Monday, June 4, 2012

This Week's Highlights at Third Eye Comics for Wednesday 6/6/12


HISTORY IS MADE THIS WEDNESDAY WITH BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN #1 from DARWYN COOKE — THIS IS AMAZING!
*Get a FREE copy of BLEEDING COOL MAGAZINE #0 with purchase!*
S.T.O.K.E.D. That’s all I can say. I am so freakin’ stoked for BEFORE WATCHMEN, it’s not even funny.
First, let me start by saying that WATCHMEN is one of my all-time favorite comics. In fact, it’s one of those graphic novels that I think I’ve read about a dozen times over the years, and folks, I always find something new.
So, to see something that’s been such a major focal point of my own comic fandom being explored by creators that I’m such a huge fan of… well, it’s just ridiculously exciting. Seriously. I can’t stress how pumped I am.
The BEFORE WATCHMEN line of comics that are arriving this Summer from DC COMICS is easily one of, if not, THE biggest thing to be happening in comics this year. Bigger than NEW 52, heck, bigger than AVENGERS VS X-MEN, at least in my eyes: this is HUGE.
Why? The world of WATCHMEN has remained contained to that limited series that originally came out years ago, and then a short-lived attempt at a table-top role-playing game that got a very limited release in the ’80s.
So, to see some of the finest talents in comics today exploring, and expanding upon the amazing world that Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore built together.. well.. that’s a big deal, folks.
How’s it being done? Well, the BEFORE WATCHMEN series serves as prequel limited series which take place before the events of the now-classic WATCHMEN.
The early days of the MINUTEMEN? The formative years of RORSCHACH? The undoing of the COMEDIAN? It’s all being explored, and opened up, and we cannot wait to read it.
This week, BEFORE WATCHMEN begins with BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN #1, which takes place in the past, and is a perfect fit for the retro-tinged stylings of DARWYN COOKE. It’s the year 1940, and even down to the small details, of how polyester wasn’t invented yet, and spandex isn’t available, plays into how Cooke has designed the costumes.
MINUTEMEN is seen as the center-piece of the limited series, as it features the very birth of the WATCHMEN world, and a multitude of characters from that world. This is where the history that we saw only touched upon in the back-up chapters of the original series get explored in depth.
Cooke is a PERFECT choice for this as no one can capture the mood, tone, and world of ’40s superheroes better than he.
On one hand, we know what we’re in for with MINUTEMEN, in terms of the dark sides of these characters, the corruption within, and the glory days they experience. On the other, I feel there’s a really interesting chance to tell a superhero period story that almost conjures up images of the TV series MADMEN.
I could go on, and on, and on, but let me just say this: I’m really excited about this one, and cannot wait to see how it plays out.
Make sure you snag yourself a copy of BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN this Wednesday.
Also, because we’re stoked about it: we’re giving away BLEEDING COOL MAGAZINE #0 totally free with issue #1 of BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN #1.
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
BLEEDING COOL MAGAZINE #0 – The definitive voice in magazines about comics — Remember the golden days of Wizard? BLEEDING COOL is bringing it back!
We like Bleeding Cool, Third Eye Faithful. In fact, we like it so much that we often lend our own input and advice in the world of comics to articles at the site. Why? ‘Cause Rich and his crew tell it like it is, and have a strong finger on the pulse of the comic industry, and we respect and admire that.
So, when we saw the news that BLEEDING COOL would be venturing into doing a monthly magazine all about the comic industry, ranging from articles on past gems, the hottest new series, and the collector’s market.. well, we thought that was just plain brilliant.
Much like WIZARD provided a great pipeline into the comic industry back in the ’90s, before it changed format, and got.. well.. crappy, BLEEDING COOL MAGAZINE is bringing the same kind of cutting edge insight and informative dialogue to the masses.
We know that Rich Johnston and his crew will be putting together a pure class act of a magazine here, and trust us, folks, these guys are in tune with what’s hot in the world of comics. They have their stuff down, and this is why we’re so pumped for BLEEDING COOL Mag. If you have fond memories of the glory days of WIZARD, then we highly recommend giving BC Mag a shot, you’ll love it.
As an incentive to get you guys to try Bleeding Cool mag, we’re offering a FREE copy of BLEEDING COOL MAGAZINE #0 with BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN #1 this Wednesday at Third Eye. For those of you who may not be picking up BEFORE WATCHMEN, you can still purchase the mag for just $1.49.
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
AVENGERS VS X-MEN #5 - The biggest Marvel storyline in years continues this Wednesday, as The Phoenix bonds with it’s Host.
AVENGERS VS X-MEN has been one of the BEST Marvel story lines that we have seen in ages. This mega-event is literally the BIGGEST story that Marvel has told. EVER. And, so far: every single issue of it has delivered not only a stellar read, but the kind of historic moments that you expect out of something with this much energy and momentum riding behind it.
For those of you not yet on board, in a nutshell, AvX is all about the Return of the Phoenix.. and how the savior and future of the mutant race, Hope, is destined to be it’s new host.
Of course, The Avengers aren’t too cool with the Phoenix, a galaxy-destroying force, returning, and they’ll do anything to keep it from being reborn. Even killing the Hope of the X-Men…. and Cyclops, well, he’s not standing for that at all.
From there, a war that literally encompasses the entire Marvel Universe, has begun, and folks… it is so freakin’ cool, it’s unbelievable.
From the main story to the tie-ins, AVX has been top notch all the way through, and we’re loving every second of it.
Wanna get into one of the best Marvel books on the stands? Jump on board with AVX, we promise, you won’t be disappointed.
Wanna get on board? We’ve got issues #0-#5 of AVX in stock now to get you current, and then we have ALL tie-in chapters that have been released so far as well.
Click here for the official Third Eye AVX Checklist.
Click here for a preview of AVENGERS VS X-MEN #5
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 EARTH 2 #2 – THE BIGGEST DC NEW 52 SERIES SINCE JUSTICE LEAGUE CONTINUES TO KICK-ASS THIS WEDNESDAY, AS THE NEW JUSTICE SOCIETY OF THE NEW 52 IS FORMED
As the flagship title of the NEW 52: WAVE 2 titles, EARTH 2 has impressed the hell out of us, and just in two issues. This book is just plain awesome, from the amazing artwork of Nicola Scott, to the fantastic writing of James Robinson, these creators are crafting one of the most impressive NEW 52 titles on the stands.
An almost OLD MAN LOGAN-style riff on the DCU, EARTH 2 is an alternate Earth where we see SUPERMAN, BATMAN, and WONDER WOMAN dying horrific deaths in the pages of issue #1, and setting the stage for a new league.. or shall we say Society, of heroes to form.
Earth-2 versions of characters like The Flash, Green Lantern, and more are being introduced, and we’re loving the new spins on these iconic Justice Society founders.
Folks, if you dig the bigger-than-life team super heroics of JUSTICE LEAGUE, and the alternate future twist of things like OLD MAN LOGAN or FLASHPOINT, then you HAVE gotta read this book.
And, as we’re seeing with WORLD’S FINEST, there is a tie between the regular DC Earth and Earth 2, that is going to be further explored as things continue on.
Pure and simple: this is good comics at their best, and we cannot recommend it enough.
Wanna jump on board? We’ve still got first printings of issue #1 in stock now to get you hooked up!
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VALIANT RELAUNCH: HARBINGER #1 DEBUTS THIS WEDNESDAY BRINGING CONTINUING THE SUMMER OF VALIANT (publishers of the new X-O MANOWAR)
The First Superhero of the Modern Valiant Universe is Born!
HARBINGER debuts this Wednesday, continuing the Summer of Valiant, and the huge, highly anticipated VALIANT RELAUNCh that began with last month’s X-O MANOWAR #2.
We were so impressed by the debut of X-O MANOWAR, that we’ve got high hopes for both HARBINGER and BLOODSHOT, and I gotta tell ya: HARBINGER delivered, BIG-TIME.
These VALIANT books are smart, quick-witted, superhero books for a post-modern world. Big budget action movies that unfold on the page, with the kind of clever storytelling and character development that you’d see in a movie like CHRONICLE or a TV series like BREAKING BAD.
Valiant is onto something here, and between the GLADIATOR meets IRON MAN appeal of XO MANOWAR, and the CHRONICLE appeal of HARBINGER…. they’re telling some of the most interesting superhero stories on the stands.
Just like the original VALIANT line had a reputation for bringing new levels of quality, and character to the superhero genre, they’re doing it all over again with their revived line.
Anyways, you’re probably asking yourself: what’s HARBINGER all about? Well, let me tell ya, writer JOSHUA DYSART (UNKNOWN SOLDIER) KILLS it with his story about young Peter Stencheksi, a young man who is out of work, on the skids, and — unbeknownst to him — a psionic powered ‘harbinger’ with the potential to reshape the course of human history.
Toyo Harada is a wealthy business magnate, a respecte philanthropist, and the most powerful harbinger of all — or so he thought. As they forge an uneasy alliance, will Harada offer Peter a chance for redemption — or attempt to induct him into a secret network of conspiracy, subversion and control?
Peter is about to discover that he’s not alone in the world, and soon, the generation who has nothing will take on the man who has everything.
Read minds. Bend Steel. Break All the Rules.
Harbinger KILLS. Try it this Wednesday, especially if you’re a fan of stuff like the manga / anime AKIRA, the movie CHRONICLE, or the (first season) of HEROES.
You’ll really dig the heck out of this one!
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AVENGERS VS X-MEN: UNCANNY X-MEN #13 *AVX TIE-IN* - The Sinister Machinations of MISTER SINISTER come into full effect as the X-Men are distracted by THE AVENGERS
AVENGERS VS X-MEN has had some of the BEST tie-in books that we’ve seen, and UNCANNY X-MEN has definitely been one of the stand-outs.
Now, as the X-Men are fully engaged by the AVENGERS, and focusing solely on them as their enemy… the plot that Mister Sinister began back in the early issues of the current run of UNCANNY X-MEN begins to unfold, and holy crap, does he have some crazy stuff in store.
Meanwhile, Hope is on the run for her life, but can she outrun her destiny?
Wanna get on board with the AVX tie-ins, or just the UNCANNY tie-ins? We’ve currently got ALL tie-in issues of AVX in stock and available now.
Click here to view our official Third Eye AVX Checklist
Click here for a preview of UNCANNY X-MEN #13
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
 WALKING DEAD VOL.16 A LARGER WORLD – THE WAIT IS OVER! A NEW VOLUME OF WALKING DEAD! Collecting issues 91-96 of WALKING DEAD!
Wanna jump onto the monthly? Just grab 97 and 98 in stock now!
  
WALKING DEAD VOL.16 arrives this Wednesday, featuring the issues 91-96, and lets face it: giving you an undebatable reason to be waiting at our door on Wednesday morning.

Yes, the series is THAT good, and it just continues to get better, and better with each and every installment.

With issue #100 nearing on the horizon, and big things in the works, now is the time to jump onto the monthly issues if you haven’t already. We’ve got plenty of copies of WALKING DEAD #97 and #98 in stock now, for you to get caught up with from the end of WALKING DEAD VOL.16

Or, if you can’t endure the torture of those 32-page cliffhangers, stick to the TPBs. No matter what though: keep reading, ’cause things are GETTING CRAAAAAAZY!

Wanna jump on board WALKING DEAD? We’ve got volume 1 in stock now to get you started, and trust us, folks: you will be hooked on this one. Give it a shot this week at Third Eye, and find out why for nearly 8 years, this has been our favorite monthly comic on the stands.

Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
 DETECTIVE COMICS VOL.1: FACES OF DEATH HARDCOVER – COLLECTING THE FIRST 7 ISSUES OF THE NEW 52 DETECTIVE COMICS RUN — TOTALLY GREAT, GIVE IT A SHOT!
DETECTIVE COMICS has really had us hooked as one of the better DC NEW 52 titles on the stands, and we’re stoked to see it arriving in hardcover this Wednesday, so many of you guys who’ve been waiting on the trade, can experience it for yourself.
The historic relaunch of DETECTIVE COMICS kicks off with Batman setting his sights on a new villain known as the Gotham Ripper, who in turn has set his sights on Batman.
Meanwhile Bruce Wayne is exploring a budding romance with television journalist Charlotte Rivers, who’s visiting Gotham to cover the gruesome slayings — while also trying to uncover Bruce’s own mystery.
Tony Daniel’s artwork looks AMAZING on this one, with the kind of detail and dynamic styling that one would expect from DAVID FINCH or JIM LEE, and the writing on the book is even better, as Daniel crafts a fascinating Batman tale that delves into the dark, twisted underbelly of Gotham City.
And, while we don’t want to ruin the spoiler… there’s a VERY, VERY cool moment for THE JOKER in this one, folks, that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Incredible stuff, snag yourself a copy this Wednesday at Third Eye!
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
CREATOR-OWNED HEROES #1 DEBUTS FROM IMAGE COMICS THIS WEDNESDAY FEATURING “LOVESTRUCK” & “HEART” ARTIST KEVIN MELLON
This Wednesday marks the debut of one of the most exciting IMAGE debuts for June, with CREATOR-OWNED HEROES, featuring the incredibly talented KEVIN MELLON (HEART, LOVESTRUCK) putting together a story with STEVE NILES (FRANKENSTEIN ALIVE ALIVE!, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT).
Also, on board, we’ve got JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JUSTIN GRAY, and PHIL NOTO, which is one hell of a creative team (many of you may know Palmiotti and Gray from their stellar JONAH HEX stuff, and Phil’s most recent work on INFINITE HORIZON blew our minds!).
This title is a series that focuses on telling kick-ass comic book stories, where, like the title states, the creators own the rights to everything involved. It’s literally the IMAGE ideal embodied into a comic, and hey, that’s pretty freakin’ cool.
We’re especially stoked for AMERICAN MUSCLE, which is the first half of the book, and features the work of Kevin Mellon, who is one of our favorite new artists to come about in the last few years.
American Muscle tells the story of a world that ended a long time ago. How it happened exactly and what exists in the wasteland have always been a mystery. Now Chloe, Gil, and a gang of rebels have escaped the last human stronghold and are blazing across Post-Apocalypse America in search of paradise.
Meanwhile, in TRIGGER GIRL 6, we’re shown a sci-fi story that takes on the fact that the world is changing very quickly because of over population, and well, Trigger Girl 6? She’s going to do the job the first 5 trigger girls didn’t accomplish.
The surprise in this one is part of the fun, so we better keep our lips sealed, but trust us: it rules.
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AVENGERS VS X-MEN: AVENGERS ACADEMY #31 – The war rages on, as the question of where the AVENGERS ACADEMY kids allegiance lies is asked… plus: SEBASTIAN SHAW being a boss.
We’re big fans of AVENGERS ACADEMY. This little sleeper hit is one of the best kept secrets of Marvel, and the amount of craft and care that goes into each and every issue has us really hooked on these characters. Not since RUNAWAYS has a new team of characters intrigued us so much, and we’re LOVING the tie-in to AVENGERS VS X-MEN with these guys.
This month, the AVENGERS ACADEMY kids are put into a position where they may find themselves switching over to the X-Men’s side.
And, meanwhile, Sebastian Shaw, well, he stirs up all kinds of trouble.
Click here to read our official Third Eye AVENGERS VS X-MEN Checklist.
Click here for a preview of AVENGERS ACADEMY #31
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
EXTERMINATION #1 DEBUTS FROM BOOM! STUDIOS (publishers of HIGHER EARTH) this Wednesday, and it’s only $1.00! 
A new ongoing, superhero-charged thriller about aliens conquering Earth and the allegiances formed between heroes and villains to survive.
EXTERMINATION is another new series that I’m really excited about this week, man, it’s a loaded week, isn’t it? Seriously: so much kick-ass stuff out this week!
EXTERMINATION is a brand new series which poses the question: in a world with super-heroes, and super-villains… what happens when the aliens invade, and they win?
We lost. They won. In the wake of an apocalyptic alien invasion, the world’s greatest superheroes and deadliest super-villains must form an alliance to prevent their own extermination. Two arch-enemies, Nox, a driven hero, and Red Reaper, a ruthless villain, form a volatile partnership for the greater good. The enemy of your enemy is your friend — but will they be able to ultimately put aside their bitter past to prevent global genocide? What happens when all the battle lines are redrawn and foes become unlikely allies in a desperate war for the fate of Earth itself?
Featuring up-and-coming new writer Si Spurrir (CROSSED: BADLANDS), this book poses a very dark take on the superhero genre, which has us hooked.
Try issue #1 this Wednesday for just a buck, and find out why we think this is going to be one of the raddest new series of 2012.
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
WORLD’S FINEST #2 ARRIVES THIS WEDNESDAY, CONTINUING THE ADVENTURES OF EARTH-2′s HUNTRESS & POWER GIRL
When you put these two names on a book: PAUL LEVITZ, GEORGE PEREZ. We tend to take notice, and folks, this book lives up to the hype, ’cause LEVITZ and PEREZ are KILLING it on WORLD’S FINEST.
A unique gem in the NEW 52, WORLD’S FINEST explores the adventures two exports from EARTH-2 into the main DC NEW 52 earth: HUNTRESS AND POWER GIRL.
In issue #2, we’re shown just what these two heroines have been doing for the five years since they arrived from Earth 2..oh, and they kick the Irradiated Man’s ass too. :)
A stellar read, with amazing artwork, this book takes everything that was awesome about old school comics and channels it into a sleek, crisp modern-age package.
Wanna jump on board? We’ve got copies of #1 in stock now to get you on board.
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
SPAWN #220  MARKS THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF SPAWN, THE RETURN OF TODD MCFARLANE TO WRITING THE BOOK, AND A BRAND NEW JUMPING ON POINT FOR NEW READERS!

SPAWN. One word. And, you know what: I guarantee when it’s said, 98% of you think of one thing: the killer IMAGE comic from Todd McFarlane in the ’90s.
And, while SPAWN has had it’s ups and downs since then, there is no denying that not only was SPAWN one of the most important, and influential comics of all-time, but those first 50 or 60 issues with MCFARLANE and CAPULLO? Pure and simple awesomeness, all the way through.
So, this is why we’re pretty darn stoked about the new direction of SPAWN that’s beginning in this Wednesday’s SPAWN #220. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of SPAWN, we’re introduced to the man that replaced Al Simmons, Jim Downing, who has been a man lost and confused for quite some time.
Now, coming to terms with his role as Spawn, and his past finally coming into focus and a full understanding of the man he once was just within his reach, Jim embraces the full might of his horrific hell-born powers to piece together a mystery that has ties to the very core of the Spawn universe.
Old enemies return, new dangers emerge, and the Spawn mythology unfolds to offer a PERFECT jumping on point for new, or old readers alike.
Plus: the covers they’re doing for these issues are pretty darn cool, with homages to the first issues of SAVAGE DRAGON, YOUNGBLOOD and more!
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
THE DARK AVENGERS RETURN, AS THUNDERBOLTS BECOMES DARK AVENGERS WITH ISSUE #175, AND BEGINS A BRAND NEW SERIES, WITH A NEW LINE-UP OF DARK AVENGERS
We LOVED Dark Avengers, and when we saw THE DARK AVENGERS returning with a brand new line-up and team consisting of some fascinating choices to fill out the team, we got pretty darn stoked.
As THUNDERBOLTS goes from being THUNDERBOLTS to DARK AVENGERS with this week’s issue #175, a new era begins, and we could not be more pumped.
What’s the scoop on the new THUNDERBOLTS?
Well, there’s Dark Scarlet Witch, who we’re unsure of the identity of yet, Dark Spider-Man, who looks like The Doppleganger (which is kinda neat!), Trickshot, and the crazed Thor clone RAGNAROK as Thor… plus, Luke Cage is involved somehow, and the Son of Hulk?
Jump on board as these villains in disguise return to wreak havoc on the Marvel Universe as a whole.. or, perhaps Cage plans to reform them?
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DOUBLE JUMPERS #1 DELIVERS A MUST-READ FOR FANS OF “THE GUILD” and “SKULLKICKERS”, AS A TEAM OF GAMERS FIND THEMSELVES TRAPPED IN THE MASSIVELY MULTIPLAYER ONLINE ROLE-PLAYING GAME THEY OBSESS OVER, AND THE CHARACTERS THEY PLAYED HAVE TAKEN THEIR PLACES IN THE REAL WORLD.
A TRUE INDIE GEM THAT IS GUARANTEED TO BE A SLEEPER HIT!
A must-read for anyone who’s a fan of either retro-gaming, or MMORGPs, this killer new indie gem is going to be a MAJOR sleeper hit, and we cannot wait to sit down and read it again this Wednesday.
After Jason and his team of programmers get stuck in their MMORPG, Dungeon Lords, they must find a way back to the real world. Unbeknownst to them, the fantasy characters they inhabit have taken control of their bodies — and now wizards and warriors are running amok in Las Vegas.
Loaded with gamer humor, homages to classic video games, and some totally fun and compelling characters, DOUBLE JUMPERS is a stellar read, and a ton of fun.
This one’s from an indie that’s been impressing us lately, ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT, and we really feel that it’s going to end up taking off as one of those sleeper indie hits that goes under the radar at first.
Make sure you snag a copy this Wednesday at Third Eye!
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RED LANTERNS VOL.1 BLOOD AND RAGE DROPS THIS WEDNESDAY, COLLECTING THE FIRST 6 ISSUES OF THE KILLER NEW RED LANTERNS NEW 52 SERIES
RED LANTERNS is another of our favorites amongst the NEW 52, and we’re pretty pumped to see the first trade paperback arriving this Wednesday.

This little slab of awesome collects RED LANTERNS 1-6, and features ATROCITUS and his Red Lantern Corps taking an interesting turn, as they turn their rage towards injustice in the most bloody ways imaginable.

If the DC NEW 52 had it’s own version of THE PUNISHER: it’d be the RED LANTERNS…. but with rings, constructs, and crazy madness.

Plus: Ed Benes’s artwork on RED LANTERNS looks jaw-droppingly stunning, and will BLOW. YOUR. MIND.

Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.

JONATHAN HICKMAN’S SECRET #2 HITS THIS WEDNESDAY, DELIVERING THE BEST DAMN ESPIONAGE COMICS YOU’LL READ. EVER.
 
SECRET is one of two new ongoing series that HICKMAN has launched with IMAGE COMICS. The other being the mega-popular, and equally awesome MANHATTAN PROJECTS.
And, by now, many of you have heard the virtues of the MANHATTAN PROJECTS, and are just as hooked as we are. However, many of you may not yet have tried SECRET, and this week, Third Eye Faithful, I intend to change that.
Why? ‘Cause it’s one of the best damn new reads on the stands, folks, and number one impressed THE HELL OUTTA ME!
From the amazing artwork of Bodenheim, to Hickman’s fantastic storytelling, and strong world-building, this book is GREAT.
SECRET is a fascinating espionage comic book that delves deep into the realms of legal, accounting, and private security. The story opened in #1 with a ruthless beat-down, and then took us through a complex web of relationships and business connections that left us begging for more!
We love the tale he’s filled with shadowy characters, and morally grey characters, where you never know who you’re cheering for… until you realize they’re the bad guy.
Stellar stuff, if you dig Hickman’s other work on stuff like MANHATTAN PROJECTS, or his earlier work on stuff like PAX ROMANA, ect. then you will love SECRET.
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
PROPHECY ARRIVES FROM DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT THIS WEEK BRINGING TOGETHER VAMPIRELLA, RED SONJA, HERBERT WEST THE RE-ANIMATOR, DORIAN GRAY, PANTHA, and MORE!  A 7-ISSUE SELF-CONTAINED Event where the 2012 Doomsday prophecy threatens to end all life as it’s known!
The fine folks at DYNAMITE who have built a reputation for bringing back classic pulp heroes from the past into the modern day with cutting-edge new stories are doing something that’s pretty damn cool: they’re crossing over all their characters into one huge, self-contained 7-issue crossover event.
The over-the-top appeal of these iconic characters being brought together is pretty darn cool, as we see Vampirella, Red Sonja, Dracula, Herbert West the Re-Animator, Alan Quatermain, Athena, Dorian Gray, Pantha, and many more having to choose sides and clash in battles that will decide the fate of mankind as the Mayan doomsday prophecy begins to come pass.
This one sounds like pure comic book madness and fun, and we’re pretty stoked to see how it turns out.
Snag yourself a copy this Wednesday at Third Eye!
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DIAL H #2 – A MUST-READ for fans of the quirky, dark side of the NEW 52 like ANIMAL MAN or SWAMP THING, DIAL H is fantastic!
Dial H is the kind of book that reminds you of the over-the-top, bizarre kind of stories you can only tell in the world of comics. And, writer China Mieville embraces the unbridled creativity and insanity that harkens back to Jack Kirby of the ’70s, with his fascinating venture into the NEW 52 with DIAL H.
In DIAL H, we’re shown a fellow in his late ’20s, down on his luck, and without direction, who stumbles upon a magic phone booth, and finds himself transformed into an unconventional hero. The duality that’s explored between the average person, and the god-like superpowers they’ve been given is also interesting, and we love how Mieville brings fascinating new takes on super-powers into play.
For example, one of the identities that our hero takes on is that of a very Goth’d out looking fellow, who’s whole power is to paralyze people with intense emotional moments of pure sorrow. Yes, folks, his power is to BUM PEOPLE OUT.
How can you not have fun with this? :)
Wanna jump on board? We’ve got issue #1 in stock now to get you up to speed with #2.
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
STEAMCRAFT #1 delivers one of the most epic trips into the world of STEAMPUNK comics that we’ve seen since LADY MECHANIKA! Imagine: Steampunk SPACE MARINES throwing down with the forces of Cthulhu!
We’re big fans of the steampunk genre here at Third Eye, and when we saw the initial listings for STEAMCRAFT, we thought it sounded fantastic. Now, after having a chance to sit down, and give it a peek, it’s agreed: this book is pretty damn cool.
What’s the scoop? With strange eons, even death may die, unleashing strange horrors upon the world. They rise from the depths, they descend from the stars, caring no more for our existence than we care for the insects that inhabit our world. Yet there are those who dare to strap on their brass, and their leather, should their plasmotic rifles, and stoke up the boilers to their land-crawlers, super cannons, and air-ships, to prove: STEAM will save the world.
A total blast, and a pure loveletter to the steampunk genre, STEAMCRAFT is looking KICK-ASS, and we cannot wait to see where this exciting new series is heading.
Third Eye Subscriber? Click here to add this title to your subscription box.
FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #3 – The infestation continues, as SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON fends off the beginnings of the zombie apocalypse! From SACRIFICE / HIGHER EARTH writer SAM HUMPHRIES, and rising star artist JERRY GAYLORD
  
We are all about the awesomeness that is BOOM! Studios new FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES series, which depicts a group of fans at comic-con fending off the rabid infestation of zombies.
Sam Humphries, of SACRIFICE, ULTIMATES and HIGHER EARTH fame, brings a clever angle to this read, and really makes it pop with fun and electricity, as the crew of characters are instantly likable. Jerry Gaylord’s artwork looks AMAZING, and captures the kind of energy and dynamic movement of greats like HUMBERTO RAMOS and MIKE WIERENGO, and when you bring Gaylord’s art together with Humphries’s story, you get something very special.
The humor in this one is on point, and if you’re a fan of stuff like SHAUN OF THE DEAD, or my personal favorite, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (such a KILLER soundtrack!), then you’ll love the mix of gruesome gore, and fan-centric humor that FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES serves up.
Wanna get caught up? We’ve got copies of FvZ #1 and #2 in stock now to get you up to this week’s #3.
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VALIANT RELAUNCH: X-O MANOWAR #2 – The second issue of the red hot new XO MANOWAR revival continues this fantastic blend of stuff like SPARTACUS, HBO’S ROME, GLADIATOR, IRON MAN: EXTREMIS, and ALIENS.
  
XO MANOWAR made a huge positive impression on us here at Third Eye, with it’s amazing artwork courtesy of CARY NORD, and the stellar storyline by Robert Venditti. This book serves as the flagship launch of the VALIANT COMICS revival, and much like I said about HARBINGER above, VALIANT proves that just like it did back in the day, it’s going to bring modern, mature and cutting edge takes to the superhero genre that will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for more.
What’s this one about? A gorgeous combination of war stories, science fiction, horror, and superhero genres that leads to a constantly evolving narrative, while blending all of these genres into one fascinating story.
The story starts with the historic wars between the Roman and Visigoth cultures, and Venditti does a very HICKMAN-inspired job of delving into the details and conflict of these two cultures.
The protagonist, Aric, one of the Visigoths, leads his brothers-in-arms in a desperate last stand against the Romans, a move that takes his father’s life. When Aric returns for revenge, he finds a race of aliens that take him and his comrades hostage, enslaving them aboard their mothership and leaving Earth behind.
And, with the discovery of X-O MANOWAR, a living suit of battle armor (imagine if IRON MAN’s armor was a symbiote), he finds his means for escape.
I really can’t stress what a great debut issue #1 was, and this week’s #2 looks even better, as we find Aric putting his plans into action on how to get his hands on the X-O armor, and lead his comrades to escape…
Of course, the armor could provide a prison far worse than any that the Romans or the aliens could place him in.
Wanna jump on board? We’ve got issue #1 of this killer new read in stock and available now to get you on up to speed for this week’s #2.
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EPIC KILL #2 – KILL BILL meets POST-MODERN POLITICAL INTRIGUE? EPIC KILL is ultra-violent, ultra-awesome fun from IMAGE COMICS!
  
EPIC KILL dropped last month, and folks, I loved it. The first issue of this new IMAGE series delivers a stunning story, amazing artwork, and a bodycount that’s triple that of most comics has us HOOKED.
Meet Song, Song attends the St. Thomas School for Troubled Girls. She’s a new resident of the psych ward, and maybe she belongs in it too. See, Song, Song’s a weapon. She’s experienced the kind of martial arts training that enables her to put a hole in a man’s ribcage, with her bare hand. Her karate chops? They cut to the bone. Seriously, when she hits someone, the blood flies freely.
Now, what has Song trained so hard for? What turned her into this bullet-dodging, kung-fu badass?
The death of her parents.. and who is responsible for that death? The President of hte United States. And, well, I think Song’s mission is obvious.
Total rock-n-roll from start to finish, EPIC KILL delivers a grindhouse kung fu story that has us hooked and eagerly awaiting this week’s #2.
Wanna jump on board? We’ve got issue #1 in stock now to get you caught up to speed.
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SUPURBIA #4 CONCLUDES THE STELLAR LIMITED SERIES  WHICH EXPLORES THE SECRET HOME LIVES OF SUPERHEROES! A FANTASTIC READ!
Supurbia has been a fantastic read, with it’s STEPFORD WIVES approach to the world of superheroes, and the REAL HOUSE WIVES OF GOTHAM CITY kind of approach it brings to the world of superhumans.
The series is a blast, with writer Grace Randolph, focusing on the women married to the most powerful superheroes on the planet. The drama, and fascinating angles that play out surrounding these characters has us hooked, with a solid balance of action-packed superhero storytelling. The takes on the WONDER WOMAN, BATMAN, and SUPERMAN arch-types are fresh, and relevant, and what’s even more interesting, is how their spouses handle their prominent position as the world’s iconic superheroes.
Wanna get caught up on this one? We’ve got issues 1-3 in stock now to catch you up to this week’s #4.
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THIEF OF THIEVES #5 – THE RED HOT NEW SERIES WHICH IS SOON TO BE AN AMC TV SHOW FROM “WALKING DEAD” WRITER ROBERT KIRKMAN CONTINUES!
  
Thief of Thieves has been the definition of a buzz book, with each issue going into second and third printings, shortly after release. And, while we know that the huge announcement that this is the next AMC TV Show to be adapted from a comic (following their WALKING DEAD series), we feel that the buzz is still very much deserved, cause this book rules!
The story of an aging thief who can steal anything, except for one more chance of reuniting his broken family has kept us hooked and intrigued since the end of issue #1.
The story stars this master thief, who after quitting his life as a thief, has begun a new career choice: stealing from other thieves. The creative team on this book is the definition of all-star, with WALKING DEAD / INVINCIBLE writer ROBERT KIRKMAN and MORNING GLORIES writer NICK SPENCER sharing the writing duties, and bringing the best of their talents to the page in a big way.
We love the dynamic of the compulsion to steal, balanced with the desire to live lawfully… and the effect it has on our protagonist and those around him.
All in all, the book kicks ass, and it deserves every single bit of hype it gets. Highly recommended, make sure you snag yourself a copy this Wednesday of #5.
Not reading THIEF OF THIEVES? We’ve got issues 1-4 in stock now to catch you up to this week’s #5.
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AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BIG TIME ULTIMATE COLLECTION PROVIDES THE FIRST 13 ISSUES OF DAN SLOTT’S INCREDIBLE RUN OF SPIDER-MAN
 
Want to get started with a killer SPIDER-MAN arc? Begin here!
For a long time, the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN title, through the second half of the 2,000s was just not all that great. I mean, it was solid at times, had some great arcs (NEW WAYS TO DIE, THE GAUNTLET’s first half, ect.), but it just couldn’t shake the stink of BRAND NEW DAY.
Well, with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #648, DAN SLOTT, probably THE best writer to handle Spider-Man in decades, came on board as the regular series writer for the title, and he has been kicking major ass ever since.
Slott is the same man responsible for recent hits like SPIDER ISLAND, and the currently running ENDS OF THE EARTH. But, all the time, we often find ourselves asked: what’s a good place to start with SPIDER-MAN?
Folks, this is it: BIG TIME THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION arrives this Wednesday, delivering over 400 pages of AMAZING SPIDEY goodness, and we can proudly say that yes, the entire thing is great from cover to cover.
It also serves as a perfect jumping on point for anyone who’s new to the wallcrawler, and is looking for a good place to get started.
What’s the scoop? Peter Parker has finally hit the Big Time. He’s a full-fledged Avenger, he just landed a high-paying job in the field of science, and he has an amazing new girlfriend. But big time living means big time pressure, and when the HOBGOBLIN returns, Spidey finds that he needs a new edge to defeat this lethal, long-time foe.
Meanwhile, the Scorpion has returned to targe J. Jonah Jameson, and his loved ones, adding another worry to Spidey’s plate.
On top of all this, the death of Johnny Storm, long-time friend to Spidey, has put him in a position where he has to fill his fallen friend’s role in the Fantastic Four.
As you can see, it’s been non-stop for the Amazing Spider-Man since Slott came on board, and with an art team consisting of DAREDEVIL’S MARCOS MARTIN, the legendary HUMBERTO RAMOS, and SECRET WARRIORS / ENDS OF THE EARTH’s STEFANO CASELLI…. this book looks as amazing as it reads.
Snag yourself a copy this Wednesday!
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