DC Comics In May 2009 – Part 3 : Vertigo

[ENGLISH] DC Comics tells us: DC’s new solicitation info and artwork for comics arriving in stores in May 2009 are here. Part 3: Vertigo (Hellblazer, Young Liars, Scalped, Fables, Jack of Fables, Unwritten, Northlanders, The Litterals, House Of Mystery…

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THE UNWRITTEN #1
Written by Mike Carey
Art by Peter Gross
Cover by Yuko Shimizu

 Everyone’s read the Tommy Taylor books, the popular series of novels turned pop culture phenomenon about a boy wizard’s adventures. And everyone knows about Tom Taylor, the boy the novels were based on, whose life was so overshadowed by his Dad’s fictional epic that Tom’s become a lame Z-level celebrity at best and a human viral marketing tool at worst.
 But what if the resemblance goes even deeper? What if Tom is the boy-wizard of the books made flesh? And if that sounds crazy, why is it bringing him into the crosshairs of an ancient faction that has never been named in any book or text?
  To discover the truth about himself, Tom must search through all the places in history where fiction and reality have intersected. And in the process, he’ll learn more about that unwritten cabal and the plot they’re at the center of –– a plot that spans all of literature from the first clay tablets to the gothic castles where Frankenstein was conceived to the self-adjusting stories of the internet.
 A conspiracy mystery a la The Da Vinci Code, THE UNWRITTEN is the eagerly anticipated reunion of Mike Carey (X-Men, HELLBLAZER) and Peter Gross (FABLES, Chosen) – the team behind the multiple Eisner-nominated LUCIFER. Acclaimed artist Yuko Shimizu (SANDMAN: DREAM HUNTERS) joins the duo on covers, and the series kicks off with a 4-issue opening storyarc with the extra-sized 40-page debut promo-priced at only $1.00!
On sale May 13 • 40 pg, FC, $1 US • MATURE READERS

THE ABSOLUTE DEATH HC
Written by Neil Gaiman
Art by Mark Buckingham, Chris Bachalo, Jeffrey Jones, Dave McKean and Mark Pennington
Cover by Dave McKean
“The landmark comic-book series that actually made Death seem . . . cool.”
 — ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY on THE SANDMAN

 From the pages of Newbery Medal winner Neil Gaiman’s THE SANDMAN comes the young, pale, perky, fan-favorite character Death in a new Absolute Edition collecting her solo adventures! Featuring the miniseries DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING #1-3 in which Death befriends a teenager and helps a 250-year old homeless woman find her missing heart. Also included is the DEATH: THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE 3-issue miniseries featuring the story of a rising star in the music world wrestling with revealing her true sexual orientation just as her lover is lured into Death’s imminent realm. And enjoy a plethora of extras including the DEATH TALKS ABOUT LIFE AIDS pamphlet, stories from VERTIGO: WINTER’S EDGE #2 and THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS, the short story “The Wheel” from the 9-11 tribute book, SANDMAN #8 and #20 and extras from the DEATH GALLERY one-shot along with an intro from Amanda Palmer, the lead singer of the hit musical group The Dresden Dolls! It’s all combined right here for the first time in one volume. This Absolute Edition slipcased hardcover is also the perfect companion for THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN and ideal for fans of Gaiman’s sprawling, intimate comics work!
Advance-solicited; on sale October 28 • 8.25” x 12.5”, 360 pg, FC, $99.00 US

FABLES #84
Written by Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges
Art by Tony Akins  & Andrew Pepoy
Cover by Joao Ruas

 Disgusted with recent events in his own book, Jack Horner quits his own series, returns to FABLES in a big way and tries to pick up his on-again off-again romance with Rose Red while she’s at her most vulnerable. But Jack Horner isn’t the only wandering Jack who shows up at the Farm. In the meantime, Kevin Thorn is still safely ensconced in his writing retreat and about to start over on the universe, which would mean writing everything that currently exists out of existence!
On sale May 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

JACK OF FABLES #34
Written by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham
Art by Russ Braun & Jose Marzan Jr.
Cover by Brian Bolland
 “The Great Fables Crossover” part 5 of 9! Bigby Wolf, Snow White, Gary and Mr. Revise are hot on the trail of Kevin Thorn and determined to stop him before he can write the universe out of existence. But Bigby has problems. He’s not a Big Bad Wolf anymore. Nor is he a man. So, what’s happening? Is his long-dormant changeling nature asserting itself?
On sale May 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

THE LITERALS #2
Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges
Art by Mark Buckingham & Andrew Pepoy Cover by Mark Buckingham
 “The Great Fables Crossover” part 6 of 9! Even with his two Fable muses pressed into service, Kevin Thorn is having trouble getting started on his next grand opus. He seems to be suffering from a bad case of, « What’s that malady that affects writers and keeps them from getting their work done? » Meanwhile, the Page Sisters go to guns a-blazin’ against the Genres.
On sale May 27 • 2 of 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

AIR #9
Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art and cover by M.K. Perker

 A chance encounter in Schiphol Airport reminds Blythe of the power of longing. But as she prepares to surrender the Device to Zayn, darker forces mass against her. To safely deliver the most important artifact in human history, she must choose between her old life and the destiny unfolding before her…
On sale May 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

BANG! TANGO #4
Written by Joe Kelly
Art by Adrian Sibar & Rodney Ramos Cover by Howard Chaykin
 Ex-hitman turned Tango dancer Vincente’s life becomes a whirlwind of violence and sexual tension as he’s set upon on all sides by people who want a piece of him. Drugged, confused and run ragged, he realizes that neither the crime dens of New York nor the dance halls of San Francisco can shelter him from the fast approaching moment of truth.
On sale May 6 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

HELLBLAZER #255
By Peter Milligan
Goran Sudzuka & Rodney Ramos
Cover by Lee Bermejo 
 Dreams of what could be and the nightmares of what is clash in John Constantine’s mind as he slips in and out of fevered consciousness while past and present collide. A journey through the darkness of his heart discovers fear, regret and the most terrible emotion of all – love.
On sale May 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

NORTHLANDERS #17
Written by Brian Wood
Art by Vasilis Lolos Cover by Massimo Carnevale
 « The Viking Art of Single Combat » continues. On a snowy coastline of Norway, two Vikings face off in single combat. Seconds slow to minutes. Minutes slow to hours. Then, slower still, until the fight takes on a greater meaning. Viking warfare is deconstructed and dissected in this bitter and lonely brawl to the death with visually stunning art from Vasilis Lolos (Last Call).
 On sale May 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

HOUSE OF MYSTERY #13
Written by Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham and Chris Roberson
Art by Neal Adams, Ralph Reese, Sergio Aragonesand Eric Powell
Cover by Esao Andrews
Variant cover by Neal Adams

 For its landmark 13th issue, HOUSE OF MYSTERY presents a special anthology featuring four separate stories written by Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham and novelist Chris Roberson. This issue features the unique visuals of four artists including Neal Adams, Ralph Reese and Sergio Aragones, as well as a painted tale by Eric Powell (The Goon). Each story pays homage to that unluckiest of numbers.
 Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Esao Andrews), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Neal Adams). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale May 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

HOUSE OF MYSTERY VOL. 2: love stories for dead people TP
Written by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham
Art by Luca Rossi, Tony Akins, David Petersen, Henry Flint, Bernie Wrightson and Kyle Baker
Cover by Esao Andrews

Unlock the doors to the HOUSE OF MYSTERY, the new ongoing series that reinvents the classic DC Comics concept. This second volume collects issues #6-10 and continues shedding a light on exactly why five strangers have found themselves trapped in a supernatural bar where extraordinary patrons pass the time telling astonishing stories. And if you think the bar is an odd place, wait until you see what happens in the basement of the House of Mystery! Featuring art by acclaimed creators such as David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Bernie Wrightson (SWAMP THING), Kyle Baker (PLASTIC MAN) and more, find out what the heavy buzz behind this new series is all about!

On sale June 3 • 128 pg, FC, $14.99 US
MATURE READERS

THE NOBODY HC
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art and cover by Jeff Lemire

“Lemire handles the stuff of a Willa Cather novel with equal poetry . . . He renders emotion and temperment in a cartoon face with breathtaking, masterful economy.”
 — Booklist on The Essex County Trilogy

 The tiny, isolated fishing village of Large Mouth never saw much excitement — until the arrival of the stranger, that is. Wrapped from head to toe in bandages and wearing weird goggles, he quietly took up residence in the sleepy town’s motel. Driven by curiosity, the townfolk quickly learn the tragic story of his past, and of the terrible accident that left him horribly disfigured. Eventually, the town embraces the stranger as one of their own — but do his bandages hide more than just scars?
 Inspired by H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man, THE NOBODY explores themes of identity, fear and paranoia in a small community from up-and-coming alternative comics creator and Xeric Award-winner Jeff Lemire (The Essex County Trilogy) in a special two-color story that’ll have you guessing until the very end.
Advance-solicited; on sale July 29 • 6.75” x 10.25”, 144 pg, 2-color, $19.99 US • MATURE READERS

MADAME XANADU #11
By Matt Wagner
Art and cover by Michael Wm. Kaluta

 Master illustrator Michael Wm. Kaluta jumps onboard for a 5-issue story with the seductive sorceress he first brought to life 30 years ago. Kaluta joins series scribe Matt Wagner to weave a mystery that jumps between the Spanish Inquisition and 1940s New York City. Long-buried secrets come back to life as Madame Xanadu investigates a murder 500 years in the making. Featuring colors by Eisner Award-winner Dave Stewart.
On sale May 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

SEAGUY: THE SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #2
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and cover by Cameron Stewart

 On the run with his mysterious counterparts known as Peaguy, Treeguy and Threeguy to escape the omnipresent Mickey Eye, Seaguy must thrust himself into his new life as El Macho the Bulldresser – a new kind of matador who entertains the crowds by dressing stampeding bulls in women’s clothing! Just how far will the Eye go to prevent Seaguy from learning the terrible secret behind his cartoonish world ?
On sale May 6 • 2 of 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
MATURE READERS

SCALPED #29
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by R.M. Guera
Cover by Jock
 Just when you thought Dash Bad Horse was already pushed as far over the edge as he could be, along comes the dramatic conclusion to « High Lonesome » to push him a little farther. The Crazy Horse Casino is being robbed, and a drugged-out Dash is forced to help in order to protect his greatest secret. But it’s not just his secret that’s on the line here – his life, his sanity and perhaps his very soul face dire consequences.
On sale May 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

UNKNOWN SOLDIER #8
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Alberto Ponticelli
Cover by Dave Johnson
 A pan-African, black power militant group has made the Unknown Soldier an offer: To be part of a brutally violent and unethical deception in an effort to bring more attention to the troubles of Africa. It’s a plan where innocents die. A plan he could never imagine himself being a part of. A plan that could just possibly work…
On sale May 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

YOUNG LIARS VOL. 2: MAESTRO TP
Written by David Lapham
Art and cover by David Lapham
 David Lapham’s breakneck series continues in this second collection featuring YOUNG LIARS #7-12! Sadie’s friend Danny tracks down the one person in the world who may be able to help restore her sanity and he’s called upon to make either the most noble gesture or the biggest mistake of his life.
On sale June 10 • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US • MATURE READERS

YOUNG LIARS #15
Written by David Lapham
Art and cover by David Lapham
 Despite Annie X’s attempts to stop him, Danny’s obsession grows, and Loreli’s life is in extreme danger. But are Annie’s actions noble – or far more sinister? And in a town where everything goes your way, is there ever a breaking point? As events spiral out of control, Danny stumbles upon the ultimate secret; one that changes everything not only for himself and Sadie, but for the entire world. In this issue, David Lapham reveals just enough of the bigger picture to keep you awake for many nights to come.
On sale May 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS