www.86thfloor.com     PREVIEWS VOL. XVIX #7 July 2009  

Independent Comic Publishers
(Companies beginning with V)

VANGUARD

ALEX HORLEY SKETCHBOOK SC
(W/A) Alex Horley (W) J. David Spurlock
The famous artist of Warcraft, Heavy Metal, and more gets the full color, glossy Vanguard treatment! Gene Simmons of Kiss said, "Alex Rocks!!! Every one of his brush strokes is like a sword slash of our favorite barbarian in the newest Sword and Sorcery Epic!" (C: 0-0-1)
SC, 128pgs, PC SRP: $24.95

THE LEGENDARY ILLUSTRATION ART OF N. C. WYETH SC
(W) J. David Spurlock (A) N. C. Wyeth
J. David Spurlock follows his Paintings of J. Allen St. John volume with this Wyeth collection, packed with rare and classic color images depicting Robinson Crusoe, Charlemagne, patriots, patriarchs, The Mysterious Stranger, swashbucklers, Robin Hood, pirates, pilgrims, indians, dragons, Westerns, conquistadors, wizards, and maidens. (C: 0-0-1)
SC, 128pgs, FC SRP: $24.95

ROGER HANE: ART, TIMES AND TRAGEDY SC
(W) Robert C. Hunsicker (A) Roger Hane
Roger Hane revived American illustration toward the fantastic and surreal. Two weeks after being named Artist of the Year, Hane was senselessly murdered. At the time his art graced the covers of New York and Fortune magazines. To graduates at Philadelphia College of Art, foremost American designer, Milton Glaser, who provides the foreword for this tome, said Hane was the best illustrator in America. In this impressive compendium, award-winning visual arts and media producer and friend of Roger Hane, Robert C. Hunsicker, expands upon the illustrator’s career and tragic demise. (C: 0-0-1)
SC, 10.25x11, 272pgs, FC SRP: $34.95

VILLARD BOOKS

HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA "ON THE FLY" GN
(W) Harvey Pekar (A) Summer McClinton
Harvey Pekar returns to his roots as the “godfather of autobiographical comics” with this series of long stories about his life the people he encounters daily. You will meet people like “Hollywood Bob,” the guy who drives Harvey to the airport; you’ll learn about a man who owns a diner that Harvey likes to frequent; you’ll travel to a book festival in West Virginia, where Harvey finds people who even he thinks are strange. These are accounts of real, normal people — and Harvey provides classic, authentic stories that are always both humorous and also poignant. (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 6x9, 176pgs, B&W SRP: $19.95

VIPER COMICS

NUNS WITHOUT GUNS GN
(W) Jason M. Burns (A) Erich Owens
Four sisters of the Catholic Church battle evils using the skills they acquired in their previous lives. Answering to a mysterious figurehead known only as Mother Hen, the four sisters lead a secret existence that finds them battling those evils that threaten the church and innocent souls everywhere. If it weren't for them, the world would be a much different place!
SC, 6x9, 80pgs, FC SRP: $8.95

VIZ MEDIA

INUYASHA, VOL. 41
By Rumiko Takahashi
The deceased turtle demon Meioju is revived when a piece of Moryomaru's flesh comes in contact with it. Meioju's shell is said to be the toughest shell of any armored demon, and Moryomaru uses it to create an unbelievably powerful armor. Even with the help of Sesshomaru, does Inuyasha stand a chance of penetrating this new armor?! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

BATTLE ANGEL ALITA: LAST ORDER, VOL. 12
By Yukito Kishiro
This time, Alita returns in an unprecedented form (Check out this volume's cover for details!) it seems no one can touch--not even Super Nova! Then Agi Mbadi, the dictator of Ketheres, goes on the offensive. If he cancels the Z.O.T.T. for "safety reasons," will Alita's dream of independence for Tiphares and the Scrapyard be crushed forever? RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 216pgs, B&W $9.99

GIMMICK! VOL. 9
By Youzaburou Kanari
Final Volume! In a battle to preserve the very soul of special effects arts, Kohei must overcome his competition rival Kazuki's underhanded attempts to besmirch special effects. No blow is too low for Kazuki, and his cynical attacks bring down some of Studio Gimmick's best and brightest — which causes Kohei himself to develop physical symptoms that may prevent him from competing! Will Kohei's sincere love for his art and goodwill toward the audiences of the world be enough to overcome his rival's corrupt ways? Find out in this suspenseful final volume of the GIMMICK! series! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

O-PARTS HUNTER VOL. 18
By Seishi Kishimoto
Separated into various groups and confronting a variety of threats, Jio and his friends hope they may finally be reaching the end of their struggle to break the Zenom Syndicate. It's been a tough final push, and as they know only too well, no fight is over until it's over! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

INUBAKA: CRAZY FOR DOGS VOL. 14
By Yukiya Sakuragi
Teppei has been anxious for quite some time to find a mate for his precious black Labrador, Noa. It turns out that a dog breeder that Teppei works with has found the perfect candidate! Now Suguri's a little jealous and wants her Lupin to have some pups of his own! Then a mysterious character shows up. Could he be an ominous figure from her past?! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 232pgs, B&W $9.99

GESTALT, VOL. 3
By Yun Kouga
Suzu uses everything she's got to drive her sisters away and increase her powers. Meanwhile, Olivier seeks a weapon to use against evil pursuers--and himself, if "Black Olivier" comes through again. How did this terrible fate befall Olivier, and what effect will his protective measures have on both him and his companions? Is the secret history of Gestalt somehow mirrored in the present? Time will tell, but not before Ouri gets another chance to mop the floor with some persistent enemies! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $8.99

BLACK LAGOON VOL. 8
By Rei Hiroe
Roberta's vendetta continues as Revy and Rock enlist some old acquaintances to try and catch up with Roberta before it's too late. They're going to have to get in line since Roberta's got everyone from a U.S. military black ops unit to her ex-F.A.R.C. comrades gunning for her, not to mention the CIA and the NSA. When the turmoil becomes more than the city's criminal underworld can bear, Balalaika and her Hotel Moscow commandos enter the game. With so many players at the table, it's winner take all, and the stakes couldn't be higher! RATING: M
SC, 6x9, 200pgs, B&W $12.99

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD! VOL. 1
By Inio Asano
A dream recaptured. A life on a new track. The absurdity of death. _Laughter in the face of reality. __With this series of intersecting vignettes, Inio Asano explores the ways in which modern life can be ridiculous and sublime, terrible and precious, wasted and celebrated. RATING: T+
SC, 6x9, 210pgs, B&W $12.99

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD! , VOL. 2
By Inio Asano
The cruelty of childhood. The delusion of adulthood. The endurance of death. _Laugh in the face of reality. __With this series of intersecting vignettes, Inio Asano explores the ways in which modern life can be ridiculous and sublime, terrible and precious, wasted and celebrated. RATING: T+
SC, 6x9, 210pgs, B&W $12.99

REAL, VOL. 6
By Takehiko Inoue
Synopsis: Takahashi has an awkward reunion with his father, who has been absent from his life for the past eight years. As father and son struggle with the difficulties of Takahashi's adjustment to life in a wheelchair, they must also come face to face with how much damage was done to Takahashi as a young boy facing the reality of growing up in a broken home. RATING: T+
SC, 6x9, 216pgs, B&W $12.99

VAGABOND , VOL. 5 (VIZBIG EDITION)
By Takehiko Inoue
In a remote seaside village, an abandoned infant is left to the care of a reclusive old man who has all but renounced the ways of the world. This helpless child is destined to become Sasaki Kojirô--the legendary archrival of Miyamoto Musashi. Inoue's unique take on this enigmatic figure sets up the foundation for his fictional account of the most famous rivalry in Japanese history. RATING: M
SC, 6x9, 624pgs, B&W $19.99

NAOKI URASAWA'S 20TH CENTURY BOYS, VOL. 5
By Naoki Urasawa
The giant robot has already been built and now awaits the Great Awakening... With the Friend's identity still a mystery, the countdown to the apocalypse continues, day by day, minute by minute — for on December 31, 2000, humanity will meet its final hour. Hoping to get as many people who knew about their group's emblem involved in their clandestine efforts, Kenji's crew reaches out to their childhood antagonists: the twins Mahbo and Yanbo. Back when they were kids, Yanbo and Mahbo terrorized Kenji and company to no end. As adults, and with a crisis looming, will the evilest brothers in history now fight on the side of good? RATING: T+
SC, 6x9, 216pgs, B&W $12.99

YU-GI-OH! R VOL. 1
By Akira Ito
BONUS! Limited Edition VanDalgyon The Dark Dragon Lord Card Inside! It's been many duels since Yugi defeated Maxmilion Pegasus, the super-rich designer of the collectible card game "Duel Monsters." But Yako Tenma, Pegasus' protégé, has never forgiven Yugi for his master's horrible fate. To draw Yugi out, Yako kidnaps Anzu Mazaki and takes her to the heart of the Kaibacorp building, guarded by dozens of the world's most dangerous gamers! But Yako's true plan for Anzu is much worse than mere revenge... RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 216pgs, B&W $9.99

NARUTO VOL. 46
By Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto’s friends are tested as an attempt to overthrow Tsunade begins and they must all fight—or fall. New secrets about Pain are revealed, but they only add to the mystery of his identity. As Pain commences with the final destruction of Konoha, Naruto and the Toads prepare to take him on in battle. Can Naruto save his beloved village? RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE, VOL. 9
By Akihisa Ikeda
LESSON NINE: MONSTER MAMAS__WHEN TWO OF YOUR MONSTER FRIENDS' MOTHERS MISTAKE YOU FOR THEIR PRECIOUS DAUGHTERS' BOYFRIEND, ACT LIKE...
__a. the perfect monster-in-law to be
__b. you love to play the field
__c. you never met them before in your life
RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

DEATH NOTE: L, CHANGE THE WORLD (NOVEL)
By M
L has twenty-three days to live, and twenty-two days to save the world.
SC, 6x8, 174pgs, PC $17.99

SHONEN JUMP VOL. 7 #11 NOVEMBER 2009
THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR MANGA! One of the world's biggest comics, containing the original manga versions of some of the most popular anime ever made! Each issue includes tons of full-color information about toys, TCGs, CCGs, video games and anime, plus amazing manga stories! RATING: T
Magazine, 328pgs, PC $4.99

SLAM DUNK VOL. 6
By Takehiko Inoue
With just a minute remaining on the game clock, Shohoku still trails Ryonan by four points. Hoping to put this match away for good, Ryonan hands the ball to their ace Sendoh, but they make the fatal error of overlooking the incredibly erratic (and at times phenomenally talented) Hanamichi. With a shot block that sets up a clinching basket for superstar Kaede Rukawa, Shohoku still has a chance for the win, but have they already chewed up too much time in the process? RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 196pgs, B&W $9.99

DRAGON BALL Z, VOL. 5 (VIZBIG EDITION)
By Akira Toriyama
Change Your Perspective — Get BIG, A Collection of Volumes 13-15! Dr. Gero's Laboratory of Terror! Trunks, a mysterious warrior from the future, has arrived to warn Son Goku and pals of a horrendous menace that could destroy the universe. Dr. Gero — the diabolical genius of the Red Ribbon Army--has constructed androids designed to defeat Goku and take over the world. Goku must locate and destroy these androids before they're activated--or face certain doom! But little do they know that another visitor from the future is watching their every move. Another hideous creature from the demented mind of Dr. Gero, this monster was created from the cells of the most powerful beings in the universe--including those of Son Goku! Between deadly androids and a biologically engineered nightmare, Goku will have to <i>transcend</i> the power of a Super Saiyan if he's going to prevail! RATING: A
SC, 6x9, 576pgs, B&W $17.99

HOSHIN ENGI, VOL. 15
By Ryu Fujisaki
The Battle of the Juzetsujin, Part 2__Taikobo and his allies confront an entirely new kind of threat: a paope that acts as a virus. The strain is so virulent that it has spread over both Kingo Island and Mount Kongrong, infecting friend and foe alike! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC (SAINT SEIYA), VOL. 27
By Masami Kurumada
Crossing from Hades to Elysium, the Bronze Knights find themselves in a world beyond anything they've encountered. Seiya is no match for Hypnos and Thanatos, the immortal guardians of Hades, who have already captured Athena and trapped her in a deadly prison. As if that weren't enough, the all-powerful Thanatos attacks Seiya through the person the Pegasus Knight most wants to protect: his long-lost sister Seika!__As the Greatest Eclipse descends, the Battle of the Gods reaches its climax. With Athena and the earth in mortal peril, the Bronze Knights' quest seems hopeless--until another god joins the fray! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $9.99

MUHYO & ROJI'S BUREAU OF SUPERNATURAL INVESTIGATION, VOL. 13
By Yoshiyuki Nishi
Muhyo and gang discover that the artifact called the Writ of Passage is the key to defeating Teeki--and it's hidden somewhere in their very own Magic Law School! It's not going to be easy infiltrating M.L.S. though, especially with the evil spirit known as Gingko Hag waiting for them! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

ONE PIECE, VOL. 22
By Eiichiro Oda
When Crocodile's evildoing is revealed, the rebellion that will destroy Alabasta just might be averted. But the Baroque Works will do everything in their power to make sure that doesn't happen--even attempting to kill the princess herself! The Straw Hats will have the fight of their lives to keep this evil Croc from getting his way! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 216pgs, B&W $9.99

YUYU HAKUSHO, VOL. 18
By Yoshihiro Togashi
After the epic struggle to close the tunnel to the demon plane, Yusuke and the gang take some hard-earned time off. It's still a busy year, and Hiei and Kurama both spend time training and taking care of some loose ends from their pasts. Meanwhile, Yusuke trains with Raizen and ends up in charge of the old demon's domain! The other kings of the underworld won't stand for this state of affairs for long, so Yusuke proposes a new tournament, and the winner will be king of the demon plane! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

NORA: THE LAST CHRONICLE OF DEVILDOM, VOL. 7
By Kazunari Kakei
The Resistance, led by Fall, begins its siege on the Dark Liege's headquarters. Due to the immense power Fall gained in his encounter with the previous Cerberus, the Dark Liege faces a tough battle indeed...and as Nora and Kazuma rush to aid her, each must struggle with his own inevitable role in destiny. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $9.99

REBORN!, VOL. 13
By Akira Amano
Yamamoto uses the Shigure Soen Ryu sword technique taught to him by his father to battle Superbi Squalo, who has beaten a Shigure Soen Ryu practitioner once before! Even though Squalo sees through his moves, Yamamoto refuses to lose faith in the technique and presses on. The question is, does he have any chance of winning?! Meanwhile, the identity of the person chosen to be Tsuna's Mist Guardian is finally revealed! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

STRAWBERRY 100%, VOL. 10
By Mizuki Kawashita
Events whirl around the impending debut of Junpei's new movie, from kidnappings to quarreling couples to the struggle to pull in an audience! Then there's the big question--can the film win a big enough prize to cover the expenses for all of this? RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

EYESHIELD 21, VOL. 28
By Riichiro Inagaki
Just as the manager for the Hakushu Dinosaurs is about to show Sena and Riku some footage of her team in an attempt to dissuade them from continuing in the tournament, the horrifically powerful Rikiya Gao appears and gets ready to smash everything and everyone. But Gao's scare tactics fail to intimidate Riku, who declares that the Wild Gunmen won't back down from their upcoming match. Known for injuring quarterbacks left and right, does Gao now have The Kid dead in his sights? RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

BOYS OVER FLOWERS: JEWELRY BOX
By Yoko Kamio
Boys over Flowers officially ended with volume 36, but Yoko Kamio, one of the most beloved shojo creators of all time, just couldn't stay away from her beloved characters! Jewelry Box contains two short stories that take place one year after the end of Boys over Flowers volume 36. It also contains a section with some of the important events in the series that show the characters maturing, plus a special bonus strip! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 176pgs, B&W $9.99

KIMI NI TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU, VOL. 2
By Karuho Shiina
Sadako's chance to become friends with Yano and Yoshida is about to go down the drain when rumors start flying that Yano's been around the block and Yoshida's a former gang member. And the source of all this tattle? Sadako herself! Will Sadako retreat to her former life as a loner because of a simple misunderstanding?! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

WILD ONES VOL. 8
By Kiyo Fujiwara
When Azuma visits his ailing grandfather in the hospital, he worries that without his grandfather, he will be alone in the world. He meets a young girl, Yuzuki, whose aged grandmother is in the same hospital. Together, they try to find the strength to remain in this world when their last relatives have gone. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE † , VOL. 10
By Arina Tanemura
Haine's family has been reunited, but the estranged Togu family still retains many of its secrets. Shizumasa and Takanari are increasingly at odds with each other as each one tries to win Haine's love. Will the twins ever be able to reconcile when they're both in love with the same girl? RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

THE MAGIC TOUCH, VOL. 4
By Izumi Tsubaki
After a hectic period of work, Chiaki and the rest of the club go out for a wild night of karaoke — then decide to hold an overnight training camp and end up on a scary expedition inside their school! But the night ends in a way none of them expected... RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $9.99

BABY & ME VOL. 16
By Marimo Ragawa
Takuya and his friends share a beach house over summer vacation and run afoul of Moriguchi's foxy grandma, who loves checking out the hot young studs at the beach...and hates looking after kids. But when Minoru and his fellow toddlers get lost in the woods, it's grandma to the rescue! Then Takuya looks after a neighbor's talking parakeet, much to the delight of Minoru. What happens when Minoru gives into the temptation to let their guest out of his cage just once? RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

SKIP BEAT!, VOL. 19
By Yoshiki Nakamura
Koo and Lory can't stop meddling in Kyoko's and Ren's lives. Because while Koo is impressed with Kyoko's talent, he knows that she will never be a great actress unless she can overcome her fatal weakness. And Lory knows that Ren's acting is likewise affected by his refusal to face his past. Can the two old-timers give their young protégés a much-needed kick in the pants, or will their plans blow up in their faces?! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

LA CORDA D'ORO VOL. 11
By Yuki Kure
With the Final Selection over and the magic violin gone forever, Kahoko faces a new challenge: learning to play for real! With Shinobu, a gifted Seisou Academy alumnus, as her private instructor, she begins to master the violin. But as Kahoko's friendships with the guys from the music competition deepen, she finds it harder to give her heart to music alone. And the arrival of a talented--and handsome--new student doesn't make things any easier! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

RED RIVER VOL. 27
By Chie Shinohara
Wedding day for Kail and Yuri has arrived, but Nakia is still on the loose. There is thought of postponing the nuptials, but with guests arriving from the nations allied to the Hittite Empire, the decision is made to proceed. Part of the ceremony involves the bride bathing five times in the waters of the holy springs in Hattusa, which worries Kail. Water being the medium of Nakia's magic, the ceremonial bathing would give her a prime opportunity to strike! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA , VOL. 7
By Akira Himekawa
Four Swords: Pt. 2—The Green, Red and Blue Links reach Death Mountain, where they challenge Shadow Link and Violet Link in battle. Then, inside the Fire Temple they learn a terrible secret about the Dark World and the evil power behind Vaati. To defeat this great enemy, the different colored Links must find a way to become one again in order to harness the power of the Four Sword! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 176pgs, B&W $7.99

LEAVE IT TO PET! VOL. 3
By Kenji Sonishi
Noboru's in Trouble! Robots and gadgets and poultry. Oh my! The robots keep coming and the adventures get more outrageous in this volume of Leave It to PET! PET, Plaz and Alu super-charge their powers, PET becomes a doctor, and the whole team battles an out-of-control...chicken? Expect the unexpected in volume 3 of Leave It to PET! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $7.99

HAPPY HAPPY CLOVER VOL. 3
By Sayuri Tatsuyama
Mallow and Hickory are both hiding a secret, Blackberry gets woken up from hibernation, and Clover casts two magic spells that backfire! Even worse--she has to do chores! Dust, Clover, dust! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $7.99

CHOCOMIMI , VOL. 2
By Konami Sonoda
Choco's crush Ando has a new friend who Mimi thinks looks like a prince! And Ando's new music buddy is a pretty girl! Do Mumu and Choco have new rivals?! More friends, more fashion and more laughs! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.99

POKÉMON DIAMOND AND PEARL ADVENTURE! VOL. 5
By Shigekatsu Ihara
Who will catch the Legendary Pokémon Dialga? Hareta's battle with Mitsumi comes to an end, but will Mitsumi stay loyal to Team Galactic or her old friend Hareta? Either way, the race to find the Legendary Pokémon Dialga continues! Cyrus, Team Galactic's leader, is determined to catch Dialga and seize its power for himself. Can Hareta and his friends beat Cyrus to the final prize? RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $7.99

POKÉMON ADVENTURES, VOL. 3 (2ND EDITION)
By Hidenori Kusaka
Red is improving rapidly as a Pokémon trainer--and so is his competition. But now Red must team up with his biggest rival Blue and thief Green to defeat a common enemy! And watch out for Team Rocket, Red... They won't let you into Saffron City! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 240pgs, B&W $7.99