Previews #255 (vol. XIX #12) previews publications

SC, 5x8, 450pgs, B&W $15.99

By Nana Haruta

Miku decides to try telling Kyohei her feelings by giving him chocolates for Valentine's Day. But Kyohei, unaware that he's the object of her affection, offers himself up as a practice partner for her love confession. RATING: T

SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

By Yuki Yoshihara

Choko Kuze is in love with her ex-servant-now-tyrannical-boss Masayuki Domoto. She's had a hard time getting him to see her as a woman, but between bouts of treating her like a genteel lady and an entry-level office grunt, he's slowly starting to come around. RATING: M

MATURE THEMES

SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99
WILD ONES, VOL. 9

By Kiyo Fujiwara

With the sudden appearance of his long lost father, Rakuto must deal with a whole new world of emotions--feelings of betrayal and abandonment followed by anger. Will Sachie be able to help him keep it together? RATING: T

SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

FUSHIGI YÛGI, VOL. 5 (VIZBIG EDITION) $17.99

HONEY AND CLOVER, VOL. 9 $9.99

HOT GIMMICK, VOL. 4 (VIZBIG EDITION) $17.99

INUBAKA: CRAZY FOR DOGS, VOL. 15 $9.99

LOVE*COM, VOL. 17 $9.99

NARUTO: CHAPTER BOOK , VOL. 12 $4.99

POKÉMON DIAMOND AND PEARL ADVENTURE!, VOL. 6 $7.99

RASETSU, VOL. 4 $9.99

S*A, VOL. 15 $9.99

SKIP*BEAT!, VOL. 20 $9.99

ST. [HEART] DRAGON GIRL, VOL. 6 $9.99

SWITCH, VOL. 13 $9.99

THE PRINCE OF TENNIS, VOL. 36 $9.99

ULTIMATE MUSCLE, VOL. 25 $9.99

WE WERE THERE, VOL. 9 $9.99

YUYU HAKUSHO, VOL. 19 $9.99
VIPER COMICS
OFFERED AGAIN
O/A THE MIDDLEMAN: THE COLLECTED SERIES INDISPENSABILITY COMPENDIUM TP (NEW PRINTING)

(W) Javier Grillo-Marxuach (A) Les McClaine

Back In Print! Together in one explosive tome, it's all three volumes of The Middleman, the Viper Comics smash that spawned the cult series that aired on ABC Family! It's all here: the complete story of Wendy Watson, art student turned crime-fighter for the world's most absurdly secretive organization, loaded with extras and ready for action!

SC, 6x9, 336pgs, B&W SRP: $19.95

(W/A) Various

Yen Plus is a monthly anthology magazine that brings readers the best in manga! Yen Plus is unique in that you can read it by opening it from the front or the back — open it from the front and you will get great manhwa from Korea and original American manga. Open it from the back and you will get the absolute best manga from Japan! Yen Plus is a great way to give the very eager fans of manga a look at the best titles coming from Japan, Korea, and the Western world! (C: 0-1-2)

448pgs, B&W SRP: $8.99

(W) Dall-Young Lim (A) Sung-Woo Park

The countdown to the destruction of Okinawa has begun! As comrades fall all around them, those left standing must rely on a miraculous beam of light to win the fight! The Nirar Kanai Arc finally comes to a dramatic climax! (C: 1-1-2) NOTE: Available only in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and Mexico.

SC, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $10.99

(W) Dall-Young (A) Sung Woo Park

When the last pivotal stone soul of the Hiba family is destroyed, all the negative energy that had been accumulating to a critical point is released and steers Okinawa toward annihilation! In order to put a stop to the evil and twisted Hiyou's experiments, Kuro and the gang begin the battle that will put their lives on the line. (C: 1-1-2) NOTE: This item may be available through other retail outlets before shipping to comic book specialty shops. NOTE: Available only in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and Mexico.

SC, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $10.99

(W/A) Hiromu Arakawa

A young boy finds his destiny as a warrior truly lies among the stars. On their way to the capitol, Taitou and his entourage have a skirmish with a group of soldiers from Genrou-Tou. Defeating the soldiers is no problem, but they didn't have any information about Shimei or the missing Kenkaranbu sword. Along the way they make a stop at the home of Housei's master, who adds ore to what little Taitou knows about the heroes of the stars. (C: 0-1-2)

MATURE THEMES

SC, 192pgs, FC SRP: $10.99
HIGURASHI WHEN THEY CRY VOLUME 6 GN

(W) Ryukishi07 (A) Jiro Suzuki

Satoko's uncle has returned and is abusing her, so Keiichi decides to take matters into his own hands and eliminate her uncle. He does so on the night of the Cotton Drifting festival, but his friends claim they hung out with him all night at the festival and that Satoko's uncle isn't dead. As more and more people begin to doubt Keiichi's sanity, he grows angry and wishes they were all dead! (C: 0-1-2)

MATURE THEMES

SC, 5x7, 400pgs, B&W SRP: $10.99
SOUL EATER VOLUME 2 TP

(W/A) Atsushi Ohkubo

Maka and Soul are given a remedial assignment to take the soul of Dr. Franken Stein who happens to be the most powerful meister to ever graduate from Death Weapon Meister Academy. Needless to say this assignment turns out to be more than they expected. In the middle of the fight Maka learns how to see someone's soul and sees for herself just how powerful Dr. Stein's soul is! (C: 0-1-2)

SC, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $10.99

(W/A) Peach-Pit

Chika fights his inner demons, facing a manifestation of Shiba. Shito manages to switch the train tracks in time to save his partner. They escape through one of Kuze's portal doors only to end up in a dimensional space fashioned by Caramela. Zen attacks his own friends as though possessed — and plummets into the darkness! (C: 1-1-2) NOTE: Available only in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and Mexico.

SC, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $10.99

(W/A) Peach-Pit

The gang is trapped inside the school, fraught with students-turned zombie and a steadily growing tension between Z-loan and A-Loan. The cabin fever reaches an all-time high when Chika loses his senses and resorts to cannibalism. Shito and Michiru enter his subconscious in the hopes of finding the source of Chika's distress. What they find are disturbing, buried memories of Chika's childhood. (C: 1-1-2) NOTE: This item may be available through other retail outlets before shipping to comic book specialty shops. NOTE: Available only in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and Mexico.

SC, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $10.99

(W) Raven Gregory (A) Daniel Leister, Nei Ruffino (C) J. Scott Campbell

The beginning of the end is here. The final piece to the Wonderland trilogy brings the powerful story of Alice’s only daughter , Calie Liddle, full circle. Her infant daughter was taken from her arms and brought into the realm of madness. Now Calie must re-enter the one place she has tried for so long to escape. The moment of truth has arrived as the girl who became a woman now sets out to become a hero. The one person who can prevent pure insanity from escaping into this world must now find a way to defeat madness itself.

The final chapter of the most intense, riveting and addictive comic book series you have read in years has arrived and this time around there may be no escaping Wonderland.

MATURE THEMES

HC, 7x10, 176pgs, FC $24.99

(W) Joe Brusha (A) John Teledo (C) Mike Debalfo

Grimm Fairy Tales presents – “The Devil’s Gambit”. The armies of good and evil are gathering on both sides in preparation for a war that threatens to rip the Grimm Fairy Tales universe apart and destroy earth in the process. After recruiting Cinderella to help lead his army the Devil ads Pinocchio to his ranks. But first the boy puppet must endure a hideous transformation that makes him a potent living weapon.

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC $2.99
SALEM’S DAUGHTER #3

(W) Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco (A) Caio Menescal (C) Greg Horn, Nat Jones

Using his power of mind control, the mysterious Darius has spread panic throughout Essex County and now Anna Williams is about to burn at the stake. Darius offers Anna one last chance to join him but her refusal only fuels his rage. Now it’s all up to Braden to save Anna from certain death, but it might be too late. Don’t miss the conclusion to the incredible prequel story arch of Zenescope’s newest hit series Salem’s Daughter! Covers by superstar artist Greg Horn & “Death Dealer” artist Nat Jones!

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC $2.99
MERC #2

(W) Jerry Brown (A) Daniel Schneider (C) Marat Mychaels

Sonny finds himself trapped inside a jet with along with the courier he's been hired to hi-jack. He must think fast and act even faster as he tries to escape the suicide mission he willingly signed on for. When he finally secures the surprise courier and cargo he realizes that he’s been tricked into making the biggest mistake of his short lived life. Blade Runner meets Die Hard in this incredible new sci-fi action series from Zenescope!

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC $2.99
AGON #2

(W) Scott Burn with Ralph Tedesco & Joe Brusha

(A) Shawn Van Briesen (C) David Michael Beck

The Epic Battle of Agon is here! Earth representatives in the interplanetary gladiatorial battle travel to an alien world where the brutal competition takes place. Alien species from across the galaxy prepare face each other in a battle to the death where only on planet can survive. Earth’s hero’s search their team for a leader who can help them win the deadly battles ahead as they get ready to fight for the survival of not only our planet, but the entire human race as well.

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC $2.99

The first set of glassware for the hit independent series is here! Featuring artwork by some of the industry’s top artists including David Finch, this set of shot glasses is sure to be a hit with fans of the series.

Shooter Set (x3) $15.99
RETURN TO WONDERLAND TP

(W) Raven Gregory (A) Daniel Leister, Al Rio, Nei Ruffino

(C) Talent Caldwell

The most epic Wonderland tale begins here. Years have passed since Alice took her trip down the rabbit hole. She is no longer the little girl you once knew. Alice is now a grown woman with a husband and kids, living the everyday life of a typical housewife. But everything is not what it seems. Alice's mind has become detached from reality, leaving only an empty shell of her former self. Now her daughter, Calie, will follow in her mother's footsteps to discover the truth behind madness that plagues her mother and the twisted world called Wonderland where the story of Alice was only the beginning. You've never seen Wonderland...quite like this. Collects the complete Return to Wonderland series, cover gallery, and bonus material in this paperback version.

MATURE THEMES

SC, 7x10, 176pgs, FC $19.99

(W) Raven Gregory (A) Daniel Leister, Nei Ruffino

(C) J. Scott Campbell

Months have passed since Calie Liddle returned from the terror that is Wonderland, months since that world took so much from her. Now jaded and bitter, Calie has moved far away from her hometown, attempting to lead a more normal existence in the city that never sleeps. With a different name and a new identity, Calie is just beginning to adjust to another life. But not every story has a happy ending as she soon realizes that things in her new life are not going to stay normal for very long… Something from Wonderland has found its way out and Calie knows that she could very well be the only one who has a chance to send it back to where it belongs.

MATURE THEMES

HC, 7x10, 160pgs, FC $24.99

(W) Joe Brusha (A) Vic Durichio (C) Al Rio, Eric Basuldua

Wendy, Dr. Harlow and Cross find themselves transported to the magical world of Neverland where they begin their quest to rescue Michael and John from Pan’s island. Their search is side tracked when the meet the islands less then friendly natives. Meanwhile Pan contemplates has his own sinister plans for the boys. This issue is a must have for every Grimm and Wonderland fan!

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC (2 of 7) $2.99
THE WAKING #1

(W) Raven Gregory (A) Vic Drujiniu (C) David Finch [A], Ebas [B]

From the writer of Zenescope's smash hit Wonderland trilogy, and Image Comics THE GIFT comes Raven Gregory's newest tale of horror. In the big city, four police detectives investigating two routine murders discover that the victims of these crimes are coming back from the dead in search of those responsible for snuffing out their lives. Now the detectives are in a race against time to find the source of the recent "waking's" and will be torn between doing their jobs or allowing the victims to find their own brand of bloody justice. Meanwhile, a father with an incredible ability must choose between avenging his daughter's death or losing her forever. Check out what is sure to be one of the hottest freshest new takes on the zombie mythos in 2010. Featuring covers from superstar artists Dave Finch (Ultimatum) and Ebas (Witchblade Annual). In stores the first week of February.

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC $3.99
THE WAKING #2

(W) Raven Gregory (A) Vic Drujiniu (C) J. Scott Campbell [A], Eric J [B]

From the writer of Zenescope's smash hit Wonderland trilogy, and Image Comics THE GIFT comes Raven Gregory's newest tale of horror. The investigation continues as two bodies go missing from the morgue in search of those responsible for their deaths. Meanwhile, Jonathan Raine struggles to keep his little girl imprisoned or lose her forever. Featuring covers from superstar artists J. Scott Campbell (Amazing Spider-Man and Danger Girl), and a Eric J B&W (Rex Mundi and JSA)cover. In stores the third week of Feb.

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC $3.99
BOOKS SECTION
ANIME
ANIME AND PHILOSOPHY SC

(E) Josef Steiff, Tristan D. Tamplin

From Akira, Astro Boy, Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, and Dragon Ball Z, to Full Metal Alchemist, Ghost in the Shell, Grave of the Fireflies, Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Robotech, and Spirited Away, this book examines some of the most loved, best-known, and intriguing anime films and series to find what lies at their core, underneath the typical but by no means ubiquitous visual elements of big eyes, big hair, and bright colors. (C: 0-1-2)

SC, 6x9, 288pgs, B&W SRP: $19.95

(A) Alazar

Once again, Alazar, the undisputed king of kink combines his fiendishly clever mind with his bottomless well of deviant talents and produces an all-new gallery of things that make us all go "ooooh"! Carnal cartooning is brought to new heights of hotness! OUCH!

MATURE THEMES

SC, 64pgs, B&W SRP: $9.95
THE ART OF BARON VON LIND SC

(A) Jerry "Baron" Von Lind

Jerry "Baron" Von Lind knows how to create pin-up art that's as bewitching and alluring as anything created in the last century! This all-new gallery celebrate's the Baron's need for luscious ladies in lingerie and naughty smiles on beautiful faces!

MATURE THEMES

RES. from Previews Vol. XIX #6 (JUN091195)

SC, 8x11, 48pgs, FC SRP: $14.95

This gorgeous and generous book celebrates the award-winning, showstopping art and design of McSweeney's across their numerous activities, designed and created by the McSweeney's team themselves. (C: 0-1-2)

HC, 9x11, 264pgs, FC SRP: $40.00
GIRLS ON TOP! THE PIN-UP ART OF MATT DIXON TP

(A) Matt Dixon

When illustrator Matt Dixon sits down to do some good girl art, he insists they have a bad attitude! The resulting masterworks are both powerful and empowering! These ladies are lovely AND lethal!

MATURE THEMES

SC, 48pgs, FC SRP: $14.95
ILLUSTRATION MAGAZINE #29

This issue of Illustration features the spectacular art of Ellen B.T. Pyle, best known for her beautiful covers for the Saturday Evening Post in the 1930s and 40s. Plus, spotlights on Edwin Georgi, William Meade Prince, and tons of archival photos, drawings, studies, and rare original paintings. (C: 0-1-1)

Magazine, SC, 96pgs, FC SRP: $15.00
JUXTAPOZ VOLUME 17 #3

Presenting a gallery of underground artists who influence much of the graphics, fashion, and new art seen today, Juxtapoz gives readers the latest in modern art worldwide! Each issue features interviews and reviews of artists, as well as photos from galleries and exhibits, rare sketches, portfolios, and full-color layouts of painters and cartoonists and their works. (C: 0-1-1)

Magazine, FC SRP: $5.99
OUTERMOST: THE ART & LIFE OF JACK GAUGHAN

(W) Luis Ortiz

Fantastic imagery, explosive color, and occasionally creepy creations merge together in this elaborate collection of the work of genius artist, Jack Gaughan. Extremely prolific and popular from the 1960s through the 1980s, Gaughan is showcased in this chronicle that is the first to detail the art and life of this master of the science fiction and fantasy genre. Overflowing with samples of work from the artist's personal archives and exploring examples of his working method, this definitive guide provides an inside look into this four time Hugo Award winner. (C: 0-1-2)

HC, 9x9, 176pgs, PC SRP: $39.95

(W) Chip Kidd, (A) Alex Ross

From the sensational, award-winning artist of the bestselling Mythology, Alex Ross, comes his never-before-seen DC Comics sketchbook! Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the stunning black-and-white drawings of the DC characters you loved from Mythology: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Black Canary, and many more. All of Alex Ross’s extraordinary, hyper-realistic paintings start as pencil on paper, and some of them never get beyond that stage. None of these hundreds of graphite sketches has ever been published before, and most of them will make their only published appearance in Rough Justice. Rough Justice reveals the brilliance and brawn of Alex Ross’s draftsmanship: the foundation of his dazzling images. (C: 0-1-2)

HC, 8x11, 256pgs, PC SRP: $30.00

(W) Bill Willingham; Narrated by Wil Wheaton

When an unspeakable tragedy befalls a family of traveling minstrels, they become stranded and left for dead. Here in the heart of The Black Forest, Peter Piper and his older brother, Max, encounter ominous forces that will change them both irreparably. Thus begins an epic tale of sibling rivalry, magic, music, and revenge that spans medieval times to the present day when their deadly conflict surfaces in the placid calm of modern-day Fabletown. Writer Bill Willingham deftly weaves a story of adventure and dark fantasy that will keep listeners riveted until the final, fateful last words. This audiobook features nine hours of unabridged storytelling on eight CDs, and includes the short story, "The Price of a Happy Ending," and a bonus "Download on Disc" (Mp3 files on one disc — transfer-ready to iPods), all packaged in a Special Collector's Edition Steelbook Audio Case. (C: 0-1-2)

8 CD set, HC, FC SRP: $29.99

A 2010 TOY FAIR Spectacular! This issue showcases all the latest and greatest toys that were showcased at the NYC Toy Fair 2010, including all the news from leading manufacturers like Hasbro, Mattel, DC Direct, Diamond Select Toys, Sideshow Collectibles, Gentle Giant, Neca, and Playmates. Also included is a vintage Kenner Centurions article, as well as the next installment of "Lee's Guide to Collecting Loose Generation 1 Hasbro Transformers" (the 1989 series), plus vintage toy reviews, McFarlane's Sports Picks, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Teen Titans, DC Comics Super Heroes, Hot Wheels, market reports, trading figures, and more. Not to mention the nation's #1 Hot Wheels Price Guide! (C: 0-1-1)

Magazine, 100pgs, FC SRP: $5.95
TOMART'S ACTION FIGURE DIGEST #185

This issue features AFD's on site reports from the New York Toy Fair! The industry has promised a strong showing against projections the economy is strengthening. The revival of at least one popular '70s line is nearing the announcement stage, while Iron Man will show additional offerings. Plus, Action News Briefs, Tomart's Speed Shop's news on Hot Wheels collecting, and other regular features. (C: 0-1-1)

Magazine, 64pgs, FC SRP: $5.95
COMICS
CLASSIC MARVEL FIGURINE COLLECTION MAGAZINE SPECIAL: FIN FANG FOOM

Although once believed to be a native of the Valley of the Sleeping Dragon in China, Fin Fang Foom — whose name, roughly translated, means "He Whose Limbs Shatter Mountains and Whose Back Scrapes the Sun" — is actually a Makluan, a shape-shifting alien being from the world of Kakaranthara, awakened from his centuries-long slumber to ravage and conquer the land. First appearing in Strange Tales #89 (Oct. 1961), Foom has faced heroes ranging from the Fantastic Four to Iron Man, and remains a monstrous menace to this day. This special edition of Classic Marvel Figurine Collection Magazine features a huge, hand-crafted figure accompanied by an all-you-need-to-know magazine on Fin Fang Foom. (C: 0-1-3)

Magazine (w/Figurine), 20pgs, FC SRP: $38.00
CLASSIC MARVEL FIGURINE COLLECTION MAGAZINE

These fully-authorized, hand-painted lead figurines are sculpted by master craftsmen and based on original pieces of Marvel artwork. Each 3 1/2" figurine is individually numbered, comes stamped with the Marvel official logo, and comes packaged in its own box. The accompanying magazine provides a detailed history and background on the featured character, including exclusive images and interviews. The fabulous characters featured this month are Chameleon (#116) and X-23 (#117)! (C: 0-1-3)

#116: CHAMELEON—Magazine (w/Figurine), 16pgs, FC SRP: $12.00

#117: X-23—Magazine (w/Figurine), 16pgs, FC SRP: $12.00

"Gone, gone o' form of man, Arise the demon, Etrigan!" One of Jack "King" Kirby's most memorable creations, part man, part elemental fury, Etrigan the Demon was bound to Jason Blood by Merlin to defend Camelot, only to become a demonologist in the modern-day DC Universe. This special edition of DC Superhero Collection Figurine Magazine features a hand-sculpted figure accompanied by magazine that details the character's history and key appearances in comics. (C: 0-1-3)

Magazine (w/Figurine), 20pgs, FC SRP: $28.00
DC SUPERHERO COLLECTION FIGURINE MAGAZINE

The ultimate collection for comics fans, the DC Superhero Collection Figurine Magazine brings together DC Comics' greatest heroes and villains! Official figurines of the characters, both good and evil, are cast in lead, individually hand-painted and numbered to form an authentic collector's edition. Each comes with a 20-page magazine providing detailed history and background on the featured characters, including exclusive images and interviews. Choose this month from Huntress (#50) and The Atom (#51). (C: 0-1-3)

#50: HUNTRESS—Magazine (w/Figurine), 20pgs, FC SRP: $14.00

#51: THE ATOM—Magazine (w/Figurine), 20pgs, FC SRP: $14.00

Comic Shop News is comics' weekly newsletter. Each issue is full-color, 8-12 pages in length, and features CSNsider, news, and interviews. CSN has a complete monthly checklist (complete with PREVIEWS order numbers), plus exclusive CSN Hot Picks, "Fab Firsts," and a monthly checklist of all the first issues for the month!