Certainly one of the Titan Titles we are most excited for, especially after Kareem Abdul's first Mycroft novel. We reviewed the Audiobook here to show you what we mean. (W) Kareem Abdul, Raymond Obstfeld (A) Joshua Cassara Basketball legend, novelist, and superstar polymath Kareem Abdul-Jabbar brings his take on Sherlock Holmes' older brother to comics at last! An all-new adventure set in the world of the bestselling Mycroft Holmes novel, The Apocalypse Handbook, sees the diffident, brilliant Mycroft pulled into a globe-spanning adventure at the behest of Queen Victoria and a secret organization at the heart of the British government. A madman is on the loose with civilization-destroying weapons, each two hundred years in advance of the status quo. Can the smartest man in England set aside his idle, womanizing ways for long enough to track down the foe that may be his match? Item Code (COVER A): JUN161803 On sale: August 3

Preview Pages and Variant Covers

MONO #3 STORY BY: Liam Sharp ART BY: Ben Wolstenholme COLORS BY: Fin Cramb COVER BY: Ben Wolstenholme PUBLISHER: Titan Comics/Madefire PAGECOUNT: 32 COVER PRICE: $3.99 RELEASE DATE: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Allied ape-man assassin Mono’s mission into the black heart of Nazi-occupied France has taken a deeply disturbing turn when he faces the savage stormtroopers of the Nagazi! For more information visit: http://titan-comics.com/c/231-mono/

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CHRONICLES OF LEGION VOL. 2: THE THREE LIVES OF DRACULA STORY BY: Fabien Nury ART BY: Tirso, Zhang Xiaoyu, Mario Alberti COVER BY: Tirso, Xiaoyu, Alberti PUBLISHER: Titan Comics FORMAT: HC, FC PAGECOUNT: 56 ISBN: 9781782760948 COVER PRICE: $10.99​/​ $1​2​.99​ CAN/£9.99 UK RELEASE DATE: Wednesday, February 4, 2015 The unholy trinity born of vampire blood is set for cataclysmic mutual annihilation as their time worn battle rages to a head... Three lives, three incarnations of Vlad Tepes Dracula. The same blood flows in the veins of all three, the blood of Dracula. They will all be forced to take part in a fratricidal feud between Vlad and Radu: a battle that has lasted for centuries and has claimed countless lives.

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ETERNAL WARRIOR: DAYS OF STEEL #3 (of 3) Written by PETER MILLIGAN Art by CARY NORD Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (NOV141699) Variant Cover by AL BARRIONUEVO (NOV141700) The Eternal Warrior’s gambit to save an oppressed people…has seemingly failed. Will he fall short of his mission on behalf of the Geomancer? With steel sparking and axes clashing in battle, the hero of countless wars since time immemorial may yet find success…by laying down his weapons and yielding the fight. The field of battle will run red when this epic anthem of warfare and heroism by master storyteller Peter Milligan (Hellblazer) and Eisner Award winner Cary Nord (X-O Manowar) roars into its final chapter!

Preview

To catch up on the story so far click the link below but be warned there will be spoilers of earlier issues ahead

Jim Burns’ startling otherworldly visions have adorned the book covers of countless renowned SF authors, including George R R Martin, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Peter F Hamilton, Anne McCaffrey, Robert Silverberg, Joe Haldeman and many more. He also produced early concept ideas for movies such as Blade Runner. 

The Art of Jim Burns: Hyperluminal is a brand-new collection, spanning 40 years of his life. It contains a carefully chosen selection of his most iconic pieces and commentary from the man himself.

Coming From Titan Books, 26th September 2014, £24.99

Early artwork reveals The Spread epidemic has begun, retailers must submit their orders before they too are infected

Image Comics has received numerous reports from retailers fearful of The Spread, a poisonous organism that was first unleashed by Justin Jordan (DEAD BODY ROAD, Luther Strode) and Kyle Strahm (HACK/SLASH, HAUNT) in April when they announced their new science-fiction thriller, SPREAD. Soon thereafter #ItsSpreading went viral on various social media networks and the horrifying realization that the new series was upon us all manifested in feedback from various comic book stores afflicted by the unstoppable deadly red growth. 

At the time of this press release, Jordan and Strahm could not be reached to comment on their role in this epidemic, as both are allegedly seeking refuge in a quarantined bunker where they work on issue #2 in a race against the clock. 

Retailers however, were forthright in sharing their stories of SPREAD-related terror. 

Jon Engel of New Dimension Comics in Pennsylvania was the first to come forward and was the canary in the coal mine for many of his fellow retailers. "Oh my God, while showing someone our new comic wall we kept noticing a space in the 'S' section," Engel said of the first sign something was amiss in the store. "We would fill it, then it would reappear! Finally out of the corner of my eye I saw these crazy red tentacles making the space! I was so freaked out I went and put in my order for Spread #1! Maybe if I fill it, it will stop."

"The Spread is in everyone's saver,” admitted Trina Latrine of World’s Best Comics, Cartoons & Toys in California. “There are red tentacles in everyone's saver and I'm not sure what to do, I haven't been able to get in there for weeks. My customers can't wait for The Spread to come out… literally." 

Steve Anderson of Third Eye Comics in Maryland cautions the public on cross-contamination. "The excitement has been SPREADING from our staff to our customers,” said Anderson. “And with hungry tendrils all around, I knew that the only cure would be to order lots and lots of Spread #1 to keep the infection at bay." 

One Lauren Becker of Warp 9 Comics & Collectibles in Michigan recounted her experience with The Spread with particular urgency. "I started hearing rumors about The Spread. I didn't think anything of it, but then the rumors started, bringing along fear and panic. Customers came in—‘where is The Spread’ they shrieked in terror. ‘It's not here yet,’ I responded, ‘but soon… and may God have mercy upon your soul.’”

For some stores, it was much worse: "Lena handed me the sheet to restock our back issue bins,” Steve Olsen, of Little Shop of Comics in New Jersey explained. “I proceeded down the steps to our store’s basement, flicked on the lights, and at that moment I heard something out of the ordinary. I cautiously proceeded to the back of the basement and noticed some residue on the floor. As I knelt down to get a feel for it, I noticed a red tip that started growing. As it got closer to me I realized The Spread was here! Its long, ugly tentacle chased me until I was back upstairs and I told Lena: ‘We need to order more of Spread #1!’”

"Spread is infecting MaximuM Comics' new release walls throughout Las Vegas—and making its diseased way into Pull Boxes everywhere!” said Jay Bosworth of MaximuM Comics in Nevada, in between gasps for air. “The vile sickness that is The Spread will grab hold of you, shatter your senses and leave you dying for more. The only cure? Make sure you order enough for your walls, too!!"

Ryan Boyle at Coliseum of Comics in Florida cleared off a space on the store’s shelves for SPREAD after experiencing a terrifying confrontation with The Spread that he chose not to elaborate on further. He said only, “After The Spread made its presence known, the terrifying red entity’s existence alone was reason enough for us to order up while we still had the chance.” For those in search of sanctuary he added, “Our stores stand ready to harbour any victims or people looking for refuge from The Spread, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on most weekdays.”

SPREAD #1 will overtake all stores nationwide on 7/9. It can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code: MAY140579. Final Order Cutoff for retailers is 6/16. For those still unconvinced of the gravity of the situation, see the below artwork.

Kate Kristopher’s otherworldly adventure continues as early artwork for the fourth issue is revealed

The adventure continues in the urban fantasy series SHUTTER, written by Joe Keatinge (GLORY, TECH JACKET) and drawn by Leila del Duca, as Kate Kristopher takes on all manner of paranormal entities and monstrous obstacles in issue #4. Now Kate has left the life she built to confront the life she left behind.

“Hey ladies and gents! As usual, Joe threw some really wonderful concepts and challenges at me this issue,” said del Duca. “Highlights being the first three pages done in a more illustrative style and layout telling the origin story of Harrington the butler. I also dig drawing the Colonel, a super old lady and war hero who dresses fashionably, who helped raise Kate. However, my favorite scene by far is the one where Mikey the platypus chokes out Shaw. I mean… there are no words to describe how delightfully ridiculous and exciting it was to draw these characters in a dark alleyway, hoping to get out of a hit job and then BAM. Yup. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the preview!"

Keatinge added: "First and foremost, holy moley—we gotta thank every single person supporting Shutter for supporting Shutter! From our enthusiastic initial orders on each issue, to the stunning sell through and avalanche of great feedback—Leila, Owen, Ed and I appreciate every bit of pure enthusiasm every reader drives us with and all the hard work our retail partners put into making sure the books get into their hands.”

SHUTTER #4 will hit stores on 7/9. It can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code: MAY140729. Final Order Cutoff for retailers is 6/16.

Issue #1 of the new ongoing Skybound series launched out of unprecedented digital series success

Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics is pleased to reveal early artwork for the first issue of the eagerly anticipated TECH JACKET. 

“Getting to bring back Tech Jacket to comics with Khary Randolph as an over-the-top, no-budget-constraint sci-fi blockbuster constantly upping the ante has been been absolutely thrilling to be a part of," said Keatinge. "Khary and colorist Emilio Lopez combine their great skill to create science fiction visuals on a galactic scale, which are set to blow the minds of all who behold them.”
 
After the out-of-this-world sales of the TECH JACKET DIGITAL miniseries that debuted at Image Expo, Joe Keatinge (SHUTTER, GLORY) and Khary Randolph (Deadpool,Justice League Beyond) announced at Emerald City Comicon that they would team up once again to launch TECH JACKET #1, the first in an all-new print series.

Zack Thompson, community college drop out, a.k.a. "Tech Jacket," and self-titled "Galactic Guardian of the Earth" may have bitten off more than he can chew. A loved one is threatened, a new enemy rises to power, and Tech Jacket must reassess his alliances.  

TECH JACKET will hit stores on 7/2. TECH JACKET #1 will be available for $2.99, you can pre-order it with Diamond Code: MAY140599. Final Order Cutoff for retailers is 6/9.

ZOMBIE TRAMP VOL 3 #1 (Ongoing)

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin Artist Name(s): TMChu Cover Artist(s): TMChu, Jerry Gaylord, Josh Howard, Jamal Igle The series relaunch previewed with a Free Comic Book Day issue continues here. Join creator Dan Mendoza for the all new adventures of the cult hit series featuring his undead anti-hero, Zombie Tramp, now brought to life by the amazing talents of new superstar artist TMChu. It’s kinky supernatural fun as Zombie Tramp hits the road, starting in… sin city of course! Special Notes: Also available in 3 cover variants; risqué, Josh Howard (Dead@17), and Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies) and a special retailer exclusive Jamal Igle (Molly Danger, Supergirl) cover. 32pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variants Diamond order codes: MAY14 0974, MAY14 0975 (risque), MAY14 0976 (Gaylord variant), MAY14 0977 (Howard virgin variant)

The popular Shadowline series pull a cover artist switcheroo

The August releases of two bestselling Shadowline series written by Kurtis J. Wiebe, RAT QUEENS #8 and PETER PANZERFAUST #21, will feature covers by each other’s artists. Additionally, a special retailer incentive cover B diptych by Michael Avon Oeming will be available for both books.

RAT QUEENS artist Roc Upchurch will draw Cover A for PETER PANZERFAUST. "Being a Peter Panzerfaust fan, I jumped at the chance to do a Wendy cover,” said Upchurch. “This is, by far, the best incarnation of Wendy Darling to date. I hope I did her justice (though, I probably did not)." 

This twenty-first issue begins a new story arc for the series, providing a perfect opportunity for fans of Upchurch’s RAT QUEENS work to try out this series as well. Together at last, Peter, the Darlings, and the remaining Lost Boys embed themselves in the dangerous heart of Paris. With the Hook hot on their heels, it is only a matter of time before they are discovered. But as ever, Peter is not without a plan!

PETER PANZERFAUST artist Tyler Jenkins will draw cover A for RAT QUEENS. "As far away from anything I get to draw on a regular basis and easily the most fun I have had doing almost any cover,” said Jenkins. “These characters seriously Roc(k).” 

In this issue the Rat Queens continue their blade-swinging snark in part three of “The Far Reaching Tentacles of N’Rygoth.” And this time, enemies better watch their backs. 

PETER PANZERFAUST #21 will be available on 8/13 for $3.50 and can be pre-ordered using Diamond Code JUN140493. RAT QUEENS #8 will feature a wrap-around cover, will be available 8/6 for $3.50, and can be pre-ordered using Diamond Code JUN140495. Retailer incentive cover B by Oeming for PETER PANZERFAUST #21 can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code JUN140494. Incentive cover B for RAT QUEENS #8 can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code JUN140496.

Latest Straczynski superhero title from Image Comics takes on corporatization

Praise for PROTECTORS, INC.: “...a prime showcase of exemplary collaboration in creating not only a fascinating world but a resonant social satire.” - Meagan Damore, Comic Book Resources “If you are looking for a change of pace from the primary hero fare and want something a little different, yet with some elements that you like, then Protectors, Inc. is right up your alley. If you don’t like superhero stories and prefer more hard hitting drama, thenProtectors, Inc.  also meets that need. Finally, if you just want a good and entertaining story with superb writing and art, we’ll Protectors, Inc. meets that too. It’s a comic that will not disappoint in any areas.” - James Anders II, Comic Bastards

In PROTECTORS, INC., a new Image Comics title from J. Michael Straczynski and Gordon Purcell, superheroes have been privatized and corporatized. With no supervillains to occupy their time, super-powered people ply their time as spokespersons and franchise their images for profit — with a cut going to their employer, Protectors, Inc., which has a corner on the superhero market in Chicago. They lead charmed lives until one of them is found murdered and the trail for the killer leads back to the Protectors.

In June, this mystery will unfold in PROTECTORS, INC. VOLUME 1 by J. Michael Straczynski (TEN GRAND, SIDEKICK) and Gordon Purcell (Star Trek), a graphic novel collecting the first half of the latest Joe’s Comics series published by Image.

At the heart of the mystery is the origin of the Protectors’ powers. Endowed with super-human abilities during World War II, they are nevertheless ignorant of the source of their power.

“That there have never been any bad guys with powers seems to indicate that whatever entered the world that day during WW2 is being very selective in terms of who gets those abilities,” Straczynski explained in an interview at Newsarama. “The question, of course, is...is that true, or is it simply a cover for something else? Is there a conspiracy at the center of Protectors Inc. that has been there almost from day one? If so, they've been able to cover it up pretty well, and might be able to do so indefinitely...unless something goes terribly wrong.”

Standing in the way of Detective John Riley’s investigation of the murder is the very company the Protectors thought existed to safeguard their interests: Protectors, Inc. Detective Riley will have to delve deep and keep out of the crosshairs of one of the most powerful corporations in the country to discover the truth.

PROTECTORS, INC. VOLUME 1 merges the hope and exuberance of Golden Age superhero comics with the darker explorations of the genre in books like Watchmen. It will be in comic book stores on June 4 and bookstores on June 17 and is available for pre-order now.

An all-new crime series from the Noir masters coming this August

Ed Brubaker (FATALE, VELVET, Captain America: Winter Soldier) and Sean Phillips (FATALE, Criminal, Marvel Zombies) launch the first show-stopper from their unprecedented five-year deal announced at Image Expo in January—the hotly anticipated epic noir series, THE FADE OUT. 

As an added bonus to this exciting launch, this first issue will clock in at 40 pages and feature exclusive back page articles. For fans wishing to experience noir fiction in true ‘40s style, an oversized "movie magazine replica" variant edition with 8 extra pages of behind-the-scenes art and articles will be available for order. 

An intricate and groundbreaking crime story on a level Brubaker and Phillips have never tackled before, THE FADE OUT weaves a tangled web through the underbelly of a 1948 Hollywood... A noir film stuck in endless reshoots. A writer plagued with nightmares from the war and a dangerous secret. An up-and-coming starlet's suspicious death. And a maniacal studio mogul and his security chief who will do anything to keep the cameras rolling before the Post-War boom days come crashing down. THE FADE OUT is the most ambitious series yet from the award-winning Noir Masters.

Early praise for THE FADE OUT:
"Brubaker and Phillips's books have always been about eight years ahead of their time." —Brian K. Vaughan (SAGA, Y the Last Man)

"Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are the gold standard of the crime graphic novel." —Warren Ellis (Planetary, Transmetropolitan, Gun Machine, Fell)

"Brubaker & Phillips continue to make sweet music together, broadcast to you in the form of the best comics around." —Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE)

"How can you resist the Lennon and McCartney of Feel-Bad Comics Noir heading out west for the flickering horrors of Hollywoodland? THE FADE OUT feels like the book Ed and Sean were born to make." —Matt Fraction (SEX CRIMINALS, CASANOVA,Hawkeye)

"Ed and Sean are that rare longterm collaboration that never become complacent, each project is a new revelation, the love visibly increased, the enthusiasm for the craft only growing over time. You don't have to consider the purchase, you make it on instinct at this point." —Rick Remender (BLACK SCIENCE, DEADLY CLASS)

"Like Scorsese and De Niro, Brubaker and Phillips are the unmatched masters of a certain kind of storytelling—those fables of doomed and deluded men who are ready to die bloody, defending the tatters of their soiled American dreams. A new title from the sharpshooters behind Criminal and Fatale is reason enough to go on living." —Joe Hill (Locke & Key, Horns, NOS4A2)

"Brubaker and Phillips have achieved the sort of creative consistency that'd justify critics filing their INSTANT CLASSIC reviews before they even read whatever they put out next." —Kieron Gillen (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, Phonogram, Young Avengers)

"I’ve been reading Ed Brubaker comics since the first appearance of Ed Brubaker comics and every single time he announces a new title I mutter to myself: 'ugh! I wish I would’ve thought of that!'" —Brian Michael Bendis (POWERS, Alias, Ultimate Spider-Man)

"I'm a pretty easy mark for any Brubaker-Philips creation, but the ambition behind this one has me spinning with anticipation. Couldn't be more excited." —Jonathan Hickman (EAST OF WEST, MANHATTAN PROJECTS, Avengers)

“Two of the best in the business, no contest.” —Kelly Sue DeConnick
“I never know what to say in these things” —Kelly Sue DeConnick
“Seriously, just buy the [expletive deleted] book. I promise you’ll like it. Unless you’re [expletive deleted].” —Kelly Sue DeConnick
“I don’t think we’re supposed to say [expletive deleted] anymore.” —Kelly Sue DeConnick
“Forget I said that." —Kelly Sue DeConnick (PRETTY DEADLY, Captain Marvel)

THE FADE OUT #1 arrives in stores on 8/20 for $3.50 and is available to pre-order with Diamond Code JUN140463. The movie magazine variant of THE FADE OUT is available to pre-order with Diamond Code JUN140464.

Spandex #3
Thanks to a powerful creature named Nadir, the whole population of Earth has been taken over and turned into colourless, cheerless zombies... all except for four members of Spandex! As the remaining team are picked off one by one, could this be the end of life as we know it? Find out in this very unique tale called '...If You Were the Last Person on Earth'...

Comixology Link

Comic-Inspired Action Title Confirms New North American Release Date

Team NINJA and Dark Horse Comics today launched the three-part YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z digital comic series, providing insight into the backstory in three revealing vignettes. Yaiba takes a break from slaughtering zombies in the debut issue to tell the tale of how his often bloody sword became to be known as “Heartless” as he recounts the story to Miss Monday. Initially released digitally with an all-new full color print comic to be available with the game, as it launches on its newly confirmed North American release date of March 18, 2014, the series is brought to life by Writers Tim Seeley and Josh Emmons, Artist Rafael Ortiz, Colorist Carlos Badilla with special cover art by James Harren. The comic will be available for free download at the Dark Horse Digital Store, www.digital.darkhorse.com, as well as through the Dark Horse Comics app (available through iTunes & Google Play). The comic can be found at:https://digital.darkhorse.com/profile/4128.yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-1/

In YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, players will battle fierce zombies as Yaiba, a cyborg ninja who will do anything to get revenge and stay alive. Cleaved in two, he is brought back to life with cyber-technology. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyber arm, he slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Step into a stylized living comic book where stunning graphics depict a world gone mad. Hordes of undead can only be stopped by Yaiba’s willingness to use any means necessary to get the job done. Will he kill by turning his cyber arm into a razor chainsaw for slicing up undead—or just rip off an opponent’s arms to use as zombie nunchucks? Both possibilities fill Yaiba’s heart with twisted laughter in this collaboration between famed developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune.

YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Steam® (PC) March 18, 2014. This title has been rated M (Mature) by the ESRB.

More information about YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z can be found at www.YaibaNGZ.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YaibaNinjaGaidenZ and Twitter https://twitter.com/YaibaNGZ.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit http://teamninja-studio.com, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.