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: February 19, 2014

Another new age is upon us... The new age of February 19th comic releases. Let's take a peek at what you should be reading this week...

Dark Horse Comics

The White Suits #1

Who doesn't like some violent noir action? Hippies thats' who! And you do not want to be associated with them do you? Didn't think so. That's reason 1 to pick up The White Suits. Reason 2? It's about Mysterious killers dressed in white, they savaged the Cold War Russian underworld-then disappeared. Now they have resurfaced in New York, leaving a trail of dead mobsters. In this bloody wake, an amnesiac and an FBI agent search for the answer to a single question: Who are the white suits?

Also available: Star Wars: Dawn Of The Jedi Force #4, B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth #116, Terminator: Enemy Of My Enemy #1, Dark Horse Presents #33, Strain The Fall #8, Skyman #2, Conan The Barbarian #25, Star Wars: Darth Vader And The Cry Of The Shadows #3, and many more!

DC Comics

Trinity Of Sin: Pandora #8

Pandora and The Justice League Dark race to save the world's mystics from The Crime Syndicate! Part 13 of 18! Forever Evil: Blight continues in Justice League Dark #28!

Also available: Justice League #28, Harley Quinn #3, Batman And Two-Face #28, Fables #138, Green Lantern: New Guardians #28, Teen Titans Go #2, Batwoman #28, Batman Beyond Universe #7, Animal Man #28, Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis Of Imagination #2, Supergirl #28, Batman '66 #8, Red Hood And The Outlaws #28, He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe #10, Wonder Woman #28, Unwritten Volume 2 Apocalypse #2, Birds Of Prey #28, and many more!

IDW Publishing

Jericho Season 4 #5

The grand finale of Jericho Season Four changes everything! Everything hangs in the balance as Jake Green and Robert Hawkins are faced with a terrible choice, one that could change everything for the residents of Jericho and the Allied States of America! Don't miss the stunning conclusion of Jericho, brought to you by the writing staff of the acclaimed series!

Also available: X-Files Conspiracy: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #199, Ben 10 #4, G.I. Joe: Special Missions #12, Godzilla: Rulers Of Earth #9, and many more!



Image Comics

Undertow #1

Atlantis is the world superpower, and Redum Anshargal is its worst enemy. If you want to break free of the system, he can offer you a place at his side, exploring the wild surface world in his watertight city barge The Deliverer. He and his hostage-protege Ukinnu Alal hunt the Amphibian, a legend that could be the key to an air-breathing life on land. But as they become the hunted, can Anshargal's team survive long enough to turn the tables on the godlike beast they set out for? A brand new pulp monster adventure with Ray Harryhausen at its heart and a look at Atlantis like never before from the up-and-coming team of writer Steve Orlando and artist Artyom Trakhanov.

Also available: Protectors Inc. #4, Savage Dragon #193, Alex + Ada #4, Peter Panzerfaust #17, and many more!

Marvel Comics

Iron Man Annual #1

Fatal Frontier is over. The moon is safe. The Earth is safe. But is Tony's sanity? What comes back from the moon with Tony? What new friends and new enemies? Once you've passed the fatal, final frontier, can you ever go back?

Also available: X-Men #11, New Warriors #1, Daredevil #36, Dexter Down Under #1, Nova #13, Avengers World #3, Captain America #17, Disney Kingdoms: Seekers Of The Weird #2, Savage Wolverine #15, Punisher #2, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #10, Amazing X-Men #4, A+X #17, Night Of The Living Deadpool #3, Uncanny X-Men #17, Marvel Knights: Hulk #3, and many more!



Spotlight

Avatar Press' God Is Dead

Jonathan Hickman's vision for the end of the world through divine retribution continues as an ongoing series from his co-writer Mike Costa! After the cataclysmic battle of gods in the first arc, human religions are in tatters. A victor has laid claim to Earth and very few dare to oppose such a ruler. But oh so many gods have yet to make their play, this time they plan and plot and prepare to bring Armageddon! And now...the things we prayed to have come once more. Mike Costa turns the intensity and darkness up a notch with his dramatic new stories about humanity at the brink. Available with not only a Regular cover but also a End of Days cover, Iconic, and Gilded Order Incentive copies by Jacen Burrows and a special Carnage Wraparound by German Nobile!

FCBD Spotlight

Hermes Press' Scratch 9

Scratch 9 is by far my favourite all-ages comic right now, and although currently we've only been teased with mini-series, Scratch is finally getting an ongoing this summer and what better way to celebrate than to get Scratch 9 fever with a free comic! He's back for Free Comic Book Day! The world's greatest superhero cat returns in this all-ages, all-cat, all-free funny-book featuring all-new stories! Scratch is an ordinary cat who can summon his nine lives to get himself and his pet posse out of a jam. This new edition is a direct lead-in to the summer's monthly Scratch9 series: Cat of Nine Worlds! The fur starts flying here!

Comic Shop Corner: January 29, 2014

New comics are here yall!!

Dark Horse Comics

Serenity: Leaves On The Wind #1

Executive produced by Joss Whedon himself, and featuring the art of Georges Jeanty, artist for other Whedon properties at Dark Horse such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer! Malcolm Reynolds's crew shook the universe to its core when they laid bare the crimes against humanity undertaken by their sinister government-the Alliance. Always outlaws, Mal, a very pregnant Zoe, new pilot River Tam, and the other surviving crew members are in greater danger than ever. Meanwhile, everyone is asking the same question...

Also available: Conan And The People Of The Black Circle #4, Never Ending #3, Furious #1, Sledgehammer 44 Lightning War #3, and many more!


DC Comics

The Flash #27

The death of Barry Allen's mother has always been the Flash's driving force. In issue #27 The Flash faces a mystical serial killer who might be responsible for his mother's murder!

Also available: Damian: Son Of Batman #4, Justice League Dark #27, Earth 2 Annual #2, Teen Titans #27, Forever Evil A.R.G.U.S. #4, Superman #27, Dead Boy Detectives #2, Aquaman #27, Batman And Robin Annual #2, Red Lanterns #27, World's Finest Annual #1, Batman: The Dark Knight #27, Green Lantern Corps. Annual #2, All-Star Western #27, Fables #137, Catwoman #27, Green Team: Teen Trillionaires #8, Talon #15, Larfleeze #7, Smallville Season 11 Special #4, Adventures Of Superman #9, Beware The Batman #4, and many more!

IDW Publishing

Ghostbusters #12

The end of the year is a hectic time for most businesses, and the Ghostbusters are no exception. Beset from all sides by a surge in spectral activity over this particularly busy season, they're looking forward to a little bit of a break once the new year hits. But recent supernatural symptoms shown by the City that Doesn't Sleep are coming to a head, and the Bogeyman has arrived to take the city's future! Erik Burham has made a name writing high octane action books for IDW. This is a can't miss series!

Also available: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30, Mr. Peabody And Sherman #4, Transformers Regeneration One #98, The Other Dead #5, Star Trek #29, Godzilla: Rulers Of Earth #8, and many more!



Image Comics

Saga #18

Our heroes' stay on Quietus reaches its inevitable conclusion... Don't miss the exciting next chapter to Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Swamp Thing) epic saga "Saga" (See what I did there!) Featuring beautiful art from Fiona Staples (Criminal Macabre, Rat Queens) there is a reason this is among the most popular and critically acclaimed books of this generation!

Also available: Black Science #3, Thief Of Thieves #19, Five Weapons #6, Revival #17, East Of West #9, Invincible #108, Saviors #2, Witchblade #172, Bounce #9, Clone #14, Cyber Force #8, Super Dinosaur #21, and many more!

Marvel Comics

Miracleman #2

KIMOTA! With one magic word, a long-forgotten legend lives again! Freelance reporter Michael Moran always knew he was meant for something more -- now, a strange series of events leads him to reclaim his destiny! Relive the ground-breaking eighties adventures that captured lightning in a bottle -- or experience them for the first time -- in these digitally restored, fully relettered editions! Issue #2 includes material originally presented in WARRIOR #1-5, plus bonus material.

Also available: Superior Spider-Man #26, Cataclysm: The Ultimates' Last Stand #4, Guardians Of The Galaxy #11, Inhumanity #2, Uncanny X-Force #17, Night Of The Living Deadpool #2, Avengers Assemble #23, Revolutionary War: Knights Of Pendragon #1, Thunderbolts #21, X-Men Legacy #23, and many more!



Spotlight

2000 AD's Dredd Underbelly

The one-shot sequel to the critically-acclaimed movie! In the wake of Ma-Ma's death, other criminal gangs in Mega-City One are moving into the power vacuum, trying to fill the gap in the market left by the Slo-Mo drug. When a corpse dump is discovered in a rad-pit, the bodies are all revealed to be mutants. Could the dead be connected with an outfit smuggling illegal refugees into the city from the Cursed Earth? Dredd once again teams with Psi-Judge Anderson as they scour the underworld for the perps responsible, to bring them to justice! Any fan of Dredd or especially a fan of the hit movie staring Karl Urban needs to read this book! It's the sequel the movie studios won't let you see!!

FCBD Spotlight

Avatar Press' Uber

This is an ideal entry point into the world of Uber! Kieron Gillen and Caanan White electrified the comics community with their runaway hit, UBER in 2013. Now the creative team that revolutionized the super soldier genre is presenting a special Free Comic Book Day edition, Uber: The First Cycle! This is a history book told with the events of the first two story arcs woven into real-World history and with tons of all-new writing from Gillen, special new art and sneak-peaks of upcoming pages. This issue will bring readers new and old up to speed on the first two arcs of the Uber series, without ruining all the fun of reading the collected editions. It also serves as a direct teaser into the summer 2014 Uber story that promises to be the biggest and most shocking yet!

Comic Shop Corner: November 20, 2013

Comics are so mainstream now it's crazy to think about! You'd think Superman just died or something?? Anyways here's what you should pick up this week...

Dark Horse Comics

The Strain: The Fall #5

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Arrow are doing well for themselves... So it's about time Dark Horse jumps on the TV bandwagon, and looks like "The Strain: The Fall" will be coming to FX soon so prepare yourself as the comic starts it's next chapter. Sure that an ancient tome, the Occido Lumen, holds the secret to defeating the Master, Fet and Setrakian head to the auction house for a different kind of battle. Meanwhile, Eph, sure of a conspiracy surrounding the vampire epidemic, mounts a secret mission to assassinate the wealthy and ailing Eldritch Palmer!

Also available: Star Wars: Dawn Of The Jedi Force War #1, B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth #113, Kiss Me Satan #3, Conan The Barbarian #22, Buzzkill #3, Dark Horse Presents #30, Brain Boy #3, and many more

DC Comics

Harley Quinn #0

Although the former psychiatrist has appeared in The New 52, most notably as a member of Amanda Waller's Suicide Squad, Quinn fans finally made their voices loud enough to get a response from DC and now the Joker's gal has her own monthly title for thew first time in years. This bombastic debut issue features art by award-winning illustrators including Darwyn Cooke, Sam Kieth, Tony S. Daniel, Paul Pope, Walter Simonson, Art Baltazar and others-but will any of them measure up to the exacting standards of the Clown Princess of Crime? Don't miss the thrilling return of Harley Quinn in her own monthly series!

Also available: Batman & Two-Face #25, Wake #5, Green Lantern: New Guardians #25, Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #2, Batwoman #25, Fables #135, Animal Man #25, Batman '66 #5, Red Hood And The outlaws #25, and many more!

IDW Publishing

Ben 10 #1

The beloved Cartoon Network series returns to comics in the final of the first 3 installments (After Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack) of IDW releasing Cartoon Network themed books. Who knew vacation could be this exciting? Ben Tennyson and his teammates kick off a maelstrom of action when an ocean cruise brings Ben in the cross hairs of Ssserpent, who's out to find a long-lost underwater society. But does Ben's new, slightly oddball love interest harbor dark secrets of her own? Aliens, superpowers, ships and swimsuits: the perfect ingredients for high-seas adventure.

Also available: Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #12, Samurai Jack #2, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #13, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New Animated Adventures #5, Jinrise #8, and many more!

Image Comics

A Voice In The Dark #1

It's been 72 days since Zoey killed someone. With her recent move to college, Zoey is eager to start a fresh chapter of her life - one where she can control her dark urges they way she has before. But when she becomes the host of a late night campus radio show, Zoey must consider if she has given a voice to something far more troubled than her anonymous callers. The early reviews are great from newcomer Larime Taylor, as this book promises to bring murder back into the dark where it belongs.

Also available: Sex Criminals #3, Savage Dragon #192, Zero #3, Clone #12, Todd The Ugliest Kid On Earth #7, Sheltered #5, and many more!


Marvel Comics

Indestructible Hulk #15

Mark Waid continues his amazing run with The Hulk in this conclusion to the ongoing storyline "Hulk: Agent Of T.I.M.E." It's the Hulk's final stand against the Chronarchists. We also see The Hulk return to present time... But which Hulk is it? and whatever happened to Bruce Banner? These questions are promised to be answered.

Also available: Cataclysm: The Ultimates #1, Uncanny X-Men #14, Longshot Saves The Marvel Universe #2, Avengers #23, Superior Spider-Man Annual #1, X-Men #7, Daredevil #33, Dexter #5, A+X #14, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #6, Wolverine MAX #13, Secret Avengers #11, Thunderbolts #18, Cable & X-Force #16, Fantastic Four #14, Young Avengers #12, and many more!

Spotlight:

Avatar Press: The Night Of The Living Dead: Aftermath #12

Have you ever wondered what happened after the cult classic film Night Of The Living Dead ended? Well Avatar Press has been releasing it's sequel for the last year and now it's finally come to an end. The end is here as David Hine tells the final bloody chapter in the Night of the Living Dead: Aftermath story. The excessive 1970s have given way to the dawn of the undead. Zombies have overrun the defenses that held them in check and turned major American cities into shambling ghoul towns. We started our journey with the Las Vegas survivors and our tale of misery ends with them.




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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 2, 2013

Hello everyone. Welcome to the first Comic Shop Corner of the 10th month in 2013. DC's villains month is behind us but Forever Evil and Marvel's Infinity are still ongoing. So through blackest night and brightest day let's see what's hitting shelves this week...

Dark Horse Comics:

Star Wars #2 (Lucas Draft)

The Empire is poised for an attack on the peaceful world of Aquilae, and only Jedi General Luke Skywalker seems concerned. When King Kayos is killed, Jedi in training Annikin Starkiller is ordered to find Princess Leia, while Skywalker sends his only squadron against the Empire's powerful new battle station! Just like the Star Wars you remember right?? WRONG! This Dark Horse mini-series focusses on George Lucas's original rough draft screenplay for Star Wars, and issue 1 flew off the shelves so make sure you grab up issue 2 before it's gone
as well.

Also avalable: Grindhouse Doors Open At Midnight #1, Occultist #1, Catalyst Comix #4, and many more!


DC Comics:

Green Lantern #24

Relic arrives on Oa as the massive "Lights Out!" story kicks off! Can the different Lantern Corps come together to stop this powerful enemy? Lights Out will see Lanterns die, others change allegiances-and nothing will be the same ever again! Trust us: We MEAN IT! The Lantern books have always been underrated with their crossovers, exception being Blackest Night which is widely considered to be one of the best stories ever written. It'll be interesting to see what the Lanterns teams come up with here.

Also available: Forever Evil #2, Swamp Thing #24, Earth 2 #16, Detective Comics #24, Trillium #3, Green Arrow #24, Batman Black And White #2, Action Comics #24, Fairest #20, Batwing #24, Hinterkind #1, and many more!


IDW Publishing:

Doctor Who Classics #5

Doctor Who Classics is back, presenting classic comic strips--many never before reprinted and in color for the very first time! This issue includes "Train-Flight" in its entirety, featuring the Seventh Doctor and art by fan-favorite John Ridgway! The cover art was done by Matthew Dow Smith who is just excellent with this being his first cover he coloured in a self-proclaimed "naturalistic way"

Also available: KISS Kids #2, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #194, Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #9, Judge Dredd Classics #4, G.I. Joe: Cobra Files #7, Jinrise #7, and many more!



Image Comics:

CBLDF Liberty Annual 2013

A Comic Book Legal Defense Fund benefit book... "Tales Of Blood & Courage!" Tim Seeley brings Hack/Slash back for what might be the most bizarre tale in the series, and legendary creator Richard Corben tells the story of an underground cartoonist bringing back his most famous (and well-endowed) hero. Everyone has a story to tell, but what happens when a story gets taken away from its creator? Liberty Annual 2013 looks at the creative costs of censorship, either through the sort of outside interference the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has fought for 27 years, or through more private forms. The Hoax Hunters battle a cable news program for the life of sasquatch, a young punk rock journalist examines Pussy Riot, and Masks And Mobsters writer Josh Williamson answers the question, "What If Wertham Were Right?" All proceeds from this book benefit the important First Amendment work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, who've been fighting censorship in comics for over 25 years!

Also Available: Bushido #1, Spawn #236, Lazarus #4, and many more!

Marvel Comics:

All-New X-Men #17

The Battle For The Atom storyline has been fantastic, better than Infinity in my estimation. In part 6, Young Beast and Magik are given a special mission, meanwhile the X-Men and Future X-Men have Jean Grey and Cyclops and are going to send them back in time with the rest of the Original X-Men... But who is opposing them? and why? This is a can't miss issue and arc. After 5 parts the lowest issue received a solid 7.5/10. The Infinity arc is contrast isn't even averaging a 7.5.

Also available: Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1, Captain America: Living Legend #1, Mighty Avengers #2, All-New X-Men Special #1, Superior Foes Of Spider-Man #4, Fantomex MAX #1, Hunger #3, Savage Wolverine #9, Marvel Universe Avengers Assemble #1, and many more!

Spotlight:

Avatar Press: Uber #6

The second arc of Uber launches this issue as Kieron Gillen opens a new chapter in this year's most talked about series. The first blow in the battle between English and German Ubers has been wrought and neither nation walks away whole. The war rages on in the Pacific Theatre as Japanese Kamikaze pilots attempt to drive the US forces out while delivering devastating losses to the enemy naval fleet. But the tides of war change as the Japanese deploy their own enhanced soldiers! Picking up directly after the events in Uber's first arc, this second chapter is the perfect jump on point for new readers to experience the horrors of Uber war. Available with a multitude of covers including a special Propaganda Poster cover by Michael Dipascale.