Bill Willingham travels to the Whedonverse

It’s going to be a great holiday for Angel fans this year! Starting in December with issue 28, multiple Eisner Award-winning writer Bill Willingham (Fables) becomes the new regular writer of IDW’s ongoing Angel series. Willingham kicks things off in a big way with his first six-issue Angel storyline, titled “The Crown Prince Syndrome.”

Beginning with December’s Angel #28, Willingham delivers a gripping story as the title character struggles with his new-found celebrity and the myriad of moral complications it creates. Joining Willingham on the book as the new regular artist is Brian Denham (The X-Files). Jenny Frison will create distinctive new covers for each issue, and former Angel artist David Messina will offer up variant covers.

“I’m really enjoying writing Angel,” said Willingham. “You don’t often get to play in other people’s universes, and the world created for Angel, with its supernatural-infested L.A., is something I’m having too much fun being involved with.”

This first arc will focus on what life is like for Angel now that the Fall is over and he’s become the idolized, adored, and extremely visible hero of L.A. Angel’s fame definitely makes it harder for him to brood in peace, and the lack of anonymity creates a whole new level of threat, unlike anything he’s used to. “The Crown Prince Syndrome” also reveals what life is like for the rest of the team, especially Connor, who finds out that being a “chosen one” isn’t anywhere near as easy as his dad makes it look.

“I’ve known Bill a long time now, and he always makes it look so easy, so effortless,” said Angel editor Mariah Huehner. “He took one look at these characters and this world and knew exactly what he wanted to do. As a devoted fan of Angel and Bill, I’m just so pleased to get to work with him again on this series. I don’t think anyone is going to be prepared for where he is taking it.”

Beginning with Angel #28, each issue will also feature a special parallel story by Bill Williams and Messina, introducing a brand-new character created by Willingham and Williams, Eddie Hope. Angel #28 will be available in stores in December; more information can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

IDW releases for October 7, 2009

Angel #26

Brian Lynch (w) Stephen Mooney (a) Mooney, Nick Runge (c)

“Boys and Their Toys,” Part 1 of 2: Somebody has made a movie based on Angel’s adventures in hell! Angel and Spike go to a comic con to see how badly Hollywood has mangled true events, only to find themselves surrounded by supernatural evil at every turn. Can Angel tell the difference between an evil demon and a 14-year-old fanboy dressed as an evil demon? Is there a difference? The Angel: After the Fall team of Brian Lynch and Stephen Mooney throw Angel and Spike into an all-new hell!

Angel Not Fade Away TPB

Joss Whedon, Jeffrey Bell, Scott Tipton (w) Stephen Mooney, Jeff Johnson (a & c)

Before Angel: After the Fall… there was Not Fade Away. The final episode of Joss Whedon’s beloved Angel television series has been adapted into a three-part miniseries that leads to a climactic battle in an alleyway that fans now know was only the end of the beginning! This collection includes the three-part Not Fade Away story, plus the script for the “Not Fade Away” television episode, accompanied by spot illustrations.

Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #11

Steve Parkhouse (w) Mick Austin (a) Robert Hack (c)

IDW’s newly recolored reprints of classic Doctor Who tales from years past continues. In this issue, the adventures of the Fifth Doctor continue in the concluding chapters of “4-Dimensional Vistas,” printed in the U.S. for the first time! Featuring all-new colors by Charlie Kirchoff.

Fallen Angel Reborn #4

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

Did you ever get everything you’ve ever wanted? Well, so has Illyria. On the devastated remains of New York City, Illyria stands triumphant. But what of the Fallen Angel? Did she try to stop Illyria…or did she wind up aiding her? And who will wind up having the final victory? Look for the Johnny Atomic cover!

From the Ashes #5

Bob Fingerman (w & a & c)

Having been forcibly separated from one other, Bob and Michele are forced to plot their next moves apart, he reunited as a field slave with their mutant pals, and she from the confines of “The Baby Bunker.” Can they find a way to escape?

Ghostbusters Displaced Aggression #2

Scott Lobdell (w) Ilias Kyriazis (a) Nick Runge, Kyriazis (c)

“A Ray By Any Other Name…” Peter and Rachel (the newest Ghostbuster) arrive in the days of King Arthur, only to learn his trusted advisor Merlin has been replaced by… a bearded, sword-wielding Dr. Ray Stantz! All that and the ghost of Morgan LeFey, too! 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.

Grimjack Manx Cat #3

John Ostrander (w) Timothy Truman (a)

GrimJack’s quest for the Manx Cat and its secrets has led him all over the fabled multidimensional city of Cynosure-and he’s in a battle-to-the-finish with the beautiful Darlin’ Lil. If that’s not enough, GrimJack’s visit to The Sleepless Monks has him fighting for his very soul! All this effort for just one damned cat?

Star Trek Romulan Schism #2

John Byrne (w & a & c)

The Second Romulan War rages along the boundaries of the Neutral Zone and beyond, and Star Fleet Command chooses their most decorated Starship Commander for a deadly mission against an unexpected foe.

Starstruck #2

Elaine Lee (w) Michael Wm. Kaluta, Charles Vess (a & c)

After the destruction of his Annie Droid, Kalif has a mental breakdown, spoiling both his sister’s fun and his father’s plans. Feeling responsible, Mary Medea abandons her plans and blasts off to fight the Bajar-backed March Baptist army, ominously leaving a copy of her will behind. Plus: more Galactic Girl Guide action!

Transformers Best of UK Prey #3

Simon Furman (w) Will Simpson (a) Andrew Griffith (c)

Optimus Prime reveals what became of him, Prowl, and Ratchet after they were forced into a limbo dimension along with Shockwave, Thundercracker, and Frenzy. Continuing the fan-favorite collection of classic tales from across the pond, written by TRANSFORMERS mainstay Simon Furman with an all-new cover by Andrew Griffith!