SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read KATANA #1 and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

Spinning out of the pages of BIRDS OF PREY and JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, KATANA reveals the secrets behind the elusive former assassin and her mythical sword that she believes is inhabited by the spirit of her deceased husband. Last month, writer Ann Nocenti teased a little bit about the series, which launched with this past Wednesday’s release of KATANA #1.

In the first issue of her new ongoing series, Katana removes herself from the Birds of Prey and embarks on a personal journey to Japantown in San Francisco. There, she sets up a base of operations and begins her mission of vengeance and enlightenment.

Hidden from the people of J-Town, Katana starts a rigorous training regimen. It is during a combat session that she realizes that she is not ready to avenge her husband just yet. She needs more training to master her Katana (a.k.a Soultaker) and needs a teacher to guide and educate her in the art of sword fighting.

After a night of restless sleep, Katana searches for a young woman named Shun, whose skin tells the story of the stealthy rise and mad decline of the ancient clans of Japan. When she locates the girl, she discovers a stunning picture of her sword and its place in ancient history. It seems like Katana is on the right track to discovering the history behind the Soultaker.

At that moment, Shun’s caretaker rushes Katana out of the house and she is left to wander through a park reflecting upon her innocent childhood. Suddenly, her thoughts are interrupted by the Sword Clan! Not only are they the men that killed her husband, but they also claim to be the rightful owners of the Soultaker!

In an epic battle, Katana uses her wardrobe to her advantage and defeats the men with her piercing hair sticks, earrings sharp as daggers, lethal necklace, and her dress stitched with razors. But only one of these warriors is skilled enough to face this unstoppable woman: the master of the spiral sword, Coil!

Coil attacks and the Soultaker takes control of Katana’s actions in order to assure victory. In the midst of the battle, Coil observes that Katana is no longer in control of her actions. Instead of continuing the fight, he offers her a spot in the Sword Clan so she can train safely and learn to control her weapon.

Naturally, Katana refuses to join her corrupt enemies. But if she wants to master the sword while insisting doing it without Coil’s help, then she risks madness and defeat. This is the tightrope she must walk.

Below, take a look at the final page of KATANA #1 (in stores now) as Coil and Katana face off. And make sure to pick up JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1, on sale next week, for the continuing adventures of Katana!

KATANA #1, in stores now, is written by Ann Nocenti, illustrated by Alex Sanchez, and features a cover by David Finch.

Next month, a DC Comics heroine will step into the spotlight in her own all-new ongoing solo series. Spinning out of the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA and BIRDS OF PREY, KATANA comes to you from the creative team of Ann Nocenti and artist Alex Sanchez. But who is this elusive former assassin and why does she believe that the soul of her deceased husband is trapped in her sword?

“Katana is a trained, disciplined martial artist. She removes herself from Birds of Prey to go on a personal journey in Japantown, San Francisco, and pursue a quest for vengeance against the Sword Clan, the men that killed her husband,” Nocenti explained to MTV GEEK. “In KATANA #1, she fights COIL, who has a spiral sword, a whip of a sword, and she realizes she's not just up against him, but legions. She is allowing herself to let loose, to unravel a bit, to fight this battle. But when the JLA calls -- she's all business. She's a soldier in an army for them. Back to the restrained, disciplined fighter. She brings that to the team -- a reliable, fearless martial arts master. But as things change in her solo book, that might change in JLA also.”

“The first issue you see that she’s got new villains – really nasty new villains,” she continued to IGN. “She pretty much hooks up with a new supporting cast in Japantown right off the bat. We set the scene and then everything starts to change with issues #2 and 3. She’s also going to be very connected to the DC Universe. She’s got guest stars in issues #2 and 3 who are surprising. I want her to be connected to the DCU, even in her solo missions.”

To read more from Ann Nocenti about the launch of KATANA, see the full interviews that ran this morning with the writer on MTV GEEK, IGN, AOL’s COMICS ALLIANCE and COMICOSITY, and Katana’s character profile on NEWSARAMA. And don’t forget to visit all five of these outlets for your first looks at Alex Sanchez’ interior art for KATANA #1.

For this week’s installment of Preview Monday, we’re giving you exclusive first looks at GREEN ARROW #14 and SWEET TOOTH #39.

It’s the second part of “Sky War” as “Hawkman: Wanted” continues in this week’s issue of GREEN ARROW! En route back home from China, Oliver Queen comes across a flock of alien birdmen. In true hero form, he takes matters into his own hands rather that simply sitting aside and watching as the Thangarian police hunting Hawkman continue to infiltrate the Seattle skies. And when things get personal for Ollie and the Warhawks kidnap Emma, he’ll need to turn to Hawkman for help. But will Hawkman’s trackers on the Warhawks make the duo’s mission successful, or will they just be led into a trap? GREEN ARROW #14, in stores on Wednesday, is written by Ann Nocenti and illustrated by Freddie Williams II and Rob Hunter. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue. 

In the penultimate issue of SWEET TOOTH, Gus and Jepperd’s long-winded journey finally comes to its harrowing conclusion. But when Abbot makes Gus his hostage to get Jepperd in their final face-off, who will live and who will die? And what does this threat mean for the future of the hybrid species? Written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire, SWEET TOOTH #39 paves the path for next month’s climactic series finale. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue, which arrives in stores this week. 

For this week’s installment of Preview Monday, we’re giving you exclusive first looks at CATWOMAN #13 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE: LORD OF NIGHTMARES #5.

It’s a game of chess (literally!) and Gotham is the playing board in this prologue to “Death of the Family” in CATWOMAN #13. Selina Kyle is hired to steal a giant chess piece and move its position. But the sacrifice this Queen of Crime needs to make may be too high. Who’s behind all this and how does he know so much about Selina’s past? Written by Ann Nocenti and illustrated by Rafa Sandoval and Jordi Tarragona, CATWOMAN #13 lands in stores on Wednesday. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

It’s the explosive conclusion to AMERICAN VAMPIRE: LORD OF NIGHTMARES! Felicia and Hobbes have finally caught up to Dracula’s coffin in the middle of the Black Sea, but now here comes the hard part – actually destroying it. Left to confront Dracula alone, will Hobbes have the strength to kill the uber-vampire without being killed himself? AMERICAN VAMPIRE: LORD OF NIGHTMARES #5, in stores on Wednesday, comes to you from writer Scott Snyder and artist Dustin Nguyen. Click here to see an exclusive preview of the issue.