BIRTHDAY TPB
The fourth volume in The Ring series
MEIMU (W/A)
On sale November 17, SC, 160pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $12.95
In 2002, The Ring came to American silver screens and brought a whole new style of horror and suspense to the States. Based on a series of novels by Suzuki Koji, The Ring became a media franchise in Japan with its fascinatingly creepy, yet scientific and otherworldly subject matter. Not to mention its very scary “monster,” the spirit of a girl whose body was dropped in a well many years past. As you’ll find reading through Dark Horse’s series of Ring manga, this story is rich with an undergrowth of science and hatred, of strong will behind the murderous ghost of Sadako.
“Birthday,” the fourth in a series of five Ring manga, is a trilogy of stories, each enriching the main storyline of the Ring series. “The Casket Floating in the Sky” centers on Mai Takano, and how she becomes wrapped deeper into Sadako’s grasp. “Lemon Heart” tells of one of Sadako’s early loves, and eerily wraps itself back into the plotline of Mai Takano. And finally the “Sadako” story goes into the depths of both Sadako’s death and her rebirth. Slowly, the details of how The Ring truly works are trickling out into the daylight.
• All Dark Horse volumes of The Ring are published in the original Japanese format!
• Dark Horse sold through 20,000 copies of The Ring Volume 1 in less than one month!
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #94: LAST BLOOD PART 5 (of 5)
HIROAKI SAMURA (W/A)
On sale October 13, b&w, 32pg, $2.99
Hiroaki Samura’s Last Blood story line comes to its conclusion! With revenge-lust hanging thick in the air, our main event is the deadly showdown between the starving and weakened Anotsu and his crazed, quick Shingyötö-ryü opponent, Iriya. Makie has evened out the playing field in a bloody flurry that puts Kill Bill Vol. 1 to shame, while Manji and Magatsu try to survive separate dogfights with Shingyötö-ryü swordsmen on the sidelines. Manji battles in order to be reunited with his beloved Rin, Magatsu engages his opponent in order to defend Anotsu, and any survivors of these gory encounters will face each other and their own shifting, uneasy alliances! This issue’s dramatic cover mirrors the intensity inside, as Samura continues to reinvent the bushidö grudge match with a sharp, modern edge.
FOR MATURE READERS
CASPER
On sale September 22
Casper Statue, fully-painted, $34.99
Casper Figurine, fully-painted, $24.99
Casper Keyring, $4.99
After the great response we’ve gotten for out Hot Stuff products, we are pleased to offer another beloved Harvey comic character, Casper. Imported from France, the Casper statue, figurine and keyring are sculpted of the highest quality by world-renowned Demons and Merveilles.
THE CHRONICLES OF CONAN VOLUME 6: THE CURSE OF THE GOLDEN SKULL AND OTHER STORIES TPB
ROY THOMAS (W), JOHN BUSCEMA (A), and NEAL ADAMS (A)
On sale November 24, SC, 160pg, FC, 7" x 10", $15.95
In the eight decades that have passed since prolific pulp writer Robert E. Howard created his seminal Sword and Sorcery adventurer, Conan, many other scribes have tried to recreate the passion and energy Howard infused into his stories. Few have come as close as comics writer Roy Thomas did during his long and influential run on Marvel’s monthly Conan the Barbarian series back in the 1970s. Collaborating with the most acclaimed and talented artists of the time, Thomas wove a narrative tapestry of action, intrigue, and heroism that’s as powerful today as it was when it was published nearly 30 years ago.
• The first volume of The Chronicles of Conan has sold over 10,000 copies in the first two months of release!
• Featuring completely remastered color and text corrections, these stories have been unavailable in color since their original publication.
CONAN #9
KURT BUSIEK (W), CARY NORD (A), THOMAS YEATES (A), DAVID STEWART (C) LEINIL FRANCIS YU (Cover)
On sale October 20, FC, 32pg, $2.99
The second story arc in the monthly Conan begins here, with new cover artist Leinil Francis Yu!
In the first arc, Conan discovered the horrible secrets of Hyperborea, a land he imagined to be wondrous and beautiful. Now he ventures into an even more treacherous setting—civilization. The world of bar fights and women opens up to the barbarian, and he realizes that it’s possible to thrive even in a world that disgusts you. However, powerful forces take note of Conan, and one of the greatest evils in the ancient world is about to enter his life.
“[Conan] is one of the best written and most beautifully illustrated works currently being produced; that is based on a character with strong literary tradition and previous comic success doesn’t hurt either. To this point, the creators have stuck closely to the classic stories of Robert E. Howard. The care for the original material is apparent, and major reason why this series is a must read.” —411mania.com
CONAN AND THE DAUGHTERS OF MIDORA (one-shot)
JIMMY PALMIOTTI (W) and MARK TEXEIRA (A)
On sale October 6, FC, 48pg, $4.99
Jimmy Palmiotti and Mark Texeira team up for a stunning 48-page Conan oneshot, the first side project to complement the successful monthly series.
A king’s favorite daughter is kidnapped by his sorceror advisor, and only Conan can save the girl—with the aid of the second daughter, who the king won’t consider as a successor to the throne. Harsh terrain and the wizard’s horde of zombie warriors—and other treachery—stand between Conan and the beautiful young heiress.
Fan favorite Mark Texeira delivers stunning art in this high-adventure one-shot, written and inked by Jimmy Palmiotti, one of the creative forces behind the original Marvel Knights, and co-creator of Beautiful Killer and The Pro, among many other hit titles. This is the hard-drinking, bare-knuckled, older Conan, in a story set years later than the events in the current ongoing series.
DARK HORSE LICENSE PLATES
On sale September 1
Each license is approximately 12" x 6", embossed tin, shrink-wrapped, $14.99
Coop: “Hot Rod” license plate, $14.99
Coop: “Bad Girl” license plate, $14.99
Hellboy: “Hellboy” license plate, $14.99
Drive a Hot Rod? Or wish you did? We’ve got new plates for you, and for Bad Girls and Hellboys too!
These embossed tin license plates can be attached to a car, or hung on a wall like a sign.
FASTER PUSSYCAT, KILL! KILL! LUNCH BOX
On sale November 17, full-color litho-printed tin lunch box, 8" x 7" x 3 3/4", $14.99
You can’t tame these pussycats!
Torn from the frames of the infamous Russ Meyer film, the sordid, ultra-exciting tale of three buxom babes: Varla, Billie, and Rosie, follows their path from Go-Go dancing to cruising the desert to fortune hunting—with lots of karate, cat-fights, and hit and runs in-between!
Stills and graphics from this B-movie cult classic adorn our latest lunchbox. You won’t want to miss this visual panorama of mayhem, debauchery, seduction, spiteful stares, come-hither glances, reckless driving, and wild watusi-ing! Carry this lunch box if you dare.
FIERCE #4 (of 4)
The FBI’s most powerful weapon is the mind of one man.
JEREMY LOVE (W), ROBERT LOVE (P), JEFF WASSON (I),
CHIP ZDARSKY (C)
On sale October 13, FC, 32pg, $2.99
He’s badly wounded. One of his allies has betrayed him. Now, the FBI is closing in, the Zodiacs have him on the run, and the only woman he can trust has been captured. Past events come full circle and the stage is set for the final showdown in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica.
From rising stars Jeremy and Robert Love, it's 48 pages of all out action in the conclusion of the most stylish and suspenseful thriller on the stands today.
• See gettosake.com for more info on the Love Brothers’ and future and current projects.
GHOST IN THE SHELL VOLUME 1 2ND EDITION
MASAMUNE SHIROW (W/A)
On sale October 6, SC, 368pg, b&w w/color, 6" x 9", $24.95
Ghost in the Shell Volume 1 returns! This second edition features the original Japanese size and additional material not published in previous U.S. editions!
Deep into the 21st century, the line between man and machine has been inexorably blurred as humans rely on the enhancement of mechanical implants and robots are upgraded with human tissue. In this rapidly converging landscape, cyborg super-agent Major Motoko Kusanagi is charged to track down the craftiest and most dangerous terrorists and cybercriminals, including “ghost hackers,” capable of exploiting the human/machine interface by re-programming human minds to become puppets to carry out their criminal ends. When Major Kusanagi tracks the cybertrail of one such master hacker, the Puppeteer, her quest leads her into a world beyond information and technology where the very nature of consciousness and the human soul are turned upside-down and inside-out.
• Ghost in the Shell 2nd edition will carry an 18+ age advisory and be shrink-wrapped.
THE GOON #9
ERIC POWELL (W/A)
On sale October 20, FC, 32pg, $2.99
The Goon’s town is set in no time and has no name … but did you know it had a football team? Hearken back to the days of leather-helmet, iron-man football, as four-time Eisner nominee Eric Powell shows how a young up-and-coming leg breaker for the Labrazio family (the Goon, ya simpleton) had a hand in forming the team that gave hope to the downtrodden populace living with poverty, constant gang war, and an insurgence of flesh-eating zombies.
• International Horror Guild Award Winner 2003 (Best Illustrated Narrative).
• Nominated for four 2003 Eisner awards.
THE GOON PVC SET
On sale November 10, boxed set of 4 non-articulated PVC figures. The Goon measures 5" tall, Franky 4 1/2", the Zombie Priest 4 3/4", and Buzzard 5 1/2", $14.99
Hey, slackjaws! Here’s your chance to prove to everybody you’re not the sissified illiterate they think you are. What better way to man yourself up than by following the example set by the Goon and Franky? Now you can get your very own Goon PVC set! Once people get a load of your Goon PVC set, they’re sure to think of you as one of those uptown sophisticate types. They’ll be surprised by your taste in collectible plastic and comic books, not to mention how impressed they’ll be by your ability to read and your extensive knowledge of pie.
This set includes the Goon (the one man who scares the bejeezus out of the undead), his spastic sidekick Franky (complete with a belly full of spite and a switchblade knife), the Buzzard (the gunslinger who cannot die, but must feed on the flesh of the dead), and the Zombie Priest (the nameless man who rules an army of the undead). Even the undead fear the Goon!
HELLBOY TALKING BOARD
Regular Hellboy Talking Board, On sale October 20, 12" x 18", pressed paperboard, wood planchette, directions, packaged in a full-color box, $24.99
Ltd. Ed Hellboy Talking Board, On sale October 20, 12" x 18", wood board w/antiqued medal corner tabs, wood planchette, directions, certificate of authinticity, packaged in a velvet-lined wood box, limited to 500, $99.99
We are extremely excited about our latest Hellboy product: the Hellboy Talking Board.
Hellboy creator and fortune teller, Mike Mignola has provided new artwork for this magical, mystical parlor game.
Move the wood “planchette” around the board, asking questions of the varied spirits that deign to visit you! Is it real, or just a game?
The first version includes a pressed-paper playing board (approx. 12" x 18"), a wood planchette featuring the Right Hand of Doom, and directions from Master Mignola on how to contact the beyond, all packaged in a cardboard box with beautiful, hand-drawn art.
The second version is for the discriminating collector and hardcore fan. It features a wood board with antiqued metal corner tabs (approx. 12" x 18"), wood planchette, a direction sheet, a certificate of authenticity…and everything is placed in a velvet-lined, wood box with Hellboy etchings burned onto the lid. Only 500 will be made for worldwide distribution, so reserve your time with the “other side” today!
HELLSING VOLUME 5 TPB
KOHTA HIRANO (W/A)
On sale November 3, SC, 208pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $13.95
Intense and full of psychotic action, Hellsing continues its fevered pitch into a dark chaos that defies human logic. Human? Well, there are only a few left in the storyline as the emerging Millennium Project, an army of Nazi undead, is unleashed upon the world. What will surely ensue is a war of blood and nostalgia, with a coolly gothic style and increasingly frenetic pace. Envision the Hindenburg, old sharpshooter rifles and throwback uniforms, mixed with new jet technology and incredibly bold vampires. Hellsing is packed to the gills with radical mysticism and scary apocalypse … and it’s fun as Hell!
• All volumes of the Dark Horse version of Hellsing are published in the original Japanese format!
• Dark Horse shipped over 20,000 copies in its initial release of Hellsing volume 1!
MARGE’S LITTLE LULU VOLUME ONE TPB
JOHN STANLEY (W) and IRVING TRIPP (A)
On sale November 17, SC, 200pg, b&w, 6" x 9", $9.95
Long before the days of pint-sized, chemically powered, supergirl trios, there was one very special little girl who earned generations of fans and helped make the world a better place using only her natural smarts, her big heart, and a healthy dose of sass. From her first appearances in The Saturday Evening Post in the mid-1930s through her current long-running daily cartoon show on HBO Family, Little Lulu has been a beloved cultural icon all over the world. Now, Dark Horse Books is proud to present—for the first time ever—the complete run of classic Marge’s Little Lulu comics in a reader-friendly series of affordable paperback volumes. Whether she’s outsmarting Tubby and his fellow “Boys Only Club” members in the name of fairness and equality, weaving hilarious tall tales to entertain the irascible tot Alvin, or simply using her keen wit to think her way out of a million impossible situations, Little Lulu remains one of the most lovable comic-book heroines ever. As fresh and funny today as they were decades ago, these classic comics will keep you laughing and reading for ages.
• From her first appearances in The Saturday Evening Post through her current long-running daily cartoon on HBO Family, Little Lulu has been a beloved cultural icon all over the world.
• Classic comics for children of all ages.
MICHAEL CHABON PRESENTS THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF THE ESCAPIST VOLUME 2 TPB
VARIOUS (W/A) and MATT KINDT (Cover)
On sale November 10, SC, 160pg, FC, 5 3/8" x 8 3/8", $17.95
Following in the footsteps of the massively successful Volume One, the second volume of Michael Chabon Presents the Amazing Adventures of the Escapist collects issues three and four of the likewise popular quarterly series. Among the stories in this volume:
“To Reign in Hell” by Brian K. Vaughan and Roger Petersen; “Heil and Fear Well” by Marv Wolfman, Joe Staton, and R. Sikoryak; “The Trial of Judy Dark” by Kevin McCarthy and Dean Haspiel; “The EscapeNot” by Paul Hornschemeier; “Escapist 2966” by Stuart Moore and Steve Conley; “The Boy Who Would Be the Escapist” by Kevin McCarthy and C. Scott Morse; and “Chain reaction” by Matt Kindt. Plus historical text by Roy Thomas and a bevy of pinups by Mike Mignola, John Cassaday, Farel Dalrymple, Jim Mahfood, and more!
MICHAEL CHABON PRESENTS THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF THE ESCAPIST #4
STUART MOORE (W), KEVIN McCARTHY (W), ROY THOMAS (W), MATT KINDT (W/A), SCOTT MORSE (A), STEVE CONLEY (A), and more.
JOHN CASSADAY (Cover)
On sale October 13, SC, 80pg, FC, 7”x10”, $8.95
The Champion of Liberation triumphantly reappears at center stage! This classic character and his web of intriguing associates have been foiling diabolical evildoers since 1940, and in dozens of different “captivating” incarnations. The Master of Elusion, empowered by popular interest in Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer-winning account of his creators, has evaded the shackles of history!
In our fourth fabulous issue, writer Stuart Moore (Lone) teams up with Astounding Space Thrills creator Steve Conley to present a glimpse of the future in “Escapist 3966”! Indie favorite Scott Morse beautifully illustrates Kevin McCarthy’s story, “The Boy Who Would Be the Escapist,” and Matt Kindt, creator of the critically celebrated Mephisto and Pistolwhip, shares the find of the decade with faithful fans: “Chain Reaction,” a long-lost Escapist story that should never have existed! Also included for our lifelong enthusiasts and comics history buffs are the fascinating reflections of Roy Thomas, veteran comics scribe, on the Silver Age glory days of the Escapist.
• Featuring cover art by the phenomenal John Cassaday!
THE MILKMAN MURDERS #4 (of 4)
JOE CASEY (W) and STEVE PARKHOUSE (A)
On sale October 13, FC, 32pg, $2.99
The suburban nightmare hits the big city, as our little mother, possessed by a monstrous spirit of vengeance, seeks out the mysterious milkman. In the dangerous waters of the urban scene, Barbara gets more than she bargained for out of her change of scenery.
The most shocking new entry in the Dark Horse horror line concludes in a bloodbath. Barbara’s confrontation with her role model, the TV mom, packs even more surprises in the wrap up by Joe Casey (Superman, X-Men, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes) and Steve Parkhouse (The Bojeffries Saga, The Invisibles).
• “Joe Casey and Steve Parkhouse bring us a truly disturbing and original piece of horror here—the horror of the modern family. Not for the faint of heart or those looking for spoon-fed niceties, The Milkman Murders is comics as you’ve rarely seen them before.”
—Ed Brubaker writer of Catwoman, Gotham Central, and Sleeper.
SHI: JUN-NEN #4 (of 4)
BILLY TUCCI (W/A) and JC VAUGHN (W)
On sale October 20, FC, 32pg, $2.99
Ana, in the guise of Shi, must take the stage as the Kyoto Sohei’s vengeance-themed Kabuki is literally brought to life before a terrified audience held hostage. Steel will smash against steel as Ana attempts to save the trapped Sohei and parishioners against the maddened Lady Kaoyo and her 100 warriors. Don’t miss this stunning conclusion to Dark Horse’s premier Shi series that will change the fan favorite’s universe forever.
• Comic Shop News says “Billy Tucci returns to both write and illustrate this new miniseries starring his seductively inscrutable assassin. With Tucci’s art and Dark Horse’s production values, the result will be one of the most attractive books of the year.”
STATIONERY SETS
This month Dark Horse features six new stationery sets!
The set includes 8 letter sheets (four different styles), 6 envelopes (4 different styles), and a set of stickers. Packaged as a work of art itself with a printed belly-band all inside a poly bag. To see all of our available stationery sets go to darkhorse.com/stationery.
On sale October 27
Hot Stuff Stationery Set, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99
Nathan Jurevicious Scary Girl Stationery Set #1, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99
Nathan Jurevicious Scary Girl Stationery Set #2, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99
Gary Taxali Stationery Set, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99
Fawn Gehweiler Stationery Set, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99
Hot Stuff Stationery Set
That cute, little devil boy, Hot Stuff, is now featured in a variety of mischievous poses in his very own stationery set. From the classic Harvey comics, we think Hot Stuff will make a great addition to our line of stationery.
Nathan Jurevicius Scary Girl Stationery Set #1 and
Scary Girl Stationery Set #2
Best known for creating the “Scary Girl” comic and characters, Nathan Jurevicius hails from Australia, and currently resides with his wife and kids in Toronto, Canada. At the age of 6 he had his first one-man show, selling 3 pieces, including the legendary “Woman with a fly on her nose in a phonebox.”
Gary Taxali Stationery Set
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Gary Taxali’s illustrations have appeared in just about every medium and his work has been shown extensively in various exhibitions and galleries throughout North America, including The La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles.
Fawn Stationery Set
Citing her influences as 70s youth nostalgia, English eccentrics, abandoned theme parks and Disney-style, faux-Swiss iconography, LA-based designer Fawn Gehweiler adds a dark twist to her illustrations, and utilizes a precise color palate of sickingly sweet, cupcake frosting pastels from cotton candy pink to sour apple green.
SUPER MANGA BLAST! #46
MOHIRO KITOH (W/A), MAKOTO KOBAYASHI (W/A), KENICHI SONODA (W/A), YUZO TAKADA (W/A), and HIROYUKI UTATANE (W/A) with YO MORIMOTO (W/A)
On sale October 27, b&w, 128pg, $5.99
A salacious Seraphic Feather cover starts this issue’s engine, followed by two episodes of this sci-fi saga. Our heroes are still trapped aboard a doomed, cislunar shuttle. Makoto Kobayashi’s Eisner-Nominated What’s Michael? series turns its playful gaze on a man who has somehow earned the protection of the entire animal kingdom! In Club 9, naïve Haruo is blindsided by a suitor’s shocking proposition. Shadow Star revisits the homicidal teens behind the Shadow Dragon conspiracy, offering more clues about Takeo Tsurumaru’s twisted schemes. Two episodes of Kenichi Sonoda’s Cannon God Exaxxion barrel us down a continuing sci-fi thrill ride, populated by killer robots, manipulative aliens, and one hotheaded, teen savior.
FOR MATURE READERS
From the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer…
TALES OF THE VAMPIRES TPB
JOSS WHEDON (W), BEN EDLUND (W), JANE ESPENSON (W) , BRETT MATTHEWS (W), DREW GODDARD (A), TIM SALE (A), SCOTT MORSE (A), MIKE MIGNOLA (Cover)
On sale November 24, SC, 144pg, FC, 7" x 10", $15.95
The creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer reunites with the writers from his hit TV shows including Tick creator and Angel Executive Producer Ben Edlund for an imaginative and frightening look into the history of vampires in the world of the Slayer. Intricately woven around a central story by Whedon featuring a group of young Watchers in training meeting their first undead, Whedon’s staff of writers present stories ranging from medieval times to the Depression to today, as well as Buffy’s rematch with Dracula and Angel’s ongoing battle with his own demons. Wrapped in a haunting cover by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Collecting the five issue miniseries.
• “An entertaining anthology of Slayerverse yarns written by Buffy staff writers.” —Entertainment Weekly
• Features stories by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel creator Joss Whedon and art by a line-up of today’s comics superstars.
TRIGUN MAXIMUM VOLUME 3: HIS LIFE AS A… TPB
YASUHIRO NIGHTOW (W/A)
On sale November 17, SC, 192pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $9.95
Trigun Maximum Volume 3 is intensity embodied—a front to back fight! Vash the Stampede and the mysterious Wolfwood versus the terribly resilient Gray the Ninelives and one of Yasuhiro Nightow’s most curious villains, the completely frightening puppet master, Leonoff. The Gung-Ho Guns get harder and harder to beat as the philosophical tension between our two heroes grows daily.
The Trigun Max manga includes many aspects and characters from the television show but places them in different situations at different times giving the reader a much more detailed and dramatic idea of who these terrible enemies really are and the rough challenges Vash faces every day.
• The fantastic Dark Horse edition of Trigun Maximum is value-priced in the popular manga format, unretouched and unflopped. It includes the popular mock black-and-white covers as well as the hilarious “Turn to the Next” back page bio comics.
USAGI YOJIMBO #79
STAN SAKAI (W/A)
On sale October 27, b&w, 24pg, $2.99
Stan Sakai’s internationally celebrated creation, Usagi Yojimbo, continues into its 20th year! This issue finds Usagi’s surly friend, Gen the bounty hunter, tracking down yet another reward. This bounty has attracted the attention of Gen’s archrival, Stray Dog, and is on the head of none other than the murderous Inazuma! The two samurai adversaries are in hot pursuit, neither realizing that the swordswoman has been possessed by the Black Soul. Will the new Blade of the Gods turn her demonic vengeance on “Gen and the Dog”? Find out this month in Usagi Yojimbo!
• Usagi Yojimbo is a 2004 Young Adult Library Services Association award winner!
• Stan Sakai has won many industry awards, including a Parents’ Choice Award, an Inkpot Award, multiple Eisner Awards and the prestigious National Cartoonists Society Comic Book Division Award.
