Until now, Marvel and DC, the two largest publishers in the American comics industry, had turned a blind eye to the thriving online culture of downloading comics. The nexus of this culture was the BitTorrent site Z-Cult FM which hosted trackers to downloadable files of thousands of comics. It's estimated that nearly 90% of all Marvel and DC comics have been scanned and are available for download, with virtually every comic from the '80s on available. On November 21st, "Serj", the administrator of the site, received letters from both Marvel and DC asking Z-Cult FM to stop hosting the trackers. Apparently Marvel and DC had been working together for some time on this move—an unusual team-up that shows the gravity of the perceived threat from comics piracy.

The situation evolved quickly from there. "Serj", who lives outside the United States and thus would in theory not be subject to US Copyright laws, nonetheless complied. ("Serj"'s reaction to the stoppage can be read in this Newsarama interview.) Initially, all Marvel books were to be removed, but DC comics would be available 30 days after they hit the stands. However, after further communication from DC, Z-Cult FM has agreed to remove all DC trackers as well.

A mainstay in Japanese horror/fantasy, Kikuchi's dour vampire hunter returns in an adaptation of the first in his 17-volume series of novels. Seamlessly blending horror, high fantasy and western trappings, the story introduces readers to D, a taciturn wanderer astride a cybernetic steed who travels a far-flung, future landscape populated by mutants and all manner of monsters. D's just the man for the job of destroying these menaces. Armed with an absurdly long sword, a sentient left hand with a face and his own natural gifts as a half-human/half-vampire dhampir, D is a formidable hero, and in this first adventure he's hired by Doris, a young rancher victimized by local vampire noble Count Lee; unless D dispatches him Doris will soon join the ranks of the undead as the vile count's mesmerized bride. The story moves briskly and greatly benefits from artist Takaki's tight adaptation and lyrical illustrative style, a well-crafted mélange of the gothic and outright horrific that lends a classical elegance to the mayhem; the end result is quite entertaining. With an initial installment this good, the ongoing series promises much of interest to manga and horror audiences alike. (Nov.)

Drew Rausch doesn't make easy comics. And while some are quick to label his work as goth, it is a label Rausch rejects, preferring to be known for his subtle themes and his ability to force both characters and readers to face the monsters that go bump in the night. His first miniseries, Sullengrey: Cemetery Things, created with his wife, Jocelyn Gajewav, was just released. In addition, the second volume of his OEL manga, The Dark Goodbye, self-described as "the perfect blend of film noir and Lovecraft stories," will be released from Tokyopop in July, 2008.

• Brave and the Bold Vol. 1: Lords of Luck (DC)
• Danger Girl: Body Shots (DC/ Wildstorm)
• Claws Come Out (IDW Publishing)
• Hero by Night Vol. 1 (Image)
• Wet Moon Vol. 3 (Oni Press)
• Wanton Soup (Oni Press)
• Owly Vol. 4: Don't be Afraid (Top Shelf Productions)
• XS Hybrid Vol. 3 (Dark Horse)
• Dramacon Vol. 3 (Tokyopop)
• Love Attack Vol. 1 (Tokyopop)
• Pretty Face Vol. 3 (Viz Media)
• Silver Surfer Requiem (Marvel)
• World War Hulk: Aftersmash (Marvel)

• New Zuda Winner
• Party with the CBDLF
• Comic Book Idol at NYCC
• Cosplay and Gaming at NYAF
• Women, Todd Klein at The Beat
• Comic Book Club Discussion
• Fundraiser for Bill Mantlo
• Jason Thompson Speaks