ALIENS VS. PREDATOR VOLUME 2: CIVILIZED BEASTS TPB
MIKE KENNEDY (W) and ROGER ROBINSON (A)
On sale June 29, SC, 96pg, FC, 5" x 7", $6.95
The new world was an unspoiled frontier perfect for colonization, a virtual paradise of boundless beauty and limitless resources, untouched by human hands...but not untouched, as the unsuspecting colonists soon discovered. Now marooned on a planet infested with the deadliest Alien species ever encountered, the colonists learn firsthand the Law of the Jungle: adapt or become extinct. And a little helping hand couldn’t hurt, inexplicably provided by the selfsame Predators who destroyed the colonists’ ship and made them prisoners in paradise. Are these extraterrestrial hunters actually showing sympathy for the humans’ plight, or do they have something even more monstrous in mind?
• Following the events of 2004’s Thrill of the Hunt, Alien vs. Predator 2: Civilized Beasts again teams fan-favorite writer Mike Kennedy (Lone Wolf 2100) and artist Roger Robinson (Gotham Nights) in an action-packed battle royale to determine the heavyweight championship of the galaxy!
BECI ORPIN: PRINCESS TINA STATIONERY SET AND JOURNAL
On sale June 22 Beci Orpin: Princess Tina Stationery Set, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99 Beci Orpin: Princess Tina Journal, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" spiral-bound journal, 128 pages, $9.99 Australian designer Beci Orpin has produced designs for a wide variety of clothing companies and has exhibited her art work all over the globe. She also designs T-shirts, tote bags, accessories, and clothing under her own line, Princess Tina, which features playful icons such as teeth, raindrops, and mice. Lucky for us, Beci has always wanted to do a stationery set! Well we didn’t stop there, we got her to design a journal too. Just one look at her candy-colored designs and you’ll be hooked.
BILLY THE KID’S OLD-TIMEY ODDITIES #2 (of 4)
ERIC POWELL (W) and KYLE HOTZ (A)
On sale May 18, FC, 32pg, $2.99
After a long journey across the ocean, Billy the Kid and Finneas Sproule’s band of sideshow performers find themselves in a creepy European village—a village not found on any map. It is here that Sproule believes they will find “The Golem’s Heart,” an ancient artifact worth a fortune. However, the Heart is in the possession of the infamous mad scientist, Dr. Frankenstein. To retrieve it, the group must seek him out!
Don’t miss the second issue of Billy The Kid’s Old Timey Oddities from Goon creator Eric Powell and horror artist extraordinaire, Kyle Hotz!
• Recipient of the International Horror Guild Award and 2003 Eisner Award-(The Goon)
• Featuring art by fan-favorite artist Kyle Hotz from The Agency and The Hood
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #101: TRICKSTER (Part 3 of 4)
HIROAKI SAMURA (W/A)
On sale May 11, b&w, 32pg, $2.99
The vicious grudge match between Giichi and Magatsu concludes! Two fan favorites exchange blows on a rickety bridge above a deadly chasm … and someone’s headed for oblivion! Don’t miss this heavyweight bout, as the Mugai-ryü crew’s top headhunter clashes with a skilled Itto-ryü anti-hero. Nearby, Manji fights for his life after being blinded by a tenacious new foe. Facing an enemy armed with kessen-satsu, the only poison known to damage his immortal blood, Manji is vulnerable, falling apart, and swinging in the dark!
• Look for our complete Manga Month backlist beginning on page 00.
FOR MATURE READERS
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL VOLUME 14: LAST BLOOD TPB
HIROAKI SAMURA (W/A)
On sale June 1, SC, 256pg, b&w, $17.95
Rin has spent countless days chasing the murderer of her parents, and now she has Anotsu Kagehisa where she wants him, but the deathly ill Anotsu is too sick for the honor-bound Rin to strike down. But such is not the case for the students of the Shingyötö-ryü, who are out to avenge the death of their sword master, and they have Rin captured and Anotsu cornered. The spirit of revenge is thick in the air—and about to get thicker as Manji, Rin’s immortal bodyguard, finally reunites with his charge as this pot of retribution prepares to boil over. And so Manji’s faced with a strange irony—to save Rin, he must cut down the men who are out to kill Anotsu, Manji’s sworn enemy!
• Hiroaki Samura is recognized worldwide as one of the undisputed masters of graphic fiction, and Blade of the Immortal is a powerful showcase of his titanic talents, a historical epic of passion, violence, and stark beauty.
FOR MATURE READERS
CONAN #16
KURT BUSIEK (W), CARY NORD (P), and THOMAS YEATES (P)
On sale May 18, FC, 32pg, $2.99
The third major arc in the critically acclaimed, best-selling Conan series begins with Conan once again rejecting civilization, but quickly learning that sorcery reaches out into the wild as well.
Cary Nord begins a much-anticipated run on covers of the series that he made a hit, as we lay the groundwork leading up to the adaptation of one of Robert E. Howard’s most popular stories, “The Tower of the Elephant.”
• “A writer as prominent as Kurt Busiek delivers many great works; however, this may very well be his crowning achievement. Cary Nord captures the essence of Howard’s vision, with a respectful nod to the legendary Conan art created by Frank Frazetta. Together, Busiek and Nord have truly earned this award.” Broken Frontier on awarding Conan their Paper Screen Gem Award in the Fantasy category.
CONAN AND THE JEWELS OF GWAHLUR #2 (of3)
P. CRAIG RUSSELL (W/A)
On sale May 11, FC, 32pg, $2.99
For once, it’s not Conan doing the beheading—and he doesn’t like it.
Conan manages to play everyone into the positions he needs them in order to steal the coveted jewels, but he’s still victim to the mystical fortress in which they’re contained, and the primitive thugs who worship the dead oracle watching over the Teeth of Gwahlur.
P. Craig Russell has proved himself not only one of the greatest fantasy artists in the history of comics, from his early work on Elric through collaborations with Neil Gaiman, and the only man to make a reputation adapting stories from other media, including his award-winning Ring of the Nibelung. His adaptation of Howard is a real masterpiece, as inventive and intricate as anything he’s done to date.
CONCRETE: THE HUMAN DILEMMA #6 (of 6)
PAUL CHADWICK (W/A)
On sale May 25, b&w w/gray tones, 32pg, $3.50
Life for Concrete has changed for good. His alien body has given birth to a tiny, comatose version of itself…possibly the result of an intense night with Maureen. If Concrete hadn’t broken his promise to his employer, Walter Sageman, the pizza mogul would still be alive. Now he must deal with the murder’s aftermath, while population-control radical Randall Gordon’s contraceptive virus is one step closer to realization. New ex-fiancé Larry Munro is left to babysit the stone child. However, he’s headed for disastrous physical and emotional pain...
• Don’t miss the dramatic conclusion to Paul Chadwick’s first Concrete miniseries of the century!
FOR MATURE READERS
THE GOON #12
ERIC POWELL (W/A)
On sale May 18, FC, 32pg, $2.99
Sure, self-experimentation seems like all fun and games but then it goes affecting your mind and you unleash your killer robots on the city. Just look at what happens to Dr. Alloy here. He goes nutty as an outhouse rat, folks. But don't worry, Goon wouldn't let no mechanized contraption knock down his favorite watering hole, Norton's Pub. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that Franky and Butler Lagarto Hombre can find a cure for Alloy’s madness before he goes ticking off the Goon.
• 2003 Eisner Award Winner for Best Single issue—The Goon #1
• 2003 International Horror Guild Award Winner for Best Illustrated Narrative
THE JACKSON 500 VOLUME 1 HC
TIM BISKUP (A)
On sale June 29, HC, 112pg, FC, 5" x 5", $14.95
In this new collection of paintings, Tim Biskup continues where he left off with his 100 Paintings book. Birds, beasts, shriners, and showgirls are among the frolicking inhabitants of Biskup’s bizarre, colorful world.
Acting as a kind of workshop for new ideas, the tiny paintings in The Jackson 500 Volume One, are spontaneous compositions that contain the buds of many of Biskup’s recurring characters, themes, and color theories. This volume contains the first one hundred in the series of five hundred business card-sized paintings, reproduced at actual size. A fine document of process and inspiration!
• Tim Biskup’s career in animation led him to work on countless cartoons, including his own short for Nickelodeon, “Freddy Seymore’s Amazing Life.” He’s one of the most prolific artists working today, creating drawings, paintings, clothing, limited edition toys, and prints. In September 2004, he opened Bispop Gallery in Pasadena, California, an exclusive venue for his creative output. He continues to show his original artwork, prints, and sculptures in galleries worldwide.
• For a look at Tim Biskup’s incredible art go to
www.timbiskup.com.
LITTLE LULU: SUNDAY AFTERNOON TPB
JOHN STANLEY (W/A) and IRVING TRIPP (A)
On sale June 8, SC, 208pg, b&w, 6" x 9", $9.95
Whether she’s weaving hilarious, sprawling tales while babysitting the terrible tot Alvin, keeping her chubby chum Tubby and his clubhouse cronies in line, or making nice with the friendly ghost she catches reading “People Stories” in her bedroom, Little Lulu is both “Everygirl” and an undeniable one-of-a-kind! Dark Horse Books is proud to present, for the first time ever, the complete run of John Stanley and Irving Tripp’s legendary run of classic Marge’s Little Lulu comics in convenient, reader-friendly paperback volumes. Critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the most classic comics ever published, Little Lulu is an all-ages treasure, with stories funny and fresh enough to stand the test of time.
MAN WITH THE SCREAMING BRAIN #1 (of 4)
BRUCE CAMPBELL (W), DAVID GOODMAN (W), RICK REMENDER (P/cover), HILARY BARTA (I/cover), and PHIL NOTO (Alt. Cover)
On sale May 11, FC, 32pg, $2.99
B-movie megastar Bruce Campbell, star of Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, Bubba Ho-Tep, and The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., comes to comics with this adaptation of his upcoming feature film. Campbell co-wrote the film with David Goodman, as well as directing and starring in it. Working directly from Campbell’s script, Hilary Barta (Alan Moore’s Tomorrow Stories) and Rick Remender (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) present this “director’s cut” version of the film before the film itself even hits the theaters. Man with the Screaming Brain tells the story of a wealthy American businessman determined to exploit the crippled economy of a former Soviet state now torn between communist roots and capitalist greed. Campbell’s character hits on the wrong gypsy girl and lands in the grip of a mad scientist determined to get rich off a twisted brain-transplant scheme worthy of Dr. Frankenstein. This is the version of the script that Campbell wanted to shoot before budgetary constraints forced them to scale back his vision, that original vision is laid out here. Artists Hilary Barta and Rick Remender offer a darkly cartoony collaboration in a fast-paced, uncompromising horror romp.
• Series will feature alternate covers by Humberto Ramos, Mike Mignola, and others!
MANGA DARKCHYLDE #3 (of 5)
RANDY QUEEN (W/A) and SARAH OATES (C)
On sale June 1, FC, 32pg, $2.99
The third smash issue of the ALL AGES reinterpretation of Darkchylde is here! In "Unexpected allies and a 59' vette!" Ariel's deceased Father pays her a visit to let her know that the key to her victory against shadow could very well be out in the garage! Good thing he placed it where no one would find it: inside the gas cap of his mint 59' Corvette! Because no one touches the 'vette! And did we mention this is the issue that classic Darkchylde side-kicks War and Piece arrive? Classic cars, monster mayhem, humor, and action abound in Manga Darkchylde # 3! Features the stunning color art of Sarah Oates!
Darkchylde creator Randy Queen returns to write, draw, and re-imagine for an ALL AGES audience, the character that made him famous! Featuring the most compelling story, and gorgeous art of his career, this is THE all-ages release of the year! "Shadowmaker" Part 3 is not to be missed, and sure to be embraced by Darkchylde's legion of world wide fans!
MIRROR MASK REALLY USEFUL JOURNAL
On sale June 00, 6" x 8" case-bound journal, 130 pages, includes invisible ink and black light pen and four extra batteries . . . $19.99
In the film Mirror Mask, the Really Useful Book is a fortune-telling tool for main character Helen. When she needs help, she opens up the seemingly blank book and words magically appear on the pages with just the advice she needs.
Our take on the Really Useful Book is a case-bound journal which includes an invisible ink pen for writing your own secret messages! A black light is included so that you can read and share your words, Plus, Neil Gaiman will be adding mysterious text, which will be printed on the pages in invisible ink. You can discover a hidden message with the turn of each page!
SAMURAI EXECUTIONER VOLUME 6 TPB
KAZUO KOIKE (W) and GOSEKI KOJIMA (A)
On sale June 8, SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6", $9.95
The stoic bushido world of Samurai Executioner is one full of flying, disembodied heads, and odd happenings. And this volume is no exception. There are always stories of crimes and ensuing punishment, and plenty of squirting blood, but this volume promises a story that will fascinate and produce a few grins.
A mysterious woman, with a turtle-like demon tattooed on her back and the ability to swim like no other, is stealing weapons of men around Edo. It’s scarring egos and causing lots of problems. Of course, Asa has the answer to the mystery. And in a surprise turn, a samurai cop whom we’ve met before finally captures the woman, and does so in a rather erotic way.
• Never before published in America, Samurai Executioner was the companion to one of the most seminal works of manga, Lone Wolf & Cub!
• Each volume comes shrink wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.
SUPER MANGA BLAST! #52
MOHIRO KITOH (W/A), MAKOTO KOBAYASHI(W/A), KENICHI SONODA(W/A), and HIROYUKI UTATANE(A) with TOSHIYA TAKEDA (W)
On sale May 25, b&w, 128pg, $5.99
Unable to ignore the grudge she harbors, Satomi Ozawa makes a deadly move against Shiina Tamai, using a powerful Shadow Dragon to hunt Shiina down. A weird, dangerous game begins with this new Shadow Star story arc! An easily frightened, dysfunctional vampire returns to the world of What’s Michael? As the invading Riofaldian aliens plan their next assault, Hoichi Kano and the Cannon God Exaxxion team welcome a new member to the Exaxxion home base. Surprising, mysterious forces are awakened in Seraphic Feather, while our Club 9 cutie, Haruo Hattori, works her own mysterious magic on a heartbroken, major league baseball pitcher.
FOR MATURE READERS
TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN: HOW TO BE HAPPY TPB
SHANNON WHEELER (W/A)
On sale June 15, SC, 144pg, b&w, 7" x 7 1/4", $12.95
Too Much Coffee Man has been percolating in the comics underground for years now, and like everything else that was once “alternative,” he’s sold out, been used by the man (as an advertising tool for Hewlitt Packard and Converse, among others), and is now middle-aged, depressed, broke, and cynical. Who better to write a book, then, called How to be Happy? In this, Shannon Wheeler’s most timely and funniest book to date, the hyper-maniacal, coffee-cup-headed anti-hero laments the state of American democracy, global warming, living under the confusing cloud of terrorist threats, sexual politics, debilitating personal neuroses, and all sorts of other really fun and lighthearted topics! Combining his signature formula of hilarious art, absurd but insightful observations, and bold humor, with his quickly deteriorating hope for humanity, Wheeler has crafted a comics collection custom made for the disaffected and disenfranchised.
• Too Much Coffee Man is the star of a long-running comic strip featured in alternative weekly newspapers in cities across the country including Atlanta, Austin, Spokane, Eugene, and more.
USAGI YOJIMBO #84
STAN SAKAI (W/A)
On sale May 25, b&w, 24pg, $2.99
Internationally celebrated storyteller Stan Sakai continues his tales of samurai adventure in Usagi Yojimbo! This issue is the second installment of the multipart story “The Treasure of the Mother of Mountains.” Lord Sanada, a power-hungry tyrant from last issue, is operating a secret gold mine in the neighboring Geishu Province—and keeping inquisitive minds at bay with rumors of the plague. The warriors sent by Lord Noriyuki to investigate have been either killed or captured, and Sanada’s samurai are now in hot pursuit of Tomoe! Back at the Geishu castle, ambitious sycophant Lord Horikawa plots to get rid of Tomoe himself. Unaware of any trouble, a familiar rabbit ronin enters into Geishu territory…
• Usagi Yojimbo is a 2004 Young Adult Library Services Association Award Winner!
• Stan Sakai has won many industry awards over the past 20 years for Usagi, including a Parents’ Choice Award, an Inkpot Award, multiple Eisner Awards, and the prestigious National Cartoonists Society Comic Book Division Award.
WHAT’S MICHAEL? VOLUME 10: SLEEPLESS NIGHTS TPB
MAKOTO KOBAYASHI (W/A)
On sale June 22, SC, 88pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $8.95
Described as “Japan’s version of Garfield, Heathcliff, and Krazy Kat all rolled into one,” Makoto Kobayashi’s What’s Michael? combines true-to-life feline behavior every cat-lover (and hater!) will recognize along with off-the-wall trips into the realms of the fantastic (vampires?) and the ridiculous (cat high school?!). Whether unlocking the mysteries of where cats sleep or analyzing the structure of the cat pecking order, the answers always come with loads of laughter!
• “Sometimes fanciful, sometimes very well observed, and always humorous.”
—Library Journal
• Look for our complete Manga Month backlist beginning on page 00.
