Press Release

The quest for the Kree savior ends in Annihilation: Conquest -- Quasar #4 as Pyhla-Vell, the daughter of Captain Marvel, and the former Avenger Moondragon take on the Phalanx and the Super Adaptoid! Writer Christos Gage (House of M: Avengers, WWH: X-Men) and penciler Mike Lilly (Nightwing) have stacked the odds against our heroes, leaving Phyla's quantum bands drained, and facing an ever-adaptable villain backed with a full Phalanx army and armed with all the powers of the mightiest Avengers!

But who or what has sent Quasar and Moondragon on their quest? Who is the Kree savior? And what will become of the Kree if the Super Adaptoid beats them to their quarry?

The answers lie in Annihilation: Conquest -- Quasar #4 (of 4), the amazing issue that leads directly into Annihilation: Conquest #1!

"The art by Lilly is a great fit for this mini-series, and he truly does a great Super-Adaptoid. The entire artistic team on this book is well-suited to the subject matter, and bring a grace and fluidity to this adventure story," says Adam Chapman of ComiXtreme.com. "I can't wait till next issue to see just who the Savior of the Kree is, once and for all."

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST -- QUASAR #4 (of 4) (AUG072206)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by MIKE LILLY
Cover by MATT WILSON
Rated T+ ...$2.99
FOC-10/11/07, On-Sale-10/31/07

Press Release

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will spook mature-aged manga fans nationwide with an array of horror manga just in time for Halloween. Known for stories that blend the supernatural with the surreal, the horror genre of manga is truly one of the most unique and perhaps underrepresented, but definitely worthy of exploration. VIZ Media will offer four acclaimed titles that are guaranteed to scare this October under its Signature imprint. The titles include PORTUS, Vol. 8 of DRIFTING CLASSROOM and 2nd Editions of UZUMAKI and GYO.

UZUMAKI (2nd Edition)
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 16, 2007

A new 2nd Edition of this unique horror manga from Junji Ito, UZUMAKI, depicts a town's creepy obsession with spirals. Slowly but steadily, people become variously fascinated with, terrified of, consumed by and ultimately killed by the countless occurrences of the spiral in nature - seashells, ferns, whirlpools in water, and whirlwinds in air. Junji Ito is one of Japan's most acclaimed horror manga creators, winning the prestigious Umezu prize for horror. UZUMAKI was also turned into a live action film in 2000 and set off a run of popular Japanese horror films including Ju-On and Ringu. UZUMAKI will make an impression with the reader as the hapless town inhabitants are pulled ever deeper under the spiral's spell, as if into a whirlpool from which there is no return. The 2nd Edition features a trim black cover with red lettering.

GYO (2nd Edition)
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 16, 2007

Another horror masterpiece from Junji Ito offers a fishy horror tale that will guarantee a second thought before a trip to the seashore! From the mind of Eisner-nominated manga artist Junji Ito comes this diabolical tale of a peaceful town terrorized by waterborne monstrosities. Something is rotten in Okinawa as the rank odor of death floats over the island. A strange, legged fish appears on the scene and so begins teenager Tadashi's wild adventure into the horror (and stench) of the sea. The new 2nd Edition features a trim black cover with red lettering that complements the 2nd Edition of UZUMAKI.

PORTUS
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 9, 2007

Asami's best friend Chiharu has stopped coming to school and isn't answering her phone. It seems she has found something that's a little more addictive than the school art club. But when Chiharu mysteriously commits suicide, all Asami finds in her room is a strange video game called Portus. With the help of two of her teachers, Asami hopes to solve the mystery behind her friend's macabre death and the bizarre game. But is she prepared for the horrors of entering the twisted world of Portus, a game where, if you lose, death is your only option? Creator Jun Abe debuted with his manga Nedan wa Ii-yo in 1990, and followed with several other titles including The Yamada-ke and Miruo-Pon in Weekly Young Sunday, and Japanese Ahokko Kids in Monthly Sunday GX. PORTUS is notable for beautiful, precise illustrations reminiscent of the work of Takeshi Obata (DEATH NOTE).

DRIFTING CLASSROOM Vol. 8
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 16, 2007
Without warning, a Japanese elementary school is transported out of the world they know, and into a nightmarish wasteland. Have they gone to another planet, or is this toxic world actually a vision of Earth's future? Soon, the students and teachers must struggle to survive in impossible conditions, besieged by terrifying creatures and beset by madness. Part Lord of the Flies, part post-apocalyptic Kid Nation, THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM (1972-1974) by Kazuo Umezu is a classic can't-put-down manga series that was also adapted into a Japanese live-action movie (1987). Volume 8 of the 11-volume series finds Sho, a 6th grader and leader of the marooned group of kids, forced into slavery by the crazed former cook of their school. Sho and a small band manage to escape and make it into the wrecked Tokyo subway where they encounter a world of horror, but also perhaps the answer to the end of the world.

"The Halloween season is a perfect time for the release of this collection of horror manga titles," states Alvin Lu, Vice President, Publishing, VIZ Media. "Each of these stories is unique and we are pleased to offer an exceptional selection of content under our Signature imprint to make this year's Halloween an especially scary one. Horror manga is not yet widely known in North America and we look forward to fans discovering this under-appreciated genre through these terrifying new releases!"

more VIZ Media Halloween news...
SHOJO BEAT Magazine
Don't miss the October issue of Shojo Beat magazine - it includes tons of Halloween content, including two Halloween hot lists, a Do It Yourself guide to throwing an awesome Shojo Beat-themed Halloween party, and a four-page feature on the most terrifying movies, manga and myths in Japan! Plus, a story on traditional Japanese sweets (including an easy recipe for mochi!), an intimate interview with Japanese rock stars An Café, an interview with a gothic lolita designer who's making waves in the US, and an exclusive manga preview! In addition, the goddess of gothic Shojo manga, Junko Mizuno, creepily renders our Beat Girl. The issue includes a deliciously dark poster from the vampire-romance series Vampire Knight! The October issue of Shojo Beat Magazine also includes the chance for readers to win the Limited Edition perfumes; 'Vampire Tears' and 'Midnight Kiss', inspired by SHOJO BEAT and created by Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs, these can also be purchased at www.blackphoenixalchemylabs.com

Haloween Event!
VIZ Media will be sponsoring a night of Halloween fun October 18th at New York city's premier haunted attraction, Blood Manor. Blood Manor is a first class Haunted Attraction comprised of approximately 5,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and a labyrinth of passageways designed to maximize one's fears! The first 500 attendees on October 18th will receive a SHONEN JUMP + SHOJO BEAT gift bag filled with Halloween filled goodies including magazines, a DEATH NOTE calendar, VAMPIRE KNIGHT poster, BLACH DVD sampler and SHOJO BEAT inspired perfumes 'Vampire Tears' and 'Midnight Kiss' by Gothic scent specialists Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs. For more information about this exciting month long Haunted Attraction go to www.bloodmanor.com.

Simpsons Comics #138
by Wein and Valenti
$2.99 USA/ $3.99 CAN
32 pages/standard format/color/all ages/humor

When a torrential rainstorm threatens to raise the level of Springfield River and destroy Springfield's crumbling levees, only one outspoken environmental advocate, only one eco-aware tree-hugging activist, only one global-warming truth–telling second grader can save the town from disaster...Lisa Simpson!
Enjoy a cautionary tale from Springfield this January...before it's too late!!!

Futurama Comics #35
By Boothby and Lloyd
$2.99 USA/ $3.99 CAN
32 pages/standard format/color/humor

From the files of the Secret Justice Team comes a tale of derring-do and action-packed action, as Captain Yesterday (Fry), Clobberella (Leela) and Super King (Bender) face the vengeful wrath of the spawn of one of the greatest villains from their decidedly small Rogues Gallery, The Sun.
Futurama Comics delivers the big laughs this January!




Simpsons Classics #15
By Groening
$3.99/$4.99 CAN
64 pages/magazine/color/all ages/humor

Tired of being harassed by the Internal Revenue Service, Krusty the Clown forms his own country to avoid paying taxes. However, Krustonia is not the utopia he dreams of and keeping his subjects happy requires more than a little song, a little dance, or a little seltzer down your pants. And speaking of tax shelters, Mr. Burns' sizable investment in professional wrestling may come to an end when Captain Slamtastic announces retirement, that is, unless the business-minded billionaire can find a suitable replacement that can fit in the tights. Also included a Ned Flanders mystery and a battle of the babies between Maggie and Gerald, the baby with one eyebrow. (Collects Simpson Comics #28 & 29)

Press Release

Top Cow Productions proudly announces the upcoming release of the new ongoing series starring The Darkness in December 2007. The Darkness #1 is slated for release on December 12th.

The new ongoing series will be written by Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper) and penciled by Michael Broussard (Unholy Union). Both Hester and Broussard have stated their commitment to the ongoing series with Broussard recently signing a 3 year exclusive contract with Top Cow. The Darkness #1 finds the title character, Jackie Estacado irrevocably changed by the life changing events of First Born. Estacado has relocated to the Central American country of Sierra Muñoz and has seemingly gained a new understanding and control over his powers. But every tropical paradise has dark secrets underneath the surface...

The series promises to be an ideal jumping on point for new fans as well as an exciting evolution of the property for existing fans of The Darkness. The Darkness #1 is an over-sized first issue featuring three regular covers by co-creator Marc Silvestri (X-Men: Messiah CompleX), First Born artist Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade), and veteran The Darkness artist Dale Keown (The Darkness/Pitt). The series will be supported by house ads, outside advertising, promotional material, signings, and the October Previews contest.

"Michael and I are doing our doing or level best to intensify both the thematic and visual power of past incarnations of The Darkness, from the comics to the video game. We hope we've given the new series a

flavor that will startle and intrigue faithful Darkness readers while giving new fans a perfect chance to jump on the runaway train that is Jackie Estacado's life," said series scribe Hester. "I think it's some of the best writing of my career, and Michael's art will set the funnybook business on its ear."

"With video game sales exceeding 900,000 units worldwide interest for The Darkness has never been higher," commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow, "Phil and Michael are bringing the noise AND the funk on the ongoing series and I'm certain fans will be blown away."

Additional information regarding The Darkness can be found at http://www.topcow.com. Information regarding the October Previews contest can be found at http://previews.diamondcomics.com.

Press Release

Everyone's talking about the dynamic new Captain America costume designed by Alex Ross, as announced at Marvel.Com yesterday, and now you can take a look at the evolution of his costume with a brand new trailer! The all-new Captain America: Through The Ages trailer is now online at http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.1582, featuring the most memorable costumes from Captain America's history and his new, Alex Ross designed look, debuting in January's Captain America #34.

It's the beginning of a bold new era for Captain America-Steve Rogers may be dead, but the dream never dies! Experience a vision of Cap's history like never before, as the Captain America: Through The Ages trailer makes its debut! Now you can display it on your own site with the attached HTML.

And don't miss an in-depth interview with Alex Ross, Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting and more at http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.1640.

Press Release

Six months after the death of Steve Rogers captured national attention, Marvel is proud to unveil the new Captain America as designed by renowned, award winning artist Alex Ross! This bold new look, seen here for the first time, also serves as the variant cover to January's Captain America #34, featuring the first appearance of this new Captain America! After the death of Steve Rogers, and the climactic events of Captain America #33, there must be a new Sentinel of Liberty and now Ross, one of the industry's most renowned artists, has created a dynamic new look for the seminal hero.

Marvel President of Publishing Dan Buckley explained, "Captain America is one of the true iconic super heroes of our time and to design the new look for a new Cap, we had to go with the most iconic, preeminent painter of our time-Alex Ross."

"We're excited to have Alex Ross so heavily involved in this landmark event," said David Gabriel, Senior Vice President of Sales & Circulation. "And we'd like to thank Dynamite Entertainment for their help in coordinating Alex's efforts on the Captain America costume redesign and cover."

To celebrate this landmark event, Captain America #34 will ship with two covers featuring the new Captain America-one by Ross and one by acclaimed series penciller Steve Epting! Additionally, a Captain America #34 By Alex Ross Poster will arrive in stores this January.

But just who is this new Captain America? And why did he pick this costume? The answers arrive this January in Captain America #34 featuring Alex Ross' new costume design for Captain America and a special variant cover by the legend himself! For more about this landmark debut and comments from Alex Ross, Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting and more, visit http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.1640

CAPTAIN AMERICA #34
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by STEVE EPTING
50/50 Cover by ALEX ROSS
Rated T+...$2.99
FOC-12/27/07, On-Sale-1/16/08

CAPTAIN AMERICA #34 BY ALEX ROSS POSTER
24x36 Color Poster...$7.99
FOC-12/13/07, On-Sale-1/9/08

Our friends at top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 5 page preview of the new Madame Mirage #3.

Madame Mirage #3
(W) Paul Dini
(A) Kenneth Rocafort
(Cov) Kenneth Rocafort

Award-winning writer Paul Dini (DC's Countdown, Lost) and hot new talent Kenneth Rocafort (Hunter-Killer) answer the question - "Who is Madame Mirage?"

A locked room, two deadly adversaries, and one loaded gun between them. Madame Mirage finds herself in a life or death duel with ASI's most skilled assassin, and the only way out is for one to kill the other. While the fatal drama unfolds, shocking secrets are revealed about our heroine's past, radically changing the direction of the series and everything you think you know about the mysterious Mirage.

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

Gallery: Madame Mirage #3 Preview

Our friends at Warner Bros. have provided Comics Alliance with a preview of the this weeks episode of Legion of Super Heroes.

Learn the backstory of Lightning Lad ­ and meet his electrifying family ­ in an all-new episode of "Legion of Super Heroes" this Saturday. In the episode, entitled 'Chained Lightning,' Lightning Lad discovers that his sister, Ayla, long thought to be lost in the same Lightning Beast attack that gave him and his brother, Mekt, their powers, is really alive. However, Ayla is now in the form of pure electromagnetic energy. Lightning Lad must find a way to save Alya before Imperiex can harness this energy for his own diabolical use. Lightning Lad is voiced by Andy Milder ('Weeds'), while James Arnold Taylor ('The Boondocks,' 'Star Wars: Clone Wars') and Kari Wahlgren ('Ben 10') voice Mekt and Ayla, respectively. Directed by Brandon Vietti and written by Matt Wayne, 'Chained Lightning' airs Saturday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT as part of the Kids' WB! Lineup on The CW Network.

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

Gallery: "Legion of Super Heroes" Episode "Chained Lightning"