Ah, those shapechangers! Don’t you just love those Protean characters from the Skrulls to Martian Manhunter to the Legion’s Chameleon Boy, and who knows how many others long forgotten. And who would remember if they had names like Zryp or Brunk as so many aliens had back in the late 50s and early 60s? They’re either aliens bent on earth’s domination or selfless heroes if maybe misunderstood in some versions. Or like wiht Xavin, the Skrull who fell in love with Karolina in Runaways, they become cosmic gender benders by transforming their bodies into another sex.

And that’s just what good ol’ Chameleon Boy did way back in Adventure #303, cover dated December 1962 when I was a little more than 4 years old. In Jerry Siegle and John Forte’s “The Fantastic Spy”, the Legion is perplexed when a secret mission is screwed up, and suspicious minds single out newest Legionnaire Matter Eater Lad. Cosmic Boy comes up with a plan to deliver a tiny Doomsday bomb to the United Nations (there’s no United Planets yet!) weapons arsenal on the far side of the world. It’s a simple plan. All he needs is blond wig and glasses for a disguise and for Chameleon Boy to change into a woman so they can pose as newlyweds going on their honeymoon. And good ol Reep, he’s just fine with the idea! You’ll have to get creative imagining slashy goodness between Rokk and Reep! And what’s up with all the women having window seats? Maybe it was the same with air travel back then.

This story is reprinted in Adventure #499 and Legion Archives volume 1.

Welcome to Gay Previews, a monthly list that highlights the work of LGBT and gay friendly creators. Listings are primarily taken from each month’s PREVIEWS. Just refer to the page number in your PREVIEWS copy for more information about each comic. Other sources such as a publisher’s website may be used. In these cases, a link is provided.

If you are a LGBT creator whose work has been accidentally overlooked or is not included in PREVIEWS solicitations, please contact me at glajoe at gayleague dot com to be included.

Inspired by Andy Mangels whose idea this is originally and who dutifully compiled numerous lists before this one.

Names listed in bold face are LGBT or gay friendly creators.

TITAN

TORCHWOOD MAGAZINE #21 Page 316 $9.99

As Torchwood Magazine hits its 21st issue, we take a look at the century when everything changes, plus a quirky look at some of the roads not taken! Also, star interviews, brand new fiction and comic strip action, and all the latest on the fourth season of the hit television series.

MC FARLAND & COMPANY

ILLUMINATING TORCHWOOD DC Page 316 $38.75
Andrew Ireland (Editor)
Created as a spinoff of Doctor Who, the BBC television series Torchwood is a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, with much more of an adult flavor than its progenitor. With its memorable characters, adult language, subversive humor, and openly homosexual and bisexual storylines, Torchwood provides a wealth of material for scholarly analysis and debate. Using Torchwood as its focal point, this collection of essays by experts and enthusiasts provides an interpretive framework for understanding the continually developing forms and genres of contemporary television drama.

Pre-order this book from Amazon.

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

ECHO #21 $3.50 Page 186
Terry Moore
The hunter becomes the hunted as Julie and Ivy team-up to track down the serial killer, Cain, and take away his only weapon, the alloy. Stakes are high as the girls must have the alloy to fight an even bigger fight — against an entire army!

ECHO MOON LAKE Vol 4: COLLIDER TP $15.95 Page 186
Terry Moore
Julie Martin’s body is covered in an atomic alloy that has infused her with the DNA of its dead creator, Annie. Now Annie is using Julie to do the impossible, stop the army from activating a 21-mile supercollider guaranteed to destroy the planet. Her only ally, Annie’s boyfriend, Dillon. Collects issues #16-20.

BLUEWATER PRODUCTIONS

VICTORIA’S SECRET SERVICE TP $17.99 Page 212
Terrance Griep and Nadir Balan
They say it takes a thief to catch a thief, and the glamorous field agents of VSS put this to the test when they allow their newest member, the American sneak-thief Scarlet, to take point on her first mission: hoping to derail an imminent coronation, an unknown scoundrel has stolen the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. It’s up to Lark, Raven, Brooke, and Scarlet to steal back these vibrant symbols of the monarchy they have be paid to protect. [New printing.]

DARK HORSE

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #33 $2.99 Page 52
Brad Meltzer and George Jeanty
Twilght: Part 3 of 5.Twilight has been unmasked. Buildings fall, oceans churn, and the earth moves as titans come together in a bizarre twist!

Conan the Cimmerian #21 $2.99 Page 32
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, and José Villarrubia
In the final episode of “Kozaki,” Conan realizes just how far he’s fallen–and how a seemingly small incident can impact entire nations and thousands of lives! Sick, surviving on swamp vermin, wounded, and weary, Conan confronts Shah Amurath’s soldiers, grave robbers, and ghosts from his past. We find out exactly how he came to be in the precarious position he’s now in–and if Iniri the sorceress’s eerie predictions come true. This issue features a stunning cover by fan-favorite Conan alumni and Eisner Award-winners Cary Nord and Dave Stewart!

DC

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #11 $3.99 Page 72
Paul Dini, Marc Andreyko, Dustin Nguyen, and Jeremy Haun

Batman, Robin and Abuse join forces to combat the frightening strength of Victor Zsasz’s army! Can Batman and his allies save Gotham City’s kidnapped children? And what happens when Abuse spirals out of control? Meanwhile, in the Manhunter co-feature, the odds are stacked against Kate as she goes up against a new adversary in the courtroom. Her increased frustration with the proceedings gets taken out on every thug in Gotham – but is Manhunter making too many enemies for her own good?

BATWOMAN: ELEGY DELUXE HC $24.99 Page 87
Greg Rucka and J H Williams III
In her first hardcover, collecting tales from DETECTIVE COMICS #854-860, Batwoman battles a madwoman known only as Alice, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, who sees her life as a fairy tale and everyone around her as expendable! Batwoman must stop Alice from unleashing a toxic death cloud over all of Gotham City — but Alice has more up her sleeve than just poison, and Batwoman’s life will never ever be the same. [Advance solicited, on sale JUNE 30.]

Pre-order Elegy from Amazon for $16.49.

DETECTIVE #864 $3.99 Page 71
David Hine, Jeremy Haun, Greg Rucka, and Cully Hamner
The inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over DETECTIVE COMICS in “Beneath the Mask” Part 1 of 2! It’s Black Mask verses Jeremiah Arkham for control of the asylum. But what of the enigmatic Three Beauties, and how does Batman fit into the mad plan? Everything that was set up and teased in Battle for the Cowl: Arkham Asylum and Arkham Reborn is at last revealed, but the answers to the mysteries just might drive everyone – including Batman – mad! Then, in the co-feature, the spotlight is shone on Renee’s personal life. But just who knows about her secret identity, and what will they do with that information? That is the question…

GOTHAM CENTRAL: ON THE FREAK BEAT Vol 3 HC $29.99 Page 88
Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark, Jason Alexander, and others. MICHAEL LARK, JASON ALEXANDER
Detective Renee Montoya investigates the disappearance of evidence amid a gang war and travels to Keystone City in an attempt to unveil the truth about a fellow officer’s strange mutation in this collection featuring issues #23-31 of the award winning series. Plus, the dead body of Robin, the Boy Wonder, is found on the streets, forcing the detectives to solve the case while dealing with Batman and The Teen Titans.

Pre-order this book from Amazon for $19.79.

JUSTICE LEAGE: CRY FOR JUSTICE HC Page 90 $24.99
James Robinson and Mauro Cascioli
A new team of heroes – Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Supergirl, Atom, Shazam, Congorilla and Starman – unite to take a proactive approach to fighting crime! Following the deaths of JLA heroes Batman and Martian Manhunter, this new team stands determined to stop evil from ever striking so drastically again. But when Prometheus plans his revenge on the heroes, will this new team be ready to pay the cost for the justice they seek?

Pre-order this book for $16.49 from Amazon.

SECRET SIX #20 $2.99 Page 75
Gail Simone and Jim Calafiore
Catman heads off to the African continent to find the three men who kidnapped his long lost son! He’s been pushed to the very limit, so when the rest of the Secret Six come to his aid, don’t be surprised if Catman decides to kill off his teammates as well!

WONDER WOMAN #43 $2.99 Page 86
Gail Simone and Nicola Scott

The fan-favorite writer/artist team behind SECRET SIX reunite for part two of this (literally!) Earth-shaking story! Who is the leader of the mysterious invasion force attacking our planet, and what connection does she have to Wonder Woman? It’s a War of the Worlds, with Diana in the middle!

WONDER WOMAN: WARKILLER TP $14.99 Page 93
Gail Simone, Aaron LoPresti, Bernard Chang, and Matt Ryan
Wonder Woman and Black Canary go undercover among some of the worst villains of the DC Universe in this title collecting WONDER WOMAN #34-39! Plus, Diana must fight for her life against the man destined by the gods to take her place: Achilles, the Warkiller.

Amazon pre-orders for $10.19

VERTIGO

CODENAME KNOCKOUT: THE DEVIL YOU SAY Vol 1 TP $19.99 Page 112
Robert Rodi, Amanda Conner, Yanick Paquette, and others
Issues #0-6 of the 2001 series are collected at last! Meet Angela St. Grace, agent of the clandestine agency known as G.O.O.D. With her loyal assistant Go Go Fiasco, she battles the forces of E.V.I.L. The catch: G.O.O.D. is run by Angela’s mother. [Advance solicited. On sale May 19.]

Amazon pre-orders for $13.49

GREEK STREET #10 $2.99 Page 116
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
Dedalus is getting closer to solving the mystery behind the murders and figures out the bloody connection between all the players on Greek Street. Meanwhile, the monster returns and Lord Menon’s days seem numbered.[Detective Dedalus is gay.]

MADAME XANADU #22 $2.99 Page 116
Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley
As Madame Xanadu seeks aid from Mr. Jones to locate her sister’s hiding place, Morgana seeks out three artifacts from her past that will complete her rise to power. Will these two strong-willed siblings finally cross paths and battle to the end? [Wagner has revealed a part of Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]

STUCK RUBBER BABY HC (New Edition) $24.99 Page 119
Howard Cruse
The groundbreaking, award-winning semi autobiographical graphic novel returns in a new 15th anniversary edition featuring an introduction by Alison Bechdel, award-winning author of Fun Home. In the 1960s American South, a young gas-station attendant named Toland Polk is rejected from the Army draft for admitting “homosexual tendencies,” and falls in with a close-knit group of young locals yearning to break from the conformity of their hometown through civil rights activism, folk music and upstart communality of race-mixing, gay-friendly nightclubs. Toland’s story is both deeply personal and epic in scope, as his search for identity plays out against the brutal fight over segregation, an unplanned pregnancy and small-town bigotry, aided by an unforgettable supporting cast.[Advance solicited. On sale June 2.]

Amazon pre-orders for $16.49

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #21 $2.99 Page 103
Marc Bernadin, Adam Freeman, and Al Barrionuevo
Concern grows over the young boy known as River and the identity of his enigmatic benefactor is uncovered. Meanwhile, Grifter and Deathblow make a startling and deadly discovery while searching among the refugees – a trail of dead bodies reveals the presence of extremely unwelcome passengers aboard The Carrier

THE AUTHORITY: THE LOST YEAR #7 $2.99 Page 105
Grant Morrison, Keith Giffen, J M DeMatteis and David Williams
The Authority travel to a reality where the Authority are…hucksters? Are even they prepared to go up against a Midnighter who’s a used car salesman? JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL’s J.M. DeMatteis joins Keith Giffen for this unusual Authority.

Gen 13 #35 $2.99 Page 104
Phil Hester and Cruddie Torian

The remains of Gen 13 wander a post-apocalyptic America struggling not only to stay together as a team, but to simply survive. Unfortunately, an army of robotic zealots intent on wiping the remains of humanity off the face of the Earth has other ideas. Plus, who is The Pathcutter? [Like in the first run, Sarah Rainmaker is lesbian.]

D.E.

THE BOYS #41 $2.99 Page 241
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
Darick Robertson Hughie goes to work on Superduper, and soon realizes that he’s never seen Supes like these before. With the arrival of new leader Malchemical, the Superduper kids have problems of their own- and Hughie’s unexpected assistance only deepens Butcher’s dark suspicions. MM, in turn, is starting to wonder about Butcher’s motives in all this… our heroes weave a tangled web, in part two of “The Innocents”.

THE BOYS DEFINITVE EDITION HC Vol 2 Vol 2 $75.00 Page 241
Garth Ennis and 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 initial promotion the MSRP will be increased to $169.99, so what the @#$% are you waiting for?!

THE BOYS LIMITED EDITION HC Vol 1 (signed) $69.99 Page 241
Garth Ennis and John McCrea
Limited to only 3,000 copies in the WORLD! Signed (on a tip-in plate) by The Boys writer and co-creator Garth Ennis!

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

ALICE THE 101st Vol 1 $12.95 Page 245
Chigusa Kawai
Mondonville Music Academy attracts thousands of elite musicians’ applicants from around the world but only 100 students were accepted into the program every year. But this year, Alistair Lang – he doesn’t even know how to read music score and has no formal music training, was somehow, accepted into the program as 101st student. His classmates wondered how and why he even made it into the program. Everyone outcasted him and called him “The 101st.” One day, during a violin session, the class heard Alistair play his violin, and everyone knew, they were all listening to the answer – why he was accepted in to the program.

HOW TO CONTROL A SIDECAR $12.95 Page 247
Makoto Tateno
Naive and easy-going Kousaka is a bartender at a local popular hangout place. One night, a couple; a young mischievous-sprited guy and a rich, handsome and well-groomed man, walks in. Kousaka noticed that they seemed a bit odd being together – but little did he know, they weren’t there for the happy hour drinks! They were there to approach Kousaka and to be a part of their 3-way relationship. When he finally realized that he was wanted, he was in their messy love triangle that came like a hurricane… Now what would he do? He wants to get out of this relationship… Or does he…

Pre-order from Amazon for $8.73.

IN THE WALNUT Vol 2 $6.95 Page Page 246
Toko Kawai
Unmatching but a cute duo — Hideo Tanizaki, and Sohei Nakai are once again find themselves in a big trouble. What did they do? And how would Tanizaki use his knowledge of art forgery, counterfeit and black market dealing to rectify situations? It’s true, Tanizaki may have sold his soul and some may think he is a corrupted art dealer but deep inside, he has a kind soul and a genuine heart — wants to help people… it’s not always about the money.

Pre-order this manga for $10.36 from Amazon.

INTENSE RAIN $12.95 Page 248
Shinri Fuwa
It became too hard and too complicated to stay in love with him so instead, he chose to break up. It supposed to have turned into a bitter and sweet memory. But when Takaaki was a substitute teacher at high school, he reunites with his ex-boyfriend, Ryuji. He keeps telling himself that he put away his feeling behind him but in reality, he never got over him… and he keeps going back for more…

Pre-order this manga for $8.73.

MAMIYA DOLL HOUSE $12.95 Page 246
Kazuhiko Mishima

Mamiya, owns a small doll house and it’s not just any doll house. They make, customized life-like real-size dolls. Needless to say it’s a bit strange and unique. At Mamiya Doll House, it seems business as usual, but customer’s inquiries are nothing but usual! Their most recent job inquiry includes a doll of a popular celebrity… Why would people want a doll that looks like a celebrity?!

Amazon pre-orders for $8.73

MILLENIUM PRIME MINISTER Vol 4 $12.95 Page 247
Eiki Eiki
“We demand the bill to be retracted from the senate… or else…” Kanata receives a threatening phone after he announces a new policy which shocks the entire country… Then… comes the assassination attempt on Katana… How far would you go to protect your loved one? How can we protect him? And the future of the country is in jeopardy… And what about Katana and Miki’s feelings for each other? So many questions will be answered in this final volume of Millennium Prime Minister.

Amazon pre-orders for $10.36.

MOONLIT PROMISES $12.95 Page 248
Souya Himawari

Roh is an outrageous orphan who has survived on the streets relying solely on his own strength. When he is taken in by a loving grandfather and grandson, Roh begins to believe that life may not be that bad. But when Seishin’s grandfather dies unexpectedly, Roh finds himself responsible for more than just himself!

Pre-order this manga from Amazon.

IDW

THE ART OF P. CRAIG RUSSELL

P. Craig Russell

Now back in stock! For the first time ever, a hardcover volume devoted to one of the most legendary and influential comic book artists of the past 35 years-P. Craig Russell! This book offers readers and fans a chance to witness his immense and phenomenal career from start to present, offering glimpses of previously never-before-seen material from Russell’s files and sketchbooks, as well as beautifully reproduced images of his personal favorites. [Copies of this book are selling on Amazon for just over $100.]

IMAGE COMICS

AGE OF BRONZE # 1 (Reprint) Page 145 $1.00
Eric Shanower
See below for a description.

AGE OF BRONZE TPB Vol 1: A THOUSAND SHIPS $19.95
Eric Shanower

Daring heroes, breathtaking women, betrayals, love and death–the most spectacular war story ever told: The Trojan War. When a lustful Trojan prince abducts the beautiful Queen Helen of Sparta, Helen`s husband vows to recover her no matter the cost. So begins the Trojan War. From far and wide the ancient kings of Greece bring their ships to join the massive force to pledge their allegiance to High King Agamemnon. Featuring the greatest of the Greek heroes: Achilles, Odysseus, and Herakles, along with a cast of thousands. AGE OF BRONZE: A THOUSAND SHIPS reveals hidden secrets of the characters’  pasts, serving up joy and sorrow, leading up to the brink of war, and foreshadowing the terror to come. Age of Bronze will be included in a major international exhibition travelling to three German museums in 2002. The exhibit is centered on the current excavations at Troy and features Age of Bronze in an exhibit devoted to modern interpretations of Troy. Age of Bronze has been nominated for numerous Eisner (The comic industry’s Oscar) Awards. Rack it in your mythology and historical fiction sections for even more sales success. [Copy taken from Amazon.]

Buy this trade new or used from Amazon.

MARVEL

ASTONISHING X-MEN: Exogenetic HC $19.99 Page 92
Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez
“eXogenetic”
Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., has been in some sticky situations, and she isn’t the type who asks for help to get out of them. But when you’re careening towards Earth in the cockpit of a damaged spaceship after being attacked on an exploding asteroid 7.5 million miles from Earth…it’s time to call the X-Men. They might not have much of a plan, or much of a chance, but that’s certainly never stopped them before. Watch as the X-Men go up against all-new versions of some of their worst foes: genetically-manipulated Brood missiles, meat Sentinels and an island monster modled after Krakoa. Superstar artist Phil Jimenez joins writer Warren Ellis for the second installment of this mind-bending series! Collecting Astonishing X-Men  #31-35.

Amazon pre-orders for $13.59

BLACK WIDOW & THE MARVEL GIRLS TP $14.99 Page 103
Paul Tobin, Salva Espin, and Jacopo Camagni
She’s the most efficient spy in the world and one of the world’s dealiest women, but before there was ever a Black Widow, there was the Red Room, a brutal KGB training ground for assassins, undercover agents, and the most ruthless of spies. Now, tasked with removing a rogue weapons dealer from an impregnable safe house, the Black Widow remembers her escape from the Red Room training facility, an escape only made possible with the aid of the most unlikely of allies, the Asgardian sorceress known as Amora, the Enchantress. Collects issues #1 – 4 of the mini.

Amazon pre-orders for $14.99

GIRL COMICS #2 $4.99 Page 16
Kathryn Immone, Louise Simonson, Robin Furth, Jill Thompson, Faith Erin Hicks, Colleen Coover, and others
Already one of the most talked about comics of the year, Marvel is proud to present the second issue of Girl Comics , spotlighting some of the most talented women working in comics today! With something for every comic reader, from the Fantastic Four to the X-Men to the reunion of acclaimed creators Louise Simonson and June Brigman  on the Power Pack, you won’t want to miss this Marvel milestone!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #24 $2.99 Page 66
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Wes Craig
He’s back…Thanos! How did he return? Why is he back? And what does the appearance of the galaxy’s #1 threat mean for our rag-tag band of universal protectors? Find out in the next issue of the comic that CosmicBookNews.com calls “Awesome. Amazingly, jaw-droppingly awesome.” [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.]

MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #5 $3.99 Page 21
Eric SHanower and Skottie Young
The sequel to the New York Times best-selling graphic novel continues! Discover for yourself why CBR.com calls Eric Shanower and Skottie Young the “best writer/artist team in the comics biz” in this adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s beloved novel. The battle for Oz is on as Tip and company go toe-to-toe with General Jinjur’s all-girl Army of Revolt! But will a timely assist from the Queen of the Field Mice be enough to stop Jinjur from turning poor Jack Pumpkinhead into a tart? Find out as the Woggle-bug (maybe) woggles his last wiggle!

NEW MUTANTS #12 $2.99 Page 70
Zeb Wells and Ibraim Roberson
The X-Men are hot on the trail of Cable and Hope and meet Bastion’s forces head-on, in the form of Bastion’s capo William Stryker and his Purifier army. Stryker’s forces score one casualty early, but who wins the battle? At the same time the New Mutants are hitting Bastion’s second-in-command, Cameron Hodge. But going up against Hodge and 100 of his soldiers is way out of their league and one of them won’t walk away from it.

NEW MUTANTS: NECROSHA Vol 2 HC $19.99 Page 95
Zeb Wells, Diogenes Neves, Paul Davidson, and Ibraim Roberson
The dead just won’t stay dead. The New Mutants’ past comes to haunt them as Necrosha hits home. Selene’s master plan busts out of the pages of X-Force and into New Mutants. Plus, what is Illyana Rasputin up to? Emma Frost is not going to settle for this question being unanswered. Collecting New Mutants #6-10 and material from X Necrosha.

Amazon pre-orders for $13.49

RUNAWAYS: ROCK ZOMBIE Vol 10 DIGEST $9.99 Page 102
Terry Moore, Chris Yost, James Asmus, Takeshi Miyazawa, Sara Picheli, and Emma Rios
A group of kids, including a witch, a robot, a mutant and a time-displaced little girl, living together in Los Angeles. What could possibly go wrong? After having to say “goodbye” to one of their own during a conflict with some aggressive alien invaders, the Runaways are attempting to get back to normal — which for them means video games, camping trips and, of course, neutralizing potential violent threats to the City of Angels. Meanwhile, however, the popular DJ at L.A.’s KZIT radio station is concocting a devious scheme. With the help of a mysterious magician, Val Rhymin produces a song guaranteed to take Los Angeles by storm. Using a mystic chant layered in with the tune, the song magically affects anyone who has undergone plastic surgery, turning them into an obedient zombie. And since it’s in L.A., that means a lot of zombies. Collecting Runaways vol 3 #7-10.

Amazon pre-orders for $9.99. Both tradepaperbacks and hardcover versions are currently available for near this price.

X-FACTOR #204 Page 76 $2.99
Peter David and Valentin De Landro
You’re Bolivar Trask, the reanimated leader of the Mutant Response Division. Your mission: Kill every member of X-Factor. How to accomplish that without collateral damage? Easy: hire the team for what seems to be a routine case that will send them into a certain death trap. Problem solved. [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.]

X-FACTOR: OVERTIME Vol 8 TP $19.99 Page 114
Peter David and Valentin De Landro

The future of mutantkind has never looked so grim! Jamie Madrox, a.k.a. Multiple Man, and the enigmatic Layla Miller find themselves stranded eighty years in the future. Their mission: to find the cause of temporal anomalies that threaten to trigger the collapse of the legendary Summers Rebellion. If they fail, mutantkind as  we know it will be wiped from history! They have only one chance of success. But to seize it, they’ll need to get help from the most ruthless villain ever to blight the Marvel Universe: Victor von Doom! Back in the present, the maniacal Cortex is scheming to tear X-Factor apart. And he plans to use a flawlessly engineered killing machine to do it: former X-Factor ally Shatterstar! Little does Cortex know that Shatterstar has some unfinished romantic business with a member of the team. All’s fair in love and war, but X-Factor is up against a guy who doesn’t mind messing with time itself, if it proves the means to an end. The clock is ticking. Can even the world’s greatest mutant detective agency save the past and the future? Collecting X-Factor #46-50 and X-Factor: Layla Miller.

Amazon pre-orders for $13.49

TOKYO POP

CUTE DEVIL $12.99 Page 295
Hiro Madamrame
Looks are deceiving when it comes to the cutest boy at Akiyoshi Tohru’s schppl. How will Aikiyoshi cope with suddenly becoming Naruse Futa’s pet?

Pre-order this manga for $10.11 from Amazon.

YOU WILL DROWN IN LOVE Vol 2 $12.99 Page 295
Hinako Takanaga
Jinnai and Reiichiro’s relationship hits the biggest road bump as the suave and sexy coworker Kijima enters the scene. After catching onto Jinnai and Reiichiro being an item, he wastes no time trying to come between the two. Business at work prevents Jinnai from stopping the constant come-ons, and worst yet, Reiichiro seems to be welcoming the advances without a second thought. But who or what is Kijima really after…

Pre-order this manga for $10.11 from Amazon.

Welcome to Gay Previews, a monthly list that highlights the work of LGBT and gay friendly creators. Listings are primarily taken from each month’s PREVIEWS. Just refer to the page number in your PREVIEWS copy for more information about each comic. Other sources such as a publisher’s website may be used. In these cases, a link is provided.

If you are a LGBT creator whose work has been accidentally overlooked or is not included in PREVIEWS solicitations, please contact me at glajoe at gayleague dot com to be included.

Inspired by Andy Mangels whose idea this is originally and who dutifully compiled numerous lists before this one.

Names listed in bold face are LGBT or gay friendly creators.

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

ECHO #20 $3.50 Page 188
Terry Moore
Annie lives inside Julie, and she’s not happy. Annie is determined to stop the army from activating its top secret super collider, and Julie has been drafted for the job. Fortunately, she has the help of Annie’s boyfriend, Dillon, and an insider at HeNRI. That makes four against the army. What are the odds?

ECHO MOON LAKE Vol 1 $15.95 Page 188
Julie Martin is in the wrong place at the wrong time when she’s finds herself under a strange explosion in the desert sky. The resulting fallout covers her in a mysterious silver metal that brings more trouble into Julie’s life than she could ever imagine, and a friend to die for. Collects issues #1-5.

STRANGERS IN PARADISE POCKET TP Vol 1 $17.95 Page 188
Terry Moore
Terry Moore Complete the series! This pocket-sized trade paperbacks collects the beginning of Terry Moore’s Strangers In Paradise with Katchoo, Francine, David, and the gang! Each pocket book features new cover art by Terry Moore, and special spine art that gives this manga-sized collection a distinctive look on the shelf!

Buy this book new or used from Amazon.

BLUEWATER PRODUCTIONS

FEMALE FORCE – ELLEN DEGENERES $3.99 Page 210
Sandra Ruckdeschel and Pedro Ponzo
Ellen DeGeneres took the world by storm! Emmy awards! Endless accolades! It all seems so easy, but Ellen’s journey to get where she is now was not always a smooth one. She’s felt the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But through it all,  she managed to stay true to herself and prove that she is a female force to be reckoned with!

RAY HARRYHAUSEN PRESENTS: WRATH OF THE TITANS TP $15.99 Page 211
Darren G. Davis and Nadir Balan

For years, the land of Argos has been at peace. Perseus has guided the kingdom into an era of prosperity and good fortune. And with the news that an heir has been born, puts the citizens in a celebratory mood. Yet lurking in the shadows are forces of hate and discontent that threaten to wreak havoc on Argos and destroy Perseus! Collects the mini-series sequel to the classic film, Clash of the Titans.

DARK HORSE

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #33 $2.99 Page 52
Brad Meltzer and George Jeanty
Brad Meltzer (The Book of Lies, Identity Crisis) continues his pivotal story arc! The Slayer army has suffered heavy losses throughout Season Eight and faced all kinds of threats new and old, but the one mystery connecting it all has been the identity of the Big Bad: Twilight. In this issue, Buffy finally confronts Twilight one on one, setting the stage for Twilight’s unmasking in Buffy #34! (Except we already know who Twilight is.)

Conan the Cimmerian #20 $2.99 Page 38
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, and José Villarrubia
In part two of “Kozaki,” both Sergius the pirate and the sadistic Shah Amurath decide to confront Conan’s group of bandits, who are encroaching upon their territories and threatening the outlying granaries, farms, and villages of the proud country of Turan. King Yildiz quickly orders the Shah to annihilate all Kozaki riders, and Sergius arranges a parley with our favorite Cimmerian. In a tense meeting, Sergius explains how commerce works around the Vilayet Sea and offers that their two imposing forces work together against the Shah. With those in Conan’s hungry crew growing wild and impatient, Conan’s not even sure how long he can keep his own men together–but he’ll slit the throat of any who try to defect!

DC

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #10 $3.99 Page 71
Paul Dini, Marc Andreyko, Dustin Nguyen, and Jeremy Haun

It’s Batman, Robin and Abuse struggling against the deadly clutches of Mr. Zsasz. With the lives of kidnapped children at stake, it’s up to Gotham City’s finest heroes to save the day. And in the Manhunter co-feature, Two-Face’s trial comes to a surprising end as a new trial starts! Can Kate balance all of that with her need to spend time as Manhunter? And what’s Kate’s son Ramsey doing in Gotham?!

DETECTIVE #863 $3.99 Page 71
Greg Rucka, Jock, and Cully Hamner
When Batman and Batwoman each face off against a knife-wielding killer, they soon find themselves working different sides of the same case. But will they arrive in time to rescue the missing girl and stop the killer from claiming another victim? Things do not end well in “Cutter” Part 3. And in The Question, the mastermind behind the human trafficking ring and the gunrunning scheme is finally revealed, and The Question and the Huntress find themselves in the fight of their lives.

SECRET SIX #19 $2.99 Page 91
Gail Simone, John Ostrander, and J. Calafiore
Catman’s past crawls back to haunt him as Cheshire returns! Could the secret she’s carrying spell the end of the Secret Six?

SECRET SIX: DEPTHS TP $14.99 Page 96
Gail Simone and Nicola Scott
With Batman’s cowl up for grabs, two of The Secret Six think they should be the new Dark Knight. And a mission on Devil’s Island draws the attention of Wonder Woman in this new collection of issues #8-14!

Pre-order this trade from Amazon.

WONDER WOMAN #42 $2.99 Page 92
Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti
Gail Simone and fan-favorite artist Nicola Scott reunite for this explosive tale featuring the stunning return of a star spanning threat from Diana’s past! Can even Wonder Woman stop Earth from this world-destroying madwoman? Guest-starring the Green Lantern Corps! Don’t miss “The Wrath of The Silver Serpent”!

VERTIGO

GREEK STREET #9 $2.99 Page 114
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
Terror, madness and the downright irrational collide as the war between the Fureys and the Chinese takes an unexpected turn. Meanwhile, after escaping Calypso and her pornsters, Eddie and Sandy finally meet their possible savior.[Detective Dedalus is gay.]

MADAME XANADU #21 $2.99 Page 115
Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley

Madame Xanadu and her stark, raving mad sister Morgana are still at odds, leaving 1950s housewife Betty Reynolds more distraught – and more inhuman – than ever. And Mr. Jones continues his “negotiations” with the New York mob in an effort to aid and abet Madame Xanadu’s investigation. [Wagner has revealed a part of Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]

SANDMAN: THE DREAM HUNTERS HC Page 128 $24.99
Neil Gaiman and P. C. Russell
Russell’s four part adaptation of Gaiman’s story is re-offered.
Available at Amazon for $16.49.

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #20 $2.99 Page 104

Marc Bernadin, Adam Freeman, and Al Barrionuevo

With the Carrier streaking through space beyond their control, the newly configured Authority find themselves on Daemon’s doorstep unable to defend themselves against both incoming hostiles and a growing rebellion from within. With Jack and With the Carrier streaking through space beyond their control, the newly Christine struggling for control, the team finds salvation in the most unexpected of places.

THE AUTHORITY: THE LOST YEAR #6 $2.99 Page 105
Grant Morrison, Keith Giffen and Brian Steelfreeze

On a world where superheroes are seen as witches, super-science is used to hunt heroes down before they’re given kangaroo trials and then, inevitably, executed. That’s exactly what was done to this Earth’s Apollo, and now that our Authority has arrived, they plan on making things better. But one thing must go right: the two Midnighters they now have can’t end up killing each other.

EX MACHINA #49 $2.99 Page 106
Brian K Vaughn and Tony Harris

It’s the bloody conclusion to “Pro-Life,” and the penultimate issue of this groundbreaking political thriller. Mayor Hundred makes the hardest decision of his career, as the final pieces fall into place for an unforgettable series finale. [In issue #6 Mayor Hundred proposes to marry the Deputy Mayor’s brother who is a NYFD fireman and happens to be gay. The following issue deals with opinions from the mayor’s staff and the possible implications of the Mayor performing a same-sex marriage. Mayor Hundred’s mother recently asked him if he is gay. Vaughn left the question unanswered. The gay marriage recently came up again in #23.]

EX MACHINA BOOK 3 DELUXE HC $29.99 Page 106
Brian K Vaughn, Tony Harris, John Paul Leon, and others
In this Deluxe hardcover collecting Ex Machina #21-29,  Ex Machina: Inside the Machine and the Ex Machina Special #3, Mayor Mitchell Hundred faces difficult decisions regarding New York City’s drug laws. But will a string of brazen, violent robberies and a shocking suicide affect the the Mayor’s policy? And in a second story set during the New York blackout of 2003, the mayor must deal with a city gone dark.

Pre-order this hardcover from Amazon for $19.79.

D.E.

THE BOYS #40 $2.99 Page 240
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
So where are the good superheroes? The warriors for truth and justice, the defenders of the American way? The supes can’t all be dirtbags… can they? Meet the true heroes of The Boys’ universe, the young men and women who fight to make things right and ask nothing in return: the teenage adventurers from our far future that the world knows as Superduper! Meanwhile, convinced that Hughie was never what he seemed, Butcher goes to see the Legend- and sets something terrible in motion for our little Scots pal…

THE BOYS: THE SELF-PRESERVATION SOCIETY TP Vol 6 $19.99 Page 240
Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and Carlos Ezquerra
Featuring an introduction by LOST co-creator Damon Lindelof! It finally happened: the supes are mad enough to go after the Boys. One of the world’s most powerful superteams decides to hit our heroes, all guns blazing, and the Female is the first to fall into their lethal trap. Meanwhile, Hughie is still plagued with doubt, and Annie finds herself on the receiving end of the worst new look ever — in The Self-Preservation Society! Collecting #31 -#38, including the unbelievable origins of Mothers Milk, The Frenchman, and The Female.

THE BOYS: HEROGASM Vol 5 HC $29.99 Page 240
Garth Ennis and John McCrea
An evil so profound it threatens all mankind… the mightiest heroes on the planet uniting to defend us all… a secret crisis of such utter finality that a countdown to civil or infinite war seems unavoidable… but have you ever wondered what really happens during Crossovers? This volume collects all six issues of the first-ever Boys spin-off mini-series by Garth Ennis and John McCrea, with covers by co-creator Darick Robertson!

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

KURASHINA SENSEI’S PASSION Vol 3 $12.95 Page 251
Natsuho Shino
Welcome back to the renowned Shoei Acadamy, a school which prides itself on educating young men from respected families from kindergarten all the way through senior high school. Newly-arrived teacher Reiji Kurashina is just as popular with his students as ever, inspiring feelings of passion in all of them. The class president and his committee decided to plan a school camping trip. Kurashina Sensei reluctantly agrees to go with them. Spending the night under one roof with a youthful and curious academy student… would something happen to Kurashina sensei?

Buy this manga for $8.73 at Amazon.

LOVE!! $12.95 Page 252
Ariko Kanazawa

Rei is a president of student council – he is always so cool and well-mannered, impressed everyone with a perfect attendance record. One day, Shindo, a transfer student with outstanding grades, comes to school and starts to have a crush on him. During the semester, making moves on Rei, he falls in love with him. Shindo is outgoing and sociable.Rei is reserved and a bit snobbish. A perfect scenario of opposites attracts… or do they?

Pre-order from Amazon for $10.36.

MAIDEN ROSE Vol 1 $6.95 Page Page 249
Fusanosuke Inariya
Two soldiers from warring countries are bound by a pledge as master and servant. Taki Reizen is a Commander of sublime beauty, shouldering the fate of his nation. Called “Mad Dog” because of his rough temperament, Klaus has sworn his loyalty
to him as a knight. Despite this, those around them are cold and disapproving, full of various misgivings. For all their genuine feelings, what will come of love made cruel by the violence of war?

Pre-order this manga for $10.36 from Amazon.

RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW Vol 1 $12.95 Page 252
Souya Himawari
A love whose hot embrace spans time! Yanase Mizuo was hiding from his tea ceremony lessons in an old temple when a sudden wrinkle in time propelled him from the present into the tumultuous world of the past! Lost in an unknown land in an unknown time, he finds help in the feudal lord Takakage. But Takakage isn’t interested in getting Yanase back to the future. Nope, he is convinced that Yanase is right where he needs to be – in his arms!

Amazon pre-orders for $8.73

YELLOW II Vol 2 $12.95 Page 251
Makoto Tateno
Straight and macho Taki partners with feminine and gay Goh to form an expert team of bandits hired by the police to steal from the mafia. Their unrequited love with genre-bending trimmings of action and suspense.

Amazon pre-orders for $6.95.

YELLOW OMNIBUS Vol 2 $19.95 Page 251
Makoto Tateno

A routine drug bust is all in a day’s work for Taki and Goh. When a dead doctor turns up at the scene of the crime, these veteran “snatcher” partners are suddenly forced to follow a twisting trail of clues (and a mysterious dog) for the answers. While bullets fly, Goh’s fierce desires also seek their target in Taki’s heart! The clock is ticking, and a criminal must be caught…but will Goh ever truly catch Taki’s eye? Yellow takes over the streets with the ultimate tale of “opposites attract”! Taki and Goh are a talented team when it comes to battling the crazy and criminal, but they’re worlds apart in matters of attraction! Fate truly moves in mysterious ways…will the same boys who work and play together finally stay together? It’s too late to be careful when there’s this much lust on the line.

Amazon pre-orders for $13.57.

DRAWN & QUARTERLY

MASTERPIECE COMICS HC $19.95 Page 253
R. Sikoryak
Masterpiece Comics adapts a variety of classic literary works with the most iconic visual idioms of twentieth-century comics. Dense with exclamation marks and lurid zip-a-tone, R. Sikoryak’s parodies remind us of the sensational excesses of the canon, or, if you prefer, of the economical expressiveness of classic comics from Superman to Peanuts.

The D & Q site gives the following information: Masterpiece Comics adapts a variety of classic literary works with the most iconic visual idioms of twentieth-century comics. Dense with exclamation marks and lurid colors, R. Sikoryak’s parodies remind us of the sensational excesses of the canon, or, if you prefer, of the economical expressiveness of classic comics from Batman to Garfield. In “Blond Eve, Dagwood and Blondie are ejected from the Garden of Eden into their archetypal suburban home; Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray is reimagined as a foppish Little Nemo; and Camus’s Stranger becomes a brooding, chain-smoking Golden Age Superman. Other source material includes Dante, Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, bubblegum wrappers, superhero comics, kid cartoons, and more.
Sikoryak’s classics have appeared in landmark anthologies such as RAW and Drawn & Quarterly, all of which are collected in Masterpiece Comics, along with brilliant new graphic literary satires. His drawings have appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as in The New Yorker, The Onion, Mad, and Nickelodeon Magazine.

Amazon copies for as low as $13.50!

GIRL TWIRL COMICS

JANE’S WORLD OMNIBUS Vol 1 $19.95 Page 255
Paige Braddock
This 432-page book collects the first three volumes of Jane’s World into one handy size. This book will give readers a full introduction to the cast and crew of the Eisner-nominated series. See the characters and story lines evolve and get ever more humorous and complicated. Alien abductions, vegan Amazons, Elvis impersonators, Jane Bond, and feisty ex-girlfriends all collide. [Re-offered.]

JANE’S WORLD Vol 9 TP $15.00 Pahe 255
Paige Braddock
Jane is on a quest for love, but will she succeed? Her journey will be filled with romantic misadventures, misunderstandings, and general quixotic mayhem! Jane goes undercover as a busboy at Hooters. Then, after failing to uncover sexism in the workplace she’s sent out to cover a mountain bike race, which of course ends in disaster.

LIGHTSPEED PRESS

FINDER: SIN EATER 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION HC $29.95 Page 274
Carla Speed McNeil
Jaeger is a Finder, which is an aboriginal detective. Jaeger is also a sin-eater, which is a ritual scapegoat. Jaeger returns to an old girlfriend only to find that her husband isn’t out of the picture and now appears to be dangerously crazy but hasn’t done anything to hurt her. But the husband isn’t just some twerp; he’s Jaeger’s former commanding officer. This complex story of conflicting loyalties sets the stage for the rest of Jaeger’s life as told in the ongoing series, Finder. Jump on at the beginning with this chunky manga-sized volume collecting two previous trades into one volume.

FINDER SIN EATER Vol 2 Part 2 $19.95 Page 274
Carla Speed McNeil
Jaeger can get into anything — a holy city, a high-security prison, his best friend’s wife’s bed, an online world-creator’s worst nightmares. What he should do once he’s in is his problem? Mess around. This innovative science fiction series and its creator, Carla Speed McNeil, have been nominated for seven Eisners and the Russ Manning Award, won two Ignatz Awards and one Friends of Lulu Award.

MARVEL

ASTONISHING X-MEN #24 $2.99 Page 74
Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez
“eXogenetic” conclusion. After wading through a swarm of bio-mechanically engineered monstrosities modeled after some of their fiercest foes, the X-Men finally come face to face with the man responsible. He’s given his life to designing the death of the mutant race and with the X-Men at his doorstep, he’s preparing to unleash one more genetic nightmare upon the world before his time runs out.

GIRL COMICS #1 $4.99 Page 15
Trina Robbins, Devin Grayson, Ann Nocenti, G. Willow Wilson, Valerie D’Orazio, Lucy Knisley, Colleen Coover, Stepahnie Buscema, Ming Doyle, Nikki Cook, and Molly Crabapple
With the most controversial question in the Marvel Universe finally answered right on the cover, Marvel is proud to bring you a celebration of amazing women in comics with the first of a three issue anthology entirely created by the most talented and exciting women working in comics today, including Ann Nocenti (Daredevil), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Laura Martin (Secret Invasion), G. Willow Wilson (Air), Devin Grayson (Nightwing), Stephanie Buscema (Web of Spider-Man) , and more! With stories featuring your favorite Marvel characters, from the Punisher to Mary Jane, don’t miss what will be the one of the most talked about series of the year!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #24 $2.99 Page 65
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Wes Craig
The universe faces one of its greatest evils–and no one can see it coming! The Magus, the necromantic shadow-half of Adam Warlock, is not dead after all…and only a small and hapless band of heroes–heroes who should be dead, too–can stop him! Are they back from the grave permanently, and what will we finally see emerge from the enigmatic coccoon? [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.]

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: WAR OF KINGS BOOK 2 Vol 3 $2.99 Page 116
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Brad Walker. and Wes Craig

Can the Guardians stop the War of Kings? The silent king Black Bolt and the tyrant Vulcan square off in interstellar combat — with the Guardians stuck in the middle trying to restore the peace! With the Inhumans and Shi’Ar laying waste to entire planets, somebody has to stand up for the little guy — even if those somebodies include a walking tree, a talking dog and a rocket-firing raccoon! This second and final volume in the Guardians’ War of Kings crossover builds the action to a senses shattering conclusion as new discoveries are made, old friends are betrayed, and the new Guardians stand shoulder-to-shoulder with legends! Collecting GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #13-19.

Amazon copies for $13.59.

NATION X #4 $3.99 Page 73
Peter Milligan, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Joe Caramagna, van Brandon, Mike Allred, Niko Henrichson, Harvey Talibao, and Rael Lyra
All the pieces fall into place as this final issue concludes with a bang! Namor has never taken orders from anyone before, so why does he take them from Cyclops? Where does Emma get all those Jimmy Choo’s? And when a mystery strikes Utopia, who does Cyclops send to solve it?

NEW MUTANTS #11 $2.99 Page 9
Kieron Gillen and Niko Henrichson

Dani Moonstar made a deal with Hela. Now, the mistress of Hel is calling in her marker. With all the Asgardians falling in the Siege of Asgard, someone needs to deal with the dead. And who better to do so than a Valkyrie. But where is Dani supposed to be bringing these dead?

NEW MUTANTS: RETURN OF LEGION Vol 1 TP $14.99 Page 116
Zeb Wells and Diogenes Neves
When their oldest and most powerful foe returns, the original New Mutants must reunite! Cannonball, Sunspot, Magma, Magik and Dani Moonstar race to the rescue of Karma. But Legion has her right where he wants her: locked inside his schizophrenic mind! It’s classic mutant action the way you like it! Plus: the return of the beloved Warlock. But if he’s so beloved, why does he have that weird look on his face?! Collecting NEW MUTANTS #1-5.

Hardcover copies available now at Amazon for $13.59.

RUNAWAYS: HOMESCHOOLING TP $14.99 Page 115
Kathryn Immonen, C B Cebulski, and Sara Picheli

heir homes, their parents, their friends — ever since first banding together and going out on their own, the Runaways have been no stranger to loss. Now, though they appear to finally be safe, none of them can get their minds off of everything they’ve lost or given up. As they attempt to make merry despite their melancholy, the Runaways are struck by yet another catastrophe. A mysterious aircraft flying over their Malibu home is somehow lured to it, resulting in a fiery crash. As the team frantically digs through the rubble, they find that their home wasn’t the only casualty: Yet another member of the team has fallen. The Runaways have little time to mourn, however, as their home is surrounded by a group of armed military personnel, dispatched to retrieve the contents of the crashed aircraft. Even more ominously, however, a figure from the group’s past — one thought deceased — has returned to confront the team. Collecting Runaways vol. 3 #11-14 and What If the Runaways Became the Young Avengers?

Amazon pre-orders for $10.11!

RUNAWAYS: PARENTAL GUIDANCE HC $19.99 Page 107
Brian K Vaughn and Adrian Alphona
The return of the Pride! The secret super-villain society is back, but this all-new group isn’t made up of the Runaways’ evil parents. Who are these shadowy players, and what do they want with the Marvel Universe’s next generation of heroes? Plus, when the youngest member of the Runaways is separated from her teammates, Molly Hayes must survive a night alone on the mean streets of Los Angeles! The eleven-year-old mutant girl soon hooks up with a new group of runaways, but is their mysterious leader a hero or a villain? Collecting Runaways (2005) #13-18.

Pre-order from Amazon.

THE STAND: SOUL SURVIVORS #5 Page 22 $3.99
Robert Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins

Somehow, by luck and by pluck, Nick Andros led his group through the wilderness to Hemmingford House, the home of Mother Abagail. But they can’t stay long, and an even more dangerous task awaits them: Seeking out and facing down Randall Flagg. In the midst of a crisis of faith, Nick makes a fateful choice that will forever change his life. Also: In a world without doctors, what happens when a member of Stu and Frannie’s group requires an operation? Pick up a scalpel and say your prayers, True Believers, as the third volume of Stephen King’s horror epic concludes!

X-FACTOR #203 Page 76 $2.99
Peter David and Valentin De Landro
Deep into unknown jungles go Monet and Guido, a.k.a. Strong Guy, a two-person rescue team in a desperate gambit to free Monet’s father from the hands of terrorists. And what exactly do the terrorists want? They want Monet, as it turns out. And you’ll never guess who’s behind it all. [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.]

TOKYO POP

LOVE KNOT $12.99 Page 294
Lemon Ichijo

A collection of short stories about lovers coming together in many different ways. First, we have childhood friends who have been suddenly reunited after two years. Will a lingering crush allow them to develop their friendship into something more? Next there are a series of stories about a pair of twins and their lovers. Can the four men all get along with each other? And finally, some short stories about finding love in the school nurse’s office and in the kitchen!

Pre-order this manga for $10.19 from Amazon.

TEA FOR TWO Vol 4 $12.99 Page 294
Yaya Sakuragi

Christmas is right around the corner for Tokumaru and Hasune, but a romantic night out and sweet gift exchange is out of the question for this eccentric couple…or is it? As Hasune longs for a heartfelt love confession, an old romantic partner appears out of nowhere and stirs things up. Meanwhile, Shunpei is acting quite out of the ordinary, and Tokumaru is determined to get to the bottom of this.

Pre-order this manga for $10.11 from Amazon.

VIZ

OOKU: THE INNER CHAMBERS Vol 3 Page 301 $12.99
Fumi Yoshinaga

The young female shogun Iemitsu and her lover Arikoto must betray their hearts to save their country. Meanwhile, the Redface Pox continues its ruthless progress through Japan, leaving famine, despair, and the threat of anarchy in its wake.

Pre-order this manga from Amazon for $8.76.

Welcome to Gay Previews, a monthly list that highlights the work of LGBT and gay friendly creators. Listings are primarily taken from each month’s PREVIEWS. Just refer to the page number in your PREVIEWS copy for more information about each comic. Other sources such as a publisher’s website may be used. In these cases, a link is provided.

If you are a LGBT creator whose work has been accidentally overlooked or is not included in PREVIEWS solicitations, please contact me at glajoe at gayleague dot com to be included.

Inspired by Andy Mangels whose idea this is originally and who dutifully compiled numerous lists before this one.

Names listed in bold face are LGBT or gay friendly creators.

TORCHWOOD MAGAZINE SPECIAL #20 $9.99 Page 291
In the latest issue of Torchwood Magazine John Barrowman’s back and bigger than ever! Take the Torchwood test and see if you have what it takes to join the Torchwood team! Get the Torchwood look, plus, a brand-new comic strip adventure begins!

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

ECHO: DESERT RUN Vol 3 TPB $15.95 Page 184
Terry 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! Collects issues #11-15.

DARK HORSE

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #32 $2.99 Page 40
Joss Whedon and George Jeanty

Faster than a speeding–you know. More powerful than a — yeah, one of those. Able to leap tall… castles in a single bound. Still working on that X-ray-vision thing. In the aftermath of battle with Twilight’s army, Buffy has developed a host of new powers, but when will the other shoe drop, and will it be a cute shoe, or an ugly one? Still reeling from the losses of war, Willow goes looking for missing allies and discovers a horrifying truth about several of the Slayer army’s recent ordeals. Series artist Georges Jeanty, acclaimed novelist and comics writer Brad Meltzer (The Book of Lies, Identity Crisis), and executive producer Joss Whedon begin the buildup to Season Eight’s climax in the storyline that finally reveals the identity
of Twilight!

Conan the Cimmerian #18 $2.99 Page 26
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, and José Villarrubia

Tomas Giorello returns to full penciling duties–with the remarkable colors of Jose Villarrubia fleshing out each page–and Timothy Truman scripts this first episode in a new, three-issue story arc entitled “Kozaki”! After burning a few bridges and making some questionable choices, mainly fueled by jealousy over Prince Julion’s recent appearance in Khoraja and a hatred for pampered royalty and their courtly life, Conan leaves Yasmela and her palace behind. Now leading Amalric’s mercenary army, Conan is again responsible for the lives of others. But is he skilled and experienced enough to do the job right? In this issue, we’ll also discover more bleak premonitions and clues concerning Conan’s near future, when Conan and his companions leave organized mercenary life behind in order to survive as a group of raiders and looters. Such actions will undoubtedly draw the attentions of others, though, and the troubles that began for Conan in the previous “Free Companions”
arc are far from over!

DC

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #9 $3.99 Page 71
Paul Dini, Marc Andreyko, Dustin Nguyen, and Jeremy Haun
It’s Batman, Robin and Abuse against Zsasz’s army! Will the heroes be able to save the captured children in time? And in the Manhunter co-feature, the trial takes a turn as Jane Doe has a new suspect on her radar – the ever dangerous Black Mask!

DETECTIVE #862 $3.99 Page 71
Greg Rucka, Jock, and Cully Hamner
Two mystery cases collide, as Batman gets closer to finding a missing socialite while Batwoman uncovers a gruesome new villain who has grafted knives onto his skin. There will be blood – and souvenirs of victims’ flesh – in “Cutter” part 2! And in The Question’s co-feature, the unknown mastermind behind the gun-running scheme hires a professional killer to take care of some unwanted female companionship. When Zeiss sets his sights on Huntress and The Question, bullets will fly and blood
will run!

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #7 #2.99 Page 82
James Robinson and Mauro Casioli

This is the big one! After the catastrophes seen in issues #5 and #6, a hero loses control, leading to an unexpected ending that will fundamentally change the lives of the World’s Greatest Heroes forever. This issue launches a major storyline in the DC Universe and is not to be missed [This Starman is Mikaal Tomas whom Robinson revealed to have a male love interest in his STARMAN. Batwoman is also scheduled to take part in this story, but so far has only been fleetingly shown in unrelated panels.]

SECRET SIX #18 $2.99 Page 69
Gail Simone, John Ostrander, and J. Calafiore
It’s the exciting conclusion of John Ostrander and Gail Simone’s epic team-up! The Black Lanterns have both the Suicide Squad and the Secret Six up against the wall. But Amanda Waller always has a plan. That plan: Manhunter! Plus, Deadshot is forced to make the decision of his life!

WONDER WOMAN #41 $2.99 Page 84
Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti
It’s a knock-down, drag-out war in the sky between the mightiest females in the DC Universe as Wonder Woman fights Power Girl! Meanwhile, that disturbingly creepy circle of hellion kids known as the Crows do everything they can to destroy Diana’s life and loved ones!

WONDER WOMAN: ENDS OF THE EARTH TPB
Gail Simone, Aaron Lopresti, and Bernard Chang
Wonder Woman falls victim to the Black Horizon in this new paperback collecting issues #20-25 of her hit series! To save herself, she must forge an alliance with legendary warriors while trapped on a world where brutal combat rules the day.

Pre-order this trade from Amazon. Hardcover edition available now.

CMX

FROM EROICA WITH LOVE Vol 15 Page 121 $9.99
Yasuko Aoike

The saga of the Seventh Seal concludes! The Major fights the KGB over the black box, a device that will close the computer gap between the old Soviet Union and the west.When he’s critically injured, it looks like the Russians may get away. But the last laugh might be on them. Then get ready for a gothic ghost story, as Eroica visits a castle and falls in love with a statue! Advance solicited for March 10th. Volume 14 may also be ordered.

JOHNNY DC

SUPERFRIENDS #24 $2.50 Page 94
Sholly Fisch and J. Bone
It’s a super-science conference like none other when all the Mad Scientists gather together on Oolong Island to share their latest inventions — and to plot against the Super Friends!

VERTIGO

GREEK STREET #8 $2.99 Page 114
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
Walking corpses and unquiet ghosts stalk Greek Street as Eddie and Sandy hook up with our chorus girl, Chantel. But now that Chantel has entered the story… can things ever be the same for her? Meanwhile the Furies gang war heats up while Lord Menon discovers that some dead bodies just won’t lie still.[Detective Dedalus is gay.]

GREEK STREET: BLOOD CALLS FOR BLOOD Vol 1 TPB Page 114 $9.99
Boasting a “Greek Chorus” of sexy strippers, vengeful gangsters, a murderous youth and a disturbed clairvoyant teenaged girl, Greek Street is Peter Milligan’s reimagining of the brutal and visceral tragedies of Ancient Greece played out on the mean streets of modern-day London. This first paperback collects issues #1-5 of the provocative new series.

Available from Amazon.

MADAME XANADU #20 $2.99 Page 115
Matt Wagner, Jöelle Jones, and David Hahn
Presenting the conclusion of guest artist Joelle Jones’ flashback revealing Madame Xanadu’s earliest days. Squabbles with the young immortal’s sister Morganna intensify and turn bloody as the world of Fairy and Roman conquest vie for domination of pre-history Britain.[Wagner has revealed a part of Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]

Y THE LAST MAN DELUXE EDITION BOOK 3 HC Page 117 $29.99
Brian K. Vaughn, Pia Guerra, and Goran Sudzuka
In this collection of issues #24-36 of the Eisner Award-winning series, Yorick’s unbalanced sister Hero tracks him to San Francisco, only to find that he has seemingly succumbed to the male-killing plague. Advanced solicited for April 21st.

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #19 $2.99 Page 95
Marc Bernadin, Adam Freeman, and Al Barrionuevo
The rejuvenated Carrier has left Earth. Destination: Unknown. Who made it on board? Who got left behind? As Jack Hawksmoor and Christine Trelane battle for command of the Carrier, an all-new Authority – with Deathblow and Grifter running point – must deal with uncivilized chaos from within

THE AUTHORITY: THE LOST YEAR #6 $2.99 Page 96
Grant Morrison, Keith Giffen and Brian Steelfreeze
Still fighting to get home, The Authority lands on an Earth where science is in a constant battle against magic – meaning in this reality, it’s The Doctor versus The Engineer, with our Authority caught in the middle!

GEN 13 #34 Page 96 $2.99
Adam Beechen and Cruddie Torian

Runt joined GEN 13 only to find himself thrust into a war he barely understands; one that consumes the entire WildStorm Universe and presents him with new allies, a dangerous mission, and challenges most 16-year-olds never dream about. [Sarah Rainmaker is still lesbian in this incarnation of Gen 13.]

D.E.

THE BOYS #39 $2.99 Page 220
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
What Hughie knows is not what Butcher knows, and what Annie January knows is something else again. Meanwhile, Frenchie tries a different tack with the Female, and MM keeps abreast of all developments. The second half of the saga kicks off with a bang that leaves everyone reeling, in this special prologue episode to the next Boys adventure: What I Know.

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

COLD LIGHT Vol 2 $8.95 Page 229
Narise Konohara and Nanao Saikawa
Fujishima’s wound he suffered from protecting Tooru has healed and he’s finally been released from the hospital. Their life together starts again once more. Tooru wants them to live together as lovers, but Fujishima refuses, saying “I have no
intentions of loving you.” Is Fujishima afraid of Tooru remembering something in particular if he regains his memories? The bonds of the past are finally becoming clearer…

DRY HEAT $12.95 Page 230
Yugi Yamada

Little Tatsuhiko, says to Itaru “when I grow up, I want to become a politician and change the law – so two men can get married. Will you marry me then?” Ten years later, his family members are notified that Tatsuhiko left a note behind and disappeared from his prestigious academy. His family servant is asked to find him, only to discover that time changes people and learns that things aren’t the way it used to be… What did he discover?

HAPPY BOYS Vol 2 $12.95 Page Page 228
Makoto Tateno

At the butler cafe, Lady Braganza, the five apprentice butlers known as the Happy Boys awaits you to deliver happiness to your table. It’s their mission to bring happiness to the ladies who visit the cafe and to become the perfect butler. After intricate and extensive butler training, the Happy Boys are finally beginning to perform their duties with comfort and confidence. But one day, one of the butler finds out a mademoiselle has a crush him. At Lady Braganza, the first and major rule is never to be involved with a customer. Can he deliver his professionalism without tarnishing butler cafe’s reputation?

KABUKI: MOON Vol 3 $12.95 Page 230
Yukari Hashida
Do you believe in reincarnation? A warrior prince, Kounosuke Kuga – he’s strong, beautiful and confident. A servant, Kageya. When will they realize that they are meant for each other again, for the first time?

LITTLE BUTTERFLY OMNIBUS $29.95 Page 227
Hinako Takanaga

Kojima’s friendly attitude and upbeat, playful innocence help to guarantee his status as a well-liked boy. But the brooding Nakahara is the exact opposite! A shy wallflower, he seems aloof and is constantly alone…until Kojima suddenly steps into his dark, painful world. When the time comes to take flight, will the two boys simply escape to a fantasy free of pain and suffering, or can they break out and soar into a bright, exciting future of their own? Little Butterfly spreads its wings and sets off on a flight path full of love, longing and plenty of tender moments. Watch as a brand-new friendship slowly grows from a fragile bond to a forceful partnership between two distinct and special souls. Even the smallest of creatures dream of soaring beyond the mundane world!

THE OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION  $12.95 Page 228
Nanao Okuda
Wakamiya has been chasing Yasunari for five years! So in order to get closer to Yasunari he joins Kanon University’s basketball team where Yasunari plays. As Wakamiya draws ever closer to his tempting teammate, will he realize the change that has come over him?

OTODAMA: VOICE FROM THE DEAD Vol 1 $12.95 Page 228
Youka Nitta
Kaname Otonashi is gifted detective with a super-hearing ability. He can even hear voices from the “other side”… the dead! Having once worked as a top-notch detective specializing in Sound Engineering Investigation, Otonashi Yasuhide, a.k.a. Hide, collaborates with the police department to take on unsolved and mysterious cases. Surrounded by a string of mysterious deaths, the police turn to Kaname’s findings to identify suspects… but can Kaname handle the non-stop screaming of the dead? From Youka Nitta, creator of Prime Minister’s Secret Diplomacy and White Brand.

YOKAN PREMONITION Vol 1 $12.95 Page 228
Makoto Tateno
Akira, a lead vocalist of a popular band called CHARON, one day he asks Sunaga, a famous actor – also a talented lyrics writer, to write a song for him. Without missing a beat, Sunaga gladly accepts his inquiry but he demands that Akira pays him with his body. Respectably, Sunaga’s sense of music is the best in the industry but his nonchalant and careless attitude towards everything is driving Akira crazy and upset. Akira is just about fed up with Sunaga’s sexual advances towards him with his easygoing attitude, but he can’t help himself from feeling something towards him either…

801 MEDIA

ZE Vol 5 $15.95 (Less at Amazon) Page 233
Yuki Shimizu

Neither 801 or Amazon’s website lists any info about volume 5. 801 described volume 1 as: “Left destitute and alone after the death of his beloved grandmother, Raizou Shichikawa accepts an offer to live at the palatial Mitou home in return for his services as housekeeper – but there’s something very strange about the Mitou family. Raizou does take a liking to his ill-mannered roommate, Kon, however, and his interest leads him to discover the truth: the people he works for aren’t exactly human! Kon is a “kami” – a healer meant to serve his “kotodama” master. Without a master of his own, Kon lacks purpose and is exploited for his abilities. Can Raizou provide what Kon needs to be fulfilled? Or is the whole scenario just too outrageous
to believe?!”

The good news is for ZE readers is Amazon has volume 5 for pre-ordering.

GROUNDWOOD BOOKS

SKIM $12.95 Page 236
Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki
“Skim” is a would-be Wiccan goth who attends a private girls’ school in Toronto. When her classmate Katie is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself because he was (maybe) gay, the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. It’s a weird time for Skim to fall in love when she starts meeting secretly with her neo-hippie English teacher, Ms. Archer. When Ms.Archer abruptly leaves the school, Skim has to cope with her confusion and isolation, as her best friend, Lisa, tries to pull her into “real” life by setting up a hilarious double-date for the school’s semi formal. The whole gamut of teen life is explored in this softcover edition of the 2009 Eisner-nominated, Ignatz-winning literary graphic novel.

Look inside this book at Amazon!

IDW

FROM THE ASHES TPB $19.99 Page 254
Bob Fingerman
Bob Fingerman’s speculative memoir (starring Bob and his wife Michelle) set in a post-apocalyptic and nuclear ravaged New York City is a surprisingly perky take on Armageddon. A hip satirical romp though Manhattan’s ruins, From the Ashes is a new spin on the old autobiographical comics genre. [Set in a post-apocalyptic New York City that includes gay cannibals and some anti-gay religious bigots.]

Pre-order this trade from Amazon.

MARVEL

ASTONISHING X-MEN #24 $2.99 Page 67
Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez
“eXogenetic” Part 4 Gruesome Bio-Sentinels. Genetically-augmented Brood. Someone is taking the X-Men’s biggest threats and making them nightmares. As Cyclops and his team struggle to survive long enough to confront the one responsible, their tormentor has something even more horrible awaiting them!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #22 $2.99 Page 63
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Wes Craig

Star-Lord and the Guardians risked everything and suffered terrible losses in their epic, cross-time battle with Adam Warlock’s evil half. Except…everything they and  you know could be wrong. Welcome to what’s really going on! [Phyla (Quasar, now "Martyr") and Moondragon were lovers before Moondragon’s apparent death. Moondragon has since returned to the land of the living.]

MARVEL HEARTBREAKERS $3.99 Page 46
Kathryn Immonen, Rick Spears, Karl Bollers, Jim McCann, Lara West, James Callahan, Harvey Tolibao, and David Lopez
This Valentine’s Day, drop that box of chocolates and satisfy the inner romantic with an oversized helping of heartache! In these four spandex-ripping tales, the fabulous femmes of Marvel discover that there’s no such thing as love without tears…and that super powers won’t protect them from Cupid’s arrow! Will it be MJ Watson or Gwen Stacy that charges Peter Parker’s electrons? Can the girls of Nextwave survive a visit from the ghosts of boyfriends past? Is Snowbird in danger of letting her animal passions get the best of her? And must Dazzler choose between the stage and a certain fuzzy mutant hunk? Find out in this special filled with passion, power, and pain!

MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #4 $3.99 Page 16
Eric Shanower and Skottie Young
The New York Times bestselling team of Eric Shanower and Skottie Young continue their historic interpretation of the world of OZ! In this stunning chapter, Tin Woodman has a badge, and he’s afraid to use it to make sure law and order are preserved in the Land of Oz…

MODELS INC TPB $14.99 Page 110
Paul Tobin, Vicenc Villagrassa, Colleen Coover, and Horge Molina
Fashion Week is always a hectic time for models, and this year is no exception. Between escaped wolves, robbery attempts, and overly friendly police officers, Mary Jane Watson, Patsy Walker, Jill Jerold, Chili Storm and Millicent (Millie the Model) Collins are testing the limits of their endurance. But when a brilliant young set designer is found murdered with three bullet holes in his back, and Millie proves to be the prime suspect, the models are forced to play detective in order to save one of their own! Collecting Models Inc #1-4.

NATION X #3 $3.99 Page 69
Chuck Kim, Grace Randolph, Cory Lewis Gabriel H. Walta, and James Harren
Danger is back with the X-Men and it’s time to pay for the death of her first victim, Wing, in ASTONISHING X-MEN. First in line for pay-back is Armor. Meanwhile, Magik has banished Anole to Limbo, but why? Cannonball’s hands are full dealing with the incoming military jet threatening the mutant’s new home. All this plus a story that is so top secret we can’t tell you who is writing it or drawing it or who it’s about!

NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION TPB Page 110 $14.99
Jimm McCann and David Lopez
Mockingbird and Hawkeye: two heroes, and former lovers, who cheated death. And now that they’re reunited from beyond the grave, they’ll have to try their hardest to keep from killing each other. It’s high-octane action and intrigue as the Mr. and Mrs. Smith of the Marvel Universe take on one of the biggest threats in the world…and each other! Thought dead when she was imprisoned on an alien world, Mockingbird’s home again — but the reunion is bittersweet as she finds that this Earth is a much harsher place than the one she left behind. The world is desperate for heroes — and after being caged for years, Mockingbird is eager to punch some bad guys. But when her ex-husband Clint Barton, the Avenger Ronin, tags along on her new secret mission, old wounds reopen fast. Can these two great heroes set aside their feelings long enough to save the day? If not, they might find it’s hard to cheat death a second time. Collecting New Avengers Reunion #1-4 and material from Dark Reign: New Nation.

NEW MUTANTS #10 $2.99 Page 73
Zeb Wells and Paul Davidson
Why do the New Mutants exist? Why are they a team? Cyclops runs the X-Men as one giant army, not separate squads. So, why do the New Mutants exist as a squad? The answer isn’t what you expect.

THE STAND: SOUL SURVIVORS #4 Page 15 $3.99
Robert Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins
Her name is Abigail Freemantle. She is the oldest woman in America, born in 1882. And a terrible task has been placed before her: Tired and frail as she is, she must stand against Randall Flagg and the gathering forces of evil. As Mother Abigail
reflects on her life’s choices and prepares for visitors to Hemingford Home, she must face down the first attack from the dark man’s minion…Spanning decades, it’s the secret origin of one of Stephen King’s greatest creations, True Believers!

TAILS OF THE PET AVENGERS $3.99 Page 60
Chris Eliopoulos, Scott Gray, Colleen Coover, Joe Caramagna, Ig Guara, amd Gurihiru
They saved the world in LOCKJAW & THE PET AVENGERS…what’ve they been doing since? Find out in this super-sized special featuring Lockjaw, Redwing, and the rest of your favorite Pet Avengers take center-stage in their own spotlight adventures! Featuring an all-new, never before seen savage tale of Zabu and a Frog Thor prequel leading into the team’s triumphant return in Pet Avengers onsale next month!

WOLVERINE: DARK WOLVERINE THE PRINCE TPB $14.99 Page 108
Caniel Way, Marjorie Liu, Guiseppe Camuncoli and Tommy Lee Edwards

He’s got the costume. But not the character. He’s got the claws. But not the compassion. He’s got the healing factor. But not the heart. He’s everything his dad feared himself capable of being, but never wanted to be — the inverse of the real Wolverine: Cold. Ruthless. Clinically savage. And now he’s Norman Osborn’s shiny new toy in the Dark Avengers, with unbelievable power at his command — all the way to the tips of his razor-sharp claws. Collecting Collecting DARK WOLVERINE #75-77 and the backup stories from WOLVERINE #73-74.

Amazon pre-orders for $10.19. Hardcover editions available now.

X-FACTOR #202 Page 76 $2.99
Peter David and Bing Cansino
It’s all been building toward this: A suicidal assault on Castle Doom in the heart of Latveria as the unlikely trio of Monet, Shatterstar and the Thing go head-to-head with the guy who has his own complete country. Meanwhile, who or what exactly was buried in that lonely grave? And did Madrox arrive in time to make a difference? Plus, Franklin and Valeria Richards are on the run from the most unexpected enemy of all, and the only person who can defend them is…Strong Guy? Part 3 of “The Invisible Woman has Vanished!” Get it before it vanishes off the shelves! [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.]

TOKYO POP

BLOOD HONEY $12.99 Page 271
Sakyou Yozakura
Yuki Akabane is a very popular nurse at a blood donation clinic and a vampire’s descendant! He enjoys drinking the blood of the pretty women who come to his clinic, but when he tastes the blood of donation-obsessed patient Osamu Mayuzumi, will he ever be able to drink another’s blood again?

Pre-order this manga for $10.19 from Amazon.

CROQUIS $12.99 Page 271
Hinako Takanaga

Nagi has been noticing the stare of a particular student at his part-time job modeling at an art school. Kaji seems friendly enough, but Nagi is afraid to let him know his biggest secret–Nagi is a fledgling drag queen who is saving up for some big changes! Will Kaji accept Nagi for who he is or will Nagi be snubbed once again?

Pre-order this manga  for $10.11 from Amazon.

VERTICAL

TEZUKA’S MW TPB Page 272 $19.99
Osamu Tezuka
Yuki is a young bank employee, charismatic but devoid of morality. Garai is the guilt-ridden priest who atones for Yuki’s sins. Years ago they survived the release of an experimental psychotic drug, called MW, an event the government covered up. Driven by nothing but his desire to inflict evil upon the world, Yuki’s salvation can only come from Garai’s negotiation of the guilt-ridden torment of their forbidden love, and his responsibility to stop the vicious killer the MW chemical created!

Pre-order this trade from Amazon for $13.46.

Welcome to Gay Previews, a monthly list that highlights the work of LGBT and gay friendly creators. Listings are primarily taken from each month’s PREVIEWS. Just refer to the page number in your PREVIEWS copy for more information about each comic. Other sources such as a publisher’s website may be used. In these cases, a link is provided.

If you are a LGBT creator whose work has been accidentally overlooked or is not included in PREVIEWS solicitations, please contact me at glajoe at gayleague dot com to be included.

Inspired by Andy Mangels whose idea this is originally and who dutifully compiled numerous lists before this one.

Names listed in bold face are LGBT or gay friendly creators.

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

ECHO #19 $3.50 Page 178
Terry Moore
Trapped in an underground bunker, Julie fights with Annie over who should use her body for the escape, and poor Dillon is the referee! Meanwhile, Dan’s biker gang buries their fallen brothers. After the funeral, the boys mount up for an all out attack on HeNRI.

AURORA PUBLISHING

BE HONEST GN $12.95 Page 187
Naduki Koujima
It s a hot summer vacation in the dorm at an all-boys’ school. Things unexpectedly heat up even further when Aoi ends up rooming with his cold and aloof childhood friend, Shiki. Be Honest! also includes: A Christmas love story at the boys dorm, a hospital romance between two doctors, and a romance between a doctor and a student.

Order this manga from Amazon.

I CAN’T EVEN BREATHE WITHOUT YOU $12.95 Page 187
Yuuri Eda and Yamimaru Enjin
Lazy, deadbeat manga author, Niki (pen name: Kaoruko Goutokuji), finally caught his big break! Except for one problem: his almost supernatural inability to do just about anything! But with a hot, elite business man, Shoji Tatsuhiko, as his childhood friend who constantly looks out for him, who can blame him? Based on a popular yaoi novel, Yamimaru Enjin, an established yaoi author, presents bittersweet love!

Order this manga from Amazon.

DARK HORSE

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #31 $2.99 Page 38
Joss Whedon and George Jeanty
After Willow unearths giant Tibetan goddesses to help in the fight against Twilight and his disposable soldiers, the Slayers are forced to retreat when the goddesses go AWOL and attack indiscriminately. Without powers the Slayers are unable to keep up the fight against missile fire, grenade launchers, and tanks. It would seem that all is lost, and Buffy–all alone–must make her last stand on a battlefield covered in the bodies of friends and foes. Series artist Georges Jeanty reunites with Buffy creator Joss Whedon for this very special Season Eight one-shot.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season 8 Vol 6 TPB $15.99 Page 39
Jane Esperson, Joss Whedon and George Jeanty
Volume 6 showcases the first retreat of the Slayer legion. Vampires have solid footing at the top of the totem and Slayers have been crushed to the bottom–in short, no one likes Buffy anymore . . . least of all this season’s mysterious Big Bad, Twilight, who is hot on her magical trail! Now that it’s the world against Slayers, Buffy must find a way to return the status quo to… status quo — and keep her girls alive long enough to do it! Enter Oz, the only person/werewolf Buffy knows who is down with the suppression of magic, and can take the Slayer army off of Twilight’s magic-specific radar. With Oz’s assistance, the Slayers and Wiccans try to become “normal” through meditation and hard labor–although, not everyone sees the advantage of being magicless, namely, Willow, Giles, and Andrew. And they could be right. After all, is a peaceful life for a Slayer even possible? Collects issues #26-#30 of the ongoing series.

Conan the Cimmerian #18 $2.99 Page 29
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, and José Villarrubia
Defying Yasmela’s orders, Conan sets himself on a runaway course that will end his time fighting with the combined forces of Amalric’s mercenaries, the Khorajan army, and Julion of Koth’s rebel soldiers. Our newest issue marks a turning point in Conan’s career as a sword for hire, when he and his comrades find themselves without work or direction. An old battle wound threatens the life of Amalric, the leader of the restless mercenaries, and the rekindled affair between Princess Yasmela and Prince Julion continues to enrage Conan–who must take action in order to save face. This original tale explores events alluded to in Robert E. Howard’s Conan tales, taking place right after Dark Horse’s Black Colossus story arc and building to the birth of Conan’s “Free Companions”!

DC

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #8 $3.99 Page 73
Paul Dini, Marc Andreyko, Dustin Nguyen, and Jeremy Haun
The rash of child abductions requires decisive action, so Robin goes undercover to learn more about the missing kids. But what can he do when he winds up a prisoner in Zsasz’s slaughterhouse? Can even a highly trained warrior escape from the frighteningly evil clutches of Zsasz? And in the Manhunter co-feature, Kate has to deal with the results of her recent encounter with Two-Face. But is prepared to uncover the mystery surrounding the former D.A.’s death? And can she even trust Two-Face’s word?

DETECTIVE #861 $3.99 Page 72
Greg Rucka, Jock, and Cully Hamner
It’s double the detectives with Batman and Batwoman in for part one of “Cutter”! Batwoman investigates a string of grisly attacks that have left the victims mutilated, or, worse, dead. But what does this case have to do with the kidnapping of a socialite from ten years ago, and what evidence can The Dark Knight himself bring to light on this macabre mystery? Featuring guest art by acclaimed illustrator Jock! And in the co-feature, the Huntress and The Question find themselves in over their heads as a gunrunning case leads them to the business end of a double-barrel shotgun!

GREEN ARROW/ BLACK CANARY: THE WEDDING ALBUM TPB $17.99 Page 93
Judd Winick and Cliff Chiang
Green Arrow and Black Canary are ready to exchange vows — but can they make it down the aisle alive? This new trade paperback collects the GA/BC WEDDING SPECIAL and the first five issues of the happy couple’s monthly series and guest-stars the Justice League of America.

This trade is available from Amazon.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #6 #2.99 Page 81
James Robinson and Mauro Casioli
After a shocking loss, Prometheus reveals an even greater threat to the team than they thought possible! How will this new crisis change the face of the DC Universe? Find out in the penultimate chapter of this groundbreaking miniseries event!
[This Starman is Mikaal Tomas whom Robinson revealed to have a male love interest in his STARMAN. Batwoman is also scheduled to take part in this story, but so far has only been fleetingly shown in unrelated panels.]

QUESTION #37 $2.99 Page 66
Greg Rucka, Denys Cowan, and Bill Sienciewicz
A BLACKEST NIGHT tie-in! Greg Rucka (DETECTIVE COMICS, CHECKMATE) joins original THE QUESTION series artists Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz for the return of Vic Sage! The Black Lantern rings have made their way to earth and disturbed the grave of the original Question. Now, the faceless man returns as Black Lantern Vic Sage targets his former protege – and current replacement – Renee Montoya. It’s the Question vs. the Black Lantern Question vs. Lady Shiva in the ultimate throw-down! One shot.

SECRET SIX #17 $2.99 Page 70
Gail Simone, John Ostrander, and J. Calafiore
John Ostrander and Gail Simone continue their epic team-up that begins in SUICIDE SQUAD #67! Suicide Squad has taken capture of Deadshot, forcing him to rejoin their ranks. But the Secret Six doesn’t see that happening any time soon!

SECRET SIX: UNHINGED TPB $14.99 Page 93
Gail Simone and Nicola Scott
The Secret Six are back in an all-new ongoing series that promises to deliver some of the darkest, most twisted action adventure the DC Universe has seen since…well, the last time the Secret Six got together!Join Catman, Scandal, Deadshot, Ragdoll, and their two newest members as they hit the road on the run from some of the world’s most dangerous killers! A contract has been put out on the lives of the Six, but the sly team has some tricks – and a whole lot of bullets – up their own sleeves! Prepare for an adventure that will take them through a gauntlet across the seediest parts of the DC Universe, and will ultimately pit them against a foe more monstrous and murderous than any they’ve ever had to face! [Re-offered.]

This trade available from Amazon.

STARMAN #81 $2.99 Page 67
James Robinson and Fernando Dagino
ames Robinson revives his beloved STARMAN series for one more issue as a Black Lantern Starman haunts Opal City. Which Starman has returned and who can stop him from wreaking havoc on the city? Well, the Shade would rather just continue his date with Hope O’Dare, but if no one else can be bothered, what choice does he have but to investigate? Just don’t dare call him a Super Hero. As the rest of the DC Universe is learning, defeating Black Lanterns isn’t easy – is this the final curtain call for the immortal Shade? Find out in another of this month’s one-issue revivals of classic DC Universe titles! One shot. [Note: This issue is on the list solely on the chance it may include Mikaal Tomas, the blue Starman whose lover Tony was killed in Robinson's JLA Cry For Justice.]

SUICIDE SQUAD #67 $2.99 Page 69
John Ostrander, Gail Simone, and J. Calafiore
Original SUICIDE SQUAD writer John Ostrander and Gail Simone resurrect The Suicide Squad as they take on BLACKEST NIGHT and the Secret Six! The Fiddler has risen from the dead, and he’s targeting Deadshot and anyone who stands in his way. But someone else has targeted Deadshot – the Suicide Squad! Everything is about to hit the Wall (Amanda Waller, that is) – and this Wall hits back! Continuing this month’s one-issue revival of classic DC Universe titles, this epic story carries into January’s SECRET SIX #17! One shot.

TITANS: LOCKDOWN TPB $14.99 Page 93
Judd Winick, Sean McKeever, Howard Porter and Julian Lopez
There’s a traitor in the Titans’ midst, and the entire Titans headquarters is under lockdown until the team can discover which member could betray them. The problem is, there’s no real way to investigate, since the traitor is now a sleeper agent! Will they have the strength to take down one of their own? And even more, will they want to?

This trade is available from Amazon.

WONDER WOMAN #40 $2.99 Page 86
Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti
Wonder Woman faces The Crows! Five mysterious young men with a dark and terrible secret have arrived on Paradise Island with one mission: To kill Wonder Woman!

WONDER WOMAN: THE CIRCLE TPB $14.99 Page 93
Gail Simone, Terry Dodson, and Bernard Chang
An army of foes called the Olympians have risen to begin their all-out assault on war across the globe and only Wonder Woman can stop them! One particular attack could spell the end of the Department of Metahuman Affairs and end WW’s secret identity of Diana Prince. And Wonder Woman’s life is changed forever when she faces a monster named Genocide who easily goes toe to- toe with the comic book icon…and beats her! Don’t miss this crucial arc in Wonder Woman’s history! [Re-offered.]

This trade available from Amazon.

JOHNNY DC

SCOOBY DO #152 $2.50 Page 95
Terrance Griep, Ivan Velez, Leo Batic, Horacio Ottolini, Fabio Laguna
Scooby-Doo and the gang hit the Wakeboard World Championship, but end up splish-splashing with the the Scaled Sleeper! Is this monster the last of a primordial race as it claims? Only Scooby and his friends can find out!

VERTIGO

ABSOLUTE V FOR VENDETTA $99.99 Page 117
Alan Moore and David Lloyd
Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s powerful epic about loss of freedom and individuality gets the Absolute treatment for the first time in this new, oversized slipcase edition!

Taking place in a totalitarian England following a devastating war that changed the face of the planet, V FOR VENDETTA was the inspiration for the hit 2005 movie starring Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving. This amazing graphic novel spotlights a mysterious man in a white porcelain mask and his young protégé as they fight political oppressors through terrorism and seemingly absurd acts. It’s a gripping tale of the blurred lines between ideological good and evil and details a world where political and personal freedoms are non-existent. This new edition features the improved production values and coloring from the 2005 hardcover in larger format for optimum enjoyment of the stunning art and story

Includes the original 10 issues plus never before reprinted bridging pages which are newly colored plus intros by Lloyd and Moore to the series plus Moore’s extended history of its creation “Behind the Painted Smile” and a newly expanded sketchbook section by David Lloyd. [Re-offered]

This hardcover is available from Amazon.

GREEK STREET #7 $2.99 Page 114
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
While Chantel the chorus girl agonizes over whether she should take a more active role in the story, Eddie and Sandy are forced to play starring roles in a monstrous porn movie. Meanwhile, Owen Furey discovers the shocking truth behind the scars that disfigure his brother’s face – which might just lead to a war with their bitter and powerful enemies. With more sex, bloodshed and labyrinths, the tragedy continues…[Detective Dedalus is gay.]

MADAME XANADU #19 $2.99 Page 115
Matt Wagner, Jöelle Jones, and David Hahn
After the shocking conclusion to the previous issue, a 2-part story by guest artist Joelle Jones begins a storybook look back at Madame Xanadu’s earliest days in ancient, pastoral Britain. The Elder Folk confront the coming of mortal man, and the rivalry between two ageless sisters takes root. [Wagner has revealed a part of Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]

MADAME XANADU: EXODUS NOIR $12.99 Page 115
Matt Wagner,
Matt Wagner is joined by master illustrator Michael Wm. Kaluta (THE SHADOW) for this epic story starring the seductive sorceress Kaluta first envisioned 30 years ago. Weaving a mystery that jumps from the Spanish Inquisition to 1940s New York City, long-buried secrets are revealed as Madame Xanadu investigates a murder 500 years in the making. Collected from issues #11-15 of the hit Vertigo series. Advance-solicited; on sale February 10. [This story arc shows Madame Xanudu's life and romantic relationship with another woman during the Spanish Inquisition.]

This trade is available for Amazon pre-orders.

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #18 $2.99 Page 96
Marc Bernadin, Adam Freeman, and Al Barrionuevo
A new chapter in The Authority begins as a bolt from the deepest reaches of space gives the Carrier a new lease on life. Now the heroes of the WildStorm Universe must decide whether they should abandon the seemingly hopeless Earth or stay behind and fight for its survival.

THE AUTHORITY: THE LOST YEAR #5 $2.99 Page 97
Grant Morrison, Keith Giffen and Jonathon Wayshack
The Carrier is trapped in The Bleed between realities, too low on power to make it any further. And it turns out they’re not alone. There are…things in The Bleed. Hungry things that see the Carrier as a tasty meal.

THE AUTHORITY: RULE BRITANNIA $19.99 Page 97
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Simon Coleby, and Drew Johnson
The super-team created to protect Earth from threats of a global scale struggle to carry on after they fail in their mission. In this collection featuring issues #8-16 of their monthly series, find out what The Authority must do after their world is destroyed. Advance-solicited; on sale February 24

D.E.

THE BOYS #38 $2.99 Page 217
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
The Female of the species is more deadly than the male, according to the poem- just how deadly is revealed in the secret origin of the Boys’ most mysterious member. The dawn of nuclear warfare, rumours of mutant Japanese monsters from the ocean, a subscription to Marie Claire- all this and more in “The Instant White Hot Wild”.

THE BOYS Vol 4: WE GOTTA GO NOW LIMITED EDITION HC Page 217 $29.99
Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and John Higgins
They’re outcasts. Renegades. Rogues. Outsiders. They’re the world’s most profitable superheroes. They’re the G-Men. But all is not well with mysterious millionaire John Godolkin’s band of misfits. Silver Kincaid, one of the original G-Men, has just committed suicide in the most public and grotesque way imaginable. That’s not good news for Vought-American’s number one franchise, with G-Force, G-Coast, G-Style, G-Wiz, the G-Brits and the G-Nomads all depending on their slice of the G-pie. There’s far too much at stake for anyone to go poking around the G-Mansion now. Who knows what dirty secrets might be waiting down there in the dark? So it’s just too bad that Butcher, Hughie, Mother’s Milk, the Frenchman and the Female have decided to do precisely that. Even it they risk finally biting off much, much more than they can chew… This limited — to initial orders only — hardcover printing collects issues 23-30 (“WE GOTTA GO NOW”) of the acclaimed series and features a complete cover gallery including all of the alternate covers from the run (along with the covers by Darick Robertson): John Cassaday, Howard Chaykin, John Higgins, David Lloyd, Dave Gibbons, Gary Erksine, Steve Dillon and Jim Lee!

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE Vol 1 $8.95 Page 228
Jinko Fuyuno and Noboru Takasuki
Junya Sawa is an ordinary man — a modestly successful bank employee in Tokyo. But that isn’t the life he wanted for himself. In the eight years since he graduated from high school, he’s been unable to forget the man who could have changed his life — Uzuki Kobayakawa, the heir to a yakuza dynasty in Tokyo. Now, brought together by chance once again, he’s forced to face the choices he made in his youth that tore them apart and to decide whether their differences will keep them apart forever.

GREEN LIGHT $8.95 Page Page 227
Yura Tamaki and Taishi Zaou
High school freshman Shotaro Izumi has a problem. That problem is his childhood best friend, Makoto Natsuki. Natsuki lives the life of a prince. Ever since elementary school, his perfect looks and sweet disposition have won the hearts of everyone around him and attracted a gaggle of fans. But Natsuki’s burst into fame has plunged Izumi into hell. Five years ago Izumi’s offhanded criticism of his friend earned him the hatred of all the girls (and boys) in school, and it’s only gotten worse since. His friendship with Natsuki was destroyed over the incident, and the ostracism has seriously warped his personality. The more Natsuki becomes a star, the more Izumi becomes a bitter social outcast. So when Natsuki asks Izumi one day what he can do to make up for everything, Izumi flippantly says “Go out with me” just to get a rise out of him. But to his shock, Natsuki takes him up on the offer–and seems to take it very seriously…

HOW TO SEDUCE A VAMPIRE $12.95 Page 226
Nimosaku Shimada
Watanabe gathered up Mizuo’s battered and bloodstained body, was forced to cooperate with the ensuing blood transfusion, and for his trouble was late for his part-time job, resulting in his termination. The mysterious Mizuo tells the now-unemployed Watanabe that he is a vampire, and offers Watanabe a position at his salon. Despite his feeling that Mizuo is a potentially dangerous partner, for some reason Watanabe cannot bear to be away from him…

IN THE WALNUT Vol 1 $12.95 Page 225
Toko Kawai
What do a gallery owner, Hideo Tanizaki, and a young, naive filmmaker, Sohei Nakai, have in common? Well, both of them are 24-years-old – that’s a good start. They both graduated from the same art school – that can’t hurt either. The fact that Tanizaki has a perchance for art forgery is just one “minor” difference between the two that Tanizaki hopes to rectify pretty quickly. Under Tanizaki’s influence, Nakai is inducted into the shady world of counterfeit art and black market dealings. However, not all of Tanizaki’s soul has been corrupted by the promise of money and power. With a kind soul, perhaps even these high stake crimes can be put to good use.

MILLENIUM PRIME MINISTER Vol 3 $12.95 Page 227
Eiki Eiki
Sai, who ran away from Kanata and was being sheltered by Matsumoto, has been kidnapped!! And when it’s made public, not even Sai knew how big of a bombshell the truth behind the kidnapping would be!! Now it looks as though Sai and Matsumoto are becoming Kanata’s enemies. And what does this mean for Minoru and Kanata’s burgeoning romance…?!

PHYSICAL ATTRACTION $12.95 Page 228
Tatsumi Kaiya
“When I met the cool stud Narusawa at college I said half-jokingly, “Screw me next!” Before the day was out, he had. Our relationship was supposed to be just physical, but now I realize I’m falling in love with Narusawa. Looking back on it, it’s a one-way love I brought upon myself. I’m much too embarrassed to tell the purely physical Narusawa “I love you” now!”

801 MEDIA

MANIAC SHORTS SHOT GN $15.95 (Less at Amazon) Page 232
Miya Ousaka
No information other than the mangaka’s name can be found thought it can be pre-ordered from Amazon.

IDW

KRAZY & IGNATZ IN TIGER TEA HC Page 245 $12.99
George Herriman
Krazy Kat’s most surreal adventures were the famed “Tiger Tea” sequence where Krazy Kat imbibed a psychedelia-inducing substance. This is George Herriman at his best in the only full-length Krazy Kat adventure story of his career presented in the same era as Terry and the Pirates and Captain Easy. Krazy & Ignatz in Tiger Tea showcases a rare photo of Herriman sporting a Mexican sombrero and smoking a funny looking cigarette, a perfect addition to this fun, classic trip down memory lane.

This book may be ordered from Amazon

LITTLE ADVENTURES IN OZ BOOK 1 $9.99 Page 246
Eric Shanower
n the marvelous Land of Oz, magic is always around the next corner. Dorothy, the Scarecrow and their many friends can’t stop plunging into one adventure after another. Wonder and magic abound in this collection of “The Enchanted Apple of Oz” and “The Ice King of Oz” by award-winning cartoonist Eric Shanower.

This book may also be ordered from Amazon

IMAGE

PROOF #28 $3.50 Page 156
Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo
“Conclusions” Series finale. The Dover Demon is gone and Proof’s future is uncertain. As the government moves in to shut down The Lodge, Proof makes a startling discovery that may change everything he thinks he knows about himself. [Supporting character Wayne Russet is gay.]

MARVEL

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #22 $2.99 Page 61
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Brad Walker
Holy Octo-mom! What’s growing in Moondragon’s belly, why is the Universal Church of Truth obsessed with keeping her, and can the Guardians rescue her before the planet they’re on goes supernova? Find out in the series that IGN calls “Impressive…Brad Walker’s pages are a dazzling sight…Guardians of the Galaxy is still standing tall and strong.” [Phyla (Quasar, now "Martyr") and Moondragon were lovers before Moondragon’s apparent death. Moondragon has since returned to the land of the living.]

MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #6 $3.99 Page 14
Eric Shanower and Skottie Young
War comes to Oz as the sassy General Jinjur and her army of amazonian milkmaids storm the city gates. And what do the ladies want? Gems, Fudge, and Sandwiches with the crusts cut off! Well, that and the head of King Scarecrow. Join the best-selling team of Eric Shanower and Skottie Young as the revolution heats up!

NATION X #2 $3.99 Page 65
C B Cebulski, Becky Cloonan, Tim Fish, John Barber
Jubilee returns to the X-Men, Gambit has trouble adjusting to life on Utopia, Northstar deals with the distance that island living necessitates and No-Girl has to save all the X-Men from a foe living right under their noses.

NATION X: X-FACTOR $3.99 Page 66
Peter David and Valentin De Landro
Utopia. The sanctuary for mutants to escape a world that wants them extinct. So is it the ideal home for X-Factor? That’s what Cyclops believes when he invites the world’s only mutant detective agency to relocate to their floating island retreat and take up residence there. But will Madrox and his team believe that it’s the best place for them? What old faces will pop up, and what old acquaintances will be renewed? And will there even be a Utopia left when the mysterious Crone shows up and threatens to bring the entire place crashing down into the Pacific?

NEW MUTANTS #9 $2.99 Page 69
Zeb Wells and Paul Davidson
What is Illyana Rasputin up to? In NEW MUTANTS #1, she returned from who knows where with knowledge that she says is from the future. A future where things aren’t going well for the X-Men. Emma Frost is not going to settle for this question being unanswered.

S.W.O.R.D. #3 $2.99 Page 75
Kieron Gillen and Steven Sanders
Agent Brand, Beast, Sydren, Beta Ray Bill, Marvel Boy, Jazinda, Karolina [Karolina Dean from the Runaways] and all the other aliens on Earth have been captured by Henry Gyrich and his “NO MORE ALIENS” agenda. Only one person can free them and save the world: Lockheed.

X-FACTOR #201 Page 76 $2.99
Peter David and Bing Casino
Something is rotten in the state of Latveria. How does it relate to the disappearance of the Invisible Woman? How does it involve Layla Miller, and is she now an ally of Doctor Doom, with all of her precious knowledge at his disposal? Will Madrox learn exactly who is buried beneath that mysterious grave? And will you buy the issue in order to find out? We dunno; what’re we, psychic?[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.]

KING HELL

BRAT PACK TPB $19.95 Page 248
Rick Veitch
The notorious superhero classic is back in print in this newly remastered edition, wrapped in an all-new cover! Rick Veitch’s fierce and darkly comic dissection of the hoary old “kid sidekick” genre is as harrowing as it is hilarious, subversively subtle, and completely over the top. Brat Pack is an edgy and unforgettable danse macabre that is a must for every graphic novel collection. Introduction by Neil Gaiman. [This is another new edition.]

ONI PRESS

STUMPTOWN #4 Page 252 $3.99
It’s the startling conclusion to the debut STUMPTOWN story arc! Private Detective Dex Parios finally placed together all the pieces of the puzzle only to have the fist of organized crime come in and knock it all to hell. Now Dex doesn’t just have to reacquire the target from her missing persons case, but keep herself alive as well! Superstar writer Greg Rucka (WHITEOUT, DETECTIVE COMICS) and hot new artist Matthew Southworth wrap up their first STUMPTOWN adventure with style and surprises!

WET MOON Vol 5 $14.95 Page 253
Ross Campbell
There’s lots going on in the tiny town of Wet Moon and the weirdness isn’t going to die down soon. With Cleo and her circle’s attention focused on the big softball game, the dark emotional clouds gathering in the distance have gone unnoticed. Will anybody be ready for the brutal conflict that’s on the horizon?

TOKYO POP

TOGAINU NO CHI Vol 5 $10.99 Page 265
Suguro Chayamachi
Akira battles a Line-addicted Takeru, who seems to be energized to an insane, superhuman level.
Pre-order this manga from Amazon.