Let’s Get Digital – The Digital Comics Report for Wednesday July 4th, 2012

Happy 4th of July! Before you head out for the fireworks be sure to stock up on this week’s new releases from all your favorite publishers. This week we’ve got a ton of Digital First books only available on comiXology. Don’t wait! Pick up your new digital comics right now then tell us what you think over on  Twitter, Facebook or even Google Plus. It’s been a big week on comiXology he’s the rundown on a few of the hot books now available.

Digital Firsts 

The Surrogates: Case Files #1: Plug yourself in for the return of THE SURROGATES, with new stories by the original bestselling creative team of Robert Venditti (X-O MANOWAR, THE HOMELAND DIRECTIVE) & Brett Weldele (SPONTANEOUS, SOUTHLAND TALES)! These CASE FILES are set in between the first two SURROGATES graphic novels, following newly minted Detective Harvey Greer as he keeps the peace in a world transformed by surrogate technology: android bodies that allow users to experience the real world without ever leaving their homes.

Lookouts #1: May We Die In The Forest: What men must know, a boy must learn. This fantastic tale introduces the world of the LOOKOUTS. Follow these young adventurers as they learn to master the perilous and enchanted Eyrewood forest, where wonder and danger exist in equal measure.

Bandette #1: The adventures of Bandette, a young costumed “artful dodger”, leader of a group of urchins dedicated to serving justice, except when thieving proves to be a bit more fun. The story of Bandette treads a thin line between Tintin and Nancy Drew, with a few costumes thrown in. Bandette and her crew at turns join forces and cross swords with the mysterious master thief known only as Monsieur, and one B.D. Belgique, perhaps the most harassed police inspector of all time.

The October Girl #1: Autumn Ackerman has always known she was a little different, but she has no idea just how different she really is. 18 years old and with no hope for a future beyond working behind the counter at her small town’s coffee shop, Autumn is about to discover that everything she thinks she knows about the world is wrong. The first chapter of a brand new dark fantasy story for teens and adults by critically acclaimed artist and writer Matthew Dow Smith (Doctor Who, Witchblade).

Same Day as Print

Avengers vs. X-Men #7 (of 12): The Comics event of summer continues on comiXology with issue #7 available now!… Cyclops changes the game with these three words: ‘No More Avengers!’

Fanboys vs. Zombies #4: Sunday at Comic-Con! Dozens of little brats pawing prized longboxes with chocolate-stained fingers! Hungover creators counting down the clock ’til 5:00pm! Cheapskate collectors scavenging for last-minute deals! …Not this year. You’ll be lucky to make it to the train station intact as the zombie hordes threaten to snuff out geek fandom once and for all. Written by indie sensation Sam Humphries (OUR LOVE IS REAL) with art by hot new talent Jerry Gaylord!

Infernal Man-Thing #1 (Of 3): Following legendary scribe Steve Gerber’s death, fans mourned the reality that the writer would no longer be able to return to the character for one last story — until now. See the final Steve Gerber Man-Thing tale here, in a previously-unknown story.

Collections & Graphic Novels

Archie Americana: Best of the 40′s: 128 pages! Included in this volume are rare first appearances and origins of the Archie characters (including Archie, Betty, Jughead, Veronica and Reggie!), scores of original Archie Comics covers, and stories that depict the gradual development of Archie and his friends, their timeless relationships, and the charm, magic and humor of their hometown, Riverdale USA. Includes the first ever Archie story from Pep Comics #22, as well as the lead story from Archie Comics #1! Features work by various talent, including Bob Montana, Vic Bloom, Harry Shorten, Bill Vigoda, Harry Sahle, Ed Goggin and Ray Gill.

The Praetorian: The island kingdom of Desperian has long been ruled by the dark wizard, Zoranthar, and his ruling class of loyalists. The nobles of the land have long held to an imperative law – blood in the arena keeps blood off the streets – and cadres of gladiators entertain the masses as temples of slaughter. When slavers deliver Valoriss Bladesong into the ranks of the gladiators, her path will bring her to the doorstep of Zoranthar and challenge him for the destiny of Desperian. The Praetorian is an action adventure tale of sword and sorcery, honor and courage, good and evil, revenge, and life and death.

New & Noteworthy Back issues

Sandman Special #1: Morpheus has done a lot of regrettable things in his existence, but this issue features one of his most remorseful as his son, Orpheus, comes to terms with his place in the Endless family–and his own limits–in a gruesome, standalone parable.

Archie #1: For the first time, Archie’s first issue is digitally published! Pick up this classic along with more first issues of your favorite Archie comics on comiXology today!