As Peter Parker tries to sort out his relationship with Kitty Pryde while remaining on friendly terms with ex-girlfriend Mary Jane, an incident at the mall and the debut of Ultimate Scorpion is only the tip of the iceberg in a sinsiter conspiracy stretching back to Spider-Man's origin and the long-awaited beginning of the Ultimate Clone Saga.

As Batman tries to take down a drug cartel which has adopted deadly new methods of business, his civilian identity of Bruce Wayne must contend with a precocious 14-year-old girl who is herself getting dangerously close to Gotham's underworld. Collecting Detective Comics #800-8 and 811-4 from indie crime auteur David Lapham and Civil War: Front Line artist Ramon Bachs.

At the dawn of the 21st century an entire generation of superheroes has gone underground or given up the fight for justice, replaced by ultra-violent vigilantes barely distinguishable from the villains they oppose -- and more often than not brutally slay. But when the reckless actions of the psychopathic Magog cause a massive number of civilian casualties, Superman returns from self-imposed exile to reform the Justice League and bring back his old-fashioned code of ethics -- but how far will the Man of Steel go to impose his will? The 10th anniversary of Mark Waid and Alex Ross' visionary miniseries is celebrated with a deluxe oversized slipcased Absolute hardcover edition, featuring a new wraparound cover by Ross, an extended sketchbook section, breakdowns, text pieces by Waid and Ross, annotations, a promotional art gallery, and much more.

In a near-future Japan the head of the Black Dragon Clan, not content with controlling Japan's criminal underworld, has his sights set on overthrowing the government and becoming a modern-day Emperor. The controlling hardline military junta will do anything to stop him, even it means civil war, and in Black Dragon advisor Renjiro they may have found a way to set their plan in motion. An action-packed Blade Runner-esque science fiction story from writer Andy Diggle (Losers) and acclaimed artist Leinil Francis Yu (Superman: Birthright, Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk).

Aimless slacker teen Miguel Serra becomes a minor celebrity when he literally wills himself into a year-long coma, only to wake up to find he can only move at a snail's pace. In the increasingly surreal events that follow Miguel's life might be finally going somewhere -- albeit very, very slowly. The first original graphic novel from Gilbert Hernandez, co-creator of indie staple Love and Rockets.

The veteran Hellblazer team of Carey and Manco present the first original graphic novel featuring streetwise sorcerer John Constantine. When a mysterious global plague puts millions of seemingly unconnected individuals into deadly comas, including Chas Chandler's granddaughter Tricia, Constantine steps in to provide the solution -- although its consequences may be unpredictable.

In the first issue from new writer-artist pairing of Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, JLA, New X-Men) and Andy Kubert (Ultimate X-Men, 1602), Batman rethinks his approach to crimefighting following an epic battle with the Joker on the roof of Gotham City police headquarters -- but how does Man-Bat fit into the picture?

Gotham's upper crust find themselves targeted by a new gang of criminals trained to pass as members of the wealthy elite, led by masked mastermind Facade. Batman doffs the cape and cowl and uses his civilian identity of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne to draw out the mysterious villian, as the new creative team of Batman: The Animated Series writer Paul Dini and Promethea artist JH Williams III debuts.

It's a new beginning for the Man of Steel as crafted by the Avengers Forever team of writer Kurt Busiek (Aquaman) and artist Carlos Pacheco (Green Lantern, Superman/Batman). As Superman concentrates on shutting down the Intergang organised crime network, he also faces trouble at home with wife Lois Lane and the return of old flame Lana Lang.

One year after the events of Infinite Crisis, Superman has returned -- but some in the superhero community are uncertain it's really the Man of Steel with which they are dealing. Superman faces an identity crisis of a different kind in a three-part story from writers Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza and continuing artist Pete Woods.

Strange things have been happening in sleepy Ivy Town since the disappearance of Ray Palmer, also known as shrinking superhero the Atom. Ryan Choi is am ambitious young physics professor vying for the absent Palmer's spot on Ivy University's teaching staff, but a series of unlikely events sees him sizing up to the challenge of becoming the new Atom. Gail Simone (Villains United) and veteran artist John Byrne continue their Action Comics collaboration, from a concept by Grant Morrison.

Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have returned -- but after the traumatic events of Infinite Crisis, can they work together to rebuild the shattered Justice League? Identity Crisis writer Brad Meltzer brings together the DCU's greatest heroes in a prequel to the new ongoing series, joined by series artist Ed Benes (Birds of Prey) plus George Perez, Jim Lee, JH Williams III, Eric Wight, Tony Harris, Rags Morales and more.

In the shocking final issue, crafted by DC legend Paul Levitz with art from Rags Morales (Identity Crisis), the JSA's brutal showdown with Gentleman Ghost sees them face an army of evil dead. Could this really be the end for the Justice Society of America?

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 when the government they serve is being eaten away by corruption, whose agenda are they really advancing? And where is Uncle Sam, the mystical personification of the American spirit?

Cult writer Garth Ennis and veteran Australian artist Colin Wilson (Point Blank, 2000AD) celebrate the 50th birthday of a classic British comics character with an all-new limited series. With Allied forces on the defensive in North Africa, pursued by General Rommel and his legions of Panzer tanks, Wing Commander Robert 'Battler' Britton and his RAF squadron are assigned to spearhead an American counter-attack against the German war machine.

Kev Hawkins has led a relatively eventful life of late, mainly due to his frequent run-ins with superhero autocrats the Authority. But after being forced to murder his superior officer as part of a complex government plot and banished from the United Kingdom, what's a former SAS corporal with no real skills or experience beyond covert ops and assassinations to do?

The team behind Danger Girl: Back in Black kick off an old school action-packed sword and sorcery epic set in a forgotten time of barbarians, warlords, wizards and mythical monsters.

Jack of Fables #1
Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges (w), Tony Akins (a), James Jean (cover)
32 pp.

Everyone's favourite trickster takes centre stage in the first Fables spin-off series, from writers Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges with art by Tony Akins (Hellblazer: Papa Midnite). After stealing money and getting on the wrong side of pretty much everyone, Jack was banished from Fabletown -- only to release a series of autobiographical movies that catapulted him to celebrity superstardom. Now, go on the road with Jack and follow a fairy tale character's adventures in the very real heartland of America.

Veteran action writer Chuck Dixon (Nightwing, Team Zero) hits the road in a six-part miniseries introducing ace driver-for-hire Rush and his Pontiac Solstice, running dangerous missions in the dark back streets of New York City with no questions asked. In the action-packed debut issue Rush is called in to find a young diabetic girl perilously close to death.

Wes Cutter is the controversial new sheriff of Blackwater, and greeted on his first day on the job by a grisly murder.

The anthropomorphic pulp noir of Hip Flask comes to Image in a monthly prequel series from writer Richard Starkings and artist Justin 'Moritat' Norman, with painted covers by Ladronn.

As Commander Adam Archer begins to understand his destiny as Earth's protector, how will learning the secret origin of the universe affect his outlook on life? Meanwhile, will the ultra-villainous Tormentor embrace a perfect opportunity for revenge? Continuing the massively acclaimed hyperreal cosmic saga of Godland from writer Joe Casey (Wildcats 3.0, Uncanny X-Men, GI Joe: America's Elite) and artist Tom Scioli, collecting Godland #7-12 plus the Image Holiday Special short story.

When an airborne terrorist attempts to take down Air Force One and assassinate the US president, a government taskforce is formed to target rogue superpowered 'psychos'. But when he is betrayed by the agency and left out in the cold, top special operative Jake Riley's only option is to go underground and become a psycho himself.

Undead automaton Re-Animen are unleashed on Upstate University -- but the mastermind behind the attack didn't figure on student Mark Grayson, also known as teen superhero Invincible.

Witchblade reaches its landmark 100th issue with an extra-sized story, the debut of new ongoing penciller Adriana Melo (Star Wars: Empire) and covers from Marc Silvestri, Michael Turner, Mike Choi and Witchblade anime producers Gonzo.

The amazing adventures of the Escapist continue in a new limited series from Eisner-winning writer Brian K Vaughan (Ex Machina, Ultimate X-Men, Runaways) and acclaimed artists Philip Bond and Eduardo Barreto. Maxwell Roth discovered his father's stash of Escapist comics and memorabilia at a young age and was immediately hooked. Now nineteen, Max is writing original Escapist stories and determined to bring the pulp hero back in a big way -- but where will he find an artist in sleepy Cleveland?

Veteran horror and western writer Joe R Lansdale reunites with Jonah Hex collaborator Timothy Truman for one of the grittiest Conan stories ever. Deep in the inhospitable desert wastes of Stygia the Cimmerian warrior comes to the aid of an old ally and uncovers both a scheme to acquire vast wealth and an alluring spirit with unsatisfied needs.

Celebrate twenty years of Dark Horse Comics with a bargain-priced collection of brand new art showcasing the company's leading characters and creators. Eric Powell draws Star Wars, Adam Hughes takes on Hellboy, Joss Whedon makes his comic art debut and more, capped off with a cover by Mike Mignola.

Luke Skywalker singlehandedly faces a squad of stormtroopers as he attempts to bring childhood friend and Imperial officer Janek 'Tank' Sunber over to the Rebellion. Was Tank's plan to defect discovered by the Empire, or is he a double agent sent to infiltrate Rebel operations?

From Virgin Comics - NEW

Devi #1
Siddharth Kotian (w), Mukesh Singh (a)
32 pp.

As the city of Sitapur falls to the forces of crime and corruption inspired by the renegade God Bala, its spiritual leaders secretly take the desperate step of resurrecting an ancient warrior spirit called the Devi. Reborn into the body of a young city girl and with only a washed-out police detective as an ally, the Devi is all that stands between humanity and hell.

The Sadhu #1
Gotham Chopra (w), Jeevan Kang (a)

Why did a leading eastern mystic, or 'sadhu', step away from the threshold of spiritual enlightenment and on to the path of earthly revenge? Find out in a new series from writer Gotham Chopra and leading Indian comics artist Jeevan Kang (Spider-Man: India).

The Snakewoman #1
Zeb Wells (w), Michael Gaydos (a)
32 pp.

A dark street-level series from rising star writer Zeb Wells (New Warriors, Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways) and artist Michael Gaydos (Alias, The Pulse). Jessica Peterson was born, went to school, fell in love and graduated from college (with honours) right on schedule -- and then she moved to Los Angeles. Within three years, she will have killed 68 men.

The latest in Wizard's series of art training handbooks focuses on layouts, pacing, splash pages, backgrounds, negative space and other fundamentals of comic book storytelling, with detailed lessons from the top artists in contemporary comics including Adam and Andy Kubert, Norm Breyfogle, Tom Raney, Eduardo Risso, Phil Jimenez, Brian Michael Bendis, George Perez, Bryan Hitch and more.

Eiken volume 4 GN
Seiji Matsuyama (w/a)
192 pp., B&W

As a new year approaches the persecuted Densuke looks for an opportunity to ask out Chihiro, but Chihiro's athletic sister Yuriko has just transferred to the high school with an eye for Densuke and a plan to transfer the target of his affection.
(For mature readers.)

Kare Kano volume 20 (of 21) GN
Masami Tsuda (w/a)
200 pp., B&W

In the penultimate chapter of the OC/Dawson's Creek-style series described by Entertainment Weekly as 'teen angst at its soapy best', Soichiro's father plans to kill his son's real mother Ryoko.

Fruits Basket volume 14 (of 19) GN
Natsuki Takaya (w/a)
192 pp., B&W

Twin mysteries of who trashed the ABS council room and the nature of Isuzu's illness converge as Yuki accidentally becomes locked in a closet, in the continuation of the top-selling shojo manga in both Japan and the US.

Mitsukazu Mihara: Shigeshoshi volume 1 (of 3) GN
Mitsukazu Mihara (w/a)
192 pp., B&W

The new sumptously illustrated drama from the creator of Doll centres on the hidden world of taxidermy.

Bird Kiss volume 1 (of 2) GN
Eun Ah Park (w/a)
192 pp., B&W

Miyoul is a strong-willed boy-crazy girl totally in love with dark and enigmatic Geulin, but with an unwanted admirer of her own in nerdy junior Heerack. The classic western fairytale the Frog Prince is recontextualised manga-style in a contemporary high school setting.

Grenadier volume 1 (of 7) GN
Sousuke Kaise (w/a)
192 pp., B&W

Rushuna is a beautiful blonde who travels the world preaching the message of pacifism, and is more than prepared to use her massive arsenal and expert gun skills to win over hard cases.

Labyrinth volume 1 (of 3) GN
Jake Forbes (w), Chris Lie (a)
192 pp., B&W

The long-awaited official sequel to the classic fantasy film from Jim Henson and George Lucas. After returning home from the Labyrinth, Toby has grown up finding few things seem to challenge him -- not knowing that Jareth, the Goblin King, has been looking over his shoulder.

Now volume 1 GN
Sung-Woo Park (w/a)
190 pp.

Just before the fall of the mighty Korean kingdom of Goguryeo a lone warrior roamed the land causing immense destruction through his mastery of Sa Shin Mu, a devastating new martial art. Eventually peace returned to the land when the warrior was killed by his younger brother, rumoured to be an even more accomplished practitioner for Sa Shin Mu, only for the deadly art to vanish as quickly as it emerged. Now, 20 years later, it is whispered that a secret manual describing the techniques of Sa Shin Mu has been discovered. Will its deadly force once again determine the fate of the country?

IWGP volume 4 GN
Ira Ishida (w), Sena Aritou (a)
208 pp., B&W

In the final volume of the acclaimed urban street drama, Makoto and Fujio are running out of time in their search for Princess. Makoto turns to Guriko, an intelligent but introverted girl with which he went to middle school, who has surveillance tapes of the convenience store in which Princess was last seen. Will Makoto and Fujio find the clue they need before it is too late? (For mature readers.)

Genshiken volume 6 GN
Kio Shimoku (w/a)
200 pp., B&W

Continuing the humorous exploits and romantic entanglements of the popular series centred on a college manga/anime fan club. (For mature readers.)

Air Gear volume 1 GN
Oh Great (w/a)
200 pp., B&W

Beginning a hotly anticipated new series from the creators of Tenjiho Tenge, centred on extreme skating.

Yoshitaka Amano's Hero volume 1 HC
Yoshitaka Amano (a), Jessie Hortstig (w)
96 pp.

Acclaimed and award-winning artist Yoshitaka Amano, illustrator of Sandman: The Dream Hunters and concept designer for Vampire Hunter D and the Final Fantasy video game series, returns with his own creation Hero. A groundbreaking blend of prose fiction and both western and eastern comics art, Hero follows the titular character as he journeys across the world in search of his lost love and forgotten past. Featuring lavish full-page illustrations with accompanying text by Jessie Horstig. This limited edition hardcover features a new cover plus a foreword by Neil Gaiman.

Eureka Seven volume 2 GN
184 pp., B&W

Renton and Eureka encounter Anemone, female pilot of the Federation LFO craft and Eureka's opposite in every way -- but her cute appearance conceals violent mood swings that make her an unpredictable ally.