This one caught my attention in an unusual way. I was doing my orders for last month, and saw this one mentioned in the same context as recent IMAGE hits like NONPLAYER and WITCH DOCTOR... and that intrigued me enough to read further, and dude: I'm glad I did, 'cause this book looks AMAZING.
This brand new series from IMAGE COMICS asks the question: superhero or slasher. A six-issue limited series that tells the tale of a young anti-hero who gets exactly what he wished for... and then some.
Taking inspiration from the old Charles Atlas-style courses advertised in the back of comics, Luther finds one of these formulas... and it really works. And, now, after having sand kicked in his life for the better part of his life, he's capable of really kicking some ass.
The story begins with Luther Strode, a scrawny kid who's fed up with his lack of physical prowess. Luther Strode ends up mailing away for a program that bulks him up beyond belief, and gives him almost superhero-like abilities.
But, what Luther doesn't realize is that the effects of the formula are turning him into a relentless super-predator serial killer.
He thinks he's fighting the good fight, but everything he sees and does is different from the reality of the situation. And, man, this one is bloody as all get out.
If you're a fan of series like KICK-ASS, THE CAPE, or stuff like INVINCIBLE and THE BOYS, you'll love the intriguing take on superpowers that's being employed in STRANGE CASE OF LUTHER STRODE.
On top of all that, the artwork looks phenomenal, and really brings every vicious, bone-crunching panel to life in a big way.
And, just like with past series that've really wowed me from IMAGE like NONPLAYER, MORNING GLORIES, SKULLKICKERS and more... I have that gut instinct that this is going to end up blowing up into a pretty successful new series for them.
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THE DC RELAUNCH HITS HARD WITH THE FIRST WEEK OF ISSUE #2s WITH ACTION COMICS #2 LEADING THE WAY ALONGSIDE DETECTIVE COMICS #2 & MORE
September was one hell of a fun month here at Third Eye, as we saw a newfound sense of excitement, discovery and electricity that ran through the DC UNIVERSE.
Now, kicking off this month, we've got the subsequent issue #2s of the DC NEW 52, and we could not be more stoked about these.
Leading the pack this week, we've got ACTION COMICS #2, from GRANT MORRISON and RAGS MORALES, and this is definitely the "big daddy" of the pack of this week. The first issue of ACTION COMICS was a fantastic read, as it showed us a Man of Steel set around 10-15 years in the past, and 5 years before JUSTICE LEAGUE #1, when he's young, brash, and impulsive.
It was obvious that Morrison was channeling some serious Golden Age Siegel and Shuster-style SUPERMAN storytelling with this one, and we really did dig what he and Rags did with the book.
I mean, when you start a comic with Superman throwing a corrupt land developer off of a roof, and then catching him seconds before he splatters on the pavement... well, you know you're in for a different take.
I think my favorite aspect though is the super creepy take on Luthor, which I think is very reminiscent of Dennis Hopper in David Lynch's BLUE VELVET. Really good take on Lex as a villain, and the negative to Superman's positive.
As one of the flagships of the DC NEW 52, this one also is helping establish the timeline of the new DCU, which makes it a crucial read.
Missed issue #1? We've got still got copies available to catch you up on one of the biggest titles of 2011.
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AVENGERS 1959 #1 DELIVERS THE RADDEST STORY WE'VE SEEN WITH THE AVENGERS IN AGES!
A DARK, IN-CONTINUITY TALE OF NICK FURY EMPLOYING KRAVEN THE HUNTER, SABERTOOTH & MORE AS THE ORIGINAL AVENGERS
This looks to be one of the most exciting things coming out of Marvel this fall, and it's really been a sleeper so far, in my opinion, in terms of buzz, but folks, once it hits: it's going to blow up. From what I've already read: it's THAT good.
Originally debuting in the pages of NEW AVENGERS, the concept of Nick Fury having a secret ops team consisting of infamous Marvel characters like Sabretooth, Kraven the Hunter, the original Silver Sable, and more, really grabbed us, and we've been waiting for their story to be told for a while now.
In the pages of AVENGERS 1959, we're treated to a story set at the tail end of the 1950s, with Nick Fury and his Avengers roaring into a secret mission to hunt down surviving Nazi Super Villains.
Of course, it's the unique dynamic and make-up of the team that really makes this one interesting, as we're shown a young Sabretooth and Kraven the Hunter, both before they really truly went over the deep end.. but exhibiting the psychopathic and sociopathic symptoms that would turn them into the infamous villains we know today.
Toss in under-used legacy characters like Silver Sable's father, the original SILVER SABLE, and Namora, and you've got yourself a very interesting make-up here for special ops.
The book has a very mature, and dark espionage feel to it, which is something rarely explored so well in the confines of the Marvel Universe. And, with this being in continuity, that makes it even more interesting.
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LAST OF THE GREATS #1 DEBUTS THIS WEDNESDAY SHOWING A POST-APOCALYPTIC TALE OF SUPERHUMANS GONE WRONG
From rising star writer JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV (ECHOES, I VAMPIRE)
A MUST FOR FANS OF IRREDEEMABLE, HALCYON, AND WATCHMEN
We're really becoming big fans of writer Joshua Hale Fialkov, with much of his recent work really impressing us.
Last year he blew us away with his extremely eerie serial murder story ECHOES, and most recently, he wowed us last week with his DC NEW 52 title I VAMPIRE.
Now, this Wednesday, he kicks off a brand new IMAGE series that looks freakin' rad as all get out.
In LAST OF THE GREATS, there were seven, possessing the power of gods, and representing all that could be right with the world. But now... he is the Last.
As humanity stands on the brink of annihilation, he is our only hope. And he hates us for what we've done.
This is the story of a race of super humans who protected the world until humankind turned against them. The story is a very cool balance of high-octane adventure, a bit of dark humor, and a very compelling take on how super humans are portrayed.
Click here to read a preview of LAST OF THE GREATS #1
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DMZ/NORTHLANDERS writer BRIAN WOOD brings television's SUPERNATURAL to comics this Wednesday in SUPERNATURAL #1
DC RELAUNCH: DETECTIVE COMICS #2 FOLLOWS UP THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING OF THE FIRST ISSUE OF THIS KICK-ASS DC NEW 52
X-MEN: SCHISM #5 CONCLUDES THE SCHISM THIS WEDNESDAY, AND SETS THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE X-MEN AS WE KNOW IT!
A PRELUDE TO THE REGENESIS... THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS!
It's no secret that Marvel is going to be shaking up the X-MEN Universe in a major way this month, with the ending of UNCANNY X-MEN (to subsequently be relaunched at #1), and the launch of WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN #1.
What's basically happening is the X-MEN themselves are splitting into two factions... Cyclops, who has become more and more Magneto-like as time has gone on, and Wolverine, who holds more true to the core ideals of the X-Men as we know them.
SCHISM is the limited series by Jason Aaron that's really been helping to set this up, and after issue #4 (which was... AWESOME), we're seeing how the rift between Cyclops and Wolverine has been made in a major way, and now, the conclusion comes... leading us to see just who will side with who when the dust clears.
SCHISM has been one of the BEST X-Men story lines we've read in quite some time, and holds up to past greats like MESSIAH COMPLEX, X-CUTIONER'S SONG, EXTINCTION AGENDA, and MUTANT GENESIS. From Sentinels to the Hellfire Club, everything you know and love about the X-MEN is here, and Aaron has done a terrific job of making each and every issue a bigger-than-life occurrence.
If you've been curious about getting into the X-MEN, SCHISM is a great place to start.
Missed the first four issues? We've got 'em all in stock to catch you up to this Wednesday's #5.
Click here for a preview of X-MEN SCHISM #5
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'68 ENCORE EDITION SHOWS YOU THE ORIGINS OF THE HIT IMAGE ZOMBIE SERIES THIS WEDNESDAY IN A KICK-ASS ONE-SHOT TELLING THE ORIGINAL STORY OF '68
We're big fans of the IMAGE COMICS series '68, and we're totally stoked that IMAGE is putting out this kick-ass one-shot which tells the original story of the ZOMBIE OUTBREAK in '68.
The date is 2/13/68, Lieutenant Tommy Blake led a five-man fire team into the deep jungles of Vietnam to investigate the sudden silence of a deep-cover listening post. What they found, far from the relative safety of tiny firebase Aries, hidden by the shadows of an enemy-infested rainforest and buried in the heart of a darkness known as 'Indian Country' is a brutal story of violence and horror. The hungry dead have risen in the war torn hell of Vietnam and there are zombies in the razorwire... So save a bullet for yourself.
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DC RELAUNCH: SWAMP THING #2 DELIVERS THE SECOND ISSUE OF ONE OF OUR BIG DC NEW 52 FAVORITES. FROM THE WRITER OF AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN, AND SEVERED SCOTT SNYDER
We freakin' LOVED the first issue of Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette's SWAMP THING, spinning out of the DC RELAUNCH. And, we're totally stoked to see this week's SWAMP THING #2 arriving, 'cause the first one was THAT good.
Alec Holland thought he knew the history of the Swamp Thing -- but he was wrong. The creature's roots run deeper than he knows, and the Parliament of Trees intends to make him understand the responsibility he wants so desperately to avoid.
Snyder branches out the mythology of SWAMP THING in a big way, and manages to carry a fantastic balance of ALAN MOORE's now-classic run on the character with the original Len Wein/Bernie Wrightson tone of the very first run.
By far one of the best of the DC NEW 52, this one is going to be one to watch.
Missed SWAMP THING #1? We've got copies in stock to catch you up to this week's #2.
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WALKING DEAD WEDNESDAY: WALKING DEAD HC VOL. 7, WALKING DEAD #89 & THE WALKING DEAD CHRONICLES
The WALKING DEAD returns this Wednesday, in not one, not two, but THREE formats. :)
First off, we've got the highly anticipated WALKING DEAD VOLUME 7 hardcover, which collects issues 73-84 of the series in that gorgeous deluxe hardcover format that you all know and love.
Click here to add WALKING DEAD HC VOL.7 to your subscription box.
And, then next up, we've got WALKING DEAD #89, which is the latest and greatest of the series in the single issues, and well, it's probably better if we don't drop any spoilers on this one, and just let the anticipation build.. 'cause damn, this one is looking good!
Click here to add WALKING DEAD to your subscription box.
And, then finally, we've got the WALKING DEAD CHRONICLES Companion Book. This is an official, authorized behind-the-scenes guide to season one of the AMC television series, and is LOADED with cool WALKING DEAD factoids.
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DC RELAUNCH: THE HUNTRESS #1 (OF 6) DEBUTS THIS WEDNESDAY REINTRODUCING THE GOTHAM VIGILANTE TO THE DC NEW 52.
While there's 52 core ongoing series that make up the NEW DCU, we are pretty stoked to see some supplemental mini-series being debuted that will help flesh out some of the lesser-seen corners of the DCU.
This kick-ass HUNTRESS limited series looks awesome, showing us the Huntress putting herself into a situation where she'll end up with the largest price on her head in the history of the DC UNIVERSE.
What will the Huntress do that warrants such a death mark? And who puts it there?
The jaw-dropping events are revealed as the Huntress heads home to Italy and embarks on a mission that defines her life. If you're a Birds of Prey fan, make sure you snag this one, as it will tie in to upcoming events with the BoP.
I haven't read the full first issue, but I did read a good chunk of the advance pages.. and this is looking to be a great read. Seriously awesome stuff.
Click here to read a preview of THE HUNTRESS #1
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CHEW #21 - THE FIRST ISSUE AFTER THE FOURTH TRADE PAPERBACK HITS THIS WEDNESDAY. BEEN WAITING FOR A GOOD SPOT TO JUMP ONTO THE MONTHLIES? THIS IS IT!
NOT READING CHEW? FIND OUT WHY THIS MASH-UP OF "DEXTER" & "TOP CHEF" IS ONE OF OUR BIG FAVES.
One thing that we always see happen with the totally awesome, and totally rad series we know as CHEW is that about two months after a new trade comes out, everyone is always looking to jump on board to the singles, and the issues following that trade are damn near impossible to find due to Image's lower print runs.
This is why we're telling you now, Third Eye Faithful, if you've been on the fence about jumping onto the single issues of CHEW, this week's issue #21 is the PERFECT place to start as it follows immediately after the recently released Volume 4 trade paperback.
Now, for those of you not reading CHEW, you need to really check this series out. It's freakin' great.
Set in a world where all poultry is illegal due to avian bird flu, and starring Tony Chu, a cibopathic (meaning he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats), CHEW is the story of a man who must eat strange and horrible things to solve terrible crimes in a world where the FDA is as armed as the ATF, and the USDA has ninjas working for them.
It's awesome, folks, I'm telling you. Snag the first trade paperback for only $9.99, and you won't be sorry.
Click here to add CHEW to your subscription box.
DC RELAUNCH: ANIMAL MAN #2 - JEFF LEMIRE (SWEET TOOTH) and TRAVEL FOREMAN DELIVER ONE OF THE CREEPIEST SUPERHERO COMICS WE'VE EVER READ
Dude... ANIMAL MAN rocks. Seriously. Lemire really captures the weirdness and awesomeness of Grant Morrison's classic run and brings it screaming into the DC NEW 52 in a fantastic way.
The strong characterization of Buddy and his family is present as ever, and Travel Foreman's art really makes this one pop off the racks with the creepy splash pages he manages to pull off.
In this week's #2, Maxine's developing abilities similar to her father's.. but in a very twisted way, while Buddy begins a startling transformation of his own that's leading him on a journey into the heart of The Red.
One of the best of the DC NEW 52, if you slept on this one the first go around, snag yourself a copy of ANIMAL MAN #1 this Wednesday and give it a go.
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THEATER #1 - ZENESCOPE, publishers of RETURN TO WONDERLAND and GRIMM FAIRY TALES, DELIVER A CHILLING NEW HORROR SERIES.
The folks at Zenescope put out a lot of great twisted little horror series, and this Wednesday they're kicking out a new one with THEATER #1.
Raven Gregory, writer of the WONDERLAND trilogy (RETURN TO WONDERLAND, BEYOND WONDERLAND and ESCAPE FROM WONDERLAND) brings a brand new horror story.
In a quiet New Jersey town there sits a small, old-fashioned movie theater. But this unassuming theater holds a deep dark secret, one that threatens the lives of anyone who dares enter it.
An when an unsuspecting couple decides to visit the old movie house to watch some horror films, they soon will find that something full of horror is also watching them.
DC RELAUNCH: RED LANTERNS #2 HITS THIS WEDNESDAY BRINGING THE VENGEANCE-DRIVEN ADVENTURES OF ATROCITUS AND HIS CREW.
Another big favorite from the DC RELAUNCH is the new RED LANTERNS series which casts the fan-favorite blood-spewing entities as engines of vengeance in this new ongoing series.
Plus, any comic that starts with GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF MY CAT can't be bad, right? Seriously though, we loved the first issue, with Milligan doing a fine job of writing the Red Lanterns we know so well, and adding further layers to the mythology of the Corps itself. Meanwhile, Ed Benes does a terrific job of making this one pop right of the page, and is a shining example of the top notch artists DC is using in the NEW 52.
Missed issue #1? You know we've still got copies to get you hooked up!
Click here for a preview of RED LANTERNS #2
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SKULLKICKERS #11 - THE SECOND ARC OF SKULLKICKERS CONCLUDES THIS WEDNESDAY! ARE YOU READING ONE OF THE BEST IMAGE TITLES ON THE STANDS?
IMAGINE "WORLD OF WARCRAFT" & "ARMY OF DARKNESS" meet "THE HANGOVER"
We gotta show the SKULLKICKERS crew some love after the great time we had having them by the shop this past weekend. And, what better time to do it than with the arrival of SKULLKICKERS #11.
This issue concludes the FIVE FUNERALS AND A BUCKET OF BLOOD story arc, and folks, we've been digging the hell out of it.
If you're not reading SKULLKICKERS, you need to snag the first trade paperback this Wednesday. It's only $9.99, and has the first 5 issues, and trust us: you won't be sorry you did.
What's SKULLKICKERS? It's a sword-and-sorcery style adventure series with a wicked sense of humor. It reminds you a lot of say, WORLD OF WARCRAFT or ARMY OF DARKNESS mashed together with buddy comedies like THE HANGOVER.
We love it, and if you're looking for a fun, action-packed series with some of the most vibrant, killer artwork on the stands, then you need to be reading this book.
Snag the first trade this Wednesday, and find out why we're so stoked on the series.
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DC RELAUNCH: PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE #1 (OF 5)- A HARDBOILED, DARK STORY EXPLORING THE PAINFUL PAST OF ONE OF BATMAN'S MOST DEVIOUS FOES.
Featuring the killer artwork of SPAWN & REPULSE artist SZYMON KUDRANSKI
Another kick-ass mini spinning out of the DC NEW 52 this Wednesday is the upcoming PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE limited series from crime novelist GREGG HURWITZ, and the very talented Szymon Kudranski (Spawn, Repulse).
Kudranski's one of the most promising artists in the biz right now when it comes to the darker, horrific-toned stuff, and is a perfect fit for this series that explores how young Oswald Cobblepot went from being the apple of his mother's eye to the leader of ruthless underworld gangs and one of Batman's most devious foes.
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ROBERT KIRKMAN (WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE) and ROB LIEFELD (creator of DEADPOOL, CABLE, YOUNGBLOOD) continue to deliver a kick-ass sci-fi action epic with THE INFINITE in Wednesday's INFINITE #3
The INFINITE is the kind of kick-ass in-your-face comic series that really grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go.
And, with ROBERT KIRKMAN, the creator of series like INVINCIBLE and WALKING DEAD behind the wheel on this one, you know that the twists and turns are going to be major. Pair that up with the fact that Rob Liefeld, the legendary creator of DEADPOOL, CABLE, and more, is handling the art chores.. and you're in store for the kind of bigger-than-life sci-fi epic that makes you feel like a kid again.
Bowen has traveled back in time to train his younger self in how to stop the invasion of a deadly alien race known as THE INFINITE. But, there's something wrong... they're too organize, and too prepared.. and they know something he doesn't.
Breakneck action awesomeness from Kirkman and Liefeld, make sure you hop onto this one.
Missed 1 & 2? We've got copies of each in stock to catch you up.
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DC RELAUNCH: JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #2 - THE DCU'S LOVABLE LOSERS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN THIS NEW SERIES
We're MAJOR fans of the JLI stuff from back in the day, and we gotta say: the first issue of the new JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL was definitely up to par. Aaron Lopresti's art really makes the book pop, and Jurgens manages to capture the wit and humor of the original while balancing it out with a damn good DCU story.
Take some of the most eclectic characters in the DCU, and then add an icon like Batman into the mix.. and you're in for an interesting read. It's almost like THE OFFICE meets JLA... plus Batman. :)
Missed #1? We've got copies in stock to catch you up.
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DC RELAUNCH: STORMWATCH #2 - PAUL CORNELL BRINGS THE SCI-FI SUPERHEROES OF THE AUTHORITY INTO THE DC NEW 52 IN A BIG WAY.
One of the biggest surprises for us out of the DC NEW 52 was STORMWATCH, which we thought was simply put, one of the most awesome books of the line-up. Cornell really handles the characters of the AUTHORITY better than any other writer we've seen since Ellis and Millar, and even manages to put his own spin on things in a very fresh and compelling way.
And, dude, Miguel Sepulvda's artwork looks freakin' fantastic, bringing the kind of widescreen scope and scale you love to see in a book like this.
Following the events of SUPERMAN #1 where.. well.. you know. :) The covert team of sci-fi superheroes known as STORMWATCH must not only battle the Earth's moon, yes you heard me, the MOON, but find a way to hide it's monstrous metamorphosis from the rest of earth.
Seriously, folks...THEY'RE FIGHTING THE MOON. HOW CAN YOU RESIST THIS?
Missed issue #1? We've got copies in stock to catch you up to this week's #2.
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DC RELAUNCH: OMAC #2 - Totally loving Keith Giffen's bigger-than-life JACK KIRBY tribute that is the new OMAC.
Man, another big surprise for me was the new OMAC series, which features some of the best work we've seen from Keith Giffen. This is a freakin' awesomely fun read, folks.
Didio and Giffen take the OMAC concept and they run with it, giving us a JACK KIRBY homage that really leaps straight off the pages at you. It's almost like when a band like Guitar Wolf does the Ramones tribute thing, and it turns out to almost be even more awesome in it's own weird way than the original source material. Still, nothing tops Kirby, but this is great.
Missed #1? We've got copies in stock to catch you up.
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DC RELAUNCH: BATWING #2 - A BRUTAL, AND KICK-ASS TAKE ON THE BATMAN MYTHOS CONTINUES IN BATWING #2
Judd Winick is totally hitting home runs on the new BATWING series that's spinning out of the DC NEW 52. We were totally floored with how kick-ass issue #1 was, and we cannot wait to read more.
Focusing on the Batman of Africa, Winick tells a compelling tale of David Zavimbe, police officer by day, and costumed vigilante by night. The book is a great read, and brings a very hardcore tone to the Batman concept, with Batwing not pulling any punches when throwing down.
Missed #1? We've got copies to catch you up.
Click here to add BATWING to your subscription box.
STAFF PICKS
STEVE: AQUAMAN #1 - I loved this one so much. Geoff Johns works magic all over again by showing us how ANY superhero can be freakin' rad, and he really makes AQUAMAN a must-read.
TRISH: I VAMPIRE #1 - WOW. This one is way darker than the cover indicates. Plus.. monsters monsters monsters. :) I loved it!
TORMA: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #670 - SPIDER ISLAND is quickly turning into my favorite MARVEL COMICS, I can't believe how great this has been.
TONY (PRINCE FREDERICK): SUPERMAN #1 - I've never been a big SUPERMAN fan but this was great.
And, that's it tonight, Third Eye Faithful! Looking forward to seeing everyone around the shop this week, and talking some comics!
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