One of the biggest series of 2007, “Buffy” continues to bring in new fans that don’t traditionally read comic books, according to Dark Horse’s Jeremy Atkins. “The licensed stuff is always big because it can be promoted by outside sources,” added Jim Brozman, manager of Graham Crackers Comics in Illinois. New developments in 2008 include a four-issue story arc written by Drew Goddard, a writer with the Buffy TV series on episodes such as “Selfless” and “Lies My Parents Told Me.” Launch date: January 2008.

Hot off the Sinestro Corps War, Green Lantern is one of the top-selling titles on the market. Part two of “The Alpha Lanterns” continues with a handful of characters undergoing a major transformation — all leading up to Final Crisis. Plus Hal Jordan and John Stewart against the Guardians?! It is written by Geoff Johns with artwork by Mike McKone. Launch date: January 2008.

Following in the tradition of 52, the hot, weekly series from DC Comics closes in on its final issues as the Challengers find Ray Palmer, and the Earth becomes a battleground. It includes an origin backup story for Harley Quinn. The story is by Paul Dini, the script by Tony Bedard, story consulting by Keith Giffen, and art by Pete Woods and Tom Derenick. Launch date: January 2008.

Based on the Dark Tower series by acclaimed horror writer Stephen King, “Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born Premiere” collects all seven issues of the Marvel Comics limited series. Adapted by Robin Furth, scripted by Peter David and with art by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove, this hardcover collection follows the story of Roland Deschain and is a can’t miss for fans of King’s novels.

Written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Stuart Immonen and Wade Von Grawbadger, “Ultimate Spider-Man” has been one of the top-selling monthly titles and graphic novel collections for 2007. The new issue finds a young Johnny Storm interested in Liz Allen — but there’s something wrong with Liz that will impact everyone at Midtown High. Launch date: January 2008.

Written by Robert Kirkman with art by Eisner-winning Sean Phillips, the same creative team as on the original Marvel Zombies, this five-issue sequel closes on its shocking conclusion. The zombies have devoured life throughout the universe and are now back on earth … with the fate of the human race hanging in the balance. This title features cover art by Arthur Suydam. Launch date: January 2008.

Continuing the popular X-Men crossover, “Messiah Complex,” part 12 finds The New X-Men in a bit of a showdown with The X-Men, The Marauders, X-Force, The Acolytes and Predator X. It is written by Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle and penciled by Humberto Ramos. Retailers such as Graham Crackers Comics in Illinois and Comic Relief in Berkeley, Calif., have called the storyline one of their top sellers of 2007. Launch date: January 2008.

Picking up where the startling conclusion to the top-selling “World War Hulk” ended, this new, ongoing series plans to include fan favorites such as Doc Samson, General Thunderbolt Ross and Iron Man, and kicks off with the Hulk as a suspect in a gruesome murder. It features a story and art by the creative team of writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness. Launch date: January 2008.

In this adventure series by comic artist Kazu Kibuishi, a grieving family moves into an ancestral house. On the family’s very first night in the house, a mysterious creature kidnaps the mother and it is up to the kids to journey to the magical world behind their basement door and save her. A hardcover version is also available, with an MSRP of $21.99. Launch date: January 2008.

On the surface, Megan Amano seems like a typical Los Angeles girl, attending college and spending a good time of her afternoons in therapy. However, when Megan dreams, she travels to a place unlike any other- a supernatural and surreal college, one any recent high school graduate would die to attend. And usually they must.... for Merridiah University is the afterlife's premier educational institute. But for Megan, a great exception has been made.

This haunting first collection of Annabelle's memories is filled with frightening stories and dark fairy tales about her various owners . Featuring the first 6 issues, as well as some other spookirific surprises, including an introduction by Tommy Kovac (Skelebunnies, Stitch and Autumn) as well as a guest page by Jhonen Vasquez and other SLG creators.

In “Out From Boneville,” volume 1 of a nine-book epic by Jeff Smith, the three Bone cousins — Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone — are separated and lost in a vast, uncharted desert. One by one, they find their way into a deep, forested valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures. Eventually, the cousins are reunited at a farmstead run by tough Gran'ma Ben and her spirited granddaughter Thorn. But little do the Bones know, there are dark forces conspiring against them, and their adventures are only just beginning.
— Bone comics are best-sellers at Izilla Toys in Seattle, said Co-Owner Jude Larene in mid-2007. “Bone has sold well from the moment we got them in. Kids are thirsty for a great story.”

A Scholatic Book Fair selection, 200,000 copies of volume one in the series was shipped.  The story: wind, earth, fire air; only the Avatar was the master of all four elements. The Avatar is the only one who can stop the ruthless Fire Nation from conquering the world.  Manga graphic novels are the fastest-growing segment of the publishing industry.  Filled with cool pictures and hip dialogue, mangas are the perfect gift to get kids reading again.  Launch date: October 2007.

With more than two million books in print, the Fruits Basket manga series is the most popular manga series for girls in the world, having just reached #15 on the USA Today Top 150 book charts.  Perfect for new Fruits Basket fans and collectors, this shrink-wrapped box set features new art from the creator. Manga graphic novels are the fastest-growing segment of the publishing industry, and are the perfect gift to get kids reading again.  Launch date: October 2007.

Meet Ken, Jen, Ben and Gus — four regular kids … or are they? When trouble comes calling, their ordinary talents become extraordinary. Readers will not be able to resist the awesome adventures of Yo-Yo Girl, Wedgie Boy, Gum-Bo and The Whiner. Phonics Comics make reading fun. Launch date: March 2007.

Pets are a lot of fun, but they can be a LOT of trouble — especially when your pet is a dinosaur. Early readers will have a ton of fun reading along as Dave and his dino, Dot, get into lots of exciting adventures in these three stories. Phonics Comics make reading fun. Launch date: March 2007.

When Jane receives a toy pony as a birthday gift, she discovers that Magic isn’t just any old stuffed animal. Magic takes Jane on amazing adventures into a magical world in these three exciting, easy-to-sound-out pony tales. Phonics Comics make reading fun. Launch date: March 2007.

This hardcover book allows readers to view the world with wonder and gloom through the eyes of Rebecca, Edgar and Max. It features high-quality, full-color illustrations. The company requires a minimum wholesale order of 12 pieces. Launch date: July 2006.

This is Gabriella Giandelli’s second volume of tales featuring the characters from the apartment complex of European nowhere who meet and interact, all the time watched by the ghostly shape-shifting white rabbit who keeps tabs on them before reporting back to his shadowy master in the building’s basement. It’s a slice-of-life with a twist. 

This weird and wonderful surreal western adventure inspired by Sergio Leone and Polish literature tells the many-branching story of RabbitHead and her faithful steed, Horsey, in a twisted tangential, parallel, Rashomon manner, introducing myriad characters both friendly and funny, as well as dark and dangerous. It’s a hero’s quest with a great heroine done in an experimental manner. By Rebecca Dart, this is one not to miss.

Ever wanted to make your own stop-motion movie like the Marvel Marching Superheroes?  Or maybe South Park?  Well, the Ani-Movie does it ... digitally.  It’s made up of a digital camera on a sweep arm that looks down on a “stage” for backgrounds and animation pieces — just like an old-time animation camera ... only digital.  Put one of the cut-out Marvel superheroes or villains on deck (Spidey or Dr. Doom), position him, hit the Red Button to capture a frame, move an arm, or leg, hit the button again, and before you know it, you’re playing your own animation back on your TV.  Mike DeCamp, art director for Jazwares and creator of the Ani-Movie has been a student of animation for years.  “I always thought it was cool and fun making stop-motions on my own.  Then I thought it might be easy to do digitally, and came up with the Ani-Movie.  It just kind of came together with Marvel —  they’ve been very helpful.”  You can use your own memory sticks to get more footage, too. Launch date: December 2006.

Leave the orphanage? No way! Endearing misfits Teddy, Sly, and Rocky actually like living at the Sunny Day Home for Orphans, and they aren’t about to let Miss Crimp send them away.  24-page comic book features three exciting, phonics-based stories that are perfect for beginning and reluctant readers. Phonics Comics™ make reading fun!

Hunted, his identity exposed, and accused of being a traitor, Spider-Man’s life has been a nightmare during Civil War, and the darkest days are yet to come.  Now, the most recognizable character in comics finds himself donning one of the most controversial costumes ever as he goes underground and back to his black duds and must fight back to reclaim his life.

This weird monster version of the alphabet is not for the very young, as the wonderful images are accompanied by informative text on the subjects —  historical, mythological, literary, pop-culture — in a way beyond that of a basic primer.  Anyone who loves weird creatures will love it.

In the thick of a dense wood, a young man comes upon a decrepit house and two teenaged girls.  As the three decide to explore the abandoned house together, Simmons captures the aloof ennui and deep curiosity of being a teenager.  The trio quickly becomes entangled in a love triangle that is as tense and ominous as the house itself.