INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS
(Company names beginning with R)
RANDOM HOUSE BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
SCOOBY DOO HEX GIRLS ROGUE THORN NOVEL HC
(W) Lily Meade
Coolsville is shaken up when eco-goth band The Hex Girls move to town. Teenagers Thorn, Luna, and Dusk are looking for a fresh start for themselves and their band after the disastrous events that destroyed their hometown and Thorn's reputation. But things take a turn for the worse when a mysterious mist starts killing crops and making people sick wherever Thorn goes. She quickly becomes the town's prime suspect and is outcast once again. As her band falls apart, Thorn turns to the Mystery Inc. gang, especially Velma, for help as they try to solve the mystery and prove Thorn's innocence. While the gang thinks that Thorn's magical powers are the key to stopping the growing threat to Coolsville, Thorn is sure magic will only bring more harm than good and that revealing her true nature would make her an outsider forever. Can they solve the mystery and save Coolsville before someone gets seriously hurt... or worse? (STL372038) (C: 0-1-2)
Novel, HC, 6x9, 320pgs, B&W SRP: $18.99
RANDOM HOUSE GRAPHIC
I WANNA BE YOUR GIRL GN VOL 01
(W) Umi Takase
Hime has secretly been in love with her childhood best friend Akira for as long as she can remember. She was the first person who knew that Akira identified as a girl, and she made it her mission to be her Akira's protector against the world. Hime is thrilled that Akira has finally deciced to live as her true self now that they are starting high school. However, as Akira starts to attract all types of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting her to be singled out or bullied, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira's shoes. Hime dresses like a boy in support of the friend she loves... too bad her plan only backfires on them both. Printed for the first time in English, this manga series thoughtfully explores a story about the complications of first loves, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally. (STL372048) (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 5x7, 240pgs, B&W SRP: $12.99
I WANNA BE YOUR GIRL HC VOL 01
(W) Umi Takase
Being in love with your childhood best friend can be complicated, especially when, right before high school, she transitions to living as a girl. Printed for the first time in English, this manga series thoughtfully explores a story about the complications of first loves, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.
Hime has secretly been in love with her childhood best friend Akira for as long as she can remember. She was the first person who knew that Akira identified as a girl, and she made it her mission to be her Akira s protector against the world. Hime is thrilled that Akira has finally decided to live as her true self now that they are starting high school.
However, as Akira starts to attract all types of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting her to be singled out or bullied, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira's shoes. Hime dresses like a boy in support of the friend she loves...too bad her plan only backfires on them both. (STL372047) (C: 0-1-2)
HC, 5x7, 240pgs, B&W SRP: $20.99
RANDOM HOUSE WORLDS
BATMAN RESURRECTION PROSE NOVEL SC
(W) Sheree Renee Thomas
Batman and Gotham City face a mysterious new threat in this direct sequel to Tim Burton's iconic Batman. The Joker is dead, but not forgotten. Gotham City is saved, but it is still not safe. By night, its new symbol of hope, Batman, continues his fight to protect the innocent and the powerless. By day, his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, wonders whether there may someday be a future beyond skulking the city's rooftops or the cavernous halls of his stately manor alongside the ever-dutiful Alfred Pennyworth. But even after death, the Clown Prince of Crime's imprint can be seen in more than just the pavement. Remnants from The Joker's gang are leading wannabes fascinated by his bizarre mystique on a campaign of arson that threatens the city even as it serves greedy opportunists, including millionaire Max Shreck. And survivors of exposure to The Joker's chemical weapon Smylex continue to crowd Gotham City's main hospital. Batman finds the forces of evil growing ever more organized and orchestrated by a sinister hand behind the scenes. The World's Greatest Detective must solve the greatest mystery of all: Could The Joker have somehow survived? And could he still have the last laugh against the people of Gotham City? (STL372035) (C: 0-1-2)
Novel, SC, 5x8, 432pgs, B&W SRP: $19.00
OFFICIAL LORE OLYMPUS COOKBOOK HC
(W) Rachel Smythe & Various
Feast like the gods with sixty food and drink recipes inspired by the world of Lore Olympus with a foreword by Rachel Smythe, plus sumptuous illustrations and photographs throughout! Uncover the culinary secrets of the Lore Olympus pantheon with this official cookbook that breathes fresh life into traditional Greek cuisine. Organized by season, each chapter offers a recipe for any time of day whether you are hankering for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a bright pink mocktail! And if you want to party like an Olympian, there are four feasts at the end of each section to serve as inspiration for a themed party. (STL372033) (C: 0-1-1)
Cookbook, HC, 6x9, 224pgs, FC SRP: $35.00
TUSK LOVE NOVEL HC
(W) Thea Guanzon, Critical Role
As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere's path has been predetermined: marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire, raise her family's station, and live quietly as a lordling's obedient wife. But Guinevere longs for a life unbounded by expectations, for freedom and passion and adventure. Those distant dreams become a sudden reality when her caravan is beset by bandits, leaving her guards slain and Guinevere stranded alone on the dangerous Amber Road. Her only chance of survival is to travel alongside Oskar, the aloof half-orc who saved her during the attack. Unlike Guinevere, Oskar's path is not so set in stone. With his mother dead and his apprenticeship abandoned, all that's left is a long, lonely walk to a land he's never seen to find family he's never met. The last thing he needs is a spoiled waif like Guinevere slowing him down even if the spark between them sizzles with promise. Despite his cold exterior, Oskar is brave and thoughtful and unlike anyone Guinevere has ever met. And while Guinevere may be sheltered, she brings out a softness in him that he has never dared to feel before. As the flames of their passion grow, they realize that soon they'll need to choose between their expected destinations or their blossoming romance. (STL372037) (C: 0-1-2)
Novel, HC, 6x9, 272pgs, B&W SRP: $30.00
RANDOM HOUSE/DISNEY
HOUR OF PUMPKIN QUEEN NOVEL HC
(W) Megan Shepherd
One year has passed since Sally wed her beloved Jack Skellington and stepped into her role as queen of Halloween Town. Even with her Jack at her side, though, being a ruler isn't easy, and Sally feels uncertain of her future. Her seams are stretched thin with her royal duties, her newfound family in Dream Town, and a desire to bring citizens from across the Hinterlands together. Then a simple potion demonstration at Sally's inaugural Halloween exhibition goes horribly wrong, and things unravel fast: Sally and her new rag doll apprentice, Luna, fall through a mysterious portal, landing in a new realm called Time Town. They discover that someone has tampered with the clock that controls Halloween Town, and Sally cannot return to the present-day version of her home unless she finds the culprit and resets time. Sally and Luna embark on a journey to unmask the truth, encountering more towns, friends, and foes along the way. But time is ticking, and as Sally fights to save Jack and her hometown, she wonders what kind of future she really wants and what she must sacrifice to get it. (STL372036) (C: 0-1-2)
Novel, HC, 5x8, 368pgs, B&W SRP: $19.99
REBELLION / 2000AD
2000 AD SCI-FI SPECIAL 2025
(W) Al Ewing & Various (A) D'Israel & Various (CA) Chris Weston, Chris Weston
The characters of 2000 AD head off on vacation in this year's summer special or at least find themselves amongst holidaymakers where trouble is never far away. Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, Ampney Crucis and Cyd from The Out all feature in this collection of all-new one-off stories from Al Ewing, Dan Abnett, Mark Harrison, Ian Edginton, D'Israeli and more! (STL371699) (C: 0-1-2)
Magazine, 48pgs, FC SRP: $8.99
JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #482 (MR)
(W) Alec Worley & Various (A) Clint Langley & Various (CA) John McCrea
More action and adventure in the future-shocked world of Judge Dredd! Chaos breaks out in Mega-City's most high-end restaurant in Judge Dredd: 'True Taste' by Alec Worley & Clint Langley; plus there's more space-pirate action in Barrel & Hammer by David Barnett & Luke Horsman, Cadet Dredd is hurled through time in 'The Haunting of Iso-Block 8' by Paul Starkey & Nick Brokenshire, and there's a killer on the loose in Mega-City 2099: 'Anger Machine' by Karl Stock & Conor Boyle. Plus features, interviews and lots more! (STL371698) (C: 0-1-2)
MATURE THEMES
Magazine, 96pgs, FC SRP: $11.99
RAT PACK CONVICT COMMANDOS TP
(W) Alan Hebden (A) Cam Kennedy, Eric Bradbury (CA) Cam Kennedy
Major Taggart leads the squad of four soldiers, court martialed for various offences and dubbed the Rat Pack. These soldiers are sent on do-or-die missions for the Allies during World War II, and despite them resent Taggart and not trusting each other, they must still complete their missions against the Nazi forces. With stories ranging from finding stolen diplomatic papers, destroying German-held dams in Norway, and hijacking Hitler s personal train in order to steal Nazi war plans, this collection brings together the ultimate, and greatest, Rat Pack stories in one volume, with stunning art by Cam Kennedy and Eric Bradbury. (STL372001) (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 128pgs, B&W SRP: $22.99
CLASH OF THE GUARDS TP (O/A)
(W) Alan Hebden (A) Cam Kennedy, Ron Tiner (CA) Cam Kennedy
Clash by name, clash by nature! Italy, 1943. The United States Army have sent Captain Brad Clash to join a British platoon in order to learn from their experiences of fighting in WWII. A former Hollywood stuntman and speedway driver, Clash is a man of action who likes to tackle the enemy head on. All guts and glory, he uses his superior driving skills and American-made weapons, like the Winchester trench Gun, to keep the German Army at bay. This collection also features several one-off Battle strips illustrated by the legendary Cam Kennedy. (STL273244) (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 8x11, 96pgs, FC SRP: $25.00
DEATH SQUAD TP (O/A)
(W) Alan Hebden (A) Carlos Ezquerra, Eric Bradbury
Meet the deadliest band of fighters on the Eastern Front! During World War II the Eastern Front was hell on Earth. German Punishment Battalions were thrown into the thick of the conflict where they were expected to fight well and die hard. In these harshest of conditions only the strongest warriors survived. Enter the Death Squad Grandad, Swede, Licker, Gus, and Frankie. Alone they were failures and outcasts, but together they were one of the most formidable combat units the Soviets ever faced! (STL166716) (C: 1-1-1) NOTE: Available only in US, Canada, and US territories.
SC, 8x11, 128pgs, B&W SRP: $19.99
FIENDS OF THE EASTERN FRONT HC VOL 02 PX ED (O/A)
(W) Ian Edington (A/CA) Tiernen Trevallion
In 1970, Lieutenant Tim Wilson is haunted by the memories of war not just the bloodshed of the battlefield, but the horrors witnessed at the hand of Captain Constanta, who rescued him after a gruesome encounter with the King-Bats of Maximilian Von Klorr, the Black Max himself! Years later, Lt. Wilson sets out on a journey to hunt down Constanta in his native Romania, and uncovers his origins among beasts and creatures of magic. Collecting the work of Ian Edginton and Tiernen Trevallion, the second omnibus of Fiends of the Eastern Front follows Constanta's bloody trail across history, and brings monstrous terror from the skies of wartime France to the streets of 1960s London. (STL333516) (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 8x11, 176pgs, B&W SRP: $33.99
RED 5 COMICS
SNOW MONKEY #3
(W) Jason Shaw (A) Enn (CA) Aaron Bartling
As seen on Free Comic Book Day! As Jennifer's connection to the Helmet of Wukong is revealed, she faces her fiercest battle yet against Dragon's Breath, who are determined to eliminate her for good. Outnumbered and uncertain of who to trust, she fights for her survival. (STL370686)
8x11, 32pgs, FC SRP: $4.95
SOMETHING BEYOND THE PETRICHOR #2
(W) Dakota Brown (A/CA) David Lujan
As seen on Free Comic Book Day! After surviving a terrifying encounter with the mythic creature Green Eyes, Jocelyn and Quigley come across the first person they've seen since the rains began. Despite the strange man's food supply and shelter, the pair soon begin to wonder if it would be safer to brave the acid rain. (STL370687) (C: 0-1-1)
8x11, 32pgs, FC SRP: $4.95
ROARING BROOK PRESS
WAGNIFICENT GN VOL 02 NEW DOG IN THE DEN
(W/A) , Bethanie Murguia
Thunder loves her life by Sage's side together, they make the paw-fect pack! But when Sage invites a foster dog named Byron into their den, suddenly things get a lot more complicated. Byron doesn't seem to know the pack rules he's sleeping in Thunder's bed, eating out of her bowl, playing with her toys, and is even stealing love from her human! Will Thunder find a way to get along with this unwelcome guest? And can she maybe, just maybe, call him friend? (STL371677) (C: 0-1-1)
SC, 6x9, 160pgs, FC SRP: $13.99
RUNNING PRESS
ELVIRA TALKING BUST KIT
(W) Cassandra Peterson
Spend a little time with horror's hostess with the mostess, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark with this officially licensed miniature 3-inch talking bust. This bust plays 8 iconic phrases at the touch of a button. The mini sticker book comes with 12 full color stickers of the Mistress of the Dark. Display on a shelf, desk, or bookcase and show off your love of this one-of-a-kind horror icon. Includes button cell batteries. (STL371786) (C: 0-1-0)
Kit, SC, 3x4, 16pgs, FC SRP: $13.95
ELVIRAS FIRST BOOK OF MONSTERS BOARD BOOK
(W) Cassandra Peterson (A) Pintachan
This officially licensed board book features Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, as she introduces her classic monster friends to littlest readers and adult horror movie fans. 'Well, hello there, darlings! Tonight we are going to lean about some of my favorite monsters.' Little readers will enjoy some spooky fun with little Elvira as they learn about aliens, blob monsters, vampires, zombies, and more in this adorable officially licensed early concept board book. (STL371787) (C: 0-1-1)
Board Book, HC, 8x8, 24pgs, FC SRP: $9.99
MAGIC THE GATHERING DELUXE LIFE COUNTER KIT
(W) Jay Annelli
Keep track of your Life Total with this official miniature Magic: The Gathering counter. Inspired by the timeless MtG card back design, this 2-inch tall life counter features a deluxe metal base and counter dial. Learn more about the lore and world of Magic: The Gathering with the included 32-page book. Easy to use and beautifully designed, this life counter is a great companion to any players' deck. (STL371781) (C: 0-1-0)
Kit, SC, 3x4, 48pgs, FC SRP: $13.95
THESE FISTS BREAK BRICKS KUNG FU MOVIES REVISED EXPANDED
(W) Chris Poggiali, Grady Hendrix
When a Hollywood studio released Five Fingers of Death to thrill-seeking Times Square moviegoers in 1973, only a handful of Black and Asian audience members knew the difference between an Iron Fist and an Eagle's Claw. That changed overnight as Five Fingers kicked off a kung fu craze that would earn millions at the box office, send TV ratings soaring, influence the birth of hip hop, reshape the style of action we see in movies today, and introduce America to some of the biggest Asian stars to ever hit motion picture screens. These Fists Break Bricks offers a lavishly illustrated exploration of how these high-kicking, brick-breaking movies came to America and raised hell until greed, infomercials, and racist fearmongering shut them down. For the first time, the full and wild story is told, including how CIA agents secretly funded karate movies and how The New York Times fabricated a fear campaign about Black 'karate gangs,' as well as the history of Black martial arts in America and the onslaught of Bruce Lee imitators after his death. (STL371774) (C: 0-1-1)
Reference Book, HC, 7x10, 384pgs, B&W SRP: $40.00