DARK HORSE COMICS - PRESS RELEASES

Dark Horse Comics Celebrating TwentyYears 1986-2006

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Explore never-before-told stories of the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars: Rebellion #1

Dark Horse is pleased to present another all-new Star Wars series for 2006! Set between the events of Episode IV A New Hope and Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Rebellion explores the desperate struggle of Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire. Delivered in high-octane, widescreen style by writer Rob Williams (Cla$$war, SW Tales) and artist Brandon Badeaux (Superman: Man of Steel; SW Empire), Rebellion features shocking revelations about characters from Luke’s past!

Seeking to exploit a fatal flaw in the Rebel fleet’s escape strategies, the Empire plants a sleeper agent in the Alliance’s midst and sets into motion a series of events that will have devastating consequences for Luke Skywalker and his companions. Meanwhile, Darth Vader’s own agenda runs counter to the Empire’s schemes and he’s ensnared Luke’s childhood friend Lt. Janek Sunber to carry out a secret mission that will lead the idealistic Imperial officer straight into the heart of the Rebellion.

“I like to think that, with Rebellion, we’re really trying to bring out the spectacle in Star Wars comics,” commented writer Rob Williams. “We’re making this widescreen action. If it were a movie the budget would be huge. When you look back on what made you fall in love with the movies in the first place, it was big cinema-screen -sized images of starships, battles, and the whole ridiculous romance of the thing. That’s Rebellion.”

Star Wars: Rebellion features story by Rob Williams with art by Brandon Badeaux. Issue #1 arrives on sale April 12 with a retail price of $2.99.


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A superhero and a supervillain live together in perfect disharmony in ArchEnemies

Don’t miss what is bound to be the sleeper comedy hit of the year! Created by newcomer Drew Melbourne (stand-up comedian, South Bronx public school teacher, and freelance writer), with pencils by Yvel Guichet (Batman: Harley Quinn; X-Men), ArchEnemies will make you never look at your roommate the same way again!

Ethan has no idea that Vincent, his roommate, is the villainous Underlord. Vincent has no clue that Ethan is the superhero called Star Fighter. In their costumed identities, they’re mortal enemies, but as Ethan and Vincent they’re the best of . . . wait, NO, as Ethan and Vincent they still hate each other’s guts. Can comics’ ultimate, super-powered odd couple keep their secrets secret and learn to live together in peace? ArchEnemies is high-concept superhero action-comedy-drama times eleven.

“I love comics, and I hate my roommates, so this book was a natural for me,” commented writer Drew Melbourne. “ArchEnemies features all the comedy, all the drama, and all the action that I could possibly cram into four issues. I think people are going to be surprised by just how witty and cool and dramatic and fun this book is!”

ArchEnemies #1 (of 4) features story by Drew Melbourne and art by Yvel Guichet. It arrives on sale April 5 with a retail price of $2.99.


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Aeon Flux film lead-in miniseries collected

This four-issue comics series that set the foundation for events in the feature film is now being collected for the first time!

Four hundred years in the future, the last of Humanity will live behind the protective walls of Bregna, an idyllic utopia built to shelter them from the deadly jungle growing beyond. Life in Bregna is perfect, or as perfect as the government can make the people believe. But not everyone is fooled by their mood-altering propaganda-a small band of freedom fighters wishes to see things change, and they just might manage to pull off this impossible dream with the help of their top secret agent, the sexy, deadly Aeon Flux. As Bregnan authorities prepare a new weapon to use against the jungle pounding at their walls, Aeon prepares to turn their plans against them. But this time she is not alone-she has been instructed to train a new agent, a fiery young woman named Sithandra, who may not be all that she appears . . .

“The twisted conspiracies and agendas that were so signature to the cartoon were given some meaty and satisfying continuity in the film, and this book will helps bridge the two with an adventure that reintroduces Aeon to fans and newcomers alike,” commented writer Mike Kennedy. “I became an instant fan of the character when she first appeared on ‘Liquid Television’ and I’m excited about her return. It was so imaginative and unconventional -way ahead of its time. Now, at last, her time has come.”

The Aeon Flux collection features story by Mike Kennedy with art byTimothy Green II. It arrives on sale May 17 with a retail price of $12.95.

ISBN: 1-59307-528-6


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Third direct-market exclusive hardcover Conan collection arrives with Conan Volume 3: The Tower of the Elephant and Other Stories

Eisner award-winning writer Kurt Busiek (JLA/Avengers, Astro City), Eisner award-nominated artist Cary Nord (Daredevil), and Eisner award-winning color artist Dave Stewart (Ultimate Fantastic Four; DC: The New Frontier) continue their groundbreaking run on Dark Horse’s best-selling Conan series with an adaptation of one of Robert E. Howard’s greatest Conan tales, “The Tower of the Elephant”!

Fed up with both civilization and mysticism, Conan travels to the infamous City of Thieves to take out his frustrations. When a bar fight uncovers the legend of the impregnable Tower of the Elephant, he becomes determined to rob it, setting out on a quest unlike any he’s undertaken-one that will involve new comrades, sudden death, horrifying creatures, and gruesome unsettling fates for both gods and men.

Busiek and Nord-with a special appearance by legendary illustrator Michael Wm. Kaluta (Books of Magic, Lucifer)-chronicle a seminal adventure in Conan’s life, taking him from bloodied back alleys to the apex of a jeweled tower containing one of the universe’s most harrowing secrets. The legacy of Robert E. Howard thrives in this stunning take on a story that helped change fantasy fiction forever!

Conan Volume 3: The Tower of the Elephant and Other Stories features story by Kurt Busiek with art by Cary Nord and Michael W. Kaluta. Colors by Dave Stewart. This hardcover edition will be released on May 17 with a retail price of $24.95. A softcover edition follows on June 21.

ISBN: 1-59307-576-6


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The son of the Boogeyman learns to be scaryin the delightfully charming Dreadful Ed

This beautifully illustrated hardcover book will be an instant favorite for anyone who loves fanciful kids’ stories with a delightful dark edge.

Poor Ed! What’s a normal kid like him doing in a place like Nocturnia? He’s supposed to be the heir to the throne of his dastardly dad-otherwise known as the Boogeyman himself, Silas Grimm! But Ed just isn’t cut out for the work. Quiet, gentle, and altogether unspooky, it appears to everyone that Ed will never have what it takes to rule the land of nightmares and dark deeds.

Rather than giving up on his only heir, Silas ships Ed off to fright school, hoping his woefully un-strange little boy will learn the skills befitting of the next Boogeyman. Instead, Ed ends up learning something about himself that will shock everyone-everyone, that is except the mother who switched him at birth!

Dreadful Ed features story by Andrew Crosby with illustrations by Troy Nixey. This original hardcover arrives on sale May 24 with a retail price of $8.95.

ISBN: 1-59307-575-8


The future of the B.P.R.D. is determined in thenew miniseries The Universal Machine

Hellboy to make rare B.P.R.D. appearance

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, with artist Guy Davis and co-writer John Arcudi, launches the five-part series that will determine the future of the B.P.R.D. and reveals key secrets about their past.

After their catastrophic encounter with the monster-god Katha -hem, the B.P.R.D. begin the work of trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild the team. Kate Corrigan travels to rural France in search of an ancient text that might undo the death of Roger, while back at the B.P.R.D. headquarters, Captain Daimio finally reveals the truth about his own death.

B.P.R.D. The Universal Machine features story by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi with art by Guy Davis. Issue #1 (of 5) arrives on sale April 5 with a retail price of $2.99.



Products being solicited in this month’s Diamond Previews catalog:

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FAVOLE PORTFOLIO

VICTORIA FRANCÉS (A)

On sale in April, six 13 1/2″x 10 3/8″ color prints in folder, $19.99.

Dark Horse is proud to continue our series of portfolios with images from the gothic-tinged and mysterious world of Favole, where images emerge like secret thoughts.

This handsomely packaged set of full-color pictures, each text free and suitable for framing, is full of haunting illustrations by the mysterious and romantic Spanish artist/writer Victoria Francés.

Six 13 1/2″ x 10 3/8″ color prints in folder. The back of the folder features all the interior images, so they can be viewed in the store without having to open the package.


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HOT STUFF AND CASPER

On sale in April:

Hot Stuff 10″ Plush, $24.99
Hot Stuff 20″ Plush, $49.99
Hot Stuff 3-Piece PVC Set, $12.99
Hot Stuff in Match Box Mini Statuette, $34.99
Hot Stuff with Grin Mini Statuette, $34.99
Hot Stuff with Bib Figurine, $24.99
Hot Stuff Pitchfork Guitar Figurine, $24.99
Casper Fishing Figurine, $24.99
Casper Snow Globe, $7.99

Hot Stuff and Casper return for more mischief! The statuettes and figurines of these Harvey Comics characters, imported from France and sculpted of the highest quality by Demons and Merveilles, continue to bring praise from customers.

In addition to our ongoing line of statuettes and figurines, we are excited to expand our line with a Hot Stuff plush available in two sizes, and a Casper snow globe.

Dark Horse is pleased to offer nine new additions to our Hot Stuff and Casper line.


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KOTOBUKIYA COMMANDER BLY SOFT VINYL MODEL KIT

On sale in July, 11″ tall, easy-to-assemble parts, $99.99

Dark Horse continues its exciting import program of the award-winning Kotobukiya Star Wars vinyl figures. Consisting of a few easy-to-assemble parts, Commander Bly stands 11 inches tall.

Clone Commander 5052, also known as Bly, was the leader of the Star Corps of clone troopers assigned to Jedi General Aayla Secura. When the executive command,Order 66, was received from the Supreme Chancellor on Coruscant, identifying Secura as a traitorous enemy of the state, Bly, demonstrating his unerring loyalty to the Republic, raised his rifle and opened fire on his commanding officer, coldly killing the unsuspecting Jedi.

A recognizable character in the film Episode III Revenge of the Sith, Commander Bly is a clone trooper not easily forgotten.


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KOTOBUKIYA ROBOCOP TRILOGY FIGURES

On sale in July
2 1/2″ to 5″ Figures, $9.99 (each)

On sale July 19
Robocop mixed case of twelve (two of each character), packaged in full-color counter display, $119.88

Robocop: MK-2
Robocop: ED 209
Robocop: Robocop
Robocop: Robocop Bust
Robocop: Robocop and ED 209
Robocop: Robocop with Flight Pack

Dark Horse continues its exciting import program of the award-winning Kotobukiya figures. Our ongoing Kotobukiya Star Wars line consists of large, eight-to-eleven-inch figures. With the Robocop series, Kotobukiya gives us the same great quality and precise details in a smaller, more accesible collectible. We offer six different figures, consisting of two to seven easy-to-assemble parts, ranging in size from 2 1/2 to 5 inches.

What was at first considered merely a futuristic action film, Robocop quickly gained a cult following due to its foreboding message about the not-so-distant future-a world where a hard-working, honest cop is turned into an emotionless weapon. When Officer Alex Murphy’s memories seep into Robocop’s consciousness, a battle of morals and revenge commence. The Robocop series is fondly regarded by many, and, we believe, it’s time it was honored with some cool figures!


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SERENITY LOGO ZIPPO® LIGHTER AND ORNAMENT

On sale in March, logo Zippo® lighter, $29.99

On sale April 12, 6″ long x 3 1/2″ wide, full-color ornament, $19.99

Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, made his big-screen writing/directing debut with this sci-fi epic, continuing the story begun in his fan-favorite TV series, Firefly. Fans of the cult-hit TV series and the major motion picture, now available on DVD, will love this Zippo® lighter, featuring the logo of the rogue ship, Serenity and an ornament featuring the ship itself.


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VINTAGE KELLOGG’S? SNAP, CRACKLE, AND POP!® PVC SET AND VINTAGE KELLOGG’S? CHARACTER #6: SNAP®

On sale in August, Vintage Kellogg’s? Character #6: Snap! ®, packaged in a litho-printed full-color tin box with a vintage-style pinback button, and booklet, $49.95.

On sale August 16, Vintage Kellogg’s? Snap! Crackle! Pop! ® PVC set, featuring the three elves together in musical-themed poses, $14.99.

With 2006 marking the 100th anniversary of the Kellogg Company, Dark Horse has been busy digging through the Kellogg’s? archives! Our Vintage Kellogg’s? merchandise includes an eight-character series of statuettes, vinyl figures, tin signs, and a Snap! Crackle! Pop! ® PVC Set.

We are pleased to present Snap! ® this month as the sixth statue in our Vintage Kellogg’s? character series. (Watch for syroco sculpts of his brothers Crackle!® and Pop!® in the months to follow!)

Our Snap!® statue was sculpted by Yoe! Studios, in a style that recalls the 1940s’ sculpting and painting style of “syroco” statues. Each statuette comes packaged in a litho-printed full-color tin box with a vintage-style pinback button and booklet about Snap!® and Kellogg’s?. The statue is available in an extremely limited edition of 500 pieces.

Our Vintage Kellogg’s? Snap! Crackle! Pop!® PVC Set features the three elves together in musical-themed poses. This whimsical band of brothers will bring a smile to that kid inside of you!

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