Here's something you don't see every day: a Sam & Max game front and center on store shelves. Or at least, you haven't seen one any time recently, but North American fans of the Freelance Police will soon get the chance once again, as The Adventure Company and JoWood announced today that Sam & Max: Season One has begun shipping to retailers.

It's been well over a decade since Sam & Max Hit the Road , and the road has been rocky at times, but the canine lagomorph and hyperkinetic rabbity thing kept on rumbling in their DeSoto, and finally emerged last fall in the six-part episodic series known as Season One. Available previously only on GameTap or by download from Telltale Games, beginning next week the full collection of episodes will be offered at most major retailers on CD-ROM in what is referred to as the equivalent of a DVD box set for TV series.

Along with the six episodes, the retail version also includes a printed poster of artwork by Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell, plus a bonus disc with such extras as a behind-the-scenes video, trailers, and previously unreleased character bios. For complete details, check out TAC's Sam & Max product page.

Gamers in Europe will have to wait a little while longer, however, as the European release of Season One will follow in September.