DECEMBER 2013: PREMIER PUBLISHERS HISTORY BOOKS Page 2-6 Page 10 INDEPENDENTS ONES TO WATCH Page 7 Page 10 NOVEL IDEAS BIFF’S BIT COMICS Page 8-9 Page 11 KING CONAN: THE VANDROID #1 CONQUEROR #1 Edwards | Smith | Truman | Giorello| McDaid | Edwards NEW TITLES Villarrubia When Palm Springs In the port city of Entertainment studios Messantia, the deposed, burned to the ground fugitive Conan could in 1984, the most uncover the key to definitive motion picture SHIPPING IN regaining his throne—or of a generation was he could get a knife in lost before its time. the back! Conan follows Thirty years later, the a lead to a lost relic, revisits an old friend, extraordinary talents of Tommy Lee Edwards, FEBRUARY: and finds that he’s not alone in his risky hunt Noah Smith, and Dan McDaid unite to for a missing, magical gem. resurrect this lost epic.

LOBSTER JOHNSON: THE WHITE SUITS #1 PREMIER GET THE LOBSTER #1 Barbiere | Cypress Mignola | Arcudi | Mysterious killers Zonjic | Stewart dressed in white, they A Manhattan sporting savaged the Cold War PUBLISHERS event goes terribly wrong Russian underworld— as the ref is killed in front then disappeared. Now of a live audience by two they have resurfaced crazed—and seemingly in New York, leaving a bulletproof—wrestlers. trail of dead mobsters. Who is behind this new In this bloody wake, an reign of terror? amnesiac and an FBI agent search for the answer to a single question: Who are the White Suits? PARIAH #1 Warner | Gelatt | Weldele Trapped in space, the genetically engineered geniuses known as “vitros” must band together and create a plan to get back to Earth before their failing satellite turns into a deathtrap!

TERMINATOR: ENEMY #1 FOR $1 OF MY ENEMY #1 MASS EFFECT: Jolley | Igle | Snyder FOUNDATION In 1984, Kyle Reese TOMB RAIDER #1 Walters | Francia | protected Sarah Connor Atiyeh | Carré from a cyborg that Simone | Selma | Gedeon | Atiyeh | Dos Santos Explore the vibrant, would stop at nothing to Superstar writer Gail Simone picks up Lara Croft’s engaging world of terminate her. In 1985, story where the smash hit Tomb Raider game left BioWare’s blockbuster Skynet targets a scientist off—in a new ongoing comics series! Following the science fiction epic— whose discoveries game acclaimed for its bold and sophisticated new for just $1! Mass Effect: threaten its future, but , this series launches Lara Croft on the formative Foundation starts with this time there is no resistance fighter sent a bang, introducing readers to an enigmatic back to it! With only enemies around her, adventures that will change her life forever! agent and revealing the story of her time what chance does Elise Fong stand against spent on the violent mining colony of Themis! the perfect killing machine?

COMICS 2 THE X-FILES: CONSPIRACY - TEENAGE MUTANT NEW TITLES NINIJA TURTLES Brisson | Walsh | Kim The Turtles are SHIPPING IN doing their best ROGUE TROOPER #1 to avoid trouble Ruckley | Ponticelli | in Northampton. Unfortunately, Fabry trouble finds them in the form of the FEBRUARY: Nu-Earth, just another Lone Gunmen! The fate of the world planet ravaged by a depends on the Gunmen getting galaxy-wide war, its the reclusive Turtles’ help. Add in an atmosphere poisoned undead menace and things are going by chemical weapons. to get downright dangerous! PREMIER Created to fight in such conditions were the G.I.s—genetically engineered infantrymen. But now only one remains, the man known as... Rogue Trooper. PUBLISHERS IDW is proud to re-introduce Rogue Trooper in this all-new series!

CITY #1 SAMURAI Garcia | Fernandez | JACK SPECIAL: DIRECTOR’S CUT : JOKER’S DAUGHTER #1 Edwards New from Darby Pop! Tartakovsky | Naylor | Bennett | Hetrick | Jeanty Ben Fischer helped Wray Who is The Joker’s Daughter? What horrors lurk in the mind build the world’s Back to the past! As the of this deranged lunatic, and why is there more to her than greatest surveillance evil demon Aku takes meets the eye? More than just a crazy person who stumbled upon The Joker’s system, Golden , over the ancient world, face, more than just a woman with a mission, The Joker’s Daughter sees herself which utilizes every the fate of the world rests as a woman on the path of greed, dominance and lordship over the Gotham camera, cell phone, and in the hands of a noble samurai warrior. But Underground. This special issue tells computer in San Francisco to battle crime. There is only one problem: Golden Shield when Aku blasts him into the future (a future a sordid tale in the life of one of DC’s can’t work without a human mind to operate ruled by the shapeshifting demon), Samurai most popular new villains! it, resulting in a controversial melding of man Jack must find a way to return and right the and machine. wrongs of the past! This special Director’s THE ROYALS: Writer Eric Garcia (Anonymous Rex, Cut reprints the classic adaptation of the first MASTERS OF WAR #1 Matchstick Men) delivers an action-packed three episodes of Samurai Jack, along with Williams | Coleby | story that questions the roles of security and bonus pages and commentary from creator Bolland Genndy Tartakovsky and artist Bill Wray! : technology in our modern society. #1 The year is 1940. As the Blitz destroys London THE X-FILES: Bennett | Lupacchino | and kills thousands, the CONSPIRACY - Rocafort Royal Family looks on. MY LITTLE PONY: TRANSFORMERS Lois Lane is known for But in this world, the FRIENDSHIP IS Crilley | Verma | Kim chasing down stories — only people with special MAGIC #1 - The Lone Gunmen’s but what happens when abilities are Royalty, HUNDRED PENNY trail of secrets leads the story is her family? and the purer the bloodline, the greater PRESS EDITION them to evidence As her father gains more their abilities. So why don’t they stop the Cook | Price of extraterrestrial power in the government, carnage with their powers? A truce between The story that started life—mechanical Lois’s sister Lucy has become involved with a the Earth’s nobles has kept them out of our Pony comic book-mania extraterrestrial life! Will deadly drug scene! Meanwhile, Lois thought wars—until now. When England’s Prince returns for an affordable Optimus Prime and she was rid of the influence of Brainiac, but Henry can take no more and intervenes, price! The perfect place his allies trust these human interlopers— now she finds that the the computer tyrant of will it stop the planet’s suffering or take it to to jump on to the My and what secret conspiracy could involve Colu is calling out to her again! another level? Little Pony bandwagon! Cybertron, anyway?!

COMICS 3 ONE HIT WONDER#1 Sapolsky | Olivetti NEW TITLES SHIPPING IN FEBRUARY: PREMIER PUBLISHERS If there was a thin line between reality and fiction, Richie Reese THE REVENGER #1 tore it down. Better, he Ross | Churchill crushed it. Smashed it. Destroyed it. From Griffin Franks was a joke in Hollywood. A child star to hitman washed up action-hero. Over the hill. Past it. in Hollywood, this is A has-been. A barely-was. But now he IS The the story of a glorious Revenger. He’s a star. His movie’s a hit. His bastard. Written by Fabrice Sapolsky (Spider- latest wife is hot. He finally has everything Man Noir) and drawn by superstar artist he wants. Just in time for someone to take it Ariel Olivetti (Cable, Punisher War Journal, all away. Forever. Starting with his face. Conan), this is the crime comedy series you don’t want to miss this year.

APOCALYPSE AL #1 THE MERCENARY Straczynski | Kotian | SEA #1 Farmer | Sook Symons | Reynolds Alison Carter is a private “Nice Work If You Can detective. Her beat: the Get It” - Action and end of the world. Or more adventure set in 1938 - accurately, preventing The South Seas. Japan same. With an attitude of has invaded China. War “shoot first and the hell in Europe is imminent. with the questions,” she Ex-bootlegger Jack leads a life that would Harper captains The drive other investigators mad, filled with Venture, a refitted German U-Boat, with a monsters, demons, trolls, mad prophets, crew of expats, mercenaries and treasure zombie detectives, technomages, machine- hunters. They do whatever it takes to stay gun toting imps and dead boyfriends. In the afloat, often running up against pirates, first action-packed installment of this new headhunters, spies, and soldiers. They’re universe, Al is given her biggest assignment always one step away from the greatest ever, one that will take her into the heart of score of their lives...or their certain demise. Ultimate Darkness itself. The first of a four- issue miniseries, this issue contains 30 pages of story, unbroken by advertisements. UNDERTOW #1 (OF 6) Orlando | Trakhanov Atlantis is the world THE FUSE #1 superpower, and Redum Johnston | Greenwood Anshargal is its worst “The Russia Shift,” enemy. If you want to Part One - Working break free of the system, homicide 22,000 miles he can offer you a place up on an orbiting energy at his side, exploring platform, in a five-mile- the wild surface world in long jury-rigged steel his watertight city barge city stuffed with a half The Deliverer. He and his hostage-protege million people, with no Ukinnu Alal hunt the Amphibian, a legend help from your so-called that could be the key to an air-breathing life colleagues back on Earth, is more than on land. But as they become the hunted, can tough...it’s murder! Cynical, foul-mouthed Anshargal’s team survive long enough to veteran Antony Johnston (Umbral, turn the tables on the godlike beast they set Wasteland, Daredevil) gets partnered with out for? A brand new pulp monster adventure fresh-faced idealist Justin Greenwood with Ray Harryhausen at its heart and a look (Wasteland, Resurrection) for a new crime at Atlantis like never before from the up-and- series with attitude! Murder, mayhem, and coming team of writer Steve Orlando (Mystery mystery—22,000 miles straight up. in Space) and artist Artyom Trakhanov.

COMICS 4 NEW TITLES SHIPPING IN FEBRUARY: PREMIER PUBLISHERS

FANTASTIC FOUR #1 LOKI: AGENT OF Robinson | Kirk | ASGARD #1 Opeña | Ross | Young Ewing | Garbett | | Cook Frison | Cho | Del “The Fall Of The Mundo ” Part 1. Old God - New Trickster! The world’s greatest Kid Loki’s all grown up - comics magazine begins and the God of Mischief anew with Marvel’s First is stronger, smarter, Family, the Fantastic sexier and just plain Four! But as the brilliant Mr. Fantastic, the sneakier than ever before. As Asgardia’s compassionate Invisible Woman, the ever one-man secret service, he’s ready to lie, lovin’ Thing and the hot-headed cheat, steal, bluff and snog his way through embark on a strange mission, they aren’t met the twistiest, turniest and most treacherous with new beginnings, but an untimely end! As missions the All-Mother can throw at him... the family of cosmic explorers head towards starting with a heart-stopping heist on their darkest hour, who could possibly be Tower - and the death of Thor! And behind their downfall? And how is one of their that’s just the beginning! oldest enemies, the sadistic dragon known Would we lie to you? This is Loki, true believer as Fing-Fang-Foom involved? Prepare for - we’re lying to you right NOW! the fantastic!

NEW WARRIORS #1 THE PUNISHER #1 Yost | To | Perez | Edmondson | Gerads Campbell | Young | | Larroca | Samnee | MS. MARVEL #1 Samnee Young Wilson | Alphona | Warriors reborn! Issue #2 - variant cover Pichelli | Adams Adventurers Speedball by Jerome Opena The legend has returned! and Justice have come For years, The Punisher presents DEXTER DOWN UNDER #1 together with a group of has waged a war on the all-new Ms. Marvel, young heroes including crime in New York City the ground breaking Lindsay | Talajic | Del Mundo | Perkins , Sun Girl, and with an array of very heroine that has Dexter returns in an all-new, all-australian adventure written (and large guns, but a lead on a major source of become an international by his creator Jeff Lindsay! even a couple of new faces) to stop the drugs, weapons, and more has set his many sensation! Kamala It’s a new, blood-soaked adventure starring Dexter Morgan, latest threat to the Marvel Universe - the sights due west. NOW! Frank Castle’s in the Khan is just an ordinary girl from Jersey Atlanteans, Inhumans, clones and hundreds City of Angels, looking to give the devil his City--until she is suddenly empowered with who isn’t just Miami’s #1 forensic blood splatter expert... of other so-called “superior” beings are living due. Things aren’t all they appear, though, extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new he’s also a serial killer who targets other serial killers! among the humans of the Marvel Universe, with a highly trained military hit squad hot Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? When Dexter travels down under, he quickly discovers that but not everyone is pleased about it. The on Frank’s tail. Caught between a posse of Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe sharks aren’t Australia’s only deadly predator! has raised an army to Punisher predators and targets of his own by storm, and prepare for an epic tale that combat the evolution of humanity – and the one-man-war, Frank’s manifest destiny may will be remembered by generations to come. are locked in his sights! be a shallow grave! History in the making is NOW!

COMICS 5 REVOLUTIONARY WAR: WINTER SOLDIER: X-FORCE #1 DEATH’S HEAD II #1 THE BITTER MARCH #1 Spurrier | Kim | Noto | Lanning | Cowsill Remender | Boschi | Cook | Roche | Brooks | Robinson | Eliopoulos Almost every sovereign Sharp | Lee state in the Marvel Part 4 of “Revolutionary 1966: With Nick Fury Universe makes War”. missing, and presumed use of sanctioned The long-awaited return dead, global espionage superhumans to protect of Death’s Head -- one agency S.H.I.E.L.D. national interests and of the biggest hits of the sends secret agent Ran pursue a covert agenda. original Marvel UK! Shen to collect two Nazi The United States has the Secret Avengers. The United Kingdom Death’s Head! Death’s Head II! On an scientists with the key to defining who wins has MI13. And mutantkind has X-Force. In adventure together for the first time ever! the Cold War. But the Americans are not the only ones who want the high value scientists. this dirty, secret, no-holds-barred, deadly What threat could be grave enough to bring The Soviets have opened the Red Room, game of superhuman black ops, veteran these two heroes together from across releasing their most dangerous operative X-Man Cable and his team will spy, torture, time? How about the villainous Mys-Tech --The Winter Soldier, who unbeknownst to and kill to ensure that the mutant race not organization resurfacing with an army?! the world, is the presumed-dead partner only has a place in the world...but also a of — Barnes! The stake in it. brainwashed soldier’s mission: to acquire the scientists by any means or to kill them should REVOLUTIONARY WAR: they fall into American hands. SUPERSOLDIERS #1 This classic 60’s style, high-octane, spy pulp Williams | Anderson | told at Cold War’s peak follows Ran Shen Brooks and his terrified scientists as they creep Part 5 of “Revolutionary out of of East Berlin. Intrigue, War”. adventure, romance and murder abound with ramifications that will shatter relationships in Some of the most the modern-day Marvel Universe—including popular heroes of one with the Star Spangled Avenger himself! SHE- #1 Marvel UK return for Supersoldiers – and Soule | Pulido | Wada | Manara | where the Supersoldiers go, trouble isn’t far Stegman | Oyum | Young #1 behind! Jennifer Walters is... the She-Hulk! A Cornell | Stegman | It’s the Supersoldiers versus Mys-Tech in Opeña | Cook stalwart Avenger, valued member of all-out war! When a vast army of Mys-Tech the FF, savior of the world on more Wolverine no more? Psycho Wraiths come calling on a small than one occasion, she’s also a After the events of Scottish town, it’s up to the Supersoldiers to killer attorney with a pile of degrees put them down for good! Killable, Wolverine has something to prove. and professional respect. A 7-foot- Before he can take on tall drink of cool, emerald water, she’s tough enough Sabretooth again, he’ll to knock out Galactus with one punch (possibly?) need to build himself SUPERIOR CARNAGE and has a heart bigger than the moon. But juggling back up, get better and stronger than he’s ever ANNUAL #1 cases and kicking bad guy butt is starting to be a little been...but it’s not as easy as he thought, and more complicated than she anticipated. With a new Bunn | Jacinto | he’ll soon find himself turning to other means Garres of revenge when the normal channels don’t practice, a new paralegal and a mounting number of Cletus Kasady is seem to be working fast enough. Can he fight super villains she’s racking up as personal enemies, behind bars! The back his demons, or is this the beginning of a She Hulk might have bitten off a little more than she Carnage symbiote is in Wolverine who’s gone to the dark side? can chew...but she just calls that that Tuesday. quarantine! But we all know that’s never going to last, right? Cletus has been evaluated and imprisoned and even lobotomized! Carnage has been sampled and cloned and poked and prodded. NEW TITLES SHIPPING IN But they’ve had enough! It’s time to get the band back together! A return to bloody, murderous form for the deadliest killer in the Marvel Universe! FEBRUARY: PREMIER PUBLISHERS

COMICS 6 TUROK: DINOSAUR LOKI: HUNTER #1 AND ROLL #1 Pak | Colak | Sears Esquivel | Gaylord | Dynamite Ziritt SELECTED TITLES SHIPPING IN FEBRUARY Boom! The Gold Key universe begins here! Classic ROBOCOP: BETA #1 ROBOCOP: TO LIVE RED SONJA: Up-and-coming writer Characters by some of Brisson | Laiso | AND DIE IN DETROIT #1 BERSERKER (ONE- Eric Esquivel first caught Comics Hottest Creators! Smallwood Harris | Kowalski SHOT) our attention with Thor: - Magnus, Solar, Boom! Boom! Collins | Casas | The Unkillable Thunder Linsner Turok and Dr. Spektor! Alex Murphy was the RoboCop is too good at Christ, and wowed Dynamite is proud to first successful attempt his job. While the people Dynamite us with his work on present an all-new adventure ongoing from at creating a man in the love him, his ability After a fight in a tavern Freelancers. When he told us he wanted to superstar Greg Pak (Batman/Superman, machine. But before he to find and remove results in Red Sonja being bring those sensibilities to the trickster god World War Hulk) and incredible artist Mirko could rise, many had to corruption puts fear into arrested and becoming a Loki, we had to say “Yes!” Pairing him with Colak (Red Skull: Incarnate, Conan)! Shunned fall. Through the eyes of the corporate heads and prisoner, she is sold to Fanboys Vs Zombies artist Jerry Gaylord from his tribe, a young Native American the failed test subjects on government leaders. a promoter who stages sealed the deal. named Turok fights to survive, making a lonely the path to making a successful integration With OCP at the wheel, they will do their gladiatorial games. There, in the blood-soaked What happens when Odin banishes Loki life for himself in the unforgiving forest. But his between man and machine, Dr. Norton is best to steer him away from the powerful sand of the arena, she finds herself pitted to Earth? He finds a world of outcasts that hard-won cunning and survival skills face the forced to ask whether the sacrifice of a few is corrupt leaders, and keep him on the lower- against an old friend — a huge snow bear that appreciate his style! While his kin sharpen ultimate test when man-eating thunder lizards truly the path towards salvation. His morality level criminals. But some crimes cannot go she once saved from hunters. But will they their weapons, he picks up an electric guitar. attack his people! Why are dinosaurs here? must come head to head with Sellars’ vision. unpunished. unite to wreak havoc on their enemies, or will Loki steps out of the shadow cast by his How have they survived? And will Turok use they fight one another to the death? thunderous brother as Norse mythology his abilities to save a society that’s taken ROBOCOP: crosses over with the only thing on Earth as ROBOCOP: HOMINEM everything away from him? MEMENTO MORI #1 wild and crazy... rock and roll! EX MACHINA #1 GRIMM FAIRY Barbiere | Vieira | TALES PRESENTS: THE BUNKER #1 Moreci | Copland | Mooneyham ASCENSION #1 ARCHER AND Fialkov | Infurnari Rossmo ARMSTRONG: Boom! Shand | Mapa | Oni Boom! ARCHER #0 When Alex Murphy Malsuni | Ortiz | Eric J After a series of | Cafaro Van Lente | Perez The smash hit digital goes under the knife, successful campaigns | Henry | Eisma | comic comes to print his memories converge Zenescope that cripple a portion Bullock with a double-sized with reality. Perception What if God lived among of Detroit’s criminal Valiant debut issue! When is blurred and his mind us? The Being has won. activities, RoboCop’s Once upon a time… a five friends go to bury tries to cope with the Now with the almighty system inexplicably baby went into Project a time capsule before changes forced upon his very soul. Through powers of the Keepers goes down. While RoboCop’s consciousness Rising Spirit… Who is goingtheir separate a distortion of the past, his present horrors running through his veins, he descends onto remains, his control is gone. As crime rises Obadiah Archer, where ways, they find a loom over him. The man within must be Earth to begin his new reign. Though his in his absence, a paralyzed RoboCop must did he come from, and how can he do the mysterious bunker stamped with their names corrupted to make way for the future of intentions are to rid the world of evil, absolute watch his city burn. For the first time, OCP incredible things that he can do? (Which and containingartifacts from a time that has America. power corrupts absolutely, and it falls to Sela yet to come. Will their discovery save the will learn that control is in the hands of the and Van Helsing to put a stop to him. But what is everything, remember?) Fresh off the world or doom it? From Joshua Hale Fialkov man, not the machine. shocking conclusion of the Sect , GRIMM FAIRY will they do when they see that many of their (I, Vampire; Ultimates) and Joe Infurnari own have been wooed to the Being’s side. learn the startling truth behind Archer’s origin (Marathon) comes a newongoing series that TALES PRESENTS with an exciting look into his secret past by WONDERLAND: proves outrunning your future is no easier GRAVEL: COMBAT comics superstar Fred Van Lente and fan CLASH OF QUEENS #1 MAGICIAN #1 ROD ESPINOSA’S than escaping your past. favorite Pere Perez! Shand | Preitano | Wolfer | Rearte STEAMPUNK EDGE OF EMPIRE #1 BLOODSHOT AND Spay | Reyes | Chen | Avatar NANCY: A DRAGON IN Ortiz Espinosa HELL ONE-SHOT H.A.R.D. CORPS: The next gut-wrenching Zenescope H.A.R.D. CORPS #0 chapter in the life Antarctic El | Lorenzana Gage | Dysart | There had long been an of William Gravel, A trio of noble sisters, Amigo ChrisCross | Lozzi | uneasy peace between Combat Magician has all mighty mages and Nancy and The Dragon Sepulveda | LaRosa the various Queens of begun! Locked away in steam-tech experts, use visit Amigo Comics! Valiant the realm of wonderland. But with the arrival military prison since the their wits and combat A demon has trapped Remember the ‘90s?! of Keres, the death card and Ace of spades, destruction of the Major savvy to aid their Malcolm Dragon in Hell The most elite assets it is a peace that will not last. Seven, Gravel has been content with having teammates in a dungeon itself! His only chance to of Project Rising Spirit Vying for control of the realm of madness all of his needs met by the British Army, even quest gone horribly wrong. Then they must escape is the scantily- team-up for an early each has been brought to this place of though a man with his supernatural abilities face a smug emperor and his warrior hordes clad girl armed with mission together — Bloodshot and the insanity for unknown reasons. But now those could never really be contained. Life has in a Colosseum of Carnage! a chainsaw: Nancy — and his spineless H.A.R.D. Corps, living weapons! But, in the reasons will stand revealed and the madness been good. Until today. A horrifying terrorist Rod Espinosa, steampunk story-weaver companion, the fallen Lucifer. Malcolm decade of dial-up, the technology is far from of wonderland will threaten to engulf them all threat has struck the heart of Tokyo, a rogue extraordinaire, forges a world of grand will need all his resources to survive the perfect and bugs are bound to pop up in the in a battle that will only end in a battle of the... Combat Magician, driven mad by the magic adventure, where magic and mechanisms perils of Hell and the sinister forces that his hardware…with disastrous results… clash of the queens. he wields, and a former trainee of Gravel. mix marvelously! father fought and left behind!

COMICS 7 ACE Comics AMAZING pick of the best DEATH SPIDER-MAN: GAIMAN | BACHALO FAMILY BUSINESS new graphic | BUCKINGHAM | (HC) DRINGENBERG WAID | ROBINSON NOVEL IDEAS novels and | JONES III | | DELL’OTTO | PENNINGTON | DORAN DELL’EDRA collected editions arriving from February onwards... | McKEAN | JONES Marvel, 112 pages DC Vertigo, 320 pages

Someone has Spider-Man in their This new trade paperback collects Neil MY LITTLE PONY: crosshairs, and the only person in the Gaiman’s Death: The High Cost Of Living PONY TALES VOL. 2 Marvel Universe who can save him is... DAREDEVIL: #1-3, Death: The Time Of Your Life #1-3! Peter Parker’s sister?! As the -slinger ANDERSON | BALL | Also included are extras like “Death Talks ANDERSON | COOK | DARK NIGHTS meets family he never knew, will she end up BATES | MEBBERSON | WEEKS | LAPHAM | about Life” AIDS pamphlet, stories from becoming his greatest ally, or the one who GARBOWSKA | PRICE PALMIOTTI | SILAS Vertigo: Winter’s Edge #2 and The Sandman: damns him? And what does the Kingpin IDW, 104 pages Marvel, 184 pages Endless Nights, the short story “The Wheel” of Crime have to do with it? This all-new, from the 9-11 tribute book, Sandman #8 original graphic novel — written by Eisner and #20, and art from the Death Gallery! Award winner Mark Waid (Daredevil) Four individual tales highlighting some of The greatest talents in comics bring you and acclaimed author James Robinson the Pony’s favorite friends–the Cutie Mark gorgeous new stories featuring the Man (Superman), and fully painted by the Crusaders, Princess Celestia, Spike, and Without Fear! First, a blizzard brings New legendary Gabriele Dell’Otto (Secret War) Princess Luna! Collects the My Little Pony York to a standstill — and a little girl in Micro-Series issues #7–10. desperate need of a heart transplant lies on — comes to you in a high-end, oversized REVIVAL VOL. 3: format. It’s the web-slinger’s darkest hour death’s door, unless Daredevil can get to A FARAWAY PLACE her in time! The trouble is, DD is recovering — and greatest triumph! SEELEY | NORTON | from a severe concussion! Then, it’s a race ENGLERT | BALTAZAR | against time when Daredevil must battle the NORTON | FRISON Shocker, track a fugitive and reclaim stolen Image, 128 pages evidence Matt Murdock needs to protect ITTY BITTY his innocent client — while the Avengers UNCANNY HELLBOY confront massive monster mayhem in the For one day in rural central Wisconsin, the X-MEN VOL. 1: BALTAZAR | FRANCO streets of NYC! Finally, Matt is out of his dead came back to life. Now the living and REVOLUTION Dark Horse, 128 pages element and surrounded by enemies when the recently returned struggle to maintain BENDIS | BACHALO | a client fleeing persecution leads him to a sense of normalcy amidst political and IRVING the Caribbean. Good thing he’s got a new religious conflicts. Officer Dana Cypress Marvel, 136 pages the awesomeness that is Hellboy! partner: the Fearless Defender herself, is hot on the trail of a man she believes The characters that sprung from Mike Misty Knight! Collecting Daredevil: Dark may have murdered her sister Em, but Em Mignola’s imagination, with an aw yeah Art Nights #1-8. herself is on a quest through the snowy The true flagship X-Men series returns! Baltazar and Franco twist! This book has all woods to find the strange glowing creature In the wake of the Phoenix event, exactly the fun, adventure, and aw yeahness in one that haunts a child. Collects Revival #12-17. what are Cyclops and his team of outlaw itty bitty package! That’s a true story right X-Men: visionary revolutionaries or there. Collects Itty Bitty Hellboy #1–#5. dangerous terrorists? Whatever the truth, ALABASTER: GRIMMER TALES Cyclops, , Magneto and Magik (HC) are gathering new mutants and redefining VOL. 4: KIERNAN | LIEBER | THIS BLOOD IS the name “Uncanny X-Men.” But they face ROSENBERG | RUTH harsh challenges: Once again, robotic THICK Dark Horse, 120 pages Sentinels hunt the team and the mutants WILLIAMS | BLACKMAN MR. PEABODY | McCARTHY | they protect — but who’s doing the hunting? AND SHERMAN FRANCAVILLA And there’s a mole on Cyclops’ squad FISCH | MONLOGO | Dancy Flammarion possesses a savvy DC, 192 pages — who is it? A weakened Magneto must KAUFENBERG awareness and a keen knife for the prove he’s still the master of magnetism as IDW, 104 pages monsters that lurk in the shadows. She Magik wonders why she’s the only member does the bidding of an unholy host, a legion After taking down Medusa, Batwoman is of the Phoenix Five to emerge unscathed! of dark gods guiding her across America’s caught in the crossfire between Batman Plus: Learn what it’s like to be a student The classic Jay Ward characters return! southern wilds. And a blackbird’s grim tales and the D.E.O. in these stories from issues at Cyclops’ new school! Blockbuster Join the world’s smartest individual who of her battles could be his only salvation #18-24! The organization has their sights creators Brian Michael Bendis and Chris happens to be a dog, Mr. Peabody, and his from becoming dinner for a boxcar full of set on the Dark Knight and could be using Bachalo revamp the entire X-Men concept! son Sherman, on their maiden voyage in beastly hoboes. Collects Alabaster: Boxcar Batwoman to capture him. But is Batman Collecting Uncanny X-Men (2013) #1-5. the time-traveling WABAC machine! Tales #1–#13 from Dark Horse Presents. the true threat?

COMICS 8 BATMAN / SUPERMAN VOL. 1: NEW AVENGERS CROSS WORLD ALL-NEW VOL. 1: (HC) X-MEN VOL. 2: EVERYTHING DIES PAK | LEE | OLIVER HERE TO STAY NOVEL HICKMAN | EPTING | | CINAR | BOOTH | BENDIS | MARQUEZ | JOCK RAPMUND IMMONEN Marvel, 152 pages DC, 144 pages Marvel, 136 pages

The Illuminati must reassemble to prevent The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel Yesterday’s X-Men continue to adjust to IDEAS the collision of our universe with another! are close friends in the modern day – but a present day that’s simultaneously more ACE Comics pick of It’s the Marvel Universe’s most powerful the two weren’t always such close allies. awe-inspiring and more disturbing than any and brilliant team — Black Panther, Iron In this first hardcover collecting Batman/ future the young heroes had ever imagined the best new graphic Man, Dr. Strange, Black Bolt, Mr. Fantastic, Superman #1-4 and Justice League #23.1: for themselves. And the situation gets even novels and collected Sub-Mariner and the Beast — armed with Darkseid, learn how these two legends more dangerous when the villainous duo the six Infinity Gems against an infinite met for the first time in The New 52 as they Mystique and Sabretooth target the young editions arriving from legion of parallel realities. But their task is launch into a mysterious adventure that time-travelers — starting with Cyclops! complicated by old wounds, lies and secret takes them to the world of Earth 2! Plus: How will Earth’s Mightiest Heroes February agendas. When the Illuminati experiences react to the time-swept X-Men? Find out onwards... its first dimensional incursion, can the when the Avengers visit the Jean Grey members of this loose brotherhood trust School! But they’re not the only ones to do each other enough to use the Infinity TRUE BLOOD so, as the outlaw Uncanny X-Men drop by Gems in unison? And when they learn VOL. 3: THE for a recruiting session. Who will join the Earth is the center point for the death of FRENCH QUARTER adult Cyclops and his revolutionary crew? HARLEY QUINN: the universe, doesn’t that mean destroying HUEHNER | TISCHMAN The answer will shock you! Collecting All- WELCOME TO it might save everything else? Enter the | MESSINA | BALBONI | New X-Men #6-10. METROPOLIS world-eater, Galactus, as the Illuminati do LETIZIA | NIRO KESEL | DODSON | the unthinkable! Jonathan Hickman and IDW, 160 pages DODSON | NOTO | Steve Epting revamp New Avengers in a ROUSSEAU | OTHERS multiverse-spanning saga! Collecting New DC, 288 pages Avengers (2013) #1-6. Mind reading waitress Sookie Stackhouse is ZERO VOL. 1: in New Orleans helping Vampire Sheriff Eric AN EMERGENCY Northman track down an insane killer named KOT | WALSH | MOORE In this new Harley collection, HQ heads Guerra. Bill Compton’s in town, too, making | SANTOLOUCO | to Metropolis with allies Poison Ivy and sure Eric doesn’t get fresh with Sookie, and JESKE | TEMPEST | Bizarro in tow! Collecting Harley Quinn investigating a local Hep-D outbreak that BELLAIRE #14-25. may be connected to Guerra’s latest victims. Image, 172 pages SIDEKICK VOL. 1 Meanwhile, back in Bon Temps, why is Pam hanging out at Merlotte’s–and what does STRACZYNSKI | Edward Zero was the best spy the Agency MANDRAKE | HiFi she want with Lafayette? had—and then he realized he was working Image, 160 pages for the wrong side. Collects Zero #1-5. GREEN VOL. 4: THE KILL MACHINE What happens when a hero’s sidekick KING CONAN LEMIRE | is abandoned by tragedy, mocked by the VOLUME 3: THE SORRENTINO media, scorned by enemies and heroes HOUR OF THE JUSTICE LEAGUE DC 192 pages alike...when his entire world is turned DRAGON VOL. 4: THE GRID upside-down? Drawn by Julia Moonglow TRUMAN | GIORELLO | (HC) into investigating the death of the Red In these stories from #17- VILLARRUBIA | PAREL JOHNS | REIS | PRADO Cowl, Flyboy will discover things that will Dark Horse, 160 pages | SAIZ | CANNON | HA | 24, a mysterious villain called shatter his life completely as he uncovers GUINALDO | OTHERS knows Oliver Queens’s secrets and uses a conspiracy of murder and terrible, life- DC, 176 pages them to rob Oliver of all his wealth and changing secrets. Who was the Red Cowl, Dethroned by a traitorous alliance backed his company. Now on the run from this really, and what scared him so badly that by a resurrected sorcerer, Conan must seemingly unstoppable force, Ollie finds he had to stage his own death in order to fight his way out of a villain’s dungeon and These amazing tales from Justice League himself in a mystery involving his father escape it? The debut volume of Sidekick across battle-ravaged countries, seeking a #18-20 and 22-23 lead into “Trinity War,” and the island where he first became contains the first six issues of this saga mysterious gem that will help him reclaim and spotlight Cyborg, Batman, Superman Green Arrow! Everything will change for of grief, madness and murder. Collects his kingdom! Collects issues #1–#6 of King and ! Plus: Learn the the Emerald Archer in this new beginning Sidekick #1-6. Conan: The Hour of the Dragon. secret behind Pandora’s Box! for the character.

COMICS 9 HISTORY BOOKS With the huge volume of titles released each week, it can be quite easy to overlook the rich history of comic books available in the form of back issues and graphic novels, so we’re going to take this opportunity to showcase some gems in Illuminations, that you previously might have missed.

SERENITY VOL. 1: THOSE LEFT BEHIND (HC) JOSS WHEDON | BRETT MATTHEWS | WILL CONRAD | LAURA MARTIN | ADAM HUGHES “The ragtag crew of Serenity— mercenaries, fugitives, and one law- abiding prostitute pursue fast cash and a little peace along the fringes of space. On a scavenger mission that promises a big payoff, they realize too late that they are being played by an old enemy with a grudge.” - Dark Horse Serenity began life as ‘’, Joss Whedon’s space western TV show set in 2517, about the crew of ‘Serenity’, a Firefly-class spaceship, in a future recovering from civil war under the rule of federal government. After the show ended very prematurely (courtesy of network ), in 2005 Dark Horse published the first miniseries, ‘Those Left Behind’, a continuation Here’s our look at the upcoming comics and of the TV show and prequel to the one-off movie, ‘Serenity’. Opening with Mal, Zoe and Jayne in a mid-heist stand-off with fellow graphic novels that you won’t want to miss! thief Ott and his gang, the story unfolds like an episode of the show, ONES TO WATCH Lara Croft returns to the printed page next February in Tomb Raider #1! passed to Kamala Khan, a high school student from Jersey City who with the crew treasure-hunting unclaimed wealth from the Battle of the This new series from Dark Horse will be showcasing the early adventures struggles to reconcile being an American teenager with the conservative Sturges. But not all is what it seems... of the re-imagined Lara from the fantastic Square Enix 2013 videogame customs of her Pakistani Muslim family. So in a sense, she has a “dual Joss Whedon provided the story for writer Brett Matthews, who does reboot. If that wasn’t exciting enough, Dark Horse have signed famed identity” before she even puts on a super hero costume... This makes a capable job of capturing Whedon’s trademark caustically witty female writer Gail Simone as the scribe. her tough and vulnerable at the same time. When you try to straddle dialogue. While not plot-heavy, ‘Those Left Behind’ does tie-up a few Gail Simone talking to Kotaku: ““The way I see Lara now is, she’s not after two worlds, one of the first things you learn is that instead of defending loose ends from the TV show which, to those who saw it, is welcome. treasure. She’s not really after thrills. She’s a questioner, she’s an explorer. good people from bad people, you have to spend a lot of time defending Will Conrad has opted for a photo-realistic art style for the book which, She wants answers... The thing is, she’s completely unstoppable. That’s good people from each other. It’s both illuminating and emotionally brutal. while not as dynamic as it could be, manages to avoid the flatness what I love. Everyone underestimates her, and that is a terrible mistake That’s what makes this book different.” that so often occurs when this style is used. to make.” Ms. Marvel lands on 5th February 2014. The colouring is a great, somewhat muted palette that never threatens Tomb Raider debuts on 26th February 2014. The third offering we are tipping is Pariah, written by Aron Warner and to be garish, instead adding to the illusion that the printed page is just Philip Gelatt with Brett Weldele on artistic duties. This eight issue series another screen to continue viewing the live-action TV show through. Another female character debuting in February is the all-new Ms. Marvel. No longer Carol Danvers, Marvel have instead bestowed the powers begins with a group of genetically engineered geniuses trapped in space With a new comic series debuting in January, there’s plenty of life in and in need of a plan to get back to Earth as soon as possible. the Serenity franchise. If you haven’t tried it, maybe it’s time to find out upon Kamala Khan, a Pakistani Muslim teenager from Jersey. It’s an just why it remain so popular, more than ten years after it finished? interesting and welcome change from the generic white male figureheads The cover cojurs images of the recent hit movie Gravity, and the premise and it looks very promising. There could be echoes of early Spider-Man, from issue one also bears some resemblance, so it will be interesting to with Khan’s everyday life and struggles, such as school, making up a see in which direction the plot will develop as we learn more about the £13.50 large amount of the storytelling. protagonists and their predicament. Writer G. Willow Wilson talking to Marvel: “The Ms. Marvel mantle has Pariah launches on 26th February 2014.

COMICS 10 E-mail Biff here

I will stick to the highlighted comment deny, lie, lie and then walk with a massive of super heroics intertwined with reality. ALAN MOORE HATES above with my point of view reply. payout. What sort of example does this By this I do not mean setting stories in SUPERHERO COMICS Comics from 1939 to 1960 were indeed for give? A poor one. This helps in part to the real world, but exploring what would 9 to 13 year olds, one only has to read explain the behaviour of more and more of really happen if people had these powers Alan Moore has set the cat amongst the some of those to realise that. Then along the young who react in the same way as and acted as a regular flawed human being. pigeons with an interview in the Guardian came Stan Lee who wrote magnificent all their elders and why should we not expect Good as their seminal works were, it has wherein, amongst other interesting ages comics as he homed in on the 14 to them to? The footballers who blatantly unleashed a torrent of pale imitations, plus nuggets he said the following: 30 year old market. He had soap operas cheat and when confronted see no wrong. a few good ones, which have dominated From the Guardian 22nd November 2013 and super heroics intertwined with modern They just blame the referee for not seeing super hero comics from 1985 to now. “Now, see,” he says, “I haven’t read any takes on mythology and the ultimate basics it. Celebrities of all descriptions behave in The effect of this has been to create a superhero comics since I finished with of good against evil. Youngsters who grew crass and disgraceful ways and at times comic book world with virtually no moral Watchmen. I hate superheroes. I think up with this style are now in their fifties revel in their notoriety. Politicians take compass. Superman has killed! Daredevil they’re abominations. They don’t mean what and up, and still reading comics. Is this bribes and make illegal expenses claims. killed Bullseye! they used to mean. They were originally in really alarming? Adults still go to watch The police change statements to protect Now comics are sold on the next big event, the hands of writers who would actively Disney cartoons and films which are aimed their own jobs. Moral decay is all around, be that the death of a hero, big alien expand the imagination of their nine- to at 9-13 year olds but are enjoyed by all except in the comic books I still read to invasion, the crumbling of the barriers 13-year-old audience. That was completely ages. Is this alarming too? keep me sane. between dimensions, the destruction of what they were meant to do and they These people are the bulk of the audience From 1960 to 1985 this style of comic whole continents on an almost monthly were doing it excellently. These days, that Alan Moore’s comments are aimed reined supreme. Although the heroes didn’t basis or the relaunch #1s. Exploration of superhero comics think the audience is at, myself included. What he is missing really age their ever changing supporting the human condition has been forgotten certainly not nine to 13, it’s nothing to do is what initially attracted me to comics characters gave an illusion of ageing. I felt in the modern super hero comic world as with them. It’s an audience largely of 30-, and drew me in, in particular to Captain the characters I followed were moving with morally ambiguous heroes populate too 40-, 50-, 60-year old men, usually men. America, Superman and Daredevil ( before the times. many of today‘s comics. Someone came up with the term graphic Frank Miller). What I wanted then and even That said, I do read other styles of comics This is indeed a world that concerns me novel. These readers latched on to it; they more now is to see good triumph over evil, that broaden my thinking and horizons, and I too worry that if anyone stays solely were simply interested in a way that could I wanted my heroes to be strong in moral plus paperbacks and reference books. I in this world it is worrying. On this point I validate their continued love of Green fibre as much as physical strength. I find I read and enjoy all genres. I would agree agree with Alan Moore. Lantern or Spider-Man without appearing need this even more today than then. Now with Alan Moore about it being worrying in some way emotionally subnormal. This There are a few ‘old style’ comics being as an adult I see the moral decay of big that so many adults enjoy escapist fantasy produced which I seek out and cherish. If is a significant rump of the superhero- business, government, police and celebrity if all they watched or read was that style. addicted, mainstream-addicted audience. you have not read Nova for instance, then all around. I feel powerless to effect any It is a fact though that a good dose of check it out, also Mark Waid’s Daredevil I don’t think the superhero stands for change, and to dive into the simplistic good defeating evil always recharges my anything good. I think it’s a rather alarming still has some fun in it. world of good defeating evil gives me the batteries. always make me smile and laugh. sign if we’ve got audiences of adults going strength to get up the next day and do my to see the Avengers movie and delighting If that means I am a stunted individual, The only good thing about such an offensive best amidst what I see as a gradual moral then so be it. in concepts and characters meant to decay all around me. remark is that it might make people sit up entertain the 12-year-old boys of the However, I would rather be that than have and debate. Go back 50 years and society presented 1950s.” the mindset of an Alan Moore who does (maybe just a good front but presented it What do you feel? Alan is one of the best ever comic book seem to have an inability to compromise anyway) a view point wherein respect was on anything. writers, that I feel goes uncontested, but given to ones elders, police, and society. he does have very contentious points of If someone in a position of power was Superhero comics did their job right up to On behalf of all of my fabulous staff at view and an inability to compromise with the exposed they had no choice but to fall on 1985 then something happened to change ACE COMICS and RED HOT COMICS... current big publishers. The only publisher their sword. the status quo, yes, the ubiquitous Alan he seems to be at ease with being Avatar. Moore and Frank Miller. They wrote stories ...READ MORE COMICS!! Look at the attitude now. It is one of deny,

COMICS 11