“…I don’t want to see characters who’ve been straight for 60 years become lesbians overnight because the writer was too stupid or uncreative to come up with something decent…”

Seems like the makings of another controversy, this time from Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier, The Spirit, Parker – The Hunter). The comment came to my attention this morning following a link while reading through my Google reader.Whoever it was, they pointed to this Youtube video that was posted on 4th Letter. Apologies for not giving appropriate credit though Valerie D’Orazio has blogged about the incident. You can read her comments here. I might agree with some of Cooke’s sentiment if, as D’Orazio posits, part of what he was referring to involved the publicity that resulted from Batwoman’s sexuality.

Oops! Credit where it’s due. Postmodernbarney is the blog where I first read about Cooke’s comment. Dorian makes a valid point when he says he finds Cooke’s attitude disappointing given how much of Cooke’s work is backward looking.

I don’t believe that Greg Rucka, who’s implied here, was either too stupid or uncreative when the decision was made to revive and recast Batwoman into a superhero who happens to be a lesbian. That decision was made when Devin Grayson was given the character to develop, but that’s another story. It’s a shame that we’ll probably never know what Grayson’s plans for Batwoman were, but Rucka gave his best to write memorable stories.

Now it’d be easy to think from that quick comment Cooke is being homophobic. He wasn’t. And isn’t, as he clarified in the comments section:

“My comment about making a character a lesbian has outraged some so I thought the following clarification might help-

Consider this- After sixty years of being a lesbian, a beloved character is made straight for sales or creative purposes- wouldn’t that be wrong as well?

I think gay characters are an important and welcome part of any contemporary expression. What I want is to see creators and publishers creating new characters that are gay and lesbian, and spend the decades needed creating and supporting stories about these characters. It strikes me as opportunistic and somewhat wrongheaded to take someone else’s creation and afterdecades of established character action make that drastic a change.”

Up to a point I agree. The hypothetical question of turning a 60 year old lesbian character precludes the fact that gay and lesbian characters don’t have such a lengthy history. Off the top of my head, Maggie Sawyer has 22 years of history which is actually remarkable.

I’m all for new LGBT characters! The reality is that for any number of reasons new characters of any kind face significant hurdles to survive and thrive in comics today, touching on a lot of other related issues.

But Darwyn Cooke isn’t homophobic. If he were, he wouldn’t have created Argo Bones and Kimball Richards, a little known couple seen during his run on The Spirit. It’s just too bad they’ll never be seen again because they were quite interesting. So much for that long running history.

A couple of updates. G. I. Jolie wrote to let me know the video originated from the folks at Comic Book Syndicate. There, if you scroll down just a bit, you’ll find a note from artist J Bone, colleague and Spirit collaborator, setting the record, um, straight, as it were, about this tempest in a teapot. In case you don’t know, Bone is also gay and you should check out his NSFW Man’s Adventures blog. Bone also alludes to the character in question as being The Question and not Batwoman. Personally, I prefer Renee Montoya in her former detective days, but I also hate it when LGBT characters languish in limbo.

Here’s a surprise in the morning! In going through my routine of reading comics news sites first thing I find Rich Johnston from Bleeding Cool has linked to this article. Said link being coded in “however measured” in the following sentence:

“But in light of criticism, however measured, from certain people spying potential homophobia in Darwyn’s comments, certain creators rallied round.” Just to be clear… I don’t think Darwyn Cooke is homophobic. Certainly not based on comments in this video and his association with J Bone.

Around the blogosphere -

David Brothers shares thoughts on 4th Letter and lots of comments follow. Michael May of Robot 6 weighs in. Liana from Nerd Girl Pinups FTW!

What follows is a list of comics for September that might interest LGBT comics readers or have an LGBT or friendly creator or character, such as they are. Names are in bold because they’re either family or family friendly. If you’re an LGBT writer or artist whose work I’ve overlooked most likely because I’m getting senile or it may be that I don’t know you, in which case, I’m sorry and please drop me an email (glajoe at gayleague dot com) to rectify my ignorance!

Yep, this idea came from Andy Mangels who compiled 1,001 lists before me. Names listed in bold are either family or LGBT friendly.

Now with more poo than a monkey can throw!

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

ECHO #25 $3.50 Page 216
Terry Moore
Julie meets Cain in a fight to the death for the rest of Annie’s alloy, while Ivy is forced to use desperate measures to find and stop the Phi Collider. The atomic clock is ticking on a countdown to midnight, and time is running out![One of the characters, Jack Cooper, is gay and has an unforgettable scene in #20.]

BLUEWATER

THE 10th MUSE CROSSOVERS TPB $17.99 Page 238
Marv Wolfman, Darren Davis, and various artists
Throughout the years the 10th Muse has teamed up with some of the top comics such as Shi, Savage Dragon, Tellos, Legend of Isis, and Judo Girl. All these amazing stories brought to you by top comic talent as Billy Tucci, Erik Larsen, Marv Wolfman, Roger Cruz, and Mike Wieringo are put together in this single graphic novel.

THE 10th MUSE: THE LOST ISSUE #4 $3.99 Page 238
Darren Davis and Roger Cruz
Emma finally has a moment to breath, or at least she thinks she does as all is back to normal in her District Attorney’s office. Just when she thought that she could have a good night’s sleep, a new group of super villains make their presence known in San Francisco. Forced into action once again, “The Endgame” plays the Muse to her already stretched limits!

INSANE JANE: AVENGING STAR #2 $3.99 Page 249
Darren Davis, Zach Hunchar and GMB
The insanity continues! The mayhem and carnage continues to escalate. With the police on their tail and enemies all around, there is only one place Jane and Grant can find peace and quiet — Las Vegas! Watch as the city of sin becomes the city of slaughter. Double down!

DARK HORSE

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #37 $2.99 Page 43
Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty
Spike and Buffy are finally reunited (*sigh*) and lucky him–he’s discovered the source of all her problems, and it’s not Angel. Now Buffy must revisit the place where love was indiscriminate, the Scoobies were formed, and Hell’s mouth was closed for good. Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty launch readers into the finale of Buffy Season Eight, promising more adventure, twists, and turns. Bonds are tested, lives altered, and oh!–the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

CONAN #25 $2.99 Page 44
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, and José Villarrubia
The thrilling, battle-filled finale to Robert E. Howard’s “Iron Shadows in the Moon”–and Dark Horse’s final Conan the Cimmerian issue! With the threat of pirates and a centuries-old evil at his heels, Conan’s troubles triple when he and Olivia are confronted by the jungle creature that’s been stalking them. The island where Conan once sought refuge has become a battleground with constant surprises and death in every dark corner. Tim Truman, Tomas Giorello, and Jose Villarrubia conclude their adaptation of one of Howard’s strangest stories in their final issue of Conan the Cimmerian. Fear not, faithful readers, as this Conan creative team will be returning next year to chronicle the exploits, adventures, and woes of an older King Conan!

DC

BIRDS OF PREY
Gail Simone and the Birds take the month off.

BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME: ORACLE $2.99 Page 78
Marc Andreyko and Agustin Padilla
Barbara Gordon and Bruce Wayne have long been allies and friends, acting as Gotham City’s primary defenders. Their reunion is sure to have lasting effects on Barbara’s role as Oracle and the other Birds of Prey.

GREEN LANTERN #59 $2.99 Page 67
Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke
Brightest Day  blazes on as the New Guardians seeking the Indigo Entity are shocked to discover a sedated Black Hand. Can Hal Jordan trust the Indigo Tribe to house the herald of Nekron? Plus, another exclusive first look at a member of the Green Lantern Corps from 2011′s live-action GREEN LANTERN film! [Geoff Johns shared the news of a gay character appearing in the GL book during Andy Mangels' Gays In Comics panel. I believe the issue he said is #59, but could be wrong.]

JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 $4.99 Page 72
James Robinson, Mark Bagley and Pow Rodrix
Jade is plagued by the remanants of the Black Lantern, and Dr. Impossible and his group’s machinations unleash the Crime Syndicate upon the JLA’s Earth as BRIGHTEST DAY continues shining! What are their true plans? And can the World’s Greatest Heroes handle these evil incarnations – or is the entire Multiverse doomed? [Mikaal Tomas, the alien, non-straight Starman is on the team.]

JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #10 & 11 $2.99 Page 71
Judd Winick, Fernando Dagnino, and Aaron Lopresti
In issue #11, Max Lord’s trail has gone cold, forcing the JLI to split up and follow new leads. While Booster Gold, Blue Beetle and Captain Atom stumble across a secret cell of OMAC experiments, Fire, Ice and Rocket Red are forced into battle against the Metal Men. But what happens when Ice is pushed too far? In issue #12, Ice has had enough and unleashes all of her inner fury, not only against the Metal Men, but against her teammates, as well! It’s Fire versus Ice in the ultimate elemental showdown!

JSA #43 $2.99 Page 96
James Robinson and Jesus Merino
Obsidian at long last reunites with his father Alan Scott after the intense madness of the recent JLA/JSA crossover as both come to terms with what their family has just been through. Can these two heroes pick up the pieces and move on after the devastation they’ve just survived? Don’t miss this special issue written by superstar scribe James Robinson! [Well "superstar" is debatable.]

JSA 80 PAGE GIANT $5.99 Page 94
Marc Andreyko, Nunzio DeFilippis, Christina Weir, Brandon Jerwa, Robert Jeschonek, Justin Peniston, Jason Star, Freddie Williams II, Jesse Delperdang, Jesus Merino, Leandro Fernandez, Victor Ibanez, Mateus Santolouco, Bill Sinkiewicz, and Tonci Zonjic

Presenting seven outstanding solo adventures starring members of both the Justice Society of America and the JSA All-Stars from dozens of your favorite creators! Cyclone, Doctor Fate, Jesse Quick, Mr. Terrific, Obsidian, Sand and Tomcat demonstrate that alone – or as a group – the JSA are the first and foremost Super Hero team for a reason! [Andreyko commented at a Comic Con panel that Obsidian fans would be very happy with his story here.]

KNIGHT & SQUIRE #1 $2.99 Page 80
Paul Cornell and Jimmy Broxton
Just as Gotham City has Batman and Robin, London has Knight and Squire – the British heroes and frequent allies of The Dark Knight! In a secret bar within the city where peace is kept magically, heroes and villains gather to enjoy a pint and talk about their day. But what happens when the magical barriers that disallow fighting are dropped and a building full of heroes and villains confront each other all at once? Knight and Squire have to keep the peace and save both friend and foe in this 6-issue miniseries. See the preview here to see the reason why this comic is on this list.

MANHUNTER: FORGOTTEN TPB Page 106 $17.99
Marc Andreyko, Michael Gaydos, and Carlos Magno
From Amazon: Kate Spencer’s adventures continue in this volume collecting MANHUNTER #31-38! Los Angeles is Manhunter’s town — so when Kate learns of the disappearance of hundreds of women along the Mexican border, she’s on the case as both a District Attorney and costumed crimefighter!

Buy from Amazon

MANHUNTER: FORGOTTEN TPB Page 103 $17.99
Marc Andreyko, Georges Jeanty, and Jeremy Haun
Kate Spencer lost a friend during BATTLE FOR THE COWL and now she wants payback in these stories from BATMAN: THE STREETS OF GOTHAM #1-13. As the new District Attorney of Gotham, will Kate use her legal power – or her Super Hero identity – to find the previous D.A.’s killer?

POWER GIRL #17 $2.99 Page 95
Judd Winick and Sami Basri
Power Girl has a murder mystery to solve, but she’s got some particularly talented friends in the detecting business. Enter: Batman!

RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #5 $2.99 Page 83
Judd Winick and Jeremy Haun
With a terrorist attack set to send London into mayhem and countless lives held in the balance, Jason Todd is forced out of the shadows and must call upon all he has learned to prevent this disaster. Can this fallen hero embrace what he used to be – and stop this catastrophe?

SECRET SIX #26 $2.99 Page 96
Gail Simone and J Calafiore
It’s Scandal’s Secret Six vs. Bane’s Secret Six in the savage secret world of Skartaris! Who is manipulating the two teams, and who has vowed to track them both down?

ZATANNA #6 $2.99 Page 96
Paul Dini, Yanick Paquette, and Michel LaCombe
Zatanna has been taken captive by the demon who intends to steal her soul – and it’s up to her playboy gadabout of a cousin, Zach Zatara, to free her! [Zatanna's stage manager Arnie and his boyfriend Andre appeared in #4.]

VERTIGO

GREEK STREET #16 $2.99 Page 126
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
The curtain is finally coming down on our players when a Deus Ex Machina you’ll have to see to believe arrives on Greek Street… Don’t miss the heart-stopping final issue of Peter Milligan’s classics-and-crime mash-up![Detective Dedalus is gay.]

GREEK STREET: CASSANDRA COMPLEX Vol 2 $14.99 Page 126
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
In this second volume collecting, issues #6-11, a shocking new drama unfolds on Greek Street as disturbed mother-killer Eddie and aristo visionary Sandy try to get to London where Dedalus investigates a suicide and an urban witch tries to get through to a monster.

HOUSE OF MYSTERY #30
Matthew Sturges, Luca Rossi and Carine Brancowitz
There’s so much happening in this issue that it’s nearly impossible to summarize. There’s the thing with the witches, the bit with the monster, and then there’s killer ribbon. See? Too much. [Recurring character goblin Tursig is gay. How much importance is placed on him is something I'm unaware of.]

MADAME XANADU #28 $2.99 Page 128
Matt Wagner and  Marian Churchland
For Charlotte Blackwood, taste turns into a nightmare when every time she eats a meal, she gets a vision of what her food went through before arriving on her plate! Can Madame Xanadu help get her off this bad trip? Find out in “Extra Sensory” part 5 of 6. [Wagner has revealed a part of Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]

VERTIGO RESURRECTED #1 $7.99 Page 98
Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, Jim Lee, Phil Jimenez, Bernie Wrightson, and others
“Shoot,” Warren Ellis’s much-talked about, but never published story, involving schoolyard killings leads this mega-sized special. Also included are rarely seen tales exploring the disturbing depths of horror, war, romance and science fiction.

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #27 $2.99 Page 110
Tom Taylor and Al Barrionuevo

One hundred thousand refugees scream inside the Carrier and are gone. Hawksmoor, Flint and Grifter disappear with them – taken by a species of brutal, nightmarish creatures. River’s growing powers as the Spirit of Information hid only a handful of Authority members. As they set out on an impossible rescue, a terrible history is uncovered and the mystery of Swift deepens.

EX MACHINA: TERM LIMITS TPB $14.99 Page 116
Brian K. Vaughn and Tony Harris
In this final EX MACHINA trade paperback collecting issues #45-50 of the Eisner Award-winning series, Mayor Hundred must navigate the most challenging hot-button issue of his career, while a powerful new enemy reveals a terrifying plan that’s been in the works since the very first issue of EX MACHINA! Will Mitchell Hundred’s new archenemy, a dogged reporter with powers far beyond those of the Great Machine, bring down the mayor’s administration? Will the tragedies hinted at in the very first issue of the series actually come to pass? [A supporting characters confesses his love for Mitchell.]

WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY: ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE #4 $2.99 Page 114
Gail Simone and Horacio Domingues
Sheriff Lindo finally learns the identity of the villain responsible for beating Mayor Fury senseless and knows where they’ll strike next – at her sister, Venus! But can she arrive in time to stop the attack? Will even the help of the Coyote Kid be enough to stagger this monstrous threat?

D.E.

THE BOYS #47 $2.99 Page 261
Garth Ennis and Russ Braun
And it all comes tumbling down… Hughie’s nightmare begins as he finds out the last and terrible truth about Annie, with Butcher watching carefully from the sidelines. The Homelander calls a secret gathering of the clans- and marks the occasion with a particularly gruesome blood sacrifice.

WARLORD OF MARS #1 $1.00 Page 255
Arvid Nelson and Stephen Sadowski
The original warrior of Mars returns from Dynamite! Warlord of Mars, an enhancement of the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs story, Princess of Mars! If you thought you knew the story, think again! This series will capture the grit and action of the original while expanding on it with new elements. The story is about John Carter, an ex-cavalry officer in the Confederate Army who finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars! Joining him in his adventures there are Tars Tarkas, his Martian comrade, and Dejah Thoris, a Martin Princess.

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

A BLOODY KISS TONIGHT $12.95 Page 274
Makoto Tateno
Riku works for a local flower shop as a delivery boy. During one of his delivery to a western style mansion he encounters three exceptionally beautiful men. Since then, he has been plagued with terrifying yet sensual wet dreams every night! Who was fondling him!? Riku couldn’t help feeling violated, bewildered, and angry all at the same time… Keito, one of the 3 occupants of the western mansion, is the culprit of Riku’s downfall. He’s on the hunt for Riku to fulfill a destiny intertwined with love and betrayal, thus a vampire legend unfolds.

Order from Amazon

CLOSE THE LAST DOOR $12.95 Page 276
Yugi Yamada
It supposed to have been a romantic holiday for Honda and Nagai… but Saito invites himself over to be a third wheel! Can anything go right for Honda and Nagai? Honda gets a little jealous and insecure, but that’s all because he’s madly in love with Nagai. Would this love trial ever end?

Order from Amazon

FINDER 2 CAGE IN THE VIEWFINDER Vol 2 $13.95 Page 273
Ayano Yamane
Akihito thought he left the cutthroat dangers of the Underworld behind after barely escaping his last adventure alive. However, he soon finds himself reunited with the mysterious and powerful crime lord Asami, and he is once again thrust into an unseemly world of decadence and bloodshed. Will Takara be lucky enough to escape a deadly fate twice in a row, or are Asami’s plans for him of a more amorous nature? This volume also focuses on the backstory of FeiLong and Asami- how they met.

Order from Amazon

LOVE WATER $8.95 Page 276
Venio Tachibana and Tooko Miyagi
It’s the beginning of the Meiji Era, and the world is turning upside-down. Misao doesn’t think his life of tradition will ever change. Born into the pleasure quarters and raised as a courtesan, he knows that emotions are fickle things, changing with every hour. But when a rich man’s son visits Misao’s teahouse, Misao opens his heart for the first time. He pursues this reckless love on the cusp between two ages, yearning only for happiness and expecting nothing but pain. Can the world ever change for this prisoner of love? [Listed as a novel.]

Order from Amazon

NO TOUCHING AT ALL $12.95 Page 276
Kou Yoneda
On the first day of Shima’s new job, he meets a hangover man in the elevator. This is his first meeting with his new boss, Togawa. Though Togawa seems rude and cross, Shima sees his kindness beneath all his rough facade. Both men harbor a painful past but unlike Togawa, who was open with his feelings, Shima seems unable to move on. Will they fall in love against all their reasoning?

Order from Amazon

801 MEDIA INC

UNDER GRAND HOTEL Vol 2 $24.95 Page 279
Mika Sadahiro
From 801: Sen Owari, a Japanese student formerly studying at Columbia University in New York, was sentenced to serve 80 years in prison at “Under Grand Hotel” for the murder of his lover’s husband. While serving his time in jail, new evidence surfaces for Sen and sheds new light on the crime. It may prove to be his chance to be released early… unless it’s a setup – but a setup for who? And, why would anybody want to frame Sen? Mika Sadahiro’s (Pathos) controversial and fan-favorite title is finally available for the first time in print in English! 320 pages

Order from Amazon for $16.47

GIRL TWIRL COMICS

JANE’S WORLD A NEW FRONTIER: Vol 10 $15.00 Page 287
Paige Braddock
Jane gets mistakenly recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Xur and the Ko-dan Armada. Meanwhile, “Beta Jane” is back home in the trailer park setting Jane up for a rocky re-entry with her girlfriend, Dorothy. And while Jane is off world, Jill has an adventure of her own when she runs into a sexy ex while on assignment in Cairo. Don’t miss a minute of the comedy in this lesbian parody of the 80s sci-fi classic, The Last Starfighter!

Order from Amazon for $10.20

THE MARTIAN CONFEDERACY: REDNECK’s RED PLANET Vol 1 $15.00 Page 287
Jason McNamara and Paige Braddock
In the year 3535 the people of Mars struggle under corporate and political hooliganism. Boone, Spinner, and Lou were three outlaws looking out for themselves. When the cure for Mars’ toxic air supply falls into the wrong hands, these three rednecks decide to do whatever it takes to save their planet. Thieves. Outlaws. Rednecks. Humanity’s last hope on Mars!

Order from Amazon for $13.50

THE MARTIAN CONFEDERACY: FROM MARS WITH LOVE Vol 2 $15.00 Page 290
Jason McNamara and Paige Braddock
Hearts will be broken, moons will be destroyed and hooch will flow in zero gravity in this sci-fi romantic action comedy! When someone, or something, starts kidnapping the children of Mars, the planet’s outlaws band together to rescue them. Off world, out numbered, and falling apart from within, can the Martian Confederates discover the secret of Phobos before they destroy each other?

Order from Amazon for $10.12

IDW

CAPTAIN EXCELSIOR  Page 162 $17.99
Zach Weiner and Chris Jones
Captain Excelsior is having a bad… life. His ex-wife, Mrs. Mind, is marrying a mortal. His eldest son, Kid Liberty, is struggling with his sexual identity. His daughter, Tesla Curl, can’t get a date to the prom. And, his mortal middle child… what’s-his-name… is, well, mortal. Over the course of a very long day and a half, Captain Excelsior attempts to fix his daughter’s problems, work out things with the son he cares about, and do whatever he can to prevent Mrs. Mind (soon to be Mrs. Mind-Meriweather) from being happy without him.

TRUE BLOOD #4 $3.99 Page 147
Alan Ball, David Tischman, Mariah Huehner, and David Messina
Sam’s attack on the evil spirit proves deadly for the local population, and it ends with him having to recount his most shameful memory… a secret powerful enough to re-energize the wounded spirit. Outside, Andy and the Sheriff have discovered the dome keeping them all trapped inside Merlotte’s, but will they be able to break in before Jason recounts the dirty details his first time? The stormy night in Bon Temps continues, in this original idea by TRUE BLOOD creator Alan Ball.

IMAGE/ TOP COW

ARTIFACTS #4 $3.99 Page 202
The first chapter of Top Cow’s biggest event concludes! Artifact bearers from around the globe including Sara Pezzini, bearer of the Witchblade; Jackie Estacado, bearer of The Darkness; Dani Baptiste, bearer of The Angelus; the Magdalena, bearer of the Spear of Destiny; Tom Judge, bearer of the Rapture; and many others have found themselves pulled into an ancient struggle ignited by the kidnapping of Hope Pezzini. And now, the architect of this fateful orchestration is revealed! [The relationship between Dani Baptiste (Angelus) and Finch as seen in the Angelus mini is a romantic/sexual one between two women.]

MARVEL

AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE
Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung’s book take the month off.

DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #2 $2.99 Page 66
Marjorie Liu, Daniel Way, and Giuseppe Camuncoli
Did you really think that Daken wouldn’t be involved in sending Wolverine’s soul to Hell? Now that his Did you really think that Daken wouldn’t be involved in sending Wolverine’s soul to Hell? Now that his father is out of the way, Daken is free to do whatever he wants. And what does he want?

HAWKEYE & MICKINGBIRD #5 $2.99 Page 42
Jim McCann and David Lopez
This is it, the climactic battle you’ve been waiting for! They’ve been pushed, beaten, and nearly killed–now Hawkeye & Mockingbird face off against their personal arch-nemesis, Crossfire and the all-new Phantom Rider, in no-holds barred combat! Plus: a shock ending that affects…everything! Join the action, drama, romance and thrills.

INVADERS #2 $3.99 Page 47
Alex Ross, Christos Gage and Caio Reiss
Journey back to the darkest days of World War II, and witness the horrible events that took place on the worst day of the Invaders’ career…when the legendary heroes committed a deed so terrible its repercussions threaten us all in the present! Plus: Learn the never-before-told circumstances behind Arnim Zola gaining his freakish artificial body! All this, and the return of the Invaders’ worst enemies!

LOKI #1 $3.99 Page 63
Roberto-Aguirre-Sacasa and Sebastian Fiumara
The true origin of Thor’s archenemy and Marvel’s most unpredictable villain! He is the lie-smith; he is the shape-changer; he is the fire that burns. The God of Mischief and Trickery, Loki. Meet the mirthful, beloved young man that made all the Asgardians laugh…until the first time he killed. Discover the gnarled roots of his twisted, unrelenting hatred of the Asgardians. And learn the chilling truth of why he’ll never be stopped…

NEW MUTANTS #18 $2.99 Page 73
Zeb Wells and Leonard Kirk
If there are “No More Mutants” who are the mysterious folks who are ripping the New Mutants apart? All we know is they’re part of Project Purgatory and far more deadly than anything the New Mutants have had to face before.

THE STAND: HARDCASES #4 $.3.99 Page 10
Roberto-Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins
In a house in the newly established Boulder Free Zone, behind closed doors, seven soul survivors are holding a clandestine meeting. Their agenda: Saving a disease-decimated country and protecting themselves against the threat of the dark man. But what are they missing? Harold Lauder, who is biding his time and plotting his revenge… And Mother Abagail, who is having a crisis of faith and coming face-to-face with her personal demons… Hold your breath and say your prayers, True Believers, as we head towards the final conflict!

SPIDER-MAN: GRIM HUNT HC $19.99 Page 94
Joe Kelly, J M Dematteis, Fred Van Lente, Phil Jimenez, Michael Lark, Max Fiumaram, Phillipe Briones
Several years ago, one of Spider-Man’s greatest enemies, Kraven the Hunter, stalked his last prey, dying with a violent, misbegotten honor. Now, two women claiming to be his wife and daughter have tracked Spider-Man, through the urban jungle, weakening him through the Gauntlet while they prepare to attempt an unholy resurrection. They’re hunting Spiders…and Spider-Man’s friends and namesakes are in their sights. J.M. DeMatteis, author of the classic “Kraven’s Last Hunt” returns to the Amazing Spider-Man with Max Fiumara to explore an unknown confrontation between Kraven and Spidey’s violent doppelganger KAINE Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634-637, GRIM HUNT PROLOGUE and material from WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #7 & SPIDER-MAN ORIGIN OF THE HUNTER.

THANOS IMPERATIVE #5 $3.99 Page 58
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Miguel Sepulveda
hanos lives, but now Lord Mar-Vell moves in for the kill! The Undying Lord of the Cancerverse has underestimated the tenacity and fury of his adversary, but no longer! The Mad Titan is outnumbered and outgunned by the Cancerverse forces, and his unlikely allies–Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon and the other brave misfits–find themselves making a last stand to save the galaxy’s #1 villain! [Phyla (Quasar, now "Martyr") and Moondragon were lovers before Moondragon’s apparent death. Moondragon has since returned to the land of the living while Phyla appears to be dead. Oh wait, she's better. No, she may be dead again for sure. Or is there another recovery in her future?] Note: Both Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova are supposedly on hiatus during this mini series. It’s unknown if or how much Phyla and Heather will be featured.

THOR: FOR ASGARD #3 $3.99 Page 62
Robert Rodi and Simone Bianchi
The epic adventure continues, with the god of thunder as you’ve never seen him before! As endless winter rages, the Asgardian court dissolves into bitter factions, and a shocking death prompts Thor to depart his troubled capitol at its moment of greatest peril. Plus: an electrifying revelation about Odin! You’ll never look at the All-Father the same way again!

X-FACTOR #210 $2.99 Page
Peter David and Vanlentine De Landro
Wolfsbane returns to the team traumatized by her time with X-Force only to be slapped in the face by ex-boyfriend Rictor’s new relationship with Shatterstar. Can Rictor repair the damage and ease her mind? And what exactly is the nature of the child growing inside her? Meanwhile, with the rest of the team in Las Vegas, Monet is visited by a war veteran with a terrifying secret…  [David confirmed long standing fan speculation that there is a romantic  component to Rictor and Shatterstar's relationship in X-Factor #44, published earlier in 2009 despite the discrepancy in numbering.]

TITAN COMICS/ PUBLISHING

TORCHWOOD #3 $3.99 Page 326
Gareth David-Lloyd, Gary RUssell, Pia Guerra, and Adrian Salmon
This special issue features the comic-writing debut of Gareth David-Lloyd, best known to Torchwood fans as Ianto Jones! In this story, Ianto meets some faces both familiar and yet not, also he comes across a beautiful, deadly woman who may upend his life! Also, part three of the epic “Broken.”

TORCHWOOD MAGAZINE #24 SPECIAL $9.99 Page 345
Get on the road this summer, with our complete guide to the locations of Children of Earth. Go global as we investigate the Torchwood phenomenon around the world. Gorge yourself on three brand-new short stories!

TOKYO POP/ BLU
GRAVITATION COLLECTION Vol 6 $14.99 Page 319
Maki Murakami
Eiri and Shuichi’s hot and intense relationship continues to escalate! But as Bad Luck’s record races to the top of the charts, a member of the band threatens to quit, and Shuichi makes an impromptu trip to the U.S! Will Shuichi and Eiri’s new-found love survive his hard-rockin’ lifestyle?

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STRAY CAT $14.99 Page 319
Halco
Kaoru is frustrated — he’s just been dumped by his boyfriend again! And it’s all because he could never express his true feelings properly. What’s wrong with him?! Feeling lonely and miserable, he takes a stroll through a gay park one day and meets a straight guy named Youhei. Although he seems to be an unassuming, gentle soul, something inside Youhei has caused Kaoru’s heart to swell. Will Kaoru step out and express his feelings to Youhei? Shrinkwrapped with Parental Advisory sticker on the front cover.

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TOPSHELF

LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN CENTURY 1910 $7.95 Page 320
Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill
Carnacki the ghost-finder is plagued by visions of a shadowy occult order who are attempting to create something called a Moonchild, while on London’s dockside the most notorious serial murderer of the previous century has returned to carry on his grisly trade. Working for Mycroft Holmes’ British Intelligence, Miss Murray is drawn into a brutal opera acted out upon the waterfront by players that include the furiously angry Pirate Jenny and the charismatic butcher known as Mac the Knife. [One of Moore's characters is Orlando. Orlando, being the sex changing lead character in Virginia Woolf's novel of the same name, is a man born during Elizabethan England who decides to be immortal. Afte a long sleep, Orlando wakes to find his physical body has changed and become female while retaining his personality. Moore takes the transformation one step further and returns Orlando to male form.] Re-offered.

You don’t need hear me grouse about the price of some comics today. A good friend tells me he often relies on his local library in West Hollywood to read trades and graphic novels, which inspires me to check my own library to see what goodies it has on hand. Here’s what I found today. I’ve read only rave comments about The Umbrella Academy and Kathryn and Stuart Immonen’s Moving Pictures has an interesting plot about art treasures during World War II.  I was very happy to see a copy of the collected Batwoman.

Go find which comics trades and graphic novels your library has! You may be surprised! If you don’t see much or anything at all, ask if your library is part of an inter-library loan system and you’ll be able to request books from other libraries in its network.

What follows is a list of comics for September that might interest LGBT comics readers or have an LGBT or friendly creator or character(s), such as they are. Names are in bold because they’re either family or family friendly. If you’re an LGBT writer or artist whose work I’ve overlooked most likely because I’m getting senile or it may be that I don’t know you, in which case, I’m sorry and please drop me an email (glajoe at gayleague dot com) to rectify my ignorance!

Yep, this idea came from Andy Mangels who compiled 1,001 lists before me.

Now with more poo than a monkey can throw!

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

ECHO Volumes 3 & 4 $15.95 Page 222
Terry Moore
Moore Winner of the 2009 Harvey Award for ‘Best New Series’! Julie Martin wakes up in a desert motel covered in skintight radioactive atomic alloy capable of fantastic destruction. Pursued by a maniacal killer and a sexy government mercenary, Julie discovers the spirit of another woman is living inside her — and the two of them must stop the alloy from destroying the world! Volume 3 collects issues #11-15; Volume 4 collects issues #16-20. [One of the characters, Jack Cooper, is gay and has an unforgettable scene in #20 (vol 4).]

AMAZE INK/ SLAVE LABOR

THE ROYAL HISTORIAN OF OZ #2 $2.95 Page 224
Tommy Kovac and Andy Hirsch
Failed writer Jasper Fizzle has committed the desperate crime of stealing artifacts and creatures from the Land of Oz and bringing them to the mortal world. Now he and his teenage son, Frank, are on the run from the enforcers of the Official Oz Society in their traveling Oz museum. But unbeknownst to the Fizzles, otherworldly forces are appearing in the mortal world, drawn by the stolen magic in the Oz caravan. While Jasper is busy being museum curator and Oz historian, Frank and his new best friend Zik the winged monkey wander right into the path of danger!

ARCANA STUDIO

DRAGON’S LAIR HC $19.95 Page 230
Andy Mangels, Ryan Foley and Fabio Laguna
Travel to a time of Sword and Sorcery; a time of Dragons and Damsels in distress! Follow Dirk the Daring and Princess Daphne as they return from an astonishing adventure in the Free Realms only to be attacked by the great dragon, Singe, and his evil minions. Singe vows revenge against Dirk for killing his offspring, and Daphne is soon caught in the dread dragon’s claws. Now, armed with his courage and skill, Dirk must brave the Dark Kingdom and all its evils in order to save the Princess from Singe! Collected for the first time with never-before-seen art and sketches from the Don Bluth, taken from the Dragon’s Lair video game!

BLUEWATER

THE 10th MUSE: THE LOST ISSUE #3 $3.99 Page 248
Darren Davis and Roger Cruz
n this lost issue of The 10th Muse (illustrated by X-Men artist Roger Cruz), an Army Veteran teeters on the brink of life and death. His family must face the hard choice on whether to take him off the machines that are keeping him alive, or to hold out and hope for a miracle. The 10th Muse is brought in once the decision is made… and a monster is born!

THe 10th MUSE OMNIBUS TPB $29.99 Page 248
Marv Wolfman, Darren Davis, Ken Lashley, Roger Cruz and Mike S. Miller (yes, that Mike S. Miller)
A decade ago, The 10th Muse broke boundries and became the sixth highest selling comic. This anniversary issue contains the groundbreaking issues from Image Comics by Ken Lashley (The Flash), Roger Cruz (X-Men), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), and Randy Green (Witchblade). Greek mythology has documented the nine Muses, the inspirational daughters of the almighty Zeus. But history forgot one — The Tenth Muse! Emma, Brett and Dawn were the best of friends — until Emma disappeared, leaving only a goodbye note. Now, eight years later, Emma is back, without any answers. What happened to her? What is her connection with Grayson Bishop and, most of all, how did ordinary Emma Sonnet become the mysterious 10th Muse?

INSANE JANE: AVENGING STAR #1 $3.99 Page 249
Darren Davis, Zach Hunchar and GMB
After a daring escape from the asylum, Jane and her new BFF begin the search for the evil mastermind wreaking havoc in their lives. They go into hiding in a small, farming town in middle America as they conduct their investigation. Knowing their sanctuary is only temporary, they begin their journey West and Jane realizes the Avenging Star must return. And return she does, with a vengeance.

DARK HORSE
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: $2.99 Page 50
Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty
The Big Bad–Twilight finally stands revealed, and it’s tearing the Scoobies apart, testing the limits of their friendship.
Seems like a perfect time for Spike to come back. Joss Whedon writes the final five issues of Buffy Season 8, taking his
greatest characters to places only he can take them! Teamed with series artist Georges Jeanty, Joss counts down to the
biggest Buffy final ever–and it starts right here!

CONAN: FREE COMPNAIONS Vol 9 $17.99 Page 32
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, Joe Kubert and José Villarrubia
In his short career as a mercenary, young Conan has impressed both Princess Yasmela and military leader Lord Amalric, but an ambitious, rogue prince arrives in Khoraja and blindsides Conan out of the comfortable, courtly situation he’s found himself in. Not only is Conan’s love affair with Yasmela going south, but rebel Prince Julion immediately challenges Conan’s headstrong impulses and military plans, causing a rift between the battered-but-proud forces of Khoraja and Amalric’s army of colorful mercs. * Collects Conan the Cimmerian #14 and #16-#21.

DC

BIRDS OF PREY #5 $2.99 Page 73
Gail Simone and Alvn Lee
oin writer Gail Simone and guest artist Alvin Lee as two Birds track down a missing team member in Thailand…where someone is hunting them to make sure they never return! Plus, the shocking events of BRIGHTEST DAY continue to rock Hawk and Dove, the newest recruits to Oracle’s organization!

JUSTICE LEAGUE #49 $3.99 Page 72
James Robinson and Pow Rodrix
The Brightest Day shines a spotlight on Jade as she adjusts to the repercussions of the JLA/JSA crossover. She and Donna Troy head to the San Francisco Bay area to make themselves a new home but are confronted with old and new threats – including the New Teen Titans! [Mikaal Tomas, the alien, non-straight Starman is on the team.]

JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #7 & 8 $2.99 Page 74
Keith Giffen, Judd Winick, Fernando Dagnino, and Aaron Lopresti
Justice League International has re-formed and tracked Maxwell Lord to Checkmate headquarters. Their plan is simple: break into Checkmate – one of the most heavily guarded facilities on the planet – and capture Max so he can pay for his crimes. But Max has more than one trick up his sleeve as he turns the entire world against the JLI and shows Booster Gold, Captain Atom, Fire, Ice, Blue Beetle and Rocket Red what it truly means to be lost…

JSA #43 $2.99 Page 96
James Robinson and Jesus Merino
Obsidian at long last reunites with his father Alan Scott after the intense madness of the recent JLA/JSA crossover as both come to terms with what their family has just been through. Can these two heroes pick up the pieces and move on after the devastation they’ve just survived? Don’t miss this special issue written by superstar scribe James Robinson! [Well "superstar" is debatable.]

POWER GIRL #16 $2.99 Page 97
Judd Winick and Sami Basri
Someone close to Karen Starr has figured out that she’s the one and only Power Girl! An unusual alliance is born as this new team tries to uncover who ruined Power Girl’s company and sent her life into a tailspin.

RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #4 $2.99 Page 83
Judd Winick and Jeremy Haun
Jason Todd’s journey has taken him all over the world in search of those who can help him train for his revenge on Batman. But something has begun to change inside him, and the blood and destruction he leaves in his wake is becoming far too risky. Now, he finds himself in London, learning at the feet of an expert bomber. But when Jason learns that the pyrotechnic genius is planning “something big” for the city, it may be something Jason’s better nature won’t tolerate…

SECRET SIX #25 $2.99 Page 98
Gail Simone and J Calafiore
This is the showdown you’ve been waiting for, as two Secret Six teams head for a nasty collision! Who is left standing, and
will there even be a Secret Six when the dust settles? Bad guy guests galore in this explosive issue!

SECRET SIX: DANSE MACABRE $14.99 Page 103
Gail Simone, John Ostrander,J Calafiore, Peter Ngyuen and Doug Hazlewood
Amanda Waller and her Suicide Squad have captured Deadshot to force him back in their ranks in this volume collecting SECRET SIX #15-18 and SUICIDE SQUAD #67. But his teammates in the Secret Six don’t see that happening any time soon.

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WONDER WOMAN: CONTAGION TPB $14.99 Page 103
Gail Simone, Aaron Lopresti and Nicola Scott
Five mysterious young men with a dark and terrible secret have arrived on Paradise Island with one mission: to kill Wonder Woman! Plus, Wonder Woman battles Power Girl and more in these stories from issues #40-44!

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VERTIGO

GREEK STREET #15 $2.99 Page 124
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
Part one of the 2-part “Medea’s Luck” finds Mischa hunted by police and gangsters and continuing to wreak terrible revenge on mankind. Meanwhile, the three Mad Women dare to summon ancient, sleeping gods. [Detective Dedalus is gay.]

HOUSE OF MYSTERY #29
Matthew Sturges, Luca Rossi and Phil Noto
It’s goblins and witches versus the Thinking Man’s robot army fighting for control of the Summerlands! While war rages
outside, Fig and the Witch Queen Diana find themselves in terrible trouble. And their savior is not who you’d expect.
Seriously, if you expected this particular savior, you win a medal. Also includes a bedtime story for goblins told by the
inimitable Tursig and illustrated by none other than Phil Noto.[Recurring character goblin Tursig is gay. How much importance is placed on him is something I'm unaware of.]

MADAME XANADU #27 $2.99 Page 128
Matt Wagner and  Celia Calle
Touch may be the most sensual of the five senses, but it’s the bane of Neon Blue, a porcelain vision of beauty who doesn’t
care for physical contact. See, Blue isn’t what she seems, and touching her leads to nothing but ill fortune and untimely
death. But when Blue crosses paths with Madame Xanadu in 1964, will this finally be the end of her long, insensitive life?
Part 4 of “Extra Sensory” features guest art from American Virgin cover artist Celia Calle.[Wagner has revealed a part of
Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #26 $2.99 Page 111
Tom Taylor and Al Barrionuevo
When Jack Hawksmoor chose to board the departing Carrier, he chose to hedge his bets. Now that his terrible secret has been exposed, the loss of trust far outweighs the recent loss of life…and the loss of loved ones. But there is no time for anger or mourning. They have reached their destination. Will The Authority find the help for their dying Earth that they seek – or will the end of their journey bring new nightmares?

WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY: ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE #3 $2.99 Page 114
Gail Simone and Horacio Domingues
Mayor Fury’s return to Tranquility has been a shocking and brutal affair, but the most brutal moment arrives when the identity of the villain is revealed! Can super-strength and invulnerability overcome a broken heart? And how did Mr. Articulate return from the grave?

D.E.

THE BOYS #46 $2.99 Page 271
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
“Belive” Part 3 of 4. Having learned a certain unpleasant truth, Hughie sets out to discover just how dangerous things will now be for the Boys. Frenchie and the Female stay glued to the Homelander, MM almost blows his top, and Annie hears some words of wisdom from an unexpected source. Butcher, meanwhile, gives Hughie the scoop on one of the team’s highest-placed informants… but the most dreadful secret of all is still to come.

THE BOYS DEFINITIVE EDITION Vol 2 HC $75.00 Page 271
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
Signed by Darick Robertson.
The massive second volume of The Boys Definitive Edition features a tip-in sheet signed by Garth Ennis at the introductory price of just $75.00 — that’s the retail price of the book unsigned! Wotta Deal! After the initial promotion, the MSRP will be increased to $169.99, so what the @#$% are you waiting for?!

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

ALICE THE 101st Vol 2 $12.95 Page 281
Chigusa Kawai
Alice is a student at Mondonville Music Academy, the elite musicians’ school of the country. School recital is approaching and Alice doesn’t have anybody to coach him. But his upperclassman senpai, Georges (from Esperanca series) comes to give him some advise. The rivalry between him and his classmate, Vick heightens… can Alice take on a challenge and deal with the pressure?

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ENDLESS COMFORT $12.95 Page 282
Sakura Sakuya
Young businessman Kuzumi has just returned to his childhood home where he must contend with the memories he left behind and Yuu, the handsome new dog trainer with a troubled past. It is almost a love at first sight… they immediately connected and they knew they had to help each other to heal the emotional scars from the past. A very emotional and touching love story.

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KIZUNA DELUXE EDITION $19.95 Page 279
Kazuma Kodaka
Kei Enjouji and Ranmaru Samejima is a sweet couple, but their relationship is put to the test when Kei’s annoying bratty half-brother, Kai decides to put make moves on Ranmaru. Three is a crowed — but knowingly, he invites himself over to their home and tries to throw in his “wrench” but the plan was immediately crushed, when Masanori Araki cleverly steers him away. Masanori is the yakuza boss’ right-hand man, also Kai’s life-protector. Gentle and smart with Kai, he makes him realize that havoc is not needed, teaches him to leave them alone. The story also takes you on a flash back and focuses on how Kei and Ranmaru met and what kind of sacrifices they had to get this far.

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MYSTERIOUS LOVE $12.95 Page 281
Taishi Zaou
A young and energetic student Masafumi Tamura — enjoying his school like as any student would. And one day, he realized that his dreams are becoming true… he started to wonder, “am I a psychic dreamer?!” Then later, he has a naughty and erotic dream of himself with another guy! Feeling little freaked out and nervous… thinking, “am I gay!?” Then on the first day of spring semester, there he is!!! That guy from my dream!!! This can’t be happening!? Are we going to get together?

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TREASURE Vol 1 $12.95 Page 282
Riyu Yamakami
Naoyuki, a sincere and very honest country boy, moves to Tokyo for school and stays with his cousin’s family in the city. At first, everybody wants to take advantage of him thinking he’s too naive and slow to catch on things. Satoshi, who’s in
college, is his tutor, demands to have sex with him in exchange for a payment. Then Satoshi finds out that Naoyuki isn’t as gullible as he looks… and starts falling in love with him…

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DRAWN & QUARTERLY

BERLIN #17 $4.95 Page 284Jason Lutes The beginning of the third book of the acclaimed historical trilogy! Kurt Severing, having forsaken his career as a writer, is a lost man. He finds himself drawn to the Communist party, the only viable opposition to the National Socialists, who in the election of 1930 have gained legitimacy in the national government. Silvia Braun, bent on asserting her strength in memory of her murdered mother, comes into her own as a Communist street fighter, compromising her relationship with the Jewish family that has taken her under its wing. And the true nature of the relationship between Marthe Muller and Anna Albrecht is discovered when their landlady surprises them in bed together.

BERLIN: CITY OF STONES Vol 1 TPB
Jason Lutes $22.95 Page 284

The new printing of this graphic novel classic! Berlin: City of Stones presents the first part of Jason Lutes’ captivating trilogy, set in the twilight years of Germany’s Weimar Republic. Kurt Severing, a journalist, and Marthe Muller, an art student, are the central figures in a broad cast of characters intertwined with the historical events unfolding around them. City of Stones covers eight months in Berlin, from September 1928 to May Day, 1929, meticulously documenting the hopes and struggles of its inhabitants as their future is darkened by a glowing shadow. [New printing!]

Available now from Amazon

THE BOOK ABOUT MOOMIN, MYMBLE, & LITTLE MY HC $16.95 Page 284
Tove Jansson
The treasured children’s classic, lovingly back in print! In this excellent companion to D+Q’s hugely successful Moomin series, Tove Jansson presents a delightful book for all ages in a very intricate and elaborately designed book, complete with Moomin die-cuts on every page. Like the Moomin comic strip companion volumes, this book is a “lost classic” from the 1950s and has been unavailable in North America for over half a century.

Available now from Amazon

WHO WILL COMFORT TOFFLE? HC $16.95 Page 284
Tove Jansson
A Moomin mid-century classic, back in print! This is the timeless, magical tale of the wistful wallflower, Toffle, who is too
shy to speak to anyone and too fearful of the world he is watching from afar. Lonely and sad, Toffle runs away from home and watches the magical cast of Moominvalley celebrate and enjoy life. This is the glorious reprinting of the classic children’s book, complete with a loving translation by acclaimed British poet, Sophie Hannah.

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FANTAGRAPHICS

LOVE & ROCKETS NEW STORIES #3 $14.99 Page 291
Gilbert & Jaime Hernandez
Jaime’s back with all new “Locas” stories! Ray finally gets his date with Maggie! They have much catching up to do… also
Jaime delivers another tale of his “Li’l Locas” where a 10-year-old Maggie and her family move away from Hoppers to a ghost town! And in Gilbert’s corner of the ring we have “Scarlet by Starlight” starring the magically endowed and lisping Fritz! “Killer,” “Sad Girl” and “Star” are a trio of stories riffing on Sad Girl’s sultry and bustling film career.

IDW

TRUE BLOOD #3 $3.99 Page 143
Alan Ball, David Tischman, Mariah Huehner, and David Messina
Eric’s memory of the Inquisition causes a violent reaction among the locals trapped inside Merlotte’s. It’s another night of great fun for the vile spirit feeding off their raw emotions. But Sam’s figured out a way to trick the Trickster, and, with Tara’s help, he sets a trap.

IMAGE/ TOP COW

ARTIFACTS #3 $3.99 Page 200
Ron Marz and Michael Broussard
While Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini and Darkness host Jackie Estacado form an uneasy alliance to search for their missing daughter, more of the all-powerful Artifacts are brought into play as Magdalena, Tom Judge and the Angelus join forces. But unbeknownst to any of them, the unseen villain is manipulating people and events to bring about the end of the world. From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and Top Cow superstar artist Michael Broussard (The Darkness) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. [The relationship between Dani Baptiste (Angelus) and Finch as seen in the Angelus mini is a romantic/sexual one between two women.]

LERNER PUBLISHING

CHICAGOLAND DETECTIVE AGENCY: THE DRAINED BARINS CAPER GN $6.95 Page 298
Trina Robbins and Tyler Page
Megan is a vegetarian, manga-reading haiku writer. She definitely doesn’t fit in at Stepford Academy, her new summer school. The other students are happy to be in class. Megan is determined to dig into Stepford’s secrets but soon she’s in way too deep. Raf may be the only human being she knows who can help. But with zombified students, mad scientists, and the school psychiatrist on their trail, they’re going to need a whole lot more help!

MARVEL

AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE #2 Page 32 $3.99
Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung’s
The race is on as the Avengers, the Young Avengers, and the X-Men compete to be the first to find the Scarlet Witch. When the Young Avengers discover the secret of Wanda Maximoff’s disappearance, the Avengers attempt to neutralize the Scarlet Witch before the Young Avengers can find her. But their efforts soon lead to an all-out war between the Avengers and the X-Men that only the Young Avengers can stop. [Oh, look! Wolverine's on the cover!]

HAWKEYE & MICKINGBIRD #4 $2.99 Page 37
Jim McCann and David Lopez
Is the love already destroyed, in the book that IGN.com calls “A hell of a good time”? Torn and battered – and rocked by the actions taken last issue – can Hawkeye & Mockingbird even trust each other anymore? The deadly duo known as Crossfire and Phantom Rider are betting against it as they continue their bloody path of revenge! To turn the tables, our quarreling couple must put aside their differences, set their own trap, and bring in a surprise player!

INVADERS #1 $3.99 Page 54
Alex Ross, Christos Gage and Caid Reiss
The greatest super heroes of World War II blaze into action–this time in the modern world! For the first time in decades,
the original Invaders are alive and active at the same time! But what mysterious force has drawn them all together…and how does it relate to the darkest moment in Invaders history, an event so horrifying it threatens all life on Earth today?
Featuring: Captain America! The Sub-Mariner! The original Human Torch and Toro! The Golden Age Vision! Spitfire! Union Jack! And Steve Rogers!

NEW MUTANTS #17 $2.99 Page 81
Zeb Wells and Leonard Kirk
Project Purgatory has captured [CENSORED] and the New Mutants are on their way to get it back. If only the New Mutants knew that Project Purgatory has a 10 mutant kill-team waiting for them. Who is this kill team and where did they come from? The answer will take you all the way back to a classic X-Men crossover! The New Mutants will never be the same,  Part 3 of 5.

OZ: THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ HC $29.99 Page 99
Eric Shanower and Skottie Young
The epic continues! Fresh off their landmark run on THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF OZ, superstars Eric Shanower (Age of Bronze) and Skottie Young return with L. Frank Baum’s MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ. Join new characters Tip and Jack Pumpkinhead as they’re whisked to Oz, and meet foes and friends! You’ve NEVER seen L. Frank Baum’s masterpiece like this before… Collecting THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1-8.

RAWHIDE KID #3 $3.99 Page 63
Ron Zimmerman and Howard Chaykin

It’s High Noon as the Sensational Seven squares off against Cristo Pike and his gang of legendary gunfighters! It’s Two-Gun Kid vs. Lone Ninja! Kid Colt vs. Bloody Ivan! Doc Holliday vs. Le Sabre Kid! Billy the Kid vs. Kid Dead! Red Wolf vs. Grizzly Johnson! Annie Oakley vs. Honey Bee! And Rawhide Kid vs.Kid Cabo! [Zimmerman wrote the "Slap Leather" Rawhide Kid mini from around 2003. Will this series warrant a parental advisory warning unlike the first one or is it "ghetto-ized" for having a gay lead?]

RUNAWAYS: LIVE FAST TPB $16.99 Page 119
Brian K Vaughn, Adrian Alphona and Mike Norton
New beginnings! The Runaways say good-bye to the past, and make hard decisions about their future. Plus: Still reeling from the events of YOUNG AVENGERS/RUNAWAYS, the teenage heroes must now confront a horrific enemy who threatens to tear the team apart! Collecting RUNAWAYS (2005) #19-24.

Order from Amazon or buy a harcover edition now

THE STAND: HARDCASES
Roberto-Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins
This comic appears to be bi-monthly and should return next month.

THANOS IMPERATIVE #4 $3.99 Page 72
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Miguel Sepulveda
The all-star alliance of sci-fi heroes strike! Silver Surfer, Quasar and Nova lead a make-or-break attack against the undying Lord of the Cancerverse forces! It’s either total victory or utter defeat! Meanwhile, in the Cancerverse itself, Star-Lord’s rag-tag team learns whether attempting to make a deal with Thanos was the smartest choice they ever made–or the worst decision of their entire lives! It’s more star-blasting adventure from the minds of Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning! [Phyla (Quasar, now "Martyr") and Moondragon were lovers before Moondragon’s apparent death. Moondragon has since returned to the land of the living while Phyla appears to be dead. Oh wait, she's better. No, she may be dead again for sure. Or is there another recovery in her future?]

Note: Both Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova are supposedly on hiatus during this mini series. It’s unknown if or how much Phyla and Heather will be featured.

THOR: FOR ASGARD $3.99 Page 69
Robert Rodi and Simone Bianchi
Beginning an epic adventure showcasing the God of Thunder as you’ve never seen him before! The vassals of Asgard are in armed revolt…Odin is missing…Balder is dead…and the entire continent is battered by a years-long winter. How can Thor put the empire back together – especially with his mighty hammer Mjolnir mysteriously denied him?

X-FACTOR #209 $2.99 Page 82

Peter David and Emanuela Lupacchino                                                                                                                                                                         It may happen in Vegas, but it’s very likely not going to stay there as X-Factor in general–and Longshot in particular–are unleashed on the Las Vegas strip, determined to face down the goddess of death in her lair and save a very unusual client… [David confirmed long standing fan speculation that there is a romantic  component to Rictor and Shatterstar's relationship in X-Factor #44, published earlier in 2009 despite the discrepancy in numbering.]

ONI PRESS

HOPELESS SAVAGES: GREATEST HITS $19.99 Page 304
Jen Van Meter, Christine Norrie, Bryan Lee O’Malley and others
It’s the totally swerval return of the First Family of Punk! Dirk Hopeless and Nikki Savage went from the parties, touring, and recording studios of rock stardom to the quiet of the suburbs, but that’s no reason they can’t still be themselves. Join Dirk and Nikki, along with their kids–Rat, Arsenal, Twitch, and Zero–as they bounce their way through kidnapping plots,
first love, and international intrigue in this massive collection of the Eisner Award-nominated series! Collects all the existing Hopeless Savages material ahead of new adventures in 2011! [One of the family membes is gay.]

REBELLION/ 2000 AD

THE BALLAD OF HALO JONES $17.99 Page 324

Alan Moore and Ian Gibson                                                                                                                                                                                        When Halo Jones grows bored with her life in The Hoop, a futuristic world where jobs are scarce and excitement is nonexistent, she sets out to see the galaxy any way she can. But can she survive the highs and lows that lie in her path, including an extended period of shipboard servitude and a tour of duty in a terrifying war that defies the physics of space and time? [Supporting character Toy Molto is bisexual and and the androgynous Glyph is trans.]

TITAN COMICS/ PUBLISHING

TORCHWOOD #2 $3.99 Page 326
John Barrowman and Tommy Lee Edwards
Two Torchwood comic adventures! In “Fated to Pretend”, the Torchwood team get stuck in a prison … surrounded by deadly zombies! Plus, Jack, Gwen and Ianto face the threat of Bilis Manger in Part Two of “Broken”!

DR HORRIBLE SING ALONG BLOG TPB $19.95 Page 358
Joss Whedon and various
Neil Patrick Harris stars as Billy, a.k.a. Dr. Horrible, a budding super-villain whose plans for world domination continually go awry. His two goals: getting accepted into the Evil League of Evil, and working up the guts to speak to his laundromat crush, Penny (Felicia Day). This book has been compiled by Joss Whedon and his team, and features brand new, specially-written behind-the-scenes material, unseen photos, the script, and the sheet music that fans have been demanding!

Pre-order from Amazon

TOKYO POP/ BLU

BASEBALL HEAVEN  $14.99 Page 329
Ellie Mamahara
Ogata is a shortstop for the baseball team, the Tokyo Elephants. A new rookie pitcher named Uno is popular among the team. But for some reason, Uno is cold only to Ogata. Ogata is worried that it’s his sexual orientation that is keeping Uno away. So one day Ogata decides to confront Uno. But what he finds out from Uno is completely different from what he expected. [From Amazon]

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Contributed by Ed Natcher

Holy Von Steuben! Ed Natcher returns just in time for the Fourth of July with an excellently elocuted entry emanating from the controversy over the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy! Enjoy!

FYI, the Prussian born Baron Friedrich von Steuben is the military officer, rumored to be homosexual, volunteered his services to train the fledgling Continental Army at the request of General George Washington. The war of Independence would have drug on much longer or possibly had a different outcome Without Von Steuben’s dedication and efforts to turn the ragtag freedom fighters into fighting soldiers. Take that, John McCain! Von Steuben Day is September 17th, too!

You can also view the images here.