FIRST WAVE #1 - BRIAN AZZARELLO ("100 BULLETS", "JOKER") & RAGS MORALES ("IDENTITY CRISIS") FORGE A NEW DC UNIVERSE FEATURING HARDBOILED PULP HEROES LIKE DOC SAVAGE, THE BLACKHAWKS, and MORE!
I've been excited for this one since I first heard rumblings of critically acclaimed writer Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Joker) breathing new life into Doc Savage. And that was almost a year ago! We got a small taste of what to expect with last year's killer BATMAN/DOC SAVAGE one-shot, but the full deal hits this Wednesday with the first issue of FIRST WAVE. In my opinion, the creative team chosen to bring these classic characters back, and build this exciting new world couldn't have been a better pairing. Azzarello has a real knack for hardboiled, gritty crime-fueled storytelling that will work perfectly with the dynamic of characters like Doc Savage, Batman and the world they exist in. Meanwhile, Rags Morales, someone who I feel is one of the most underrated artists working right now, has proven in a big way that he can tell a strong, mystery-driven story with his work on IDENTITY CRISIS. Now, some of you are probably wondering just what the heck this whole FIRST WAVE thing is, so let's get into all that, shall we ?
WHAT IS FIRST WAVE? First Wave is an alternate DC Universe that's very much grounded in reality. There are no super-powered characters, and the closest thing you have to Superman, is Doc Savage. The world that First Wave is set in is a very noir-influenced, grim world where the motivations of masked crime-fighters are much darker than what we normally see. There are some BIG differences about the world of FIRST WAVE compared to what we know, and one of those facts is that Batman uses guns here. Now, this has been a fundamental aspect of his character, to reject the use of firearms, he absolutely despises them, but FIRST WAVE is exploring the ideas of the very, very early Batman comics, where the character did in fact use guns.
The world of FIRST WAVE, while lacking characters like Superman, or The Flash, will cast the spotlight on characters who, technically, could exist in reality (with the exception of maybe Doc Savage). Batman, of course, plays a role here, and we even see some of Batman's classic Rogue's Gallery popping up, but not in the same way we know and remember them. Other characters that are supposed to appear are the Blackhawks, The Avenger, Rima the Jungle Girl, Wildcat, and Black Canary, among many others.
WHY ARE WE STOKED? Well, it's the start of what could be a very exciting sandbox for writers to really play with some of these great classic characters, like Doc Savage, or The Shadow. I mean, everything we've read from Brian Azzarello about the beginnings of FIRST WAVE, have got us excited. Not only is it reintroducing characters that are timeless, and still have tons of cool appeal today, but it's also adding a brand new dynamic to the world of DCU Heroes, and that, is pretty cool.
And, personally... his take on Gotham City sounds too damn cool to not check this one out.
This one's got a big Third Eye Stamp of Approval all over it. For those of you who would like to get the prelude to FIRST WAVE, we still have plenty of theBATMAN/DOC SAVAGE one-shot in stock as well.
Click here to read a preview of FIRST WAVE #1
"CLERKS" DIRECTOR KEVIN SMITH RESURRECTS THE GREEN HORNET IN A BIG WAY THIS WEDNESDAY IN GREEN HORNET #1
Dude, there's something about the Green Hornet that's just cool. I don't know what it is, I can't put my finger on it, but there's just this vibe the character gives off that screams cool. No matter how far into the future we get, no matter how many new concepts are introduced to the art of serial fiction, the Green Hornet is timeless cool at it's best.
Now, for the last few years, there's been a lot of back and forth talk about a Green Hornet movie, and one of the big pushes for the writer/director of the flick was Kevin Smith. Now, as far as we know, for whatever reason, Smith decided he wouldn't be able to do the Hornet the way he wanted to on the silver screen, BUT, being a life-long comic fan who's no stranger to this industry, Smith has decided to bring his vision of Green Hornet and Kato to the page.
And, folks, as both Green Hornet fans, and just plain big fans of bigger than life storytelling... we are pretty damn stoked for this series.
WHAT IS KEVIN SMITH'S GREEN HORNET? Kevin Smith's Green Hornet is a 10 issue maxiseries where Smith has taken the ideas and plots from his unused Green Hornet screenplay and applied them to an all new story being published by DYNAMITE (publisher of THE BOYS). The purpose of the story is not to just reintroduce a classic character to modern audiences, but also serves as a way to remind us of just how cool the Green Hornet is. Smith, of course, is updating the character for the 21st Century, and judging from what we read, he's got the right idea.
WHY WE'RE STOKED? I was lucky enough to read through the first issue, and I have to say, it's a really fun, action-packed read with some sharp characterization and witty dialogue. The first issue does a great job of introducing the Green Hornet and his world to those of us who have never read anything on the character before. It also takes and keeps the classic foundations of the pulp-noir origins of the character while applying a very cool, high-action modern day twist to the character. I'm trying to hold back from revealing too much in the way of what actualy goes down, because I don't want to drop any spoilers, but the book is a solid read from start to finish. Fun, bigger than life superhero awesomeness with Smith's snappy dialogue, and some very nice art courtesy of Jonathan Lau and Phil Hester (on layouts). Plus, IT'S THE GREEN HORNET! He rocks, and we're so stoked to see him back!
If you're fans of the darker vigilante-type characters like Batman, or a fan of old school pulp revival with a modern twist, we think you'd really like this one. It's got a nice, fresh take on the character, and is very easy for anyone who's not really familiar with the character to kind of jump in, and get the feel for what's going on.
CROSSED #9 CONCLUDES GARTH ENNIS'S INCREDIBLY TWISTED, AND DISTURBING SURVIVAL HORROR EPIC THIS WEDNESDAY!
Here's a big one that a lot of you have been on the edge of your seat waiting for, and trust me, I've been right there with you, as this series has kept me in suspense like no other! This Wednesday, the bloody, horrifying conclusion to Garth Ennis's (writer of THE BOYS, and PREACHER, amongst others) CROSSED saga arrives, and we couldn't be more excited.
It's been a long, violent journey through this 9 issue (10, if you count the #0 issue) survival horror epic that's set in a world where a horrible disease infects people, and turns them into what Ennis describes as "pure evil." The Crossed (the term for the afflicted), have a rash that forms on their face in the shape of a cross. Now, don't go and think this is your run of the mill zombie bash, because the Crossed are far more scarier than any rotting corpse shambling after you. See, what happens when infected, the Crossed succumb to their deepest, most primal, and most evil desires. In other words, they exist to simply inflict pain, and suffering by any means possible. Now, the scary part? The Crossed still have that human capability in their brains to plot, plan, and form strategies to carry out their devious intentions. So, imagine a zombie outbreak where the zombies not only could drive cars into gas stations, or wield machine guns, but they also knew how to do it to cause the most damage possible.
As you can probably already tell, I'm in love with this series. It's so damn nasty, and horrifying, and lets face it, I can't deny the 13-year old in me rocking a Misfits skate deck, and reading horror comics while skipping class. Now, the thing that really helps to make CROSSED a good read, and not just a one-trick gross-out pony, is that Garth Ennis is one of the finest comic book writers working today. Most of you are already familiar with his work on stuff like THE BOYS, or his epic PREACHER, so you know that he's the perfect guy to take the most horrifying absolutes, and then balance them out with a well-paced, well-written story that gives you characters you actually care about.
And, really, that's what makes any "survival horror" story good, is the strength of the characters who are trying to, well.. survive! I mean, it's why WALKING DEAD is so good, and it's also why CROSSED is so good. If you didn't care about whether or not these people lived or died, then it wouldn't be survival horror, it'd just be the equivalent of slowing down at a car wreck.
However, don't get me wrong, a big part of the satisfaction I think a lot of us get out of reading CROSSED is the "OH MY GOD... " factor, and trust me, there's nothing wrong with that.
Anyways, enough of my rambling on, CROSSED #9 ships this Wednesday in one nice solid, double-sized issue!
For those of you waiting on trade, the CROSSED trade ships in in less than one month (early April)!
ADVENTURE COMICS #8 *BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES PT 1* - BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES STORYLINE SETS THE STAGE FOR THIS SUMMER'S BIG "WAR OF THE SUPERMEN" STORYLINE!
The road to the big Superman storyline happening this Summer, WAR OF THE SUPERMEN, begins in this week's ADVENTURE COMICS #8, which is the first chapter of the BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES storyline. The storyline will be running through the different Superman titles like Superman, and Supergirl, and is supposed to set things up for WAR OF THE SUPERMEN, which we're still not too clear on all the details about.
What we do know is that this new story arc is being written by James Robinson, of STARMAN fame, and more recently, CRY FOR JUSTICE, and he always tends to deliver the goods when he writes. In addition to that, it features story elements that're picking up from Brad Meltzer's killer "Lightning Saga" storyline that appeared in Justice League way back when, where it was revealed that a group of Legionnaires were undercover in the 21st Century. This storyline is supposed to explore who they are, and why they're here.
This one should be a pretty badass story, and this is coming from a guy who was never able to get into the Legion UNTIL they came back in THE LIGHTNING SAGA. Combine that with the way that Geoff Johns breathed much fresh air into them during his Action Comics: Superman and the Legion of Superheroes arc, and you've got a recipe for some pretty interesting characters. I think this is probably the first time since the beginnings of Johns's NEW KRYPTON arc, that I've been really excited about a new Superman story.
Click here to read more about ADVENTURE COMICS #8 *BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES PT 1*
Click here to for the BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES checklist!
DEMO #2 HITS THIS WEDNESDAY, AND CONTINUES THIS THIRD EYE FAVORITE SERIES BY FAN-FAVORITE WRITER BRIAN WOOD (Northlanders, DMZ)
Man, a lot of my favorites are coming out this week! The second issue of BRIAN WOOD'S killer series of one-shots, DEMO, will be hitting the Third Eye racks this Wednesday, and after the thoroughly enjoyable first issue, I cannot wait to see more! DEMO is one of those fantastic pairings of perfect story and perfect art that fit each other so well that it makes for pure comic magic. Originally, a 12 issue series of one-shots that came out a few years ago, DEMO has returned with a new six issue round of one-shots that follow the same theme of ordinary people put into extraordinary situations. Here's the lowdown on what DEMO is all about..
WHAT IS DEMO? DEMO is a series of themed one-shots that explore normal people who develop superhuman abilities, in some shape or form. Sometimes it's the ability to see the future, sometimes it's pyrokinetics, but what makes DEMO so damn interesting, and so entertaining, is that it treats these situations as real as real could be. It's basically like if you or I suddenly could see the future, and how that would REALLY affect us? We'd lose our minds, probably, and watch our lives crumble as we try to deal with the weight of this newfound ability that we're not sure is even real or not. And, that is DEMO's real strength, is that it focuses on the characters, and their lives, and kind of focuses on these extraordinary abilities as an afterthought. In other words, the compelling thing about each issue of DEMO is the way that Wood writes these different kinds of characters, and develops their place in the world. It's done with so much heart, and so much talent for storytelling, that it feels like you're right there with them, watching as they try to deal with their gift (or curse, as you might see it).
Each issue of DEMO is a self-contained one-shot, meaning that you don't really need to have read any of the prior issues (although, we recommend it because they're ALL really good), and can jump in on whichever story interests you. The thing that unites DEMO as a series, is the recurring theme of ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
Brian Wood is one hell of a solid writer, and his work on Northlanders and DMZ proves that month after month, but it's DEMO that I always look forward to the most now that it's returned. Why? 'Cause there's a real magic to what Wood and Cloonan are able to put on the page, and you can tell that both of them are so into what they're doing, that it makes the stories really pop off the page at you.
WHAT'S DEMO #2 HOLD IN STORE? Meet Frank. Frank's rail thin, barely eats, and lives alone. He pukes when he smells breakfast, hates his job, hates chicken, hates seafood, and isn't a big fan of socializing. He's nothing like the woman at work that he's obsessed with, and it's pretty frightening to see how far Frank intends to go to win her heart.
If you're into the Vertigo stuff, or just appreciate good storytelling, I can't recommend DEMO enough. We still have plenty of issue #1 in stock, if you'd like to check out the first one, and we also have the original DEMO trade paperback available, in case you're really digging these and want to go back and check out some of the older stuff.
Click here to read an article USA TODAY did on DEMO and BRIAN WOOD!
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #24 *STARK DISASSEMBLED PT 5* CONCLUDES STARK DISASSEMBLED AND PAVES THE WAY FOR THE BIG THINGS HAPPENING FOR IRON MAN IN THE HEROIC AGE! NOT READING STARK DISASSEMBLED? WE HAVE ALL THE ISSUES IN STOCK, CATCH UP THIS WEDNESDAY!
This is my favorite monthly Marvel comic. That's it, I'm saying it, bar none, this is the Marvel book I look forward to the most now, every month. It's been becoming my top favorite for a while now, I mean, ever since Fraction launched INVINCIBLE IRON MAN in 2008, it has been one of the most consistent, well-written, and gorgeousy illustrated Marvel comics on the stands. But, when he kicked off his STARK DISASSEMBLED story-arc, that's when I knew this was it, this was my favorite.
This Wednesday, the conclusion to the epic high point of Fraction's Iron Man run arrives, and we couldn't be more excited. In fact, we're almost just as excited about what this is building up to with the arrival of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 and the Heroic Age, as we are about this finale. What's left of a man once you've taken him apart? And, what will Tony Stark be like when he returns in full force at the end of this issue? We're gonna find out this Wednesday.
WHAT IS INVINCIBLE IRON MAN: STARK DISASSEMBLED? For those of you not already reading STARK DISASSEMBLED, here's a run down on what this is all about, and why it's been so damn good, not to mention it's importance in the grand scale of things in regards to SIEGE and the Heroic Age.
During the events of Dark Reign, Stark was a fugitive, on the run from Osborn, and his goons. When it came down to it, he realized that to prevent Osborn from reaching the secrets buried beneath the software and grey matter of his brain, he had to turn himself off. Essentially, Stark lobotomized himself, and turned himself into a vegetable. Stark Disassembled Chapter One (Invincible Iron Man #20) shows us a pre-recorded message where Tony offers to show a way to reboot his brain, and bring him back, but then he asks the question: Do You Want To? And, in one of the best comic book moments I've read, you watch as Tony Stark goes onto talk about how maybe the world would be a better place without him, after his many downfalls through the course of the last few years. He even goes into talking about how he never believed in a higher power, but if he did, the closest thing would be Thor and Captain America, two of the characters he'd been at odds with since CIVIL WAR. He goes on to talk about how it's going to take everyone, especially Cap, Thor, and himself, to stop Osborn once he goes crazy, because he knows Osborn will go crazy eventually. And, that's where Stark Disassembled begins! It's been five issues of non-stop action, mixed with very cool moments of character development, and it really feels like one of those storylines that's going to be talked about for years to come.
This Wednesday in STARK DISASSEMBLED, we're anticipating the return of Stark, and with INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 being already advertised as one of the hallmark starts of the Heroic Age, we are eager to see how things end out here.
Click here to read a preview of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #24 *STARK DISASSEMBLED PT 5*
Click here to check out our blog spotlight on Matt Fraction's INVINCIBLE IRON MAN run, and get caught up on one of the best Marvel comics on the stands.
MARVEL'S GREATEST COMICS: INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 - GET THE FIRST ISSUE OF MATT FRACTION'S EPIC RUN ON IRON MAN FREE THIS WEDNESDAY AT THIRD EYE!
Okay, so you just got done reading our spotlight on Fraction's INVINCIBLE IRON MAN, and you're like DUDE, I HAVE TO READ THIS, well check this out!
This week here at Third Eye, we'll be giving out the very first issue of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1, completely free. So, be sure to pop in this week and grab your copy to try out the best damn monthly Marvel comic on the stands.
MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION #3CONTINUES THE HIT LIMITED SERIES THAT BRIDGES MASS EFFECT AND MASS EFFECT 2! MISSED THE FIRST TWO ISSUES? WE'VE GOT BOTH IN STOCK TO CATCH YOU UP!
While I personally haven't yet had the time to sit down and play MASS EFFECT 2, I'm a huge fan of the first game, and was pretty stoked to see that Dark Horse got the license to this series. The comic bridges the storyline that takes place in between MASS EFFECT and MASS EFFECT 2, and if you're a fan of the series, then you already know how solid of a storyline these games already have. Now, to see the head writer of the game fleshing out all the details of what went down in between, you know you're going to get some good stuff.
For those of you who missed the first issue, we've got plenty in stock of both issue #1 and issue #2 for you to catch up on.
Otherwise, you can click here to check out a preview of MASS EFFECT REDEMPTION #3
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 - IN THE WAKE OF ULTIMATUM, A NEW TEAM OF AVENGERS IS FORMED! IF YOU DUG ULTIMATE X, CHECK THIS ONE OUT! PLUS, IT FEATURES THE KILLER ARTWORK OF FRANK CHO!
Judging by the big success of ULTIMATE X #1 last month, I wasn't the only one who was surprised by Loeb's return to the Ultimate Universe. He's back on his game, and is dishing out some pretty good writing, again, judging from Ultimate X, and after reading the full preview of NEW ULTIMATES #1 which ships this week, he's doing it again with the arrival of this killer new take on the Avengers.
This one picks up in the aftermath of ULTIMATUM, where nearly all of the Ultimate Universe's superheroes were killed, and no super-team to prevent Earth-shattering catastrophes is now in place to prevent them. And, that's when Loki strikes, and unleashes the entirety of Asgard on Earth. Iron Man has to go into panic mode, and puts together a ragtag group of Avengers, picking up on the plot-threads of Mark Millar's first ULTIMATE AVENGERS run which ends with next month's issue #6
Ontop of the fact that the story in this reads pretty damn good, the artwork is TOP NOTCH. Frank Cho does not do the interiors on comics often, but, man, when he does, he really delivers the goods. Another reason why I feel there's comparisons to Ultimate X, is because the art really compliments the story here. Cho captures the grit of the Ultimates, but also helps to emphasize Loeb's bigger than life comic madness, with his unique artstyle. If there's one thing that Cho does right, it's pretty girls and giant monsters, and in the first issue of NEW ULTIMATES, he's given plenty of both.
Plus, NEW ULTIMATE CHARACTERS GALORE! It's pretty damn cool to get to see Ultimate takes on characters that have either barely been acknowledged before (maybe in passing in one issue here or there), or are brand new to the Ultimate Universe. In the first issue, you see everyone from Hellcat and the Son of Satan to Luke Cage, and of course, a big return of a certain Norse God. Most of these characters we only saw in passing in Mark Millar's original ULTIMATES runs, where the Defenders were a team of wanna-be amateur superheroes, and now it looks like that may have changed a bit.
All in all, ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 was a super fun read, with some great artwork, and a lot of promise to be a very good read. If you're into the Ultimate stuff, or just plain awesome-looking comics, we definitely recommend it.
Click here for a preview of ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #5CONTINUES MARK MILLAR'S (writer of OLD MAN LOGAN & KICK-ASS) and CARLOS PACHECO'S KILLER FIRST SEASON OF THE ULTIMATES!
And, while we couldn't be more stoked about NEW ULTIMATES #1 this week, we're just as stoked about the conclusion of Mark Millar's killer first season of ULTIMATE AVENGERS. Mark Millar is responsible, for what is in my opinion, one of the most influential superhero comics of the 21st Century, with his original first runs of ULTIMATES and ULTIMATES 2. Millar took ideas, and concepts that Ellis and Bryan Hitch had developed in a book like THE AUTHORITY, and applied them to the Marvel Universe and the AVENGERS. And, by doing so, he completely redefined how we look at superheroes in both the regular Marvel Universe, and the Ultimate Marvel Universe. If it wasn't for THE ULTIMATES, I really don't think that the Avengers would be as cool as they are now, in any universe. And, I really don't think we'd be seeing some of the great developments with all these Marvel Studios flicks coming out.
Anyways, I'm rambling, lets get back to the point here, this Wednesday, the long-awaited 5th issue of Mark Millar's red hot ULTIMATE AVENGERS series arrives, and this one is bringing his first season of ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS to it's end. This first story arc has introduced the concept of the Ultimate Red Skull, and man, the twist on him is killer... imagine if Captain America had an illegitimate son before heading off for the fateful mission he never returned from. Well, the U.S Government couldn't let that leak to the public, so what do they do? They hide the kid's existence, and raise him in government institutions, well-aware of the fact that his father's super-serum enhanced blood is running through his veins. And, then, at the age of 17, that kid snaps, and massacres an entire facility of soldiers and workers, one by one, and to top it off.. he carves off the face his father left him with, and replaces it with the horribly scarred visage that has him known as the Red Skull.
Not only has this series done a terrific job of reintroducing us to why the Ultimates are so damn cool, but it's told a very cool story developing the character of Ultimate Captain America, quite a good deal.
Click here for a preview of ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #5
PLANETARY VOLUME 4 - THE CONCLUSION TO WARREN ELLIS'S INCREDIBLE, MIND-BENDING EPIC SERIES!
Simply put, Planetary is one of the best comic books of the last twenty years. Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Ignition City, Supergod, ect ect) grabbed us as readers, and took us on one of the most compelling stories I think I've ever read. The perfect blend of art and story between Ellis and Cassaday made Planetary into the kind of book that really pulls you into it's world, and does not let go until you're on the very last page. And, then you're back in reality, and left wanting for more.
The fourth and final installment of Ellis's masterpiece arrives this Wednesday here at Third Eye, and shows the final battles waged by Jakita, Drummer and Elijah against The Four. The wrap up of this series was so damn good, that we know many of you who've been eagerly awaiting it's conclusion will enjoy this one.
WHAT IS PLANETARY? The story of Planetary is about an organization billing themselves as "Archeologists of the Impossible." Funded by a mysterious Fourth Man, who's rumored to be anyone from Bill Gates to many other world leaders, dictators, and of course, multimillionare CEOs, the team consists of three superhumans: Jakita Wagner, the Drummer, and Elijah Snow.
The concept of Planetary is that all pop culture is the secret history of the world. So, all science fiction, comic books, horror movies, whatever, it's all a reality that lies right beneath the surface of our world.
Throughout the course of the series, you watch as the pulp heroes, like Doc Savage, The Shadow, and more die off to the New Wave of Heroes, which resemble the Justice League. You visit Monster Island, where the bloated corpse of Mothra rots on the beach, and Godzilla's corpse is picked away at by scavengers. You're thrown into Hong Kong, where a supernatural spin is thrown on the classic John Woo action film, and hell, you even run into characters like John Constantine (Hellblazer), and Sherlock Holmes.
As the series goes on, we learn that there's an evil version of The Four, and when you find out their secrets, it's a real surprise!
All in all, Planetary is must-read material, we've currently got all three of the graphic novels well-stocked here at the shop, and we'll have plenty of Planetary v.4 when it hits this Wednesday.
CHEW #9 *INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR PART 4* - THE BEST NEW IMAGE BOOK SINCE WALKING DEAD CONTINUES THIS WEDNESDAY, AS... VAMPIRES ENTER THE MIX? WTF, VAMPIRES? OH CHEW, YOU'RE SO CRAZY!
I can't get enough of this series, and it gets better with each issue. The current story arc, INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR, continues as our troubled Detective Chu explores some mysterious deaths that lead him to only one possible conclusion: VAMPIRES! Just when you thought CHEW couldn't get any weirder, or more awesome, Layman and Guillory up the awesome/weird level another ten notches!
Not reading CHEW? You gotta check this one out, if you're not already on board. One of the best series we're reading, it's set in a near future where all poultry has been made illegal due to bird flu. The FDA is the equivalent of the ATF, the US Department of Agriculture employs ninja black-ops assassins, and the star of the show is a cibopath named Detective Tony Chu! Oh, what's a cibopath? It means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. He eats a hamburger, he sees the cow getting killed, he eats an apple, he can smell the pesticides. And, now, after the FDA has discovered this talent, he's employed to eat the bodily remains of murder victims to solve their deaths.
Okay, I'm sold.. how do I catch up? You can grab the first trade paperback for only $9.95, and it's got issues #1-5 in it, and currently, we've got issues #6,7, and 8 well-stocked to hop on after that, OR, you can just wait for the second trade due out this spring.
And, for those of you already in the know about the awesomeness of CHEW, we'll see you this week for your CHEW fix when #9 comes out!
FALL OF THE HULKS SAVAGE SHE-HULK #1- SEE HOW SOME OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE'S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN TIP THE BALANCE OF POWER IN FALL OF THE HULKS!
The FALL OF THE HULKS continues this Wednesday with FALL OF HULKS SAVAGE SHE-HULK #1, where we get to see some of Marvel's Ms. Hulks and how they play a big part in tipping the balance of power in regards to the events of FALL OF THE HULK. Featuring Lyra, the Savage She-Hulk, we get to see why she's decided to throw in with the Wizard's Frightful Four, and what major role she'll play in regards to the events of FALL OF THE HULKS.
The full preview I read of this one shows it as a fun, action-packed read, that if you're digging the direction of FALL OF THE HULKS, then you're gonna love this one. Total smashmouth duke 'em out madness, and it's got every female Hulk and Hulk-related character you could think of... Red She-Hulk, Lyra, Lyra's mother, and hey, we might even see Jennifer Walters.
Plus, it's got MODOK! And, MODOK always makes everything better.
Click here for a preview of FALL OF HULKS SAVAGE SHE-HULK #1
PUNISHER MAX BUTTERFLY #1 - A VICIOUS MODERN NOIR ONE-SHOT FEATURING A COLD-BLOODED HITWOMAN AND HOW SHE EXISTS IN THE PUNISHERS WORLD! A MUST-READ!
It's not just the breath of fresh air that Jason Aaron has blown into the regular ongoing PUNISHERMAX series that has me stoked on Punisher, but lately, the PUNISHER MAX one-shots they've been doing have been REALLY freaking good. I mean, REALLY good. If you're a fan of the Ennis stuff, both Get Castle, and now, the new this week BUTTERFLY are great, vicious reads that capture the bleak tone of Ennis's run in an excellent way.
I just finished reading the advance copy of the PUNISHER BUTTERFLY one-shot, and I'm very happy with it. A good one-shot story featuring a Hitwoman with a very screwed-up past, who ends up writing a tell-all book about her time as a hitwoman, in an attempt at committing suicide, sort of. You watch as she begins to fight back against the mob, and it's VERY interesting how everything gets tied back into the very first issue of Garth Ennis's damn near classic PUNISHER MAX run.
Violent as hell, bleak as can be, PUNISHER MAX: BUTTERFLY is a must for any fans of the Garth Ennis/Jason Aaron-style Punisher tales.
Click here for a preview of PUNISHER MAX BUTTERFLY
THE DEADPOOL CORPS ARRIVE THIS WEDNESDAY IN PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1 FEATURING THE ART OF DEADPOOL CREATOR, ROB LIEFELD!
That's right, folks, more Deadpool awesomeness is set to begin, and Marvel has enlisted the artistic chores of the Merc with a Mouth's original creator, Rob Liefeld.
Prelude to Deadpool Corps kicks off the most ridiculous, over-the-top superhero team that the Marvel Universe has ever known. Yes, an entire team of Deadpools. Lady Deadpool. Dogpool. Headpool. Kidpool. They're all here, and God only knows what kind of zany madness we're going to be seeing in the pages of this one.
Just look at that cover... it's got a zombie head with a propeller-hat carrying it around, how can you not love that? Seriously though, if you're looking for something else to feed your Deadpool fix, the Deadpool Corps are gonna be IT. Plus, it's got Lady Deadpool, and she's pure awesomeness.
Click here for a preview of PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1
SPARTA USA #1 - DAVID LAPHAM OF STRAY BULLETS AND YOUNG LIARS FAME RETURNS WITH A NEW SERIES THAT'S GOT ONE HELL OF A MEAN STREAK!
I read the first issue of this one as an advance copy, and dude, I'm pretty stoked on this series. David Lapham, the writer, happens to be one of my favorite writers of all-time. I just don't get the chance to talk about him much, with the bulk of his incredible crime comic STRAY BULLETS being out of print, and his most recent VERTIGO series, YOUNG LIARS, reaching it's end.
This one really has a meanstreak to it, and it looks like Lapham is pushing some serious buttons with it. I mean, it's vicious, with Lapham totally going for the throat. And, this, my friends, is a very good thing, cause that means it's interesting as hell.
The first off welcomes us to Sparta USA. A small town where everything centers around football. I'm serious, kids are drafted as soon as they're born. The town is led by a man who calls himself the Maestro, who claims to have learned everything he knows from the President of the U.S.A. Basically, there's no governmental rules or laws, just the football, and guns.
Now, no one has left Sparta in the time since it's inception, except for one guy, Godfrey McLaine, who threw years ago, disappeared into the mountains, and he's got some serious truth to share with his fellow Spartans.
This one is a very cool looking series that's got a definite edge to it, and kind of gives you a Running Man meets Any Given Sunday vibe, but with a bit of political commentary. However, Lapham doesn't bash you over the head with it, so that's pretty cool.
All in all, I think this one might end up stirring up a little controversy, just due to the mean streak running through it. I'm trying to hold back from spoiling some of the cooler moments in the book, so just give it a look this week and see for yourself.
Click here to read more about SPARTA USA #1
MARVEL GIVES PROPS TO THE LADIES INGIRL COMICS #1, CELEBRATING ALL THE DIFFERENT WOMEN CREATORS WORKING IN COMICS TODAY!
Marvel is kicking off this three issue anthology as a way of celebrating all the different women working in comics today, and focusing on some of the Marvel Universe's raddest super-powered ladies. Some of the names that're contributing are Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Ann Nocenti (Daredevil), Laura Martin (colorist on Astonishing X-Men, Secret Invasion and countless other incredible tales) Devin Grayson (Nightwing), G. Willow Wilson (Air), and many more.
Packed full of stories with characters ranging from She-Hulk to Mary Jane to.. the Punisher? Yes, the Punisher. This one's sure to be a series of fun reads.
Click here for a preview of GIRL COMICS #1
STAFF PICKS
Steve - CAPTAIN SWING and the PIRATES OF CINDERY ISLAND #1 = I so wanted to pick Blackest Night, but I figured that'd be an obvious one this week, so I went with my other favorite: Captain Swing. Ellis knocks out some of his best work in a while in this killer steampunk twist on the world of Jack the Ripper. Very good!
Trish - WALKING DEAD #70 = Things just keep getting weirder, and weirder, and I keep getting left hanging for the next issue!
Torma - THOR #607 *SIEGE*= TOTAL MAYHEM!!!! This was a kick-ass issue all the way through! And the ending was AWESOME! If you want to see some major Asgardian butt-stomping.... pick this one up
Matt - BLACKEST NIGHT #7 = There's so many pages in this one that would make killer posters. The huge spread in the middle! YES! Plus, the ending rocked!
I've been excited for this one since I first heard rumblings of critically acclaimed writer Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Joker) breathing new life into Doc Savage. And that was almost a year ago! We got a small taste of what to expect with last year's killer BATMAN/DOC SAVAGE one-shot, but the full deal hits this Wednesday with the first issue of FIRST WAVE. In my opinion, the creative team chosen to bring these classic characters back, and build this exciting new world couldn't have been a better pairing. Azzarello has a real knack for hardboiled, gritty crime-fueled storytelling that will work perfectly with the dynamic of characters like Doc Savage, Batman and the world they exist in. Meanwhile, Rags Morales, someone who I feel is one of the most underrated artists working right now, has proven in a big way that he can tell a strong, mystery-driven story with his work on IDENTITY CRISIS. Now, some of you are probably wondering just what the heck this whole FIRST WAVE thing is, so let's get into all that, shall we ?
WHAT IS FIRST WAVE? First Wave is an alternate DC Universe that's very much grounded in reality. There are no super-powered characters, and the closest thing you have to Superman, is Doc Savage. The world that First Wave is set in is a very noir-influenced, grim world where the motivations of masked crime-fighters are much darker than what we normally see. There are some BIG differences about the world of FIRST WAVE compared to what we know, and one of those facts is that Batman uses guns here. Now, this has been a fundamental aspect of his character, to reject the use of firearms, he absolutely despises them, but FIRST WAVE is exploring the ideas of the very, very early Batman comics, where the character did in fact use guns.
The world of FIRST WAVE, while lacking characters like Superman, or The Flash, will cast the spotlight on characters who, technically, could exist in reality (with the exception of maybe Doc Savage). Batman, of course, plays a role here, and we even see some of Batman's classic Rogue's Gallery popping up, but not in the same way we know and remember them. Other characters that are supposed to appear are the Blackhawks, The Avenger, Rima the Jungle Girl, Wildcat, and Black Canary, among many others.
WHY ARE WE STOKED? Well, it's the start of what could be a very exciting sandbox for writers to really play with some of these great classic characters, like Doc Savage, or The Shadow. I mean, everything we've read from Brian Azzarello about the beginnings of FIRST WAVE, have got us excited. Not only is it reintroducing characters that are timeless, and still have tons of cool appeal today, but it's also adding a brand new dynamic to the world of DCU Heroes, and that, is pretty cool.
And, personally... his take on Gotham City sounds too damn cool to not check this one out.
This one's got a big Third Eye Stamp of Approval all over it. For those of you who would like to get the prelude to FIRST WAVE, we still have plenty of theBATMAN/DOC SAVAGE one-shot in stock as well.
Click here to read a preview of FIRST WAVE #1
"CLERKS" DIRECTOR KEVIN SMITH RESURRECTS THE GREEN HORNET IN A BIG WAY THIS WEDNESDAY IN GREEN HORNET #1
Dude, there's something about the Green Hornet that's just cool. I don't know what it is, I can't put my finger on it, but there's just this vibe the character gives off that screams cool. No matter how far into the future we get, no matter how many new concepts are introduced to the art of serial fiction, the Green Hornet is timeless cool at it's best.
Now, for the last few years, there's been a lot of back and forth talk about a Green Hornet movie, and one of the big pushes for the writer/director of the flick was Kevin Smith. Now, as far as we know, for whatever reason, Smith decided he wouldn't be able to do the Hornet the way he wanted to on the silver screen, BUT, being a life-long comic fan who's no stranger to this industry, Smith has decided to bring his vision of Green Hornet and Kato to the page.
And, folks, as both Green Hornet fans, and just plain big fans of bigger than life storytelling... we are pretty damn stoked for this series.
WHAT IS KEVIN SMITH'S GREEN HORNET? Kevin Smith's Green Hornet is a 10 issue maxiseries where Smith has taken the ideas and plots from his unused Green Hornet screenplay and applied them to an all new story being published by DYNAMITE (publisher of THE BOYS). The purpose of the story is not to just reintroduce a classic character to modern audiences, but also serves as a way to remind us of just how cool the Green Hornet is. Smith, of course, is updating the character for the 21st Century, and judging from what we read, he's got the right idea.
WHY WE'RE STOKED? I was lucky enough to read through the first issue, and I have to say, it's a really fun, action-packed read with some sharp characterization and witty dialogue. The first issue does a great job of introducing the Green Hornet and his world to those of us who have never read anything on the character before. It also takes and keeps the classic foundations of the pulp-noir origins of the character while applying a very cool, high-action modern day twist to the character. I'm trying to hold back from revealing too much in the way of what actualy goes down, because I don't want to drop any spoilers, but the book is a solid read from start to finish. Fun, bigger than life superhero awesomeness with Smith's snappy dialogue, and some very nice art courtesy of Jonathan Lau and Phil Hester (on layouts). Plus, IT'S THE GREEN HORNET! He rocks, and we're so stoked to see him back!
If you're fans of the darker vigilante-type characters like Batman, or a fan of old school pulp revival with a modern twist, we think you'd really like this one. It's got a nice, fresh take on the character, and is very easy for anyone who's not really familiar with the character to kind of jump in, and get the feel for what's going on.
CROSSED #9 CONCLUDES GARTH ENNIS'S INCREDIBLY TWISTED, AND DISTURBING SURVIVAL HORROR EPIC THIS WEDNESDAY!
Here's a big one that a lot of you have been on the edge of your seat waiting for, and trust me, I've been right there with you, as this series has kept me in suspense like no other! This Wednesday, the bloody, horrifying conclusion to Garth Ennis's (writer of THE BOYS, and PREACHER, amongst others) CROSSED saga arrives, and we couldn't be more excited.
It's been a long, violent journey through this 9 issue (10, if you count the #0 issue) survival horror epic that's set in a world where a horrible disease infects people, and turns them into what Ennis describes as "pure evil." The Crossed (the term for the afflicted), have a rash that forms on their face in the shape of a cross. Now, don't go and think this is your run of the mill zombie bash, because the Crossed are far more scarier than any rotting corpse shambling after you. See, what happens when infected, the Crossed succumb to their deepest, most primal, and most evil desires. In other words, they exist to simply inflict pain, and suffering by any means possible. Now, the scary part? The Crossed still have that human capability in their brains to plot, plan, and form strategies to carry out their devious intentions. So, imagine a zombie outbreak where the zombies not only could drive cars into gas stations, or wield machine guns, but they also knew how to do it to cause the most damage possible.
As you can probably already tell, I'm in love with this series. It's so damn nasty, and horrifying, and lets face it, I can't deny the 13-year old in me rocking a Misfits skate deck, and reading horror comics while skipping class. Now, the thing that really helps to make CROSSED a good read, and not just a one-trick gross-out pony, is that Garth Ennis is one of the finest comic book writers working today. Most of you are already familiar with his work on stuff like THE BOYS, or his epic PREACHER, so you know that he's the perfect guy to take the most horrifying absolutes, and then balance them out with a well-paced, well-written story that gives you characters you actually care about.
And, really, that's what makes any "survival horror" story good, is the strength of the characters who are trying to, well.. survive! I mean, it's why WALKING DEAD is so good, and it's also why CROSSED is so good. If you didn't care about whether or not these people lived or died, then it wouldn't be survival horror, it'd just be the equivalent of slowing down at a car wreck.
However, don't get me wrong, a big part of the satisfaction I think a lot of us get out of reading CROSSED is the "OH MY GOD... " factor, and trust me, there's nothing wrong with that.
Anyways, enough of my rambling on, CROSSED #9 ships this Wednesday in one nice solid, double-sized issue!
For those of you waiting on trade, the CROSSED trade ships in in less than one month (early April)!
ADVENTURE COMICS #8 *BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES PT 1* - BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES STORYLINE SETS THE STAGE FOR THIS SUMMER'S BIG "WAR OF THE SUPERMEN" STORYLINE!
The road to the big Superman storyline happening this Summer, WAR OF THE SUPERMEN, begins in this week's ADVENTURE COMICS #8, which is the first chapter of the BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES storyline. The storyline will be running through the different Superman titles like Superman, and Supergirl, and is supposed to set things up for WAR OF THE SUPERMEN, which we're still not too clear on all the details about.
What we do know is that this new story arc is being written by James Robinson, of STARMAN fame, and more recently, CRY FOR JUSTICE, and he always tends to deliver the goods when he writes. In addition to that, it features story elements that're picking up from Brad Meltzer's killer "Lightning Saga" storyline that appeared in Justice League way back when, where it was revealed that a group of Legionnaires were undercover in the 21st Century. This storyline is supposed to explore who they are, and why they're here.
This one should be a pretty badass story, and this is coming from a guy who was never able to get into the Legion UNTIL they came back in THE LIGHTNING SAGA. Combine that with the way that Geoff Johns breathed much fresh air into them during his Action Comics: Superman and the Legion of Superheroes arc, and you've got a recipe for some pretty interesting characters. I think this is probably the first time since the beginnings of Johns's NEW KRYPTON arc, that I've been really excited about a new Superman story.
Click here to read more about ADVENTURE COMICS #8 *BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES PT 1*
Click here to for the BRAINIAC AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES checklist!
DEMO #2 HITS THIS WEDNESDAY, AND CONTINUES THIS THIRD EYE FAVORITE SERIES BY FAN-FAVORITE WRITER BRIAN WOOD (Northlanders, DMZ)
Man, a lot of my favorites are coming out this week! The second issue of BRIAN WOOD'S killer series of one-shots, DEMO, will be hitting the Third Eye racks this Wednesday, and after the thoroughly enjoyable first issue, I cannot wait to see more! DEMO is one of those fantastic pairings of perfect story and perfect art that fit each other so well that it makes for pure comic magic. Originally, a 12 issue series of one-shots that came out a few years ago, DEMO has returned with a new six issue round of one-shots that follow the same theme of ordinary people put into extraordinary situations. Here's the lowdown on what DEMO is all about..
WHAT IS DEMO? DEMO is a series of themed one-shots that explore normal people who develop superhuman abilities, in some shape or form. Sometimes it's the ability to see the future, sometimes it's pyrokinetics, but what makes DEMO so damn interesting, and so entertaining, is that it treats these situations as real as real could be. It's basically like if you or I suddenly could see the future, and how that would REALLY affect us? We'd lose our minds, probably, and watch our lives crumble as we try to deal with the weight of this newfound ability that we're not sure is even real or not. And, that is DEMO's real strength, is that it focuses on the characters, and their lives, and kind of focuses on these extraordinary abilities as an afterthought. In other words, the compelling thing about each issue of DEMO is the way that Wood writes these different kinds of characters, and develops their place in the world. It's done with so much heart, and so much talent for storytelling, that it feels like you're right there with them, watching as they try to deal with their gift (or curse, as you might see it).
Each issue of DEMO is a self-contained one-shot, meaning that you don't really need to have read any of the prior issues (although, we recommend it because they're ALL really good), and can jump in on whichever story interests you. The thing that unites DEMO as a series, is the recurring theme of ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
Brian Wood is one hell of a solid writer, and his work on Northlanders and DMZ proves that month after month, but it's DEMO that I always look forward to the most now that it's returned. Why? 'Cause there's a real magic to what Wood and Cloonan are able to put on the page, and you can tell that both of them are so into what they're doing, that it makes the stories really pop off the page at you.
WHAT'S DEMO #2 HOLD IN STORE? Meet Frank. Frank's rail thin, barely eats, and lives alone. He pukes when he smells breakfast, hates his job, hates chicken, hates seafood, and isn't a big fan of socializing. He's nothing like the woman at work that he's obsessed with, and it's pretty frightening to see how far Frank intends to go to win her heart.
If you're into the Vertigo stuff, or just appreciate good storytelling, I can't recommend DEMO enough. We still have plenty of issue #1 in stock, if you'd like to check out the first one, and we also have the original DEMO trade paperback available, in case you're really digging these and want to go back and check out some of the older stuff.
Click here to read an article USA TODAY did on DEMO and BRIAN WOOD!
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #24 *STARK DISASSEMBLED PT 5* CONCLUDES STARK DISASSEMBLED AND PAVES THE WAY FOR THE BIG THINGS HAPPENING FOR IRON MAN IN THE HEROIC AGE! NOT READING STARK DISASSEMBLED? WE HAVE ALL THE ISSUES IN STOCK, CATCH UP THIS WEDNESDAY!
This is my favorite monthly Marvel comic. That's it, I'm saying it, bar none, this is the Marvel book I look forward to the most now, every month. It's been becoming my top favorite for a while now, I mean, ever since Fraction launched INVINCIBLE IRON MAN in 2008, it has been one of the most consistent, well-written, and gorgeousy illustrated Marvel comics on the stands. But, when he kicked off his STARK DISASSEMBLED story-arc, that's when I knew this was it, this was my favorite.
This Wednesday, the conclusion to the epic high point of Fraction's Iron Man run arrives, and we couldn't be more excited. In fact, we're almost just as excited about what this is building up to with the arrival of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 and the Heroic Age, as we are about this finale. What's left of a man once you've taken him apart? And, what will Tony Stark be like when he returns in full force at the end of this issue? We're gonna find out this Wednesday.
WHAT IS INVINCIBLE IRON MAN: STARK DISASSEMBLED? For those of you not already reading STARK DISASSEMBLED, here's a run down on what this is all about, and why it's been so damn good, not to mention it's importance in the grand scale of things in regards to SIEGE and the Heroic Age.
During the events of Dark Reign, Stark was a fugitive, on the run from Osborn, and his goons. When it came down to it, he realized that to prevent Osborn from reaching the secrets buried beneath the software and grey matter of his brain, he had to turn himself off. Essentially, Stark lobotomized himself, and turned himself into a vegetable. Stark Disassembled Chapter One (Invincible Iron Man #20) shows us a pre-recorded message where Tony offers to show a way to reboot his brain, and bring him back, but then he asks the question: Do You Want To? And, in one of the best comic book moments I've read, you watch as Tony Stark goes onto talk about how maybe the world would be a better place without him, after his many downfalls through the course of the last few years. He even goes into talking about how he never believed in a higher power, but if he did, the closest thing would be Thor and Captain America, two of the characters he'd been at odds with since CIVIL WAR. He goes on to talk about how it's going to take everyone, especially Cap, Thor, and himself, to stop Osborn once he goes crazy, because he knows Osborn will go crazy eventually. And, that's where Stark Disassembled begins! It's been five issues of non-stop action, mixed with very cool moments of character development, and it really feels like one of those storylines that's going to be talked about for years to come.
This Wednesday in STARK DISASSEMBLED, we're anticipating the return of Stark, and with INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 being already advertised as one of the hallmark starts of the Heroic Age, we are eager to see how things end out here.
Click here to read a preview of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #24 *STARK DISASSEMBLED PT 5*
Click here to check out our blog spotlight on Matt Fraction's INVINCIBLE IRON MAN run, and get caught up on one of the best Marvel comics on the stands.
MARVEL'S GREATEST COMICS: INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 - GET THE FIRST ISSUE OF MATT FRACTION'S EPIC RUN ON IRON MAN FREE THIS WEDNESDAY AT THIRD EYE!
Okay, so you just got done reading our spotlight on Fraction's INVINCIBLE IRON MAN, and you're like DUDE, I HAVE TO READ THIS, well check this out!
This week here at Third Eye, we'll be giving out the very first issue of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1, completely free. So, be sure to pop in this week and grab your copy to try out the best damn monthly Marvel comic on the stands.
MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION #3CONTINUES THE HIT LIMITED SERIES THAT BRIDGES MASS EFFECT AND MASS EFFECT 2! MISSED THE FIRST TWO ISSUES? WE'VE GOT BOTH IN STOCK TO CATCH YOU UP!
While I personally haven't yet had the time to sit down and play MASS EFFECT 2, I'm a huge fan of the first game, and was pretty stoked to see that Dark Horse got the license to this series. The comic bridges the storyline that takes place in between MASS EFFECT and MASS EFFECT 2, and if you're a fan of the series, then you already know how solid of a storyline these games already have. Now, to see the head writer of the game fleshing out all the details of what went down in between, you know you're going to get some good stuff.
For those of you who missed the first issue, we've got plenty in stock of both issue #1 and issue #2 for you to catch up on.
Otherwise, you can click here to check out a preview of MASS EFFECT REDEMPTION #3
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 - IN THE WAKE OF ULTIMATUM, A NEW TEAM OF AVENGERS IS FORMED! IF YOU DUG ULTIMATE X, CHECK THIS ONE OUT! PLUS, IT FEATURES THE KILLER ARTWORK OF FRANK CHO!
Judging by the big success of ULTIMATE X #1 last month, I wasn't the only one who was surprised by Loeb's return to the Ultimate Universe. He's back on his game, and is dishing out some pretty good writing, again, judging from Ultimate X, and after reading the full preview of NEW ULTIMATES #1 which ships this week, he's doing it again with the arrival of this killer new take on the Avengers.
This one picks up in the aftermath of ULTIMATUM, where nearly all of the Ultimate Universe's superheroes were killed, and no super-team to prevent Earth-shattering catastrophes is now in place to prevent them. And, that's when Loki strikes, and unleashes the entirety of Asgard on Earth. Iron Man has to go into panic mode, and puts together a ragtag group of Avengers, picking up on the plot-threads of Mark Millar's first ULTIMATE AVENGERS run which ends with next month's issue #6
Ontop of the fact that the story in this reads pretty damn good, the artwork is TOP NOTCH. Frank Cho does not do the interiors on comics often, but, man, when he does, he really delivers the goods. Another reason why I feel there's comparisons to Ultimate X, is because the art really compliments the story here. Cho captures the grit of the Ultimates, but also helps to emphasize Loeb's bigger than life comic madness, with his unique artstyle. If there's one thing that Cho does right, it's pretty girls and giant monsters, and in the first issue of NEW ULTIMATES, he's given plenty of both.
Plus, NEW ULTIMATE CHARACTERS GALORE! It's pretty damn cool to get to see Ultimate takes on characters that have either barely been acknowledged before (maybe in passing in one issue here or there), or are brand new to the Ultimate Universe. In the first issue, you see everyone from Hellcat and the Son of Satan to Luke Cage, and of course, a big return of a certain Norse God. Most of these characters we only saw in passing in Mark Millar's original ULTIMATES runs, where the Defenders were a team of wanna-be amateur superheroes, and now it looks like that may have changed a bit.
All in all, ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 was a super fun read, with some great artwork, and a lot of promise to be a very good read. If you're into the Ultimate stuff, or just plain awesome-looking comics, we definitely recommend it.
Click here for a preview of ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #5CONTINUES MARK MILLAR'S (writer of OLD MAN LOGAN & KICK-ASS) and CARLOS PACHECO'S KILLER FIRST SEASON OF THE ULTIMATES!
And, while we couldn't be more stoked about NEW ULTIMATES #1 this week, we're just as stoked about the conclusion of Mark Millar's killer first season of ULTIMATE AVENGERS. Mark Millar is responsible, for what is in my opinion, one of the most influential superhero comics of the 21st Century, with his original first runs of ULTIMATES and ULTIMATES 2. Millar took ideas, and concepts that Ellis and Bryan Hitch had developed in a book like THE AUTHORITY, and applied them to the Marvel Universe and the AVENGERS. And, by doing so, he completely redefined how we look at superheroes in both the regular Marvel Universe, and the Ultimate Marvel Universe. If it wasn't for THE ULTIMATES, I really don't think that the Avengers would be as cool as they are now, in any universe. And, I really don't think we'd be seeing some of the great developments with all these Marvel Studios flicks coming out.
Anyways, I'm rambling, lets get back to the point here, this Wednesday, the long-awaited 5th issue of Mark Millar's red hot ULTIMATE AVENGERS series arrives, and this one is bringing his first season of ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS to it's end. This first story arc has introduced the concept of the Ultimate Red Skull, and man, the twist on him is killer... imagine if Captain America had an illegitimate son before heading off for the fateful mission he never returned from. Well, the U.S Government couldn't let that leak to the public, so what do they do? They hide the kid's existence, and raise him in government institutions, well-aware of the fact that his father's super-serum enhanced blood is running through his veins. And, then, at the age of 17, that kid snaps, and massacres an entire facility of soldiers and workers, one by one, and to top it off.. he carves off the face his father left him with, and replaces it with the horribly scarred visage that has him known as the Red Skull.
Not only has this series done a terrific job of reintroducing us to why the Ultimates are so damn cool, but it's told a very cool story developing the character of Ultimate Captain America, quite a good deal.
Click here for a preview of ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #5
PLANETARY VOLUME 4 - THE CONCLUSION TO WARREN ELLIS'S INCREDIBLE, MIND-BENDING EPIC SERIES!
Simply put, Planetary is one of the best comic books of the last twenty years. Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Ignition City, Supergod, ect ect) grabbed us as readers, and took us on one of the most compelling stories I think I've ever read. The perfect blend of art and story between Ellis and Cassaday made Planetary into the kind of book that really pulls you into it's world, and does not let go until you're on the very last page. And, then you're back in reality, and left wanting for more.
The fourth and final installment of Ellis's masterpiece arrives this Wednesday here at Third Eye, and shows the final battles waged by Jakita, Drummer and Elijah against The Four. The wrap up of this series was so damn good, that we know many of you who've been eagerly awaiting it's conclusion will enjoy this one.
WHAT IS PLANETARY? The story of Planetary is about an organization billing themselves as "Archeologists of the Impossible." Funded by a mysterious Fourth Man, who's rumored to be anyone from Bill Gates to many other world leaders, dictators, and of course, multimillionare CEOs, the team consists of three superhumans: Jakita Wagner, the Drummer, and Elijah Snow.
The concept of Planetary is that all pop culture is the secret history of the world. So, all science fiction, comic books, horror movies, whatever, it's all a reality that lies right beneath the surface of our world.
Throughout the course of the series, you watch as the pulp heroes, like Doc Savage, The Shadow, and more die off to the New Wave of Heroes, which resemble the Justice League. You visit Monster Island, where the bloated corpse of Mothra rots on the beach, and Godzilla's corpse is picked away at by scavengers. You're thrown into Hong Kong, where a supernatural spin is thrown on the classic John Woo action film, and hell, you even run into characters like John Constantine (Hellblazer), and Sherlock Holmes.
As the series goes on, we learn that there's an evil version of The Four, and when you find out their secrets, it's a real surprise!
All in all, Planetary is must-read material, we've currently got all three of the graphic novels well-stocked here at the shop, and we'll have plenty of Planetary v.4 when it hits this Wednesday.
CHEW #9 *INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR PART 4* - THE BEST NEW IMAGE BOOK SINCE WALKING DEAD CONTINUES THIS WEDNESDAY, AS... VAMPIRES ENTER THE MIX? WTF, VAMPIRES? OH CHEW, YOU'RE SO CRAZY!
I can't get enough of this series, and it gets better with each issue. The current story arc, INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR, continues as our troubled Detective Chu explores some mysterious deaths that lead him to only one possible conclusion: VAMPIRES! Just when you thought CHEW couldn't get any weirder, or more awesome, Layman and Guillory up the awesome/weird level another ten notches!
Not reading CHEW? You gotta check this one out, if you're not already on board. One of the best series we're reading, it's set in a near future where all poultry has been made illegal due to bird flu. The FDA is the equivalent of the ATF, the US Department of Agriculture employs ninja black-ops assassins, and the star of the show is a cibopath named Detective Tony Chu! Oh, what's a cibopath? It means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. He eats a hamburger, he sees the cow getting killed, he eats an apple, he can smell the pesticides. And, now, after the FDA has discovered this talent, he's employed to eat the bodily remains of murder victims to solve their deaths.
Okay, I'm sold.. how do I catch up? You can grab the first trade paperback for only $9.95, and it's got issues #1-5 in it, and currently, we've got issues #6,7, and 8 well-stocked to hop on after that, OR, you can just wait for the second trade due out this spring.
And, for those of you already in the know about the awesomeness of CHEW, we'll see you this week for your CHEW fix when #9 comes out!
FALL OF THE HULKS SAVAGE SHE-HULK #1- SEE HOW SOME OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE'S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN TIP THE BALANCE OF POWER IN FALL OF THE HULKS!
The FALL OF THE HULKS continues this Wednesday with FALL OF HULKS SAVAGE SHE-HULK #1, where we get to see some of Marvel's Ms. Hulks and how they play a big part in tipping the balance of power in regards to the events of FALL OF THE HULK. Featuring Lyra, the Savage She-Hulk, we get to see why she's decided to throw in with the Wizard's Frightful Four, and what major role she'll play in regards to the events of FALL OF THE HULKS.
The full preview I read of this one shows it as a fun, action-packed read, that if you're digging the direction of FALL OF THE HULKS, then you're gonna love this one. Total smashmouth duke 'em out madness, and it's got every female Hulk and Hulk-related character you could think of... Red She-Hulk, Lyra, Lyra's mother, and hey, we might even see Jennifer Walters.
Plus, it's got MODOK! And, MODOK always makes everything better.
Click here for a preview of FALL OF HULKS SAVAGE SHE-HULK #1
PUNISHER MAX BUTTERFLY #1 - A VICIOUS MODERN NOIR ONE-SHOT FEATURING A COLD-BLOODED HITWOMAN AND HOW SHE EXISTS IN THE PUNISHERS WORLD! A MUST-READ!
It's not just the breath of fresh air that Jason Aaron has blown into the regular ongoing PUNISHERMAX series that has me stoked on Punisher, but lately, the PUNISHER MAX one-shots they've been doing have been REALLY freaking good. I mean, REALLY good. If you're a fan of the Ennis stuff, both Get Castle, and now, the new this week BUTTERFLY are great, vicious reads that capture the bleak tone of Ennis's run in an excellent way.
I just finished reading the advance copy of the PUNISHER BUTTERFLY one-shot, and I'm very happy with it. A good one-shot story featuring a Hitwoman with a very screwed-up past, who ends up writing a tell-all book about her time as a hitwoman, in an attempt at committing suicide, sort of. You watch as she begins to fight back against the mob, and it's VERY interesting how everything gets tied back into the very first issue of Garth Ennis's damn near classic PUNISHER MAX run.
Violent as hell, bleak as can be, PUNISHER MAX: BUTTERFLY is a must for any fans of the Garth Ennis/Jason Aaron-style Punisher tales.
Click here for a preview of PUNISHER MAX BUTTERFLY
THE DEADPOOL CORPS ARRIVE THIS WEDNESDAY IN PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1 FEATURING THE ART OF DEADPOOL CREATOR, ROB LIEFELD!
That's right, folks, more Deadpool awesomeness is set to begin, and Marvel has enlisted the artistic chores of the Merc with a Mouth's original creator, Rob Liefeld.
Prelude to Deadpool Corps kicks off the most ridiculous, over-the-top superhero team that the Marvel Universe has ever known. Yes, an entire team of Deadpools. Lady Deadpool. Dogpool. Headpool. Kidpool. They're all here, and God only knows what kind of zany madness we're going to be seeing in the pages of this one.
Just look at that cover... it's got a zombie head with a propeller-hat carrying it around, how can you not love that? Seriously though, if you're looking for something else to feed your Deadpool fix, the Deadpool Corps are gonna be IT. Plus, it's got Lady Deadpool, and she's pure awesomeness.
Click here for a preview of PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1
SPARTA USA #1 - DAVID LAPHAM OF STRAY BULLETS AND YOUNG LIARS FAME RETURNS WITH A NEW SERIES THAT'S GOT ONE HELL OF A MEAN STREAK!
I read the first issue of this one as an advance copy, and dude, I'm pretty stoked on this series. David Lapham, the writer, happens to be one of my favorite writers of all-time. I just don't get the chance to talk about him much, with the bulk of his incredible crime comic STRAY BULLETS being out of print, and his most recent VERTIGO series, YOUNG LIARS, reaching it's end.
This one really has a meanstreak to it, and it looks like Lapham is pushing some serious buttons with it. I mean, it's vicious, with Lapham totally going for the throat. And, this, my friends, is a very good thing, cause that means it's interesting as hell.
The first off welcomes us to Sparta USA. A small town where everything centers around football. I'm serious, kids are drafted as soon as they're born. The town is led by a man who calls himself the Maestro, who claims to have learned everything he knows from the President of the U.S.A. Basically, there's no governmental rules or laws, just the football, and guns.
Now, no one has left Sparta in the time since it's inception, except for one guy, Godfrey McLaine, who threw years ago, disappeared into the mountains, and he's got some serious truth to share with his fellow Spartans.
This one is a very cool looking series that's got a definite edge to it, and kind of gives you a Running Man meets Any Given Sunday vibe, but with a bit of political commentary. However, Lapham doesn't bash you over the head with it, so that's pretty cool.
All in all, I think this one might end up stirring up a little controversy, just due to the mean streak running through it. I'm trying to hold back from spoiling some of the cooler moments in the book, so just give it a look this week and see for yourself.
Click here to read more about SPARTA USA #1
MARVEL GIVES PROPS TO THE LADIES INGIRL COMICS #1, CELEBRATING ALL THE DIFFERENT WOMEN CREATORS WORKING IN COMICS TODAY!
Marvel is kicking off this three issue anthology as a way of celebrating all the different women working in comics today, and focusing on some of the Marvel Universe's raddest super-powered ladies. Some of the names that're contributing are Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Ann Nocenti (Daredevil), Laura Martin (colorist on Astonishing X-Men, Secret Invasion and countless other incredible tales) Devin Grayson (Nightwing), G. Willow Wilson (Air), and many more.
Packed full of stories with characters ranging from She-Hulk to Mary Jane to.. the Punisher? Yes, the Punisher. This one's sure to be a series of fun reads.
Click here for a preview of GIRL COMICS #1
STAFF PICKS
Steve - CAPTAIN SWING and the PIRATES OF CINDERY ISLAND #1 = I so wanted to pick Blackest Night, but I figured that'd be an obvious one this week, so I went with my other favorite: Captain Swing. Ellis knocks out some of his best work in a while in this killer steampunk twist on the world of Jack the Ripper. Very good!
Trish - WALKING DEAD #70 = Things just keep getting weirder, and weirder, and I keep getting left hanging for the next issue!
Torma - THOR #607 *SIEGE*= TOTAL MAYHEM!!!! This was a kick-ass issue all the way through! And the ending was AWESOME! If you want to see some major Asgardian butt-stomping.... pick this one up
Matt - BLACKEST NIGHT #7 = There's so many pages in this one that would make killer posters. The huge spread in the middle! YES! Plus, the ending rocked!
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