Hellblazer Ends When Constantine Begins

John Constantine has been a constant presence in the pages of DC Comics, having first appeared in SWAMP THING in the 1980s and up through his current adventures in the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, ANIMAL MAN and SWORD OF SORCERY.

Now, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS announced that the chain-smoking British occult detective will headline his own ongoing comic book series as part of DC Comics-The New 52.

Launching in March 2013, CONSTANTINE will be written by upcoming DEMON KNIGHTS writer and New York Times bestselling author of The Homeland Directive and the sci-fi graphic novel series The Surrogates, Robert Venditti, with incredible art by Renato Guedes (SUPERMAN).

"Few characters in comics are as complex and entertaining as John Constantine, and I'm finding him to be every bit as enjoyable to write as he is to read," says Venditti. "It's my goal to have the new CONSTANTINE series be equal parts familiarity and surprise.  This will be the Constantine we all know and love, but facing new and unexpected challenges from both inside and out."

HELLBLAZER, Vertigo's longest-running series which currently headlines John Constantine, will end with issue #300 in February. John Constantine has escaped, cheated, narrowly avoided and even reversed death on multiple occasions. Now, in the conclusion of “Death and Cigarettes,” longtime writer Peter Milligan and artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini will test whether he’s got one more second chance in him, giving him the bloody best sendoff he deserves.

Before Watchmen: Dollar Bill

DC Comics announced with MTV GEEK today that they will publish a new Before Watchmen story that will focus on the character Dollar Bill.

Joining the roster of mini-series that are expanding on the foundation of the original Watchmen, this one-shot issue Before Watchmen: Dollar Bill will be written by Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias) and illustrated by Kirby and Eisner Award winning artist Steve Rude.

"He's never been visited before,” Wein tells MTV Geek of the corporate-sponsored actor-turned-hero. “Of all the Watchmen, he's the one with the least information given about him over the course of the series. ... He's one of those guys who just gets by, he does what he needs to do."

Before Watchmen: Dollar Bill #1 arrives in stores January 30, 2013.

Halloween Countdown: Three Weeks!

In three short weeks Alter Ego will be celebrating Halloween and we are thrilled that this fun and spooky holiday is falling on the weekly holiday known as "New Comic Day!"

This year the whole industry is celebrating with Halloween ComicFest, an event celebrating comics and community.

Here is the scoop on what we'll be up to that day:

• Adults and children will receive special gifts if they come in wearing costumes!
• Store-wide sales, including 50% off backstock comics and 25% off all independent trades/hardcovers.
• We will be dragging out a few of our over-stock boxes and selling issues for $1.00 each.
• Candy! We'll have lots of yummy candy to go around!
• Cupcakes! I'll use any event as an excuse to eat cupcakes!
• FREE COMIC BOOKS! We will have a selection of special Halloween themed comic books to give away.

We'll be celebrating all day, Wednesday, October 31st, please join us!

Batman: Arkham City End Game

DC Comics is expanding on the action of their Batman: Arkham City video game with a 60 page, $6.99 comic book to be released November 14th. This story was previously available only in a digital format, this is the first time in print!

Creators: (W) Derek Fridolfs (A/CA) Jason Shawn Alexander

Based on events directly from the Arkham City videogame. The final, climactic battle between Batman and The Joker leads to traumatic ramifications in this epic-length adventure. The entire digital first, 60-page story, in print for the first time! Powerful, moody artwork and wraparound cover by Jason Shawn Alexander (Gotham Central, Abe Sapien: The Drowning, Queen and Country).

Batman: Arkham City sold 4.6 million copies sold in its first week of release, and has become a must-have for serious gamers and Batman fans. With content that was previously available only as a digital release, this title should encourage players to continue exploring new dimensions of the blockbuster game while entertaining readers seeking a thrilling new Batman adventure. On Sale 11/14/2012

If you would like your very own copy of Batman: Arkham City - End Game, please contact me at: erin@alteregoia.com

Fans of the video game Borderlands can enhance their playing experience with IDW's new four-part "Origins" series, set for release in November!

Creators: (W) Mike Neumann (A/CA) Agustin Padilla

"Roland." For the millions and millions of fans of the smash-hit video game Borderlands, a lingering question exists: how did the Vault Hunters get on the bus with Marcus in the first place? Find out how Roland got on the bus with Mordecai, Lilith, and Brick in this exciting look at the soldiers of the Crimson Lance and what made him leave their ranks and search for the Vault. Surprises abound in the first part of a four-issue series chronicling where Borderlands began!

Appeal: With millions of units sold, Borderlands has proven itself to be effective at capturing the imaginations of action-loving gamers who have been awaiting this limited series since its announcement. This expansion of the world, and the exploration of the origins behind popular characters, should attract those players seeking a dynamic way to satisfy their Borderlands cravings.

On Sale 11/14/12

If you would like to pre-order Borderlands: Origin #1, or any other series, please drop me a line at: erin@alteregoia.com or give me a call at: 319-373-8935!

Skybound's Clone Set For November Birth!

Image Comics imprint Skybound has solicited their latest effort, Clone, for a November release.

We are extra excited about this title so we have decided to slash the price of the 1st issue to $1.99! This offer is good only for pre-orders placed before September 18th.

If you would like to pre-order Clone or any other title, please contact Alter Ego via e-mail at: erin@alteregoia.com or by phone at 319-373-8935.

Creators: (W) David Schulner (A/CA) Juan Jose Ryp, Felix Serrano

From Robert Kirkman's Skybound imprint, comes a sci-fi story like you've never seen before! Dr. Luke Taylor's perfect life comes to a dramatic halt when an identical, bloodied version of himself arrives at his doorstep with news that he is one of many clones ... and they're all after his pregnant wife and their unborn child!

Schulner, a producer and writer for Kings, The Event and the upcoming Do No Harm, is known to TV audiences for creating multilayered worlds and characters. His trademark storytelling style, combined with the dynamic art of fan-favorite Ryp, should garner significant consumer attention for this new title.

On Sale 11/14/2012

My Little Pony Trotting into Alter Ego in November!

The young and the young at heart will be excited to note that My Little Pony will have their own new ongoing title in conjunction with the Hub's animated show!

Creators: (W) Katie Cook (A/CA) Andy Price Welcome to Ponyville, home of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and all your other favorite Ponies! Something's not right in the town though, as some of the inhabitants are acting very, very strange! It's up to the Mane Six to find the source of the weirdness before it's too late! Also offered: a Jill Thompson Subscription Variant Cover ($3.99), intended for subscription customers and a Complete Box Set ($24.99) that collects all 6 of the "Mane 6" covers in an exclusive slipcase. Hailed by Toonzone as “what every show of its type should be. And that is something so rare that it is very magical indeed”, The Hub’s animated incarnation of the classic property has been embraced by a new generation of fans, spanning from small children and tweens to parents and “Bronies” (adult male viewers). Expect this new title to draw attention from all of these groups as they seek to extend the magical fun. On Sale 11/14/12

If you would like to order My Little Pony #1, please contact Alter Ego at: erin@alteregoia.com

Leap Day Sale!

Leap Day comes but once every 4 years and it only falls on Wednesday once every 28 years. An extra Wednesday means an extra comic day and since there hasn't been one of those since 1984, we're going to celebrate with a sale!

On Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 all independent published paperbacks and hardcovers will be 29% off! This includes all Image, Top Shelf, Top Cow, IDW, Dark Horse and Oni books, plus dozens of other publishers! If it's not Marvel or DC, it's included!

This is a sale that only comes once every 28 years so be sure to take advantage of it!

Holiday Hours & Delivery Schedule

With Christmas & New Years Day falling on a Sunday this year there will be no delay in the delivery of new comic books. Of course, the weather can always mess things up so please watch for any last minute updates here or on our Facebook page.

There will be only 2 days of shortened store hours; on Saturday December 24th and Saturday December 31st we will be closing at 3:00 pm.

We hope you enjoy the holidays!

October Previews Orders - Deadline Fast Approaching!

I know it seems like they just arrived in the store but the deadline for the October Previews orders is fast approaching! Please make sure your order is in by October 18th to guarantee availability and your 10% discount!

We accept orders via e-mail at erin@alteregoia.com or in-store. Thanks!

New Comic Books - September 7th, 2011

Here are some highlights from that books that will be in store next Wednesday, September 7th. And don't forget: 3 of the DC New 52 books will be only $1.50 (Animal Man, Batgirl and Stormwatch!)

Flashpoint Fire Sale!

On August 31st the DC NEW 52 begins with the release of Flashpoint #5 and Justice League #1. To satisfy your appetite for more comic books that week we are holding a Flashipoint Fire Sale!

All of the Flashpoint mini-series will be on sale as well all previous issues of the Flashpoint series. How much on sale, you ask? Well...how about BUY TWO, GET ONE FREE! That means you'll be able to pick up any of the 3 issue mini-series for the price of 2 issues. If you've been curious about Flashpoint now is a great time to pick up the books and ready yourself for the New 52!

Sale begins Wednesday, August 31st at 11:00am and will run until the books are gone. Limited to in-stock books only.

See you soon!

New Comic Books - August 31st, 2011

Here is a small selection of what you'll find in store starting Wednesday, August 31st!

DC: The New 52 Specially Priced Issues

Most everyone knows about the DC New 52, beginning August 31st. What you might not know is that we will be offering 12 of the #1 issues for the price of $1.50!

This is a great time to get in on a new series, find out more about characters you were curious about, or to buy boks for friends you'd like to introduce to the world of comics.

Here is a list of the $1.50 titles and the dates they are scheduled to ship.

September 7th

• Animal Man #1
• Batgirl #1
• Stormwatch #1

September 14th

• Batman & Robin #1
• Grifter #1
• Red Lanterns #1

September 21st

• Blue Beetle #1
• DC Universe Presents #1
• Supergirl #1

September 28th

• The Fury of Firestorm #1
• Justice League Dark #1
• Teen Titans #1

Orders For Items Shipping in October 2011

Hello! Can you believe it's half-way though August already?

I wanted to give customers a gentle reminder that all Previews orders for items shipping in October are due on Thursday, August 18th. It's important to get your orders in by that time to guarantee that I have enough time to place them before my cut-off date. Orders turned in after August 18th cannot be guaranteed and could result in a loss of your 10% discount.

Let me know if you have any questions and remember that orders can be e-mailed (erin@alteregoia.com) or turned in at the store in person.

Thanks!

DC: The New 52 - F.A.Q.

As many of you have heard, Starting August 31st DC is relaunching their core universe of titles with 52 books starting at issue #1. There has been much speculation regarding DCs reason for doing this so I wanted to share with you DCs F.A.Q. regarding The New 52, I hope it helps answer some questions!

Why do it?  There is a lot of speculation out there, are you "rebooting" the titles?

This is an epic and ambitious initiative that ushers in a new generation of comics for DC Comics and will set the tone for storylines and characters for years to come.  With all of the titles starting at #1, our creative teams have the ability to take a more modern approach - not only with each character, but with how the characters interact with one another and the universe as a whole, and focus on the earlier part of the careers of each of our iconic characters.  A time when they didn't have as much experience defeating all their nemeses.  A time when they weren't as sure of their abilities. A time when they haven't saved the world countless times. It's this period that is rich with creative opportunity as we show why these characters are so amazing, so iconic and so special.
We think fans will be excited by this approach and The New 52 will provide DC Entertainment an opportunity to aggressively reach the widest possible audience worldwide, through captivating stories and an accessible entry point.  We see great opportunities to tell new, contemporary, cutting edge stories building off the best known, classic stories that make up each of the title's back histories.

DC Comics has had a number of reboots, what makes this one different?

This is not a reboot, it's a launch.  This is a historic initiative for DC Entertainment and the DC Comics characters - and a first in the company's publishing history. This next era of DC Comics characters will see 52 all-new #1 issues of its super hero titles at the same time AND same-day digital across the board. In addition to the number changes, our talented creative teams are working behind the scenes to create compelling storylines and new costume designs for many of our iconic DC Comics characters.
 Why not call it a reboot?
It's not a reboot.  A reboot is typically a restart of the story or character that jettisons away everything that happened previously.
This is a new beginning which builds off the best of the past.  For the stories launching as new #1s in September, we have carefully hand-selected the most powerful and pertinent moments in these characters' lives and stories to remain in the mythology and lore.  And then we've asked the best creators in the industry to modernize, update and enhance the books with new and exciting tales.  The result is that we retained the good stuff, and then make it better.

Does The New 52 undo events or continuity that I've been reading?
Some yes, some no.  But many of the great stories remain.  For example - Batgirl.  The Killing Joke still happened and she was Oracle.  Now she will go through physical rehabilitation and become a more seasoned and nuanced character because she had these incredible and diverse experiences.

 So will all titles be entry points or will you need to know back-story for some?
Each title will read as a #1 issue that will make jumping into the story extremely accessible for all types of readers. The stories are designed in a way that new fans will be able to pick up a book and immediately be drawn into the story, while at the same time existing fans will be engrossed by the new and epic moments that take place.

Do the new #1s mean that the previous stories didn't take place?

Our creative teams have a firm understanding of the storied heritage of characters and titles. The new #1 issues will introduce readers to a more modern, diverse universe of DC Comics characters, with some character variations in appearance, origin and age. All stories will be grounded in each character's legend - but will map to real world situations, interactions, tragedies and triumphs.
Overall, DC Entertainment is focused on putting out the most innovative storylines, featuring the most iconic characters, created by the most creative minds within the industry.

Might you just introduce a new DC "Ultimate" line and give it the spotlight for a few months, then have the opportunity to bring back the other continuity? Will this all be put back to "normal" after a few months?

No - this is the new universe of DC Comics characters.  This is an epic and ambitious initiative that ushers in the next era of the DC Comics characters and will set the tone for storylines and characters for years to come.  This is not an "event," because events expire.

New Comics & One Reminder

Greetings!  We have a boatload of comics coming in this week, lots of great stuff, check it out!

• Strange Adventures #1
• Green Lantern #66
• Green Lantern #60
• Action Comics #901
• Detective #877

• FF #4
• Mighty Thor #2
• Venom #3
• Secret Avengers #13
• Wolverine #9

• Butcher Baker #3
• Godzilla #3
• Kirby Genesis #0
• Walking Dead #85
• Tattered Man One Shot

Plus about 20 other titles, including some new Geronimo Stilton books for the young readers!

Reminder, next week is Memorial Day. Thanks to Diamond's new delivery system there will NOT be any delay in book delivery. Books will be here on Wednesday, June 1st!

See You Again Next Year!

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the 10th Annual Free Comic Book! We had a great time seeing friends, meeting new people and handing out free comic books. The most popular books with kids were Dark Horse's Avatar/Star Wars, Kung Fu Panda, Marvel Captain America/Thor and Oni's Free For Awesome.

Most popular with adults was IDW's Locke & Key, Green Lantern and Dark Horse's Baltimore.

We didn't have many extras but what we do have will be sent over to the Monticello Library for their comic reading program.

I hope that everyone enjoyed the books they picked up and I'd love to hear your thoughts about them!

New Comics for April 13th plus 2 reminders!

New comics will be on sale tomorrow, April 13th. As usual, we'll have a great selection of new books, including, but not limited to:

• Batgirl #20
• Flash #10
• Superman #710
• Deadpool #35
• New Avengers #11
• Uncanny X-Force #7
• Butcher Baker #2
• Spawn #206
• Spongebob Comics #2

Previews orders for this month on due on April 18th. Please have all order books into the story by 5:00 pm on Saturday April 16th or e-mailed in by Monday the 18th. I cannot accept or process late orders.

Don't forget that Free Comic Book Day is coming up on May 7th! We'll be open from 11:00 - 5:00 handing out a great selection of specially printed books for the occasion, we hope you'll join us!

New Comics for March 23rd

March is almost over but it's not going out like a lamb! Oodles and oodles of new titles are arriving this week!

• Batman Inc. #4
• Batman The Dark Knight #2
• Green Lantern #64
• Green Lantern Corps #58
• JLA #55
• Deadpool #34
• FF #1
• Uncanny X-Force #6
• Uncanny X-Men #534
• X-Men #9
• Ghostbusters Infestation #2
• Creepy Comics #5
• Invincible #78
• Sixth Gun #10
• Spawn #205

Plus new collections of Unwritten, The Incredible, Shrek and Cars!