THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS @ THIRD EYE FOR WEDNESDAY 2/23/11

THE END OF AN ERA.. THE FANTASTIC FOUR COMIC ENDS THIS WEDNESDAY WITH FANTASTIC FOUR #588 AFTER THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF LAST MONTH'S #587.

Read FF 587, Want to Be Prepped for the Upcoming "FF #1"? READ THIS ISSUE!

Missed #587? We'll have it in stock this Wednesday as well!


Last month, we saw Marvel's First Family lose one of their own in the penultimate chapter of Jonathan Hickman's incredible, classic-in-the-making FANTASTIC FOUR run. And, for many of you guys, this was your first exposure to Hickman's incredible work on FANTASTIC FOUR, or even to Hickman himself. Personally, I think that Jonathan Hickman is one of the most promising talents working in comics today, and his work on FF is just the thing to expose him to wider audiences, in a very well-deserved way.

Now, after the events of FANTASTIC FOUR #587, and the Death of the Human Torch, FANTASTIC FOUR #588 is the perfect spot to pick up with and prepare for Hickman's upcoming, highly anticipated new FF series, which stands for FUTURE FOUNDATION. All of the high-concept, crazy sci-fi awesomeness that Hickman has brought to the FANTASTIC FOUR in this title comes to a head in FF 588, as this series ends, and gives way to brand new age for Reed Richards and his family.

And, beyond the major storyline impacts and importance of this book, we cannot overlook the sheer historical importance of the fact that this is it, folks: the final issue of the FANTASTIC FOUR. One of Marvel's longest running series, this is a very significant point in the run, and is every bit as historical as last month's DEATH OF HUMAN TORCH issue.

As for why you should pick it up? Well, if you picked up the death issue, then you know damn well you need to pick up the next issue after the cliffhanger Hickman left us with. But, beyond that, it's also the perfect opportunity to prepare for Hickman's upcoming new FF which is guaranteed to be one of the biggest hits of the summer this year. And, on top of all that: it's just a really great read, and we feel you guys are going to really enjoy it.

Hickman's run on FF has been out of this world good, and now is the perfect time to jump aboard.

Totally Clueless About What Hickman's Been Doing on FANTASTIC FOUR til Now? That's okay. We'll give you a quick rundown: it all starts in FANTASTIC FOUR #570, with the first three volumes of the run available now in two trade paperbacks and one hardcover (softcover on the way), with Reed Richards showing his obsession with solving... EVERYTHING. All of the world's problems, he wants to fix 'em. And, he's pursuing this with a device that allows him to meet and talk with various Reed Richards from other dimensions. And, in charge of everything? Three Reed Richards, all wielding Infinity Gauntlets. And, from there, we're taken on a crazy storyline where Galactus's are being killed off, Dr. Dooms from various dimensions are being enslaved as part of the Richards's workforce, and a dozen different subplots are keeping every angle of the book fascinating and entertaining.

Folks, all we can say is: you have to read this title, even if you're not a FANTASTIC FOUR fan, it's one of the best books on the stands, and this week's #588 is the perfect spot to jump on.

For those of you who missed out on FANTASTIC FOUR #587, worry not, 'cause we'll have it in stock this Wednesday as well, so you can see the Human Torch's classic death moment.

Click here for a preview of FANTASTIC FOUR #588 *THE END*

CROSSED: PSYCHOPATH #1 BEGINS THIS WEDNESDAY, KICKING OFF THE LATEST, AND GREATEST IN AVATAR'S DEPRAVED SURVIVAL HORROR SERIES WHICH WE CAN ONLY CALL: THE MOST HORRIFYING COMIC ON THE STANDS.



Dude. We love CROSSED. I'm sorry. But it appeals to us in the same way that Suspiria, or any number of splatter classics did when we were kids. And, there's so much more going on here than just straight-up gore, grue and depravity. Folks, these books are damn well-written, and put together perfectly. Great writing, great art, AND totally in-your-face shock out fun.

WHAT IS CROSSED? Crossed is a series of survival horror comics where a disease has broken out in the world, and those infected are reduced to their most pure evil, and primal instincts. In other words, it's kind of like zombies, but not like zombies. They're aware of what they're doing, and they gain a sadistic pleasure from it. The disease causes a rash to spread on the infected's face that resembles a cross, hence their naming. However, the big difference between this and many other survival horror tales is the fact that the Crossed still have their wits about them, and can plot, and plan horrible, terrible ways to not only kill and torture their victims, but also to spread the disease.

The original CROSSED series is available in trade paperback here at Third Eye Comics, and collects the original 10-issue CROSSED maxiseries. The second series, which is CROSSED: FAMILY VALUES, is a document of the outbreak in another corner of the U.S.A, and we've got the entire series in stock in single issue format (issues 1-7).

And now, this Wednesday, Avatar is offering readers a chance to jump in fresh. With CROSSED PSYCHOPATH, if you've never read CROSSED before, and are looking for a series to start, this is a great one to begin with, as you don't need any prior knowledge of the previous two series to jump into this. Of course, it's written by David Lapham, so you can expect the same kind of sick, and twisted high quality storytelling that we got in FAMILY VALUES, but if you're new to the world of CROSSED, this is the book to read.

So, the scoop on CROSSED: PSYCHOPATH, what's that all about, huh? In a whole new corner of the post-CROSSED world, there resides a man named Mr. Lorre. Mr. Lorre is a single, horribly selfish man trying to survive on his own. A man who leave behind every shred of his humanity to survive the CROSSED. And, through Mr. Lorre, Lapham and artist Raulo Caceres take us on a story that descends into the worst aspects of human behavior, a tale of unspeakable evils, violent assaults on both the mind and body, and of longing for death and it's release from the Crossed.

Imagine, for a moment, the worst crimes against humanity. Conjure your darkest nightmares, and then realize it could all be so much worse. When civilization crumbles in one terrifying moment; when people are gleefully breaking into unthinkable acts of violence all around you; when everyone you had before the fall has died; What do you do?

No help. No Hope. No Escape. Only the CROSSED. And, folks, when we say this is the most over-the-top, in-your-face horror comic on the stands, we mean it.

Check out CROSSED: PSYCHOPATH #1 this Wednesday, and find out what all the fuss is about.

DETECTIVE COMICS #874 - THE BEST BAT-BOOK YOU'RE NOT READING. SCOTT SNYDER (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) & FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA DELIVER ANOTHER MUST-READ ISSUE OF DETECTIVE COMICS. JUMP ON BOARD WITH DETECTIVE COMICS #871 & DISCOVER THIS GREAT BOOK



AAAAAH. This is such a good comic right now. You know those times when the story and the art just match up perfectly, and you're left in awe? Detective Comics right now is one of those kinds of books.

The one-two punch of LOSERS artist JOCK, and rising star pulp maestro FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA combined with AMERICAN VAMPIRE writer Scott Snyder's killer storytelling makes this book one of the best Bat-books on the stands. And, we know, there's some fierce competition with killer reads like THE DARK KNIGHT, and BATMAN INC, but folks, I'm tellin' ya: DETECTIVE COMICS is the best Bat-book you're not reading. You need to get into this one, seriously.

The run began with DETECTIVE COMICS #871, and focuses on Dick Grayson operating as Batman in Gotham City. The angle on this is fascinating though because this is Grayson trying to fill Bruce's shoes not just as a crime-fighter, but as the World's Greatest Detective. So, it's no secret that there's a STRONG detective/mystery influence in the storytelling here that really makes the book pop, and Jock and Francavilla are the perfect artists to bring it to life.

The first three issues introduce us to a cult of deviants-in-disguise that worship evil as the divine spark that sets humans apart from all other living creatures. An auctioning of the crowbar that was used to kill Jason Todd by the Joker goes bad, and Dick gets roped into the story, as Commissioner Gordon must deal with his own demons.

I cannot tell you guys how much I enjoy DETECTIVE COMICS every month, and if you're looking to add another Bat-book to your plate, then this is the one to read. Great story, great art... and with this week's DETECTIVE COMICS #874, we get to see Gordon getting a bit more of the spotlight, as one of Gotham's most notorious unsolved cases resurfaces with new evidence, bringing both the Caped Crusader and Gordon face to face with the Peter Pan Killer.

Highly recommended, folks, hop on with DETECTIVE COMICS #871 (in stock now along with 872 and 873), and find out why we're so hooked on this one.

THE RADDEST X-MEN STORY WE'VE SEEN IN SOME TIME: AGE OF X CONTINUES THIS WEDNESDAY IN X-MEN LEGACY #245 and NEW MUTANTS #22



AGE OF X started off with a freakin' bang, my friends. I was completely and totally knocked out of my seat by how killer this highly anticipated new storyline kicked off, and man, I am ready for more. And, this week, we get not just one but two chapters of the AGE OF X with X-MEN LEGACY #245 and NEW MUTANTS #22. The first two chapters of the highly anticipated run arrive this Wednesday, and after the awesomeness of the Prologue in AGE OF X ALPHA, we're stoked to read more.

What is AGE OF X? Much like the '90s crossover series AGE OF APOCALYPSE, AGE OF X is an alternate history storyline that's tied, mysteriously so, to the regular Marvel 616 Universe continuity. Essentially, what's happened is an event, which we're not completely clued in to, has happened that's altered the entire history of the X-Universe, to an alternate history where basically the X-Men never formed, and never existed.

And, what comes out of that, is basically a storyline where EVERYTHING is different about the mutants we've all come to know and love. For example, Cyclops has had his eyelids cut off, and is used as an executioner. A literal optic blast firing range, powered by one man. Gambit leads the Guild of Thieves. Wolverine is still with Weapon x. Arcade is a governor who oversees Alcatraz prison.

Tons of cool tidbits here, and that's just from the bit we saw in the opening shot prologue set-up book AGE OF X ALPHA. Now, this Wednesday, the AGE OF X officially begins with X-MEN LEGACY #245 *AGE OF X CHAPTER 1* and NEW MUTANTS #22 *AGE OF X CHAPTER 2*.

Now, we see how the last surviving mutants in this harsh, new world have banded together to survive, but how far will they go to take a stand?

Missed AGE OF X ALPHA? Fear not, Third Eye Faithful, not only do we still have a handful of first printings still remaining, but we've also got second printings arriving this Wednesday so you can get good and caught up on this kick-ass series.

Click here for a preview of X-MEN LEGACY #245 *AGE OF X CHAPTER 1*

Click here for a preview of NEW MUTANTS #22 *AGE OF X CHAPTER 2*

Click here for our official THIRD EYE AGE OF X Checklist

Click here to add the entire AGE OF X crossover to your subscription box

MORNING GLORIES #7 - READ THE TRADE PAPERBACK COLLECTING 1-6? JUMP ON THIS WEDNESDAY WITH #7!

The BEST Image Series Since CHEW & WALKING DEAD



So you've been hearing the ranting, the raving, and the downright fanboy gushing that we've been doing over the Image Series MORNING GLORIES, huh? And, lets say you weren't an early adopter, and waited to jump on with the kick-ass 6-issue TPB that hit last Wednesday collecting 1-6 for only $9.95 (hint,hint to those of you who haven't read it yet!), well, now is your chance to follow this incredible series on the regular, as issue #7 hits this Wednesday delivering the first issue following the trade paperback. And, folks, trust us, this one is definitely worth following month to month. The cliffhangers are some of the sharpest we've seen since WALKING DEAD tortured us with it's brutal cliffhanger tendencies. And, the story just continues to get better, and better.

What is MORNING GLORIES? For those of you who've yet to discover this killer series, here's the skinny: Morning Glory Academy is the most prestigious prep school in the United States. It's the place where people send their kids to groom them into Ivy League colleges, and the school itself harbors a very dark, very sinister secret. The mystery of the series is half the fun, and in the same tradition as stories like LOCKE and KEY, and even Joss Whedon's work on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, Nick Spencer (writer of INFINITE VACATION, amongst many other killer reads) manages to craft a strong, compelling suspenseful story while at the same time building his cast of characters and making them every bit as interesting as the mystery itself.

If I had to sum up this one in a quick, and easy way, I'd say it's a strong mix of BRIAN K. VAUGHN's work on RUNAWAYS, the Television series LOST, and Joe Hill's LOCKE & KEY.

Brilliant stuff, folks, and if you haven't yet given the series a shot, pick up the first trade paperback for only $9.99 this week at Third Eye. The first 6 issues for $10, and then you can hop aboard the monthly with MORNING GLORIES #7.

SCALPED VOLUME 7 REZ BLUES TRADE PAPERBACK HITS THIS WEDNESDAY. SIMPLY PUT, THE BEST VERTIGO COMIC ON THE STANDS RIGHT NOW.



Always a cause for celebration when a brand new trade paperback of SCALPED hits the shelves of Third Eye, and I'm sure many of you agree with me, Third Eye Faithful.

This series has really carved out a place for itself as THE flagship Vertigo book right now, and continues to get better, and better with each installment. A pure crime drama masterpiece that builds characters, and plot like past Vertigo greats Y THE LAST MAN and PREACHER.

Now, with SCALPED Vol. 7, we get another fix of the bleak, modern-day crime noir masterpiece that Jason Aaron (writer of WOLVERINE GOES TO HELL, and ULTIMATE CAPTAIN AMERICA) has put together for us.

What is SCALPED? Man, the best way I can describe it, because there's so much to this book, is imagine the complex storytelling of the television series THE WIRE, where no one is 100% good, and no one is 100% bad, and minor supporting characters end up becoming major lead characters as the series progresses, now take the setting and put it on a reservation, and that gives you a good idea of the hard-boiled crime drama that awaits in SCALPED.

The story begins focusing on Dashiel Badhorse, a man who's mother was part of a revolutionary movement in the '70s, and out of distaste for his mother, has rebelled by joining up with the FBI, and is now working undercover as one of Chief Redcrow's tribal police on the Rez. From there, we're taken on a trip where characters will go from good to bad to good to bad, and things like morals, justice, and more are suddenly put into question.

A fantastic read, all I can say is pick up the first volume of SCALPED and give it a shot. If you're a fan of series like CRIMINAL, 100 BULLETS, or other crime drama-oriented tales, this one's for you.

As for those of you who're waiting for the next TPB installment of this wonderful series, you know we'll have plenty of volume 7 waiting for you guys this week!



THE DEATH OF ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES IN ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #154 *DEATH OF ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN CHAPTER 3* THIS WEDNESDAY



Dude! The first two parts of the DEATH OF ULTIMATE SPIDERMAN storyline were freakin' amazing. I haven't enjoyed the book this much since back before it hit issue #100. It REALLY felt like the ULTIMATE SPIDERMAN I remember reading and loving way back in the day, and the characterization of many of the characters was perfect. The Black Cat, Mysterio, and even the flashback sequences with the Kingpin were all on point, in a major way.

Why is this storyline such a big deal, you may ask? Well, first of all: DEAD is DEAD in the Ultimate universe. Whenever a character dies here, the likelihood of them coming back is zilch. It's part of the rules for the slightly more realistic, edgier Ultimate version of the Marvel Universe. Secondly, this whole storyline is kind of being seen as a return to form for the Ultimate line by the original Ultimate Universe architects BENDIS and MILLAR. While there's been brief moments of awesomeness in the last couple years of ULTIMATE stories, it's been a while since we've gotten something that recaptures the early days of the Ultimates back when Bendis and Bagely were doing Spidey and Millar and Hitch were doing the Ultimates.
Judging from the first two issues that we've read: this is on the level of the early stuff, in a major way.

Now, going forward this week in ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #154, we're getting the next installment of this Ultimate epic. And, we cannot wait. After the ending of ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN 153, where we saw the exchange between Black Cat and Mysterio leveling an entire portion of New York City, now the one question I think we all want to know is what mysterious power does the key that Mysterio now possesses hold? And, how does it affect Spider-man?

Missed the first two chapters? Don't worry, we've got 'em in stock. You need: ULTIMATE AVENGERS vs. NEW ULTIMATES #1 and ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #153, and you'll be caught up to this week's ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #154.

Click here for a preview of ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #154 *DEATH OF ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN PT 3*

Click here for the official THIRD EYE DEATH OF ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN CHECKLIST

Click here to add the entire DEATH OF ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN Crossover to your Subscription List

DC COMICS PRESENTS BATMAN: CONSPIRACY - BATWOMAN artist JH WILLIAMS III pairs with BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES writer PAUL DINI IN THIS CLASSIC BATMAN STORY NEVER BEFORE REPRINTED!



It's no secret that we've been big fans of DC's new DC COMICS PRESENTS line, where they're able to give us affordable trade paperbacks at only $7.99, collecting long out of print gems in these little slabs of awesome. And, this Wednesday, following up on some of the other great reprintings they've given us, DC's bringing us this classic BATMAN arc from LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT that PAUL DINI (BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES) and JH WILLIAMS III (BATWOMAN artist) worked on together.

A rash of ritual murders send Batman on a cross-country search for the source, even as the cult begins fashioning it's own line of defense... and when Batman gets to the root of these murders, he's shown one of the most macabre, sinister things he's ever imagined.
AVENGERS DOUBLE-SHOT: AVENGERS #10 and SECRET AVENGERS #10 DELIVER A DOUBLE SERVING OF TWO THIRD EYE MUST BUYS



It's a double-dose of AVENGERS awesomeness this week, as two of my favorite Marvel books hit on Wednesday. The first of which is AVENGERS #10, which continues to deliver big-time as the flagship title of the Marvel Universe. If there was only one Marvel book you were reading to try and get a feel for the overall encompassing Marvel sagas, then this is the one. All the big stuff goes down here that is later explored in other stories. And, Bendis and Romita JR do a fantastic job of making each and every issue bigger-than-life, and over-the-top awesome.

The current arc which has brought back one of our favorite characters, THE HOOD, and his quest to assemble the Infinity Gauntlet has been awesome. We've been digging the inclusion of the RED HULK on the team, and the return of the Infinity Gauntlet is a pretty kick-ass storyline element for the Marvel U.
If you were looking for a good main-line Marvel book to follow, AVENGERS is it, and we do have all the issues in stock 1-10, to get you caught up.

Click here for a preview of AVENGERS #10 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*



Next up is the latest and greatest for the SECRET AVENGERS, which is my personal favorite Avengers title. I don't know if it's the eclectic team roster, or the more shadowy, covert ops nature of the book, but BRUBAKER and DEODATO do amazing things on SECRET AVENGERS, and I've loved each and every issue of the series.

Now, this week, in SECRET AVENGERS #10, the current arc of the title is wrapping up, as Steve Rogers must come face-to-face with an old friend turned enemy. More martial arts mayhem from the man who revitalized IRON FIST a couple of years ago, we're loving SECRET AVENGERS.

Wanna get caught up on this series? We've got issues #1-10 in stock to get you caught up on this unique take on the Avengers.

Click here for a preview of SECRET AVENGERS #10 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*

THE MISSION #1 DEBUTS THIS WEDNESDAY FROM IMAGE COMICS, ANOTHER EXCELLENT, INNOVATIVE NEW READ FROM IMAGE!

A Holy Mission of Murder!



Image has been on a roll for the past couple years with all the killer new series they've been delivering to us, and this Wednesday, it looks like they're putting out another killer read with this compelling new horror/suspense read THE MISSION.

What's it about? Meet Paul. Paul's an average working guy, who finds his life upended when he's approached by a mysterious figure who tells him he's been chosen for a mission in the battle between good and evil: the mission? Murder. Is this all real, or is paul going insane, and on the brink of turning into the kind of crazies you hear about on the news?

And, just where does this supernatural force come from that's trying to lead Paul to commit murder... for the greater good?

Sounds kick-ass, and we can't wait to sit down and read this one, folks. Give it a look here at Third Eye this Wednesday!

JUSTICE LEAGUE RISE AND FALL HARDCOVER HITS THIS WEDNESDAY, CHRONICLING THE AFTERMATH OF JLA: CRY FOR JUSTICE, AND PROVIDING THE SET-UP FOR THE CURRENT GREEN ARROW ONGOING SERIES!



If you're like us, then you've been totally digging the current ongoing GREEN ARROW series. We haven't enjoyed the GREEN ARROW this much since back when Kevin Smith was writing the series, and the current series brings a level of gritty realism, and hard-edged storytelling that kind of recalls the old school LONGBOW HUNTERS era of Green Arrow.

And, so, this Wednesday, for those of you who're wondering how Oliver Queen got to where he is now, you can get the full scoop with the JUSTICE LEAGUE RISE AND FALL hardcover, collecting the entire RISE AND FALL OF THE GREEN ARROW saga from last year. In this hardcover, you'll get the JUSTICE LEAGUE RISE AND FALL one-shot, GREEN ARROW 31-32, and RISE OF ARSENAL 1-4, all collected in the correct reading order for the crossover.

Find out just what happened in between Ollie putting an arrow in Prometheus's head, and his current obsession with living in the woods of Star City.

NICK SPENCER, writer of MORNING GLORIES & INFINITE VACATION goes MARVEL with the new IRON MAN 2.0 ongoing series featuring WAR MACHINE. A MUST-READ!

Man, there's so many books coming out this week that I'm stoked about. Add IRON MAN 2.0 to the list. This new ongoing series gives Third Eye favorite, WAR MACHINE, his own series, and we could not be more pumped to see how this one goes. Why are we so amped about this book?

It's being written by rising star comic creator NICK SPENCER, the man behind indie faves like MORNING GLORIES, INFINITE VACATION, as well as DC's red hot new THUNDER AGENTS series. In other words, it should be a fantastic, compelling read with a totally fresh approach to the world of Iron Man, and more importantly, the character of WAR MACHINE.

Why else are we pumped for this one? It's being penciled by the highly underrated Barry Kitson. He's not a name you see as often these days, but his art is some of my favorite in the biz, and I remember being totally hooked by his work on stuff like JLA YEAR ONE, LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, EMPIRE, and more.

Put those two together on a character we already really dig, and you've got yourself a recipe for what we like to call the Third Eye Must Buy.

Judging by the futurist-thinking writing that Spencer brings to series like INFINITE VACATION, as well as his past work on stuff like EXISTENCE 2.0/3.0 and FORGETLESS, we're very excited to see how he tackles the weaponry, and tech of War Machine.

The series gives us a new mission, new armor, and a brand new Iron Man. Lt. Col James Rhodes is War Machine.. the single-most advanced one-man weapon of conventional combat. But wars aren't fought exactly the way they used to be -- and when Rhodey has to face a mysterious enemy he can't shoot, can't bomb, can't even see... he's going to be forced to evolve or die. Find out why War Machine will be making the transition from War Machine to Iron Man 2.0 in this brand new ongoing series that begins this Wednesday.

Click here for a preview of IRON MAN 2.0 #1 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*

ECHOES #3 - A MACABRE SERIAL KILLER THRILLER FROM IMAGE COMICS THAT'S IMPRESSING THE HECK OUT OF US!

Missed 1 and 2? We've got 'em in stock to catch you up!



A true tale of suspense and psychological horror from the fine folks at IMAGE and TOP COW. This new series, ECHOES, delivers a fantastic read, and we really think you guys should give this one a look.

The story focuses on Brian Cohn, a man who has suffered with mental instability, and upon visiting his father in the hospital, learns that his father, on his death bed, was a serial murderer. His father, stricken with Alzheimer's, begins talking about dead girls, and a street address. Brian can't let go the thoughts, and seeks out the house... only to find large piles of bones, and small dolls made of flesh.

The first two issues of the series build tension, and suspense to the highest degree, and set this one up as an intriguing read. I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to ruin any surprises for those of you who may not have read it yet, but all I can say is this is the perfect capturing of the horror comic tone, with a very realistic twist. Imagine the style of films like SE7EN or RED DRAGON, and apply them to a comic, and that sums it up nicely.

Missed 1 & 2? Worry not, Third Eye Faithful, we've got em in stock to catch you up.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #655 *BIG TIME*- SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES TO IMPRESS, AFTER THE SHOCKING EVENTS OF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654, and THE REVEAL OF VENOM IN AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654.1, SPIDEY GETS EVEN BETTER THIS WEDNESDAY!



Man, oh man, I am hooked on Spidey again. Ever since they started the change in direction with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #648, and pretty much got rid of the whole BRAND NEW DAY crap, I've been hooked on the book. But, what makes the entire thing pop for us is the new approach to the creative team.

Basically, instead of rotating writers in and out, it's one writer, that's it, Dan Slott, and folks, trust me, this guy is one of the best Spidey writers we've seen in a long time. He was practically born to write Spidey. And, then for art, there's a rotating trio of superstar artists who's styles compliment each other very nicely. Stefano Caselli (SECRET WARRIORS), HUMBERTO RAMOS (CRIMSON), and MARCOS MARTIN (who might actually be my favorite of the bunch).

The book has a renewed sense of energy, and quality that it hasn't had in a long time, and Spider-man finally, once again, feels like a part of the Marvel Universe again, instead of off on it's own end of things.

And, after the INCREDIBLE .1 issue last week with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654.1, we gotta tell you: now is the time to get into Spidey folks. The new VENOM (Flash Thompson) is perfect, and opens things up for so many cool storyi deas, we cannot wait to see more.

So, you might be wondering where a good spot to hop aboard is? Start with last week's AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654.1, as the .1 issues are crafted to be perfect jumping on points for long-running series. Plus, it kicked ass, and featured the scoop on the new Venom.
From there, follow up with this week's #655, and find out why this book has become one of our favorite Marvel series once again.

What's going down in this week's AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #655? Well, for those of you who read AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654, and saw the extremely tragic death that took place there... then all we can say is that this issue follows up on that tragic loss. I don't want to spoiler it for those of you who still haven't read ASM 654, but... this issue plays big into what went down there. And Marcos Martin crisp, iconic looking artwork captures it all perfectly. Meanwhile, the set-up for Venom, and his place in the world of Spidey continues.

Missed 654 or 654.1? We've got ALL the issues of Spidey BIG TIME in stock, from 648 when BIG TIME began up to current, or just jump on with 654.1 from last week, and find out why we're loving the series so much.

Click here for a preview of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #655 *THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL*

FREAKANGELS VOLUME 5 TRADE PAPERBACK HITS THIS WEDNESDAY - WARREN ELLIS'S STEAMPUNK COMING-OF-AGE SERIES CONTINUES TO IMPRESS!



One of the best series of the last few years has been WARREN ELLIS'S (TRANSMETROPOLITAN, CAPTAIN SWING, PLANETARY, AUTHORITY, ECT ECT...) FREAKANGELS series, which gives us a compelling, character-driven steampunk/sci-fi hybrid about eleven strange young adults living in a dystopian part of London... known only as Whitechapel. See, 23 years ago, twelve strange children were born in England at the exact same moment. Six years ago, the world ended, and society fell apart. And now, they defend Whitechapel, the last real settlement in flooded London, relying on their own technology, and steam-powered machinery.

A fantastic series that kind of feels like a Steampunky take on RUNAWAYS mixed with a little bit of the traditional "outsider super-team" slant seen in stuff like X-Men, and Doom Patrol.

If you're a fan of stories that have a steampunk aesthetic, or you just plain enjoy Warren Ellis's phenomenal writing and storytelling, then you need to pop by and grab yourself a copy of FREAKANGELS VOLUME 1 this week.

X-MEN #8 *TO SERVE AND PROTECT CHAPTER 2* - SPIDEY JOINS THE X-MEN? THE MORLOCK TUNNELS RETURN?



I gotta tell ya, folks. I'm a huge fan of the current X-MEN ongoing series, and I feel that series writer Victor Gischler does a killer job of capturing the essence of what we loved about the X-MEN back in the day. Bigger-than-life stories, with the heavy-hitter team line-up, and new angles mixed in, we're really digging his run on the X-MEN series lately. And, with things starting off with a bang in the initial CURSE OF THE MUTANTS arc, we're even more stoked about the new TO SERVE AND PROTECT arc that's put the X-MEN in the heart of NYC, and returned them to the Morlock Tunnels.

Plus, Spidey's helping the team? Man, talk about a throwback to X-MEN stories of days gone past. All in all, a solid read, with solid art, we'd recommend snagging issue #1, and jumping on to give the book a try. If you're an X-Fan, and looking for a good, self-contained, solid X-Book to follow, this is the one to read. We've got issues 1-8 in stock and available so you can get caught up.

Click here for a preview of X-MEN #8

SPAWN #203 - SPAWN IS THE BEST IT'S BEEN IN YEARS! PICK UP ISSUE #200, AND FIND OUT WHY THIS BOOK IS NOW BACK ON TRACK THANKS TO ROBERT KIRKMAN & TODD MCFARLANE



I gotta tell you, folks. Spawn is on it's way back to being a top read, thanks to the shift in creative direction that TODD MCFARLANE and ROBERT KIRKMAN brought to the book with the monumental SPAWN #200 issue. And, we can't underestimate the addition of new series artist Szymon Kudranski. He brings a dark, moody, and downright sinister feel to the series that looks better than anything we've seen on the book since the days of Capullo and McFarlane. The fact that McFarlane is inking Kudranski makes the book look even better.

But, it's more than just the killer art that's made Spawn climb back up to being a must-read. Issue #200 pretty much closed the book on much of the past SPAWN storylines, and opened up things for a whole new saga to begin. The series so far has been delving into the new mythos of the current Hellspawn, Jim Downing, adn what he may or may not be, and what he is capable of. The sharp storytelling has been keeping us engaged, and we really feel that ROBERT KIRKMAN (writer of WALKING DEAD, and INVINCIBLE) helped lend a hand in shaping up the plotting of these future issues with the work he did on SPAWN #200. The book also brings back many Spawn mainstays that many of you guys remember from back in the day, whether it be Sam and Twitch, or the Clown, they're here, in all their glory.

All in all, we love the new direction on SPAWN, and feel that this is a book you need to be reading if you were once a fan, or if you've ever been curious about the character. Issue #200 is a perfect spot to jump on, and then we've got all the issues in stock to catch you up to this week's SPAWN #203.

TRUE BLOOD: TAINTED BLOOD #1 - TRUE BLOOD RETURNS THIS WEDNESDAY WITH TAINTED BLOOD #1; DELIVERING MORE ALL NEW STORIES FROM THE WORLD OF TRUE BLOOD



We know you guys are itching to get your TRUE BLOOD fix, and after IDW's initial limited series which fleshed out the world of TRUE BLOOD ended, we know you've been waiting for more.

Well, this Wednesday, the world of TRUE BLOOD returns in IDW's TRUE BLOOD: TAINTED BLOOD limited series which shows Sookie's world turned upside down when contaminated bottles of Tru Blood cause the Southern Vampire population to go berserk.

Who's behind the bad blood? That's what we're gonna find out.

WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? #2 HITS THIS WEDNESDAY, DELIVERING THE SECOND ISSUE OF THIS KICK-ASS NEW IMAGE LIMITED SERIES FROM THE CREATORS OF "THE LIGHT"

Missed #1? We've got copies in stock to catch you up!



Another surprise new series hit from Image, WHO IS JAKE ELLIS, continues this Wednesday, delivering more cutting edge espionage super-spy awesome from the creative team behind last year's hidden gem THE LIGHT.

The story of JAKE ELLIS centers around secret agent Jon Moore, a bit of a screw-up for a secret agent, who has a guardian angel watching over him.... and that guardian angel is Jake Ellis, a ghostly figure who tells Jon what to do if he wishes to survive some of the life-threatening incidents he gets put in.

A fresh, fun book, we really dug the first issue of this one, and would definitely recommend snagging a copy if you haven't already. I'm totally intrigued to see where things're going in this week's #2.

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE LOST COMMAND #2 - THIS NEW ONGOING SERIES CHRONICLING DARTH VADER'S ADVENTURES AFTER "REVENGE OF THE SITH" BUT BEFORE "A NEW HOPE" IS AWESOME.



I gotta tell you, Third Eye Faithful, I was a HUGE Star Wars fan as a kid and teenager. Heck, I still am. I just lost my way a bit during the Prequels. I'll be honest, most of my love for Star Wars goes back to the original Trilogy, and the Expanded Universe stories that surround the Trilogy. Stuff like the Thrawn Trilogy, Dark Empire, and those "Tales from Mos Eisley", "Tales of Jabbas Palace", ect were the kind of Expanded Universe stuff I really dug.

And, while I am totally hooked and in love with STAR WARS LEGACY and STAR WARS KNIGHT ERRANT currently... I think that STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE LOST COMMAND is my favorite Star Wars comic in a long time.

The series takes place after the events of REVENGE OF THE SITH, but before the events of A NEW HOPE, and chronicles the rise of the Dark Lord of the Sith after his recent promotion by Emperor Palpatine. The first mission tasks Vader with finding Moff Tarkin's (before he becomes Grand moff) son who's lost on his own mission. The thing that makes this neat though is we're getting to see the transition of the SW Galaxy from what we were shown in the prequels to what we know and love from the original Trilogy. This means the change in appearance of the Clone Troopers to the classic Stormtrooper guise, the construction of the first Death Star, the rise of Tarkin, and of course, the reputation that Vader ruthlessly builds as he pursues Jedi across the galaxy.

The first issue was a fantastic, solid opening to the series, and I cannot wait to see more on this week.

Missed the first one? Don't worry, we've got copies in stock to catch you up.

THIRD EYE STAFF PICKS

Steve - AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654.1 - It's been a while since Spidey's been my pick of the week, but I'm totally in love with the new direction of the book. And, dude, the new Venom is freakin' awesome.

Trish - GARTH ENNIS'S JENNIFER BLOOD #1 - Garth Ennis writing a book about a housewife who's a cold-blooded vigilante by night? I'm sold.

TORMA - GREEN LANTERN #62 - Geoff Johns wraps up the NEW GUARDIANS arc perfectly, and leaves me even more excited about the WAR OF THE GREEN LANTERNS.