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Greetings ToW-Patrol, Looks like Geoff Johns makes it a ToW two-in-a-row this week with the release of Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1. Let me just echo the collective "Oh. My. GOD!" from across the fanscape Wednesday upon turning that last page of the main story and seeing...well, I usually don't spoil for sport, so I'll just say with confidence that the coming of the Sinestro Corps is now a Crisis of Infinite proportions. I also want to give a "well-done" shout-out to Mr. George Khoury for his Image Comics Road To Independence SC from TwoMorrows Publishing. Khoury's painstakingly researched and finely written tome on the history of this relatively young company is a testament to Image's importance to the Modern Age of comics, and to its future. To quote publisher John Morrow: "If a grizzled old-time fan like me can be riveted by the behind-the-scenes story of these young upstarts, you can be sure you will be too." Nice job, George; now if we could just get your Extraordinary Works of Alan Moore back into print! Finally, I want to show some love to the reprint of the Neil Gaiman And Charles Vess Stardust HC which arrived this week. This is among my favorites of Gaiman's works,and soon to be a pretty awesome-looking flick directed by Matthew (Layer Cake) Vaughn and starring Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes and Peter O'Toole. This fairytale for adults is breathtakingly illustrated by the incomparable Charles Vess, and is highly-recommended for enthusiasts of Gaiman, Vess, or perhaps fans of William Goldman's The Princess Bride.

Have fun, S! Brett Lord, Agent of S.A.L.E.S. (Strategic Assets Liquidation & Earnings Specialists) ToW Intergalactic Headquarters - Atlanta, GA email: brett at talesofwonder.com

New Releases 6/27 - Graphic Novels

Marvel * Marvel Masterworks Sub-Mariner Vol 2 Ltd Ed HC (#79): $38.49 * Marvel Masterworks Sub-Mariner Vol 2 New Ed HC: $38.49 * Ultimates 2 Vol 2 Grand Theft America TP: $13.99 * Wolverine Blood & Sorrow TP : $9.79 * Ant Man Vol 1 Digest TP: $6.99 DC * Showcase Presents Batman Vol 2 TP: $11.89 * Neil Gaiman And Charles Vess Stardust HC (Mature Readers): $27.99 * Trials Of Shazam Vol 1 TP: $10.49 * Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1: $4.99 * Crossing Midnight Vol 1 TP (Mature Readers): $6.99 Dark Horse * Buffy The Vampire Slayer Omnibus Vol 1 TP : $19.99 * Dwight T Albatross The Goon Noir TP : $10.39 Other * Image Comics Road To Independence SC (TwoMorrows): $27.99 * Judge Dredd Origins GN: $20.79 * Lone Ranger Vol 1 Reg Cvr TP: $15.99 * Damned Vol 1 Three Days Dead TP: $11.99 * Tales Of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Coll Books Vol 3 TP : $10.39 * Witchblade Takeru Vol 1 GN: $7.99 * Maintenance Vol 1 Its A Dirty Job TP (Mature Readers): $7.99 * Koni Waves Vol 1 First Wave TP : $7.99

New Releases 6/27 - Statues

Classic DC Character #2 Batman - $37.49 5' tall. Limited edition of 2,000 pieces. Each statuette is packaged in a litho-printed full-color tin box and includes a vintage-style pinback button, and booklet about the character. In a continuing collaboration, Dark Horse Comics and DC Direct, DC Comics' action figure and collectible company, are teaming to create a new series of vintage-style statuettes featuring four of DC Comics' best-known characters. Modeled after products that were popular in the 1930s and 1940s, the four new statuettes being produced by Dark Horse are designed and manufactured consistent with earlier 'syroco'-style figures. Joining the initial release, Superman, is none other than Batman. The sculpting and packaging design is inspired by the art style of original Batman creator Bob Kane, and echoes the look and feel of his first comic-book appearances. Produced in a limited edition of only 2,000 hand-numbered copies, the figure is fully painted and ready to display. The style, costumes, and other details will be consistent with the original 'Golden Age' look of the character from the comics of that period.

Classic Peanuts Character #6 Peppermint Patty Statue - $29.99 5' tall limited to 650 pieces Includes booklet and button. Inspired by 'syroco' sculptures that were popular in the 1930s and '40s, the ten new statuettes from Dark Horse are designed and manufactured in a style consistent with the earlier figures. This month we feature the sixth statue in the series-Peppermint Patty. Produced in a limited edition of hand-numbered copies, the figure is fully painted and ready to display.

Marvel Origins Punisher Statue - $52.49 A Diamond Select Release! Every superhero had to begin somewhere, and now those fateful moments are commemorated with the all-new Marvel Origins series! After his family was murdered, former police officer and soldier Frank Castle took up the mantle of the Punisher in his one-man war on crime. Sculpted by Gabriel Marquez and limited to 2,000 pieces, each 8' statue features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Marvel Origins Wolverine Statue - $52.49 A Diamond Select Release! Every superhero had to begin somewhere and now those fateful moments can be commemorated with the all-new Marvel Origins series! After top-secret experiments left him with an adamantium skeleton, the berserk Wolverine was all that remained of James Howlett. Sculpted by Greg Millington and limited to 3,000 pieces, each eight inch statue features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

X-Men 3 Movie Rogue Bust - $44.99 A Diamond Select Release! A Gentle Giant Sculpt! Forced to live a life without touch, Rogue found her mutant powers more of a curse than a gift. With the mutant cure on her mind, she faces her most difficult decision yet - can she leave the X-Men forever? Now the charming Southern belle can be yours with this X-Men: The Last Stand Rogue bust, featuring the likeness of X3 star Anna Paquin! Sculpted by Gentle Giant, this 6' bust is limited to 1,500 pieces and features a hand-numbered X3 base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

New Releases Full Description - Graphic Novels

Marvel Masterworks Sub-Mariner Vol 2 Ltd Ed HC (#79) - $38.49 Written by STAN LEE, ROY THOMAS, ARCHIE GOODWIN & RAYMOND MARAIS. Penciled by BILL EVERETT, DAN ADKINS, GENE COLAN, JOHN BUSCEMA, MARIE SEVERIN & WERNER ROTH. Cover by JOHN BUSCEMA. After a five-year drought, it's time for Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner to come ashore with a second spectacular Masterworks offering. One of Marvel's oldest and most storied characters, the Sub-Mariner protects the undersea kingdom of Atlantis from the threats of the murky deep, and from those pesky pink-skinned land lubbers! In this volume, you'll be treated to the amazing illustration of Namor's creator, Bill Everett, as he brings his unmatched ability to craft action and adventure in all things aquatic. You'll also be graced by the first scripts of heir apparent to the scripting crown of Atlantis, Roy Thomas, as he builds the foundation for the Sub-Mariner's leap into his very own solo series! With head-to-head battles with the Hulk, guest art by Gene Colan and the first of John Buscema's classic run on the character, you'll need an aqualung not to be drowned out by the majesty of this Masterworks! Collecting TALES TO ASTONISH #88-101, IRON MAN & SUB-MARINER #1 and SUB-MARINER #1. 240 PGS.

Marvel Masterworks Sub-Mariner Vol 2 New Ed HC - $38.49

Ultimates 2 Vol 2 Grand Theft America TP - $13.99 Written by MARK MILLAR. Penciled by BRYAN HITCH. Cover by BRYAN HITCH. Tony and Natasha are on the eve of their wedding - but when Nick Fury makes his move against the mysterious traitor that's been plaguing the team, the Ultimates will never be the same! Also, Captain America and Wasp hit a serious snag in their relationship. Is this the end for the Ultimate Universe's hottest couple? Is this the beginning of the end for the Ultimates? Despite all the globe-girdling surveillance information and awesome firepower of S.H.I.E.L.D. and its super-powered army, the unthinkable has happened! An unknown enemy with unimaginable power and an unstoppable force of will is at our shores. Will hope rise from the ashes of defeat? Collecting ULTIMATES 2 #7-13. 232 PGS.

Wolverine Blood & Sorrow TP - $9.79 Written by STUART MOORE, ROB WILLIAMS & DAVID LAPHAM. Penciled by C.P. SMITH, LAURENCE CAMPBELL & DAVID AJA. Cover by DAVID AJA. The feral X-Man fights alone in four standalone stories! In 'The Package,' Logan must escape from an army of savage killers deep in the heart of war-torn Africa - with a baby strapped to his chest! The infant daughter of an overthrown monarch is the only hope for a country's future, and the conquering warlord is determined to see her dead. Can Wolverine get her to the border alive? Or will his greatest failure doom an entire nation? In 'Better To Give...,' a heavily armed suicide cult - clad in elf outfits - has taken hostage a mid-Manhattan department store on Christmas Eve and is threatening to blow the place sky high. Among the shoppers: Logan, who's just itching to sink his (Santa) claws into someone after enduring the Yuletide rush. Should be easy for a damn-near invulnerable force of nature to save the day, right? Think again. All is not as it seems, as a spoiled billionaire's daughter is about to find out, and the true meaning of Christmas will be spelt out...in blood. In 'The House of Blood and Sorrow,' Wolverine lies at the edge of death in a rural Nebraska cornfield after crashing to Earth in the wake of a clash with a giant robot at the edge of the atmosphere, lapsing in and out of a coma as his body desperately tries to heal. And that's when things really get bad. The men who sent the robot to destroy Wolverine have come to finish the job. The townsfolk who witnessed the crash have gathered up a mob to hunt down and destroy the alien that's landed. And Wolverine's fate just might rest in the hands of the strange little girl who first found him in that dark cornfield. A strange little girl with an affinity for taking care of odd creatures - and whose family holds a deep, dark secret hidden from the light of day. And in 'The Healing,' Logan lies gutted in a Northwest forest, surrounded by wolves and clinging onto hope and sanity as his body goes about the complicated work of repairing itself. It's not as easy as you might think. Collecting WOLVERINE #41 and #49, GIANT-SIZE WOLVERINE #1, and X-MEN UNLIMITED #12. 120 PGS.

Ant Man Vol 1 Digest TP - $6.99 Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN. Penciled by PHIL HESTER. Cover by PHIL HESTER. Introducing the world's worst super hero! When a low-level S.H.I.E.L.D. agent gets a hold of Hank Pym's new Ant-Man suit, you know the Marvel Universe is in trouble. He's not concerned with saving the world or helping others. He's concerned with getting through the day and getting a leg up on life. He's not going to use his powers responsibly, he's going to use them for the betterment of himself. He's Ant-Man, a new 'hero' for the modern world. If you thought Robert Kirkman pushed the boundaries of what could be in a Marvel Comic with MARVEL ZOMBIES just wait until you see what he does in here! Collecting IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN #1-6. 144 PGS.

Showcase Presents Batman Vol 2 TP - $11.89 Written by Gardner Fox, Bob Kanigher and John Broome. Art by Sheldon Moldoff, Carmine Infantino and Chic Stone. Cover by Carmine Infantino & Joe Giella. The 1960s Batman and Robin adventures continue in this second volume reprinting, in black and white, the original stories created for Batman #175-188 and Detective ComicS #343-358. Witness the first appearances of the behemoth Blockbuster, the pernicious Poison Ivy, the obscure Outsider, and more! 512 pg, B&W.

Neil Gaiman And Charles Vess Stardust HC (Mature Readers) - $27.99 Written by Neil Gaiman. Art and cover by Charles Vess. Don't miss an amazing new oversized hardcover edition of the classic tale written by New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) and illustrated by Charles Vess, soon to be a major motion picture! In a Victorian-era tale of magic and romance, young Tristran Thorn falls in love with the town beauty and must go on an incredible coming-of-age journey in order to capture her heart. Living in the small countryside town of Wall, one night Tristran vows to his beloved to retrieve a fallen star that they witnessed crashing down from the heavens. Now to gain his love's hand, he must leave behind his home and embark on a journey that will define the meaning of true love. Told through breathtaking painted illustrations, this fairytale for adults is a true masterpiece in storytelling. 7.5' x 11.625', 232 pg, FC.

Trials Of Shazam Vol 1 TP - $10.49 Written by Judd Winick. Art and cover by Howard Porte.r Collecting the first 6 issues of the new maxiseries by writer Judd Winick (OUTSIDERS, GREEN ARROW) and artist Howard Porter (JLA)! Freddie Freeman, also known as Captain Marvel Jr., has been left powerless, but is given the opportunity to take over the mantle of his mentor, Captain Marvel...if he can pass tests administered by the gods! 160 pg, FC.

Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special #1 - $4.99 Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Ethan Van Sciver and Dave Gibbons. Cover by Van Sciver. The stellar creative team of the sell-out GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH miniseries - Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver - reunites for an extra-sized Special, igniting an intergalactic war that will explode in the pages of GREEN LANTERN and GREEN LANTERN CORPS! Hal Jordan has struggled to regain his reputation. Kyle Rayner has suffered great personal loss and reluctantly gained great power. Guy Gardner's trust in the Guardians is wavering. John Stewart's unbreakable loyalty soon will be tested. Together, these four men are the Green Lanterns of Earth...but why are so many Earthmen recruited into the Corps? What is their ultimate rolel in the future of the universe? And how will the secret of the rings' power threaten the Guardians and affect Hal Jordan's future? Sinestro was called the 'greatest' of the Green Lanterns; now the renegade has vowed to bring terror to the universe he once protected. The worst murderers, thieves and deviants in the universe have gathered into Sinestro's Corps for one purpose: to instill great fear. Armed with the truth behind Parallax, Sinestro's intergalactic insurgents strike hard and fast at the very heart of the Green Lantern Corps. The Sinestro Corps is about to change everything you know about the Green Lanterns. Fear them. Everyone else will. Plus, a 6-page backup story by Johns and Dave Gibbons (GREEN LANTERN CORPS, WATCHMEN) - 'The Origin of Sinestro'! 64 pg, FC.

Crossing Midnight Vol 1 TP (Mature Readers) - $6.99 Written by Mike Carey. Art by Jim Fern, Rob Hunter and Mark Pennington. Cover by J.H. Williams III. Miyazaki's Spirited Away meets Asian horror in this inital volume of CROSSING MIDNIGHT, collecting the acclaimed first five issues of the series by writer Mike Carey (LUCIFER) and artist Jim Fern (FABLES). A compelling fantasy/horror series set in the heart of present-day Nagasaki, Japan, CROSSING MIDNIGHT begins when extraordinary twins are born - one just before midnight and the other just after. They discover the huge impact this small difference has on their destinies when one of them is inducted into a world of supernatural beings and events that intersects with our own world. Together, the twins will try to stay one step ahead of their terrifying fates while they learn how far their new world of terror intersects with their own. 128 pg, FC. MATURE READERS

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Omnibus Vol 1 TP - $19.99 The definitive comics collection of all things Buffy starts here. This first massive volume begins at the beginning-The Origin, a faithful adaptation of creator Joss Whedon's original screenplay for the film that started it all. The newly chosen Slayer's road to Sunnydale continues in Viva Las Buffy and Slayer, Interrupted. Next, Sunnydale, the Scoobies, and an English librarian lead the way into Season One continuity. Plus, The Goon creator Eric Powell provides pencils to 'All's Fair,' featuring Spike and Drusilla at the 1933 World's Fair. The smash TV hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer led to nearly a decade of comics at Dark Horse-including multiple specials, one-shots, and guest miniseries. This omnibus series is the ultimate compilation of the Buffy comics Dark Horse has published, and runs along the TV series' timeline. A fitting companion to Whedon's comics-based relaunch of the show.

Dwight T Albatross The Goon Noir TP - $10.39 Described as 'EC by way of Looney Tunes,' multiple award-winning cult hit The Goon has quickly risen to the forefront of hot creator-owned titles. Now a heapin' helping of the top names in comics and comedy put a new spin on their favorite characters! Among the distinguished creators featured in this, the very first Goon anthology, are comedians Patton Oswalt and Brian Posehn (both of Comedy Central's Comedians of Comedy and Mr. Show), Reno: 911 co-creator Thomas Lennon, B.P.R.D. scribe John Arcudi, comics great Kevin Nowlan (Tomorrow Stories; Sandman; Superman), fan-favorite Humberto Ramos (Revelations; Spider-Man), Steve Niles, Ryan Sook, Mike Ploog, Bill Morrison, Arvid Nelson, Tony Moore, Hilary Barta, Roger Langridge, Scott Allie, and Todd Herman. Powell himself and frequent co-conspirators Tom Sniegoski and Mark Farmer also present the three-part 'Peg Leg Full of Heaven,' featuring the Little Unholy Bastards, and erstwhile publisher Dwight T. Albatross contributes a little somethin' for the ladies. See the Goon universe as never before in The Goon Noir!

Image Comics Road To Independence SC - $27.99 by Various. In 1992, seven artists shook the comic book industry when they left their top-selling Marvel Comic titles to jointly form a new company named Image Comics. With no certainty of success, they formed a home that would allow themselves and other artists the opportunity to tell stories without any censorship or editorial restraints. Even more importantly, Image would finally give creators full ownership of their properties. Image Comics: The Road to Independence is an unprecedented look at the history of this important comic book company, featuring interviews and art from popular Image founders Erik Larsen, Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. Also featured are many of the finest creators who over the last fifteen years have been a part of the Image family, offering behind-the-scenes details of the company's successes and failures

Judge Dredd Origins GN - $20.79 by John Wagner & Carlos Ezquerra. History is written in this landmark Dredd story. The severed hand of Chief Judge Fargo, the very first chief judge, is delivered to the Grand Hall of Justice with a ransom note. Dredd and his team must travel into the Cursed Earth to try and recover the body of the Judge Father. But this is more than just a journey across America, this is a journey into the past and into the history of the Judges and Mega-City One itself!

Lone Ranger Vol 1 Reg Cvr TP - $15.99 by Brett Matthews & Sergio Cariello; Covers by John Cassaday. 'A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi-yo Silver. The Lone Ranger!' With those words, fans young and old grew to love the Lone Ranger, and now, Dynamite Entertainment proudly presents the definitive collection of their all-new Lone Ranger series! Featuring the all-star creative team of writer Brett Matthews, art director and cover artist John Cassaday, artist Sergio Cariello, colorist Dean White, and letterer Simon Bowland, the Lone Ranger has grown to be the most talked about comic of the year! And now, all six issues are presented in one collection - the complete story of how John Reid was transformed into the Lone Ranger and, along with his partner Tonto, set a new standard of justice in the Old West! Also features a complete cover gallery featuring all of John Cassaday's covers for the series, and more! Available in Regular and Previews Exclusive cover editions!

Damned Vol 1 Three Days Dead TP - $11.99 by Brian Hurtt & Cullen Bunn. Sometimes, the only person you can trust is a dead man. Caught in the middle of a sinister web of murder, kidnapping, betrayal, and damnation, Eddie - cursed and unable to rest - can't escape the city's most ruthless warring demon gangs. This action-packed prohibition-era thriller combines the supernatural sensibilities of Joss Whedon with the stark reality of Miller's Crossing and The Godfather. This collection contains all five issues from the first miniseries.

Tales Of Tmnt Coll Books Vol 3 TP - $10.39 by Various. The third volume in Mirage's new quarterly trade paperback series collecting stories from Tales of the TMNT. This volume reprints issues #6, #20, #24, #27-28. Stories feature all four Turtles, Splinter, April O'Neil, Cha Ocho, and many other characters. New wraparound cover by Diego Jourdan and Eric Talbot.

Witchblade Takeru Vol 1 GN - $7.99 by Yasuko Kobayashi & Kondou Kazuma. The complete Japanese manga in black and white, right to left format! Takeru is a young Japanese girl. She lives in a convent and is being raised by Buddist nuns. But the convent holds a dark secret: a chamber houses a box and inside locked is the Witchblade - a powerful artifact that has existed throughout the ages. Takeru has nightmares about the Witchblade, not understanding what they mean. But when demons attack the convent, Takeru discovers the Witchblade and unwittingly becomes its bearer! A prequel story to the hit Witchblade anime series from Japanese animation powerhouse Gonzo and coming soon from Funimation!

Maintenance Vol 1 Its A Dirty Job TP (Mature Readers) - $7.99 by James Massey & Robbi Rodriguez. You think your job is bad? Well, Doug and Manny have you beat! These guys are janitors! But they're not your typical custodial crew - no, sir! They work for TerroMax, Inc., the world's biggest and best evil science think tank! When they're not dealing with toxic spill monsters and menial time machine repairs, they have to contend with their boss, a multitude of mad scientists, jetpack-equipped cavemen , alien repomen, and the cute girl who works at reception!

Koni Waves Vol 1 First Wave TP - $7.99 by Mark Poulton & Stephen Sistilli. Just in time for the Koni Waves/Demonslayer crossover! Meet private detective Koni Kanawai and friends as they take on killer Tiki monsters, surf vampires, alien jewel thieves, and armies of the undead. Includes all three issues of the cult mini-series and the rare full length New York Comic Con exclusive story, 'The Headdress of the Undead!' Featuring brand new artwork from series artist Stephen Sistilli, plus material from the out-of-print Koni Waves ashcan of 2001. A must-have for any serious kahuna who loved the original series or haole who doesn't want to be left out. Chock full of Tiki goodness!

June Advance Orders The June advance order products are now available for preorder (credit cards aren't charged until release): -- June Graphic Novels -- June Statues and Busts Marvel-ous Graphic Novels Sale! Bowen Blowout Sale! Weta Kong & Narnia Statue Liquidation Free Shipping Free shipping for book orders over $99. Tales of Wonder Gift Certificates Give the gift of Wonder - gift certificates to buy comic book merchandise. Visit our newsletter archive to see the online version of this newsletter.