Book excerpt: More comfortable with a sword than a scepter, the enigmatic Kull has recently crowned himself king and seeks to unite the once proud and powerful land of Valusia. As representatives from all corners of his kingdom seek his counsel, the warrior-king accepts a strange invitation from the Pictish emissary. Kull will need to discard ancient prejudices if he's to save the newly united Valusian empire from a clandestine enemy that once threatened to enslave and exterminate mankind! Aided by Brule—a hotheaded Pict confidant—Kull uncovers layers of deception and treachery in the ancient halls of the Tower of Splendor and faces the growing threat of the devious Serpent Cult! Join us as we discover Valusia's darkest secrets and witness the first days of its mightiest king. • Collection features a new cover by Paul Renaud. • See pages 28-29 for the conclusion to Arvid Nelson's acclaimed Rex Mundi series and the return of Zero Killer! • "Strong storytelling, powerful action, real emotion, great detail work, and a balls-to-the-wall sense of power from his main character."—Comic Book Resources