The Family Circus Library Vol 1 from IDW

 As the 50^th anniversary of this iconic strip approaches, IDW and the Library of American Comics are proud to announce that The Family Circus Library, Volume 1 will be available in November. Creator Bil Keane debuted The Family Circus in February 1960 and for fifty years has delighted audiences worldwide with the simple humor of every day life. The endlessly curious, often too clever children and their loving, long-suffering parents capture the essence of every family.

 “As a parent, I see these cartoons come to life everyday in my home,” said series editor, Scott Dunbier. “Keane’s terrific sense of humor and visual wit are evident in every panel—and with the fiftieth anniversary of the Family Circus on the horizon, there’s no better time to rediscover this timeless classic.”

The Family Circus Library, Volume 1 collects the classic newspaper strip in chronological order for the very first time, in beautifully designed hardcover books. Starting with the very first strip, originally published on Leap Year Day - February 29, 1960, The Family Circus Library, Volume 1 will feature a complete run of the first two years, including dailies and Sundays. Volume will also include a thoughtful essay written by Keane’s son, Christopher, accompanied by many pieces of pre-Family Circus art and family photographs. The book has been beautifully produced by Eisner award-winning designer, Dean Mullaney.

“Having truly enjoyed drawing my Family Circus cartoons, it is icing on the cake to see them now preserved in these very special volumes that will go on and on and on!” Bil Keane said. “Realizing that future generations may read the Keane family drawings that I penned so long ago is a happy bonus for this old cartoonist. I am eternally grateful.”

The Family Circus Library Volume 1 debuts in November 2009.  For more on this and other great titles please visit IDW Publishing online.

IDW releases for September 10, 2009

Angel Only Human #2

Scott Lobdell (w) David Messina (a)

They consider themselves the purest strain of demons-they are the Scourge! This race of demon supremacists are determined to liberate an enslaved Old One from the nether-bowels of Texas! Fortunately Illyria and Fred are on hand to make sure that doesn’t happen. That is, if she’s not distracted by a passionate kiss from Fred’s long ago prom date!

Astro Boy Movie #4

Scott Tipton (w) E.J. Su (a & c)

The comic-book version of this fall’s big screen adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved Astro Boy continues its weekly release. Even better, each issue features the fantastic art of E.J. Su!

Fallen Angel Reborn #3

Peter David (w) J.K. Woodward (a) Woodward, Runge (c)

Across a frozen wasteland trudges Illyria, searching for the second of the three symbols of her power that will restore her to the all powerful demon goddess that she was… and the only one who can possibly stop her is the Fallen Angel. Presuming, that is, that she wants to. 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.

Life & Times of Savior 28 #5

J.M. DeMatteis (w) Mike Cavallaro (a & c)

“Book Five: Day of Drums.” The saga of America’s greatest hero concludes as Savior 28’s killer and former sidekick sifts through the events of James Smith’s final days, revealing a man whose life has been utterly destroyed and whose death could possibly save the world.

Locke & Key Welcome to Lovecraft Special Edition

Joe Hill (w) Gabriel Rodriguez (a & c)

This special presentation of the debut issue of the Eisner-nominated Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft includes not only the actual script from Hill, but also a second bonus: an all-new 11-page story, “Freddie Wertham Goes to Hell,” written by Hill, drawn by the late Seth Fisher and presented in color here for the very first time.

Star Trek Nero #2

Mike Johnson & Tim Jones (w) David Messina (a & c)

From Star Trek writer/producers Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and the creative team behind the best-selling Star Trek: Countdown. The story of the villainous Nero continues as we learn how Nero spent the years between his battle with the Kelvin and his reunion with Spock! You don’t want to miss this essential chapter in the rebirth of Star Trek!

Transformers Tales of the Fallen #2

Simon Furman (w) Carlos Magno (a) Magno, Alex Milne (c)

One of the most downright dangerous and deadly TRANSFORMERS of all arrives on Earth in single-minded, stop-at-nothing pursuit of his prey. If you think we’re talking about a DECEPTICON here, think again! Meet SIDESWIPE, the AUTOBOTS’ very own lethal weapon. 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.

Angel: After the Fall Vol. 5: Aftermath HC

Kelly Armstrong (w) Dave Ross (a)

Springing out of Joss Whedon and Brian Lynch’s Angel: After the Fall storyline, novelist Kelley Armstrong (The Summoning) comes aboard to explore the many repercussions following the explosive last issue of Angel: After the Fall. Artist Dave Ross also joins up to present the first arc of ‘Aftermath,’ wherein we learn who lived, who died, and who will be forever changed from the experience.

Astro Boy Movie Prequel Underground TPB

Scott Tipton (w) Diego Jourdan (a) Ashley Wood (c)

He’s back! Astro Boy makes his amazing return to comics, paving the way for his exciting feature film debut later this year! It’s an all-new Astro Boy adventure, with Astro exploring a strange subterranean kingdom in search of his lost father, encountering weird creatures large and small. But are they friend or foe?

Classic GI Joe TP Vol 5

Larry Hama’s original classic G.I. JOE saga continues with another ten-issue installment! Witness COBRA’s continued manipulation of the JOE’s, Destro captures a squad of new JOEs on a training mission, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow seek revenge against Zartan, and much more!

BOOM Studios releases for September 10, 2009

FARSCAPE: D’ARGO’S TRIAL #2

Written by Keith R.A. DeCandido
Drawn by Caleb Cleveland
SC, 24 pgs, FC, (2 of 4), SRP: $3.99

He is a warrior. He is a Luxan. And he has a past. The tragedy behind one of Farscape’s greatest character’s is explored in this new mini-series. Before his life on Moya Ka D’Argo struggled to keep his marriage to a Sebacean woman alive under Peacekeeper pressure. And when D’Argo is under pressure… Written by FARSCAPE’s Keith R.A. DeCandido and Executive Produced by show creator Rockne S. O’Bannon.

FINDING NEMO: REEF RESCUE #3

Written by Marie Croall
Drawn by Erica Leigh Currey
SC, 24 pgs, FC, (3 of 4), SRP: $2.99

Nemo, Dory and Marlin continue their dangerous journey, searching for a way to rescue their dying reef! Facing incredible odds, Nemo travels the great blue sea to save the one thing that matters most of all—home. Will Nemo and company survive an eerie encounter with a giant squid? Series features ‘A’ covers by Amy Mebberson with ‘B’ covers by Erica Leigh Currey.

MUPPET ROBIN HOOD #4

Written by Tim Beedle
Drawn by Armand Villavert Jr.
SC, 24 pgs, FC, (4 of 4), SRP: $2.99

The Muppets tell the Robin Hood legend for laughs, and it’s the reader who will be merry! Robin Hood (Kermit the Frog) steals from the rich and gives to the poor. In this concluding issue, imprisoned Robin awaits the gallows. Can the Merry Men spring Robin free and defeat Prince John? If only they could find the “narrator” and discover how the story is supposed to end. Series features “A” covers from David Peterson, the Eisner Award-winning creator of MOUSE GUARD!

Andrew Mangum Cancer Benefit Auction

Andrew Mangum is a talented artist (Grimm Fairy Tales, American Wasteland) that has worked all over the comics industry most notably in the horror genre for publishers like DC Comics, Image, and Frazetta Comics to name a few. This summer he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and some of his friends and colleagues have come together to try to raise money for his medical expenses.

There is going to be a ton of stuff available via E-bay auction from some great comic creators like: Steve Niles, Phil Hester, Eric Powell, Andrew himself and many more. Plus there will be a lot of hard to find and collectable CGC-rated comic books and a lot of signed books from artists like John Cassiday, Matt Wagner, J.G. Jones, George Perez, J. Michael Linsner, and Mark Kidwell. If you are a comic fan or collector you are sure to find items of interest in these special offers.

So if you’ve got some spare cash, try to check out these auctions and get some great swag for a great cause. Here’s the link for the Andrew Mangum Cancer Benefit Auction.

IDW releases for September 2, 2009

GI JOE ORIGINS - VOLUME 1

Larry Hama (w) Mike Hawthorne, Tom Feister (a) Andrea DiVito (c)

THE ORIGIN OF G.I. JOE! Don’t miss this historic story arc written by the returning legend Larry Hama, chronicling the forging of America’s most elite fighting force and Revealing for the first time how these wildly different characters formed an unbeatable team! Join Duke, Hawk, Stalker, Scarlett, and Snake Eyes as they become real American heroes.

ANGEL: BLOOD & TRENCHES

John Byrne (w & a & c)

In Europe, war ravages nations, but a greater darkness than human conflict calls Angel back across the ocean from his distant home in America-bodies of combatants found drained of blood, and signs of an ancient evil once more abroad in the world. Writer/artist John Byrne tells an untold tale of Angel’s WWI exploits!

DOCTOR WHO #3

Tony Lee (w) Matthew Smith (a) Paul Grist, Matthew Smith (c)

Following the shocking end of “Silver Scream,” the Doctor now finds himself on trial for his life by the Shadow Proclamation! To survive, he has to prove his innocence but the prosecution is Mister Finch from “School Reunion.” Join us for the first chapter of the four-part “Fugitive” story arc, with art by Matthew Smith.

THE LAST RESORT #2

Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray (w) Giancarlo Caracuzzo (a) Darwyn Cooke (c)

The madness continues as things go from bad to worse on Loramer Island! The survivors slowly realize that burning to death in a plane crash might be a welcome alternative to what waits for them on the island. Warning: this issue contains excessive violence, fiery death, rampaging zombies, and a boat of topless women! See? It ain’t all bad.

ASTRO BOY MOVIE ADAPTATION #3

Scott Tipton (w) E.J. Su (a & c)

The comic-book version of this fall’s big screen adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved Astro Boy continues its weekly release. Even better, each issue features the fantastic artistic stylings of E.J. Su!

TRANSFORMERS: BEST OF UK: PREY #2

Simon Furman (w) Geoff Senior, Jeff Anderson (a) Andrew Griffith (c)

Optimus Prime finally returns to Cybertron, but the welcome is hardly warm, as the Autobot leader becomes a victim of mistaken identity. Will he survive the wrath of the Wreckers? Find out in this fan-favorite collection of classic tales from across the pond, written by Transformers mainstay Simon Furman with an all-new cover by Andrew Griffith!

GRIMJACK MANX CAT #2

John Ostrander (w) o Timothy Truman (a & c)

The Manx Cat adventure continues as GrimJack John Gaunt hunts for Darlin’ Lil, running into celebrated old “friends” like Blackjac Mac and Feetus along the way. As he begins to unravel the mystery of The Manx Cat, he finds himself held hostage by Darlin’ Lil’s astonishing origin and a lot of unhappy Cat lovers.

FROM THE ASHES #4

Bob Fingerman (w & a & c)

Bob and Michele encounter MODOZ, the charismatic and strangely familiar leader of the cult situated beneath the ruins of POX News. Their new life in “The Baby Bunker” at first seems sweet, with three hots and a cot, but there’s always a price to pay.

ZOMNIBUS VOL 1

Chris Ryall, Shane McCarthy, El Torres (w) Ashley Wood, Chris Bolton, Yair Herrera (a) Ashley Wood (c)

They stalk, they rot, they eat flesh, they’re the walking dead for Pete’s sake. What’s not to love about zombies?! Well, it’s not all fun and yucks as this collection of three zombies tales will show. Ranging from the seriously scary Feast!, to the urban sprawl of Eclipse of the Undead, and finally ending with the surreal stylings of the one-and-only Ashley Wood in The Complete Zombies vs. Robots. Any way you slice it, you’ll be hard-pressed to find this much zombie fodder anywhere, at any price.