Eight centuries in the future, a group of cybernetic deities the IXth Generation have awakened to find themselves in charge of a world kneeling at their feet and faced with an ancient evil known as the Darkness. But instead of unifying against this common enemy, the IXs have fallen into bitter infighting and territorial battles, risking the fate of the world they were meant to rule. Will the discovery of other ancient Artifacts„including Aphrodite IX's wielding of the Witchblade bring hope to this barren future? And will the Protocol be fulfilled... or subverted?

In the future there is no more natural death, no needs unfilled and everything you could ever want is yoursƒas long as youÍre one of the chosen ones to live in this new Utopia and youÍre willing to subjugate yourself to these new self-proclaimed gods with ñIXîs emblazoned on them. Do the ends truly justify the means? Is a utopia built on genocide worth the price? Aphrodite, Velocity, Hades and the other Nines establish fiefdoms in this new world and attempt to rule. Their internal clashes have escalated, but they are forced to put that aside as they face off against the relentless hordes of the Darkness. The sins of the past have come to claim those who would pretend to be Gods. Collects IXth GENERATION #1-4 & IXth GENERATION: HIDDEN FILES #1.

Hundreds of years after a cataclysmic event scorched the surface, Earth and its inhabitants have been forever altered and a new landscape and political struggle has taken hold between two distinct factions fighting for control. Aphrodite IX is both anachronism and advanced technology in a world that she no longer recognizes. To survive in this future, she must choose sides in a war that she wants no part in.

THE HUMANS ARE BACK! The second HUMANS collection follows the gang as they rampage thru drug runs with road pirates, strip club freak outs and beatdowns, passionate sex in cheap motel rooms, and multiple bloody barroom massacres! All of which snowballs towards a brutal ending of bloody vengeance and death! It's the feel good hit of the year! Collects THE HUMANS #5-10.

Explore the art and adventure of the quintessential entries in the Final Fantasy saga with this gorgeous 300-plus-page hardcover. Collecting concept art, design notes, creator retrospectives, and more from Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, and Final Fantasy IX, Dark Horse's journey through the creation of the groundbreaking role-playing masterpiece continues! Dark Horse and Square Enix are thrilled to present the second of three volumes that officially translate Square Enix's detailed history chronicling the creation of the Final Fantasy franchise's seventh, eighth, and ninth games. Filled with captivating art and creator commentary, Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 2 remains completely authentic to its Japanese source material with unrivaled access for a Western audience. This prestige compendium is a must-have addition for any Final Fantasy enthusiast's collection.

Aphrodite IX has the Witchblade and several other Artifacts have also appeared, destroying the delicately balanced utopia. Who is wielding the Darkness and why is it so hellbent on killing all of the IXs?

END OF STORY ARC "PERIHELION," Conclusion Midnight approaches, and the Day of Chaos is almost over. But before the chimes ring out, thereês the small matter of two murders still to solve!