* In September, writers Mark Hamill (yes, that Mark Hamill) and Eric Johnson and artists H.M. Baker and Bruce Patterson bring you the tale of The Black Pearl. Superhero traditions and media hype both take a beating in this five-issue series. The truth may be out there, but never let it get in the way of a good story.
* Storyteller, Barry Windsor-Smith's new anthology series debuts in October. Every issue features a new chapter for each of Windsor-Smith's three new adventure sagas: Freebooters, The Young Gods, and The Paradoxman. A long-time master of the medium hits new heights, and you'll be kicking yourself if you miss it.
* Ervin Rustemagic is an international artists' agent from Sarajevo, Bosnia. Among his clients is famed cartoonist Joe Kubert. In 1992, Sarajevo came under Serbian attack, and Ervin found himself and his family trapped in a city under siege. Sending detailed faxes (which could then be re-faxed around the world) became the only way to stay in contact with the outside world. As each new report of the war reached him, Kubert translated them to comics. The result is Fax from Sarajevo, a powerful record of one of the bloodiest conflicts in modern times, and a graphic novel you will never forget. Look for it in early November.
* John Kricfalusi and the inspired team at Spümco who brought you "The Ren and Stimpy Show" have a new project coming your way: Comic Book. The series is an improved-upon continuation of the one-shot released by Marvel last year and features the astounding adventures of Jimmy, the idiot boy. Too funny to be printed in a regular comic-book format, the giant-sized Comic Book is sure to have kids of all ages holding their sides with laughter, and parents holding their heads with disbelief.
Those are just some of the high points Dark Horse has in store for you between now and the end of the year. I'll be back next month to talk about a topic I haven't even thought about yet. (How's that for honesty?)