Friday, February 12, 2010

DVD Review: PLANET HULK (Lionsgate)



When I first heard that "Planet Hulk" was next in Marvel Animation's series of DVD-release movies, I felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Marvel Animation's movies have been a mixed bag; I have thoroughly enjoyed all their "Avenger" efforts, but fell asleep halfway through "Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme." The choice of "Planet Hulk" was an odd one to me, however. I like the fact that it would have to veer away from the traditional Marvel settings, stories, and characters - how many times can we see an origin story we already know - and represented a push into a wider "universe" in these movies, I was skeptical of the movie's ability to recreate the epic feel of its outstanding source material.




My skepticism wasn't unwarranted. This movie is fun to watch, for reasons I will enumerate, but die hard fans of the "Planet Hulk" comics had better not cling to any hope of a strict adaptation, nor should people who really enjoy the Hulk/Banner dichotomy and all its attendant whining and self-hatred expect to enjoy this.



And that, to my taste, is one of the best reasons to watch and enjoy this movie; in it, Hulk gets to be Hulk. Banner isn't in this. At all. If I recall correctly, the closest thing to it is Iron Man calling him "Bruce" once. And that's fantastic. Hulk is most fun when he's smashing. Period. Whiny, pouty Bruce Banner has a tendency to ruin most Hulk adaptations (see especially Ang Lee's dreadful version, which mired Bruce in daddy issues and anvil-like geopolitical allegory). Perpetually Hulked-out-Hulk as angry messiah-conqueror figure is a winning play, in my book.



Anyway, about this movie; plenty of Hulk, plenty of smashing. Good and better. This movie is well paced; we jump right into the action and it rarely stops; the "spike" attack on a rebel village is possibly the action highlight of Marvel Animation's efforts so far.

The fast pace does take a toll on the characters. With an 81 minute running time, character depth is going to be pretty limited (and yes, I realize this feels a little contradictory with what I said about Hulk/Banner, but frankly, whining isn't equal to depth, and that's usually what filmmakers have had Bruce Banner do). Hulk's "Warbound" is reduced to a band of four, cutting "No Name of the Brood" out entirely, and each is pretty much a one-note character; Korg is brave, Hiroim is faithful, Miek is reluctant, and Elloe is optimistic. Only Caiera Oldstrong shows any real character development, and her portrayal was easily a highlight of the movie.



About the animation; not a strength, not a weakness. I'm hard-pressed to point out any particular highlights, but can't think of any real weaknesses. Nothing stands out for being particularly well drawn (except perhaps the Red King's battle armor) and nothing stands out for the opposite reasons.

As I said above, the movie is fun, not great. There absolutely zero context for understanding the Illuminati's decision to shoot Hulk into space; when the movie starts it has already happened and Iron Man appears (with a shadowy Dr. Strange and Mr. Fantastic, and a fourth shadowy figure that is unidentifiable, though many want to assume is Black Bolt) to tell Hulk what's happening. Likewise, there is absolutely no reason given for why the crowd at the arena start referring to Hulk as the Sakaarson, their messiah figure. They just do. Now there might be reason for Hiroim to suspect, but it seemed pretty clear that the movie was just interested in getting the messiah story jump started as quickly as possible.

So, who should go out of their way to see this? People who want to see Hulk smash. As I said above, Hulk fans who are really into Hulk's psychological development are not going to find much to really enjoy. Anyone who enjoyed the comic series will probably enjoy this movie, even if they lament the scaling down of some of the comic's epic qualities. Worth the time, worth the rental, certainly. Worth the purchase? Unless you're a die hard Hulk or Marvel Animation fan, maybe not.

One last note; this movie is probably not appropriate for young children. The violence isn't quite as "comic book" as one might expect. Eyes get crushed. People burn to ashes. Parents turn into zombies and attack their children. Potentially scary stuff for youngsters.

WARNING: HERE BE SPOILERS.

Spoiler #1: The movie ends before the 'real' ending of the story, as those who have read the comic, know it. Hulk gets a happy ending.

Spoiler #2: The appearance of "the Silver Savage" was one of my personal favorite moments of Planet Hulk. I understand that the Silver Surfer character couldn't be used. Fine. But to replace him with Beta Ray Bill? A questionable choice, at best.

Dan Ford
Staff Reviewer
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Comic News: I Am A Secret Avenger




Don't miss the brand new Secret Avengers #1, from the superstar creative team of Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato, this May!

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DARK HORSE MAY 2010 RELEASES



Dark Horse has released their solicits for May 2010


60TH ANNIVERSARY CLASSIC PEANUTS: CHARLIE BROWN

On sale June 2
Limited to 950 numbered pieces
Packaged in its own tin box, with a pin-back button and a character booklet
$49.95

Welcome to what promises to be a yearlong celebration of Charles Schulz’s masterpiece, Peanuts! Peanuts premiered on October 2, 1950, in eight newspapers. As we all know, it grew to become probably the most popular comic strip ever. We were lucky enough to be able to give the cast the Syroco-style treatment previously.

In an unprecedented move, United Media is letting us go back to the original look of the characters from 1950, which was considerably different than today’s look, and sculpt statues in a special 60th anniversary limited-edition series of the five main characters. Sculpted by Yoe! Studio.
““


AGE OF REPTILES: THE JOURNEY #4 (of 4)

Ricardo Delgado (W/A) and Jim Campbell (C)

On sale May 5
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

Will our intrepid pack of herbivores finally find a safe haven to wait out the winter months, or will the carnivores that have been stalking the beleaguered herd finally take the last of them down? Find out in this final issue of Age of Reptiles: The Journey!

Ricardo Delgado—a prolific development and storyboard artist who has worked on such hit films as Men in Black, The Incredibles, WALL-E, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the Matrix series—returns once again to his critically acclaimed, Eisner Award–winning comic series!

“This book sets itself apart from the rest of the white noise clogging the shelves at your local comic store.” —brokenfrontier.com


ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: THREE WORLD WAR #4 (of 6)

Randy Stradley (W), Rick Leonardi (P), Mark Pennington (I), Wes Dzioba (C), and Raymond Swanland (Cover)

On sale May 19
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

This time it’s war! The forces of the shaky alliance between the “hunter” Predators and Colonial Marines hits the beachhead established on the former colony world of Caparis VII by the enemy Predator clan and the Alien warriors under their control. No quarter is asked, and none is given as the Marines and the Hunters intend to destroy their foes, and the Aliens and their Predator masters are fighting for their lives. But as the attack unfolds, Machiko Noguchi suspects that the allies have made a fateful blunder—and no one in command will listen to her warning!

Featuring the creative dream team of original AvP writer Randy Stradley, superstar penciller Rick Leonardi, inker Mark Pennington, colorist Wes Dzioba, and stunning cover artist Raymond Swanland, Aliens vs. Predator: Three World War ties together story threads introduced in the 1989 AvP series and new Aliens and Predator story lines, setting the stage for the most epic AvP brawl ever imagined.

• With a new film expected this year, demand for these titles is sure to be high.

“Here’s hoping the people holding the reins of the movie franchise are paying attention, because this book already sounds better than both AvP movies put together.”
—GeekWeek


B.P.R.D.: KING OF FEAR #5 (of 5)

Mike Mignola (W/Cover), John Arcudi (W), Guy Davis (A), and Dave Stewart (C)

On sale May 12
FC, 32 pages
$2.99
Miniseries

Sixteen years after its first appearance in Hellboy: Seed of Destruction, is the frog menace over at last? A rogue mission to the center of the earth leaves the B.P.R.D. with a lot to answer for—and uncertain fates for their most terrifying enemies—as the longest-running plot in the Hellboy line wraps up.

• King of Fear concludes the Scorched Earth trilogy!

Join the B.P.R.D.!
www.darkhorse.com/jointhebprd
““


B.P.R.D.: 1947

Mike Mignola (W), Joshua Dysart (W), Gabriel Bá (A), Fábio Moon (A), and Dave Stewart (C)

On sale July 21
FC, 1160 pages
$17.99
TPB, 7" x 10"

After the discovery of a trainload of Nazi officers drained of blood, the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense learns that there are things far more ancient and dangerous than they could have imagined in this direct sequel to B.P.R.D.: 1946. Broom enlists an already damaged crew to lead an investigation that may be doomed before it can begin, climaxing in a witches’ Sabbath, a vampire massacre, and an exorcism.

• The covers of all volumes of Mike Mignola’s B.P.R. D. include the text “From the pages of Hellboy” above the title!

• Collects the five-issue miniseries, plus a short story from MySpace Dark Horse Presents.
““


BRODY’S GHOST BOOK 1

Mark Crilley (W/A)

On sale July 7
b&w, 96 pages
$6.99
TPB, 5 1/4" x 7 1/2"

Brody hoped it was just a hallucination. But no, the teenaged ghostly girl who’d come face to face with him in the middle of a busy city street was all too real. And now she was back, telling him she needed his help in hunting down a dangerous killer, and that he must undergo training from the spirit of a centuries-old samurai to unlock his hidden supernatural powers. Thirteen-time Eisner nominee Mark Crilley joins Dark Horse to launch his most original and action-packed saga to date in Brody’s Ghost, the first in a six-volume limited series.

• Paramount Pictures and Brad Pitt’s Plan B have acquired Miki Falls, a four-volume manga series created by Mark Crilley.

• Crilley is best known for his Akiko young-adult novels and comic books.

From the creator of the Eisner-nominated Akiko!
““


BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #35

Brad Meltzer (W), Georges Jeanty (P, Cover), Andy Owens (I), Michelle Madsen (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)

On sale May 5
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing

Brad Meltzer concludes his blockbuster run on Buffy Season Eight! After last issue’s climactic encounter between Buffy and the unmasked Twilight, the Slayer army’s entire mission has been altered and the true nature of the threat they face has been revealed.

Everyone is in place to confront the Big Bad once and for all as Buffy’s most epic season races toward the final arc, written by Joss Whedon!

• Executive produced by Buffy creator Joss Whedon!

• Final issue of Brad Meltzer’s game-changing arc on Season Eight!
““““


CARDCAPTOR SAKURA OMNIBUS VOLUME 1

CLAMP (W/A)

On sale July 14
b&w, 576 pages
$19.99
TPB, 5 3/4" x 8 1/4"

Fourth grader Sakura Kinomoto finds a strange book in her father’s library—a book made by the wizard Clow to store dangerous spirits sealed within a set of magical cards. But when Sakura opens it up, there is nothing left inside but Kero-chan, the book’s cute little guardian beast . . . who informs Sakura that since the Clow cards seem to have escaped while he was asleep, it’s now her job to capture them!

• Cardcaptor Sakura is finally available in omnibus form! In the style of the recent edition of CLAMP’s Clover, Dark Horse will use remastered image files straight from CLAMP.

• Cardcaptor Sakura is a shojo saga well known to fans, both through the manga and the anime TV series and movies, released in the U.S. through Geneon.

• The Dark Horse series of CLAMP omnibus editions has truly raised the bar for manga collections!
““


CLASSIC UNCLE SCROOGE SERIES 2 #1: KLONDIKE

On sale July 14
Limited to 950 numbered pieces
Packaged in a full-color, litho-printed tin box, with a character booklet and a vintage-style pinback button
$49.95

One of our best-received Syroco-style statuette series ever has been of the characters from Carl Barks’s Uncle Scrooge stories.

We are going forward with a new series, based on specific cover images by Barks, and starting with one of the most famous of all Scrooge as depicted on “Back to the Klondike.” Other will feature Scrooge, Donald Duck, and the nephews.

The Uncle Scrooge series depicts the characters as they were originally presented in the comics. Sculpted by Yoe! Studio.
““


CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #22

Timothy Truman (W), Tomás Giorello (A), José Villarrubia (C), and Cary Nord (Cover)

On sale May 19
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing

A new arc opens, and our next Robert E. Howard story adaptation begins! With Conan barely having enough time to get his brain and body in gear after surviving the Ilbars Massacre, he comes across Shah Amurath in the wetlands near the Vilayet Sea. After running into the shah and a fugitive slave, Conan embarks on his next quest: laying low on a remote island until the military heat in the region is off of him. However, the gods tend to enjoy putting Conan in precarious situations, and our beloved barbarian is soon enmeshed in pirate politics and a centuries-old mystery! Just how did those huge iron statues get to this island in the Vilayet Sea, what happens to the island at night, and what strange beast is stalking Conan and his new friend, Olivia?

“. . . thanks to the pencils of Giorello and the color palette of José Villarrubia, the fantastic scenery looks cruel and real while still remaining enthralling.”
—Wizard magazine
““


CONAN: THE SPEAR AND OTHER STORIES

Timothy Truman (W), Paul Lee (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Cary Nord (Cover)

On sale July 7
FC, 120 pages
$14.99
TPB, 7" x 10"

Collecting all of the Conan and Conan the Cimmerian comic-book collaborations between acclaimed storyteller Timothy Truman (Scout, Grimjack, Jonah Hex) and veteran artist Paul Lee (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spider-Man), Conan: The Spear and Other Stories is a tribute to Robert E. Howard’s tenacious King Conan. Beleaguered by attempts at his crown and sickened by political maneuverings, Conan is the sort of king who takes matters into his own bloody hands.

• Collects the Conan Free Comic Book Day 2006 story; Conan #35, #36, and #40; and Conan the Cimmerian #15.

Featuring a cover by Cary Nord!
““


DEVIL #4 (of 4)

Torajiro Kishi (W/A) and Madhouse Studios (W/A)

On sale May 19
FC, 24 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

Humanity is on the brink of extinction. Or so the Devils would have you believe. A freakish virus is infecting people, “evolving” them into vampire-like Devils, who see themselves as the new apex of the earth’s food chain. One of these Devils, the recently turned Nishioka, is on a mission. If he succeeds, he could free the most dangerous threat to humanity—the beautiful and vicious Mariko. But is Nishioka’s love for Mariko a strength, or the key to his undoing?

An original, Western-style comic from manga artist Torajiro Kishi (Maka Maka) and blockbuster anime studio Madhouse (Trigun, Paprika, Ninja Scroll).
““


GANTZ VOLUME 12

Hiroya Oku (W/A)

On sale July 28
b&w, 224 pages
$12.99
TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"

Dinosaurs, terrorism, and blood—Gantz doesn’t let up one bit as it climbs into its second “season” of cryptic, frenetic, sexy, and violent storytelling. This time, there’s a guy who’s a fanatic about the Gantz phenomenon, to the point where he tries to get himself inserted into the alien-hunting game. The question is: will he succeed? The only way to be part of the Gantz universe is to die first. How far is one man willing to go in order to join Kei in pursuit of this temporary role as a universal god-cop? And once you’re there, how do you kill all those dinosaurs? Confusing? The answers are in Gantz Volume 12.

• Each volume of Gantz comes shrink-wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.

Over 190, 000 copies sold in the U.S. alone!
““


THE GOON: FANCY PANTS EDITION VOLUME 3—GOON YEAR

Eric Powell (W/A) and Dave Stewart (C)

On sale July 7
FC, 272 pages
$34.99
HC, 7" x 10"

This volume contains all of Eric Powell’s stories from “Goon Year: The Return of Labrazio” in a signed limited-edition hardcover.

The town on the edge of Horse-Eater’s Wood is permeated by all manner of dark things—hatred, fear, unhappiness, demons, and the undead (to name a few)—brought on by a curse that has festered within the forest for many years. The death of one of the Goon’s closest allies is revealed as the work of the dead mobster Labrazio, returned to wreak havoc and destruction upon the Goon and those who stand by him. The Goon and Franky must fight back against Labrazio’s undead hordes in this touching story of demonic kitties, zombie burlesque, and animal love (there’s a sentence you never thought you’d read).

• Copies of The Goon: Fancy Pants Vol. 3 hardcover will be printed to inital orders and are exclusive to the direct market.

• This edition also includes an exclusive Eric Powell illustration, individually signed by Powell!

• Collects The Goon #20–#31.

• Perfect jumping-on point for new readers.

• Look for an all-new spinoff series coming soon!
““


THE GUILD #3 (of 3)

Felicia Day (W), Jim Rugg (A/Cover), Dan Jackson (C), and Juan Ferreyra (Cover)

On sale May 26
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog) concludes her hilarious origin story of the Knights of Good, the stars of her multiple award-winning web series!

Cyd Sherman has finally assembled her in-game team: Vork, Bladezz, Zaboo, Clara, Tinkerballa, and her own character, Codex, but is the guild ready for its first quest? With her boyfriend pushing her away for a bandmate and her therapist only confusing matters, Cyd decides it’s time to find out, and pushes for the guild to join a major tournament. Leading directly into the web series, this prequel has all the touching humor and insight of Day’s cult sensation, and is a great read for Guild fans new and old! See the show at watchtheguild.com!

• Art and cover by Jim Rugg, co-creator of the acclaimed Street Angel series.

• Theguild.com receives over 5 million page views a month and over 35 million views on videos webwide.
““““


HELLBOY IN MEXICO (OR, A DRUNKEN BLUR)

Mike Mignola (W/Cover), Richard Corben (A/Cover), and Dave Stewart (C)

On sale May 5
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
One-Shot

During the 1950s, Hellboy caravans across Mexico with a trio of vampire-killing luchadores, finding the undead; evil turkeys; a terrible bat god; and a little too much tequila.

Reuniting Mike Mignola and Richard Corben, the creative team behind the Eisner Award-winning miniseries Hellboy: The Crooked Man!

• Arriving just in time for Cinco de Mayo this issue features a variant cover, in Spanish, by Mike Mignola.
““““


HELLCYON #2 (of 4)

Lucas Marangon (W/A)

On sale May 12
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

Halcyon is a savage, unpredictable, brutal place. For decades the settlers of this aberrant moon have lived and worked like slaves, but now a new generation has decided that it’s time for independence.

As chaos reigns in the streets of Port Progress, Bliss, Lucia, Mani, Izquierdo, and Nika—the last survivors of the students’ massacre—manage to escape the capital city of Halcyon. But soon they find themselves face to face with the raging fury of the moon itself. Out of supplies, the five teens must decide whether to surrender or become a team and fight back!

An all-new adventure from Star Wars artist Lucas Marangon!
““


THE KUROSAGI CORPSE DELIVERY SERVICE VOLUME 11

Eiji Otsuka (W) and Housui Yamazaki (A)

On sale July 28
b&w, 232 pages
$10.99
TPB, 5" x 7"

Paint it black! Designer Bunpei Yorifuji darkens the iconic cover design in honor of the sinister Class Cutter in Kurosagi’s longest story since volume 2, inspired by one of the most infamous Japanese crimes of recent years. Can a girl who committed a brutal murder in grade school ever truly return to society . . . and why does Sasayama insist on dragging the Corpse Delivery Service into it?

“Volume nine is back to the hyper-informed horror synthesis of ideas that has made Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service a favorite. What originally seemed to rely on gross out spectacles has continually proven to be a remarkably smart take on spooky standards.” —Ain’t it Cool News

• “I was sold by the first few pages . . . It’s a lot of fun. It’s a warped Saturday-morning cartoon for grown-ups.”
—David Welsh, Comic World News

• Each volume comes shrink-wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.

• One of the Best Book Covers of 2009—Amazon.
““


NEXUS ARCHIVES VOLUME 11

Mike Baron (W), Mark Heike (P), Hugh Haynes (P), John K. Snyder III (P), Luke McDonnell (P), and Les Dorscheid (C)

On sale July 14
FC, 232 pages
$49.99
HC, 7" x 10"

Saved from certain death by Sundra’s shrewd business dealings, current Nexus Stan Korivitsky attempts to pick up where he left off: creating the University of Ylum and pursuing a relationship with Sonia, a former mole within the Elvonic Order. However, when the latter attachment is violently severed, Stan throws himself into his Nexus work with such brutal and indiscriminate fervor that even Ylum is forced to cut ties! Enter the Bad Brains, twisted Head-like beings who are all too willing to provide Stan fusionkasting powers in exchange for him enacting their vengeance. Meanwhile, a well-kept secret of the long-absent Merk is uncovered, the antitechnology god Elvon imperils Ylum, and Horatio’s extended soul-searching travels come to a surprising conclusion.

• A multiple Eisner Award–winning series!

• Featuring early work from creators Luke McDonnell (Iron Man), John K. Snyder III (Grendel), and Mark Heike (Star Trek, Femforce)!
““


STAR WARS: INVASION—RESCUES #1 (of 6)

Tom Taylor (W), Colin Wilson (A), Wes Dzioba (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)

On sale May 26
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing

The Yuuzhan Vong invasion spreads death and destruction across the galaxy, leaving behind ravaged worlds with little hope of survival . . . Artorias, the homeworld of the Galfridian family lay in the path of the Yuuzhan Vong armada—and now, though separated, Finn, Kaye, Nina, and Caled work to fight the invaders with the hope that one day they will again be together on their peaceful planet.

Finn studies at the Jedi temple with Luke Skywalker and the grown Jedi children of Han Solo and Princess Leia! Kaye and Nina use a Yuuzhan Vong slave ship to attack their former captors! Caled raises forces on Artorias—not knowing the danger from one of his trusted allies!

• A new era in Star Wars comics!

Luke Skywalker’s galaxy under siege!
““


STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC VOLUME 9—DEMON

John Jackson Miller (W), Brian Ching (P), Michael Atiyeh (I), and Benjamin Carré (Cover)

On sale July 7
FC, 96 pages
$16.99
TPB, 7" x 10"

Zayne and his con-artist partner Gryph are finally learning the truth about their fierce friend Jarael and the strange Mandalorian deserter Rohlan. Deception has been company to the foursome since Zayne’s life as a fugitive banded them together. As they have adventured across the galaxy, light has shone on each of their pasts. Yet for one of Zayne’s companions, a resurfacing past brings deadly peril—and he’ll have to call in every favor he can if he hopes to save the day!

• Collects issues #47-#50 of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

• From Mass Effect: Redemption co-writer John Jackson Miller!

“The Star Wars universe has never looked so good.” —Wizard magazine
““


STAR WARS: LEGACY #48

John Ostrander (W), Jan Duursema (P/Cover), Dan Parsons (I), and Brad Anderson (C)

On sale May 26
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing

True to his vow, Cade Skywalker is making war on the Sith, determined to be a one-Jedi army of vengeance. But no man can be everywhere at once, and when Princess Marasiah Fel is captured and taken to the Sith stronghold on Korriban, Cade is not the only one to take action.

The galaxy is teetering on the brink of all-out war, and this might just be the issue that tips it over the edge!
““


STAR WARS: LEGACY VOLUME 9—MONSTER

John Ostrander (W), Jan Duursema (P), Dave Ross (P), Dan Parsons (I), Brad Anderson (C), and Jesus Aburto (C)

On sale July 21
FC, 128 pages
$17.99
TPB, 7" x 10"

Wayland is a once-fertile world transformed by alien biotechnology into a monstrous living nightmare. The planet was the scene of Kol Skywalker’s worst failure and his son Cade’s first brush with death. Now Cade and his friends have been lured back to Wayland, where a deadly secret festers—and a life-changing decision waits for Cade.

Meanwhile, across the galaxy, a chance for peace erupts into a three-way battle between the Jedi, the Sith, and Roan Fel’s Imperial Knights!

• Collects Legacy issues #42-#46.

• The uncharted future of Star Wars and the Skywalkers!

• Jedi versus Sith! Finally!
““


TARZAN ARCHIVES: THE JESSE MARSH YEARS VOLUME 6

Gaylord DuBois (W) and Jesse Marsh (A)

On sale July 28
FC, 248 pages
$49.99
HC, 6 5/8" x 10 3/16"

Rediscover a legendary team-up in adventure comics, collected for the first time! Former Walt Disney Studios artist Jesse Marsh illustrated these inventive stories from Gaylord DuBois for a full nineteen years, expanding the mythology of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ world-renowned character in the process.

The first tales of Tarzan of the Apes ever to be told in comics form, this collaboration was read by millions and has proved an enduring vision of the iconic jungle man. After nearly sixty years, these stories of rip-roaring adventure and good clean fun are as charming and entertaining as ever.

• Collects Tarzan issues #28-#32 and Tarzan’s Jungle Annual #1, from 1952.
““


THE TERMINATOR #3 (of 3)

Zack Whedon (W), Andy MacDonald (P), Dan Jackson (C), and Massimo Carnevale (Cover)

On sale May 26
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

The first story arc in Dark Horse’s thrilling reimagining of the Terminator franchise reaches its stunning climax!

All the fighting Kyle Reese has lived through has led to this moment, the most important of his life. On the precipice of the mission that will send Kyle to his fate in 1984, his friend Ben has discovered something in 2029 that makes Kyle’s trip a life-changing moment for Ben as well. Will the future be rewritten once again, and can Ben do anything to help prevent Judgment Day?

• Written by WGA Award nominee Zack Whedon (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Fringe, Deadwood)!

Zack Whedon’s explosive conclusion!
““


THUN’DA, KING OF THE CONGO ARCHIVE

Frank Frazetta (W/A), Gardner Fox (W), and Bob Powell (A)

On sale July 7
FC, 224 pages
$49.99
HC, 6 5/8" x 10 3/16"

Frank Frazetta is widely renowned as one of the greatest fantasy illustrators of all time. But he didn’t hone his skills in study at the fabled galleries of Paris or Milan; his legendary talents flourished as he worked for hire during the Golden Age of comics!

In the early 1950s, Frazetta set up shop at bustling comics publisher Magazine Enterprises, contributing beautiful cover illustrations and comics pages. There, he also created his first mighty adventurer: the lost-world-jungle hero Thun’da! Though Frazetta left Magazine Enterprises shortly after the first issue of Thun’da was released, and the series was ultimately short lived despite the talented care of collaborators Gardner Fox and Bob Powell, to this day the Thun’da, King of the Congo comics series is held in high regard both as an exciting adventure title and as the only comics series ever to include a cover-to-cover, all-Frazetta issue!

• Collecting all six issues of Thun’da, King of the Congo, as well as the Thun’da backup stories that appeared in Cave Girl and Africa: Thrilling Land of Mystery.

Featuring art by golden age greats Frank Frazetta, Gardner Fox, and Bob Powell!
““


TRIAD: GHOST 12" FIGURE

On sale July 14
$99.99

One of the most popular Dark Horse characters is surely Ghost. Introduced in Comics’ Greatest World in 1993, Ghost won her own title and continued for many issues, drawn by some of the industry’s best artists. The tale of Elisa Cameron and her search for the truth surrounding her apparent death struck a chord with readers, and we are happy to see her returning from her natural state of unbeing into our physical plane with this lovingly detailed 12" articulated figure produced by Triad Toys.

Triad has paid attention to every detail: from her fatal .45s, her fitted gloves, her flowing white cape and cowl, and her luxurious, realistic hair. This is the ultimate Ghost collector’s item.
““““


TROUBLEMAKER BOOK 1

Janet Evanovich (W), Alex Evanovich (W), and Joëlle Jones (A)

On sale July 20
FC, 112 pages
$17.99
HC, 6" x 9"

Alex Barnaby and Sam Hooker are back together and fighting crime the only way they know how—by leaving a trail of chaos, panic, and disorder. Alex, an auto mechanic and spotter for racecar driver Sam Hooker, is drawn to trouble like a giant palmetto bug to a day-old taco. Unfortunately, she’s also drawn to Hooker in the same fashion. There’s no steering clear of trouble or Hooker when friends Rosa and Felicia call for help. A man has gone missing, and in order to find him Barnaby and Hooker will have to go deep into the underbelly of Miami and southern Florida, surviving Petro Voodoo, explosions, gift-wrapped body parts, a deadly swamp chase, and Hooker’s mom.

• Janet Evanovich, author of Finger Lickin’ Fifteen, continues her New York Times best-selling Barnaby series with her very first graphic novel!

• Written by Janet and Alex Evanovich, and illustrated by Joëlle Jones (Dr. Horrible)!

• Janet Evanovich has been a #1 New York Times bestseller fourteen times, and her novels have sold over 90 million copies.

• Watch for her signing at the Dark Horse booth at the San Diego Comic-Con.

The first graphic novel from author Janet Evanovich!
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TUROK, SON OF STONE ARCHIVES VOLUME 6

Paul S. Newman (W) and Alberto Giolitti (A)

On sale July 14
FC, 216 pages
$49.99
HC, 7" x 10"

Lost in a strange jungle world where dinosaurs and cavemen from earth’s prehistoric past thrive, Indian braves Turok and Andar are cut off from their home and their tribe. As they search for a way home, the wonders of the land challenge their survival and plans for escape: incredible illusions, monster gods, tropical storms, wars between tribes of cavemen, tree-dwelling monkey men, swamp dwellers, and more!

• This volume collects issues #31–#35 and #37* of Turok, Son of Stone from the Gold Key Comics run (1962–1976). These classic adventures have not been seen since the early 1960s!

• Watch for the new Turok series coming fall 2010!

*Issue #36 is a reprint of the Dell Comics issue #14 of Turok, Son of Stone, previously collected in Turok, Son of Stone Archives Volume 3.
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THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY POCKET WATCH AND STATUE SET

On sale July 14
Limited to 500, numbered with a certificate of authenticity
$129.99

For the discerning Umbrella Academy fan and collector, we are proud to introduce a distinguished pocket watch, featuring artwork from the wildly popular The Umbrella Academy, paired with a 5.5" statuette of 00.05, also known as The Boy, whose character is often seen glancing at a similar timepiece in the saga of his reluctant superhero family.

Encapsulating the designs and stylistic ideas of Umbrella Academy writer Gerard Way and artist Gabriel Bá, Dark Horse has created a high-end watch. Measuring 2.18" in diameter, this state-of-the-art timepiece combines with a sturdy 12" chain so you can carry your watch in style. The watch comes in a deluxe faux-leather, velveteen-lined box with a numbered metal certificate of authenticity. A sleek outer sleeve, designed by Gabriel Bá, holds it all together in one classy, modern package.

The statuette is a limited edition in its own right, and the two items together make an unusual but oddly fitting and well-executed package— which, come to think of it, is just like The Umbrella Academy itself.
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USAGI YOJIMBO VOLUME 24: RETURN OF THE BLACK SOUL

Stan Sakai (W/A)

On sale July 14
b&w, 192 pages
$16.99
TPB, 6" x 9"

On sale July 28
b&w, 192 pages
$59.99
HC, 6" x 9"

For years, as Miyamoto Usagi has wandered the countryside, an unseen, malevolent entity has been tracing his steps. Thought dead since the events of Grasscutter, the demon Jei—the Black Soul—has been inhabiting the body of the swordswoman Inazuma, intent on destroying the evil he claims to see in Usagi!

Meanwhile, Boss Bakuchi, shamed by his inability to avenge his son’s death, doubles the bounty on the killer—Inazuma. The money brings out scores of bounty hunters, unaware that they are merely a flock of sparrows intent on bringing down an eagle.

The hunt for Inazuma also draws Usagi, hunters Gen and Stray Dog, and a mysterious stranger named Isamu, each with his own motive. As the threat of the Black Soul reemerges, this epic storyline reveals at last the true origin of Jei!

• Collecting “Sparrows,” the dramatic return of the demon Jei, and “The Darkness and the Soul,” Jei’s long-awaited origin, plus the Usagi short from Free Comic Book Day 2009.

• Introduction by Charles Solomon of the Los Angeles Times.

• The hardcover with dust jacket includes a signed and numbered tip-in, limited to 350 copies.
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Comic News: Marvel Unveils Variant Cover to Millar & McNiven's Nemesis #1



Marvel is proud to unveil the all new variant cover to Mark Millar & Steve McNiven’s Nemesis #1 by Secret Invasion superstar artist Leinil Francis Yu!


The Civil War superstar, chart-topping, history-making duo of Millar (the man behind the runaway hit Kick-Ass) & McNiven reunite for the story of Nemesis, the toughest cape in town, oh and one catch… he’s the most evil guy you’ll ever meet!

Marvel urges retailers to check all orders of Nemesis as it continues to garner significant mainstream buzz before its release! Nemesis has decimated law enforcement around the globe; now with his sights set on America’s capitol do we stand a chance? Find out in Nemesis #1!

NEMESIS #1 (JAN100633)
NEMESIS #1 YU VARIANT (DEC098476)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils by STEVE MCNIVEN
Variant cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Mature…$2.99
FOC—2/25/10, On-Sale—3/17/10

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Comic News: I Am A Secret Avenger




Don't miss the brand new Secret Avengers #1, from the superstar creative team of Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato, this May!

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Toy News: Hot Toys - Iron Man (Mark III) (Battle Damaged Version) backstage is available now!



The Iron Man (Mark III) collectible figure arrives again, this time in his Battle Damaged Version!


This latest upgraded version is highly detailed and fully deployed, which would bring you with more unexpected surprise!

Take a look at the backstage first! He will be available in Toy Hunters after Chinese New Year!

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