Fifteen years into the future, Damian Wayne has inherited the mantle of his father and donned cape and cowl as the new Batman. But in a nightmarish future Gotham all but torn apart by crime, terrorism, plague and extreme weather and now only 24 hours away from biblical Armaggedon, can the Son of the Bat take on the Prince of Darkness and avert the literal end of the world?

Superman travels to the 31st century for a meeting with Supergirl and her new allies in the Legion of Super-Heroes, in a special self-contained issue featuring sneak peeks of upcoming major events in the DCU.

The shocking death of a beloved character kicks off DC's new year-long weekly series, the backbone for the major events of the DCU during 2007 and featuring top writers including Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Adam Beechen (Robin), Tony Bedard (Exiles) and Sean McKeever (Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane).

The new Captain Comet and his bizarre twin The Weird face off in a colossal cosmic showdown, in the extra-sized series conclusion from Jim Starlin and Ron Lim.

In the continuation of the 'Checkout' crossover storyline, the top operatives of international superspy organisation Checkmate and rogue superheroes the Outsiders are thrown together in an unlikely alliance as they attempt to escape from the mad scientist hotbed of Oolong Island.

A Titan dies in a Countdown tie-in issue from new ongoing writer Adam Beechen (Robin, Teen Titans Go) and artist Chris Batista (52, JLA).

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 instead sizing up to the challenge of becoming the new Atom. Collecting the first six issues of the hugely acclaimed reinvention of the Atom from fan-favourite writer Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Action Comics) and artists including John Byrne and Trevor Scott.

After co-creating multiple classic comics properties including the Fantastic Four and helping define a new era of Marvel Comics, in 1970 writer-artist Jack Kirby moved across the street to DC Comics to create the sprawling science fiction epic of the Fourth World. Now, for the first time DC presents the definitive edition of one of the most acclaimed and visionary works from arguably the greatest comic book artist of all time. The first giant hardcover collection compiles Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133-9, Forever People #1-3, New Gods #1-3 and Mister Miracle #1-3, featuring the first appearances of Darkseid, Orion, Mister Miracle and the New Gods.

A fondly remembered British comics icon is reimagined for the contemporary era in the hit limited series from writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, Punisher MAX) and Australian artist Colin Wilson (The Losers, 2000AD).

Some of John Constantine's earliest adventures from the Jamie Delano era are collected for the first time, with art from talent including Mark Buckingham (Fables) and David Lloyd (V for Vendetta). Collecting Hellblazer #10-13, Annual #1 and Hellblazer: The Horroring #1-2.

From Marvel Comics:

In the inaugural annuals of Friendly Neighborhood and Sensational Spider-Man, the secret origin of one of Spider-Man's deadliest foes is revealed in Sandman: Year One and a forgotten episode from the blossoming romance of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson chronicled by guest writer Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist).

As the Winter Soldier must decide his place in the superhero community following the assassination of his mentor and hero, the Red Skull steps up his plans to bring the United States to ruin following the death of its champion. Still reeling from the shocking events of issue #25, how will the Marvel Universe move on without Captain America? Find out in the continuation of 'The Death of the Dream', the most significant Captain America story in years, from star writer Ed Brubaker (Daredevil, Sleeper, Catwoman) and artist Steve Epting (Avengers).

With a very angry Hulk's return to Earth just over the horizon, fan-favourite Hulk artist Gary Frank (Supreme Power) returns for the opening chapter of World War Hulk as boy genius Amadeus Cho seeks to assemble a superhuman army who will fight alongside the Jade Giant -- with She-Hulk and Doc Samson topping the list of potential recruits.

Marvel Zombies: Dead Days one-shot
Robert Kirkman (w), Sean Phillips (a), Arthur Suydam (cover)
48 pp.

By popular demand, the birth of the Marvel Zombies universe is revealed in a prequel to the surprise hit limited series from writer Robert Kirkman (Ultimate X-Men, Walking Dead, Invincible) and artist Sean Phillips (Sleeper), plus another classic Marvel homage cover from painter Arthur Suydam.

With the death of Captain America weighing heavily on his mind, a series of brutal massacres have drawn Frank Castle out to the desert near the US-Mexico border -- but the atrocities he finds there, perpetrated by a new Hate-Monger, will push even a hardened killing machine to the edge. A troubled Punisher dons a shocking new costume in the continuing series from rising star writer Matt Fraction (Casanova, Immortal Iron Fist) and Young Gun artist Ariel Olivetti.

For countless years Norrin Radd has explored the galaxy in solitude, travelling solo between the stars and observing the rise and fall of civilisations much like his own lost world. But now the Silver Surfer's cosmic ride is coming to an end, as the former herald of Galactus faces his own end. Beginning the long-awaited cosmic limited series from writer J Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man, Supreme Power, Babylon 5) with fully painted interior and cover art by Esad Ribic (Loki).

Powers division duo Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim have been homicide detectives and partners for years, but secrets they've been keeping from each other, secrets about their history with 'powers' and the superhero community, are beginning to come out. Collecting issues #19-24 of the Eisner-winning series from superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis (New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man, House of M) and artist Michael Avon Oeming. (For mature readers.)

Leo can plan and execute the perfect heist, always playing it safe and covering all the angles -- but even the most cautious of career criminals can be enticed into taking a risk. Hit the mean streets in the new creator-owned crime series from award-winning writer Ed Brubaker (Captain America, Uncanny X-Men, Gotham Central) and artist Sean Phillips (Marvel Zombies, Hellblazer), the creative team of the massively acclaimed Sleeper. (For mature readers.)

In one of the most important paranormal investigations of his career, Doctor Stephen Strange journeys from the dark underground of New York to the outer realms of reality in search of a murderer -- his own. Eisner-winning writer Brian K Vaughan (Runways, Y: the Last Man, Pride of Baghdad) and artist Marcos Martin (Batgirl: Year One) return Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme to the spotlight in the acclaimed limited series.

The beginning of the fondly remembered Fantastic Four tenure of writer-artist Walt Simonson (Thor, X-Factor, Hawkgirl) sees a time anomaly transport Marvel's First Family into the future to face Kang and Nebula -- but in their absence, will the present-day Earth fall to Galactus? Collecting Fantastic Four #334-41.

In the realm of Ur there are countless Gods who tyrannically rule the lands and lives of men -- but from the fires of hell itself has come the Godslayer, a powerful being sent to hunt and kill the Gods themselves. The reworking of the Spawn mythos in the tradition of fantasy epics such as Lord of the Rings is back in a monthly ongoing series from writer Brian Holguin and artist Philip Tan (Spawn, Uncanny X-Men).

The cult gothic horror masterpiece from David Hine (District X, Spawn) is back in a new digitally remastered and fully coloured edition.

In a fast-paced world of high-tech corporate intrigue and revenge, who is the mysterious femme fatale who has appeared from the shadows? The extra-sized debut of the new ongoing series from acclaimed writer Paul Dini (Detective Comics, Batman: The Animated Series) and new Top Cow talent Kenneth Rocafort (Hunter-Killer).

The cream of Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri's work for the publisher is presented in a giant trade paperback collection, including issues of Cyberforce, Witchblade, The Darkness and other titles that helped define one of the most distinctive house styles in contemporary comics.

After almost four decades of continuous conflict the British invasion of Mars has ground to a stalemate on the red planet itself, but the costs of waging war an entire world away have all but crippled the homeland. With personal liberties being revoked and dissent suppressed as the government struggles to hold the nation together, photojournalist Charlotte Hemming embarks on a covert mission to Mars and into the heart of the conflict -- only to discover a shocking secret that could spell the end of all human life on Earth. Top UK talent Ian Edginton and D'Israeli present the second chapter of the acclaimed science fiction adventure Scarlet Traces.

King Conan of Aquilonia has defeated the forces of Koth and slain the wizard Tsotha, but a dead foe can return even more dangerous when resurrected and allied with Conan's arch-foe, the necromancer Thoth-amon. Timothy Truman and artist Paul Lee return to Conan's years as king in a sequel to Conan creator Robert E Howard's classic 'The Scarlet Citadel'.

From the smaller publishers:

Could this really be the end? After 14 years of drama, romance and intrigue, hugely acclaimed independent comics touchstone Strangers in Paradise reaches its momentous final issue.

In a futuristic Pittsburgh the biomechanical hybrid warrior Warlash investigates a string of grisly murders, only to uncover an army of bloodthirsty zombies bred by a rogue geneticist. An Asylum Press graphic novella from new talent Frank Forte and Aleksandar Sotirovski, with a painted cover by Ben Olson.

Two classic entries in the canon of English language children's literature are transformed into engaging graphic novels through the sumptuous art of Penko Gelev.

Miraculous sole survivor of the crash of Flight 654, college professor Nicholas Dane finds himself channelling talents he never had before -- almost as if the spirits of the crash victims are living inside of him. Writers Christopher Golden (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Tom Sniegoski team with artist Paul Azaceta (Grounded) for one of the most acclaimed and discussed independent series of 2006.

Nye County medical examiner Lynn Devlin has handled almost everything the job has thrown at her with methodical efficiency and a basis in rational science. But when the grotesque murder of an alleged alien abductee defies explanation, Lynn finds her detachment shattered and her dreams haunted by grey figures with dark, oval-shaped eyes. The long-awaited followup to Whitley Strieber's horror classic Communion is presented for the first time in a five-part limited series from Devil's Due.

The life of master ninja Thomas Arashikage has seen him allied with both elite US military group GI Joe and global terrorists COBRA, but now he's going solo in a new ongoing series from GI Joe granddaddy Larry Hama and artist Mark Robinson (Witchblade).

The bazooka-toting Tank Girl rides again across the ravaged landscape of post-apocalyptic Australia, in the long-awaited return of one of the most iconoclastic independent comics of all time from co-creator Alan C Martin and the new artistic vision of Ashley Wood (Metal Gear Solid).

The newest offering from Virgin Comics chronicles the birth of a god and one of the most honoured and revered Hindu deities, with art by Jeevan Kang (Spider-Man: India, John Woo's Seven Brothers).

After her public, nationally televised wedding to Prince Shin, Chaekyung's life in the palace grows more and more complicated. The newlyweds argue about absolutely anything and everything. But when Chaekyung becomes homesick, Shin takes her to visit her family... in the process, discovering for himself what it's like to live as a commoner!

Satou survived his mother's visit and the suicide club excursion, but when he takes his battle online, all that fighting may have been for nothing! When the tragic loner hero of our story gets caught up in the MMPORPG craze, will hours and hours of play help him escape his hikikomori shell... or send him further toward his own destruction...?

Sumire decides to head off to Hong Kong to visit Hasumi, and as a result she's to preoccupied to entertain Momo when he vies for her attention. Later, when Momo's sister tells him that he is partly to blame for his parents' divorce, he decides it's time for him to grow up.

The long-awaited showdown between Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki has finally begun! Has Ichigo succeeded om mastering bankai, the highest level of power that a Soul Reaper can attain, to face Byakuya as an equal?

Setsuna and the high angels have entered the Tower of Etenamenki and approached the Tower of God. Finally, all the secrets are revealed: the reasons for the creation of angels and demons, the origins of the two wars of Heaven and Hell, and the real whereabouts of Adam Kadamon. This is where everything finally concludes... don't miss it!

Sano faces his brother in a high-jump competition... while his disapproving father is watching! Then, a school-wide treasure hunt turns into a grudge match between Kayashima and Modoru the onmyouji, his self-proclaimed rival. Will psychic powers or black magic prevail? Modoru has something else on his side too... the almighty power of cuteness!

Nana Osaki's band Blast is finally taking off in a big way, with everything from sold-out club dates to a contract from a record label! But the menace of Trapnest still lurks, stealing away everything that's important to her... possibly including, now, her best friend Nana Komatsu, who's being lured away by bassist Takumi! But this time, Nana's not giving up without a fight!