While Marvel goes through another mega event in the summer and DC rebirths itself, Dark Horse continues to put out some of the best monthlies and original graphic novels in the industry. July has a lot to offer so without wasting any time, let’s jump into this month’s solicits.
10. Another Gaiman
So lately I’ve felt like everything Neil Gaiman has ever written is being adapted to a comic book no matter how short the story. I’m not really complaining since some of the best artists in the game are getting work. I love Doran’s work so this should be worth the money.
Neil Gaiman’s Troll Bridge HC (advance solicit)
Neil Gaiman (W) and Colleen Doran (W/A/Cover)
On sale Sept 21
FC, 64 pages
$14.99
HC, 6.5” x 10”
Young Jack’s world was full of ghosts and ghouls, but one monster—a ravenous and hideous troll—would haunt him long into manhood. As the beast sups upon a lifetime of Jack’s fear and regret, Jack must find the courage within himself to face the fiend once and for all!
• Beautifully adapted by Colleen Doran (The Sandman, Stan Lee’s Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir)!
• A gorgeous new addition to your Gaiman library!
9. Retro Case
I LOVE Jonathan Case’s work. I think he’s one of the very best cartoonists in comics but for whatever reason, no one really talks about him. “Dear Creature” is his debut graphic novel and it’s coming back into print with a brand new edition.
Dear Creature HC(advance solicit)
Jonathan Case (W/A/Cover)
On sale Sept 28
b&w, 192 pages
$22.99
HC, 7” x 10”
Deep beneath the waves Grue discovers love after finding Shakespeare’s plays in cola bottles. When his first attempt at companionship in the world above ends . . . poorly, Grue searches for the person who cast the plays into the sea. What he finds is love in the arms of Giulietta―but with his wicked past catching up to him, Grue must decide if becoming a new man means ignoring the monster he was.
• Brand-new hardcover edition of Jonathan Case’s debut graphic novel!
8. Not A Civil War Drama
I don’t know if anyone understood that reference because it’s not Marvel related but here’s a new “Avatar” book for us to get excited about. Gene Luen Yang has gained a higher profile because of his work at DC with Superman but he’s been doing some of his best work with Aang in the continuation of this beloved series. If you’ve seen the show, you can jump right in here since this is the first part of a new story.
Avatar: The Last Airbender—North and South Part One TP(advance solicit)
Gene Luen Yang (W), Michael Dante DiMartino (W), Bryan Konietzko (W), and Gurihiru (A/C/Cover)
On sale Sept 14
FC, 80 pages
$10.99
TP, 6” x 9”
When Aang leaves to aid Zuko with the Kemurikage, Katara and Sokka return to the Southern Water Tribe by themselves. Katara is shocked to find that her beloved village has become a bustling city, with none other than their father, Hakoda, in charge! A northerner named Malina seems to be behind this change, pushing the North and South to be more unified . . . but what are her true goals?
• The official continuation of Airbender from its creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko!
7. And Another One
Back to back “Avatar”! Yup, in September there’s a couple of great “Avatar” books out but this is probably the best bang for your buck. Dark Horse’s library editions are seriously gorgeous. This oversized edition has the entire three-part story within, with lots of extras and annotations.
Continued belowAvatar: The Last Airbender—Smoke and Shadow Library Edition HC(advance solicit)
Gene Luen Yang (W), Michael Dante DiMartino (W), Bryan Konietzko (W), and Gurihiru (A/C/Cover)
On sale Sept 21
FC, 240 pages
$39.99
HC, 9” x 12”
The Fire Nation is threatened by a prophecy told by the Kemurikage—mysterious figures thought only to exist in legend: “Remove Zuko from the throne or the country will perish!” Unrest is brewing as the New Ozai Society prepares to make its move against the Crown, and children begin to go missing from their homes under mysterious circumstances! Avatar Aang and his friends are doing everything in their power to save them—but will it be enough?
This special oversized edition features parts 1–3 with annotations by writer Gene Luen Yang and artists Gurihiru and a sketchbook section with new behind-the-scenes material!
6. Not “Rat Queens” But I’ll Take It
I’m on the fence about “Bounty” but I am willing to give it a chance. “Rat Queens” is on hiatus and “Peter Panzerfaust” still hasn’t wrapped up so I am skeptical. However, Mindy Lee has tweeted a lot of process art that makes me have faith in this project. I think Wiebe is incredibly talented so I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt here and try out “Bounty” #1.
Bounty #1 (of 10)
Kurtis Wiebe (W), Mindy Lee (A/Cover), and Leonardo Olea (C)
On sale July 6
FC, 40 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
The Gadflies were the most wanted criminals in the galaxy—robbing corporations to redistribute wealth to the destitute. Now, with a bounty to match their reputation, the Gadflies are forced to abandon banditry for a career as bounty hunters . . . ’cause if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em—then rob ’em blind!
• Rat Queens creator Kurtis Wiebe joins forces with pop-comic sensation Mindy Lee to present a femme fatale sci-fi caper of epic proportions!
• Also features an exclusive bonus story and other special content.
5. Deja Vu
So last year, this was my #1 pick the first time it was solicited, but then Dean Ormston had some health issues and the series got pushed back. This didn’t hurt my interest and I wanted to include it again now that it’s been resolicited. “Black Hammer” looks really good and I can’t wait to read it.
Black Hammer #1
Jeff Lemire (W/Variant cover), Dean Ormston (A/Cover), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale July 20
FC, 32 pages
$2.99
Ongoing
A new story from the prodigious brain of Jeff Lemire (Descender), amazingly realized by Dean Ormston (The Sandman) and Dave Stewart (Hellboy)!vOnce they were heroes, but that age has long since passed. Banished from existence by a multiversal crisis, the old champions of Spiral City—Abraham Slam, Golden Gail, Colonel Weird, Madame Dragonfly, and Barbalien—now lead simple lives in a timeless farming town. Even as they try to find their way home, trouble has a unique way of finding heroes wherever they are!
• Variant cover by Jeff Lemire!
“An epic, gripping superhero mystery . . . Black Hammer is easily one of Lemire’s best creations.” —Scott Snyder (Wytches)
4. Return Of The Slayer
Conan is a character I never really connected with but I do really enjoy Cullen Bunn’s work and maybe he’ll be the writer who finally brings me around. Davila has worked on some “Sonja” books that I’ve really liked to the stars are aligning.
Conan the Slayer #1
Cullen Bunn (W), Sergio Dávila (A), Michael Atiyeh (C), Lee Bermejo (Cover), Mark Schultz (Variant cover), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale July 13
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
Alone, battle weary, and with nothing but his sword, Conan of Cimmeria faces his inevitable death in the arid wastes . . . but instead stumbles into a camp of Kozaki raiders. With a knife at his throat and a band of Turanian hunters at his back, will the half-dead barbarian find a new ally in the Kozaki chief?
• Covers by Lee Bermejo and Mark Schultz!
• A new number one—a perfect jumping-on point for new readers!
3. The Mystery Deepens…Get it?
“Dept. H” #1 was my favorite debut of the year so far. I love that it’s a murder mystery that treads the line between science fiction and crime noir. I’m really excited to see this story unfold.
Continued belowDept. H #4
Matt Kindt (W/A/Cover) and Sharlene Kindt (C)
On sale July 20
FC, 28 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
From New York Times best-selling author Matt Kindt (MIND MGMT, Past Aways, Super Spy)!
With time running out, Mia launches a final, desperate attempt to rescue her brother. But the mission is endangered as soon as it begins when the crew encounters the dangers of the ocean floor: earthquakes, lava, and the creatures that lurk in the deep.
• Featuring content exclusive to the single issues!
2. A Crossover For The Ages
When Predator and the Aliens face off, it goes down. However, we’re no longer satisfied by this showdown anymore, now we need more. Judge Dredd is here to fight off these two titans in what will be a completely off the wall battle. I’m here for it.
Predator vs. Judge Dredd vs. Aliens #1 (of 4)
John Layman (W), Chris Mooneyham (A), Michael Ayiyeh (C), and Glenn Fabry (Cover)
On sale July 27
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
The ultimate science-fiction crossover pits the legendary lawman Judge Dredd against the universe’s supreme hunters, the Predators, as they both try to survive an onslaught by the galaxy’s ultimate killing machines, the Aliens!
• Written by Eisner Award–winning, NYT best-selling Chew creator John Layman!
• Covers by Eisner Award winner Glenn Fabry!
1. When An Icon Writes Comics
Margaret Atwood is one of the greatest novelists to ever live. This isn’t something you can debate, it’s just fact. She’s also a big comic book fan and has started to make this much more well known on social media. She’s been photographed reading “Sex Criminals” and she even discussed the detailed history of Batgirl with Gail Simone on Twitter. Now she’s got her own graphic novel series coming out through Dark Horse. She’s joined by Johnnie Christmas and Tamra Bonvillain. “A Handmaid’s Tale” basically changed my life so my reading this isn’t even a question.
Angel Catbird Volume 1 TP (advance solicit)
Margaret Atwood (W), Johnnie Christmas (A/Cover), and Tamra Bonvillain (C)
On sale Sept 6
FC, 112 pages
$10.99
TP, 6” x 9”
Internationally best-selling and respected novelist Margaret Atwood and acclaimed artist Johnnie Christmas collaborate for one of the most highly anticipated comic book and literary events of 2016!
A young genetic engineer is accidentally mutated by his own experiment when his DNA is merged with that of a cat and an owl. What follows is a humorous, action-driven, pulp-inspired superhero adventure—with a lot of cat puns.
• Margaret Atwood’s first original graphic novel!
• Atwood has been published in over thirty-five countries, is the author of more than forty books of fiction, poetry, and critical essays, and has won the Man Booker Prize, the Giller Prize, the Premio Mondello, and more.
• Features bonus content by David Mack, Matt Kindt, Tyler Crook, and more!
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below and make sure you check out the full solicitations over at CBR.