DC COMICS/VERTIGO

Pride of Baghdad (Sept., $26.99) by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Niko Henrichon, documents the plight of escaped lions on the streets of war-torn Baghdad.

The Absolute Sandman, Vol. I (Nov., $99)by Neil Gaiman features the acclaimed Sandman comic book title of the 1990s with new coloring and extra material.

HILL AND WANG

Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography (Nov., $16.95) by Andrew Helfer, art by Randy DuBurke, profiles this major civil rights figure in graphic novel format.

PANTHEON

Chicken with Plums (Oct., $16.95) by Marjane Satrapi remembers the Iranian author's great-uncle, a celebrated musician who gave up on life when the music was gone. 13-city author tour.

PHAIDON

Monsieur Lambert (Sept., $14.95) by Jean-Jacques Sempé offers a glimpse into the lives of regulars in a small Paris bistro.