Dark Horse to Debut ‘#1 for $1′ Reprints in August

Taking a cue from similar campaigns launched by DC, Marvel and Image this year, Dark Horse Comics is re-releasing a host of gateway #1 issues from established properties this summer in the hopes of introducing (or reintroducing) readers to successful material they may not have given a look before. The hook? They'll all retail for the value meal-like price of $1.

The titles include "Aliens vs. Predator" #1, "Sin City: The Hard Goodbye" #1, "Hellboy: Seed of Destruction" #1, "Usagi Yojimbo" #1, "Conan" #1 and "The Goon" #1.

Two of each of the titles will ship each Wednesday in August, beginning on Aug. 11, making one of the least comfortable months of the year somewhat less unbearable if you plan on picking any up. I own most of the selections in one form or another, but I'll probably still check out "Aliens vs. Predator" in an effort to relive my third grade practice of concealing that series' fairly graphic content from my well-meaning teacher during reading time.

Encyclopedia Brown could only hold my interest for so long, you know?

You can see the full solicitation info for all of DH's "1 for $1" books after the jump.

1 for $1: Aliens vs. Predator

Randy Stradley (W), Phill Norwood (P), Karl Story (I), and Monika Livingston (C)

On sale Aug 11

FC, 28 pages

$1.00

The inhabitants of the colony planet Ryushi are peaceful ranchers-men and women who lead simple lives. But their lives are tragically shattered as they become part of a "coming of age" ceremony for a race of deadly alien hunters-the Predators. However, the Predators' prey are not the human inhabitants of Ryushi, but rather something far more dangerous-Aliens!

1 for $1: Sin City: The Hard Goodbye

Frank Miller (W/A)

On sale Aug 11

FC, 28 pages

$1.00

Sin City is the place-tough as leather and dry as tinder. Love is the fuel, and Marv has the match . . . not to mention a "condition." He's gunning after Goldie's killer, so it's time to watch this town burn!

1 for $1: Hellboy: Seed of Destruction

Mike Mignola (W/A), John Byrne (W), and Mark Chiarello (C)

On sale Aug 18

FC, 28 pages

$1.00

Hellboy bursts onto the film noir monster detective scene. From his apocalyptic origin in World War II England to the modern-day case of the sole survivor of a doomed Arctic expedition, Hellboy must battle vampire frog creatures and worse in his debut miniseries.

1 for $1: Usagi Yojimbo

Stan Sakai (W/A)

On sale Aug 18

b&w, 28 pages

$1.00

The close of sixteenth-century Japan is regarded as the age of civil wars, as feudal lords fought amongst themselves for land and power. When one leader finally rose above the others and was proclaimed shogun, a peace came upon Japan and the samurai warriors found themselves suddenly unemployed. Many of these ronin turned to banditry to survive; others found work with minor lords. And a small number traveled the musha shugyo-the warrior pilgrimage-to hone their spiritual and martial skills. But whether they took the honest road or the crooked path, the ronin all found one common link-they were generally less than welcome. Such is the tale of Usagi Yojimbo.

1 for $1: Conan

Kurt Busiek (W), Cary Nord (P), and Dave Stewart (C)

On sale Aug 25

FC, 28 pages

$1.00

Drawing on the original Robert E. Howard stories, the legend of Conan is brought to vivid life for the modern audience. Decades ahead of its time, Howard's stories can finally get the graphic treatment they deserve in this on going series.

1 for $1: The Goon

Eric Powell (W/A)

On sale Aug 25

FC, 28 pages

$1.00

The Goon is a hilarious blend of pulpy horror and slapstick comedy following the ongoing misadventures of the man they call the Goon and his spastic sidekick Franky as they battle the legions of the undead!