Best Selling Books by Dan Abnett

Marvel''s Guardians of the Galaxy Prelude 1-2, Marvel''s Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comic 1, Iron Man (1968) 55, Strange Tales (1951) 181, Incredible Hulk (1968) 271; Tales to Astonish (1959) 13, Marvel Preview 4

Seven nightmarish versions of Batman from seven dying alternate realities have been recruited by the dark god Barbatos to terrorize the World’s Greatest Heroes in our universe. They threaten life across the Multiverse, and the Justice League may be powerless to stop them! We introduce you to: The Batman Who Laughs: a lunatic driven mad by his world’s Joker. The Red Death: a thief who stole his reality’s Speed Force power. The Drowned: a female, amphibious Batman. The Dawnbreaker: a twisted Green Lantern. The Murder Machine: a deranged, deadly cyborg. The Merciless: a warrior who wears the helmet of Ares. The Devastator: a part-human, part-Doomsday monster. Featuring stories from Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Peter J. Tomasi, Grant Morrison, Joshua Williamson, Ethan Van Sciver, Philip Tan, Tyler Kirkham, Francis Manapul, Riley Rossmo, Tony S. Daniel, Howard Porter, Doug Mahnke and many more! Collects the seven Dark Nights: Batman tie-in one-shots and Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1.

Before they reinvented the Guardians of the Galaxy, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning transformed the Avengers West Coast into Force Works! And, fueled by the Scarlet Witch''s uncanny hex powers, this new team is going proactive! But who''s in charge: Wanda or Iron Man? As tragedy strikes, one Avenger won''t live to work with this forceful new group for long. With the squad in need of a new powerhouse, will the enigmatic Century fit the bill? COLLECTING: FORCE WORKS 1-11, 12, 13-15, ASHCAN EDITION; CENTURY: DISTANT SONS 1; MATERIAL FROM IRON MAN/FORCE WORKS COLLECTORS'' PREVIEW.

In the chaos-infested Sabbat system, Gaunt must lead his men through as much in-fighting amongst rival regiments as against the forces of Chaos. It seems like everyone is out to get the Ghosts, and the bodycount is rising

Collects Nova #8-12 & Annual #1. We''ve seen Richard Rider burnt to a crisp, replaced by a Kree hottie and turned to the dark side. But just wait until you see what the last surviving space cop faces now! It''s the Phalanx, the New Mutants'' Warlock and more!

A whole new era of AQUAMAN begins as master storyteller Stjepan Sejic (Sunstone, Death Vigil) joins series writer Dan Abnett for Arthur’s boldest and most harrowing adventure yet in AQUAMAN VOL. 4: UNDERWORLD! Former terrorists have replaced the Atlantean police. Crime lords control huge swaths of the kingdom. And a deadly undersea arsenal is trained on the surface-dwellers. All is as King Rath commands—and yet whispers persist of a rebel in the slums of Atlantis: A hero with the potential to change the world. In a tale that echoes sci-fi and fantasy sagas of the past, this critically acclaimed graphic novel is already being hailed as one of the greatest Aquaman stories ever told. Collects AQUAMAN #25-30.

Writer Dan Abnett (AQUAMAN) and artist Brett Booth (TEEN TITANS) put the Titans to the ultimate test of loyalties in TITANS VOL. 3: A JUDAS AMONG US! The Titans are more than just a team. They’re friends, bonded by years of shared history and experiences. But when the trust between members starts to fray, will the team itself fall apart? Together, the Titans’ mission is to infiltrate H.I.V.E. and restore Bumblebee’s stolen memories, but the team is still reeling from Nightwing’s collusion with their enemy Deathstroke. Meanwhile, Arsenal processes his feelings for his teammate Donna Troy, but Donna instead turns to comfort from Wally West, who is himself struggling with an injury that may never fully heal. Worst of all, Omen foresees doom in a psychic vision: one of the Titans will betray the team...and possibly destroy the world! With tensions between Titans at an all-time high, how can they possibly trust each other? Collects TITANS #12-18.

He is Arthur, King of Atlantis, Lord of the Oceans, founder of the Justice League. He is one of the greatest heroes the world has ever known. He is Aquaman… …and one man is about to tear his world apart. With a heart of darkness as unfathomable as the sea itself, the ruthless masked terrorist known as Black Manta has dedicated his life to Aquaman’s demise. Now he’s about to set his grand plan of vengeance in motion. He will unleash an unstoppable behemoth to destroy all that lives beneath the surface-and above it. He will command an underwater army to set off a depth charge of conflict and carnage. He will pit the world’s two most powerful nations, Atlantis and America, against each other in a war to the death. Black Manta is rising. And soon Aquaman, Atlantis and the entire world will fall… The stunning climax of a legendary rivalry decades in the making, AQUAMAN VOL. 2: BLACK MANTA RISING is a must-read chapter in the undersea saga from the creative team led by writer Dan Abnett (TITANS) and artists Scot Eaton (BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL), Brad Walker (ACTION COMICS) and Philippe Briones (NEW SUICIDE SQUAD)-exploding from the pages of the ground-breaking DC Universe Rebirth event! Collects issues #7-15.

Contains three novels, two short stories, and a graphic novel from the Warhammer series about the war to claim the Old World from the forces of Chaos.

Sonja does what she does best: Kills. But when she slays a magical being, hell (literally?) comes calling. The science explorers of The Project that had considered Sonja a threat, must now trust that the She-Devil With A Sword is actually…a hero? By DAN ABNETT (Justice League Odyssey) and JONATHAN LAU (Red Sonja)!

The comic book tales of Star Trek have roamed the universe and spanned publishers, but now STAR TREK: THE STARDATE COLLECTION collects the many iterations of Trek in order... by stardate! Helmed by Trek experts Scott and David Tipton, and featuring special commentary and creator interviews, volume 1 starts at the beginning to reveal the motives, machinations and decisions that shaped the intrepid crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. For new and old fans alike, there''s never been a Star Trek collection like this! Includes STAR TREK: CREW issues #1-5, STAR TREK ALIEN SPOTLIGHT: VULCANS, and STAR TREK: EARLY VOYAGES #1-6.

Praise for Titans: “Dan Abnett and Brett Booth offer everything a Titans fan wants and more.” -IGN “You won’t want to miss out on this.” -Comic Vine “A lovely reunion.” -CBR When a series of mistakes by the Titans nearly leads to global catastrophe, the Justice League steps in to issue a directive-Titans no more! While Donna Troy is kept under observation in the Justice League’s watchtower to determine the link between Donna and her evil future self, Troia, the rest of the team is told to stand down and take a break. That doesn’t sit well with Arsenal, though. Seemingly abandoned by his friends, Roy Harper pushes himself right to the edge to track down the source of a dangerous new street drug...even teaming up with his deadly ex, Cheshire. But while Arsenal may be in over his head, his investigation reveals a worldwide threat that even the Justice League proves unable to stop! Now it falls to the Titans to save the world from destruction. And while they’re no longer a team, they are still a family...but will that be enough to unite them? Writer Dan Abnett (Aquaman) and the art team of Paul Pelletier (Justice League), Andrew Hennessy (Green Lantern) and Adriano Lucas (Cyborg) close the book on this chapter of the Titans! Collects Titans #19-22 and Annual #2.

Writer Dan Abnett (TITANS, EARTH 2: SOCIETY) and artists Scot Eaton (BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL), Philippe Briones (NEW SUICIDE SQUAD) and Brad Walker (ACTION COMICS) test Aquaman on all sides as DC’s Rebirth continues in AQUAMAN VOL. 3: CROWN OF ATLANTIS! A devastating war between the United States and Atlantis has been averted, all thanks to Aquaman. And for his part in bringing peace, the King of Atlantis has found the respect and recognition that always eluded him...along with a new group of hardcore “Aquafans” he never expected. But with a higher profile comes a target on Aquaman’s back. There’s Warhead, a cyborg with the ability to mentally control humans and use them as weapons. Then there’s Dead Water, a monstrous villain Aquaman thought he’d defeated, and whose mysterious origins he still doesn’t fully understand. To beat them, the King of the Seven Seas will be forced to make alliances with the same Aquamarines who tried to assassinate him—alliances that may prove just as deadly as any enemy. With these ceaseless threats from above and below, political unrest is rising among the citizens of Atlantis. Even if Aquaman succeeds in keeping his kingdom safe, will he be able to hold on to his throne? Collects issues #16-24.

An amazing collection of Horus Heresy Primarch short stroies, penned by a host of best selling authors. A must have for all fans of Horus Heresy! From their shadowed origins to the desperate battles that ensued when half of them rebelled against their father, the Sons of the Emperor – the vaunted primarchs – were among the greatest of humanity''s champions, warriors without peer and heroes whose deeds became legend. From the Angel Sanguinius, who took the sole brunt of his Legion''s most brutal acts, to Vulkan, whose humanity made him unique amongst his brothers, and from dour Perturabo, architect, inventor and murderous warlord, to Horus, whose shining light was eclipsed only by the darkness that grew within his soul, this anthology covers eight of the primarchs and their greatest – or darkest – deeds. CONTENTS The Passing of Angels by John French The Abyssal Edge by Aaron Dembski-Bowden Mercy of the Dragon by Nick Kyme Shadow of the Past by Gav Thorpe The Emperor’s Architect by Guy Haley Prince of Blood by L J Goulding The Ancient Awaits by Graham McNeill Misbegotten by Dan Abnett

Dragon Frontier is a Wild West fantasy adventure series for 9+ readers, ideal for fans of How To Train Your Dragon and Christopher Paolini''s Eragon. Cowboys, Indians and dragons come together in this rip-roaring adventure where frontier land is even wilder than history suggests . . . The Wild West: where great possibility also brings grave danger Jake Polson and his family are starting a new life on the American Frontier. Twelve-year-old Jake is proud to drive the lead wagon; he''s in charge of the oxen and minding his Ma and little sister. But tragedy strikes and Jake must venture deep into the West in search of a legendary creature to save his family. What he discovers in that vast landscape is wilder than he ever imagined. Out on the frontier, an evil force is waiting . . . ''A rousing, well-executed piece of fiery pulp adventure ****'' SFX ''A cracking fantasy-tinged Wild West yarn . . . hot stuff'' Financial Times About the author: Dan Abnett is a multiple New York Times best-selling novelist. He is the fan-favourite author of over thirty Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 novels, and has sold nearly three million copies in over a dozen languages. He has also written novels for franchises such as Torchwood, Primeval and Doctor Who. When he''s not being a novelist, he writes screenplays and video games, and he has written some of the most famous superhero comics in the world, including Iron Man, Thor and The Guardians of the Galaxy at Marvel, and Superman, Batman, The Legion of Superheroes, and Wonder Woman at DC Comics. Dragon Frontier is his first book for younger readers

NEUE ODYSSEE – NEUE JUSTICE LEAGUE! Der wiedergeborene Gott Darkseid will im Geistersektor, einem mysteriösen Bereich des Universums voller unbekannter Welten, sein finsteres Reich Apokolips wiederauferstehen lassen! Eine Gruppe des Superhelden-Teams Justice League um Cyborg und die Green Lantern Jessica Cruz ist im Kampf gegen ihn gefallen, und nichts und niemand scheint Darkseid noch aufhalten zu können! Da gründet sich eine neue Justice League, bestehend aus der machthungrigen Blackfire, der zornigen Red Lantern Dex-Starr und anderen, darunter der geheimnisvolle Okkult ... unter dessen Maske sich ein Darkseid nur zu bekanntes Gesicht verbirgt! Ein packendes Sci-Fi-Abenteuer von Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy, AQUAMAN), gezeichnet von Will Conrad (NIGHTWING, HAWKMAN), Cliff Richards (BIRDS OF PREY, WONDER WOMAN) und CrissCross (Captain Marvel). ENTHÄLT: JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY 13-18

Once, Aquaman was King of Atlantis … but his crown was stripped from him and given to Corum Rath. Now, Atlantis has been cut off from the rest of the world, trapped by powerful ancient magic called the Crown of Thorns. No one can get in—or escape the deadly enforces of King Rath. Now, Aquaman is part of the underground resistance fighting back against Rath, along with the mysterious Dolphin and his former sworn enemy, Vulko. Only Aquaman can unite the factions needed to take down Rath … but only if he agrees to become King once more, which Arthur has sworn will not happen. But when Arthur discovers the love of his life, Mera, has been afflicted with a strange mystic illness that can only be cured outside Atlantis, suddenly the Crown of Thorns becomes a death sentence. Nothing will stop Arthur from leading the resistance to take down Corum Rath once and for all. The Crown must fall and so must the King! Writer Dan Abnett (Titans, The Silencer) continues his epic story that began with DC: Rebirth, aided by the art of Riccardo Federici (Batman: The Murder Machine). Collects Aquaman #31-33 and Crownspire Annual #1. “This is still one of DC’s best monthly books.” —IGN “Riccardo Federici and Sunny Gho might just be DC''s next powerhouse art duo … one of DC''s best-looking books around.” —Newsarama “…bold new visual aesthetic that sets it apart from other DC titles.” —A.V. Club

FINAL PULSE-POUNDING ISSUE! Dejah and John’s ultimate battle with the Longborn causes shockwaves that will change Mars for all time! Will the planet be saved? Can the star-crossed lovers stay together despite the impossible odds? The epic continues, from DAN ABNETT (Justice League Odyssey) and ALESSANDRO MIRACOLO (Red Sonja)!

Ninjak discovers an Arab terrorist in an airport and faces off with him on a hijacked airplane.

Celebrating the historic 25th anniversary of the WildStorm imprint, this anthology graphic novel collects a senses-shattering blend of new content, hand-picked reprints and a select number of never-before-seen extras. In 1992 a revolution was kicked off by superstar creator Jim Lee when he launched his game-changing publishing imprint, and the modern comic book market was forever altered. WildStorm Productions would go on to help revolutionize the industry and launch the careers of many top creators, including such names as Warren Ellis, Gary Frank, J. Scott Campbell, Adam Hughes, Brett Booth, Whilce Portacio, Tim Sale, Bryan Hitch, Dustin Nguyen John Cassaday, Humberto Ramos and countless others. Over the course of the last 25 years, the imprint, creators and characters have evolved in many ways, but will never be forgotten. This volume reprints WildC.A.T.s #1, WILDCATS (v.4) #1, THE AUTHORITY #13 & #14, short stories from THE EYE OF THE STORM ANNUAL and the Coup D’Etat Afterword. Plus, it features brand-new stories and pin-ups!

“All the power of a roundhouse kick to the chops!” —Hollywood Reporter It’s the second volume of stories you never thought you’d see as DC’s iconic superheroes cross over with some of Hanna-Barbera’s oddest characters in the most unexpected stories of the year! When Superboy and Robin try to help an old friend of Batman’s, they’re joined by the robot “Dog Wonder”: Dynomutt! In the 1970s, Black Lightning teams with martial arts master Hong Kong Phooey in a battle that threatens the fate of the whole world! The Flash meets a scientist whose so-called “Speed Buggy” may cause irreparable damage to the Speed Force! And when Aquaman investigates some bizarre undersea activity, a talking shark named Jabberjaw takes him to an alternate future where the partnership between humans and sea creatures is in grave danger! All this, plus inspired takes on Hanna-Barbera characters Captain Caveman and Funky Phantom in a collection featuring some of comics’ top creators, among them Peter J. Tomasi, Scott Lobdell, Dan Abnett, Jeff Parker, Bryan Hill, Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz, Brett Booth, Paul Pelletier, Fernando Pasarin and Scott Kolins! Collecting Super Sons/Dynomutt #1, Black Lightning/Hong Kong Phooey #1, The Flash/Speed Buggy #1 and Aquaman/Jabberjaw #1.

Un integral recopilatorio de Warhammer 40.000. En el futuro desgarrado por la guerra que es el cuadragésimo primer milenio, la Inquisición libra una batalla secreta incesante contra los enemigos más siniestros de la humanidad: el alienígena, el hereje y el demonio. Las tres novelas de este ómnibus cuentan la lucha del inquisidor Gideon Ravenor y de su mortífero grupo de agentes, cuyas investigaciones le llevan desde el corazón del Sector Scarus hasta las regiones más salvajes del espacio exterior, e incluso a través del propio tiempo. Allá donde van, y sin importar los peligros a los que se enfrentan, nunca cejan hasta que completan la misión. Incluye las novelas Ravenor, El regreso de Ravenor y Ravenor fugitivo, además de tres relatos cortos.

The greatest tales, the best creators, brought to you in beautiful black, white and red! DAN ABNETT returns to the She-Devil for a savage story of conquest and revenge… And ANTHONY MARQUES and VINCENZO FEDERICI present bounding adventures of visual daring and delight…

The Annihilation Wave has come! Annihilus, lord of the Negative Zone, has declared war! Hordes of loyal soldiers swarm from the center of the universe, and only a handful of heroes can resist destruction! As the Xandarian Nova Corps meet its doom, only Richard Rider - the man called Nova - survives. Now the sole custodian of the Worldmind, the Zandarian''s database of knowledge and experience, can he rediscover himself in time to lead the war effort against the Annihilation Wave? Drax the Destroyer returns from exile on Earth to mentor Nova - but wait until you see his dangerous new persona! Guest-starring Quasar, Ronan the Accuser, the Super-Skrull and Thanos! Collecting Drax the Destroyer #1-4, Annihilation Prologue and Annihilation: Nova #1-4.

Collects Groot (2023) #1-4. Monster, hero, Guardian: Groot! Before he was a Guardian of the Galaxy - before the Grootfall - young Groot lived a life of tranquility on his serene homeworld, Planet X. But when monstrous invaders attack his world, this courageous sapling must shoulder a heroic destiny! And this destiny will lead Groot to cross paths with a young Kree soldier by the name of Mar-Vell! But who - or what - is behind the devastation of Planet X? Does any life yet stir in its decimated forests? And can Groot and Mar-Vell''s alliance withstand them being stalked by Yondar the hunter? Writer Dan Abnett (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) and artist Damian Couceiro (X-FORCE) reveal never-before-seen moments of Groot''s origin and first adventure through the galaxy!

The acclaimed team of Dan Abnett (AQUAMAN) and Brett Booth (TEEN TITANS) bring the high-flying hero Bumblebee into the reborn DC Universe in TITANS VOL. 2: MADE IN MANHATTAN! The Titans are former teen heroes with a lot of history together...history they’re just now starting to remember. Nightwing, Donna Troy, Wally West, Arsenal, Tempest and Lilith have started a new life as a team in a new but familiar headquarters—Titans Tower in New York City. But not all of their former allies are along for the ride. Mal Duncan used to be the Titan known as Herald, but now he’s voluntarily given up his powers with the help of a mysterious company known as Meta Solutions. Meta claims they can help any metahuman control their powers, so Mal’s wife, Karen, seeks their help with her burgeoning abilities as well. But the Titans have every reason to suspect Meta Solutions is up to no good...especially when they find out the company is being run by their old foes, the Fearsome Five! Psimon and his team claim they’ve given up their evil ways...but will the Titans bet their friend’s life on it? Collects TITANS #7-10 and TITANS ANNUAL #1.

"If the Guardians have broken up, who will save the galaxy from the Church of Universal Truth, the Badoon and King Blastaar? First there was the cosmos saving. Then there was the betrayal. Now there''s the breakup. As Star-Lord''s squad head off on their own pursuits, a universe of innocents asks, ''Where are our Guardians?'' Fear not, helpless citizen of the stars, for a new team has risen and they are ready to put a beat down on any bad guys bent on destruction! These new Guardians include the brew-slurping Bug; the time-lost Major Victory, Gamora, the green-skinned assassin with mental issues; and an angry walking tree named Groot -- all led by Rocket Raccon, a talking mammal with his raygun set on a hair-trigger. Just as the sabers begin rattling in the War of Kings, outer space''s elite cadre of saviors has seen better days. Feel guarded now?"--Publisher''s web site

“I am all aboard for Aquaman.” —Nerdist “A solid primer on Aquaman’s new status quo.” —CBR Rath, the mad king of Atlantis, is under siege from all sides. Seeking new ways to maintain his grip on the throne, Rath persuades his closest friend from childhood to provide him with access to the darkest magic Atlantis has ever known! But the result is a threat that may be beyond Rath’s—or even Aquaman’s—power to control! Rath’s ally, Kadaver, is given the power of the Atlantean vaults of magic and becomes a mindless servant of the king. Rath’s dominance seems a foregone conclusion…that is, until Aquaman and some unlikely allies storm the gates. It’s a battle royal for the future of the undersea kingdom, but as Rath pays an unexpected price for ultimate authority, he becomes a force so monstrous that no one will be unscathed by the final showdown. Writer Dan Abnett (Titans, The Silencer) is joined by artists Riccardo Federici (Dark Nights: Metal: Dark Knights Rising), Sunny Gho (Captain America, Avengers) and more in Aquaman Vol. 6: Kingslayer, collecting stories from Aquaman #34-38.

Non c’è pace nell’Universo Marvel. Ancora devastato dal passaggio dell’Onda Annihilation, il pianeta centrale dell’impero Kree viene preso d’assalto e invaso − o, per meglio dire, assimilato − da un avversario forse persino più temibile. Mentre Nova, di ritorno sulla Terra, deve fare i conti con le conseguenze della guerra civile che ha visto contrapposti gli eroi, una nuova Quasar si mette alla ricerca di un misterioso “salvatore”, e Star-Lord si ritrova alla guida del primo nucleo di quelli che di lì a poco saranno conosciuti come i Guardiani della Galassia.

A Princess Of Earth New arc, new artist, new jumping-on point for new readers! Dejah awakes in a mysterious cave, on a confusing planet, full of strange aliens known as "humans..."

''The twenty-first century is when it all changes, and you''ve got to be ready.'' Separate from the government; outside the police, beyond the United Nations: Torchwood sets its own rules. A team of investigators, using alien technology to solve crime - both alien and human. This British sci-fi crime thriller, created by Russell T Davies, sees them delve into the unknown. A group of people fighting the impossible. Stars Captain Jack Harkness last seen in Doctor Who.

VAMPIRELLA VS. THE BLACK TERROR! The Project is convinced that Vampi has turned villainous and will stop at nothing to contain her! By DAN ABNETT (Justice League Odyssey) and PAUL DAVIDSON (Silver Surfer)!

Spinning directly out of the events of the smash-hit DC Universe: Rebirth #1, witness the rebirth of the greatest team of young heroes in history in Titans Vol. 1: The Return Of Wally West! The members of the super-team known as the Teen Titans were heroes but, more than that, the best of friends. A special bond held them together through even the toughest situations. Then their connection became a memory. And that memory faded, stolen from time. Only one person remembers. His name is Wally West. Once upon a time, he was Kid Flash, but now he is a refugee from a lost universe and it''s up to him to reawaken his former friends and re-forge their bond. Nightwing. Donna Troy. Beast Boy. Arsenal. Lilith. They must come together and defeat the enemy who destroyed their memories or be destroyed themselves. Spinning directly out of the events of the smash-hit story DC Universe: Rebirth #1, history’s greatest team of young heroes is resurrected in Titans Vol. 1: The Return Of Wally West! This great jumping-on point for comics fans of all generations, written by Dan Abnett with art by Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund, collects Titans #1-6 and Titans: Rebirth #1!

In comic book format, tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, the three-day battle that was the turning point in the Civil War.

"Deathstroke created by Marv Wolfman and George Paerez"--Title page.

It is a time of British legend! A young Red Sonja, cursed by a suit of mysterious chainmail, seeks counsel from the mysterious Merlyn. She longs to be rid of her curse so that she might forge a future for herself full of action and adventure! Pursued by the loathsome Green Knight, if she survives her quest and gains entry into the Castle of Merlyn, what she finds there will be infinitely more than she bargained for! The fan-favorite creative team of writer DAN ABNETT and artist ALESSANDRO MIRACOLO craft a unique new saga for the She-Devil With a Sword in this first volume of Immortal Red Sonja! Collects issues #1-5.

“H2.0” part three! Aquaman and Mera learn that the “strange water” they’ve been sent to investigate is in fact a gateway to an alien world that’s the source of Arthur’s recent troubles! And tensions flare between Aquaman and his less-than-heroic teammates over whether to make contact with this new world or destroy it!

As the crusade to liberate the Sabbat Worlds continues, Colonel-Commissar Gaunt leads the Tanith First-and-Only into an unforgiving new warzone - the fortress world of Jago. As the enemy assaults increase in fury, Gaunt and his regiment must face the terror of the present alongside the ghosts of their past, for only in death does duty end.