls of Undermountain presents a ready-to use dungeon detailing over eighty locations. The adventure offers a way for Dungeon Masters participating in the recent D&D Encounters season, The Elder Elemental Eye, to extend the adventure. In addition, this book provides all the ingredients to run a classic dungeon delve, including enticing treasures, deadly traps, a wide assortment of monsters, and two double-sided full-color poster maps.

An adventure for characters of 1st – 5th level.


MARVEL HEROCLIX: AVENGERS MOVIE STARTER SET
Bursting with action, the Avengers Movie HeroClix Starter brings all of the fast-paced excitement of the Avengers movie to your HeroClix games! Battle evil as the Avengers or split the starter into two teams and play with a friend! Featuring six figures with new dial designs not found anywhere else, the Avengers Movie HeroClix Starter also includes two maps, the HeroClix rulesbook, and the Powers and Abilities card, dice and tokens – everything new and established players need to play!

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Toys / Collectables
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HALO: ANNIVERSARY SERIES 2 : MASTER CHIEF (THE PACKAGE)
Halo Anniversary Series 2 offers a unique bonus for collectors. Each figure comes with one of five pieces that can be combined to form an extra item to display with your Halo figure collection. For Series 2, that item is another iconic symbol that has been featured in every Halo video game: a 3D version of the logo of the United Nations Space Command. This distinctive military emblem consists of a stylized eagle with its wings spread, perching on a globe with a rippling banner — The completed logo measures 3 1/2 inches tall and comes with an integrated base.

The Series includes:
Master Chief (The Package): Is an all-new version of John-117 shows the hero as he appeared in the 2010 animated movie, Halo Legends, and is our first figure inspired by the Halo “expanded universe” of animation, novels, and comic books. Figure comes with Assault Rifle, Frag Grenade, and the globe piece of the UNSC Logo.
Mickey: The demolitions expert and pilot of Buck’s ODST squad joins our action figure lineup: Private First Class Michael Crespo, better known as “Mickey.” This NEW figure, clad in black ODST armor with red accents, is in scale with our previous Halo 3: ODST figures, so Mickey won’t look out of place with his teammates. Figure comes with Mickey’s signature weapon, the Rocket Launcher. Mickey also comes with the eagle body piece of the UNSC Logo.
Spartan Mark VI: Back in Halo 2, Master Chief’s MJOLNIR Mark VI armor was the basis for all multiplayer Spartans. Our first Halo 2 multiplayer Spartan action figure takes collectors back to those days — when all you could do to customize yourself was change your primary and secondary armor color. Our multiplayer Spartan Mark VI features bright white armor with cool blue accents and comes equipped with the ever-popular Battle Rifle, a Frag Grenade, and the left wing piece of the UNSC Logo.

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BATMAN AND ROBIN is the best! Newsletter 4/13/12

By admin | Published: April 13, 2012

We love Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s BATMAN comic, but we love Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s BATMAN AND ROBIN series even more! Tomasi just keeps finding interesting ways to deal with Batman’s personal demons, and his troubled relationship with his son, Robin. Gleason’s artwork is sublime — it tells the story well, and also finds moments of beauty and, just . . . wow. Gather up the first 8 issue story-arc now, or get the hardcover volume in July. Either way, read this story. Once again, just trust us now, and thank us later….

Also this week: Grant Morrison’s BATMAN INCORPORATED hardcover — another comic book that takes the ideas in the Batman mythos to a new level. Bruce Wayne realizes that his mission should extend beyond Gotham City, so he recruits a legion of Batmen (Batmans?) around the world to carry on the good work everywhere. Trouble and hijinx ensue.

And and AND: Briank K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’s SAGA, issue #2, is here! This is one of our favorite new comic books! Staples’s artwork is a simple delight. Vaughan weaves another wonderfully complex story, as he did in Y The Last Man and Ex Machina, this time combining his real-world feel with elements of fantasy and science-fiction, with characters you just instantly want to learn more about.

You read now!

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Comics
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Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:

COURTNEY CRUMRIN #1
Courtney Crumrin returns in her first-ever full-color series! Welcome to a world where magic and Night Things lurk behind every corner and nothing is as it seems. This is the world introduced to Courtney by her dear Uncle Aloysius–a master mage of unknown age and even more mysterious motivations. What started the Crumrin clan down the dark path, and is Courtney strong enough to follow it all the way down?

SECRET SERVICE #1
From the writer of kick-ass and the artist of watchmen comes a collaboration decades in the making. Says millar: “secret service is the ramifications of [how] america is struggling on the world stage, funding is being seriously undercut to balance the books and some people are trying their best to take advantage of the fragile global situation. The hero—and sidekick guys who lead the book are, i think, the best characters i’ve written.”

AMERICA’S GOT POWERS #1
Welcome to AMERICA’S GOT POWERS! It’s the biggest TV show on Earth, where the chance to win fame, fortune and get laid are dangled in front of a generation of super-powered teens. All they have to do is WIN. Who is the fastest, the strongest or the greatest? Who survives? Young Tommy Watt’s dreams of being the greatest hero of them all might just be shattered when the greatest show on the planet begins to reveal its dark heart.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #8
The “Born To Kill” saga concludes in a storm of fire and water, as Batman and Robin find themselves beaten and battered emotionally, as well as physically, as the fate of NoBody is revealed!

Featured Graphic Novels:

DAREDEVIL: SEASON ONE HC
Meet matt murdock, one of new york’s finest attorneys by day and swashbuckling crime-fighter daredevil by night! Discover the dark secrets behind his first days in the costume, as the man without sight became the man without fear—and one of the greatest heroes in comic history. Daredevil faces off against the owl, purple man and mr. Fear for the first time…but it’s not what you remember! Also features daredevil #1 by mark waid, paulo rivera and marcos martin!

BATMAN INCORPORATED HC
The first eight issues of the hot new series are collected in this new, deluxe edition hardcover – which now includes new BATMAN INCORPORATED: LEVIATHAN STRIKES #1! After Bruce Wayne tells the world that he is the financial backer of Batman, he establishes a worldwide franchise of Batmen to protect the entire globe. This is the beginning of a stunning new direction for the world’s greatest detective that will team him with Catwoman, Batwoman and Batman Incorporated representatives on international crimefighting missions against Lord Death Man in Japan, South America and Argentina. Then, from the pages of the LEVIATHAN STRIKES special, Batman realizes to his horror that he’s been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him.

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Games
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MARVEL HEROCLIX: GALACTIC GUARDIANS
Defend the galaxy as you relive your favorite space battles with this generation-spanning cosmic expansion! Surf the spaceways or explore the astral plane with all-new versions of the Silver Surfer and Dr Strange, or crush your enemies with Galactus!

Marvel HeroClix: Galactic Guardians brings cosmic-powered battles to your tabletop as you collect powerful beings and the heroes and villains who dare challenge their might! And that’s not all! Six new fan favorite colossal figures arrive in HeroClix in the form of even larger Super Boosters!

Marvel HeroClix: Galactic Guardians are available in different formats: standard five figure boosters featuring over 40 exciting new figures to add to your games, “Super Boosters” containing one of six new colossal figures, new single Marquee Figures, and a six-figure Fast Forces pack!

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Toys / Collectables
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CAPTAIN ACTION DELUXE FIGURE
He is a superspy and master of disguise, ready to battle even the most menacing of villains! With a change of uniform and the addition of a face mask and accessories, Captain Action can be disguised as any number of colorful heroes!

11½” tall detailed figure is an updated version of the classic action figure
Features an all-new super-poseable body
Cloth costume with hat, belt and boots
Crime-fighting equipment includes laser gun, holster, sword and sword holder, Holo-Comm communicator
EXCLUSIVE: Bonus accessories include portfolio with top secret documents, photos, map and blueprint
EXCLUSIVE: Unique half-panel collector’s box
EXCLUSIVE: Collector’s bonus: vintage-style photo box packaging reproduction

CAPTAIN ACTION: SPIDER-MAN (DELUXE COSTUME SET)
Captain Action takes on the guise of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, donning the instantly recognizable red and blue uniform complete with web shooters! The Deluxe Costume Set also includes a face mask to transform him into his alter ego, photographer Peter Parker!

BONUS: Build An Avenger! Collect the first six Marvel Captain Action sets to build a complete Hawkeye costume set!

CAPTAIN ACTION: CAPTAIN AMERICA (DELUXE COSTUME SET)
Captain Action becomes a national hero when he puts on the costume of Captain America! This Deluxe Costume Set also includes an additional shield and a face mask to transform him into Cap’s everyday alter ego, Steve Rogers.

BONUS: Build An Avenger! Collect the first six Marvel Captain Action sets to build a complete Hawkeye costume set!

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Man of Muscle Mystery! Newsletter 4/6/12

By admin | Published: April 6, 2012

Flex Mentallo is the Man of Muscle Mystery, in a wonderful story by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely that uses some semi-autobiographical elements (as seen in Morrison’s SUPERGODS) to tell a story of the sometimes transformative experience of comics. It’s finally out in a beautiful oversized hardcover this week!
Here are two wonderful facts about the main character:
* Flex can affect reality by flexing his muscles, in a reverse form of mind over matter.
* When Flex uses his power, his “Hero Halo,” a shimmering projection of the words “Hero of the Beach,” appears above his head.

Also this week: the final SUPREME story from Grant Morrison’s nemesis, Alan Moore!
(kidding!  . . . well, about the nemesis part. The comic actually exists! It’s drawn by Savage Dragon’s Erik Larsen and everything! He’s even going to continue Supreme’s story, inspired by what Alan Moore wrote in this script!)

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Comics
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Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:


SUPREME #63
“REVELATIONS”
The legendary Supreme returns! ALAN MOORE’s final SUPREME tale is the ultimate jumping on point for new readers! The triumphant return of Image Comics’ most powerful hero! As Supreme romances Diana Dane he takes her on a tour of the Citadel Supreme and tells all of his innermost secrets just as Supreme’s most hated nemesis, Darius Dax, makes a most unfortunate discovery: the key to defeat his abhorred adversary! It’s most mind-blowing cliffhanger in the history of comics! Featuring a story by award winning author ALAN MOORE (WATCHMEN) and art by fan favorites ERIK LARSEN (SPIDER-MAN, SAVAGE DRAGON) & CORY HAMSCHER (X-MEN). You wish all comics were this good!


AVENGERS VS X-MEN #1
It’s No Longer Coming—It’s Here! • Does The Return Of The Phoenix To Earth Signal The Rebirth Of The Mutant Species? That’s What The X-Men Believe! • Unfortunately, The Avengers Are Convinced That Its Coming Will Mean The End Of All Life On Earth! • The Stage Is Set For The Ultimate Marvel Showdown In This Oversized First Issue! Yes, The Catalog File Really Had Every Word Capitalized Like This!!!


DAREDEVIL #10.1
Senses are challenged as The Man Without Fear must face off against secret societies that would preferably see his demise. Daredevil stands against his enemies and unknowingly sets the stage for THE OMEGA EFFECT!


SWAMP THING #8
Behold the terrifying true potential of the Swamp Thing – a form so fearsome we couldn’t put it on the cover! The Green sought a warrior king, and now they have one…but will they regret unleashing a being this powerful? And can all that strength save Abigail Arcane from her destiny in the Rot’s clutches?

Featured Graphic Novels:

FLEX MENTALLO: MAN OF MUSCLE MYSTERY DELUXE EDITION

by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

Once he was Hero of the Beach…and of the Doom Patrol. Now Flex Mentallo, Man of Muscle Mystery, returns to investigate the sinister dealings of his former comrade, The Fact, and a mysterious rock star whose connection to Flex may hold the key to saving them both. Don’t miss this deluxe hardcover collecting the four-issue miniseries from the team behind ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, including a special sketch section and recolored art.


LEGION OF MONSTERS
A monster adventure to scream over! Elsa Bloodstone hates monsters – and when the trail of a mysterious serial killer leads to their underground city, Elsa’s ready to kick some horrific butt. Morbius the Living Vampire, Werewolf by Night, the Living Mummy and the slithery Manphibian have news for her, though: The monsters are innocent, and the real killer is out there – a creature so terrifying and vicious even monsters are scared to death! And now, Elsa Bloodstone and the Legion of Monsters are on the case!

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Games
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OZ FLUXX
Does life seem drab and humdrum? Let the cyclone of Fluxx, the ever-changing card game, whisk you away to a magical world of fun and wonder! Mingle with Munchkins, make new friends, help them with their quests, and follow the Yellow Brick Road to seek the Wizard’s help for your own heart’s desire—but beware the flying monkeys, fighting trees, and fields of poppies! Don your green spectacles to enter the Emerald City, and keep a bucket of water handy: you never know when you’ll run into a Wicked Witch that needs melting. Next stop! the land of Oz!


SENTINELS OF THE MULTIVERSE: ROOK CITY EXPANSION
Dark streets, vile sewers, and twisting alleys; all home to the terrible criminals that control this city. Welcome to Rook City, where evil never sleeps.

Sentinels of the Multiverse: Rook City is the first expansion for the cooperative comic-book themed card game “Sentinels of the Multiverse”. It features 2 new, grim heroes, 4 terrible villains, and 2 challenging environments. Besides just expanding the number of characters and settings available to players, Rook City introduces new mechanics and exciting new challenges, while still maintaining the rules that make Sentinels of the Multiverse work.


EPIC SPELL WARS OF THE BATTLE WIZARDS: DUEL AT MT. SKULLZFYRE
Did you know that magical wizards are battling to the death … and beyond … right now!? “Why battle?” you might ask. “What have I got to prove, magic man?” Only who’s the most awesomely powerful battle wizard in the entire realm, that’s what! As a Battle Wizard, you’ll put together up to three spell components to craft millions* of spell combos. Your spells might kick ass, or they could totally blow — it’s up to you to master the magic. You will unleash massive damage on the faces of your wizard rivals in a no-holds-barred, all-out burn-down to be the last Battle Wizard standing. And it doesn’t stop there! Powerful magic items bring on a whole new level of bloody carnage as you and your mighty wizard opponents tear each other limb from limb in an orgy of killing! Do you have what it takes to use epic spells in a war at Mt. Skullzfyre? Will YOU be the Ultimate Battle Wizard!?!

*Not actually millions of combos … but like thousands or more, maybe.

Combine spell cards into three-piece combos, creating hundreds of unique and devastating attacks. The chaos is limited only by your thirst for destruction! Super mind-blowing fun for 2-6 wizards! Dozens of Arcane Artifacts modify your spells and bring the ultimate pain to your wizard opponents! Dead Wizard card innovation keeps players in the game, even when they suck and die before winning! Simple to learn with endless replayability — you’ll be locked in deadly Wizard Combat till you’ve got a long, gross, goat-like beard! Amazing art with over 100 unique images, the world of epic spell battles comes to righteously hilarious life! Seriously, I’m not messing around, it’s righteously hilarious…


MAGIC THE GATHERING DUEL DECKS: VENSER VS. KOTH
Two Planeswalkers, one compassionate, one calculating, gave their all to save a world.

The Planeswalker Koth, from the metal plane of Mirrodin, sought help when his world darkened. He traveled to Dominaria to enlist allies and met fellow Planeswalker Venser.

When Venser recognized the threat to Koth’s world was none other than Phyrexia, he knew that the only hope for Mirrodin was to find its maker. But that would mean forsaking its people in the meantime.

Koth would rather die than turn his back on his fellow Mirrans. But Venser knew they would all die anyway if they failed to reach Karn, his former mentor and creator of Mirrodin.

Two Planeswalkers, one goal, very different methods. Recreate the struggle to lead the way to Mirrodin’s salvation.

Each of the cards in the two 60-card decks will be black-bordered and tournament legal. This means that these cards are legal for use in any tournaments where the original printings are still legal.

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Toys / Collectables
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BATMAN LEGACY SINGLE FIGURE SERIES 3
Set in scale with the DC Universe Classics series, each Batman Legacy Single Figure features multiple points of articulation, weapons/accessories, and is accompanied by a unique display stand and a 6.75” x 10.25” poster of a comic book cover depicting the character’s first appearance.

Batman Legacy Singles Series 3 includes the following figures:
First Appearance Batman, Catwoman, Arkham City Harley Quinn, and Arkham City Nightwing.

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DC’s numerous Earths! Recommended for May

By admin | Published: April 4, 2012

Only one Earth is not enough to contain the awesome energies of DC Comics stories! Not even two Earths are enough! In May, DC’s superheroic tales will span at least THREE EARTHS!!!

One is the regular ol’ DC “New 52″ Universe we all know and love. The next is also the title of the new James Robinson and Nicola Scott title, Earth Two, featuring parallel versions of the beloved DC heroes. The third is Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s Batman: Earth One hardcover. A follow-up to the best-selling Superman: Earth One hardcover, this story takes an alternate look at Batman’s origin.

Read all about these titanic tales, and many other fantastic fables from the various comics publishers, below . . .

———-  MARVEL COMICS  ———-


AVENGERS #26
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (w) • WALT SIMONSON (a/c)
• AVX TIE-IN!
• One of the Avengers must betray the team to fill their destiny with the Phoenix.
• A game-changer for the Avengers franchise…and it is not who you think!
• Comics legend Walt Simonson is back!!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99


WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #10 & 11
JASON AARON (w) • CHRIS BACHALO (a/c)
• AVX TIE-INS!
• Cyclops comes to the Jean Grey School!
• Will Wolverine’s X-Men join Cyclops against the Avengers?
• ICEMAN vs RED HULK!
32PGS./Rated T …$3.99 (EACH)


AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #7
KATHERINE IMMONEN (w)
STUART IMMONEN (a/C)
• A night out with Spider-Man and She-Hulk!
• All the thwipping and quipping and none of the calories!
• Katherine and Stuart Immonen smash their way into the book so action packed it keeps flying off the shelves…
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99


DAREDEVIL #12
MARK WAID (w) • CHRIS SAMNEE (a)
Cover by PAOLO RIVERA
• It’s lawyers in love as Matt Murdock finally makes some time for assistant district attorney Kirsten McDuffie.
• The best reviewed comic of the year continues as Waid and Rivera welcome aboard new artist Chris Samnee (Ultimate Spider-Man).
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99


TAKIO #1
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (w) • MICHAEL AVON OEMING (a/c)
Bursting from the pages of last year’s best-selling graphic novel! From the Eisner Award-winning creators of POWERS comes this all-new, all-ages superhero adventure for a new generation! Taki and Olivia are sisters with superpowers! In fact, they are the only ones in the world with superpowers! So obviously, they have to become superheroes! But is the world ready for real-life superheroes? Are the girls ready for the challenge? And will the accident that made them who they are reveal secrets that will change their lives forever? The answers are no, no and yes. This is a brand-new all-ages adventure. A new book for comic-book fans of all ages. A book you can share with your kids or just enjoy for yourself. TAKIO is on the 2012 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens List!
40 PGS./All Ages …$3.95
© 2012 Jinxworld Inc.


KICK-ASS 2 PREMIERE HC
MARK MILLAR (w) • JOHN ROMITA JR. (a/c)
The sequel to the biggest creator-owned book of the decade — the one that spawned the No. 1 hit movie and the worldwide phenomenon — is here! KICK-ASS is back, just as over-the-top as ever! As everybody’s favorite psychotic 11-year-old Hit Girl trains Kick-Ass to be…well, a bad-ass, Red Mist gathers a team of super villains to take them down! It’s super-hero mayhem as only Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. can bring you! Collecting KICK-ASS 2 #1-7.
208 PGS./Mature …$24.99

———-  DARK HORSE COMICS  ———-


STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE GHOST PRISON #1 (OF 5)
Haden Blackman (W), Agustin Alessio (A), Dave Wilkins (Cover), and Tsuneo Sanda (Variant cover)
On sale May 23
FC, 40 pages    $3.50 / Miniseries
The graduation celebration for the first class of Imperial cadets is disrupted by a sudden terrorist strike! But the real targets of the attack are the new Emperor and his second in command, Darth Vader.
Only one man—a disabled, brilliant cadet who, up until the moment of the attack, was experiencing the best moment of his life—stands ready to fight alongside Vader for the life of his Emperor!


THE GUILD VOLUME 2 TP
Felicia Day (W), Jeff Lewis (W), Sean Becker (W), Kim Evey (W), Sandeep Parikh (W), Darick Robertson (P), Kristian Donaldson (P), Ron Chan (P/I/C),
Becky Cloonan (P/I), Tim Seeley (P/I), Dave Stewart (C), Georges Jeanty (Cover), and others
On sale July 4
FC, 144 pages     $14.99
TP, 6? x 9?
Set before the first season of the show, these hilarious stories delighted fans and newbies alike and introduced plots that influenced the show itself, including season 5’s backstory of Tink, originally hinted at in these pages. Featuring a huge variety of comics’ best artists as well as many of the talents key to the web series, and leading directly to the moment Zaboo unexpectedly appears at a startled Codex’s front door in episode 1, this collection comprises a true “season 0” of The Guild! Collects the one-shots The Guild: Vork, The Guild: Tink, The Guild: Bladezz, The Guild: Clara, and The Guild: Zaboo.
• Written by Felicia Day, with the series’ director, producer, and actors!
• Featuring art by Darick Robertson, Becky Cloonan, Kristian Donaldson, and more!
• Leads directly into The Guild Season 1!


SKELETON KEY COLOR SPECIAL
Andi Watson (W/A)
On sale May 2
FC, 32 pages    $3.50 / One-shot
One of the greatest all-ages comics of all time, Andi Watson’s Skeleton Key is back—and in color!
Using the magical Skeleton Key, schoolgirl Tamsin and fox spirit Kitsune can turn any door into a portal to an endless multiverse. Lost somewhere in space and time and trying to get home, the two friends encounter a band using the undead in a music video, check into a haunted hotel, and become catalogued in the vast Museum of the Lost! Collecting all three new stories from Dark Horse Presents, this is the perfect introduction.


BLACKSAD: A SILENT HELL HC
Juan Díaz Canales (W) and Juanjo Guarnido (A/Cover)
On sale July 11
FC, 96 pages    $19.99
HC, 8 3/8″ x 10 7/8″
Detective John Blacksad returns, with a new case that takes him to a 1950s New Orleans filled with hot jazz and cold-blooded murder! Hired to discover the fate of a celebrated pianist, Blacksad finds his most dangerous mystery yet in the midst of drugs, voodoo, the rollicking atmosphere of Mardi Gras, and the dark underbelly that it hides!

———-  DC COMICS  ———-


EARTH TWO #1
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
1:25 Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale MAY 2 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
• First issue of an ongoing series from writer JAMES ROBINSON and artist NICOLA SCOTT!
• Who are the heroes of EARTH 2 – and what befell them?
• Starring ALAN SCOTT, JAY GARRICK and many others!
• You may think you know Earth 2…but this is DC Comics – The New 52, where anything can happen!
• Don’t miss the extra-sized debut issue!


BATMAN, INCORPORATED #1
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:25 Variant cover by FRANK QUITELY
1:200 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
On sale MAY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $3.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
• BATMAN, INCORPORATED makes its NEW 52 debut with an all-new first issue!
• The series hits the ground running as BATMAN and ROBIN face off against the assassin GOATBOY!
• LEVIATHAN’S sinister mission revealed!


ACTION COMICS #9
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by GENE HA
Variant cover by RAGS MORALES
1:200 B&W Variant cover by GENE HA
On sale MAY 2 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
• Featuring characters from parallel Earths, including PRESIDENT SUPERMAN!
• Introducing new villain SUPERDOOM!
• Guest artist GENE HA joins GRANT MORRISON for this tale of not one, not two, but THREE Earths!


BATMAN ANNUAL #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JAY FABOK
On sale MAY 30 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
• MR. FREEZE is introduced to The New 52!
• What is Mr. Freeze’s relationship to the COURT OF OWLS? Is he an ally – or do they want him dead?
• “NIGHT OF THE OWLS” continues here!


JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #9
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by MIKEL JANIN
Cover by RYAN SOOK
On sale MAY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• New series writer JEFF LEMIRE introduces a new team roster and a new mission!
• Featuring JOHN CONSTANTINE, ZATANNA, DEADMAN, BLACK ORCHID and more!
• Constantine and the team must steal a map to the source of all magic out of the clutches of FELIX FAUST!
• The first of a four-part story that will have lasting implications for the entire DC Universe.


ALL-STAR WESTERN #9
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by MORITAT, PATRICK SCHERBERGER and DAN GREEN
Cover by LADRONN
On sale MAY 23 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+
• A tie-in to “NIGHT OF THE OWLS!”
• Concluding JONAH HEX’S battle with THE AUGUST 7!
• Discover what the Court of Owls was up to in GOTHAM CITY circa 1880!
• NIGHTHAWK and CINNAMON hunt down killers and fall in love in this issue’s backup story.


BATMAN: EARTH ONE HC
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by GARY FRANK and JON SIBAL
Cover by GARY FRANK
On sale JULY 4 • 144 pg, FC, $22.99 US • RATED T
• From GEOFF JOHNS and GARY FRANK, the acclaimed team behind SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN and the SHAZAM! stories in JUSTICE LEAGUE!
• In the tradition of SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE, this spectacular original graphic novel gives new insight into BRUCE WAYNE’S transformation into BATMAN and his first year as THE DARK KNIGHT


BATMAN AND ROBIN VOL. 1: BORN TO KILL HC
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale JULY 4 • 192 pg, FC, $24.99 US
• The hit DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 series is collected for the first time!
• BATMAN and DAMIAN – the new Robin – are driven apart by the insidious NOBODY!
• Collects the new BATMAN AND ROBIN #1-8!


SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES #1
Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
On sale MAY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E
• Superman’s closest allies take the stage like you have never seen before, from the Eisner Award-winning team of Art Baltazar and Franco (TINY TITANS)!
• Don’t miss the action-packed, history-making, supe radventure awesomeness!!
• Classic Superman elements reinterpreted for all ages with the humor that only the creative team of TINY TITANS can bring!


DMZ VOL. 12: THE FIVE NATIONS OF NEW YORK TP
Written by BRIAN WOOD • Art by RICCARDO BURCHIELLI • Cover by BRIAN WOOD
On sale JUNE 6 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US • MATURE READERS
In this final DMZ collection featuring issues #67-72 of the acclaimed series, Matty’s seen to it that everyone’s voice is being heard, but will the social order in New York City devolve into anarchy, or is there a new New York to be discovered underneath the rubble of the old?

———-  IDW COMICS  ———-


STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION/DOCTOR WHO: ASSIMILATION2 #1
Scott & David Tipton with Tony Lee (w) • J.K. Woodward (a) • Woodward, David Messina (c)
They said it would never happen! Nearly five decades and 1500 episodes in the making! The two greatest science-fiction properties of all time cross over for the first time in history, in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION/DOCTOR WHO: ASSIMILATION2!
When the Federation’s most terrifying enemy strikes an unholy alliance with one of the Doctor’s most hated antagonists, the result is devastation on a cosmic scale! Spanning the ends of space and time itself, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise find themselves joining forces with the Doctor and his companions, with the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance!
Written by Scott and David Tipton, the authors of the critically acclaimed Star Trek: Infestaion, and featuring the beautiful painted artwork of J.K. Woodward (Fallen Angel), this is the adventure that both Trekkers and Whovians have waited for all their lives! Geronimo? Make it so!
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99


TRIO #1
John Byrne (w & a & c)
ZAP! POW! BAM! — are sound effects you may actually see in this series, as John Byrne returns to his roots with a brand-new superhero series. Their code names are simple: ONE, TWO and THREE; but the world calls them ROCK, PAPER and SCISSORS.  Together, they are Trio.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99


DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI’S DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN ARTIST’S EDITION
Frank Miller (w) David Mazzucchelli (a & c)
Daredevil: Born Again. That title strikes a chord with comic fans who know what it means. Fans who know that it represents two of the finest creators at the absolute peaks of their game. David Mazzucchelli’s superhero work had reached an artistic apex when this series was released, and the same is true for Frank Miller’s writing. Together they combined to craft a story of extraordinary impact that is still regarded as a true masterpiece.
Collecting the entire storyline of Born Again, this book will feature the complete issues of Daredevil numbers 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232 and 233, plus covers and extras. Each page was personally scanned by Mazzucchelli from his own original art. This is the largest Artist’s Edition yet, weighing in at a rock solid 200 pages of beautiful Mazzucchelli art in the way you’ve always wanted to see it—the next best thing to holding the actual original art!
HC • BW • $150 • 200 Pages • 12” x 17”

LOCKE & KEY VOL. 4: KEYS TO THE KINGDOM TPB
Joe Hill (w) • Gabriel Rodriguez (a & c)
Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez’s Locke & Key unwinds into its fourth volume in “Keys To The Kingdom.” With more keys making themselves known, and the depths of the Locke’s family’s mysteries ever expanding, Dodge’s desperation to end his shadowy quest drives the habitants of Keyhouse ever closer to a revealing conclusion.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 160 pages

———-  OTHER PUBLISHERS  ———-


MIND THE GAP #1
story JIM McCANN
art / cover RODIN ESQUEJO & SONIA OBACK
MAY 2
48 PAGES / FC / T+     $2.99
After Elle Peterssen is mysteriously attacked on a Manhattan subway platform, she is left in a coma, the only clues to her attacker trapped inside her mind. No one knows the identity of the person behind this brutal beating or where they will strike next.  In this ALL-NEW ONGOING series, everyone is suspect, and no one is innocent. USAToday calls it an “anxiously anticipated modern thriller…Whodunit? McCann’s done it again.”
Eisner-winning writer JIM McCANN joins RODIN ESQUEJO (MORNING GLORIES) and SONIA OBACK (S.H.I.E.L.D., The Defenders) unite for a psychological thriller that will leave you guessing at every turn!


BARRY SONNENFELD’S DINOSAURS VS. ALIENS HC
Created by Barry Sonnenfeld
(W) Grant Morrison (A) Mukesh Singh & Liquid Studios (CA) Mukesh Singh
From the minds of acclaimed filmmaker, Barry Sonnenfeld (Director of the “Men In Black” Films), and superstar graphic novel creator, Grant Morrison (Batman, The Invisibles, Action Comics, 18 Days), comes “Dinosaurs Vs. Aliens,” by Liquid Comics. The story focuses on a secret world war battle that was never recorded in our history books. When an alien invasion attacks Earth in the age of the dinosaurs, our planet’s only saviors are the savage prehistoric beasts which are much more intelligent than humanity has ever imagined.
HC, 96pgs, FC    $19.99


ED THE HAPPY CLOWN HC
(W/A/CA) Chester Brown
In the late 1980s, the idiosyncratic Chester Brown (author of the much-lauded Paying for It and Louis Riel) began writing the cult classic comic book series Yummy Fur. Within its pages, he serialized the groundbreaking Ed the Happy Clown, revealing a macabre universe of parallel dimensions. Ed the Happy Clown is a hallucinatory tale that functions simultaneously as a dark roller-coaster ride of criminal activity and a scathing condemnation of religious and political charlatanism. Brown leaves us wondering, with every twist of the plot, just how Ed will get out of this scrape.
MATURE THEMES
HC, 6×9, 256pgs, B&W    $24.95


GOD AND SCIENCE: RETURN OF THE TI-GIRLS HC
by Jaime Hernandez
$19.99 / HC / 144 pgs / BW / 8.5 x 11
Jaime Hernandez’s God And Science manages to be both a rollickingly creative superhero joyride that ranges to the other side of the universe and a genuinely dramatic fable about madness, grief, and motherhood. It has now been expanded from its original 100 pages to include 30 new pages including four new full-color faux Ti-Girls covers, several expansions of scenes and an epilogue.

THE MOON MOTH GN
(W) Jack Vance, Humayoun Ibrahim (A/CA) Humayoun Ibrahim
A fascinating blend of murder mystery and high-concept science fiction, The Moon Moth has long been hailed as one of Jack Vance’s greatest works. Edwer Thissell, the new consul from Earth to the planet Sirene, is having all kinds of trouble adjusting to the local culture. The Sirenese cover their faces with masks that indicate their social status. Shortly after Thissell arrives on Sirene, he finds himself embroiled in an unsolved murder case, made all the more mysterious by the fact that since everyone must always wear a mask, you can never be sure who you’re dealing with.
SC, 6×9, 128pgs, FC    $17.99


THE LOVELY HORRIBLE STUFF HC
(W/A/CA) Eddie Campbell
Money makes the world go round, as they say… but how, exactly? Award-winning graphic novelist Eddie Campbell (From Hell, Alec) presents a fascinating journey into the wilderness of personal finance. With his trademark blend of research, anecdote, autobiography, and fantasy, Campbell explores how money underwrites human relationships, flowing all around us like the air we breathe — or the water we drown in. The result is a whimsical graphic essay, deeply grounded in Eddie’s personal experiences with “the lovely horrible stuff,” ranging from the imaginary wealth of Ponzi schemes and television pilots to the all-too-tangible stone currency of the Micronesian island of Yap.
HC, 6.5×9, 96pgs, FC    $14.95

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Also the Aqua- and Space- mans! Newsletter 3/30/12

By admin | Published: March 30, 2012

There are so many interesting new comics to talk about this week, that we didn’t even mention the new issues of Aquaman, by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis, or Spaceman, by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso!

Well, I guess we DID just mention them. Just now . . . just then . . . just above. . . .

Anyhoo — they’re awesome. Read them. Seriously. Aquaman is not as lame as you think he is, and Spaceman is like one of those great science fiction stories — think really good Heavy Metal stories.

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Comics
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Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:


AVENGERS VS X-MEN #0
The battle of the ages is about to begin! Before the events of AVENGERS VS. X-MEN unfold, join Scarlet Witch & Hope as their allegiances are questioned. With all eyes on Wanda and the mutant messiah, the Marvel Universe has become a powder keg on the verge of exploding!


THE NEW DEADWARDIANS #1
Another vampire/zombie comic? Really, Vertigo? Trust us. This is different. In post-Victorian England, nearly everyone of the upper classes has voluntarily become a vampire to escape the lower classes who are all zombies. Into this simmering cauldron is thrust Chief Inspector George Suttle, a lonely detective who’s got the slowest beat in London: investigating murders in a world where everyone is already dead!But when the body of a young aristocrat washes up on the banks of the Thames, Suttle’s quest for the truth will take him from the darkest sewers to the gleaming halls of power, and reveal the rotten heart at the center of this strange world.THE NEW DEADWARDIANS is brought to vivid life by fan-favorite writer Dan Abnett (RESURRECTION MAN, LEGION LOST) with art by newcomer I. N. J. Culbard (At The Mountains of Madness).


ALL-STAR WESTERN #7
Jonah Hex tracks the kidnapper Thurston Moody to New Orleans in pursuit of his bounty. But he and Amadeus Arkham find New Orleans under attack by the August 7, a group of anti-immigrant, steampunk terrorists. Only the renowned Nighthawk and Cinnamon stand between the terrorists and the immigrant workforce of this city. Hex consents to put the bounty aside (for the moment) to help his friends and finds himself in a battle to the death! Plus: Some of the best love stories are tempered with revenge, especially in the case of Nighthawk and Cinnamon.


DAREDEVIL #10
Meet Matt Murdock, one of New York’s finest attorneys by day and the crime-fighter Daredevil by night! Discover the dark secrets behind his first days in the costume, as the man without sight became the Man Without Fear!

Featured Graphic Novels:


COVER GIRLS
This volume collects some of the best covers and other artwork from rising star GUILLEM MARCH (GOTHAM CITY SIRENS, CATWOMAN). More than one hundred full-color images featuring the sexiest girls from his stunning work for Eros Magazine or Playboy Spain, never seen in U.S., plus much unpublished art.


RACHEL RISING VOL. 1: SHADOW OF DEATH
Rachel Beck wakes in a shallow grave and claws her way free as a mysterious woman watches from a bluff. With no memory of the night before, Rachel enlists the help of Aunt Johnny, the town mortician, to find her killer. But when repeated attacks send her to the morgue, Rachel’s ability to wake from death again and again prove to be a blessing and a curse, and the eerie town of Manson will never be the same! Collects issues #1-6.

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Games
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SENTINELS OF THE MULTIVERSE: ROOK CITY EXPANSION
Dark streets, vile sewers, and twisting alleys; all home to the terrible criminals that control this city. Welcome to Rook City, where evil never sleeps.

Sentinels of the Multiverse: Rook City is the first expansion for the cooperative comic-book themed card game “Sentinels of the Multiverse”. It features 2 new, grim heroes, 4 terrible villains, and 2 challenging environments. Besides just expanding the number of characters and settings available to players, Rook City introduces new mechanics and exciting new challenges, while still maintaining the rules that make Sentinels of the Multiverse work.


MARVEL HEROCLIX: GALACTIC GUARDIANS PRIMER BOOSTER
Cosmic powered battles come to HeroClix with Marvel HeroClix: Galactic Guardians! Defend the galaxy as you relive your favorite space battles with this generation-spanning cosmic expansion. Surf the spaceways or explore the astral planes with all-new versions of the Silver Surfer or Dr. Strange, conquer your foes with the Super Skrull, or crush your enemies and consume their worlds with Galactus! With over 45 figures to collect, sub-themes in this set include the Nova Corps, Guardians of the Galaxy, Defenders, the Annihilation Wave, and the all-new Annihilators. Build your Galactic Guardians with the single-figure Primer Boosters!

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Toys / Collectables
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PEANUTS: SNOOPY THE FLYING ACE (MEGA MINI KIT)
This kit commemorates Snoopy in his iconic role as the Flying Ace, the daring World War I fighter pilot who sits atop his Sopwith Camel (i.e. doghouse), ever determined to take down his arch nemesis, the Red Baron. Kit includes a figurine of Snoopy as the Flying Ace in fight mode and a 32-page book of “Flying Ace”-themed Peanuts comics.

GAME OF THRONES HOUSE SIGIL MAGNET SET
Dark Horse is proud to announce a new line of licensed products based on HBO’s award winning television series Game of Thrones, which is adapted from the best-selling epic fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin.

Follow us to the vast world of Westeros, where the kingdom’s seven noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne. Delve into the mystery, love, suspense, treachery, greed, and magic that has captivated audiences and readers alike. Now you can bring a piece of Westeros into your own castle with our new coasters, mugs, patches, and more featuring characters and sigils from the kingdom’s noble families. These items are a must-have for any Game of Thrones fan.

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The Versus to End All Versus! Recommended for April

By admin | Published: March 23, 2012

This is IT, true believer! The Avengers are apparently, ah, VERSING the X-Men. There will be much disagreeing and fighting and gnashing of teeth. Feelings will be hurt on both sides. It’s all a little unfair since some folks, like Wolverine, are on BOTH teams. Marvel Comics assures us that this event has been building since something like when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Marvel Universe. They’ve also assured us that this will CHANGE THE MARVEL UNIVERSE FOREVER! We’re not quite sure if EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG, but we’re pretty sure you have to CHOOSE YOUR SIDE! EXCELSIOR!!!

———-  MARVEL COMICS  ———-


AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 (OF 12)
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • JOHN ROMITA JR. (A)
COVER BY JIM CHEUNG
VARIANT COVERS BY RYAN STEGMAN & JOHN ROMITA JR.
BLANK VARIANT ALSO AVAILABLE
• It’s No Longer Coming—It’s Here!
• Does The Return Of The Phoenix To Earth Signal The Rebirth Of The Mutant Species? That’s What The X-Men Believe!
• Unfortunately, The Avengers Are Convinced That Its Coming Will Mean The End Of All Life On Earth!
• The Stage Is Set For The Ultimate Marvel Showdown In This Oversized First Issue!
40 Pgs./Rated T+ …$3.99


AVX: VS #1 (OF 6)
COVER BY ADAM KUBERT
VARIANT COVER BY STUART IMMONEN
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT BY TBA
• The Premier Tie-In To Avengers Vs. X-Men!
• All-Out Action Featuring Cover To Cover Battles, Each Issue Expanding On Fights From The Main AvX Book?In Ways You Can’t Imagine!
• This Issue: Iron Man Vs. Magneto And Thing Vs. Namor!
32 Pgs./Rated T+ …$3.99


AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #6
MARK WAID & GREG RUCKA (W) MARCO CHECCHETTO (A)
COVER BY STEVE MCNIVEN
VARIANT COVERS BY MARCO CHECCHETTO & ADI GRANOV
• “The Omega Effect” Begins Here Bringing Together Marvel’s 3 Biggest Heroes From The Most Acclaimed New Books Of The Year!
• Spider-Man, Daredevil And Punisher In An Epic Chase Across Manhattan For A Mysterious Treasure That Will Change The Course Of All Their Lives.
32 Pgs./Rated T+ …$3.99


THE PUNISHER #10
GREG RUCKA (W) • MARCO CHECCHETTO (A/C)
VARIANT COVER BY ADI GRANOV
• “The Omega Effect” Part Two! Guest Starring Spidey And Daredevil!
• A Perfect Time To Try This Highly Acclaimed New Series As Frank Castle Joins In With The Meanest Team-Up You Ever Saw.
• Forced To Work With Two Garishly Dressed Avengers, The Punisher Makes One Promise: “Trust No One…Hurt Everyone.”
32 Pgs./Parental Advisory …$2.99

DAREDEVIL #11
MARK WAID (W) • MARCO CHECCHETTO (A)
COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN
VARIANT COVER BY ADI GRANOV
AVENGERS ART APPRECIATION VARIANT BY STEFFI SCHÜTZE
• “The Omega Effect” Concludes!
• Daredevil And Spider-Man Join Frank Castle In A Blitzkrieg Takedown Of New York Crime — But Don’t Take It For Granted That These Heroes Are All Working Together.
32 Pgs./Rated T+ …$2.99


DAREDEVIL #10.1
MARK WAID (W) KHOI PHAM (A)
COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN
• If You Haven’t Climbed Onboard The Daredevil Express Yet, This Is A Perfect Jumping On Point For The Best Reviewed Series Of The Year!
• Pitting The Man Without Fear Against A Cabal Of Villainous Secret Societies Sworn To Bringing Hornhead To His Knees!
•Setting The Stage For This Month’s Daredevil/Spider-Man/Punisher Crossover “The Omega Effect”!
32 Pgs./Rated T+ …$2.99


THE SECRET SERVICE #1
MARK MILLAR (W) DAVE GIBBONS (A)
VARIANT COVER BY BRYAN HITCH
From the writer of Kick-Ass and the artist of Watchmen comes a collaboration decades in the making. Says Millar: “Secret Service is the ramifications of [how] America is struggling on the world stage, funding is being seriously undercut to balance the books and some people are trying their best to take advantage of the fragile global situation. The hero and sidekick guys who lead the book are, I think, the best characters I’ve written.”
32 Pgs./Mature …$2.99


WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN BY JASON AARON VOL. 1 PREMIERE HC
WRITTEN BY JASON AARON
PENCILED BY CHRIS BACHALO & NICK BRADSHAW
COVER BY CHRIS BACHALO
Spinning Directly Out Of X-Men: Schism, The X-Men Are Split In Two. Rejecting Cyclops’ Isolationist Stance, Wolverine Takes Half The X-Men Back To Westchester To Start Over Again With A New School, A New Student Body And A Lot Of Surprises Up His Sleeve. But When The New Hellfire Club Decides They Don’t Like What The Ol’ Canucklehead Has Started And Decides To Burn The Place To The Ground, Will The All-New, All-Different Jean Grey School For Higher Learning Even Outlast Its First Day? Plus: Quentin Quire Goes Back To School, The Bamfs Invade, And Krakoa The Living Island Rears Its Leafy Head! Collecting Wolverine & The X-Men #1-4.
112 Pgs./Rated T+ …$19.99


ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN VOL. 4: DEATH OF SPIDER-MAN TPB
WRITTEN BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILED BY MARK BAGLEY
COVER BY JOE QUESADA
Almost From The Moment He Became Spider-Man, Peter Has Been Haunted By The Memory Of His Beloved Uncle Ben — Murdered By A Common Thief, A Man The Headstrong Teen Had Refused To Stop When He Had The Chance Just A Few Days Earlier. With Uncle Ben’s Death, Peter Learned Dearly The Valuable Lesson That With Great Power, There Must Also Come Great Responsibility. Now, Can Peter Summon The Necessary Power, And Bear The Weight Of Responsibility For One More Battle? As Spider-Man Fights On With A Seemingly Mortal Wound, The Lives Of His Aunt May And Girlfriend Mary Jane Hang In The Balance. Can Spidey Succeed Where He Failed Before? Will He Have To Give His Life To Earn Redemption? Uncle Ben Is Dead. What Will Peter Do To Keep Aunt May Alive? Collecting Ultimate Spider-Man (2000) #156-160.
128 Pgs./Rated T+ …$19.99

———-  DARK HORSE COMICS  ———-


THE GOON VOLUME 11: THE DEFORMED OF BODY AND DEVIOUS OF MIND TP
Eric Powell (W/A/Cover), Evan Dorkin (W), and Dave Stewart (C)
One sale June 27
FC, 144 pages     $16.99
TP, 7″ x 10″
Sparkly, skinny-jean wearin’ vampires, wiener-eatin’ hoboes, multinational midgets, and 2010 Queen of Burlesque star, Roxi DLite, are just a few of the obstacles Goon and Franky are up against in this new collection from Dark Horse Comics! Plus, guest writer Evan Dorkin (Milk and Cheese, Beasts of Burden) pits Goon against the horrendous, bacon-eating behemoth, the Ten-in-One! Collects The Goon issues #34-#37, The Goon in “An Irish Wake” from USA Today, and The Goon’s on Vacation from Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities and the Ghastly Fiend of London.


RESET #1 (OF 4)
Peter Bagge (W/A/Cover) and Matt Kindt (Variant cover)
On sale Apr 18
b&w, 24 pages    $3.50 / Miniseries
If you could relive major events in your life, would you take a stab at making things better—and would your best attempts only make things worse? Or would you use your second chance to put your most twisted, perverted fantasies in motion? These are questions washed up actor and comedian Guy Krause asks himself after he signs up to be the main research subject for a virtual reality experiment.

———-  DC COMICS  ———-


BATWOMAN #8
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art by AMY REEDER and ROB HUNTER
Cover by AMY REEDER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by AMY REEDER
On sale APRIL 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Six lives moving through different points in time, all heading toward a crossroads.
Batwoman faces gnashing teeth, claws and otherworldly powers. But can she defeat the villains of Gotham Harbor? Maro, an arcane wizard, harnesses violent magics to create the vile creature known as The Hook. Kate Kane struggles with living multiple lives and how that affects her relationship with Maggie.  Detective Maggie Sawyer transports a double agent named Sune. Jacob Kane still holds onto hope for a life that he so desperately needs in his. DEO Agent Cameron Chase covertly aids Batwoman in abducting one of the villain Falchion’s inner circle. The creative team’s unique take on spy stories continues!


BATMAN: ARKHAM UNHINGED #1
Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS
Based on a teleplay by MARLY HALPERN-GRASER
Story by MARLY HALPERN-GRASER, PAUL CROKER and SEFTON HILL
Art by MIKE MILLER
Cover by DAVE WILKINS
On sale APRIL 11 • 40 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Spinning directly out of the hit video game BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY, this new series explores the world behind the game in stories focusing on both heroes and villains and how their roles in ARKHAM CITY. A prequel to the game created with the developer, Rocksteady, this first issue features content previously available only as a digital released and explores the Catwoman/Two-Face rivalry and how it leads them into the clutches of Hugo Strange.


BATWOMAN VOL. 1: HYDROLOGY HC
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art by J.H. WILLIAMS III and AMY REEDER
Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
On sale JUNE 13 • 160 pg, FC, $22.99 US
As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics — The New 52, Batwoman’s new series begins from the team of J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman with this title collecting issues #0-5!
Who or what is stealing children from the barrio, and for what vile purpose? Will Kate train her cousin, Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird), as her sidekick? How will she handle unsettling revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane? And why is a certain government agency suddenly taking an interest in her? These are some of the questions that will be answered in these spectacular stories!


STARMAN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 TP
Written by JAMES ROBINSON • Art by TONY HARRIS, WADE VON GRAWBADGER and others • Cover by TONY HARRIS
On sale MAY 30 • 448 pg, FC, $29.99 US
The first volume of the series collecting the classic super hero series of the 1990s is now available in trade paperback. In these stories from issues #0-16 of the hit series, Jack Knight — antiques collector and dealer — inherits the name and powers of his father’s old Starman identity from his older brother, who has been assassinated.

———-  OTHER PUBLISHERS  ———-


RICHARD STARK’S PARKER: THE SCORE
Darwyn Cooke (w & a & c)
Fresh from his Eisner Award-winning efforts on The Hunter and The Outfit, Darwyn Cooke now sets his steely sights on The Score, the classic Richard Stark Parker novel from 1964. Parker becomes embroiled in a plot with a dozen partners in crime to pull off what might be the ultimate heist—robbing an entire town. Everything was going fine for a while, and then things got bad. Considered one of the best in the Parker series, The Score is the perfect vehicle for Darwyn Cooke to pull out all the stops and let loose with a book that has all the impact of a brutal kick to the solar plexus!
HC • PC • $24.99 • 160 pages • 6” x 9”


POPEYE #1 (OF 4)
Roger Landridge (w) • Bruce Ozella (a & c)
Popeye the Sailor Man sails again! E.C Segar’s classic creation is back, with his first original comic in over 30 years!  Written by the Eisner Award-winning Roger Landridge (The Muppets), with pitch-perfect art from rising star Bruce Ozella, it’s a new take on the classic character that’s true to its roots! With a rare incentive cover from legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jules Feiffer!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99


GENIUS, ILLUSTRATED: THE LIFE AND ART OF ALEX TOTH HC
Dean Mullaney & Bruce Canwell  (w) • Alex Toth (a & c)
Dean Mullaney and Bruce Canwell continue their comprehensive review of the life and art of Alex Toth in Genius, Illustrated. Covering the years from the 1960s to Toth’s poignant death in 2006, this oversized book features artwork and complete stories from Toth’s latter-day work at Warren, DC Comics, Red Circle, Marvel, and his own creator-owner properties… plus samples of his animation work for Hanna-Barbera, Ruby-Spears, and others—as well as sketchbook pages, doodles, advertising art, and other rarities provided through the cooperation of Toth’s family and his legion of fans. Two of Toth’s best stories are reproduced complete from the original artwork: “Burma Skies” and “White Devil… Yellow Devil.” A full-length text biography will chart the path from Toth’s increasingly reclusive lifestyle to his touching re-connection to the world in his final years. Fans of comics, cartoons, and all-around great artwork revere Alex Toth. See why Genius, Illustrated—along with its companion volume, 2011’s Genius, Isolated—are being praised as the definitive examination of the life and art of The Master, Alex Toth!
HC • PC • $49.99 • 288 pages • 9.5” x 13”


AMERICA’S GOT POWERS #1 (OF 6)
story JONATHAN ROSS
art / cover BRYAN HITCH
APRIL 11
32 PAGES / FC / T+    $2.99
Welcome to AMERICA’S GOT POWERS! It’s the biggest TV show on Earth, where the chance to win fame, fortune and get laid are dangled in front of a generation of super-powered teens. All they have to do is WIN. Who is the fastest, the strongest or the greatest? Who survives? Young Tommy Watt’s dreams of being the greatest hero of them all might just be shattered when the greatest show on the planet begins to reveal it’s dark heart.


SECRET #1
story JONATHAN HICKMAN
art RYAN BODENHEIM
APRIL 11
32 PAGES / FC / T+    $3.50
“TEETH, WITH WHICH TO EAT”—A man gets shot in London, a law firm gets broken into in Washington, an accountant gives away the password to his computer, and something put to sleep 20 years ago awakens. What is the unsavory relationship all these things share, and how could it bring down two of the largest governments in the history of the world?
It’s SECRET, a brand new, ongoing, monthly comic from the creators of A RED MASS FOR MARS.
Brought to you by award-winning writer JONATHAN HICKMAN and break-out talent, RYAN BODENHEIM, SECRET is an espionage thriller that takes a deep look into the shadow world existing between the government and private security firms.


SUPREME #63
story ALAN MOORE
art ERIK LARSEN & CORY HAMSCHER
cover ERIK LARSEN
variant covers by CORY HAMSCHER & ROB LIEFELD
APRIL 4
32 PAGES / FC / T     $2.99
“REVELATIONS”—The legendary Supreme returns! ALAN MOORE’s final SUPREME tale is the ultimate jumping on point for new readers!  The triumphant return of Image Comics’ most powerful hero! As Supreme romances Diana Dane he takes her on a tour of the Citadel Supreme and tells all of his innermost secrets just as Supreme’s most hated nemesis, Darius Dax, makes a most unfortunate discovery: the key to defeat his abhorred adversary! It’s most mind-blowing cliffhanger in the history of comics! Featuring a story by award winning author ALAN MOORE (WATCHMEN) and art by fan favorites ERIK LARSEN (SPIDER-MAN, SAVAGE DRAGON) & CORY HAMSCHER (X-MEN). You wish all comics were this good!


PRINCELESS VOLUME 1: SAVE YOURSELF TP
(W) Jeremy Whitley (A/CA) M Goodwin
Collecting the first storyline of the critically acclaimed series, follow the adventures of Princess Adrienne, a princess who’s tired of waiting to be rescued.  Along with her guardian dragon, Sparky, they begin their own quest in an all-ages action adventure designed specifically for those who are tired of waiting to be rescued — and who are ready to save themselves.
SC, 5×8, 116pgs, FC    $14.95


ARE YOU MY MOTHER?: A COMIC DRAMA HC
(W/A/CA) Alison Bechdel
Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home was a pop culture and literary phenomenon. Now, a second thrilling tale of filial sleuthery, this time about her mother: voracious reader, music lover, passionate amateur actor. Also a woman, unhappily married to a closeted gay man, whose artistic aspirations simmered under the surface of Bechdel’s childhood — and who stopped touching or kissing her daughter goodnight, forever, when she was seven. Poignantly, hilariously, Bechdel embarks on a quest for answers concerning the mother-daughter gulf.
HC, 6×9, 240pgs, B&W    $22.00


COURTNEY CRUMRIN #1
(W) Ted Naifeh (A/CA) Ted Naifeh, Warren Wucinich
Courtney Crumrin returns in her first ever full color series! Welcome to a world where magic and Night Things lurk behind every corner and nothing is as it seems. This is the world introduced to Courtney by her dear Uncle Aloysius — a master mage of unknown age and even more mysterious motivations. What started the Crumrin clan down the dark path and is Courtney strong enough to follow it all the way down?
32pgs, FC    $3.99


SHARK KING GN
(W/A/CA) R. Kikuo Johnson
Meet Nanaue, a boy craving to be who he truly is. From the islands of Hawaii comes the electrifying tale of Nanaue, who has to balance his yearning for Dad’s guidance with his desire for Mom’s nurture. Award-winning cartoonist R. Kikuo Johnson transports young readers to the lush tropical shores of his native Hawaii. Fluent or not, young readers will be thrilled when they experience the transformative powers of a stirring literary work.
SC, 40pgs, FC    $12.95

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Stand up next to a mountain, and I chop it down with the edge of my hand… Newsletter 3/23/12

By admin | Published: March 23, 2012

What? It’s not Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child? It’s the new DC Vertigo title, DOMINIQUE LAVEAU: VOODOO CHILD?!

Oh . . . well, nevermind, then. . . .

Mark Millar is positioning himself to take over the world! He and artist Leinil Yu (SUPERIOR) are back this week with SUPER CROOKS, about superpowered villains who decide to go do villainy in a country that doesn’t have so many pesky superheroes.

Millar will also soon be teaming up with the artistic likes of John Romita, Jr. (KICK ASS), Steve McNiven (CIVIL WAR), Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), and Frank Quitely (ALL STAR SUPERMAN) on the new comics HIT-GIRL, NEMESIS 2, THE SECRET SERVICE, and JUPITER’S CHILDREN.

Oh yeah — AND he released the finale of KICK-ASS 2 this week, too!

AWESOME COMICS DOMINATION!!!

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Comics
————————————–

Click here for comics expected next Wednesday (opens in new window)

Featured Comic Books:


SUPER CROOKS #1
When the market is flooded with competition and the authorities are always on your tail, what’s an all-american supervillain to do? Go to spain, of course! From the writer who brought you Kick-Ass and the artist of Secret Invasion comes a new series about a team of superpowered ne’er-do-wells looking to pull off one last heist in the land of bullfighting and delicious churros.


DOMINIQUE LAVEAU: VOODOO CHILD
DOMINIQUE LAVEAU: VOODOO CHILD is the story of a half-breed, outcast and heir to the Voodoo Queenship of New Orleans, if she can live long enough to claim her birthright. New Orleans is the most haunted city in America: a town of centuries-old ghosts and newly drowned spirits; where vampires, voodoo spirits and loups-garous make their home. Ruling over this all are the powerful Voodoo Queens, whose influence stretches into politics, business and crime as they maintain a delicate balance between the mortal and supernatural worlds.But in the aftermath of Katrina, all that has changed, for someone or something has murdered the Voodoo Queen and most of her court. The number one suspect is Dominique Laveau, a grad student at Tulane who is about to discover that her entire life has been a lie. Now Dominique must forge alliances with those out to kill her while seeking to uncover the truth behind the royal murders, as she is ultimately forced to deal with a destiny she could never have imagined. Voodoo Child is a new monthly series written by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, former editor-in-chief of The Source magazine, award-winning author, journalist and TV producer, with art by Milestone Media co-founder Denys Cowan (THE QUESTION) and covers by Rafael Grampá.


JUSTICE LEAGUE #7
Now that the team’s origin story is complete, starting with this issue we shift to the present-day Justice League! What has changed? Who has joined the team since? Featuring artwork by Gene Ha, the story also reintroduces the team’s greatest champion: Steve Trevor! Also starting in this issue: “The Curse of Shazam!” featuring a story by Geoff Johns and art by Gary Frank! Discover Billy Batson’s place in DC Comics – The New 52 as we reveal his all-new origin story!


ROCKETEER ADVENTURES 2 #1
he second volume of Dave Stevens’ Rocketeer blasts off with an all-new selection of great stories by some of the best in the biz! This issue starts off with a bang as Cliff finds himself in a dogfight, followed by a screening of everyone’s favorite cartoon character, and ending on a high-note with a lovely and somewhat familiar story-plus a gorgeous pin-up by Arthur Adams!


RAGEMOOR #1
Ragemoor! A living castle, nurtured on pagan blood, harborer to deadly monsters! A fortress possessed of its own will and ability to change itself, with the power to add and destroy rooms and to grow without the help of any human hand. Its owner is mad with jealously, its servants aren’t human, and its secret’s horrific!

Featured Graphic Novels:


DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: THE LEGEND OF DRIZZT – NEVERWINTER TALES HC
The MOST POPULAR CHARACTER from the MOST POPULAR FANTASY WORLD of all time comes to life in his FIRST ORIGINAL comic book tale! Drizzt leads this massive thriller into R.A. Salvatore’s next blockbuster novel! Drizzt and his companion Dahlia hunt for something that seems part vampire and part elite dwarven warrior and must find out how the evil lich Valindra Shadowmantle and her minion Korbin Dor’crae factor into the mystery.


AVENGERS: THE ROAD TO THE AVENGERS
Gear up for the Avengers movie with these official, in-continuity stories! First, it’s an expanded re-imagining of the original Iron Man, featuring bonus scenes not in the movie! Next, what happened between the events of Iron Man and Iron Man 2? How did Tony Stark put a new chapter in the history books, and break and rewrite all the rules? Then, it’s Black Widow, Nick Fury and Agent Coulson in espionage action! And finally, Steve Rogers was the inspiration for millions during WWII — but where did he get his inspiration? How did he meet his best friend, “Bucky”? Barnes? And what set him on the path to becoming Captain America, the First Avenger? Collecting IRON MAN: I AM IRON MAN! #1-2, IRON MAN 2: PUBLIC IDENTITY #1-3, IRON MAN 2: AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. and CAPTAIN AMERICA: FIRST VENGEANCE #1-4.

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Games
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LORDS OF WATERDEEP
Waterdeep, the City of Splendors—the most resplendent jewel in the Forgotten Realms, and a den of political intrigue and shady back-alley dealings. In this game, the players are powerful lords vying for control of this great city. Its treasures and resources are ripe for the taking, and that which cannot be gained through trickery and negotiation must be taken by force!

Lords of Waterdeep is a strategy board game for 2-5 players. You take on the role of one of the masked Lords of Waterdeep, secret rulers of the city. Through your agents, you recruit adventurers to go on quests on your behalf, earning rewards and increasing your influence over the city. Expand the city by purchasing new buildings that open up new actions on the board, and hinder—or help—the other lords by playing Intrigue cards to enact your carefully laid plans.


MUNCHKIN 8: HALF HORSE, WILL TRAVEL
Centaurs and Lizard Guys!

These two classic fantasy races get the Munchkin treatment in Munchkin 8 – Half Horse, Will Travel! Plus new Race and Class Enhancers: you can be Elite, Legendary, or Elder! Go for all three . . . you’ll need all the help you can get when you fight That Gecko On The Telly, the horrifying Centaurpede, or the dread Knight Mare!


LORD OF THE RINGS LCG: ROAD TO RIVENDELL
“Regiments of black crows are flying over all the land between the Mountains and the Greyflood… Hollin is no longer wholesome for us: it is being watched.”
–Aragorn, The Fellowship of the Ring

As some of Middle-earth’s greatest heroes escort Arwen to Rivendell, their journey along the Road to Rivendell is fraught with peril. In the high hills west of the Misty Mountains, terrible enemies lie in wait to Ambush the intrepid fellowship…

Road to Rivendell is the thrilling second chapter of the Dwarrowdelf narrative arc. The path is not safe, and your heroes must shield her along the way. This exciting Adventure Pack offers players all-new challenges as your heroes must fight for their lives–and Arwen’s–as their escort mission becomes a fight for survival. Road to Rivendell introduces 60 new cards, including an all-new scenario, a new hero, and three copies of each new player card.


A GAME OF THRONES LCG: POISONED SPEAR
“We are fond of spears in Dorne. Besides, it is the only way to counter his reach. Have a look, Lord Imp, but see you do not touch.” The spear was turned ash eight feet long, the shaft smooth, thick, and heavy. The last two feet of that was steel: a slender leaf-shaped spearhead narrowing to a wicked spike. The edges looked sharp enough to shave with. When Oberyn spun the haft between the palms of his hands, they glistened black.
–George R. R. Martin, A Storm of Swords

The final Chapter Pack in the A Tale of Champions cycle, A Poisoned Spear is full of new champions, machinations, treachery, and backstabbing. A Poisoned Spear draws the cycle to a close on a high note with more unique characters as well as cards that reinforce the cycle’s focus on the melee format and two new keywords, Joust and Melee.

The 60 new cards from A Poisoned Spear introduce Condition attachments that support decks without agendas, Warhorse attachments for each house that provide dynamic bonuses when the attached characters win challenges alone, and a fantastic new location that’s certain to promote the appearance of the most notable and unique characters from George R.R. Martin’s fiction.

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Toys / Collectables
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THUNDERCATS SERIES 1
Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats Hooo! 4 inch deluxe figures are based on the all new “ThunderCats” animated adventure series from Warner Bros. Animation. Crafted with great detail and quality, kids can recreate their favorite characters battle actions utilizing the embedded magnet to unlock the features. Each figure comes with a base and/or accessory.


THUNDERCATS THUNDERTANK DELUXE VEHICLE
Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats Hooo! Roll into battle with the 2011 ThunderCats ThunderTank from the ThunderCats animated adventure series from Warner Bros. Animation! The ThunderTank comes with a 4-inch scaled Snarf figure, designed to activate the magnetic “ThunderCats, Hooo!” sound effects. Launch the ThunderBikes with a simple push of a button. The Basic 4-inch tall figures can ride inside and unlock special ThunderTank features.


THUNDERCATS BASIC VEHICLES: THUNDERRACERS & LIZARD CANNON
Roll into battle with these all new ThunderCats vehicles. Tygra & Lion-O have embedded magnets, called ThunderLynx which will be used to activate an unique feature.  Placing Tygra inside the cockpit, which will activate the LED light; placing Lion-O inside the cockpit, which will then releases the drill. Combine the THUNDERRACERS with the Deluxe ThunderTank for added play.
The Lizard Cannon comes with semi-articulated 4” scaled figure of Mutant Lizard and missile accessory. The Mutant Lizard’s ThunderLynx feature will activate the missile firing action.

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