Astonishing X-Men #13
Joss Whedon (w), John Cassaday (a)
32 pp.

The bestselling duo of writer Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer,
Serenity) and artist John Cassaday (Planetary) are back, bimonthly, for
another year of Astonishing X-Men.

Ahead of its long-awaited relaunch in April comes a collection of the
earliest stories of Moon Knight, multiple personality vigilante and
emissary of the mysterious god of Khonshu. Collecting Werewolf by
Night #32-33, Marvel Spotlight #28-29, Peter Parker Spectacular
Spider-Man #22-23, Marvel Two-in-One #52, Hulk Magazine #11-15, 17-18 &
20, Marvel Preview #21, Moon Knight #1-12 and Marvel Team-Up Annual #4.

Long before he was head of SHIELD or part of the Howling Commandoes,
Sergeant Nick Fury fought on the blood-stained sands of the Tunisian
desert against the 21st Panzer tank division and barely lived to tell
the tale. The Punisher: Born and Fury MAX creative team of Garth Ennis
and Darick Robertson reunite for a glimpse into the mysterious past of
the Marvel Universe's top spy and grittiest soldier.

The Answer has marked for death by deadly assassin Bullseye. Will the
woman he loves, Ruby Tuesday, help him or betray him to save her own
hide? Just in time for Valentine's Day comes a tale of super-villain
love from writer Fabien Nicieza (New Thunderbolts, Cable and Deadpool)
and artist John Proctor (Gun Theory).

Kicking off the epic 14-part 'Planet Hulk' event from Phoenix: Endsong
writer Greg Pak. Exiled to a peaceful and deserted planet by those he
thought were his friends, the Hulk diverts his ship off-course and lands
on a savage alien world governed by an oppressive ruling elite fixated
on endless gladiatorial battle.

Master humour writer Keith Giffen (Formerly Known as the Justice League)
and friends apply an irreverent spin to Marvel romance comics of
yesteryear featuring art from some of comics' greatest ever
illustrators.

The New Avengers face their biggest challenge yet when after the
reality-altering events of House of M a deadly new enemy is born, in a
special prologue issue featuring art from Steve McNiven and a guest
appearance from Alpha Flight in their final battle.

Powers volume 9: Psychotic TP
Brian Michael Bendis (w), Michael Avon Oeming (a)
200 pp.

Detective Deena Pilgrim is hiding a dark secret that is slowly
destroying her life. From the Eisner Award-winning writer of New
Avengers and Ultimate Spider-Man comes a superhero story that goes way
further than mainstream Marvel would ever dare.

Punisher MAX volume 2 HC
Garth Ennis (w), Doug Braithwaite & Leandro Fernandez (a), Tim Bradstreet (cover)

Acclaimed writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, Hellblazer) continues his gritty
mature readers revamp of the Punisher in this second oversized hardcover
collection. In 'Mother Russia' Nick Fury has a job that needs doing, a
suicide mission no sane man would even consider -- so he naturally calls
the Punisher. In search of a deadly biological agent Frank Castle
infiltrates a Russian nuclear silo, only to come up against the
Mongolian. And in 'Up Is Down and Black Is White', Nicky Cavella
survived the Punisher's bloody assault on the mafia but with one
unspeakable act will put himself dead centre in the vigilante's sights
again. The score needs to be settled, but can even the Punisher go too
far? Collecting Punisher #13-24. (For mature readers.)

Fan-favourite writer Brian Michael Bendis (New Avengers, House of M,
Daredevil, Ultimate Spider-Man) presents a dark and hidden chapter of
Marvel Universe history. When SHIELD head Nick Fury uncovers a
disturbing connection between many of the world's technology-powered
villains he goes behind the back of the US government and assembles an
ad hoc team of heroes for a covert and illegal mission. Starring
Spider-Man, Wolverine, Daredevil, Captain America, Black Widow, Luke
Cage, the Fantastic Four and many more, and featuring the lush painted
art of Gabrielle Dell'Otto plus many extras in a deluxe oversized
hardcover collection.

The hot new creative team of writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Marvel
Knights Four, Nightcrawler) and artist Angel Medina (Spawn) take the
webcrawler on a dark journey. Something is stirring inside Spider-Man's
animalistic foes, making them more vicious than ever -- including the
Lizard, Man-Wolf, and even Spidey's sometimes ally the Black Cat.

Emma Frost, Alex Summers and Magneto guest star in the final Ultimate
X-Men story from Brian K. Vaughan (Y the Last Man, Ex Machina), 2005
Eisner Award winner for Best Writer. When teenage mutant Lorna Dane
accidentally commits a horrific crime, will the X-Men protect her or
leave her to the mercy of SHIELD? Collecting Ultimate X-Men #61-65.

Career criminal Jackie Dio is out on the street after a long spell in
the slammer, and finds the criminal underworld has taken on a
superpowered edge in his time away. Now, Jackie's only shot at getting
back in the game lies with the shadowy figure known as the Consultant. A
gritty new limited series from Weapon X writer Frank Tieri.

The aftermath of House of M has seen the world's mutant population
decimated and more persecuted than ever. In their hour of need the
father of mutantkind, Apocalypse, has gathered new Horsemen and returned
to lead his people to triumph.

Wiccan and Hulkling's investigations into their respective powers and
origins are interrupted when the Young Avengers find themselves at war
with one of the Avengers' greatest galactic foes.

A string of strange deaths in Gotham City point to a new Tattooed Man,
but can Hal Jordan and Batman put aside their animosity long enough to
stop the murders -- particularly when the Dark Knight receives a massive
power-up? Continuing the hit new ongoing series from the Green Lantern:
Rebirth team of Geoff Johns (Infinite Crisis) and Ethan van Sciver (New
X-Men).

The bestselling maxiseries from the Earth X team of Kreuger and Ross
continues. As a group of former supervillains announce their plans for
the betterment of humankind, away from the public eye they strike more
viciously than ever at their eternal adversaries in the Justice League.

A bumper-size collection of a full 22 issues of DC's classic series
House of Mystery, featuring supernatural and horror stories from master
writers and artists including Len Wein, Bernie Wrightson, Neal Adams,
Alex Toth and many more.

A special three-part crossover tieing into the most surprising revelation of Infinite Crisis. Witness the arrival of
Kal-L, last son of Krypton and the greatest hero of Earth-2, his undying love for Lois Lane, and the destruction of his universe during Crisis on Infinite Earths. Including a special origin story by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, the
acclaimed creative team of Superman for All Seasons.

The second collection of four self-contained and starkly realistic war
stories from acclaimed writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, Punisher) in
collaboration with star artists including David Lloyd (V for Vendetta),
Carlos Ezquerra (Judge Dredd) and more. (For mature readers.)

Travis Morgan returns to the lost continent of Skartaris in the
triumphant return of one of comics' most enduring sword and sorcery
characters, kicking off a new ongoing series from writer Bruce Jones
(Hulk, Vigilante) and artist Bart Sears (Weapon X: Days of Future Now,
Captain America and the Falcon, Justice League Europe).

In a never-before-published story from Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore
(Walking Dead, Exterminators) Battle Pope and friends settle into their
new home, while in a bonus story illustrated by Cory Walker (Invincible)
the Pope reminisces about a past encounter. (For mature readers.)

Hatter M returns after a dangerous visit to Wonderland convinced the
lost princess Alyss remains somewhere in the everyday world. Featuring
art from Australian Ben Templesmith (Fell, 30 Days of Night).

The adventures of Rocketo Garrison take place in a mythical future 2000
years after the world was destroyed in a catastrophe, as he is swept
into a journey to the Hidden Sea and the riches that may lie within.
This collection of Rocketo #0-6 also includes an introduction by Alex
Ross, pinups by some of today's top artists, maps, sketches and much
more.

For years the Savage Dragon has relied on his regenerative powers to
keep him alive. Now those powers are gone and he's growing weaker by the
second -- while his biggest challenge ever looms.

Concrete volume 4: Killer Smile TP
Paul Chadwick (w/a)
184 pp.

Working in the shadow of a celebrity has its pros and cons, but
Concrete's personal assistant Larry Munro learns the dangers of even a
little fame when he is kidnapped by a psychotic gunman on a road trip
destined to end badly.

Go into the secret past of Cuban-American mobster Tony Montana for the
time before his emigration to America and events that will shape him
into a man of legend.

Star Wars: Clone Wars volume 8 TP
John Ostrander (w), Jan Duursema (a)
144 pp.

While both the Republic and the Separatists have suffered huge losses
during the Clone Wars nothing will have prepared them for the desert
world of Saleucami, where Dark Jedi Sora Bulq has been cloning an army
of assassins. A betrayal an an ultimate sacrifice headline events
leading directly into Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, in
this collection of stories from Star Wars: Republic #72-77.

IDW continues its adaptations of the US television series Masters of
Horror with the first of a two-part reworking of HP Lovecraft's classic
short story 'Dreams in the Witch-House' as imagined by Re-Animator
director Stuart Gordon.

When a retired LA detective accuses Spike of a decades-old murder, one
of the most infamous unsolved crimes in the city's history, the former
bad-boy vampire finds himself on the run. Is Spike's dark past catching
up to him, and what do the the monster-slaying Mexican wrestlers Los
Hermanos Numeros have to do with it?

In a commercialist future legitimate and black market economies compete
for dominance in the City, overseen by the rival Yakuza and Porno Swede
crime families. Rebellious 16-year-old convenience store clerkette Pella
Suzuki finds herself caught up in the conflict and pursued by hitmen
from both sides. Demo and DMZ writer Brian Wood applies his trademark
social commentary to a new series illustrated by breakout talent
Kristian Donaldson (Forsaken).

The first original novel based on the award-winning horror series 30
Days of Night. FBI agent Andy Gray used to have a handle on reality, but
that was before a terrifying encounter with the undead creature that was
once his partner.

A special double-sized tenth issue celebrates the fifth birthday of
Angry Youth Comix, Rolling Stone's 'Hot Comic of 2005' and the premier
source of the most morally abhorrent and disturbingly hilarious material
in contemporary comics. (Definitely for mature and rather sick readers.)

Aspen Swimsuit Special #1
Various (w/a), Michael Turner (cover)
32 pp.
Published by Aspen

The first ever Aspen Swimsuit Special is packed with sexy pinups from
Aspen's top artists including Michael Turner, Koi Turnbull, Marcus To
and Peter Steigerwald, plus some surprise guests.

Lucius, Smiley and Phoney narrowly escape an attack by rat creatures, as
Fone Bone and Thorn are troubled by disturbing dreams. Continuing the
massively acclaimed all ages fantasy series, presented in colour the
first time.

Rising star indie creator Sammy Harkham (Poor Sailor) begins a new
ongoing series with Black Death, an elliptical tail of a man riddled
with arrows who is curiously not dead.

A collection of the first three issues of sold-out indie sensation Elk's
Run, attracting massive praise from a broad spectrum of the comics
community, with a new cover from Eisner winner Darwyn Cooke. The
isolated town of Elk's Ridge, West Virginia sees its determination to
live by its own rules backfire disastrously when an accidental death
sparks a chain of events that will result in the community's adults and
children going to war with each other.

The long-awaited second installment of the intimate examination of a
failing envelope manufacturing company.

The unofficial sequel to classic zombie horror film Night of the Living
Dead, penned by original screenwriter John Russo, reaches its shocking
and bloody conclusion. Now aware of an outbreak of the reanimation virus
from zombies kept for scientific study, the Allegheny County Sheriff's
Office prepares for a high-powered assault against a new army of walking
dead. (Definitely for mature readers.)

Fear the Dead: A Zombie Survivor's Journal one-shot
Steve Niles (w), Eric Powell, Guy Davis, Norm Breyfogle et al (a)
48 pp.

Some of the best artists in contemporary comics contribute their best
full-page zombie pinup to a story of the survivor of a zombie apocalypse
crafted by master horror writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night).
Featuring art from Eric Powell (The Goon), Guy Davis (Hellboy BPRD),
Norm Breyfogle (Batman, Detective Comics) and many more.

An essential lexicon of filmological knowledge and all that is held
sacred by film purists.

Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla set out to bring peace to the world but find
themselves opposed by a evil science cabal lead by J. P. Morgan and
Thomas Edison, who wish to merge the dark arts with the machines of new
Industrial Age.

In the gore-splattered ultimate slasher crossover, a regenerated Jason
Voorhees faces his cybernetically enhanced future form Jason X on the
decks of an out-of-control space cruiser. (Definitely for mature
readers.)

Fan favourite artist Mike Allred (X-Statix, Madman) continues his labour
of love adaptation of the Book of Mormon.

Streetwise occultist John Constantine has been feeling out of sorts
recently, and not just from his latest bender -- his soul has become
displaced during a botched spiritual quest. Now, rescued and recruited
by an agent for the global conspiracy of the Hidden World, Constantine
and his allies must foil a plot by the secret Servants of
Transfiguration to raise the ancient demon known as the Warlord.

The latest collection of humorous but bent short stories from top indie
cartoonists including Graham Annable, Scott Campbell, Nathan Stapley and
more.

When a volley of nuclear missiles is launched at Japan by the Yakumo
world domination conspiracy, only the Killer 7 group of assassins can
save the island nation from being wiped off the map.

Cult action hero and pioneering bad girl Modesty Blaise is back in three
classic stories, presented with new introductions by writer Peter
O'Donnell.

As mice struggle to survive and prosper amid the predators and dangers
of the modern world, the Mouse Guard is formed to fend off intruders,
patrol borders and provide safe passage for common mice between one
secret mouse village and another. Watership Down meets Asterix in what
some are tipping as the next big thing in independent comics.

The comic book industry's Bible since the 1970s, the latest edition of
the Overstreet Guide provides the most complete listing of comics and
associated prices from the 1500s to the present.

Struggling to complete her portrait amid constant interruptions and
distractions, Juliet is invited to the ball but as a poverty-stricken
artist has nothing to wear. Continuing the latest slice-of-life drama
from Eisner-nominated Andi Watson.

Go back in the career of Tom Wallace to his first days as an MI6 agent,
when he was sent to Hong Kong to investigate the murder of a British
national. Continuing the 'Declassified' supplement to the critically
acclaimed and gritty realistic espionage series Queen and Country from
core DC writer Greg Rucka (Adventures of Superman, Gotham Central).

A stunning graphic novel version of Philip K. Dick's science fiction
masterpiece, composed of stills from the forthcoming film adaptation
combining live action and animation. Bob Arctor is a dealer of the
lethally addictive narcotic Substance D, and 'Fred' is the police
detective sent undercover to bust him. But Arctor has been taking his
own product, in massive doses, and the effect on his brain has him
unaware of just how close Fred is.

Slaine, barbarian warrior and former High King of Ireland, has returned
to his homeland and people only to find them menaced by sea demons led
by the evil Moloch. Slaine must rally his tribe and lead his warriors
into battle if they are to repel the invaders and save their country.

Out in the Old West the biggest danger isn't bullets or bandits, but
werewolves -- and one-time expressman Seth Collins is walking right into
their lair.

One of the most acclaimed new indie anthologies of 2005 returns, with
more ghosts and ghouls, hardboiled detectives, murder mystery, space
opera and other retro pulp stories.

Valerian volume 1: The New Future Trilogy TP
Jean-Claude Mezieres (w), Pierre Christin (a)
176 pp.
Published by iBooks

The first volume in the classic French graphic novel series that
inspired the stylish science fiction film The Fifth Element. In the 28th
century the intrepid Valerian and his sharp-witted partner Laureline are
top agents for the vast Galaxity organisation, but when Galaxity
vanishes they are forced to fend for themselves.

One of Europe's most popular comics titles for over twenty years finally
comes to the English-speaking world. A man with no memory of his past
wakes up in an unknown place, the only clues to his identity his
incredible fighting skills and an 'XIII' tattoo, but quickly finds out
that both the police and contract assassins are after him.

Broken Angels volume 1
graphic novel

Setsuri Tsuzuki (w/a)
192 pp.

Fujiwara Sunao is not your usual student -- not only does she have the
power to control water, she also likes to wear her hair short and dress
as a boy. At any other high school she would be an oddity, but among
some very strange staff and students she may the most normal person
there.

The colourful young staff of Cafe Kichijouji are a constant source of
frustration for their stressed-out manager, but today they are the ones
under fire when the cafe is beset by a stream of troublesome children.

Head of the Nanami Detective Agency, Asagi is a talented sleuth and a
formidable fighter -- but has he got in over his head?

Yo Hinomura, deadly assassin for the Chinese Mafia, is known among those
of the criminal underworld as 'Crying Freeman', the killer who cries
over the bodies of his victims -- although hypnotically programmed by
his masters to kill on their command, they cannot stop his tears. From
the writer of Lone Wolf and Cub, Lady Snowblood and Samurai Executioner.
(Definitely for mature readers.)

Continuing the humorous exploits and romantic entanglements of the
popular series centred on a college manga/anime fan club. Will appeal to
fans of Negima.

Gorgeous Carat volume 1
graphic novel

You Higouri (w/a)
192 pp.

An exciting new action-romance set in late nineteenth-century Paris,
from the writer-artist of Seimaden and Canterella. Follow Ray and
Florian, jewel thieves and lovers, as they battle against crime lords,
rival thieves and vengeful former allies.

Enthusiastic teenager Shuichi Shindo is the lead singer and songwriter
for hot pop group Bad Luck, and has just moved in with his older lover.
That's the point where everything starts to go wrong, particularly when
crippling writers block strikes shortly before a national televised
music contest against Bad Luck's main rival. An original novel based on
the popular anime and manga series.

Released from imprisonment after one thousand years, eighty-eight demons
return to menace present-day Japan. A group of young warriors with power
over the elements rise to protect their country, but bitter infighting
splits them into two factions more focused on battling each other than
the evil creatures.

Continuing the humorous misadventures of a male wizard at an all-girls
school, in the new series from the creator of Love Hina.

Sorcerer-for-hire Orphen and his good-intentioned but somewhat dim
assistant's latest assignment is to retrieve a magical ring from the
mansion of a beautiful young woman. What should be an easy task will be
complicated by a maid with an interest in the magical arts.

Extroverted surfer Houryu and shy intellectual Shouin are happy
together, but tensions emerge when Shouin's French tutor, the handsome
and openly gay Nanami, makes known his interest in his student.

Princess Ai volume 3: Evolution
graphic novel

Courtney Love, DJ Milky & Misaho Kujiradou (w), Kujiradou (a)
196 pp.

As more outrageous assassins from Ai-land arrive, can Ai avoid her many
enemies and find a way to bring peace to her troubled homeland?
Continuing the East-West crossover hit manga co-written and inspired by
grunge rock goddess Courtney Love.

Real Lies GN
Si-Young Lee (w/a)
230 pp., B&W
Published by Ice Kunion

Three separate and unusual stories set in alternate realities, each
exploring a different aspect of love and relationships.

Samurai Champloo volume 1 GN
Masaru Gotsubo (w/a)
192 pp., B&W

When a mysterious figure begins eliminating samurai, seeking to amass
one thousand swords and achieve elite samurai status, Mugan and Jin
volunteer to apprehend the serial killer. Based on the popular anime
series mixing the samurai genre with contemporary urban culture.

Someday's Dreamers volume 1 GN
Norie Yamanda (w), Kumichi Yoshizuki (a)
192 pp., B&W

Yume Kikuchi wants to follow in her mother's footsteps as a magician,
and uses her powers to innocently help those she encounters on her
travels. Based on the popular anime series.

Tenshi Ja Nai (I'm No Angel) volume 2
graphic novel

Takako Shigematsu (w/a)
192 pp.

There's a new music teacher at Seika Academy, and all the girls are
talking about him. Hikaru can't help but daydream about the new tutor --
and forbidden it may be, but he seems interested in her in return.

Tsubasa volume 8
graphic novel

CLAMP (w/a)
200 pp., B&W

The latest volume in the hugely popular fantasy-adventure series from
acclaimed manga collective CLAMP.

Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase volume 2 GN
Keitaro Arima (w/a)
192 pp., B&W

After two gruelling weeks of doing chores in Kouhei's grandfather's
antique store, young vampire Hazuki asks for a taste of his blood.
Rejected, she is forced to prowl the streets for a victim on which to
feed.

Warcraft volume 2 GN
Richard A. Knaak (w), Jae-Hwan Kim (a)
192 pp., B&W

The second volume of adventures set in the world of the hit fantasy
computer game series, from the New York Times bestselling author of four
Warcraft novels and the artist of King of Hell.

Yellow volume 3 GN
Makoto Tateno (w/a)
184 pp., B&W

Goro and Taki continue to work together as undercover drugs and arms
investigators, but will the arrival of Taki's foster parents complicate
their blossoming personal relationship?