DC Direct April 2008 solicitations


JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE: PART 2
Based on the art of Ed Benes
Sculpted by Alterton Bizarre
Continue your construction of the JLA Build-a-Scene Statue this month, with the addition of part two of the statue, featuring Superman, Black Canary, and the torso of Red Tornado!
Ed Benes’s legendary cover of Justice League of America #7 stands tall as it becomes a multi part statue! Sold in three parts, each part features two of the world’s greatest superheroes and includes a piece of a bonus Red Tornado figure. (To fully assemble Red Tornado, all three Build-a-Scene statues are needed.)
All the pieces slide together to make up a complete cover scene in striking 3-D!
The first part of the statue (solicited last month and featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, and the base and tornado portion of Red Tornado) was just the beginning of this exciting new project from DC Direct. Part three, including Green Lantern, The Flash, and the head and cape of Red Tornado, will follow next month.
The JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE is a limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measuring approximately 8" tall x 14" wide x 10" deep when fully assembled. (Each piece measures approximately
8" tall x 5" wide x 5" deep, except for Red Tornado,
which measures approximately 10.375" tall x 8.5" wide
x 5.5" deep.) Each statue includes a certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This limited edition statue is manufactured to order.
Advance-solicited; on sale September 17, 2008
* Statue * $150 US
* Minor assembly is required.
* Each statue sold separately.


ALL STAR ACTION FIGURES
It’s an all-star lineup featuring the work of two fan-favorite artists in this series! Four of DC’s superstars are represented here: Batman and Batgirl, as drawn by Jim Lee in All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder, and Superman and Super Lois, as drawn by Frank Quitely in the Eisner Award-winning All Star Superman!
Advance-solicited; on sale September 3, 2008 * Action Figures * PI
Includes:
* Batman 6.75" h
* Superman 6.75" h
* Batgirl 5.5" h
* Super Lois 6.5" h
Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base.


Women of the DC Universe: Series 2: CATWOMAN BUST
Designed by Terry Dodson
Sculpted by Jack Mathews
The popular WOMEN OF THE DC UNIVERSE line of cold-cast porcelain busts continues with the addition of Catwoman! Clad in her classic gray outfit, this feline fatale has just purr-loined Batman’s belt and cape!
Collect all of the DCU: Series 2 busts designed by Terry Dodson in 2008! Catwoman joins Wonder Woman, Starfire, Cheetah, Batwoman, Wonder Girl, and more!
This Catwoman Bust measures approximately 5.5" tall x 2.5" wide x 3" deep and is packaged in a 4-color box.
Advance solicited; on sale September 10, 2008 * Bust * $55 US


BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE DESIGNED BY GEORGE PÉREZ
SCULPTED BY KAREN PALINKO
The popular BATMAN BLACK & WHITE line of artist-inspired statues continues! Renowned illustrator George Pérez designed this classic vision of Batman, featuring the Caped Crusader in a classic pose, prepared as always to defend Gotham City.
Painted in monochromatic tones, this statue is certain to be another sought-after addition to DC Direct’s line of BATMAN BLACK & WHITE statues.
The statue measures approximately 7" tall x 6.5" wide x 5" deep.
It features a logo-shaped base and is packaged in a black-and-white box.
Advance-solicited; on sale September 10, 2008 * Statue * $75.00 US

DC Comics April 2008 solicitations

Highlights:


LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES: 1,050 YEARS IN THE FUTURE TP
Written and illustrated by various
Cover by Neal Adams
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of DC’s greatest super-teams with the best stories starring the guardians of the 30th century: The Legion of Super-Heroes! In the 30th century, teenaged super-heroes from every world in the United Planets have banded together against evil! 2008 is the 50th anniversary of the LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and, in celebration, DC is publishing the first-ever “best of” Legion collection.
This collection features stories by acclaimed Legion writers including Otto Binder, Jerry Siegel, Jim Shooter and Paul Levitz, artists Curt Swan and Keith Giffen, and many others from ADVENTURE COMICS #247, #304, #312, #354-355, SUPERBOY & THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #212, LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #300 and #0, LEGENDS OF THE DCU 80-PAGE GIANT #2 and THE LEGION #3! As a bonus, this volume will also include articles by past Legion creators, timelines, character profiles, cover galleries and more.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 224 pg, FC, $19.99 US


BATMAN VS. TWO-FACE TP
Written by Bill FInger, Dennis O’Neil, Len Wein and others
Art by Bob Kane, Dick Sprang, Neal Adams and others
Cover by Simone Bianchi
Collecting Batman’s greatest battles against Two-Face, from DETECTIVE COMICS #66, 68, 80, 187, BATMAN #81, 234, 527-528, 653 and BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE #1, plus Two-Face’s origin story from COUNTDOWN #29!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 14 • 176 pg, FC, $19.99 US


THE DOOM PATROL ARCHIVES VOL. 5 HC
Written by Arnold Drake
Art and cover by Bruno Premiani
In the final volume in the DOOM PATROL series, featuring issues #114-121, the team battles the Mutant Master, the Galactic Gladiator, the Black Vulture, and more before meeting one of the strangest ends any super-team has ever experienced!
Advance-solicited; on sale June 25 • 208 pg, FC, $49.99 US


WORLD’S FINEST DELUXE EDITION HC
Written by Dave Gibbons
Art and cover by Steve Rude
Superman and Batman take on their archnemeses — Lex Luthor and the Joker – in this Deluxe Edition of a classic tale from the 1990s by Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN, GREEN LANTERN CORPS) and Steve Rude (Nexus)! Superman and Batman are the World's Finest heroes, and they couldn't be more different. But they have more in common than they realize. For one, they're both orphans of a sort — one who has lost not just his parents but his world; and another who witnessed the cold-blooded murder of his partents. Now they must come together to battle two of the most feared villians!
Advance-solicited; on sale June 11 • 7.0625” x 10.825”
176 pg, FC, $29.99 US


SHOWCASE PRESENTS: GREEN LANTERN VOL. 3 TP
Written by John Broome and Gardner Fox
Art by Gil Kane, Sid Greene, Carmine Infantino and others
Cover by Kane & Murphy Anderson
Over 500 pages of classic Green Lantern adventures, from the pages of GREEN LANTERN #39-#59 (1965-1968)!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 14 • 528 pg, B&W, $16.99 US


SHOWCASE PRESENTS: HAUNTED TANK VOL. 2 TP
Written by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert
Art by Kubert, Russ Heath, Irv Novick, Mike Sekowsky and others
Cover by Kubert
500 pages of classic war stories, from the pages of G.I. COMBAT #120-157 (1966-1973)!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 560 pg, B&W, $16.99 US

And the rest:

COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #4-1
Story by Paul Dini
Story consulting by Keith Giffen
4 script by Adam Beechen; art by Carlos Magno & Rodney Ramos
3 script by Sean McKeever; art by Ron Lim & Mark McKenna
2 script by Sean McKeever; art by Jesus Saiz & Jimmy Palmiotti
1 script by Paul Dini; art by Scott Kolins
Covers by Adam Kubert
The Great Disaster has occurred, and all hell breaks loose as all the storylines in COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS come to a climax, threatening Darkseid and Jimmy Olsen and Mary Marvel and the future of their Earth!
COUNTDOWN 4 on sale April 2
COUNTDOWN 3 on sale April 9
COUNTDOWN 2 on sale April 16
COUNTDOWN 1 on sale April 23
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN #2
Written by Dan Jurgens & Ron Marz
Art by Jamal Igle & Victor Llamas
Cover by Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino
The fate of the Tangent Joker is revealed! And Green Lanterns from not one, but two worlds will be needed to shed light on the Tangent Superman’s path to dictatorship. Meanwhile, the Tangent world’s deadliest fighter risks her life to free her most powerful ally!
On sale April 16 • 2 of 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

COUNTDOWN TO MYSTERY #8
Written by Steve Gerber and Matt Sturges
Art by Justiniano & Walden Wong and Stephen Segovia
Cover by Ethan Van Sciver
Eclipso is once more bound to Bruce Gordon! Is Gordon arrogant enough to believe he can control this power in order to fix his own life? And speaking of lives that need fixing, there’s the new Dr. Fate and his journey to redemption!
On sale April 23 • 8 of 8 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

DEATH OF THE NEW GODS #8
Written by Jim Starlin
Art and cover by Starlin & Art Thibert
This 8-part saga of cosmic proportions ends with the proverbial bang as the Fourth World is forever changed! Learn the final fates of Apokolips, New Genesis, Darkseid, Orion and all of the New Gods in this final issue — and see how it ties into the final issues of COUNTDOWN!
On sale April 23 • 8 of 8 • 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US

DC/WILDSTORM: DREAMWAR #1
Written by Keith Giffen
Art by Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott
Cover by Mike McKone
Variant Cover by Lee Garbett
The Midnighter and Grifter. Zealot and Deathblow. Superman and Wonder Woman.
Superman and Wonder Woman?
In this landmark miniseries by writer Keith Giffen (52), Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott (MIDNIGHTER), the Earth is being torn apart. So when DC Universe heroes begin appearing in the WildStorm Universe, it seems at first they might be the answer to all the problems. Until it becomes clear that they might just be the reason for all the problems. And the Justice League of America doesn’t know how they got here...or how to get back!
On sale April 16 • 1 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TITANS #1
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund
Variant cover by Ethan Van Sciver
A new team of Titans is born in the extra-sized first issue of a new ongoing monthly by Judd Winick (GREEN LANTERN, GREEN ARROW, OUTSIDERS), Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund (SUPERGIRL, TEEN TITANS EAST SPECIAL)! Someone or something is continuing its attack on anyone who’s ever been a Titan, including Nightwing, Starfire, Donna Troy, Beast Boy and Raven.
You won’t want to miss this new startling chapter in Titans history that may forge a new team from the ashes of old, dead friends.
On sale April 9 • 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US

TEEN TITANS #58
Written by Sean McKeever Cover by Barrows
Art by Eddy Barrows & Jimmy Palmiotti
Welcome to the mind of M’gann M’orzz, Miss Martian! It’s bad enough when the world you live in is alien to you, but when you have something inside you clawing to get out and destroying everything you stand for, that’s at least a little bit worse, right? Also: more of Clock King’s malefic machinations!
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TEEN TITANS: YEAR ONE #4
Written by Amy Wolfram
Art and cover by Karl Kerschl & Serge LaPointe
Continuing the exploration of the Teen Titans’ origins! Kid Flash has wanted to be in the spotlight and be the leader, and now with Robin on a mission for Batman, Wally West has his chance. Poor Teen Titans. They might not survive!
On sale April 30 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DC SPECIAL: RAVEN #2
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art and cover by Damion Scott & Robert Campanella
After facing Trigon you’d think Raven could face any threat,
but nothing has prepared her for high school cliques and bowling!
Plus: The power of the Medusa mask begins causing even deadlier
teenage angst.
On sale April 2 • 2 of 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #7
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Cliff Chiang
Team Arrow follows the trail of those responsible for shooting Connor Hawke to London and finds out who was behind that heinous act.
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #6
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Carlos Rodriguez & Bit
Cover by Doug Braithwaite
As the Outsiders perform a search-and-rescue mission for missing member Metamorpho, Batman and his team stumble into a terrifying conspiracy that begins at the edge of outer space…and goes far beyond!
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BOOSTER GOLD #8
Written by Geoff Johns & Jeff Katz
Art and cover by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund
“Blue and Gold” part 3! Booster and Beetle come face-to-face with the all-new, all-different Freedom Fighters as time continues to crash down around them. Can a makeshift super-team really stop Maxwell Lord and his O.M.A.C.s? Plus, the continuing evil machinations of Supernova and Black Beetle!
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SALVATION RUN #6
Written by Matthew Sturges
Art and cover by Sean Chen & Walden Wong
This is it! The confrontation you wanted to see: Lex Luthor and the Joker go at it in brutal hand-to-hand combat to wrest control of the Hell Planet from each other. Plus, a shocking event that plays directly into Final Crisis! And this is all before things get really bad for our castaways. You don’t want to miss this issue!
On sale April 9 • 6 of 7 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BAT LASH #5
Written by Peter Brandvold & Sergio Aragones
Art by John Severin
Cover by Walter Simonson
Bat is desperate to find Dominique before her father sends her away. But here comes the cavalry: Two-Moons and his fellow Comanche warriors!
On sale April 16 • 5 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #7
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by J. Calafiore & Jack Purcell Cover by Calafiore
It’s fireworks in Gotham City’s underground scene as Penguin’s troops take it straight to Tobias Whale’s front door — and Vigilante decides to take on both armies himself! Meanwhile, Nightwing is saved by a mysterious yet familiar benefactor! All of this, plus appearances by Batman, Robin and Commissioner Gordon!
On sale April 16 • 7 of 9 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS #8
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray
Art by Renato Arlem
Cover by Dave Johnson
The thrilling conclusion! Red Bee's plan to control the world is put into motion. Will Uncle Sam and the rest of the Freedom Fighters be able to pull her back from the brink of insanity, or will she pay the ultimate price?
On sale April 30 • 8 of 8 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUICIDE SQUAD: RAISE THE FLAG #8
Written by John Ostrander Cover by John K. Snyder
Art by Javier Pina & Robin Riggs
Who really leads the Squad? The surviving Squad members make a final bid to salvage Operation Scarlet Tears as the rudderless Chemo blasts blindly through a strategic center in the Middle East! Who made it through the Dubai op to make the roster for Operation Salvation Run? It’s all in this action-packed conclusion!
On sale April 16 • 8 of 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN #676
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and variant cover by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea
Cover by Alex Ross
Are you ready for “Batman R.I.P.”?
Beginning the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! Everything in Grant Morrison’s groundbreaking run on Batman has been leading to this story, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Who will live? Who will die? Who will be Batman? The answers are sure to shock you in “Batman R.I.P.,” featuring artwork by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea and covers by Alex Ross.
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERMAN #675
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and variant cover by Renato Guedes & Wilson Magalhaés
Cover by Alex Ross
It's an oversized spectacular blowout action anniversary issue, as Kurt Busiek, gearing up for his insanely huge next project, brings his Superman run to a close! A three-way battle between Superman, Paragon and the forces of Daxam! The Earth-shattering threat of the all-new Galactic Golem! This one's got it all, including a painted cover by new series cover artist Alex Ross and a variant by Renato Guedes.
On sale April 16 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER #10
Written by Frank Miller
Art and cover by Jim Lee
& Scott Williams
Variant cover by Frank Quitely
Batgirl, Catwoman, Black Canary, and even Detective Gordon’s better half give Gotham a headache so big it’ll split the city in two!
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN: DEATH MASK #1
Written by Yoshinori Natsume
Art and cover by Natsume
CMX. Acclaimed artist Yoshinori Natsume (Toguri) makes his American comics debut with this Prestige Format miniseries that presents an original Batman manga tale! There’s a new serial killer in Gotham, and he may have ties to the training Bruce Wayne acquired as a young man in Japan. Does the murderer know Bruce Wayne is the Batman?
On sale April 9 • 1 of 4 • 48 pg, B&W, $5.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #843
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs
Cover by Nguyen
A member of Gotham’s underground threatens the livelihood of the DCU’s resident magician, Zatanna! That is, until Batman decides to lend Zatanna a hand. Plus, an appearance by Scarface and the origin of the new Ventriloquist!
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

NIGHTWING #143
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Don Kramer & Christian Alamy
Cover by Rags Morales & Michael Bair
In an attempt to stop Dr. Kendall’s mad experiments with the dead, Nightwing and Robin head to a remote island hideaway to confront the doctor and his fiendish creations once and for all. The only obstacle in their way: The League of Assassins!
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ROBIN #173
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Chris Batista & Cam Smith
Cover by Freddie Williams II
Girl trouble doesn’t even begin to describe Robin’s situation when he finds himself caught between Violet and Spoiler! Meanwhile, the Peguin’s net is getting tighter, and all three of them might find themselves sleeping with the fishes…if another supermafioso on the scene doesn’t get to them first!
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

CATWOMAN #78
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez & Alvaro Lopez
Cover by Adam Hughes
Catwoman’s way off the Hell Planet is set and ready to go, but first she’ll have to deal with the villains she’s crossed. And she’s crossed a lot of villains. Line forms to the left…let’s start with the bloodthirsty, claw-wielding, kill-happy Cheetah!
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #16
Written by Tony Bedard
Art and cover by Rags Morales & Mark Farmer
Concluding the 4-part "Wrath Child" adventure! All is revealed about the mysterious return of one of Batman's most mysterious foes from the past!
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SIMON DARK #7
Written by Steve Niles & Scott Hampton
Art and cover by Hampton
A cult that has infiltrated Gotham at every level has the city in its grip, driving everyone crazy...and only the mysterious entity known as Simon Dark can root out the madness at its source!
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ACTION COMICS #864
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank & Jonathan Sibal
Cover by Kevin Maguire
General Zod! Bizarro World! The Legion of Super-Heroes! What’s next for the Man of Steel? Superman attempts to get back to his life as Clark Kent, but when you’re the world’s greatest hero there’s trouble around every corner, behind every planet and within every dimension.
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #47
Written by Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Art and cover by Shane Davis & Matt “Batt” Banning
Writers Michael Green (Heroes) & Mike Johnson, with superstar art team Shane Davis & Matt “Batt” Banning, deliver a new team of heroes to battle The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight, known only as The Last Line! They were created as a “last line” of defense against a rogue Superman, and they take no prisoners!
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERGIRL #28
Written by Kelley Puckett
Art and cover by Drew Johnson & Ray Snyder
Back from the future, Supergirl is ready to keep her impossible promise, despite the horrors of the world she just left. And to bring a miracle to life, she must enlist the aid of the last DCU hero you ever expected to see again — one who's supposed to be dead! As if that clue will help you narrow it down!
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL #14
Written by B. Clay Moore
Art and cover by Phil Hester & Ande Parks
"Signal to Noise" part 3 of 3. Jimmy Olsen finds himself in way over his head, held hostage by a sadistic toymaker and an array of sinister playthings. And the Man of Steel finds that Jimmy's new signal watch might be the tool of his destruction.
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE ALL NEW ATOM #22
Written by Rick Remender
Art by Pat Olliffe & John Stanisci
Cover by Ladrönn
Introducing the debut of new series writer Rick Remender (Fear Agent) and fan-favorite penciller Pat Ollife! Frozen in time, powerless and trapped in the subatomic world of the Genesis Bug, The Atom learns the truth of his involvement in the mysterious disappearances in Ivy Town, forcing the Mighty Mite to choose between saving the displaced faces from his past — or his own life! None escape the city of the lost!
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BLUE BEETLE #26
Written by Jai Nitz
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
Cover by Zach Howard
A special extra-sized Spanish-language issue, with the English script as bonus material! Blue Beetle takes Traci 13 to his family reunion, and having your girlfriend meet your family can be tough, especially when she's the only guest who doesn't speak Spanish! To make matters worse, two people have uncovered Jaime's secret identity — and one of them is the Parasite!
On sale April 30 • 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US

BIRDS OF PREY #117
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott & Doug Hazlewood
Cover by Stephane Roux
Misfit and Manhunter are captured by the man responsible for the bizarre magical technology that has been threatening the Birds and all of Metropolis...leading Oracle to decide to relocate the team to try to take this new nemesis down for good.
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #12
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Jerry Ordway & Bob Wiacek
Cover by George Pérez
It’s all been leading up to this: Half of the DC Universe vs. Megistus! Superman, Supergirl, Green Lantern, Flash and a host of others fight to stop the alchemist pulling the strings since the beginning of the series. But will the combined powers of these heroes be enough to stop what has already begun?
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

CHECKMATE #25
Written by Greg Rucka & Eric Trautmann
Art by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson
Cover by Kalman Andrasofszky
“Castling” concludes! Taking down Kobra’s mass attack — a bid to bring forth the apocalyptic era of Kali Yuga — requires Checkmate to use their ops team of last resort: The Rooks! A 25th issue not to be missed!
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE FLASH #239
Written by Tom Peyer
Art and cover by Freddie Williams II
“Fast Money” continues! Wally West’s family and allies take sides as he weighs an opportunity to profit from his powers at the risk of the precious Flash legacy. Meanwhile, the increasingly powerful media-villain Spin molds intangible mass anxiety into solid unstoppable force against the Flash!
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN LANTERN #30
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert
“Green Lantern: Secret Origin” part 2! The origin of Green Lantern continues as Hal Jordan struggles with life after the Air Force and life at Ferris. But Jordan’s world will change completely when he meets Carol Ferris again for the first time and the alien Abin Sur. Plus, who murdered Abin Sur? His fellow Corpsman and friend, Sinestro, wants to know.
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #20
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver
The Flash has not been answering his JLA signal, so now he has to answer to Wonder Woman! But first they have to survive an attack by the Queen Bee and her new drones from the H.I.V.E in a story that only superstar artist Ethan Van Sciver (Green Lantern: Rebirth) could bring to life!
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #23
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art and cover by Patrick Gleason & Prentis Rollins
Some of the best and brightest of the Corps — including Kyle Rayner, Soranik Natu, Ion and Guy Gardner — are sent on an urgent mission to locate and destroy missing Sinestro Corps Rings that remain from the Sinestro Corps War. But Mongul has a different idea on what to do with the Rings…
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JONAH HEX #30
Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Art and cover by Jordi Bernet
When Lucky Dave and his gang roll into the town of Desperation, they think they've found the perfect deserted town where they can finish off their great train robbery. But Dave's luck might just run out when Jonah Hex pays Desperation a visit.
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

INFINITY INC. #8
Written by Peter Milligan
Art and cover by Pete Woods
Fan-favorite Pete Woods (SUPERMAN: UP, UP, AND AWAY, AMAZONS ATTACK) comes aboard as new series artist with Part 1 of the 3-part story “The Bogeyman!” Steel springs an unwelcome surprise or two on the Infinity kids — including costumes and a new addition! But it's one thing to dress like a team, and quite another to function as one. Before they even have time to break in their new spandex, the kids catch word of a monster in the Pacific Northwest — one which finds its origins in Lex Luthor's Everyman Project! Meanwhile, Gerome might have to deal with a monster a lot closer to home.
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #15
Written by Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Art by Dale Eaglesham & Ruy Jose
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant cover by Eaglesham & Jose
“Thy Kingdom Come” continues! The cracks begin to show within the Justice Society as the “Heartbreak Slayer” stands revealed. Now, the Justice Society are face-to-face with an ancient being whose mission to help the world surpasses even their own.
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JSA CLASSIFIED #37
Written by B. Clay Moore
Art by Ramon Perez
Cover by Sean Chen & Sandu Florea
“Forward Through the Past” part 3 of 3! Wildcat finds himself attempting to live up to the past as he reclaims his place in the present. Catwoman guest-stars as the two battle a gang of criminals-in-training and set Wildcat on a new course for the future.
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • Final Issue

COUNTDOWN SPECIAL: KAMANDI, THE LAST BOY ON EARTH 80-PAGE GIANT
Written by Jack Kirby
Art by Kirby, Mike Royer and D. Bruce Berry
Cover by Ryan Sook
Collecting stories from KAMANDI: LAST BOY ON EARTH #1, #10 and #29, written and illustrated by Jack Kirby!
On sale April 2 • 80 pg, FC, $4.99 US

METAL MEN #7
Written by Duncan Rouleau
Art and cover by Rouleau
Doctor Magnus must stop his Metal Men from becoming the Death Metal Men forever. But how, when The Magna-Tech Monster Board of Trustees led by Chemo will not rest until the Death Metal Men are theirs! The world hangs in the balance, a world that now fears and hates the once heroes ! Plus, the return of the Robot Renegades!
On sale April 2 • 7 of 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #41
Written by Jim Shooter
Art by Aaron Lopresti & Matt Ryan
Cover by Frances Manapul & John Livesay
Part 2 of the “Enemy Rising” arc! The threat of the extinction of all life grows! Meanwhile, with newfound, hideous strength, Princess Projectra rampages in downtown Metropolis! Invisible Kid, Brainiac 5 and Saturn Girl attempt to spy on a secret U.P. operation! And the Legion is busted!
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

WONDER WOMAN #19
Written by Gail Simone
Art and cover by Bernard Chang
Part 2 of the 2-part story “Expatriate!” Spirited to the Khund home world, Wonder Woman finds herself in the unpopular position of having to defend one of the greatest scourges of the galaxy from the deserved wrath of many an angry race! What could possibly convince the Amazon princess to side with the enemy? You won't believe the answer! And who is the incredibly powerful DC figure that's trying to stop her?
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE SPIRIT #16
Written by Sergio Aragones & Mark Evanier
Art by Paul Smith
Cover by Bruce Timm
That’s not fake blood on the set…it’s the real thing! There’s murder at the movie studio, so the Spirit – who’s taken plenty of hard knocks in his time – gets a job as a stuntman to help solve the crime.
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SHADOWPACT #24
Written by Matt Sturges
Art and cover by Phil Winslade
If one Shadowpact can’t stop the mystical menace of the Sun King, will three be enough? Heroes of the past and future unite with the mages of our time to keep the Sun King at bay!
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

52 AFTERMATH: THE FOUR HORSEMEN TP
Written by Keith Giffen
Art by Pat Olliffe & John Stanisci
Cover by Ethan Van Sciver
The unstoppable villains of the groundbreaking weekly series 52 rise again in this volume collecting the 6-issue miniseries! They are the Four Horsemen — War, Pestilence, Famine, Death — living embodiments of the Dread Ages of the distant world of Apokolips, and they mean to remake the Earth in their own image!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 7 • 144 pg, FC, $19.99 US

BLACK ADAM: THE DARK AGE TP
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy and Norm Rapmund
Cover by Alex Ross
Collecting the 6-issue miniseries springing from the pages of 52! With the power of the gods stripped from him, Teth-Adam is on a quest to find both the magical word that will restore him as Black Adam and the one thing that always kept his heart from turning completely black with rage: his deceased wife.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 21 • 144 pg, FC, $17.99 US

COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS VOL. 1 TP
Written by Paul Dini, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, Adam Beechen, Tony Bedard and Sean McKeever
Breakdowns by Keith Giffen
Art by Jesus Saiz, Jim Calafiore, Carlos Magno,
David Lopez, Tom Derenick, Dennis Calero,
Manuel Garcia and others
Cover by Andy Kubert
The first of a series of four volumes, COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS VOL. ONE collects issues #51-39 of the incredible tale starring Jimmy Olsen, Mary Marvel, Donna Troy and all the major characters of the DC Universe!
COUNTDOWN follows up the events of bestsellers INFINITE CRISIS and 52 and leads into DC’s next major event, FINAL CRISIS. When a surprising character dies in chapter one, it sets off an unexpected ripple that will touch virtually every character in the DC Universe and change the status quo forever.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 21 • 296 pg, FC, $19.99 US

THE QUESTION: THE FIVE BOOKS OF BLOOD HC
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Tom Mandrake, Matthew Clark, Jose Saiz, Diego Olmos and Manuel Garcia
Cover by John Van Fleet
Collecting the 5-issue CRIME BIBLE! A Monk of the Dark Faith is moving through the DCU, seeding evil in his wake as he prepares for a final, potentially devastating act. Trailing him is The Question, who seeks to save the life of the author of a best-selling expose about the Dark Faith.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 4 • 128 pg, FC, $19.99 US

INFINITY INC. VOL. 1: LUTHOR’S MONSTERS TP
Written by Peter Milligan
Art and cover by Max Fiuamara & Matthew Southworth
Collecting the first five issues of the new series! When Lex Luthor and his Everyman project was taken down by John Henry Irons, it appeared the story of Infinity Inc. was over. But one year-plus later, it seems that life hasn't been kind to Starlight, Fury and Nuklon…
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 128 pg, FC, $14.99 US

GREEN LANTERN: THE SINESTRO CORPS VOL. 2 HC
Written by Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons
and Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Ivan Reis, Ethan Van Sciver, Patrick Gleason, Oclair Albert, Angel Unzueta, Dustin Nguyen, Joe Prado and others
Cover by Van Sciver
The hottest story of 2007 reaches its explosive finale in this hardcover volume collecting Green Lantern #24-25 and Green Lantern Corps #16-19! Sinestro — Hal Jordan’s former mentor turned archnemesis — has gathered an army of soldiers fueled by the fear they instill in others. Former Green Lantern Kyle Rayner has been possessed by the entity known as Parallax and now assists the Sinestro Corps in cutting a swath of evil across the universe. Trapped in the depths of the Sinestro Corps' Citadel and face-to-face with the Guardian of Sinestro's army of fear, Hal Jordan must find the willpower to battle these terrible foes.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 11 • 192 pg, FC, $24.99 US

GREEN LANTERN: TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS HC
Written by Geoff Johns, Ron Marz,
Alan Burnett and Sterling Gates
Art by Dave Gibbons, Ethan Van Sciver, Pete Woods,
Jerry Ordway, Mike McKone, Adriana Melo,
Joe Prado and others
Cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert
The action of The Sinestro Corps War story spills over into this volume collecting Green Lantern #18-20 (plus backup stories), Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1 ( (plus backup stories), Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Ion, Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Parallax, Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Cyborg Superman, Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Anti-Monitor, and Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Secret Files!
Parallax, Anti-Monitor, and the Cyborg Superman are some of the most feared members of the brutal Sinestro Corps, an army assembled with one goal: to spread fear across the galaxy! In this hardcover volume, the layers of these complex villains are stripped away as readers learn why they joined the Sinestro Corps and what drives them to eradicate the Green Lantern Corps.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 18 • 200 pg, FC, $29.99 US

GREEN LANTERN: NO FEAR TP
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Carlos Pacheco, Ethan Van Sciver, Darwyn Cooke and others
Cover by Alex Ross
A softcover edition collecting GREEN LANTERN #1-6 and GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES #1! Hal Jordan is back from the dead — now watch as he reestablishes his life as a pilot. Standing in his way, though, is one of the deadly Manhunter androids followed by the Shark.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 7 • 176 pg, FC, $12.99 US

GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH TP
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ethan Van Sciver & Prentis Rollins
Cover by Van Sciver
Reoffered to coincide with the GREEN LANTERN: NO FEAR TP, this title collects the miniseries that restored Hal Jordan as Earth’s Green Lantern! See how a man born without fear and seeking to rebuild his life puts cosmic forces into motion that will have repercussions not only on Earth but across the universe.
On sale April 2 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US • RELIST

THE ALL-NEW ATOM: THE HUNT FOR RAY PALMER TP
Written by Gail Simone and Roger Stern
Art by Mike Norton, Dan Green and Trevor Scott
Cover by Ladrönn
In this volume collecting issues #12-16 of the acclaimed series, the new Atom searches the multiverse for Ray Palmer, missing since the events of IDENTITY CRISIS!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 21 • 128 pg, FC, $14.99

CHECKMATE VOL. 3: THE FALL OF THE WALL TP
Written by Greg Rucka & Eric S. Trautmann
Art by Joe Bennett, Joe Prado, Chris Samnee and others
Cover by Kalman Andrasofszky
The saga of Checkmate continues in this volume collecting issues #16-22! The espionage and intrigue continue as Amanda Waller — Checkmate’s White Queen — resorts to blackmail to protect her own covert op interests.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 7 • 168 pg, FC, $14.99 US

BATMAN: THE JOKER’S LAST LAUGH TP
Written by Chuck Dixon & Scott Beatty
Art by Ron Randall, Marcos Martin, Walter McDaniel and others
Cover by Brian Bolland
The Joker, thinking he’s dying, concocts a scheme to carry on his legacy by transforming his fellow villains into “jokerized” versions of themselves in this exciting volume collecting the 6-issue miniseries (2001)!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 7 • 192 pg, FC, $17.99 US

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER VOL. 1 HC
Written by Frank Miller
Art and cover by Jim Lee & Scott Williams
One of the most talked-about Batman stories ever — conceived by modern master Frank Miller (BATMAN: YEAR ONE, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS) and artists extraordinaire Jim Lee & Scott Williams (BATMAN, SUPERMAN) — is collected in hardcover for the first time! Lee & Miller join forces to tell a new version of Dick Grayson’s origin in a high-octane tale that unfolds with guest appearances by Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Black Canary, and more! This volume collects issues #1-9 of the acclaimed series.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 18 • 240 pg, FC, $24.99 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE INJUSTICE LEAGUE HC
Written by Dwayne McDuffie & Alan Burnett
Art and cover by Ed Benes & Sandra Hope, Mike McKone & Andy Lanning and Joe Benitez & Victor Llamas
Cover by Ian Churchill
The new adventures of the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes continue in this volume collecting JLA Wedding Special #1 and Justice League of America #13-16! As the wedding of Green Arrow and Black Canary looms, the new Injustice League forms! The World’s Greatest Super-Villains — including Lex Luthor, The Joker, Gorilla Grodd, Cheetah, Poison Ivy, Dr. Light and more — stage an unprecedented attack on the JLA, taking Wonder Woman and other heroes prisoner.
It all leads to an epic melee as the forces of good and evil collide, and the JLA will lose a member before rallying for the no-holds-barred brawl of the century!
Advance-solicited; on sale June 4 • 144 pg, FC, $19.99 US

JUSTICE VOL. 1 TP
Written by Jim Krueger & Alex Ross
Art by Doug Braithwaite & Ross
Cover by Ross
A softcover edition collecting the first 4 issues of the acclaimed maxiseries by Jim Krueger (Earth X) and Alex Ross! The greatest criminal masterminds of our time appear to be acting in concert — but with a surprising plan that seeks to achieve more good than the JLA ever could!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 14 • 160 pg, FC, $14.99 US

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF KRYPTON TP
Written by John Byrne, Walter Simonson, and others
Art by Mike Mignola, Dick Giordano, Dave Cockrum and others
Cover by Byrne & Walter Simonson
Witness the violent past of Krypton in this volume collecting THE MAN OF STEEL #1, THE WORLD OF KRYPTON #1-4, and stories from SUPERMAN #233, 236, 238, 240, 248, 257, 266, 367, 375 and SUPERMAN FAMILY #182!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 25 • 192 pg, FC, $14.99 US

SUPERMAN: LAST SON HC
Written by Richard Donner & Geoff Johns
Art by Adam Kubert
Cover by Kubert
Richard Donner and Geoff Johns present "Last Son," collecting the epic story arc with art by Adam Kubert from ACTION COMICS #844-846, #851and Action Comics Annual #11. A rocket lands in Metropolis containing a boy Superman thinks is from Krypton. Along with figuring out what that means to him, Superman must protect young Christopher Kent, who has become the most valuable child on the planet thanks to his immense power. Lex Luthor has his sights on him, assembling his own team of villains to nab Christopher. It all leads to an action-packed finale, as Superman and the new Superman Revenge Squad — Lex Luthor, Bizarro, the Parasite and Metallo — take on General Zod, Ursa and Non in a battle for Metropolis, the future of Krypton and Christopher Kent!
This volume includes several pages in 3-D, as well as a pair of
3-D glasses!
Advance-solicited; on sale June 25 • 160 pg, FC, $19.99 US

TINY TITANS #3
Written by Art Baltazar & Franco
Art and cover by Baltazar & Franco
More zany Tiny Titans adventures! Alfred lets the boys spend an afternoon in the Batcave, a high-spirited debate occurs when the Tiny Titans try to figure out the difference between a superhero and a sidekick, Show and Tell day at Sidekick Elementary has hilarious results, and see how Beast Boy tackles science class. This plus even more fun as the Tiny Titans virtually leap off the pages!
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

SUPER FRIENDS #2
Written by Sholly Fisch
Art by Joe Staton & Horacio Ottolini
Cover by J. Bone
It’s big trouble in Metropolis when DINOSAURS go on a rampage! Will the Super Friends round up the mighty lizards before they make too much of a mess? Plus, activities, fact files and the next part of your Super Friends membership kit!
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

THE BATMAN STRIKES! #44
Written by Josh Elder
Art and cover by Christopher Jones & Terry Beatty
Batman heads to Metropolis on the trail of a Gotham City supervillain! But to bring the baddie down, he’s going to have to deal with the one, the only…Superman!
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #44
Written by Ken Pontac
Art by John Delaney & Ty Templeton
Cover by Dario Brizuela
Untold tales of the Justice League! Mirror Master’s son knows his dad’s a real hero, while the League knows Mirror Master is a real villain. You won’t believe who’s right!
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES IN THE 31st CENTURY #13
Written by J. Torres
Art and cover by Alexander Serra
A distress call from a stranded United Planets ship pits the Legion against a gang of rogue Thanagarian pirates! They’re gonna have to call in the big guns, but their best hope is 1,000 years away. And a teammate’s actions during battle will have consequences that he never could have predicted.
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

TEEN TITANS GO! #54
Written by J. Torres
Art by Ethen Beavers
Cover by Todd Nauck
The Teen Titans visit Paradise Island for some fun and games, but someone who wants to take down Wonder Girl is about to put a wrinkle in their plans! Meanwhile, the villiainous Trident has plans of his own for the Amazons and their friends!
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #24
Written by Arie Kaplan
Art by Min S. Ku
Ccover by Travis Kotzebue & Mike DeCarlo
Quiet on the set! Ben discovers movie magic can get a little too real!
On sale April 9• 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #44
Written by Scott Cunningham, Robbie Busch
and John Rozum
Art by Robert Pope, Gary Fields, Scott Roberts, Jeff Albrecht and Scott McRae
Cover by Stephanie Gladden
Bloo will do anything to get out of his chores! Plus, Camp Lazlo and Dexter’s Laboratory.
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

LOONEY TUNES #161
Written by Sam Agro, Matthew Manning
and Robbie Busch
Art by Walter Carzon, Pablo Zamboni, Ruben Torreiro and Horacio Ottolini
Cover by Scott Gross
Avast, mateys! Bugs is playing stowaway on Sam’s ship, but he may end up walking the plank!
On sale April 23 • 2 pg, FC, $2.25 US

SCOOBY-DOO #131
Written by Scott Cunningham, Jack Briglio and John Rozum
Art by Roberto Barrios, Scott Gross and Karen Matchette
Cover by Ropert Pope & Scott McRae
April 22 is Earth Day, and Scooby and the gang are hunting down toxic trolls! But is there a crooked creature behind the mucked-up monsters? Do your part by helping to solve the mystery behind Fayetton River!
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

MAD #489
Written and illustrated by The Usual Gang of Idiots
The official magazine of April Fool’s Day takes the hijinx up a notch!
On sale April 9 • 48 pg, FC/B&W, $4.99 US

EX MACHINA DELUXE EDITION VOLUME 1 HC
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Tony Harris & Tom Feister
Cover by Harris
Award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (PRIDE OF BAGHDAD, Y: THE LAST MAN) uniquely combines big city politics and superheroes in this much-lauded series. Set in our modern-day world, EX MACHINA tells the story of civil engineer Mitchell Hundred, who becomes America's first living, breathing super-hero after a strange accident gives him the power to communicate with machines. Eventually Mitchell tires of risking his life merely to maintain the status quo, retires from masked crime fighting and runs for mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide.
This deluxe edition collects the first 11 issues of EX MACHINA in hardcover for the first time, along with several special bonus features.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 18 • 7.0625” x 10.875” • 272 pg, FC, $29.99 US • MATURE READERS

EX MACHINA #36
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Tony Harris & Jim Clark
Cover by Harris
All-new action-packed storyline begins! A new masked adventurer is thrilling New York City but threatens to derail the upcoming Republican National Convention, and the political future of superhero-turned-mayor Mitchell Hundred hangs in the balance!
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • Mature Readers

SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY: JACK HAWKSMOOR #2
Written by Michael Costa
Art by Koi Turnbull
Cover by Cully Hamner
There's a man lying dead in his San Francisco house, a mysterious woman with a tragic story, and Jack's powers are on the fritz. When Jack goes looking for answers, things get explosive!
On sale April 23 • 2 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

NUMBER OF THE BEAST #1-2
Written by Scott Beatty
Art and cover by Chris Sprouse & Karl Story
Variant covers by Doug Mahnke and Brandon Badeaux
Following on the heels of WildStorm: Armageddon and Revelations, writer Scott Beatty (BATGIRL: YEAR ONE) and artists Chris Sprouse & Karl Story (Tom Strong, Midnighter) bring a harrowing creative vision to the WildStorm Universe...and when they’re done with it — will anything be left standing?
The Paladins, WildStorm's seminal superhuman heroes, find their days start like any other — capturing archcriminals, thwarting alien invaders, and helping little old ladies navigate crosstown traffic — all before coffee at their favorite diner. But when events in The City begin to escalate in strange, deadly directions, all signs and omens point to the end of days. The Apocalypse has begun!
But how could the WildStorm Universe stand on the brink of Armageddon? Why aren't the all-seeing Authority watching over things? Where is mighty Majestic to save the day? Wouldn't the Wildcats put an end to any final conflict before it even began? And how does a long-forgotten face from WildStorm's troubled past hold all the answers to preventing a nightmarish future of Biblical proportions?
Issue #1 on sale April 9; issue #2 on sale April 23 • 1 & 2 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GEN13 #19
Written by Simon Oliver
Art by Carlo Barberi & Drew Geraci
Cover by Michael Lopez & Richard Friend
The kids have rallied around Caitlin as the knot tightens around them…but can they rely on their new “friends” to help them fight their way to the I/O safe house and end their “15 Minutes” for good? Or are darker things in store for them?
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

MIDNIGHTER #18
Written by Keith Giffen
Art by Lee Garbett & Rick Burchett
Cover by Garbett & Trevor Scott
Assassin8, the world’s deadliest hitman and a genetic chameleon, has defeated the Midnighter and taken over his identity. Next stop: the Carrier and the rest of the Authority...and the actual target of his assignment.
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE PROGRAMME #10
Written by Peter Milligan
Art and cover by C.P. Smith
The United States is in shambles as a race war in the South is exploding, and the Russian Dolls are cutting a swath of death across America! A conspiracy within the CIA, though, could change the entire face of the conflict...but will Max be a willing sacrificial lamb?
On sale April 16 • 10 of 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY VOL. 2 TP
Written by Gail Simone
Art and cover by Neil Googe
Collecting issues #7-12 of the acclaimed series! A new threat rears its head: that of Freddie Beasel, television show host and music promoter. But what devilish secret does this smart-dressed man have, and how deeply rooted in the town’s history is it?
Advance-solicited; on sale May 17 • 144 pg, FC, $19.99 US

TOM STRONG BOOK SIX TP
Written by Alan Moore, Michael Moorcock and others
Art by Chris Sprouse, Jerry Ordway, Ben Oliver and others
Cover by Sprouse & Jose Villarrubia
Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse return for one grand, final story in which Tom Strong and family are on hand for the apocalypse. All this and more awaits in this wondrous final installment of the Tom Strong saga collecting issues #31-36 of the classic series!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 160 pg, FC, $17.99 US

FRIDAY THE 13th: ABUSER AND THE ABUSED #1
Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov
Art by Andy B.
Cover by Brandon Badeaux
A special one-shot! Maggie’s life was never easy, but her abusive new boyfriend has pushed her over the edge. As her life spirals out of control, she hits upon the solution to her problems: use the local urban legend to “solve” the problems in her life. But what happens when she learns there’s very little “legend” in the reality of Jason Voorhees?
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $3.50 US • Mature Readers

NEW DYNAMIX #2
Written by Allen Warner
Art and cover by J.J. Kirby
Variant cover by Jim Lee
Now that the Black Halo has once again taken up heroics, can he be persuaded to join Rocket and Sword in endorsement deals? Is that really what he came back for? No, he’s left his desert townhouse to make a difference, and he starts by confronting his roommate, Gramalkin, who’s been having visions about the end of the world. Halo and Rocket are heading to downtown San Francisco to see what there is to learn – and what the end of the world has to do with the missing WildStorm super-powered-beings!
On sale April 2 • 2 of 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERNATURAL : RISING SON #1
Written by Peter Johnston & Rebecca Dessertine
Art by Diego Olmos
Cover by Ben Oliver
Variant cover by Dustin Nguyen
Dean and Sam Winchester were raised as Hunters by their widowed father, seeking vengeance on the supernatural elements that took their mother from them. But the road to vengeance is a dark one, and is it a place where children can have any semblance of a life?
Picking up several years after Supernatural: Origins, the boys are now old enough to join John on his cross-country “hunting trips.” Amid the carnage and violence, John’s seeking something specific: any information on why his wife was murdered. But is he prepared for the answers that he’ll find? And is he willing to sacrifice his 11-year-old son Dean to this hard, lonely life by giving him his first “hunt”?
On sale April 23 • 1 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

HEROES SC
Written by Aron Eli Coleite, Chuck Kim, Joe Pokaski, Oliver Grigsby, Pierluigi Cothran, Andrew Chambliss, Harrison Wilcox, Jesse Alexander, Christopher Zatta, Mark Warshaw and others
Art by Phil Jimenez, Michael Turner, Koi Turnbull, Marcus To, Peter Steigerwald, David Moran, Micah Gunnell, Travis Kotzebue, Jordan Kotzebue, Jason Badower, Staz Johnson, Steve Lejeune, Adam Archer, Mark Roslan and others
Cover by Alex Ross
This stunning softcover edition collects the amazing online comics based on the smash-hit, Emmy Award-nominated NBC show HEROES! This volume — featuring a stunning cover by comics legend Alex Ross — also includes an introduction by Masi Oka (Hiro), all 34 chapters of Season One, and Tim Sale's artwork as seen on the show. The comics included have been written and illustrated by some of comics' and television's top writers and artists, including Michael Turner, Phil Jimenez, Marcus To, and more!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 21 • 240 pg, FC, $19.99 US

WORLD OF WARCRAFT #6
Written by Walter Simonson
Art by Ludo Lullabi & Sandra Hope
Covers by Jim Lee and Samwise Didier
The past comes alive as our heroes reach Theramore, where the lore of Jaina Proudmore reveals Lo'Gosh's hidden identity. But has it truly done so? Meanwhile, the assassin and the naga simultaneously seek to destroy Lo'Gosh before he can reach the end of his quest.
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BURNOUT
Written by Rebecca Donner
Art and cover by Inaki Miranda
When Danni and her mom move in with her mom's alcoholic boyfriend, Danni develops a fierce crush on Haskell, her soon-to-be stepbrother, who’s a hardcore environmentalist. Desperate and confused, Danni wrestles with what she's willing to sacrifice as she confronts first love, family secrets and the politics of ecoterrorism set against the lush backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.
Author Rebecca Donner is also a playwright, screenwriter/director and sings in a rock band. She's currently working on her third novel.
Artist Inaki Miranda's beautifully detailed illustrations have appeared in the multiple Eisner Award-winner FABLES and in 2000AD.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 4 • 176 pg, B&W, $9.99 US

WATER BABY
Written by Ross Campbell
Art and cover by Campbell
Surfer Girl Brody just got her leg bitten off by a shark. What's worse? Jake, her shark of an ex-boyfriend, is back and when it comes to Brody's couch, he's not budging. It's up to Brody and her BFF Louisa to embark on the roadtrip from hell, narrowly escaping weird hitchhikers and shark-infested nightmares, to get Jake out of their lives forever. This time it's personal!
Two-time Eisner nominee Ross Campbell (Wet Moon, The Abandoned) puts punk rock on paper with his brutally honest characters and perversely lush artwork.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 25 • 176 pg, B&W, $9.99 US

AMERICAN SPLENDOR SEASON TWO #1
Written by Harvey Pekar
Art by David Lapham, Chris Weston, Dean Haspiel, Hilary Barta, John Lucas, Zachary Baldus and Ed Piskor
Cover by Philip Bond
In 2006, comics legend Harvey Pekar brought his unflinching tales of ordinary life to Vertigo with an all-new run of AMERICAN SPLENDOR, the comic that, 30 years earlier, rose “from the streets of Cleveland” and changed how we look at comics. Often imitated but never duplicated, Pekar proved that he still has the power to “make mundane reality seem like the highest drama” (Entertainment Weekly) in his critically acclaimed Vertigo series.
Now, Harvey Pekar is back with an all-new series of AMERICAN SPLENDOR, featuring his funniest, most poignant, somber and uplifting stories from the complex life of an ordinary man.
Once again, the Vertigo AMERICAN SPLENDOR pairs Harvey with some of the most exciting, innovative artists currently in comics, including in this special premiere issue, David Lapham (YOUNG LIARS, Stray Bullets), Chris Weston (THE FILTH, Fantastic Four), Dean Haspiel (THE QUITTER, Brawl), Mike Hawthorne (THE UN-MEN, Queen and Country), John Lucas (THE EXTERMINATORS) and other luminaries from both the mainstream and indie worlds.
In this issue, they join Harvey to chronicle his battles with stubborn sofas, short sighted magazine writers, treacherous front doorsteps and many more obstacles for Harvey to overcome in his pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
On sale April 2 • 1 of 4 • 32 pg, B&W, $2.99 US MATURE READERS

100 BULLETS #90
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Eduardo Risso
Cover by Dave Johnson
The countdown to the series finale continues! As Remi Rome’s role in the war comes to fruition, we get a glimpse into the so-called life of Pip – the young G with nothing to lose and even less to gain.
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

CROSSING MIDNIGHT #18
Written by Mike Carey
Art by Jim Fern & Jose Villarrubia
Cover by J.H. Williams III
Full-on war has begun in Part 2 of “The Blade in the Soul.” Toshi and Kai have both made their sacrifices to lead the two kami armies into an apocalyptic fight to the death. But it may take a lot more than a massacre to determine the fate of the Hara twins...
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

DMZ #30
Written by Brian Wood
Art by Riccardo Burchielli
Cover by Wood
“Blood in the Game” Part 2. After years in the DMZ, Matty Roth has been faced with numerous challenges, but for the first time ever, he’s faced with rejection, as his story on a revolutionary named Delgado is rejected by all news agencies. Rejection he can handle, but it’s a surprise phone call that just might send Matty over the edge.
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

THE EXTERMINATORS #28
Written by Simon Oliver
Art by Tony Moore & John Lucas Cover by Philip Bond
Part 1 of “Bug Brothers Forever.” The bug-god Atan (returned to Earth in the form of Henry’s depraved ex-partner AJ) and his army of Mayan Hissers begin a massive attack. They need one last key to open the mysterious box — and the Bug Bee Gone boys have got it. As the Hissers lay waste to Los Angeles, Henry, Stretch and the crew steel themselves for what could be their final, heroic stand.
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

FABLES #72
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Mark Buckingham & Steve Leialoha
Cover by James Jean
Concluding the 2-part “Skulduggery.” Cinderella's back in action doing a dirty job to pay off an old debt…and this is one shoe that fits! But when the forces of the Empire drag out the heavy ammo, can she dodge bullets like she dodges potential suitors?
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

FABLES VOl. 10: THE GOOD PRINCE TP
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha and Aaron Alexovich
Cover by James Jean
Collecting issues #60-69 of the hit series, collecting the epochal “Good Prince” storyline. Flycatcher is drawn into the spotlight as he discovers the startling truth about his own past as the Frog Prince. At the same time, he learns that the Adversary plans to destroy his foes once and for all. How can the meek Flycatcher stop this deadly foe?
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 240 pg, FC, $17.99 US
MATURE READERS

JACK OF FABLES #22
Written by Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges
Art by Tony Akins & Andrew Pepoy
Cover by Brian Bolland
1883 was the year in which the scrofulous outlaw known as "Smiling Jack Candle" and his gang of desperadoes roamed the Western Territories, robbing and pillaging as they went. None durst stand up to the miscreant, until the day that a grim-countenanced stranger — a sheriff from back East who carried no gun — rode out to face him down. What happened next, you ask, and why does this sheriff seem so familiar…?
On sale April 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

VERTIGO: FIRST CUT TP
Written and illustrated by various
Cover by various
Sample the premiere issues of seven Vertigo series for under $5! Dip into the critically acclaimed series ARMY@LOVE, CROSSING MIDNIGHT, DMZ, THE EXTERMINATORS, JACK OF FABLES, LOVELESS and SCALPED, with stories by some of comics’ most popular writers and artists including Brian Wood, Bill Willingham, Brian Azzarello and many others. in this hefty low-priced volume.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 7 • 168 pg, FC, $4.99 US • MATURE READERS

NORTHLANDERS #5
Written by Brian Wood
Art by Davide Gianfelice
Cover by Massimo Carnevale
Every story has a beginning, and in this issue learn how Sven came to be, from his humble beginning as a child slave to his time spent with the Slavs and Russians to the returned hero we met in issue #1.
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

LOVELESS #24
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Danijel Zezelj
Cover by Marcelo Frusin
In the final chapter dealing with the future of Blackwater, we check in with Foley, now an old man being released from prison for a murder he may or may not have committed. Has time changed him, or does he still hold a grudge for the hand he was dealt?
On sale April 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

LOVELESS VOL. 3: BLACKWATER FALLS TP
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Danijel Zezelj and Werther Dell’Edera
Cover by Marcelo Frusin
In this volume collecting issues #13-21 of the acclaimed series, the mysterious secret of Blackwater Falls comes into focus when Ruth finally confronts her tragic past.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 21 • 224 pg, FC, $14.99 US • MATURE READERS

HELLBLAZER #243
Written by Andy Diggle
Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli
Cover by Lee Bermejo
Part 1 of the 2-part “The Mortification of the Flesh.” There is a room at the heart of the Vatican known as The Confessional, where any act may be committed without fear of guilt or sin. Here, the temptations of the flesh are drawn out and expunged through indulgence. But when something goes horribly wrong, a priest with a terrible secret is forced to turn to an outsider for help … an outsider named John Constantine.
On sale April 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

SCALPED #16
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by R.M. Guera
Cover by Jock
“Dead Mothers” Part 4 of 5. Things aren't getting any easier for Dash Bad Horse or Chief Red Crow in their separate murder investigations, especially once they both start butting heads with wild west throwback Wooster Karnow, notorious sheriff of White Haven, Nebraska.
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

YOUNG LIARS #2
Written by David Lapham
Art and cover by Lapham
You may think you know everything there is to know about Danny Noonan. You may think he’s just a normal, gun-toting, angst-ridden kid with a hot girlfriend who has a bullet in her brain. Well, you’d be wrong.
Before he was all that, Danny Noonan was a normal, angst-ridden kid without all those other things. Then he met Sadie.
And something so wonderful happened to him, it could only end in unimaginable horror.
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

THE UN-MEN #9
Written by John Whalen
Art by Mike Hawthorne
Cover by Tomer Hanuka
A shocking secret from the labs of Castle Arcane somehow reemerges in Aberrance. In something out of the world’s most twisted buddy movie, Kilcrop must team up with Cranius to investigate how the macabre “Magna Mater” got there and how to stop it. But as usual, Cranius has a sinister agenda all his own. “Intriguing! A book to watch!” — Comics Buyer’s Guide.
On sale April 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

THE VINYL UNDERGROUND #7
Written by Si Spencer
Art by Simon Gane & Ryan Kelly
Cover by Sean Phillips
Ex-celebrity playboy Morrison and his team of crack investigators celebrate a seemingly speedy victory in solving their latest case — until a visitor from beyond the grave shows up and puts them on a completely different track.
On sale April 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

TWO FLOWERS FOR THE DRAGON VOL.1
Written and illustrated by Nari Kusakawa
CMX. Nari Kusakawa (THE RECIPE FOR GERTRUDE and THE PALETTE OF 12 SECRET COLORS) cooks up a funny and romantic new adventure. Teenage Shakuya is the next head of the Dragon Clan – and she can actually turn into a real dragon. As if that’s not enough, she also finds herself with two fiancés! The first vanished years ago and has now returned, but the new guy is not about to step aside. So Shakuya will wait a year, then marry the man she loves the most. Magic tattoos on both of Shakuya’s hands, will help her to decide. Each one represents one of her suitors and as her love grows, so do her tattoos!
Advance-solicited; on sale May 7 • 5” x 7.375” • 192 pg. B&W, $9.99 US • TEEN

KING OF CARDS VOL. 4
Written and illustrated by Makoto Tateno
CMX. Manami goes up against a CHAOS player who looks like Sahgan…and who gets the same kind of hint-giving dreams that she does! His name is Araki and he only plays for money—a fact that offends Manami’s love of the game. Since they both receive guidance from the cards, how can either of these two rivals beat the other? But Araki may prove to be more friend than foe in Manami’s personal life.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 7 • 5” x 7.375” • 192 pg, B&W, $9.99 US • TEEN

SWAN VOL. 13
Written and illustrated by Kyoko Ariyoshi
CMX. Following her silver medal win in the World Ballet Competition, Masumi and her partner Leonhardt get to train at the prestigious New York City Ballet. New to modern dance, Masumi struggles to understand it, but their esteemed choreographer is not impressed with her efforts. Will a chance encounter with an old classmate help or hurt Masumi at this critical point in her career?
Advance-solicited; on sale May 14 • 5” x 7.375” • 208 pg, B&W, $9.99 US • EVERYONE

VENUS IN LOVE VOL. 3
Written and illustrated by Yuki Nakaji
CMX. Suzuna’s had her heart set on Fukami but she’s been afraid to share her feelings. Now Fukami’s out with another girl, and they seem to be turning into a steady couple. Is it too late for Suzuna? She finds herself spending more time with Eichi, the guy who also has a secret crush on Fukami. But a surprising development leaves the two of them with confused feelings about each other.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 14 • 5” x 7.375” • 208 pg, B&W, $9.99 US • TEEN

DOKKOIDA?! VOL. 2
Written and illustrated by Yu Yagami Created by Taro Achi
CMX. A breakout on a prison planet brings more intergalactic criminals to Earth. This is good news for the Galaxy Federation Police, who still have to decide which power suit they are going to use, and this will put the super-powered residents of Cosmos House to the test! But the gang is more concerned about saving Dokkoida from the clutches of a girl they think is out to corrupt him.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 14 • 5” x 7.375” • 178 pg. B&W, $9.99 US • TEEN +

APOTHECARIUS ARGENTUM VOL. 5
Written and illustrated by Tomomi Yamashita
CMX. Garna has received a pardon from Princess Primula and has been returned to his position as the royal chef. With Garna around to protect the Princess, Argent decides it is time to finally embark on a trip abroad to find the cure to his body’s poisonous nature. But his timing may be bad, as a mysterious group plotting the fall of all royal families is about to make its move.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 21 • 5” x 7.375” • 192 pg. B&W, $9.99 US • TEEN

THE PALETTE OF 12 SECRET COLORS VOL. 3
Written and illustrated by Nari Kusakawa
CMX. Cello meets Fenne, a fellow Palette-in-training who’s been having problems with his abilities ever since his bird-partner died. Despite his sarcastic attitude, Cello is determined to help him and become his friend. Then Olga – Dr. Guell’s jealous bird – decides that Cello is taking up too much of the doctor’s time and sets out to make sure that Cello completes her Palette training.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 21 • 5” x 7.375” • 192 pg. B&W, $9.99 US • EVERYONE

KEY TO THE KINGDOM VOL. 4
Written and illustrated by Kyoko Shitou
CMX. Thanks to the manipulations of Gaius, the Dragon Man, Leticia witnesses a conversation in which her bodyguard Alex declares his love for the beautiful Latona. Traumatized, Leticia foolishly puts herself and Alex in harm’s way. Meanwhile, Asta finds the first of the Invisible Towers. The shocking secret he unearths must be shared with the others in the quest, but will evil forces stop him?
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 5” x 7.375” • 200 pg. B&W, $9.99 US • TEEN+

ORFINA VOL. 3
Written and illustrated by Kitsune Tennouji
CMX. In Zahare, bandits conspire to capture Princess Orfina
and turn her over to the Granzians in an attempt to barter for their own safety, not realizing that the “Princess” is really Fana. But Cisun – a bandit who opposed this plan – decides to rescue her, even if it means going against Merduz, the bandit leader and his friend. Can he free Fana before the evil Granzians claim her?
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 5.5” x 8” • 194 pg. B&W, $12.99 US • MATURE

Oscar nominations 2008

Here's the list:

Best Picture
"Atonement"
"Juno"
"Michael Clayton"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"

Actor
George Clooney, "Michael Clayton"
Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
Johnny Depp, "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
Tommy Lee Jones, "In the Valley of Elah"
Viggo Mortensen, "Eastern Promises"

Actress
Cate Blanchett, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"
Laura Linney, "The Savages"
Ellen Page, "Juno"

Supporting Actor
Casey Affleck, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"
Hal Holbrook, "Into the Wild"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Charlie Wilson's War"
Tom Wilkinson, "Michael Clayton"

Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There"
Ruby Dee, "American Gangster"
Saoirse Ronan, "Atonement"
Amy Ryan, "Gone Baby Gone"
Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton"

Director
Julian Schnabel, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Jason Reitman, "Juno"
Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood"

Foreign Film
"Beaufort," Israel
"The Counterfeiters," Austria
"Katyn," Poland
"Mongol," Kazakhstan
"12," Russia

Adapted Screenplay
Christopher Hampton, "Atonement"
Sarah Polley, "Away from Her"
Ronald Harwood, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood"

Original Screenplay
Diablo Cody, "Juno"
Nancy Oliver, "Lars and the Real Girl"
Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"
Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava and Jim Capobianco, "Ratatouille"
Tamara Jenkins, "The Savages."

Animated Feature Film
"Persepolis"
"Ratatouille"
"Surf's Up"

Art Direction
"American Gangster"
"Atonement"
"The Golden Compass"
"Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
"There Will Be Blood"

Cinematography
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
"Atonement"
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"

Sound Mixing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"
"No Country for Old Men"
"Ratatouille"
"3:10 to Yuma"
"Transformers"

Sound Editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"
"No Country for Old Men"
"Ratatouille"
"There Will Be Blood"
"Transformers"

Original Score
"Atonement," Dario Marianelli
"The Kite Runner," Alberto Iglesias
"Michael Clayton," James Newton Howard
"Ratatouille," Michael Giacchino
"3:10 to Yuma," Marco Beltrami

Original Song
"Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
"Happy Working Song" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
"Raise It Up" from "August Rush," Nominees to be determined
"So Close" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
"That's How You Know" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz

Costume
"Across the Universe"
"Atonement"
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
"La Vie en Rose"
"Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"

Documentary Feature
"No End in Sight"
"Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience"
"Sicko"
"Taxi to the Dark Side"
"War/Dance"

Documentary (short subject)
"Freeheld"
"La Corona (The Crown)"
"Salim Baba"
"Sari's Mother"

Film Editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"Into the Wild"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"

Makeup
"La Vie en Rose"
"Norbit"
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

Animated Short Film
"I Met the Walrus"
"Madame Tutli-Putli"
"Meme Les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)"
"My Love (Moya Lyubov)"
"Peter & the Wolf"

Live Action Short Film
"At Night"
"Il Supplente (The Substitute)"
"Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)"
"Tanghi Argentini"
"The Tonto Woman"

Visual Effects
"The Golden Compass"
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
"Transformers"

Lost season 4 episode 2 pictures









Lost Season 4 character poster

Click for a big view.

CD new releases Jan. 22, 2008


Wax Simulacra by Mars Volta



Doctor Who Original Music from Series 3 by Ben Foster, Melanie Pappenheim, Yamit Mamo, and Murray Gold



Golden Compass: Original Soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat and Kate Bush



Take a Good Look by The Fleshtones



Anthology by Sneaky Pete Kleinow



30 by Buzzcocks

DVD new releases Jan. 22, 2008


Torchwood - The Complete First Season



Donovan: Live in L.A. at the Kodak Theatre



Thunderbirds 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition Megaset



Hawaii Five-O - The Third Season



Make Room for Daddy: Season 6



Swamp Thing - The Series

Pop links

Screaming deal alert: Amazon is selling the 4-CD Zombies box set Zombie Heaven for $17.98. Note that the release is listed as an import with a four- to six-week wait time, but still, it's a bargain.

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Someone needs a super spanking.



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Comics artists Michael Netzer is attracting lots of attention to his efforts to save DC Comics character J'Onn J'Onzz, the Manhunter from Mars.

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Monkees fan extraordinaire On My Mind celebrates John Stewart, songwriter of "Daydream Believer" and other hits, who died last Saturday. The New York Times has an obituary.

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Also at The New York Times has an obit for Suzanne Pleshette. The "Bob Newhart Show" actress also died Saturday.

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See a 1965 promotional film Don Knotts did for Dodge.

Lost season 4 episode 2 details

Highlight the hidden text below for info on the Feb. 7 episode.

FOUR STRANGERS ARRIVE ON THE ISLAND, LEADING THE SURVIVORS TO
QUESTION THE INTENTIONS OF THEIR SUPPOSED RESCUERS, ON ABC'S "LOST"
"Confirmed Dead" - The survivors begin to question the intentions of their supposed rescuers when four strangers arrive on the island, on "Lost," THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"Lost" stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Terry O'Quinn as Locke and Harold Perrineau as Michael.

Guest starring are Ken Leung as Miles, Jeremy Davies as Daniel Faraday, Rebecca Mader as Charlotte, Jeff Fahey as Frank Lapidus, Mira Furlan as Danielle Rousseau, Tania Raymonde as Alex, Blake Bashoff as Karl, Marsha Thomason as Naomi, Lance Reddick as Matthew Abaddon, Jill Kuramoto as female anchor, Necar Zadegan as translator, Azure McCall as Mrs. Gardner and Kanayo Chiemelu as African/Tunisian man.

"Confirmed Dead" was written by Drew Goddard & Brian K. Vaughan and directed by Stephen Williams.

Black Canary visits "Smallville"

Actress Alaina Huffman plays Black Canary on the Feb. 7 episode of "Smallville."



Here a synopsis:

"While secretly working for Oliver (guest-star Justin Hartley), Chloe (Allison Mack) intercepts one of Lex¹s (Michael Rosenbaum) project files, but she is attacked by the Black Canary (guest-star Alaina Huffman), a mystery woman with a subsonic cry. Dinah Lance, Black Canary's alter ego, is a conservative talk show host who is working at the Daily Planet and clashes with Lois (Erica Durance). Lex convinces the Black Canary that the Green Arrow and his team are terrorists so she launches an attack on the Green Arrow and Clark (Tom Welling). Meanwhile, Lois discovers Oliver's secret."

The thing I don't get about "Smallville" is why they keep featuring appearances by costumed, or pseudo-costumed DC heroes, yet, they won't go ahead and put Clark Kent in a cape. Is it all related to the lawsuit over the Superboy character (heirs of Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster are fighting DC Comics for the rights)? Do they think an actual Superman/Superboy series wouldn't work? Or they want to "save" Superman for movies and not TV?

I don't know. But the couple of times I've watched the show I've been bored.

Underrated pop groups of the 60s: The Bonzo Dog Band

They had a single produced by Paul McCartney and had a cameo in "Magical Mystery Tour." But do you ever hear any of their tunes on the oldies station? Nope.

But the radio surely would be a lot more fun if you did.

Starting out as a trad-jazz novelty band specializing in music of the 20s and 30s, the Bonzos eventually transformed into sort of surrealist/comedy/novelty band taking their cues from British radio's The Goon Show (featuring skits by Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and others) and setting the stage for Monty Python.

In fact, leading Bonzo Neil Innes eventually became a Python associate, appearing on the troupe's TV show and in their movies and eventually teaming with Eric Idle in the Beatles parody project, The Rutles.

But the Bonzos true frontman was the eccentric and hilarious Viv Stanshall, whose mock upper-class speaking and singing voice adorns many of the group's best tunes.

Anything went on the Bonzos albums: remakes of 30s novelty tunes, send-ups of then-current pyschedelia and out-and-out surrealist nonsense. All great, funny stuff.

The group disbanded in 1970 but reunited a coupe of years later for the Let's Make Up album. They shouldn't have bothered, as it didn't come close to matching the imagination and humor of the band's 60s albums.

Stanshall went on to record comedy for the BBC and lent his voice to Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells. He died in a house fire in 1995.

The Bonzos, including Innes and fellow original members "Legs" Larry Smith, Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater, Bob Kerr, Sam Spoons and Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell reunited for a series of shows in 2006, augmented by celebrity performers including British actor/writer Stephen Fry.



The reunited band's recorded a new studio album, Pour l'Amour des Chiens (For the Love of Dogs) and their original albums were reissued in remastered/expanded form the same year.

Bonzo Dog Band CDs


Gorilla


Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse


Tadpoles


Keynsham


Let's Make Up and Be Friendly


Wrestle Poodles... And Win! (live 2007 recording)

Related


Songs the Bonzo Dog Band Taught Us (original versions of old jazz/novelty tunes that inspired the Bonzos)

Bonzo Dog Band DVD


The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band 40th Anniversary DVD (video of 2007 performances)

Bonzo Dog Band on YouTube

Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - Death Cab For Cutie

Bonzo Dog band - Urban Spaceman (promo)

Bonzo Dog band - Hunting Tigers

Bonzo Dog band - New Faces 1966

By a Waterfall - Bonzo Dog Band

Canyons of Your Mind - Bonzo Dog Band

Mr Apollo - bonzo dog band

Beautiful Zelda - Bonzo Dog Band

Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - Monster Mash / The Sound Of Music

Bonzo dog Band - Little Sir Echo

Bonzo Dog band - Equestrian statue

Pop links

Via Again with the Comics: Golden Age Wonder Woman offers advice to the lovelorn and other troubled folk.



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Reed Richards? Not the genius he's made out to be, says Comics Oughtta Be Fun.

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Video via Evan Dorkin: EC Comics and Mad Magazine publisher William M. Gaines on TV's "To Tell the Truth."

The best retcon in the history of comic books

If you follow news about comic books, no doubt you've heard about the "Brand New Day" reboot Marvel Comics is performing on Spider-Man. Spidey's beloved Aunt May is in a coma, on the verge of death and, in order to bring her back, the Web Slinger shakes hands with the devil--in the shape of the Mephisto.

Mephisto makes good on his part of the deal, but in the process Peter Parker's life has been reset. He's no longer married to Mary Jane Watson, he's a 20-something bachelor living with his aunt. Essentially everything's back to the way it was back in the Stan Lee-John Romita days or, probably what Marvel is really after, just like it is in the Spider-Man movies.

It all happens in Amazing Spider-Man 545 and there's loads of Web and mainstream media press about it. And, naturally, lots of longtime fans aren't too happy about it.

Me, I don't really care. I haven't read a new Spidey comic in years and years, so I'm not vested in all that continuity that's being wiped out. But I do get frustrated with all the hype and controversy these retcons/reboots generate. I just don't see the point (well, I do see the point of publishers wanting to generate sales with the cheap stunt of arbitrarily changing the status quo from time to time).

Why not just continue working with what you have? Quit playing with the pieces of the past, and tell Spider-Man stories. Don't like some aspect of past continuity? Ignore it. But why bother confusing new and old readers by relentlessly tinkering and finding silly ways to change the past or wipe it out?

These situations always make me think of what I think is the best, most effective, example of comics creators resetting a character and series: That of the 1970s Batman.

After years of campy, silly plots that both inspired and were inspired by the 1960s "Batman" TV series, it was felt Batman should be brought back to basics: Make him a dark avenger of the night again. Dispense with Robin and all the Bat gimmicks. Make Batman a non-powered guy in a costume with nothing to fall back on but his wits.

And, you know what? Writer Frank Robbins and artist Irv Novick made the change in five pages of an in-continuity issue: Batman #127 in 1969 with the story "One Bullet Too Many."

In the first three pages a glum Bruce Wayne and Alfred ship Dick Grayson off to college. Then, once Dick's out the door, Bruce announces "It's time we all started a new way of life! A new way of everything!" He's shutting up the Batcave. He's streamling and getting rid of all the Batgadgets and he's ditching stately Wayne Manor for a pad in the Gotham City, where he'll be in closer thumping distance of criminals.

Blam! "This is the way things are now," the readers are told. And then it's straight into that issue's main plot. No big mini-series or crossover event. No big cosmic event or crisis. No big nothing. Just a clear statement that "we're changing direction now."

The whole thing is a splendid model of how to change the course of a character or series.