ARIA, VOL. 2: THE SOULMARKET TP
THE CONCEPT
Aria is an unforgettable fairy tale for adults that follows the adventures of Kildare, a faerie princess living in Greenwich Village, and her strange circle of immortal friends.
THIS ISSUE
Kildare’s world is turned upside down when Goodfellow, the mischievous sprite immortalized in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, comes to New York. As Kildare tries to figure out just what he’s up to, she uncovers an underground soul market, where the immortal spirits of humans are bought, sold and traded–as well as the memory of a long forgotten love.
Collects ARIA: THE SOUL MARKET #1-6
Written by BRIAN HOLGUIN
Art by JAY ANACLETO, DAVID YARDIN & LAN MEDINA
Cover by JAY ANACLETO
FC 144 pgs. $16.95
Trade Paperback
On Sale 7 JANUARY, 2004
Aria is ™ and © Brian Holguin and Brian Haberlin, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
THE LONG-AWAITED TRADE PAPERBACK COLLECTION OF THE SECOND CHAPTER IN THE UNFORGETTABLE ARIA SAGA!
ALSO AVAILABLE
ARIA, VOL. 1: THE MAGIC OF ARIA TP
BLOCKHEDZ #3 (of 4)
THE CONCEPT
Empire City: pop. 45 milllion. 1 pure soul. His gift: the power of rhyme. His mission: save himself from a wicked curse by unraveling the mystery of his brother's death. The Stakes: should he fail, not only will he perish, but the whole city will be doomed.
THIS ISSUE
Blak is hell bent on finding the “Wild Dawgs,” and avenging his brother’s death, but the evil within him has begun to take hold. He will perish unless his finds the cure and with him all that is beautiful will be lost forever.
Written by BRANDON SCHULTZ
Art by MARK DAVIS & MIKE DAVIS
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
On Sale 7 JANUARY, 2004
MATURE READERS WARNING
Blokhedz is ™ and © 2003 Imajimation Studios. All Rights Reserved.
BLOODSTREAM #1 (of 4)
THE CONCEPT
Exotic dancer Amber O'Neill is all too familiar with men taking advantage of her, but nothing could prepare her for becoming the target of a secretive biotech company developing an experimental new blood substitute. Now, her very survival depends on finding those responsible and sifting through the lies to uncover the truth about her life.
THIS ISSUE
A typical night for Amber ends in nightmarish visions of masked doctors, needles and tubes of red fluid. Is this real? Retreating deep into her subconscious always helped her cope before, but will it now?
Written by ADAM SHAW & PENNY REGISTER
Art & cover by ADAM SHAW
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Four-issue monthly miniseries
On Sale 7 JANUARY, 2004
MATURE READERS WARNING
Bloodstream is © Adam Shaw & Penny Register, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
MACABRE NEW MINISERIES!
CASE FILES: SAM AND TWITCH #9
THE CONCEPT
This is the second spin-off book featuring New York City police detectives Sam Burke and Twitch Williams, popular characters originally introduced in Spawn. Case Files: Sam and Twitch takes the crime noir world of Sam and Twitch to a darker level, feature unique artwork and storytelling from Marc Andreyko and Paul Lee.
THIS ISSUE
“Skeletons," Part Three
As Sam and Twitch delve deeper into the past of the Halloran family, known as America's Royalty, the detectives uncover more than they bargained for – and place themselves in the crosshairs of a 50-year-old conspiracy! And does Sam know more than he is saying? If so, what dark event is keeping him silent?
Written by MARK ANDREYKO
Art by PAUL LEE
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
BW 32 pgs. $2.50
Monthly ongoing series
On Sale 14 JANUARY, 2004
MATURE READERS WARNING
Casefiles: Sam and Twitch is ™ and © Todd McFarlane Productions, 2004. All Rights Reserved.
ALSO AVAILABLE
SAM & TWITCH, VOL. 1: UDAKU
THE CLOCK MAKER: ACT 1 (of 3)
THE CONCEPT
Hidden within a hollow mountain in Switzerland is a giant clockworks, maintained by hundreds of men that never age. The clock is the cause and sustainer of the Earth's revolutions. And more, it is the gateway to Heaven itself.
THIS ISSUE
Astrid Bonn returns to Switzerland to mourn the mysterious deaths of a brother and a father she hardly knew only to learn their deaths were no accidents. She also discovers that the family business is the stewardship of a giant clockworks that stands at the gates of Heaven itself. The real problem is, though, that to get to Heaven, Astrid is about to go through Hell.
PLUS: The complete GUY DAVIS clockworks designs that were used for the creation of this series!
Collects THE CLOCK MAKER #1-4
Written by JIM KRUEGER
Art by MATT SMITH, ZACH HOWARD, MIKE HALBLIEB, BRETT WELDELE, JOHN ROBERTS & GUY DAVIS
Cover by MATT SMITH
FC 64 pgs. $6.95
Three-issue bimonthly miniseries
On Sale 28 JANUARY, 2004
The Clockmaker is ™ and © Jim Krueger, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
REPRESENTING ISSUES 1-4 OF JIM KRUEGER’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED EPIC IN ONE VOLUME!
“Krueger's ideas are certainly amazing, and this book has that same sense of wild imagination that brought Foot Soldiers to life.”
-Randy Lander, TheFourthRail.com
DESPERATE TIMES #0
THE CONCEPT
A couple of single guys trying to make it in this coupled world – but for how long?
THIS ISSUE
Marty, Toad and all the gang are back where they belong: Image Comics! Everything changes in this new series and there are surprises galore to go with all the laughs!
Written & illustrated by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS
Cover by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS
B&W 32 pgs. $2.95
Bimonthly ongoing series
On Sale 14 JANUARY, 2004
Desperate Times is ™ and © Chris Eliopoulos 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
“LIVELY CARTOONING STYLE, GREAT EAR FOR DIALOG, GREAT EYE FOR STORY AND IMPECCABLE COMIC TIMING. HOW I HATE HIM.”
-GAIL SIMON (Birds of Prey)
“CHRIS IS GOOD–REAL GOOD. AND HE KEEPS GETTING BETTER. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HE DOES NEXT!”
-ERIK LARSEN (Savage Dragon)
“IF YOU’VE EVER ENJOYED A NEWSPAPER COMICSTRIP AND WHEN SOME OF THEM WERE CONSISTENTLY FUNNY, YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO CHECK OUT DESPERATE TIMES.”
-ROBERT KIRKMAN (Invincible)
"READING AN ISSUE OF THIS SERIES IS LIKE BRINGING A SIT-COM INTO YOUR HOME. EXCEPT IT’S FUNNY.”
-AUGIE DEBLIECK (ComicBookResources.com)
THE HEDGE KNIGHT #5 (of 6)
THE CONCEPT:
In this prequel story to GEORGE R.R. MARTIN'S Award winning, New York Times Best Selling novel series: 'A Song of Ice and Fire'; Night falls over the life of one noble knight and brings the dawn of his squire’s knighthood. Dubbing himself ‘Ser Duncan the Tall’, ‘The Hedge Knight’ sets forth to the tourney at Ashford Meadow in search of fame and glory and the honor of upholding his oath as a knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Unfortunately for him, the world isn’t ready for a knight who keeps his oaths, and his chivalrous methods could be the very cause of his demise.
THIS ISSUE:
Dunk simply wanted to join the tourney lists and start his new life as a knight. Now, after offending the King's son while protecting the weak, he faces a trial by combat. And not only a trial by combat, but a "trial of seven", forcing Dunk to find six other knights willing to take his cause. If he cannot find anyone willing to stand with and fight for him – an unproven and unknown hedge knight -- the stakes are no longer losing his armor and horse, but his life.
Written by GEORGE R.R. MARTIN & BEN AVERY
Art by MIKE S. MILLER & MIKE CROWELL
Covers by MIKE S. MILLER (A) & TED NASMITH (B)
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Six-issue monthly miniseries
On sale 28 January, 2004
TAGLINE
THE SELL-OUT FANTASTY HIT OF 2003 CONTINUES!
ALSO AVAILABLE
THE HEDGE KNIGHT COLLECTED EDITION
The Hedge Knight is ™ and © George R.R. Martin and Roaring Studios, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
HELLHOUNDS #6
Written by GEORGE T. SINGLEY IV
Art by JOE ABRAHAM
Cover by ERIK LARSEN
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Monthly ongoing series
On Sale 7 JANUARY, 2004
MATURE READERS WARNING
THE CONCEPT
King & Shock are part of an elite bounty detectives group secretly known as "Hellhounds." They will defend the world from any evil threat...for a price! But when they gain super powers…will their astonishing attributes give them new attitudes or make them more profitable?
THIS ISSUE
King & Shock are on the trail of the ruthless super villain Gol! Corpses are lining the streets of Hadean Gates and our heroes are running out of time and patience! But the Hellhounds have an unexpected ally for this harrowing mission: The Savage Dragon!
Hellhounds is ™ and © George T. Singley IV, 2003. All Rights Reserved
INVINCIBLE #10
THE CONCEPT
Mark Grayson is just like most everyone else his age, except for the fact that his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet. And now, he’s begun to inherit his father's powers. Which sounds okay at first, but how do you follow in your father's footsteps when you know you will never live up to his standards?
THIS ISSUE
“Perfect Strangers,” Part Two
Mark’s dad, Omni-Man finds himself going toe-to-toe with a villain that might be too deadly for even him. Meanwhile, events continue to unfold around Mark that will lead up to our big issue 12 spectacular!
Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
Art by CORY WALKER
Cover by CORY WALKER & BILL CRABTREE
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Monthly ongoing series
On sale X JANUARY, 2004
Invincible TM and © Robert Kirkman & Cory Walker, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
KABUKI: THE ALCHEMY #1 (of 6)
THE CONCEPT
This visually stunning and emotionally compelling tale of an illegitimate child born of a union between a head Noh assassin and a Geisha has won widespread critical acclaim. Her mother murdered and her own face horribly scarred by her half-brother, Kabuki wears a mask to hide her scars, both internal and external.
THIS ISSUE
It’s a new start for Kabuki and the perfect jumping-on point for brand new Kabuki readers and fans of David Mack’s work Daredevil and the upcoming Ultimate X-Men.
PLUS: This issue also includes a special chronology of the evolution of Kabuki’s early beginnings. For instance: Did you know that Brian Bendis was initially planned to be the artist of Kabuki ten years ago? Included in this issue are Brian Bendis’ never before published Kabuki drawings!
Written & illustrated by DAVID MACK
Cover by DAVID MACK
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Six-issue bimonthly miniseries
On sale 28 JANUARY, 2004
Kabuki is ™ and © David Mack, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
THE BEGINNING OF AN ALL-NEW KABUKI SERIES – PAINTED BY SUPERSTAR WRITER/ARTIST, DAVID MACK!
“DAVID MACK IS ONE OF THE TRUE GENIUS’ OF THE MEDIUM. HE IS THE FUTURE OF COMICS. KABUKI IS DAVID MACK’S PERSONAL TALE OF SELF-ACTUALIZATION.”
-BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (Powers, Ultimate Spider-Man)
ALSO AVAILABLE
KABUKI, VOL. 5: METAMORPHOSIS
KANE, VOL. 1: GREETINGS FROM NEW EDEN TP
THE CONCEPT
Detective Kane returns to active duty with the New Eden Police Dept. following a six-month suspension after he shot and killed his partner Dennis Harvey. His fellow police officers give Kane a welcome back gift: a couple of bullets with his name engraved on them.
THIS ISSUE
Partnered with a new detective, Kate Felix, Kane quickly learns nothing has changed in the city of New Eden. In his first two days back, Kane has to deal with a siege, a kidnapping and a bomb attack. And then there's the Crime Boss of New Eden, Oscar Darke…
Collects KANE #1-4, originally published by Dancing Elephant Press.
*Look out for KANE VOL. 2: RABBIT HUNT in April, 2004!
Written & illustrated by PAUL GRIST
Cover by PAUL GRIST
BW 120 pgs. $11.95
Trade Paperback
On sale 14 JANUARY, 2004
KANE is ™ and © Paul Grist, 2003. All rights reserved.
TAGLINE
“SMART, SHARP WORK. BUY IT, ALREADY!”
-FRANK MILLER (Sin City, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns)
ALSO AVAILABLE
JACK STAFF, VOL. 1: EVERYTHING USED TO BE BLACK AND WHITE
LEX TALIONIS: A JUNGLE TALE
THE CONCEPT
Jungle action and a tale of vengeance are combined in this unique tale of metaphysical justice featuring lush color and dazzling artwork of a style not seen before in comics.
THIS ISSUE
Gorillas have long been known as the gentle giants of the Jungle. Gorillas don’t attack unless threatened and are so shy as to be rarely seen outside zoos. Yet in the heart of the African wilderness, a safari guide is witness to the grisly murder of a fellow guide by a gorilla. In order to make sense of the irrational, he must find out why.
Written & illustrated by ANEURIN WRIGHT
Cover by ANEURIN WRIGHT
FC 48 pgs. $5.95
One-shot
On sale 7 JANUARY, 2004
Lex Talionis: A Jungle Tale is ™ and © Aneurin Wright, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
PvP #6
THE CONCEPT
In a world where nerds evolved instead of man, the staff of PvP magazine rule as kings. Join Cole, Brent, Francis, Jade and Skull the Troll as they chronicle the world of pop-culture.
THIS ISSUE
Read the PvP storyline that turned the small press community on its ear! Skull the Troll wants to be a comic book artist in the worst way... and unfortunately, he is. When Skull finds a home for his imperfect creation in the close-knit alternative comics community he learns that to stay in this club, success is not an option. Can he sell out without selling out?
THIS ISSUE’S FULLY PAINTED COVER IS BEING AUCTIONED OFF TO BENEFIT THE COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND. VISIT FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW YOU CAN BID.
Written & illustrated by SCOTT KURTZ
Cover by JAMES KOLCHAKA
BW 32 pgs. $2.95
Bimonthly ongoing series
On sale 28 JANUARY, 2004
PvP is ™ and © Scott Kurtz. All rights reserved.
TAGLINE
“THE CLOSEST AN INDEPENDENT COMIC CAN GET TO THE PERFECT SATIRE.”
- WIZARD
“A LEAKY BUCKET OF TEPID ****…MEDIOCRE, TRITE AND BORING.”
- THE COMICS JOURNAL
READ IT AND DECIDE FOR YOURELF!
REX MUNDI, VOL. 1: THE GUARDIAN OF THE TEMPLE TP
THE CONCEPT
Murder, sin and redemption intersect in an alternate version of Paris, where magic is real, the Catholic Church never lost it grip on power and men still perish in their quest for the Holy Grail.
THIS ISSUE
As Doctor Julien Sauničre investigates the theft of a medieval scroll from a Paris church, he stumbles onto a series of horrific ritual murders and an ancient secret society somehow connected to the mysterious document. They must not slip back into the shadows, or they will kill again…
PLUS: a double-page map of the Rex Mundi world, a gallery of back covers by artists such as GUY DAVIS and JIM MAHFOOD, a sketchbook by Rex Mundi artist ERIC J, and much, much more!
Collects REX MUNDI #0-5
Written by ARVID NELSON
Art & cover by Eric J
FC 176 pgs. $14.95
Trade Paperback
On sale 21 JANUARY, 2004
Rex Mundi and Shrunken Head Studios ™ and © Arvid Nelson and Eric Johnson, 2001. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
COLLECTING ISSUES #0-5 OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED MURDER MYSTERY!
SAVAGE DRAGON #115
THE CONCEPT
One man’s epic struggle to restore order to a world in chaos.
THIS ISSUE
Special 80-page “Vicious Circle Rising” finale!
As the new head of the Vicious Circle takes control, The Dragon brings all his allies, past and present together for one final battle in an attempt to destroy the Vicious Circle once and for all. And amidst the ashes of battle, a new team is born! Is this savage world ready for…Freak Force?
PLUS: A second all-new, epic-length adventure written by ERIK LARSEN with art by MARK ENGLERT!
Written & illustrated by ERIK LARSEN
Wraparound cover by ERIK LARSEN
FC 80 pgs. $6.95
Monthly ongoing series
On sale 21 JANUARY, 2004
Savage Dragon ® and © Erik Larsen, 2004. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
A STAGGERING 80 PAGES OF COMIC BOOK GOODNESS!
ALSO AVAILABLE
SAVAGE DRAGON, VOL. 7: GANG WAR (NEW PRINTING!)
SHANGRI-LA GN
THE CONCEPT
When a burned out assassin backs out of a hit on a has-been rock star, the two are set on a wild chase across America, forced to do their best not to kill each other before they can turn the tables on the record label that wants them dead.
Written by MARC BRYANT
Art by SHEPHERD HENDRIX
Cover by KIERON DWYER & MAL JONES
BW 72 pgs. $6.95
One-shot
On sale 14 JANUARY, 2004
Shangri-La is ™ and © Marc Bryant & Shepherd Hendrix, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
“A VERY COMPELLING DEBUT FROM THIS TEAM, AND A FUN READ THAT SPEAKS SOME TRUTH ABOUT WHY WE’RE SO DAMN PATHETIC. I LOOK FORWARD TO MORE.”
-ED BRUBAKER, SLEEPER
“AN AMAZING WORLD OF ROCK AND ROLL HEAVEN AND HELL.”
-MICHAEL AVON OEMING, POWERS
“A LITTLE RECKLESS…AND BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH IDEAS.”
-BRIAN K. VAUGHAN, Y: THE LAST MAN
SPAWN #142
THE CONCEPT
Al Simmons, once the U.S. government’s greatest soldier and most effective assassin, was mercilessly executed by his own men. Resurrected in a flawed agreement with the powers of darkness, Simmons was reborn as a creature from the depths of Hell. Disfigured, homeless and alone, the warrior now known as Spawn wanders the shadowy alleys of New York City in search of his past life.
THIS ISSUE
“Asunder,” Part Four
Al Simmons continues his journey through the dark, secret history of creation as he relives the lives of the Hellspawn who have gone before him. As the parade of his spiritual forebears passes by, he hears their woeful tales, learning the single tragic flaw that links all those who share his doomed pedigree, a lineage that dates back to the beginning of time and the very first killer.
*Art shown is not the cover.
Written by BRIAN HOLGUIN & TODD McFARLANE
Art by ANGEL MEDINA
Cover by GREG CAPULLO & TODD McFARLANE
FC 32 pgs. $2.50
Monthly ongoing series
On sale 28 JANUARY, 2004
Spawn is ™ and © Todd McFarlane Productions, 2004. All Rights Reserved.
STAY PUFFED
THE CONCEPT
Six months ago he was Seaton-the-janitor, amusement-park mop pusher and part-time psychotic. In PUFFED, he beat up the guy who wears the Puff Dragon suit and dumped him in the ‘hood. Now he’s in the Army and armed to the teeth…
THIS ISSUE
This one has it all: Shock! Awe! Saddam Hussien! Uday Hussien! Uday Hussien’s porn collection! Weapons of Mass Destruction! Weapons of Mouse Destruction! Big fish wrapped in cellophane! A human hand grenade! And…a rampaging grizzly bear?!?
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art by DAVE CROSLAND
Covers by DAVE CROSLAND (A) & ASHLEY WOOD (B)
BW 32 pgs. $2.95
One-shot
On sale 7 JANUARY, 2004
MATURE READERS WARNING
Stay Puffed is ™ and © John Layman and Dave Crosland, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
THE MADMEN BEHIND THIS SUMMER’S ODDBALL BLACK COMEDY, PUFFED, ARE BACK, EMBEDDING YOU IN THE TRENCHES WITH AMERICA’S FIGHTING FORCES FOR A TWISTED TALE OF WARTIME WEIRDNESS!
ALSO AVAILABLE
PUFFED #1-3 SET
STREET FIGHTER #5
THE CONCEPT
Street Fighter, the legendary franchise that revolutionized gaming and entertained players and fans for over a decade with its unforgettable cast of World Warriors, finally hits the printed page with every pulse-pounding Dragon Punch and bone-crushing Sonic Boom intact, just like it was meant to be!
THIS ISSUE
Guile and Chun-Li must not only face and fight the man they once knew as Charlie, but also the man responsible for their pain and suffering… M. Bison! Meanwhile, Akuma, the man—or perhaps monster—responsible for the death of Ryu and Ken’s master, finally comes face to face with them.
PLUS: Bison’s favorite Doll Agent, Cammy, is put to the test against Vega in an all-out action-fest by Korean sensation Hyung-Tae Kim (Magna Carta, Oxide)!
Written by KEN SIU-CHONG
Art by ALVIN LEE, ARNOLD TSANG, ANDREW HOU & HYUNG-TAE KIM
Covers by ALVIN LEE & CHARLES PARK (A), HYUNG-TAE KIM (B) & Capcom’s SHINKIRO! (C – Power Cel Incentive)
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Monthly ongoing series
On sale 21 JANUARY, 2004
Street Fighter is ™ and © CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TRAKK: MONSTER HUNTER #3
THE CONCEPT
Trakk is an immortal monster hunter on a quest to destroy the very source of all monsters: the alien beast known as Vaquol.
THIS ISSUE
After years of nameless destitution, a series of vicious and unexplained force Trakk to choose between drunken isolation and his cause. Can he become a hero again in time to save us all?
Written by BRIAN HABERLIN & FRANCIS TAKENAGA
Art by PHILIP TAN
Covers by PHILIP TAN (A) & SIMON BISLEY (B)
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Monthly ongoing series
On sale 21 JANUARY, 2004
TRAKK is ™ and © Stan Winston, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
The ultimate superhero, brought to you by the ultimate monster-creator: Academy Award winner STAN (Terminator/Jurassic Park/Aliens) WINSTON!
ALSO AVAILABLE
MUTANT EARTH, VOL. 1: TRAKK
VICTORY #4 (of 4)
THE CONCEPT
Victory is a half-elf demi-goddess who can destroy an entire planet with but a wave of her hand, but is powerless to defeat her greatest enemy: loneliness.
THIS ISSUE
In an epic battle that threatens to destroy the Earth, Victory must decide if using her ultimate attack (the Star Platinum of Death) will be enough to defeat the monster-god, K’Athanoa.
Written by MARCELO CASSARO
Art by EDUARDO FRANCISCO
Covers by ROGER CRUZ (A) & EDUARDO FRANCISCO (B)
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Four-issue bimonthly miniseries
On sale 14 JANUARY, 2004
Victory is ™ and © Editora Talismă, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
THE TRAGIC FINALE!
THE WALKING DEAD #4
THE CONCEPT
An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months society has crumbled: no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally begin living.
THIS ISSUE
It is decided that in order to survive... every person at the camp should have guns. As it is, they don’t have enough to go around and the only place to get more guns is the city, but it means certain death to go into the city. Is Rick crazy enough to risk his life for the good of the camp?
Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
Art & cover by TONY MOORE
B&W 32 pgs. $2.95
Monthly ongoing series
On sale X JANUARY, 2004
MATURE READERS WARNING
The Walking Dead TM and © Robert Kirkman 2003. All Rights Reserved.
WILDGUARD: CASTING CALL #5 (of 6)
THE CONCEPT
The cameras are rolling as hundreds of heroes audition for a new made-for-TV superhero team: WildGuard! Only five will have it takes to make the team…if they survive!
THIS ISSUE
Twenty finalists become twelve and the contenders enjoy some early tastes of fame and glory. Meanwhile, a dark coalition is set to destroy WildGuard before it’s formed.
LOG ON TO WWW.WILDGUARD.COM TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE HERO!
Written & illustrated by TODD NAUCK
Covers by TODD NAUCK (A) & KERON GRANT (B)
FC 32 pgs. $2.95
Six-issue monthly miniseries
On sale 28 JANUARY, 2004
Wildguard is ™ and © Todd Nauck, 2003. All Rights Reserved.
TAGLINE
ALTERNATE COVER BY DOC OCK vs. SPIDER-MAN SUPERSTAR ARTIST, KERON GRANT!
TOP COW JANUARY SOLICITATIONS!
Comics are about fantasy. No, I don’t mean superheroes, or monsters, or magic, or any of that. I mean comics are about MY fantasy, about the culmination of my dreams.
Thirty years ago, rather than learning long division, I’d fill countless wide-ruled notebook pages with homemade tales. I loved comics more than anything, and even as a kid, I knew I wanted to tell stories.
Twenty years ago, hoping an education could be my ticket into comics, I started college, reading and writing and absorbing everything I could.
Ten years ago, with no idea how to get my foot in the door, I started publishing my own digest-sized, photocopied comics called Holey Crullers. They were rough, but they were mine, and people seemed to think they were good.
Five years ago, an editor at Wizard thought so too, and suddenly my little comics received nationwide attention.
Eight months ago, that editor began working at Top Cow, and decided they should publish my comic, now titled Common Grounds, about a chain of coffee shops where the customers are superheroes and villains. He believed in the book, and arranged for superstar artist Dan Jurgens to be the regular penciller, along with a brilliant array of guest artists including Chris Bachalo, Ethan Van Sciver, Michael Avon Oeming, J. Scott Campbell, and more. He arranged for incredible painted covers by an amazing new talent named Rodolfo Migliari.
Twenty minutes ago, I sat down to write this blurb, and I realized where being a dreamer might take you. If you pursue your passions, you can reach them. If you believe in your creations, others will too. And if you allow yourself to have fantasies, you can share them. I’ve waited a lifetime for this little miracle. Please come and share mine.
Troy Hickman
Writer, Common Grounds
August, 2003
Common Grounds #1
(W) Troy Hickman (P) Dan Jurgens/Michael Avon Oeming (I) Al Vey/Oeming (C) Guy Major/Peter Pantazis
Alternate covers in a 50/50 split by Rodolfo Migliari (Elektra) and J. Scott
Campbell (Danger Girl)
Find out what happens when superheroes take off their capes.
Welcome to Common Grounds, the hero hangout and coffee-and-donut shop, where true tales of the human side of the superhuman get spilled every month. Some gut-wrenching, some funny, but all told from the heart by new writing sensation Troy Hickman.
Two stories every month! In this issue, artist Dan Jurgens examines the downside of being the fastest man alive, while the Powers team of Oeming and Pantazis tread the dangerous ground of the superhero men’s room. Really.
Full Color 32 pages $2.99 six-part series
Cursed #4 (of 4)
(W) Tippi Blevins / Fiona Avery (P) Romano Molenaar (I) Kevin Conrad (C ) Brian Buccellato
Alternate covers in a 50/50 split Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn) and Romano Molenaar
The final battle between Victor Hahn and Shan Beaumont rages and the world’s fate hangs in the balance. In the end, there is only one way to stop Victor from opening the gateway and taking over the world, and that is through the sacrifice of Shan’s own heart. What will Osiris do when his Chosen is led to the slaughter? The final battle in this four issue series by newcomer Tippi Blevins and Fiona Avery with sumptuous visuals by Romano Molenaar and a gorgeous cover by fan favorite, Joseph Michael Linsner!!
FC 32 pages $2.99 four part series
KNIGHTS OF THE JAGUAR Super Limited Based on Robert Napton's film
(W) Robert Napton (P) Mike Choi (C ) Udon
In ancient Mexico the demon AZAR plagues the Aztec Empire. Only the supernatural Knights of the Jaguar, shape-shifting WERECATS, can stand against this malevolent entity. In the present time, FBI agent Gil Vega is plagued by visions of the Jaguar Knights -- how are they connected to him and the clandestine agency that has recruited his services? Super-limited edition of 5000 units!!
FC 12 page mini net $3 One Shot
Legacy of Kain: Defiance
(W) Scott Tucker (P) Tyler Kirkham (C ) Tyson Wengler
From the best selling Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen, and Soul Reaver video game series comes the explosive prelude to the newest chapter in the chronicles of Kain and Raziel. Join Kain as he travels the dangerous land of Nosgoth on his quest to control fate, and put right his own destiny! Top Cow newcomers, Tyler Kirkham and Scott Tucker make their debut in this exciting one shot!
FC 32 pages $2.99 One Shot
The Marc Silvestri Sketchbook
Written and drawn by Marc Silvestri
The Top Cow founder and goony guy now drawing New X-Men lets you inside his most personal of personal spaces: No, get your minds outta the gutter—It’s his sketchbooks! See never-before-revealed concept drawings and behind-the-scenes sketches of Top Cow projects past, present…and future! It’s a great artistic peek into the mind of one of comics’ modern masters!
B/W 32 pages $2.99 One-Shot special
Tomb Raider #38
(W)James Bonny (P) Wilson Tortosa (I) Jon Sibal (C ) Tyson Wengler
Lara Croft investigates a string of brutal killings throughout England, which all bear the mark of ritualized human sacrifice. The clues lead her to a cult of modern day Druids bent on unlocking the ancient mysteries and power of STONEHENGE! Join us for Part 1 of a two-part story arc written by James Bonny.
FC 32 $2.99 continuing series
Wanted #2
(W) Mark Millar (Art) J.G. Jones (C) Paul Mounts
Painted Cover by J.G. Jones
Sex. Money. Super-powers. Costume. Mark Millar's tour-de-force look at superheroes as you've never seen them before continues as the world of downtrodden wage-slave Wesley Gibson turns upside down. The Fox has opened Wesley's eyes in a hail of bullets and blood, and Wesley learns he is heir to incredible powers and incredible fortune. All he has to do to claim them is become a killer, and one of the most vile supervillains the world has ever seen. Brought to you with astonishing pencils and inks by artist JG Jones (Black Widow) and colors by Paul Mounts (The Ultimates). You know you want it.
FC Mature Readers 32 pages $2.99 part two of a 6 issue story
RISING STARS TPB Reprint
Darkness Volume 2 #1-6 Readers’ Set
(W) Paul Jenkins (P) Dale Keown (C ) Matt Milla
Get all 6 issues of the exciting return of The Darkness at a special reader’s price! Jackie Estacado, mafia hit man, has returned from a fiery grave to find that things have changed in the Family. This collected set of the first new story arc features gorgeous artwork by Dale Keown and crisp writing by Paul Jenkins.
FC $14.99
Darkness Volume 2 #1 Holofoil cover signed by Marc Silvestri!
Limited, signed edition of the rare Holofoil cover of Darkness #1, signed by Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri! Limited to 1,000 copies, allocations may occur.
FC 32 pages $19.99
Darkness #28 variant foil edition
This issue features a variant cover by artist Keu Cha and a special gold foil stamp. Allocations may occur.
FC 32 pages net $3
Fathom East and West Coast Tour Books
Here’s your chance to pick up a great collectible featuring some hot characters! Prepared a while back to promote the Fathom crossover with Witchblade and Tomb Raider, these tour books feature various sketches and bios. They were only available at certain signings on the East and West Coast and are highly limited.
FC 32 pages net $3 each Preview
Offered Agains:
Delicate Creatures
Darkness: Heart of Darkness Trade Paper Back
Darkness: Coming of Age Trade Paper Back
