Previews #311 (vol. XXIV #8, aug14)

Kanna Tezuka just wanted some peace and quiet so she could focus on making manga. With that in mind, she enrolled in a manga class. Her dreams of quiet were soon shattered by three boys who tilt the scales heavily in the looks department, but not so much in the brains. The boys discover that Kanna is a published manga artist and decide that she must be their teacher — but she has other ideas! (STK651022) (C: 1-0-0) NOTE: Not available in the UK, Australia, Singapore or the Philippines.

SC, 208pgs, B&W $10.99

MISSIONS OF LOVE VOLUME 9 GN

(W/A/CA) Ema Toyama

In school, Yukina is a cold and distant girl, while Shigure appears to be a perfect, good-looking guy. But the two of them have a secret, and their extraordinary "love" is about to start! Yukina, under the pen name "Yupina," is actually a popular cell phone novelist. When she discovers Shigure's devious womanizing ways, she blackmails him to complete daring "missions of love" for her to write about. Will these missions give them an opportunity to fall in love with each other? (STK651014) (C: 1-1-0) NOTE: Not available in the UK, Australia, Singapore or the Philippines.

SC, 192pgs, B&W $10.99

NO. 6 VOLUME 9 GN

(W) Atsuko Asano (A/CA) Hinoki Kino

When Shion, a privileged boy, gives shelter to an urchin for the night, the city he once called home forces him into the ghettos for insubordination. Four years later, an epidemic breaks out across the city. Shion, along with the help of the urchin Rat, must clear his name, even if it means exposing the ugly truth behind the perfect city No. 6. (STK651015) (C: 1-1-0) NOTE: Not available in the UK, Australia, Singapore or the Philippines.

SC, 200pgs, B&W $10.99

SANKAREA VOLUME 9 GN

(W/A/CA) Mitsuru Hattori

Since he was little, Chihiro has felt an unusual emotional connection to zombie movies. It's not that he feels bad for the survivors — instead he fantasizes about comforting the poor undead girls they slaughter! When his beloved pet passes away, he decides to brew up a resurrection potion in secret. But he's discovered by popular girl and local heiress Sanka Rea, whose life isn't as perfect as it seems — and Furuya suggests that she could serve as a test subject! (STK651016) (C: 1-1-0) NOTE: Not available in the UK, Australia, Singapore or the Philippines.

SC, 208pgs, B&W $10.99

SAY I LOVE YOU VOLUME 4 GN

(W/A/CA) Kanae Hazuki

Though still just in high school, Mei Tachibana had already abandoned all hope of finding a friend, not to mention true love. But a humiliating moment ties her and Yamato, the most popular boy in school, together, and once she starts opening her heart, there's no going back. Candid and complex, Say I Love You breathes new life into common themes, thanks to Hazuki's unique insight into the awkward bluster and emotional vulnerability of teenage life. (STK651017) (C: 1-1-0) NOTE: Not available in the UK, Australia, Singapore or the Philippines.

SC, 200pgs, B&W $10.99

VINLAND SAGA VOLUME 5 GN

(W/A/CA) Makoto Yukimura

The Viking invasion of England has reached a fever pitch, and Askeladd and Thorfinn rush to take part in the carnage! Their goal is the capture of Canute, the son of King Sweyn Forkbeard and heir to the throne of Scandinavia and the Danelaw. The defeat of a living legend with be a formidable test of Askeladd's cunning and Thorfinn's ruthlessness! (STK651018) (C: 1-1-0) NOTE: Not available in the UK, Australia, Singapore or the Philippines.

HC, 6x9, 464pgs, B&W $19.99

LEGENDARY COMICS

ANNIHILATOR #2

(W) Grant Morrision (A/CA) Frazer Irving

With a ticking time bomb inside his head, Ray finds himself on the run from the authorities with the most dangerous man in the galaxy at his side. Together they must stop the universe from imploding, but can Ray save himself in the process? A daring original series from the one and only mind of Grant Morrison, featuring art by Frazer Irving! (STK651135)

7x10, 32pgs, FC (2 of 6) $3.99

THE TOWER CHRONICLES: DREADSTALKER #3

(W) Matt Wagner (A/CA) Simon Bisley

Supernatural bounty hunter John Tower has long been a man shrouded in mystery. Now, discover what set him on this path of horror as his origins are finally uncovered, revealing just what Tower is risking his life to find! In the wake of these revelations, Tower's shadowy rival, Martin Castle, uses his considerable power and influence to move a new pawn into the game — a living weapon of mass destruction! Has Tower finally met his match? (STK651136)

7x10, 32pgs, FC $3.99

A TOWN CALLED DRAGON #2

(W) Judd Winick (A/CA) Geoff Shaw

Enter the town of Dragon, Colorado — a mountain community desperately trying to exploit their fantastical folklore in a hopeless attempt to lure in tourists. But the town's true legend is greater than they could possibly imagine. When a German excavation team accidentally unearths the world's last remaining dragon egg, an ancient beast is born, destroying everything in its path. Now this menacing creature threatens to wipe the entire town off the map. How can one group of ordinary citizens stand against a monster when they can’t even stand each other? (STK651137)

7x10, 32pgs, FC (2 of 5) $3.99

MAGNETIC PRESS INC.

LUMINAE VOLUME 1 HC

(W/A/CA) Bengal

Six young warriors are tasked with protecting the mysterious Luminae, a holy creature of Light in exile from those forces of Darkness that would decimate humanity. When one of the warriors disappears, the others know it is the sign of a superior evil soon to arrive. A stylish dark fantasy by the celebrated artist of Naja and Meka. (STK648464) (C: 0-0-1)

MATURE THEMES

HC, 9x11, 164pgs, FC $24.99

A "David and Goliath" story, On The Books is the first-hand account of the labor struggle at NYC's legendary Strand bookstore in the summer of 2012. Told by Greg Farrell, an employee of the store who interviewed numerous other members of the staff, the book examines the motives and actions of those involved, including the store, the staff, the union local, and the people of New York City, as understood by the author. Farrell gives voice to his comrades, who provide a depth of opinion and fairness to accompany Farrell's often very personal interpretation of events. In its ten short chapters the book explores at once the inner workings of our national retail environment, the current state of the book trade, and what happens when that no longer seems possible. (STK651686)

SC, 6x9, 160pgs, B&W $12.95

MOONSTONE

PHOENIX RISING #0

(W) Paul Kupperberg (A/CA) David Bryant

An ancient extraterrestrial is forced from an ages-long slumber into today's world of sensory overload, brought back to awareness before his appointed time with no understanding of what he is here to do — and only partial memories of where he has come from. Those answers lie with another long-ago buried alien astronaut, his companion Mira, whose whereabouts are unknown, but who he seeks...just one step ahead of agents of the mysterious Renaissance Group. Alone and reliant on his advanced intelligence and unusual solar-powered abilities, the Phoenix has only begun his ascent. (STK651643)

16pgs $1.99

NBM

STREET VIEW HC

(W/A/CA) Pascal Rabate

A visually incomparable treat and a brilliant homage to Hitchcock’s Rear Window, this unusual accordion book opens in two directions. One, a series of ten tableaux on a street scene as it evolves during the day. The next on 10 evening tableaux of the same view. A window may serve as a source of light and fresh air, but it also presents a view onto the life of a street and its many other windows, each a separate scene of its own, with its multitude of on-going stories developing before your eyes. Within those windows, you can witness the lives of single people, couples, families, stories of love, separation, and possibly even murder. (STK651709) (C: 0-0-1)

HC, 8x11, 48pgs, FC $27.99

NOIR THRILLER SET: THE BROADCAST & FAMILY TIES

(W/A) Eric Hobbs, Noel Tuazon

Two thrillers in one engrossing set! In The Broadcast, on the day of the historic broadcast of The War of the Worlds by Orson Welles, a family in the countryside fears for its life. Hoping to secure a future for his children, an aging Alaskan crime boss in Family Ties looks to retire and divide his empire amongst his three heirs. But when his idealistic son refuses the inheritance, the old man disowns him. Inspired by the classic play King Lear, The Godfather meets Shakespearean tragedy in this epic tale of betrayal and loss. (STK651711) (C: 0-0-1)

SC, 6x9, 388pgs, B&W $28.99

TO AFGHANISTAN AND BACK SC (NEW PRINTING)

(W/A/CA) Ted Rall

On the occasion of his second book on Afghanistan — After We Kill You, We Will Welcome You Back as Honored Guests — don’t miss Rall’s first on the subject. When U.S. bombs started raining on the Taliban, Rall didn't just watch it on TV; he jumped on a plane straight to the war zone to get the real story for himself. But the only cartoonist to go to Afghanistan got more than he bargained for. Within days of arriving, armed men were hunting down journalists to murder and rob them. You can count on Rall for a decidedly different take on this gritty war. (STK449301) (C: 0-0-1)

SC, 6x9, 128pgs, B&W $12.99

Eurotica

OFFERED AGAIN

O/A MAGENTA: NOIR FATALE GN

(W/A/CA) Nik Guerra

A raucous mix of femme fatales, bondage and noir, this very handsome new series is vintage risqué and kinky, and just as teasing and campy as the best burlesque. When "Kinky Winky" bondage models Magenta and Lucretia hear of fellow models disappearing at an alarming rate, they volunteer to investigate, uncovering the seamy underbelly of London of the thirties. (STK643940) (C: 0-0-1)

MATURE THEMES

SC, 9x11, 68pgs, B&W $11.99

For more information on this item and a copy of the PREVIEWS Adult supplement, ask your local comic shop. (C: 1-0-1) NOTE: Not available in Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, & the U.K.

SC, 9x11, 48pgs, FC $11.99

For more information on this item and a copy of the PREVIEWS Adult supplement, ask your local comic shop. (FEB141350) (C: 1-0-1) NOTE: Not available in Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, & the U.K.

SC, 9x11, 48pgs, FC $11.99

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NEW ENGLAND COMICS

OFFERED AGAIN

O/A THE TICK SPECIALS: THE COMPLETE WORKS TP

(W/A) Sean Wang & Various

This massive 440-page edition contains all 17 Tick holiday "special issues," including the Summer and Vacation issues, "Back to School," Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Valentines Day, four years worth of annual Xmas specials and even a "Tax Day Horror" special! These 17 hard-to-find Tick comics come handily collected all under one cover, making this the biggest Tick trade paperback ever! (STK393852)

SC, 440pgs, B&W $35.00

NEW PARADIGM STUDIOS

WORLD WAR MOB TP

(W) Vito Delsante (A/CA) Giancarlo Caracuzzo

In 1945 Mussolini is no longer the self-proclaimed Emperor of Italy, but leader of a puppet government installed by Hitler, and Charles “Lucky” Luciano, head of organized crime in America, wants him taken down. Permanently. No one rises to power in Italy without either crossing or allying with La Cosa Nostra — and Mussolini has crossed them. Five US soldiers, each a member of a crime family, undertake a clandestine mission: for crimes against the Mafia, Mussolini must be killed. (STK651696)

SC, 7x10, 100pgs, FC $12.99

NOBROW PRESS

FISH ONE-SHOT

(W/A/CA) Bianca Bagnarelli

Milo is twelve. The summer after his parents were involved in a fatal accident, Milo's struggle with grief threatens to overwhelm him. He sees death everywhere. When a missing girl is found drowned, Milo thinks that seeing her will finally lift the veil of the great unknown. A moving parable in comic form, this unflinching coming-of-age story is the American debut of one of Europe's finest young cartoonists. (STK651204) (C: 1-0-0) NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines.

7x9, 24pgs, FC $11.00

LOST PROPERTY ONE-SHOT

(W/A/CA) Andy Poyladgi

Gerald is a mailman, just like all the other mailmen. One day, having lost a precious and personal item, he visits a local lost and found, only to find more than he bargained for. In this "self storage," each and every one of Gerald's lost possessions have been kept and contained — waiting for him to decide what happens next. (STK651196) (C: 1-0-0) NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines.

7x9, 24pgs, FC $11.00

MARX GN

(W) Corinne Maier (A/CA) Anne Simon

Karl Marx dreamt of a world free from exploitation, inequality, and unemployment. Growing up in a rapacious capitalist society, Marx sought to address the evils of the world through new ways of thinking. His solution? Revolution! Marx is the second in Corinne Maier and Anne Simon's collection of graphic novels that explore the lives of some of history's most controversial and outspoken figures. (STK651211) (C: 1-0-0) NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories.

HC, 6x9, 72pgs, FC $19.95

BEHOLD, THE DINOSAURS! AND SOME NON-DINOSAURS HC

(W/A/CA) Dustin Harbin

Can you name 101 dinosaurs off the top of your head? Do you know which of them came first? Which was the first to go? Who was the tallest? How about the longest? The smallest? Fastest? Prettiest? Sleepiest? Harbin revists the most awe-inspiring Dinos to roam the Earth in a beautifully illustrated book that unravels to 6.5 feet long! (STK651301) (C: 1-0-0) NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories.

HC, 8x13, 20pgs, FC $24.95

NORTHWEST PRESS

DASH #2

(W) Dave Ebersole (A/CA) Delia Gable

After the shocking events of the last issue, Dash is now on the hunt for the mysterious Zita Makara. But will a violent interrogation by his former colleague turned rival, Detective Bruno Fernez, prevent him from stopping another murder? (STK651705)

24pgs, FC $3.99

A WASTE OF TIME #3

(W/A/CA) Rick Worley

Rickets the broken robot and Prester the born again teddy bear finally discover the whereabouts of the elusive Bill Watterson; he's spent decades as the prisoner of a deranged Jim Davis, forced to draw Garfield comics! Can our heroes rescue Watterson from the clutches of this commercial enterprise, or have they arrived too late? (STK651700)

MATURE THEMES

36pgs, B&W $4.99

A truck driver loses control in the Nevada desert and leaves a family dead. The sole survivor, Luna Hazuki, makes a pact with a mysterious demon to regain the happiness that was robbed from her. Seven years later she is still living with the family that was supposed to be dead, and the pact she made could lead to the Apocalypse. (STK651688)

MATURE THEMES

VOLUME 1—SC, 5x7, 204pgs, B&W $12.95

VOLUME 2—SC, 5x7, 212pgs, B&W $12.95

OSSM COMICS

THANIEL TP

(W) Omar Spahi (A/CA) Terry Huddleston

Thaniel has been surrounded by it his entire life. He's lost friends, mentors, and most recently, his mother. With little left to lose, Thaniel's path will lead him from crime-ridden streets to the cosmic entity responsible for all of his misery; the Grim Reaper himself, Death. (STK651619)

MATURE THEMES

SC, 96pgs, B&W $12.99

The world's best kept secrets are explained by the powers of the Xenoglyphs; each stone giving the holder power over one of Earth's elements. Tasked with keeping the mysterious Xenoglyphs separated, Steven, Dom, and Jennifer travel to Cairo to stop Anubis from using the stones to conquer the world. (STK651641)

SC, 128pgs, FC $12.99

OVERLOOK

METALLICA: NOTHING ELSE MATTERS GN

(W) Jim McCarthy (A/CA) Brian Williamson

By far the most successful of thrash metal’s original big four, incredibly Metallica have now been performing for over twenty years. Beginning with their initial underground success, Metallica: The Graphic Novel takes in all the highs (the amazing success of The Black Album, the nine Grammys, the over 100 million albums sold worldwide), the tragic lows (Cliff Burton’s death in a bus crash, the rehab for alcohol and substance abuse), and the controversies (the Napster lawsuit). Throughout, Brian Willamson’s stunning artwork and Jim McCarthy’s incisive script perfectly capture the rollercoaster tale of the Metallica story. (STK651071)

SC, 6x9, 160pgs, B&W $19.95

Oni Press

Ciudad HC

(W) Ande Parks, Joe & Anthony Russo

(A) Fernando León González (CA) Eric Skillman

She was kidnapped and taken to the worst place on earth. He was hired to get her out. Now, they’re both trapped in a city that wants them both dead, and their hopes of getting out are fading fast. From the bloodthirsty criminals, to the corrupt police, to the kid hiding a Glock under his sweatshirt on the corner, everyone wants Tyler Rake and Eva Roche dead. Set in the real world locale of Ciudad del Este, Ciudad explodes with breathtaking action and hyper violence from critically acclaimed writer Ande Parks [Capote in Kansas, Union Station], writer/directors Joe & Anthony Russo [Captain America: The Winter Soldier], and artist Fernando León González!

MATURE THEMES

HC, 6x9, 168pgs, B&W $19.99

MATURE THEMES

FC, 32pgs $1.00

Brides of Helheim #1

(W) Cullen Bunn (A/CA) Joëlle Jones with Nick Filardi

Years have passed since Rikard's victory over Bera and Groa. In defeating the witches, Rikard saved his people. And yet he cannot rest. He is still denied the promise of Valhalla. The warrior is condemned to wander the living world as an undead draugr. Now, a new challenge lies before Rikard: to face the demon beast Mórðvíg in a brutal conflict.

MATURE THEMES

FC, 32pgs $3.99

After discovering her dear friend Mercury beaten to within an inch of his life, Dex is determined to find the culprit at any cost. But when her path again crosses with Seattle-based investigator C.K. Banes, will Dex have an ally or yet another obstacle? Greg Rucka's fan-favorite detective is back in the second issue of her new ongoing series with artist Justin Greenwood (Image Comics' The Fuse)!

FC, 32pgs $3.99

THE LIFE AFTER #4

(W) Joshua Fialkov (A) Gabo (CA) Nick Pitarra

Upsetting the system has dire consequences in the afterlife, as Jude and Hemingway soon find out. Between underhanded deals upstairs and the threat of seraphim and wraiths down on the ground, the odds are quickly stacking against them. Will the return of a familiar face (and handkerchief) mean the arrival of an ally, or yet another danger? From the writer of The Bunker and breakout artist Gabo.

MATURE THEMES

FC, 32pgs $3.99

Drake, Becky, and Screaming Crow stage a cataclysmic attack on Griselda and her minions. All the forces of nature are brought down upon the Grey Witch. But will it be enough to stop her from using the Six to destroy the world?

FC, 32pgs $3.99

THE SIXTH GUN: DAYS OF THE DEAD #3

(W) Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt (A/CA) Mike Norton, Bill Crabtree

In the shadowy corners of San Francisco, tragedy strikes! The death god stirs! Yum Kimil, the harbinger of death and decay, plots the moment of his own rise to unholy glory. The unlikely alliance of Roberto, of the Sword of Abraham, and Jesup, of the Knights of Solomon, must put aside their differences if they have a hope of saving the entire world!

FC, 32pgs $3.99

ORPHAN BLADE GN

(W) M. Nicholas Almand (A/CA) Jake Myler

Hadashi is a boy with simple dreams, but his life changes when a horrific accident maims his hand. Unable to hold a sword, he's kicked out of his dojo home. But the Orphan Blade is no ordinary sword. When Hadashi comes across the abandoned blade, he finds that not only is he able to wield it--the sword seems to be wielding him! He's not the only one interested in the Orphan Blade, though, and his ownership draws the attention of the Five Fingers of Death — a deadly group of mercenaries who have their own magical and deadly weapons.

SC, 6x9, 160pgs, FC $19.99

THE BUNKER #7

(W) Joshua Hale Fialkov (A/CA) Joe Infurnari

Before now, we've seen little of Daniel's and Heidi's futures. When the two of them meet up after the end of the world, Heidi uncovers some unpleasant truths about Daniel and his demons. In the present, Heidi is determined to confront — and kill — her uncle. Will she be able to goes on a journey to do what her future self couldn't.

MATURE THEMES

FC, 32pgs $3.99

President Blades reflects on his mounting cycle of mistakes as the Chief Executive, and visits an old friend for advice. On the Clarke, a crew member's suspicious behavior gets him locked in the brig, but a medical emergency involving infant Astra might see him released no matter the consequences.

FC, 32pgs $3.99

Bad Machinery Volume Three: The Case of the Simple Soul TP

(W/A/CA) John Allison

The Tackleford gang is back with a new case that demands solving! When Tackleford’s derelict barns begin going up in flames, Linton and Sonny are on the case with a moderately mysterious new friend. Paths cross, however, when Lottie and Mildred meet a terrifying yet misunderstood creature living beneath a bridge! Throw in an overly enthusiastic Fire Brigade, a transforming skate ramp, and a new French teacher and you’ve got the kind of charming genius that can only be found in John Allison’s BAD MACHINERY.

SC, 12x9, 136pgs, FC $19.99