Special: Halloween ComicFest 2015!

Hello everybody and thanks for reading the 300th post on this blog! Yay!!! Next Saturday is Halloween... It's also Halloween ComicFest, an event I detailed here but the short version is that at participating comic shops you can get free Halloween themed comics!!! Now there's a lot to read so how do you decide which to pick up? Well I'll help you there by giving you my ranking!

21. Kitaro: The Birth Of Kitaro

Publisher: DRAWN & QUARTERLY
(W/A/CA) Shigeru Mizuki
Shigeru Mizuki's The Birth of Kitaro tells the spooky origin story of the legendary mangaka's most popular character. This preview is taken from the golden era of the late 1960s, when Kitaro truly hit its stride as an all-ages supernatural series. Mizuki's Kitaro is both timelessly relevant and undeniably influential, inspiring a decades-long boom in stories about yokai, Japanese ghosts and monsters. This Halloween Special is the perfect introduction to the new all-ages Kitaro series coming in 2016 from D&Q!

20. Skylanders

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
(W) Ron Marz, David Rodriguez (A/CA) Fico Ossio
Happy Halloween from Skylands! Enjoy this special comic treat as we introduce you to the candy villainy of Pain-Yatta! This issue reprints a special selection from the Skylanders: Light in the Dark storyline featured in Skylanders Volume 4 coming next month!

19. Grimmiss Island

Publisher: DARK HORSE COMICS
(W) Art Baltazar, Franco (A) Art Baltazar
The Volcano Goddess threatens the Mama Woogees' tiny island! What can their creation Grimmiss do to stop this terror? Between an eye exam, a tough lesson in love, and stopping the Tiki Monoliths, there are lots of things for a little guy with a skull head to do!

18. Vampblade

Publisher: ACTION LAB - DANGER ZONE
(W) Jason Martin, Dan Mendoza (A) Winston Young (CA) Winston Young, Dan Mendoza
Get a look at the latest offbeat genre heroine from Danger Zone...VAMPBLADE! After appearing in the pages of Zombie Tramp and then guest starring in a limited series with the queen of the undead, the mystical blade wielding Vampblade is all set to debut her own ongoing series in 2016! Here's your chance to see what the book is all about and also take a peek at Zombie Tramp and friends!

17. Fragments Of Horror

Publisher: VIZ MEDIA LLC
(W/A/CA) Junji Ito
An old wooden mansion that turns on its inhabitants. A dissection class with a most unusual subject. A funeral where the dead are definitely not laid to rest. Ranging from the terrifying to the comedic, from the erotic to the loathsome, these stories showcase Junji Ito's long-awaited return to the world of horror.

16. Chakra The Invincible

Publisher: GRAPHIC INDIA PTE. LTD
(W) Stan Lee & Various (A) Jeevan Kang, Various (CA) Jeevan Kang
Straight from the Free Comic Book Day release and based on the animated shorts seen on Angry Birds ToonsTV with over 30 Million views worldwide, Chakra the Invincible is the latest superhero from legendary creator, Stan Lee. Join Chakra and his friends for a very special Halloween as Dr. Singh sits you down by the campfire and tells you about some of Chakra's most sinister villains and spookiest adventures!

15. World Of Archie

Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS
(W) George Gladir (A) Rich Koslowski, Fernando Ruiz (CA) Bill Galvan, Bob Smith
Strange things are going on in Riverdale! You're invited to the best Halloween party of the year - exclusively for monsters! Is it possible that Archie and Jughead have really stumbled into a Halloween party where the guests are not in costume, but are actual, real-live monsters?! Find out for yourself if this tale is a 'trick' or a 'treat' in "For Monsters Only!"

14. The Garlicks

Publisher: ACTION LAB
(W/A/CA) Lea Hernandez
Olive, a curious butcher's apprentice, decides to crash a monster's party on Halloween Eve. Disguised as a goofy vampire alpaca, she meets an equally goofy vampire horse named Vourdain. But what is Olive going to do when it's morning and time for all monsters to unmask?

13. The Adventures Of Psycho Bonkers

Publisher: ASPEN MLT INC
(W) Vince Hernandez (A/CA) Adam Archer
A pulse-pounding Psycho Bonkers action-adventure story for fans of all ages! Join the cast of this completely brand new full throttle series along with Fathom's Ernie the Seahorse, and characters from many of Aspen's most popular titles as they team up to win a thrilling, issue-spanning race! Aspen Comics' is excited to once again offer fans and readers a unique comic and coloring book package that includes a crafted full length story geared for kids to color, plus added puzzles, mazes and other fun filled activities for children and readers of all ages! It's the perfect treat for the Halloween holiday!

12. Publisher: PERFECT SQUARE
(W/A/CA) Noriyuki Konishi
Nate Adams is just an average kid until the mysterious Whisper gives him a device that allows him to see what others cannot, Yo-kai of all shapes and forms! Now, armed with the Yo-kai Watch, Nate, Whisper and their new invisible friends embark on an all-new supernatural adventure!

11. Actionverse

Publisher: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
(W) Vito Delsante & Various (A) Ray-Anthony Height, Sean Izaakse (CA) Ray-Anthony Height & Various
ACTIONVERSE DEBUTS! Get a peek at the Creator Owned event of the year that everyone will be talking about from Action Lab...ACTIONVERSE! Action Lab ties its Creator Owned Superhero Properties together in a universe shattering event never before attempted by a comic publisher. Preview the Midnight Tiger, Molly Danger and Stray crossover, get the who's who on all the Major Heroes and Villains and a special first look at our new series, ACTION LAB: DOG OF WONDER!

10. Spook-A-Rama

Publisher: FAMOUS MONSTERS
Cory loves monsters. He dresses up in monster suits and reads monster magazines, much to the chagrin of his mother, who would rather he be working in a mailroom. But when Cory learns about his hero Wilbur Atchison's studio tours, he suddenly sees an opportunity for greatness! But he soon finds out that not all of Hollywood is make believe. An all-ages adventure in the spirit of The Goonies and Monster Squad!

9. Bitten

Publisher: MAGNETIC PRESS
(W) Cornelia Funke, Raul Garcia (A/CA) Francisco Herrera
Some Hollywood Horror stories are true! Based on best-selling YA author Cornelia Funke's "Little Werewolf", comic artist Francisco Herrera (Venom, Megamind) and Disney Animator Raúl García (Aladdin, The Lion King) bring you a fun new short story and activities set in the world of the upcoming graphic novel, Bitten!"

8. Grimm Tales Of Terror #2

Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
Inspired by Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow, Zenescope goes back to its roots of horror for this special Halloween Comic Fest reprint of Grimm Tales of Terror #2! When a group of treasure hunters heads to the Amazon in search of the priceless Spider King relic, they will find that the "Web of Deceit" they've spun has put them in a horrifying predicament!

7. Boom Studios Halloween Haunt 2015

Publisher: BOOM STUDIOS
(W/A) Jones Wiedle & Various
Enjoy three, spooky tales for your reading pleasure in this BOOM! Studios Halloween Special, featuring short stories from Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and Lumberjanes. Perfect for passing out on Halloween instead of/in addition to candy!

6. Doctor Strange: The Oath #1

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
(W) Brian K. Vaughan (A/CA) Marcos Martin
Doctor Strange embarks on the most important investigation of his career, as he sets out to solve an attempted murder - his own! And with his best friend near death, Stephen Strange turns to an unexpected corner of the Marvel Universe to recruit a new ally!

5. Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina #1

Publisher: ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
(W) Roberto Aguirre Sacasa (A/CA) Robert Hack
Halloween ComicFest 2015: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Script: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa  art: Robert Hack, Jack Morelli Cover: Robert Hack, Rosario "Tito" Peña

There's no better way to kick off your Halloween than with Archie Comics' newest horror series. Terror is born anew in this dark reimagining of Sabrina the Teenage Witch's origin. On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, the young sorceress finds herself at a crossroads, having to choose between an unearthly destiny and her mortal boyfriend, Harvey. But a foe from her family's past has arrived in Greendale, Madame Satan, and she has her own deadly agenda. Relive all the horror with this special black and white presentation of the critically-acclaimed first issue.

4. Harley Quinn #1

Publisher: DC
(W) Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti (A) Chad Hardin
Harley is set to begin her new life, but she needs a job first. Enter the Coney Island Roller Derby! It's game time as Harley sets out to destroy her competition - literally. This free issue is the perfect place to start reading the adventures of Harley Quinn - the Joker's on-again, off-again psychotic girlfriend, the Clown Princess of Crime!

3. Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors/Avengers Assemble Season 2

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
(W) Joe Caramagna, Jim Zub (A) Ron Lim, Mario Del (CA) Kalman Andrasofszky
When Peter Parker has a terrible day, he discovers that none other than Nightmare is behind it! But how can the Ultimate Spider-Man defeat a foe that's inside his own head? Guest-starring Doctor Strange! Then the Avengers take on their spookiest mission yet when they travel to Castle Doom to face Dracula! And if that's not enough, Dracula's brought a horde of bloodthirsty vampires with him!

2. Donald Duck's Halloween Scream!

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
(W/A) William Van Horn (CA) Dan Noonan
Classic Disney haunts are home for the howl-iday! In "It's In the Bag" and "Public Ugly #1," trick-or-treating Donald scares up a literal ton of candy... then is forced to get rid of it by fair means or foul!

1. The Batman Adventures #1

Publisher: DC
(W) Kelly Plunkett (A) Ty Templeton
The Joker and the Penguin make a deal: in return for the theft of a small item, the Joker provides the Penguin with money to garner public acclaoim as a millionaire philanthropist! How high can the Penguin fly before Batman catches on? Don't miss your chance to read this free first issue of the comic book series that spins out of the critically-acclaimed and Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series and brings an animated approach to comics!

For more information feel free to visit www.HalloweenComicFest.com

Special: Halloween ComicFest 2014 Announced

You may remember last year around Halloween I posted reviews of a bunch of free comics I got from Halloween ComicFest. The highlight being I still haven't been able to dodge the "Brony" jokes after I said I was quite surprised at how good the My Little Pony book was...

Well, I'm happy to announce that now celebrating its third year, Halloween ComicFest will take place on Saturday October 25, 2014 and is similar to Free Comic Book Day where it's an annual event where participating comic book speciality shops across North America and beyond celebrate the Halloween season by giving away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. The event is always held the weekend before Halloween and is the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to the many reasons why comic shops are a great destination for Halloween themed comic books, products and merchandise. From zombies, vampires, monsters and aliens to costumes and more, comic shops have it all when it comes to Halloween fun!

I've attached the solicitations for the 19 books you can get this October below as well as the official press release from Diamond Distributors below, and make sure to stay tuned to the blog for updates as well as my official rankings and reviews as we get closer to the date.

HALLOWEEN COMIC FEST FULL-SIZED COMICS

ABSTRACT STUDIO

RACHEL RISING #1—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W/A/CA) Terry Moore

Halloween marks the return of a modern classic, Rachel Rising #1! Rachel wakes up dead in a shallow grave and climbs out to hunt for her killer. Seeking the help of Aunt Johnny and BFF Jet, Rachel encounters a mysterious woman and the scariest little girl in comics! This special reprint is just for Halloween Comicfest 2014 and features a unique cover variation to mark the occasion! (STK649689)

32pgs, B&W                                                                                                 

ACTION LAB COMICS

HERO CATS / PRINCELESS—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Kyle Puttkammer, Jeremy Whitley (A/CA) Marcus Williams

A Hero Cat's life is exciting enough, but what happens when imaginations run wild after a scary movie marathon at the local drive-in?! Ace, Midnight, Cassie, Rocket, Rocco, and Belle will win your heart in this frightfully fun-filled tale! Plus, an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated new Princeless series! (STK649936)

32pgs, FC                                                                                                      

ARCHIE COMICS

AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #1—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Roberto Aguirre Sacasa (A/CA) Francesco Francavilla

Celebrate the most frightening day of the year with the most horrifying tale Archie has ever told! "Escape From Riverdale": This is how the end of the world begins… Harvey Award-winning writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Carrie, Archie meets Glee) and Eisner-winning artist Francesco Francavilla (Batman, Black Beetle) take Archie and the gang where they've never been before — to the grave and back! A horrific accident sets off a series of grim events and Sabrina the Teenage Witch must try to repair the unspeakable evil her spell has unleashed. Gasp in horror as Riverdale faces an impending zombie Arch-pocalypse in this reprint of the award-winning, sold-out first issue! But be warned, kiddies, this one's not for the faint of heart! For TEEN+ readers. (STK649686) NOTE: Available only in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and the U.K.

32pgs, B&W                                                                                                 

ASPEN MLT

MICHAEL TURNER'S FATHOM: THE ADVENTURES OF ERNIE—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Vince Hernandez (A/CA) Agnes Garbowska

A completely brand new and unexpected Fathom tale for fans of all ages! Join none other than Fathom's Ernie the Seahorse as the playful ocean dweller finds himself wrapped up in a magical Aspen-universes-spanning adventure that will test his limits! For the first time ever, Aspen Comics' is excited to offer fans and readers a unique comic and coloring book that includes a crafted full length story geared for children to color, plus added puzzles, mazes and other fun-filled activities for kids of all ages! It’s the perfect treat for the Halloween holiday! (STK649797)

32pgs, B&W                                                                                                 

AVATAR PRESS

MAX BROOOKS' EXTINCTION PARADE #1—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Max Brooks (A/CA) Raulo Caceres

Best-selling author Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z) takes the zombie genre to a whole new level with Extinction Parade, featuring the art of superstar Raulo Caceres (Crossed). As humans wage a losing fight against the hordes of the subdead, a frightening realization sets in with the secretive Vampire race: their "food" is dying off. This is the story of the Vampires' decent into all-out war with the mindless hungry hordes of the zombie outbreak, with humanity caught in the middle. Extinction Parade introduces the "Vampires vs. Zombies" sub-genre with three species in mortal conflict. This is how a species dies... (STK649796)

MATURE THEMES

32pgs, FC                                                                                                      

DC COMICS

SCOOBY DOO TEAM-UP #1 FEATURING BATMAN—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Sholly Fisch (A/CA) Dario Brizuela

Just in time for Halloween, fans of all ages can get this FREE special edition of the first issue of the fan-favorite, all-ages series that features teams-up with the Scooby-Doo gang and the greatest heroes of the DC Comics Universe! Rumors of a giant bat-creature bring Scooby and the gang on the run — but Batman and Robin are already on the trail of their old foe, the monstrous Man-Bat. Before long, the crooks behind a fake bat-creature will come face-to-face with the real thing… with the good guys caught in the middle! (STK650552)

32pgs, FC                                                                                                      

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Jeph Loeb (A/CA) Tim Sale

Just in time for Halloween, fans can get this FREE excerpt from the first chapter of the critically acclaimed graphic novel, Batman: Haunted Knight, which features dark tales of horror and intrigue featuring Batman facing off against his most demented and wicked foes. Taking place on the most evil of holidays, Halloween, the Dark Knight Detective confronts his deepest fears as he tries to stop the madness and horror created by Scarecrow, the Mad Hatter, the Penguin, Poison Ivy and the Joker. (STK650553)

32pgs, FC                                                                                                      

IDW PUBLISHING

MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Jeremy Whitley (A) Tony Fleecs (CA) Amy Mebberson

The Cutie Mark Crusaders go to the one creature that might just be crazy enough to help them get their cutie marks... Discord! Is he up to the task? Find out in this madcap adventure, perfect for all ages! (STK650029)

32pgs, FC                                                                                                      

MARVEL COMICS

MARVEL COMICS #1 (1939)—HCF 2014 EDITION

Action! Mystery! Adventure! Reprinting the tale that started it all and sparked 75 years of storytelling in the Mighty Marvel Manner! Celebrate Marvel’s 75th Anniversary with the very first appearance of two titanic Marvel mainstays — android hero the original Human Torch, and aquatic anti-hero Namor, the Sub-Mariner! Reprinting material from Marvel Comics #1 (1939)! (STK650517)

32pgs, FC                                                                                                      

MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS #1—HCF 2014 EDITION

Experience the ground-breaking 1984 classic again — or for the very first time! Under the watchful eye of an all-powerful being, the Marvel Universe’s greatest heroes and vilest villains are transported away to a mysterious planet known only as “Battleworld”. The only way to escape? Destroy their enemies! Now, Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, Wolverine and more must battle to the death against Ultron, Galactus, Kang, Doctor Doom and many more! Don’t miss the first issue in the genre-defining crossover that changed the Marvel Universe forever! (STK650524)

32pgs, FC                                                                                                      

VIZ MEDIA

RESIDENT EVIL: THE MARHAWA DESIRE—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W/A/CA) Naoki Serizawa

The highly virulent C-virus became a global disaster, but where did the outbreak start? In this prequel to the hit Resident Evil 6 game, the terrifying origins are revealed! At the prestigious and elite Marhawa High School in Singapore, a female student suffers a horrifying transformation. Called in to investigate, Professor Doug Wright and his nephew Ricky find themselves caught up in a deadly and growing tragedy. As things get rapidly out of hand, Chris Redfield and his team from the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance arrive on the scene, while behind it all a mysterious figure looms... (STK650213)

32pgs, B&W                                                                                                 

ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT

GRIMM FAIRY TALES HALLOWEEN SPECIAL—HCF 2014 EDITION

(W) Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco (A) Jean-Paul Deshong & Various (CA) Mike Debalfo

A special reprint of the first ever Grimm Halloween Special! A couple is granted one wish for their dreams to finally come true only to have that wish turn into a complete nightmare! Now Sela must try to stop Belinda's act of evil before more lives are destroyed. From the original writers and creators of Grimm Fairy Tales, Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco, comes this re-telling of the classic story "The Monkey's Paw", retold with a terrifying Zenescope twist that readers have come to love! (STK650214)

7x10, 48pgs, FC                                                                                           

HALLOWEEN COMIC FEST MINI-COMIC

ACTION LAB COMICS

VAMPLETS: THE UNDEAD PET SOCIETY—HCF 2014 MINI-COMIC (BUNDLE)

(W) Gayle Middleton, Dave Dwonch

(A) Amanda Coronado, Bill Blankenship (CA) Gayle Middleton, Bill Blankenship

Beware the Bitemares! Vampyres have always been obsessed with their pets, but now a new threat has arisen! Someone is releasing Bitemares all over Gloomvania, causing chaos in their wake. Who will be able to stop them, and what secret connection do they have to Cinder the Vampyre Kitten? The next chapter in the Vamplets saga starts HERE! (STK649934)

Mini-Comic, 6x9, 12pgs, FC (Bundle of 20)                                           

ARCHIE COMICS

BETTY & VERONICA—HCF 2014 MINI COMIC (BUNDLE)

(W) Dan Parent (A) Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski (CA) Jeff Schultz, Tito Pena

It's a dark and stormy night — a fitting night for Betty and Veronica to stay inside and have a scary movie festival! But things go from "reel" to real when Archie, Jughead and Reggie try to crash the girls' private party — and come face-to-face with an axe-wielding maniac! Is everything as it seems, or is it just a case of the boys' imaginations running wild? Find out in "An Axe to Grind!" (STK649687)

Mini-Comic, 6x9, 12pgs, FC (Bundle of 20)                                           

BOOM! STUDIOS / KaBOOM!

BOOM! STUDIOS HALLOWEEN SPOOOKTACULAR—HCF 2014 MINI-COMIC (BUNDLE)

(W) Bryce Carlson, Various (A) Nichol Ashworth, Various

No tricks here, just treats as BOOM! Studios imprints KaBOOM! and Archaia offer up spooky tales from Adventure Time, Peanuts, and Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock in this mini-comic collection arriving in time for Halloween! (STK650211)

Mini-Comic, 6x9, 12pgs, FC (Bundle of 20)                                           

DARK HORSE COMICS

PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES: TIMEPOCALYPSE—HCF 2014 MINI-COMIC (BUNDLE)

(W) Paul Tobin (A/CA) Ron Chan

Crazy Dave-the babbling-yet-brilliant inventor and top-notch neighborhood defender-helps his niece, Patrice, and young adventurer Nate Timely fend off Zomboss's latest global attack in Plants vs. Zombies: Timepocalypse! This new, standalone tale will tickle your funny bones and thrill . . . your brains! The hit video game continues its comic-book invasion! (STK650209)

Mini-Comic, 6x9, 12pgs, FC (Bundle of 20)                                           

IDW PUBLISHING

ANGRY BIRD COMICS—HCF 2014 MINI-COMIC (BUNDLE)

(W) Nathan Crosby (A) Ivan Portier (CA) David Baldeon

When Professor Pig mistakenly electrifies all the pigs in the graveyard, he unwittingly creates Zigs... zombie pigs with only one need — Eggs! Can Red and the rest of the Angry Birds stop this ghoulish grab at their precious unborn flock? An all-new, all-ages Angry Birds Comics tale just in time for Halloween! (STK649939)

Mini-Comic, 6x9, 12pgs, FC (Bundle of 20)                                           

ONI PRESS

MERMIN—HCF 2014 MINI-COMIC (BUNDLE)

(W/A/CA) Joey Weiser

Mermin, the Mer-Man from Mer, returns! In this special Halloween-themed one-shot, Mermin and his human friends introduce Halloween customs to Mer. How will the undersea inhabitants embrace the dry land holiday? What kind of treats will they exchange in place of tricks? And, most importantly, what costumes will everyone wear? (STK650210)

Mini-Comic, 6x9, 12pgs, FC (Bundle of 20)                                           

VIZ MEDIA

LBX: Little Battlers EXPERIENCE—HCF 2014 MINI-COMIC (BUNDLE)

(W/A/CA) Nase Yamato

Welcome to the world of Little Battlers eXperience! In the near future, a boy named Van Yamano owns Achilles, a miniaturized robot made of a new super-strong industrial cardboard. But Achilles is no ordinary LBX. Hidden inside him is secret data that Van must keep out of the hands of evil at all costs! (STK650212)

Mini-Comic, 6x9, 16pgs, FC (Bundle of 20)

Press Release: (BALTIMORE, MD) — (June 18, 2014) — Diamond Comic Distributors announces a celebration of comics, comic shops, and pop-culture in October with the third annual Halloween ComicFest (HCF) event! Communities are encouraged to check out their local comic shop and get free comics while also participating in shop’s special Halloween events such as costume contests, sales, character appearances and more on Saturday, October 25^th, 2014! 

During Halloween ComicFest, adults and kids can go into a local participating comic shop and get free Halloween and horror themed comics and mini-comics published specifically for Halloween ComicFest. This year there are 19 titles available to choose from that are great for kids and adults with twelve full-sized comics and seven mini-comics.  Titles for this year include: DC’s Scooby Doo Team-Up with Batman#1 , Marvel’s Secret Wars #1, Afterlife with Archie #1, My Little Pony, Hero Cats, Rachel Rising and other haunting and fun tales.

This year, retailers will also be selling HCF mini-comics in packs of 20 copies for fans to purchase and pass out on Halloween to trick-or-treaters, providing an entertaining story for kids that also lasts longer than candy. The mini-comic packs will be available to pre-order from the July PREVIEWS catalog found only at comic shops starting June 25^th.  Pre-ordering allows fans to order as many of the packs they want and ensures they will get them once they are available in early October. 

 “This year we want communities to participate in the Halloween ComicFest events at their local comic shop, which really is a great destination to get the latest comics and pop-culture items, meet new friends, and celebrate in Halloween fun,” said Halloween ComicFest Spokesperson, Jason Blanchard. “What makes this year unique for Halloween ComicFest are the HCF Mini Packs available for fans to purchase and use not only as a healthier alternative to candy on Halloween, but as an opportunity to pass on the fun of discovering and reading comics to the next generation.”

Designed to celebrate comic shops as unique community businesses, and reach new customers, Halloween ComicFest helps retailers and the entire industry springboard into the end of the year holiday selling season. Comic fans are encouraged to check out www.halloweencomicfest.com over the coming months for more information on the event and local retailer activities.

Comic Shop Corner: November 27, 2013

Let me start off by thanking you all, I never thought I'd get to 1000 page views this quick but here we all. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. Secondly, have you ever hid under your covers reading comics by flashlight? I know I have!! Here's this week's must-haves.

Dark Horse Comics

Captain Midnight #5

I for one am so excited to read this. I love watching Dark Horse's talented artists and writer bring this golden age badass back from the dead. As Agent Jones investigates the mysterious Black Sky, Captain Midnight's on the clock as a time bomb ticks down to destruction! Can our hero save the day before he's out of time?! This issue is also the introduction of Skyman!

Also available: Sledgehammer 44: Lightning War #1, Itty Bitty Hellboy #4, Mind MGMT #17, Never Ending #1, Criminal Macabre: The Eyes Of Frankenstein #3, Goon #44, Mass Effect: Foundation #5, Conan And The People Of The Black Circle #2, Star Wars Legacy II #9, Massive #17, Robert E. Howard's Savage Sword #6, and many more!

DC Comics

Justice League Dark #25

The DCU is all about Forever Evil and Zero Year at the moment and keeping with that tradition JLD continues it's role in the Forever Evil Blight sage with issue #25 where John Constantine, alone in a world where Super-Villains reign, must enlist the aid of Swamp Thing in order to turn the tide in their favour.

Also available: Batman: The Dark Knight #25, Damian: Son of Batman #2, Superman #25, Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #2, Red Lanterns #25, Injustice: Gods Among Us #11, Teen Titans #25, Larfleeze #5, Aquaman #25, Beware The Batman #2, Flash #25, Tom Strong & The Planet Of Peril #5, Catwoman #25, Green Team: Teen Trillionaires #6, All-Star Western #25, Talon #13, Adventures Of Superman #7, and many more!

IDW Publishing

The Maxx Maxximized #1

Say what you will about IDW and their constant reprints of old books. Some books do however deserve to be re-released and The Maxx is one of them. Sam Kieth has long been renowned for his stunning artistry and insightful and quirky stories. The Maxx tells the story of a homeless person who lives in a box and moves back and forth between our reality and 'The Outback,' a heroic fantasy realm. He is aided and accompanied by Julie Winters, a social worker in our world and a beautiful jungle princess in The Outback.

Also available: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #28, Mr. Peabody & Sherman #1, Transformers Regeneration One #96, Powerpuff Girls #3, Star Trek #27, Half Past Danger #6, X-Files Season 10 #6, and many more!

Image Comics

Black Science #1

Join writer Rick Remender and the superstar art team of Matteo Scalera & Dean White for this face-melting science fiction epic. Grant McKay, former member of The Anarchistic Order of Scientists, has finally done the impossible: he has deciphered Black Science and punched through the barriers of reality. But what lay beyond the veil was not epiphany but chaos. Now Grant and his team are lost, living ghosts shipwrecked on an infinite ocean of alien worlds, barreling through the long-forgotten, ancient, and unimaginable dark realms. The only way is forward. The only question is how far are they willing to go, and how much can they endure, to get home again?

Also available: The Walking Dead #117, Thief Of Thieves #18, Pretty Deadly #2, Saga #16, and many more!

Marvel Comics

Nova #10

You have to love a writer honouring his deceased son with a comic character being named after him. That's what writer Jeph Loeb (Batman: The Long Halloween, Batman: Hush) has done introducing Sam, the newest member of the Nova corps. In this 100th issue anniversary special we her about big changes for Sam Alexander in this supersized issue guest staring the new New Warriors! And as if that's not enough new, you also get a whole bonus story from new regular Nova writer Gerry Duggan (Deadpool).

Also available: Infinity #6, Superior Spider-Man #22, All New X-Men #19, Deadpool Annual #1, Kick-Ass 3 #5, Hawkeye #14, Cataclysm: Ultimate X-Men #1, Uncanny Avengers #14, Wolverine And The X-Men Annual #1, and many more!

Spotlight

Aspen Comics: All New Fathom #4

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe begins! As Vana brings her attacks below the surface and against the rest of the Blue, Aspen must return to Muria and team up with Killian in an attempt to stem the tide of destruction while trying to discover the truth of what Vana's intentions are. But whose side is Killian really on, and are his motives as genuine as they appear to be? Writer David Wohl (Executive Assistant Iris), artist Alex Konat (Executive Assistant Assasins) and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner's most beloved creation!

Special: Halloween Comic Fest 2013

Last weekend I had the pleasure of Comic Shop jumping to pick up free Halloween Comic Fest books. I was fortunate to pick up 19 of the 22 books available and have finished reading them so now with Halloween in the rear view let's rank those 19 from worst to best...

First up the 3 I missed out on was Action Lab's Vamplets Ghost Pony, Antarctic's Zombie Kid Diaries, and Archaia's Pantalones TX Zombinata.

19. Archie Comics: Archie's Pals & Gals

This book was bad, and I don't dislike Archie and co. The Reg ego story was just awful and the Jughead story where Big Ethel moves on from him was almost as bad.

18. Viz Media: Ben 10 Omniverse

I know very little about Ben 10, so maybe it's my fault. My understanding is Ben has a watch that he uses to transform into 10 different aliens but I just couldn't follow what was going on... But as you will see with the Cartoon Network Sampler... I doubt it was my lack of understanding that made it bad.

17. Viz Media: Uzumaki

Now this is a horror book or so I'm told, this is a chapter of the book entitled "Medusa" where a girl's hair grows out of control and drags her places to get attention, it's like Idle Hands but not the least bit funny or entertaining.

16. BOOM! Studios: Adventure Time

This is only my 2nd time reading an Adventure Time book, I enjoyed the FCBD 2013 issue, but this one was just too ridiculous to take seriously and not ridiculous funny either. I'm still open to Adventure Time but this hasn't sold me on picking up the books regularly just yet.

15. Image Comics: Super Dinosaur

It's odd to see an Image child's book, but altogether it wasn't that bad. The concept itself was very interesting as far as I'm concerned. But they definitely crammed too much information into this mini book for me to even try to veguely figure out what dinos were good and which were bad.

14. Oni Press: Sketch Monsters

It's a cool idea for kids, but I couldn't get past the art style, I think even a 6 year old reading it would be thinking "Shit, I can do better than that".

13. Ape Entertainment: Sesame Street

Now, it's important to note I'm putting myself in the shoes of the targeted reader, and really I'd read this to my nephews. It has a great message to get to kids and really wasn't a bad read for this 24 year old.

12. Avatar Press: Disenchanted

This book is a collection of webcomics where fairies are no longer believed in and are living with goblins in a shit hole abanddoned subway station getting shit-faced and having political uprisings. This book itself focuses too much on being crude to get attention than havign a coherant storyline which hurts it, despite being one book I was looking most forward to going in.

11. Dark Horse Comics: Itty Bitty Hellboy

I'm not a huge fan of the Itty Bitty Hellboy saga, it's a nice read for kids but not a lot goes on, this was one of the better ones I've read but there are better fare for kids out there on the stands.

10. IDW Publishing: My Little Pony

I've never read MLP before, so I'm far from a Brony... But I understand why they exist now, because really this book was good. At the end when there was talk of draining all the love I cringed a bit but up until that point I was all in this book.

9. Aspen Comics: Soulfire Genesis

When I started reading this book I thought it was ridiculously dumb, the only thing that saved it was the art. But when I got to the 2nd story I was incredibly interested and if they expanded on that for the whole issue and ditched the prequel it probably would have worked it's way into the top 3.

8. Marvel Comics: Ultimate Spider-Man

Straight from the Disney show comes this comic. The Marvel Mash-Up sections were hilarious. The 1st story was kinda lame, and the 2nd one was meh... Thank God for those mash-ups though.

7. Archie Comics: Sonic Lost World

A prequel to the Nintendo exclusive game takes Sonic and Tales onto the Lost World and explains the back story behind Dr. Eggman controlling the Deadly Six. From front to back it was consistently good and makes me want to pick up more Sonic comics in the future.

6. DC Comics: Batman: L'il Gotham

When L'il Gotham was released in print I wanted to pick it up but I couldn't find copies, after reading some previews the art style urked me too much. As it turns out the art works with the story, although the Thanksgiving portion of the book wasn't nearly as strong as the Halloween one hence it falling out of the top 5.

5. Action Lab: Skyward

I've slowly been becoming more and more interested in Action Lab's catalogue including their mature Danger Zone titles. This is a perfect example as half the book focuses on their new series Skyward, while the 2nd has the return of Fracture, their flagship superhero. Both stories were good, but Skyward graded out as great giving an indie title a top 5 spot.

4. IDW Publishing: Cartoon Network Super Sampler

IDW has a contract to make comics based on Cartoon Network stars. In this issue we get a Samurai Jack, Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10 story. I don't like Samurai Jack and my lack of Ben 10 knowledge has already been stated, the Powerpuff Girls story was really great. Ben 10 was good as well and I was able to understand what was going on! Samurai Jack, again not my cup of tea, but not bad either.

3. DC Comics: Batman: The Long Halloween

Okay, this is a great graphic novel first off. But we aren't judging on the source material, the comic itself and they didn't pick a very exciting portion to publish, similar to last years Superman FCBD portion of The Last Son Of Krypton... We get it. You want us to start on the first chapter but if there are better portions use that!!

2. Hachete Book Group: Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children

Now that I've complained about using chapter 1 or a graphic novel, let's talk abotu another one... But unlike TLH this actually makes me want to read the graphic novel! I dove in and even when I hit the back cover, I wanted more. It's a shame it's taken me this long to come around to this as I'm a big Tim Burton fan and this is a work in progress for the famed director. Next time I hit up Big B Comics I'm asking that this be ordered for me.

1. Marvel Comics: Thor: God Of Thunder

When picking up my free comics I was asked if I have read any new Thor, I told them I had not, and explained why really I'm not a huge fan as I generally avoid God-like Super-heroes... When I read this I was completely blown away with how amazing this book looked and read. I found it a shame I've let it go unnoticed this whole time. People reading this that love comics in any way shape or form NEED to read this... I'm not joking. It's that good.

Comic Shop Corner: October 23, 2013

2nd last New Comic Book day before Halloween so you better hurry and grab some all ages comics to give to Trick or Treaters this October 31st. Here's some treats to get yourself while you're there...

Dark Horse Comics

Mass Effect: Foundation #4

If you've ever been like me and sat around wondering what was the missing information you never got with the Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC, fear not we can rest easy knowing this comic helps as it ties in directly with it (full disclosure: I've never actually touched a Mass Effect game). Far away from Earth, on Gagarin Station-or "Brain Camp," as its students call it-a young Kaidan Alenko undergoes his biotic training. During an exceptionally grueling lesson, Kaidan steps in to defend the lovely Rahna from the brutal Commander Vyrnnu-but his rash actions have tragic consequences! This comic was written by the lead writer of Mass Effect 2 and 3 so fear not fanboys, this comic is very aware of the Mass Effect mythos.

Also available: Mind MGMT #16, Star Wars Legacy II #18, Conan and the People of the Black Circle #1, and many more!

DC Comics

Aquaman #24

All his life, Arthur's been told that he is the King of the Seven Seas. But he's about to learn exactly what that title means--and the dark power and legacy it carries with it. Is it possible for one man to rule every living thing in the ocean? Or is the King of the Seven Seas always doomed to die trying? Prepare for the new epic story "Scrounge Of The Seven Seas" featuring the return of bearded Aquaman (Somewhere Eric Neron is celebrating).

Also available: Justice League #24, Beware The Batman #1, Red Lanterns #24, Injustice: Gods Among Us #10, Teen Titans #24, Talon #12, Justice League Dark #24, Larfleeze #4, Flash #24, Unwritten #54, Batman: The Dark Knight #24, Arrow #12, Catwoman #24, Tom Strong And The Planet Of Peril #4, Superman #24, and many more!

IDW Publishing

Zombie War #1

When the denizens of Earth's military cemeteries begin to rise from the dead, who will stop them? Over ZOMBIE WAR's two giant-sized issues, Jina, a tough-as-nails fighter pilot sets about uncovering what reanimated these heavily armed monsters and more importantly, what will stop them?! This is the first time we see Kevin Eastman, the co-creator of TMNT, Zombie War in full colour with 2 giant sized issues coloured by TMNT colourist Ronda Pattison.

Also available: Samurai Jack #1, Star Trek #26, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New Animated Adventures #4, Doctor Who #14, Other Dead #2, Transformers Regeneration One #95, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #3, Judge Dredd #12, Crow Curare #3, Rocketeer/The Spirit Pulp Fiction #2, and many more

Image Comics

Pretty Deadly #1

Kelly Sue DeConnick (Avengers Assemble, Captain Marvel) & Emma Rios (Strange, Osborn) reunite to bring you an all-new ongoing series that marries the magical realism of Sandman with the western brutality of Preacher. Death's daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father. Her tale of retribution is as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage. If you've ever read Hexed, you know that Rios can handle the mythical just fine, and DeConnick is having a strong run on Captain Marvel and just released the critically acclaimed Witching Hour over at Vertigo. In short this is a can't miss for fans of many different genres.

Also available: Sex Criminals #2, Satellite Sam #4, Velvet #1, Bounce #6, Great Pacific #11, and many more!

Marvel Comics

Marvel Now What!? #1

A cast of comedy's shining stars and Marvel's most exciting artists bring you the stories of Marvel NOW that you never thought you'd ever want to see -- but you do want ot see it, and you want it NOW! SEE NOW! Captain America get Cat Fished! SEE NOW! The Intervention of the Watcher! SEE NOW! The Wedding of Thor and Storm! Obviously the nowest book in Marvel NOW! History... God I love capital letters and exclamation marks. Baby marvel cartoonist Skottie Young, the Deadpool team (Posehn and Duggan) and many more come up with the craziest stories you'll ever see. If you like to laugh at comics, don't let this one pass you by.

Also available: Secret Avengers #11, Daredevil #32, Indestructible Hulk #14, Wolverine And The X-Men #37, Iron Man #17, Venom #42, Young Avengers #11, FF #13, and many more!

Spotlight

Aspen Comics: All New Executive Assistant Iris #2

Well that title alone is a mouthful but by choosing Zombie War I have my halloween pick and I'm able to spotlight some good independant action-adventure from Aspen Comics, one of the top up and coming publishers out there. So who exactly is Iris? Iris is Secretary, Bodyguard and Assassin. An Executive Assistant for her boss Mr. Ching. This is volume 4, and Brian Buccellato is writing it, if the name sounds familiar it's likely because you've seen it on the cover of The Flash since The New 52 relaunch, though he's soon to leave Flash and start up on Detective Comics and is also writing The Black Bat for Dynamite. Finally to answer the question of what exactly happens in this issue? Shao and his cadre of armed mercenaries confront Iris and Maly, but the true conflict is not found in their present-but, in their past. The brutal sacrifice of Maly's actions many years ago have now come back to haunt her, and force Iris to make a decision she's not entire comfortable making. A decision that could be extremely dangerous for her future! Aspen knew what they were doing when they inked this creative team and Iris is bound to grow in popularity because of it.