We are a mere 48 hours away from new comic books, and a whole fresh crop of collections as well! If your bookshelf is in need of a trade or hardcover infusion, look no further than the top five releases of July 24, 2013:
NIGHTWING VOL. 2: NIGHT OF THE OWLS
Written by Kyle Higgins
Art by Eddy Barrows
Release Date: July 24, 2013
Price: $14.99
Publisher: DC Comics
In this collection of issues #8-12 and 0, Dick Grayson must face a deadly adversary as he learns of his connection to the mysterious Court of Owls. But even if he can stop an undead assassin, he’ll still have to deal with an anti-Gotham City army-and the mysterious Paragon.
Why to watch for it: Kyle Higgins and Eddy Barrows bring the Night of the Owls down on Nightwing in the strongest of the crossover titles.
ARCHER & ARMSTRONG VOL. 2: WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR
Written by Fred Van Lente
Art by Emanuela Lupacchino
Release Date: July 24, 2013
Price: $14.99
Publisher: Valiant Entertainment
No one in the Valiant Universe is more dangerous or more experienced in the art of war than the undying Eternal Warrior. After thousands of years on the battlefield, he’s a master of strategy and weaponry, an unrelenting force of nature capable of dismantling entire armies with little effort and less conscience. His brother Armstrong, on the other hand, likes to read poetry and drink beer. Maybe that’s why they had such a bad falling out? But now – after years apart – the Eternal Warrior has a new mission: destroy young Obadiah Archer, Armstrong’s best-est new buddy and teammate in the war against The Sect. And, like it or not, Valiant’s history-smashing adventure duo are about to feel the brunt of the Eternal Warrior’s fist and steel.
Collecting ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #5-9 by New York Times best-selling author Fred Van Lente (Amazing Spider-Man) and critically acclaimed artist Emanuela Lupacchino (X-Factor), the second volume of the series that IGN calls “hilarious and action packed” slams into high gear with a savage manhunt straight through the heart of the Valiant Universe.
Why to watch for it: Month after month, Archer & Armstrong is one of the strongest titles on the shelves, and volume 2 is a great way to catch up and prepare for the upcoming Eternal Warrior series!
WARS IN TOYLAND HC
Written by Joe Harris
Art by Adam Pollina, various
Release Date: July 24, 2013
Price: $19.99
Publisher: Oni Press
Toyland was once a place of wonder and beauty, at least until the teddy dictator Roxbury took over. After Matthew’s brother and playmate, Alex, disappears, Matthew finds himself carried into Toyland by his own loyal toy soldiers. Matthew soon learns that Alex has been here, too – and is now being held captive by Roxbury. Leading an attack on the teddy bear’s fortress, Matthew never considers that his brother might be beyond saving.
Why to watch for it: Harris & Pollina bring your toys to life! An OGN adventure like no other from Oni Press.
THE REASON FOR DRAGONS
Written by Chris Northrop
Art by Jeff Stokely
Release Date: July 24, 2013
Price: $19.95
Publisher: Archaia Entertainment
Wendell lives a lonely, suburban existence, losing himself in books in order to avoid his motorcycle-driving stepfather, Ted. When the school bullies convince Wendell to venture into the long-abandoned Renaissance Fair grounds they all believe to be haunted, Wendell is surprised to find a man living in the barn. Believing himself to be a medieval knight named Sir Habaersham tasked with the duty of slaying the dragon he insists is wandering the woods, Wendell’s new acquaintance seems the definition of crackpot. But when Wendell starts hearing rumblings-and listening to Habaersham’s stories-he starts to wonder if perhaps it could all be true! In a heartfelt coming-of-age story, Wendell must defy logic in order to follow his heart…and face the dragon of the forest!
Why to watch for it: Archaia does OGNs like no other publisher in the business, and The Reason for Dragons is no exception!
STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI VOL. 2: PRISONER OF BOGAN
Written by John Ostrander
Art by Jan Duursema, Dan Parsons
Release Date: July 24, 2013
Price: $18.99
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Xesh, a mysterious alien warrior, is enthralled with the madman Daegen Lok and his obsession with conquering known space. Hunter teams are dispatched by the Je’daii to stop Lok and save the misguided Xesh, but they’re not alone. Xesh’s former masters have sent their own hunter-with orders to kill! Collects Dawn of the Jedi: Prisoner of Bogan #1-#5.
Why to watch for it: Ostrander and Duursema continue to examine the early days of the Star Wars Universe with the second volume of their Dawn of the Jedi series. Check out the roots of the galaxy we all love!
