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

Independent Comic Publishers
(Companies beginning with V)

VANGUARD PRODUCTIONS

JOE KUBERT HT DRAW FROM LIFE DLX HC
(W/A) Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert — the legendary Hawkman, Tarzan, Enemy Ace, Batman, and Sgt. Rock artist and critically-acclaimed graphic novelist of Tor, Abraham Stone, Fax From Sarajevo, and Yossel — founded the first and only accredited school devoted solely to the art of cartoon graphics. Joe Kubert: How to Draw from Life, designed for mature art students, professionals and enthusiasts, presents a wealth of his own drawings from nude models spanning his years as an artist and art instructor. Subjects include gesture drawing, contour drawing, the figure in motion, short studies, long studies, drawing women, the figure in perspective, form and structure, anatomy, and lighting. Also available in a Deluxe, limited edition, leatherette slipcased edition with 16-page bonus folio signed by Joe Kubert! (C: 0-1-2)
RES. from Previews Vol. XVIII #8 (AUG084343)
DELUXE HARDCOVER—HC, 8.5x11, 128pgs, PC SRP: $59.95
HARDCOVER—HC, 8.5x11, 128pgs, PC SRP: $34.95

TEX ART OF MARK TEXEIRA DLX HC
(W/A) Mark Texeira
Best known for his work on Ghost Rider, Black Panther, Moon Knight, and Vampirella, Mark Texeira is famed for his remarkable oil paintings, illustrations, and talent for storytelling. The Art of Mark Texeira explores the development of this renowned artist, from his tough inner-city youth, to his days at Manhattan’s Art and Design High, to his years of study and beyond. More than 150 images showcase Texeira’s work in movies, albums, books, comics, and more. Dynamic and powerful, Texeira’s art leaps from the pages of this first retrospective, packed with never-before-seen art and interviews with the artist himself. Also available as a Deluxe, limited slipcased edition, with a bonus 16-page folio autographed by Texeira. (C: 0-1-2)
RES. from Previews Vol. XVIII #8 (AUG084345)
DELUXE HARDCOVER—HC, 8.5x11, 128pgs, FC SRP: $49.95
HARDCOVER—HC, 8.5x11, 128pgs, FC SRP: $34.95

VILLARD BOOKS

SYNCOPATED GN
(E) Brendan Burford
A graphic anthology with a unique hook: Syncopated collects the best in nonfiction by today’s most talented graphic artists. The graphic medium has become a popular and provocative platform for nonfiction, and this innovative anthology collects powerful memoirs, profiles, and reportage from gifted, up-and-coming creators. Go back back in time to the glory days of old Coney Island and meet fascinating personalities: graffiti artists, the inventor of the Dvorak keyboard, and psychologist Erik Eriksen. Discover forgotten history and new perspectives on critical current-day issues, and immerse yourself in fascinating subcultures, such as the infamous chess players of New York City’s Washington Square Park. Think of this as a New Yorker for the comics set: a collection of stimulating, eye-opening pieces on subjects political, historical, artistic, and personal. (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 9x12, 176pgs, B&W SRP: $16.00

VIZ MEDIA

CHILDREN OF THE SEA VOL. 1
By Daisuke Igarashi
When Ruka was younger, she saw a ghost in the water at the aquarium where her dad works. Now she feels drawn toward the aquarium and the two mysterious boys she meets there, Umi and Sora.
Ruka's dad and the other adults who work at the aquarium are only distantly aware of what the children are experiencing as they get caught up in the mystery of the worldwide disappearance of the oceans' fish. RATING: T+
SC, 6x8, 320pgs, B&W $14.99

NAOKI URASAWA'S 20TH CENTURY BOYS, VOL. 3
By Naoki Urasawa
Failed rock musician Kenji's memories of his past come rushing back when one of his childhood friends mysteriously commits suicide. Could this new death be related to the rise of a bizarre new cult that's been implicated in several other murders and disappearances? Determined to dig deeper, Kenji reunites with some of his old buddies in the hope of learning the truth behind it all. RATING: T+
SC, 6x8, 208pgs, B&W $12.99

SHONEN JUMP VOL. 7 #7 JULY 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! RATING: T
Magazine, 328pgs, PC $4.99

RUROUNI KENSHIN VOL. 6 (VIZBIG EDITION)
By Nobuhiro Watsuki
3 vols. in 1 + bonus content! Second only to Shishio Makoto when it comes to skill with a blade, the emotionless warrior Seta Soujiro‘s speed and agility are pushing Kenshin to the breaking point. RATING: T+
SC, 6x8, 584pgs, B&W $17.99

BLEACH, VOL. 27
By Tite Kubo
Orihime's return from the Soul Society is interrupted by the Arrancar Ulquiorra, who has a different, terrifying path for her. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.95

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE, VOL. 7
By Akihisa Ikeda
An exorcist posing as a human in a school for monsters might expel the demon inside you, or expel you from school! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.95

DRAGON DRIVE, VOL. 14
By Ken-ichi Sakura
The transformed Araki breaks into Rikyu, launching the final battle of the Raikoo masters. Now the hope of both worlds rests on Reiji and Takumi, who must work together to stop Araki. RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 232pgs, B&W $7.99

EYESHIELD 21, VOL. 26
By Riichiro Inagaki and Yusuke Murata
Sena continues to struggle against the seemingly unstoppable Shin, but it's another Deimon player who finds a kink in the Knights' armor. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.99

HOSHIN ENGI, VOL. 13
By Ryu Fujisaki
On a collision course with the Kingo Islands, Yozen must infiltrate the Islands and shut off their energy barrier. But can he sneak past the powers of the entire Yokai Sennin world? RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.99

YU-GI-OH! GX, VOL. 3
By Naoyuki Kageyama
First Print Exclusive: Ultra Rare Trading Card! The Duel Academy Tournament moves into high gear as Jaden and his friends battle it out with each other for a chance to duel the legendary Zane "Kaiser" Truesdale. RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $7.9

RAL?GRAD VOL. 4
By Tsuneo Takano and Takeshi Obata
FINAL VOLUME! The final battle for the fate of humanity rests with Ral and his Shadow Grad. But he must first get past the immortal Red Phoenix, a Shadow with no known weakness. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $7.99

ONE PIECE, VOL. 21
By Eiichiro Oda
The Straw Hats are keeping the Officer Agents preoccupied while Vivi makes her way to the palace. Sanji's got his hands full with Mr. 2 Bon Clay while Zolo battles mano a mano with Mr. 1. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $7.95

SLAM DUNK , VOL. 4
By Takehiko Inoue
Old rivalries reignite with captain Akagi going toe-to-toe with Ryonan's center, Uozumi. This is bound to be a game to remember. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 196pgs, B&W $7.99

KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC (SAINT SEIYA), VOL. 26
By Masami Kurumada
The Greatest Eclipse is coming--the fateful alignment of planets that will block out the sun, destroy all life and transform the Earth into a second Hades. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $7.95

MUHYO & ROJI'S BUREAU OF SUPERNATURAL INVESTIGATION, VOL. 11
By Yoshiyuki Nishi
In a bid to defeat evil Teeki, Page is forced to put his own life on the line when he enacts a new rule of magic law! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $7.99

NORA: THE LAST CHRONICLE OF DEVILDOM, VOL. 5
By Kazunari Kakei
Synopsis: In exchange for five years of his life, Kazuma has been granted the ability to use the power that permeates his body as a weapon! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.99

HOT GIMMICK, VOL. 2 (VIZBIG EDITION)
By Miki Aihara
3 vols. in 1 + bonus content! With more (love) triangles than you can throw a geometry book at, these Tokyo boys and girls are really messed up! RATING: T+
SC, 6x8, 560pgs, B&W $17.99

FUSHIGI YŰGI, VOL. 2 (VIZBIG EDITION)
By Yuu Watase
3 vols. in 1 + bonus content! Yui has sworn revenge on Miaka, embittered by the belief that her best friend had no intention of rescuing her from the Qu-Dong empire. RATING: T+
SC, 6x8, 600pgs, B&W $17.99

BABY & ME, VOL. 14
By Marimo Ragawa
Even the most precocious kids are still kids, and even Ichika has ‘accidents’. With an ingenious cover-up and her little brother as an accomplice, maybe she won't have to admit it! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $8.99

BOYS OVER FLOWERS, VOL. 36
By Yoko Kamio
FINAL VOLUME! Tsukushi faces a very uncertain future. Forces seem to conspire against her as she races to make it in time for her high school prom. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 288pgs, B&W $9.99

HONEY AND CLOVER, VOL. 6
By Chica Umino
With graduation projects in full swing, Takemoto and Hagu are face-to-face with their future. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $8.99

MIXED VEGETABLES , VOL. 4
By Ayumi Komura
Synopsis: It’s a double-batch of romance when the two aspiring chefs, Hanayu and Hayato discover that Matsuzaka, their enigmatic cooking instructor, has a secret admirer... RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $8.99

THE MAGIC TOUCH, VOL. 3
By Izumi Tsubaki
The Underground Massage Tournament begins! The Massage Research Society Club is up against the Sazanka High School team, which includes Mihime — the guy who made Chiaki fall to her knees in the last volume using only his voice! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $8.99

RASETSU, VOL. 1
By Chika Shiomi
SERIES DEBUT! Yako Hoshino, a young man with spiritual powers of his own, comes to the agency seeking help with a possessed book. He's seen a lot of strange phenomena in his day, but the last thing he expects to see is Rasetsu. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $8.99

TAIL OF THE MOON PREQUEL: THE OTHER HANZO (U)
By Rinko Ueda
Kaguya doesn't remember who she is or why she has a huge scar on her back. Six months ago, she was found injured and unconscious in a field of bamboo. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $8.99

MONKEY HIGH!, VOL. 6
By Shouko AKIRA
A class trip to Kyoto brings fun and excitement for the Kita High gang--but mostly confusion for Haruna. Between getting separated from Macharu and dealing with Atsu's declaration of love for her, Haruna's heart is all aflutter. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $8.99

OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB, VOL. 12
By Bisco Hatori
Hikaru and Kaoru's fight over Haruhi is taking its toll on Hunny and Mori, who are trying to watch over the estranged twins.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $8.99

ST. ? [HEART] DRAGON GIRL, VOL. 3
By Natsumi Matsumoto
While befriending the spirit of a young boy who can't remember who he is or how he died. The girls try to help, but Ryuga wants to banish him immediately--especially after he learns the boy took possession of Momoka's body! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $8.99

SHOJO BEAT VOL. 5 #7 JULY 2009
VIZ Media's monthly manga magazine, Shojo Beat offers quality editorial on Japanese trends, art, news, fashion, and culture, plus interviews, how-tos, and more! Shojo Beat is a hip, fun, informative read that will appeal to newbies and manga fans alike. RATING: T+
Magazine, 300pgs, PC $5.99

WILD ONES, VOL. 7
By Kiyo Fujiwara
Rakuto seems headed for the school of his choice. A jealous enemy pries into Rakuto's past, and a troubling story from his youth surfaces. Will this ruin his future before it's begun? RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $8.99

BLACK LAGOON, VOL. 6
By Rei Hiroe
After their trip to Japan, the crew unwinds back in Roanapur. The R&R doesn't last long--Jane, a counterfeiter on the run from Florida-based gangsters, seeks refuge with Sister P.W. Deegan's Church of Violence. RATING: M
SC, 6x8, 208pgs, B&W $12.99

DETROIT METAL CITY, VOL. 1
By Kiminori Wakasugi
SERIES DEBUT! By all appearances, Soichi Negishi is a sweet, well-mannered boy who likes Swedish pop music and trendy boutiques. But at the same time he's also Krauser II, front man for Detroit Metal City, an indie death metal band whose popularity increases by the day. Is this the band he's truly destined to be in? RATING: M
SC, 6x8, 200pgs, B&W $12.99

EXCEL SAGA, VOL. 19
By Rikdo Koshi
Forsaken by her Lord, and a fugitive on the streets of Fukuoka, Elgala the poor purple-haired girl is back to the kind of homeless lifestyle she used to whine about with Seniors Excel about! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $9.99

GIMMICK!, VOL. 7
By Youzaburou Kanari and Kuroko Yabuguchi
Kohei finds himself in a fierce SFX battle with a rival artist. Putting his pride and reputation on the line, Kohei will need to come up with some new innovations if he wants to stay employed in the entertainment industry. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 216pgs, B&W $9.99

O-PARTS HUNTER, VOL. 16
By Seishi Kishimoto
Jio and Ruby reunite with Ball and their other friends to search for the headquarters of the Zenom Syndicate, which has been making progress in capturing the Demons of the Reverse Kabbalah. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99

GESTALT, VOL. 1
By Yun Kouga
SERIES DEBUT! In the legendary past the gods battled for supremacy and cast out the demon god whose name cannot be spoken. Banished to Earth, the demon found refuge on the mysterious and dangerous island known only as "G”. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $8.99

NIGHTMARE INSPECTOR: YUMEKUI KENBUN , VOL. 8
By Shin Mashiba
What Would You Pay for Peace of Mind? Dreams on the menu: a childhood friendship that has lost its innocence, Kairi caught up in his own delusion, a sinister trap set for a Baku, and an inn with deadly secrets. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $9.99

SHAKUGAN NO SHANA , VOL. 4
By Yashichiro Takahashi and Ayato Sasakura
There's a sinister new Flame Haze in town by the name of Margery Daw, and soon she and Shana are in a fight to the death! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

INUBAKA: CRAZY FOR DOGS, VOL. 13
By Yukiya Sakuragi
Kanako, the piano teacher, is coping with the death of Czerny, her precious Pomeranian. Will Kanako ever be able to invite another dog into her life? RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 216pgs, B&W $9.99

ZATCH BELL!, VOL. 25
By Makoto Raiku
The countdown has begun — in less than an hour, the giant mamodo Faudo will destroy Japan! Meanwhile, two mamodo arch-rivals face each other in a battle on the edge of Faudo's brain! RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99

POKÉMON DIAMOND AND PEARL ADVENTURE!, VOL. 4
By Shigekatsu Ihara
Based off of the Popular Video Game! Hareta and his friends take on Team Galactic! But they've walked right into a trap! Hareta, together with several of Sinnoh's Gym Leaders, launch their attack on Team Galactic's headquarters (after a short break for some lunch)! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.99

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA VOL. 5: ORACLE OF AGES
By Akira Himekawa
Based off of the Popular Video Game! Veran then possesses Nayru and travels back to the past in order to kill one of Link's ancestors so that Link will never be born! Link once again battles across time to save Hyrule — and himself! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.99

HAPPY HAPPY CLOVER, VOL. 2
By Sayuri Tatsuyama
Clover hops an obstacle course to impress Rambler, delivers an important message, traps a cute ghost, and meets the daughter of the farmer who wants her to come to dinner--on a plate! Run, bunny, run! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $7.99

LET'S FIND POKÉMON! CRYSTAL
By Kazunori Aihara
All your favorite Pokémon are hidden in different places. Gotta catch 'em all, but you have to find them first! RATING: A
SC, 28pgs, FC $11.99

POKÉMON ADVENTURES, VOL. 1 (2ND EDITION)
By Hidenori Kusaka
Red doesn't want to train Pokémon, he wants to be their friend too. Bulbasaur and Poliwhirl seem game. but independent Pikachu won't be so easy to win over! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $7.99