Avatar is a contradiction, both stunningly new and yet full of familiar cliche. Ultimately, though, James Cameron has pushed the technology of film-making to an entirely new pinnacle. Viewed in IMAX 3-D, as I saw it, Avatar is simply unlike anything we've ever seen before. The best achievements of previous effects-driven films were to push us from an initial suspension of disbelief into an acceptance of a new and different world, despite the cracks in its facade. Avatar is, I believe, capable of taking even the most cynical viewer...me...and forcing us to accept the vision, because it is just too beautiful to ignore. 
Let us dispel any doubt, first; there is nothing new in Avatar. All the "Dances with Thunder-Smurfs" or "Fern Gully in Space" jokes floating around out there in Geek circles are entirely apt. There is nothing new in this story. Nothing. Everything that you expect to happen is going to happen. As I was watching it, when Neytiri explains the role of the giant flying beast, the Toruk, in Na'vi society, I leaned over to my wife and said "I'll bet you five thousand dollars Jake flies one before the end of the film." Spoiler alert: don't take that bet.
And yet, despite the predictability of the story, despite the fact that I saw every single plot development coming, I loved every second I spent in that theater. Cameron brought a different world to life in a way no other director has, not even Peter Jackson. No, the film is not necessarily better than comparable epic films, not in the storytelling sense. But it is more vivid and more beautiful. The film's central dichotomy of nature vs. technology is simple, ham-fisted, and telegraphed from the opening act, yes. But once the film got to Pandora in all its bioluminescent glory I did not care. I just wanted to see more. The irony that this message was brought to the screen via specially developed technology does not, I think, concern the filmmakers.
If it weren't for the huge leap forward it represents, Avatar would be a sharply executed but thoroughly mediocre film. The only performance that really stood out to me was Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine, who stole most every scene she was in. Sam Worthington's ascent to stardrom mystifies me; I find him forgettable and bland. Inoffensive, never bad, but I can't imagine anyone going to the movie to see a movie because Sam Worthington is in it, despite the fact that Hollywood seems bent on pushing him into star territory. Stephen Lang chews the scenery into a fine froth as the overdone Colonel Quaritch. Giovanni Ribisi puts on a thinly veiled parody of George W. Bush; he is not helped by dialogue that asks him to tell his PR people to "win hearts and minds" and his military to "fight terror with terror." If you want to see the allegory, it's there. It's there like a hammer blow to the forehead, really. It is hard to comment on the 'performance' of the actors vis a vis the motion capture of the Na'vi and Avatar-driver actors; Weaver's avatar looked and seemed like a Sigourney Weaver character, so that's probably a mark in its favor. But I did not feel a connection to the characters the way I did with Gollum; probably not a fair comparison there, or perhaps I just connect more easily to twisted, evil hobbit-like beings than I do tall, beautiful, graceful cat-people.
And at the risk of repeating myself, it doesn't matter. The unfathomable spectacle that Cameron has put on the screen quite simply deserves to be seen, if you care about film, if you care about science fiction, if you care about technology. Sure, the film leaves some questions unanswered; what exactly is at stake for the humans in their colonization of Pandora, for instance? And yes, just to drive the point home, you've seen, or read, or heard this story before. Even so, perhaps it would've been impossible to tell a new story using this method. Perhaps it had to be an old, familiar story for the reality of Pandora to creep up on us and take hold. And perhaps the level Avatar works best on is as a metaphor for watching movies. In our favorite movies, we recline in a dark, cool place and get to live another life for a few hours. Jake Sully does much the same thing, only he truly lives a different, more vibrant, more meaningful life. Avatar is going to change filmmaking; I thought that was a preposterous boast when on James Cameron's part, but it's true. Epic, 'event' movies will probably be judged on how they stack up against it, the way they were once measured against Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. If you are interested in big movies, see it, see it in a theater, in 3-D, in IMAX if possible. I did nothing but mock Cameron and the trailers when I saw them. Nobody could convince me that this movie was going to be as special or important as it was pretending to be. I scoffed. One hour of giant alien fauna and luminous flora, I was completely convinced. Cameron and Avatar have changed the game. Try to keep up.
Dan Ford
Staff Reviewer
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When a Mexican drug cartel is on the verge of forming an alliance with the Maras street gang, the US government enlists newly formed Trans World Operations operatives Elliot Salem and Tyson Rios to deal with the situation but is this Army of Two enough? 
After discovering that their former private military contractors, Security and Strategy Corporation, was a dirty organization Salem and Rios create their own PMC bringing Mission Coordinator Alice Murray with them. Their first assignment is to dissolve a burgeoning alliance between a Mexican drug cartel and rising street gang but with Salem nursing an injured leg, Alice brings in an Ex-Marine named Edberg to pick up the slack. Alice assures Salem it's merely temporary and that this assignment should be an easy paycheck but as they delve deeper into a hostage crisis it proves to be anything but.
IDW's Army of Two #1 is an all around good action story that centers around characters from the videogame of the same name. Milligan takes the time to develop the characters while Soy delivers action packed panels. If you're a fan of the game and need something to go with your newly purchased Army of Two: The 40th Day or just appreciate a good shoot 'em up this is the book for you.
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist:Dexter Soy
8.5/10
Rudy T.
Staff Reviwer
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Guy Ritchie’s take on the famous English detective Sherlock Holmes promised to deliver a new spin on the classic character. With a star studded cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams, and an add campaign that advertised a full throttle adventure, all the pieces of a great movie seem to be in place. So, does the film live up to expectations? Well, no sadly, not really.
So where does the film falter? The performances from Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) and Jude Law (Dr. Watson) are good, and the performances by Rachel McAdams (Irene Adler) and Mark Strong (Lord Blackwood) are sufficient (though Blackwood is a bit of a limp villain). Sadly, there isn’t anything the actors could do to stop the problems with the film. The main problem runs much deeper, and was already in effect before the actors ever stepped in front of the cameras. What I’m referring to of course is the screenplay, which I can only describe as dull and rushed.
From the very get go something seemed wrong. I sat in the theatre wondering to myself, “Why doesn’t this feel right?” And then it hit me. “Where’s the set up?” Well, there isn’t one really. As the film opens up, Holmes and Watson are in an underground tunnel, fighting two men, and then making there way into an open room where what looks to be an ancient ritual of human sacrifice is taking place. The person conducting the ritual is none other than Lord Blackwood. At this point I’m thinking to myself, “Oh God, the theatre has screwed something up. This is the end of the film….” But it wasn’t. It was just a really odd opening to a movie. Holmes and Watson stop the ritual and Lord Blackwood is apprehended and sent to prison. As he is taken into custody, Lord Blackwood taunts Holmes that “It isn’t over.” I wish it had been. Instead, what happens is we are introduced to Holmes’ old flame … (does every hero have to have an old flame?) who isn’t exactly what she seems, and from this point on, the trio basically move from one set to another, fighting more than detecting, until they stumble their way to the end of the film, revealing an “evil master plan” that seems as if it was written by a six year old.
There are a few moments in the film where Holmes thought process is shown to the audience visually. This would have been a great way to get across Holmes intelligence in a film adaptation, if only it would have been used as a way to show his keen eye for picking up clues and putting the pieces together. Instead, it is used to show how Holmes plans out his moves in a fight before it actually happens, again putting more emphasis on Holmes as a fighter and action adventurer than a detective.
By the time we reach the conclusion, I don’t feel as if we know anymore about the central characters than when the film began. Sure, most of us know who Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick are, but how many of us have read the actual stories? If you haven’t then this film won’t teach you what these stories are really like, and if you have read the stories, then the film will probably play even worse for you since Holmes is played more as a sly fighter than a detective.
This ruined opportunity could have easily been prevented. Many of the problems with the screenplay could have been avoided if they simply would have done an origin story for the first film of what I suppose will end up being a series. How did Holmes become a detective that is respected by the police? How did Holmes and Watson meet, befriend each other, and eventually work together to solve mysteries? Neither of these issues are addressed and it really hurts the film. Secondly, if you were going to base a film series on one of the most famous characters from popular fiction, why would you not base the story on one of the beloved works featuring the character?
Evidently the filmmakers thought that an intelligent, more direct adaptation of the great detective wouldn’t play to the average A.D.D. movie viewer, so instead of sprinkling the story with clues, they sprinkled it with explosions and action sequences. What’s worse is that instead of actually filming the final confrontation on a set, the majority of the setting is done in very obvious CG. Some directors can handle filming scenes where vast amounts of CG will be needed and integrate it well. A good example of this would be what J.J. Abrams was able to do with the recent Star Trek reboot. Unfortunately, Ritchie doesn’t handle this type of filming well in Holmes. It’s bad enough that the over the top action doesn’t fit the character or story that should be expected from a Sherlock Holmes movie, but when the effects are blatantly obvious, it only makes things worse. The only thing elementary about this Sherlock Holmes is how much of a missed opportunity it is.
Terry Barnhill
Staff Reviewer
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Marvel is proud to unveil a new look for Iron Man, signaling a new era for Tony Stark and the Marvel Universe
From the minds of Eisner Award-winning series writer Matt Fraction and Ryan Meinerding, designer on the Iron Man and Thor films, comes the most bleeding edge, out of this world armor you’ve ever seen! Following the sold-out “Stark Disassembled” storyline, the Marvel Universe still needs its armored champion and a new mission requires a new kind of armor! But when you see just what Iron Man has planned for the Marvel Universe, your jaw will be on the floor! There’s never been a super hero like the new Iron Man!
“The inspiration for the new design came from thinking about a sleeker, leaner, tougher Iron Man,” revealed Fraction. “If technology is increasingly getting smaller and lighter it seems like the Iron Man should do the same: ergonomic and aerodynamic. We were looking for something that felt as sleek and glossy as a sports car Tony Stark would covet. I love what we've come up with. It feels like the next evolutionary step in the Iron Man's design.”
A bold new direction for Iron Man starts here with the perfect jumping on point for readers old and new alike, as the all-new Iron Man makes his debut in Invincible Iron Man #25, on-sale this April!
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Magneto’s arrived in town and he’s planning to take over The Super Hero Squad Show!
This Saturday at 7:30pm Eastern on Cartoon Network, the Squaddies face a villain unlike any they’ve fought before, as Magneto makes his play to steal the remaining fractals from the Vault! With guest stars Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, M.O.D.O.K. and more, the Squad is in for the most action-packed, family-friendly adventure of the week!
Plus, don’t miss the new Marvel Super Hero Squad series, jam-packed with your favorite Marvel heroes and all-ages action, in comic shops now!
Tune into the Cartoon Network at 7:30 PM on Saturday to “Hero Up!” with your favorite characters in the Marvel Universe—or any other—in an all-new episode of The Super Hero Squad Show!
To learn more about The Super Hero Squad Show, please visit www.superherosquad.com and www.marvel.com!
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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Vol. 1 is now on-sale in the iTunes store for only $1.99! This is a limited time offer, so click here to get yours today.
Terminator: Death Valley is also now on-sale for a limited time. Click here to get the complete graphic novel is only $0.99!
And click here to see all of the other comics we offer on the iPhone, like The Force Unleashed, Star Wars: Legacy, The Umbrella Academy, and Hellboy.
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Deceptive, adulterous and paranoid aren't exactly the words you'd want associated with the people who are charged with saving the world but it's what best describes various members of the Paradigm; the Plutonian's former allies who are trying desperately to quell the anger of a god.
The Paradigm's suffered from a devistating loss at the hands of their former teammate: one member dead, another badly injured and the massacre of 4.6 million citizens of Singapore as well as rouge robotic doubles of one of their worst enemies have gone missing in their bunker and have altered the Plutonian of their whereabouts. The team scrambles to the Plutonian's Citadel for some insight into who he is and how he can be stopped but he's not the only one they uncover secrets about.
Irredeemable Volume 2 is a solidly written saga of a hero pushed too far by the very people he chose to protect. Mark Waid was clearly enjoying the opportunity to play with normal superhero conventions while continuing to give the reader glimpses into the reasons behind the Plutonian's fall from grace. Waid's humor shone brightest right from the beginning with the Plutonian addressing the world's "viewer mail" and once again he and artist Peter Krause are delivering one of the best comics out there today. If following a company wide event isn't your thing and you opt instead for well crafted, wallet friendly stories then Irredeemable Volume 2 should be added your graphic novel shelf.
Extras: Cover Gallery by Gene Ha, Dennis Calero, Dan Panosian and Jeffrey Spokes, Ads for The Unknown Volume 1 Hardcover and Mark Waid's Potter's Field Hardcover with a 14 page preview.
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Peter Krause
9/10
Rudy T.
Staff Reviewer
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Dark Horse has released their solicits for April 2010
12" BARB WIRE FIGURE
On sale June 16
12" articulated figure
$119.99
The growth of sophistication of today’s highly articulated, elaborately costumed figures is one reason why now is the golden age for action figure collectors. Upstart toy company Triad Toys is winning fans and turning heads with their fabulous attention to detail, and being the sophisticated and smart company they are, have turned to Dark Horse as a source for their latest new figures.
In Steel Harbor, a bombed-out wreck of a town, thrill-junkie Barbara Kopetski— better known as “Barb Wire”—is proprietor of the Hammerhead bar and part-time bounty hunter. Barb Wire was one of the stars of Dark Horse’s company-created “universe”, and she returns, courtesy of Triad, with a vengeance!
Triad has paid attention to every detail: from her fishnets to her gloves and armbands, buckles, to her blonde hair, this is the ultimate collector’s item. Accessories include an arsenal’s worth of weaponry—even her handcuffs.
You can take this high-quality heroine home just don’t call her “babe.”
ALIENS: FAST TRACK TO HEAVEN
Liam Sharp (W/A)
On sale June 16
FC, 40 pages
$10.99
HC, 7" x 10"
Deep beneath the ice of Jupiter’s moon Europa, life teems in the depths of dark oceans fed by belching chemical-rich volcanic vents. But more spectacular discoveries of life elsewhere in the cosmos have left Europa little more than another commercial stopover with an orbital station and a decaying space elevator ferrying cargo and personnel to and from the moon. But when one of the massive elevators stops midway with no communication from the crew aboard, a rescue team soon discovers that the stranded elevator is transporting a deadly cargo from another world, a savage organism that threatens life on Europa and, ultimately, life on planet Earth.
From superstar creator Liam Sharp comes Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven, an all-new deluxe-format hardcover graphic novella. Sharp's stunning visuals are well-known to comics readers from his work on Judge Dredd, Hulk, Testament, Gears of War and many others, and now having expanded into prose fiction with God Killers: Machivarius Point and Other Tales, Sharp is solidifying his reputation as one of graphic fiction's emerging visionaries.
• Artist/Writer Liam Sharp is well known to comics readers from his work on Judge Dredd, The Incredible Hulk, Testament, and Gears of War.
Original hardcover graphic novella!
ALIEN LEGION OMNIBUS VOLUME 2
Alan Zelenetz (W), Larry Stroman (A), and Frank Cirocco (A)
On sale June 9
FC, 352 pages
$24.99
TPB, 6" x 9"
The Alien Legion is the most feared fighting force in the Galarchy—and Nomad Squad is the best, and the worst, of the lot. Comprised of the outcasts, dregs, and idealists from three galaxies, the expendable grunts of Nomad jump into a series of intense missions prompted by everything from attacks by biomechanical religious zealots, orders to eliminate a traitorous legion hero, and the personal whims of a Galarchy bureaucrat. The squad is devastated when three veteran legionnaires die—and another faces an even worse fate in a legion “Mindrobber” machine. Nomad’s chemistry is further altered with the addition of Tamara, a cosmic valkyrie who catches Lt. Montroc’s attention.
Volume 2 features over three hundred story pages and rounds out the first Alien Legion series, including the long-out-of-print A Grey Day to Die graphic novel.
ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: THREE WORLD WAR #3 (of 6)
Randy Stradley (W), Rick Leonardi (P), Mark Pennington (I), Wes Dzioba (C), and Raymond Swanland (Cover)
On sale Apr 7
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Against her better judgment, Machiko Noguchi is back with the Predators, trying to forge a coalition between the clan that once accepted her and a strike force of Colonial Marines. But it's an uneasy alliance at best as neither side understands the motives or mores of the other. Every gesture is a challenge, every altercation an invitation to battle. But the real battle is yet to come—against a rogue clan of warlike Predators with an army of Aliens under their control. It is said that no plan survives contact with the enemy, but Machiko's plan can barely stand up to her allies!
Featuring the creative dream team of original AVP writer Randy Stradley, Rick Leonardi, Mark Pennington, Wes Dzioba, and Raymond Swanland, Aliens vs. Predator: Three World War ties together story threads introduced in the 1989 AvP series and new Aliens and Predator storylines, setting the stage for the most epic AvP brawl ever imagined.
THE ART OF BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL
Hiroaki Samura (W/A)
On sale June 2
FC, 160 pages
$29.99
HC, 9" x 12"
Hiroaki Samura’s Blade of the Immortal epic is a unique, expertly paced manga series that mixes Edo-era samurai grudge matches with anachronistic punk attitudes and mannerisms. It’s also one of the longest-running manga series in the U.S.! Samura’s stirring tale of a warrior’s search for redemption and a young girl’s quest for revenge has taken the world by storm, winning numerous awards across the globe and spawning an anime series and a novel spinoff. In Dark Horse’s The Art of Blade of the Immortal, Hiroaki Samura’s lush color paintings, detailed line work, and selected story pages and chapter breaks are on display in an oversized, 9" x 12", hardcover collection. This Dark Horse edition also includes an exclusive section with thirty-two extra pages of artwork, an introduction by acclaimed artist Geof Darrow (The Matrix Comics, Hard Boiled), and a translated afterword by Samura.
• Hiroaki Samura’s widely acclaimed Blade of the Immortal manga series has won numerous awards, including the Eisner Award in America, the prestigious Media Arts Award of Japan, and two consecutive British Eagle Awards. Samura is also the creator of the enchanting Ohikkoshi manga anthology—published by Dark Horse Manga!
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER—THE ART OF THE ANIMATED SERIES
Bryan Konietzko (W/A), Michael Dante DiMartino (W/A), and Various (A)
On sale June 2
FC, 184 pages
$34.99
HC, 9" x 12"
Since its debut in 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender has remained one of Nickelodeon’s most talked about and highest-rated animated series to date, and it’s not too hard to see why . . . Not only does it offer an epic storyline, engaging characters, action, adventure, and a powerful message about the importance of hope in a world long-besieged by war, all the while serving up top-notch entertainment. It’s also beautifully executed, a stunning masterpiece of animated storytelling that harmonizes Western influences with aesthetic inspiration drawn from a diverse array of cultures, including those of China, Japan, India, and the Inuit.
An unprecedented look at the concept, design, and production art behind this smash-hit series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Art of the Animated Series chronicles the show’s development—from the very first sketch through to the series finale and beyond!—along with behind-the-scenes commentary from series creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino.
• Featuring hundreds of images, most of which Nickelodeon has never released to the public!
• Soon to be adapted as a trilogy of major motion pictures by M. Night Shyamalan and Paramount Pictures Studio.
BEASTS OF BURDEN
Evan Dorkin (W) and Jill Thompson (A)
On sale June 16
FC, 168 pages
$19.99
HC, 8" x 11"
Beasts of Burden is a fun-filled adventure story that features a heroic group of dogs—and one cat—who are set with the task of keeping the residents of Burden Hill safe from supernatural occurrences.
Early experiences with the paranormal have set up Pugs, Red, Whitey, Ace, and the Orphan to become members of the Wise Dog Society, official animal agents to aid those with odd concerns. Following a slew of magical frogs, encountering hostile ghosts, setting off to rescue an old friend from a sewer filled with some very large rats, and discovering buried secrets in the local cemetery are all in a day’s work for this new team of unlikely heroes.
• This hardcover includes the original stories from the Dark Horse Book of . . . anthologies, plus the all-new series from this award-winning team!
“It’s a lot of fun, and ideal for kids who don’t mind a little gore and ghosts with their adorable animal.” —The (Onion) A.V. Club
B.P.R.D.: KING OF FEAR #4 (of 5)
Mike Mignola (W/Cover), John Arcudi (W), Guy Davis (A), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Apr 14
FC, 32 pages
$2.99
Miniseries
Beneath the ruins of the Hyperborean temple, Liz is given the most startling visions yet of the end of the world—and Abe discovers his role in it when he finds the link between himself and the frog monsters.
Will Liz and Abe lead the world to apocalypse?
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #34
Brad Meltzer (W), Georges Jeanty (P, Cover), Andy Owens (I), Michelle Madsen (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)
On sale Apr 7
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing
Twilight has been unmasked. Buildings fall, oceans churn, and the earth moves as titans come together in a bizarre twist!
• Twilight part 3 (of 5)
Brad Meltzer’s earth-shaking turn on Buffy Season Eight continues!
THE CHRONICLES OF CONAN VOLUME 19: DEATHMARK AND OTHER STORIES
Bruce Jones (W), Mary Jo Duffy (W), Michael Fleisher (W), Alan Zelenetz (W), John Buscema (A), Ernie Chan (A), Ricardo Villamonte (A), Richard Howell (A), and others
On sale June 23
FC, 200 pages
$17.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
The Chronicles of Conan Volume 19 collects “Deathmark,” which mixes tattoos, severed arms, and a decades-old grudge into a gruesome mystery, and “Tower of Mitra,” where a magically endowed beauty, seen in a previous Jones Conan story, returns to help defeat a demonic harpy. Writers Mary Jo Duffy, Alan Zelenetz, and Michael Fleisher also contribute one-shot stories to this collection, which finds Conan facing the Dragon of Solvanthia, numerous witches and wizards, rat demons, bloodthirsty swordsmen, and his own son by a priestess of the Cimmerian wilderness!
• This volume collects Conan the Barbarian issues #143 to #150.
CONAN VOLUME 8: BLACK COLOSSUS
Timothy Truman (W), Tomás Giorello (P/Cover), and José Villarrubia (C)
On sale June 2
FC, 152 pages
$17.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
Conan, once a wandering thief, tries his luck as a professional warrior, joining Amalric’s mercenary forces to live as a rank-and-file soldier. However, something much more than luck will lead Conan on a collision course with the strongest, strangest army he’s ever faced! Princess Yasmela—the city of Khoraja’s remaining sovereign—has been haunted by terrifying apparitions of the wizard Natohk, and when Natohk threatens to bring his demonic hordes to Khoraja, Yasmela prays to the god Mitra for help. Mitra actually responds and tells her to place the fate of her entire kingdom into the hands of the first man she meets out in the city streets—and that man is a drunk, hesitant barbarian! Conan may turn out to be Khoraja’s best hope for survival, but his distrust of the soft upper classes and their disdain for his common station may derail any possibility of working together to halt Natohk’s bid for world domination.
• Collects Conan the Cimmerian #8-#13.
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #21
Timothy Truman (W), Tomás Giorello (P), José Villarrubia (C), and Cary Nord (Cover)
On sale Apr 21
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing
In the final episode of “Kozaki,” Conan realizes just how far he’s fallen—and how a seemingly small incident can impact entire nations and thousands of lives! Sick, surviving on swamp vermin, wounded, and weary, Conan confronts Shah Amurath’s soldiers, grave robbers, and ghosts from his past. We find out exactly how he came to be in the precarious position he’s now in—and if Iniri the sorceress’s eerie predictions come true. This issue features a stunning cover by fan-favorite Conan alumni and Eisner Award-winners Cary Nord and Dave Stewart!
• Kozaki part 3 (of 3)
CREEPY ARCHIVES VOLUME 7
Various (W/A)
On sale June 16
b&w, 200 pages
$49.99
HC, 8 3/8" x 10 7/8"
Creepy Archives Volume 7 collects a fascinating array of stories from the second great generation of artists and writers in the history of the world’s best illustrated horror magazine. As the 1960s ended and the ’70s began, the original, classic creative lineup for Creepy was eventually infused with a slew of new talent, with phenomenal new contributors like Richard Corben, Ken Kelly, and Nicola Cuti joining the ranks of established greats like Reed Crandall, Frank Frazetta, and Al Williamson. This volume of the Creepy Archives series collects more than two hundred pages of distinctive short horror comics in a gorgeous hardcover format. This book reprints all of the original stories from issues #33 to #36 in crisp black-and-white and includes full-color bonus-page reproductions of each issue’s cover.
• Creepy Archives Volume 1 was awarded the 2009 Will Eisner Award for Best Archival Collection, and has sold more than 14,000 copies to date.
• Both the Creepy and Eerie Archives series have made numerous appearances on the New York Times Top 10 list of graphic novels.
DEVIL #3 (of 4)
Torajiro Kishi (W/A) and Madhouse Studios (W/A)
On sale Apr 21
FC, 24 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
A vampire virus threatens humanity, and it may come down to a rogue cop and his straight-laced partner to contain the freakishly super-human devils from rampaging across Japan. Why did the government create this virus, and what will result from its perfection? Find out in issue #3 of Devil!
Manga artist Torajiro Kishi (Maka Maka) and blockbuster anime studio Madhouse (Trigun, Paprika, Ninja Scroll) love comics. So much so that they’ve decided to publish an original, western-style comic exclusively with Dark Horse! Enter Devil, a thrilling, sci-fi take on the vampire genre.
DOMO
On sale Apr 21
Domo and Mr. Usaji Journal
$9.99
On sale May 19
Domo Sticky Note Book
$8.99
On sale May 19
Domo Party Lights
$14.99
Dark Horse is very excited to introduce some fantastic new Domo products that are guaranteed to delight both young and old. You can brighten up any festivities with the all-new Domo Party Lights, featuring five brilliant colors of Domo!
What is that strange concoction that Domo is about to eat with his good friend Mr. Usaji? Find out with the Domo and Mr. Usaji Journal. Finally, leave it to your friend Domo for to-do lists and reminders with the Domo Sticky Note Book, which includes eight fabulous pads of sticky note designs.
EMILY THE STRANGE: THE 13TH HOUR #4 (of 4)
Rob Reger (W) and Buzz Parker (A)
On sale Apr 28
b&w, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
When she received an ancient watch from her enigmatic Aunt LaRue in honor of her thirteenth year, Emily hoped the heirloom might play a role in uncovering her very strange family history. Instead, her hopes were snatched away—along with the watch itself!—by a sneaky beast with a secret link to Emily’s bloodline. Now Emily’s pursuit of the creature called El Viego has lured her deep into the mysterious halls of Blackrock, her awe-inspiring ancestral home. But if Emily can’t beat El Viego at his twisted game of hide and seek, she might have more even more to lose than her connection to a lineage of legendary strangers!
THE END LEAGUE VOLUME 2: WEATHERED STATUES
Rick Remender (W), Eric Canete (P/Cover), Andy MacDonald (P), and Matthew Wilson (Cover)
On sale June 2
FC, 152 pages
$16.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
Writer Rick Remender continues his acclaimed new series, joined by fan favorites Eric Canete (Iron Man) and Andy MacDonald (Punisher War Journal), for an all-new storyline, “Weathered Statues.” After the shocking events of the previous volume, in which half the cast was lost, Black and Arachnakid risk everything to take their revenge on the Smiling Man in his twisted city of Lore. Across the world in New Berlin, the fascist Wolfsangel puts a bounty on the remaining heroes in order to obtain the one item he requires to snatch lordship of Earth from Dead Lexington: An altruistic heart.
• Collects issues #5-#9.
GELASKINS
On sale Apr 21
13" Laptop
$29.95
15" Laptop
$29.95
iPhone
$14.95
Over the years, Dark Horse has been committed to incorporating art into our everyday lives through prints, T-shirts, mugs, and a variety of other items that help make this world more colorful. Now Dark Horse is proud to collaborate with GelaSkins to bring some fresh, new designs to their line of protective and decorative skins for laptops and phones.
Featuring a spellbinding Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 cover by Jo Chen: Willow looking as sexy and powerful as ever, and The Goon vs. Mr. Wicker from the epic “not a funny book” Chinatown, these all-new iPhone and laptop Gelaskins are the perfect way to protect your technology while showing off your signature style.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Willow 13" and 15" laptop
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Willow iPhone
The Goon – The Goon vs. Mr. Wicker 13" and 15" laptop
The Goon – The Goon vs. Mr. Wicker iPhone
THE GUILD #2 (of 3)
Felicia Day (W), Jim Rugg (A), Dan Jackson (C), Matthew Stawicki (Cover), and Kristin Donaldson (Cover)
On sale Apr 21
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog)’s hysterical extension of her multiple award-winning web series continues with this brand-new story!
Since discovering role-playing games, Cyd Sherman spends more and more time in-game as the healer Codex. As her boyfriend ignores her in favor of his fledgling band and her therapist questions whether or not she has “real” friends, Cyd decides to form her own group within the game after meeting Clara, who teaches her about reputation points, and Zaboo, who introduces her to “friending” within the game.
Detailing the never-before-told origin of The Knights of Good, this is essential reading for fans of the show, and a great jumping-on point for readers new to The Guild. And don’t miss season three of the show at watchtheguild.com!
• Named “One of the Net’s Best Serial Shows” by Rolling Stone!
HELLBOY VOLUME 10: THE CROOKED MAN AND OTHERS
Mike Mignola (W/A), Joshua Dysart (W), Richard Corben (A), Jason Shawn Alexander (A), Duncan Fegredo (A), and Dave Stewart (Cover)
On sale June 23
FC, 160 pages
$17.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
The Eisner Award–winning miniseries The Crooked Man, by Mignola and Richard Corben, teams Hellboy with a wandering hillman in a devilish tale of Appalachian witchcraft. This volume also includes the rare “They Who Go Down to the Sea in Ships” by Mignola, Josh Dysart (B.P.R.D.: 1947), and Jason Shawn Alexander (Abe Sapien: The Drowning), never before available for purchase; Mignola and Duncan Fegredo’s “The Mole,” from Free Comic Book Day 2008; and Mignola’s most recent solo outing, “In the Chapel of Moloch.”
• Also includes a look into the artists’ sketchbooks!
• 2009 Eisner Award winner for Best Limited Series!
“Richard Corben shows these youngsters how it’s done . . . and it’s so good, in its grotesquely beautiful way.” —Comic Book Resources
HELLCYON #1 (of 4)
Lucas Marangon (W/A)
On sale Apr 14
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Halcyon is a savage, unpredictable, brutal place. For some, it’s just another backwater world colonized and exploited for its resources. For others, it’s home. 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. Amidst this struggle, cadet Nika McKay returns to his home colony after a decade on Earth in order to search for his true identity. What he finds instead is a young nation on the verge of a civil war.
An all-new adventure from Star Wars artist Lucas Marangon!
JET SCOTT VOLUME 2
Sheldon Stark (W) and Jerry Robinson (A)
On sale June 9
FC, 256 pages
$34.99
HC, 12" x 9"
When the world is faced with strange anomalous threats, there is one man who can be called on to set things right—Jet Scott! Along with his colleagues at the Office of Scientifact, Jet uses the power of science to solve mysteries and save the day again and again! Created by the creator of the Joker, artist Jerry Robinson (Detective Comics) and scripted by screenwriter Sheldon Stark, Jet Scott Volume 2 is a treat for science-fiction fans both young and old! Featuring both daily black-and-white strips as well as color Sundays from September 1954 to the series finale in September 1955.
• Jerry Robinson is one of the best known of all the artists who have drawn Batman over the years and is often credited with creating the Joker, one of comics’ greatest villains!
• Dark Horse Comics is proud to collect the Jet Scott comic strips, for the first time ever, which were originally published from 1953 to 1955 by the New York Herald Tribune!
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MARTHA WASHINGTON IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Frank Miller (W), Dave Gibbons (A), and Angus McKie (C)
On sale June 30
FC, 600 pages
$29.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
Just in time for the Fourth of July! A masterpiece nearly twenty years in the making, this archival volume contains the complete life story of Martha Washington, the twenty-first century freedom fighter created by comic-book megastars Frank Miller (Sin City, 300) and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), now in a more affordable softcover edition.
Our story begins in the squalid corridors of a maximum-security housing project, where a young girl will rise from the war-torn streets of Chicago to battle injustice in a world insane with corruption. Her fight will take her far, from the frontlines of the second American Civil War, to the cold, unforgiving reaches of space. She will be called a hero, a traitor, and nearly everything in between, but all along the way, her courage, her integrity, and her unwavering commitment to that most valuable of rights—liberty—will inspire a movement that will never surrender.
• The Life and Times of Martha Washington in the Twenty-first Century contains six hundred stunning pages of work from two of the top creators in comics!
• Collecting remastered versions of every Martha Washington story and featuring the same extensive behind-the-scenes section by Dave Gibbons and introduction by Frank Miller as the hardcover edition.
MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION #4 (of 4)
Mac Walters (W), John Jackson Miller (W), Omar Francia (A), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Daryl Mandryk (Cover)
On sale Apr 7
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Liara T’Soni’s search for Commander Shepard’s abductors comes to an end, but what other shocking discoveries will she make when she finds them? The comics debut of modern sci-fi’s greatest epic holds surprises right up to the very end!
With far-reaching repercussions for the Mass Effect saga, this tale of friendship and loyalty in the darkest corners of the galaxy closes with an issue sure to thrill fans new and old!
Don’t miss the sci-fi comics event of the year!
MASS EFFECT VOLUME 1: REDEMPTION
Mac Walters (W), John Jackson Miller (W), Omar Francia (A), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Daryl Mandryk (Cover)
On sale June 9
FC, 96 pages
$16.99
TPB, 7" x 10"
The eagerly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster science-fiction epic IGN.com named the #1 Xbox 360 game of all time, Mass Effect 2 begins with the disappearance of Commander Shepard. The story of what happens next—exclusive to this graphic novel—will have the commander’s companion Dr. Liara T’Soni undertake a deadly mission of extraordinary importance in the Milky Way’s lawless Terminus Systems.
• Mass Effect Volume 1 features essential developments in the Mass Effect gaming saga, plus a special behind-the-scenes section with sketches and more.
• Collects the four-issue miniseries.
• Retailers, see your order form for a special offer.
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: THE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT VOLUME 5
Osamu Takahashi (W/A)
On sale June 9
b&w, 192 pages
$9.99
TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"
Shinji and Rei enter the plugs side by side for their new synchro test, where Rei is given the task to find her way out of an imaginary cityscape, and Shinji is given the job of helping her concentrate—but how likely is that, with all the chaos happening in their personal lives, a chaos everyone seems eager to encourage? Vol. 5 includes your fan art, letters, and special giveaways—plus, an exclusive preview of the brand-new Evangelion manga title starting in August from Dark Horse: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Campus Apocalypse!
• Each volume features bonus color pages, your Evangelion fan art and letters, and special reader giveaways!
ODDLY COMPELLING ART OF DENIS KITCHEN
Denis Kitchen (W/A), Neil Gaiman (W), Charles Brownstein (W), with design by John Lind
On sale June 9
FC, 200 pages
$34.99
HC, 9" x 12"
A well-known personality in the comics world, Denis Kitchen has worn many hats: publisher, founder of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and literary and art agent. But his career as a pioneering underground comix artist has been overdue for rediscovery—until now!
The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen, the long-awaited collection of Kitchen’s comics, covers, and illustrations, brings Kitchen the artist to the forefront. A comprehensive career overview, this compendium includes approximately two hundred illustrations, most unseen since their original publication in the late ’60s and early ’70s, and many from regional publications not seen even by serious comix fans.
• Featuring an introduction by Neil Gaiman, and an expansive, career-spanning essay by CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein, The Oddly Compelling Art is both a fond look back for underground comix aficionados and an excellent introduction for new fans of Kitchen’s body of work!
• Designed by John Lind, winner of an American Graphic Design Award for his work on Underground Classics.
“I think “oddly compelling” is a very good title for a book of Denis Kitchen’s work, and describes it very well.” —R. Crumb
OH MY GODDESS! VOLUME 15
Kosuke Fujishima (W/A)
On sale June 30
b&w, 000 pages
$10.99
TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"
Ever since a cosmic phone call brought the literal young goddess Belldandy into college student Keiichi’s residence, his personal life has been turned upside down, sideways, and sometimes even into strange dimensions!
The battle to control the minds of every student at Nekomi Tech comes to its showdown, as the power behind Queen Sayoko’s throne is revealed at last! Then it’s back to good old-fashioned campus rivalries, as Megumi squares off against a different kind of royalty . . . the one who rules the road on the Inokuradai Pass!
• This volume also includes a message from creator Kosuke Fujishima and your fan art and letters!
• Winner of the 2009 Kodansha Award for Best General Manga.
• Oh My Goddess! is the longest-running manga series in America!
RED TIDE
Jim Steranko (W/A)
On sale Jun 23
FC, 128 pages
$19.99
HC, 7" x 10"
After emerging as Marvel Comics’ most controversial superstar, Jim Steranko tackled his greatest artistic challenge: creating an entirely new medium, the visual novel—not an illustrated novel or novel-length comic book, but a seamless fusion of interdependent graphic and prose narratives forming a powerful and original new method of telling stories. An artistic tour-de-force, Red Tide is hard-boiled detective fiction in the bare-knuckle tradition of Hammett, Cain, and Chandler, as well as the dark, atmospheric milieu of film noir. Dark Horse is proud to reintroduce this landmark work, remastered with state-of-the-art digital colors by Eisner Award-winner Dave Stewart, in a collector’s quality hardcover edition.
• 2006 Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame inductee.
• Steranko is best known for his work on Nick Fury.
A gritty, bare-knuckled detective fiction from award winner Jim Steranko!
SOLOMON KANE: DEATH’S BLACK RIDERS #4 (of 4)
Scott Allie (W), Mario Guevara (P), Juan Ferreyra (C), and Darick Robertson (Cover)
On sale Apr 14
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
The Cleft Skull may be the most dangerous place for travelers in Germany’s Black Forest, but, for the moment, it is Solomon Kane’s only sanctuary from the deadly demons without—Death’s Black Riders! They have surrounded the rickety inn and are waiting for the opportune moment to strike! If he and the Priest are to see England again, they’ll have to confront the Riders head on! Outnumbered and with only two shots in his guns, Solomon Kane will have to rely on his wits and his sword arm to save the Priest and escape the inn alive!
“Solomon Kane is a welcome addition to the other excellent Howard properties produced by Dark Horse…” —Comics Bulletin
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS—IN SERVICE OF THE REPUBLIC
Henry Gilroy (W), Steven Melching (W), Scott Hepburn (P), Dan Parsons (I), Michael E. Wiggam (C), and Ramón Pérez (Cover)
On sale June 30
FC, 80 pages
$7.99
TPB, 5 1/4" x 7 1/2"
Jedi Kit Fisto and Plo Koon take on a daring assault mission with a squad of tough Republic commandos on the ice planet Khorm. The Jedi seek to free the Separatist-enslaved Khormai people and destroy the Separatists’ mountain fortress. But on this assignment, nothing will come easy! An intense snowstorm, a cowardly Republic captain, and the arrival of feared assassin Asajj Ventress with her elite commandos test the skill of the Jedi and the Republic forces!
STAR WARS: LEGACY #47—THE FATE OF DAC
John Ostrander (W), Jan Duursema (P), Dan Parsons (I), Brad Anderson (C), and Sean Cooke (Cover)
On sale Apr 28
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing
The Sith poison the waters of the ocean planet of Dac in an effort to wipe out every living thing—but Admiral Gar Stazi isn’t ready to abandon the native Mon Calamari without an attempt at evacuation.
Time is against him, and securing the assistance of his new Imperial allies will decide whether this rescue is a success . . . or a suicide!
The Rogue Squadron returns!
STAR WARS OMNIBUS: A LONG TIME AGO . . . VOLUME 1
Roy Thomas (W), Don Glut (W), Archie Goodwin (W), Mary Jo Duffy (W), Howard Chaykin (A), Tom Palmer (A), Terry Austin (A), Bill Wray (A), Walt Simonson (A), and others
On June 16
FC, 480 pages
$24.99
TPB, 6" x 9"
Collecting the first twenty-six issues of the Marvel Comics Star Wars series that launched in 1977 (the same year as the first film), this first volume of Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago . . . is a must have for any Star Wars fan!
Future volumes will include material not previously collected along with the consecutively numbered Marvel run: the comics adaptation of Return of the Jedi, material from Marvel UK, the Droids and Ewoks series, and other rare Star Wars comics.
STAR WARS: PURGE—THE HIDDEN BLADE
Haden Blackman (W) and Chris Scalf (A/Cover)
On sale Apr 7
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
One-shot
On a remote world, Darth Vader chafes at the assignment given to him by the Emperor: guarding an Imperial manufacturing facility from the anti-Imperial natives. Vader feels the duty is beneath him—until he learns that a Jedi Master and his Padawan are in league with the natives!
Now the game is afoot, and Vader is on the trail of his favorite prey. No ambush, no local monstrous lizards, will deter him his pursuit. Woe be to the Jedi when Vader catches up with them! This issue follows events in Revenge of the Sith!
Vader vs. Jedi!
THE TERMINATOR #2 (of 3)
Zack Whedon (W), Andy MacDonald (P), Dan Jackson (C), and Massimo Carnevale (Cover)
On sale Apr 28
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
In the barely-remembered time before the Terminators, the life of a young woman key to humanity’s survival depends on the actions of Kyle Reese in present-day 2029. But Kyle may not live long enough to help Sarah Conner if he and his companions Ben and Paige can’t escape Skynet’s terrifying new weapon—Terminators that look just like people!
Guided by information about a hidden Cyberdyne facility, the three friends must brave T-800s, HKs, rogue resistance gangs, and other threats in their search for any advantage against the machines. What they can’t anticipate is the nature of the incredible resource hidden within the facility’s walls!
• Written by rising star Zack Whedon (Dr. Horrible, Fringe, Deadwood)!
• Terminator and Terminator 2 are on the AFI’s list of the 100 Most Heart-Pounding American Movies!
USAGI YOJIMBO #128
Stan Sakai (W/A)
On Apr 28
b&w, 24 pages
$3.50
Ongoing
The rabbit ronin’s warrior pilgrimage brings him to a new town, with new friends and new threats, in this standalone tale!
Having returned to the road, a rainstorm sends Usagi in search of shelter. Finding a town, Usagi meets Taro, a young maker of tera tera bozu—dolls that children construct to ensure good weather. Little Taro hangs one up on the eaves so that he and his new long-eared friend can play in the morning. The next day may turn out to be fine, but the night could be a killer.
• Tera Tera Bozu part 1 (of 1)
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