*NEW RELEASES WILL BE ARRIVING ON THURSDAY INSTEAD OF WEDNESDAY THIS WEEK DUE TO THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY*
WOLVERINE: THE BEST THERE IS #1*THIRD EYE MUST BUY* - A NEW ONGOING COMPANION SERIES TO "WOLVERINE" SPOTLIGHTING LOGAN'S FUTURE IN THE MARVEL UNIVERSE, NEW VILLAINS, AND SOME OF THE MOST UNRELENTINGLY BRUTAL ART WE'VE SEEN COURTESY OF JUAN JOSE RYPE (BLACK SUMMER, NANCY IN HELL, ECT).
With Wolverine Origins having reached it's conclusion, there's been a bit of a void left behind. As far back as we can remember, there's always been a nice, kick-ass Wolverine companion title to the regular ongoing series that delivered tight, kick-ass self-contained stories featuring everyone's favorite Canadian killing machine.
Well, that void is being filled now with the debut of this week's WOLVERINE: THE BEST THERE IS ongoing series, penned by Charlie Huston (a guy who's really made a name for himself doing pulpy crime noir novels), and the amazingly talented JUAN JOSE RYP (who you might know from stuff like NO HERO, BLACK SUMMER, NANCY IN HELL, and even a little of his work on Vengeance of Moon Knight, folks, this guy is GOOD). In my opinion, the creative team on this one is top notch, and is a perfect duo to head up a Wolverine title that's promising to be dripping in blood, guts, and mayhem.
Writer Charlie Huston says that one thing he really intends to do with this series is look to the here, the now, and the future of Wolverine, since he feels that many past stories involving the character have always been rooted in what came before, and were so entrenched in past characters and story-lines. This means that the series is the perfect accessible spot to get into Wolverine if you've been away from the character for some time, and have been wanting to get into his series. While we highly recommend Jason Aaron's superb WOLVERINE ongoing series (currently running the Wolverine Goes to Hell storyline), we have to admit, we're pretty stoked about The Best There Is, just because of the creative team alone.
And, there I go again, raving about the guys involved on this one. Well, Huston has been responsible for some very under-rated comic gems. He's the guy who penned some killer Moon Knight arcs during the David Finch days, his crime novels are among some of my favorites, and he's done some other comic work that I've felt has been top notch. The real selling point for me on this one, and what really won me over was the inclusion of Juan Jose Ryp on art. This guy has been wowing me ever since Black Summer, and his ultra-detailed, Geoff Darrow-influenced style of artwork is a perfect fit for Wolverine. Just look at the preview link below, and you'll see what I'm talking about. If you're big on good art, Ryp is a name you need to know, and folks, I feel that Wolverine is going to be his breakout book. This guy has the potential to grow into the same league as guys like Finch and Cheung for straight-up hyper-kinetic comic book art.
The first arc of BEST THERE IS introduces a new villain, and one thing Huston said he wanted to do was avoid the old standards for Wolverine villains (i.e Samurai, Feral animalistic bad guy, or assassin of some sort) and go for something completely different. This is a character who has no connection to Wolverine at all from the past, and there will be no sudden revelations of him being his long-lost grandfather, or killing an old flame, or anything like that. He's a completely new breed of psycho. His interests in Wolverine are purely that Wolverine has something that he wants, and he plans to get it. Contagion, the character's name, obviously indicates that his powers have something to do with disease, and viruses, but Huston indicates there's more to it than that. Maybe what he wants from Wolverine has to do with his healing factor?
Another interesting aspect is the introduction of THE UNKILLABLES, a team that Contagion enlists the aid of, and has a roster consisting of washed-up, has-been Marvel villains and characters, some of whom never had more than one appearance in a title. The one we recognized right off the bat? Madcap. That annoying '80s character who was such a lovable loser, and so ridiculous, we're stoked to see him being included.
One thing that Marvel has said about this series is this one carries a Mature rating, and looks to be packed full of ultra-violence, and with Juan Jose Ryp handling the art, we really couldn't imagine it any other way. Like I said, this guy has made a name for himself doing highly detailed, action-packed art on Avatar Press books like Black Summer.. so you know Marvel had to let him cut loose.
Anyways, enough of my jabbering, give this one a look this week, especially if you're even remotely a Wolverine fan, because it looks like it's going to kick-ass.
Click here for a preview of WOLVERINE: THE BEST THERE IS #1
BATMAN: ORPHANS #1 - A MUST FOR RED ROBIN & TIM DRAKE FANS, THIS 2 PART LIMITED SERIES EXPLORES SOMEONE WHO'S PROMISING KIDS THEY'LL BE THE NEW ROBIN.. IF THEY SURVIVE THE TEST! AND MOST OF THEM AREN'T.
One of the most interesting, and exciting developments in the DCU, specifically in the Gotham neck of the woods, has been Tim Drake's evolution into Red Robin. One of the things I've always loved about the way DC handles their characters is the way that characters are allowed room to grow, age, and mature. Dick Grayson goes from Robin to Nightwing to Batman, Tim Drake goes from Robin to Red Robin, ect ect.
Anyways, I've always been a fan of the Tim Drake Robin, and it's probably due in part to growing up and reading comics heavily in the '90s. A lot of those characters stuck with me, and Tim's evolution into Red Robin has been handled perfectly with his solo ongoing series being one of my favorites right now.
This two-issue limited series gives us a story that's set immediately before Tim's Red Robin days, and before Bruce Wayne's disappearance. An impostor Robin has turned up murdered, and Batman and Tim Drake must solve the murder. Of course, this puts them onto the trail of someone who is training a team of new teenaged sidekicks made up of kids who've been promised they'll be the new Robin... if they can live through the training.
This sounds like a kick-ass little limited series, and whether you're a Tim Drake fan, a follower of the Red Robin series, or just a Batman fan, we'd recommend giving it a look this week. The preview pages look slick, and we're pretty stoked about this one.
WARREN ELLIS'S SUPERGOD #5 ARRIVES THIS THURSDAY CONCLUDING ELLIS'S DARK AND DISTURBING EXPLORATION OF A SUPER-HUMAN ARMS RACE.
A MUST-READ FOR FANS OF IRREDEEMABLE, THE AUTHORITY, PLANETARY & MORE!
Missed the earlier issues? We've got #1-4 in stock to get you caught up!
Warren Ellis concludes his incredible take on the dawn of super-humans in the real world with this week's SUPERGOD #5. And, folks, speaking as someone who's already taken a look inside, it's worth the wait. This series in it's finished form stands up there with stuff like IRREDEEMABLE, THE BOYS, PLANETARY, and THE AUTHORITY, with it's well-crafted, yet very dark and disturbing take on the birth and evolution of superhuman man in the modern world.
The story of Supergod is fascinating, and is kind of an end-point to a theme that has been running through many of Ellis's books over the last few years. The kind of stuff he started with Black Summer, and No Hero, those themes are present in SUPERGOD. And, they're handled superbly. Basically, we're told the story through a British scientist, who tells us of the first interaction with super-humans, and how the idea spread like wildfire across the world. It basically turned into every major (and minor) nation racing to build their own Super God, and many of these were based upon the religious deities of their country of origin.
It's a freakin' great look at super-humans that hasn't really been shown before, and seeing a world where man rushes to build god-like figures to sell as guardians, but to use as weapons, is fascinating. Of course, things get crazy, and you see the Supergods gaining sentience, and not quite playing ball as had been hoped, with the Krishna-esque Supergod burning India to the ground, the highly mechanical technology-based Russian supergod showing an inhuman streak when interacting with people, and the identity crisis of the American Supergod.
And, now, in this week's issue #5, you just know that all of this is going to come to one big, bloody conclusion as the Supergods literally battle it out, and bring the world down around them.
Highly recommend this series, folks, we've got all of the issues in stock, so if you haven't read it, you can get caught up on 1-4 and grab #5, and devour it in one sitting.
SHADOWLAND #5 - THE CONCLUSION TO DAREDEVIL'S FALL FROM GRACE, AND DESCENT INTO MADNESS IS HERE!
This Thursday marks the highly anticipated conclusion to one of the best things we've been following since Summer, with Marvel's SHADOWLAND reaching it's conclusion. The story of Shadowland, which has basically followed Daredevil reaching his breaking point, and falling into madness, has been fantastic, and has been delivering in a big way from the get-go.
It all started with Daredevil defeating the Hand, and basically taking control of the legendary international band of assassins and thieves, and attempting to mold them into a force of justice. He goes on turning Hell's Kitchen into a giant prison/temple called Shadowland, and before you know it: he's broken both of Bullseye's arms, and buried a Sai in his stomach. And, so begins the heroes of Marvel's NYC going head to head with the Man without Fear.
The series has been a fantastic ride so far, with some killer artwork, and every issue's been action-packed. Plus, I've always been a sucker for the NYC-based Marvel characters, and it's cool to see that corner of the Marvel U getting the spotlight for once.
And, now, this Wednesday, the entire thing concludes, and we're stoked to see how this one ends out.
If you missed out on the series, we've got a checklist that outlines all the tie-in issues, and we've currently got SHADOWLAND #1-4, as well as all the tie-ins in stock here at the shop.
Click here to check out the OFFICIAL THIRD EYE SHADOWLAND CHECKLIST
Click here to check out the preview of SHADOWLAND #5
FABLES VOL 14 WITCHES TRADE PAPERBACK HITS THIS WEDNESDAY DELIVERING THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED VERTIGO DARK FANTASY SERIES
We're always stoked when FABLES comes out with a new trade, because the series reads so damn good in trade paperback format, and this Thursday, the latest installment of Willingham's long-running epic hits the shop. This series has remained one of our consistent favorites here at the shop, and the saga of the Fables continues to go in many new, and exciting directions.
For those of you who haven't yet started reading FABLES, I highly recommend picking up volume 1, LEGENDS IN EXILE, for only $10 here at the shop, and giving it a shot. It really is some of the best comic storytelling out there, and Willingham has taken a simple concept and developed into an intricate and compelling world that spans many genres, and delivers on all fronts: action, drama, suspense, even humor.
The series deals with various characters from fairy tales and folklore, some we all know and love (the Big Bad Wolf, Shere Khan from Jungle Book, Pinocchio, ect) and some that are more obscure. The characters refer to themselves as Fables, and the series begins chronicling how they've been forced out of their Homelands by "The Adversary", who has conquered the realm. They exist in a clandestine community in our world, New York City to be exact, known as Fabletown, while the Fables who are unable to blend in with human society (i.e monsters, anthropomorphic animals like the 3 Little Pigs, ect) live at "The Farm" in upstate New York. The Fables all act and behave like REAL people, and that's a big part of the series's charm. Snow White, the Mayor of Fabletown, is hard as nails, and has an interesting past, including her divorce with Prince Charming due to his infidelity (and Prince Charming happens to be a manipulative, just plain no good kinda guy), Bigby (aka the Big Bad Wolf), has not only reformed, but gained the ability to take on a human appearance, and when the series starts, acts as Fabletown's sheriff, Cinderella's frivolous lifestyle is just a front for the fact that she's a bad-ass secret agent, Goldie Locks is an animal rights activist, ect ect.
The series is fantastic, and I'm telling you, if you haven't tried it, you need to give it a shot, 'cause it's been one of our favorites for a long time.
For those of you already on board, we know you'll be eager to grab the latest trade which focuses on the Witches of Fabletown, Baba Yaga, and more.
HEROES FOR HIRE #1 RETURNS AS A NEW ONGOING SERIES FEATURING GHOST RIDER, THE PUNISHER, IRON FIST, MOON KNIGHT, THE FALCON, MISTY KNIGHT AND MORE by Marvel's COSMIC MAESTROS DAN ABNETT AND ANDY LANNING (THANOS IMPERATIVE, ANNIHILATION, NOVA)
I've always been a fan of the HEROES FOR HIRE series in their various incarnations, and I'm pretty stoked to see the book returning this week by two of the most under-rated and talented guys working at Marvel: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. This writing team single-handedly resurrected the Marvel cosmic characters with Annihilation, and continued to tell many fantastic series in books like NOVA, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, and events like WAR OF KINGS and THANOS IMPERATIVE.
Now, in the aftermath of SHADOWLAND, the team has reformed, and the new line-up is killer, with the Punisher, Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, Elektra, Misty Knight, the Paladin, the Falcon, Iron Fist, Silver Sable, Misty Knight, The Shroud and more amongst the roster. Now, the one thing that really stands out is the team is composed of primarily characters that are normally loners, so we're very intrigued to see how they interact with one another, and what the motivations of the team being formed are.
What sets this new incarnation of Heroes for Hire apart from previous incarnations is there's a different team dynamic going on. A rotating team of agents who're called in to suit the mission dynamics, and a lot more of a mystery element that plays well with these character's backgrounds, which reminds us a lot of SECRET AVENGERS. Abnett promises a very cool new take on the "street-level" Marvel Universe, instead of just a bland nondescript street crime approach. The way he describes it is as a very Marvel Universe-tinged kind of setting where these are crimes and problems that could only happen in the Marvel U.
We're pretty excited about this one, and recommend checking it out if you're into the more street-level characters of the Marvel U, like the Punisher and Moon Knight.
Click here for a preview of HEROES FOR HIRE #1
LADY DEATH RETURNS THIS WEEK IN LADY DEATH #0 FROM AVATAR PRESS'S NEW BOUNDLESS IMPRINT
Lady Death makes her grand return this Thursday in a new ongoing series, with this week's LADY DEATH #0. The folks at Avatar Press have started a new imprint of their publishing company specifically for the title (and any off-shoots that might crop up.. maybe Evil Ernie's not far behind?) called BOUNDLESS, and with the folks at Avatar being in on this one, we're pretty confident that it's going to not only kick-ass, but stay very true to the original spirit of those Lady Death comics that we all know and remember from a decade and a half ago.
I have to admit, just like with the return of Vampirella, I'm stoked for this one, because of the nostalgia factor especially. I remember when I first got into comics in a big way, and going into comic shops, and seeing crazy gory posters of this pale chick with a sword and some skeleton metalhead that looks like he just stepped out of a Megadeth video, and totally having my mind blown as a kid. The characters often resembled the tradition of metal characters that branded bands albums like Megadeth's Vic and Iron Maiden's Eddie, or even the Accused's Martha Splatterhead. So, for me, being a kid who was comic-and-music obsessed, this was a perfect meeting of worlds. So I'm pretty excited to see the characters returning.
As for how the story is looking, it should be interesting, because the folks at Avatar are known for putting out quality products that really push the envelope (they've done series like CROSSED and NEONOMICON), so to see them bringing a new twist and a new breath of fresh air to the world of Lady Death, Purgatory, and Evil Ernie, is pretty freakin' cool.
BRIGHTEST DAY #15 - The Brightest Day continues to impress, and get better and better as the saga pulls us in deeper!
The Brightest Day continues to be one of my favorite reads, and while it showed a little bit of a lull around issues 7-9, ever since it picked back up with issue #10, I've been hooked all over again. Things have been getting really interesting, and the development of the characters, as well as the groundwork Geoff Johns has been laying as the series has been going on, is really starting to pay off.
In issue #14, we saw the future and the past both put in front of Boston Brand in the form of a White Lantern ring induced imagery. Deadman is haunted by the White ring that's chosen him, and is on a quest to find the new White Lantern of Earth, and it happens that his quest took him to Gotham City where some very interesting things happen in regards to a recently returned Bruce Wayne.
Now, going forward, it looks like we're going to see more developments in regards to the legacy of the new Aqualad, Firestorm's dangerous situation, and more.
For those of you not yet on board with the Brightest Day, it's a great series to jump into if you're looking to get into the DCU. The series literally acts as a DCU Rebirth, and is a ground zero rebuilding of the DC Universe in the aftermath of last year's mega-awesome BLACKEST NIGHT series. The series basically shows the White Lantern who were resurrected at the end of Blackest Night now trying to find their places in the DCU, heroes and villains alike, and using this form of storytelling, we're seeing a lot of characters who've been under-used, or long-forgotten being developed into some really kick-ass additions to the DCU. Trust me folks, Black Manta has never been cooler than he is now, and I've really become a big Firestorm fan along the way too.
We've got all of the issues of the series in stock (Brightest Day 1-14), as well as all of the tie-ins, so if you're interested in hopping on, pop by and grab a copy of BRIGHTEST DAY #0 and give the series a go.
BRIGHTEST DAY VOL. 1 HARDCOVER HITS THIS THURSDAY AS WELL, COLLECTING ISSUES #0-7
Get A Set of Lantern Rings Free With Purchase When You Grab Your Copy This Thursday
Hey, speaking of BRIGHTEST DAY, we've got the first hardcover installment of the series dropping this week as well! How rad is that? For those of you who've been waiting to pick this one up in graphic novel, now's your chance, and trust us folks, you're gonna love where this series has been heading. It's been every bit as compelling as the BLACKEST NIGHT was, and we've been really impressed with the development of these recently returned DCU characters. But of course, you just heard me ranting and raving above about BRIGHTEST DAY, so I'll cut this one short.
As a heads up, we'll be doing a special promotion this Thursday, where we're offering a full set of Lantern power rings, the entire color spectrum, free with purchase of the BRIGHTEST DAY vol. 1 hardcover when you pick it up on the day of release, this Thursday!
BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2010 DROPS THIS WEDNESDAY FEATURING GOTHAM CITY'S MOST DEPRAVED VILLAINS.. FEATURING THE JOKER, THE RIDDLER, CALENDAR MAN, SCARECROW, AND MORE!
Whenever DC puts out an 80-Page Giant for a title, it's either really really cool, or kinda forgettable. This week's BATMAN 80 PAGE GIANT 2010 looks like it's going to be of the really really cool variety, because it's got something that I think we can all say we love: LOADS OF BATMAN VILLAINS! Batman's always had the best Rogue's Gallery, and the dark and disturbed psychos that have made up his Rogue's Gallery have always been an integral part of what makes Batman stories so freakin' cool.
This week, the 80 Page Giant one-shot features some of DC's most promising new talent telling killer stories featuring characters like the Joker, the Riddler, the Calendar Man, the Scarecrow, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, and heck, even Humpty Dumpty. Yes. Humpty Dumpty.
This one should be pretty kick-ass, and I can't wait to sit down and read it. I love when they do little one-shots like this!
GENERATION HOPE #2 CONTINUES THE SAGA OF THE FIVE LIGHTS AND HOPE THIS WEEK AT THIRD EYE! MISSED #1? WE'VE STILL GOT COPIES AVAILABLE TO CATCH YOU UP. A MUST-READ FOR X-FANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF YOU WHO DUG X-MEN: SECOND COMING
Picking up right after the events of X-MEN SECOND COMING, GENERATION HOPE is continuing the saga of the Five Lights, as Hope and the Four Lights who've already been found head with Rogue to Tokyo to pick up the last of the Five Lights.
Who are the Five Lights? Well, way back when, in HOUSE OF M, Scarlet Witch caused an event called M DAY, where all but 198 of the world's mutants were wiped out. Ever since then, the mutant race has been in danger of extinction, and with Hope's return, so has a hope for the mutant race returned. The Five Lights are the first mutants to appear since M-Day, and the X-Men are intent on bringing them into the fold.
The first issue of this one was kick-ass, and Third Eye favorite writer Kieron Gillen is doing a fantastic job of fleshing this one out. Whether you're an X-Fan, or just a big Marvel U. fan, we recommend checking this one out if you haven't already. The character of Hope, and the Five Lights are some of the coolest additions to the X-Men storylines we've seen in a while.
Click here for a preview of GENERATION HOPE #2
CHIP N DALE RESCUE RANGERS #1 - SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS! And, hey, a nostalgia trip for the rest of us!
Boom!'s been doing such a fine job with their kids lines that we really felt they deserved a shout-out this week with one of our own childhoods favorite getting the comic treatment in Chip N Dale's Rescue Rangers #1. Now, this probably isn't exactly gonna be WATCHMEN, folks, but it's good to see a publisher putting out good, quality comics on a consistent basis for the little guys just getting into the hobby. Their Darkwing Duck was a big hit with both kids and adults alike, as the sheer coolness of Darkwing Duck and the nostalgia blast got a lot of us stoked. Now, it looks like they're gonna repeat the formula all over again with the Rescue Rangers.
Click here for a preview of Chip N Dale's Rescue Rangers #1
PLANETARY VOL.4 SPACE TIME ARCHAEOLOGY TPB CONCLUDES ELLIS'S LONG-RUNNING EPIC! ONE OF THE BEST COMIC SERIES YOU WILL EVER READ. GUARANTEED.
The trade paperback edition of one of our favorite series of all-time's conclusions hits this Thursday, and we really felt like this deserved some attention.
For those of you who've already read the previous installments of Planetary, you've either already read this one in singles, bought the hardcover, or are all set to get the final trade paperback. For those of you who haven't, then you need to know just how awesome Planetary is.
The series Planetary focuses on the Planetary Organization, the Archaeologists of the Impossible, who's mission is to track down the world's secret history. Funded by the mysterious Fourth Man, who you're led to believe could be anyone from Bill Gates to Adolf Hitler, the field team consists of three super-humans: Jakita Wagner, The Drummer, and Elijah Snow.
The big hook of Planetary is that ALL pop culture, science fiction, comic books, horror movies, everything, is all a secret history of the world, and exists. In the world of Planetary, you're taken into stories that range from all the monsters of Monster Island (From the Godzilla Movies) turning up dead (Mothra's rotting corpse on the beach is quite a sight), to the story of Thor's hammer, to Dracula, to John Woo / Chow Yun Fat style Hong Kong action cinema, to even having the likes of John Constantine, Wonder Woman, and Alan Moore appearing as characters. It's very similar to Moore's own LEGION OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN.
There's a bigger, over-arching story that runs through the book, and this is what makes it so damn good. Imagine if you had a hundred years of superhero history slowly leaking out into the real world... that's the world of Planetary. John Cassaday's artwork also is a big part of bringing this book to life, and looks fantastic. I cannot recommend this series enough, folks. One of the best things you could pick up this week is PLANETARY v.1, if you haven't yet tried this series.
THIRD EYE STAFF PICKS
With Wolverine Origins having reached it's conclusion, there's been a bit of a void left behind. As far back as we can remember, there's always been a nice, kick-ass Wolverine companion title to the regular ongoing series that delivered tight, kick-ass self-contained stories featuring everyone's favorite Canadian killing machine.
Well, that void is being filled now with the debut of this week's WOLVERINE: THE BEST THERE IS ongoing series, penned by Charlie Huston (a guy who's really made a name for himself doing pulpy crime noir novels), and the amazingly talented JUAN JOSE RYP (who you might know from stuff like NO HERO, BLACK SUMMER, NANCY IN HELL, and even a little of his work on Vengeance of Moon Knight, folks, this guy is GOOD). In my opinion, the creative team on this one is top notch, and is a perfect duo to head up a Wolverine title that's promising to be dripping in blood, guts, and mayhem.
Writer Charlie Huston says that one thing he really intends to do with this series is look to the here, the now, and the future of Wolverine, since he feels that many past stories involving the character have always been rooted in what came before, and were so entrenched in past characters and story-lines. This means that the series is the perfect accessible spot to get into Wolverine if you've been away from the character for some time, and have been wanting to get into his series. While we highly recommend Jason Aaron's superb WOLVERINE ongoing series (currently running the Wolverine Goes to Hell storyline), we have to admit, we're pretty stoked about The Best There Is, just because of the creative team alone.
And, there I go again, raving about the guys involved on this one. Well, Huston has been responsible for some very under-rated comic gems. He's the guy who penned some killer Moon Knight arcs during the David Finch days, his crime novels are among some of my favorites, and he's done some other comic work that I've felt has been top notch. The real selling point for me on this one, and what really won me over was the inclusion of Juan Jose Ryp on art. This guy has been wowing me ever since Black Summer, and his ultra-detailed, Geoff Darrow-influenced style of artwork is a perfect fit for Wolverine. Just look at the preview link below, and you'll see what I'm talking about. If you're big on good art, Ryp is a name you need to know, and folks, I feel that Wolverine is going to be his breakout book. This guy has the potential to grow into the same league as guys like Finch and Cheung for straight-up hyper-kinetic comic book art.
The first arc of BEST THERE IS introduces a new villain, and one thing Huston said he wanted to do was avoid the old standards for Wolverine villains (i.e Samurai, Feral animalistic bad guy, or assassin of some sort) and go for something completely different. This is a character who has no connection to Wolverine at all from the past, and there will be no sudden revelations of him being his long-lost grandfather, or killing an old flame, or anything like that. He's a completely new breed of psycho. His interests in Wolverine are purely that Wolverine has something that he wants, and he plans to get it. Contagion, the character's name, obviously indicates that his powers have something to do with disease, and viruses, but Huston indicates there's more to it than that. Maybe what he wants from Wolverine has to do with his healing factor?
Another interesting aspect is the introduction of THE UNKILLABLES, a team that Contagion enlists the aid of, and has a roster consisting of washed-up, has-been Marvel villains and characters, some of whom never had more than one appearance in a title. The one we recognized right off the bat? Madcap. That annoying '80s character who was such a lovable loser, and so ridiculous, we're stoked to see him being included.
One thing that Marvel has said about this series is this one carries a Mature rating, and looks to be packed full of ultra-violence, and with Juan Jose Ryp handling the art, we really couldn't imagine it any other way. Like I said, this guy has made a name for himself doing highly detailed, action-packed art on Avatar Press books like Black Summer.. so you know Marvel had to let him cut loose.
Anyways, enough of my jabbering, give this one a look this week, especially if you're even remotely a Wolverine fan, because it looks like it's going to kick-ass.
Click here for a preview of WOLVERINE: THE BEST THERE IS #1
BATMAN: ORPHANS #1 - A MUST FOR RED ROBIN & TIM DRAKE FANS, THIS 2 PART LIMITED SERIES EXPLORES SOMEONE WHO'S PROMISING KIDS THEY'LL BE THE NEW ROBIN.. IF THEY SURVIVE THE TEST! AND MOST OF THEM AREN'T.
One of the most interesting, and exciting developments in the DCU, specifically in the Gotham neck of the woods, has been Tim Drake's evolution into Red Robin. One of the things I've always loved about the way DC handles their characters is the way that characters are allowed room to grow, age, and mature. Dick Grayson goes from Robin to Nightwing to Batman, Tim Drake goes from Robin to Red Robin, ect ect.
Anyways, I've always been a fan of the Tim Drake Robin, and it's probably due in part to growing up and reading comics heavily in the '90s. A lot of those characters stuck with me, and Tim's evolution into Red Robin has been handled perfectly with his solo ongoing series being one of my favorites right now.
This two-issue limited series gives us a story that's set immediately before Tim's Red Robin days, and before Bruce Wayne's disappearance. An impostor Robin has turned up murdered, and Batman and Tim Drake must solve the murder. Of course, this puts them onto the trail of someone who is training a team of new teenaged sidekicks made up of kids who've been promised they'll be the new Robin... if they can live through the training.
This sounds like a kick-ass little limited series, and whether you're a Tim Drake fan, a follower of the Red Robin series, or just a Batman fan, we'd recommend giving it a look this week. The preview pages look slick, and we're pretty stoked about this one.
WARREN ELLIS'S SUPERGOD #5 ARRIVES THIS THURSDAY CONCLUDING ELLIS'S DARK AND DISTURBING EXPLORATION OF A SUPER-HUMAN ARMS RACE.
A MUST-READ FOR FANS OF IRREDEEMABLE, THE AUTHORITY, PLANETARY & MORE!
Missed the earlier issues? We've got #1-4 in stock to get you caught up!
Warren Ellis concludes his incredible take on the dawn of super-humans in the real world with this week's SUPERGOD #5. And, folks, speaking as someone who's already taken a look inside, it's worth the wait. This series in it's finished form stands up there with stuff like IRREDEEMABLE, THE BOYS, PLANETARY, and THE AUTHORITY, with it's well-crafted, yet very dark and disturbing take on the birth and evolution of superhuman man in the modern world.
The story of Supergod is fascinating, and is kind of an end-point to a theme that has been running through many of Ellis's books over the last few years. The kind of stuff he started with Black Summer, and No Hero, those themes are present in SUPERGOD. And, they're handled superbly. Basically, we're told the story through a British scientist, who tells us of the first interaction with super-humans, and how the idea spread like wildfire across the world. It basically turned into every major (and minor) nation racing to build their own Super God, and many of these were based upon the religious deities of their country of origin.
It's a freakin' great look at super-humans that hasn't really been shown before, and seeing a world where man rushes to build god-like figures to sell as guardians, but to use as weapons, is fascinating. Of course, things get crazy, and you see the Supergods gaining sentience, and not quite playing ball as had been hoped, with the Krishna-esque Supergod burning India to the ground, the highly mechanical technology-based Russian supergod showing an inhuman streak when interacting with people, and the identity crisis of the American Supergod.
And, now, in this week's issue #5, you just know that all of this is going to come to one big, bloody conclusion as the Supergods literally battle it out, and bring the world down around them.
Highly recommend this series, folks, we've got all of the issues in stock, so if you haven't read it, you can get caught up on 1-4 and grab #5, and devour it in one sitting.
SHADOWLAND #5 - THE CONCLUSION TO DAREDEVIL'S FALL FROM GRACE, AND DESCENT INTO MADNESS IS HERE!
This Thursday marks the highly anticipated conclusion to one of the best things we've been following since Summer, with Marvel's SHADOWLAND reaching it's conclusion. The story of Shadowland, which has basically followed Daredevil reaching his breaking point, and falling into madness, has been fantastic, and has been delivering in a big way from the get-go.
It all started with Daredevil defeating the Hand, and basically taking control of the legendary international band of assassins and thieves, and attempting to mold them into a force of justice. He goes on turning Hell's Kitchen into a giant prison/temple called Shadowland, and before you know it: he's broken both of Bullseye's arms, and buried a Sai in his stomach. And, so begins the heroes of Marvel's NYC going head to head with the Man without Fear.
The series has been a fantastic ride so far, with some killer artwork, and every issue's been action-packed. Plus, I've always been a sucker for the NYC-based Marvel characters, and it's cool to see that corner of the Marvel U getting the spotlight for once.
And, now, this Wednesday, the entire thing concludes, and we're stoked to see how this one ends out.
If you missed out on the series, we've got a checklist that outlines all the tie-in issues, and we've currently got SHADOWLAND #1-4, as well as all the tie-ins in stock here at the shop.
Click here to check out the OFFICIAL THIRD EYE SHADOWLAND CHECKLIST
Click here to check out the preview of SHADOWLAND #5
FABLES VOL 14 WITCHES TRADE PAPERBACK HITS THIS WEDNESDAY DELIVERING THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED VERTIGO DARK FANTASY SERIES
We're always stoked when FABLES comes out with a new trade, because the series reads so damn good in trade paperback format, and this Thursday, the latest installment of Willingham's long-running epic hits the shop. This series has remained one of our consistent favorites here at the shop, and the saga of the Fables continues to go in many new, and exciting directions.
For those of you who haven't yet started reading FABLES, I highly recommend picking up volume 1, LEGENDS IN EXILE, for only $10 here at the shop, and giving it a shot. It really is some of the best comic storytelling out there, and Willingham has taken a simple concept and developed into an intricate and compelling world that spans many genres, and delivers on all fronts: action, drama, suspense, even humor.
The series deals with various characters from fairy tales and folklore, some we all know and love (the Big Bad Wolf, Shere Khan from Jungle Book, Pinocchio, ect) and some that are more obscure. The characters refer to themselves as Fables, and the series begins chronicling how they've been forced out of their Homelands by "The Adversary", who has conquered the realm. They exist in a clandestine community in our world, New York City to be exact, known as Fabletown, while the Fables who are unable to blend in with human society (i.e monsters, anthropomorphic animals like the 3 Little Pigs, ect) live at "The Farm" in upstate New York. The Fables all act and behave like REAL people, and that's a big part of the series's charm. Snow White, the Mayor of Fabletown, is hard as nails, and has an interesting past, including her divorce with Prince Charming due to his infidelity (and Prince Charming happens to be a manipulative, just plain no good kinda guy), Bigby (aka the Big Bad Wolf), has not only reformed, but gained the ability to take on a human appearance, and when the series starts, acts as Fabletown's sheriff, Cinderella's frivolous lifestyle is just a front for the fact that she's a bad-ass secret agent, Goldie Locks is an animal rights activist, ect ect.
The series is fantastic, and I'm telling you, if you haven't tried it, you need to give it a shot, 'cause it's been one of our favorites for a long time.
For those of you already on board, we know you'll be eager to grab the latest trade which focuses on the Witches of Fabletown, Baba Yaga, and more.
HEROES FOR HIRE #1 RETURNS AS A NEW ONGOING SERIES FEATURING GHOST RIDER, THE PUNISHER, IRON FIST, MOON KNIGHT, THE FALCON, MISTY KNIGHT AND MORE by Marvel's COSMIC MAESTROS DAN ABNETT AND ANDY LANNING (THANOS IMPERATIVE, ANNIHILATION, NOVA)
I've always been a fan of the HEROES FOR HIRE series in their various incarnations, and I'm pretty stoked to see the book returning this week by two of the most under-rated and talented guys working at Marvel: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. This writing team single-handedly resurrected the Marvel cosmic characters with Annihilation, and continued to tell many fantastic series in books like NOVA, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, and events like WAR OF KINGS and THANOS IMPERATIVE.
Now, in the aftermath of SHADOWLAND, the team has reformed, and the new line-up is killer, with the Punisher, Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, Elektra, Misty Knight, the Paladin, the Falcon, Iron Fist, Silver Sable, Misty Knight, The Shroud and more amongst the roster. Now, the one thing that really stands out is the team is composed of primarily characters that are normally loners, so we're very intrigued to see how they interact with one another, and what the motivations of the team being formed are.
What sets this new incarnation of Heroes for Hire apart from previous incarnations is there's a different team dynamic going on. A rotating team of agents who're called in to suit the mission dynamics, and a lot more of a mystery element that plays well with these character's backgrounds, which reminds us a lot of SECRET AVENGERS. Abnett promises a very cool new take on the "street-level" Marvel Universe, instead of just a bland nondescript street crime approach. The way he describes it is as a very Marvel Universe-tinged kind of setting where these are crimes and problems that could only happen in the Marvel U.
We're pretty excited about this one, and recommend checking it out if you're into the more street-level characters of the Marvel U, like the Punisher and Moon Knight.
Click here for a preview of HEROES FOR HIRE #1
LADY DEATH RETURNS THIS WEEK IN LADY DEATH #0 FROM AVATAR PRESS'S NEW BOUNDLESS IMPRINT
Lady Death makes her grand return this Thursday in a new ongoing series, with this week's LADY DEATH #0. The folks at Avatar Press have started a new imprint of their publishing company specifically for the title (and any off-shoots that might crop up.. maybe Evil Ernie's not far behind?) called BOUNDLESS, and with the folks at Avatar being in on this one, we're pretty confident that it's going to not only kick-ass, but stay very true to the original spirit of those Lady Death comics that we all know and remember from a decade and a half ago.
I have to admit, just like with the return of Vampirella, I'm stoked for this one, because of the nostalgia factor especially. I remember when I first got into comics in a big way, and going into comic shops, and seeing crazy gory posters of this pale chick with a sword and some skeleton metalhead that looks like he just stepped out of a Megadeth video, and totally having my mind blown as a kid. The characters often resembled the tradition of metal characters that branded bands albums like Megadeth's Vic and Iron Maiden's Eddie, or even the Accused's Martha Splatterhead. So, for me, being a kid who was comic-and-music obsessed, this was a perfect meeting of worlds. So I'm pretty excited to see the characters returning.
As for how the story is looking, it should be interesting, because the folks at Avatar are known for putting out quality products that really push the envelope (they've done series like CROSSED and NEONOMICON), so to see them bringing a new twist and a new breath of fresh air to the world of Lady Death, Purgatory, and Evil Ernie, is pretty freakin' cool.
BRIGHTEST DAY #15 - The Brightest Day continues to impress, and get better and better as the saga pulls us in deeper!
The Brightest Day continues to be one of my favorite reads, and while it showed a little bit of a lull around issues 7-9, ever since it picked back up with issue #10, I've been hooked all over again. Things have been getting really interesting, and the development of the characters, as well as the groundwork Geoff Johns has been laying as the series has been going on, is really starting to pay off.
In issue #14, we saw the future and the past both put in front of Boston Brand in the form of a White Lantern ring induced imagery. Deadman is haunted by the White ring that's chosen him, and is on a quest to find the new White Lantern of Earth, and it happens that his quest took him to Gotham City where some very interesting things happen in regards to a recently returned Bruce Wayne.
Now, going forward, it looks like we're going to see more developments in regards to the legacy of the new Aqualad, Firestorm's dangerous situation, and more.
For those of you not yet on board with the Brightest Day, it's a great series to jump into if you're looking to get into the DCU. The series literally acts as a DCU Rebirth, and is a ground zero rebuilding of the DC Universe in the aftermath of last year's mega-awesome BLACKEST NIGHT series. The series basically shows the White Lantern who were resurrected at the end of Blackest Night now trying to find their places in the DCU, heroes and villains alike, and using this form of storytelling, we're seeing a lot of characters who've been under-used, or long-forgotten being developed into some really kick-ass additions to the DCU. Trust me folks, Black Manta has never been cooler than he is now, and I've really become a big Firestorm fan along the way too.
We've got all of the issues of the series in stock (Brightest Day 1-14), as well as all of the tie-ins, so if you're interested in hopping on, pop by and grab a copy of BRIGHTEST DAY #0 and give the series a go.
BRIGHTEST DAY VOL. 1 HARDCOVER HITS THIS THURSDAY AS WELL, COLLECTING ISSUES #0-7
Get A Set of Lantern Rings Free With Purchase When You Grab Your Copy This Thursday
Hey, speaking of BRIGHTEST DAY, we've got the first hardcover installment of the series dropping this week as well! How rad is that? For those of you who've been waiting to pick this one up in graphic novel, now's your chance, and trust us folks, you're gonna love where this series has been heading. It's been every bit as compelling as the BLACKEST NIGHT was, and we've been really impressed with the development of these recently returned DCU characters. But of course, you just heard me ranting and raving above about BRIGHTEST DAY, so I'll cut this one short.
As a heads up, we'll be doing a special promotion this Thursday, where we're offering a full set of Lantern power rings, the entire color spectrum, free with purchase of the BRIGHTEST DAY vol. 1 hardcover when you pick it up on the day of release, this Thursday!
BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2010 DROPS THIS WEDNESDAY FEATURING GOTHAM CITY'S MOST DEPRAVED VILLAINS.. FEATURING THE JOKER, THE RIDDLER, CALENDAR MAN, SCARECROW, AND MORE!
Whenever DC puts out an 80-Page Giant for a title, it's either really really cool, or kinda forgettable. This week's BATMAN 80 PAGE GIANT 2010 looks like it's going to be of the really really cool variety, because it's got something that I think we can all say we love: LOADS OF BATMAN VILLAINS! Batman's always had the best Rogue's Gallery, and the dark and disturbed psychos that have made up his Rogue's Gallery have always been an integral part of what makes Batman stories so freakin' cool.
This week, the 80 Page Giant one-shot features some of DC's most promising new talent telling killer stories featuring characters like the Joker, the Riddler, the Calendar Man, the Scarecrow, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, and heck, even Humpty Dumpty. Yes. Humpty Dumpty.
This one should be pretty kick-ass, and I can't wait to sit down and read it. I love when they do little one-shots like this!
GENERATION HOPE #2 CONTINUES THE SAGA OF THE FIVE LIGHTS AND HOPE THIS WEEK AT THIRD EYE! MISSED #1? WE'VE STILL GOT COPIES AVAILABLE TO CATCH YOU UP. A MUST-READ FOR X-FANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF YOU WHO DUG X-MEN: SECOND COMING
Picking up right after the events of X-MEN SECOND COMING, GENERATION HOPE is continuing the saga of the Five Lights, as Hope and the Four Lights who've already been found head with Rogue to Tokyo to pick up the last of the Five Lights.
Who are the Five Lights? Well, way back when, in HOUSE OF M, Scarlet Witch caused an event called M DAY, where all but 198 of the world's mutants were wiped out. Ever since then, the mutant race has been in danger of extinction, and with Hope's return, so has a hope for the mutant race returned. The Five Lights are the first mutants to appear since M-Day, and the X-Men are intent on bringing them into the fold.
The first issue of this one was kick-ass, and Third Eye favorite writer Kieron Gillen is doing a fantastic job of fleshing this one out. Whether you're an X-Fan, or just a big Marvel U. fan, we recommend checking this one out if you haven't already. The character of Hope, and the Five Lights are some of the coolest additions to the X-Men storylines we've seen in a while.
Click here for a preview of GENERATION HOPE #2
CHIP N DALE RESCUE RANGERS #1 - SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS! And, hey, a nostalgia trip for the rest of us!
Boom!'s been doing such a fine job with their kids lines that we really felt they deserved a shout-out this week with one of our own childhoods favorite getting the comic treatment in Chip N Dale's Rescue Rangers #1. Now, this probably isn't exactly gonna be WATCHMEN, folks, but it's good to see a publisher putting out good, quality comics on a consistent basis for the little guys just getting into the hobby. Their Darkwing Duck was a big hit with both kids and adults alike, as the sheer coolness of Darkwing Duck and the nostalgia blast got a lot of us stoked. Now, it looks like they're gonna repeat the formula all over again with the Rescue Rangers.
Click here for a preview of Chip N Dale's Rescue Rangers #1
PLANETARY VOL.4 SPACE TIME ARCHAEOLOGY TPB CONCLUDES ELLIS'S LONG-RUNNING EPIC! ONE OF THE BEST COMIC SERIES YOU WILL EVER READ. GUARANTEED.
The trade paperback edition of one of our favorite series of all-time's conclusions hits this Thursday, and we really felt like this deserved some attention.
For those of you who've already read the previous installments of Planetary, you've either already read this one in singles, bought the hardcover, or are all set to get the final trade paperback. For those of you who haven't, then you need to know just how awesome Planetary is.
The series Planetary focuses on the Planetary Organization, the Archaeologists of the Impossible, who's mission is to track down the world's secret history. Funded by the mysterious Fourth Man, who you're led to believe could be anyone from Bill Gates to Adolf Hitler, the field team consists of three super-humans: Jakita Wagner, The Drummer, and Elijah Snow.
The big hook of Planetary is that ALL pop culture, science fiction, comic books, horror movies, everything, is all a secret history of the world, and exists. In the world of Planetary, you're taken into stories that range from all the monsters of Monster Island (From the Godzilla Movies) turning up dead (Mothra's rotting corpse on the beach is quite a sight), to the story of Thor's hammer, to Dracula, to John Woo / Chow Yun Fat style Hong Kong action cinema, to even having the likes of John Constantine, Wonder Woman, and Alan Moore appearing as characters. It's very similar to Moore's own LEGION OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN.
There's a bigger, over-arching story that runs through the book, and this is what makes it so damn good. Imagine if you had a hundred years of superhero history slowly leaking out into the real world... that's the world of Planetary. John Cassaday's artwork also is a big part of bringing this book to life, and looks fantastic. I cannot recommend this series enough, folks. One of the best things you could pick up this week is PLANETARY v.1, if you haven't yet tried this series.
THIRD EYE STAFF PICKS
Steve - UNCANNY X-FORCE #2 - What a kick-ass new series. Jerome Opena's art is incredible, and he is definitely one of my favorite new artists, and Remender is bringing some real fresh energy to this one.
Trish - WALKING DEAD #79 - Are you surprised? This one's automatically pick of the week whenever it comes out.
TORMA - BATWOMAN #0 - A great start for this series. The art on this is fantastic and JH Williams kicks things off telling a really interesting story with one of the coolest new DC characters I've seen.
Trish - WALKING DEAD #79 - Are you surprised? This one's automatically pick of the week whenever it comes out.
TORMA - BATWOMAN #0 - A great start for this series. The art on this is fantastic and JH Williams kicks things off telling a really interesting story with one of the coolest new DC characters I've seen.
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