THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL FOOL'S DAY, IS DEADPOOL DAY!
Due to the abundance of Deadpool this week, we're hereby declaring April Fools Day, Wednesday April 1st, 2009, DEADPOOL DAY! We'll be running a promotion, where when you buy a copy of the brand new DEADPOOL CLASSIC TPB v.2, you'll get a free copy of the awesome new DEADPOOL: GAMES OF DEATH one-shot!
FLASH: REBIRTH BY GEOFF JOHNS & VAN SCIVER BEGINS THIS WEEK!
We know there's a ton of great stuff coming out this week, but one of the biggest titles hitting the stands is the new FLASH: REBIRTH series from acclaimed Green Lantern: Rebirth creative team Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver. Lets face it, the Flash books have been kind of in a slump since Geoff Johns run on the series ended and they rebooted it with the Impulse-Flash run. It's about time we've gotten a great new jumping on point with the series, and a new direction for the character. Plus, it's the resurrection of one of the single most popular DC characters in history, with Barry Allen, the original Silver Age Flash. Johns has gone on record as saying that he wants to do the same exact thing he did for the Green Lantern books, by reviving the character and the storylines with this all-new direction. I'll admit, I was a little too young to appreciate Barry as the Flash. I grew up with Wally West, and have fond memories of Mark Waid, Morrison, and later Johns doing awesome runs on the book. However, Johns approach to Barry Allen has me extremely intrigued. He basically takes the approach that Barry Allen died as a character before there was modern storytelling in comics, as there is now, meaning he never really got as fleshed out as he could be. Now, this isn't to say there aren't a number of classic Barry stories that I've gone back and read and loved, but, it is exciting to see a character that wasn't around before the new direction of comics writing that is prevalent today.It's going to be extremely exciting to see a character that's been pretty much untouched by modern comics storytelling be given a new breath of life.
And, as if a great writer on board isn't enough to get you stoked about the new Flash, then you should really take a look at some of the art from Flash: Rebirth. It looks AMAZING. And, I can't wait to see his treatment on the Flash Rogues (who we know will be playing a big part in the story), and other supporting characters.
While details on what the plot of Rebirth are have been hush-hush, I think what you have to look forward to is a complete re-invention of the character, and a re-introduction to the world of the Flash. Johns has said that the Flash is one of his big favorites, and he's going to be bringing that magic touch he's had on Superman New Krypton, the recent Green Lantern runs, and more to the world of the Flash.
ROBERT KIRKMAN'S (WALKING DEAD writer) DESTROYER DEBUTS THIS WEEK IN WHAT KIRKMAN CALLS HIS MOST ULTRAVIOLENT BOOK YET!
I think it's obvious to all you guys that we absolutely, totally LOVE Robert Kirkman's stuff. From his unique take on superheroes with INVINCIBLE to his modern classic (and one of the consistently best monthly books we read)WALKING DEAD, the man has proven to us that he is one hell of a talented writer. And, another thing that he's shown from his past works, is that he doesn't shy away from telling a brutal, and unrelentingly harsh story. And, this, my friends, is why we are so excited about his newest series, which he calls his sickest, most violent book yet. Yes, this comes from the man who does WALKING DEAD.
In this brand new Marvel MAX series, Kirkman brings out old World War II superhero, the Destroyer, who has been taking out bad guys for as long as he can remember. Now, in his senior years, Keen Marlowe is facing an opponent he can't beat into submission: his own mortality. He's dying, and he doesn't know when he's going to go, but he knows it's coming, but before he shuffles off his mortal coil, he has one goal: to leave the world a safer place for his family. And, what this means is he has to relentlessly murder every single supervillain he's ever encountered, or that he comes across before he goes. Kirkman promises this limited series will be a blood-drenched epic, leaving a trail of bodies a mile long. And, we can bet, that with Kirkman, we're going to get the same high level of character development, cliffhanger endings, and more that he's delivered in the pages of series like WALKING DEAD.
Folks, this one is a sleeper hit waiting to happen, and you know how we are here at Third Eye... we love good comics. We love writers that make good comics. And, we just know, from Kirkman's past track record, and from what he's said about this book.. it's going to be a gut-wrenching thrillride that we cannot wait to experience. The concept is cool, the preview pages (while only art so far, the dialogue had not been added in yet) look good, and it's Robert freakin Kirkman, people! Do not miss out on this one. Fans of some of the recent mature takes on superheroes like THE BOYS, KICK-ASS, and INCOGNITO will definitely want to give this one a read.
DARK REIGN FORECAST: SECRET WARRIORS #3, INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #12, AGENTS OF ATLAS #3, BLACK PANTHER #3, DARK REIGN FF #2 & MORE!
It's an AWESOME week for DARK REIGN stuff, folks! We've got to give Marvel props, they've really been running with the ball on this Marvel event. The storylines running through the different series have all been pretty compelling, but of course, there's some big standouts, and this week, a whole slew of them are going to be hitting the shelves. So, lets get started, shall we?
First off, we've got one of our top favorite new Marvel series, SECRET WARRIORS, which is written by one of Marvel's fastest rising stars, Jonathan Hickman. Hickman is on his way to being the next big thing ala Brubaker, Bendis, Fraction, and so on. He has a very unique style of writing that makes his work so much fun, and the book that's showing it the most purest from his Marvel work has been the new Secret Warriors ongoing series featuring Nick Fury and his underground squad consisting of the young offspring of several B and C-string Marvel superheroes and supervillains. Very cool stuff, very well done, we're loving it. Not to mention the artwork has been surprisingly jaw-dropping and consistent. While we know the series is only two issues deep so far, we're hooked, and we can't wait to see what's in store after the big reveal of Gprgpm from Mark Millar's awesome Wolverine: Enemy of the State storyline at the end of issue #2. Click here to check out a preview of SECRET WARRIORS #3
And since we're already talking about Jonathan Hickman, don't sleep on this week's DARK REIGN FANTASTIC FOUR #2. We were very surprised to see this tie-in start off so well. I mean, I'll be the first to say that outside of the Stan & Jack and Mark Millar & Bryan Hitch FF stuff, I'm not the biggest FF fan. However, Hickman is proving again why he's a name to pay attention to with this limited series. Click here to read more about DARK REIGN FANTASTIC FOUR.
Another Dark Reign storyline that's been smoking hot is the current Matt Fraction Invincible Iron Man arc. Fraction is another rising star writer that's proving he can really turn things on their ear in the Marvel universe. His entire run on Iron Man has pretty much captured everything that was cool about the character in the film. The rock n roll pacing of the story, the cool recklessness of the character, and enough tech-savvy to make your Twitter overload. And, the current storyline, which has put PEPPER POTTS in the spotlight as IRON WOMAN while Tony Stark and Maria Hill are on the run, has been off the hook. Oh, and did we mention that Osborn has tasked Namor the Sub-mariner with killing Tony Stark? Total awesomeness. Click here to read more about Invincible Iron Man #12!
Agents of Atlas #3 continues to prove why it's a blast, and one of Marvel's cult classics in the making this week with the latest installment, and the mystery of the new Black Panther and who SHE is continues in the pages of Black Panther #3! Meanwhile, New Avengers The Reunion #2continues to deliver the goods on the Mr and Mrs. Smith of the Marvel Universe, with Mockingbird and Hawkeye!
KINGDOM COME WRITER, MARK WAID, SHOWS US SUPERMAN GONE BAD IN IRREDEEMABLE #1 THIS WEEK!
We know, we know, the whole Superman gone Evil thing has been done to death. However, this new take on the whole idea of the world's most beloved Superhero becoming the world's most feared Supervillain looks extremely promising. As it's been called, a Twilight of the Superheroes, kind of story, this new ongoing series looks to explore the motivations of supervillains and their effects on the world. To be honest, I think it's going to be pretty awesome. I'm very intrigued by the idea that it's an ongoing series, and that shows me how Waid seems to have a long-term plan for the series. Plus, he's had past experience in showing supervillains in charge stories like EMPIRE (which is AWESOME, check out the trade.. imagine a world where Dr. Doom WON, and took over).
Irredeemable looks examine the path to evil that one man takes, and where it takes him. No one becomes a bad guy overnight, there's an entire road they follow to that. Imagine your former sidekicks selling your secrets away, your friends taking advantage of your selfless nature, and so much more. Imagine Superman, the archetype, slowly being chipped away at year after year after year, until one day... he loses it, and decides to take the whole world with him.
Do yourselves a favor, folks, give Irredeemable a look this week. It is going to be made of WIN. Clickhere to read a preview of Irredeemable, and click here to read an interview with Mark Waid about Irredeemable.
WAR OF KINGS #2 - MARVEL MADNESS MEETS AWESOME SCIENCE FICTION IN THIS COSMIC EVENT!
This is it, folks. The biggest cosmic story you could want. The culmination of a half decade of Marvel's revamping, and rebuilding of their cosmic characters is here in the pages of WAR OF KINGS. We were extremely into the first issue, and we're pumped to see where things are going. The Inhumans and Black Bolt, Vulcan and the Shi'ar Empire, Gladiator... and Ronan the Accuser are all colliding as every character from the Guardians of the Galaxy to Nova are draw into the fray.
If you're a fan of bigger than life storytelling, high-concept sci-fi madness, and an extremely unique take on the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe.. then you have to be reading WAR OF KINGS. Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, this series has it all. Got a bunch of Space Marines stashed away at home? Can't get enough of Battlestar Galactica? War Of Kings is the Marvel Universe melded into the best sci-fi elements you can think of. The second issue sets the stage, and the big players in the War of Kings are taking their positions. Click here to read a preview of WAR OF KINGS #2!
DEADPOOL #9 & DEADPOOL CLASSIC TP v.2- MAGNUM OPUS PT3 CONTINUES THIS WEEK!
Did you guys read Thunderbolts #130 last week?! This crossover between Deadpool and Thunderbolts has been AWESOME. And, now, this week, we get the third installment in this story arc with DEADPOOL #9. And, is it just me, or is the ongoing Deadpool series still just getting more and more awesome? I mean, sometimes, with new series, they lose steam after that first initial story arc, but holy hell, man, it's DEADPOOL, and it's GOOD. The book has been consistently well-written, it's got great artwork, AND it comes out on time! Not to mention we completely, totally love Deadpool here at Third Eye. In fact, I think the wisecracking Merc with a Mouth is the most popular he's ever been. You can't stop the 'pool!
As for how the current arc has been with the Thunderbolts crossover? Well, considering how badass Thunderbolts continues to be under Diggle's guidance, and the already awesomeness of Deadpool.. it's been great. And now, it looks like the Black Widow and Deadpool might have a few romantic sparks flying! Of course, she could be just suckering poor Wade. I mean, with his ugly mug, I don't think he gets a lot of play. All this, and the TASKMASTER! Who is one of my favorite not-used-often-enough Marvel villains! Click here to read a preview of DEADPOOL #9 MAGNUM OPUS PT 3!
Also, dropping this week, is the HIGHLY anticipated collection of the first chunk of Joe Kelly's Deadpool run! These issues have been unavailable for a very long time, and now they're finally collecting Joe Kelly's classic late '90s run on Deadpool. This was THE definitive Deadpool run, and is the reason for many fan's fondness for the character. This trade has all that great Ed McGuiness goodness in the art. Collecting Deadpool #2-8 (Deadpool #1 was in Deadpool Classic v.1), Deadpool -1, and Deadpool/Daredevil Annual 1997. If you're a fan of 'Pool, YOU have to grab this. Click here to read more about Deadpool Classic TP v.2!
AFTER WATCHMEN: PREACHER #1(written by Garth Ennis, of THE BOYS fame) IS COMPLETELY FREE THIS WEEK AT THIRD EYE! TRY ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SERIES FOR FREE!
Okay, here it is... the AFTER WATCHMEN promotion continues this week with probably my all-time favorite series. This one is head to head in a draw with WATCHMEN as one of my favorite series of all-time. Preacher is by far, one of the most defining comic book series for me. Before I even get into the story of why I love Preacher so much, let me tell you about the first time I discovered it. I was a 13 year old kid who was all hopped up on comic books, punk rock, and skateboarding, and I remember reading about it in the back of a Wizard. The series was on issue #9 when I first picked it up.. and if anyone remembers the issue where it talks about the poor accident that befell Jesse Custer's childhood friend... you'll know the issue I'm talking about. That issue, right there, sold me. I was already digging on comics, but a whole new world opened up, and I was devouring anything I could find with the name Garth Ennis on it. And that was it, I was hooked. Preacher got me good.
So, just what the heck is Preacher? I could get into the whole plot of things, but the underlying theme of the story is friendship. You know, the old school kind, like you see in an action movie where guys are taking bullets for each other. Basically, the offspring of an Angel and a Demon has caused Heaven to go into disarray, along with the fact that God has gone missing. This offspring, Genesis, comes down in the form of a comet, wipes out Reverend Jesse Custer's congregation, and bonds with Custer, imbuing him with the Word of God and the knowledge that God has left Heaven.
And so begins his quest to find God, and give him a piece of his mind. All throughout the series, which ran about nine trade paperbacks deep, Custer and the cast of characters go through every kind of hell imaginable. This is one of the best-written series I've ever read, and I'd highly recommend it.
So, we're giving the first issue away COMPLETELY FREE this week here at Third Eye. Click here to read all about Preacher.
BATTLE FOR THE COWL CONTINUES THIS WEEK WITH BATTLE FOR THE COWL MAN-BAT #1!
The Battle for the Cowl has been keeping everyone coming back for more week after week, and this week comes the next chapter in the Battle for the Cowl tie-ins. Gotham City is in shambles, and all of Batman's rogue's gallery is running crazy. And, one of our favorite villains, the twisted Dr. Phosphorous, is coming head to head with Kirk Langstrom, otherwise known as the MAN-BAT.
And, just to make sure you're caught up on the BATTLE FOR THE COWL. Here's a checklist of everything that's played into the event so far:
MARCH
GOTHAM GAZETTE: BATMAN DEAD?
BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1
AZRAEL #1 of 3
ORACLE: THE CURE #1
BATTLE FOR THE COWL: COMISSIONER GORDON ONE-SHOT
APRIL
BATTLE FOR THE COWL #2
AZRAEL #2
ORACLE: THE CURE #2
BATTLE FOR THE COWL: ARKHAM ASYLUM
BATTLE FOR THE COWL: THE UNDERGROUND
MAY
BATTLE FOR THE COWL: THE NETWORK
AZRAEL #3
ORACLE: THE CURE #3
BATTLE FOR THE COWL #3
GOTHAM GAZETTE: BATMAN ALIVE?
MESSIAH WAR CHAPTER 2 HITS THIS WEEK CABLE #13 FEATURING DEADPOOL!
MESSIAH WAR is AWESOME. I am finally stoked on an X-Event since Messiah Complex. Messiah War has me completely pumped! And, really, it's no secret that X-FORCE is one of the best X-Books coming out right now. And, surprisingly, Cable's series has been extremely good too. Who would've thought? The two X-series that I was the least into 15 years ago are now the ones I enjoy the most. Even though, I really do dig Matt Fraction's Uncanny stuff, I'm loving what's going on in X-Force, and the Messiah War, which is the sequel to MESSIAH COMPLEX (the last X-event I really got into) is awesome.
This week, Messiah War continues in the pages of Cable #13, and guess who plays a big role into it? You guessed it! Deadpool! So, don't miss out on the next chapter of CABLE this week. Click here to check out a preview of CABLE #13 MESSIAH WAR CHAPTER 2!
GRANT MORRISON'S SEAGUY RETURNS THIS WEEK IN SEAGUY: SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #1 - CRAZY SURREAL AWESOMENESS DONE ONLY THE WAY MORRISON CAN!
We're big Grant Morrison fans here at Third Eye, and we especially love it when the mad magician from Scotland does his creator-owned stuff. Seaguy was a little-known, often overlooked Vertigo series that was Morrison's deliberate intent to do an "un-badass" hero, in an industry where we've got a lot of badasses. What came out of it was a charming, and quirky little book that is evolving into what Morrison calls his WATCHMEN story. The Slaves of Mickey Eye story arc is supposed to be the darkest chapter of the Seaguy saga.
In the future world of Seaguy, everyone's a cartoon hero, and no one dies. Or is that really how it seems? This follow-up to Morrison's original Seaguy series (now available in trade paperback) is looking to be a weird, and fun little read. We really can't do it justice by describing it, so just go hereto read the Wiki entry on Seaguy. Click here to read more about SEAGUY: SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #1!
