THIRD EYE MUST BUY: WALKING DEAD WRITER ROBERT KIRKMAN & COMICS LEGEND, TODD MCFARLANE DEBUT A BRAND NEW ONGOING SERIES THIS WEDNESDAY: HAUNT
It's finally here! This highly anticipated new Image title from the amazingly talented ROBERT KIRKMAN (you know, the man responsible for WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, and most recently, DESTROYER) and comics legend TODD MCFARLANE (the creator of Spawn, and one of the biggest comics superstars from back in the day) is set to be one of the biggest new series launches in a while. It's got a very talented line-up onboard (Kirkman, McFarlane, and then Invincible artist Ryan Ottley), and a very cool, sounding plot and concept. On first look, the series looks kind of like a supernatural spin on Spider-man, but knowing Kirkman, we know there's a lot more going on than that.
The solicits about the plot haven't given us a lot to go on as far as what the story is all about, but what we do know is it centers around a man who's drawn into a world of espionage and murder by his brother's ghost. I just got done reading the 10 preview pages up at CBR, and I have to say I'm pumped. This one looks like a fresh, cutting edge new superhero book that's going to be a fine addition to Robert Kirkman's incredible line-up of solid work.
Not to mention, it marks a very significant event with the return of Todd McFarlane to picking up the art chores on a book. It's been years, and years since McFarlane has committed to a series, but here he is, and it's with one of the most talented young writers in the field today.
One thing I'd like to say that is if you are interested in Haunt, be sure to snatch it up this week, or get in touch about having one set aside. While we've ordered a good deal of these, and don't plan on selling out, we do know that Image tends to run lower print runs on things than the bigger publishers (Chew, for example, was a case of this).
Anyways, folks, make sure you give HAUNT a look here at Third Eye this Wednesday. We're stoked on this one! Click here to check out a 10 page preview of HAUNT #1!
ASTONISHING X-MEN #31 KICKS OFF NEW STORY ARC, NEW DIRECTION WITH PLANETARY/TRANSMETROPOLITAN WRITER WARREN ELLIS AND MODERN LEGEND ARTIST PHIL JIMINEZ, AND IT LOOKS INCREDIBLE! A PERFECT JUMPING ON POINT! If you read just one X-Book, this is it!
Astonishing X-Men has been long regarded as one of Marvel's prestigious top tier titles. Joss Whedon and John Cassaday kicked this one off with an epic 25 issue run that still has yet to be matched as one of the best X-Men stories of the last two decades. They set the tone for the series well, giving us a book that, while relevant in regards to the Marvel Universe and set in the normal continuity, was still self-contained, and not bogged down with the messy plot threads that many X-Books of the past have been. When their run was finished, Ellis took it over with artist Bianchi, and while the storytelling was solid, Bianchi's art didn't quite deliver what we had come to expect.
Now, with a brand new story arc beginning in this week's issue 31, and with new series artist Phil Jiminez, we're stoked to see the book returning to the former heavy weight greatness it had held before. Honestly, it wasn't until I read the free sketchbook preview Marvel had sent us to give out a couple weeks ago, that I was totally sold on the new run. After checking out some of Jiminez's art on the book, and reading what Ellis has planned for the story, I think this one is going to be a big-time must-read. Everyone wants to like the X-Men, and everyone wants to read the X-Men, but it's rare that you're given a book that captures the spirit of the characters as well as Astonishing X-Men. This book isn't bogged down with characters you could care less about, this IS the X-Men. Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, Beast, Colossus, and more. The icons.
And, what's the scoop on this new arc? Abigail Brand, Agent of S.W.O.R.D is on a one-way death trip, and she's taking (unwillingly) in a spaceship that's careening towards Earth. Who does she call in to help prevent this? The X-Men, of course. But, that's too simple, right? Of course it is, this is Warren Ellis, we're talking about here folks, the writer of critically acclaimed works like PLANETARY, TRANSMETROPOLITAN, THE AUTHORITY, and cult favorites like NEXTWAVE, IGNITION CITY and FELL. If there's one thing Ellis knows how to do right (as evidenced from his genre-defining run on The Authority), it's larger than life superhero madness, and insanity. And, heck, I think this may even be the first time I'm excited about seeing The Brood returning to the X-Books (judging from the sketchbook, they're being approached in a very ALIENS-esque HR Giger kind of way).
Click here to check out a preview of ASTONISHING X-MEN #31!
THIRD EYE MUST BUY: CRIMINAL: THE SINNERS #1FROM INCOGNITO CREATIVE TEAM OF ED BRUBAKER & SEAN PHILLIPS! THE BEST CRIME NOIR COMIC... EVER! A PERSONAL FAVORITE!
Here's one I'm super excited about, folks! Fresh off of their epic, apocalyptic superhero noir tale INCOGNITO, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips return with CRIMINAL this Wednesday. First off, if you dug INCOGNITO, then you need to read CRIMINAL, it's pretty much the same book, through and through. Same tone, same vicious writing, same incredible atmospheric artwork, all in all, a fantastic series.
Now, if you're unfamiliar with CRIMINAL, and worried about jumping in on the middle of a story, DON'T BE. Each CRIMINAL story is self-contained, and each story arc can be in any order you please. The beauty of CRIMINAL is how it's all one self-contained universe, so you might see characters in a story arc that are background characters, but then in a later story arc become central focuses. That's the beauty. Whether you jump in fresh, or have been reading for a long time, Criminal is a very rewarding, and very satisfying title.
Why do I like CRIMINAL so much? It's the best crime genre comic I've ever read. I'd even go as far as to rank it above modern classics like 100 BULLETS and SIN CITY. It's THAT good. Brubaker's writing captures the essence of despair that all good crime noir should have, and his characters are so well-developed, that you realize there's no good, there's no bad, there's just people and the messes they get themselves into. Sean Phillips manages to perfectly pull you in with his moody, dark artwork, so well in fact that you can almost hear an old Tom Waits song playing in the background, and smell the cheap whisky and cigarettes as Brubaker weaves the tale.
Criminal is comics at their best, and we highly, HIGHLY, recommend it. THE SINNERS begins this Wednesday, focusing on TRACY LAWLESS, an ex-marine who's been forced into working for the wrong side of the law. And, with the bodies of dead gangsters piling up across the city, who does the underworld go to for justice? Mr. Lawless.
Click here to check out the preview of CRIMINAL: THE SINNERS #1!
BATMAN AND ROBIN #5: THE DYNAMIC DUO vs THE RED HOOD AND SCARLET? BATMAN AND ROBIN CONTINUES TO BE THE BEST BATMAN TITLE HITTING THE STANDS!
Are you reading Batman and Robin yet? Folks, this is the BEST Batman book we're reading, and that's a big statement considering how many great Bat-books are hitting the racks these days. Hell, this is the best Bat-book we've read in YEARS. Morrison delivers a fresh, post-modern take on the concept of Batman and Robin, as Nightwing (Dick Grayson) and Damian (the offspring of Bruce Wayne andTalia Al Ghul) function together as the 21st century's Batman and Robin. This book is very nice and self-contained, tightly written, and features some of the best sequential art you're gonna see on the four color page these days (okay, I know, they're not four color anymore.. lemme have my fun!) Seriously though, everything from the introduction of compelling new Batman Rogues, to the character dynamics between Batman and Robin, this book is one breakneck, action-packed, and well-characterized ride.
In the current story arc, a new dynamic duo of the mysterious Red Hood and Scarlet, are murdering low-level thugs, crooks, and wanna-be Rogues. The strength of the beginning of the arc is Morrison's development of the relationship between Red Hood and Scarlet, and the unhealthy bond they share. And, with the addition of another great new Batman rogue, the Gravedigger, I think Morrison is keeping the momentum on this one going well. Not to mention Phillip Tan's dark, haunting artwork is the perfect fit for the dark direction of this current story arc.
Not reading BATMAN AND ROBIN yet? We still have plenty of issues 1,2,3 and 4 here at Third Eye for you to catch up with. Give em a look!
Clickhereto read more about BATMAN AND ROBIN #5
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR GARTH ENNIS: CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD LAST BATTLE DEBUTS, CROSSED #7 AND THE BOYS #35 BOTH ARRIVE!
GARTH ENNIS (writer of THE BOYS, CROSSED & PREACHER) PUSHES THE ENVELOPE EVEN MORE WITH THE START OF HIS NEW SERIES, CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: THE LAST BATTLE, THIS WEDNESDAY!
Like the gang of hooligans we are here at Third Eye, you know we appreciate some of the finer things in sequential art... and horrifying end of the world tales featuring the razor-sharp wit and twisted mind of GARTH ENNIS (PREACHER, THE BOYS, CROSSED, ect ect) is right up our alley. And, this week with issue #7 of Crossed shipping, and only two issues of that sick and twisted masterpiece left, you're going to need something to fill the void it'll leave, right?
Well, here comes Ennis with his end of the world epic, CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD. A true, twisted masterpiece in the making. The story focuses on Danny Wormwood, Anti-Christ, Cable TV Exec, and not really as bad of a guy as you'd think. He's basically rebelled against his dad (you know, the Devil), and said SCREW IT, I'm not bringing about the apocalypse, I'm going to leave humanity to their own devices, and see what comes of it. Oh, and he's also got the power to change ONE thing once a day. That's his little magic power. After having averted the apocalypse, it looks like there's something worse than having Satan in charge of hell, and that's having the corrupt Pope Jacko. Now, Hell's about to unleash on Earth,and if you guys know Ennis, you know it's going to be stomach-turning.
Folks, if you're a fan of THE BOYS, CROSSED, or PREACHER, then you have got to give CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD a go this Wednesday. And, don't worry, we still have plenty of the $1.99 Preview one-shot of this series in stock too, if you wanted to scoop that up.
And, don't forget, also hitting this week we've got the newest issues of both THE BOYS (THE BOYS #35) and CROSSED (CROSSED #7). It's an Ennis triple-threat!
DARK REIGN: THE LIST CHAPTER 4 - SECRET WARRIORS FROM JONATHAN HICKMAN AND SUPERSTAR ARTIST ED MCGUINESS HITS THIS WEDNESDAY!
Marvel has been doing it right with their countdown to the end of DARK REIGN, in the pages of DARK REIGN: THE LIST. Top-level creative talent delivering one-shots that manage to both stand alone on their own merits, AND link the overall theme of the conclusion of DARK REIGN together. This Wednesday, one of the most exciting chapters of the DARK REIGN LIST countdown hits. Why am I so pumped? Well, it's SECRET WARRIORS, which is probably one of the BEST monthly series Marvel is putting out right now. And, it's featuring the writing of SECRET WARRIORS writer (and lets face it, overall mastermind) Jonathan Hickman, who is an amazing new talent that's been breaking out recently at Marvel (take a look at some of his older Image stuff like NIGHTLY NEWS, TRANSUMAN and PAX ROMANA) and superstar artist, ED MCGUINESS (most recently known for his stint on HULK). These two guys are both big favorites of mine when it comes to creators, and I really think they're going to deliver one of the best DARK REIGN LIST one-shots out of the entire round (although Jason Aaron and Ribic's upcoming Wolverine and Remender/Romita's Punisher look like they'll be serious contenders).
This one features Osborn and his need to eliminate Nick Fury, but first.. he needs Fury to uncover a breach in National Security. How's he going to manage that, AND eliminate him at the same time? This one's sure to be filled with espionage awesomeoness that you're gonna flip out over. Not to mention the role that Fury and his Secret Warriors have played in the DARK REIGN has been pretty huge, so you know this one-shot is going to play into the grand scheme of things in a big way.
Click hereto read a preview of DARK REIGN THE LIST: SECRET WARRIORS.
DAREDEVIL #501 KICKS OFF BRAND NEW DIRECTION AND STORY ARC WITH KILLER CREATIVE TEAM OF ANDY DIGGLE (VERTIGO'S THE LOSERS) & BILLY TAN (NEW AVENGERS)
Daredevil has been one of Marvel's best kept secrets for years, and years.It never seems to get the respect it deserves, but it's the book that if you're reading it, then you already know how consistently good it is. From the groundbreaking run of BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS and ALEX MALEEV (the team behind the new SPIDER-WOMAN series) to the recent run of ED BRUBAKER, this book always seems to host some of the most exciting talent to find their way to Marvel.
Daredevil 501 kicks off after the totally epic DD #500 which not only wrapped up many plot threads of Brubaker's run, but set things up perfectly for Diggle. While we don't know a lot about the direction the book is taking, we do know that the creative team of Diggle and De La Torre is definitely a good choice for the book. Diggle's knack for the seedier side of the Marvel universe, and his intense action-oriented storytelling and pacing is a perfect fit for De La Torre's gritty, dark pencils. #501 is the perfect spot to jump on if you haven't yet come aboard with Daredevil, and seen just how great this book has been. Everything from the prior story arcs have been wrapped up nicely enough to where you can come into the story clean, so give it a shot, and find out why we're so excited about this book, and it consistently remains at the top of our read stack when it ships.
Plus, it's got lots of ninjas, and lots of ol' hornhead breaking bones in Hell's Kitchen. This looks like it'll be a very good run.
Click here to read the preview ofDAREDEVIL #501!
PLANETARY #27 - THE CONCLUSION TO ELLIS AND CASSADAY'S DECADE-SPANNING EPIC ARRIVES THIS WEDNESDAY!
For over a decade and a half, Warren Ellis and John Cassaday have enthralled us with their amazing exploration of the world of serial fiction in the pages of PLANETARY. I'd go as far as to call this one of the most important series of the last twent years, because not only is it an amazing piece of work, but it's influence is very noticable today. It's been a long time to reach this conclusion, but this Wednesday, the final issue arrives.
For those of you who're familiar with Planetary, no more information is needed, as this is something we've all been waiting on for a very long time. However, for those of you who're not yet familiar with this great piece of work, here's the run-down. The Planetary Organization bill themselves as Archaeologists of the Impossible. They track, and monitor the secret history of the world. In the world of Planetary, ALL pop culture, science fiction, pulp fiction, and comic book storytelling exist as reality. This means that in this world everything from Godzilla and Monster Island to the Justice League of America are REAL. Of course, all of these are represented with archetypes representing the characters (because of licensing issues), but in the first three issues, you see the Justice League killing off the pulp heroes of yesteryear (Doc Savage, The Shadow, ect), the graveyard that is Monster Island featuring the bloated corpse of Mothra, and the rotting remains of Godzilla, and then a very John Woo/Chow Yun Fat-esque ghost cop. And that's just the first three issues!
The Planetary group consists of four members, Jakita Wagner, who is super-strong, and invulnerable, The Drummer, who can detect and manipulate information streams, Elijah Snow, who can extract heat from nearby substances and freeze them, and then the mysterious Fourth Man who funds the group, and could be anyone from Bill Gates to Donald Trump. The book references everything from Sherlock Holmes, Hellblazer, and Green Lantern to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, HP Lovecraft, and '50s Sci-Fi/Horror movies.
And of course, every good series needs worthy adversaries... and they exist in the mysterious Four, who are basically the Fantastic Four gone EVIL.
We HIGHLY recommend checking out Planetary if you haven't already, there's three trade paperbacks available collecting the first the first 18 issues of the series, and a fourth trade collecting Planetary crossovers with HP Lovecraft, Superman, Batman, and more.
Click hereto see the preview of PLANETARY #27
BATMAN ANNUAL #27 BEGINS "EIGHTH DEADLY SIN" STORYLINE THAT SERVES AS THE SET-UP FOR THE UPCOMING NEW AZRAEL ONGOING SERIES!
A new Azrael was born in the pages of last spring's BATTLE FOR THE COWL, and now the set-up for his new ongoing series has begun. This week in BATMAN ANNUAL #27, "EIGHT DEADLY SIN" begins, and will continue in the pages of DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #11, featuring the usual Gotham cast, but focusing on Azrael, Death's Dark Knight, these annuals lead directly into the brand new AZRAEL ongoing series hitting later this month!
Clickhere to read more about BATMAN ANNUAL #27
PETER & MAX: A FABLES NOVEL - THE WORLD OF FABLES EXPLORED IN A PROSE NOVEL BY BILL WILLINGHAM WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEVE LEIALOHA
Vertigo's FABLES series is one of the most incredible things we've read, and it still continues to impress us issue after issue. While there's been only a couple of lulls in the overall story, we've found the entire thing to be a compelling, and interesting read. The world of Fables, and the real-world reinventions of classic Fairy Tale characters as fleshed out characters with real motives, character flaws, and more has kept us hooked for many years.
This Wednesday, Vertigo debuts the first prose novel set in the FABLES universe. This one, Willingham (series creator, and the author of this novel as well), is said to be accessible for anyone, whether you've read FABLES or not. However, if you haven't tried FABLES, we advise you do, it's too good NOT to!
What is Peter and Max about? It's the dark story of Peter Piper, of Pickled Pepper fame, and Max Piper, the Pied Piper of Hamelin. This story features the dangers of the Pied Piper, and how Peter Piper will do anything in his power to protect his wife, Bo Peep, from his evil brother.
Knowing Willingham, and the world of Fables, this one will be full of twists, and strong characterzation, that not only add many more layers to the world of FABLES, but also deliver a satisfying stand-alone story as well.
Click here to read a piece from USA TODAY on it.
VENGEANCE OF MOON KNIGHT #2 FOLLOWS UP THE SMASH HIT FIRST ISSUE OF THIS AWESOME NEW MARVEL SERIES!
The first issue of Marvel's new Moon Knight ongoing series WOWed the heck out of us. Between Hurwitz's fantastic storytelling and characterization, to Jerome Opena's awesome artwork, it was everything a solid, well-written action-packed comic should be. The series gives us a fresh new take on Moon Knight, as he's less about the schizophrenic madness, and personal demons, and more about a focused, direct assault on all that he deems wrong with the world. Now, don't go and think that ol' Moon Knight hasn't lost his crazy edge.. lets just say he's more.. methodical in his madness.
The first issue kicked off with what felt like a DIE HARD movie set in the Marvel Universe. Guns blazing, buildings getting smashed to pieces, and Moon Knight walking out of the carnage, on the jumbotron screen in Times Square.. in BROAD DAYLIGHT!
This second issue, we see Moon Knight taking the fight straight to Osborn, and you can bet it's going to be one heck of a read.
Miss the first one? Don't sweat it, we still have plenty in stock here at Third Eye. Give it a shot this week, cause this is really one of the coolest new Marvel books we've seen in quite some time.
Click here for a preview of VENGEANCE OF MOON KNIGHT #2!
RESURRECTION TRADE PAPERBACK AVAILABLE AT THIRD EYE THIS WEDNESDAY.. AND IT'S ONLY $6 FOR 184 PAGES OF STORY! WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A DECADE OF PLANET EARTH BEING OCCUPIED BY ALIENS?
Resurrection is one of those overlooked little series from the last couple years that really deserves a read. Picture this, the planet Earth has been occupied for over a decade by aliens, nicknamed "bugs." The big twist that kicks off the story is the alien invaders up and leave one day, without reason, leaving the human survivors to wonder just why the aliens have left, and what could be wrong with the planet for them to abandon it?
The book's a pretty solid read, and while it's not heavyhitter over-the-top material, it's a great story to check out for the low price of $5.99. The concept is very interesting, and the art, while it takes getting used to, carries the story well. The invasion, and it's effects, being told mostly through flashbacks (ala LOST) make the story even more compelling. This is the first six issues of the series, and it's Annual, and if you dig it, the current series is happening right now (which is about 3 or 4 issues deep). So if you're looking for a neat little sci-fi read, give this one a look!
ROBOTIKA VOLUME 1 HARDCOVER AVAILABLE THIS WEDNESDAY. A STEAMPUNK SAMURAI WESTERN THAT DELIVERS BIG-TIME! A MUST-READ!
Folks, DON'T sleep on Archaia! Between, Oko, the Killer, and now Robotika, they are putting out some of the most exciting independent books to come down the pipeline in the past couple of years. A lot of these series were criminally overlooked at first, but now that they're hitting collected editions, they're definitely worth checking out.
Robotika is especially cool, a steampunk samurai western, is the best way we could describe this one. It's a world filled with silent samurai and shady geisha, deadly mecha, and corporate corruption. The story centers around Niko, a bodyguard for the queen, who's on a mission to recover a stolen invention that could trigger a bloody and brutal civil war.
This one is a flawless blend of the wild west, and samurai epics. It's like Sam Peckinpah, Sergio Leone, Akira Kurosawa, Willim Gibson, and Masumne Shirow put their heads together and created the most kick-ass genre-smash-up ever.
STAFF PICKS FOR LAST WEDNESDAY 9/30/09
Steve - SHANG CHI MASTER OF KUNG FU SUPER SPECIAL - Chockfull of gritty, pulpy kung-fu action, this one-shot was AWESOME. Four great stories, from four great creative teams, including Jonathan Hickman-penned Deadpool / Shang-Chi motorcycle madness and Paul Gulacy doing the character he does best. AWESOME.
Torma - MARVEL ZOMBIES RETURN #5 - It brings everything Marvel Zombies back around to the center. Explains why the Sentry was breaking through time and space, and there's even a zombie rip-off of the Justice League! ZOMBIE JUSTICE LEAGUE!
Trish - BLACKEST NIGHT TITANS #2 - I know absolutely nothing about the Teen Titans, but I LOOVE this mini-series. Blackest Night has gotten me hooked too! And the writing makes characters I'm not too familiar with very well fleshed out.
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