Rex Mundi

Image Comics/Dark Horse. Written by Arvid Nelson.
Image series
The first two volumes of the Image series were traded by Image. The series moved to Dark Horse, who traded the third volume, and re-issued the first two. Image covers are on the left; Dark Horse on the right. Any differences in content are noted in the description.
1 The Guardian of the Temple (0-5; a Eric J; Dark Horse edition also contains webcomic that preceeded issue 0 plus a revised and expanded introduction by Joshua Dysart). [From Image Comics: As Doctor Julien Saunière investigates the theft of a medieval scroll from a Paris church, he stumbles onto a series of horrific ritual murders and an ancient secret society somehow connected to the mysterious document. They must not slip back into the shadows, or they will kill again. Plus: a double-page map of the Rex Mundi world, a gallery of back covers by artists such as Guy Davis and Jim Mahfood, a sketchbook by Rex Mundi artist Eric J, and much more.] Book of the Week 2/4/04
2 River Underground (6-11; a Eric J). [From Image Comics: Doctor Julien Saunière investigates a conspiracy reaching up to the highest levels of government and stretching back to the walls of Jerusalem during the First Crusade. A disgraced order of knights, a neoclassical painter and a series of horrific murders are all somehow connected to the thousand-year-old mystery. Things get complicated when Julien's old flame becomes involved with the Duke of Lorraine, a powerful politician implicated in the investigation. Rex Mundi, Vol. 2: The River Underground TP will feature extras such as a back cover gallery, the collected editions of "Le Journal de la Liberté," and much, much more.]
3 The Lost Kings (12-17; a Eric J, Jim di Bartolo, Juan Ferreyra; no Image trade). [From Dark Horse Comics: In a Paris where magic is real and the Catholic Church never lost its political power, one man's quest to solve a murder may lead him to the Holy Grail itself! Doctor Julien Saunière continues his investigation into the theft of a mysterious medieval scroll, only dimly aware of the forces tugging him to the doorstep of the powerful Duke of Lorraine. Lorraine wants to provoke a massive, globe-spanning war that will soak the world in blood‹but why? The answer to that question, a deadly confrontation in the ancient catacombs beneath Paris, and a blasphemous revelation about Judas, Christ's betrayer, all await Julien in this volume of the critically acclaimed series Rex Mundi!]
Dark Horse series
4 Crown and Sword (1-6?; a Juan Ferreyra). [From Dark Horse Comics: Paris, 1933. Europe is still in the grip of feudal warlords, the Catholic Church has all the power of a secret police force, and sorcerers stalk the streets at night. Welcome to the world of Rex Mundi. Master Physician Julien Saunière stumbles onto a thousand-year-old brotherhood dedicated to protecting the secret of the Holy Grail—a secret that threatens to drown the world in blood! Saunière digs deeper and deeper into the mystery of the Holy Grail and finally he uncovers the connection to the Duke of Lorraine. The Duke, meanwhile, is forced to make a bid for power when the king orders his arrest. If he can’t succeed, he will surely hang!]