World of Warcraft Special # 1 hits stores on December 9 featuring Algalon the Observer. This special issue triggers the launch of the new upcoming spinoff title World of Warcraft: Horde # 1. You can’t miss it.

Kicking off a bold new direction for World of Warcraft comics! Algalon will be the judge! This special issue of WORLD OF WARCRAFT introduces new Horde and Alliance characters not yet seen in the ongoing series. Discover, through the eyes of The Observer himself, if the inhabitants of Azeroth are worthy of survival – or will they inevitably meet certain doom?

On Sale December 9, 2009
Wildstorm – 40pg. – $3.99 US

Written by Mike Costa
Art by Pop Mhan
Cover by Jon Buran
Variant cover by Pop Mhan

A promotional image appeared within the Wildstorm Comics World of Warcraft # 25 to advertise the upcoming World of Warcraft Special # 1—on stores this December 9.  The events within this special issue set the ground for the split of the World of Warcraft comic book into two spin offs: WoW: Horde # 1 and WoW: Alliance # 26.  What little I know from the solicitations is that Algalon the Observer appears in this special issue. Set your google calendar to alert you on December 9 to grab your copy.

I will post some images and a little spoiler when it arrives for those who live overseas—don’t cheat, locals.

World of Warcraft # 25 will be packed with action, where we will learn the fate of Med’an, Cho’gall and the Twilight Hammer who are about to clash in Ahn’Qiraj, Garona, Aegwynn, Meryl and Valeera Sanguinar will be there. Hopefully this issue shows us a glimpse into what might happen to herald the Cataclysm, the events of the upcoming WoW expansion.

A few weeks ago, I provided a spoiler image which captured what Cho’gall’s plans are with breaking the barrier between Azeroth and the Elemental Plane. An event that we know since BlizzCon 2009 is the main focus of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm with the introduction of the Firelands in Mount Hyjal, the Abyssal Maw, and Deepholm.

In issue # 25, the new Council of Tirisfal led by Lady Jaina Proudmoore chant the spell that teleports them into a pocket outside time and space in the Twisting Nether in order to initiate the ritual of the Guardian to infuse Med’an as their new Guardian.

The World of Warcraft comic book’s story arc with the son of Garona and Medivh is coming to a close in issue # 25, which coincides with the apparent departure of Walter Simonson and Louise Simonson who remained as writers since launch. Don’t miss grabbing this issue # 25 while supplies last. It hit newsstands and comic shops on November 18th. The next issue is World of Warcraft Special # 1 (Dec 9) whose events will trigger the launch of the World of Warcraft: Horde # 1 title spinoff and World of Warcraft: Alliance # 26.

Walter Simonson is among the legends of comic books, remembered among many other titles for his run on The Mighty Thor (Marvel) and Orion (DC Comics). I still remember X-Factor # 25 by Louise Simonson as writer and Walter Simonson as penciler. In X-factor # 25, Apocalypse and his four horsemen, including Archangel attack New York City. Their participation in the World of Warcraft comic book is widely welcomed and hope they get back at some point.

The bonus-sized epic final showdown! Will Med’an and the newly formed Council of Tirisfal vanquish the evil Cho’gall and the Twilight’s Hammer? Will the unlikely union of Horde and Alliance be torn asunder?

Written by Walter and Louise Simonson
Art by Mike Bowden and Tony Washington
Cover by Mike Bowden and Tony Washington

Wildstorm – 40pg. – $3.99
On Sale November 18, 2009

SPOILER ALERT

I got issue # 25, and it finally reveals that little mystery whether Meryl Winterstorm was the same character as Meryl Felstorm. In this very issue, Meryl renames himself to Meryl Felstorm.

I’m a bit upset with Aegwynn’s fate. However, considering her arrogance as a young Guardian caused all of the mess that has forgone in Azeroth, it was a noble redemption. Some fans don’t like much the Captain Planet Med’an thing, but I think we have seen that already with a younger Aegwynn until she went solo — and no one complained much. Maybe it’s the tendrils. Don’t know.

Aegwynn was buried at the crypt near Karazhan: Morgan’s Plot.

Med’an continues to be the new Guardian of Azeroth at the end of this book. We will have to wait and see if something happens in the World of Warcraft Special # 1. The thing here is that if Med’an doesn’t die as the prophecy calls … that little rumor about Thrall becoming the new Guardian becomes just that: a rumor.

The only way Thrall could become the new Guardian is if Med’an dies, or if Med’an undergoes Malfurion’s cliche trip to MMO limbo for a few years while Thrall takes the mantle until Med’an returns. We will have to wait and see. I’m very curious whether J. Allen Brack really didn’t know who the New Council of Tirisfal was, or if he pretended not knowing anything when I asked him at the Blizzcon 2009 Press Q&A if the New Council of Tirisfal would play a role in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.

There’s a hint that we might meet Meryl Felstorm and Garona in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Meryl has left the new Council of Tirisfal to hunt remnants of the Twilight’s Hammer minions. Garona decided to accompany Meryl in his hunt, as a sidekick. Meryl continues to hold the demon Dreadlord Kathra’natir within himself. A nice potential raid boss to tackle. You can read the story of Meryl Winterstorm and Kathra’natir in Warcraft Legends # 5. The story is titled: First Guardian and it’s written by Walter Simonson’s half-heart: Louise Simonson. Check out our video interview with both writers during the New York Comic Con 2009.

Introducing Revil Kost, a priest of the Holy Light! Karlain and Revil combine forces to defend Sentinel Hill from a Defias Brotherhood attack. What are the mysterious Dark Riders hunting for in Westfall?

On sale February 17
Wildstorm Comics
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by Mike Costa
Art and cover by Neil Googe

The orc known as Malgar recovers from his battle wounds and awakens in Orgrimmar

Wildstorm has released preview scans of World of Warcraft # 24 (on sale October 21) featuring the return of Vindicator Maraad and his grand-nephew Med’an to Azeroth after their trip to Shattrath City. In previous issues, both had traveled there to recruit Khadgar as a member of the New Council of Tirisfal. For unknown reasons, he declined but proposed Scryer Magistrix Dalynnia to take his place. The preview starts with all of them flying through the Dark Portal into Azeroth. However, Med’an heard once more the mental call from his father Medivh urging him to come to Karazhan.

Med’an excuses himself before Maraad and teleported away to the Gamesman’s Hall of Karazhan. There he met the Avatar of Medivh who reveals Medivh had left with him a message to relay to his son Med’an. We finally find out how Med’an was conceived. Medivh knew Garona was half-orc and draenei. While Sargeras was distracted, Medivh bedded Garona as part of his plan. The Avatar of Medivh proceeded to tell Med’an his story. For those fans interested in Medivh, Khadgar, Garona and Karazhan, the story of this comic book issue is a recap of the events from the novel Warcraft: The Last Guardian by Jeff Grubb. The novel is based on Warcraft: Orcs and Humans (RTS, 1994).

Because you demanded it!  An exciting new series focusing on The Horde from the World of Warcraft MMORPG begins here.  The orc Malgar is content to hunt alone with his wolf Remnes.  When a band of raiding Kolkar Clan centaurs lay waste to a small orc farm, he has no choice but to return to the violent life he left behind.  Aided by a new ally known as Ironhoof, Malgar succeeds in defending the farm—but at a great cost.

This new series explores the harsher side of Kalimdor and the challenges facing the Horde, by Doug Wagner (THE RIDE) and Pop Mhan (BATGIRL, SPY BOY)!

On sale January 6, 32 pg., FC, $2.99 US
Written by Doug Wagner
Art and cover by Pop Mhan

A bold new direction!  Straight from the pages of WORLD OF WARCRAFT SPECIAL # 1, a new adventure set in the universe of the mega-popular MMORPG begins!  Human mage Karlain and his warrior son Mardigan never see eye-to-eye—and with good reason.  A murder, a mysterious quest for a powerful artifact, and some fist-pounding action kick off the first part of a new arc by Mike Costa (SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY: HAWKSMO OR, GI JOE: COBRA) and Neil Googe (WILDCATS: WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY)!

ON sale January 20, 32 pg.  FC, $2.99 US
Written by Mike Costa
Art and cover by Neil Googe

Coming this December 9, there won’t be a World of Warcraft # 26.  Something big will happen on November’s issue # 25 and in this World of Warcraft Special # 1.  And it is no surprise.  Wildstorm announced at the San Diego Comic Con that two new comics will launch on January: an Alliance title and a Horde title.

Two World of Warcraft comic book titles is awesome-awesome on my book.  The front cover is a simple one, but rises many questions to Horde players.  Will that seriously happen?  Is that Thrall, or is that someone else? That cover will seriously spawn many speculations. My teaser has my own version of what it might mean—but it’s not an absolute. Don’t blame my imagination.  An image is worth a thousand words, and this front cover by Jon Buran, left me speechless. Subscribe to the World of Warcraft comics here.  The Trade Paperback collecting issues # 1-7 here.

WORLD OF WARCRAFT SPECIAL # 1

Kicking off a bold new direction for World of Warcraft comics! Algalon will be the judge! This special issue of WORLD OF WARCRAFT introduces new Horde and Alliance characters not yet seen in the ongoing series. Discover, through the eyes of The Observer himself, if the inhabitants of Azeroth are worthy of survival – or will they inevitably meet certain doom?

Written by: Mike Costa
Art by: Pop Mhan
Cover by: Jon Buran
Variant cover by: Pop Mhan

ONE-SHOT – On sale December 9 – 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Following an attempt on Med’an’s life, Garona and Meryl team up to take out the ogre Cho’gall. Meanwhile Med’an, Valeera and Maraad travel to Kharazhan to speak with the shade of Med’an’s father. Further explore the world of the best-selling MMORPG in this hit comic series!

Wildstorm – 32pg. – Color – $2.99 US
On Sale September 16, 2009

Written by Walter and Louise Simonson; Art by Mike Bowden; Cover by Mike Bowden and Tony Washington

The World of Warcraft comic book ongoing series continues to amaze fans with the introduction of Garona and her son Med’an 10 issues ago.  The story arc is just exciting with all the revelations. The hints of an upcoming cataclysm to be provoked by Cho’gall and his Twilight’s Hammer who wish to free the Old gods. And most importantly the founding of the new Council of Tirisfal which is composed of Jaina Proudmoore, Aegwynn, Meryl Winterstorm, Med’an, Valeera Sanguinar and Vindicator Maraad.

This solicitation is for issue # 25, and as you heard recently from us, this is the issue that marks the close of the story arc—which will trigger the split of the WoW Comics into two spin-off titles.  One for the Alliance and another title focused on the Horde.  In the previous issue (# 21), we learned Vindicator Maraad is Garona’s uncle, thus Grand Uncle of Med’an.  The young Med’an wishes to learn Light’s magic from him, and if the cover of issue # 25 is any indication—he is learning pretty fast.

Med’an wears plate shoulderpads and gauntlets in this cover.  Not only is he the son of the Last Guardian Medivh—he is learning to master arcane, shaman and now Light magic. Can you see Broll?  Is he back from his adventures in the Emerald Dream?  During my interview with Walter and Louise Simonson at the New York Comic Con 2009, they revealed some of their characters would show up in other writer’s novels.  It is very probable that Broll will be one of them in World of Warcraft: Stormrage (February 23, 2010).  Meryl Winterstorm appears in the upcoming Warcraft Legends Vol. 5 (September 8, 2009) in the story The First Guardian by Louise Simonson (who also writes alongside her husband Walter Simonson in the Wildstorm WoW Comic Book).

In case you wonder, that’s not Valeera Sanguinar in the front cover.  That character hasn’t been introduced yet.  By the color of her tabard, she is a Scryer Blood Elf from Shattrath City.

WORLD OF WARCRAFT # 25

The bonus-sized epic final showdown! Will Med’an and the newly formed Council of Tirisfal vanquish the evil Cho’gall and the Twilight’s Hammer? Will the unlikely union of Horde and Alliance be torn asunder?

Written by Walter and Louise Simonson;
Art by Mike Bowden and Tony Washington;
Cover by Mike Bowden and Tony Washington

Wildstorm – 40pg. – $3.99 US
On Sale November 18, 2009

As the new Council of Tirisfal recruits its final member, a battle rages in Theramore. In the chaos of the fight, can Me’dan, aided by his growing knowledge of his parentage and true powers, save his friends and claim his destiny?

Written by Walter Simonson & Louise Simonson
Art and cover by Mike Bowden & Tony Washington

On sale October 21 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Things continue to get hotter with the revelation that Medivh is the father of Garona’s child Med’an.  Vindicator Maraad, Valera and Med’an travel to Karazhan to talk to the Shade of Medivh at the chessboard room.  It would be very interesting to see what they will encounter in this dungeon, taking in mind all the bosses we have fought there with nebulous, nigh-to-none background lore.  My suspicious keep pointing toward Maraad been somehow related to Garona and Med’an, but that’s not been proven to be true thus far.  Because you know, Garona is half-draenei—at least her son has tendrils on his chin and draenei features to back that up.  Keep your eyes peeled on the ongoing series. Beneath is the solicitations.

	Blizzard Quote:
	Following an attempt on Med’an’s life, Garona and Meryl team up to take out the ogre Cho’gall. Meanwhile Med’an, Valeera and Maraad travel to Kharazhan to speak with the shade of Med’an’s father. Further explore the world of the best-selling MMORPG in this hit comic series! Written by Walter and Louise Simonson Art by Mike Bowden Cover by Mike Bowden & Tony Washington On sale September 16 World of WarCraft # 20 Preview Scans Written by Medievaldragon on June 11, 2009. Posted in Blizzard Games News, Store, World of Warcraft Comic Books, World of Warcraft News The preview scans for World of WarCraft # 20 are now available highlighting the Scourge Invasion to Orgrimmar and Stormwind.  The artwork is pretty good, and what may strike some fans as odd is that while the Alliance needed the assistance of Ironforge, including mercenary goblins to defeat the Scourge Invasion in Stormwind, Thrall single-handedly stroke down a Necropolis with the aid of his Doomhammer and the elemental spirits. Holy … I mean, Storm, Earth and Fire heed my call!  Yeh-yea, Thrall faked his near-defeat before Garrosh Hellscream.  Next month will be thrilling too with Cho’gall’s plans to resurrect C’thun unfolding, and the kidnapping of Garona by Vindicator Maraad.  Could Vindicator Maraad be part of Garona’s bloodline or is he simply acting in response to a vision of the future granted by the Naaru? If all that doesn’t sound exciting I can’t imagine why you haven’t subscribed to the ongoing comic book series yet. Blizzard Quote: The Scourge makes their move and attacks from all fronts intent on taking no prisoners! No longer united, can Varian and Thrall survive the onslaught? And will Valeera once again succumb to her addiction to magical energy? Written by Walter Simonson and Louise Simonson; Art by Mike Bowden and Phil Moy; Cover by Walter Simonson Wildstorm – 32pg. – Color – $2.99 US On Sale June 17, 2009         World of Warcraft # 22 - The New Council of Tirisfal Written by Medievaldragon on May 18, 2009. Posted in Blizzard Games News, Store, World of Warcraft Comic Books, World of Warcraft News Share the excitement Warcraft lore fans.  The aftermath of the Nexus War, left the world of Azeroth without its magic-warder … Malygos the Dragon Aspect of Magic is no more.  It is up to mortals to take the mantle and to be the main line of defense against any threat looming the horizon. Blizzard Quote: The new Council of Tirisfal is formed! Med World of Warcraft # 21 Written by Medievaldragon on April 22, 2009. Posted in Blizzard Games News, Store, World of Warcraft Comic Books, World of Warcraft News The World of Warcraft # 21 front cover features the legendary first Ogre-magi transformed by Gul’dan with the Runestone of Caer Darrow Isle … Cho’gall—leader of the Twilight’s Hammer Clan. Blizzard Quote: King Varian is so focused on The Lich King and the recent Scourge attacks that he fails to notice Cho World of Warcraft # 20 Written by Medievaldragon on March 23, 2009. Posted in Blizzard Games News, Store, World of Warcraft Comic Books, World of Warcraft News The solicitation for World of Warcraft # 20 is available, and it looks like the comic book is starting to catch up with Wrath of the Lich King. As shown in previous issues, Garrosh Hellscream is already in Orgrimmar, and accompanies Thrall and Rehgar Earthfury to the peace summit with Varian Wrynn (Lo’gosh) at Theramore. Now the Scourge attacks the Alliance and the Horde. Are we gonna see some zombies shrieking the word: “BRRAIIIIIINNNSSS !!!” We will have to wait and see. WORLD OF WARCRAFT # 20 The Scourge makes their move and attacks from all fronts intent on taking no prisoners! No longer united, can Varian and Thrall survive the onslaught? And will Valeera once again succumb to her addiction to magical energy? Written by Walter Simonson & Louise Simonson Art by Mike Bowden & Phil Moy Cover by Walter Simonson On sale June 17 World of Warcraft # 16 Review Written by Medievaldragon on March 5, 2009. Posted in Store, World of Warcraft Comic Books World of Warcraft # 16 arrived to my home today. In this issue, Thrall and Varian arrive to Theramore to meet Jaina Proudmoore and Magna Aegwynn. They wish to resume their negotiation, interrupted when King Varian was kidnapped by the Defias Brotherhood.  We don’t get to see yet the meeting. However, we get to see what’s going on behind the scenes. It is awesome to see more lore continuity tips in this comic book. In this issue, we see Ahn’Qiraj temple. C’thun is mentioned to be dead. The Twilight’s Hammer and its leader are within C’thun chamber. We find out that Valeera Sanguinar’s ancestor was a high elf mage member of the Council of Tirisfal who Aegwynn met.  Thus, one of the reasons she is watching and protecting her. We will find out in upcoming issues more about the Emerald Dream status quo with the Nightmare as Broll has departed the peace summit in Theramore to assist Fandral in Teldrassil. Garrosh Hellscream accompanies Thrall and Rehgar Earthfury to the Summit with King Varian Wrynn, which in itself might make some fans scratch their forehead.  C’thun is dead and Garrosh is already in Kalimdor. This is clearly a sign that the comic book will very soon synch with Wrath of the Lich King, letting us know more of the behind the scenes details surrounding Northrend and its races; and the Lich King. This was the description of the comic book # 16 given a few weeks ago: Blizzard Quote: WORLD OF WARCRAFT #16 Broll receives a mysterious summons away from Theramore on the eve of the summit between King Varian and Thrall. Garona is taken captive by the Forsaken, but to what end? Plus, the return of Rehgar Earthfury! On sale February 18 12»Last