Hellboy: Makoma, or, A Tale Told by a Mummy in the New York City City Explorers? Club on August 16, 1993 #1 (Dark Horse)
[Goes on sale February 1, 2006, written by Mike Mignola, art by Mignola, Richard Corben, and Dave Stewart. 32 pages, part 1 in a two-part series, $2.99.]
The story takes place long before The Island, and is written by award-winning Mike Mignola (who provides art for the cover and part of the story, as well.) In this issue, Hellboy's earlier encounter with African mythology is revealed. With story and art by Mignola and Corben, this series promises to be a good one!

Punisher: Bloody Valentine (Marvel)
[Goes on sale February 2006, written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, art by Palmiotti and Paul Gulacy. 48 pages, $3.99.]
This Valentine's Day, Frank Castle and longtime foe Suspiria kiss and make up. Why? Because this time around they have a common enemy, and their pursuit of this villain takes them to Suspiria's home city of Rome. The question is, will Frank fall for his new "ally" before the end of this comic? Find out here!

Loveless #5 (Vertigo)
[Goes on sale February 22, 2006, written by Brian Azzarello, art by Marcelo Frusin. 32 pages, $2.99.]
The conclusion of the first Loveless story arc is here! Just when it looks like the battle is over, with even the government afraid to touch the Cutters, some local officials proprose a sweet deal to Wes. Will wild Wes finally be tamed? Don't miss it!

November 2005

New Avengers #15 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale January 25, 2006, written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Frank Cho, Jason Keith, and Richard Starkings. 32 pages, $2.50.]
The New Avengers are going public! Who will rise up and declare their membership? You'll be surprised to find out just who stays, and who walks. In addition to facing their most fearsome enemy yet, none other than J. Jonah Jameson, look for the continuation of Jessica's secrets!

X-Men: Deadly Genesis #3 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale January 18, 2006, written by Ed Brubaker, art by Marc Silvestri and Trevor Hairsine. 40 pages, $3.50.]
Don't miss this special 30th Anniversary event! The X-men are being attacked from all sides, as they're now on the run from a surprisingly dangerous villain and the U.S. government. While Cyclops and Marvel Girl are caught in the middle of this event, Professor X's huge secret finally comes out in the open. Looks to be a good one!

September 2005

The Plucker (Abrams)
[Goes on sale November 2005, by Brom. 160 pages, HC, $24.95.]
In the mythical land of make believe, Jack and his box have been thrown under the bed with the other abandoned toys, finally realizing the harsh reality: one day, children get older and don't want their toys anymore. According to Jack, this is the worst fate possible. But when a horrific evil known as the Plucker descends upon the land of make believe, it is up to Jack and the other toys - Monkey, the Nutcrakcer, and the exquisitely beautiful porcelain doll Snow Angel - to defend the boy who neglected them, Thomas. Don't miss this tale of fright and delight by critically acclaimed artist Brom!

Shadow Kingdoms: The Weird Works of Robert E. Howard Vol. 1 (Wildside Press)
[Goes on sale November 2005, by Robert E. Howard. 176 pages, TP, $10.00.]
Wildside Press presents Shadow Kingdoms, the first volume of Robert E. Howard's "Weird Works." Collecting Howard's work from Weird Tales, this trade paperback starts off with the author's first professional ficion sale, Spear and Fang and ends with the compelling sword and sorcery tale Red Thunder. Also includes characters such as King Kull and Solomon Kane. A must for any Robert E. Howard fan!

Neil Gaiman's Neverhwere #5 (of 9) (Vertigo)
[Goes on sale November 30, written by Mike Carey, consulting by Neil Gaiman, art by Glenn Fabry. 32 pages, part 5 in a 9 part series, $2.99.]
Hoping to discover who murdered Door's family, the Earl sends Richard and Door searching for Angelus. This brings Richard back into London above, where although no one recognizes him, he has found a familiar face. In the mean time, Marquis is risking his life as he approaches the assassins Croup and Vandemar. It looks to be a great one!

August 2005

Loveless #1 (Vertigo)
[Goes on sale October 26, written by Brian Azzarello, art by Marcelo Frusin. 40 pages, $2.99.]
Wes Cutter, wanted for his past indiscressions, is running from a violent past of epic proportions; from the Civil War to Union prison camp to the Reconstruction. Accompanied by his wife Ruth, who has seen more than her share of tragedy and has some dark secrets of her own, Cutter is now searching for the one thing he's missed all along: peace. Stretching from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean, the Cutters will leave behind a trail of bodies on their bloody journey. Get ready for this hard-as-nails tale that only Brian Azzarello could tell!

Marvel Nemesis: The Imperfects #6 (of 6) (Marvel)
[Goes on sale October 2005, written by Greg Pak, art by Renato Arlem and Jae Lee. 32 pages, $2.99, issue 6 in a 6-part miniseries.]
A new warrior is waiting to be born as Daredevil, Wolverine, Storm, Iron Man and Human Torch struggle to rescue Elektra from the grips of the evil Dr. Niles Van Roekel. Don't miss the thrilling conclusion of the Rise of the Imperfects story arc!

July 2005

Anansi Boys HC and unabridged CD (William Morrow)
[Goes on sale September 2005, written by Neil Gaiman, CD narrated by Henry Lenny. 432 pages, HC $26.95, CD $39.95.]
Fat Charlie Nancy's father left many "gifts" to him when he died, such as the embarassing name that he bestowed upon Charlie. But that's not all - Fat Charlie also finds a brother that he never knew, and suddenly things get a lot more interesting in his life. Charlie's father wasn't any typical father; he was Anansi, the spider-god, a trickster god, and the spirit of rebellion itself. His baffling powers can overturn social order, create wealth out of thin air, and more! Full of excitement, fear, and humor - check it out!

Young Avengers #8 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale September 2005, written by Allan Heinberg, art by Andrea Divito and Jim Cheung. 32 pages, $2.99.]
Captain America and Jessica Jones tell the parents of the Young Avengers about their double lives while the YA battle one of Marvel's most powerful villains. If they do survive, what's going to protect the Young Avengers from their parents' wrath?

May 2005

The Freebooters HC (Fantagraphics)
[Goes on sale July 2005, by Barry Windsor-Smith, HC, 9x12, 184 pages, $29.95.]
This hardcover collects "The Freebooters" stories from the early 90's, and features a chapter from an unpublished issue. It also includes 50+ pages of new stories. The Freebooters is great for anyone who enjoys Robert E. Howard's "Conan the Barbarian," as it is a marvelous modern story set in that era.

Edgar Allen Poe: Fall of the House of Usher and Other Tales (DelRey)
[Goes on sale July 26, adapted by Richard Margopoulos and Richard Corben, TP, 5X7, $12.95.]
Collects classics such as "The Oval Portrait," "The Raven," and more. Don't miss out on this fully-colored adaption of some of Poe's greatest works!

April 2005

Hellboy: The Island #1 (Dark Horse)
[Goes on sale June 22, written by Mike Mignola, art by Mike Mignola. Part one of two, 32 pages, $2.99.]
In part one of this story, Hellboy emerges onto an island after spending more than two years in the sea. Hr foolishly chooses to not take the advice of an old enemy, and some big secrets about Hellboy are revealed in this miniseries by award-winning Mike Mignola. Don't miss it!

Red Sonja #1 (Dynamite)
[Goes on sale June 2005, by Oeming and Carey, Rubi, Rodriguez and Isanove. 32 pages, $2.99.]
In this premiere issue, the reader finds Sonja on her journey to defeat an ancient evil; a journey that puts her at war with the Zeddas and the Kingdom of Gathia. Don't miss the new beginning of this legend, in five different available covers featuring artists such as Alex Ross and Michael Turner!

March 2005

Bolland Strips TP (Knockabout/Palmano Bennet)
[Goes on sale in May 2005, written by Brian Bolland. HC, 112 pages, $24.99.]
This trade paperback collects some of the best short strips by Brian Bolland. Includes characters such as the Actress, the Bishop, and the complete adventures of Mr. Mamoulian. Also includes introductions by Bolland! Looks like a classic.

Top Ten: The Forty-Niners (Wildstorm)
[Goes on sale May 25, written by Alan Moore, art and cover by Gene Ha. HC, 112 pages, $24.99.]
This graphic novel deals with the first officers of the Top Ten and the origins of Neopolis. Also features the greatest heroes and villains ever! Check it out!

February 2005

Conan and the Jewels of Gwahlur #1 (Dark Horse)
[P. Craig Russell, Lovern Kindzierski. Goes on sale April 6, 32 pages, $2.99]
First in a three part miniseries, this action/adventure brings one of literature's greatest heroes into the world of comics. Great for anyone who's interested in either Robert E. Howard or P. Craig Russell's works. This miniseries promises to be intriguing.

Ultimates 2 #5 (Marvel)
[Mark Millar, Bryan Hitch. 32 pages, $2.99]
The Ultimates is a great series as a whole, but this issue is especially full of action! It looks to be a great one. Check it out!

Joe's 2007 Picks

Joe's 2006 Picks