December 2008 New Specialty Toys — Comics

Monskey is a line of 2.5" collectible figures molded in smooth vinyl and decorated with the cool designs. They are a perfect addition to a desktop, dashboard, locker, backpack or keychain. Launch date: August 2008.

Written by Geoff Johns, this series will bring back the original Flash, Barry Allen, as well as other key characters. Launch date: 2009.

Whenever the Shi'Ar aliens are involved, readers know they are in for a galactic storm of a story. The universe is learning to fear Vulcan, the long-lost brother of X-Men Cyclops and Havok. Havok, Polaris and Marvel Girl stand in his way, as events converge to the upcoming War of Kings. The comic is by Christopher Yost, Dustin Weaver and Jaime Mendoza with a cover by Brandon Peterson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

For Spider-Man to save his loved ones, he must face thirty of his deadliest foes, all while dealing with Harry Osborn's return from the grave. Part 3 of the Character Assassination storyline is written by Marc Guggenheim and drawn by John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

Photographer Phil Sheldon might not be a superhero, but he's had a ringside seat to the best and worst the Marvel universe has to offer. Continuing his story from the acclaimed Marvels miniseries, he is now witnessing the dark side of heroes and villains, such as Elektra's epic fight with Bullseye. The comic comes from fan favorites Kurt Busiek and Jay Anacleto. Launch date: February 25, 2009.

The combined might of the Justice League of America and Dr. Light (the heroic female one, not the evil male one) must take on the cosmic entity Starbreaker to prevent him from consuming the sun. This comic is written by Dwayne McDuffie, featuring art by Ed Benes. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

“Legendary writer Grant Morrison concocts an unthinkable plot: The death of the Dark Knight,” DC Comics writes. As Bruce Wayne slips out of the public eye, Batman's villains rise and Batman's allies have to try to keep order. This oversized deluxe hardcover comprises “Batman” issues #676 through #683. Launch date: February 4, 2009.

This issue is both a “Faces of Evil” story highlighting a villain of the DC Universe and the finale of the “New Krypton” storyline. As tensions rise between the Kryptonians and Earthlings, Superman's people have plans of their own. “Writer Geoff Johns and artist Pete Woods wrap up this cosmically important chapter in Superman's life by introducing a major change to The Man of Steel's status quo!” publisher DC Comics notes. Launch date: January 2009.

Buffy confronts shape-shifting vampires, forcing her and her friends seek out the only other being they've known who possesses such power: Dracula. It also includes “A Beautiful Sunset,” a stand-alone issue written by “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon. Launch date: November 19, 2008.

In this volume of Tales from the Crypt-Keeper, with his fellow Ghoulunatics, the Crypt-Keeper introduces tales of terror such as "Ignoble Rot!", a tale of a cursed ladies man forced to remain alive while his appearance transforms into a zombie and  "Jumping the Shark!", a tale of Reality TV series producer pitching shows from beyond the grave.  All of this is tied in with pun-filled introductions by he Old Witch, the Vault-Keeper, and the Crypt-Keeper.

By Scott Lobdell & Paulo Henrique, this is one of the rare cases that aren’t assigned by A.T.A.C (American Teens Against Crime).... when Joe and Frank’s friend, Haley Danelle learns the friends on her MyFacePlace page’s Top Eight are disappearing one at a time, she turns to the Hardy Boys for help in finding them!  Also included, a sneak-peak at the Hardy Boys Graphic Novel #15: “Live Free, Die Hardy!”

Otis C. Mouse lives a happy life in New York City — until he accidentally gets whisked away to Egypt. His epic adventure begins with a whirlwind tour of the country's history and culture. Launch date: September 2008.

During a weekend road trip up the California coast, the girls new car (a totally tricked-out, gadget-filled gift from Jerry to celebrate their newfound super-spiedom) breaks down in a seemingly idyllic gated coastal town called Ocean Palisades or the O.P. for short. Until they meet the teens who seem too perfect to be true.

Collected from the first three Hardy Boys comics, here's the complete saga of Frank and Joe's adventure in the war-torn Middle Eastern land of Osyria! After rescuing Jackpot, a kidnapped prize-winning racehorse, Frank and Joe are stunned to return to Bayport and discover that the Department of International Security has arrested their best friend, Chet Morton, for stealing a priceless art treasure! The Hardy Boys decide the only way to clear the friend is to journey to the Middle East and find the Ocean of Osyria themselves. Plus: a preview of "Identity Theft", their next adventure. By Scott Lobdell & Lea Hernandez.

Manga-style mystery and suspense with everyone’s favorite Girl Detective! Nancy, and her BFFs Bess and George, encounter lions, tigers, and scares when they investigate a missing cat mystery. But when the authorities learn exactly how many cats eccentric old Mrs. Eartha keeps in her house, they are forced to remove most of them because of the health code violations. But Hell hath no fury as a cat-woman scorned! That’s when Nancy, Bess, and George run into escaped lions and tigers in the woods and a deadly cat and mouse game ensues. By Stefan Petrucha and Sarah Kinney. Illustrated by Sho Murase.

Based on the Best-Selling constructible Action Figure from LEGO! Six mighty heroes — the Toa — arrive on a tropical island to find a land under siege. The Great Spirit Mata Nui has been cast into an unending sleep by the evil Makuta. Now Makuta is attacking the island's Matoran villagers with vicious Rahi beasts. The Toa must combine their skills and elemental and mask powers to defeat Makuta and restore peace to the island. By writer Greg Farshtey. Illustrated by Randy Elliott and Richard Bennett.