DC TV

DC Entertainment now has four shows on TV (which might just be another milestone on the way to “peak geek”)!  To help new viewers “read all about it”, DC has published a free ebook listing core titles from their extensive backlist.  (Kinda like an “After Watchmen” guide.)

Prepare yourself for the upcoming DC Comics 2014 Fall TV schedule with these essential reads featuring The Flash, Green Arrow, John Constantine and the men and women of the Gotham City Police Department. This is a list of suggested further graphic novel reading for fans looking to learn more about these dynamite characters before they explode onto the TV screen!

You can download the free Nook version here.  Amazon has the Kindle edition here.  And the ComiXology edition.  Or perhaps you prefer iTunes.  And Google Play.

(It might be “guided view” and not work on some web browsers…  so I’m running the bibliography below.)
The titles are from the past thirty years of DC Comics, so some are pre-New 52, some are Vertigo.

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The Flash

Flash: Rebirth
Geoff Johns
On Sale Date: May 3, 2011
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
168 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401230012, 1401230016

Summary: The epic story of Barry Allen’s return from the dead to reclaim his title as The Fastest Man Alive is collected in hardcover.
Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, the writer/artist team behind the blockbuster GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH and THE SINESTRO CORPS WAR, create an explosive, jaw-dropping epic that reintroduces Barry Allen, the modern-age Flash. But how will Barry Allen find his place in the twenty-first century?

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Flash Vol. 1: The Dastardly Death of the Rogues!
Geoff Johns
On Sale Date: January 17, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
228 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401231958, 1401231950

Contributor Bio: Geoff Johns, a Detroit native, brings a Hollywood sense of story-telling to comics. After working as an assistant to Richard Donner (director of LethalWeapon, Superman and many other great films), Geoff has brought his considerable writing talent to comics. For DC he has written Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.S., The Flash, the enormously popular JSA with David Goyer, helped revitalize Hawkman with James Robinson and the comics event BLACKEST NIGHT.

Summary: The Flash races out of BLACKEST NIGHT and into the first graphic novel collection of his new monthly title written bycomics hottest writer Geoff Johns (BLACKEST NIGHT, GREEN LANTERN). The all-new adventures of The Fastest ManAlive start with “Case One: The Dastardly Death of the Rogues!” Barry Allen, The Flash, runs back to his life in Central City, but when one of the Rogues turns up murdered under mysterious circumstances, it’s up to The Fastest Man Alive to not onlysolve this bizarre crime, but protect those that are still targeted by the elusive killer. This storyline ties directly into BRIGHTEST DAY, the direct follow-up to the biggest comics event of 2009, BLACKEST NIGHT.
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The Flash Vol. 2: The Road to Flashpoint
Geoff Johns
On Sale Date: October 2, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
128 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401234485, 1401234488

Contributor Bio:
Geoff Johns is an award-winning writer and one of the most popular contemporary comic book writers today. Johns is the author of The New York Times bestselling graphic novels Aquaman: The Trench, Blackest Night, Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War, Justice League: Origin, Superman: Brainiac and Batman: Earth One which hit #1 on the bestseller list. He is also known for transforming Green Lantern into one of the most critically and commercially successful franchises in comics.

Johns was born in Detroit and studied media arts, screenwriting, and film at Michigan State University. After moving to Los Angeles, he became an assistant to Richard Donner, director of Superman: The Movie. He and his mentor Donner later co-wrote Superman: Last Son featuring the return of General Zod.

Johns has written for various other media, including episodes of Smallville, Arrow and Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken, for which he was nominated along with his co-writers for an Emmy. He is the Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment and resides in Los Angeles, California.

Summary: The race towards FALSHPOINT continues in this Flash collection from comics’ hottest writer Geoff Johns and artist Francis Manapul!
Make way for Hot Pursuit – the latest speedster to come out of the Speed Force! He’s here to make sure no one breaks the speed limit – hero or villain! This hardcover collection of THE FLASH #8-12 leading up to the epic events of FLASHPOINT follows Barry Allen and the family of speedsters, as they try to discover Hot Pursuit’s identity and what he’s doing in Keystone City! This volume also features the origin of Barry Allen’s greatest foe, Professor Zoom! Eobard Thawne’s story is just beginning-and he intends to finish it with The Flash!
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The Flash Vol. 1: Move Forward (The New 52)
Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: August 20, 2013
$16.99 USD
168 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401235543, 1401235549

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of The Flash, which is part of DC Comics—The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as Adventure Comics, Superman/Batman, and The Legion Of Super-Heroes. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was a TV Presenter on SyFy’s Beast Legends, in which he and a team of scientists and adventurers traveled the globe in search of scientific data to create mythical beasts. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Brian Buccellato started in comics as a colorist for the Marvel/DC crossover Punisher/Batman and went on to color for all major publishers including work on Uncanny X-Men, Superman, The Flash and many others. Brian began writing as part of The Story Company, collaborating on a number of screenplays. While working for Top Cow, he started his comics writing with The Darkness, before teaming with Francis Manapul to co-write The Flash for DC Comics. He also writes and illustrates the creator-owned title Foster.

Summary: Struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals, Central City Police scientist Barry Allen was transformed into the fastest man alive. Tapping into the energy field called The Speed Force, he applies a tenacious sense of justice to protect an serve the world as The Flash!
The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series as part of the DC Comics—The New 52 event with the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato. The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but he has seemingly met his match when he faces DC Comic’ hottest new Super Villain, Mob Rule, who really can be everywhere at once!
As Mob Rule wages a campaign of crime across Central City, including an electromagnetic blast that plunges the city into darkness, The Flash learns the the only way he can capture Mob Rule and save Central City is to learn how to make his brain function even faster than before—but as much as it helps him, it also comes with a steep price.
This volume collects issues 1-8 of the monthly series.
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The Flash Vol. 2: Rogues Revolution (The New 52)

Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: February 11, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
176 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401242732, 1401242731

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was a TV Presenter on SyFy’s Beast Legends, in which he and a team of scientists and adventurers traveled the globe in search of scientific data to create mythical beasts. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Summary: A New York Times Bestseller!

Struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals, Central City Police scientist Barry Allen was transformed into the fastest man alive. Tapping into the energy field called The Speed Force, he applies a tenacious sense of justice to protect an serve the world as The Flash!

The Flash’s Rogue’s Gallery are back—but they are more powerful than ever and they’re each looking to take down the Fastest Man Alive! Who is behind their sudden organization and why are they also after their former leader, Captain Cold? The Flash must think fast if he can outrun and survive their attack!

Collects issues #9-12, #0, and Annual #1
From the Hardcover edition.
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The Flash Vol. 3: Gorilla Warfare (The New 52)
Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: August 19, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
176 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401247126, 1401247121

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Summary: In his hometown of Central City, The Flash—a.k.a. Barry Allen—is constantly deflecting the criminal schemes of his Rogue’s Gallery. Money hungry, cunning and powerful, these villains have the Scarlet Speedster running at a pace faster than even the world’s fastest man is used to.

But when Gorilla Grodd and his army descend on Central City, The Flash will have to contend with a threat he’s not used to: murderous, ruthless and without principle. With mammoth strength and mind-control powers, Grodd will not stop until he conquers the city with its heroes blood on his hands. Knowing full well he cannot defeat this new foe alone, The Flash will have to turn to his former enemies, the Rogues, if he wants to keep himself and Central City alive.

THE FLASH: GORILLA WARFARE is the third hardcover graphic novel from the best-selling creative team of Franics Manapul and Brian Buccellatto. Collects THE FLASH #13-19.
Collects issues #9-12, #0, and Annual #1.
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The Flash Vol. 4: Reverse (The New 52)
Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: August 19, 2014
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
176 pages
Hardcover
9781401247133, 140124713X

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Summary: The fourth volume of Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul’s New 52 breakout hit – The Flash!

A mysterious and powerful Speed-Force killer has left a trail of bodies in his wake and only Barry has the power to stop him. But when the killer stays one step ahead of him, Barry finds himself face to face with the Teen Titans and Kid Flash for the first time. All this will lead to a confrontation with the Flash’s most deadly foe, The Reverse Flash!
Collects THE FLASH #20-25, and #23.3: REVERSE FLASH.
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Arrow

Arrow Vol. 1
Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Mike Grell
On Sale Date: September 24, 2013
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
208 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
9781401242992, 1401242995

Contributor Bio:
Marc Guggeinheim is award-winning multi-media writer, having scribed film, television, prose, video games and comic books. His television credits include Arrow (co-creator), Law & Order, Jack & Bobby, CSI: Miami and Brothers & Sisters. His best known comic book work includes AQUAMAN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, THE FLASH, JSA, and Amazing Spider-Man, Young X-Men and Supreme Power.

Summary: Spinning off directly from the hit CW television series ARROW comes the Emerald Archerer in these digital-first adventures! Show creators Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim team with some of the industry’s best artists, including Mike Grell (GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS), Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW: QUIVER) and others to fill in the gaps between episodes of one of TV’s hottest new series.

Collects Arrow #1-6 and #1 Special edition.
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Arrow Vol. 2
On Sale Date: May 20, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
192 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
9781401246037, 1401246036

Contributor Bio:
Marc Guggeinheim is award-winning multi-media writer, having scribed film, television, prose, video games and comic books. His television credits include Arrow (co-creator), Law & Order, Jack & Bobby, CSI: Miami and Brothers & Sisters. His best known comic book work includes AQUAMAN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, THE FLASH, JSA, and Amazing Spider-Man, Young X-Men and Supreme Power.

Summary: Spinning out of the hit CW television show, these digital-first chapters, written by show creators Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg, fill in the gaps between the television show and the comics. This volume explores the mystery of what really happened to Deadshot after his dramatic showdown with Oliver during season one of Arrow!
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Green Arrow: Year One
Andy Diggle
On Sale Date: April 14, 2009
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401217433, 1401217435

Summary: Oliver Queen has been a faithful member of the Justice League of America and defended Star City with his trusty bown and an arsenal of deadly arrows for years-now thrill to the definitive tale of how he became Green Arrow!

Queen is a frivolous playboy with little care for anyone or anything-apparently even himself. But when he’s double-crossed and marooned on a jungle island, he finds that he does care about something: justice!
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Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunter
Mike Grell
On Sale Date: September 18, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401238629, 1401238629

Contributor Bio: Mike Grell is a comic book writer and artist, who’s career has spanned over 5 decades. Grell’s first work for DC Comics was in 1973 on SUPERBOY and LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. He would go on to write or illustrate ACTION COMICS, BATMAN, THE FLASH, GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW and WARLORD. He would also go on to create cult-favorite hero JON SABLE FREELANCE in the 80’s, as well the mini-series GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS.

Summary: A new edition of Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters collecting the 3-issue 1987 miniseries. Oliver Queen gives up his trick arrows and settles down in Seattle with Dinah Lance. But Ollie’s world collides with one of unspeakable violence involving the beautiful and mysterious archer known as Shado.
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Green Arrow: The Archer’s Quest
Brad Meltzer
On Sale Date: September 18, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
176 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401200442, 1401200443

Contributor Bio: Brad Meltzer is a name that is instantly synonymous with the term “creative visionary.” Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, this graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School had received 24 rejection letters for his first novel, The Tenth Justice, before it was published and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Since then, each of Meltzer’s subsequent novels – including The Inner Circle, Dead Even, The Zero Game and The Book of Lies – has matched that prestigious honor, with The Book of Fate earning particularly notable distinction by debuting at No. 1. The first comic book Brad ever read was Justice League of America #150 in 1978, when he was seven years old. Needless to say, it changed his life, and he has reciprocated in kind, authoring critically acclaimed DC comics such as GREEN ARROW: THE ARCHER’S QUEST and the wildly successful suspense thriller IDENTITY CRISIS. It is even more fitting that in 2006 he would go on to write the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes who so indelibly inspired his love for comics, and as a result garner himself an Eisner Award in the process.

Summary: By New York Times #1 Best-Selling novelist and writer of IDENTITY CRISIS Brad Meltzer, comes the critically acclaimed GREEN ARROW: ARCHER’S QUEST.

Oliver Queen is back as Green Arrow, and with his former sidekick Arsenal at his side, he’s setting off on an adventure that will test his courage and bring formerly hidden facets of the Green Arrow legend to light.
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Green Arrow Vol. 1: The Midas Touch (The New 52)
J.T. Krul
On Sale Date: June 5, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401234867, 1401234860

Contributor Bio:
J.T. Krul is an American comic book writer whose first comic work was at Marvel Comics, writing X-men Unlimited. He has since made quite a name for himself in the comic industry, writing the majority of books at Aspen MLT including Fathom. His recent projects include Captain Atom, Green Arrow, Teen Titans, Blackest Night: Titans, Titans, Justice League: Rise And Fall for DC Comics.

Summary: The Emerald Archer returns, relaunched for a new generation of readers!

The masked vigilante Green Arrow is used to looking for trouble, but now trouble’s come looking for him! Enter Rush and his gang of thrill-seeking trust fund babies, buying their super powers and treating the world as their playground. Along with their rotting man-monster Midas and the assassin Blood Rose, Rush plans to kill a super hero live on the Internet. Even with his cutting-edge weapons and tech from Q-Core, the odds are stacked against Green Arrow!

From Dan Jurgens (Superman), J.T. Krul (Captain Atom), Keith Giffen (O.M.A.C.) and George Perez (Worlds’ Finest), this latest chapter of Green Arrow is a can’t-miss event!
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Green Arrow Vol. 2: Triple Threat (The New 52)
Ann Nocenti
On Sale Date: January 29, 2013
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401238421, 1401238424

Contributor Bio: Harvey Montecillo Tolibao was born in June 1981 and raised in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines. At the age of 10, Harvey dreamed to become a comic book illustrator. He grew up collecting Pinoy Klasiks such as ALIWAN Horror Komiks, Tagalog Komiks, Romance, Kick fighter, Kidlat, Terminator, etc. He likes collecting foreign comics like Jim Lee’s X-Men, which also serves as one of his inspirations.

Summary: The stress of running a multi-billion dollar corporation and being the guardian of Star City has frayed Oliver Queen’s last nerve. When he encounters the genetically modified triplets known as “Skylark” during a mission, Queen, entranced by their beauty and the new techonology they give him, agrees to meet their “father” King Leer.

King Leer’s fortress, buried deep within a frozen moutainside, hides the true nature of his work, genetically modifying animals of all species – including humans – in order to take over the world. His work is funded by the gold mine he has seized and rules the native people through starvation by polluting the enviornment. Can Oliver Queen stop King Leer before he releases his creations
upon the world, or will he end up as one of Leer’s experiments?
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Green Arrow Vol. 3: Harrow (The New 52)
Ann Nocenti, Freddie Williams II
On Sale Date: September 17, 2013
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401244057, 140124405X

Contributor Bio:
Ann Nocenti is thrilled to be back in comics, writing CATWOMAN and KATANA for DC Comics. She wrote for Marvel Comics in the late-1980s, writing Daredevil, editing the X-Men, and creating the characters Longshot, Typhoid, Spiral, Blackheart and more. Nocenti teaches filmmaking at the Indigenous Film Circle in Norway, to Native Americans in Tulsa, and in Haiti for two years. Her journalism has appeared in Details, Utne, HEEB, Stop Smiling, PRINT, Filmmaker, Scenario, and more. She has written about Baluchistan (The Most Expensive Road Trip in the World, Best Travel Writing 2008). Her feature script Taking Chances was produced in 2009. Her work can be found at her website annienocenti.com.

Summary: Green Arrow is losing everything: his fortune, this company Q-Corps and maybe most importantly, his valuable arsenal. Even as Oliver Queen’s grip loosens and what’s left of his personal, professional and superhero lives, the hits keep on coming. The villainous Harrow threatens the Seattle waterfront, running guns into the city and threatening lives. As Ollie flails into a downward spiral, can he still protect his town?

Also included is the tie-in to HAWKMAN: WANTED. Green Arrow helps an uneasy ally in the Savage Hawkman, as he evades a chasing Thanagarian cops. But is Hawkman a framed hero? Or a villain?

Collects GREEN ARROW #0, 14-16, THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #14 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #7./
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Green Arrow Vol. 4: The Kill Machine (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino
On Sale Date: March 25, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
208 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401246907, 1401246907

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel Essex County published by Top Shelf.

Now one of DC Comics cornerstone writers, Jeff was prominent in the publisher’s recent “New 52” line-wide relaunch as the writer of ANIMAL MAN and FRANKENSTEIN: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. He has also written the monthly adventures of SUPERBOY and THE ATOM and is set to tackle JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. He has also been nominated for 5 Eisner awards and 5 Harvey Awards.

In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino begin their ground-breaking saga in the fourth volume of Green Arrow!

A mysterious villian called Komodo knows Oliver’s secrets and uses them to rob Oliver of all his wealth and his company. Now on the run from this seemingly unstoppable force, Oliver finds himself in a mystery involving the island where he first became Green Arrow and his father! Everything will change for the Emerald Archer in this new beginning for the character.

This volume collects Green Arrow #17-24 and 23.1
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Suicide Squad?  (Ah… part of “Arrow”.)  (And soon to be a Major Motion Picture)

Suicide Squad Vol. 1: Kicked in the Teeth (The New 52)
Adam Glass, Federico Dallocchio
On Sale Date: July 10, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401235444, 1401235441

Contributor Bio:
ADAM GLASS is a writer and television producer, whose credits include co-creating, writing and producing the hit CW show Supernatural. Other writing credits include Cold Case, Blue Collar TV, and The Cleaner. He currently is writing Suicide Squad for DC Comics, and previously worked on the Flashpoint: Legion Of Doom mini-series for DC Comics.

Summary: A New York Times Bestseller!

As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics-The New 52 event of September 2011, writer and co-creator of the CW show Supernatural Adam Glass rolls out an all-new team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous-they’re sheer suicide!

The story begins with the Suicide Squad defeated, imprisoned and being interrogated about their newest mission. Harley Quinn, King Shark, Deadshot and company must make it out alive without revealing who’s pulling the strings behind their illegal operations. Who will be the first to crack under the pressure? More importantly will they make it all out alive?
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Birds of Prey Vol. 1: Trouble in Mind (The New 52)
Duane Swierczynski
On Sale Date: September 18, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401236991, 1401236995

Contributor Bio:
Duane Swiercynzski is the author of several novels including the Edgar-nominated and Anthony Award-winning “Expiration Date,” as well as “Fun & Games,” out now from Mulholland Books. He also writes comics, and thrillers with CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker.

Summary: One is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit. The other is on the run because she knows too much. They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford – a.k.a. Black Canary and Starling – and joining them are the villainous Poison Ivy and the heroic Batgirl and together, as Gotham City’s covert ops team, they’re taking down the villains other heroes can’t touch. They are the Birds of Prey.
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Deathstroke Vol. 1: Legacy (The New 52)
Kyle Higgins, Simon Bisley
On Sale Date: August 14, 2012
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
192 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401234812, 140123481X

Contributor Bio:
Kyle Higgins is a New York Times Best Selling writer whose work includes BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM, Supreme Power, and DEATHSTROKE. After spending two years at the University of Iowa, Kyle transferred to Chapman University where he co-wrote and directed a superhero noir titled The League, about the 1960’s superhero labor union of Chicago. The film opened doors at Marvel Comics, where Kyle co-wrote his first two books with Alec Siegel (Captain America Theater Of War: Prisoners Of Duty, and Avengers Origins: The Vision). Kyle is also a co-writer of The Nightrunner (with David Hine), whose story was featured on The Daily Show with John Stewart. At present, Kyle is helming NIGHTWING as part of DC’s The New 52.

Summary: As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics-The New 52 event of September 2011, Slade Wilson once ranked as the world’s greatest mercenary. But when his reputation starts to slip, and when a mysterious briefcase enters the equation, the man known as Deathstroke decides to carve a bloody, gory swatch across the DCU in a quest to show the world what exactly makes him the best.
This volume collect issues 1-6 of Deathstroke, part of the DC Comics-The New 52 event.
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Gotham

Gotham Central Book 1: In the Line of Duty
Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark
On Sale Date: March 15, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
240 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401220372, 1401220371

Summary: Gotham City: a town teeming with corrupt cops, ruthless crime lords, petty thieves … and just a small handful that would oppose them. Grizzled veteran Harvey Bullock, Captain Maggie Sawyer, detective Renee Montoya and the GCPD are the law force that stands between order and complete anarchy. Gotham’s Finest work around the clock to not only keep the world’s most psychotic criminals off the street… but also cleaning up the mess left behind by Batman’s one-man war on crime.

Written by critically acclaimed authors Ed Brubaker (Captain America) and Greg Rucka (52, DETECTIVE COMICS), this Eisner Award-winning series follows the detectives of Gotham City’s Special Crimes Unit as they navigate the against the city’s greatest villains — in the shadow of Batman himself. Collects issues #1-10.
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Gotham Central Book 2: Jokers and Madmen
Greg Rucka
On Sale Date: July 12, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
288 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401225438, 1401225438

Summary: Witness the gritty side of the Gotham City Police Department from their perspective, as they take on psychotic criminals like The Joker and grudgingly look to The Dark Knight for help.
This volume collects two cases of the Gotham Special Crimes Unit. First, The Joker terrorizes the city at Christmastime when he begins randomly executing people with a rifle, and no one from the Mayor on down is safe. A second story focuses on an old case and unfinished business for disgraced detective Harvey Bullock.
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Gotham Central Book 3: On the Freak Beat
Greg Rucka
On Sale Date: October 25, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
224 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232320, 1401232329
Contributor Bio: Ed Brubaker is one of the most acclaimed writers currently working in comics. After working at DC Comics for many years on titles such as GOTHAM CENTRAL, BATMAN, SLEEPER, and CATWOMAN, Brubaker moved to Marvel, where he took over Uncanny X-Men and Daredevil, and jump-started Captain America into its most exciting ongoing storyline in years. Brubaker’s work also includes The Immortal Iron Fist (with co-writer Matt Fraction), and the creator-owned Criminal, drawn and co-created by Sean Phillips. Brubaker has won the Eisner Award for Best Writer the past two years in a row, and Criminal won for Best New Series in 2007.

Summary: This volume collects two separate cases of the Gotham Special Crimes Unit. Detective Renee Montoya investigates the disappearance of important evidence amid a gang war and travels to Keystone City in an attempt to unveil the truth about Officer Kelly’s strange mutation. Plus, the dead body of Robin, the Boy Wonder is found on the streets. Now the detectives of Gotham Central must try to solve the mystery of his death while dealing with his former associates, Batman and the Teen Titans!
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Gotham Central Book 4: Corrigan
Greg Rucka
On Sale Date: May 1, 2012
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
224 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401231941, 1401231942

Contributor Bio: Greg Rucka is a thriller novelist who became one of the premier writers for DC Comics in the last decade.

His work on Batman brought fresh attention to the character and the inhabitants of Gotham City. Additionally, he won the Eisner award for best story with Gotham Central’s “Half a Life.” His other DC credits include Adventures of Superman, Checkmate, Detective Comics, O.M.A.C. Project, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman. He was one of the co-writers on DC’s first weekly series, 52. His Oni Press graphic novel, Whiteout, was released as a feature film in 2009. His recent series of Batwoman stories in DETECTIVE COMICS garnered widespread acclaim, and is collected this summer in
BATWOMAN: ELEGY.

Summary: Witness the gritty side of the Gotham City Police Department from their perspective, as teens dressed as Robin the Boy Wonder start turning up dead.
In this final hardcover collection of GOTHAM CENTRAL, the dead body of Robin the Boy Wonder is found on the streets. Now the detectives of Gotham Central must try to solve the mystery of his death while dealing with his associates, Batman and the Teen Titans.

From the Hardcover edition.
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Batman: Year One
Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli
On Sale Date: January 10, 2007
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401207526, 1401207529

Summary: A New York Times Best Seller!

A deluxe trade paperback edition of one of the most important and critically acclaimed Batman adventures ever, written by Frank Miller, author of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS!

In addition to telling the entire dramatic story of Batman’s first year fighting crime, this collection includes reproductions of original pencils, promotional art, script pages, unseen David Mazzucchelli Batman art and more.
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Batman: Earth One
Geoff Johns, Gary Frank
On Sale Date: August 19, 2014
$12.99 USD, $15.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232092, 1401232094

Contributor Bio:
Geoff Johns is an award-winning writer and one of the most popular contemporary comic book writers today. Johns is the author of The New York Times bestselling graphic novels Aquaman: The Trench, Blackest Night, Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War, Justice League: Origin, Superman: Brainiac and Batman: Earth One which hit #1 on the bestseller list. He is also known for transforming Green Lantern into one of the most critically and commercially successful franchises in comics.

Johns was born in Detroit and studied media arts, screenwriting, and film at Michigan State University. After moving to Los Angeles, he became an assistant to Richard Donner, director of Superman: The Movie. He and his mentor Donner later co-wrote Superman: Last Son featuring the return of General Zod.

Johns has written for various other media, including episodes of Smallville, Arrow and Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken, for which he was nominated along with his co-writers for an Emmy. He is the Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment and resides in Los Angeles, California.

Gary Frank, a native of Bristol, England, began his comics career working on various titles for Marvel UK before entering the American comics scene as the penciller on Marvel’s Incredible Hulk. Frank then
came to DC Comics where he was the original artist on BIRDS OF PREY and pencilled the adventures of SUPERGIRL. He has also worked on WildStorm’s GEN 13 as well as his creator-owned series Kin. Frank,
along with writer Geoff Johns, has worked on the bestselling titles SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC, SUPERMAN AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and the New York Times #1 bestseller, BATMAN: EARTH ONE.

From the Hardcover edition.

Summary: A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Batman is not a hero.

He is just a man.

Fallible, vulnerable, and angry.

In a Gotham City where friend and foe are indistinguishable, Bruce Wayne’s path toward becoming the Dark Knight is riddled with more obstacles than ever before. Focused on punishing his parents’ true killers, and the corrupt police that allowed them to go free, Bruce Wayne’s thirst for vengeance fuels his mad crusade and no one, not even Alfred, can stop him.

In the tradition of the #1 New York Times bestselling Superman: Earth One, writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank re-imagine a new mythology for the Dark Knight, where the familiar is no longer the expected in this long-awaited original graphic novel from DC Comics.
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Batman: Gordon of Gotham
Dennis O’Neil, Chuck Dixon, Klaus Janson
On Sale Date: September 30, 2014
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
288 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401251741, 1401251749

Contributor Bio:
Dennis O’Neil began his career as a comic-book writer in 1965 at Charlton, where then-editor Dick Giordano assigned him to several features. When Giordano moved to DC, O’Neil soon followed. At DC, O’Neil scripted several series for Giordano and Julius Schwartz, quickly becoming one of the most respected writers in comics. O’Neil earned a reputation for being able to “revamp” such characters as Superman, Green Lantern, Captain Marvel—and Batman, whom O’Neil (with the help of Neal Adams and Giordano) brought back to his roots as a dark, mysterious, gothic avenger. Besides being the most important Batman writer of the 1970s, O’Neil served as an editor at both Marvel and DC. After a long tenure as Group Editor of the Batman line of titles, he retired to write full-time.

Summary: Gotham City Police Commissioner Jim Gordon stars in this new collection of crime stories from the 1990s that stars the colorful, determined cops of Batman’s home town.

Collects BATMAN: GORDON OF GOTHAM #1-4, BATMAN: GCPD #1-4 and BATMAN: GORDON’S LAW #1-4.
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Batman No Man’s Land Vol. 1 (New Edition)
On Sale Date: December 13, 2011
$29.99 USD, $35.00 CAD
544 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232283, 1401232280

Summary: After suffering a cataclysmic earthquake, the U.S. government has deemed Gotham City as uninhabitable and ordered all citizens to leave. It is now months later and those that have refused to vacate “No Man’s Land” live amidst a citywide turf war in which the strongest prey on the weak. As gangs terrorize the ravaged populace, the Scarecrow uses a church relief project as a real life lab to test his experiments in fear. But with the return of the vigilante, Batman, and the appearance of an enigmatic new Batgirl, justice returns to Gotham.
— +++ —
Batman Vol. 4: Zero Year-Secret City (The New 52)
Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
On Sale Date: May 13, 2014
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
176 pages
Hardcover
9781401245085, 1401245080

Contributor Bio:
Scott Snyder is the bestselling and award-winning writer of Batman, Superman: Unchained, American Vampire and Swamp Thing as well as the short story collection Voodoo Heart. He teaches writing at Sarah Lawrence College, NYU and Columbia University. He lives on Long Island with his wife, Jeanie, and his sons Jack and Emmett. He is a dedicated and un-ironic fan of Elvis Presley.

Summary: In this first volume of the critically acclaimed ZERO YEAR storyline, the #1 New York Times bestselling creative team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo present an astonishing new vision of the Dark Knight’s origin—and his first encounters with the Riddler, the Red Hood, and others!

Before the era of superheroes began—before the Batman spread his wings to protect the innocent and punish evil—Gotham City’s prodigal son, Bruce Wayne, had been missing for years. But this was exactly the cover of darkness Bruce needed. Patrolling Gotham’s streets, in a series of disguises, he began a career as faceless vigilante.

Collects BATMAN issues #21-#24.
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Batman: The Long Halloween
Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale
On Sale Date: October 11, 2011
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
384 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232597, 1401232590

Contributor Bio:
Jeph Loeb is an Emmy award nominated and Eisner award winning writer/producer living in Los Angeles. In television, his many credits include Smallville, Lost and Heroes and in film, Teen Wolf and Commando. In comics, he is best known for his work with the supremely talented artist and partner-in-crime TIM SALE on BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS,CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME for DC as well as Daredevil Yellow, Spider-Man Blue and Hulk Gray for Marvel.

Tim Sale is not only the artist for the numerous collaborations with Jeph Loeb listed above, but has also worked on DEATHBLOW, BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, Grendel, Wolverine/Gambit: Victims, Billi 99, Amazon, and various other projects. He had the distinct honor of being the first creator chosen for the artist spotlight series SOLO.

Summary: Taking place during Batman’s early days of crime fighting, this new edition of the classic mystery tells the story of a mysterious killer who murders his prey only on holidays. Working with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman races against the calendar as he tries to discover who Holiday is before he claims his next victim each month. A mystery that has the reader continually guessing the identity of the killer, this story also ties into the events that transform Harvey Dent into Batman’s deadly enemy, Two-Face.
This edition includes original 13-issue series as well as four additional story pages cut from the original series, which are presented fully colored and restored to their place in the story. Also featured are sketches and an introduction by the director and writer of The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan and David Goyer.
— +++ —
Batman: Dark Victory (new edition)
Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale
On Sale Date: February 18, 2014
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
400 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401244019, 1401244017

Contributor Bio:
Jeph Loeb is an Emmy award nominated and Eisner award winning writer/producer living in Los Angeles. In television, his many credits include Smallville, Lost and Heroes and in film, Teen Wolf and Commando. In comics, he is best known for his work with the supremely talented artist and partner-in-crime TIM SALE on BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS,CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME for DC as well as Daredevil Yellow, Spider-Man Blue and Hulk Gray for Marvel.

Tim Sale is not only the artist for the numerous collaborations with Jeph Loeb listed above, but has also worked on DEATHBLOW, BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, Grendel, Wolverine/Gambit: Victims, Billi 99, Amazon, and various other projects. He had the distinct honor of being the first creator chosen for the artist spotlight series SOLO.

Summary: Collecting BATMAN: DARK VICTORY #0-13, this epic continues the story of THE LONG HALLOWEEN. It is early in Batman’s crimefighting career, when James Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the vigilante himself were all just beginning their roles as Gotham’s protectors.

Once a town controlled by organized crime, Gotham City suddenly finds itself being run by lawless freaks, such as Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and the Joker. Witnessing his city’s dark evolution, the Dark Knight completes his transformation into the city’s greatest defender. He faces multiple threats, including the seeming return of a serial killer called Holiday. Batman’s previous investigation of Holiday’s killings revealed that more than one person was responsible for the murders. So the question remains: who is committing Holiday’s crimes this time? And how many will die before Batman learns the truth?
— +++ —

Constantine

John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 1: Original Sins
Jamie Delano, John Ridgway
On Sale Date: March 8, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
304 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401230067, 1401230067

Summary: The very first Hellblazer collection ORIGINAL SINS is available in a new edition that includes John Constantine’s appearances in SWAMP THING. This is the first of a series of new HELLBLAZER editions starring Vertigo’s longest running antihero, John Constantine, England’s chain-smoking, low-rent magus.
This first collection is a loosely connected series of tales of John’s early years where Constantine was at his best and at his worst, all at the same time.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 2: The Devil You Know (New Edition)
Jaime Delano
On Sale Date: January 3, 2012
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
264 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401233020, 1401233023

Contributor Bio: Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting—over some 25 years—both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Summary: These are the stories that set the tone for John Constantine’s mystic misadventures.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 3: The Fear Machine (New Edition)
Jamie Delano
On Sale Date: June 26, 2012
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
240 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401235192, 1401235190

Contributor Bio:
Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting-over some 25 years-both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Summary: In THE FEAR MACHINE, John Constantine looks for a way to reconnect to humanity-but how can such a man ever find inner peace? Constantine finds himself encamped with a new-age pagan group that’s tapping into their own psychic abilities-but a defense contractor is out to exploit their powers. Is the company’s aim just political, or is it something much more sinister?
This volume collects issues 14-22 of the original series.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 4: The Family Man
Jamie Delano
On Sale Date: November 20, 2012
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
288 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401236908, 1401236901

Contributor Bio:
Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting-over some 25 years-both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Summary: Collected for the first time in chronological order and featuring stories by fan-favorite writer Grant Morrison (BATMAN INC, FINAL CRISIS) and the legendary Neil Gaiman (SANDMAN, AMERICAN GODS), FAMILY MAN continues the arcane adventures of Vertigo’s chain-smoking magician John Constantine. In this volume, Constantine attempts a vacation after recent events, but as usual, things don’t go as planned. Plus, Constantine must uncover the mystery of the murderous Family Man.
— +++ —
John Constantine: Hellblazer Vol. 5: Dangerous Habits (New Edition)
Jamie Delano, Garth Ennis
On Sale Date: May 14, 2013
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
352 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401238025, 1401238025
Contributor Bio:
Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting-over some 25 years-both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Irish-born writer Garth Ennis is the acclaimed author of the PREACHER graphic novel series, and also has written numerous JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER graphic novels, as well as THE AUTHORITY, THE BOYS, WAR STORIES, PRIDE AND JOY and other titles.

Summary: This new HELLBLAZER collection features several tales never before collected, including a look at John Constantine’s rough and tumble childhood and the beginnings of his unique skills. Then, in some of the earliest stories from PREACHER writer Garth Ennis, John Constantine is dying. As a sorcerer literally haunted by the demons of his past, John is no stranger to mystic bedevilment or supernatural horror. But it’s his chain smoking that ultimately brings death to Constantine’s front door. John Constantine has lung cancer. Though condemned to hell, Constantine continues to laugh in the face of this all-too-serious world.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 6: Bloodlines
Garth Ennis, William Simpson
On Sale Date: September 3, 2013
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
400 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401240431, 1401240437

Contributor Bio:
Irish-born writer Garth Ennis is the acclaimed author of the PREACHER graphic novel series, and also has written numerous JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER graphic novels, as well as THE AUTHORITY, THE BOYS, WAR STORIES, PRIDE AND JOY and other titles.

Summary: It’s not often that John Constantine, the world’s greatest magician, has been able to be content. Years in the making, his occult knowledge and shrewd judgment are hard-won and paid for in blood-his own, his friends’, and that of innocent caught up in the never-ending arms race of would-be sorcerers chasing power. But after saving the world a few times and beating both the Devil and lung cancer, Constantine is finally starting to feel ahead of the game. However, between investigations of a grisly serial murderer and strategies against the Lord of Hell, John has no time to rest.

Collects issues 47-50, 52-55 and 59-61 of the signature Vertigo series by PREACHER creator Garth Ennis.
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John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 7: Tainted Love
Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon
On Sale Date: January 7, 2014
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
320 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401243036, 1401243037

Contributor Bio:
Garth Ennis has been writing comics for twenty years, initially for British titles like 2000 AD and Crisis, then for various American publishers. As well as PREACHER, his credits include HELLBLAZER, HITMAN, WAR STORY, ADVENTURES IN THE RIFLE BRIGADE, KEV, BATTLER BRITTON, The Boys, Battlefields, Dan Dare, 303, The Chronicles of Wormwood, Crossed, Streets of Glory, Dicks, The Punisher, Fury and The Pro. Originally hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, he now resides in New York City with his wife, Ruth.

Summary: John Constatine celebrates his fortieth birthday alongside his friends and loved ones, including Swamp Thing and Zatanna, and the love of his life, Kit. However, things never burn bright too long for John Constantine, and he soons finds himself at his lowest point ever. Drunk and homeless, John must pull himself together if he is going to survive against the King of the Vampires, who comes looking for his blood.

Collects HELLBLAZER #62-71, HELLBLAZER SPECIAL #1, and VERTIGO JAM #1.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 8: Rake at the Gates of Hell
Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon
On Sale Date: June 10, 2014
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
384 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401247492, 1401247490
Contributor Bio:
Irish-born writer Garth Ennis is the acclaimed author of the PREACHER graphic novel series, and also has written numerous JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER graphic novels, as well as THE AUTHORITY, THE BOYS, WAR STORIES, PRIDE AND JOY and other titles.

Summary: John Constantine heads towards a final showdown with a revenge-crazed Satan during a raging race riot, and in addition to desperately trying to save his dwindling number of living friends, Constantine also has one final reunion with his lost love Kit.

This re-cut volume features Garth Ennis’ and Steve Dillon’s final JOHN CONSTANTINE, HELLBLAZER arc, collecting issues #78-83 as well as the special one-shot HEARTLAND.
— +++ —
Constantine Vol. 1: The Spark and the Flame (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Renato Guedes, Ray Fawkes
On Sale Date: February 18, 2014
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401243234, 1401243231

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel ESSEX COUNTY published by Top Shelf. He also writes ANIMAL MAN, FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. and SUPERBOY for DC Comics.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist, and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade!

Recently named one of Wizard magazines 25 “rising stars”, Jeff is also hard at work on a new graphic novel for Top Shelf called THE UNDERWATER WELDER, due in 2012. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: The star of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK and HELLBLAZER—the longest-running Vertigo series—is unleashed in his own DCU title! Liar, cheater, manipulator…John Constantine is all of these, and yet he uses these skills and more to protect the world from the darkest corners of the DC Universe.

Collects Constantine #1-6
— +++ —
Constantine Vol. 2: Blight (The New 52)
Ray Fawkes, Renato Guedes
On Sale Date: August 12, 2014
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401247478, 1401247474

Contributor Bio:
Ray Fawkes is a Toronto-based fine artist and writer of comics, graphic novels, prose fiction, and games. Ray’s work ranges in styles from introspective, dreamscape narrative to bombastic slapstick. He is an Eisner, Harvey, and three-time Shuster Award nominee, and a YALSA award winner for “Possessions Book One: Unclean Getaway”. His recent book, “One Soul”, debuted in July 2011 to critical acclaim, including a starred booklist review, and was nominated for the 2012 Eisner award and 2012 Harvey award.

Summary: The star of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK and HELLBLAZER—the longest-running Vertigo series—John Constantine has suffered a major loss at the hands of a former protégé. With his vault of mystical weapons now in the hands of his greatest enemies, John Constantine must battle with Sargon and the Cult of the Cold Flame with all he has left—his wits!
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 1: In the Dark (The New 52)
Peter Milligan, Mikel Janin, Ryan Sook
On Sale Date: October 16, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401237042, 1401237045

Contributor Bio:
Irish writer Peter Milligan joined Vertigo with SKREEMER in 1989 which led to several other works including SHADE THE CHANGING MAN and ENIGMA. For the DC Universe, he has written Batman in DETECTIVE COMICS and is acknowledged as the driving force behind the Knightfall event. He began his comics career with England’s 2000 AD, notably its Bad Company serial. He was named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “it” writers in 2002. Currently he is the writer of HELLBLAZER and RED LANTERNS.

Summary: As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics – The New 52 event of September 2011, a new type of super-team must come together when supernatural forces threaten the DCU – Justice League Dark!
The witch known as The Enchantress has gone mad, unleashing a wave of chaos that not even the combined powers of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg can stop. Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna, Mindwarp and John Constantine may be our only hope – but how can we put our trust in beings whose very presence makes ordinary people break out in a cold sweat? Critically acclaimed writer Peter Milligan brings together an unorthodox team for the most unnatural threats. With stunning art by up and coming star Mikel Janin, Justice League Dark Vol. 1 visits the unexplored corners of the DCU!
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 2: The Books of Magic (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Mikel Janin
On Sale Date: July 16, 2013
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
224 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401240240, 1401240240

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel ESSEX COUNTY published by Top Shelf. He also writes ANIMAL MAN, FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. and SUPERBOY for DC Comics.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist, and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade!

Recently named one of Wizard magazines 25 “rising stars”, Jeff has also written a new graphic novel for Top Shelf called THE UNDERWATER WELDER. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: New York Times best selling author Jeff Lemire takes over Justice League Dark and just when you thought it couldn’t get darker…

Vampires across the world have gone berserk, attacking anything with a pulse. Fearing her apocalyptic vision of the future has come to pass, Madame Xanadu mobilizes the team to intervene. But everything the Justice League Dark members know about how to slay a vampire is useless, for the world has changed.
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 3: The Death of Magic (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire
On Sale Date: February 4, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
192 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401242459, 1401242456

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel Essex County published by Top Shelf.

Now one of DC Comics cornerstone writers, Jeff was prominent in the publisher’s recent “New 52” line-wide relaunch as the writer of ANIMAL MAN and FRANKENSTEIN: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. He has also written the monthly adventures of SUPERBOY and THE ATOM and is set to tackle JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. He has also been nominated for 5 Eisner awards and 5 Harvey Awards.

In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: Transported to another dimension by the Books of Magic, Tim Hunter and Zatanna awake in a world where magic once ruled in peace until mad scientists banned magic and forced all of the magical creatures underground in exile.

Tim soon finds out that his ancestors are tied to this world and that only he, through the Books of Magic, can free the “Wild World.”
Unsure of what transpired when Tim and Zatanna disappeared, the remaining members of JLD, with the help of Tim Hunter’s father, manage to transport themselves to the “Wild World” and soon find that the rules of magic here are very different and very deadly.

This volume collects issues #14-21 of Justice League Dark.
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 4: The Rebirth of Evil (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Mikel Janin
On Sale Date: August 26, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
208 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401247256, 1401247253

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel ESSEX COUNTY published by Top Shelf. He also writes ANIMAL MAN, FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. and SUPERBOY for DC Comics.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist, and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade!

Recently named one of Wizard magazines 25 “rising stars”, Jeff is also hard at work on a new graphic novel for Top Shelf called THE UNDERWATER WELDER, due in 2012. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: The Justice League Dark team is called into action by Wonder Woman in hopes of finding Pandora’s Box, which may hold the only answers to save an ailing Superman. Not about to let the Seven Deadly Sins escape from Pandora’s Box, The Phantom Stranger pleads with the remaining members of the Justice League to stop Wonder Woman before she accidentally puts an end to the world as they know it.

This volume collects Justice League Dark #22-29.

— +++ —

3 COMMENTS

  1. THAT is why TV shows don’t bring more readers to comics! How many different vols. 1 exist for a given character? A guy wants to read Flash, which vol. 1 will he buy? If he likes it and buys a vol. 2, he may end up getting a vol.2 from a DIFFERENT Flash TPB series! And not a single one of them ACTUALLY has the first Flash stories! It’s even hard to define WHICH are the first Flash stories, the Jay Garrick golden age ones? The Barry Allen Silver age ones’ The Wally West modern age ones? The post-new 52?

    In Europe, the first volume of a comic collection has usually the first stories (there are a few exceptions on the oldest series) and if you buy the entire series you have all the stories you need (there is the occasional spin-off, but you don’t NEED to buy them to understand a comic). Ditto for Japan. But US comics have yet to learn that particular lesson!

  2. Pedro, there’s a bunch of zombie killers in the hallway who would like to make a short rebuttal.

    Besides DC executives (and, I suppose retailers), who gives a flying fart in the morning if anyone reads a Flash comic? You like Flash, read Flash. Time/Warner isn’t hurting either way.

  3. I read the latest annual report from Warner to see if I could figure how much actual revenue DC Comics (excluding animated efforts as that’s counted separately). It took some doing but it appears that DC Comics made well less than fifty million dollars total after expenses last year. Warner as a company made over ten billion after expenses . I figure for Warner that it’s like the Apple TV box is Apple — a nice sideline that turns a profit but nothing worth worrying about it if sales flag.

Comments are closed.