If you haven't been keeping up with your comics media, here's some key links and reviews for you to check out what we've got going on in the news!
Huge news broke in the Buffyverse this week. USA Today broke the story when papers hit doorsteps yesterday morning, with quotes from Joss Whedon and co-writer, Andrew Chambliss. 
"Buffy was always about the arc of a life, and it wasn't ever going to be one of those shows where they were perpetually in high school and never asked why," Whedon says. "It was about change. So there's never a time when Buffy's life isn't relevant." 
Entertainment Weekly bolstered the media coverage of this major event with a question and answer session with Joss Whedon and Andrew Chambliss. 
"There are such a wide spectrum of opinions, and we knew that there would be debate around it. I think the thing, when we were making the story, was to make sure we weren’t doing a story just for the sake of being controversial, or trying to get attention. It really is trying to go someplace that a girl in Buffy’s position would go, and the questions she’d have to ask herself." - Andrew Chambliss 
Announced this week was the new Dark Horse Presents story from the writer Tony Puryear. Tony Puryear wrote the 1996 Arnold Schwarzenegger smash Eraser, becoming the first African American screenwriter to pen a $100 million+ Summer blockbuster. He has written action and sci-fi scripts for a who’s who of Hollywood’s A-Listers, from Will Smith to Mel Gibson to Jerry Bruckheimer and adapted storied sci-fi properties like Fahrenheit 451 and Buck Rogers for the big screen. Now he brings that Hollywood horsepower to the world of graphic novels.
Thanks to a law passed by Congress, the US copyright for the Good Luck Trolls has been restored to its rightful Danish owner. Now Dam Things has licensed to Dark Horse the right to issue the Good Luck Trolls in the ever-popular “mystery box” style assortment, marking the first new troll products in the US in many years.
ON SALE THIS WEEK IN REVIEWS

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #6 

"Buffy’s decision is independent of personal politics or religious belief – it’s a choice unique to her, and her own individual situation – which, at it’s core, is the whole point of pro-choice activism. I have close friends that have faced the same dilemma and, as silly as this may sound, I really believe this book could have helped them if they’d have read it during that difficult time. So, once again, bravo Team Whedon/Dark Horse; you have really made a difference with this comic." - What Culture

"It hasn't always been easy, neat, or pretty, and Buffy's decision to have an abortion -- and to really deal with it in adult terms as a complex, difficult decision -- makes the comic book feel more congruent with the original television series than it has in years, and takes an honest look at a difficult situation that has no simple answers." - Comics Alliance

Conan the Barbarian #1 

"Wood, Cloonan, and Stewart are an exemplary creative team, and Dark Horse deserves credit for bringing them together for this book. There’s an effortlessness in their collaboration that makes reading a pleasure. With an excellent first issue under their belt, their collaboration is already leaving its unique mark on Conan, and perhaps converting more skeptical fans, like me." - Comic Book Resources

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is pretty much THE perfect first issue. A great jumping on point for new readers. Different enough that it will surprise anyone with preconceived notions on what a Conan book is, yet it will pleasantly surprise long time fans, because it’s the Conan we all know and love, with just enough difference to keep it fresh. This issue is definitely a must-have!" - Geeks of Doom

Dark Matter #2

"Dark Matter is turning out to be a solidly-written, well-paced science fiction series, with intricate art to back it up." - Bloody Disgusting

"It’s a great book and I can’t wait to see how the next issue will unfold. The first issue came off with a touch of Alien and Supernova, while this issue is more like Serenity. Regardless of its influences, this is a good book. If you like Sci-Fi, you’ll like Dark Matter." - Comic Bastards

House of Night #4

"I liked this one, but then I liked all of them so far. This is definitely not a jumping-on point. It is, however, a necessary component to this first story arc. I feel like anyone who has enjoyed the comics so far or the books that preceded them will enjoy this part of the tale, but be warned…you do need to read the first three to know the whole story." - Geeks of Doom

"Combining that with the fun and interesting historical story with someone who has definitely had a huge impact on the world, twisting it just a little with the whole House of Night aspect. It works well and makes for an engaging world to immerse yourself in. This issue continues things well and with one more to go it looks like the whole thing is a good interlude for the main story in the novels yet holds itself together well." - Fandom Post 

Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #2

"If you are into pulp and stylized stories set in the 1930's with mobsters, gunmen and vigilantes then this is the book for you. Mignola and Arcudi weave another exhilarating tale in the second issue of this five-issue series that will keep you at the edge of your seat." - Comic Vine  

"This issue was a fun ride filled with gorgeous art, snappy dialogue, and great action. Beware the claw!" - Comic Booked 

Murky World

"I really dig the presentation of this story and would really like to see more of it.  Corben has created a pretty vast world in just 25 pages that I can tell there's a lot more to this story and this character than we're getting in this lone one-shot." - Shock Til You Drop 

Star Wars: Agent of the Empire—Iron Eclipse #3 

"There’s a lot of things to the general style of it all that of course reminds me of the James Bond stuff mixed with Star Wars, but it also feels like a lot of the old Star Wars comics as well with its visual design and aesthetic and that’s pretty darn appealing." - Fandom Post  

"If you aren’t reading Agent of the Empire, then I hope you’re holding out for the trade paperback. Issue number three knocks out another solid issue earning a five out of five metal bikinis." - Roqoo Depot

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic—War #2

"I’m really pleased with how this storyline is shaping up and the lessons that Zayne is learning, and teaching, in this war story." - Big Shiny Robot  

"Michael Atiyeh, who has yet to disappoint me in his various comic book projects. Everything from the explosions on the battlefield to the illumination of the moons to the starship lights are beautifully colored and practically glow off the page." - Comic Booked

Star Wars: Crimson Empire III—Empire Lost #4

 

"…the fourth issue of Crimson Empire III is most certainly worth the attention of Star Wars fans – mostly those who are enthusiasts of the Expanded Universe." - Geeks of Doom

 "The book is solid and is a worthy addition to your Star Wars collection!" - Wizard is Oz

The Strain #3

 "With solid writing, great artwork, and a subject matter that is still terrifying in an exciting and interesting way, this series is still sure to be a major hit." - SFX 360

 "This is one of the scariest comics on the stands, as genuine surprises await the reader at every turn of the page. Usually, such big reveals are left to the final moment, but with The Strain there’s almost a cliffhanger every few pages and that makes this series a truly surprising, and enjoyable, read." - Broken Frontier 

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Thanks for ending your week with "Dark Horse in the Headlines." We'll see you next week. Same time, same channel. \m/