www.86thfloor.com     PREVIEWS VOL. XVIII #4 April 2008  

Independent Comic Publishers
(Companies beginning with T)


TALCMEDIA PRESS

DREADNOUGHT: INVASION SIX #3
by Roszko, Sanna, & Laura
It’s slog-fest time. Ranor and his crew finished prepping their new Dreadnought, and are on the way to Planet Pirene to battle the invaders. On Pirene, Alianna and her crew are battling through carnivorous crawlers to get to their auxiliary control room. Ranor’s Dreadnought hits orbit and is preparing the Hellfire to blow apart Alianna’s former base and anything near it. Alianna reaches the auxiliary control room, and finds out they’ll be fried by their own forces in less than a minute!
SC, 32pgs, FC (3 of 4) SRP: $3.95

TITAN PUBLISHING

BEST OF ROY OF THE ROVERS: THE 1980S TP
by Tom Tully & David Sque
Britain’s most famous fictional soccer star — Roy Race — makes his long-awaited return in this first bumper volume, collecting the very best of Roy’s thrilling escapades! Featuring the best of Roy’s matches and adventures from the ’80s, this incredible collection is a must-have for soccer fans of all ages! Thrill once more to the roar of the crowd, as Roy and his team — the Melchester Rovers — face relegation, Roy’s marriage in trouble, and an assassin strike! With a foreword by former soccer star-turned-chef Gordon Ramsay, these are the tales that endeared Roy of the Rovers to British fans of all ages, and provided the ultimate introduction to the best soccer comic ever created! (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 6x9, 208pgs, B&W SRP: $16.95

OFFERED AGAIN

O/A CLASSIC DAN DARE HC'S
by Frank Hampson
Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future, is back! First published in the classic British comic The Eagle, these are the original adventures of one of the best known and loved British comic characters, presented in a new series of gorgeous library editions. (C: 0-1-2)
VOL 1: VOYAGE TO VENUS PART 1 (JAN042684)—HC, 9x12, 96pgs, FC SRP: $19.95
VOL 2: VOYAGE TO VENUS PART 2—HC, 9x12, 96pgs, FC SRP: $19.95
VOL 3: RED MOON MYSTERY (JUL043130)—HC, 9x12, 96pgs, FC SRP: $19.95
VOL 4: MAROONED ON MERCURY—HC, 9x12, 96pgs, FC SRP: $19.95
VOL 5: OPERATION SATURN PART 1 (JAN052939)—HC, 9x12, 96pgs, FC SRP: $19.95
VOL 6: OPERATION SATURN PART 2 (MAY052944)—HC, 9x12, 96pgs, FC SRP: $19.95

TOKYOPOP


VASSALORD VOLUME 1 GN
Creator: Nanae Chrono
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Violence, Moderate Gore, Tobacco Reference/Use, Mild Fanservice
Charlie, a cyborg vampire who does the Vatican’s dirty work, is the thrall of the local vampire playboy Johnny Rayflow. As the two of them fight crime–and each other–hilarity, violence, and sacrilege ensue! But can Charlie resist his own desperate cravings for blood?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 2) $9.99

STAR TREK: THE MANGA VOLUME 3—UCHU
Author: David Gerrold, Troy Lewter, Wil Wheaton
Art By: EJ Su
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Sexual Innuendo, Mild Violence
The Star Trek adventures continue with contributions from David Gerrold, writer of "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode and Will Wheaton of Star Trek: Next Generation Fame. Read about a Red Shirt who doesn’t die and more!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (3 of 3) $10.99

FRUITS BASKET VOLUME 20
Author: Natsuki Takaya
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes
Kagura and Kazuma discuss Tohru liking Kyo, but despite Kagura’s encouragement, Tohru is unable to muster up the courage to tell Kyo how she feels. MISBNwhile, chaos ensues as more of Akito’s past is revealed and the box that she possesses becomes something to kill for...
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (20 of 23) $9.99

BIZENGHAST VOLUME 5
Author: M. Alice LeGrow
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Moderate Violence
Adrift and in despair, Dinah with have to fight to keep her sanity, keep her life together, and keep all hell from breaking loose in the Mausoleum! The town of Bizenghast holds many secrets, and Dinah will have to grow up and grow strong if she intends to seek out the truth behind the mystery. Hatred and murder underlie the very foundations of the town, and Dinah’s struggle is only just beginning...
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (5 of 5) $9.99

PRINCESS AI OF AI-LAND
Author: D.J. Milky
Art By: Pauro Izaki
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
Based on the bestselling manga series, this comic strip selection captures the early teen years of the lovely Ai as she struggles to cope with the doubled pressure of being a teenager and a royal princess. Ai has spent her entire life within the castle walls, but she yearns to explore the vast and magical world outside...
SC, 5x7, 160pgs, B&W (1 of 1) $14.99

CHIBI VAMPIRE VOLUME 9
Creator: Yuna Kagesaki
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+)
Karin Maaka is a vampire, from a family of vampires, but instead of needing to drink blood, she has an excess of blood that she must give to her victims. If done right, giving this blood to her victim can be an extremely positive thing. The problem with this is that Karin never seems to do things right... As Karin and Kenta’s official first date continues, Anju shows up to keep an eye on the clumsy couple. But when Kenta notices her, he grabs Karin and takes her on the Ferris wheel. There he tells her how he really feels... will this destroy their relationship? Also, new girl Yuriya begins snooping around town in search of vampires. For what reason is she trying to uncover Karin’s identity and what secrets of her own is she hiding?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (9 of 13) $9.99

CHIBI VAMPIRE: THE NOVEL VOLUME 5
Author: Tohru Kai
Art By: Yuna Kagesaki
Reverse vampire Karin Maaka can’t help it: classmate and coworker Kenta Usui’s unhappiness triggers her bloodlust. Although she’s learned to control her urges around Kenta, when her excess blood becomes too much to handle, even Kenta isn’t safe! When upperclassman Ayaha Ougimachi appears on the scene, things become all the stranger. MISBNwhile, the bossy, overbearing Ayaha incites Karin’s bloodlust, as wellâ”so much so that Karin bites the girl! When Ayaha becomes increasingly positive as a result of the blood injection, Karin’s worries become deeper...
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (5 of 9) $9.99

SILVER DIAMOND VOLUME 1
Creator: Shiho Sugiura
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
Rated T for: Mild Gore, Aggression, Mild Fanservice
Rakan lives by himself, selling flowers from his jungle-like garden to support himself. Though he doesn’t know it, he is a Sanome, a person with the ability to grow plants simply by touching the seeds. When a stranger confronts him–with a gun made of wood–Rakan finds out that there’s an alternate world–Amato Empire–that he is destined to save. But can he defeat the powerful Prince, ruler of this empire, who has dark powers that rival his own?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 10) $9.99

DAEMONIUM VOLUME 1
Creator: Kosen
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+)
Seisu suffers from nightmares of the deadly car accident that killed his parents, in addition to being ostracized and bullied for his tragic past and unsightly scar across his face. In an attempt to cheer him up, his sister Alys gives him a weekend trip to a secluded hotel for his birthday! But it will prove to be the source of disturbing visions and incidents that relentlessly damage Seisu’s already unstable mind. Will Seisu be able to maintain his sanity? And, more importantly, who is the mysterious Yabriel, another guest in this hotel?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 3) $9.99

GUARDIAN HEARTS VOLUME 1
Creator: Sae Amatsu
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Non-Sexual Full Body Nudity, Mild Sexuality, Alcohol Use, Aggression, Moderate Fanservice,
Watari Kazuya. Your average teenage boy? Think again! Luckier than the average guy, Kazuya manages to discover the secret identity of Hina, a superhero from the country of Light. To keep her identity a secret, she must move in with him–and their hilarious adventures begin!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 8) $9.99

PRIVATE SCHOOL VOLUME 1
Author: Brandon Monclare
Art By: Michael Shelfer
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+)
General Principal can finally live out the rest of his life in peaceful relaxation–except he doesn’t want to! He needs money fast, so he secretly reallocates public funds to create his deceptively named Private School. But for this charade to succeed, the cadets will not only have to look like ordinary high school students, but act like them as well!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 3) $9.99

MARTIN AND JOHN VOLUME 1
Author: Hee Jung Park
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Alcohol Use, Mild Fanservice, Mild Gore, Mild Violence, Moderate Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Tobacco Reference/Use
This series is all about Martin and John...three times over! There is one Martin and John who are dating–until John decides that he cannot handle the relationship! Then there is another Martin–on another planet! –who meets a nameless man, who he names John. And lastly, there is a playboy named John who gets custody of a little boy named Martin. See how these different Martins and Johns get along!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 2) $9.99

FEVER VOLUME 2
Author: Hee Jung Park
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Non-Sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Alcohol Use, Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference/Use
After meeting Kang-Dae, troubled teen Hyung-In decides to enroll in Fever, the alternative school run by Kang-Dae’s uncle, Peter. She encounters many interesting people at Fever, each one a little weirder than the last, but none as strange as Peter himself. Hyung-In soon faces the challenge of convincing her parents that Fever is the right place for her, but how can she when the person in charge looks and acts as oddly as Peter does? He wears strange glasses with swirls on them, flirts shamelessly with Hyung-In, and encourages his students to release their frustrations by yelling and drinking. But things aren’t always what they appear, and Hyung-In soon learns that these school kids desperately need a person like Peter in their livesâ”someone who encourages them to be who they are!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 4) $9.99

TOKKO VOLUME 1
Creator: Tohru Fujisawa
Rating: M (Mature Age 18+) for: Representation of Pornography, Non-Sexual Partial Nudity Excessive Gore, Intense Violence, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Reference/Use
Ranmaru has been having recurring dreams of a girl covered in blood, holding a giant sword. Who is she and what is she doing in his dreams? When he becomes a new investigator for The Special Mobile Investigation Troops First Division (TOKKI), she appears in front of him! She is a member of Section 2, otherwise known as the Special Public Safety Task Force (TOKKO). There are many rumors about this task force–could they be true, and what connection do they hold to Ranmaru’s dreams?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 3) $10.99

ROSE HIP ROSE VOLUME 2
Author: Tohru Fujisawa
Rating: M (Mature Age 18+) for: Mild Sexuality, Excessive Gore, Intense Violence, Moderate Fanservice, Tobacco Reference/Use
Kasumi Asakura, the police’s 17-year-old secret weapon, has put the serial killer the Sheep behind bars. But behind every sheep is a shepherd–and this one’s gunning for Kasumi. With a rose tattoo on his hand, he’s connected to the past Kasumi can’t remember–to the terrorist organization that raised her and trained her, ALICE! When another former ALICE member, Natsuki, arrives from Osaka, she swears to protect her old friend Kasumi. Add one more gun-toting beauty to the team!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 4) $10.99

ARCANA VOLUME 9
Creator: So-Young Lee
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
During their stay at Eloam, much of the past is revealed, along with many more riddles and puzzles. Enril continuously tries to provoke Yulan. It is revealed that Yulan only has blood of the dragon and that Enril also planned Kyrette’s sister’s death so that Kyrette would lead the search for the dragon’s power and essence. Enril and Yulan finally face each other, confessions of love follow, but can anything be as powerful as the dragon’s blood itself.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (9 of 10) $9.99

ATELIER MARIE AND ELIE -ZARLBURG ALCHEMIST- VOLUME 4
Creator: Yoshihiko Ochi
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Cartoon Violence, Mild Fanservice, Occultism, Potty Humor, Slapstick Humor
It’s a magical breakout when Ingrid, Marie, and Elie decide to use a new experimental magical process for their alchemy. Not a breakout for them, but a giant tadpole living in Millie’s workshop! Can they find a watery home for this gigantic slippery trouble maker before too much damage is done?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (4 of 5) $9.99

B’TX VOLUME 15
Creator: Masami Kurumada
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Moderate Violence
Foh helps Gai remember his mother just before Gai dies... Wishing everyone would realize that love is the first and ultimate truth, Misha tries to get Nasha to be reborn into a new healthy body, but she refuses and we learn that Misha lost his kind heart. But as heavy as that is, it may be the least of their worries, as Karen is going to have to save her sister and Foh’s orphans from rogue Ryucon soldiers!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (15 of 16) $9.99

THE DARK GOODBYE VOLUME 2
Author: Frank Marraffino
Art By: Drew Rausch
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Moderate Violence, Moderate Language,
Mason investigates the suspicious death of an esteemed astronomer. Before his untimely–and decidedly grisly–demise, the scientist had made unsettling connections between the recent discovery of an unusual cluster of pods in a nearby marsh and a meteor shower passing close to the earth.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 3) $9.99

ELEMENTAL GELADE VOLUME 8
Creator: Mayumi Azuma
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Moderate Violence, Non-Sexual Full Body Nudity
Rowen is taken to the doctor in the nearby mountain town for some medical attention. MISBNwhile, the Edel Raid doctor determines that Reverie has been pushing herself too hard and needs to rest. Knowing that Reverie is the Shichiko-hoju that disappeared 500 years ago, he sends Coud to a secret location, where he is to find another Edel Raid, who has been waiting these past 500 hundred years to see Reverie again. But the old Edel Raid is too far gone, and the only way to save her is a much needed and maybe fatal blood transfer... from one of the group.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (8 of 13) $9.99

GETBACKERS VOLUME 25
Author: Yuya Aoki
Art By: Rando Ayamine
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Non-Sexual Full Body Nudity, Moderate Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Moderate Violence Moderate Language
Ban Mido has the power to create illusions in people’s minds. Ginji Amano has the power to amplify electricity. Together they are the invincible retrieval team known as the GetBackers! When the battle with Kabuto finally ends, will there be any reason for celebration? So much has been lost in this war and it will be up to Ban and Ginji to find a ray of hope!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (25 of 39) $9.99

KANNAZUKI NO MIKO: DESTINY OF SHRINE MAIDEN VOLUME 2
Author: Kaishaku
Rating: M (Mature Age 18+) for: Explicit Sexuality, Sexual Full Body Nudity, Mild Gore, Explicit Fanservice, Alcohol Reference, Tobacco Reference/Use
Pretty and popular Chikane has two secrets: one, that she’s a reincarnation of the Lunar Priestess, and two, that she’s in love with shy Himeko, a girl at her school who’s the reincarnation of the Solar Priestess. Will these two celestial bodies join, or will fate, jealousy and giant robots conspire to keep them apart? After deflowering Himeko, Chikane makes a case to the Orochi that Himeko is no longer pure enough to be the Solar Priestess. Then she drops a bigger suprise–all along, Chikane had aims not to be the Lunar Priestess, but the Priestess of the Orochi and revive the evil god Yamato no Orochi! Does Chikane see Himeko as her pawn in a bloody game of chess, or do her feelings for the beautiful priestess transcend even fate?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 2) $10.99

LAGOON ENGINE VOLUME 6
Author: Yukiru Sugisaki
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
Now that Yen, Jin, and Narama have recovered the music and found the sacred tree, Jin remembers that the reason he was there to begin with was to tell Narama that his grandmother collapsed! Back in Tatsunami, Ayato’s school is having a Hyakunin Isshu tournament. Due to the likelihood of a certain dangerous Maga appearing at the event, Yen and Jin are asked to participate. In order to defeat the Maga, they have to be able to beat the Hyakunin Isshu champion first, and Yen demonstrates to Jin just how close to impossible that will be!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (6 of 7) $9.99

LIGHTS OUT VOLUME 9
Author: Myung-Jin Lee
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Moderate Sexuality, Non-Sexual Full Body Nudity, Moderate Violence, Moderate Language
Everyone seems to find their love, even Ji-Ae. After being stood up by Gun and meeting Seung-Hyuk instead, Ji-Ae decides to completely give up on Gun. Another fight ensues, after which Gun’s mom decides to withdraw Gun’s enrollment from the school permanently. Will this be the end of Gun adn Seung-Hyale?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (9 of 9) $9.99

MARK OF THE SUCCUBUS VOLUME 3
Author: Ashly Raiti
Art By: Irene Flores
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Moderate Violence
The race is on to find a way to trick Sylne into betraying herself, but without Veril around to assist, the race may be a futile one. Junael adds a formidable, and highly knowledgeable, component to the odd team, but even his advice and skill may not be enough. As a newly-licensed and still-inexperienced demon, Maeve and her magical skills may be their best hope to save the day!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (3 of 3) $9.99

NEVER GIVE UP VOLUME 8
Author: Hiromu Mutou
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Moderate Sexuality, Moderate Language,
With all the troubles befallen Kiri, how will the fashion show turn out? Which lucky model will get the exclusive contract? And the biggest question of all...how will this effect Kiri and Tohya’s relationship? Finally, words of love come out in this exciting volume of Never Give Up!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (8 of 13) $9.99

NOSATSU JUNKIE VOLUME 6
Author: Ryoko Fukuyama
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Moderate Language
Umi, determined to have Naka, takes Naka’s mother’s suggestion and takes Naka out for New Years Eve. But, Naka gets sick and while Umi’s trying to help, Naka’s phone rings. Umi goes to answer it and finds the envelope with the information for the Heki job in her bag. As the two of them are yelling at each other for never telling each other, Naka almost tells Umi that she likes him, but Umi doesn’t want to hear it yet, and kisses her!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (6 of 11) $9.99

PICK OF THE LITTER VOLUME 4
Creator: Yuriko Suda
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
The holy spirit from Yamizakura has taken over Satsuki’s body, and now they have to get it out or Satsuki will be destroyed from the inside out and they can’t put the spirit back into the sword it came from because it is stained with blood, so they have to find the stone the sword was cut from. Will they find it in time?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (4 of 6) $9.99

PLASTIC CHEW
Author: Christina Plaka
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Mild Sexuality, Mild Fanservice,
All seems doomed when lead singer Masanori leaves the young and upcoming band Plastic Chew, but then the remaining two band members encounter Saiyuki, whose voice is the perfect fit! The only problem is...Saiyuki’s a girl. Jun, Atsushi, and Keigo believe that for their music to be harmonious they also need to get along well in their private lives. Soon after Saiyuki moves into the band’s apartment, trouble ensues! And on top of that, there are rival bands–and parents...
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 1) $9.99

PSYCHIC POWER NANAKI VOLUME 3
Author: Ryo Saenagi
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Mild Gore, Mild Violence, Moderate Language, Occultism
The thrilling conclusion! Father Lloyd, believed to be dead, has escaped from the isolation room. With Father Ogasawara’s silver crucifix in his hand, Nanaki goes after him as Satsuki and Kanade try to defend Ao from Father Lloyd. Will Nanaki find father Lloyd and be able to bring Ao back to consciousness?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (3 of 3) $9.99

QUEEN’S KNIGHT, THE VOLUME 12
Author: Kim Kang Won
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
Yuna has decided that she loves Phantasma and wishes only for the happiness of the people. For this reason, she requests Ehren to find Rieno so that she can say her last farewells and fulfill her duty as Queen by committing herself fully to the needs of the country. She then throws herself into her work without even stopping to sleep in order to rid herself of thoughts of Rieno. But the strain is too much for Yuna to bear.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (12 of 17) $9.99

RAVE MASTER VOLUME 29
Author: Hiro Mashima
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Non-Sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexual Language, Mild Violence, Moderate Language, Mild Fanservice
Haru & Friends go through a trap-filled dungeon to reach the tomb of the Azure Knights, which doubles as a Tomb for the Unknown Soldier. From there, Haru must go on alone to face a final trial, meeting Shiba along with Alpine, the only Knight still alive in human form, and Aris and Musica the Elder. The Rave of Truth picks Shiba over Haru, so Shiba drinks a potion that restores his youth as he prepares to do battle with Haru–to the death!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (29 of 35) $9.99

RISING STARS OF MANGA VOLUME 8
Author: TOKYOPOP
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
Rising Stars of Manga 8 is the latest edition in the Rising Stars of Manga competition, featuring eight winning short manga entries in the categories of Action, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance and Sci-Fi, with a wild card People’s Choice Award culled from online votes. Want to see the future of manga in America? The answer is in this book!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (8 of 8) $9.99

ROLLING VOLUME 1
Author: Ji-Sang Shin
Art By: Geo
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Mild Sexuality, Representation of Pornography, Non-Sexual Nondescript Nudity Mild Gore, Alcohol Use, Cartoon Violence , Tobacco Reference/Use
In a high school male dormitory room, there are four bunk beds–but five boys! Will the five guys–Mi-Oh, Chi-Young, Jay, Ji-Myung, and Il-Yong–be able to make the best of the situation? Follow them as friendships and love develop between them!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 6) $9.99

SAMURAI DEEPER KYO VOLUME 29
Creator: Akimine Kamijyo
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Non-Sexual Full Body Nudity, Moderate Violence, Moderate Language
The saga continues as the peaceful Kyoshiro draws his sword transforming into Onime-no-Kyo, the legendary killer of one thousand men. Kyoshiro and Kyo: Two vastly different spirits inhabiting one body.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (29 of 38) $9.99

SEDUCTION MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN LOVE VOLUME 2
Creator: Hyun-Sook Lee
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Moderate Sexuality, Non-Sexual Nondescript Nudity Alcohol Use, Mild Gore, Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference/Use
Daoun’s class continues to resist her, stressed she stays late after class only to be approached by Ryumin. He acts inappropriate toward her causing her to accidentally cut him. Jealous of them Hayoung becomes more possessive in public. Daoun, completely stressed out by the turn of events, goes drinking with Hyunwoo, just as he’s about to profess his interest in her, she passes out from drinking too much. In the end, Ryumin catches Hyunwoo trying to kiss Daoun and warns him that he is watching.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 5) $9.99

SUPPLI VOLUME 3
Author: Mari Okazaki
Rating: M (Mature Age 18+) for:Explicit Sexuality, Sexual Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Alcohol Use
The skies are always clearer after a storm, but what about when you don’t want the storm to end? Minami and Ogiwara made love, and Minami felt herself pulled into love’s undertow. Letting the waves carry her, she discovered she wasn’t the only one swept away by Ogiwara’s charms. Her manipulative and perfect co-worker Tanaka is also dating Ogiwara. Can Minami stay afloat at work and in love?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (3 of 6) $9.99

THE THIRD VOLUME 2
Author: Ryo Hoshino
Art By: Ariko Ito
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Moderate Gore, Moderate Violence
Honoka is still struggling to make a name for herself in the Desert borderlands as a Dune Runner. Suddenly she meets up with, Lidell, a senior in the profession that she respects. Honoka soon discovers that Lidell has a deep scar that haunts her past. On top of that, Honoka confronts a deadly soldier virus that has survived from the Great War for generations. In such a hopeless situation will she be able to live up to the level of her predecessors?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 2) $9.99

YOUR & MY SECRET VOLUME 2
Author: Ai Morinaga
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Mild Fanservice, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes
In Volume 2, the story becomes more complex when Akira’s best friend becomes interested in Nanako Momoi (but the inside is Akira! ) Also, Akira starts to go out with Nanako’s best friend Shiina and is losing interest in going back into her real body. What will happen when the four go on an over night trip together?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 4) $9.99

ZIG*ZAG VOLUME 3
Author: Yuki Nakaji
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Sexual Innuendo, Aggression, Non-Sexual Nondescript Nudity
In this volume of Zig-Zag, Jinjin takes advantage of Taiyou’s gullible nature and cruelly terrifies him with a fictitious ghost story. Upon learning the truth, Taiyou and Sonoh, together with the help of the sadistic Hiroshi, set out to get their timely revenge.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (3 of 7) $9.99

ELLIE MAMAHARA: ALLEY OF FIRST LOVE
Creator: Mamahara Ellie
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for: Alcohol Reference, Moderate Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Tobacco Reference/Use
Shusuke, a young man who works at a liquor store, is stunned when his high school crush Atsushi returns after several years of studying abroad. Why is he back all of a sudden, when he had previously sworn to stay away forever? Can our hero confess his true feelings to Atsushi without wrecking their friendship?
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 1) $9.99

TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS

JOHNNY BOO HC
BEST LITTLE GHOST IN THE WORLD
by James Kochalka
The latest all-ages graphic novel series from Top Shelf! Johnny Boo is the best little ghost in the whole world because he's got Boo Power. This means that he can go "BOO!" really loudly. His pet ghost named Squiggle has Squiggle Power, which means that he can fly and do really fast loop-the-loops. Together they have the world's greatest ghost adventures! They enthusiastically frolic and roughhouse, having ghost races and drinking melted ice cream, but they often accidently hurt each other's feelings, and have to comfort and console one another. In Book 1, when the giant pink and yellow Ice Cream Monster bumbles into their lives, they go into a mad panic... until they discover that he's actually quite friendly. Kid tested in the home of James Kochalka, Johnny Boo is hilarious and certified gold.
HC, 6x9, 40pgs, FC SRP: $9.95

STARS OF THE MONTH

ESSEX COUNTY VOLUME 1: TALES FROM THE FARM TP (NEW PRINTING)
by Jeff Lemire
Now in it's 2nd printing! Jeff Lemire’s recent win of the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award — for adult books with specific teen appeal — created a mad dash for Tales From The Farm, and immediately sold out the entire first printing. Now back in print, this TP has Lemire illustrating the tale of Lester, a recently orphaned 10-year-old who goes to live on his Uncle’s farm. Their relationship grows increasingly strained and Lester befriends the town’s hulking gas station owner, Jimmy Lebeuf. The two escape into a private fantasy world of superheroes, alien invaders, and good old-fashioned pond Hockey. (JAN073894)
MATURE THEMES
SC, 6x9, 112pgs, B&W SRP: $9.95

SUPER SPY GN (NEW PRINTING)
by Matt Kindt
Now in a 2nd Printing! The critically-acclaimed spy thriller about cyanide, pen-guns, heartbreak and betrayal is back! Spanning the countries of Spain, France, and German during World War II, this graphic novel follows the intersecting life of six spies, exploring their small lies and deceptions, as well as the larger secrets they hide. A children's book is something more than it seems; a woman swims the English Channel to deliver a deadly secret; a German spy desperately seeks escape for herself and her daughter; and a spy continues to serve his country even beyond death. (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 6x9, 336pgs, FC SRP: $19.95

WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME IF I WET THE BED GN (NEW PRINTING)
by Liz Prince
Now in a 2nd Printing! What started out as an exercise in keeping a personal comics journal quickly evolved into Liz Prince's first solo graphic novel. Described as a mix between Jeffrey Brown and James Kochalka, Liz's comics are made up of short vignettes that capture all the cute, gross, and endearing aspects of relationships. It's the perfect book for all those fans of autobiographical comics who want to see a happy ending.
SC, 4x6, 80pgs, B&W SRP: $7.00

ESSEX COUNTY VOLUME 2: GHOST STORIES TP
by Jeff Lemire
Follows the lives of brothers Lou and Vince Lebeuf over the course of nearly seven decades. Eldest brother Lou, now a deaf and lonely man, lives out his final days on his farm full of guilt and regret for the decisions that tore his family apart. From their childhood on the farm to Toronto in the 1950's — where both played professional hockey — Lou revisits his life, haunted by his memories. (JUL073879) (C: 0-1-2)
MATURE THEMES
SC, 6x9, 224pgs, B&W SRP: $14.95

OWLY VOLUME 4 TP
by Andy Runton
The fourth graphic novel in the award winning, all-ages series, Owly: Don't Be Afraid tells the story of a new visitor to the forest. He may be misunderstood because of how he looks, but things aren't always what they seem, and everyone soon finds out that the power of friendship can fix just about anything. Relying on a mixture of symbols, icons, and expressions to tell his silent stories, Andy Runton's clean, animated, and heartwarming style makes it a perfect read for anyone who's a fan of Jeff Smith's Bone or Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid. (AUG074028)
SC, 5x7, 120pgs, B&W SRP: $10.00

KORGI VOLUME 1 TP
by Christian Slade
Christian Slade, a former Disney animator, has created a gorgeously illustrated woodland fantasy about a young girl Ivy, her dog Sprout, and their amazing adventures in Korgi Hollow. This amazing combination of adventure and fantasy will appeal to anyone who loves Andy Runton's Owly and Jeff Smith's Bone. (FEB073807)
SC, 6x9, 80pgs, B&W SRP: $10.00

TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING

ALL STAR COMPANION VOLUME 3 TP
by Roy Thomas
Comics legend Roy Thomas presents more amazing secrets behind the 1940-51 All-Star Comics and the 1941-44 Seven Soldiers of Victory — an illustrated speculation about how other Golden Age super-teams might have been assembled! Also, an issue-by-issue survey of the JLA/JSA team-ups of 1963-85, the 1970s JSA revival, and the 1980s series The Young All-Stars and Secret Origins, with commentary by the artists and writers! Plus rare artwork from Joe Kubert, Carmine Infantino, Neal Adams, Jerry Ordway, Murphy Anderson, Alex Toth, Nick Cardy, Gil Kane, Gene Colan, Michael Bair, Mike Sekowsky, Dick Dillin, Joe Staton, and many others! (SEP074020)
SC, 240pgs, B&W SRP: $26.95

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OFFERED AGAIN

O/A ALTER EGO: THE BEST OF THE LEGENDARY COMICS FANZINE SC
edited by Roy Thomas & Bill Schelly
In 1961, Jerry Bails and Roy Thomas launched Alter Ego, the first fanzine devoted to comic books and their colorful history. This volume, first published in low distribution in 1997, collects the original 11 issues (published from 1961-78) of Alter Ego, with the creative and artistic contributions of Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Wally Wood, John Buscema, Marie Severin, Bill Everett, Russ Manning, Curt Swan, and others, plus illustrated interviews with Gil Kane, Bill Everett, and Joe Kubert! (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 8x11, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $21.95

NICK CARDY: BEHIND THE ART HC
by Eric Nolen-Weathington & Nick Cardy
Nick Cardy has been doing fantastic artwork for more than sixty years, from comics, to newspaper strips, to illustration. His work on DC Comics’ Teen Titans, and his amazing comics covers are universally hailed as some of the best in the medium’s history. But his commercial illustration work is just as highly regarded by those in the know. Now, this lavish full-color hardcover lets you see what goes on behind his amazing art! Nick has selected dozens of his favorite pieces from throughout his career and shows how they came to be in this remarkable art book. From the realms of preliminary work as well as Nick's detailed commentary, you will gain fascinating insight into how this great artist works, watching each step of the way as some of his most memorable images come to life! (C: 0-1-2)
HC, 128pgs, FC SRP: $34.95