Comic books in 'Sword', graded by CBCS

Written by Tad Williams Art by Shawn McManus & Walden Wong Cover by Michael Wm. Kaluta Acclaimed fantasy writer Tad Williams continues his run on the title that's already garnered a great deal of attention! Black Manta is trying to move in on the remains of Sub Diego, and Tempest tries to help Arthur recover the Trident of Poseidon! ? 32 pg, FC Cover price $2.99.

Written by Tad Williams Art by Shawn McManus & Walden Wong Cover by Mario Alberti Black Manta has taken over Sub Diego - but why? Arthur must fight for the freedom of a city against one of the most evil men above or below the ocean! ? 32 pg, FC Cover price $2.99.

Written by Tad Williams Art by Shawn McManus Cover by Paul Rivoche. Atlantean intrigue comes to a head as Arthur investigates what's become of the Dweller in the Depths! Plus, witness the amazing return of the human Flying Fish! ? 32 pg, FC, Cover price $2.99.

Written by Tad Williams Art by Shawn McManus Cover by Kevin Maguire Dire warnings about Dyss surround the never-still waters of Atlantis! Arthur reconnects with Vulko as fantasy novelist Tad Williams pens a mystery about the trident that continues to deepen! Featuring a cover by Kevin Maguire (JUSTICE LEAGUE)! Cover price $2.99.

Further revelations abound concerning the murky past of the new Aquaman as he steps forward to embrace his future. He'd better get used to people calling him 'Aquaman,' because it seems he'll be around for a long time in the DCU! Find out why in this issue! Cover price $2.99.

Written by Gordon Rennie. Art Leigh Gallagher and Patrick Goddard. Cover by Patrick Goddard. Aquila, former slave, gladiator, and now servant of Ammit the Devourer, has business to tend to and vengeance to deliver in Rome, the centre of the world. In the eternal city he finds an unwilling ally in Felix Fortunatus, and treachery around every corner. 32 pages, full color. Cover price $3.99.

Written by Gordon Rennie. Art by Leigh Gallagher. Cover by Karl Richardson. Aquila, former slave, ex-gladiator, and current servant of Ammit the Devourer, carves a bloody path through Rome as the Emperor Nero seeks to make himself a god. Religions, races, and monsters are flung together in the temples and catacombs of the Imperial City. 24 pages, full color. Cover price $3.99.

Premiere issue of sword and sorcery adventures with Arak, an Indian exploring Europe during the dark ages. The issue features "The Sword and the Serpent!" in which Arak is introduced and begins his adventures. Story also introduces Angelica, a sorceress who would battle Arak throughout the series. Script by Roy Thomas and art by Ernie Colon and Tony DeZuniga. Cover price $0.50.

Written by Roy Thomas. Art by Ernie Colón and Tony DeZuniga. Cover by Ernie Colón and Dick Giordano. Arak is captured by the guards of a young girl, Corinna, he meets on a beach. She has him brought to her "father", Lord Hessa, who condemns Arak to his dungeon. While searching for a way to escape, Arak meets Malagigi, who claims to be great sorcerer for Carolus Magnus, King of the Franks. Arak escapes and flees the castle with Corinna, who claims to be a prisoner, as well. A map of the world of Arak, circa late eighth century AD, art by Ernie Colón. Arak, Son of Thunder pinup by Ernie Colón. How Arak, Son of Thunder Came to Be article by Roy Thomas. 36 pages, full color. $0.60. Cover price $0.60.

Arak goes against magic and might in "Sword of the Iron Maiden." First appearance of Valda the Iron Maiden. Script by Roy Thomas and art by Ernie Colon and Tony DeZuniga. Cover price $0.60.

In the city of Aix-La-Chapelle, Arak faces a trial by combat and then the evil spirit called Irminsul in "A Tree from Some Dark Hell." Issue has Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy Thomas and art by Ernie Colon and Tony DeZuniga. Letters page includes a letter from Todd McFarlane. Cover price $0.60.

Arak learns more of the witch Angelica's evil planin "Tournament of Titans." Issue has Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy Thomas and art by Ernie Colon and Rodin Rodriguez. Cover price $0.60.

Arak tries to convince everyone of the witch Angelica's evil schemes and faces a deadly foe in "The Stalker in the Snows." Issue has Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy Thomas and art by Ernie Colon and Rodin Rodriguez. Cover price $0.60.

Arak and Valda find danger and deceit when they visit Rome in "A Dark, Unlighted Place..." Script by Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway & Mike Barr and art by Ernie Colon and Rodin Rodriguez. Cover price $0.60.

Cover art by Ernie Colón. Arena of the Black Pope!, script by Roy Thomas (plot) and Mike W. Barr (script), pencils by Ernie Colon, inks by Bob Smith; Arak and Valda rescue the Pope from his evil counterpart. Frozen Hell for a Viking! starring Viking Prince, script by Robert Kanigher, art by Jan Duursema. 36 pgs. $0.60. Cover price $0.60.

Arak and Valda the Iron Maiden take to the high seas but the ship they're on has mysteries and danger in "Out of the City of the Dead." Script by Roy Thomas and art by Ernie Colon and Rodin Rodriguez. Issue also has a Viking Prince story "Frozen Hell for a Viking" with script by Robert Kanigher and art by Jan Duursema. 1st Andy Kubert work (letterer). Cover price $0.60.

Written by Roy Thomas. Art and cover by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. While fleeing from Byzantine guards, Arak meets up with a group of emissaries from White Cathay, headed by Haakon the barbarian. Haakon has come to Byzantium to exchange the secret of firecrackers for the secret of Greek Fire, a flame that burns on water. Written by Roy Thomas and Dannette Thomas. Art by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. Valda and Malagigi visit one of the sorcerer's old lovers, the lovely Greeramada. However, Greeramada has been corrupted over the years. They find out that she has contracted Brunello (a previous, less-than-pleasant acquaintance of Valda's) to steal the remains of St. Denys. 36 pages, full color. $0.60. Cover price $0.60.

Written by Roy Thomas and Dann Thomas. Art and cover by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. Arak manages to foil Haakon's attempt to steal a Greek Fire-thrower, but the Northman manages to make off with the inventor of the weapon. When Satyricus' true nature is revealed, Irene spares his life in return for Arak's pledge to rescue (or kill) the stolen inventor before White Cathay gains Greek Fire. Written by Roy Thomas and Dann Thomas. Art and cover by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. With the help of a repentant Brunello, Valda and Malagigi are able to put an end to Greeramada's plans to gain dominion over the spirit and power of a resurrected St. Denys. In the melee, however, Greeramada is killed. 36 pages, full color. $0.60. Cover price $0.60.

Written by Roy Thomas and Dann Thomas. Art and cover by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. Arak and his followers continue their journey towards White Cathay. Now, they have to cross a desert of wildly shifting sands. Progress is slow and dangerous until Johannes uses his magic to conjure up a sailing ship that was claimed by the sand ages ago. Angelica, watching through sorcerous means, is not pleased; she reanimates the sailors from that self-same ship to reclaim their property and kill the travelers. Written by Roy Thomas and Dann Thomas. Art and cover by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. Valda is searching the snow-covered palace grounds for the grief-stricken Pip when she is attacked by wolves. After dispatching the threat, she overhears a ghostly voice urging Pip to overthrow his father, the king, and claim his birthright. 36 pages, full color. $0.60. Cover price $0.60.

Arak and Valda face many obstacles and the sorceress Angelica in a mysterious land in "At Last -- Albracca." Script by Roy and Danette Thomas and art by Ernie Colon and Alfredo Alcala. Issue also has a "Tale of Valda the Iron Maiden" in "Revenge of the Last Merovingian." Script by Roy and Danette Thomas and art by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. Cover price $0.60.

Arak journeys into evil's lair to match wits with the Baphomet monster in "In the Belly of Baphomet." Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy Thomas and art by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. Cover price $0.60.

Double-sized Second Anniversary issue as Arak faces the monsters unleashed on earth in "'Twixt Gob and Magog!" and "Armageddon in Albracca!" Issue also has a map of "The World of Arak." Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy Thomas and art by Adrian Gonzales and Alfredo Alcala. Cover price $1.00.

When Arak's friend Satyricus disappears, Arak searches for him in a deadly wooded area in "Guardian of the Golden Bough!" Script by Roy Thomas and art by Ron Randall. Issue also has Valda the Iron Maiden backup feature "Reapers of the Dunes" with script by Roy & Dann Thomas and art by Ron Randall and Tom Yeates. Cover price increases to 75 cents. Cover price $0.75.

Arak is the only one who sees a vision above a city in "The Sword in the Sky.". Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Ron Randall and Tony DeZuniga. Issue also has backup feature of Arak as a Boy in "The Path of Souls" with script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Gerald Forton. Cover price $0.75.

Arak finds a mystical sword only to face more dangers in "The Sword of Nether-Eden." Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Ron Randall and Rick Magyar. Issue also has a backup feature of Arak as a Boy in "The Turtle and the Serpent" with script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Gerald Forton. Cover price $0.75.

Arak sees a vision of Valda the Iron Maiden and the story switches to an adventure with Valda in "Once Upon a Unicorn." Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Ernie Colon. Issue also has an Arak pinup by Ernie Colon. Cover price $0.75.

Valda rescues Arak who is a prisoner in a castle and he relates how he got there in "Of Beasts and Baghdad." Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Tony DeZuniga. Cover price $0.75.

Mysteries abound while Arak and Valda are together in a castle in "Beware the Beasts of Neverwere!" Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Tony DeZuniga. Cover price $0.75.

Arak engages in a deadly game of chess in "'Shah Mat!' The King is Dead!" Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Tony DeZuniga. Cover price $0.75.

Arak journeys into the nether world to save his friends in "Keepers of the Dead!" Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Tony DeZuniga. Issue also has an Arak pinup by Ernie Colon. Cover price $0.75.

During the Dragon Festival in the city of Canton, Arak and Valda try to help the people against an invading dragon in "Here by Dragons." Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and R.J.M. L'Officier and art by Tony DeZuniga. Cover price $0.75.

Arak's help is sought to destroy an invincible creature in "Dragon Slayers for Hire." Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and R.J.M. Lofficier and art by Carmine Infantino and Tony DeZuniga. Cover price $0.75.

Giant-Size last issue of Arak. Arak's journey to find his homeland takes a different direction in the "The Road to the Rising Sun." Valda the Iron Maiden appearance. Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and R.J.M. Lofficier and art by Tony DeZuniga. Issue has double page centerspread which shows a map "The Travels of Arak." Cover price $1.25.

Canadian edition with .95 cents cover price. Arak is the only one who sees a vision above a city in "The Sword in the Sky.". Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Ron Randall and Tony DeZuniga. Issue also has backup feature of Arak as a Boy in "The Path of Souls" with script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Gerald Forton. Cover price $0.95.

Arak and Satyricus' journey through a mysterious desert leads them into many perils and dangers in "In the Lair of the Serpent Lord." Script by Roy and Dann Thomas and art by Ron Randall, Rick Magyar, Adrian Gonzales, Rodin Rodriguez, Alfredo Alcala, Gerald Forton, Tony DeZuniga, and Ernie Colon. Cover price $1.25.

Volume 6 - 1st printing. "Dragon Flames!"

Written by Nate Bitt. Art and cover by Joao Zod and Glass House Graphics.

Travis, Journey, and the other players in Arcade World hoped Dragon Flames would never come to life. Being a knight and battling dragons may sound fun, but the characters are notoriously treacherous. When it's time to battle the epic game, will Travis, Journey, and Devonte be able to tell their allies from their enemies?

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in. x 144 pages, full color. All Ages

Cover price $9.99.

Free Comic Book 2004. Previews "Kade" by Sean O'Reilly, "Ant" by Mario & Tina Gully, and "Ezra" by Sean O'Reilly. Full color, 32 pages, slick paper stock.

Preview of 3 titles from Arcana Studio. "Kade", "Ezra", and "100 Girls"

Free Comic Book Day 2007.

Free Comic Book Day 2008.

1st printing. Arcana's characters collide in this action packed anthology that features Ezra, Koni, Sylvia, Rain, Demonslayer, 10th Muse, Avengelyne, and more! Softcover, 120 pages, full color. Cover price $19.95.

Cover B Cover price $2.50.

By James Abrams & Brett Marting. Enlisting the aid of the fearsome and dreaded Lunatai, King Groznyj viciously hunts down the last of the Drakanov line. As Groznyj continues to eliminate his enemies, the only hope for the infant Prince Kosice lies with a group of desperate but determined Knights. 24pgs, FCSRP: $2.99 Cover price $2.99.

By James S. Abrams & Brett C. Marting. "The Hunted" ? Winter has fallen over the world, gripping all in its icy embrace. In the farthest, most desolate wilderness a young man travels with his aged guardian. Unbeknownst to them, two dangerous forces are drawing near, bringing a decade long hunt to its conclusion. 24pgs, FC Cover price $2.99.

Promotional issue. 12 pages color.

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Collects Archaic (2003) #1-3. Written by James S. Abrams. Art by Brett C. Marting. A family is at war with itself. Murder, trust and betrayal are the dangers facing Lord Petr Drakanov as he struggles to protect his family from his uncle, King Kral Groznyj. Demigods and demons, monsters and men, all clash in an immense conflict in the first bloody chapter of this GothTech epic. Softcover, 96 pages, full color. Cover price $17.95.

Written by Michael Moreci. Art by C. P. Smith and Snakebite Cortez. Cover by Jeff Dekal. In a world beyond the sight of mortals, Heaven and Hell wage war for the souls of mankind. Principal among God's legion are seven archangels written about in religious texts for millennia. But there is an eighth archangel, known only from passing allusions in Apocrypha, who operates under a different code. Fighting without God's sanction, he faces the enemy on his own terms, and shows just how bad good can be. 28 pages, full color. Rated M Cover price $3.99.