The Assignment #1 Cover A – JEF

It’s a busy week for Titan Comics with five, fantastic new launches​: Walter Hill‘s new Hard Case Crime series (and the inspiration behind the upcoming neo-noir movie starring Michelle Rodriguez and Sigourney Weaver), The Assignment #1; Khaal​ #1 – Titan’s new violent space opera; Sherlock: The Blind Banker #1; and two Doctor Who titles – Doctor Who: Eleventh Doctor Year Three #1 and Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor Year Three #1.

Also out this week from Titan Comics is one of the project I’m editing for them, Doctor Who: The Third Doctor – Heralds of Destruction #4. There’s mayhem aplenty from both Salamander and the Master as this series from Paul Cornell and Christopher Jones, coloured by HiFi, heads to its dramatic finale! I hope you’ll give it a try.

UK Newsagents Releases

There are plenty of comics on sale in newsagents that still delight in bringing you such subversive delights, including 2000AD, The Beano, Danger Mouse comic, Commando (latest release intel here), EPIC! (recently revamped), Judge Dredd Megazine, Panini Comics Marvel Collector Editions titles, Titan Comics superhero titles and VIZ, with great strips also featuring in titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Doctor Who Adventures, Titan’s Doctor Who: Tales from the TARDIS (collecting their strips from the US format titles), Mega, TOXIC and many others.

Don’t forget the wonderful Phoenix Comic is on sale in many (but not all) Waitrose supermarkets and selected high street WH Smiths stores – and some comic shops (stockist list here), as well as available on subscription.

So let’s not get too downhearted by some British publishers lack of faith in full-blown cover to cover comic strip action and humour that only those of us over a certain age remember.

Hachette Partworks, whose partwork titles include Doctor Who: The Complete History and Judge Dredd: The Mega Collection, continue their How To Draw The Marvel Way, along with their re-release of their hugely successful part work, Marvel’s Marvel Ultimate Graphic Novel series.

Note that you may now have to subscribe if you want to continue buying Part Works some are not distributed in newsagents after their first few issues.

Digital Comic Picks

Murder at the Golden Pagoda by Anthony Zicari and Oscar Capristo

It’s 2017 – AND IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN! WHAT!?

If you’re new to Aces Weekly, let me tell you that in the two week break between our award-winning, seven-part, seven-week, volumes, all new subscribers start their subscription with our latest volume delivered to them in complete form, instantly! The massive Volume 25 – constructed of up to 200 pages, including Extras, with a wizard, Week2Week facility added to enable perfect, one-session reading – comes to them directly upon signing up, with Volume 26 coming hot on its heels every Monday night in seven weekly parts!

And then comes the next, and then the next, and then the next, right on along in a continuing stream! For JUST £1 per week! Try us!

Aces Weekly ive you great stuff for little cost, because they can. They don’t have shareholders, so why would they do differently?

• Subscribe here! Spread the word!

British Comic Publishers

2000AD/Rebellion

2000AD Prog 2013

Judge Dredd // Deep in the Heart (Part 2)
Michael Carroll (w) Tiernen Trevallion (a) Annie Parkhouse (l)

Mega-City One, 2139 AD. Home to over 72 million citizens, this urban hell is situated along the east coast of post-apocalyptic North America, where unemployment is endemic, boredom universal, and crime is rampant. Only the zero-tolerance Judges — empowered to dispense instant justice — can stop total anarchy. Toughest of them all is JUDGE DREDD — he is the Law! Now, Dredd has a fugitive to find in Texas City…

Kingmaker // Kingmaker (Part 3)
by Ian Edginton (w) Leigh Gallagher (a) Ellie De Ville (l)

The land of the Nine Kingdoms, in a time of legend. Peace has reigned amongst the people for decades after the defeat of Ichnar the Wraith King — but little did they know that the evil threat wasn’t entirely vanquished but merely waiting to rise once more. The undead Ichnar returned along with his Legion of Shadows, and a desperate quest to the Morbid Spyre was required if he was to be finally defeated…

Hope // …For the Future (Part 3)
by Guy Adams (w) Jimmy Broxton (a) Simon Bowland (l)

An alternate 1940s Hollywood. WWII is over, victory having been secured by occult means. Now, magic is a part of everyday life, its practitioners commonplace. Mallory HOPE is one such skilled operative, though calling on the dark arts takes its toll on the user. He’s also a private investigator, hired for all manner of down n’ dirty jobs, but the one desperate case he wants to close is the whereabouts of his wife and son…

The Order // Wyrm War (Part 3)
Kek-W (w) John Burns (a) Annie Parkhouse (l)

Seventeenth-century France. A man lies on his deathbed, wanting to tell one last story before he passes — a tale of how he became part of a group of warriors known as THE ORDER, who throughout time have been protecting mankind from the Wyrms. At certain points in history, these creatures can break through from their dimension and into ours, and it is up to the embedded members of the Order to repel them…

Kingdom // As It Is In Heaven (Part 3)
by Dan Abnett (w) Richard Elson (a) Ellie De Ville (l)

Earth, the far future. Mankind has been all but destroyed, those still surviving forced into hiding by Them — insectile creatures that have taken over the world. Charged with protecting humanity are genetically engineered dog-soldiers like Gene the Hackman — savage warriors that patrol the wilderness, keeping Them off their Masters’ lawn. Now, Gene has escaped offworld and been given a home on the Masters’ orbital station…

Titan Comics

Web: http://titan-comics.com

Assassin’s Creed Awakenings #3 Cover A: Oiwa Kenji

Assassin’s Creed Awakenings #3
Writer: Yano Takashi
Artist: Oiwa Kenji

The third chapter of the Assassin’s Creed manga – collected for the first time in English. Set in the time of the best selling video game, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag.

Cover A: Oiwa Kenji
Cover B: Andi Tong
Cover C: Yifeng Jiang

The Assignment #1 Cover E by Francisco Paronzini

The Assignment #1
Writers Walter Hill, Matz
Artist Jef

Hitman Frank Kitchen’s assignment to kill a celebrated fashion designer who’s fallen behind on his debts takes a turn when his victim’s sister, a sociopathic surgeon, decides to punish him in the unique way only she can. Abducted and operated on against his will, Frank awakens in an altered condition – but with a hitman’s hunger for revenge…

COVER A: JEF
COVER B: PASQUALE QUALANO
COVER C: FAY DALTON
COVER D: STEVE SCOTT
COVER E: FRANCISCO PARONZINI

The Chimera Brigade #4 Cover A by John McCrea

The Chimera Brigade #4
Writers Serge Lehman
Fabrice Colin
Artist Gess

The Chimera Brigade has awakened for the first time since WW1… and just in time, as the world edges closer to yet another war! But to enlist their help, Irène Joliot-Curie must first uncover the true extent of her mother’s experiments on the Broken Man!

Cover A: John McCrea
Cover B: Nick Percival
Cover C: Pasquale Qualano

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Year 3 #1 Cover A by Josh Burns

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Year 3 #1
Writer: Nick Abadzis
Artists: Giorgia Sposito, Arianna Florean

It’s a brand-new season for the Tenth Doctor and his loyal travelling companions, Gabby Gonzalez and Cindy Wu! Jump on board with a two-part opening story – ‘Breakfast at Tyrannies’ that introduces a whole new terror to test the Doctor and his friends! Plus: a new companion joins the TARDIS – the like of which you’ve never seen!

COVER A: JOSH BURNS
COVER B: PHOTO
COVER C: MARC ELLERBY – LINKED COVER
COVER D: IOLANDA ZANFARDINO
COVER E: BRIAN MILLER & HI-FI
COVER F: ELENA CASAGRANDE

Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Year 3 #1 Cover A by Josh Burns

Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Year 3 #1
Writer: Rob Williams
Artist: Simon Fraser
Colorist: Gary Caldwell
Letterer: Comicraft

Same great creators – whole new flavor! The Eleventh Doctor begins his blockbuster third year with writer Rob Williams (Suicide Squad) and series artists Simon Fraser and Leandro Casco in the hot seat!

Year Three unfolds in single issue stories, as the Doctor and Alice Obiefune, seeking a fresh start after the stresses of last year’s epic mystery, set off in search of strange new worlds and amazing new sights! Every issue is packed with story and wonder! Dive deep into the unseen reaches of time and space!

Super-accessible jumping on point for new readers – come see what the fuss is all about!

COVER A – Josh Burns
COVER B – Photo
COVER C – Question No. 6
COVER D – Simon Fraser
COVER E – Simone Di Leo
COVER F – Blank Sketch Variant

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor Year 2 #13 Cover A by Simon Fraser

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor Year 2 #13
Writer: Robbie Morrison
Artist: Mariano Laclustra

A French swordswoman, dark matter monsters, alternate universes, swashbuckling adventure and symbiotic intrigue – all just another Wednesday for the Doctor! But when you throw in secret police, an alien takeover of the aristocracy, a villainous Count, the inquisition, and alchemical discoveries…well, then it gets interesting! More breathless adventure and visual delight from the stellar Twelfth Doctor team!

COVER A: Simon Fraser
COVER B: Photo
COVER C: Question No. 6
COVER D: Verity Glass

Doctor Who: The Third Doctor – Heralds of Destruction #4 Cover A by Andy Walker

Doctor Who: The Third Doctor – Heralds of Destruction #4
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Christopher Jones

Menaced by an unexpected megalomaniac, the Third Doctor and Jo Grant join the forces of UNIT to repel dangers from within and without! Can the Doctor and his allies triumph over a foe who seemingly knows the Doctor better than he knows himself? And we don’t mean the Master!

Cover A: Andy Walker
Cover B: Photo
Cover C: Claudia SG Iannicello

Khaal #1 Cover A by Valentin Sécher

Khaal #1
Writer: Stephane Louis
Artist: Valentin Sécher

In a galaxy decimated by a brutal war, an ancient prison ship, called Empyreon, floats alone in the void.

Within its ancient walls a new battle rages, as the three races who inhabit the doomed ship vie for the resources that will ensure their survival. Peace is an impossibility as Khaal, the leader of the humans, is as bloodthirsty and ruthless as they come. As his enemies gather in the shadows, Khaal is thrust into the limelight as he fights for his life…

Cover A – Valentin Secher
Cover B – Marc Laming
Cover C – Nick Percival
Cover D – Adam Gorham
Cover E – Steve Kurth

Norman Volume 2 Cover A by Marc Ellerby

Norman Volume 2 #2
Writer / Artist: Stan Silas

THE SMASH-HIT HORROR COMEDY RETURNS FROM VISIONARY WRITER/ARTIST STAN SILAS!

Cover A: Marc Ellerby
Cover B: Rachael Smith
Cover C: JAke

Samurai Volume 2 #5 Cover A by John McCrea

Samurai Volume 2 #5
Writer: Jean-Francois Di Giorgio
Artist: Frédéric Genêt

Takeo and his brother Akio have found themselves in deep water and in need of help. Their old mentor, Master Kazé,sets out for the land go Ogomo to rescue his former wards. The road is long as dangerous bandits, mysterious magic and hidden enemies all stand in his way…

Cover A: John McCrea
Cover B: Jung Shan
Cover C: Nick Percival

Sherlock: The Blind Banker #1 Cover A by Jay

Sherlock: The Blind Banker #1
Writer: Stephen Thompson
Co-Creators: Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss
Artist: Jay.

A mysterious break-in at a bank…Some enigmatic symbols…Hidden dangers…Could the case of the ‘Blind Banker’ be too dangerous for Holmes and Watson to handle?

Cover A: Jay.
Cover B: Photo
Cover C by Mariano Laclaustra
Cover D by Yifeng Jiang
Cover E by Yishan Li

Triggerman #4 Cover A by Alex Ronald

Triggerman #4
Writers Walter Hill, Matz
Artist Jef

After ruffling feathers all over the city, Roy Nash’s bounty hunt takes a turn for the worse when he finds himself the prisoner of one of LA’s most notorious gangsters.

COVER A: ALEX RONALD
COVER B: MARC ASPINALL
COVER C: STEVE SCOTT

Vikings Uprising #4 Cover A by Verity Glass

Vikings Uprising #4
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Daniel Indro
Colorist: Kevin Enhart

Lagertha and her forces are in a desperate situation, as she finds the rebel slaves have learned a lot from their former masters. It will take all of her bravery and resourcefulness to survive! Meanwhile, in Kattegat, Ragnar faces public scorn and a fight for his life!

COVER A: Verity Glass
COVER B: Photo
COVER C: Claudia Caranfa

Titan Comics Collections

Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Volume One – Gaze of the Medusa – Sample Art

Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Volume One – Gaze of the Medusa
Writer: Gordon Rennie / Emma Beeby
Artist: Brian Williamson

The Fourth Doctor appeared in 172 episodes of Doctor Who. This incarnation is generally regarded as the most recognisable of the Doctors and one of the most popular, especially in the United States. The Fourth Doctor Volume One centres on one of the most beloved Doctor’s among fans, which was played by Tom Baker between 1974 and 1981.

The Michael Moorcock Library Volume 4 – The Weird of the White Wolf
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: P Craig Russell

Compiling the short stories “The Dream of Earl Aubec,” “The Dreaming City,” “While the Gods Laugh” and “The Singing Citadel,” “The Weird of the White Wolf” brings the albino prince back to his city of Melnibone for a series of epic adventures, where his might and magic will face the ultimate test.

Small Press Spotlight

Art for Sugar Forest Fire by Gareth A Hopkins

Check out Gareth A. Hopkins abstract comics, detailed here in an interview with Tony Esmond!

New US Comics On Sale in UK Comic Shops

Information courtesy of First Age Comics from their order list. For details of every US comic release (and more) in all comic shops, visit Diamond Comics Previews page. Not every comic shop stocks the full range but every comic can be ordered from your local comic shop

• No local comic shop? Order online from ForbiddenPlanet.com – using this link supports downtthetubes

• Check out our British and Irish Comic Shops Map | Art by Nick Miller. We’ve got a range of merchandise featuring this art on sale via CafePress

2000AD Prog 2013
Action Comics #971
All New Wolverine #16
All Star Batman #6
Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows #3
Batgirl & Birds Of Prey #6
Batman Trade paperback Volume One I Am Gotham
Captain America Steve Rogers #9
Daredevil #15
Deathstroke #10
Detective Comics #948
Dirk Gently Salmon Of Doubt #4
Doctor Strange Punisher Magic Bullets #2
Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Year Three #1
Doctor Who: The Third Doctor – Heralds of Destruction #4
Earth 2 Society #20
Flash #14
Foolkiller #3
Gotham Academy Second Semester #5
Great Lakes Avengers #4
Guardians Of The Galaxy #16
Hal Jordan & Green Lantern Corps #12
Hellblazer #5
Ivx #2
James Bond Felix Leiter #1
Jessica Jones #4
Jughead #12
Justice League Power Rangers #1
Justice League Suicide Squad #4
King Cat 76
Libby’s Dad Gn
Lost Boys #4
Magic Whistle Vol 3
Marvel Universe Guardians Of The Galaxy #16
Marvel’s Mightiest Heroes Volume 80 Great Lakes
Mighty Thor #15
Ms Marvel #14
New Superman #7
Ninjak #23
Occupy Avengers #3
Outcast #24
Red Hood & Outlaws #6
Red Sonja #1
Reggie & Me #2
Rocket Raccoon #2
Rue Morgue Magazine #174
Shadows On The Grave #2
Silk #16
Southern Bastards #16
Spider-Man #12
Spider-Man Deadpool #13
Star Wars Poe Dameron #10
Stray Bullets Sunshine & Roses #20
Suicide Squad #9
Supergirl #5
Superwoman #6
Titans #7
Tmnt Universe #6
Totally Awesome Hulk #14
True Lives Of Fab Killjoys (Special Order)
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #16
Uncanny Avengers #17 (Special Order)
Uncanny Avengers #19
Uncanny X-Men #17 Ivx
Unworthy Thor #1 (Special Order)
War Stories #21
Wonder Woman #14
The X-Files #10

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: 2000AD, Doctor Who, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: Adventure Comics, Christopher Jones, downthetubes News, Hard Case Crime, Humour Comics, Khaal, Metz, Paul Cornell, SF Comics, Sherlock, Superhero Comics, Titan Comics, Walter Hill, War Comics