Image Comics Resources Previews

Previews

Previews August 2002

AGE OF BRONZE #14 by Eric Shanower The Concept: Age of Bronze presents the ancient and thrilling tradition of the world- famous Trojan War, freshly retold for the 21st century. All the drama of the time-honored story unfolds before your eyes, all the familiar people and event, the beautiful Helen, the wily Odysseus, the noble Achilles, and the deadly Trojan Horse. All the comedy, all the tragedy, all the wide canvas of human drama unfolds within the pages of Age of Bronze. This Issue: Scattered by a storm, the Achaean fleet limps homeward, the fate of the war with Troy in doubt. After easily persuading Odysseus to join him at Mycenae, High King Agamemnon encounters unwelcome resistance from his wife when she refuses to sleep with him. Meanwhile, Achilles returns to Skyros where his wife and son await him. But a difficult choice awaits him as well-a choice between Deidamia and Patroklus. Quarterly ongoing series. In stores the week of August 14th. b&w, 32pg $3.50
ATHENA INC #3 (W) Brian Haberlin (A) Jay Anacleto Cover A by Jay Anacleto Cover B by Brian Haberlin The Concept: Athena Inc., the blackest of black ops, has come up with the perfect operative. She can't be caught. And even if she could be, there is no way to link her to any action because she doesn't even know she's an agent. Heck, she doesn't even look like their agent. She was hailed as a success...that was until...the genetic trigger that enables her to switch personas began to break down. Now she can switch forms more or less on her own. And now she's a threat to the security of Athena Inc. and must be dealt with. But who will deal with whom first? This Issue: Gwen is hearing voices and they are getting louder by the minute... the bad thing is she knows where these voices are coming from... herself! And she just won't shut up! As for the Mary side of things...well, she is on the run full tilt from Athena Inc. and has picked up some help from a very unlikely source, Randall Horne, the only recently ex-head of research at Athena Inc. But can one old man really tip the scales of fate in her favor versus other highly trained Manhunters? Open a copy up and see. In stores the week of August 7th. Ongoing bi-monthly series MATURE READERS FC, 32pg $2.95
BASTARD SAMURAI #3 (W) Mike Oeming and Miles Gunter (A) Kelsey Shannon (I) Mike Oeming (Cover) Mike Oeming The Concept: Bastard Samurai takes place in present day Manhattan and focuses on Jiro, a killer at the top of his class at the KoZu sword school. The underground training camp in midtown takes in orphans and twists them into Bushido warriors used by the Yakuza in death matches staged across the city rooftops where Japanese businessmen gamble heavily on the always-fatal outcome. This Issue: Jiro faces off against his Master in a Japanese cemetery. Can Jiro match the skills of the man that taught him how to kill? Between master and student, who is the real Samurai? And where the hell is Toshi? All questions are answered and the stage is set for Bastard Samurai II. Also features a Toshi backup drawn by Oeming! In stores the week of August 7th. FC, 32pg (3 of 3) $2.95
BATTLE OF THE PLANETS #2 (W) Munier Shurief (P) Alex Ross and Wilson Tortosa (C) Shane Law and Udon Studios The Concept: Banded together to protect the earth, G-Force is a team of five highly trained teenagers who keep the world safe from all manner of evil threats! Using an array of advanced weapons and even-more-advanced vehicles, the team best known for their 1970's cartoon series is set to be taken into the 21st Century by some of the top talents in comics! This Issue: The hottest event of the summer continues as the attack on Earth has begun, and only the super-team known as G-Force stands between the forces of evil and our planet's utter destruction. Can Mark, Jason, Keyop, Tiny and Princess defeat Zoltar and the soldiers of Spectra? Buy this issue with an all new Alex Ross cover and find out! In stores the week of August 14th. FC, 32pg $2.95
DEFIANCE #4 (W) Douglass Barré (A) Kano Kang and Zack Suh (Cover) Kano Kang and Zack Suh The Concept: If Ivan doesn't deliver his message, here's what's going to happen: 1.) Satan takes over the earth and reigns over it with fire and terror. 2.) Nothing else, for all eternity. So, it's up to Cleo and Lym, two hell-born agents of Satan's rival, to keep Ivan alive long enough to get his job done. The only problem? Ivan doesn't even remember the message he was sent back to earth to deliver... This Issue: "The Messenger" Part Four of Four—Li'l Cleo couldn't save Ivan... can the original Cleo do any better? She and Lym finally find the Messenger, but so does Mayor Lowe Thibodeaux and his unwelcome mental roommate, the Devil. You just know things aren't going to end well when all your characters meet for the first time and proceed to start shedding their skin and exploding and stuff. The first act of DEFIANCE comes to a shattering conclusion with this issue! Bimonthly. In stores the week of August 28th. FC, 32pg $2.95
G.I. JOE #9 (W) Josh Blaylock (A)Steve Kurth (I)John Larter (C) Mike Zeck The Concept: G.I.JOE is the code name for America's daring and highly trained special mission force. It's purpose: to defend freedom against COBRA, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world. This Issue: This is it! The issue you've been waiting for. The world's two baddest ninjas go head to head in an Arashikage battle royal! Snake-Eyes. Storm Shadow. That's all you need to know. In stores the week of August 14th. FC, 32pg $2.95
G.I. JOE BATTLE FILES #3 (W) Scott Wherle (A)Various (C) David Michael Beck The Concept: G.I. JOE is the code name for America's daring and highly trained special mission force. It's purpose: to defend freedom against COBRA, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world. This Issue: The last of the G.I .Joe sourcebook volumes is here! Find out everything you ever wanted to know about Joe and Cobra vehicles, gadgets, and equipment. Want to know the layout of Zartan's Everglades compound? What's the Joe wrist-com all about? That and more are in Battle Files #3. In stores the week of August 21st. FC, 48pg (3 of 3) $5.95
HELLSPAWN #16 Todd McFarlane Productions (W) Steve Niles (A) Ben Templesmith (Cover) Ben Templesmith The Concept: Featuring the same core character as the long-running Spawn comic book, Hellspawn mires the protagonist in a dark, foreboding world of grime and dirty secrets. While Spawn highlights a battle between the dark and the light, Hellspawn is struggling mightily to keep the blackness at bay. This book is the stripped-down ugly essence of Todd McFarlane's Hell-born creation. This Issue: "Hellworld" Part 4, the Conclusion—The heart of man is the place the Devil's in: I feel sometimes a hell within myself. All of Hellworld will stagger at the power of a Hellspawn out of control! What was illusion is now terrifyingly indisputable and the she- demon seducer Hel will come face to face with Spawn on his own terms. The lies are put aside and Spawn will confront the inhabitants of a thousands pits of Hell to rescue one innocent girl whose life he put in jeopardy. This will be the Hellspawn's finest hour ... or his last. In stores the week of August 21st. FC, 32pg $2.50
HOLY TERROR #1 (W) Jason Caskey (A) Phil Hester (I) Jim Woodyard The Concept: Sometimes the worst that can happen is that your dreams come true, and they turn out to be nightmares. Take, for example, Max Brody. He's a guy struggling to live up to his father's legend and make a name for himself in the wild world of professional wrestling. All he needs is one break. He gets that break, but is it worth it? Is fame and fortune enough for a man to risk his very soul? This Issue: What is the bizarre connection between ancient Aztec curses and the world of professional wrestling? Find out, as wrestler Max Brody dons a mysterious black mask and takes on the persona of the Holy Terror. Join us as Max discovers that real battles have no scripted outcome, and glory is a small reward in exchange for one man's soul! In stores the week of August 21st. FC, 32pg (1 of 4) $2.95
LIBERTY MEADOWS #27 by Frank Cho The Concept: Life and love in Liberty Meadows, the animal sanctuary. Where everything and anything can happen. This Issue: Brandy goes to her first comic book convention with the boys to meet various comic celebrities and...disaster. Ralph, the midget circus bear, prepares to reclaim the world record as the fastest airborne animal with a little help from Jen, a lovely NASA engineer. Bi-monthly ongoing series. In stores the week of August 14th. b&w, 32pg $2.95
MCFARLANE'S MOVIE MANIACS 5 McFarlane Toys McFarlane Toys' infamous Movie Maniacs series continues to expand. One of the world's most popular and highly anticipated action figures lines, Series 5 expands the boundaries of what's considered a "maniac" with the most beautifully sculpted and eclectic collection yet! T-800 Endoskeleton, Sarah Connor, Jason X, The Tooth Fairy, Lord of Darkness, & The Djinn. (#17700) (CAUT: 4) Figure PI
MCFARLANE'S SPORTS PICKS: BASEBALL SERIES 3 McFarlane Toys Our third series of big league superstars features eight more of the finest hitting, pitching and fielding players in Major League Baseball. Each action figure comes complete with official team uniform, equipment and has its own custom base. Chipper Jones, Adam Dunn, Jason Giambi, Curt Schilling, Roberto Alomar, Juan Gonzalez, Roy Oswalt, Vladamir Guerrero. (#70260) (CAUT: 4) Figure PI
MCFARLANE'S SPORTS PICKS: FOOTBALL SERIES 4 McFarlane Toys McFarlane Toys' fourth series of gridiron greats features an increased set size, from six players to eight. And what a group of eight. This series includes several of the most highly requested athletes, all in action poses with complete uniforms and equipment. Brett Favre, Terrell Owens, Peyton Manning, Jason Sehorn, Donovan McNabb, Ricky Williams, Michael Vick, Curtin Martin. (#70320) (CAUT: 4) Figure PI
MICRONAUTS #2 (W) Scott Wherle (A) Eric Wolfe Hanson (I)Barb Schulz (Cover) Dave Johnson The Concept: Within our own universe lies another universe unbeknownst to us... until now. The realm of the MICRONAUTS - a place ruled by evil tyrant, Baron Karza, whose scientific marvels offer his people immortality, at the cost of their humanity. When unsuspecting, Ryan Archer is thrown into their world, we find that not only are things about to change, but Ryan will have much to do with it. This Issue: Meet Persephone. In a fantastic, cold and metallic, science fiction landscape, she's the most beautiful woman stranded and incarcerated Earthman Ryan Archer has ever laid eyes upon. But is she friend or foe? Meanwhile, we learn from the warrior Acroyear, the details of Baron Karza's malicious rise to power and how he became the powermad dictator that he is. It's not a pretty story. Bi-Monthly ongoing series. In stores the week of August 7th. FC 32pp $2.95
POWERS #24 (W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Mike Avon Oeming The Concept: Heroes glide through the sky on lightning bolts and fire. Flamboyant villains attempt daring daylight robberies. God-like alien creatures clash in epic battle over the nighttime sky. And on the dirty city streets below, Homicide Detective Christian Walker does his job. Walker is teamed up with spunky rookie Detective Deena Pilgrim to investigate murders specific to superhero cases - investigations that take them from the seediest underbelly a city has to offer, to the gleaming towers that are home to immortal beings. This Issue: "Anarchy" Part Four—Its anarchy in the streets!! The public has turned against its superheroes and the bodies are piling up! Will the superheroes turn on the people and if so, is there any way for the police to stop them. Ongoing monthly series. In stores the week of August 14th. MATURE READERS FC 32pp $2.95
POWERS TP VOL III: LITTLE DEATHS (W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Mike Avon Oeming The next edition in the best selling trade paperback line in Image central history is here by overwhelming demand. A selection of Powers most intriguing and salacious stories published to date. Plus, an explosive gathering of some of the most hard to find Powers material. "GROUPIES": A superhero sex scandal like you have never seen before. When one of the biggest horndog's in the history of superheroes is found dead in bed, the underworld of superheroes groupies comes into the spotlight. Collecting Powers #12-14. "RIDE ALONG": Warren Ellis guest-stars as himself. Warren invites himself onto a research ride-along with the stars of Powers and wouldn't you know it, things turn terribly wrong right away! Find out why this long out of print story, originally seen in Powers #7, is our number one requested reprint. PLUS: The very first reprinting of the entire Powers Wizard Edition, plus the complete, critically-acclaimed Powers Annual. Powers: Who Killed Madman? A devious Powers parody by Bendis and Oeming with a staggering array of comic book superstar guest- stars that has to be seen to be believed. The Powers Coloring & Activity Book: No, we are not joking. Bonus Story: "KEYS": A noir crime story. The very first collaboration between Bendis and Oeming. Plus: A dazzling Mike Oeming sketchbook, a cover gallery, an in-depth interview with Brian Michael Bendis, and a brand new cover by Oeming. In stores the week of August 28th. SC, 7x10, 224pg, FC $18.95
REX MUNDI #0 (W) Arvid Nelson (A) Eric J The Concept: What if Europe never crawled out of the dark ages? What if magic and the occult sciences were real? Welcome to Rex Mundi. Jazz is all the rage in the smoky nightclubs of Paris, but kings still rule Europe, and the Holy Inquisition maintains order with an iron fist. Far from prying eyes, sorcerers practice magical arts rumored to have been founded in Biblical times. Amidst this setting, thunderheads of a cataclysmic war are gathering... This Issue: A dark secret threatens the life of father Gerard Marin, a Catholic priest with a checkered past. Fearing the torture chambers of the Inquisition, Marin turns to his only friend, Master Physician, Julien Saunière. Saunière uncovers a mystery that stretches from the slums of present-day France to the walls of Jerusalem during the darkest days of the Crusades. At the center of the mystery is a secret someone is willing to kill for... In stores the week of August 28th. FC, 32pg $2.95
RISING STARS #21 (W) J. Michael Straczynski (P/I) Brent Anderson (C) John Starr The Concept: 113 people are born with superpowers, granted by a comet that crashed into their hometown before they were born. Rising Stars is the story of the lives and times of these "Specials," following their victories, their defeats, and their struggles - both with the world at large and within their own ranks. This Issue: The government has developed a weapon capable of destroying the Specials, causing them to go into hiding. Will the government be able to systematically hunt them down and destroy them as it did to Pyre? And with the Specials hidden, what will happen to the order they put in place? Find out as J. Michael Straczynski's epic masterpiece heads toward its climatic conclusion! In stores the week of August 21st. FC 32pp (21 of 24) $2.99
RISING STARS POSTER: POET (P) Brent Anderson (C) Peter Steigerwald By popular demand, the incredible Poet image from the cover of Rising Stars #17 is now available as a full size poster! One of the most profound Rising Stars images from the series, this great poster is sure to please any fan of the ground breaking series! Ships rolled & tubed. In stores the week of August 7th. Poster, 24x36, FC PI
RISING STARS: VISITATIONS TP (W) J. Michael Straczynski (P) Frank/Zanier/Cha (I) Gorder & Livesay (C) Liquid!/Nelson/Starr/Evans Collected together for the first time, you can now get your hands on some of J. Michael Straczynski's most sought after Rising Stars stories. Including the rare zero issue with an additional 6 page story illustrated by Gary Frank, the limited 1/2 issue, and the very FIRST Rising Stars Preview issue, this incredible collection showcasing several unique tales of the Specials is not to be missed! Plus, with added sketches and an all new cover by Brent Anderson, this great collection is sure to find a home with you! Prestige Format In stores the week of August 14th. SC, 7x10, 64pg, FC $8.99
SAVAGE DRAGON #102 by Erik Larsen The Concept: While the World's Greatest Super-hero, the Savage Dragon, fights to make the world a better place, his son Malcolm Eugene Jackson Dragon takes up the fight in his own way! This Issue: Savage Dragon faces the most disturbing foe he's ever faced, the villainous Afterbirth! It's Child Warfare in the inimitable Image fashion! Who says child abuse can't be wholesome entertainment fit for the whole family? (Okay, that's stretching it-It won't be pretty). Meanwhile, Savage Dragon's son, Malcolm Eugene Jackson Dragon continues his quest to free his captive friends from the clutches of an evil organization hell bent on World Domination. Savage Dragon comes with our Highest Possible Recommendation! Ongoing monthly series. In stores the week of August 21st. FC, 32pg $2.95
SPAWN #125 Todd McFarlane Productions (W) Brian Holguin and Todd McFarlane (P) Angel Medina (I) Danny Miki (Cover) Greg Capullo and Todd McFarlane The Concept: Al Simmons, once the U.S. government's greatest soldier and most effective assassin, was mercilessly executed by his own men. Resurrected from the ashes of his own grave in a flawed agreement with the powers of darkness, Simmons is reborn as a creature from the depths of Hell. Disfigured, homeless and alone, this warrior now known as Spawn wanders the shadowy alleys of New York City in search of his past life. This Issue: "Wake Up Dreaming" Part I—While crossing the middle of America, Spawn finds himself in a small town called Bliss, a town which seems to be populated entirely by key people from his past. Is it a trick? A dream? Some secret pocket of Hell? If they know, the townspeople of Bliss aren't telling. While shadows of the past and shades of a dark future are gathering on the horizon, Spawn is forced to question everything he once believed about himself ... and his former life as Al Simmons. Ongoing monthly series. In stores the week of August 28th. FC, 32pg $2.50
SUPERPATRIOT: AMERICA'S FIGHTING FORCE #2 (W) Robert Kirkman (A) Cory Walker (Cover) Cory Walker The Concept: Super soldier, Johnny Armstrong has been battling the forces of evil since World War II. His illustrious career has had many pitfalls and triumphs over the many years of his activity. In the early '90s it seemed that career had come to an end, his arms and legs missing, the result of a deadly battle with Chicago's notorious criminal organization, the Vicious Circle. His broken body was rebuilt into the ultimate killing machine. More machine than man, Johnny found himself pawn of criminals and the government. In control of his life at last he tries to pick up the pieces and regain some semblance of the life he knew. This Issue: The Pulse pounding patriotic pandemonium continues! Our star spangled hero teams up with his long lost son to thwart the nefarious schemes of Hydro, an organization hell bent on returning man to it's water breathing roots, no matter what the cost! Meanwhile, his old Nazi sparring partner from World War II, Baron Blitzkrieg, continues his plans to rid the world of SuperPatriot once and for all. This issue also features the return of one of SuperPatriot's oldest foes, thought dead, but now more deadly than ever! You gotta see this one to believe it! Brought to you by the swingin' Indy sensations Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker. In stores the week of August 7th. FC, 32pg (2 of 4) $2.95
TOMB RAIDER VS. THE DARKNESS SPECIAL (W) David Wohl (P) Billy Tan (C) Steve Firchow Available for the first time! The incredible topcowstore.com exclusive, Tomb Raider vs. The Darkness is being made available for the first time for those of you who may have missed out on obtaining this incredible issue. Tomb Raider and The Darkness meet for the FIRST time right here, and the outcome isn't what you'd expect!! With art by Billy Tan and colors by Steve Firchow, this is one exclusive you'll want to get your hands on! Quantities are limited. Allocations may occur. In stores the week of August 28th. STANDARD ED.—FC, 16pg PI RUBY FOIL ED.—FC, 16pg PI
TOMB RAIDER JOURNEYS #6 (W) Fiona Avery (P) Drew Johnson (I) Jay Leisten (C) Jonathan D. Smith The Concept: Artifact hunter extraordinaire Lara Croft is on the adventure of a lifetime, out to track down the Spanish Armada of 1550. Journeys is a twelve-issue adventure spanning the seven seas, full of swashbuckling adventure like you've never seen! This Issue: The events on the eve of Lara's high school reunion are just beginning to heat up. Offered a ride back to 10 Downing Street by her former schoolmate-turned-Prime Minister, Lara is given the assignment of a lifetime. As Lara ponders taking this job, a bizarre assortment of supernatural and unexpected guests show up to persuade her to take the job. Some of the ghostly mediators are friendly, some confusing, and some downright dangerous! In stores the week of August 7th. FC, 32pg (6 of 12) $2.99
TOMB RAIDER #17 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE (W) Dan Jurgens (P) Andy Park (I) Jonathan Sibal (c) Jonathan D. Smith Lara's ready for anything, even space, in this great exclusive cover. Previously available only at the 2001 Boston convention, this incredible exclusive Tomb Raider cover is a must for any Lara Croft fan! Quantites are limited so make sure to grab yours today! FC, 32pg PI
UNIVERSE #1 TOP COW SELECT ALTERNATE FOIL COVER (W) Paul Jenkins (P) Clayton Crain (I) Jonathan Galpion (c) Steve Firchow A previous 2001 convention exclusive, this incredible first issue of Universe is now available for the first time!! A Top Cow Select Exclusive, this incredible cover by Dale Keown features the Rapture as only Dale can draw it, and is complimented by a speckle foiled logo! One of the hottest covers of last year, our quantities are limited so make sure to get your hands on your copy today! Allocations may occur. FC, 32pg PI
WITCHBLADE #58 (W) David Wohl (P) Francis Manapul (I) Jason Gorder (C) Steve Firchow The Concept: Police officer Sara Pezzini has come into possession of the Witchblade, a demonic gauntlet that throws her into a world of supernatural menaces unlike any she knew existed before. Will she control the Witchblade, or will it control her body and soul? This Issue: Tensions mount between Sara Pezzini and Joe Siry as new questions emerge about Siry's involvement in Sara's father's death. And just what does all of that have to do with the Witchblade? The shocking answer begins to be revealed in this very issue! In stores the week of August 28th. FC, 32pg $2.50
WORLD CLASS COMICS #1 (W) Gary Carlson, Terrance Griep, Jr., Jeff Pedigo, & James Chambers (A) Glenn Whitmore, Vatche Mavlian, Tim Stiles, Tony Manginelli, and Ron Fontes (Cover) Glenn Whitmore The Concept: The creator of Big Bang Comics continues to celebrate the magic of comics history with five great stories from the twilight of the GOLDEN AGE and the beginning of the SILVER AGE with this all new edition of WORLD CLASS COMICS! This Issue: DR STELLAR faces both Professor Panic and a giant comet on a collision course with Earth. Only SPEED QUEEN can stop a maniac from using stolen uranium to commit crimes via telephone. The HUMAN SUB leads an expedition to a fabled shipwreck where they discover an angry amphibious dinosaur that may have sunk the Goliath in the first place. VITA-MAN pops his "Panacea Pills" to take on a gang operating out of a gym. Plus: the mysterious origin of MR. MARTIAN: is he here to save us or to prepare for the invasion when Mars attacks Earth? In stores the week of August 28th. b&w, 40pg $4.95

Previews courtesy of Diamond Comic Distributors. Exact release dates for these issues are pending. Note that this list is tentative and subject to change.


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