Dabels' new project; art find; slabbed comics; July sales

* The Dabel Bros., following their high-profile split last week with Marvel, has signed a deal to do a comic based on Dean Koontz’s "Frankenstein: Prodigal Son." The first issue is set to hit shelves in February. Meanwhile, rumor columnist Rich Johnston explains what he's heard was the reason for the split.

* Fox reports a couple that bought a coloring book for their daughter at a Texas garage sale found inside it some comicbook art, including some incredibly valuable Jack Kirby pages from 1963's Avengers #1. Turns out, the pages were reported stolen a while back and a judge is determining who gets them.

* The Los Angeles Times writes about professionally graded comics and the Certified Guaranty Co. Best line comes from Frank Miller:

"I think it's all pretty silly," said Miller, whose graphic novels "300" and "Sin City" have led to major Hollywood success stories. "But I'm of a generation that love the feel and smell of these ephemeral old leaflets. . . . Maybe it will get to the point where I can put out comics that have blank pages inside -- just covers -- and no one will notice."

* Thor #1 topped the direct market sales charts for July, a month that posted a 6% gain over the same month last year, according to ICV2.com. Marvel did well with World War Hulk, a "final" showdown with Sabretooth in Wolverine, and the Fallen Son tributes to Captain America. DC did well with a hell-themed Batman #666 and a big boost on Green Lantern thanks to the popular Sinestro Corps storyline. And Dark Horse again had the top indie title with Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #5 at the No. 12 spot. The Marvel-Dabel Bros. collection "Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter" was the top graphic novel in the direct market, followed by DC's 52 Vol. 2.