Umbral #4
Story By: Antony Johnston
Art By: Christopher Mitten
Cover By: Christopher Mitten
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: DEC130601
Published: February 26, 2014
“AND BLACK WATERS REMAIN”
Rascal is trapped in the Umbral, Dalone is down and out, and a certain pirate ghost has vengeance on his mind!
THE PARANOID DARK FANTASY CONTINUES!
The team that created Umbral has provided us with a vast and wonderful world filled with atypical heroes and equally strange scary creatures lurking about. Each issue is filled with magnificent art and edge-of-your-seat storytelling. Also, who doesn’t love chase scenes? Last issue gave us plenty to worry about with Rascal and Dalone wondering what happened in the Cave of Black Rojyr’s. The scene was that they were staring at was one of utter destruction that could have only been caused by Umbral. The issue ended with Dalone saving Rascal and Shayim from the Umbral attack and Rascal attempting to spark the Oculus with blood from Shayim’s wound. At the end we see an Umbral shape-shift into Prince Arthir whom we saw die in front Rascal in issue #1.
Since this is going to be a very large story with lots of characters and lands I think it will be important to go over what we know so far before getting into issue #4 and beyond.
We are in a kingdom called Fendin with our main character being Rascal, a poor peasant girl with an attitude and a penchant for thievery and smuggling. Magic and religion are against the law but, of course, whenever you make a law there are people that want to break them. Their are creatures, called Umbral, that we don’t know much about other than the fact that they require a special “Mist” to survive and for power and can sense when it is near. Umbral also seek an object, that Rascal now possesses, called the Oculus which has belonged to the royal family for a long time. It’s exact purpose is still yet unknown. The Umbral have killed the King and Queen and their son, Prince Arthir, but the kingdom folk don’t know that since Umbral can shape-shift and have done so to resemble them. So far Rascal has escaped the city of Strakhelm with the help of a mysterious stranger named Dalone. We like Dalone and it’s fun to read the banter back and forth between him and Rascal. At this point before issue #4 we don’t know if Dalone is alive or not (we are hoping for alive of course) and Shayim and Rascal are surrounded by Umbral after they are discovered in Black Rojyr’s Cave. On to issue #4.
The issue begins right where the last one ended with Rascal and Shayim escaping the Umbral. Rascal touched the Oculus with blood and we learn something new; when that happens they get transported into the Umbrith, a kind of other dimension. I know, this is getting strange, but trust me, it’s a great story. They come across Fadreki’s Fang, Black Rojyr’s ship but have no idea how it’s there since he’s been dead for a very long time. My favorite part of this book are all the elements they add whenever it’s needed, not as a plot twist or some other device. The writer doesn’t need a cliffhanger everywhere to draw audiences. They need a ghost ship, they put a ghost ship in…on page 3! The art is fantastic, but more on that later. Rascal comes across Prince Arthir but we know it’s really an Umbral who shape-shifted, so let’s call him Umbral Arthir.
This probably is the only problem I have with the issue so far. Rascal knows Arthir is dead and she held his arm after it was detached from the rest of his body but she has no problem welcoming him during her escape. Rascal had no problem stabbing Shayim in the leg for suspecting her to be an Umbral but now she does nothing. After their meeting with Umbra Arthir we get to meet for the first time Black Rojyr, the pirate the caves are named after with his ghostly crew mates in tow. They help Rascal and Shayim escape and are friendly enough to fight off the Umbral to give them some time. So, I guess, Rascal finds out that Arthir is an Umbral after all. They get away, and with the advice of Black Rojyr, head for the Endless Ladders. It leads them to a hatch and they barricade it to stop Umbral Arthir from entering. They are welcomed by a man simply named Captain who helps them in finding Profoss Munty.
The B story this issue is the Thieves Guild and Master Gearge, whom we know to be an Umbral as well. What we don’t know is if all the other members, besides Rascal, know if he is an Umbral. They have employed the Kin of the Whispered Blade to seek out the Oculus and return it to them. We also learn that Umbral have families and can be killed but are very strong and resourceful.
Issue #4 is a great read. If you haven’t picked up this book yet I suggest you get the back issues or wait for the trade. If you enjoy stories like Game of Thrones or magic or scary creatures lurking in the shadows then this book has elements from all of them. This issue is definitely coming close to the end of its first arc so the action is thickening and we are learning more with each page turn (I just hope we find out the fate of Dalone before then). The art matches the style of Johnston’s writing perfectly. It’s gritty when needed and smooth and fast when Rascal is on the run. I really love when comics make it so I can’t wait for the next issue and this title delivers with magic and more. Definitely worth your time.
Story: Antony Johnston Art: Christopher Mitten, Jordan Boyd, Thomas Mauer
Story: 9 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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ART / COVER: JASON LATOUR
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
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COVER: BOO COOK
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ART / COVER: ROSS CAMPBELL
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COVER: EMMA RÍOS
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SPECIAL LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICE!
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IMAGE “i” LIMITED EDITION GOLD T-SHIRT
Show your love for Image Comics with an audacious color and classic design!
$19.99 S-XL MEN’S/WOMEN’S
$22.99 XXL MEN’S
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Want to tell your friends about your love of the Rat Queens?
Do it with style and flip them off at the same time!
$19.99 S-XL MEN’S/WOMEN’S
$22.99 XXL MEN’S
THE WALKING DEAD “NEGAN” T-SHIRT
This t-shirt features Negan, leader of the Saviors and villain of “All Out War.”
$19.99 S-XL M/W
$22.99 XXL M
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ART / COVER A: SID KOTIAN & BILL FARMER
COVER B: ARIEL OLIVETTI
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ART / COVER A: SID KOTIAN & BILL FARMER
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ART / COVER: -ROM-
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STORY: RICK REMENDER
ART / COVER: MATTEO SCALERA & DEAN WHITE
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
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STORY: JOE CASEY
ART / COVER: DAVID MESSINA
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
GET READY FOR THE END OF THE WORLD!
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CHEW #41
STORY: JOHN LAYMAN
ART / COVER: ROB GUILLORY
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Vegas!
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STORY: JUSTIN JORDAN
ART / COVER: MATTEO SCALERA & MORENO DINISIO
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
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STORY: RICK REMENDER
ART / COVER: WESLEY CRAIG & LEE LOUGHRIDGE
APRIL 2 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
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STORY: JONATHAN HICKMAN
ART / COVER: NICK DRAGOTTA
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.50
“THE NIGHT BEFORE”
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STORY: STUART MOORE
ART / COVER: GUS STORMS
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STANDALONE ISSUE!
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STORY: ED BRUBAKER
ART: SEAN PHILLIPS & BETTIE BREITWEISER
COVER: SEAN PHILLIPS
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
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STORY: FRANK J. BARBIERE
ART / COVER: CHRIS MOONEYHAM
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
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STORY: ANTONY JOHNSTON
ART / COVER: JUSTIN GREENWOOD
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
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STORY: JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
ART: DAVIDE GIANFELICE & MIROSLAV MRVA
COVER: MATTEO SCALERA
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
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STORY: JOE HARRIS
ART / COVER A: MARTÍN MORAZZO
COVER B: STEVE ROLSTON
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Special “Yalafi” variant cover by STEVE ROLSTON!
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ART / COVER: TODD NAUCK & GABE ELTAEB
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STORY: BRIAN JOINES
ART / COVER: DEAN KOTZ
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+
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STORY: CHRIS DINGESS
ART / COVER: MATTHEW ROBERTS & OWEN GIENI
APRIL 9 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+
/ $2.99
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ART / COVER: MATHEW REYNOLDS
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ART: VICTOR SANTOS
COVER A: MICHAEL AVON OEMING
COVER B: VICTOR SANTOS & CHANDRA FREE
APRIL 16 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
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STORY: JIM McCANN
ART: SAMI BASRI
COVER A: RODIN ESQUEJO
COVER B: JENNY FRISON
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
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APRIL 16 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
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COVER: RODIN ESQUEJO
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“Science.”
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STORY: ERIC STEPHENSON
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COVER: MÖRITAT & FONOGRAFIKS
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
The world is changing.
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STORY: FABRICE SAPOLSKY
ART / COVER: ARIEL OLIVETTI
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
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ART / COVER: TYLER JENKINS
APRIL 9 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
“THE HUNT,” Part Four
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…A magic bullet!
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STORY: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
ART / COVER: GORDON PURCELL & MIKE ATIYEH
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
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STORY / ART / COVER A: BRYAN HITCH
COVER B: KEVIN NOWLAN
COVER C: JOCK
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
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ART / COVER: IAN CHURCHILL
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
With Ignatio the surgically enhanced dwarf as an unexpected ally and a new face stolen from a dead dog, Griffin Franks’ luck is finally looking up! But he still has to fight his way past a gang of corrupt killer cops and get back to Hollywood if he is going to get what he wants most in the world: REVENGE!
REVIVAL #20
STORY: TIM SEELEY
ART: MIKE NORTON
COVER: JENNY FRISON
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Dana sends Ibrahaim after an elusive prey. Em makes a new friend who shares her passion for pain and guilt.
SATELLITE SAM #8
STORY: MATT FRACTION
ART / COVER: HOWARD CHAYKIN
APRIL 2 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.50
SEX! DEATH! LIVE TV!
Michael and Kara make a major breakthrough in their unofficial investigation into the death of the man that played “Satellite Sam” as everyone’s kinks and obsessions go into overdrive—and scandal threatens to tear the show and the network apart.
SAVIORS #5
STORY: JAMES ROBINSON
ART / COVER: J. BONE
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Tomas and fellow freedom fighter Kurt have escaped the horror of the Mexican town La Calma and the aliens who hunted them. Or so they think. However, now at adrift at sea, a greater alien horror awaits them, with no way to destroy it and nowhere to run.
SHELTERED #9
STORY: ED BRISSON
ART / COVER: JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Internal struggles at Safe Haven result in a splitting of the group. The two factions come head-to-head as Victoria attempts to dethrone Lucas.
SKULLKICKERS #26
STORY: JIM ZUB
ART: EDWIN HUANG & MISTY COATS
COVER: JAMES GHIO
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
“A DOZEN COUSINS AND A CRUMPLED CROWN,” Part Two
In this special issue (they’re all special, but whatever): The HiSTORY: of Dwarves (The ‘Short’ Version).
SOVEREIGN #2
STORY: CHRIS ROBERSON
ART / COVER: PAUL MAYBURY
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
An emperor lays dead, with no successor named for his vacated throne. Visitors from a distant land discover that there is more in the world than their philosophies know. And three masked outcasts come bearing word of a coming apocalypse…
SPAWN #242
STORY / COVER: TODD McFARLANE
ART: SZYMON KUDRANSKI
APRIL 2 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
After the annihilation at the construction site Bludd tries to figure out his next move. Clown is the last place he’d seek help, but may have no alternative. Sara begins having excruciatingly demonic nightmares, but, unfortunately for Sara, her visions my not be a dream.
STARLIGHT #2
STORY: MARK MILLAR
ART / COVER B: GORAN PARLOV
COVER A: BILL SIENKIEWICZ
APRIL 2 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Duke McQueen once saved an alien world from destruction—but it happened in a place nobody believes in, during a time nobody remembers. Surrounded by memories of his late wife and his happier past, Duke’s days as a hero are long gone…or so he thinks! Now, a young visitor from the world Duke once saved is coming to him with a desperate plea for help. It’s one last chance at adventure for Duke, and another chapter to unfold in the ever-expanding Millarworld Universe!
STRAY BULLETS: KILLERS #2
STORY / ART / COVER: DAVID LAPHAM
APRIL 16 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.50
When her niece, missing for almost a year, shows up on her doorstep with a horrifying secret, Carol Hogarth will find out that people can be poison…especially if that person is named Virginia Applejack. Find out what best friends, worst enemies, an artificial leg, and a bottle of rum all have to do with “THE KILLER WHO AWOKE BEFORE DAWN.”
TALES OF HONOR #2
STORY: MATT HAWKINS
ART: JUNG-GEUN YOON & SANG-IL JEONG
COVER A: SANG-IL JEONG
COVER B: PATRICK TATAPOULOUS
APRIL 9 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
THE HONORVERSE EXPANDS TO COMICS!
Based on the bestselling military science fiction novels by David Weber, this original comic book series continues the story of Honor Harrington as she investigates the threat to Basilisk Station by the Republic of Haven. This series is part of a new multi-platform story world that includes a mobile game app to be released with the first issue and a feature film currently in development.
TEN GRAND #10
STORY: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
ART / COVER A: C.P. SMITH
COVER B: KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
APRIL 16 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Joe has penetrated into the depths of Hell to save Laura, the woman he loves more than life itself, from a horrific fate beyond description. He’s learned the Enemy’s plans to bring down Heaven. They think he’s cornered, trapped, neutralized. They’re wrong, and by the end of this issue, the ultimate war between heaven and hell will begin…with Joe Fitzgerald right at the center of the biggest fight since the dawn of Creation.
THIEF OF THIEVES #20
STORY: ANDY DIGGLE
ART / COVER: SHAWN MARTINBROUGH & FELIX SERRANO
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
“THE HIT LIST” starts here!
Conrad may have pulled off his last heist, but not without making some new enemies. Is anyone in his life safe?
UMBRAL #6
STORY: ANTONY JOHNSTON
ART / COVER: CHRISTOPHER MITTEN
APRIL 30 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
“CHASING SHADOWS”
THE CONCLUSION TO BOOK ONE! Rascal runs from the Redguard’s clutches—but it will cost her more than she can imagine! Where can she go? Who can she trust? Are you sure? Because nothing seems certain any more. And by the end of this issue, nobody will be above suspicion!
UNDERTOW #3 (of 6)
STORY: STEVE ORLANDO
ART / COVER: ARTYOM TRAKHANOV
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Surrounded by bloodthirsty humans, boiling in their landsuits as the sun rises, Redum Anshargal and Ukinnu Alal’s team comes face to face with a primordial god. He’s never killed a god before, but that doesn’t mean Anshargal isn’t up for trying.
The dry frontier takes another life as the pulp monster adventure continues!
A VOICE IN THE DARK #6
STORY / ART / COVER: LARIME TAYLOR
APRIL 16 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.99
“KILLING GAME,” Part Four
With Zoey plotting murder once again, she needs to get close to her prey and learn all she can. That means going undercover to the Sorority Halloween party. But is Zoey the only killer in costume?
THE WALKING DEAD #125
STORY: ROBERT KIRKMAN
ART: CHARLIE ADLARD & STEFANO GAUDIANO
COVER: CHARLIE ADLARD & DAVE STEWART
APRIL 9 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $2.99
“ALL OUT WAR,” Part 11
The f*ck f*cking f*ckity f*cking penultimate chapter of All Out Motherf*cking War!
THE WALKING DEAD #126
STORY: ROBERT KIRKMAN
ART: CHARLIE ADLARD & STEFANO GAUDIANO
COVER: CHARLIE ADLARD & DAVE STEWART
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $2.99
“ALL OUT WAR,” Conclusion
This changes everything.
ZERO #7
STORY: ALES KOT
ART: MATT TAYLOR & JORDIE BELLAIRE
COVER A: MATT TAYLOR & TOM MULLER
COVER B: SEAN PHILLIPS & TOM MULLER
APRIL 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Zero and Zizek come to a place fifty-six miles away from Juarez, Mexico. There is business to be made in human misery.
93321-5 – WWE ‘MACHO MAN’ RANDY SAVAGE Resin Statue
SOLID CASE PACK INFORMATION:
Standard 1-piece case. Refer to individual item codes above when ordering. Call your local retailer for pricing.
#71680-1 MLB Series 32
#71681-8 Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers
plus BRONZE Collector Level Figure
#71682-5 Aroldis Chapman – Cincinnati Reds
plus GOLD Collector Level Figure
#71684-9 Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals
#71685-6 Manny Machado – Baltimore Orioles
plus SILVER Collector Level Figure
#71686-3 Yasiel Puig – Los Angeles Dodgers
plus SILVER & BRONZE Collector Level Figure
#71689-4 Rickey Henderson – Oakland Athletics
Assorted Case Pack Information:
Standard 8-pack case includes 1 piece of each figure, 2pcs of Puig and 1 random Collector Level figure. Call your local retailer for pricing.
SOLID CASE PACK INFORMATION:
Standard 8-piece case includes 7 solids of the figure and 1 random Collector Level. Refer to individual item codes above when ordering.
#75057-7 Boston Red Sox Championship 2 Pack
Solid Case Pack Information:
Standard 4-piece case. Call your local retailer for pricing. Refer to individual item codes above when ordering.
Umbral #3
Story By: Antony Johnston
Art By: Christopher Mitten
Cover By: Christopher Mitten
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: NOV130529
Published: January 22, 2014
“BLOOD FROM A STONE”
Nightmare shadow creatures, murdered Kings, slaughtered smugglers, mysterious hobos, mythical gems, and stone guardians — it can only be UMBRAL, the incredibly rich new fantasy world from Wasteland creators ANTONY JOHNSTON and CHRISTOPHER MITTEN! Join Rascal as she fights to uncover the truth… and to stay alive!
Umbral #2
Story By: Antony Johnston
Art By: Christopher Mitten
Cover By: Christopher Mitten
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: OCT130630
Published: December 18, 2013
“FALLING INTO DARK”
The nightmare creatures called Umbral are invading, and only the young thief Rascal knows it! But in a world where magic and religion are outlawed, will anyone believe her? And is the mysterious hobo Dalone an ally… or a deadly enemy?!
THE FUSE #1
story ANTONY JOHNSTON
art / cover JUSTIN GREENWOOD
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
“THE RUSSIA SHIFT,” Part One
Working homicide 22,000 miles up on an orbiting energy platform, in a five-mile-long jury-rigged steel city stuffed with a half million people, with no help from your so-called colleagues back on Earth, is more than tough…it’s murder!
Cynical, foul-mouthed veteran ANTONY JOHNSTON (UMBRAL, Wasteland, Daredevil) gets partnered with fresh-faced idealist JUSTIN GREENWOOD (Wasteland, Resurrection) for a new crime series with attitude! 22,000 miles up, there is no backup.
UNDERTOW #1
story STEVE ORLANDO
art / cover ARTYOM TRAKHANOV
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Atlantis is the world superpower, and Redum Anshargal is its worst enemy. If you want to break free of the system, he can offer you a place at his side, exploring the wild surface world in his watertight city barge The Deliverer. He and his hostage-protege Ukinnu Alal hunt the Amphibian, a legend that could be the key to an air-breathing life on land. But as they become the hunted, can Anshargal’s team survive long enough to turn the tables on the godlike beast they set out for?
A brand new pulp monster adventure with Ray Harryhausen at its heart and a look at Atlantis like never before from the up-and-coming team of writer STEVE ORLANDO (Mystery in Space) and artist ARTYOM TRAKHANOV.
THE REVENGER #1
story JONATHAN ROSS
art / cover IAN CHURCHILL
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Griffin Franks was a joke in Hollywood. A washed up action-hero. Over the hill. Past it. A has-been. A barely-was. But now he IS The Revenger. He’s a star. His movie’s a hit. His latest wife is hot. He finally has everything he wants. Just in time for someone to take it all away. Forever. Starting with his face.
APOCALYPSE AL #1 (of 4)
story J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
art SID KOTIAN & BILL FARMER
cover A SID KOTIAN & BILL FARMER
cover B RYAN SOOK
FEBRUARY 5 / 36 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Alison Carter is a private detective. Her beat: the end of the world, or more accurately, preventing same. With an attitude of “shoot first and the hell with the questions,” she leads a life that would drive other investigators mad, filled with monsters, demons, trolls, mad prophets, zombie detectives, techno-wizards, machinegun toting imps, and dead boyfriends. In the first action-packed installment of this new universe, Al is given her biggest assignment ever, one that will take her into the heart of Ultimate Darkness itself. The first of a four-issue miniseries, this issue contains 30 pages of story, unbroken by advertisements.
THE MERCENARY SEA #1
story KEL SYMONS
art/cover MATHEW REYNOLDS
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
“NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT”
Action and adventure set in 1938—The South Seas. Japan has invaded China. War in Europe is imminent. Ex-bootlegger Jack Harper captains The Venture, a refitted German U-Boat, with a crew of expats, mercenaries and treasure hunters. They do whatever it takes to stay afloat, often running up against pirates, headhunters, spies, and soldiers. They’re always one step away from the greatest score of their lives…or their certain demise.
ONE HIT WONDER #1 (of 5)
story FABRICE SAPOLSKY
art /cover ARIEL OLIVETTI
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
If there was a thin line between reality and fiction, Richie Reese tore it down. Better, he crushed it. Smashed it. Destroyed it. From child star to hitman in Hollywood, this is the story of a glorious bastard.
Written by FABRICE SAPOLSKY (Spider-Man Noir) and drawn by superstar artist ARIEL OLIVETTI (Cable, Punisher War Journal, Conan), this is the crime comedy series you don’t want to miss this year.
EAST OF WEST, VOL. 2: WE ARE ALL ONE TP
story JONATHAN HICKMAN
art NICK DRAGOTTA
FEBRUARY 19 / 144 PAGES / FC / T+ / $14.99
Collects EAST OF WEST #6-10
The second volume of the most exciting new book in the industry is here! “We Are All One” follows our cast around the fractured future-scape of America as we learn more about a world that’s rapidly coming to a end.
INVINCIBLE, VOL. 19 TP
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover RYAN OTTLEY, CLIFF RATHBURN, & JOHN RAUCH
FEBRUARY 26 / 144 PAGES / FC / T+ / $16.99
Collects INVINCIBLE #103-108
Angstrom Levy returns to take revenge on Invincible and all those he holds dear.
MICE TEMPLAR, VOLUME 4.1 TP
story BRYAN J.L. GLASS & MICHAEL AVON OEMING
art MICHAEL AVON OEMING & VICTOR SANTOS
cover MICHAEL AVON OEMING
FEBRUARY 12 / 304 PAGES / FC / $17.99
Collects MICE TEMPLAR: LEGEND #1-8
“LEGEND PART ONE”
The Legend of Karic grows…but its legacy is both greater and darker than the noble young mouse it is said to embody. As every victory is turned against him, Karic confronts his own past and demands answers. And the mad king Icarus launches his great war against creation.
PETER PANZERFAUST, VOL. 3: CRY OF THE WOLF TP
story KURTIS J. WIEBE
art / cover TYLER JENKINS
FEBRUARY 26 / 136 PAGES / FC / T / $14.99
Collects PETER PANZERFAUST #11-15
Having faced the wrath of The Hook, Peter and the Lost Boys join forces with the Braves in guerilla warfare from their secret hideout in the Sticks. This time, Felix is the man with the memories, and as Mr. Parsons soon learns, he’s not eager to revisit that life.
PROPHET, VOL. 3: EMPIRE TP
story BRANDON GRAHAM & SIMON ROY
art SIMON ROY, FAREL DALRYMPLE, GIANNIS MILONOGIANNIS, BRANDON GRAHAM, MATT SHEEAN, & MALACHI WARD
cover FAREL DALRYMPLE
FEBRUARY 12 / 128 PAGES / FC / T+ / $14.99
Collects PROPHET #32 & 34-38
The Earth Empire is now rebuilt and gaining a stronger grasp on Earthspace. Facing an even more menacing new threat, Old Man Prophet and his team look for the help of an old ally.
REALITY CHECK TP
story GLEN BRUNSWICK
art / cover VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC
FEBRUARY 5 / 120 PAGES / FC / T+ / $14.99
Collects REALITY CHECK #1-4
Willard Penn, a struggling artist, scores an unlikely hit with his new comic. After an unexpected sell-out, the book’s hero shows up in the real world, appearing outside Willard’s window, and refuses to return to the comic until he finds true love. Exasperated, Willard is forced to help the lovesick hero meet the perfect woman. He needs to hurry, because a homicidal maniac has escaped from his comic and entered the real world as well.
Includes a behind-the-scenes sketchbook by VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC with exciting extras!
REVIVAL, VOL. 3: A FARAWAY PLACE TP
story TIM SEELEY
art MIKE NORTON & MARK ENGLERT w/ ART BALTAZAR
cover MIKE NORTON & JENNY FRISON
FEBRUARY 19 / 128 PAGES / FC / M / $14.99
Collects REVIVAL #12-17
For one day in rural central Wisconsin, the dead came back to life. Now the living and the recently returned struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst political and religious conflicts. Officer Dana Cypress is hot on the trail of a man she believes may have murdered her sister Em, but Em herself is on a quest through the snowy woods to find the strange glowing creature that haunts a child.
SIDEKICK VOL. 1 TP
story J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
art / cover TOM MANDRAKE & HiFi
FEBRUARY 26 / 160 PAGES / FC / M / $12.99
Collects SIDEKICK #1-6
What happens when a hero’s sidekick is abandoned by tragedy, mocked by the media, scorned by enemies and heroes alike…and then his entire world is turned upside-down? Drawn by Julia Moonglow into investigating the death of the Red Cowl, Flyboy will discover things that will shatter his life completely as he uncovers a conspiracy of murder and terrible, life-changing secrets. Who was the Red Cowl, really, and what scared him so badly that he had to stage his own death in order to escape it? The debut volume of Sidekick contains the first six issues of this saga of grief, madness, and murder.
SPAWN ORIGINS, VOL. 20 TP
story TODD McFARLANE & BRIAN HOLGUIN
art ANGEL MEDINA & DANNY MIKI
cover CLAYTON CRAIN
FEBRUARY 19 / 160 PAGES / FC / T+ / $14.99
Collects SPAWN #117-122
SPAWN ORIGINS, VOL. 20 features the stories and artwork that helped cement the Spawn legacy. Relive the excitement of this groundbreaking series in this accessibly priced format with exclusive bonus content, including cover galleries, black and white art, classic quotes from TODD McFARLANE, and an exclusive digitally painted cover by CLAYTON CRAIN.
ZERO, VOL. 1 AN EMERGENCY
story ALES KOT
art MICHAEL WALSH, TRADD MOORE, MATEUS SANTOLOUCO, MORGAN JESKE, WILL TEMPEST, & JORDIE BELLAIRE
FEBRUARY 19 / 172 PAGES / FC / M / $9.99
Collects ZERO #1-5
Edward Zero was the best spy the Agency had—and then he realized he was working for the wrong side.
ALEX + ADA #4
story JONATHAN LUNA & SARAH VAUGHN
art / cover JONATHAN LUNA
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Alex makes a decision that will change Ada forever.
APHRODITE IX #9
story MATT HAWKINS
art STJEPAN SEJIC
cover A STJEPAN SEJIC
cover B LINDA SEJIC
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
“DANGERS OF THE DESOLATE ZONE”
The ninth issue of APHRODITE IX finally reveals what the numbering system really means. Plus, Aphrodite XV’s design and build reveals more about Aphrodite IX’s future—and her past—than she could ever anticipate.
ARTIFACTS #35
story HANNIBAL TABU
art / cover NELSON BLAKE II
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
TOP COW’S THIRD 2012 TALENT HUNT-WINNING WRITER DEBUTS!
Mercenary Michael Finnegan just can’t catch a break. Whether he is running guns or stealing mystical Artifacts for hire, all of his clients seem to double-cross him in the end…especially when he is paid to face-off against Ember Stone bearer Glorianna Silver!
BLACK SCIENCE #4
story RICK REMENDER
art / cover MATTEO SCALERA & DEAN WHITE
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
Grant McKay and his team of Dimensionauts are given a short reprieve when the Pillar drops them not into a hellish warzone or an alien swampland but a…hotel? Just don’t trust the room service; there’s more to this place than meets the eye.
THE BOUNCE #10
story JOE CASEY
art / cover DAVID MESSINA
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
THE TIME HAS COME, BOUNCE FANS!
Jasper Jenkins can’t hide anymore! The truth is out there—and the Darling might be the only one who knows what it all means! This is the issue you dare not miss!
CLONE #15
story DAVID SCHULNER, AARON GINSBURG, & WADE MCINTYRE
art / cover JUAN JOSE RYP & ANDY TROY
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
“You must hide the truth to save his life.”
As government forces lead an assault on the clones, Luke and his brothers are given an offer they can’t refuse. But what sacrifices must they make to ensure their freedom?
DEAD BODY ROAD #3
story JUSTIN JORDAN
art / cover MATTEO SCALERA & MORENO DINISIO
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Orson Gage is no good man…but Mr. Cobb and his unique interrogation tactics are even worse. Why is he pursuing Gage? And just how do you remove blood from a motel carpet?
DEADLY CLASS #2
story RICK REMENDER
art / cover WESLEY CRAIG & LEE LOUGHRIDGE
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
It’s Marcus’s first day at the Kings Dominion High School for the Deadly Arts. A locker full of death threats, a schedule full of brutality, and whispers in the hallway about his mysterious past…which is fast catching up to cut out his freshly broken heart.
DRUMHELLAR #4
story RILEY ROSSMO & ALEX LINK
art / cover RILEY ROSSMO
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
When an immortal talk radio celebrity discovers a slight problem with living forever, he turns to Drum Hellar, the psychedelic detective, for help. But Drum’s got problems of his own. He’s in prison, in the doghouse with his girlfriend and in serious need of drugs! He’ll have to take desperate—and deadly—action!
EGOS #2
story STUART MOORE
art / cover GUS STORMS
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
The hero-epic of the far future continues as Deuce, the EGOs’ leader, flies off to battle with his army of [CENSORED]s. Meanwhile, his estranged wife Pixel must deal with an army of new team applicants. Featuring: Costumes! Battles! Masse, the Living Galaxy! Blood and gore! Uncomfortable emotions!
ELEPHANTMEN #56
story MARK SCHWEIKERT & RICHARD STARKINGS
art / cover SHAKY KANE
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.99
“BLOOD AND SAND”
SHAKY KANE returns to ELEPHANTMEN to tell a chilling story of the L.A.P.D’s Lieutenant Trench.
FATALE #22
story ED BRUBAKER
art / cover SEAN PHILLIPS
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
The life story of the man-monster called The Bishop.
As always, every issue of FATALE includes extras and articles every month!
FIVE GHOSTS #10
story FRANK J. BARBIERE
art / cover CHRIS MOONEYHAM
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
“LOST COASTLINES,” Part Four
The Island of Dreams.
FIVE WEAPONS #7
story / art / cover JIMMIE ROBINSON
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
“BACK TO CLASS,” Part Two
The tables are turned on Enrique in a no-win contest at the school of Five Weapons. Tyler is now the smartest kid in school and he’s using Enrique as a pawn in his malicious plans, but Enrique learns an old secret that could tilt the rivalry in his favor.
GHOSTED #7
story JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
art DAVIDE GIANFELICE & MIROSLAV MRVA
cover MATTEO SCALERA
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Organ thieves, slave traffickers: Jackson Winters will have to do business with all the wrong people to find his lost girl. Unfortunately, ghosts of the very recent past will be dogging his every step…
GREAT PACIFIC #13
story JOE HARRIS
art / cover A MARTÍN MORAZZO
cover B MICHAEL WALSH & RUTH REDMOND
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
“THE UNIVERSAL MINISTRY OF INTERGALACTIA”
When a mysterious visitor washes up warning of UFOs and invaders from space, Chas Worthington finds his grip over New Texas threatened. But if the aliens are coming, Chas knows just the leader the earthlings need to represent them—himself!
“Abduction” variant cover by MICHAEL WALSH (ZERO, COMEBACK)!
INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #10
story PHIL HESTER
art / cover TODD NAUCK & GABE ELTAEB
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Welcome to the wedding of Knockout and Kid Thor! Even with everyone in the Invincible Universe invited, there are bound to be some party crashers!
KRAMPUS! #3
story BRIAN JOINES
art / cover DEAN KOTZ
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Hunting through the desert for an unmarked grave, the Krampus is stalked by a notorious historical figure, reborn into the world of Sugar Plum Fairies and flying reindeer.
LAZARUS #8
story GREG RUCKA
art / cover MICHAEL LARK
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
“LIFT,” Part Four
Forever calls on the Daggers. The Barrets reach the final stage of their journey as all threads converge on Denver for the Lift.
THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #20
story JONATHAN HICKMAN
art NICK PITARRA
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.50
“FINITE OPPENHEIMERS: FOREVER”
High stakes as the imagined reality of the Mad Oppenheimers finally collides with the Manhattan Projects proper.
MANIFEST DESTINY #4
story CHRIS DINGESS
art / cover MATTHEW ROBERTS & OWEN GIENI
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Surrounded by buffalotaur and fighting for survival, what Lewis and Clark need most is a monster killer. And her name is Sacagawea.
MIND THE GAP #18
story JIM McCANN
art SAMI BASRI
cover A RODIN ESQUEJO
cover B JENNY FRISON
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+
/ $2.99
“ACT II: EXPOSED”
Some things are better left hidden. It’s too bad for one group that’s no longer an option! And a collision course is set in motion that will shake everyone to their core…
MINIMUM WAGE #2
story / art / cover BOB FINGERMAN
FEBRUARY 12 / 24 PAGES / BW / M / $3.50
What do smutty outgoing messages, missing monster kit parts, and condoms have to do with each other? They’re all pieces of Rob’s jigsaw puzzle life in the second monthly issue of BOB FINGERMAN’s so-real-it-hurts series. Plus, things heat up between Rob and his new gal pal, May. Tune in!
MORNING GLORIES #38
story NICK SPENCER
art JOE EISMA
cover RODIN ESQUEJO
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
“Everything we love.”
PETER PANZERFAUST #17
story KURTIS J. WIEBE
art / cover TYLER JENKINS
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
“THE HUNT” Part Two
Lily continues the hunt, honoring her father’s memory…one kill at a time.
The fourth story arc of the hit critically acclaimed series continues.
PRETTY DEADLY #5
story KELLY SUE DeCONNICK
art EMMA RÍOS & JORDIE BELLAIRE
cover EMMA RÍOS
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
It’s the ultimate father-daughter showdown as Ginny faces off against Death himself in the bloody conclusion to PRETTY DEADLY’s opening arc.
PROTECTORS, INC. #4
story J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
art GORDON PURCELL & MICHAEL ATIYEH
cover A GORDON PURCELL & MICHAEL ATIYEH
cover B GIUSEPPE CAFARO & MICHAEL ATIYEH
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Detective Riley’s investigation into the murder of the Huntsman brings him into the very heart of Protectors, Inc., where he meets the woman of his dreams—assuming she’s not actually a killer—and the other members of the Chicago Protectors. One of them killed the Huntsman…and may be after Riley next.
REVIVAL #18
story TIM SEELEY
art MIKE NORTON
cover JENNY FRISON
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
While Dana is obsessed with discovering the identity of the masked Reviver who attacked her, her family is falling apart. And just what has escaped Reviver Anders Hine been up?
ROCKET GIRL #5
story BRANDON MONTCLARE
art / cover AMY REEDER
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / T / $3.50
“ONLY THE GOOD…”
The hard-hitting conclusion to the first story arc! Teen time-cop DaYoung Johansson uncovers a thing or two about both New York Cities, the connection between past and future, and the secrets that people don’t even know they keep. Growing up is hard to do—and sometimes it proves to be impossible.
SATELLITE SAM #6
story MATT FRACTION
art / cover HOWARD CHAYKIN
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.50
VOLUME TWO of SATELLITE SAM starts HERE: The son of the slain star of SATELLITE SAM steps into his father’s shoes in more ways than one while falling into bed with any woman that’ll have him. One of the stars of the show with a dubious past finds herself in the media spotlight—and trouble with the law. All while a sex and blackmail scandal threatens to envelop the show and the nascent LeMonde Television Network—unless someone stands up and saves the day.
SEX! DEATH! LIVE TV! Brought to you by MATT FRACTION (SEX CRIMINALS, Hawkeye) and HOWARD CHAYKIN (BLACK KISS, CENTURY WEST).
SAVAGE DRAGON #196
story / art / cover ERIK LARSEN
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
SAVAGE DRAGON: THE NEXT GENERATION!
Strange things are going on in Chicago’s notorious Danger Zone. The poor and downtrodden are being mysteriously transformed into hideous freaks and Malcolm Dragon is being thrown into a situation beyond what he’s used to as he faces a horde of desperate killers with power to spare. Malcolm’s struggle to measure up to his famous father intensifies as he plunges into a new, dangerous adventure.
The bold new direction continues!
SAVIORS #3
story JAMES ROBINSON
art / cover J. BONE
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Tomas Ramirez is now in the small Mexican coastal town of La Calma, where other new freedom fighters allies intend to test a device to end the threat of the aliens forever. But the aliens have a counterattack plan of their own, so this certainly will be the Day of the Dead.
SEX #11
story JOE CASEY
art/cover PIOTR KOWALSKI
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
This issue, SEX goes even deeper than ever before! Simon Cooke faces his adulthood. Japanese businessmen get their freak on. Annabelle reprimands an employee. Then there’s the battle cry heard throughout the underworld: “Breaks! Damn straight!” This one’s a rub for the ages!
SEX CRIMINALS #5
story MATT FRACTION
art / cover CHIP ZDARSKY
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
The best part of a new relationship is the first three weeks, right? The rush of the new, the gravitational pull of the sudden other-ness in your life, the almost-illicit charge of nothing else mattering…and then it’s time to pay the bills. Well, the honeymoon is over for the SEX CRIMINALS. Can Jon and Suzie survive Jon and Suzie?
SHELTERED #7
story ED BRISSON
art / cover JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Curt shot first.
SPAWN #240
story TODD McFARLANE
art SZYMON KUDRANSKI & TODD McFARLANE
cover SZYMON KUDRANSKI
FEBRUARY 5 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Cogliostro continues mentoring Jim as he learns to harness the power of the costume and the deeper power within him…but something goes terribly wrong. Is this the end for Cog, or will Jim prevail in controlling the dark forces vying for his special gift?
TEN GRAND #8
story J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
art / cover A CP SMITH
cover B WHILCE PORTACIO & MICHAEL ATIYEH
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
Joe Fitzgerald entered Hell to find out what happened to Laura, the greatest love he has ever known. At last, he has found her…only to be captured by the same man who killed both of them and seized Laura’s spirit from deep inside Heaven. It’s the beginning of the confrontation Joe has been fighting to make happen ever since the Angel put him on this mission, but nothing’s going his way. If Joe dies this time, it’s permanent, and he and Laura will be trapped in Hell forever.
THREE #5
story KIERON GILLEN
art/cover RYAN KELLY & JORDIE BELLAIRE
historical consultant PROF. STEPHEN HODKINSON
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
It comes down to this: three versus three hundred at the border of Sparta. The men who’d keep them slaves versus the three who would be free. The historical epic reaches its bloody denouement. The end of a story, the start of a legend.
UMBRAL #4
story ANTONY JOHNSTON
art / cover CHRISTOPHER MITTEN
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
“AND BLACK WATERS REMAIN”
Rascal is trapped in the Umbral, Dalone is down and out, and a certain pirate ghost has vengeance on his mind!
THE PARANOID DARK FANTASY CONTINUES!
VELVET #5
story ED BRUBAKER
art / cover STEVE EPTING
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99
The first arc draws to a shattering conclusion.
A VOICE IN THE DARK #4
story / art / cover LARIME TAYLOR
FEBRUARY 19 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $3.99
“KILLING GAME,” Part Two
When serial killers rub elbows with sorority girls at frat parties, will Zoey come to the conclusion that some people need to be killed?
Written and drawn—by mouth—by disabled creator Larime Taylor.
THE WALKING DEAD #121
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art CHARLIE ADLARD, STEFANO GAUDIANO, & CLIFF RATHBURN
cover CHARLIE ADLARD & DAVE STEWART
FEBRUARY 12 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $2.99
“ALL OUT WAR,” Part Seven
In the aftermath of the unthinkable.
THE WALKING DEAD #122
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art CHARLIE ADLARD, STEFANO GAUDIANO, & CLIFF RATHBURN
cover CHARLIE ADLARD & DAVE STEWART
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / BW / M / $2.99
“ALL OUT WAR,” Part Eight
Negan has a plan.
WITCHBLADE #174
story RON MARZ
art LAURA BRAGA
cover A JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
cover B LAURA BRAGA
FEBRUARY 26 / 32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Is the Witchblade out to reclaim Sara as its rightful host…or is it out for revenge?
The weekend is almost here! What’s everyone up to?
Around the Tubes
CBLDF – Palestinian Cartoonist Finds Refuge in Norway – Interesting.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Comic Vine – All-New X-Men #18
Comic Vine – Avengers Arena #17
Comic Vine – Coffin Hill #2
Seattle Pi – Darth Vader and Son
Talking Comics – Drumhellar #1
Comic Vine – Fearless Defenders #11
Comic Vine – Justice League of America #9
Talking Comics – Manifest Destiny #1
Comic Vine – Rocket Girl #2
Comic Vine – Superman/Wonder Woman #2
Comic Vine – Thor: God of Thunder #15
CBR – Umbral #1
ICv2 – Uzumaki 3-in-1 Dlx. Ed. HC
Talking Comics – The Walking Dead #116
Talking Comics – Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland #1
Manifest Destiny #1
In 1804, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark set out on an expedition to explore the uncharted American frontier. This is the story of what they discovered lurking in the wilds…
Skybound‘s newest series is a great weird history tale that just builds throughout the first issue in a story where you’re not quite sure how far it’ll go. Lewis and Clark’s journey could be worthy of a comic unto itself, but we’re getting a much stranger tale.
And that’s what’s really cool about this series. It’s very grounded to start off, only teasing us with what we can expect, and when that comes we the reader are left with as much a “what the hell is going on” as the explorers and their team.
There’s some great mystery here and with it also a hint of history. It’s a very cool mix overall. On top of all of that, there’s also the travelers themselves, made up with Lewis and Clark, but also some rather unsavory characters who already in the first issue are shaking things up. I chalk that up to writer Chris Dingess who paces the first issue perfectly. Add on top of his writing the art of Matthew Roberts, and you’ve got a great creative team.
Manifest Destiny is a comic I’ve been looking forward to since its been announced, and the first issue is a solid start to the series.
Story: Chris Dingess Art: Matthew Roberts
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Umbral #1
Umbral is a new dark fatnasy from the creators of the excellent series Wasteland, writer Antony Johnston and artist Christopher Mitten.
The young thief called Rascal witnesses the horrific murder of the royal family — now the world’s dark legends will be relived, and only Rascal even knows it’s happening!
The first issue drops us into a rich fantasy world with a deep mythology and history, and yes blood, but in this extra-long first issue, I came out of it scratching my head as to what exactly was going on.
There’s not tons thrown in here to work with, but what is, isn’t explained well enough for me to really enjoy the first issue. I walked away with too many questions to really enjoy it.
I have a feeling that when the first arc is done, the story will be great, as things are fleshed out and explained. But, a first issue is supposed to hook me, and this one left me with too many questions and not enough explanations.
Overall, this is a series for those who really dig fantasy series. I’ll stick with it and check out the second issue, but this first one didn’t quite do it for me.
Story: Antony Johnston Art: Christopher Mitten
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
Umbral #1
Story By: Antony Johnston
Art By: Christopher Mitten
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: SEP130478
Published: November 13, 2013
“THE DAY DAWNED TWICE”
A NEW DARK FANTASY FROM THE CREATORS OF WASTELAND! The young thief called Rascal witnesses the horrific murder of the royal family — now the world’s dark legends will be relived, and only Rascal even knows it’s happening!
Master worldbuilder ANTONY JOHNSTON (Dead Space, Daredevil) and his Wasteland co-creator CHRISTOPHER MITTEN (Batman, Criminal Macabre) bring you a new fantasy world rich in mythology, history, and blood! Extra-long first issue for the regular price of $2.99!
Image Comics has been on a roll with solid debut series and this week is no exception with two different releases from the publisher. Out of the two though, it’s Manifest Destiny that sticks out with it’s weird history take on the explorers Lewis and Clark.
In 1804, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark set out on an expedition to explore the uncharted American frontier. This is the story of what they discovered lurking in the wilds…
Skybound’s newest original series unveils the monsters of the western frontier in the adventure of a lifetime by writer Chris Dingess and up-and-coming artist Matthew Roberts.
Having read the first issue, it’s worth checking out.
Check out below for the rest of our picks!
Andrew:
Top Pick: Manifest Destiny #1 (Image Comics/Skybound) – I’ve been awaiting this twisted Lewis and Clark series for awhile now. In a retelling of the familiar American frontier story, our adventurous heroes face more than just poison ivy and brown bears…
Afterlife with Archie #2 (Archie Comics) – I’ve never been a fan of Archie Comics…but this series is phenomenal. Archie finally treats adult readers like adults and delivers a quality horror series. If you won’t take my word for it, check out Brett’s review of the first issue.
Batman #25 (DC) – After donning the cape and cowl, Bruce Wayne is learning what he must become to protect Gotham as the Zero Year arc continues. This new take on Batman’s origin story (and of his enemies) is a great read.
The Other Dead #3 (IDW Publishing) – I know I’ve been out of the loop lately, but how am I just hearing about this? Mankind versus a global zombie animal infection? Yes please.
Umbral #1 (Image Comics) – The first issue of another one of Image Comics’ new fall series looks like an interesting fantasy-esque read. Having just read and reviewed Criminal Macabre, I’m digging Christopher Mitten’s illustrations.
Brett:
Top Pick: Afterlife With Archie #2 ( Archie Comics) – The first issue blew me away and out of everything coming out this week, where Archie comics allows this series to go is the most interesting thing to me. The first issue just met every expectation I had and I expect no less from the second.
Garth Ennis’ Red Team #6 (Dynamite Entertainment) – I love a good crooked cop story and this is it. Just a great comic that I’d love to see on the small screen. The descent of this cop squad into crime and questionable activities has been gripping so far.
Manifest Destiny #1 (Image Comics) – You can read above as to why this makes the list.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #5 ( Marvel Comics) – Writer Nick Spencer has taken this group of C-list villains and made them interesting and sympathetic. I want more of this!
Unity #1 (Valiant Entertainment) – Valiant continues to connect the dots of their various series and a lot of that is happening here. The first issue kicks in the doors with an action filled debut.
Top TPB/Graphic Novel: Bandette HC Vol. 1 (Monkeybrain/Dark Horse) – The digital series gets collected and printed courtesy of Dark Horse and you now have no excuse to not read this fantastic digital first comic.
Scott:
Top Pick: Batman #25 (DC) – The last issue was over sized, gorgeous (particularly the coloring), and totally changed the status quo in Gotham City. So far I’m loving how expansive Zero Year is, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rocket Girl #2 (Image Comics) – The debut was a little inconsistent, but the premise has promise (see what I did there?), and I love Amy Reeder’s art. I’m willing to give this series some time to find its feet.
Savage Wolverine #11 (Marvel Comics) – This one’s a bit of a wild card. I’ve heard that Jock’s story line has been a little meandering, but I adore his art and on this book its been expansive and appropriately otherworldly (as it’s a Wolverine story set on another planet). And those covers, man . . . Wow.
Umbral #1 (Image Comics) – This series comes from Antony Johnston and Christopher Mitten, and while I’ve never read any of Wasteland I hear its excellent, so I’m looking forward to their new project. Plus, it’s horror, which is one of my favorite comic genres.
