Comics / Comics News

Darkhorse Comics for June 2004


By The Editor
March 22, 2004 - 10:35


BERSERK VOLUME 4 TPB


KENTARO MIURA (W/A)


On sale July 14, SC, 240pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $13.95


Now that the evil Count has been killed and dragged to Hell by the demon lords of the Godhand, Guts, the Black Swordsman, hooks up with his former benefactor, the mercenary Gambino. But it's a deadly reunion, one that nearly takes Guts' life. The following years see Guts wandering from battlefield to battlefield, where his awesome skills as a slayer catch the eye of both warring parties, including the legendary Griffith, warrior leader of the Band of the Hawk, who is eager to test his combat skills against those of the Black Swordsman. Co-published with Digital Manga.


o One of the most eagerly anticipated manga properties in recent years, Berserk was originally published in Japan and has been serialized in Young Animal Magazine since the early 1990s.


o NOTE: Each volume of Berserk is shipped shrink-wrapped and carries a cover content advisory.



It's the reunion we've all been waiting for!


BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #90:
LAST BLOOD part 1 (of 5)


HIROAKI SAMURA (W/A)


On sale June 9, b&w, 32pg, (1 of 5), $2.99


Sporting one of the most heart-wrenching covers Blade fans will ever see, this issue delivers both the emotional impact of Manji and Rin's much-anticipated reunion and the harrowing beginning of another Samura-style sword fight. The surviving members of the Shingyötö-ryü clan have also caught up with Rin and her strange companion, Anotsu. Will Rin finally turn against Anotsu, giving him up to Iriya? The only certainty is that, if he has to, Manji will cut his way through these revenge-hungry swordsmen to get to his dear "little sister!"


o Winner of Japan's prestigious Media Arts Award and America's own Will Eisner Award.

o Ten volumes of fantastic translated works in the Dark Horse backlist!


FOR MATURE READERS



B.P.R.D.: A PLAGUE OF FROGS #4 (of 5)


MIKE MIGNOLA (W) and GUY DAVIS (A)


On sale June 2, FC, 32pg, (4 of 5), $2.99


Liz Sherman is set upon by a cemetery full of fungus-driven zombies, and Abe Sapien uncovers the connection between this new generation of monsters and the B.P.R.D.'s old enemy Rasputin. But as the frogmen begin their rituals to raise the old gods, one of the disciples makes good on the threat Rasputin leveled against Abe years ago in Hellboy: Wake the Devil.


o Look for the Hellboy motion picture opening April 2!



CONAN #5


KURT BUSIEK (W), CARY NORD (A), TOM YEATES, and DAVE STEWART (C)
JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER (Cover)


On sale June 23, FC, 32pg, $2.99


Conan's first Hyperborean adventure reveals the secrets of immortality, and the peaceful northern paradise is shown for the nightmare it really is. Conan breaks from those who've enslaved him, but is unable to save the lives of the prisoners he leads, or the woman he's fallen in love with.


Robert E. Howard hinted at the terrors that his character Conan suffered in Hyperborea, but Busiek and company reveal the adventure here for the first time in livid detail.


o Cary Nord is also known for his work for Marvel on Daredevil and Mutant X.


o Kurt Busiek says "There are everything from ape-men to albino giants to giant spiders to giant snakes." Just take 'giant' and put a deadly animal behind it."


-Wizard Magazine #148



Conan #1 Sells Out!
Reprint To Feature Variant Cover By J. Scott Campbell


CONAN #1 2ND PRINTING


Available Now!, FC, 32pg, $2.99


Dark Horse is pleased to report that the first issue of the exciting new Conan series, featuring story by Kurt Busiek and art by Cary Nord, completely sold out on its first day of release!


"I'm just grateful to the creative team for making this possible," enthused Conan editor Scott Allie. " We knew that Conan would be a big property for us, but the sincerity with which these guys attacked the job-from cover to letters and everything in between-is what makes the book irresistible. I personally never took on the launch of a new book with as much gravity as I took on Conan, and I've never been so proud of the result."


The second printing will feature a new variant cover by noted artist J. Scott Campbell, best known for his work on Gen13 and Danger Girl.



CREATURES OF THE NIGHT HC


NEIL GAIMAN (W) and Michael Zulli (A)


On sale July 4, HC, 48pg FC, 7" x 10", $12.95


From the New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman comes a brand new hardcover collection, featuring two magical and disturbing stories lushly adapted to comics by veteran painter Michael Zulli (The Last Temptation). Newly rewritten by Gaiman for this graphic novel, these two ominous stories from the author's award-winning prose, Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions, feature animals and people not being quite what they seem. In "The Price," a black cat like a small panther arrives at a country home and is soon beset by mysterious and vicious wounds. What is he fighting every night that could do this, and why does he persist? "The Daughter of Owls" recounts an eerie old tale of a foundling girl who was left-with an owl pellet-as a newborn on the steps of the Dymton Church. She was soon cloistered away in a local convent, but by her fourteenth year word of her beauty had spread-and those who would prey upon her faced unforeseen consequences.


?2004 will see the release of the much-anticipated MirrorMask, a film written by Neil Gaiman and directed by longtime collaborator Dave McKean for the Jim Henson Company and Columbia Tristar.



THE CROW: FLESH & BLOOD TPB


JAMES VANCE (W) and ALEX MALEEV (A)


On sale July 28, SC, 96pg, b&w, 6" x 9", $9.95

died,
One of the most haunting and compelling comics stories ever told has been resurrected by Dark Horse. People once believed that when a person dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead although sometimes, something so terrible happens that a sadness is carried with it and the soul cannot rest. Sometimes-just sometimes-the crow can bring that soul back to make the wrong things right.


In the midst of a rural land-rights struggle, federal conservation officer Iris Shaw is murdered in a bombing by a rag-tag band of right-wing activists. Little do her killers know that Iris wasn't their only victim and now, with the help of the Crow, Iris must exact vengeance not only for her own death but also that of her unborn baby. Raised from her grave and armed with cold-blooded hatred and a few deadly weapons, Iris hunts down her killers one by one. But if exacting ultimate pain is the goal, when does vengeance cross the line to brutality? And what is the price to the soul?


o Two of modern comics' hottest storytellers team up to recount the story of the first-ever female Crow!



EL ZOMBO #3 (of 3)


KEVIN MUNROE (W) and DAVE WILKINS (A)
DAVE WILKINS and TONY WASHINGTON (Cover)


On sale June 16, FC, 32pg, (3 of 3), $2.99


Don't miss out on the El Zombo finale! The final issue opens with a bang, as El Zombo makes a startling discovery-his body is slowly decomposing every time he fails to protect Beli! And to make matters worse, he awakens from a fight to find her missing. With Beli's life hanging in the balance, and Zombo potentially trapped on Earth forever, it becomes a race against time to learn the reason that fate has brought our two heroes together. Zombo will be forced to choose between his own vengeance and the life of the girl he has come to love as a daughter. Cynics will become believers and friends will become enemies as this explosive ending unmasks a new kind of hero!



GALACTIC TPB


JIM KRUEGER (W), SANFORD GREENE (A), and GREG ADAMS (A)


On sale July 28, SC, 80pg, FC, 7" x 10", $9.95


Living with his single mom and searching for his missing, drug-addicted brother, young Heath barely gets by in his hard city. Throw in some gang-related troubles and a misunderstanding at school, and he quickly finds himself at the end of his rope. Heath doesn't know, though, that he's being watched by Galactic, one of the most powerful groups in the universe! These interplanetary crusaders see something in the young teen that he himself doesn't even notice-the potential for heroism. This trade paperback introduces Heath, his troubled world, and the fantastic members of Galactic-the strangest collection of anti-heroes you'll ever find! If you feel like you've been missing out on shock endings, this one delivers. Collecting the three-issue miniseries.


o The Dark Horse line of Rocket Comics was created to provide action-packed comics reading for readers from 10 to 100!



THE GOON #7


This is the crossover event of the year!


ERIC POWELL (W/A) and MIKE MIGNOLA (W/A)
MIKE MIGNOLA (Cover)


On sale June 23, FC, 32pg, $2.99


The Goon and Franky have seen their share of supernatural-type hub-bub. But when a big, red, stump-headed gorilla with a stone hand called Hellboy shows up on Lonely Street, they ain't exactly prepared for the hell that's about to break loose. And Hellboy ain't exactly prepared for Franky and the Goon! This is the crossover event of the year, and we ain't talking about pancakes and hot noodles! If you miss this, you might as well go crying home to mama!


Mike Mignola's Hellboy and Eric Powell's Goon team up for a historic comics event! This is guaranteed to be one of the coolest, funniest, and smartest crossovers ever.



GRENDEL: DEVIL'S REIGN #2 (of 7)


MATT WAGNER (W) and TIM SALE (A)


On sale June 16, FC, 32pg, (2 of 7), $3.50


In the 26th century A.D., continent-wide social upheaval following the collapse of Vatican Ouest is compounded by a spreading vampire infestation. Orion Assante's ambitious quest to restore order has resulted in Calmerica, a paranoid nation united to triumph against a military threat perched at its southern border-a threat engineered by Orion himself. Named Administrator General by his new lover, Sherri Caniff, Orion has learned that Africa is redeveloping nukes. Another overseas threat and a mysterious new confidant will soon change the rules of this high-stakes power game! Meanwhile, Pellon Cross has staged a secret, bloody coup at a casino in Vegas, and now welcomes vampires to Grendel's Palace. The continued absence of Eppy Thatcher begs the question: where is the Devil in all of this? It's a Brave New World … and Grendel wants the helm!


o Re-presenting the original Grendel #35, newly remastered by award-winning colorist Matt Hollingsworth.


FOR MATURE READERS



JOURNALS


On sale July 14


What could be more fun? How about two great new journals? Tim Biskup graces us with another thrilling design on his second journal for Dark Horse. While Pete Fowler reinvents the journal as an art portfolio. Perfect for wandering galleries and chronicling your critiques.


These journals come with a covered spiral-bound cover, full-color, and with 128 pages to scrawl your brilliant ideas.


Pete Fowler Journal, full color, covered spiral journal, 128pg, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", $9.99


Gama Go Journal, full color, covered spiral journal, 128pg, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", $9.99



LAST TRAIN TO DEADSVILLE: A CAL MCDONALD MYSTERY #2 (of 4)


STEVE NILES (W) and KELLEY JONES (A)


On sale June 9, FC, 32pg, (2 of 4), $2.99


Horror's hippest writer is at it again with his latest journey into the bizarre world of supernatural private dick Cal McDonald-Last Train to Deadsville. Confronted in his own home by a demon-possessed teenager, Cal-with the help of his living-dead partner, Mo'Lock-has to act quickly to rid teen-dude of his demonic tag-along so he can figure out just what in the hell is going on. Before they know what hit them, Cal and Mo'lock find themselves racing to a small town in the 'burbs, toward the flaming hole in the kid's bedroom that just might be the gateway to Hell. Featuring fantastic, scary-as-hell artwork by Batman's Kelley Jones, Last Train to Deadsville is a fast-paced, wryly-funny, horror fan's dream come true!


FOR MATURE READERS



THE NAIL #1 (of 4)


STEVE NILES (W), ROB ZOMBIE (W), and NAT JONES (A)
SIMON BISLEY (Covers)


On sale June 9, FC, 32pg, (1 of 4), $2.99


Rock star, film-maker, and horror maven Rob Zombie teams up with comics' hippest horror writer for the most outrageous comics thriller of the year! In the creepy, gore-drenched tradition of such cinematic '70s classics as Duel and The Hills Have Eyes comes The Nail! Small-time pro-wrestler Rex Hauser (a.k.a. The Nail) makes a living touring the small-town wrestling circuit with his family. It's business as usual for this close-knit bunch until they unwittingly cross paths with a murderous gang of Satanic bikers. But these aren't your run-of-the-mill devil worshippers. In fact, Hauser and his family just might be up against the most un-Godly evil ever known to man. Fan-favorite painter Simon Bisley provides covers for this series.


FOR MATURE READERS



OH MY GODDESS! #109
SORA UNCHAINED part 5 (of 8)


KOSUKE FUJISHIMA (W/A)


On sale June 2, b&w, 32pg, (5 of 8), $2.99


From check point to check point, Sora's keeping up so far, as the cart race of her life continues. Vying for the right to either accept or decline the Nekomi Tech Motor Club's Director position, Sora Hasegawa finds the courage to race against one of the best-Keiichi Morisato! With Keiichi's goddess sweatheart, Belldandy, on her side, Sora has all the luck in the world behind her, but it will also take loads of confidence and skill to make it past Keiichi to the finish line. The "Sora Unchained" story line rolls into the home stretch, with all the complicated relationships, hilarious scenarios, and good-intentioned goddess magic that Kosuke Fujishima always delivers!



ROBERT E. HOWARD'S VALERIA BUST


On sale June 23, 7" tall and comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity, $49.99


One of the most exciting Conan stories of all time is the classic "Red Nails" by Robert E. Howard. In this adventure we meet Valeria, a swordswoman and buccaneer who has cut a bloody swath from the coast to the jungle.


Possessing a fatal beauty and a diamond-hard nerve, she joins Conan as an equal against a savage foe.


Sculptor Jeffery Scott, who did our previously released Conan busts, has breathed life into this stunning rendition of Valeria. This numbered, limited edition is the perfect companion piece. The piece comes fully painted in attractive color packaging. Valeria is a must-have for any collector of statues or Robert E. Howard material.



ROCCO VARGAS: A GAME OF GODS HC


DANIEL TORRES (W/A)


Available Now!, HC, 48pg, FC, 9" x 12", $14.95


Dark Horse celebrates its THIRD Rocco Vargas hardcover!


Daniel Torres is back with another exciting Rocco Vargas space mystery! The clever, hunky hero, Rocco Vargas, is a writer, explorer, man of mystery, and fearless hero for the future.


Rocco Vargas: A Game of Gods is Dark Horse's latest English-language addition to the thrilling Rocco Vargas library. When a gambling ring unleashes reprogrammed, fighting robots onto a defenseless population, it's up to Rocco Vargas to save humanity-whether he means to or not! Thinking that he's researching an angle for an upcoming novel, Vargas inadvertently digs himself deep into the robotics-gambling community. Add to this the religious fervor of an anti-robotics cult and a missing family robot, and Vargas is once again neck-high in mystery, danger, and unexpected humor. Co-published with NORMA Editorial of Spain.


SAMURAI EXECUTIONER VOLUME 1 TPB


KAZUO KOIKE (W) and GOSEKI KOJIMA (A)


On sale July 14, SC, 328pg, b&w, 4" x 6", $9.95


From the creators of Lone Wolf and Cub comes Samurai Executioner. It's true! Before Koike and Kojima created Itto Ogami, they created Kubikiri Asa, better known to Lone Wolf readers as Decapitator Asaemon. He was the equal to Itto, bearer of the sword Onibocho, the man charged with the duty of testing the swords for the shogun. Samurai Executioner is based on the decapitator himself, in life before his fatal duel with Lone Wolf. Expect the same legendary drama, frantic action, and stoic samurai stature, combined with the exemplary art and storytelling that made Lone Wolf and Cub one of the most popular and influential comic books in the world!


o Never before published in America, Samurai Executioner was the precursor to one of the most seminal works of manga, Lone Wolf & Cub!


o Since the inception of their Lone Wolf & Cub publishing program in 2000, Dark Horse has sold over 800,000 copies! And the series continues to sell thousands per month!


o Look for our complete Lone Wolf and Cub relists on page 51.


FOR MATURE READERS


SHI: JU-NEN #2


BILLY TUCCI (W/A)

BILLY TUCCI and MARC SPARACIO (Painted Cover)


On sale June 9, FC, 32pg, (2 of 4), $2.99


The Kabuki stage is set for ambush as Ana comes face to face with the mysterious Lady Kaoyo. One of the original "Nara Six" who hunted Shi in the acclaimed Way of the Warrior story-arc the beautiful Kaoyo readies her Nara warriors to annihilate the unsuspecting Imperial Kyoto Kabuki Theatre Troup. What follows is a showdown between the two, a duel of elegance, beauty, and the flash of the naginata as not only is Kaoyo far superior in skill, but desire for blood as well. For Kaoyo is also obsessed with the death of her brother, Nichi, and its catalyst, Ana Ishikawa … Shi.



SPYBOY: FINAL EXAM #2


PETER DAVID (W) and POP MHAN (A)


On sale June 2, FC, 32pg, (2 of 4), $2.99


Alex's world is turned upside down when the local police discover his hidden stash of weapons and conclude that he's a terrorist. And the only person in school who presents himself as his friend-the new physics teacher, Mr. Guy-is actually the nefarious Spyguy, out to destroy Alex Fleming for good!


o There are also five complete volumes in the SpyBoy backlist. Plus, products that include t-shirts, stickers, and PVC figures.



STAR WAR: EMPIRE #22


WELLES HARTLEY (W) and JEFF JOHNSON (A)


On sale June 2, FC, 32pg, $2.99


The fear of Imperial discovery sends the ships of the Rebel fleet scrambling for the far corners of the galaxy. Han, Chewie, Leia, and a young soldier named Deena Shan, on board the Millennium Falcon, end up near a dark jungle moon from which they receive a distress call. Investigating, they discover the remains of a tragedy dating from the Clone Wars, and a still-living threat that could claim them all!


Fighting alongside the Heroes of Yavin, Shan learns that the Rebellion, and even survival, mean so much more than she imagined when put in the context of friendship and sacrifice.


o Star Wars is now available worldwide (except UK).


STAR WAR: INFINITIES-RETURN OF THE JEDI TPB


ADAM GALLARDO (W), RYAN BENJAMIN (A), and SALEM CRAWFORD (A)


On sale July 28, SC, 104pg, FC, 7" x 10", $12.95


In the topsy-turvy Infinities universe, a single, seemingly insignificant event can alter the fate of the galaxy. Continuing with the tradition begun in Star Wars: Infinities- A New Hope, we now give Return of the Jedi the Infinities treatment! When the plan to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt falls apart, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca embark on another rescue mission that puts them into direct conflict with Boba Fett. Meanwhile, Luke's late arrival on Dagobah ends with him being captured by Darth Vader and the Emperor, just as the second Death Star is about to go on-line! Will the return of the Jedi become the end of the Jedi? The surprising climax is as exciting as that of the film on which it is based, but different from anything Star Wars fans have seen before! Collecting the four-issue miniseries.


o Star Wars is now available worldwide (except UK).



STAR WARS: JEDI-YODA (one-shot)


JEREMY BARLOW (W) and HOON (A)


On sale June 30, FC, 48pg, $4.99


A Double-Sized Clone Wars Special!


He is arguably the most respected Jedi Master of all time, but even the great Yoda cannot predict or control the outcome of every situation. As the violence of the Clone Wars spreads across the galaxy, Yoda is called upon to lead a clone army against the forces of a king who befriended him two hundred years before. Seeking a peaceful resolution by following the Force, Yoda is hampered by suicidal enemy soldiers, hot-headed young Jedi, single-minded Clone Commanders, and by the unwavering beliefs held by his one-time friend. It's the diminutive Jedi's most dangerous mission yet-where a single wrong move could change the course of the war!


o Star Wars is now available worldwide (except UK).



STAR WARS MINI-BUST: BOSSK


On sale July 28, 6" tall, fully painted, limited to 5,000 statues, $45.00


If you thought the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys was vicious, you aren't aware of the feud between the Wookiees and the Trandoshans. These three-fingered reptilians are mortal enemies of Chewbacca's kind, and none more so than the bounty hunter, Bossk. Bossk is allied with fellow bounty hunter Boba Fett, but his sights are set on two main targets-Chewie and Han Solo. There's a history of bad blood between them.


Gentle Giant Studio's ongoing program of collectible mini-busts has selected some of the most interesting and seldom-seen characters from the Star Wars universe. This sculpture is no exception. Deluxe full-color packaging.



STAR WARS: REPUBLIC #66

"Show of Force" part 2 of 2


JOHN OSTRANDER (W), JAN DUURSEMA (P), and DAN PARSONS (I)


On sale June 23, FC, 32pg, $2.99


Four Jedi with prices on their heads versus a space station full of bounty hunters! Really, need we say more?


Mace Windu has decided that it's time for the Jedi to flex their muscles demonstrate to the Bounty Hunters' Guild the folly of attacking Jedi. It's going to be a hard lesson-and one the Guild won't soon forget. Meanwhile, Count Dooku sends renegade Jedi Quinlan Vos to teach a similar lesson to the person who originated the bounties. Is it a case of opposite sides working toward the same end, or are the Separatists still one step ahead of the Jedi?


o Star Wars is now available worldwide (except UK).


STAR WARS TALES #320

Featuring TONY MILLIONAIRE (W/A), PETER BAGGE (W/A), GILBERT HERNANDEZ (W/A), BOB FINGERMAN (W/A), JAMES KOLCHAKA (W/A), and MORE!


On sale June 30, FC, 64pg, $5.99


This issue features some of the heavy hitters from the world of indy comics! Gasp as Tony Millionaire (Sock Monkey) offers up a story featuring JAR JAR BINKS'S long suffering father-George R. Binks! Squeal in delight at Peter Bagge (Hate) exposes the underdeveloped leadership skills of Senate Representative JAR JAR BINKS! Gasp as James Kolchaka (American Elf) chronicles the exploits of Boba Fett's cousin Melvin as he tries to assassinate a JAR JAR BINKS sippy cup! And marvel at the utter lack of JAR JAR BINKS in stories by Gilbert Hernandez (Love & Rockets) and Bob Fingerman (Minimum Wage)! Plus much MORE!


o Star Wars is now available worldwide (except UK).



STATIONERY SETS


On sale June 30


This month we feature two of our favorite artists: Pete Fowler and Tim Biskup!
Immerse yourself in the wacky alternative universes decorating these stationery sets. You'll find the Abominable Snowman trekking through the snowy environs of Gama Go and banjo playing hippies in the colorful woodlands of Monsterism Island.


The set includes 8 letter sheets (four different styles), 6 envelopes (4 different styles), and a set of stickers. Packaged as a work of art itself with a printed belly-band all inside a poly bag. To see all of our available stationery sets go to darkhorse.com/stationery.


Pete Fowler Stationery Set #1, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99



Gama Go Boy Stationery Set, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99



Gama Go Girl Stationery Set, 8 letter sheets, 6 envelopes, 5 3/4" x 8 3/4", $4.99



STEVE RUDE'S THE MOTH #3


STEVE RUDE (A) and GARY MARTIN (W)


On sale June 16, FC, 32pg, $2.99


The facial bruises you've received from reading your Moth comics too closely have become badges of honor. Now friends and relatives admire your machismo for being such a dedicated Moth fan! But now it's time to pull up your bootstraps, because we're turning up the adventure dial to FULL THROTTLE! In this issue, The Moth is the target of a mob vendetta, and he must sacrifice himself to repay a debt. Don't miss "The Price of Liberty," in The Moth #3!



Celebrating 20 years!


USAGI YOJIMBO #76


STAN SAKAI


On sale June 30, 24 pg, b&w, $2.99


Multiple Eisner Award-winning creator Stan Sakai continues the 20th year of his internationally celebrated samurai adventure! Wandering ronin Usagi comes to the rescue of an outnumbered warrior, only to find himself promising to deliver a package for the dying Nagasaki man. Now in search of the man's daughter, Usagi discovers that warriors are in hot "Pursuit"! What is the mystery of this package that could enflame the entire country, and what is its final destination? Find out-this month in Usagi Yojimbo!


Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12

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