www.86thfloor.com     PREVIEWS VOL. XVIX #3 March 2009  

Independent Comic Publishers
(Companies beginning with T)

TITAN PUBLISHING

MONSTERS VS. ALIENS VOLUME 1: THE OFFICIAL MOVIE ADAPTATION GN
(W) Andy Lanning (A)Alex Dalton, SL Gallant
This March, DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you the smash-hit movies Shrek and Madagascar, unleashes Monsters vs. Aliens — a story about the world's most extraordinary saviors that features the voice talents of Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, Hugh Laurie, and Seth Rogen, and this is the official graphic novel adaptation of the movie! Susan Murphy is having a bad wedding day. After being struck by a rock from space, she mysteriously grows to become the 49'11" tall Ginormica. However, Susan's not the only monster — as a secret government compound full of them can attest! And when a malicious alien robot named Gallaxhar lands on Earth, General W.R. Monger must send a motley crew into action to save the world!
SC, 7X10, 48pgs, FC SRP: $4.95

MONSTERS VS. ALIENS VOLUME 2: THE "M" FILES GN
(W) Andy Lanning (A) Alex Dalton, SL Gallant
Not all monsters are evil! The "M" Files features two original tales of the characters from DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens — Susan "Ginormica" Murphy, Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., The Missing Link, B.O.B., and Insectosaurus! Take a trip to Area 51 to discover the true origins of our wily gang of monsters! And in "Brain Pain", Dr Cockroach attempts a brain transfer — with hilarious results!
SC, 7X10, 48pgs, FC SRP: $4.95

STAR OF THE MONTH

WATCHING THE WATCHMEN HC
(W/A) Dave Gibbons (W) Chip Kidd, Mike Essl
Artist Dave Gibbons presents his unique perspective on the creation of his ground-breaking graphic novel with Alan Moore, Watchmen, in this, the definitive companion to the work. From concept art to excised pages, from early script extracts to character designs and rare portfolio art, Watching the Watchmen will give readers new insights into the work that Time Magazine acclaimed as one of the 100 best English-language novels published since 1923. (AUG084300) (C: 0-1-2)
HC, 9x12, 256pgs, PC SRP: $39.95

**********************************************************************

TOKYOPOP

WARCRAFT: LEGENDS VOLUME 4
Author: Christie Golden, Dan Jolley, Richard A. Knaak, Troy Lewter
Art By: Carlos Olivares, Jae-Hwan Kim, Qing Ping Mui
Some of the world’s best manga creators join together to bring the world of Warcraft to life as never before! Between these covers lie tales of adventure, treachery, humor and bravery. Told from both Alliance and Horde point of view, these stories have entertained the likes of travelers, soldiers and thieves in taverns, inns and camps all throughout Azeroth. They have endured the trials of time and have earned the title of legend. Whether this is your first journey into Azeroth, or merely the latest in a long line of visits, this collection will not soon be forgotten!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (4 of 5) $10.99

PEACE MAKER KUROGANE VOLUME 2
Creator: Nanae Chrono
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for Moderate Violence
A greeting party is held as the Shinsengumi invites a new member into its ranks: Itou Kashitarou, who makes jokes and singles out Hijikata. Meanwhile, a military code of conduct is unveiled for the Shinsengumi, the pentaty for disobedience is seppuku — or ritual suicide. The Shinsengumi is also moving to a local large
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 5) $10.99

JYU-OH-SEI VOLUME 3
Creator: Natsumi Itsuki
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for: Alcohol Reference, Mild Gore, Mild Sexuality, Mild Violence
Discovering Karim dead and her last words heard being her cries for Zagi, Thor seeks out revenge. Fatally wounding Zagi, Thor becomes the Beast King, but not before Zagi tells him to not trust Third. His mind in turmoil, he goes to Hecate with Third and Tiz by his side and he confronts Odin, the master-mind behind the events that led to his parents’ death, which lead to his life at Chimera. It is here that the raw truth of the planet finally comes to light...
SC, 5x7, 384pgs, B&W (3 of 3) $14.99

MAMOTTE SHUGOGETTEN VOLUME 5
Creator: Minene Sakurano
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for Mild Fanservice, Mild Sexuality, Aggression, Non-Sexual Nondescript Nudity
Kiryuu is lonely and insecure because no one ever wants her, and her duties make her give her master unpleasant challenges. And to top it off, her master’s family usually hates her, too. However, this makes it easier for her to say good bye when her duties are fulfilled...or does it?
SC, 5x7, 440pgs, B&W (5 of 10) $14.99

ME & MY BROTHERS VOLUME 8
Creator: Hari Tokeino
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
The brothers’ aunt and Masashi’s foster mother comes to visit, and she tells them that she’s arranged for Masashi to have a formal marriage interview. Masashi agrees to meet the girl, feeling indebted to the woman who allowed their family to stay a family even though they lived in separate homes. Sakura is upset, and after hearing why Masashi agreed, she goes to tell their aunt no for them, but instead she overhears him telling their aunt that he’ll meet the girl, but he won’t marry her, and that he wants to be with his sister Sakura.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (8 of 9) $10.99

SAMURAI HAREM: ASU NO YOICHI VOLUME 1
Creator: Yuu Minamoto
Rating: M (Mature Age 18+) for Explicit Fanservice, Mild Gore, Mild Violence, Sexual Nondescript Nudity, Tobacco Reference/Use
In the tradition of classic fan-service manga, Yoichi decides to leave his family’s mountainside home after his father tells him there is nothing more he can learn in martial arts there. The teenaged boy ends up in a martial arts dojo in the city with four hot, busty girls. Shrinkwrapped with Parental Advisory sticker on the front cover.
MATURE THEMES
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 7) $10.99

GRAVITATION COLLECTION VOLUME 1
Creator: Maki Murakami
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+)
The original Gravitation series is back! Now, repackaged in this gorgeous 400-page collection of the first two original volumes! Featuring brand-new covers and exciting extras, it’s a must have for any manga lover and all Gravitation fans.
SC, 5x7, 400pgs, B&W (1 of 6) $14.99

PIXIE VOLUME 2
Author: Mathieu Mariolle
Art By: Aurore
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+)
Ael, Balor, and Ervynn find themselves deep underwater, where Ael has dreamed them–the group finds itself mysteriously able to breathe. Ervynn, however, is sucked into a whirlpool. Meanwhile, back in the virgin forest, no one knows where theyâ™ve gone. In an attempt to assuage Pixie and Emrys, the pixies reveal that Sierra and Somnambulia are one and the same world, and that the city of Earis lies a difficult dayâ™s march away at the edge of the woodsâ”a secret the Elazul elders kept from the rest of the tribe.
SC, 5x7, 112pgs, B&W (2 of 4) $12.99

TAKERU: OPERA SUSANOH SWORD OF THE DEVIL VOLUME 1
Author: Nakashima Kazuki
Art By: Karakara Kemuri
Rating: T (Teen Age 13+) for Mild Gore, Mild Violence, Slapstick Humor
There is a legend that speaks of a powerful sword hidden and sealed in "Jagara-Mogara." It is said that when the spirits of Light, Water, and Earth come together, the seal of this sword will be broken, and the sword will be immortalized. This is the sword of Susanoh. Upon pursuing the sword, Izumo, Kumaso and Oguna arrive at the nation of Jagara, where they confront a darkness that envelops anyone seeking the sword of Susanoh, including these three who are destined to find it...
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 4) $10.99

FUTURE DIARY VOLUME 2
Creator: SaKae Esuno
Rating: OT (Older Teen Age 16+) for Mild Sexuality, Moderate Violence, Moderate Gore
Yukiteru, Yuno and Kurusu have joined in an ongoing alliance. Their goal: To discover other diary holders–and prevent the murder game from getting out of hand! In a world where cell phone diaries can predict the future, their users battle to become god!
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (2 of 6) $10.99

TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS

SECOND THOUGHTS GN
(W/A) Niklas Asker
Jess is a writer living in London. Andrew is a photographer on his way to New York. They do not fall in love — not exactly — but their brief encounter in Stansted Airport will impact both of their lives more than they can imagine. In Second Thoughts, the clean, emotional ink-work of Swedish newcomer Niklas Asker guides two characters through modern city life and love, as they struggle separately yet somehow together. Past and present, reality and fiction overlap in this sweet, haunting, and ultimately inspiring graphic novel.
MATURE THEMES
SC, 6.5x8.5, 88pgs, B&W SRP: $9.95

FAR ARDEN HC
(W/A) Kevin Cannon
Meet Army Shanks, crusty old sea dog and legendary brawler of the high Arctic seas! He's got just one mission: to find the mythical island paradise known as Far Arden, which lies hidden, so they say, in the wintry oceans of the far North. But there's more than just water standing between Shanks and his goal: he'll have to contend with circus performers, adorable orphans, heinous villains, bitter ex-lovers, well-meaning undergraduates, and the full might of the Royan Canadian Arctic Navy! Not to mention he's not so sure how to get to Far Arden in the first place! Far Arden is an epic journey through a world not quite our own, written and drawn with strokes bold and swift. Thrilling, eccentric, lusty, genuinely moving, and often hilarious, this may be the best adventure comic you'll read all year. (C: 0-1-2)
MATURE THEMES
HC, 5x6.5, 400pgs, B&W SRP: $19.95

AWESOME 2: AWESOMER TP
(E) Charlito, Mr. Phil
You can't keep a great indie anthology down! The boys at Indie Spinner Rack have been producing the premiere indie comics podcast for over three years, and in 2007 produced the aptly-titled Awesome anthology. Now they're back, along with a few dozen of their friends and favorite guests, who happen to be some of the greatest cartoonists in the industry! Contributors include Chris Duffy, Sarah Glidden, Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey, Jeff Lemire, Alex Robinson, J. Chris Campbell, Robert Goodin, Alex Cahill, Chris Schweizer, and many more, with a cover by the legendary Jeff Smith! What's more, half the proceeds from every book sold will go to fund a student scholarship to the Center for Cartoon Studies!
SC, 6x9, 200pgs, B&W SRP: $14.95

STAR OF THE MONTH

AMERICAN ELF VOLUME 3: THE SKETCHBOOK DIARIES OF JAMES KOCHALKA TP
(W/A) James Kochalka
His neighbor's car gets firebombed, his little son Eli learns how to invent his own swears (like "pump duck"), and James gets a gun pointed at his face. Most dramatic of all, this volume will introduce a new character, a new little baby Kochalka! Ooohs and aaahs abound. This collection prints all the diary strips from 2006-2007 in gorgeous full-color, including numerous strips that never appeared online. (SEP084294)
MATURE THEMES
SC, 192pgs, FC SRP: $19.95

**********************************************************************

TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING

THE COMIC BOOK PODCAST COMPANION SC
(W) Eric Houston
Comic book podcasts have taken the Internet by storm, and now you Get chance to go behind-the-scenes of ten of today’s top comic book podcasts via all-new interviews with the casts of Around Comics, Word Balloon, Quiet! Panelologists At Work, Comic Book Queers, iFanboy, The Crankcast, The Collected Comics Library, The Pipeline Podcast, Comic Geek Speak, and TwoMorrows own Tune-In Podcast! Also featured are new interviews about podcasting and comics on the Internet with creators Matt Fraction, Tim Seeley, and Gene Colan. You’ll also find a handy guide of what you ll need to start your own podcast and an index of more than thirty great comic book podcasts. (C: 0-0-1)
SC, 128pgs, B&W SRP: $15.95

STARS OF THE MONTH

MODERN MASTERS VOLUME 6: ARTHUR ADAMS SC (NEW PRINTING)
(W) Todd Dezago, Eric Nolen-Weathington (A) Arthur Adams
Take a look at the life and work of Arthur Adams, whose unique style has earned him both the Russ Manning Award and the Eisner Award. From super-heroes such as the X-Men, to pop culture icons like Godzilla, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Gumby, Adams’ painstaking attention to fine detail amazes his fans and peers alike. (DEC053309)
SC, 8x11, 128pgs, B&W SRP: $14.95

OFFERED AGAIN

O/A THE EXTRAORDINARY WORKS ALAN MOORE (INDISPENSABLE EDITION) TP
(E) George Khoury
Alan Moore reflects on his life and work in an insightful and candid fashion through an extensive series of interviews about his entire career. From Swamp Thing, V For Vendetta, and Watchmen to the future of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and beyond, his most important works and major themes are discussed. Readers will find rare strips, scripts, artwork, and photographs of the author, most never published elsewhere. Also, best-selling author Neil Gaiman headlines a series of tribute comic strips featuring many of Moore’s closest collaborators elaborating on their relationship with the great writer! (OCT084400)
SC, 240pgs, PC SRP: $29.95

**********************************************************************