Comic books in 'Knight', graded by CBCS

Written by VARIOUS. Return with us to the Silver and Golden Ages as the chronicle of the Marvel Universe continues its coverage of the Avengers (from AVENGERS ANNUAL #21 and AVENGERS #348), Thor (from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY # -1 and JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #511), and Captain America (from CAPTAIN AMERICA ANNUAL #10, CAPTAIN AMERICA #387 and 1944's CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #35). Watch the Marvel universe's history unfold month by month as we provide synopses for dozens of individual comics, including back-up strips - introducing the characters, teams, places and equipment that appeared within with vital information about first appearances, where they last showed up and where they appeared next! 64 PGS./Rated A Cover price $3.99.

Written by VARIOUS. Return with us to the Silver and Golden Ages as the chronicle of the Marvel Universe continues its coverage of the Avengers (from AVENGERS ANNUAL #22 and AVENGERS #367), Thor (from 2002's THOR #50), and Captain America (from CAPTAIN AMERICA #415 and 1944's CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #37). Watch the Marvel universe's history unfold month by month as we provide synopses for dozens of individual comics, including back-up strips - introducing the characters, teams, places and equipment that appeared within with vital information about first appearances, where they last showed up and where they appeared next! 64 PGS./Rated A Cover price $3.99.

This issue covers Avengers (1st series) 46 thru 66, Annual 2, and Marvel Super Heroes 17. Each issue reviewed in the index has a full-page summary and a full-page reprint of the original cover. Index contributors and consultants include George Olshevsky, Ron Bialkowski, Peter Garcia, Chuck Huber, Carol Klutey, Dennis Mallonee, Murray Ward, and Mark Gruenwald. Cover pencils by Ron Frenz. Cover inks by Al Milgrom. The wraparound cover shows eight Avengers plus the Black Panther battling Ymir, Surtur, Magneto, the Grim Reaper, the Masters of Evil, and Ultron. The cover is similar to the cover of Avengers 61. Splash page art by Ron Frenz and Al Milgrom. The splash page depicts Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch on the run from Magneto and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. The last page contains a special chronology for Ultron-5. The back inside cover continues two lengthy issue summaries. Square bound binding. (Note: Marvel Super Heroes 17 features the Black Knight and his discovery of the ebony blade.) 48 pages Cover price $2.95.

This issue covers Avengers (1st series) 286 thru 333 and Annuals 17 thru 20. Each issue reviewed in the index has a half-page summary and reprint of the original cover. Index reviewers and contributors include Ronald Bialkowski, Laura Ward, and Murray Ward. Cover by Steve Epting and Al Williamson. The wraparound cover shows the East Coast Avengers line-up from the early 1990's and several of their main adversaries including Deathbird, Nebula, Thane Ector and the Supreme Intelligence. Both the front and back inside covers contain errata for the previous five issues. (Note: This is the final issue of the index.) 32 pages Cover price $1.95.

Stories and art by Hal Foster. Cover by Murphy Anderson. Reprints of the Hal Foster adventure strip, considered one of the artistic high points of the comic strip. Reprints strips from 1959. Riding to warn King Arthur of a Saxon invasion, Val accidentally ignites a domestic squabble; Prince Valiant enters a cave which is said to be the trophy-room of Time itself. 48 pages, B&W. Cover price $3.95.

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Story and art by Hal Foster. Back cover illustration by Mike Grell. Softcover, 96 pages, B&W. Cover price $14.95.

Volume 1 - 1st printing. By Hal Foster. Softcover, 48 pages, B&W.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. By Hal Foster. Softcover, 48 pages, B&W. Cover price $6.95.

(W) Rigamonti (A) Qualano After an era of great peace, the thirst for power rises anew desperate to be quenched with a tide of blood and death. War looms once more in this grim and gritty fantasy tale! With the fate of the world on the line, four heroes - Faras, Haggarth, Omir, and Masdin - begin their desperate quest for the glimmer of hope known as 'The One,' the legendary sword that lies waiting for the storm of battle. Cover price $2.99.

(W) GG Studio (A) Davide Rigamonti After an era of great peace, the thirst for power rises anew desperate to be quenched with a tide of blood and death. War looms once more in this grim and gritty fantasy tale. With the world on the line, four heroes: Faras, Haggarth, Omir, and Masdin, begin their dire quest for the glimmer of hope known as 'The One' - the legendary sword that lies waiting for the storm of battle. Cover price $2.99.

Volume 29 - 1st printing. "Skypiea: Part 6 of 8!" By Eiichiro Oda. Softcover, 5-in. x 7-in., 232 pages, B&W. Rating: T NOTE: These are Japanese manga-style GNs and are meant to be read right-to-left. Cover price $9.99.

Volume 47 - 1st printing. "Thriller Bark: Part 2 of 4!" By Eiichiro Oda. The Straw Hats find themselves caught in the Florian Triangle when the mysterious island "Thriller Bark" suddenly appears. They soon find out Gecko Moria, one of the Seven Warlords, and his zombie army are also on the island, and they're preparing for a Night Hunt! Can the crew survive this fearsome evening? Softcover, 5-in. x 7-in., 216 pages, B&W. Rating: T NOTE: These are Japanese manga-style GNs and are meant to be read right-to-left. Cover price $9.99.

1st printing. Collects One (2010 G G Studio) #1-5. Written by GG. Art and cover by Pasquale Qualano. After an era of great peace, the third for power arises anew, desperate to be quenched with a tide of blood and death. War looms once more in this grim and gritty fantasy tale. With the world on the line, four heroes - Faras, Haggarth, Omir and Masdin - begin their dire quest for the glimmer of hope known as "The One," a legendary sword that lies waiting for the storm of battle! Softcover, 144 pages, full color. Cover price $18.99.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. "War and XPs!" By Rich Burlew. Softcover, 8-in. x 10-in., 192 pages, full color. Cover price $32.95.

Written by Frank Tieri, Ryan North and Ty Templeton. Art by Raffaele Ienco, Ramon Villalobos and Ty Templeton. Cover by Mark Brooks. EVERYBODY HAS ONE... 28 pages, full color. Cover price $3.99.

4th Edition - 1st printing. Collects Orion (1992 Dark Horse) #1-6. Story and art by Shirow Masamune. In the mighty Yamata Empire, magic and technology are one and the same. Now, the Empire is preparing its ultimate feat of psycho-science: the destruction of all the negative karma in the galaxy! But will this mystical purification be the salvation of humanity--or the trigger of its ultimate destruction? Only one being can save the Empire from its folly: Susano, the God of Destruction. Wild, arrogant, and homicidal, Susano has come to teach the world the true nature of power! Shirow Masamune, creator of Appleseed, Dominion, Intron Depot, and Ghost in the Shell, has earned a huge worldwide following with his unique, eclectic, and visually stunning blend of science-fiction and fantasy. Orion is Shirow at his wildest, and is now for the first time in America published in right-to-left reading format, as originally published in Japan. Plus a variety of great bonus features: art gallery, Orion glossary, and notes on the text composed by Shirow himself! Shirow Masumune is best known for the manga Ghost in the Shell, which has been turned into two anime movies, two anime TV series, a series of prose novels, and several video games. Softcover, 5 1/2-in. x 8-in., 280 pages, B&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 9 - 2nd and later printings. "Agincourt 1415!" By Matthew Bennett. Agincourt is one of the most evocative names in English military history. Henry V's forces were tired, hungry, and faced a French army three to six times more numerous. However, they possessed several advantages, and English success resulted from the combination of heavily armoured men-at-arms with troops armed with the infamous longbow - the havoc this weapon wreaked was crucial. Using original fifteenth century evidence, including the surviving French battle plan and the accounts of men present in both armies, this title discusses the lead-up to the battle, the tactical dispositions of the two forces and the reasons for the ultimate English success. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $19.95.

Volume 53 - 1st printing. "Granada 1492!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. By 1481 Granada was the last Islamic enclave in Catholic Spain. Granada's last ruler, Muhammad XII 'Boadbil', faced the might of the Spanish royal army revitalised and lavishly equipped with modern artillery. Despite this mismatch of strength it took 11 years of hard campaigning before the Spanish troops could bring their guns to bear on the walls of Granada. After this the outcome could not be long delayed. Andalusia, the physical embodiment of the flowering Islamic culture in Spain, was snuffed out. The commanders, forces, plans and campaign itself are all examined closely in this superbly illustrated account of 'Los Reyes Catolicos' greatest victory. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $19.95.

Volume 64 - 1st printing. " Nicopolis 1396!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. By the second half of the 14th century, the once mighty Byzantine Empire had been reduced to little more than the city of Constantinople. In 1391, the Ottoman ruler Sultan Bayazid I 'The Lightning' besieged the city. Pope Boniface IX preached a crusade and a French-led army of 10,000 marched east. At Nicopolis they met the Ottoman army in battle. Ignoring the advice of their Hungarian and Transylvanian allies, the Crusaders charged the Turks and were in turn smashed by the Ottoman heavy cavalry. The last Crusade ended on the banks of the Danube as the Crusaders desperately sought to escape from the pursuing Turks. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $19.95.

Volume 94 - 1st printing. "Orléans 1429!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Graham Turner. In 1415 King Henry V of England invaded France and won an overwhelming victory at the Battle of Agincourt. Following his victory, the English conquered a large part of northern France, and by 1429 were besieging the city of Orléans. In this darkest hour, France's fortunes were transformed by the inspirational leadership of a young woman, Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc). Within four months the French had broken the siege and won a great victory at the battle of Patay over the previously invincible English. This book examines the crucial campaign which marked the turning point of the Hundred Years War. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $19.95.

Volume 138 - 1st printing. "Poitiers 1356!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Graham Turner. When Edward the Black Prince marched out of Gascony in August 1356, his plan was to carry out a large-scale destructive raid into the territory of the French King, John II. On 18 September, however, he was cornered south of Poitiers by a larger French army, and was left with little option but to fight. The ensuing battle proved an unmitigated disaster for the French. Their army was butchered and the King himself captured. In this volume, Dr David Nicolle details a campaign that enhanced the reputation of the Black Prince and led King John to catastrophe. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $19.95.

Volume 164 - 1st printing. "Otterburn 1388!" Written by Peter Armstrong. Art by Stephen Walsh. In his Chronicles, Froissart describes Otterburn as 'the best fought and the most severe' battle of his time. Fought at Redesdale in Northumberland in August 1388, the battle originated from the ongoing war between the Scots and the English following Robert Bruce's victory over the English at Bannockburn in 1314. Using all the contemporary sources, this book details the events that led up to the clash on the borders, examines the opposing armies, their weaponry and their commanders - including the Douglases on the Scots side and the Percys on the English - and gives a full account of the battle and its aftermath. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $19.95.

Volume 191 - 1st printing. "Vienna 1683!" Written by Simon Millar. Art by Peter Dennis. The capture of the Hapsburg city of Vienna was a major strategic aspiration for the Islamic Ottoman Empire, desperate for the control that the city exercized over the Danube and the overland trade routes between southern and northern Europe. In July 1683 Sultan Mehmet IV proclaimed a jihad and the Turkish grand vizier, Kara Mustafa Pasha, laid siege to the city with an army of 150,000 men. In September a relieving force arrived under Polish command and joined up with the defenders to drive the Turks away. The main focus of this book is the final 15-hour battle for Vienna, which peaked with a massive charge by three divisions of Polish winged hussars. This hard-won victory marked the beginning of the decline of the Islamic Ottoman Empire, which was never to threaten central Europe again. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $19.95.

Volume 12 - 1st printing. "Campaigns of the Norman Conquest!" By Matthew Bennett. This book provides a full introduction to the Norman Conquest, an event which resulted in dramatic changes to the nation's aristocracy, church and administration. It brought a new language and cultural influences and revolutionised military architecture with the introduction of the castle. This profound impact was not brought about as the result of a single battle and it took a five-year war for William to establish control over his new kingdom. The campaigns are studied in detail, with maps showing how William's energy and strategic intelligence enabled him to defeat his formidable opponents and create a new order. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $17.95.

Volume 54 - 1st printing. "The Wars of the Roses!" By Michael Hicks. The Wars of the Roses raged from 1455 to 1485 - the longest period of civil war in English history. They barely affected the daily routine of the civilian population, yet for the leaders of the opposing houses of York and Lancaster, the wars were devastating. First hand accounts reveal how the lives of their women and children were blighted during three decades of war, as many of their male relatives met with violent deaths. This book examines in detail the causes, course and results of each of the main wars and concludes with a fascinating insight into why the wars ended so abruptly. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $17.95.

Volume 60 - 1st printing. "The Spanish Invasion of Mexico 1519-1521!" By Charles M Robinson III. The Spanish conquest of Mexico was the most remarkable military expedition in history, and in achieving it, Hernan Cortes proved himself as one of the greatest generals of all time. This book explains the background of the Aztec Empire and of the Spanish presence in Mexico. It describes the lives of the Aztecs in their glittering capital and of the Europeans who learned to adapt and survive in an alien and often dangerous world. The invasion was a war between civilizations, pitting the fatalism and obsessive ritual of the Aztecs against soldiers fighting for riches, their lives, and eventually their souls. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $19.95.

Volume 62 - 1st printing. "The Ottoman Empire 1326-1699!" By Stephen Turnbull. The Ottoman Empire and its conflicts provide one of the longest continuous narratives in military history. Its rulers were never overthrown by a foreign power and no usurper succeeded in taking the throne. At its height under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Empire became the most powerful state in the world - a multi-national, multilingual empire that stretched from Vienna to the upper Arab peninsula. With Suleiman's death began the gradual decline to the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699 in which the Ottoman Empire lost much of its European territory. This volume covers the main campaigns and the part played by such elite troops as the Janissaries and the Sipahis, as well as exploring the social and economic impact of the conquests. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $17.95.

Volume 21 - 1st printing. "Crusader Castles in the Holy Land 1097-1192!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Adam Hook. The Crusaders that landed in the Middle East in the late 11th century brought with them their own traditions of military architecture, but it was not long before their defensive construction began to reflect a broad array of local influences. Most early Crusader structures were relatively small, and tended to increase the existing natural and defensive features of a site. The basic forms comprised freestanding towers, castra, and hilltop and spur-castles, but urban centres, religious sites and rural dwellings were also fortified. From the 1160s, bigger, stronger and more expensive castles began to appear, in response to developments in Islamic siege weaponry. This title examines the early fortifications erected by the Crusaders in modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and south-eastern Turkey. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 25 - 1st printing. "The Walls of Constantinople AD 324-1453!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Peter Dennis. The walls of Constantinople are the greatest surviving example of European medieval military architecture in the world. They withstood numerous sieges until being finally overcome by the artillery of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, and exist today as a time capsule of Byzantine and Medieval history. This book examines the main defensive system protecting the landward side of the city, which consisted of three parallel walls about 5 miles long. The walls defended the city against intruders, including Attila the Hun, before finally being breached by European knights during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and, ultimately, destroyed by Turkish artillery in 1453. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 50 - 1st printing. "Medieval European Armies!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. Almost continual warfare raged in Europe during the period 1300-1500. These wars were the furnaces in which many of the modern European nations were forged. Parallel with this emergence of the nations came the development of national armies to protect the newly-won borders and independence, yet throughout this period the old feudal method of raising an army persisted. This fascinating study by Terence Wise explores the organisation, weapons and equipment of the armies who fought across medieval Europe, from the Hundred Years War to the fight against the Moors in Spain and the French invasion of Italy. Softcover, 50 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 58 - 2nd and later printings. "The Landsknechts!" Written by Douglas Miller. Art by Gerry Embleton. The Landsknechts were German mercenaries who served during the reigns of Maximilian I and Charles V in the sixteenth century. Having signed up, these Landsknechts were read a very detailed code of conduct, organised into companies, paid one month in advance, and sent into battle! Their major weapon was the pike, which could be up to 18 feet in length, but those whose duty it was to advance in the front line carried instead the fearsome Zweihänder; an enormous battle-sword around 66 inches in length! Douglas Miller describes in detail the organisation, tactics, weapons, uniforms and history of these remarkable soldiers. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 75 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Crusades!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. In the early crusades men of all ranks from all over Europe took the cross and went to fight Islam as volunteers. Some went out of religious fervour, others to escape the plagues and famine which were rife at the time, still others in search of land or a fortune in loot. Fighting alongside all of these were the armies raised in Outremer, the Holy Land itself. Together they waged a bloody religious war, the participants of which included such forces as the Knights Templar, the Teutonic Knights, and the Byzantine Army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 75 - 2nd and later printings. "Armies of the Crusades!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. In the early crusades men of all ranks from all over Europe took the cross and went to fight Islam as volunteers. Some went out of religious fervour, others to escape the plagues and famine which were rife at the time, still others in search of land or a fortune in loot. Fighting alongside all of these were the armies raised in Outremer, the Holy Land itself. Together they waged a bloody religious war, the participants of which included such forces as the Knights Templar, the Teutonic Knights, and the Byzantine Army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 85 - 2nd and later printings. "Saxon, Viking and Norman!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. If there is one thing we can be sure of concerning the Saxons, Vikings and Normans who inhabited the medieval world, it is that they were a good deal more advanced than some writings would have us believe. This fascinating book by Terence Wise explores the history, organization, clothing, equipment and weapons of Saxon, Viking and Norman peoples, covering wide-ranging topics such as Anglo-Saxon shields, Viking raiding ships and the organization of Norman armies.The absorbing and readable text is enriched by numerous illustrations and museum photographs with commentaries, plus eight superbly drawn full page colour plates by renowned military artist Gerry Embleton. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 136 - 2nd and later printings. "Italian Medieval Armies 1300–1500!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Gerry Embleton. Mercenaries were a common feature throughout most of Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries, and had been known far earlier. But nowhere did such a sophisticated system of hiring, payment and organisation of mercenaries develop as it did in Italy. The condottiere – whose name came from the condotta or contract between himself and his employer – was the result. Whether commander or humble trooper, the condottiere was a complete professional. His skill has never been doubted, but his loyalty and dedication to a particular cause often has. David Nicolle provides a fascinating exploration of the condottiere; his roles, arms and equipment. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 154 - 2nd and later printings. "Arthur and the Anglo-Saxon Wars!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. The Arthurian Age; the Celtic Twilight; the Dark Ages; the Birth of England; these are the powerfully romantic names often given to one of the most confused yet vital periods in British history. It is an era upon which rival Celtic and English nationalisms frequently fought. It was also a period of settlement, and of the sword. This absorbing volume by David Nicolle transports us to an England shrouded in mystery and beset by savage conflict, a land which played host to one of the most enduring figures of our history – Arthur. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 155 - 1st printing. "Knights of Christ!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Scollins. The ancient warrior code which persisted in medieval Christian Europe dictated that a man's greatest virtues were physical strength, skill at arms, bravery, daring, loyalty to the chieftain and solidarity within the tribe. The primitive Church had been diametrically opposed to such ideals, however by the early 8th century the Church had grown wealthy, and the Saracen invasions of Spain and France posed a threat to that wealth. The Roman Church began to support war in defence of the faith, and by channelling the martial spirit into the service of God, the brutal warrior of the past was transformed into a guardian of society. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 155 - 2nd and later printings. "Knights of Christ!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Scollins. The ancient warrior code which persisted in medieval Christian Europe dictated that a man's greatest virtues were physical strength, skill at arms, bravery, daring, loyalty to the chieftain and solidarity within the tribe. The primitive Church had been diametrically opposed to such ideals, however by the early 8th century the Church had grown wealthy, and the Saracen invasions of Spain and France posed a threat to that wealth. The Roman Church began to support war in defence of the faith, and by channelling the martial spirit into the service of God, the brutal warrior of the past was transformed into a guardian of society. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 166 - 2nd and later printings. "German Medieval Armies 1300–1500!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Angus McBride. The German rulers were forceful and powerful men, and, surrounded by potential enemies, circumstances dictated the necessity of rule by strength based on military capacity. In the later 15th century, three houses rose above the others; the families of Wittelsbach, Luxemburg and the powerful Austrian Hapsburgs. The struggles of these and other houses, and of the knights and towns, were to be a feature of German history throughout the Middle Ages. This title details the dress, weapons, heraldry and insignia of these prolific forces. Softcover, PC/PB&W.