Okay, the next SPIKE mini-series begins tomorrow. Same creative team as ASYLUM. And I realize that there are some of you who may need to be convinced to go out and buy it. So without further adieu, I am less than proud to give you:

THE TOP TEN REASONS TO BUY SPIKE:SHADOW PUPPETS # 1

10. It's a Spike book first and foremost, but Lorne is the sidekick. And Lorne has not gotten enough comic love in the past. He is one of the best ANGEL characters ever, and this series gives him a crapload to do. And a crapload to make fun of. Also, he's a great foil for Spike.

9. It is a sequel to one of the best episodes of ANGEL ever, SMILE TIME. Vampires vs. Puppets. What's better than that? Vampires turning into Puppets, that's right. Does ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN give you that? I think not. Get on the ball, Bendis.

8. It's very funny. At least, I think it is. But it's also dark. And full of action. And there's a little romance. It's got EVERYTHING! Save for Buffy, she's not in it. She's busy.

7. Franco Urru is the best comic artist working today. Whether it's huge monster gang fights, puppets attacking innocents, or little character moments, Franco delivers the goods.

6. It takes place in Japan. Just like BLACK RAIN!

5. it's the last ANGEL-related book before SEASON 8 begins. Let's face it, you need your ANGEL fix. You guys are sick like that. I'm right there with you.

4. It's only four issues long. So that means (a) it's not THAT much of a commitment, and (b) we keep things moving on accounta we only have 88 pages to tell the story.

4 subsection b. 88 pages? 88 MPH to go back in time? Hello, BACK TO THE FUTURE rocked, and you can think of this book's length as a four month salute to that.

3. It's jam-packed with in-jokes and references to everything ANGEL, BUFFY, and beyond. Hell, there's a reference to the movie in one of the issues. First person that gets it and posts a comment about it at the SHADOW PUPPETS thread over at idwpublishing.com's forums gets a signed copy of the first issue. Also, speaking of references, it ain't just Spike and Lorne that get puppet-ized. All your ANGEL puppet needs will be met.

2. It features the return of telepathic fish to the ANGEL-verse, but also introduces a new character that might have booted dear departed Betta George from the top spot of new characters in the books. Sorry George.

1. Ninja Puppets. Little ninja puppets. Hundreds and hundreds of them.

Convinced? I thought so!

SPIKE:SHADOW PUPPETS # 1! On sale tomorrow, June 20th!