ancestor named Aldo Roth, described as "a rogue kabbalistic necromancer who died in 1787." Allies The Espers first encounter Alan Black in the "Interface" story arc. Alan, whose power is described as "psychic intuition," is an assassin for another, more benevolent group of espers, called the "Society of Esper Anarchists," or "S.E.A." The SEA is engaged in a centuries-long battle in the shadows against both the Inner Circle and the Triad. Another friendly esper, Brian Marx, first appears in the "Black Magic" story arc. Brian is described as an "American random mage" and "a modern-day wizard using chaos magic which is supposed to let you bend reality." He's on the run from the Architects, most notably from the leader of their occult branch, "The Pentacle," Tracy King. Trade Paperback Collections Most (but not all) of the irregularly published issues of the series in its various incarnations have been collected in trade paperbacks over time. In 1995, Caliber Comics published a TPB titled "Espers," collecting the first four issues initially published by Eclipse in 1986. But this TPB collection omitted the fifth issue. In 1999, another TPB was published that collected all five issues originally published by Eclipse, titled "ESPERS: The Storm." In 1998, Image Comics published a TPB titled "ESPERS: Interface" that collected the first six issues of the "Interface" series from Marvel's "Epic" imprint. Also in 1998, Image Comics published a TPB collecting the entire 6 issue run from Halloween Comics under the title, "ESPERS: Undertow." And lastly, also in 1998, Image published a final TPB titled "ESPERS: Black Magic," collecting the first four Image Comics issues. In the TPBs published by Image in 1998, another TPB is listed, called "ESPERS: Crossed Purposes." But it was never published. Storylines Espers: the first 4 issues initially published by Eclipse in 1986 (vol. 1). The Espers are assembled by Linda Williams and then go to Beirut to try to rescue her kidnapped father. But in the process they stumble upon a much bigger conspiracy. Espers: Interface: 8 issues published by Marvel Comic's "Epic" line from 1989–1991; as well as one 'prologue' issue first published by Eclipse in 1987 as issue #5 of vol. 1. The Espers come under simultaneous (but separate) attack from super- assassins hired by the Inner Circle and by the forces of mafia crime lord Benito Giovanetti. Espers: Undertow: 6 issues self-published by James Hudnall's Halloween Comics from