With Batman trapped in a brutal torture device and a paralysed Zatanna unable to save him, sadistic stage magician Loxias prepares to close his act with the death of hundreds in the audience. The stakes grow ever higher in the acclaimed Detective Comics run from writer Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series) and artist Don Kramer (JSA).

In a special Countdown tie-in issue guest-starring the JLA and JSA, the true story of Jimmy Olsen's first day at the Daily Planet is finally revealed.

The creative team of massively acclaimed Vertigo action-espionage series The Losers reunite to tell the new definitive origin of Emerald Archer in a six-part prestige format limited series.

Meet Citizen Steel, grandson of Commander Steel and the latest addition to the new Justice Society -- but how will he react to waking up in a new and unfamiliar world, as the secrets of 52 are revealed to the rest of the JSA?

The collapse of the USSR saw America declare victory in the Cold War and rise unchallenged to political and economic dominance, but while the arms race may be over not all of the weapons are accounted for. A secret Soviet project to develop super-human weapons of mass destruction has been awakened in one of the contemporary world's new warzones, instantly shifting the global balance of power. Does America have an answer to the Programme? Kicking off an epic post-superhero maxiseries from acclaimed writer Peter Milligan (X-Statix, Shade the Changing Man) and artist CP Smith (New Invaders, Stormwatch: Team Achilles).

Faker #1 (of 6)
Mike Carey (w), Jock (a) / 32 pp.

A group of college freshmen look to shake away the cold Minnesota winter and kick off their second semester with a wild party -- but in the morning after the night before three find themselves troubled by memories they've been suppressing for years, while the fourth finds no one recognises him, no computer records exist of his identity, and by all accounts he doesn't exist. Two of Vertigo's top talents unite for an eagerly anticipated new limited series.

Showcase Presents: Batgirl TP
John Broome et al (w), Carmine Infantino, Gil Kane et al (a) / 552 pp., B&W

From the pages of Batman, Detective Comics and other series the early adventures of the original Batgirl are compiled in a giant collection featuring classic comics talent including artists Carmine Infantino and Gil Kane.

Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters TP
Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray (w), Daniel Acuña (a) / 208 pp.

Meet the new Freedom Fighters: Phantom Lady, Doll Man, Human Bomb and the Ray. Crack operatives for the top-secret government task force known only as SHADE, they're the United States' new front line of defence against super-powered threats to national security -- but with the government they serve being eaten away by corruption, which agenda are they really advancing? And where is Uncle Sam, the mystical personification of the American spirit?

Gen13: Best of a Bad Lot TP
Gail Simone (w), Talent Caldwell (a) / 144 pp.

Fan-favourite writer Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Villains United) and Aspen alumnus Talent Caldwell (WildCATs: Nemesis) kick off a new beginning for classic Wildstorm superhero team Gen13 -- six outcast teenagers still coming to grips with their newfound superpowers while struggling to stay one step of ahead of shadowy government taskforce International Operations.

Clubbing GN
Andi Watson (w), Josh Howard (a) / 176 pp., B&W

When she is caught flashing a fake ID at a decadent West End nightclub, teenage sophisticate Charlotte Brook's punishment is to spend the summer at her grandparents' stuffy country club -- but her insatiable curiosity may see 'Lottie' solve a legendary murder mystery. The latest offering from DC's new young adult Minx line sees Eisner- and Harvey-nominated indie scribe Andi Watson (Paris, Geisha) join acclaimed Dead@17 artist Josh Howard for a hip new graphic novella suffused with contemporary British culture and the rebellious spirit of one very unique girl.

From Marvel Comics:

The Eisner-winning team of superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis (New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers) and gritty artist Alex Maleev reunite for a hotly anticipated new series based on the massively successful video game franchise. Picking up after the events of Halo 2, follow enigmatic super-soldier Master Chief in his one-man campaign to defend humanity from the onslaught of the invading alien Covenant.

Professor Xavier is dead, the X-Men have disbanded, and a new wave of Sentinels threatens to force mutantkind back underground. Having travelled back in time in a failed attempt to prevent a series of tragedies, battle-hardened mutant leader Bishop assembles a new team to fight for the future.

The superhero Civil War cost Spider-Man his secret identity, his team, his home -- and now a misdirected bullet could rob him of that which matters most. In the unbelievable conclusion to 'Back in Black', how far will an enraged Peter Parker go to hold the thinning threads of his life together, and will a moment of darkness see part of him lost forever?

In glitzy, glamorous Los Angeles anyone can be a superhero -- even you. An all-star cadre of athletes, actors and models assembled by Tony Stark's Fifty State Initiative and granted spectacular powers, the Order is the superhero team that doesn't just fight crime, but makes it look good on camera. Red-hot writer Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, Punisher War Journal, Casanova) joins acclaimed UK artist Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes) for a new slant on the superhero team book.

Once in a generation the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven align on the mystical plane and representatives are sent to compete in the tournament to end all tournaments. Danny Rand has stepped forward as champion of the earthly realm, but will his kung fu prove the greatest? Find out in the hit new series from Brubaker (Captain America), Fraction (Punisher War Journal) and Aja (Daredevil).

Back by popular demand, the God of Thunder returns from beyond the end of the world in the new ongoing series from J Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man, Supreme Power, Babylon 5) and Olivier Coipel (House of M, Legion).

Their intertwined origins finally revealed, Wolverine and arch-nemesis Sabretooth face off for the last time in the do-or-die conclusion from Jeph Loeb (Batman: Hush) and Simone Bianchi.

High school dropout Parker Robbins had planned to follow his deadbeat dad's footsteps as a foot soldier in the Kingpin's sprawling criminal empire, but the chance discovery of a mystical cloak presents him the opportunity to go solo. Poised to become a major player in the post-Civil War Marvel universe, go back to the origin of the Hood in the cult limited series from Eisner-winning writer Brian K Vaughan (Ex Machina, Ultimate X-Men) and acclaimed artist Kyle Hotz. (For mature readers.)

Following the shocking revelations of X-Men: Deadly Genesis, a depowered Charles Xavier leads a new team of X-Men into deep space in pursuit of rogue mutant Vulcan, out for revenge and aiming his awesome power squarely at the heart of the mighty Shi'ar empire. Collecting Uncanny X-Men #475-86 in a giant oversized hardcover edition.

Captain America's unending war against the enemies of freedom sees him take on Baron Blood, Cobra, Mister Hyde, Batroc the Leaper and an army of android duplicates -- but will he hang up his star-spangled shield for a shot at the Oval Office? The brief but legendary Stern/Byrne run is compiled in a timely collection of Captain America #247-55.

The genetically altered offshoot of humanity known as Homo Geneticus was bred in secret to survive a looming apocalypse, but what could be the future of the human race has unexpectedly gone public with the heroic Silver Star and his dastardly counterpart Darius Drumm. Originally published by Pacific Comics during the early 1980s, Silver Star was Jack Kirby's last creation and is packed with the King's trademark fantastical technology and hyperkinetic energy. With inks by Mike Royer and fully reconstructed colouring by Erik Larsen, this deluxe oversized hardcover is a stunning archival presentation of the final work of a true comics legend.

Capes Inc is a entrepreneurial new business hiring costumed superheroes to protect New York City and on occasion the world -- provided overtime applies. Early comics work from writer Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible, Ultimate X-Men) in a definitive collection comprising Capes #1-3 plus the backup serial from Invincible and new bonus material.

As Sara Pezzini awaits the virgin birth of her child while a new host wields the Witchblade, agents of the Angelus have come to Earth seeking a new host for the heavenly entity -- and a permanent end to its counterpart the Darkness. The eternal war between Light and Dark reaches boiling point in the biggest event in the history of the Top Cow universe, crafted by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Green Lantern, Samurai: Heaven and Earth) and featuring the lush painted art of new sensation Stjepan Sejic.

Earth, 2095: As the battle for freedom continues, on her one-hundredth birthday rebel leader Martha Washington reflects back on her long life and the struggle for liberty to which it was devoted. Legendary creators Frank Miller (Sin City, 300, Daredevil) and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen, Green Lantern Corps) reunite for the long-awaited final chapter in the epic Martha Washington saga.

Val Castillo is a promising young gymnast with an odd hobby: using her acrobatic abilities to scale walls and prowl rooftops as her neighbourhood's resident peeping tom. What starts out as harmless fun takes a dark turn when Val makes a voyeuristic discovery she won't forget in a hurry. The latest creation from inimitable Love and Rockets co-creator Gilbert Hernandez.

From the smaller publishers:

Celebrate the tenth anniversary of Roman Dirge's cult creation Lenore with a full-colour lucky thirteenth issue, as the loveable little dead girl takes advantage of a misdirected birthday party invitation for some gatecrashing fun.

Vasquez writes the words and Goldberg draws the pictures in a 'jam' graphic novel containing a little bit of everything. (For mature readers.)

The runaway hit indie book of 2006 returns with an eagerly anticipated second series. Following the lengthy siege of Lockhaven, a critical food shortage coupled with the beginnings of a long winter prompts Celanawe to lead the Mouse Guard out into the frozen wastes on a mission to re-establish ties with distant cities of the kingdom.

In a city of the near future, a bored populace feels somehow cheated that the promised world of flying cars, teleporters and matter disintegrators has failed to appear. They need a hero, a saviour to show them the way -- and in hip young mad scientist Doktor Sleepless, they may have found their answer. Warren Ellis returns to creator-owned work in the vein of his cult hit Transmetropolitan with a new monthly ongoing series featuring art by newcomer Ivan Rodriguez.

In a pivotal chapter of Jeff Smith's epic all-ages fantasy saga, war spreads across the valley as the Bone cousins prepare to lead a united front against the invading rat creatures of the Hooded One.

The five-year mission of the original USS Enterprise and her crew continues in the official followup to Star Trek: The Original Series, from writer David Tischman (Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Space Between, Bite Club, American Century) and artist Steve Conley. When the Enterprise discovers the Strand, an obsessed scientist's artificial resurrection of a dead civilisation, Captain Kirk must decide if shutting down unholy genetic experiments is worth the risk of annihilating a new race.

Kansas farm girl Judy finds herself mysteriously transported through time from the simple 1930s to the hustle and bustle of Hollywood in 1964. Her arrival having accidentally killed a famous actress to which she bears an uncanny resemblance, Judy hits Route 66 in a customised Mustang and travels the badlands of southern USA looking for a way back home to Kansas, encountering a host of colourful characters along the way. Equal parts Wizard of Oz, Grapes of Wrath and On the Road, Into the Dust is an ambitious twelve-part bimonthly series written and painted by emerging talent Jesse Rubenfeld.

The Simmons Comics Group kicks off with a horror anthology featuring all-new tales of terror crafted by a host of writers and artists and starrng the hard-rocking Demon himself, topped off with a cover by Spawn visionaries Todd McFarlane and Greg Capullo.

XS Hybrid Vol 2: Angel Virus
Song Ji-hyung (w/a) / 192 pp.

In the second volume of XS Hybrid, a gamer fantasy comes true when the unlocking of a certain level unleashes a powerful biomechanical virus, making human hosts of skilled players and transforming them from shut-in geeks to thuggish cool kids, gangsters on motorbikes terrorising the streets! But what they don't know is that the virus has a hidden agenda: it spans the globe on the hunt for the so-called "hybrids", kids with powerful viral identities hidden in their brains. Chang and Mina, a pair of high school kids who thought they were normal, are somehow caught up in the middle of it all... and they've got robotic voices in their heads!

Hate to Love You Vol 1
Makoto Tateno (w/a) / 200pp.

The author of hugely-popular titles Yellow and Hero-Heel is back, this time with a yaoi, modern-day version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet! The Konoe and Kagetsu families have been fighting like cats and dogs for generations; Masaya Konoe and Yuma Kagetsu, who attend the same high school, are well-known as arch rivals. But Masaya still cherishes a childhood memory in which Yuma shared a "treasure" with him, and the two boys, despite their alliances, share an attraction, and don't really hate each other at all! Can they find a way to hide their feelings for one another?

Kashimashi -Girl Meets Girl- Vol 3
Satoru Akahori (w), Yukimaru Katsura (a) / 192 pp.

Hazumu's awkward adventures continue in volume three of this hit series, the student - who was a boy but became a girl thanks to a freak accident involving near-death and an alien spaceship - struggles as the epicentre of a love triangle: her two closest friends, Tomari and Yasuna, who weren't interested in her as a boy, are now both in love with her! The relationship is strained as it is, so when Yasuna surprises Hazumu with a confession, will it make things worse? Find out in volume three of Kashimashi!

Venus Versus Virus Vol 1
Atsushi Suzumi (w/a) / 192pp.

Sumire Takahana may seem like a normal school-girl, but when she starts seeing malevolent ghosts lurking around the people of her town, she discovers that maybe she's not quite so normal after all! Her life changes forever when she meets Lucia Nahashia, a strange, gothic-lolita fashion-wearing girl who hunts and kills the ghosts, known as Viruses. Sumire decides to join forces with the mysterious Lucia, not content to sit around while the Viruses prey on the weak, and together they hunt the creatures down, trying to stop them before they hurt anyone.

Fruits Basket Vol 17
Natsuki Takaya (w/a) / 192 pp.

Akito has more than just skeletons hiding in the closet. The curse is not the only reason Kureno won't leave Akito, but the devotion between the pair is something Arisa doesn't understand at all! Meanwhile, the dark shadow that hovers over the Sohma Estate has fallen on Tohru. Is there any cure for this curse?

Pretty Face Vol 1
Yasuhiro Kano (w/a) / 216 pp.

When his school bus crashes, teenage karate star Rando is sent into a coma. One year later, he wakes to find that his once-disfigured face has somehow been reconstructed in the image of his secret crush, Rina! When his friends and parents abandoning him, the all new Rando is mistaken for his would-be girlfriend's long-lost twin sister and adopted into her family. Can Rando put aside his feelings for Rina and be a good "big sister" to her... when he's still a teenage boy from the waist down?!