Thanksgiving is a little less than a week away as this posts and we’re looking ahead to the first Previews of 2016 with this column. We hope your travels are safe and your holiday is filled with good times with family and friends.
This month’s featured image marks a new Vertigo edition of Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo’s Enigma, a remarkable and wondrous coming out story Enigma published in the early 1990s. A handful of trades to tempt you – Wicked + Divine, Lumberjanes, Constantine, Midnighter, 1602 Witchhunter Angela, Catwoman, and Batgirl, which includes Alysiah and Jo’s wedding. Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Bitch Planet returns. Look for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Boom. Gail Simone’s Leaving Megalopolis comes as a Dark Horse mini series. A hardcover collection of the Leonard Starr penned Kelly Green graphic novel includes a gay character. Golden Age artist Matt Baker has stories reprinted in a couple comics (Weird Love and Teenage Romance) and yes, Baker was gay according to Baker friend and associate Frank Giusto, as noted in TwoMorrows’ Matt Baker – The Art of Glamour.
With Black Friday almost here — whatever Black Friday is any more — we’d really appreciate if you’ll use and bookmark Gay League’s Amazon affiliate link to do any or all of your shopping for the holidays or anytime! Commissions go to pay our new contributors! Thank you!
Gay League’s Amazon Affiliate Linkie Thing
People’s names listed in bold are either LGBT+ or supportive. Props to Andy Mangels because this was his idea.
ABSTRACT STUDIOS
RACHEL RISING #39 $3.99 Page 230
Terry Moore
Rachel’s worst fears come true when she comes face to face with Malus and learns the apocalypse has already begun, and she made it possible. What is the greatest lie ever told, and can Rachel do anything to stop it?
AFTERSHOCK
INSEXTS #2 $3.99 Page 241
Marguerite Bennett and Ariela Kristantina
Free of their captor, the lovers explore their freedom, their love, and the monstrous new transformations of which they are capable. But when their thirst for revenge deepens, a sleek, vicious new predator creeps into London, threatening to destroy all they hold dear. This new monthly series is the brainchild of writer Marguerite Bennett (A-Force, Angela, Red Sonja) and artist Ariela Kristantina (Wolverines, Deep State). [Forbidden love in the Victorian Age? Sounds like homosexuality to me, and Bennett writes DC Comics Bombshells with Batwoman and Maggie Sawyer in a relationship.
ARCHIE
JUGHEAD #4 $3.99 Page 250
Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson
Riverdale High has been taken over by a nefarious outside force! Or has it? It’s up to Jughead and Dilton to get proof, but can the mysterious Captain Slackbeard show the way? It’s adventure on the high seas and in the classroom for the gang! Yar! [Thesecond best place to find Kevin Keller is here or in Jughead.]
THE SHIELD #4 $3.99 Page 249
Adam Christopher, Chuck Wendig, and Rachel Deering
“Daughter of the Revolution,” Part 4. She has served her country well, fighting for US interests the world over. But when the Shield’s next mission ends in tragedy on American soil — a tragedy televised live to every home in the country — the true nature of Black Seven is revealed as the superhero the world has been waiting generations for becomes Public Enemy Number 1!
BOOM
ADVENTURE TIME: SUGARY SHORTS Vol 2 TP $19.99 Page 274
Roger Langridge, Derek Fridolfs, Noelle Stevenson, Jai Nitz, Frazer Irving, Roger Langridge, Dustin Nguyen, and various
Collecting stories by amazing creators from around the world, Sugary Shorts Volume Two stars all your favorite characters from Marceline the Vampire Queen to Cinnamon Bun. This collection contains so much sugary goodness it’s almost too sweet to handle. Featuring the work of Dustin Nguyen, Noelle Stevenson, Roger Langridge, Frazer Irving, and more!
LUMBERJANES #22 $3.99 Page 279
Shannon Waters, Kat Leyh, and Carolyn Nowak
When selkies hold Seafarin’ Karen’s boat hostage, the Lumberjanes will have to rely on the one person they aren’t sure they trust: the Bear Woman.
LUMBERJANES Vol 3 TP $14.99 Page 275
Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Faith Erin Hicks, Carolyn Nowak, and various
It’s a free day at Lumberjanes camp, and the Roanoke cabin is…bored out of their skulls. With nothing to fight the girls set themselves to earning all the badges they can that don’t involve monsters or the supernatural, which is surprisingly hard! When Mal and Molly sneak off in search of real adventure, they accidentally stumble into something more than they ever bargained for. Collects the Halloween special issue #9 written by Faith Erin Hicks, plus issues #10-12.
Lumberjanes Vol. 3
MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #0 $3.99 Page 268
Kyle Higgins, Mairghread Scott, Hendry Prasetyo, and Daniel Bayliss
The Power Rangers franchise is a true multi-generational, worldwide franchises. With its flashy costumes, mecha Zords, and–at its core–a story of superpowered teens who fight against evil alien forces, the Power Rangers are a pop-culture phenomenon that has continued to resonate with fans for over 20 years. As a new film gets ready for release in 2017, we, as huge Power Rangers fans ourselves, are excited to produce a modern Power Rangers comic featuring the characters of the original Mighty Morphin series. It’s Morphin Time! The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers make their BOOM! Studios comic debut in this kick-off #0 issue that sets the stage for the rest of the series. After escaping Rita Repulsa’s mind control, Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger, joins up with the rest of the Power Rangers to combat her never-ending evil plans. Any semblance of a normal life is gone for Tommy now, but with his newfound family there lies hope for a brighter path. Incl
THE SPIRE #6 $3.99 Page 276
Simon Spurrier and Jeff Stokely
Meera is held by the Zoarim at their camp as part of the Pax proceedings, but she’s not alone… [Coming to this series late after discovering a police detective in the cast is lesbian.]
THE WOODS #19 $3.99 Page 277
James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas
Calder isn’t strong enough, and Isaac gets caught messing with dangerous powers.
CANTON STREET PRESS
TEENAGE ROMANCE #14 $14.99 Page 286
Dana Dutch, Matt Baker, and Carmine Infantino
This is an exact replica edition of Teen-Age Romance #14 including all editorial and ad pages. Featuring a classic cover by Matt Baker, this pre-code classic includes stories written by Dana Dutch with art by Matt Baker (3 stories), Carmine Infantino (1 story), and Everett Raymond Kinstler (1 story).
CLASSIC COMICS PRESS
KELLY GREEN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION HC $59.95 Page 287
Leonard Starr and Stan Drake
A cop is shot. His widow takes on a most dangerous occupation, as a go-between between the straight and criminal world. Aided by three former convicts; she acts as an agent, brokering payoffs by insurance companies trying to recover stolen property, aiding individuals being blackmailed or paying ransom. Put all these things together and you have Kelly Green. This special edition reprints all five Kelly Green graphic novels in one volume — The Go-Between; One, Two Three, Die…, The Million Dollar Hit, The Blood Tapes, and, for the first time in English, The Comic Con Heist! Originally published in the early to mid 1980s, each graphic novel is being beautifully restored to its original black and white, with many of the pages shot from the originals. [A gay character named Sonny Boye appears in one of the graphic novels collected in this hardcover.https://gayleague.com/sonny-boye/]
Kelly Green: The Complete Collection
DARK HORSE
ALABASTER: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BIRD #2 $3.99 Page 54
Caitlin R Kiernan and Daniel Warren
Our deadly, psychotic, bloodthirsty hero is dead. Who will save us now? Maisie makes a meager living conning the bereaved, even as she still mourns the loss of her friend and lover Dancy. But a pair of twisted bounty-hunting twins are planning to enact a mysterious occult ritual, and Maisie may soon find herself confronting a ghost from her own past.
BUFFY SEASON 10 #23 $3.99 Page 33
Christos Gage and Megan Levens
The Sculptor makes a tempting offer to Andrew that requires a smidgen of Buffy betrayal. But the potential gains seem too good to pass up. Will Andrew go evil, or will Buffy need to keep the former ne’er-do-well in check to ease the tension among the Scoobies?
COLDER: TOSS THE BONES #5 $3.99 Page 34
Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra
Nimble Jack’s ravenous appetite for insanity has left Declan’s temperature at a dangerous low. Now Reece must face the terror of madness unarmed and alone. The disturbing conclusion to Colder: Toss the Bones!
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #19 $4.99 Page 48
Carla Speed McNeil, Alex de Campi, Brendan McCarthy, Shawn Aldridge, Dennis Calero, David Chelsea, Jerry Ordway, Julius Gopez, Brendan McCarthy, Paul Levitz, and Tim Hamilton
Paul Levitz and Tim Hamilton premiere Brooklyn Blood! In a precinct not known for murder, a killer is on the loose. If Detective Billy O’Connor’s PTSD doesn’t get in the way, he may be able to help his partner Nadira Hasan solve this eerie case. This issue also features new chapters of Carla Speed McNeil’s Finder, Shawn Aldridge and Julius Gopez’s Last Act, Dennis Calero’s The Suit, and David Chelsea’s Sandy and Mandy. Alex de Campi and Jerry Ordway’s Semiautomagic and Brendan McCarthy’s Dream Gang conclude!
ELFQUEST FINAL QUEST #13 $3.50 Page 47
Wendy Pini and Richard Pini
A raid by Djunslander war men on a humble village near the Wavedancers’ waters brings down Rayek’s wrath. Ember steps in to lead the Wolfriders in her father’s bewildering absence, but what of her own distant tribemates? What of Cutter’s loved ones, desperate to find him? And what of Cutter himself, torn by his own terrible truth?
LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS: SURVIVING MEGALOPOLIS #1 $3.99 Page 43
Gail Simone and J Calafiore
The Kickstarter phenomenon returns! Fan-favorite creators Gail Simone (Batgirl, Deadpool) and J. Calafiore (Secret Six, Exiles) return to the town whose citizens are hunted–not by villains, but by heroes! The survivors of Megalopolis reluctantly go back to the city–still under the control of formerly beloved superheroes turned brutal killers–on a rescue mission straight into the heart of madness. Get in on the ground floor of this critically acclaimed series and see what happens when the good guys go very, very bad.
MYSTERY GIRL #2 $3.99 Page 47
Paul Tobin and Alberto Alburquerque
Trine knows the answer to any question, except how she knows it. But that’s a mystery for later. The mystery for now concerns frozen mammoths in Siberia, and Trine, who never leaves London, wants to go see them herself. And close behind her is a killer who’s targeted Trine for reasons even she doesn’t know.
ZODIAC STARFORCE: BY THE POWER OF ASTRA TP $12.99 Page 52
Kevin Panetta and Paulina Ganucheau
An elite group of teenage girls with magical powers have sworn to protect our planet against dark creatures . . . as long as they can get out of class! Known as the Zodiac Starforce, these high-school girls aren’t just combating math tests. They’re also battling monsters! But when an evil force infects leader Emma, she must work with her team to save herself–and the world–from the evil Diana and her mean-girl minions! Collects Zodiac Starforce #1-#4.
Zodiac Starforce: By the Power of Astra
DC
ACTION #48 $23.99 Page 88
Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder
“The Savage Dawn” begins! Following recent events in the SUPERMAN ANNUAL, Superman is becoming increasingly desperate to regain his powers! The situation is dire, as he must rescue his fellow Justice Leaguers and save the lives of the soldiers facing Vandal Savage! [Greg Pak is added to the list after I noticed he became a backer of Geeks Out’s Flame Con Kickstarter.]
BATGIRL #48 $2.99 Page 94
Cameron Stewart, Brendan Fletcher, and Babs Tarr
When Batgirl is down, it’s Black Canary to the rescue! Dinah and Barbara reteam to try to discover the identity of the malevolent mastermind making their presence felt in Burnside!
BATGIRL: FAMILY BUSINESS Vol 2 TP $16.99 Page 113
Cameron Stewart, Brendan Fletcher, and Babs Tarr
There’s a new Batman in town–and that’s bad news for Barbara Gordon! She’s already got enough upheaval in her life, with her roommate Frankie now in on her biggest secret. And what happens when Livewire joins the fight with the intention of taking out both Batgirl and the mysterious new Batman? It’s all here, from the pages of issues #41-45, annual #3, and the Sneak Peek story from Convergence: Infinity Inc. #2. [Includes the issues of Alysiah and Jo’s engagement and wedding.]
Batgirl Vol. 2
BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL #14 – 17 $2.99 Page 105
James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Steve Orlando, Matt Ryan, Andrea Mutti, Christian Duce, Paul Pelletier, and Fernando Pasarin
Grayson, Red Hood, Red Robin and Harper Row have uncovered the full scope of Mother’s dangerous operation, and they’re ready to spring their trap! But there’s one problem: Cassandra Cain has gone rogue, and they may not be able to pull her back from the edge! There’s no time to lose, either, because for every mystery they solve about Mother, there are more waiting to be discovered, including Mother’s next target, a place that couldn’t be more personal to Dick Grayson!
BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #2 $3.99 Page 69
James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams
Trapped in a world where they can scarcely tell friend from foe, the Turtles’ first encounter with the Dark Knight puts their fighting skills to the ultimate test. And while Batman and scientist Lucius Fox search for any clue as to where these strange ninjas come from, Shredder strikes a deal with The Penguin! Co-published with IDW! (c) 2015 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Based on characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman.
CATWOMAN #48 $2.99 Page 94
Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda
In New York City and framed for a murder she did not commit, Catwoman is now on the run! And to uncover whoever is out to get her, she’ll have to ask for help from some unlikely–and untrustworthy–sources. Her hunt to uncover the truth may end up putting her in the sights of more than just the NYPD!
CATWOMAN: INHERITANCE Vol 7 TP $14.99 Page 117
Genevieve Valentine and David Messina
Selina Kyle put aside her life as Catwoman to run Gotham City’s criminal underworld, but now the catsuit’s back on and Catwoman’s got a new mission: find out what happened to Batman! Spinning out of the events of Batman, Selina Kyle juggles a criminal empire on the brink of war and her search the Dark Knight. Collects issues #41-46, plus the Sneak Peek story from Convvergence: Swamp Thing #2
Catwoman Vol. 7: Inheritance
CONSTANTINE: THE HELLBLAZER #8 $2.99 Page 73
Ming Doyle, James Tynion IV, and Riley Rossmo
The creepy Mr. Rumor and his mysterious employer have executed a hostile takeover of New York’s hottest supernatural nightspot! Now, only John Constantine can help Papa Midnite sneak into his own club to rescue the deadly magical artifacts inside. How is Mr. Rumor’s scheming connected to the destructive magical force that’s been brewing in NYC since our series began? It’s the Hellblazer’s business to find out.
CONSTANTINE: THE HELLBLAZER – GOING DOWN Vol 1 TP $14.99 Page 111
Ming Doyle, James Tynion IV, Riley Rossmo, Vanesa Del Rey, and Chris Visions
The dark adventures of DC’s foremost occult detective continue in issues #1-6 of his all-new series, plus the Sneak Peek story from Convergence: Shazam! #2, as he investigates the cruelest case he’s ever come across–his own dark history! Someone is murdering ghosts, a supernatural crime so impossible to solve that John Constantine is forced to return to London and seek help from the one person he hates more than any other; a magician above reproach, a darling of London high society, and a friend to superheroes everywhere. She is Georgiana Snow…the Heckblazer!
Constantine: The Hellblazer Vol. 1
DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #8 $3.99 Page 107
Marguerite Bennett, Laura Braga, and Maria Laura Sanapo
Now serving on the side of the Allies as part of the Amanda Waller’s Bombshells program, Supergirl and Stargirl wonder if they still are being used as instruments of propaganda. Meanwhile, mythological creatures and the undead legions of Tenebrus attack the Allied forces, bringing Wonder Woman into the fray. Can she count on the newest Bombshells to help?
DETECTIVE #48 $3.99 Page 97
Peter Tomasi and Marcio Takara
In the wake of the Robin War and globe-hopping with the Justice League, Jim Gordon is looking forward to getting back to what he, and Batman, do best: taking out crime in Gotham City. But lurking in the shadows at home is a case from Jim’s past that may decide the future of [Renee Montoya is back!]
EARTH TWO: SOCIETY #8 $2.99 Page 75
Daniel S Wilson and Jorge Jimenez
A bold new era begins on Earth-2! The heroes have decided to take leadership roles in this still-rebuilding world. But power soon becomes absolute power, and the people of Earth-2 quickly discover they’ve trusted in the wrong heroes! [Last issue Alan Scott got the spotlight.]
FLASH #48 $3.99 Page 76
Robert Vendetti, Van Jenson, and Brett Booth
In the aftermath his recent clash with Zoom, The Flash finds himself on the run…from the law! And the task force charged with arresting him is made up of his enemies, The Rogues! [Captain Singh and Hartley Rathaway are a couple. Barry Allen and Rathaway are now roommates!]
GRAYSON #16 $3.99 Page 98
Tom King, Tim Seeley, and Mikel Janin
Armed with new information concerning Spyral’s connections, Dick must seek Tiger’s help to take Spyral down from within. But when Dick’s, his days as a double-agent may soon end in death!
HARLEY QUINN #24 $3.99 Page 99
Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Chad Hardin
Harley’s got an endangered friend to save, but there’s just one problem: she’s got to get through Arkham Asylum first! Unsurprisingly, Harley’s not eager to set foot in the site of some of her darkest hours…and she definitely isn’t ready to face a certain someone who’s laughing at the end of a dark hallway… [According to an interview at The Mary Sue, Harley and Ivy are girlfriends “without the jealousy of monotony”.]
MIDNIGHTER #8 $2.99 Page 78
Steve Orlando and David Messina
As he recovers from an assault that hit him harder than he ever could have imagined, Midnighter finds himself back in the sights of Spyral…but this time, they want him on their side!
MIDNIGHTER: OUT Vol TP $14.99 Page 112
Steve Orlando, ACO. Alec Morgan, and Stephen Mooney
Spinning out of Grayson comes a solo series starring the man who can predict your every move…but no one will be able to predict what he’ll do next! A theft at the God Garden has unleashed a wave of dangerous biotech weapons on the world, and Midnighter intends to put that genie back in the bottle by any means necessary. But something else was stolen from the Garden as well…the secret history of Lucas Trent, the man Midnighter once was! Collects issues #1-7, plus the Sneak Peek story from Convergence: Nightwing/Oracle #2.
Midnighter Vol. 1
POISON IVY: CYCLE OF LIFE & DEATH #1 $2.99 Page 67
Amy Chu and Clay Mann
Life. Death. Poison Ivy has power over both. But can she keep her friends and hold down a regular job at the same time? As Dr. Pamela Isley, she joins the prestigious plant sciences department at Gotham Botanical Gardens, but things quickly get complicated when a fellow scientist is murdered and it looks like the work of Ivy. Don’t miss the start of this new 6-issue miniseries! [Poison Ivy and Harley were always making out together and Harley writer Amanda Connor said Harley is bi. Whether Chu addresses Pamela’s sexuality in this mini remains to be seen.]
SECRET SIX #10 $2.99 Page 85
Gail Simone and Dale Eaglesham
“House of Strangers” concludes the war between the forces of magic and the Elder Gods–with the Six caught in the middle! Black Alice may hold the key to Earth’s survival, but Big Shot wants to make sure she doesn’t lose her humanity in the process. Plus, Etrigan reveals a deadly secret, and the Council of Magicians must make a fateful decision. How can our band of misfits survive, let alone make a difference, when they are so far out of their league? Guest starring…everyone!
SECRET SIX: WHAT IS THE SECRET OF THE SIX? Vol 1 TP 414.99 Page 121
Gail Simone, Ken Lashley, and Dale Eaglesham
A new Six–Catman, Strix, Black Alice, Porcelain, Big Shot, and the Ventriloquist (and his talking dummy, Ferdie)–are kidnapped and held prisoner by the mysterious Mockingbird. Their trauma brings them together and, against all odds, forges them into something like a family. Collects issues #1-6, plus the Sneak Peek story from Convergence: Wonder Woman #2.
SINESTRO #19 $2.99 Page 104
Cullen Bunnn, Brad Walker, and Andrew Hennessy
The Pale Bishop has declared a holy war on all emotion–and his minions are about to invade Earth! Only the power of fear stands against them. In an attempt to bolster his defensive line, Sinestro has dispatched yellow rings across our world, adding many heroes and villains to the ranks of the Sinestro Corps! [Cullen Bunn wrote Dez Trevius’ back story in Sinestro annual #2 to show he’d been romantically involved with another man from his home world.]
TEEN TITANS #16 $2.99 Page 83
Will Pfeiffer and Alison Borges
While the Teen Titans try to deal with the aftermath of the Robin War, they search for a new direction. Can Red Robin hold the team together?
VERTIGO
ASTRO CITY #31 $3.99 Page 124
Kurt Busiek and Jesus Merino
A monster’s-eye-view of heroes, fear, battle and more, as the Living Nightmare–the embodiment of fear itself–goes up against the Honor Guard, and all its secrets come to light. A story that could change the team forever. And half of them just got new costumes, too. Featuring the work of guest-artist Jesus Merino! [A trans character was featured in #16 and a gay couple shown in #13.]
CLEAN ROOM #4 $3.99 Page 125
Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt
Astrid finds herself in the unique position of interrogating someone…scratch that…someTHING truly unexpected in the Clean Room, and she may not leave there alive. Meanwhile, Chloe storms off to find another way to take down Astrid and her corporation, only to find her life spiraling farther down the drain…not to mention, something from the Clean Room may have slithered out to follow her home
ENIGMA $17.99 Page 133
Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
From Amazon: Enigma is a thought-provoking post-modern tale of self-discovery and sexual identity told against the backdrop of improbable super-heroes and villains. Michael Smith lives a meaningless life of routine and boredom. But when Enigma, his favorite childhood comic book hero, inexplicably comes to life, Smith finds himself on an obsessive crusade to uncover the secret behind his improbable existence. Teaming with Enigma’s comic creator, Smith encounters an insanity-inducing psychopath, a brain-eating serial killer, and a suicide-inciting clown posse as his quest uncovers hidden truths about both his idol and himself. This new edition of the Vertigo classic is written by Peter Milligan with kinetic art by Duncan Fegredo. [Enigma was a beautiful coming out story.]
Enigma (New Edition)
D.E.
RED SONJA #1 Vol 3 $3.99 Page 298
Marguerite Bennett and Aneke
Through the plains of Hyrkania, a message sweeps through the scattered peoples of the nation. Bells ring, horns blow, voices shout – the King is dying! Red Sonja rides to save the King from his doom as the powers of Hyboria crowd around to strike when the kingdom is weakest. But a dread new power rises from within Hyrkania’s own borders, bent on defending its homeland – no matter the cost, no matter what its people become. A defining chapter of the Red Sonja saga – dark, clever, vicious, and funny – as the She-Devil with a Sword must stop the rise of a brutal new regime… her own people!
SWORDS OF SORROW COMPLETE SAGA TP $49.99 Page 301
Gail Simone, Mairghread Scott, Nancy A. Collins, G. Willow Wilson, Erica Schultz, Leah Moore, Marguerite Bennett, Emma Beeby, Mikki Kendal, Sergio Davila, Mirka Andolfo, Dave Acosta, Noah Salonga, Francesco Manna, Crizam Zamora, Rod Rodolfo, and Ronilson Freire
Dynamite’s fiercest females appear in a massive genre-spanning crossover event featuring an all-star line-up of female authors, headlined by Gail Simone! The ultimate pulp adventure features Vampirella, Dejah Thoris, Red Sonja, Purgatori, Lady Demon, Chastity, Jungle Girl, Jennifer Blood, Kato, Lady Zorro, and many, many more! Villains and heroes from a dozen worlds and eras face off against a legendary evil that threatens all their homelands.
Swords of Sorrow: The Complete Saga (Swords of Sorrow Comp Tp)
DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISHING
I’VE SEEN IT ALL GN Vol 3 $13.95 Page 31
Shoko Takaku
Ayumi is thrilled to have an extra-hot relationship with his gorgeous and talented doctor. But what will happen when a surprise after-hours visit leads to a shocking special request? Are good intentions enough when the heat is on? I’ve Seen It All throbs with the passion of committed doctors and their coy, cute patients! When tender treatment is required for a bruised and battered heart, who will step in to administer the healing touch?
I’ve Seen It All Volume 3 (Yaoi Manga) (I’ve Seen It All (Yaoi Manga))
SHY INTENTIONS GN $1295 Page 311
Syouko Takaku
Sweet, serious Yoshiyuki is a middle-school art teacher who tends to keep to himself. In fact, it’s almost like he’s scared to connect with anyone around him… including his adoring students. But when Yoshiyuki catches the eye of a savvy furniture designer named Kaoru, he quickly undergoes a transformation of both his mixed-up mind and his young body. Will Yoshiyuki finally lift his downcast eyes and see that the world is filled with incredible beauty, or will he retreat into the safety of his old, familiar ways?
Shy Intentions (Yaoi)
DRAWN & QUARTERLY
BERLIN #19 $5.95 Page 314
Jason Lutes
The spring of 1932 brings about big changes for everyone, Jew and Gentile, communist and nationalist. Silvia Braun, rescued from the streets by the Schwartz family, can no longer tolerate the harsh rules of the family patriarch, and sets out on her own. Anna, Marthe’s lover, is in a deep funk after a disastrous confrontation with Nazis. The ties that bind together Marthe, Anna, and Kurt fray beyond repair, leaving Marthe struggling to figure out her path. Carl von Ossietzky, Kurt’s editor, is sent to prison on charges of high treason and espionage. On every front, the storm clouds are gathering. [Features a lesbian couple.]
BERLIN TP BOOK 1 $22.95 Page 314
Jason Lutes
Berlin: City of Stones presents the first part of Jason Lutes’ captivating trilogy, set in the twilight years of Germany’s Weimar Republic. Kurt Severing, a journalist, and Marthe Muller, an art student, are the central figures. City of Stones covers eight months in Berlin, from September 1928 to May Day, 1929, meticulously documenting the hopes and struggles of its inhabitants as their future is darkened by a glowing shadow.
Berlin: City of Stones: Book One (Part 1)
BERLIN TP BOOK 2 CITY OF SMOKE $22.95 Page 315
Jason Lutes
The people of Weimar Berlin search for answers after the lethal May Day demonstration of 1929. Tension builds along with the dividing wall between communists and nationalists, Jews and gentiles, as the dawn of the Second World War draws closer. The lives of the characters within Lutes’s epic weave together to create a seamless portrait of this transitory city. Marthe Muller follows lover Kurt Severing as he interviews participants in the May Day demonstration, but moonlights in the city’s lesbian nightlife. Lutes creates a sense of anxiety and imminent doom.
Berlin Book Two: City of Smoke (Bk. 2)
FANTAGRAPHICS
L & R COMICS DEMENTIA $19.99 Page 320
Gilbert Hernandez
Comics Dementia collects buried treasures, oddities, and rarities from outposts of the Love and Rockets galaxy by Gilbert Hernandez. Most of these stories haven’t been available since the 1990s. Saints, sinners, and the Candide-like Roy mingle in jungles, cocktail lounges, living rooms and outer space. Ditko meets Melville meets Bob Hope–but the party really starts when the Alfred E. Neuman of the Love and Rockets multi-verse, Errata Stigmata, makes her entrance.
Comics Dementia (Love and Rockets)
L & R HEATBREAK SOUP $18.99 Page 321
Gilert Hernandez
This beautiful, affordable volume collects the first half of Gilbert’s modern-day classic, featuring the acclaimed magical-realist tales of Palomar, the Central American hamlet, and its memorable inhabitants
L & R HUMAN DIASTROPHISM $14.99 Page 321
Gilbert Hernandez
In the second half of the Palomar saga, the town’s idyll is broken by a serial killer, the modern world’s intrusions, and a shocking death. The seeds sown, the “Palomar diaspora” ends this dense, enthralling book.
Human Diastrophism (Love & Rockets)
IDW/ TOPSHELF
THE EIGHTH SEAL #2 $3.99 Page 164
James Tynion IV and Jeremy Rock
A horrific conspiracy has lurked at the back of American government for hundreds of years, and it seems First Lady Amelia Cole is caught in the conspirators’ machinations. What do her visions have to do with the terrifying secret of the Eighth Seal?
JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS #11 3.99 Page 140
Kelly Thompson and Sophie Campbell
Something is wrong with Synergy! As Jem & the Holograms first tour begins, something–or someone–called Silica is after them… but who, or what, is she? Meanwhile, the Misfits need to replace their lead singer fast–and maybe even… permanently?!? This issue ships with 5 variant covers.
JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS COMPLETE METALLIC FOIL BOX SET $24.99 Page 141
Kelly Thompson and Sophie Campbell
Want to collect all the covers, but don’t have the time to chase them down? Buy the entire set, which comes in a deluxe black metallic foil collectible box! Includes all five covers from Sophie Campbell!
JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS COVERS TREASURY EDITION $9.99 Page 141
Sophie Campbell, Sara Richard, Jen Bartel, and many, many more!
Glamour and glitter, fashion and fame, and covers, covers, covers! Since the Jem & the Holograms comic debuted, we’ve had a special cover or two. Now–cover, free from logos and type, at giant size, under one set of covers!
ORPHAN BLACK: HELSINKI #3 $3.99 Page 159
Graeme Manson, John Fawcett, Heli Kennedy & Denton J. Tipton, and Alan Quah
Spoken in hushed tones, the word means almost certain death for the clones of Project Leda. But find out here what it means to a very special clone named Veera. Learn the dark secrets of this codename in this special event miniseries by co-creators John Fawcett and Graeme Manson.
WEIRD LOVE #11 $4.99 Page 174
Richard Hughes, Ruth Roche, and Matt Baker, and various
The cover story alone, “Jailbird’s Romance”, would cost you a couple of grand on the collector’s market! It’s drawn by the demented duo Ogden Whitney and Richard Hughes. More bizarre stories include “It’s Like Love, Pussycat!” “Pick-up,” and in “Savage Kisses,” a knife-wielding, half-naked, island girl fights Nazis and wins the heart of an American soldier. Then, it gets worse, with the most sordid comic story we’ve ever printed!
WORLDS OF COLOR WELCOME TO OZ ADULT COLORING BOOK TP $9.99 Page 174
Eric Shanower
Follow the yellow brick road to happiness and wonder with this charming adult coloring book from Eisner-winning creator Eric Shanower! Dorothy and all her friends are here, waiting for your coloring to bring all of Oz to life.
IMAGE
BITCH PLANET #6 $3.99 page 188
Kelly Sue DeCConnisk andd Taki Soma
Extraordinary Machine” uncovers the past of the Bitches’ secret weapon Meiko Maki, how she went from promising engineer to killer–and the ace up her sleeve.
Catch up with the series and order vol 1 for $9.99!
Bitch Planet, Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine
JUPITER’S CIRCLE #2 Vol 3 $3.50 Page 191
Mark Millar and Chris Sprouse
Skyfox was once a member of America’s greatest super team–now he’s kidnapped the Vice President in a bid to stop the Vietnam War. [One of the heroes is a gay man.]
MONSTRESS #2 $4.99 Page 191
Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
Maika must confront the deadly secrets that live inside her. [Liu of course wrote Northstar and Kyle Jinadu in Astonishing X-Men and something from the 3 paged sneak peek in Previews tells me she may include LGBT characters or themes in this series.] http://geek-finity.com/2015/08/24/preview-monstress-1/
NO MERCY #6 $3.99 Page 204
Alex De Campi and Carla Speed McNeil
Travis makes friends. Chad makes enemies.
ODY-C: SONS OF THE WOLF Vol 2 $14.99 Page 214
Matt Fraction an Christian Ward
Some people would do anything for love… even go to war… forever. What happened to Ene the Conqueror, and He, of Troiia, after the end of the Troiian War and they departed for home, reunited at last? It doesn’t go well for either of them, it turns out. You think war is hell? Try being married to these two. This legendary couple finds themselves trapped on a world where madness reigns and blood flows daily. To escape, Ene must hunt and kill the bastard son of a god and He must weave stories night after night hoping to stay alive long enough for his bride to rescue him… Collects ODY-C #6-10. [A gender bent retelling of the Oddessy.]
ODY-C Volume 2
PAPER GIRLS #4 $2.99 Page 205
Brian K Vaughn and Cliff Chiang
What lurks beneath the streets of Stony Stream? [Given how often Vaughn works an LGBT character into his stories it seems like a sure bet that he’ll do the same here sooner or later.]
PHONOGRAM: THE IMMATERIAL GIRL #6 $3.99 Page 205
Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, and Matt Wilson
Adieu! Adieu! Auf Wiedersehen! Goodbye! Emily! Aster! Is probably going to die!
RAT QUEENS #15 $3.99 Page 2
Kurtis J Wiebe and Tess Fowler
“Demons,” Part five. A betrayal changes the Rat Queens forever! Prepare to be shocked! You did not see this one coming! [One of the Rat Queens was in love with another woman. The series also was a GLAAD award.]
SAGA #33 $2.99 Page 207
Brian K Vaughn and Fiona Staples
Upsher and Doff are back on the case. [NOminated for a GLAAD award.]
THE TITHE #8 $5.99 Page 208
Matt Hawkins, Rahsa Ekedal, and Phillip Sevy
“Islamaphoboa,” conclusion–Double-sized final issue of this second arc comes to a fiery conclusion with a special guest appearance by Dr. David Loren from Think Tank. This series will return June 2016.[Ekedal is an LGBT ally.]
TREES: TWO FORESTS Vol 2 TPB $12.99 Page 217
Warren Ellis and Jason Howard
A survivor of the Blindhail Event looks for signs of imminent global disaster among the megaliths and relics of Orkney, while the new mayor of New York plans to extract his revenge for the awful thing that happened the day the Tree landed on Manhattan. Collects issues #9-14.[One of the main characters is trans.]
Trees Volume 2 (Trees Tp)
Haven’t read Trees? Start with volume 1.
Trees Volume 1 (Trees Tp)
WALKING DEAD #149 $2.99 Page 200
Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano, and Cliff Rathburn
In our 150th issue, Rick Grimes finds himself… betrayed! [One of the men who was half of a gay couple was spoilers! Also, two other gay people in the cast.]
WICKED & DIVINE Vol 3 TPB $14.99 Page 218
Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Kate Brown, Tula Lotay, Stephanie Hans, Leila Del Duca, Mat Lopes, Brandon Graham and Matt Wilson
After the detonation of Fandemonium the gods-as-pop-stars of the Wicked + Divine try living in the long dark shadow. Team WicDiv are joined by a stellar cast of guest artists to put the spotlight on each of the gods. The multiple Eisner Award nominated series continues in the only way it knows how: darker, weirder, faster. Don’t worry. It’s going to be okay. Collects issues #12-17
MARVEL
Thanks to Mike McDermott for his advice with post Secret War Marvel books, including paraphrased info included here! Greg Pak has a history of LGBT inclusiveness so his Totally Awesome Hulk may be a book to watch. Could readers see Wiccan guest star in Scarlet Witch? And with other heroes rotating in to A-Force will any be LGBT? Will the new Hercules series acknowledge the incorrigible demi-god’s bisexuality?
1602 WITCH HUNTER ANGELA TP $15.99 Page 108
Marguerite Bennett, Kiern Gillen, Neil Gaiman, Stephanie Hans, Marguerite Sauvage, Irene Koh, Frazer Irving, and Kody Chamberlain
In one of the most magical realms on Battleworld, Angela and Sera are Witch Hunters — the scourges of King James’ England, just as it stood in 1602. But their target now is a new breed of evil: the power-bargaining Faustians! The Faustians have made their deal not with the Devil, but with the ever-seductive Enchantress — and that may be just as deadly. Have your psychic ribbons and lethal weapons at the ready, for the hunt is on! But beware a land where the dead walk, the faerie folk flutter and a ragtag band of ne’er-do-wells perform for your entertainment — that’s right, it’s the Guardians of the Galaxy, 17th-century style! Plus: Revisit the early dawn of the Marvel Universe in the first issue of Neil Gaiman’s original classic 1602! Collecting 1602 Witch Hunter Angela #1-4 and 1602 #1.
1602 Witch Hunter Angela
AGENTS OF SHIELD #1 $3.99 Page 16
Marc Guggenheim and German Peralta
It’s high-stakes espionage in the Marvel Universe in this brand-new series inspired by the hit television show Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Tony Stark guest-stars in the beginning of “The Coulson Protocols”.
ALL NEW INHUMANS #3 $3.99 Page 45
Charles Soule, James Asmus, and Stefano Caselli
The All-New Inhumans are trapped by a dictator hell-bent on weaponizing Inhumans as weapons of mass destruction. * Let’s hope Gorgon’s training pays off or they may not make it out alive. [Asmus has also revealed that one of the new Inhuman characters will be gay.]
ALL NEW X-MEN #4 $3.99 Page 76
Dennis Hopeless and Mark Bagley
Reunited at last, the All-New X-Men hit the road on a mission to write their own futures and be the heroes they believe mutantkind needs most. But it’s awfully hard to forge ahead when the immovable BLOB is standing in the way! And he’s not the only one with his sights set on the young X-Men…
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #6 $3.99 Page 55
Dan Slott and Giuseppe Camuncoli
One of Spider-Man’s most terrifying villains, Mister Negative, has followed him to Shanghai. In Mister Negative’s service are two beloved Marvel heroes. Wait, two heroes?! What is Mister Negative’s plan and how did he convince two fan-favorite heroes to join him? Pick up this issue to find out! [Gay cast member Max Modell from pre Secret Wars appears again and became married to Hector Baez in #1.]
ANGELA QUEEN OF HEL #4 $3.99 Page 72
Marguerite Bennett, Kim Jacinto, and Stephanie Hans
Angela, Sera, and Leah lead the rebellion in the underworld to overthrow Hela, while simultaneously racing to escape the ghosts of their past! Aaaand we’re pretty much upending the toybox that is Hel and shaking out all the cool characters and Angela and Sera are going to fight them! [Angela and Sera were confirmed as lovers in #2.]
ASTONISHING ANT-MAN #4 $3.99 Page 35
Nick Spencer and Ramon Rosanas
The Power Broker has a new app called Hench – need a super villain to take out a super hero for you? Just Hench it! “Zero out of five stars!,” says Scott Lang, the Astonishing Ant-Man. [Gay Machinesmith has carried over from the previous series. We’ll have to wait and see if the same holds true of the gay Indian-American man who inherited Giant Man’s suit.]
CAPTAIN MARVEL #1 $3.99 Page 8
Michele Fazekas, Tara Butters, and Kris Anka
Face front, true believers! The Captain has made her return and oh, how mighty it is. It’s a bold new frontier for Carol Danvers as she soars to new heights in her greatest mission yet–leader of the all-new Alpha Flight space program. Yup, Alpha Flight. As earth’s first line of defense, Carol and her team aim to protect the planet from extraterrestrial threats. But can Carol be a soldier and a diplomat? Especially when an unknown enemy emerges that Carol can’t quite punch. The superstar team behind Marvel’s Agent Carter television series, Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas, make their comics debut alongside the awesomely-talented Kris Anka.
EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #6 $3.99 Page 77
Jeff Lemire and Humberto Ramos
This month, it’s mutants, monsters and…Rhinosaurs?! With the doors of X-Haven thrown open wide to mutantkind, the Extraordinary X-Men continue their mission of providing relief and rescue to any mutant in need. But when they respond to a distress call originating in Weirdworld, are the X-Men in over their heads…or worse, about to lose them?
NEW AVENGERS #5 $3.99 Page 28
Al Ewing and Gerardo Sandoval
Captain America! Iron Mariner! King Hulk! Marvel Woman! Collapsar! Together, they are the Avengers – of the year 20XX! Now, these five heroes are breaking the laws of time itself to prevent their greatest tragedy! Destination – the year 2016! Target – the New Avengers!
PATSY WALKER, AKA HELLCAT #2 $3.99 Page 60
Kate Leth and Brittney Campbell
Friendship and burgers! Monsters and rent checks! A ghost from the past with questionable motives! Hellcat has more than enough to deal with as a crime-fighter, why does being Patsy Walker have to be so tough, too? Join us for the comic critics are calling “available January 2016!”
SILK #3 $3.99 Page 50
Robie Thompson and Stacey Lee
Spider-man s Silk! Golin King vs Silk! [Will the lesbian couple in the previous volume’s support cast return?]
SQUADRON SUPREME #3 $3.99 Page 25
James Robinson and Leonard Kirk
The Squadron must answer for their extreme measures and the Uncanny Avengers are here to collect! Across the globe, they hear the call…but will the Squadron assemble fast enough to come to Nighthawk’s aid? Plus: Thundra makes her move! [In terms of LGBT content, Thundra is shown on the cover to issue #1, and she was outed as bisexual in Peter David’s SHE-HULK series a few years ago. There has also been a lot of fan speculation about this version of Hyperion from Hickman’s Avengers run.]
STARBRAND & NIGHTMASK #2 $3.99 Page 66
Greg Weisman and Domo Stanton
Adam and Kevin are simply trying to get to Freshman Orientation–but instead, Nightmask and Starbrand find themselves trapped between Graviton, Nitro and Blizzard! But who is pulling the villains’ cosmic strings? [Gives me a gay vibe.]
THE ULTIMATES #3 $3.99 Page 33
Al Ewing and Kenneth Rocafort
Sometimes you can’t fix something without taking a look at the whole thing at once. Spacetime is broken. If The Ultimates want to fix it, they need to go…outside. But who — or what — is out there waiting for them? [Ms America may have a girlfriend as part of the supporting cast, based on the short-story in the Avengers #0 one-shot.]
ONI PRESS
STUMPTOWN #10 Vol 3 $3.99 Page 360
Greg Rucka and Justin Greenwood
“The Case of the Night That Wouldn’t End”–Dex is on a stakeout through a long night. Nothing is ever easy.
SUBLIME
HIS FAVORITE GN Vol 8 $12.99 Page 371
Suzuki Tanaka and Taishi Zaou
Awkward Yoshida’s life got flipped upside down when the hottest guy in school started going out with him. Things should be easier for Yoshida now that his whole class knows about his relationship, but it’s never that simple with Saito as a boyfriend. With Christmas coming up, who knows just what kind of trouble these two will get into?
His Favorite, Vol. 8
LOVE STAGE GN Vol 5 $12.99 Page 371
Eiki Eiki
Izumi’s career as an entertainer is in full swing. He’s costarring in a TV show with Ryoma and showing extraordinary promise as an actor, but that only deepens Ryoma’s anguish. Will they be forced to choose work over love? As the two try to figure things out, disaster strikes!
Love Stage!!, Vol. 5
TITAN
BLOODTHIRSTY: ONE NATION UNDER WATER #4 $3.99 Page 390
Mark Landry and Richard Pace
While New Orleans’ privileged prepare to party, the city’s disenfranchised batten down for the storm of the century. But with Rosa already on the horizon, can Virgil stop the horror headed for his town before she hits? [Landy confirms a cop character is gay. Hat tip to Steven Leitman! One more issue in this mini. Look for it to be collected.]
