RELEASE DATE: 19th August £7.50 US RELEASE DATE: 16th September $14.99 COVER: NICK PERCIVAL
In this issue:
JUDGE RICO // THE BLACK TOWER by Ken Niemand (w) Nick Percival (c) Simon Bowland (l) STORM WARNING // SLAUGHTER HOUSE by John Reppion (w) Lee Carter (a) Rob Steen (l) MEGA-CITY 2099 // REMEMBRANCE DAY by Ken Niemand (w) Conor Boyle (a) Rob Steen (l) ROGUE TROOPER // AN ITERATION OF ALLIES by Andi Ewington (w) Sinu Senan (a) Jim Boswell (c) Simon Bowland (l) LAWLESS // STRAY by Dan Abnett (w) Phil Winslade (a) Simon Bowland (l)
This week, Heavy Metal returns to comic shops with Heavy Metal #1! After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the magazine is back with the editorial team of Frank Forte, Dave Kelly and Chris Thompson.
Within this anticipated relaunch you’ll find Sergio Gerasi’s gorgeous revitalization of Guido Crepax’s seminal character, Valentina. This new vision of the femme fatale, which is fully authorized by the Crepax estate, was first published by Feltrinelli Editions in late 2024 and will be making its English language debut.
On the original comics front, Michael Conrad will be teaming up with Greek comics legend, Ilias Kyriazis, and letterer Simon Bowland, for an all-new series entitled Millstone. This dark and twisted fantasy tale fully embraces Heavy Metal’s bold, unrestricted style, and is sure to excite readers with its potent storytelling and immersive worldbuilding.
These new titles complement the previously announced line-up, starting with one of the magazine’s original legends, Enki Bilal, who returns for the English language adaptation of his acclaimed BUG series. He’s joined on the European front by previously unseen instalments ofBurton & Cyb by Antonio Segura and Jose Ortiz, as well as Vicente Segrelles’ The Mercenary. And, in the spirit of introducing American audiences to the freshest European talent, issue #1 will present the English-language debut of Janevsky’s cult sci-fi heroine, Sixella, in an original story, The Last Roots.
This special collector’s edition release of Heavy Metal #1 also comes with a variety of cover options, including the standard Greg Hildebrandt and Frank Frazetta covers – as well as a handy Blank Sketch edition to commission your favorite artist – plus three brand new covers created exclusively for the direct market. These covers shine a spotlight on some of the interior stories, including Taarna by Tula Lotay, Grimaldi by Keron Grant, and Sixella by hot French newcomer Janevsky!
For those who love the 1981 cult classic animated film, Heavy Metal will showcase some of their most famous faces in a series of new stories. There will be special one-shot tales of Cold Dead Warby Craig Wilson,Grimaldiby Keron Grant, and Legends of Taarna by Joseph Michael Linsner – as well as the debut of Taarna’s ongoing adventures, which will continue in each issue. Written by Leah Moore and John Reppion, with art by rising star Anna Morozova, colors by Ellie Wright, and letters by Tom Napolitano, this will be the definitive take on Taarna, which sets and establishes her character beyond the film and going forward. Forget what came before, here is your chance to get in on the ground floor.
Bridging the gap between European and American audiences is DC Comics superstar, Fernando Dagnino Guerra, who brings a new series of interconnected, yet stand-alone, cyberpunk shorts to the magazine – starting with Lester, That Old Feeling. Dagnino’s sci-fi splendor has most recently been seen within the pages of Blade Runner for Titan Comics, and these new stories represent a major leap forward in his futuristic storytelling abilities. Alongside these European classics and recognizable Heavy Metal characters, issue #1 will also feature the return of classic strips such as The Busby Paul Kirchner andJune 2050 by John Workman – plus a brand-new horror short, Transcendestiny, by acclaimed masters of horror, David Quinn and Tim Vigil; a tale of the Kecksburg UFO by Jim Rugg and a new story by Jonathan Wayshak.
All of that is in addition to a host of great editorial features, interviews, and coverage!
We have an exclusive six-page preview of Taarna that you can check out below. Then, head to your local comic shop so you don’t miss the return of Heavy Metal!
40 years have passed since the release of Iron Maiden’s groundbreaking fourth studio album, Piece of Mind. Released in 1983, Piece Of Mind was the band’s first album to enter the U.S. Billboard Top 20, peaking at #14, achieving RIAA platinum certification in the U.S. More than an album, it was a thunderous statement of intent by a band whose meteoric rise from the East End of London would thrust them into the realms of legend. This fall the metal pioneers have partnered with Z2, the award-winning publisher, to bring the multi-platinum album Piece of Mind to book form. Available Tuesday, November 21, Iron Maiden: Piece Of Mind, is a stunning love letter to fans from one of the most celebrated metal bands in music history. Opening with an introduction titled “Piece of Mind at 40” by ever-present manager Rod Smallwood, this commemorative book is packed with comics, art, and testimonials from acclaimed writers, artists, actors and musicians, as a powerful celebration of the living legend that isIron Maiden.
A jaw-dropping work that pushes the boundaries of print production and presentation, The Oversized Deluxe and Asylum Editions of Iron Maiden: Piece Of Mind are encased in an asylum clamshell with locking mechanism. Maiden’s iconic mascot Eddie growls and snarls from behind the die-cut bars on the asylum doors, but the sliding bolt is designed to keep him safely confined! However, when the reader dares to unlock the book, they will be delighted as Eddie breaks free of his chains and straitjacket!
Assembling an all-star team to create new interpretations of the most important metal album in music, Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind features original stories for each of the nine album tracks including Where Eagles Dare – written by Steven Grant illustrated by Carson Thorn, Revelations– fittingly crafted by Bruce Dickinson with Tony Lee and illustrated by Damien Worm; (“Revelations” being the first track in Maiden history to be solely-credited to Dickinson), Flight of Icarusby Eisner nominee Ivan Brandon illustrated by Francesco Dossena, Die With Your Boots On by Emmy-winning director and screenwriter Sacha Gervasi with art by Christian Rosado, The Trooperby Antony Johnston illustrated by Staz Johnson, Still Lifeby Leah Moore and John Reppion painted by John Pearson, Quest for Fire from metal authority Brian Posehn with art by Michael Avon Oeming, Sun and Steel by multiple World Fantasy Award-nominee Chris Roberson with art by Danijel Žeželj, and To Tame a Land, written and illustrated by Alison Sampson. In addition, between each story, the book is packed with original pieces of art by acclaimed illustrators, including Montos, Ghoulish Gary, Steve Chanks, Jan Meininghaus, Kyle Hotz, Jay Geldhof, Darin Hazmat, Travis Knight, Akirant and Nat Jones.
The impact of Piece of Mind and Iron Maidenacross the creative community is reflected by the star-studded testimonials contained within, including Simon Gallup, AEW legend Chris Jericho, MMA Superstar Josh Barnett, multiple Grammy-nominee and Lifetime Achievement Award-honoree Chuck D, Grammy-winning director Jonas Akerlund, and multiple Grammy-nominee Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian.
With Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind, collectors will have five variants available to purchase, including: The Trooper cover by multiple Eisner-nominee J.G. Jones, Asylum Edition with cover by multiple Society of Illustrators-winner Jason Edmiston, Die With Your Boots On cover by UK Iron Maiden illustrator Dan Mumford, and The Flight of the Icarus cover by Eisner-nominee Martin Simmonds with an additional The TrooperCutaway cover by famed poster artist Travis Knight.
Z2 present multiple collector editions ofIron Maiden: Piece of Mind – perfect for the diehard fan’s bookshelf:
The standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Dan Mumford ($40.00).
The FLIGHT OF ICARUSEdition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Martin Simmonds – limited to only 3,000 copies and exclusive to Independent Comic Shops ($40.00).
THE TROOPER Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by J.G. Jones – limited to 500 copies and exclusive to Project M/Revolver Magazine ($40.00).
THE TROOPER Cutaway Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 copies and exclusive to Rockabilia.com ($40.00).
THE TROOPER Foil Card in sealed Collector’s Case, art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 cards ($35.00).
DELUXE Edition including the oversized graphic novel (HC) w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action and three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, ($150.00) – website only.
And for the true collector, Z2 offers THE ASYLUM Edition which includes the oversized graphic novel w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston, encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action, three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, one (1) 1983 Piece of Mind replica concert ticket, one (1) Die With Your Boots On Art Print, signed and numbered by Dan Mumford (only available to the first 500 orders), four (4) Iron Maiden Collectors Cards in a display case featuring the works of Dan Mumford, Jason Edmiston, J.G. Jones, and Martin Simmonds ($300.00). Additionally, The Asylum Edition includes one (1) Eddie Asylum Model Kit, which will be shipped separately.
writer: Leah Moore, John Reppion
artist: Julius Ohta
cover: John Cassaday
FC | 104 pages | $17.99 | Teen+
Michael Williams is a family man. A reliable man at both work and home. When he disappears, there are no clues left behind. Now, it is up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to find out what happened to him and what danger may be lurking around every corner, in the case of The Vanishing Man!
writer: Leah Moore, John Reppion
artist: Julius Ohta
covers: John Cassaday (A)
John Cassaday (RI-B/W), John Cassaday (RI-B/W)
FC | 32 pages | $3.99 | Teen+
The mystery of Michael Williams comes to its shocking conclusion. But will Holmes and Watson survive the deep running conspiracy gripping London from its very core? And even if they do, are they safe from the machinations of their greatest foe, the all-too-clever Moriarty?
writers: Leah Moore, John Reppion
artist: Julius Ohta
covers: John Cassaday
John Cassaday (RI-Virg), John Cassaday (RI-B/W)
FC | 32 pages | $3.99 | Teen+
Holmes inches closer to solving the disappearance of Michael Williams, but it also brings him closer to danger! Meanwhile, Moriarty’s cunning scheme goes deeper than anyone anticipated, including the neighborhood boy caught in his clutches!
writers: Leah Moore, John Reppion
artist: Julius Ohta
covers: John Cassaday (A)
John Cassaday (RI-Virgin), John Cassaday (RI-B/W)
FC | 32 pages | $3.99 | Teen+
Holmes and Watson continue their search for Michael Williams, only to discover they are not the only people doing so. Are the mysterious figures trailing the detectives responsible for Michael’s disappearance? Meanwhile, Moriarty’s reappearance puts someone close to the sleuths in mortal danger!
writers: Leah Moore, John Reppion
artist: Julius Ohta
covers: John Cassaday (A), John Cassaday (RI-Virgin), John Cassaday (RI-B/W)
FC | 32 pages | $3.99 | Teen +
Michael Williams is a family man. A reliable man at both work and home. When he disappears, there are no clues left behind. Now, it is up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to find out what happened to him and what danger may be lurking around every corner, in the case of The Vanishing Man!
From Leah Moore and John Reppion, the writers of Damsels, The Trial of Sherlock Holmes, and Ghost Stories of an Antiquary comes an original graphic novel perfect for tween, teen, and adult fans alike! Conspiracy of Ravens joins Moore and Reppion with interior and cover artist Sally Jane Thompson to weave a tale of magic, family secrets, and a mysterious legacy.
Anne is a teen schoolgirl who thought she was just like everyone else. But when she unexpectedly inherits her long-lost aunt’s crumbling English mansion and a strange ancient locket, she unearths a family secret that leads to the discovery of her mysterious powers. She picks up the mantle of her family’s magical legacy, but soon learns that she isn’t the only one whose powers are awakening, and not everyone wants to use their powers for good…
Conspiracy of Ravens HC goes on sale October 03, 2018 and the 136-page hardcover retails for $14.99.
writers: Leah Moore, John Reppion
artist: Aneke, Cris Bolson, Dietrich Smith
cover: Aneke
FC | 200 pages | $19.99 | Teen+
Weeks have passed since the defeat of the witch Belladonna, yet “Happily Ever After” is still out of reach for Rapa, the once-and-future Queen Rapunzel. The wandering adventurer chafes in the trappings of her royal station, her heart yearning to once again roam the roads and wilderness of her magical world. However, her path is not at all safe… for the witches Gothel and Carabosse have formed a new black coven, and are amassing a new army of the wicked!