Here’s a look at some of the things I’ll be looking forward to pre-ordering at my local comic shop (or on amazon). Click here for a full listing of their solicitations.
GANTZ VOLUME 8
Hiroya Oku (W/A)
On sale Nov 25 b&w, 224 pages $12.95 TPB, 5 1/8″ x 7 1/16″
Without giving anything away, suffice it to say that this might be the watershed volume of Gantz. It’s the end of the great Buddha battle, and it doesn’t seem to be going well. In fact, it would be amazing if anyone returned to the locked apartment overlooking Tokyo tower. It’s really been the worst fight yet. But there’s got to be a gleam of hope somewhere.
Also in this story, we meet a few more interesting characters outside of Gantz’s hunting party, and it only adds more mystery to the mix.
* Gantz has proven to be one of the most popular adult anime in recent years, with over 175,000 copies sold in the U.S. alone!
* Each volume of Gantz comes shrink-wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.
KULL VOLUME 1: THE SHADOW KINGDOM
Arvid Nelson (W), Will Conrad (P), and Jose Villarrubia (C)
On sale Oct 28 FC, 144 pages $18.95 TPB, 7″ x 10″
More comfortable with a sword than a scepter, the enigmatic Kull has recently crowned himself king and seeks to unite the once proud and powerful land of Valusia. As representatives from all corners of his kingdom seek his counsel, the warrior-king accepts a strange invitation from the Pictish emissary. Kull will need to discard ancient prejudices if he’s to save the newly united Valusian empire from a clandestine enemy that once threatened to enslave and exterminate mankind! Aided by Brule–a hotheaded Pict confidant–Kull uncovers layers of deception and treachery in the ancient halls of the Tower of Splendor and faces the growing threat of the devious Serpent Cult!
Join us as we discover Valusia’s darkest secrets and witness the first days of its mightiest king.
* Collection features a new cover by Paul Renand.
* See pages 28-29 for the conclusion to Arvid Nelson’s acclaimed Rex Mundi series and the return of Zero Killer!
“…strong storytelling, powerful action, real emotion, great detail work, and a balls-to-the-wall sense of power from his main character.” –Comic Book Resources
I’m curious about this one, since I liked what Dark Horse did with Conan. Maybe I’ll pick this up when I see it.
OH MY GODDESS! VOLUME 13
Kosuke Fujishima (W/A)
On sale Oct 28 b&w, 192 pages $10.95 TPB, 5 1/8″ x 7 3/16″
Ever since a cosmic phone call brought the literal young goddess Belldandy into college student Keiichi’s residence, his personal life has been turned upside down, sideways, and sometimes even into strange dimensions!
Learning to ride a bicycle is a little like encountering first love–a lot of panicked flailing and falling down! Skuld, who’s suddenly doing both of those things at once, can’t understand why her dear sister Belldandy, who’s always there to help, wants her to work this out on her own. But of course, Belldandy knows a wisdom Skuld needs to learn . . .
* Includes a message from creator Kosuke Fujishima and your fan art and letters!
* “…the manga incarnation is classic comedy romance–sweet, funny, and action packed –and well worth checking out if you’re a manga fan.” –Neo
I’ll be getting this after I catch up on volumes 2-12. 
THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY: DALLAS
Gerard Way (W), Gabriel Ba (A), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Oct 21 FC, 192 pages $17.95 TPB, 7″ x 10″
The team is despondent following the near apocalypse created by one of their own and the death of their beloved mentor Pogo. So it’s a great time for another catastrophic event to rouse the team into action. Trouble is–each member of the team is distracted by some very real problems of their own. The White Violin is bedridden due to an unfortunate blow to the head. Rumor has lost her voice–the source of her power. Spaceboy has eaten himself into a near-catatonic state, while Number Five dives into some shady dealings at the dog track and The Kraken starts looking at his littlest brother as the key to unraveling a mysterious series of massacres . . . all leading to a blood-drenched face-off with maniacal assassins, and a plot to kill JFK!
* The first volume of The Umbrella Academy has sold over 45,000 copies!
* “It’s the X-Men for cool people.” –Grant Morrison (All Star Superman)
* 2009 Eisner Award nominees Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba–Best Graphic Album (The Umbrella Academy Volume 1: Apocalypse Suite) Gabriel Ba–Best Cover Artist, Best Penciller/Inker James Jean–Best Cover Artist Dave Stewart–Best Coloring
I keep hearing how great this series is. Eventually, I’ll get around to checking it out for myself.
It’s kind of light for me on the Dark Horse side of things, but it usually is. There are a lot of series I’m currently waiting for trades of, so I’m sure my DH orders will pick up at some point. What will you be getting?
