Six issues this week from a bunch of different weeks.

Trailblazer (One-Shot)

This is a cool little story about an assassin who travels back to the old west to become a sheriff. It’s a short story and a fun one. There’s something to be said for short stories in comics. You don’t really find them too often because you tend to need strong selling series, but I’m liking that there are more one shots now a days. Good read.

When does this come out: July 6th
Cost: 5.99
Will I read on: No need
Will I buy it: Yes

Reed Gunther #2: In a Stalac-Tight Spot!

We have Reed Gunther and Sterling’s second adventure as they ride into an old west town to hear there’s treasure in them there hills. A out of town prospector is looking for volunteers to go get the treasure and our boy Reed decides he’s up to the task, but there’s something fishy going on. Plus Starla comes to help out and it seems she’ll probably be joining the misfits through their adventures. I am loving these books, they have a great mix of humor and adventure and some good artwork taboot. Plus the Houghton brothers seem to know where they want to go with the story so it’s looking to be a good series going forward. Each story can be told as a one off so if you can’t find the first issue go ahead and start with the second.

When does this come out: July 6
Cost: 2.99
Will I read on: Definitely, I’m hooked.
Will I buy it: Most definitely

Super Dinosaur #3

Usually I don’t try and start series unless I’m able to get a hold of the first issue but when I saw that this comic was being done by Robert Kirkman I thought I might want to give it a try. I don’t think I’ve missed much but basically it’s about a boy named Derek and his pal “Super Dinosaur”, a T-Rex which can communicate with humans and has special robot suits it can put on to fight against the other evil super dinosaurs. Apparently Derek’s father and his partner found a way to give dinosaur’s mental abilities but the partner turned evil. I may not have that exactly right since I didn’t read the first two, but the comic does make sense and it’s a good combination of fun and intelligent.

When does this come out: June 29th (It apparently sold out)
Cost: 2.99
Will I read on: Yes
Will I buy it: Probably will wait for the Trade.

50 Girls 50 #2

In this second installment from Frank Cho and the gang the women find themselves in even more trouble. There’s a great gag at the very beginning when they announce the trouble and the main woman looks at the audience and says “Is anyone surprised at this point? I mean, really?” The series is still strong and it’s still selling very well so you might as well jump on the train. The art is fantastic and the women’s curves are very well done.

When does this come out: July 6th
Cost: 2.99
Will I read on: Indeed
Will I buy it: Probably will wait for the trade.

Samurai’s Blood #2

I had hoped very much that the second issue would be better then the first, however I was wrong, the second was worse then the first and even though this is only 6 issues long I don’t think I’ll continue reading. The book seems very self important and that is where the flaw is, all of the characters are incredibly one sided and do everything you expect them to do.

When does this come out: July 13
Cost: 2.99
Will I read on: Probably not
Will I buy it: No

The Red Wing #1

I love time travel, I just do, and as long as the writer has some sense of what he is doing then I usually like where they are going with it. The Red Wing is set in a world where Time Travel ended up leading to lots of Wars. Time Travel is just used to help fight the fight against the unknown danger. It also follows the travels of one particular man who goes through the army system to become a time traveler. The best thing I can say for this book is the overall pacing. The overall feel of the story is very strong and it makes me very excited to see where this is going. Plus this is the first part of a four part series and I love short series. I recommend this to any time travel fans.

When does this come out: July 13th
Cost: 3.50
Will I read on: Very likely
Will I buy it: Quite Possible

Hello again! We’ll begin once again with Wonderbot’s picks for the week!

Gotham City Sirens #24- The breakout at Arkham continues here! When Batman shows up to stop the escaping villains, battle lines will be drawn. Will Selina stick by The Sirens? Or will she take on Harley and Ivy? The ending will shock you!

Walking Dead #86-How do we deal with what comes next?

Grimm Fairy Tales Wonderland Annual 2011- When a group of teens become the latest victims of the House of Liddle, a brilliant young boy will make it his personal mission to insure that the house never hurts anyone else again. But does the boy have what it takes to stop the house where madness lives and no one gets out alive? Don’t miss this final chapter of the House of Liddle!

Grimm Fairy Tales Dream Eater Crossover Part 5 Neverland-Pan has found himself trapped on Earth with only a small portion of the power he once possessed. The man who was once the king of all Neverland has now been brought low and is forced to survive among the homeless of New York City. But when Pan learns of the Dream Eater’s presence on Earth he will stop at nothing to reclaim the power that was once his and use the Dream Eater to destroy all those who stood against him.

In addition to what I’ll be reading, there are also a bunch of new DC Flashpoint’s available. This week’s titles include:

Flashpoint Green Arrow Industries (One Shot)
Flashpoint Hal Jordan #1 (of 3)
Flashpoint Project Superman #1 (of 3)
Flashpoint The Canterbury Cricket (One Shot)

Marvel is also featuring some new releases this week. The new titles from Marvel include:

All Winners Squad Band Of Heroes #1 (of 8)- It’s World War II super-action as Captain America heads up a top-secret, all-hero unit of the U.S. military! But a mystery surrounding the Band of Heroes rears its ugly head in the present…and you won’t believe how deep it goes. Join the wartime adventures of the toughest, most exceptional band of soldiers in American military history.

Captain America Americas Avenger #1-Captain America takes center stage just in time for his blockbuster motion picture in an all-new collection of OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE profiles spanning the Star-Spangled Super-Soldier’s 70-year history!

Captain America Rebirth (One Shot)- As the evils of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party spread across Europe, Steve Rogers becomes the legendary Captain America! With his sidekick, Bucky, and under the direction of Franklin Roosevelt himself, Cap battles the diabolical Red Skull on every front! Witness their earliest confrontations here!

Fear Itself Black Widow (One Shot)-Russia’s deadliest assassin! France’s most iconic city! As fear ravages the streets of Paris, a group of diabolical extremists plot an act of mass terrorism. In order to avert nuclear disaster, the Black Widow must brave a city in chaos, face down a crack team of deadly mercenaries, and infiltrate a well-protected government facility. She’s on her own … which is just the way she likes it.

Incredible Hulks Annual #1-In the exciting conclusion to the trip to another dimension, (that began in the Spider-Man and Deadpool Annuals) BRUCE BANNER finally discovers why he can’t turn into the Hulk in this world. He thought he’d found the perfect place-but there’s one doppelganger we haven’t met yet. And when the alternate-universe Hulk emerges, will Banner, Spidey and Deadpool be enough to stop him?

Iron Age #1 (of 3)-Trapped in the past, Iron Man races the clock to save the future from annihilation. But his past self is in a drunken stupor, and Tony’s fellow Avengers, dismiss his story as an alcoholic delusion. The keys to saving Tony’s future? Hank Pym…exiled Avenger and one of the Avengers’ greatest enemies: Ultron! Christos Gage (AVENGERS ACADEMY) teams with comics legends LEE WEEKS and TOM PALMER – inker of more issues of Avengers than anyone else – to bring you an all-out epic in the mighty Marvel manner! THEN! Tony’s next stop is Captain Britain’s London, a totalitarian state bent on a new, ‘cleaner’ future. Rob Williams teams with Ben Oliver (Ms. Marvel) as Iron Man and Captain Britain fight for freedom.

Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine #1 (of 4)-Last year The Marvel Universe vs the Punisher showed you the ruins of our world. Now witness the fall. NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry reveals the dark and terrible events that take us from the outbreak of a deadly plague to the beginning of the last war for planet earth. A dreadful disease begins transforming everyone -human and superhuman-into savage, nearly mindless cannibal predators. Who will protect humanity? Who will make a stand against the endless slaughter? Who has the courage to make the hardest of hard choices?

As you can see, there are TONS of fantastic titles available this week. If you’re wondering about what other titles are available for purchase this week, you can check out the full list HERE.

If you don’t know the deal you can read last week’s first volume. Again I’ll be going worst to first. Though I’m going worst to first, the worst is quite good this week.

All Nighter #1: A pretty decent first showing from writer/artist David Hahn. The story All Nighter is about a group of 20 somethings but in particular the main character Kit who has trouble with relationships and her past of theft. The book is fine at the moment but does seem to mostly be an introduction. You can actually download the complete first issue at David Hahn’s Website.

When does this come out: June 22
Cost: $2.99
Will I read on: With 5 currently planned I’d like to see where this goes.
Will I buy it: I’m going to wait to see where it goes but will probably pick up the trade if it turns out really good.

50 Girls 50 #1: Apparently this is old news to everyone else, but for those like me who don’t know what’s going on. Frank Cho who is famous for Liberty Meadows and Doug Murray combined to make a comic with lots of women in space. They did a contest to find their artist. And apparently this book went on sale June 1st and has already sold out. So if you haven’t heard about it apparently you like me need to pick it up. I do warn that for the younger viewers it does have women continually losing their clothes every page until they’re eventually partially naked. The story was good and it seems to be going somewhere and as it has Cho behind it I think it’ll be a good series.

When does this come out: It’s getting a second printing July 6th
Cost: $2.99
Will I read on: Indeed
Will I buy it: Indeed

Witch Doctor #1: Apparently Robert Kirkman has started a company within Image called SKYBOUND, and this comic is within that group. This comic like many other things Skybound has put out is really good. The art is strong and the characters are really cool. I think everyone should check out this first issue and see if you want to keep reading.

When does this come out: June 22nd
Cost: $2.99
Will I read on: Definitely
Will I buy it: Yes indeed.

Reed Gunther #1: This is my favorite book I read this week. It did come out back on June 1st so I am a little late to the game. This book is a very fun tale of a cowboy and his bear friend taking on a giant snake. It has a good mix of humor and story and it seems to be going to some really cool places. This comic also has a pretty cool website.

When does this come out: Already came out. June 1st.
Cost: $2.99
Will I read on: Very excited to, yes.
Will I buy it: Most definitely.

COLD WAR IS COOL IN PIGS

McCool, Cosby & Tamura Set to Activate KGB Cuban Sleeper Cell in September

Berkeley, CA – 15 June 2011 – When the second generation of a loyal KGB sleeper cell is given the signal, they must finish the mission that they have been raised their entire lives to complete: overthrow The United States of America, no matter what it takes. Writers Ben McCool (CHOKER, MEMOIR) and Nate Cosby (Jim Henson’s Storyteller) are the creative minds behind this new ongoing series from Image Comics, a character-driven modern espionage thriller entitled PIGS.

The two co-creators enlisted the stylish and gritty storytelling talents of newcomer artist Breno Tamura to deftly handle interiors and an all-star cast to create cover art. Jock (The Losers), Francesco Francavilla (Detective Comics) and Amanda Conner (THE PRO, Power Girl) have already turned out powerful images for the first three covers, and Ben Templesmith (CHOKER, FELL), Humberto Ramos (Crimson, Amazing Spiderman) and Becky Cloonan (Demo, American Virgin) have signed on to contribute cover art as well.

“PIGS is as much a study of these very unique characters as it is a fast-paced, action-packed story of espionage,” explained McCool. “Sure, the Pigs are terrorists, and their mission is set to leave a trail of devastation in their wake. But what if not every member of the group has the same agenda? Is it possible that there’s a sleeper within the sleeper cell…?”

“Our goal is to make the reader uncomfortable,” added Cosby. “The ‘heroes’ in PIGS are terrorists that’ve been trained their entire lives to annihilate your way of life and kill you if necessary. But at the same time, these characters have souls, unique personalities, senses of humor. The book is about the practical application of terrorism, and what it takes for a person to dedicate their life to destruction.”

The five young anti-heroes in PIGS are a band of communist operatives who intend to finish what the previous generation began after the Bay of Pigs invasion. While they may find themselves on the road to successfully completing their potentially catastrophic suicide mission, for the first time in their lives they have also come face-to-face with the reality of the country that they have been trained to hate. The characters of PIGS are human weapons who must decide how or if they can pull the trigger when their moment comes at last.

PIGS #1 (JUL110432), a 32-page full blown, full color espionage comic book for $2.99, is available to order in the July edition of Diamond Previews catalog, and will be at a comic store near you on September 14, 2011.

I love a good Cold War story. I read Tom Clancy and John Le’Carre novels growing up and studied Post-War Europe and Communism in college so I’m pretty intriuged by this book and really dig the idea of looking at things from agents point of view. Being raised in America and turning on them can’t be easy. We’ve had a taste of this kind of thing in books by Tom Clancy (Teeth Of The Tiger) and even Chuck Palahniuk (Pygmy) and just in countless video games this year we are having wars in America so its no surprise that a comic will be breaching this territory but I think it will be able to flesh out the story in a more interesting and detailed way. However, the “sleeper agent with sleeper cell” turns me off a little. Seems like a plot point over done a lot to me but it could turn out interestingly enough. Guess we will find out come September.

While there is a veritable f—ton of books from Image Comics coming in September, I thought I’d point out a few that interest me. Cory Walker is returning to Invincible! Ryan Ottley has been on the book long enough that I consider the “world” of Invincible more his than Walker’s, but it’ll still be nice to see the original creative team back together. Also of note is a new book by Jay Faerber, who is a writer I always enjoy. You’ve got your Witchblade anniversary issue, as well. While I’m not into the character, I know there are plenty who are, so that’s for you. The new Robert Kirkman/Rob Liefeld book The Infinite is apparently available in regular and extra crispy deluxe editions. I won’t question that decision, because I know someone’s going to buy it. At any rate, take an hour or so to pore over this massive cache of comic craziness, and if you see anything you like, tell your friendly neighborhood comic shop to order them. And tell ‘im Shaz-Bot sent you!

WITCHBLADE #150
END OF AN ERA!
WITCHBLADE reaches its momentous one hundred-fiftieth issue! The series reaches another landmark as longtime writer RON MARZ and artist STJEPAN SEJIC put a final stamp on the series they helped define for the modern reader with their final issue. Sara Pezzini has long walked the thin line between being the bearer of the Witchblade and a detective for the New York Police Department. Now as Internal Affairs closes in on her, she may be forced to choose between her two lives.
story RON MARZ
art STJEPAN SEJIC
cover A STJEPAN SEJIC
cover B MICHAEL BROUSSARD
cover C MIKE CHOI
cover D MICHAEL TURNER

SEPTEMBER 28
48 PAGES / FC / T
$4.99

NEAR DEATH #1
story  JAY FAERBER
art SIMONE GUGLIELMINI
cover  TOMM COKER

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

Markham is a professional killer who has a near death experience during a botched mission. Determined to avoid ever returning to the Hell he glimpsed, Markham dedicates himself to balancing the scales. He’s going to save a life for every life he’s taken. And he’s taken a lot of lives…

A new ongoing crime series for fans of Criminal and the novels of Lee Child and Robert Crais.

PIGS #1
story NATE COSBY & BEN McCOOL
art BRENO TEMURA
cover JOCK

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

ISSUE ONE: HELLO, CRUEL WORLD
A KGB sleeper cell has been in Cuba since 1962. And now they’re coming to kill you. NATE COSBY (MARVEL), BEN McCOOL (CHOKER, MEMOIR) and hotshot newcomer artist BRENO TEMURA present PIGS, an ongoing series set to join Image’s elite ranks. Terrorists have descended on America, assigned to destroy everything in their path…but why, and why now?

HAUNT #19
story JOE CASEY
art / cover NATHAN FOX

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

AN ALL-NEW CREATIVE TEAM KICKS OFF WITH A BOLD NEW DIRECTION!

Brothers Daniel and Kurt Killgore have shared an ominous power, but things begin to unravel – for both of them – when a past tragedy comes back to haunt them.  All-new action! All-new enemies!  The new nightmare begins…NOW!

27: SECOND SET #1 (of 4)
story CHARLES SOULE
art RENZO PODESTA
cover SCOTT FORBES

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$3.99

The next, new reader-friendly chapter in the 27 saga begins HERE. Almost a year after the events of 27: FIRST SET, Will Garland, down-on-his-luck rock star, is desperate to recapture his lost fame. How far will he go, and will he encounter more cosmic craziness and intense action on the way? Answers: very far indeed, and absolutely. But on the plus side – groupies!

TEEN WOLF: BITE ME #1 (of 3)
story DAVID TISCHMAN
art / cover STEPHEN MOONEY

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T
$3.99

Scott McCall’s life is a living nightmare.  Sure, he’s co-captain of the Beacon Hills High Lacrosse Team and he’s got a hot new girlfriend named Allison who adores him – but Scott was bitten by a werewolf.  And every time he gets excited, the claws come out.  And the hair. And the fangs.  Which might be okay, except Allison’s father leads a specially trained group of Hunters who want him dead.  Scott’s managed to keep his secret safe, but what happens when he can’t reverse the process?

In this original comic book story based on MTV’s new hit series, Scott’s stuck – and nothing can change him back.  Will he stay a Werewolf forever?  The horror begins here.

ARTIFACTS #13 (of 13)
story RON MARZ
art DALE KEOWN & SUNNY GHO
cover A DALE KEOWN
cover B JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
cover C JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

OCTOBER 5
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$3.99
THE DECISION!
It all comes down to this! The Survivor’s plan has come to fruition. All thirteen Artifacts and their bearers are in their fated place. The stakes are simple – the very fate of the Top Cow Universe. And the only question that remains is, will either Jackie Estacado or Sara Pezzini doom the world as Tom Judge predicted? Legendary special guest artist DALE KEOWN (THE DARKNESS/PITT, Hulk) joins Top Cow Universe architect RON MARZ to bring fans an event conclusion they will never forget!

PLUS: Each issue will also feature an Artifacts: Origin story written by RON MARZ and drawn by a guest superstar artist.

’68: JUNGLE JIM (one-shot)
story MARK KIDWELL
art NATE VAN DYKE & JAY FOTOS
cover A NATE VAN DYKE
cover B NAT JONES & JAY FOTOS

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$3.99

Vietnam, 1968: Behind enemy lines, a soldier stands alone. A one-man army…armored against the risen, hungry dead under burlap, bamboo and Army green. Armored against the living with a Bowie knife and a mobile arsenal.

If you got left behind…he’ll find you. If you’re the enemy…you’ll never see him coming. If you’re a zombie…he’ll kill you again.

Sometimes, to slay monsters…you have to become one yourself.

Jungle Jim is a stand-alone one-shot comic story set in the grim world of ’68. Meshing smoothly with the ongoing military horror series, Jungle Jim is a savage new slant on the Vietnam/Zombie apocalypse scripted by MARK KIDWELL with stunning artwork by NATE VAN DYKE and JAY FOTOS.

THE BIG LIE #1
story RICK VEITCH
art RICK VEITCH & GARY ERSKINE
cover THOMAS YEATES

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

A lab tech travels back in time to the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 to try and get her husband out of the world trade center before it falls, but will the facts convince him before it’s too late?  A riveting tale of 9/11 by award winning master storyteller RICK VEITCH that exposes “The Big Lie!”

DEADLANDS: HOPELESS ROADS (ONE-SHOT)
story STEVE NILES
art / cover FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
based on the game DEADLANDS from PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99

Visionary Comics and Pinnacle Entertainment bring the weird Western world of Deadlands to comics!  When evil takes over a sleepy western town it will take a heartless father to save the souls of the innocent in the final of four one-shots by masters of horror and noire, Steve Niles and Francesco Francavilla. Backup series also wraps up the origin of Billy the Kid in the world of Deadlands! Do not miss this!

PILOT SEASON: DECLASSIFIED 2011
story TOP COW’S FINEST
art / cover TOP COW’S FINEST

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T
$1.00

TAKE CONTROL!
After five years, the annual Pilot Season has become a comics institution and a unique engine for debuting new ideas and properties into comics! Get your first look at this year’s competition, which begins in October, including the list of creative teams, this year’s concepts, and an early look at the art from each book. You’ll also get an early look at upcoming series from previous winners like GENIUS and 39 MINUTES. We can’t tell you much more, because it’s still Top Secret, but we will give you this hint: 8. 4. 2.

LOVESTRUCK OGN
story DENNIS HOPELESS
art KEVIN MELLON
cover ERIK JONES

SEPTEMBER 7
192 PAGES / BW / T+
STANDARD SIZE
$16.99

It’s a love story, but not like you think.  There’s no boy meets girl or star-crossed soul mates.  Love is a billion-dollar industry.  Cupid’s the megalomaniac CEO.  And Kali Monroe gets paid to break your heart.  Love is all around us.  These are the pricks who control it.

BLUE ESTATE, VOL. 1 TP
story VIKTOR KALVACHEV & ANDREW OSBORNE
art VIKTOR KALVACHEV, TOBY CYPRESS, NATHAN FOX and ROBERT VALLEY
cover VIKTOR KALVACHEV

SEPTEMBER 14
120 PAGES / FC / M
STANDARD SIZE
$12.99

It all starts with a low-rent private eye trying (and failing) to escape the long shadow of his respected cop father.  But a chance encounter with a B-list action star on the mean streets of Hollywood drags the wannabe gumshoe into a world of strippers, mobsters…and the wildest (and only!) case of his career!  See who lives, who dies, and who gets the Tiger Blood knocked outta them in the first four issues of the fast, funny smash hit new crime series from Image Comics!

Collects BLUE ESTATE #1-4

“One of the best new series this year!”
— PopMatters

“Blue Estate is one of the best new series I’ve read in 2011 and that’s not something I say lightly.”
— Ranting & Raving

CARBON GREY, VOL. 1: SISTERS AT WAR TP
story HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS, PAUL GARDNER & MIKE KENNEDY
art / cover HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS & KINSUN LOH

SEPTEMBER 14
96 PAGES / FC / T+
STANDARD SIZE
$9.99

To a noble family twins are born; Mathilde and Giselle, the Sisters Grey. For centuries the Greys have protected the Kaiser, ruler of Mitteleuropa – but this is a different time. At the dawn of the industrial age a great war rages. When the Kaiser is found dead Giselle is accused of his murder. Pursued by her sisters and hunted by the enemy Giselle must unravel the prophecy of the Carbon Grey before history itself is rewritten. ‘Sisters at War’ includes all three issues of the sold-out first arc plus deleted scenes, concept art and additional new content.

THE DARKNESS COMPENDIUM, VOL. 2 TP
story JENKINS, MARZ, HESTER, TIERI, LAPHAM, & FIALKOV
art KEOWN, BROUSSARD, PORTACIO, LUCAS, MONTIEL, & DENHAM
cover BROUSSARD

SEPTEMBER 28
1280 PAGES / FC / T+
STANDARD SIZE
$59.99

The twisted journey of Jackie Estacado, bearer of The Darkness, an elemental force that allows those who wield it access to an otherworldly dimension and control over the demons who dwell there, continues! Follow Jackie as he returns from Hell itself to seek revenge against the Franchetti mob family, rises to Don, becomes a Kingpin, and falls from grace in these stories by Top Cow’s Finest.

Collects THE DARKNESS vol. 2 #1-24, THE DARKNESS vol. 3 #1-10, THE DARKNESS #75-89 & more!

ELEPHANTMEN, VOL. 4: QUESTIONABLE THINGS TP
story RICHARD STARKINGS
art MORITAT, AXEL MEDELLIN & MARIAN CHURCHLAND
cover BOO COOK

SEPTEMBER 21
312 PAGES / FC / M
OVERSIZED
$24.99

A MAPPO sleeper cell has been reactivating Elephantmen, affecting not only the lives of Hip Flask and Ebony Hide but Vanity Case, Miki, Sahara and LAPD Lieutenant Blackthorne as well.

Collects ELEPHANTMEN #24-30

GREEN WAKE, VOL. 1 TP
story KURTIS J. WIEBE
art / cover RILEY ROSSMO

SEPTEMBER 21
136 PAGES / FC / M
STANDARD SIZE
$16.99

“Green Wake is the strongest debut of 2011.” – CBR

The highly acclaimed, repeat sellout series from writer KURTIS J. WIEBE and artist RILEY ROSSMO is a riveting tale of loss and horror. In the forgotten town of Green Wake, a string of grisly mutilations leads Morley Mack on the trail of a young woman named Ariel, who is the prime suspect. But when a stranger with startling connections to Ariel arrives under mysterious circumstances, Morley unravels a dark plot with a surprising link to his past.

Collects GREEN WAKE #1-5

MORIARTY, VOL. 1 TP
story DANIEL COREY
art / cover  ANTHONY DIECIDUE

SEPTEMBER 7
128 PAGES / FC / T
STANDARD SIZE
$14.99

“THE DARK CHAMBER” Part One
It is the dawn of World War I, and Sherlock Holmes has been dead for 20 years. Holmes’ enemy — Professor James Moriarty — is a lost man. MI5 blackmails Moriarty into finding Holmes’ long-lost brother, Mycroft, but what at first appears to be a routine case leads to a web of intrigue that involves a psychic box and its creator, a woman from Moriarty’s past, and a new villain that threatens to be greater than Moriarty ever was!

Collects MORIARTY #1-4

SAVAGE DRAGON: THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT TP
story / art / cover ERIK LARSEN

SEPTEMBER 7
128 PAGES / FC / T
STANDARD SIZE
$16.99
Following the devastating conclusion of Emperor Dragon Malcolm and Angel Dragon have to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Introducing new villains Cutthroat Kid, Thunder-Head and Warren Terror as well as returning favorites Mr. Glum, the Absorbanoids and Monster Rex! Featuring a new Mighty Man, the Golden Age Daredevil and a cast of thousands! Comes with our highest possible recommendation!

Collects SAVAGE DRAGON #169-174

SPAWN: ORIGINS, VOL. 12 TP
story TODD McFARLANE & BRIAN HOLGUIN
art GREG CAPULLO, DANNY MIKI, TODD McFARLANE & CHANCE WOLF
cover CLAYTON CRAIN

SEPTEMBER 14
152 PAGES / FC / T+
STANDARD SIZE
$14.99

The Freak returns with an agenda of his own and Sam and Twitch are caught in the middle. Will Spawn come to their aid or will his apathy be the end of the detectives? Throw Wolfram the Vampire and the Heap in the mix and who knows what’ll happen! Relive the excitement of one of the best-selling independent comics of all time and grow your SPAWN: ORIGINS collection!

SPAWN: ORIGINS BOOK 4 HC
story TODD McFARLANE & ALAN MOORE
art GREG CAPULLO, TODD McFARLANE, TONY DANIEL & KEVIN CONRAD
cover GREG CAPULLO

SEPTEMBER 7
325 PAGES / FC / T+
OVERSIZED
$29.99

Revisit epic battles and relive the introduction of many new characters into the Spawn universe such as the Tiffany, Cy-gor, the Curse and Tremor. Includes the classic “Christmas” issue as well as the double-sized issue 50!

Extra features include color and b/w cover gallery and behind-the-scenes art. All this and more in an oversized, hardcover format complete with a wraparound painted cover by master SPAWN artist GREG CAPULLO. Grow your family of SPAWN: ORIGINS collection of books with this latest stellar addition.

Collects SPAWN #38-50

TWILIGHT GUARDIAN TP
story TROY HICKMAN
art SID KOTIAN, BILL FARMER & REZA
cover KEU CHA

SEPTEMBER 14
160 PAGES / FC / T+
STANDARD SIZE
$19.99

PILOT SEASON WINNER!
The entire tale of a lone, dedicated hero patrolling her nine block suburban neighborhood that captured the imaginations of fans during 2008’s Pilot Season and after heated voting emerged as one of the winning titles is finally collected! Creator and writer TROY HICKMAN (COMMON GROUNDS) along with artist SID KOTIAN (EAT THE DEAD) delves into Twilight Guardian’s past, her motivations for crime-fighting, and even give her an arch-nemesis in the terrifying Dusk Devil!

Collects TWILIGHT GUARDIAN #1-#4 along with the original PILOT SEASON: TWILIGHT GUARDIAN #1 with a cover gallery, behind-the-scenes insights and more!

ULTRA: SEVEN DAYS DELUXE HC
story JOSHUA LUNA
art / cover  JONATHAN LUNA

SEPTEMBER 14
248 PAGES / FC / T+
OVERSIZED
$74.99 / S&N LTD ED $99.99

This edition collects the complete run of ULTRA: SEVEN DAYS in an oversized hardcover and slipcase format. In Spring City, where superheroes blur the line between law enforcement and celebrity, Pearl Penalosa, AKA Ultra, is a workaholic. At the prestigious agency, Heroine Inc., she has earned a legion of fans, a nomination for “Best Heroine of the Year,” and a perfect life. Well…almost perfect.  A chance encounter with a mysterious fortune teller prophesizes true love for Pearl within seven days. Limited signed and numbered edition includes an exclusive print.

LIMITED TO INITIAL ORDERS. THESE EDITIONS WILL NEVER BE PRINTED AGAIN!

Collects ULTRA: SEVEN DAYS #1-8

UNDYING LOVE, VOL. 1 TP
story / art / cover TOMM COKER & DANIEL FREEDMAN

SEPTEMBER 21
102 PAGES / FC / M
STANDARD SIZE
$14.99

A tale of horror-action, equal parts vampire mythology and Chinese folklore, set in modern day Hong Kong. Ex-soldier John Sargent has fallen for a beautiful Chinese woman named Mei. The only thing keeping the star-crossed lovers apart: she’s a vampire. To free Mei from the curse, Sargent sets out to destroy the vampire that made her. The only problem: Mei was turned by one of the most powerful vampires in history…

Collects UNDYING LOVE #1-4

THE WALKING DEAD 2012 CALENDAR
art & cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

SEPTEMBER 7
26 PAGES / FC / T+
$14.99

13 of the most heart-stopping images from comics’ premiere horror series!

THE WALKING DEAD LOGO T-SHIRT

SEPTEMBER 21
S-XL $24.99
XXL $27.99

Show off your love for THE WALKING DEAD!

50 GIRLS 50 #4 (of 4)
story FRANK CHO & DOUG MURRAY
art AXEL MEDELLIN
cover FRANK CHO

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

THE END IS HERE!

FRANK CHO (X-MEN: SCHISM), DOUG MURRAY (THE ‘NAM) and AXEL MEDELLIN (ELEPHANTMEN) bring the first chapter of the of the ESS Savannah saga to its epic conclusion as the crew unknowingly has a traitor within their ranks. Has their entire universe-spanning search for home been planned since the beginning? It’s looking like it and what results isn’t pretty.

ALL NIGHTER  #4 (of 5)
story DAVID HAHN
art / cover DAVID HAHN

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / BW / T
$2.99

“STEALING SCENES,” Part Four
In this penultimate issue, the gang throws a wild Halloween party at the diner, which will turn out to be the last event there for any of them.  After Kit reveals to Martha the truth behind her mother’s death, Martha vanishes and a police investigation begins.

AVENGELYNE #3
story ROB LIEFELD & MARK POULTON
art OWEN GIENI
cover A ROB LIEFELD
cover B OWEN GIENI

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

“DEVIL IN THE FLESH,” Conclusion
The thrilling conclusion to the first story arc! Has Hell found its new second in command? As Avengelyne battles the serial killer Torment, the Red Dragon shows his true form in battle against Passover!

BOMB QUEEN VII: QUEEN’S WORLD #2 (of 4)
story / art / cover JIMMIE ROBINSON

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / FC / M
$3.50

Bomb Queen brings her reign of horror on the new world order and only one person can stop her: ShadowHawk! But these aren’t your classic heroes and villains. This is world domination 2.0 fought on a global scale in the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Don’t miss out!

‘BREED III #5 (of 6)
story / art / cover JIM STARLIN

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

“INVASION!”
‘Breed swam all over Elsewhere, hunting for Raymond, Zoe and Pat, the Prodigal.  But is Pat really the savior everyone’s been waiting for? Plus Ray gets very unexpected allies in his battle against the Fathers.

BUTCHER BAKER, THE RIGHTEOUS MAKER #7
story JOE CASEY
art / cover MIKE HUDDLESTON

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

And, lo, a day of reckoning shall arrive. On that fateful day, mountains will crumble, seas will boil, Hell will freeze… and the collision course between Butcher Baker, Arnie B. Willard and Jihad Jones reaches its apocalyptic zenith! All this, and Tyler too!

BUTCHER BAKER BLOWS UP YOUR BRAIN BETTER THAN DYNAMITE!

CHEW #22
story JOHN LAYMAN
art / covers ROB GUILLORY

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

“MAJOR LEAGUE CHEW,” Part Two
Two captives. Two kidnappers.

DAOMU #7
story KENNEDY XU & COLIN JOHNSON
art / cover KEN CHOU

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

Sean is lured back into the fold with a trip into the legendary sunken tomb of Cang Hai Wang. Against his better judgment, Sean must collaborate with Coral and hopefully get a crucial piece of the puzzle concerning his mysterious past…

‘

ELEPHANTMEN #36
story RICHARD STARKINGS
art AXEL MEDLLIN
cover  MORITAT & AXEL MEDLLIN

SEPTEMBER 21
40 PAGES / FC / M
$3.99

“THE KILLING SEASON,” Part One
Hip’s remark “Seems like the Elephantmen are in season,” continues to ring true.

EPOCH #2 (of 5)
story KEVIN McCARTHY
art PAOLO PANTALENA & JORGE FARES
cover PAOLO PANTALENA & PAOLO BARBIERI

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES / FC / M
$3.99

MURDER MEETS MAYHEM!
Down the rabbit hole. Spiraling into the shadowy world of the Supernatural, Detective Jonah Wright races to solve the murder of his partner, the Archangel Michael. For the first time in millennia, the Supernatural Council will enact Epoch, an ancient fighting tournament that will determine Michael’s successor. But how will Jonah, a mere human, beat the dirty politics and ancient customs of his Supernatural ancestry? Well, if you can’t beat ’em…

GLADSTONE’S SCHOOL FOR WORLD CONQUERORS #5
story MARK ANDREW SMITH
art / cover ARMAND VILLAVERT

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / E
$2.99

After finding old comic books in which the hero beats their parents again and again, the Gladstone’s cadets band together to go head to head against the old superhero in an effort to restore their parents’ villainous honor! Then things go horribly wrong…

GØDLAND #36
story JOE CASEY
art / cover TOM SCIOLI

SEPTEMBER 28
48 PAGES / FC / T+
$3.99

BOOK THIRTY-SIX: GOTTERDAMMERAGNAHABHARATA
The universe performs the ultimate act of self-love, so make sure you’re there to rub one out with Adam Archer and the rest of his cosmic crew! You got questions? This issue’s got all the answers!

DOUBLE-SIZED ISSUE! OVER 40 PAGES OF STORY!

AD COPY: YOU GOTTA LOSE YOUR MIND IN GØDLAND RØCK CITY!

GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES #4 (of 4)
story MARK SABLE
art / cover  PAUL AZACETA

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

MINISERIES CONCLUSION!
The shocking cause of the zombie outbreak in Afghanistan is finally revealed. The only way for our uneasy alliance of Marines and Taliban have is to turn the zombies against their creators.  Find out who – if anyone – will survive The Graveyard of Empires.

HACK/SLASH #8
story TIM SEELEY
art DANIEL LEISTER
cover A DANIEL LEISTER & RACHELLE ROSENBERG
cover B  ERIK JONES

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES/ FC / T+
$3.50

“FAME MONSTER,” Conclusion
Cassie and Vlad have been split up, as the killer stalks sextape star/wanna-be rocker, Anna Pouperheus backstage.  But, The Neflords are seconds away from taking over NYC. What to save?! Celebrity culture will be skewered…literally. Also, Pooch and Cat Curio team up! “FAME MONSTER” concludes with a scream!

THE INFINITE #2
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover ROB LIEFELD

incentive covers
1:25 ROB LIEFELD
1:50 ROB LIEFELD & TODD McFARLANE

SEE ORDER FORM FOR MORE DETAILS!

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99

Bowen’s mission has begun. The Infinite are on the move and their attempt to take over the world is underway. He must now train his younger self, Bo for the coming war… but is he ready? Could Bowen be leading himself to his own death?

THE INFINITE #2 DELUXE EDITION
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover ROB LIEFELD

SEPTEMBER 14
48 PAGES / FC / T
$5.99

This Deluxe Edition of THE INFINITE #2 comes loaded with mountains of behind the scenes sketches and illustrations by ROB LIEFELD and piles of notes and script pages by ROBERT KIRKMAN. Much like your favorite extras-filled DVDs, this version will give you a glimpse behind the curtain to see all the usually unseen work that goes into the creation of a comic book.

INVINCIBLE #86
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover CORY WALKER

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

CORY WALKER RETURNS TO INVINCIBLE!
Allen thinks he’s doing what’s right – what must be done, but could he be wrong? Nolan and Young Omni-Man must do whatever it takes to prevent him from completing his mission, could this be the end of Allen The Alien?

THE LI’L DEPRESSED BOY #7
story S. STEVEN STRUBLE
art SINA GRACE
cover STEVE ROLSTON

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99

“WE DIDN’T COME HERE TO ROCK”
Having driven hundreds of miles enduring everything that could go wrong, The Li’l Depressed Boy arrives at his intended destination: A concert by Arizona’s ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD. It’s all smooth sailing from here on out, right? Featuring a cover by GHOST PROJEKT artist and second best mustache in comics, STEVE ROLSTON.

MAGDALENA #9
story RON MARZ
art / cover NELSON BLAKE II, DAVID MARQUEZ, SAL REGLA & DAVE McCAIG

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T
$3.99

BACK MONTHLY!
After a sabbatical, the fan favorite team of RON MARZ (ARTIFACTS, WITCHBLADE), NELSON BLAKE II (PILOT SEASON: MURDERER) and DAVID MARQUEZ (Secret Warriors, Days Missing) return with a monthly MAGDALENA series. Once more under the employ of the Catholic Church, Patience, the current Magdalena and her mentor, Knight of Malta Kristof, are called on to find a piece of the One True Cross.

MARKSMEN #3 (of 6)
script DAVID BAXTER
art JAVIER ARANDA, GARRY LEACH & JESSICA KHOLINNE
cover TOMM COKER

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99

New San Diego is betrayed and its heart is torn in two.  Drake and the Marksman scramble to face the assault on more than one front, but the Trojan Horse has already bolted.

MORNING GLORIES #13
story NICK SPENCER
art JOE EISMA
cover RODIN ESQUEJO

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PGS / FC / M
$2.99

P.E.

“MORNING GLORIES is a miraculous title…, Nick Spencer has found the perfect balance between mystery and character and delivers a riveting comic that also has believable characters with realistic motivations.”
Benjamin Birdie, CBR.com

MYSTERIOUS WAYS #3 (of 6)
story JASON RUBIN
art / cover TYLER KIRKHAM

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / M
$3.99

THIS KILLER JUST SAVED YOUR LIFE…
The pieces are starting to come together for Sam, the alcoholic ex-cop turned serial killer suspect… literally. The pieces of silver in Sam’s pocket are starting to form a picture, but if Sam is going to escape Agent Zassel he will need to make a leap of faith. Video game industry titan JASON RUBIN (THE IRON SAINT, Crash Bandicoot) teams with TYLER KIRKHAM (GREEN LANTERN CORPS) to bring a dark, action-packed supernatural thriller that will have you questioning everything you believe.

RED SPIKE #5 (of 5)
story JEFF CAHN
art MARK TEXEIRA, SALVADOR NAVARRO & IFANSYAH NOOR
cover MARK TEXEIRA

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99

MINISERIES CONCLUSION
After the casualties mount up Coughlin vies for control of Red Spike. If he does, Moyer will be court-martialed. Matt Cutler is the golden ticket each side needs to win. Power breeds arrogance and often times, relinquishing that power is the most difficult part of having had it in the first place. Will Moyer’s stand be enough to protect his program? Will Matt stand with his Mentor? Or is Red Spike destined to be torn down by its own favored son? Find out in this thrilling climax of RED SPIKE’s first mission.

THE RED WING #3 (of 4)
story JONATHAN HICKMAN
art / cover NICK PITARRA & RACHELLE ROSENBERG

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES / FC / T
$3.50

“HARMONICS”
The shocking enemy revealed as the final conflict for dominion of all space-time begins.

It’s World War 4D! Don’t miss it!

REED GUNTHER #4
story SHANE HOUGHTON
art / cover CHRIS HOUGHTON

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / E
$2.99

“REED GUNTHER IN FISH OUT OF SLAUGHTER!”
Reed and his trusty steed Sterling must fight their way through the wild, wild… East? The out-of-place cowboy searches New York City for the monster-creating Idol and his missing friends while being pursued by the President’s best monster-fighting government agent!

SAMURAI’S BLOOD #4 (of 6)
story OWEN WISEMAN
art NAM KIM, MATTHEW DALTON & SAKTI YUMONO
cover JO CHEN

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99

Tensions rise as Katashi’s impatience and lack of foresight create greater obstacles for freeing Mayuko. But when the proud samurai Tokugawa Daigan desires a battle with Katashi in the arena, Jun makes a decision that puts both Katashi and Mayuko at risk.

SAVAGE DRAGON #176
story / art / cover ERIK LARSEN

SEPTEMBER 28
48 PAGES / FC / T+
$4.99

OVERLORD TRIUMPHANT
It’s Malcolm Dragon vs. his father’s greatest foe! But what chance does a high school freshman have against Chicago’s notorious crime boss? And if that isn’t enough – an alien invasion is on its way! And Angel Dragon has problems of her own!

SCREAMLAND #4
story HAROLD SIPE & CHRISTOPHER SEBELA
art LEE LESLIE
cover HECTOR CASANOVA

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

“DEATH OF THE PARTY,” Part Four
Time is running out to find Invisible Man’s murderer and there’s just one name left on the list of suspects: Robrain. Hitting the road to track him down, Carl and Travis will wade into an ocean of secrets, including one so huge it threatens to break up their bromance for good.

SEVERED #2
story SCOTT SNYDER & SCOTT TUFT
art / cover ATTILA FUTAKI

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

“NEW SKIN”
Jack learns the road is full of swindlers. And in Chicago, the most devious one awaits him: a travelling-salesman with shark-like-teeth who craves the flesh of the innocent.
SCOTT SNYDER (American Vampire, Detective Comics), SCOTT TUFT and ATTILA FUTAKI (Percy Jackson) are back with 2011’s most terrifying horror series. SEVERED.

SHINKU #4
story RON MARZ
art / cover LEE MODER, MATTHEW WAITE & MICHAEL ATIYEH

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

“THRONE OF BLOOD,” Part Four
As Shinku closes in upon an ultimate weapon to destroy the vampire clan, the vampires close in on her and her allies. There will be blood! But whose? The sellout monthly series from Ron Marz and Lee Moder races toward the climax of its first story arc!

SKULLKICKERS #11
story JIM ZUB
art EDWIN HUANG & MISTY COATS
cover SAEJIN OH

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99

“FIVE FUNERALS AND A BUCKET OF BLOOD,” Part Five of Five
-oblem with solicitations, right? You have to make people believe in the book, your dependability and tap into their excitement for comics in 50 words or less. It’s tough, especially when so much gets hyped to a ludicrous “Nothing will ever be the same” level, leaving them nowhere els-

SPAWN #211
story WILL CARLTON
art SZYMON KUDRANSKI & TODD MCFARLANE
cover SZYMON KUDRANSKI

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

“VIOLATION OF TRUST,” Part One
Jim discovers the shocking truth about the Clown’s origins and motivations, prompting a violent showdown that’s been building since issue 185: JIM vs. CLOWN!

THE VAULT #2 (of 3)
story SAM SARKAR
art  GARRIE GASTONNY & SAKTI YUWONO
cover GARRIE GASTONNY & BAGUS HUTOMO

AUGUST 31
32 PAGES / FC / T
$3.50

A small team of treasure hunters struggles to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits Sable Island, the Graveyard of the North Atlantic..  Equipped with all the latest technology, the scientists believe they are prepared against all of nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash from the Vault.

VESCELL #2
story ENRIQUE CARRION
art / cover JOHN UPCHURCH

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99

Braving dangerous damsels and vengeful villains. Agent Mauricio “moo” Barrino’s intriguing cases leave him stuck between the most dangerous sibling rivalry, and an artificial intelligence who wants a baby.

THE WALKING DEAD #89
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / BW / M
$2.99

He has gone too far.

THE WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #36
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / BW / M
$2.99

Marriage proposal.

THE WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #37
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES / BW / M
$2.99

The ninth month begins…

THE WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #38
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / BW / M
$2.99

Preparation for war.

THE WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #39
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

SEPTEMBER 28
32 PAGES / BW / M
$2.99

BIRTH.

WITCH DOCTOR #4 (of 4)
story BRANDON SEIFERT
art / cover LUKAS KETNER

SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99

It’s Dr. Morrow’s toughest challenge yet: a magical malpractice hearing!  Mystics Without Borders wants answers.  Why did the case of the “Patient from the Black Lagoon” go so wrong?  What’s the biological secret of the Deep Ones, and their connection to the ‘Great Old Infections’?  And how do you fight an epidemic that’s turning people into fish-people?  Find out, in the finale of the debut miniseries from Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Originals line!

“WITCH DOCTOR has the potential to be the next great horror story in the comic industry.” – Bloody Disgusting

Hello again everyone! I’m back to talk comics with you. For the time being, until I really get into the swing of things, I’m going to be talking about comics that I read and am excited to see out this week, and also talking about some of the new comics out this week.

There’s no better way to start this than to just jump right in, so without further adieu, I give you my comic picks for the week!

Batgirl #22- Stephanie Brown has been one of my favorite incarnations of Batgirl from the start. She’s funny, cute, and smart but at her core, she’s kind of a ditzy blonde. She’s constantly trying to prove herself, and that’s one of the things I love about her character. Also, the interactions between her and Damian, are some of the funniest dialogue I’ve ever read. This month, Stephanie goes to London on a top-secret assignment. When the Greenwhich Mean is stolen, it’s up to Batgirl and Squire to save the U.K.!

Cinderella Fables Are Forever #5 (of 6)- Cinderella, Prince Charming’s third wife, (yup, THAT Cinderella) is an assassin and spy when she’s not running her shoe store, The Glass Slipper. In this issue, Cinderella and Ivan Durack have tracked her longtime nemesis from Switzerland to the Deadly Desert of Oz. Cinderella barely survived her last encounter with her nemesis, which begs the question; Will Cinderella survive until the end of this series?

Dr. Who #6- Welcome to Multiworld! A fluctuating rift complex filled with every historical location possible! Be a cowboy! A Roman! A knight! But when a crash-landing Sontaran survey vessel merges the rifts, the Doctor, Amy, and Rory each find themselves in different worlds-and in peril! And where did the Sontarans go?

Grimm Fairy Tales Myths and Legends #6- The Dream Eater continues its path of destruction tearing through the Grimm Fairy Tale universe and has now turned its attention to one of the most evil beings in all existence, Baba Yaga. Now Baba Yaga must join forces with her archenemy, the guardian of Earth, Samantha, to put a stop to the Dream Eater once and for all.

Supergirl #65- Lois Lane contacts Supergirl about a series of mysterious disappearances on a college campus. When the girls discover the truth about who is behind the kidnappings, it puts Supergirl in the path of one of DCU’s greatest villains.

Tiny Titans #41- Tiny Titans is one of my most beloved comic book series ever. It’s great for kids and adults alike. Art Baltazar, co-writer and artist of TT, is a great guy. I met him at NYCC last year, and he did a Ms. Marvel sketch for me in crayon, for free. He’s a full time art teacher, and he writes and draws TT in his “spare time”. This month is the all Flash issue. This issue also introduces Jessie Quick and features Inertia and Mas y Menos.

So, that’s what I’m reading this week. In addition to what I like there are also a number of DC’s “Flashpoint” limited series coming out. This list includes the following:

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1 (of 3)

Flashpoint: Grodd of War #1 (of 3)

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom starring Heatwave #1 (of 3)

Flashpoint Wonder Woman And The Furies #1 (of 3)

In other limited series news, Marvel is also launching an eight part series about everyone’s favorite Canadian Super Hero team, Alpha Flight!

Alpha Flight #1 (of 8)- Alpha Flight has long been the protector of an entire nation…but what happens when that nation needs to be protected from itself? Sasquatch, Snowbird, Northstar and Aurora have been joined by their revived allies Guardian, Vindicator, Shaman, and Marrina as the paragons and protectors of an entire nation. But as FEAR ITSELF takes over, their own country turns on the Flight and brands them traitors for the shocking actions of one of their closest allies. As the borders close and an entire nation hunts them down, will the newly reunited Alpha Flight survive?

In addition to all of these comics, the 14th trade paperback of “The Walking Dead” is also out this week, so make sure you pick it up, because you know you’ll have it read within an hour.

To see all of the comic books out this week, click HERE for the full list from Previews World.

Of all the writers on Big Shiny Robot, when it comes to comics I would consider myself near the bottom of the barrel. I know a decent amount of characters but I can only name a handful of writers and probably only one or two artists. One of the things I do know is we here at Big Shiny Robot often get review copies of weekly image comics books and as a fan I do like to read these books. But when it comes to what I choose to read there’s little decision besides what the look of the cover is and what issue it is. So it is a crap shoot, I may have all good or all bad reviews, not really sure each week. This week I’ll be presenting them from worst to first and I have three books to review.

Graveyard of Empires #1: Afghanistan is known as the Graveyard of Empires and this comic does take place there. It follows a very Marine or Army type of story and I’ve never been very big on army type comics which is probably why I didn’t like this comic. However the final page of the comic does have a really interesting moment which is what is going to be the big plot twist in the series. If I do read the second issue I’ll reveal what this twist is. You can look it up but I won’t spoil it here.

When does this come out: June 15
Cost: $2.99
Will I read on: At least one more to see if this plot is going anywhere.
Will I buy it: Probably not. Unless the second issue is very strong I’ll be skipping it.

Samurai’s Blood #1: This comic is one of those Samurai in Japan comics which Japanese companies tend to do better. This one does have a decent start, with the man deciding to kill everyone in the family and one man living through it. One of the things I do like is that this is a 6 issue series which makes me more willing to read it all. The art is also pretty good so I think I’ll be keeping up with it.

When does this come out: June 8
Cost: $1.00
Will I read on: Being as how it’s just 6 issues I will definitely read on.
Will I buy it: The price is good and there are only six issues. This is one I’ll pick up.

Deadlands: The Devil’s Six Gun — This is my favorite book of the week. It’s a one shot which is always something I like. Looking it up it seems there are going to be a number of different Deadlands comics throughout the summer. Different writers and artists doing different western/steampunk type comics. This one is about an inventor looking to create a weapon which can kill the devil. The writing is really good and the story is quite excellent. This one does make me excited to check out the rest of the series this summer. It also has a small comic at the end which has 4 parts so I imagine they’ll show up in other one shots.

When does this come out: June 15
Cost: $2.99
Will I read on: I’m excited to see where they go with this.
Will I buy it: Yes indeed.

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Once again, we have a huge roundup of Image Comics releasing this week! There are some gems this week, such as the oft-delayed Science Dog Special #2, Everyone’s favorite stitch together hipster, The Li’l Depressed Boy #4, and if you missed it on Free Comic Book Day, the Super Dinosaur Origin Special!  Dive in, there is about 45 pages of comic-y goodness to be had!

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THE DARKNESS: FOUR HORSEMEN #4 (OF 4)

story DAVID HINE
art & cover JEFF WAMESTER

The Darkest Tale of The Darkness Yet!
Apocalypse has come to Ginsberg, CA! Two ominous powers arrive in town, one of ultimate light and the other of deepest darkness, and Jackie Estacado is trapped between them. The Four Horsemen are ascending to their full power. Can Jackie muster the power to prevent the end of the world?
From David Hine (Batman: Arkham Asylum) and up-and-coming artist Jeff Wamester (Frenemy of the State).

MAY 18
32 PAGES / FC
$3.99

[nggallery id=76]

DRUMS #1 (of 4)

story EL TORRES
art  ABE HERNANDO & KWAICHANG KRANEO
cover RAUL ALLEN

MAY 18
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

“LET THE BATÁA SPEAK”

In our world there exists an ancient religion with many names and   many disguises: Candomble, Palo Mayombe, Santeria… Voodoo. FBI   agent Martin Irons is sent to investigate the sudden deaths of an   entire gathering of followers at a ceremony, an assignment horrible enough before one of the mangled corpses rises and leads him on a sinister path. A new horror story with possesions, santeros, zombies… all set to the thunderous boom of drums!

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LAST MORTAL #1 (of 4)

story JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
art & cover RASHAN EKEDAL

MAY 18
38 PAGES / FC
$2.99

Alec King is a born loser. A small time criminal who has never succeeded at anything in life and whose fear of failure has crippled him. When his only friend, Brian, the brains and charm of their two-man operation, convinces Alec to help him with a hit contract on a mayoral candidate his life unravels to rock bottom. But sometimes we need to hit rock bottom to begin the climb towards a better day…

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THE LI’L DEPRESSED BOY #4

story S. STEVEN STRUBLE
art & cover SINA GRACE

MAY 18
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

“THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT”

After birthdays, concerts, bowling and house parties, The Li’l Depressed Boy feels closer to his dream girl more than ever before. In this issue: A new friend, some fried rice, and a kiss.

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SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #2

Story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover CORY WALKER

MAY 18
32 PAGES / FC
$3.50

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE. FIGHT EVIL WITH SCIENCE!

Collecting the never before reprinted Science Dog back-up story from INVINCIBLE #75, as well as the ALL-NEW full-length, never-before-seen conclusion of the story!

This story has been years in the making-don’t miss its epic conclusion!

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SUPER DINOSAUR ORIGIN SPECIAL #1

story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover JASON HOWARD

MAY 18
$2.99

Super Dinosaur is finally here!

In this stand-alone origin special, you will learn everything there is to know about Derek Dynamo’s best friend, Super Dinosaur! Where did he come from? How did he avoid extinction? What is Inner-Earth? And what the heck is DynOre and why is it so dangerous?! All this and more will be revealed – don’t miss out!

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THE WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #20

story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art CHARLIE ADLARD
cover TONY MOORE

MAY 18
32 PAGES / BW
$2.99

After the earth shattering events of past issues, Lori is left dealing with the choices she’s made and the events that have transpired of no fault of her own. Meanwhile steps are made to turn the prison into a home. Things are winding down and life is becoming more bearable. If only they could forget what they just went through.

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

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WITCHBLADE #144

story RON MARZ
art STJEPAN SEJIC
cover STJEPAN SEJIC, JEAN-SEBASTIEN ROSSBACH

May 18
#4.99

Witchblade 15th Anniversary Issue!

In 1995, Marc Silvestri, Michael Turner, David Wohl, and Brian Haberlin created a new kind of comic heroine with the origin of Sara Pezzini, the latest in a long line of bearers of the mystical gauntlet known as the Witchblade. In an over-sized 15th Anniversary issue, Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic tell Sara’s origin from a new perspective, planting seeds that soon will bear deadly fruit!

Featuring two spellbinding covers including a wraparound retrospective by series artist Sejic and an iconic painting by fantasy illustrator Jean-Sebastien Rossbach (Magic: The Gathering). Also including special anniversary features, pin ups, and much more! Plus ask your retailer about a FREE matching digital download of this issue with purchase.

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ZERO: JM KEN NIIMURA ILLUSTRATION ‘07–‘09 TP

art & design JM KEN NIIMURA

MAY 18
96 PAGES / FC
$12.99

ZERO is a selection of gorgeous illustrations by I KILL GIANTS artist JM KEN NIIMURA. This beautiful volume collects several of Niimura’s dynamic and vibrant illustrations, which were published in magazines, books and advertisements during the 2007–2009 period.

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

A mere glance at the cover of Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors projects an endless stream of possibilities and “what ifs”  into the minds of even the most casual of comic book fans. Like a movie trailer that seems to tell you everything but knows you’ll still beg for more, this high concept gem is well worthy of the recent buzz it’s been receiving.

Again, the cover in many ways says it all – we’re clearly dealing with something akin to the Xavier institute for Gifted Youngsters but for aspiring Super-Villains. This use of a somewhat familiar setting along with a Masterpiece Theatre style introduction quickly orients the reader to the rich new world laid out before them before dropping you right in the middle of the drama. Literally, drama class where our antagonist protagonist Kid Nefarious cackles his best monologue while minding his enunciation and scraping for the punchiest adjectives.

While the comedic tone and character focus is set early on, the book wastes no time in bombarding the reader with scores of new villains and subplots touching off what I feel gives this book potential for real staying power: Universal appeal, plain and simple. It is far too rare that a comic hits the shelves that can challenge and entertain the youngest of readers without talking down to them while at the same time fully engaging adult readers without the use of hollow pop cultural references, sexual innuendo, poop jokes or grannies who can rap. It’s a delicate balance of Pixarian proportions but Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors pulls it off in spades.

While there is a whole lot of story crammed into this first issue it should be no shock to reveal that my favorite part was recess. You don’t have to scratch your head too long to figure out how cool recess at this school could be. Recess is where true colors emerge, cliques form and true baddies take shape, baddies like the Skull Brothers. In a school full of bad guys, the Skull Brothers are the baddest of the bad and they are sooo cool. Picture the Cobra Kai (Karate Kid) being adopted into the Baseball Furies (The Warriors) then possessed by the spirit of Lo Pan (Big Trouble in Little China) with Glen Danzig on vocals… The Skull Brothers are kind of like that – adding a deeper layer of fear and danger to school that knows a thing or two about both. This demonic duo with their dark and mysterious past promise plenty of cool plot threads to come while commanding the school yard scuffle that serves as this issue’s main action set piece.

Really and truly this first issue plants many enticing seeds and paints a vivid and exciting backdrop for many stories to come and I for one plan on being there for the ride – even if I have to steal my son’s copy.

I could go on but I’ll just cut to the chase here – I highly recommend you pick up Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors for yourself, for a human cub of some relation or for a perfect stranger. It’s hits shelves today via Image Comics and if you’re comic book shop doesn’t keep a decent stock of Image comics on the shelves, well I guess you’ll just have to start insisting that they do.

Image Comics in the interests of letting you, the reader, sample their titles have deluged us with a bevy of first looks to show you!  We’ve got a total of ten previews for you to check out. All of these books will be hitting the shops this week. Most will hit on May 4th, but a couple will drop on the 7th, for Free Comic Book Day. At any rate, enjoy all of these, are try not to let it overwhelm you!

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ARTIFACTS #7

story RON MARZ
art WHILCE PORTACIO
cover JP LEON, JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
MAY 4

32 PAGES / FC / LIMITED SERIES
$3.99

THE ART OF WAR!
Distracted by the battle with Cyberforce and the android assassin Aphrodite IV, the Artifact Bearers trying to prevent the end of the Top Cow Universe are unaware that,†in a distant corner of the world,†the war might already be lost. The mysterious 13th†Artifact Bearer holds in his hands the power to tip the scales. Has he already been seduced by the villainous architect of the master plan?
From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and legendary artist Whilce Portacio (The Darkness, Uncanny X-Men) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. Featuring a gorgeous cover by JP Leon (Winter Men, Earth X) as well as a variant cover featuring Ian Nottingham by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).
Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar artist.

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GLADSTONE’S SCHOOL FOR WORLD CONQUERORS #1

story MARK ANDREW SMITH
art & cover ARMAND VILLAVERT

MAY 4
40 PAGES / FC
$2.99

Welcome to Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors, a top-secret academy for the children of the world’s greatest super villains to learn the trade. Join us as Kid Nefarious, Mummy Girl, Martian Jones, Ghost Girl, and the infamous Skull brothers unearth the School’s and their parents’ hidden past.

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RED SPIKE #1 (of 5)

story JEFF KAHN
art SALVADOR NAVARRO & IFANSYAH NOOR
cover MARK TEXIERA

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$1.00

“ADRENALINE”
It’s been over 70 years since the world first began its research into creating a Super Soldier. In 2011, the United States successfully created not one, but two. The latest in US Black Ops, Project Red Spike discovered that through the manipulation and regulation of the adrenal glands the super soldier was one step closer. The first (surviving) successes of the program, two close friends Matt Cutler and Greg Dane, have been proven on the field to be everything that was wanting in the program. But what happens when an adrenaline regulator malfunctions? What happens should one man refuse to follow orders if he finds out the true price they had to pay for these abilities and goes AWOL? How do we stop him? What price becomes too high?

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DARKNESS 2 PREQUEL FCBD 2011 EDITION

story MATT HAWKINS & FILIP SABLIK
art SALVADOR NAVARRO & IFANSYAH NOOR
cover MICHAEL BROUSSARD

MAY 7
32 PAGES / FC
$FREE

In anticipation of The Darkness 2 video game, coming out later this year from 2K Games, Top Cow proudly presents an original prequel comic featuring the origin of Jackie Estacado and the saga of The Darkness video game to date!

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BLUE ESTATE #2

story VIKTOR KALVACHEV & ANDREW OSBORNE
art VIKTOR KALVACHEV, NATHAN FOX, TOBY CYPRESS & ROBERT VALLEY
cover VIKTOR KALVACHEV

MAY 6
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

In part two of this fast, funny 100% cool new series for readers of all stripes, Hollywood starlet Rachel Maddox plots with her A.A. sponsor “Johnny” to steal a big pile of dirty money from her shady action star husband, Bruce. What she doesn’t know is that “Johnny’s” a hit man, Bruce wants her dead and her brother Billy just made a deadly deal with a psycho mobster called Tony Luciano! Featuring art by VIKTOR KALVACHEV (PHERONE, DMZ, The Incredibles), NATHAN FOX (Invincible Iron Man, Pigeons From Hell), TOBY CYPRESS (Batman/Nightwing), ROBERT VALLEY (Gorillaz, Tron), written by Emmy Award winning screenwriter ANDREW OSBORNE.

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

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GREEN WAKE #2 (of 5)

story KURTIS J. WIEBE
art & cover RILEY ROSSMO

MAY 4
24 PAGES / FC
$ 3.50

Green Wake claims another mutilated victim and the disfigured body leaves little evidence behind. The secrets of this sleepy town begin to creep through the blood filled cracks when Morley Mack confronts one of its oldest residents. Is the key to stopping another macabre murder in the hands of an insane recluse?

ALL-NEW MINI SERIES! From the creators of THE INTREPIDS, COWBOY NINJA VIKING and PROOF!!

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

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THE INTREPIDS #3

story KURTIS J. WIEBE
art & cover SCOTT KOWALCHUK

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

“A MANBOT NAMED JONAH.”
An adrenaline infused look at the early action days of the Intrepids, learning the realities of a world teetering on the brink of mad scientist hell. With the capture of Dr. Koi’s associate, Jonah, the team discover an important clue to the location of their nefarious nemesis.

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PROOF ENDANGERED #5

story ALEX GRECIAN
art & cover RILEY ROSSMO & FRANK ZIGARELLI

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$3.99

“END… ANGERED”
After burying one of his closest friends, Proof finally confronts his greatest enemy. But will he be able to control his temper? Who will be left standing? It’s the end of an era as the critically-acclaimed miniseries comes to an end.

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THE WALKING DEAD SURVIVOR’S GUIDE #2 (of 4)

story TIM DANIEL & ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

MAY 4
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the cast of The Walking Dead. The Survivor’s Guide is a handy checklist of all the characters who have appeared in the series thus far, alive or dead. This series is a can’t-miss supplement to the hit comic book series that is now a hit TV series on AMC

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THE WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #18

story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art CHARLIE ADLARD
cover TONY MOORE

MAY 4
32 PAGES / BW
$2.99

Rick has gone over the edge. He’s alienating everyone around him — people he’s come to know and trust, his family, his friends. Rick is becoming more and more isolated within the group. Where he goes from here will test the limits of his humanity.

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES