Previews #262 (vol. XX #7, jul10) previews publications

SC, 120pgs, FC SRP: $19.95

(W/A) Various

From the folks behind the on-line magazine experiment, Nexus!, comes Zedura, a bold new endeavor focused on the very best of sequential art and the people behind it. A quarterly magazine that encapsulates all the wonders that only comic books can contain, Zedura's mission is to appeal to both fans and newbies. Every full-color installment is packed with interviews, articles, reviews and art to make your eyes bleed. This issue we chat with high-caliber talents and showcase some of the best projects of 2010 from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and more!

76pgs, FC SRP: $4.95

(W) Andy Mangels, Ryan Foley (A) Fabio Laguna

Travel to a time of Sword and Sorcery; a time of Dragons and Damsels in distress! Follow Dirk the Daring and Princess Daphne as they return from an astonishing adventure in the Free Realms only to be attacked by the great dragon, Singe, and his evil minions. Singe vows revenge against Dirk for killing his offspring, and Daphne is soon caught in the dread dragon's claws. Now, armed with his courage and skill, Dirk must brave the Dark Kingdom and all its evils in order to save the Princess from Singe! Collected for the first time with never-before-seen art and sketches from the Don Bluth, taken from the Dragon’s Lair video game! (APR083548)

HC, 7x10, 164pgs, FC SRP: $19.95

(W) Phil Hester (A) David Marquez

Archaia and Roddenberry Productions are proud to present the thrilling sequel to the critically acclaimed series, Days Missing! Days Missing: Kestus continues the saga of The Steward, a mysterious being whose ability to "fold" days of time has resulted in critical human events being absent from our historical record. Their existence is not remembered… but the occurrences of these days have forever changed the course of our evolution. Since humanity's birth, The Steward has stood as a guiding force for our species. But now, he is not alone! The emergence of the ancient being, Kestus, may put everything he knows in question, and the future of those he means to protect in jeopardy.

32pgs, FC (1 of 5) SRP: $3.95

(W) Phil Hester, Various (A) Frazer Irving, Various

Since the dawn of time, a being has existed who has shaped human development. His powers have allowed him to secretly remove certain critical days from the historical record, and those events have never been told. But the occurrences of these days have forever changed the course of humanity's evolution. These are the Days Missing from our existence, and they are about to be revealed! Collects all 5 issues of the hit mini-series and includes a cover gallery and sketchbook. (C: 0-1-2)

HC, 7x10, 144pgs, FC SRP: $19.95

(W/A) David Petersen

The Eisner Award-winning Mouse Guard returns with The Black Axe, a third volume to be told in six bi-monthly issues. Set in 1115, this prequel to Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 fulfills the promise the wise oldfur Celanawe made to Lieam the day his paw first touched the Black Axe: to tell the young warrior about the mouse who first wielded the deadly weapon. The arrival of distant kin takes Celanawe on an adventure that will carry him across the sea to uncharted waters and lands, all while unraveling the legend of Farrer, the blacksmith who forged the mythic Black Axe.

8x8, 24pgs, FC (1 of 6) SRP: $3.50

(W) Swifty Lang (A) Michael Lapinski

This new series is ripped right out of the real-life drama unfolding on the Mexico-Arizona border. FEEDING GROUND reaches a large and diverse audience no matter tour personal POV on the issue. In this factious story, a famine caused by Blackwell Industries drives Diego Busqueda, a noble "coyote," to lead a band of Mexican border crossers across the unforgiving Devil's Highway, a desert cursed with blistering days and deadly nights. Back home, Diego's daughter Flaca discovers that something hungrier prowls the factory fields. Stalked and persecuted, can the Busqueda family maintain their dreams of immigration or will the horrors of the desert tear them apart? Also included is 24 pages of bonus content in Spanish!

MATURE THEMES

48pgs, FC (1 of 6) SRP: $5.95
LUCID #2

(W) Michael McMillian (A) Anna Wieszczyk

Things are heating up at the House at Dupont Circle! What is the Prophecy of the Pendragon? What Occult weapon threatens the fate the United States... for the second time? And what exactly is an Astral Amplifier?! Lucid #2 takes you one more giant leap into the strange world of Matthew Dee as the novice Combat Mage races against the clock to prevent President's Day from becoming a National Day of Mourning! Written by True Blood actor Michael McMillian and illustrated by newcomer Anna Wieszczyk, Lucid is Archaia's first title published in association with Zachary Quinto (Heroes, Star Trek) and his production company, Before the Door Pictures.

24pgs, FC (2 of 4) SRP: $3.95

(W) Andrew E.C. Gaska (A) Daniel Dussault

The dramatic conclusion to the first mini-series! The gravitic drive vessel Black Rabbit is on the pad for its earthborn launch to new worlds! Prime Minister Blacklytter bans public transmission of the liftoff! The Wraith infiltrates the launch bay with the intent of hijacking the starship! Young John Adams makes a stand for his beliefs, and pays the ultimate price! Disaster strikes New Bombay, heralding the end of Hope itself! Angel Rei stares long and hard into a bottle of sleeping pills! Countess Watwani races to stop her husband from committing genocide! All this, and Coney, Eryc, and Pandita find their flight out-system blocked by a police force! As all points converge, will Thomm finally realize his grandparents' dream of a new beginning for mankind, and a future amongst the stars?

MATURE THEMES

40pgs, FC (4 of 4) SRP: $3.95
THE KILLER: MODUS VIVENDI #5

(W) Matz (A) Luc Jacamon

The Natural Order of Things—In Venezuela, our Killer has made a pact with the Cubans, leading a campaign of assassinations against a military junta. A crusade of sorts, and well out of character for a stonehearted executioner. So has he finally woken to the world, to a cause? Or, as his buddy Mariano suggests, is his heart just being manipulated by the bewitching Cuban officer, Katia...

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC (5 of 6) SRP: $3.95
THE SECRET HISTORY BOOK 14

(W) Jean-Pierre Pécau (A) Igor Kordey

The Watchers. 1945. The two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki seem to have put an end to the evil plots of William of Lecce. In liberated Paris, Daniel Rosenthal, a survivor of the death camps, learns how to live again. He owes his survival to a "star," a strange tarot card given to him by the surrealist poet Robert Desnos in the Terezín concentration camp, who also told him about the mysterious cabaret, L'Arcane 17. Daniel begins a descent into a world he did not know existed and into a story that the textbooks do not teach: the secret history.

MATURE THEMES

48pgs, FC SRP: $5.95
OKKO VOLUME 3: THE CYCLE OF AIR HC

(W/A) Hub

It is the Spring of 1110 in the official calendar of the Pajan Empire. Okko is called upon to assist the daughter of Lady Mayudama, who has retreated into a profound silence. The best doctors have been unable to provide even a diagnosis of her condition. Okko may prove to be her last resort. But a strange force that has been prowling around the region for over a week has also arranged a meeting with the ronin for a duel of incomparable violence... Collects all four issues of Okko: The Cycle of Air mini-series. (C: 0-0-1)

MATURE THEMES

HC, 104pgs, FC SRP: $19.95
PRIMORDIA HC

(W) John R. Fultz (A) Roel Wielinga

Two human infants are abandoned in an ancient forest and adopted by the strange creatures called Woodfolk. Driniel (Moon) is the night-wanderer, dancing with the spirits of the deep groves, summoning demons for his pleasure. Alleyar (Sun) is the flame of valor, rising in the ranks of the Woodfolk hunters and taming a fierce beast with his sorcery. More than human, less than gods, these misfit brothers will change the worlds of Gods and Mortals forever as they uncover the secrets of their own past and parentage. (C: 0-1-1)

MATURE THEMES

RES. from Previews Vol. XIX #4 (APR098467)

HC, 7x10, 104pgs, FC SRP: $19.95

(W) Nick Tapalansky (A) Alex Eckman-Lawn

The once peaceful city of Park Falls has been tainted by a series of gruesome murders and missing persons. Cynthia Ford, known as the town crazy, finds retired police detective Derrick Peters and relates to him her belief about what's going on in town. Her explanation? Zombies! Unable to ignore Cynthia's information, though not sharing her beliefs, Derrick and others in the town explore the mystery as weeks turn to months and the death toll rises. Could Cynthia be right or has she finally gone insane? Collects the first five issues of the existential horror series. (APR090649) (C: 0-1-2)

MATURE THEMES

HC, 7x10, 144pgs, FC SRP: $19.95
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ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
ARCHIE MARRIES... SLIPCASED HC

(W) Michael Uslan (A) Stan Goldberg, Bob Smith

The hit storyline — 70 years in the making — collected in one deluxe volume! The eternal love triangle that has been the cornerstone of Archie Comics for almost seven decades is finally untangled in this seven-part story written by Michael Uslan and illustrated by veteran Archie artist Stan Goldberg. The journey begins when Archie finds himself strolling up Memory Lane, and marries the wealthy and cultured Veronica Lodge. Later we see what happens when he strolls down Memory Lane and marries the wholesome, peppy girl next door, Betty Cooper. This pivotal series of seven issues is bound in hardcover, encased in a double-die-cut slipcase, and packaged with a reprint of a classic Archie comic. Featured is all-new material created especially for this edition, including script outtakes, never-before-seen sketches, annotations, vintage covers, and exclusive interviews with the creators. (C: 0-1-2)

HC, 7.5x10, 200pgs, FC SRP: $24.95

(W) Tom DeFalco (A) Fernando Ruiz, Rick Koslowski, Jack Morelli, Glenn Whitmore

"Riverdale ZOMBIES!"—The mayhem continues as zombiefied students and faculty, transformed by the mysterious Formula Z, escape into the streets of Riverdale! Archie, the "Man from R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E.," must find a way to reverse the effects. Can Archie, his friends, and his cousin Andy, find a cure to wake the Walking Dazed from Mad Doctor Doom's control?

32pgs, FC SRP: $2.99

(W) Angelo DeCesare (A) Bill Galvan, Jack Morelli, Digikore Studios

Twilite: Part 2—The intense conclusion to the thrilling tale of mythic teen romance! When Ivan is exposed as a vampire, Veronica's feelings for him only deepen. But Jared, the one responsible for exposing Ivan, has a terrifying secret of his own! Can mere mortals like Archie and Reggie compete against these supernatural Casanovas?

32pgs, FC SRP: $2.99

(W) Mike Pellowski (A) Various

The Archies comeback plan falls on deaf ears as their manager tries to give them some help with a little "Band Aid." Then, Archie is "Snooze Alarmed" when he stays up late to work on a paper and finds out the real test is if he can stay awake in school!

Digest, 80pgs, FC SRP: $2.69

(W) Bill Golliher, John Rose (A) Various

Archie, Jughead and Reggie are a trio of troublemakers at the Lodge mansion, and an award-winning swordfish becomes a casualty! Can they hook a replacement before they end up sunk? Then, Archie seeks "Football Fun" by coaching a youth team, but is it too big a task to tackle? Finally, Archie plans on using his leaf-raking money to buy the perfect costume for the "Monster Mash" masquerade, but will Reggie rake in on Archie's idea?

Digest, 160pgs, FC SRP: $3.99

(W) Dan Parent (A) Pat Kennedy, Tim Kennedy, Mike Decarlo, Jack Morelli, Digikore Studios

Battle of the BFFs: Part 3—Reigning "World's Greatest BFFs" Betty and Veronica judge the competition to determine the next greatest BFFs. Cheryl Blossom snares Ginger Lopez into her plot to best B&V by scheming her way through the contest. But will time on BFF Island prove to be too much for her manipulations? Continued from Betty & Veronica #249!

32pgs, FC SRP: $2.99

(W) George Gladir, Mike Pellowski (A) Various

Veronica has "The Great Idea" to be a living model at the mall and shoppers flock to see her. But what happens when girls flock to see Archie model?! Then, the audience cries "Don't Make A Scene!" as the gang takes to the stage to act out world-famous romances!

Digest, 80pgs, FC SRP: $2.69

(W) Dan Parent, George Gladir, Bill Golliher (A) Various

Who will win Prince Archibald's heart when Betty and Veronica cast themselves in a "A Tale of Two Cinderellas" as Cinderbetty and Cinderonica?! Then, Betty & Veronica become the "Action Faction," going full steam ahead to help local businesses. Meanwhile, Betty and Veronica must work together to fend off bike chicks hailing Archie as their hero for turning "The Riverdale Express" railroad tracks into a bike trail!

Digest, 160pgs, FC SRP: $3.99

(W) Alex Simmons (W) Rex Lindsey, Jim Amash, Jack Morelli

"Well, Well My Lovely"—Jughead Jones, Semi-Private Eye is back! In a nearby Chinatown, a string of mysterious accidents puts actress Anna Mae in ever-increasing danger! With danger and shadows around every corner, Jughead must discover who has a beef with the film before they endanger not just his life, but the all-you-can-eat buffet!

32pgs, FC SRP: $2.99

(W) George Gladir, Dexter Taylor, Mike Pellowski (A) Various

Jughead becomes "Mr. Idea Man" to help a costume shop drum up business with a unique way to guarantee a date night. As word of mouth spreads, will Jughead be a victim of his own success? Then, Little Jughead decides to "Send in the Clowns" to help Principal Weatherbee find a new car. Meanwhile, Ethel and Midge play a game of "Mix and Match," imagining what other romantic triangles would be like at Riverdale High!

Digest, 160pgs, FC SRP: $3.99

(W) George Gladir, Tim Kennedy (A) Various

When Dilton's attempts to make the football team get sacked, he finds that he might be better suited for the sidelines… as team mascot! Then, Archie and his friends become "Haunted Helpers" by making a deal with Mr. Lodge: If they can clean up an old theater before renovations, The Archies can be the premier act when it re-opens! They'll just have to sweep away a tangle of cobwebs first… and perhaps a ghost or two!

Digest, 160pgs, FC SRP: $3.99

(W/A) Various

The best-selling Archie wedding series continues with The Married Life, two ongoing series each featuring one of Archie's two possible futures, one married to Betty and another married to Veronica. First, in "Archie Loves Betty: Saturday" (by Paul Kupperberg, Norm Breyfogle, Andrew Pepoy, Various) Archie and Betty fight to make their dreams come true in Manhattan. But back in Riverdale, Mr. Lodge will stop at nothing to break the man that broke his daughter's heart. Meanwhile, in "Archie Loves Veronica: Dear Dilton…" (by Paul Kupperberg, Norm Breyfogle, Joe Rubinstein, Various), the Lodge's push to buy out Pop Tate's is pushing Archie and Veronica's marriage to its limits as the mayoral race continues. Will an old foe step in to help Moose step up?

64pgs, FC SRP: $3.99

(W) Ian Flynn (A) Ben Bates, Jamal Peppers

THICKER THAN WATER Part One: "From the Inside Out"—Sonic and Bunnie head out into the Great Desert to aid Freedom Fighters in need, but get caught up in a whirlwind ruckus! While Sonic's past brings him face-to-face with deadly enemies, Bunnie's past reunites her with a mysterious old acquaintance. Who is friend and who is foe? Then, Dr. Eggman takes center stage in a shocking backup tale that finds him revealing the restored Lien-Da-but what has he done to her?!

32pgs, FC SRP: $2.99

(W) Ian Flynn (A) Ben Bates, Jamal Peppers (C) Tracy Yardley!

THICKER THAN WATER Part Two: "Hindsight"—It's Sonic versus Bunnie in a no-holds-barred battle! The prize: the sprawling Oil Ocean Refinery! Two factions stand poised to attack as hero turns on hero — but is everything as it seems? There will be as many revelations as explosions! Then, in "Hindsight," Dr. Eggman calls Snively in for questioning. What is the conniving little man up to this time?

32pgs, FC SRP: $2.99

(W) Ian Flynn (A) Various

Sonic the Hedgehog is the longest running video game-inspired comic ever! But who is Sonic? Why do they call Dr. Robotnik "Eggman"? What is a "Chaos Emerald", and what exactly does it do? Sonic's world is a big place, and it's easy to get lost in over 300 issues worth of stories. Enter this essential reference volume to save the day! This all-encompassing illustrated encyclopedia is the ultimate guide to Sonic's world, loaded with key information on characters, teams, magical artifacts and more! All this, plus an extensive world map of Mobius and a timeline that sheds new light on past events. Featuring art by Patrick "SPAZ" Spaziante, Tracy Yardley!, Steven Butler, Jamal Peppers, Terry Austin, Jim Amash, Jason Jensen, Matt Herms and more!

SC, 6x9, 192pgs, FC SRP: $14.95

(W) Ian Flynn (A) Tracy Yardley!, Jim Amash, Phil Felix, Jason Jensen

Trouble in Paradise: Part Four (of 4)—Deep in the enemy base, Tails and his friends fight to survive the assault from the terrible Mole Mech! But even if they come out on top, do they stand a chance of escaping with their lives? Don't miss the thrilling conclusion!

32pgs, FC SRP: $2.99

(W/A) Tania del Rio

Relive the first four issues of Sabrina the Teenage Witch's “manga makeover” in this special edition trade paperback! Here are the continuing tales of Sabrina’s awakening powers and the various love triangle combinations. (AUG063027)

SC, 5x7, 112pgs, FC SRP: $7.49

(W/A) Various

Asylum Press brings you a giant flesh rotting collection of all-new zombie tales. Featuring an international cast of artistic talent. Szymon Kudranski (Spawn) brings us "The Barber", a tale of the undead and the Mob. In "Creature Converts", a cat lady's feline friends develop a taste for the flesh. In "Feast", a gangster's taste for a delicacy becomes his end. In "Hate", a zombie must confront what he's become. Billy George brings us "The Undead Templars", a tale of the blind dead. In "The Jiang Shi", we get a taste of Asian zombies, and Robert S. Rhine and Frank Forte deliver "Zombie Brain Feast". Other tales include "Bond", "Dead of Night", and "Desert Church" — over 15 flesh-eating tales to shock and horrify — plus an all-new tale by horror master Tim Vigil!

MATURE THEMES

152pgs, FC SRP: $14.95
EEEK! VOLUME 1 TP

(W/A) Jason Paulos

This retro-style anthology of all-new horror tales is guaranteed to give you the eeries and the creepies! Taking a pinch of black humour from EC comics and mixing it with the art stylings of House of Mystery and Warren comics, EEEK! blends a heady broth that hits you like a burning incense stick to the retina. Jason Paulos delivers the goods with over 15 tales of revenge, zombies, vampires, ghouls and monsters; each tale drawn in a different style reminiscent of the B&W horror mags of the '70s and '80s!

MATURE THEMES

152pgs, B&W SRP: $14.95
ASPEN MLT INC.
THE SCOURGE #2

(W) Scott Lobdell (A) Eric Battle

They are taking over…

From the innovative mind of acclaimed movie producer Gale Anne Hurd, and written by superstar writer and visionary Scott Lobdell, comes this summer’s biggest blockbuster new series — THE SCOURGE!

All hell breaks loose on the island of Manhattan as NYPD Swat Officer Jon Griffin attempts to subdue his now-transformed friend before he is able to wreak more havoc on the innocents of the city. However, Griffin’s worst nightmare is realized when he sees just how widespread the epidemic, which turns people into gargoyle-like creatures is, and one thing’s for sure—Times Square will never be the same again!

Featuring the astounding artwork of series artist Eric Battle, and colors by Jorge Fares, THE SCOURGE #2 is set to infect the comic book community like never before!

THE SCOURGE #2 is in stores September 1st, 2010!

32pgs, FC $2.99

(W/A) Joe Benitez

JOE BENITEZ DEBUTS HIS NEWEST THRILLING SERIES! The exciting adventure of Aspen’s newest female heroine begins here! The mysteries surrounding private investigator LADY MECHANIKA and her origin begin to unfold as she heads to a rundown city known as Satan’s Alley. Located on the lower eastside, it is an area of town under siege by the presence of a murderous creature of unknown origin. While a weapons manufacturer has issued a reward for the unknown slayer, drawing a crowd of bounty hunters looking to cash in, Lady Mechanika’s purpose is far more personal — information that could lead to the truth about her creation.

Featuring a 13-page story that sets the stage for the brand-new LADY MECHANIKA #1 issue coming next month, make sure to get in on the ground floor of the next exciting series! Complete with an additional sketchbook section, never before seen art, and a stunning cover by creator Joe Benitez himself, this special #0 issue is not to be missed!

LADY MECHANIKA#0 is in stores September 8th, 2010!

24pgs, FC $2.50

(W) J.T. Krul (A) Alex Konat, Jon Bolerjack, John Starr

The war on terror has just begun!

The CIA has created an elite team of telepathic agents dedicated to fighting domestic terrorism. But as Connor and the rest of his crew take to the streets, can they handle the dark thoughts buried inside the minds of ‘we the people?’

Aspen’s newest hit series, MINDFIELD, comes to you courtesy of creator J.T. Krul and new comer Alex Konat, who present to you a world of action and intrigue the likes of which you’ve never seen! The thrilling saga continues as Connor takes center stage in this battle of mental willpower. It's telepath vs. telepath as Connor is forced to go up against Lucien's creepy minions, Malcolm and Ian. In a physical fight, Connor would win easily, but this battle is taking place inside the human mind where all bets are off! Meanwhile, Isaac’s past begins to haunt his present, as the headstrong agent must confront his greatest adversary yet—himself.

Plus, don’t miss out on the next exciting 4 page ‘Project Cobalt’ character story, featured in the back of every issue! That’s 26 total pages of MINDFIELD action, brought to you each and every month!

Mindfield #4 is in stores September 15th, 2010!

32pgs, FC $2.99

(W) David Schwartz (A) Alex Sanchez

RETURN TO THE DEEP WITH MICHAEL TURNER’S FATHOM!

The past comes crashing into the present in this exciting all-new Aspen mini-series, FATHOM: BLUE DESCENT! Abseloma learns firsthand the deadly price of what it will take to save his wife, Aspen Matthew’s mother Eilah, from the clutches of Rahger, the powerful leader of The Black. As Loma, Zo, Cannon and the rescue team descend into the dark and murky native homeland of the mythical race far below the surface, they encounter far more than they bargained for, and the group’s return back is now a matter of survival--rather than a choice.