Criminal #3 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale December 20, written by Ed Brubaker; art by Sean Phillips. 32 pages, $2.99.]
The third issue of this series is sure to please. A quote from Joe on this item: "If you're enjoying Captain America and Daredevil, you might give this a try. It's written by Ed Brubaker, writer on the previous two titles." Don't miss it!

Astro City: The Dark Age Book 2 #3 (Wildstorm)
[Goes on sale December 27, written by Kurt Busiek; art by Brent Anderson and Alex Ross. 32 pages, $2.99.]
As the gang war continues, the Williams family will face a significant obstacle when one Williams brother plans to kill, and the other is about to be killed. Plus, "The Innocent Gun" will play a huge role in Astro City's most tumultuous decade - a decade in which Simon Magus and Grimoire will draw an abundance of attention to themselves! Check it out.

Loveless #14 (Vertigo)
[Goes on sale December 27, written by Brian Azzarello; art by Danijel Zezelj. 32 pages, $2.99.]
Following last issue's massacre, a new officer of the law comes on the scene - a female one, to be exact. As this takes place, Atticus will embark on a new journey to find Boyd Johnson hoping that he'll gain fame, fortune, and freedom. Looks to be another great issue!

September 2006

Fantastic Four: The End #1 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale November 2006, by Alan Davis. 32 pages, $2.99.]
Presenting the last tale of Marvel's first family! Even the best families can be divided, as is apparent in this story. Set in the future, the former members of the now disbanded Fantastic Four are more attackable now than ever, and that's exactly what some of their old foes have in mind. Moreover, find out what could have possibly torn this super-family apart, and how their separation will cause a dissension that will resound throughout the entire universe!

Nightmare & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King (Warner Home Video)
[Goes on sale November 2006, 3 DVD set, $39.92.]
Starring renowned actors such as William H. Macy, William Hurt, Tom Berenger, Kim Delaney, Steven Weber, Henry Thomas, Samantha Manthis, and Claire Forlani, TNT's Nightmares & Dreamscapes brings Stephen King's classic collection of short stories to life in a way that will send shivers down your spine! Compiled of all eight tales from the hit mini-series.

August 2006

Ultimate Power #1 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale October 11, written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Greg Land, Matt Ryan, Justin Ponsor, and Chris Eliopoulos. 32 pages, $2.99.]
Searching frantically for a cure for his best friend Ben Grimm, Reed Richards - head of the Fantastic Four - has unintentionally ruptured the boundary between our universe and the next. What lies on the other side is the dimension called the Supermeverse - and the Squadron Supreme are about to capture Reed for what they consider a serious crime against their home. Don't miss what's being called one of the best Marvel crossovers ever!

Robert E. Howard: Gates of Empire and Other Tales of the Crusades (Wildside)
[Goes on sale October 2006, written by Robert E. Howard. 248 pages, $14.95.]
Taking place during the Crusades, this collection includes tales such as "Red Blades of the Black Cathay," "Blood of Balshazzar," "Hawks of Outremer," "The Sowers of the Thunder," "The Lion of Tiberias," and "The Shadow of the Vulture". A classic!

May 2006

Treasures of Tartary (Wildside Press)
[Goes on sale July 2006, written by Robert E. Howard. Softcover 224 pages, Hardcover 218 pages; SC $14.95, HC $35.00.]
This book collects some of Howard's greatest historical fiction, such as "Treasures of Tartary," "Son of the White Wolf," "Black Vulmea's Vengeance," "Boot Hill Payoff," and "The Vultures of Whapeton." Available in softcover and in limited hardcover edition.

A Man Called Kev #1 (of 5) (Wildstorm)
[Goes on sale July 12, written by Garth Ennis, art by Carlos Ezquerra and Glenn Fabry. 32 pages, part 1 in a 5-part series, $2.99.]
Kev Hawkins is about to find out how far he can go in the world without a home, job, or any experience other than being a hitman. But after killing his boss and being kicked out of his native country, Hawkins is about to be punished for his past in the worst way possible. Will making a new life for himself even matter soon? Find out!

March 2006

Civil War #1 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale May 5, written by Mark Millar, art by Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, Morry Hollowell, and VC - Chris Eliopoulos. 48 pages, part 1 in a 7-part miniseries, $3.99.]
For a year, the warning signs have been coming. Now, the time has finally come for Marvel's greatest to battle to the death against...each other? That's right! Presenting Civil War, a 7-part miniseries in which we'll see families, friendships, and teams, fall apart at the seams. No one is safe in this war! Starring Spider-Man, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and more.

Civil War Poster (Marvel)
[Goes on sale May 3, art by Michael Turner and Aspen Studios. 24"x36", $6.99.]
To commemorate their new miniseries Civil War, Marvel is releasing this poster. With stunning artwork by Michael Turner, it is sure to look great on any Marvel fan's wall!

Ultimate Fantastic Four #30 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale May 24, written by Mark Millar, art by Greg Land, Matt Ryan, Justin Ponsor, and VC - Randy Gentile. 32 pages, $2.99.]
In part 1 of the story arc "Frightful," not only does Dr. Doom return, but the Fantastic Zombie Four break out of the Baxter Building! Plus, the Frightful Four are introduced and Johnny Storm discovers he has 28 days to live - and that's only the beginning! Check it out.

Marvel Adeventures The Avengers #1 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale May 17, written by Jeff Parker, art by Aaron Lopresti, Manuel Garcia, Scott Koblish, Val Staples, and Dave Lanphear. 32 pages, $2.99.]
The villains of the world are about to find out that they have to go through heroes like Captain America, Storm, Iron Man, the Hulk, Giant-Girl, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and more before their deplorable schemes can take place! But have the powers that be designed technology that can protect the world more efficiently than our heroes can? Find out here!

February 2006

Secretary of Dreams (Cemetery Dance)
[Goes on sale app. April 2006, written by Stephen King, art by Glenn Chadbourne. 250 pages, $75.00.]
Presenting 6 classic horror tales by Stephen King, hand-picked by the author! Including "The Road Virus Heads North," "Uncle Otto's Truck," "The Rainy Season," "The Reach," "Jerusalem's Lot," and "Home Delivery," this slipcased gift edition brings all the thrills and chills of these acclaimed stories to life with stunning art. A must for fans of the infamous Crimson King!

Frank Cho Women Selected Drawings and Illustrations (Image)
[Goes on sale April 2006, written by Frank Cho, art by Frank Cho. 112 pages, HC, $29.99.]
Coming soon from award-winning artist Frank Cho! Including art from past and present, this book showcases Cho's art of the female body. These selections have been gathered by Cho himself to be featured in this collection.

Moon Knight #1 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale April 5, written by Charlie Huston, art by David Finch, Danny Miki, Frank D'Armata, and VC - Joseph Caramagna. 32 pages, $2.99.]
Marc Specter has been thinking back on his days as the Moon Knight. He remembers the all the horror - depression, psychotic episodes, and worse. He also remembers all the good parts, though, and now he longs to return to his previous role. Will Khonshu, God of the Moon, honor his request? Find out here!

January 2006

The Weird Works of Robert E. Howard Volume 2: The Moon of Skulls (Wildside Press)
[Goes on sale March 2006, written by Robert E. Howard. 192 pages, black-and-white, $10.00.]
This softcover trade paperback collects The Moon of Skulls, a Howard original that was printed in Weird Tales Magazine from October 1929 to November 1930. Also includes a bonus story by Howard from Oriental Stories. A must for fans of Robert E. Howard!

Squadron Supreme #1 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale March 2006, written by J. Michael Straczynski, art by Gary Frank. 32 pages, $2.99.]
Don't miss this brand-new Marvel Knights extravaganza! Starting this ish, Hyperion, Nighthawk, Blur, Power Princess, Doctor Spectrum and the rest of the S.S. join forces with a new superhero team. The government is planning on creating two super-powered groups to defeat all enemies. In response, Hyperion is planning on destroying the government's control over the super-powered, once and for all! Don't miss it!

Joe's 2007 Picks

Joe's 2005 Picks