THE SECRET IS OUT

This month, Blue Water Productions and Alias Comics are telling secrets: VICTORIA’S SECRET SERVICE – an all-new monthly series by the creative forces behind JUDO GIRL and 10th MUSE!

VICTORIA’S SECRET SERVICE #1 hits shops everywhere in December, and tells the story of centuries old Royal Secret Service of girls charged with the mission of protecting the Queen of England. Featuring artwork by Blue Water fan-fave artist, Nadir Balan and stories by Terrance Griep and Darren G. Davis!

“We’ve done some great solo-books, like 10th MUSE and LEGEND OF ISIS, but this will be the first ongoing team book we’ve attempted,” said writer/creator, Darren G. Davis. “I knew that we needed creators who could handle a team dynamic, and also keep it fun and entertaining. Terrance and Nadir have done exactly that with JUDO GIRL, and they’re exceeding even my expectations with VICTORIA’S SECRET SERVICE! Readers are really going to enjoy this series!”

Here’s how Alias and Blue Water are describing the debut issue:

VICTORIA’S SECRET SERVICE #1
Written by Darren G. Davis and Terrance Griep, with art by Nadir Balan
They say it takes a thief to catch a thief, and the glamorous field agents of Victoria's Secret Service put this saying to the test when they allow their newest member, the American sneak-thief Scarlet, to take point on her first full mission: hoping to derail on imminent coronation, an unknown scoundrel has stolen the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. It's up to Lark, Raven, Brooke, and Scarlet to steal back these precious symbols of the monarchy they have sworn to protect. But which of her teammates is spying on Scarlet? And why? It's thief versus thief and spy versus spy in this high-impact thriller produced by creator Darren Davis who joins writer Terrance Griep and artist Nadir Balan, the creative team of Alias's sellout smash, Judo Girl

“Alias came out strong and has been conquering the bumps along the way, plus the printing is top quality, so I'm glad to be working with them,” said artist, Balan. “And Blue Water has definitely been a thrill ride! There are more Blue Water projects in the works that are sure to bring a lot of well deserved attention to the company ... and I'm involved in a lot of it so stay tuned!”

Sex, Lies and Movie Royalty in Narwain's "Hollywood Noir"

In the tradition of Brian De Palma thrillers like "Body Double" and "Blowout" comes Narwain's latest title.

"Hollywood Noir" is set in the sleazy underbelly of 1950s Hollywood where a jealous producer and his trophy wife enter into a dangerous game of obsession, sex and murder. It's up to an ex-cop turned screenwriter to wade into the shocking underworld of Hollywood royalty and unravel this noir tale of death and desire.

Dario Maria Gulli, author of the acclaimed graphic novel "Wall After Wall" is writing the book.

"Like many people, I've always been fascinated with the lives of movie celebrities," said Gulli. "As often as not, these extravagant, alluring people have a dark side that shocks us, though part of us loves to see it. This was never more true than in the 1950s industry and 'Hollywood Noir' is my chance to play in that world."

Legendary comic book artists Dick Giordano and Joe Rubinstein join Gulli on the book.

"Hollywood Noir" is a 48 page, full color title for mature readers. It has a cover price of $5.99 US ($ 6.50 Canadian). You'll find it on page 295 of the current (January) issue of Diamond Previews.

Alias Releases DB Pro

Alias Comics announced today that they have officially released creative studio DB Pro from its publishing contracts, without contesting any of their delayed titles or the terms of their departure. Originally an independent publisher known best for their book, WATERDOGS, the Dabel Brothers (DB Pro) then signed contracts with Image Comics to publish GEORGE R. R. MARTIN'S: THE HEDGE KNIGHT. Leaving Image halfway through the series, the Dabels joined Devil’s Due Publishing who published the remainder of THE HEDGE KNIGHT, as well as their unfinished series, DRAGONLANCE: THE LEGEND OF HUMA.

The Dabel Brothers joined the launch of Alias Comics in early 2005 with planned titles such as a LEGACY trade paperback, IMPERIAL DRAGONS, XIII, TAD WILLIAMS: THE BURNING MAN, the subsequent THE BURNING MAN/THE WOOD BOY trade paperback, ROBERT SILVERBERG'S: THE SEVENTH SHRINE trade paperback, ORSON SCOTT CARD'S: WYRMS and more.

However, after a series of late and failed deliveries, and an _expression by Dabel Brothers that they would like to return to their roots as an independent publisher, Alias has now decided to release the studio from any further publishing obligations.

“Alias is all about promoting and defending creator and studio rights,” said Alias Publisher, Brett Burner. “DB Pro has been afforded other publishing opportunities which they believe are in their best interests to follow, and we are not in the business of holding creators back from reaching their full potential.”

As part of their release, DB Pro will take with them all unfinished and future projects currently in production. All previous Alias orders for these as-yet unpublished books have been cancelled — all books currently in print will remain available through Diamond.

“Dabel Brothers had a number of books that were behind schedule which we were waiting for them to complete. Unfortunately those books were never finished and delivered to us,” said Burner. “We understand that [DB Pro Managing Editor] Les Dabel has been exploring independent publishing, so rather than causing undo friction between our companies, Alias has chosen to allow Dabel Brothers to pursue those options, and we wish DB Pro well in their chosen path.”

Books previously solicited through Alias that have now been cancelled by the publisher because of non-delivery include: XIII #6, the XIII trade paperback, IMPERIAL DRAGONS #2 (and all subsequent issues), THE BURNING MAN (all three issues), and a SEVENTH SHRINE trade paperback.

“We wish them all the best, and hope that their new direction offers them what they could not find with Alias,” said Alias Executive Director Mike S. Miller

March comics/April trades press announcements from DARK HORSE COMICS

Discover the origins of Conan’s greatest villain in
Book of Thoth #1

Legendary writer Len Wein, creator of Wolverine and Swamp Thing, teams up with Conan ongoing writer Kurt Busiek, and the grandmaster of horror art Kelley Jones to tell the horrifying origin of Thoth-Amon—Conan’s greatest adversary!

In the dank alleys of a decaying city, one beggar boy conjures visions of a future where, instead of spitting on him in the streets, the rich and privileged cower in fear of his terrible power. For young Thoth, hunger and pain is a way of life, twisting his heart into believing that no wickedness is too costly if it can afford a means of escape—not even the betrayal of one’s sole confidant in the wretched, unfeeling world.

“I’ve been a fan of Kurt Busiek, Kelley Jones, and that dour-browed Cimmerian for more years than I can count,” commented co-writer Len Wein. “The chance to work with two of the three to play in the Hyborean Age is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. The Book of Thoth is turning into more fun than any human being has a right to have.”

With art by the inimitable Jones, co-written by Busiek, responsible for the most successful re-launch of a fantasy character in comics history, and Wein, mastermind behind many of comics’ most beloved modern heroes, this series finally reveals the secrets behind the dread sorcerer Thoth-Amon!

Book of Thoth #1 features Kurt Busiek, Len Wein, Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen. It arrives on sale March 15 with a retail price of $4.99.

Paul Chadwick’s Eisner Award-winning miniseries Concrete: the Human Dilemma collected


“With its detailed art, unforgettable characters and riveting, provocative storyline, Concrete: The Human Dilemma tackles the big issues even as it delivers a funny, racy, action-packed sci-fi story that redefines what it is to be a superhero.” — Wizard, March 2005

Life as Concrete knows it is about to change forever.

Former speechwriter Ron Lithgow returns as the title character of Paul Chadwick’s critically acclaimed and award-winning miniseries. Trapped in an alien’s rock-hard body, Lithgow is an accidental celebrity whose high profile is being courted by a front-page CEO. Though Concrete believes overpopulation to be an important issue, does he want to become the spokesperson for a controversial population control program? While Concrete mulls this generous proposition over with his biologist, Maureen, his longtime aide Larry Munro mulls over an entirely different sort of proposal. Life and violent death take center stage in this compelling new collection from an industry-renowned creative master, and the subject of overpopulation is given the trademark thoughtful exploration that Chadwick fans have come to expect.

“Human nature is the series’ broader theme—our drives for sex, for symbolic immortality, for family, for acquisition of wealth, for collecting,” writer/artist Paul Chadwick remarked. “Combine those with our inability to deal with threats that aren’t sudden or dramatic, and you have The Human Dilemma in a nutshell.”

Collecting the six-issue miniseries, the Concrete: The Human Dilemma collection features story and art by Paul Chadwick. It arrives on sale April 19 with a retail price of $14.95.

Hellboy: Strange Places first new Hellboy collection
in over three years!

Dark Horse is pleased to present the first new Hellboy collection since 2002’s Conqueror Worm, Hellboy: Strange Places. Collecting for the first time the Harvey-and-Eisner-award winning series The Third Wish and The Island, this all-new collection features over a dozen unused pages and a new epilogue.

Essential to the ongoing Hellboy mythology, Strange Places follows Hellboy after his leaving the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. His travels take him briefly to Africa, then for a two-year stint at the bottom of the ocean. At different times an ancient witch doctor, a giant fish woman, and the keeper of the secret history of the universe try to force Hellboy to either accept his role in the coming apocalypse, or have that role stolen from him. Weird undersea creatures and talking lions populate this turning-point adventure, which reveals secrets buried since Hellboy’s very creation.

“One of the most forthcoming stories in the cannon…Good thing Mignola has the storytelling skill to back that up.”— Rue Morgue magazine

“…through his visual craftsmanship and prose, Mignola transports the reader to another world. He is one of comic’s true visionaries.” — Chud.com

“This mini-series displays his spooky and funny and disquieting and always—always—controlled, magical storytelling.” — Comics Buyer’s Guide.

Hellboy: Strange Places is written and illustrated by Mike Mignola. It arrives on sale April 12 with a retail price of $17.95.

From the creative minds behind the television series, DH Press presents the prose novel Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex—the Lost Memory

Dark Horse Comics’ prose imprint DH Press is pleased to announce the first in a series of novels from the creative minds behind the animated television series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. The Stand Alone Complex T.V. series and novels are based on the mythos of Shirow Masumune manga classics Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2 Man Machine Interface.

Since being formed as a shadow peacekeeping organization, Section 9 has faced almost countless adversaries both in the real world and in cyberspace, but none like “The Awakened,” a group of terrorists who seem to have the ability to take over the minds and bodies of almost anyone and use them to commit crimes against the state, leaving their pawns unaware of who was controlling them. When Major Motoko Kusanagi is able to capture one of the boys used as a pawn she hacks into his cyberbrain to find out who the ringleader is, but what she discovers will take her and the operatives of Section 9 on a journey deep into the heart of cyberspace, and the answers she finds will shake Section 9 to its core.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex- The Lost Memory is written by Junichi Fujisaku. It arrives on sale April 12 with a retail price of $8.95.

Take a look inside the mind of a madman in Hideshi Hino’s Lullabies from Hell Volume 1


Considered one of the most twisted and disturbing storytellers in manga, Hideshi Hino has long been considered a master of the horror genre since his debut in the late seventies and has gone on to produce hundreds of bestselling manga titles. Dark Horse Manga is proud to add his twisted tales to its horror manga line with this collection of four stories in Lullabies from Hell.

The self-titled first tome introduces you to the author himself told in a unique horror quasi-biography fashion. The second story tells of Hino’s having willed his pregnant wife into birthing a horrible, planet-devastating reptile baby that eats puppies and children! Two other tales of equal horror and disturbing scenarios round out this collection.

Lullabies from Hell Volume 1 features story and art by Hideshi Hino. It arrives on sale April 19 with a retail price of $12.95.


Yoshitoshi Abe’s Haibane Renmei Anime
Manga Volume 1


From Yoshitoshi Abe, creator of NieA Under 7, Serial Experiment Lain, and Texhnolyze anime series, comes Haibane Renmei Anime Manga Volume 1. The Haibane Renmei Anime Manga is a full-color adaptation of Yoshitoshi Abe’s fantastic anime series, presented in the “non-westernized” manga format for a fun, Japanese-style reading experience!

In a long-forgotten walled town, humans coexist with the Haibane, angelic beings of unknown origin. Rakka becomes the newest Haibane after she awakens from a strange dream and finds herself hatching from a massive cocoon. With no memories of her previous life, Rakka struggles to adjust to her new surroundings, however burning questions remain in the back of her mind. What are the Haibane and what is their purpose? What lies beyond the town walls? Thus Rakka begins her wistful journey of self-discovery and wonderment.

Haibane Renmei Anime Manga Volume 1 is based on the anime created by Yoshitoshi Abe and the animation produced by Madhouse. It arrives on sale April 26 with a retail price of $14.95.

Tag and Bink are back with more mischief in Star Wars: The Return of Tag & Bink—Special Edition #1


Lock up your daughters and hide the Jawas, faithful readers, because Tag and Bink are BACK! Yeah, though one might be hard-pressed to develop a sequel to the popular Tag & Bink Are Dead, fan-favorite writer Kevin Rubio and Star Wars stalwart Lucas Marangon have risen to the occasion!

And what an occasion it is. Fans jonesing for more side-splitting Star Wars shenanigans will thrill to the new misadventures of this hapless pair, members of the Rebel Alliance, who have somehow stumbled past the worst Imperial perils with their limbs intact. In The Return of Tag & Bink—Special Edition, the duo set out to rescue a certain smuggler trapped in carbonite—with the help of Lando Calrissian! One thing leads to another, and they manage to subdue the deadliest bounty hunter in the galaxy on their way to infiltrating the Hutt palace. Star Wars fans know what comes next, and there will be guest appearances of favorite characters on the way to the Sarlacc pit, the Death Star, and Endor! This issue will conquer the world!

Star Wars: The Return of Tag & Bink- Special Edition #1 is written by Kevin Rubio and features art by Lucas Marangon. It arrives on sale March 22 with a retail price of $2.99.


Fett’s back in an all-new one shot Boba Fett: Overkill

Boba Fett rockets onto the scene with blasters blazing in this stand-alone story featuring the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter taking on a dangerous contract that proves deadly for all involved!

Summoned to settle the score between two warring factions, Fett quickly shows his employers the importance of always choosing the right tool for the job, and the folly of underestimating just how much damage and chaos a single Mandalorian can inflict. Once unleashed, Fett's drive to finish the job is unshakable, and both groups quickly realize they’re dealing with a bigger and much deadlier mutual problem—one that must be stopped before it obliterates everything!

Don’t miss this essential piece of the Boba Fett mythos written by Thomas Andrews (Star Wars: Empire) and illustrated with the eye-popping art of Francisco Ruiz Velasco (Lone Wolf 2100).

Star Wars: Boba Fett features the talents of Thomas Andrews, Francisco Velasco and Adam Hughes. It arrives on sale March 1 with a retail price of $2.99.