Image Comics

Jonathan Hickman's return to independent comics, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #1, drawn by Nick Pitarra and Cris Peter and published by Image Comics, has sold out at the distributor level ahead of its in-store date of March 7. The issue will immediately go back to press and a second printing (JAN128125) will be in stores the same day as THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #2 (FEB120509), April 4.

Hickman previously created the Image comics THE RED WING, RED MASS FOR MARS, PAX ROMANA, and THE NIGHTLY NEWS, and his series SECRET will debut with Image on April 11. In THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, he creates an alternate history in which the the U.S. government's development of an atomic bomb is a front for bringing together the world's brightest minds for something even more dangerous. The Second World War rages underground in ways the public can never imagine, and the men of The Manhattan Projects are the United States' last and best defense against the supernatural forces of the Axis powers.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS is a monthly, full-color comic book, available in comic book stores and multiple digital platforms.

A man shot in London, a break-in at a law firm, an accountant's computer decrypted. Random, unconnected events. Or are they? Jonathan Hickman will reveal the connection in his new espionage thriller series SECRET, drawn by Ryan Bodenheim, and debuting from Image Comics in April.

At the intersection of government and private security firms lies a secret that can destroy two governments. It has lay dormant for twenty years, but if it awakens, civilization as we know may be what pays the price. And keeping this secret hidden are men and women who know the power they hold all too well.

SECRET is the first ongoing series by Hickman (Fantastic Four, Ulitmate Comics) with Image Comics, following the science fiction miniseries THE RED WING. Hickman's previous Image work includes the breakout miniseries THE NIGHTLY NEWS and PAX ROMANA and his previous collaboration with Bodenheim, A RED MASS FOR MARS.

SECRET #1 will be in stores and on digital platforms on April 11. It is a monthly 32-page, full color comic book for $3.50 per issue. It is available for pre-order from Diamond Comics (FEB120405).

NO PLACE LIKE HOME #1, the first issue of a new Image Comics series by Angelo Tirotto and Richard Jordan has sold out after being released on February 22. A new printing (JAN128166) has immediately gone to press and will be in stores the same day as NO PLACE LIKE HOME #2 (JAN120598), March 21.

A re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz, NO PLACE LIKE HOME tells the story of Dee, a young woman who returns home to Kansas from L.A. after the deaths of her parents. The deaths were attributed to a tornado, but a few people in Emeraldsville seem to know something more. Dee will have to uncover the small town's dark secrets to solve the mystery.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME #1 has been warmly received by reviewers:

"No Place Like Home has all of the elements of a classic. There’s a vibrant cast of characters, a rural setting, suspense, mystery, a decent amount of gore, and even a prophetic drunkard to ice the cake."
— Bloody Disgusting

"For readers looking for something fresh and fun, yet deadly and mysterious, look no further than No Place Like Home.  Angelo Tirotto’s take on The Wizard of Oz is unlike any adaptation seen before."
— Broken Frontier

"The story and the art all come together in an effective, suspenseful package that’s well worth a read."
— Newsarama

NO PLACE LIKE HOME is a monthly, full-color comic book, available in comic book stores and multiple digital outlets.

What if superheroes were real? And what if one day they all disappeared? In DANGER CLUB, a new Image Comics series by Landry Walker and Eric Jones, the fate of the world is in the hands of the allies that the heroes left behind — their teenage sidekicks. It's up to the this rag-tag and fragmented group to battle the immense cosmic evil that threatens the world. But the fight could be over before it even starts if the sidekicks' struggle for dominance destroys them from the inside.

"Eric and I wanted to take they typical assortment of sidekicks and strip them of their authority figures," explained Walker. "These are the most powerful beings on the planet, and the oldest is around sixteen. You take any group of teenagers and put them in a positions of absolute power... there will be some serious consequences. Some will seek to recreate the familiar hierarchy or attempt to establish their dominance while some will some will rise to the occasion."

Walker and Jones are no strangers to superheroes. However, the creative team behind Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, still feel like they've undertaken something new.

"The flexibility of working within our own superhero universe has been a rewarding experience," said Walker. "It's a very different animal — independent creation versus working within corporate-owned playgrounds — and it's allowing Eric and I to show sides of our work that we really haven't been given an opportunity to expose while working under a corporate umbrella. We've kind of gotten a label as 'all-ages' creators. That's not all we are. Fortunately, Image has given us an opportunity to show our range and diversity."

DANGER CLUB #1 will be in stores and digital platforms on April 4 and is available for preorder in the February issue of Previews (FEB120420). A three-page preview appears in INVINCIBLE #89, in stores on February 29.

Alan Fisher lies about his past. He has to. But in DANCER, a new Image Comics series debuting in May, he must confront his past — in a form that has a very familiar face. Unwittingly pulled into the danger of Alan's life, is Quinn, a ballerina. Quinn is used to the pain and discipline behind the graceful movement of her dancing, but how will she deal with a life on the run? And will Alan be able to keep them both safe from the most formidable opponent he has ever faced?

Writer Nathan Edmondson (OLYMPUS, WHO IS JAKE ELLIS?) weaves a dark tale of intrigue and pursuit and artist Nic Klein (VIKING) creates a mood of foreboding as Alan and Quinn flee their pursuer through the heavily shadowed streets of Milan.

"Nic and I have sought to evoke the feel and vibe of the classic spy feature--like The Man Who Came in from the Cold or The Conversation, and tie that into a modern-day thriller comic," said Edmondson. "So DANCER has a spiraling, complex darkness in it punctuated with all the firepower of a high-octane thriller.

"We wanted to offer a book unlike anything we could find on the bookshelves," Edmondson continued, and the character of Quinn is at the heart of that difference. "At the crux of it all is a vibrant, strong-willed ballerina. She ads a visual and psychological motif to the story and it is through her that we can understand the lead characters in this story."

DANCER #1 (MAR120410) is a full-color 32-page comic for $3.50 available for preorder in the March issue of Previews. It will be in comic book stores and digital platforms on May 16. A four-page preview of DANCER #1 ran in USA Today on January 19.

Landmark 100th issue in stores February 29

Top Cow Productions and Image Comics proudly announced today that Darkness 100, the landmark anniversary issue, will land in stores February 29th, 2012.

The over-sized 100th issue follows hot on the heels of the release of The Darkness II video game from 2K Games and Digital Extremes. Long time writer PHIL HESTER (Wonder Woman, Green Hornet) concludes his epic run on the series with artists ROMANO MOLENAAR (THE DARKNESS II : CONFESSION), LEANDRO OLIVEIRA (Superman), and JOSE LUIS (PILOT SEASON: SERAPH). The landmark 100th issue will set the stage for David Hine (THE DARKNESS: FOUR HORSEMEN, BULLETPROOF COFFIN) and Jeremy Haun (ARTIFACTS, DETECTIVE COMICS) as they bring THE DARKNESS into Top Cow’s REBIRTH initiative.

“Why couldn't they have hired someone else? Anyone else? I've been successfully pulling the wool over Darkness readers' eyes for years now, and the second they get a look at what David Hine is up to they're going to forget all about my dog and pony show,” Hester commented. “Don't believe me? Crack open Hine and Kane's BULLETPROOF COFFIN and see one of tomorrow's classics while it's fresh, then get in line behind me for The Darkness #101.”

As Darkness bearer, Jackie Estacado is on a collision course with the source of his power and misery — the Darkness itself! Estacado has traveled through numerous levels of the Darkness’ home dimension in his quest to confront his patron, all the while the Darkness has sought to bind him, distract him and prevent him from reaching it. Now only one of them will walk away from this momentous battle that has been building for years!

Featuring covers by Image luminaries TODD McFARLANE (SPAWN) and MICHAEL GOLDEN (The ‘Nam, SPAWN), alongside THE DARKNESS series artists JEREMY HAUN (Detective Comics) and MICHAEL BROUSSARD (ARTIFACTS).

The over-sized 48-page The Darkness #100 issue will be on sale in stores and digital platforms on March 21st, 2012 and will carry a cover price of $4.99. To commemorate this achievement, the issue will also feature a complete series cover gallery, a Darkness timeline, the winners of the Darkness II deviantART contest and a special preview of Darkness #101.

Elle Peterssen is young, wealthy, and beautiful — and there is a reason someone tried to kill her. Only, Elle doesn't remember any of this. MIND THE GAP, the new Image Comics series by the Eisner Award-winning writer Jim McCann (The Dapper Men) debuting on May 2, is a mystery with a paranormal twist. Elle, in a spirit form detached from her comatose body, must not only unravel the mystery of her attacker's identity and motive but her entire life as well.

"I love the genre of the 'whodunit.' Psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, and film noir all influence me, and this story, heavily," said writer Jim McCann. "It’s a preternatural story — something science acknowledges on the fringe but hasn’t proven yet."

Between her family members' and her friends' perceptions of her, Elle can't be sure which version of Ellis Peterssen is who she really was. But Elle must put together the pieces. Her identity holds the key to stopping her attacker before he can strike again.

"This is a book I've been excited about since Jim first pitched it," noted Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "I feel like we really got lucky with this one, because Jim is a great writer and just a consummate professional, and Rodin — well, I've been admiring his cover work for ages, but that still didn't prepare me for how insanely awesome his interior work is! Pleased beyond belief to be associated with such amazing talent!"

With gorgeous art by MORNING GLORIES cover artist Rodin Esquejo and colors by Sonia Oback, MIND THE GAP will trace the path Elle takes back to herself — and her would-be murderer. The art plays an integral role in uniting Elle's disembodied experience and the real world, said McCann.

"This story will take on some otherworldly scenes, which the team handles beautifully, as well as some very real and gritty situations, sometimes even violent," he said. "I wanted that to look as realistic as possible, and juxtapose it with the clean, beautiful atmosphere Rodin and Sonia deliver."

MIND THE GAP #1 is a full-color 48-page comic book for $2.99 available for preorder in the March issue of Preview. (cover A: MAR120401, cover B: MAR120402). It will be in comic book stores and digital platforms on May 2. A preview of the issue's 9-page prologue ran in USA Today on February 22.

FATALE, the crime noir with a horror twist by renowned creative team Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, and PROPHET, the relaunch of Rob Liefeld's 1990s Extreme comic, published by Image Comics, continues to be in-demand in comic book stores. Both titles will receive new printings of issues, now available for order from Diamond Comics.

The third printing of FATALE #1 and the second printing of FATALE #2 have sold out, and both issues will go back to press. The fourth printing of FATALE #1 (DEC118207) and third printing of #2 (JAN128122) will be in stores on March 21.

PROPHET #22, the second issue by relaunch team Brandon Graham and Simon Roy, has also sold out and will receive a second printing (JAN128086). It will be in stores on the same day as PROPHET #23, March 21.

Experience Creativity with comics’ greatest creators at the Image Expo Welcome Party sponsored by Image Comics and iFanboy to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund!  The party is free for CBLDF members and kicks off at 8 PM on February 24, 2012 at The Uptown in Oakland, California. This party jump starts a weekend of celebrating independent comics and free speech at the Image Expo, taking place at the Oakland Convention Center. Proceeds from the Image Expo Welcome Party will benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, who will have a gift bag for members and donors!

"The way Downtown Oakland has transformed itself over the last couple years is really inspiring, and I have a lot of admiration for all the people who made that happen,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “Being able to involve Image in an event that takes place within such a vibrant community feels really good."

Many of the superstar creators appearing at the Image Expo will be in attendance for the Image Expo Party, including: Robert Kirkman, Brian K. Vaughan, Joe Casey, Jonathan Hickman, Erik Larsen, Jim McCann, Blair Butler, Rob Guillory, Fiona Staples, Tim Seeley, Sina Grace, and Joe Keatinge.

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein said, “The Bay Area is an incredible creative place, and we’re thrilled to be working with Image and iFanboy to make this killer celebration of art and music that thanks our members for supporting our important work! I can’t wait to meet everyone who comes out!”

The party will also which will feature a musical performance by The Philistines, as well as music from DJs Dollar Bin and Wall Piece and some special celebrity guest DJs.

“We’re super excited to be teaming up with Image Comics and the CBLDF for this event,” said iFanboy co-founder Ron Richards. “There’s nothing better than celebrating comics and rocking out on the eve of a great convention like Image Expo!”

Full event details:
The Image Expo Welcome Party
WHEN: February 24, 2012 – Doors open at 8 PM
WHERE: The Uptown - 1928 Telegraph Avenue  Oakland, CA 94612
FREE FOR CBLDF MEMBERS
SUGGESTED DONATION: $10/all others
Proceeds will benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

PETER PANZERFAUST #1 Sells Out, Gets New Printing

PETER PANZERFAUST #1, the debut of the new Image Comics series that merges Peter Pan with a World War II adventure story, has sold out after being released in stores on February 14. It will immediately return to press for a second printing (JAN128112) due in stores the same day as PETER PANZERFAUST #2 (JAN120599), March 14.

In the first issue of this new ongoing series by Kurtis Wiebe (GREEN WAKE) and Tyler Jenkins, French orphans in Calais, a French city that has been heavily bombed by the Germans, encounter a charismatic American soldier. Inspired by his esprit, the boys find themselves trusting him with their lives — and learning that they can perform feats they would have never thought possible.

Comics reviewers have widely praised the debut:

"Peter Panzerfaust can only promise more action and intrigue amidst a magical story time backdrop on a monthly basis. Here, lost boys do indeed live forever."
- JP Fallavollita, Biff Bam Pop

"Peter Panzerfaust captures the magic of Peter Pan and transports it into a story of brotherhood during war.  Not only is Kurtis J. Wiebe's story a great introduction to his new project, but Tyler Jenkins' art masterfully brings that tale to life."
- Jason Clyma, Broken Frontier

"Pick of the Week. If you’re looking for a jaunty boys adventure book with a vintage feel, but modern sensibilities, I can think of nothing on the comic shelves that will fill the need better than Peter Panzerfaust. "
- Josh Flanagan, iFanboy

PETER PANZERFAUST is a monthly, full-color comic book series published under Image Comics' Shadowline imprint, available in comic book stores and multiple digital outlets.