Aspen Solicitations - July 2012

July. Big month for comics. Primarily because San Diego Comic-Con has "comic" in the title and makes everyone think of comics for one week, despite the show not really being about comics at all. But I digress. Aspen's got a big month planned for July, with a lot of good stuff due in stores.

The Art of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter features art by Timur Bekmambetov and others. The deluxe edition contains never-before-seen storyboards, concept art, production illustrations, costume designs, as well as drawings from Bekmambetov. It also features commentary by Bekmambetov, along with several others who helped bring the film to life.

Executive Assistant: Assassins #1 is written by Vince Hernandez and illustrated by Jordan Gunderson (colors by Teo Gonzalez). The first issue of the new ongoing series about the Executive Assistants kicks off with a three-part story called "Life After Death." Lily attempts to piece together a life after losing her master in the first issue, due in stores July 5th.

Soulfire: Despair #1 is written by David Schwartz and illustrated by Jonathan Marks. It's the first in the "Search For Light" Soulfire summer event, where Faye attempts to forge a new legacy for the absent crown, abandoned by King Arlin, in stores July 5th. Soulfire: Faith #1 is written by Amanda McMurray and illustrated by Siya Oum and features the disappearance of Malikai threatening the world of magic. Pili continues to search for Samusara, while the visions in her head could prove world destroying. That issue is due in stores July 11th.

Soulfire: Power #1 is written by David Wohl and illustrated by Khary Randolph (colors by Emilio Lopez). Ren returns in the absence of Malikai as a conduit for the uncontrollable magic pulsing through the world. That magic becomes deadly though, leaving only Benoist and his allies in Tokyo to stop it. It hits stores July 18th. Soulfire: Grace #1 is the last of the four Soulfire comics in July, written by J.T. Krul and illustated by Pasquale Qualano (colors by John Starr). The Five Masters of magic must unite to find Malikai and restore order to the world. It hits stores July 25th.

Fathom: Kiani (Vol 2) #4 is written by Vince Hernandez and illustrated by Oliver Nome (colors by John Starr). Hitting stores July 11th, Kiani and her dissidents are left with only one option against Siphon and the Elite Council: battle his forces for survival.

Broken Pieces #4 hits stores July 18th and features Mark Roslan as the writer, Cory Smith on art and Beth Sotelo on colors. Gabriella attempts to regain some semblance of focus after a big loss, while her work at Trinion continues. Damon Ludas, meanwhile, is set on ending the man that's become a monster and a pain he has to deal with. Cue Harrick, a mercenary equally as ruthless.

July 25th sees the release of Dead Man's Run #6, written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Tony Parker (David Curiel on colors). The finale to the series has Sam Tinker and his allies in the heart of darkness. The Warden comes clean with her plan and they have to decide whether or not they can trust her.

Finally, both Executive Assistant: Iris Vol 2 TPB and Executive Assistant: The Hit List Agenda TPB hit stores on July 5th. The former is written by David Wohl, illustrated by Ryan Odagawa and Eduardo Francisco and colored by Teo Gonzalez, while the latter is written by Vince Hernandez, Scott Lobdell and Marc Andreyko, illustrated by Oliver Nome, Micah Gunnell and Pop Mhan and colored by Emilio Lopez, David Curiel and John Starr. The two volumes collect the two respective series, giving fans a great way to catch up on the Executive Assistant universe.

Check out the full solicitations and covers below.

THE ART OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER
Art by Timur Bekmambetov and various

President by day, Hunter by night.

He's one of the most famous and revered men in all of American History. The 16th President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln. And he's a vampire hunter!

In anticipation of the release of the summer blockbuster from Timur Bekmambetov, Bazelevs and Aspen Comics proudly presents, "The Art of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter." This deluxe edition contains never-before-seen storyboards,concept art, production illustrations, costume designs, as well as drawings from visionary director Timur Bekmambetov.

This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of the hit film also features commentary by Bekmambetov, along with several others who helped bring this extraordinary film to life. Don’t miss out on this rare behind the scenes look into the creation of one of the most talked about new movies of the year, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #1
Vince Hernandez – Writer / Jordan Gunderson – Art / Teo Gonzalez - Colors

Aspen’s first-ever ongoing series begins right here!

They are raised and trained to protect and serve their masters with discipline, loyalty and often violence if necessary—they are the Executive Assistants. Yet, what tales of corruption and depravity, aggression and fatal destinies await them on each of their collective paths? Find out in this fresh jumping-on point showcasing new and deadly Executive Assistants each and every month! Kicking off this exciting debut release is the beginning of a three-part story, “Life After Death”, featuring the popular Executive Assistant, Lily, and her attempts to piece together a life after losing her master along with her allies. She will learn the price of freedom is often as costly—and fatal—as a life of servitude! EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS starts now!!!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #1 is in stores July 5th, 2012!

SOULFIRE: DESPAIR #1
David Schwartz – Story / Jonathan Marks – Art

Aspen’s first ever Soulfire summer event, “Search for the Light” reaches its next exciting chapter, SOULFIRE: DESPAIR!

“The Search for the Light” continues as Faye, the Queen of Anantia and the magical realm of the Everlands, attempts to forge a new legacy for the absent crown left by the slain King Arlin. Staging a fierce competition between the kingdom’s greatest warriors, she is reluctantly obliged to allow the contest’s winner to take up the mantle of the lost King. But the choice between warriors, including Sarlin, the estranged and self-righteous son of Arlin, as well as a significant, mysterious person from her past, will force the kingdom’s future into a fate they may never be able to escape!

Don’t miss out on the thrilling ‘Search for the Light’ crossover event that will change the face of the SOULFIRE Universe forever!

SOULFIRE: DESPAIR #1 is in stores July 5th, 2012!

SOULFIRE: FAITH #1
Amanda McMurray – Story / Siya Oum – Art

Aspen’s first ever Soulfire summer event, “Search for the Light” reaches its next exciting chapter, SOULFIRE: FAITH!

As the disappearance of Malikai, the Bringer of Light, threatens the world of magic as well as the world itself, dire consequences arise in this continuation of “The Search for the Light”. While Pili continues to search for any sign of the Samusara, her situation could not be any worse as her eyesight has been lost to her. Yet, the malevolent visions within her own head will threaten to tear her apart—and any hope for finding and saving Malikai along with it!

Don’t miss out on the thrilling ‘Search for the Light’ crossover event that will change the face of the SOULFIRE Universe forever!

SOULFIRE: FAITH #1 is in stores July 11th, 2012!

FC 32 pages $3.99

SOULFIRE: POWER #1
David Wohl – Story / Khary Randolph – Art / Emilio Lopez - Colors

Aspen’s first ever Soulfire summer event, “Search for the Light” reaches its next exciting chapter, SOULFIRE: POWER!

The enigmatic master and trainer known as Ren returns as “The Search for the Light” continues! In the absence of Malikai, the Bearer of Light, and in a forced meditative state, Ren soon becomes a conduit for all of the uncontrollable magic pulsing throughout the world. Only, such a mighty force of magic soon becomes a destructive wave of disaster that Benoist and his tech-savvy allies in Tokyo must stop, before it destroys everything in its path—perhaps even the world itself!

Don’t miss out on the thrilling ‘Search for the Light’ crossover event that will change the face of the SOULFIRE Universe forever!

SOULFIRE: POWER #1 is in stores July 18th, 2012!

SOULFIRE: GRACE #1
J.T. Krul – Story / Pasquale Qualano – Art / John Starr - Colors

Aspen’s first ever Soulfire summer event, “Search for the Light” reaches its thrilling conclusion in, SOULFIRE: GRACE!

The moment Soulfire fans have been eagerly awaiting is finally here as the Five Masters of magic must unite as one in order to find and rescue Malikai and restore order to the world! However, if the Masters fail at the task at hand, their lives and perhaps the lives of everyone will be forfeit. The cosmic scope of magic is breathtakingly revealed in this thrilling conclusion to “The Search for the Light” as fates will be decided—and legacies lost-- in this finale issue that will forever alter the course of Soulfire!

Don’t miss out on the thrilling ‘Search for the Light’ crossover event that will change the face of the SOULFIRE Universe forever!

SOULFIRE: GRACE #1 is in stores July 25th, 2012!

FATHOM: KIANI (vol 2) #4
Vince Hernandez – writer / Oliver Nome – art / John Starr - colors

The Blue’s fiercest warrior returns as FATHOM: KIANI vol 2 concludes!

It is civil war amongst the Blue under the surface and no one may survive in this Fathom Universe-shattering conclusion! Kiani and her dissidents find themselves with only one option left in their campaign against Siphon and the Elite Council—they must battle his immeasurable forces for their survival…or die! Yet, the tragedy of events leading to this regrettable war between their own-kind will pale to the shocking actions taken by those who Kiani once trusted! Alliances will be broken, cities will fall and the world of Fathom will never be the same again!
Brought to you by the creative team of Vince Hernandez, Oliver Nome and John Starr, FATHOM: KIANI vol 2 #4 is a must have for any Fathom fan!

FATHOM: KIANI (vol 2) #4 is in stores July 11th, 2012!

BROKEN PIECES #4
Mark Roslan – Writer / Cory Smith – Art / Beth Sotelo - Colors

What is lost in life is found in…death!

Aspen Comic’s newest original series, BROKEN PIECES, continues!

The fight between mortal and monster could very well shatter the pieces of their existence altogether! As Gabriella attempts to regain any semblance of focus after the heart-wrenching loss of her husband following the accident inside their lab, her work within Trinion dutifully presses on. Meanwhile, Trinion director Damon Ludas has his own sights set on putting an end to the unrestrained amalgamation of a man wreaking havoc on his security forces. And Ludas’ plan calls for unleashing his own form of pain and punishment upon the monster—the ruthless mercenary known as Harrick, and an ensuing clash that only one can possibly survive!

Written and created by Aspen’s own Mark Roslan, BROKEN PIECES will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

BROKEN PIECES #4 is in stores July 18th, 2012!

DEAD MAN’S RUN #6
Greg Pak – Writer / Tony Parker – Art / David Curiel - Colors

From acclaimed "Hulk" writer Greg Pak, legendary "Walking Dead" producer Gale Anne Hurd, and Tony Parker, artist of the Eisner-nominated "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”, comes the biggest blockbuster series of the year – DEAD MAN’S RUN!

The finale to the critically revered journey through hell ushers Sam Tinker and his allies straight into the heart of darkness! As the Warden finally makes her true intentions known to the shocked group, they must decide whether they can trust their fate to her actions—as it might be their only option to remain alive. However, their present comes brutally crashing down on them in the City of Corruption, as the Captain also makes his purpose devastatingly clear to the group, at the cost of several of their lives! Don’t miss the mind-blowing conclusion to this year’s most depraved action adventure series!

DEAD MAN’S RUN #6 is in stores July 25th, 2012!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS Vol 2 TPB
David Wohl – Story / Ryan Odagawa; Eduardo Francisco – Art / Teo Gonzalez – Colors

Iris is back!

The thrilling second volume to the critically acclaimed series EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS is available now in one action-packed collection! Following the death of her master Mr. Ching, Iris is nowhere to be found. Yet, the industry of EA’s presses on without her under the corporate domination of a new threat to world security—the billionaire entrepreneur Duncan Villone. His strategy for control of not only the Executive Assistant’s bodies, but also their minds sends ripples across multiple continents in this unrelenting tale of espionage and global conspiracy! Featuring appearances by popular EA’s Rose, Lily, Lotus, Orchid and Violet, this is one trade paperback fans of EA, and new readers looking to join the fold, will not want to miss!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS vol 2 TPB is in stores July 5th, 2012!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: THE HIT LIST AGENDA TPB
Vince Hernandez; Scott Lobdell; Marc Andreyko – Story / Oliver Nome; Micah Gunnell; Pop Mhan – Art / Emilio Lopez; David Curiel; John Starr - Colors

The Hit List Agenda returns with its sites set on you!

Aspen’s sold-out summer crossover event is finally packaged together in one masterpiece collection for Executive Assistant fans! Join Lotus, Orchid and Violet in their own respective journeys as the “Hit List Agenda” storyline binds them all together to eventually face the global threat of corporate mastermind Duncan Villone and his massive network of power and corruption. Featuring the talents of over a dozen of the industry’s top artists and creators, this pulse-pounding storyline sets the stage for the acclaimed second volume of Executive Assistant: Iris! Don’t miss out!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: THE HIT LIST AGENDA TPB is in stores July 5th, 2012!