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Soliciting Multiversity: Dark Horse’s June 2013

By | March 18th, 2013
Posted in Columns | % Comments

Greetings and solicitations!  That’s right, the time has come for a look at the June batch of solicitations from our favorite publishers.  It’s a bit of a slow month over at Dark Horse as far as new series are concerned, but what we’re getting is pretty exciting!  Also, they’re releasing an insane amount of paperback and hardcover collections of series both old and new, so it’s time for all you tradewaiters out there to pay attention!  Let’s get started, shall we?

“No Way!” Yes Way, and Cloonan Too!

The big news for this month is the arrival of the highly anticipated “True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys,” written by My Chemical Romance bandmates Gerard Way (“The Umbrella Academy”) and Shaun Simon, with art by the incredibly talented Becky Cloonan (“Batman,” “Demo,” “American Virgin”)!  In this futuristic dystopian world, nearly all aspects of life are controlled by Better Living Industries  Our mysterious hero, known only as Girl, is the last surviving member of the Killjoys, a group of revolutionaries who tried to take down BLI and failed.  Does she have what it takes to get the movement going again and take down the evil megacorporation?

There are a lot of different reasons to check out this book.  My Chemical Romance fans will no doubt be looking forward to getting their hands on it, especially because it ties-in with their most recent album, “Danger Days.”  If you’re an MCR fan but haven’t gotten in to comics yet, I strongly encourage you to use the Comic Shop Locator to find the store nearest you, and be sure to ask them to pre-order the series for you as it comes out.  It’s the only way to be 100% certain they’ll have a copy for you, and you’ll avoid having to track the issues down on eBay.  Although, you might still have to do that if you want to get a copy of Gerard Way’s special variant cover:

Comic book fans will be excited for a new book from fan favorite artist Becky Cloonan, whose work on everything from an illustrated edition of “Dracula,” to being the first woman to draw an issue of “Batman,” to her recent self-published minicomics, “Wolves” and “The Mire,” and so much more, have all blown us away here at Multiversity Comics.  Her position in the top 5 of our “2012 in Review: Best Artist” list is well deserved.

Likewise, fans of Gerard Way’s first comic, “The Umbrella Academy,” will also no doubt be taking a look.  They might be interested in the other variant cover, with artwork by “The Umbrella Academy” artist Gabriel Bá:

THE TRUE LIVES OF THE FABULOUS KILLJOYS #1 (of 6)
Gerard Way (W/Special variant cover), Shaun Simon (W), Becky Cloonan (A/Cover), Dan Jackson (C), and Gabriel Bá (Variant cover)
On sale June 12
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
Years ago, the Killjoys fought against the tyrannical megacorporation Better Living Industries, costing them their lives, save for one—the mysterious Girl. Today, the followers of the original Killjoys languish in the Desert while BLI systematically strips citizens of their individuality. As the fight for freedom fades, it’s left to the Girl to take up the mantle and bring down the fearsome BLI or else join the mindless ranks of Bat City!
The follow-up to the album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys!
FROM THE CREATOR OF THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY
KILLJOYS!
“…Gerard Way bring(s) a sharp level of wit and fun to each new issue.”—Comic Book Resources

Never Enough Niles

Our only other new series this month is “Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem,” a collaboration between writers Steve Niles (“Criminal Macabre,” “30 Days of Night”) and Matt Santoro (Director: “Offline,” music videos), and artist Dave Wachter (“Scar Tissue,” “The Guns of Shadow Valley”).  It’s set during World War II, as a small Jewish community saves a British fighter pilot from his downed plane, earning the attention of the Nazis.  In order to protect their town and their new friend, they call upon a legendary creature made of clay for help.  Niles gave an exclusive interview about the series to MTV Geek, along with a few preview pages of Wachter’s excellent black-and-white artwork.  Also, check out this intense trailer by co-writer Matt Santoro.

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Steve Niles! Dave Wachter!
BREATH OF BONES: A TALE OF THE GOLEM #1
Steve Niles (W), Matt Santoro (W), and Dave Wachter (A/Cover)
On sale June 12
b&w, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
The giant clay monster from Jewish legend goes on a Nazi-killing rampage in order to protect the inhabitants of a small Jewish stronghold and an injured British pilot.
“Dark Horse and Steve Niles have published some outstanding horror titles, like Criminal Macabre, The Nail, Freaks of the Heartland and City of Others.” —Comics Bulletin
FROM THE CREATOR OF 30 DAYS OF NIGHT STEVE NILES!
Art by 2012 Russ Manning Award nominee Dave Wachter!

Have Another Shot of Baltimore!

“Baltimore” has quickly become one of my favorite Mignolaverse titles (be on the lookout for an upcoming “Off the Cape”!), so I was pretty excited to see another one-shot on the list of June solicitations.  When they announced “Dr. Leskovar’s Remedy” over a year ago, they mentioned it would be followed by three one-shots, to round out the fourth trade collection.  So far, we’ve seen “The Play” and “The Widow and the Tank,” and now we’re looking forward to the final one-shot, “Baltimore: The Inquisitor.”  Focusing on the New Inquisition agent Judge Duvic, has been on the hunt for Lord Baltimore to investigate his connection to the vampire known as Haigus, cutting down all who stand in his way (including children).  He’s been getting closer and closer, but apparently Lord Baltimore still has some friends left in this world who will try to slow him down.  The events in this one-shot will lead in to the as-yet unnamed fourth volume of “Baltimore,” which Mike Mignola and Scott Allie have said will be the third act and culmination of Lord Baltimore’s comic series so far (although not necessarily the end of the series).  Here’s the solicit:

BALTIMORE: THE INQUISITOR
Mike Mignola (W), Christopher Golden (W), Ben Stenbeck (A/Cover), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale June 19
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
One-shot
The sadistic Judge Duvic, who we’ve seen serving God’s vengeance on women and children, nearly has Lord Baltimore in his grasp, but first he has to face Baltimore’s last few friends in this doomed, war-torn world.
“These Baltimore miniseries . . . have provided us with the type of genuine Gothic horror that we crave . . . This is a great read.” —Complex

The Massive Sets Sail for the USA

Brian Wood’s creator-owned, post-apocalyptic epic “The Massive” has spent much of its time wandering around the Pacific, but with the exception of a brief visit to an island off of Alaska, they’ve done a good job of avoiding the USA so far in the series.  That’s all about to change, though:

ALL-NEW STORY ARC IN NEW YORK CITY!
THE MASSIVE #13
Brian Wood (W), Garry Brown (A), Jordie Bellaire (C), and J. P. Leon (Cover)
On sale June 26
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Ongoing
With The Massive’s trail gone dead, the Kapital is forced to respond to a different crisis, one very close to home. Navigating the thawed Canadian polar ice into the turbulent northern Atlantic, the crew arrives at the most infamous post-Crash disaster zone: New York City.
Creator/writerBrian Wood returns home, crafting another chilling near-future story on the same turf as DMZ, Channel Zero, The Couriers, and more.
“Brian Wood’s The Massive proves that there’s room for political comics.”—Complex
“The Massive is clearly one of the best books of 2012 due to its exquisite ability to meld high concept ideas with real characters as Brian Wood continues to make comics smart.”—Comic Book Resources
ALL-NEW STORY ARC!

I’m personally very interested to see Wood’s interpretation of the USA in the context of the Crash, the sudden and devastating global climate change that set off the end of the world as we know it.  It’s sure to be a lot different from the visions of the future we were given in “Channel Zero” and “DMZ,” but other than that, I honestly have no idea what condition the States will be in.  I’d say it’s a good bet that Callum Israel is still a wanted man, but depending on who he runs in to first and what the crisis level of the locals is, he might even get his first warm welcome so far.

Continued below

Tradewaiter’s Delight

Well, that’s all the big news for the floppies, so it’s time to get in to the meat-and-potatoes of the June solicits: the collections.  Now, it’s important to note that Dark Horse, like the rest of the comics publishers, solicit the graphic novels and collections well in advance.  Although these are all included in the June solicits, most of them will actually arrive in stores in late August or early September.  The collections fall into two basic categories: first editions of recently released comics, and archival collections and omnibi reprinting classic series.  I’ll start by spotlighting a few of the more recent collections, then we’ll look at a couple reprints before we wrap-up with a look at some of the great covers from monthly series currently underway.

The King of Pulp/Noir

Let’s start with Francesco Francavilla’s “The Black Beetle: No Way Out Vol. 1,” a hardcover collecting the first miniseries featuring the new pulp/noir hero.  We’ve only seen the first two issues so far, but I can already tell you this is an excellent series.  The hand-drawn artwork by Francesco Francavilla may lack the polish of digital post-production found in mainstream hero books today, but it leaves intact the vibrancy and vitality I find lacking in so many comics today.  When you read the book, you don’t feel like you’re looking at frozen frames of something that already happened, it feels like it’s happening here and now.  This is a book for those of us who love the concept of the vigilante hero, but find the way it’s often portrayed today stale and derivative.  Sure, the character is a tribute to the classic Charlton character Blue Beetle, but you’ll find Francavilla brings a flair to the book that is truly unique on the stands today.

THE BLACK BEETLE VOLUME 1: NO WAY OUT HC
Francesco Francavilla (W/A/Cover)
On sale Aug 27
FC, 152 pages
$19.99
HC, 7″ x 10″
After witnessing an explosion that decimates the city’s organized crime community, killing dozens, the Black Beetle—Colt City’s sleuthing sentinel—is on the hunt for answers and justice!
Follow Francesco Francavilla’s critically acclaimed pulp hero as he searches island prisons, dank sewers, and swanky nightclubs for the mysterious man known as Labyrinto.
“The Black Beetle #1 is one of the most exhilarating, stunning superhero comics on the stands . . . This miniseries presents a high-stakes mystery realized through Francavilla’s intensely graphic style, full of innovative layouts and spectacular splash pages.”—The Onion’s A.V. Club
“I , FOR ONE, CANNOT WAIT TO GET MORE!” —Comic Book Resources
“The hard-boiled mystery hits the ground running and doesn’t pause to catch its breath.”—Nerdist

Lucky Number 13

One of the books I’ll confess to tradewaiting for is “Number 13,” a book written by newcomer Robert Love and “Badazz Mofo Magazine”‘s David Walker, with art by Love and inks by Dana Shukartsti (“Alpha Girl”).  The story debuted in Dark Horse Presents, and while I enjoyed it, my pull list at the time was getting out of hand and it didn’t quite make the cut.  However, I’ve heard great things from those who stuck with it, and I’m looking forward to seeing what I missed.  Like “Black Beetle,” this is a book with a unique feel you won’t find anywhere else on the stands.

NUMBER 13 TP
Robert Love (W/A/Cover), David Walker (W), Dana Shukartsi (I), Michelle Davies (C), Diego Simone (C), and Heather Breckel (C)
On sale Sept 10
FC, 120 pages
$15.99
TP, 7″ x 10″
Number 13, a young cybernetic amnesiac, wanders a postapocalyptic wasteland searching for a father he can’t remember. He possesses powers coveted by irrational, feuding factions of the future, and he quickly becomes entangled in their deadly struggle for world dominance! A sci-fi adventure about one’s search for identity in a grim, violent world! Collects Number 13 #0–#3.
FROM THE ARTIST BEHIND ALPHA GIRL AND FIERCE!
COWRITTEN BY DAVID WALKER (BADAZZ MOFO MAGAZINE)

“Joy Division Fans vs. Aztecs”

Continued below

Our next book of note is Sam Humphries’ “Sacrifice,” originally self-published with a very limited print run, but now collected by Dark Horse in hardcover format.  Sam Humphries is the acclaimed creator of “Our Love Is Real,” a book which was so creatively “out there” that it earned him quite a bit of attention despite an extremely limited original print run.  He quickly ended up with projects at nearly every major publisher, and while I didn’t enjoy what I read of his run on “The Ultimates” or BOOM!’s “Higher Earth,” his work on “John Carter: Gods of Mars” and his creator-owned works including the aforementioned “Our Love is Real” and “Fanboys vs. Zombies” have received a fair amount of critical acclaim.  “Sacrifice” is definitely something I’m interested in myself, and has possibly the biggest buzz of all his indie work.  Plus, it includes work by a star-studded cast of artists:

SACRIFICE HC
Sam Humphries (W), Dalton Rose (A/Cover), Bryan Lee O’Malley (A), Cliff Chiang (A), Paul Azaceta (A), Emma Rios (A), and Pete Toms (C)
On sale Sept 3
FC, 168 pages
$19.99
HC, 6″ x 9″
What happens when a troubled youth is plucked from modern society and thrust though time and space on a psychedelic journey into the heart of the Aztec civilization—one of the greatest and most bloodthirsty times in human history? Collects Sacrifice #1–#6.
Featuring art from Bryan Lee O’Malley (Harvey and Eisner winner), Cliff Chiang, and Paul Azaceta!
THE SELF-PUBLISHED SENSATION COMES TO DARK HORSE!
“Rose combines the illustrative chutzpah of a creator like Geof Darrow with the dainty, horrific line-work of Guy Davis and just a smidgen of Charles Burns’ surreal terror.”—ComicsAlliance

“Conan On A Pug”

I need to mention “Battlepug Vol. 2: This Savage Bone,” a hardcover collection of Mike Norton’s Eisner-award-winning webcomic about a barbarian riding a giant pug into battle.  Yes, those are the little dogs with the scrunched-up faces that are absolutely adorable.  The solicit advertises never-before-seen material, but it’s hard to tell whether it’s referring to the whole book or just contains some bonus content in addition to the older material.  Norton is of course co-creator of both “Revival” (with Tim Seeley) and “The Answer!” (with Dennis Hopeless), but he’s also well known for his work on titles like “Runaways,” “Countdown to Final Crisis,” and “Queen & Country.”  Even if he wasn’t such a versatile and accomplished writer/artist, you’d still want to check this out.

BATTLEPUG VOLUME 2: THIS SAVAGE BONE HC
Mike Norton (W/A/Cover) and Allen Passalaqua (C)
On sale Aug 14
FC, 72 pages
$14.99
HC, 12″ x 8 1/2″
When the Warrior was just a child, the beast mage Catwulf destroyed his village. Since then, the Warrior has become strong, and he will have his vengeance! Joined by his trusty steed and friend Battlepug, a crazy loon, elite warrior Black Sasha, and a foulmouthed child mage named Bryony, the warrior will not be denied revenge, but is the group ready to meet one of the most powerful mages in the world in battle?
• Mike Norton (artist on the hit Revival)!
• Never-before-seen material in a handsome hardcover collection.
“There are some concepts that are just so ‘wrong’ that they wrap around to ‘right’.” —Stumptown Trade Review
“Yeah, it’s Conan on a pug. And it is awesome.”—Stumptown Trade Review

Ditko Meets Uncle Creepy

There are also a handful of collections reprinting classic series, whether originally published by Dark Horse or not, including two in particular that really caught my eye.  The first is “Creepy Presents Steve Ditko,” a hardcover collection featuring the work of Spider-Man’s co-creator for the “Creepy” and “Eerie” magazines.  Most of the stories are written by the late, great Archie Goodwin.  I doubt either of them truly needs an introduction; they are perhaps two of the most influential and important names in American comic book history.  As a huge fan of history, comics and horror, this is the book I’ve been dreaming of having on my shelves.

CREEPY PRESENTS STEVE DITKO HC
Archie Goodwin (W) and Steve Ditko (A/Cover)
On sale Aug 7
b&w, 128 pages
$19.99
HC, 8 3/8″ x 10 7/8″
Making a lasting mark on comics as the co-creator of Spider-Man, Steve Ditko veered away from the mainstream and into darker territories at the end of the sixties, especially with his work in Creepy and Eerie! Warring wizards, paranoid goons, persistent heroes, and otherworldly domains dominate the diverse tales in this handsome hardcover collection—with fifteen of the sixteen stories written by fellow comics icon Archie Goodwin.
• New introduction by Mark Evanier!

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Legendary Creators, Legendary Title

In his home of Japan, Kazuo Koike is also a man that needs no introduction, but for you Americans out there who aren’t familiar with the name, he is one of Japan’s legendary manga writers.  “Lone Wolf and Cub” was perhaps his most famous work, the reprints of which were one of Dark Horse’s best-selling titles in the early years.  The comic was hugely influential, not only in Japan, but also to great American comics creators as varied as Frank Miller, Max Allan Collins, and Stan Sakai.  The main characters, Ogami Ittō and his son, Daigorō, have made numerous cameo appearances in titles like “Usagi Yojimbo,” “Samurai Jack,” and “Samurai Champloo.”  I’ve admitted many times in this column to an ignorance of Japanese comics, so the fact that I am geeking out so much about this one should drive home just how good it is.

LONE WOLF AND CUB OMNIBUS VOLUME 2 TP
Kazuo Koike (W), Goseki Kojima (A), and Frank Miller (Cover)
On sale Aug 20
b&w, 70 pages
$19.99
TP, 5″ x 7″
Ronin samurai Ogami Ittō and his young son travel a dark road, beset by enemies sworn to destroy them. But how did the Shogun’s loyal and trusted executioner become a dishonored fugitive marked for death? What hidden forces moved to destroy Ogami’s family and fuel his relentless quest for retribution? This volume collects stories from volume 3, volume 4, and volume 5 of the original Lone Wolf and Cub series.
Over 700 pages, value priced!
Over one million copies sold of the original Dark Horse series!
Cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley.

Cover Showcase

Well, I’ve certainly let this column run a little long, so I’ll wrap up by showing you a handful of awesome covers from current monthly series that I didn’t have time to give a full spotlight to.  As usual, you can check out the full solicits over at CBR to see what I missed, including omnibi for “Nexus” and “Trekker,” new collections of “Crime Does Not Pay Archives” and “Savage Sword of Conan,” as well as new issues of “Dark Horse Presents” (featuring Matt Fraction!), “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Empowered,” “Conan the Barbarian,” “Star Wars,” and more, including these five fantastic covers:

Abe Sapien #3

Akeneiro #2

B.P.R.D.: Vampire #4

Dream Thief #2

Mind MGMT #12


//TAGS | Soliciting Multiversity

Nathanial Perkins

Nathanial "Ned" Perkins is an aspiring writer living in New Jersey. His passions include science fiction, history, nature, and a good read. He's always on the lookout for artists to collaborate with on his own comics projects. You can follow him on Tumblr or shoot him an e-mail.

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