Freak Comics

I am a huge fan of the horror genre: movies, video games, books… anything. However I am only a fan of horror when the story is done right. Night of the Living Dead (the original) is one of the greatest movies ever made… Dawn of the Dead, one of the worst. I’ll take Silent Hill over Resident Evil any day, and Walking Dead is my favorite comic book hands down.

Horror for the sake of gore is nothing but senseless tripe. I want to be scared and entertained. And while the Walking Dead doesn’t exactly scare me, it definitely entertains. The gore is a sidebar. The meat of the comic is the interaction between characters. The trials and hardships they face. The everyday mundane events that are either amplified or played down when juxtaposed with a world filled with death and slow quiet mayhem.

Two years have passed since Walking Dead #1 was released. I started this series after the 3rd volume had been out for some time. I purchased all three and read them within just a few days. Not because the story lacks thoughtfulness, or because the art lacks detail. I just couldn’t put it down. I read as soon as the baby would fall asleep and in to the wee hours of the night. I read when she was awake and my wife needed help. I read when I was supposed to be taking out the trash or watching a movie. I just couldn’t put it down. I was (and still am) highly adicted.

The story behind the Walking Dead is a simple: Officer Rick Grimes gets shot and wakes up in the hospitol… only to find that the world has turned zombie for some unexplained reason.

The intricacies to the plot are complex: love, murder, insanity and death… lots of death. People die left and right… quite often people you have become attached to.

Each issue leads directly in to the next… like one big unending movie. That’s part of the appeal for me. I love seeing the deterioration of the characters, the minuet changes in their appearances, and sometimes massive changes in their character as everything becomes harder to deal with.

After reading the Walking Dead two things becomes clear: Robert Kirkman is a genius, and Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn are masters of the arts. Every issue is done in black and white with grey tones using inks and wash. This creates a very dramatic bleak feel to the whole series.

My only real problem with this series is it’s so horribly depressing. It just seems like nothing ever goes right for these people… but that’s life I suppose.

If you haven’t read the Walking Dead yet, now is a good time to start as Image has released the Walking Dead Omnibus which collects all of the issues up to #24 (the current issue) in one hard cover book. Very cool, but ringing in at $100 (US) it’s also a tad on the pricey side. If you’re hesitant to drop 100 bucks without knowing what you’re getting in to, check out the online preview at imagecomics.com. You can read the entire first issue for free. If you like what you see but still don’t want to spend the cash, you can purchase the individual volumes for $12.95 a piece ($9.95 for volume 1). Of course this will only get you to issue #18 as volume 4 hasn’t been released yet… but it’s on the way.

The Walking Dead has went through two years of consistent, slow paced entertainment and is supposedly selling better now than ever before. If you like horror, read this series.

Update: The Walking Dead Vol. 4: The Heart’s Desire has been released. This encompasses issues 19 - 24 and is definitely worth reading.

Captain Marvel was the brain child of Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. He was created in 1939 and first published in Whiz Comics #2 by Fawcett Comics in 1940. Captain Marvel’s real identity is Billy Batson… a mere young boy. He was bestowed his powers by an ancient wizard named Shazam to become a champion of justice. Whenever Billy would speak the word “Shazam” he would be transformed in to the powerful Captain Marvel.

Captain Marvel was highly successful. DC took notice of Fawcett’s success and decided that Captain Marvel was a rip-off of their own hero: Superman. They took Fawcett to court, but Fawcett settled, abandoning Captain Marvel to the clutches of DC.

DC published Captain Marvel under the title Shazam! thus thoroughly confusing anyone unfamiliar with Captain Marvel, as it appeared Shazam was the name of Billy Batson’s alter ego.

Enter, me.
I never knew much about Captain Marvel, but he’s a featured player in the current Infinite Crisis event. In Day of Vengeance (a title leading in to the Infinite Crisis) the Specter apparently went crazy, turned evil and started a campaign to destroy all magic (and thus, magic users)… including Captain Marvel himself.

Well upon reading this I decided I would check out an old issue (#9) of Shazam! that I had purchased from an antique store. In this issue, Captain Marvel battles Mister Mind and an army of worms. As if that wasn’t stupid enough, the cover made me wonder if Archie Andrews had been transformed in to Captain Marvel. The comic was much worse than I was expecting. I could barely get through the issue. The comic was light-hearted and child-oriented and horribly boring.

These days, Captain Marvel maintains his innocent outlook, after all he’s really just a child. Thus he isn’t easily corruptible. He’s like a less complex, more pure version of Superman. Although the Captain may be the same as he was in the past, the stories surrounding him have definitely darkened. In the end of Day of Vengeance, Shazam is killed by the Specter, and Captain Marvel (as Billy Batson) apparently gets the axe… apparently.

DAWN VOL 1 LUCIFERS HALO NEW ED TP

DAWN VOL 1 LUCIFERS HALO SUPPLEMENTAL BOOK TP

HUNTER KILLER #5

RISING STARS #24

SPAWN COLLECTION VOL 1 HC

STRANGE GIRL VOL 1 GIRL AFRAID TP

TOP COWS BEST OF MICHAEL TURNER TP

FABLES VOL. 6: HOMELANDS

Collecting issues #34-41 of writer Bill Willingham’s Eisner Award-winning creation, HOMELANDS follows Boy Blue on a mission of revenge as he uncovers the Adversary’s true identity! Plus, the 2-part story of Jack’s adventures in Hollywood and the one-shot story of Mowgli’s return to Fabletown.

LOVELESS #3

The compelling western tale by acclaimed writer Brian Azzarello and artist Marcelo Frusin continues. Not content to sit complacently while the world around him tries to destroy him, Wes Cutter decides to go on the offensive and heads into the town of Blackwater to start some trouble. But with a target on his back and plenty of folks taking aim at it, will Wes be able to make it back home in one piece

ALBION #4

Penny is determined to rescue her father, and her new allies are almost convinced that it’s worth the risk. After all, if the government kept the old comics folk around, surely there’s one heck of a weapons cache to be found, too. But will the prisoners of The Castle be waiting when their small band arrives?

B.P.R.D.: The Black Flame #5 (of 6)

The secret war against the frogs is no longer secret as an ancient monster-god marches across the devastated American heartland. Air Force bombs and missiles are useless against it, so how can the B.P.R.D., on the verge of total collapse, hope to stop it? The answer lies in a dream and in the bottom of a dresser drawer of a man who never existed.

The Perhapanauts #2 (of 4)

Hey, Perhapa-pals! Todd Dezago here. I really don’t want to date myself but, y’know, I can remember a time when there wasn’t any PREVIEWS. No solicitations, no cover image, no three sentence encapsulation that sorta dilutes the thrills of an upcoming story. Back then the only way you knew what your hero was in store for next month was on the last panel of this month’s issue! Like—Next Issue: The Rhino! It was enticing! It was exciting! Don’t get me wrong—I love PREVIEWS—it’s wonderful publication. However, in honor of those bygone days, we here at The Perhapanauts will be using this space to introduce ourselves, preview some awesome artwork, and maybe tell a few jokes. Check back here next month for some of that kind of fun.

Revelations #5 (of 6)

Someone wants Detective Charlie Northern dead. Brought to the Vatican to investigate the strange death of the Pope’s most likely successor, Northern has uncovered too much, and now, someone close to him has been murdered. Dark and powerful forces are at work, but Northern doesn’t care anymore. He knows he’s dangerously close to the truth, and nothing short of Hell itself is going to stop him from finding out who or what is out to destroy his life.

Humberto Ramos’ always fantastic artwork takes an amazing turn with this complex and shocking murder mystery.

Star Wars: Purge (One-Shot)

After Order 66, few Jedi dare to venture outside the shadows—rumors of the dark and terrible Darth Vader haunting even their waking moments. Yet, some Jedi find this life of fear unbearable. Now, a small band of Jedi have agreed to meet and discuss what should be done to oppose the Empire and its Sith Lords. However, the Empire is always watching, and Vader himself is eager to confront any Jedi that might bring him closer to the whereabouts of his betrayer, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Prepare for Jedi versus Sith action unlike any seen since the Old Republic in this special one-shot follow-up to Revenge of the Sith!

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER #3

Creative titans Frank Miller, Jim Lee & Scott Williams continue their striking new vision of the Dark Knight in this tale of young Dick Grayson’s transformation from orphaned acrobat into the Batman’s first sidekick: Robin, the Boy Wonder!

BATMAN #648

The Black Mask has had it! As if Batman’s opposition to his criminal empire wasn’t enough, now the Red Hood is decimating his own ranks. Since he can’t beat him, would the Black Mask ever consider joining Gotham’s newest vigilante?

CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #16

Why is Dexter’s lawn so crabby? Find out how he drove the grass wild! Plus, Grim and Mandy are not surprised to find out Billy is the perfect target for hypnotization!

CATWOMAN #50

The acclaimed creative team of Will Pfeifer, Pete Woods and Adam Hughes reach a milestone issue, and if your name is Selina Kyle, get ready for your world to be rocked! Zatanna arrives with a revelation that causes Catwoman to question who she really is and all she’s done in the East End! You heard it here first: This secret will lead Catwoman to a place she’s never been before!

ELFQUEST: THE GRAND QUEST VOL. 12

he saga continues in this volume collecting ElfQuest: Kings of the Broken Wheel #8-11. Suntop and Ember have been kidnapped by Rayek and taken into the mists of time. Ten thousand years in the future, the travelers will reappear. But by then mortal Wolfriders will be long dead!

JLA: CLASSIFIED #15

The JLA members return from their own personal hells to confront the Martian God of Terror in the horrifying conclusion of the 6-part “New Maps of Hell,” by Warren Ellis and Butch Guice!

LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL

Superman has been called many things, from the defender of Truth, Justice and the American way to the Big Blue Boy Scout. In LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL, he is called something he never been called before: a threat to all humanity!

In this trade paperback collecting the acclaimed 5-issue miniseries LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL, fan-favorite writer Brian Azzarello (SUPERMAN, 100 BULLETS) teams up with artist Lee Bermejo (BATMAN/DEATHBLOW) for a bold story in which readers get a glimpse into the mind of Superman’s longtime foe. MAN OF STEEL reveals why Luthor chooses to be the proverbial thorn in the Man of Steel’s side — to save humanity from an untrustworthy alien being.

RANN/THANAGAR WAR

Don’t miss this thrilling new trade paperback that collects the 6-issue miniseries that helped set the stage for INFINITE CRISIS!

The planet Rann was taken from its solar system, hidden for its own protection. But when the danger passed, it was placed in a different system. Now threatening Thanagar’s very existence, Rann tries to maintain peace and save the populations of two worlds. A religious fanatic, though, aspires to something else: power. And to achieve it, she’s willing to sacrifice as many people and as many worlds as necessary!

Standing in her way are the greatest champions from across the universe: Adam Strange, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Green Lantern, the Omega Men, L.E.G.I.O.N. and the Darkstars. Alliances are forged, friendships tested, and the balance of galactic power will be redefined before the conflict is over!

SOLO #8

Eisner Award-winning artist Teddy Kristiansen takes over SOLO in an issue featuring a Deadman story written by New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN)! Kristiansen, the award-winning co-creator behind the critically-acclaimed DC/Vertigo graphic novel IT’S A BIRD… takes the spotlight for the latest installment in the series featuring the work of some of the comic industry’s best artists.

He’s joined by comics visionary Neil Gaiman for a story focusing on Deadman that no Gaiman fan will want to miss! Kristiansen takes the writing reins for a handful of short stories, and is also reunited with IT’S A BIRD… writer Steven T. Seagle. Kristiansen’s inimitable art style is showcased as he gives each story its own mood and feel through his mastery of a variety of media.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #23

Get ready for more pulse-pounding thrills from the original World’s Finest creators — Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines — in part 4 of the 6-part “With a Vengeance,” guest-starring Supergirl! Superman and Batman may have escaped the Maximums, but that doesn’t stop those vengeance-seeking superheroes from starting a full-scale invasion of Earth — with everyone who’s ever been a Maximum! And somehow this is all tied to Darkseid’s fate and the most unexpected death you’ll see this year!

TEEN TITANS GO! #26

Lights…Camera….Action! Beast Boy is bit by the acting bug and goes to Tinseltown to make a movie just as the HIVE 5 show up in Jump City to cause trouble for the Titans. How will the others fare when it’s four against five

VIGILANTE #4 (OF 6)

As news of the Vigilante spreads throughout Metropolis, the police department continues its manhunt. But are they so desperate that they’re willing to use a criminal as bait? And what happens when this scourge of society turns the tables on the Vigilante?

WONDER WOMAN #224

In the wake of INFINITE CRISIS #3, Wonder Woman’s world has been irrevocably changed! With OMACs attacking and her friends deserting her, how will she triumph? And how can she stop the OMACs without killing the innocent humans inside?

Amazing Fantasy #16

The fans have spoken in Marvel’s second online pole for which character will get revamped in AMFAN. Friends and foes alike, may we introduce to you Death’s Head 3.0! An all new 5-part storyline kicks into high-gear right here!

Amazing Spider-man #527

“The Other: Evolve or Die” Part 9 (of 12)
THE SPIDER-MAN CROSSOVER EVENT OF THE DECADE CONTINUES HERE!
The next stage in Spidey’s history starts here, True Believer. When the cocoon bursts, what comes out might surprise you. And just who is “The Other?”

Arana #12

Who killed Anya’s mother? The answer to this burning question may be a revelation too powerful for her to handle. Plus: a final confrontation between Miguel’s team and the Wasps, with Arana as a reluctant player and Amun revealing himself once again as both friend and foe!

Black Panther #11

“Two the Hard Way”
It’s cover-to-cover action when the Black Panther and Luke Cage battle an army of ninjas and their master: a mythic arch-villain who’s got big plans for the King of Wakanda. To survive, the pair’s gonna need a little help from their friends – the Falcon and Shang Chi, Master of Kung Fu. Jump on board here, True Believer, as BLACK PANTHER revs up to an event of cataclysmic proportions. Part 2 (of 4).

Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her #4

Award-winning collaborators Richard K. Morgan, Sean Phillips, and Bill Sienkiewicz rev up the tension when Natasha tracks down a girl held prisoner in a heavily fortified jungle compound. The Black Widow must contend with sadistic foes who perform experiments on helpless children, but can she do it alone, especially when old enemies close in, vowing to get even? Meanwhile, Matt Murdock comes to the aid of a captured Nick Fury, but his actions may do more harm than good!

Don’t miss the red-hot sequel to the limited series praised by Entertainment Weekly, Ain’t It Cool News, SFX Magazine and more!

Captain America & The Falcon: Secret Empire

Daredevil #80

“The Murdock Papers” continue! The Bendis/Maleev era rockets towards its shocking conclusion as Matt Murdock makes one of the most important decision of his entire life. Part 5 (of 6).

Daredevil: Father #5

The shocking conclusion as Daredevil comes face-to-face with serial killer, Johnny Sockets! The fallout from this story will rock Daredevil down to his very origin itself!

Exiles #74

“WORLD TOUR: NEW UNIVERSE”
Ta-da! A new Exile joins the team! And he or she arrives just in time to save the team from having their brains smashed across all reality! Part 3 (of 3)!

Fantastic Four Special 2005 #1

Marvel Adventures Spider-man Vol. 2: Power Struggle

The all-ages action continues! It’s wall-to-wall mayhem in the Mighty Marvel Manner when new ADVENTURES writer Sean McKeever joins artist Patrick Scherberger to deliver all-original tales of everybody’s favorite teenage wall-crawler! Collects MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #5-8.

Marvel Comics Presents Wolverine Vol. 2

Like things as clear as black and white? You’re in luck — but Wolverine isn’t, as the mysterious Black Shadow/White Shadow uses his energy powers to double-team everyone’s favorite feral fighter! Then, Wolverine wanders into a costumed kidnapping scheme run by an old classmate of the web-slinger known as Spider-Man! And find out just how connected Wolverine is as we meet another mysterious marvel from his past! Collects MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #39-50 – plus the rare, never-before reprinted WOLVERINE preview from MARVEL AGE ANNUAL #4.

Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age All-winners Comics Vol. 1

New Avengers #14

Spider-Woman’s dark secrets revealed!! Captain America catches her double-dealing the Avengers and corners her! How did Spider-Woman get her powers back and to whom does she answer? It’s all here!!
A Spider-Woman-focused storyline? Sounds like a job for superstar, award-winning comic artist FRANK CHO!

Nick Fury’s Howling Commandos #3

Girl’s Night Out! After a male team goes missing in Merlin’s captured village, Vampire by Night and Lillith (who hate each other more than life itself) are dropped in, determined to find out what happened to the rest of the Commandos. Will they find the secret? Will they save their squad? Will they rip each other’s eyes out? Only Keith knows!

Official Handbook Of The Ultimate Marvel Universe 2005 #1

The Official Handbook gets the Ultimate treatment! This volume contains in-depth bios on the Ultimates and the Ultimate X-Men, and all their friends and foes! Plus: An all-new cover by ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN artist Mark Bagley, digitally painted by Morry Hollowell.

Sentry #4

Who is the most powerful: the mightiest human being in the world, or the man who keeps him sane?

That’s the question that faces Doctor Cornelius Worth, who has the unfortunate distinction of being the Sentry’s psychiatrist. Pressured by government agents, by himself, by the weight of expectation to control the Sentry and keep the Void in check, Worth worries about his own stress levels — his personal life is completely unraveling. Is he truly important, or just a meaningless cog in the grand scheme of things?

She-hulk #3

Join Marvel in celebrating 25 years and 100 solo issues of She-Hulk in this hundred page special!
Get ready for the most important case in She-Hulk’s life—because SHE’S the accused! Charged with crimes against the space-time continuum, the TVA is placing She-Hulk in a “Time Trial.” If she loses? Her entire personal history– her very existence—could be erased right out of the Marvel Universe!
Guest stars abound as your favorite Marvel characters and artists help spin a tale that spans every incarnation of the Emerald Amazon!
Also in this issue: two of She-Hulk’s most important issues, SAVAGE SHE-HULK #1 and SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK #1 in all their four color glory!

Spider-man Loves Mary Jane #1

“The Boyfriend Thing”
Because YOU demanded it, the highly acclaimed drama featuring the life of a teenage Mary Jane Watson returns as an ongoing series! And this time, she’s got some friendly neighborhood backup! With her circle of friends and recent relationship left in disrepair, MJ is on the market once again! But who will she choose to be the next object of her affections: Peter Parker, her bookish-but-sweet tutor and newly-minted friend; or that dangerous, exciting crimefighter in red and blue tights, Spider-Man? Stick with Eisner award-winner Sean McKeever and superstar artist Takeshi Miyazawa to find out!

Spider-man/black Cat: Evil That Men Do #5

The wait is over! Finally! No, really. You demanded it, you got it: The conclusion to the series you though would never be finished. When Felicia wakes up behind bars—accused of the murder of the mutant menace known as Klum–there’s only one man (well, two actually) who can save her: Peter Parker and Matt Murdock. But to save their friend, they’re gonna need a little insight into the powers and psyche of the man who put her in the slammer in the first place, insight that can be provided by someone who really understands what makes him tick. Need a hint? Bamf.

Thor: Blood Oath #6

Thor and his oath brothers, Fandral, Volstagg and Hogun, collectively known as the Warriors Three, have trod across Asgard, Jotenheim, Ireland, Japan and now Egypt in search of impossibly magical items- and now they have come to the end of that journey for what may be their greatest testing of all! This is the conclusion of Blood Oath, a final “classic style” Thor story told in the tradition of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee- see the final appearance of Donald Blake, Asgard and Thor as you have known him for the last 40 years in this exciting conclusion to Thor: BLOOD OATH!

Ultimate Fantastic Four #26

“TOMB OF NAMOR”
Learn the hidden history of the lost continent of Atlantis—and its incredible link to the Ultimate Inhumans! Plus, the biggest battle ever, as Ultimate Namor takes on the entire Ultimate FF in a pitched battle! Somebody’s going to be fillet of fish when it’s over. Plus—a surprise ending that changes everything. You’ll know what we mean when you read it! Part 3 (of 3)

Ultimate Spider-man #88

“SILVER SABLE”
In her efforts to apprehend Spider-Man, Silver Sable inadvertently convinces authorities—and the media—that Spidey does indeed go to Midtown High School. And the first backpack they’re going to check belongs to none other than—Peter Parker! But Peter’s already taken the advice of his new girlfriend—Ultimate X-Men’s Kitty Pryde—and seeks out Sable and her Wildpack for a showdown. Things do not go as planned for the web-spinner. Not at all. Parts 2 & 3 (of 5)

Ultimate Spider-man Vol. 14: Warriors

What If: #6

In an alternate world, we find the story of a blinded child with special senses who lived in feudal Japan. Growing out of the shadow of his father’s failure, the blind youth emerged to stand against an evil controlling overlord as the samurai known as DEVIL WHO DARES!

What If: #3

In the tradition of epic mythology, we peer into a universe where the unthinkable has happened: THOR has been transformed into the Herald of GALACTUS. How can Earth survive with such a powerful harbinger of doom at its doorstep? Is there anyone who can stop him or will Earth be left a scorched and barren wasteland like so many other thriving planets before it?

Wolverine #37

“Origins and Endings”
DECIMATION Tie-In!
After all this time, can it be true? Does he…? Logan’s recent moves certainly offer some clues — he’s got his hands full, locked in battle deep under downtown Tokyo with one of his oldest and deadliest enemies: Silver Samurai! And that’s just Round One. Wait’ll you see Round Two. Part 2 (of 5).

X-factor #2

DECIMATION Tie-In!
Questions: What is the bizarre secret of Singularity Investigations and their boss, Mr. Tryp? Has Jamie Madrox turned homicidal? Who is Layla Miller and how does she know stuff? Who is Gloria Santiago and what’s going on with her sister? Will Rahne give in to her temptation to kick Monet’s butt? Can X-Factor’s investigation of the “Decimation” possibly yield the mystery of the HOUSE OF M? Read X-Factor #2 and learn the answer to all, some, and possibly none of these questions!

X-men #180

“WHAT LORNA SAW” Part 1 (of 2)!
When the X-Men traveled into space, Lorna Dane, a.k.a. Polaris, saw something that has haunted her mind for months. What was it that she saw? Is it a new danger that threatens to tear the mutant world apart? It’s time to solve this mystery, whether Polaris wants to or not.

X-men And Power Pack #3

They say life’s a circus — and the super-powered siblings of Power Pack couldn’t agree more. But when the real circus rolls into town, the Power kids find out that there’s big trouble lurking under the big top! And if the kids thought clowns were scary, just wait until they meet the blue-skinned, pointy-eared X-Man known as Nightcrawler!

Young Avengers Special #1

Discover the secret history of the Young Avengers when Jessica Jones and Kat Farrell investigate the kids’ origins for a special issue of THE PULSE. Who were they and what were their lives like before they met Iron Lad? And what is the future of the team without him? Find out in the YOUNG AVENGERS SPECIAL #1.

BERKELEY, CA — 22 December, 2005 — With one volume of material back after years of being out-of-print and one volume of never-before-reprinted material out this week, one thing is for sure - the continuing popularity of SPAWN after all these years.

This week, the SPAWN COLLECTION, VOL. 1 TP and the SPAWN MANGA, VOL. 1 TP were released and before even hitting the shelves, both books have now completely sold out at Diamond.

“It’s great to see the enthusiasm for SPAWN after all these years,” said Todd McFarlane. “We intended to invigorate the title and obviously the selling out of issue 150, the Trade, and Manga shows we’re on the right track. We appreciate the support, and plan to build on that momentum.”

Both collections were well overprinted, but advance orders in the weeks before the books hit the shelves depleted the entire inventory. With the huge demand for the collections, Image Comics and Todd McFarlane Productions are announcing an immediate reprinting of both volumes, which should arrive back in stores by early February.

SPAWN COLLECTION VOL 1 TP (AUG051640) collects issues #1-8, 10 and 11 of SPAWN by Todd McFarlane.

SPAWN MANGA VOL 1 TP (SEP051669) is the first of three volumes collecting the entire SPAWN Manga series, never before published in the United States and created by Manga Master Juzo Tokoro.

Conan #23

At the age of ten, Conan already finds boyhood too small to contain his manly strength and ambition. But when disease strikes him and his village, he is left weak and unworthy. Determined to regain his self-respect, he journeys alone to the site of one of Cimmeria’s bloodiest battles—but little does Conan know that vile men hide in the shadows of this place, waiting to prey upon those so foolish as to awaken the fallen warriors from their uneasy sleep.

Goon #15

The war against the Zombie Priest is going well as Goon and his allies have managed to put a strangle-hold on the Priest’s supply of fresh corpses for his Zombie legion. But just as things seem to be cooling down on Lonely Street, a mysterious figure arrives on the scene to seek revenge on one of the Goon’s best pals, Norton.

Come see why Eric Powell’s The Goon won this year’s 2005 Eisner Award, not only for Best Humor Publication, but also for Best Ongoing Series. BEST ONGOING SERIES, people! Come on! What’s it gonna take?! Read this book, already!!!

2005 Eisner Award-winner for Best Humor Publication and Best Continuing Series!

Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World Movie Adaptation #1

With disgruntled investors after his skin, director Carl Denham has one chance to make the film of his dreams—hire an unknown actress, kidnap his writer, and board a tramp freighter for the South Pacific. And Denham is the only one on board who knows their final destination: a mysterious, storm-shrouded land mass known only as the Island of the Skulls.

There, Denham and his film crew will encounter hostile natives, and actress Ann Darrow will find herself in the grasp of the island’s undisputed lord and master—the mighty Kong!

Based on the eagerly anticipated motion picture by Peter Jackson, this three-issue comics adaptation captures all of the action, all of the romance, and all of the terror of the 8th Wonder of the World!

Space Pinchy: Pleased to Meetya

Meet Space Pinchy. The last remaining member of the Pinch Tribe, Space Pinchy travels through space in search of the tribe’s lost treasures, everything from dirty magazines to doomsday devices! In her adventures Pinchy utilizes myterious superpowers, a form fitting outfit, and about every innuendo in the book to aid her in her quest.

It’s a sexy, silly manga in full, digital color from Japan’s very odd Tony Takezaki, and it’s coming to America in a special six-issue series from Dark Horse Comics.

Star Wars: Empire #38

Dissent in the ranks! Janek Sunber finds himself at odds-and at gunpoint-with his fellow officers over the treatment of Imperial prisoners. Hardly an auspicious start to his new assignment, and made all the worse because the internal conflict blinds the Imperials to the presence of Rebel infiltrators in their midst!

But the biggest shock to Sunber-and the Rebels-is yet to come, from a most unexpected quarter! Allegiances are strained, identities are revealed, and a major strike against the Empire is in the offing. An issue that should not be missed!

The return of Lieutenant Janek Sunber (the lead character in “To the Last Man,”Empire #16-18).

Star Wars: Republic #80

The galaxy has changed for the Jedi, their Order has been dealt a crippling blow. Now the dark times have begun, and individual Jedi are left to decide whether they will stay true to the duty they took on during the Clone Wars, cast themselves to the will of the Force, or abandon their beliefs altogether.

None of the decisions is easy, and all of them are fraught with peril!

Republic embarks on the first step into the “dark times” after Revenge of the Sith!

Star Wars: X-Wing - Rogue Leader #3 (of 3)

Imperial terrorists have landed a devastating strike on Wedge Antilles’home planet and captured a member of Rogue Squadron. Now, Wedge and the rest of the Rogues are hot on their trail, determined to find their friend and bring these Imperial thugs to justice.

The fighting is fierce and the flying is faster in this whiz-bang conclusion to the series that defines the hottest heroes in the expanded Universe and launches an ace fighter squadron like none other in the galaxy!