Back in February, DC Entertainment confirmed that they would be releasing Before Watchmen, a new comic book series collection that will serve as a prequel to the critically acclaimed graphic novel Watchmen.

There will be 8 different miniseries under the Before Watchmen banner, each with a 4- to 6-issue run, which will begin this Summer. Now, the first issue of four of the 8 miniseries is now available for pre-order — Before Watchmen: Minutemen, Silk Spectre, Comedian, and Nite Owl.

The issues are available for pre-order as single print issues or as combo packs, which will include the print edition along with a code for the digital version.

See our previous coverage for an extensive rundown of each of the 8 Beyond Watchmen titles: Watching “˜Before Watchmen’: Analyzing The “˜Watchmen’ Prequel Comic Book Event.

Head’s up: When ordering [not pre-ordering] items from TFAW, note that they are currently offering FREE Domestic Shipping through April 30, 2012 when you buy $50 or more of IN-STOCK comics and graphic novels with their RORSCHACH promotional code (follow the link for instructions, terms, and conditions).