OLD MAN LOGAN CONCLUDES THIS WEDNESDAY IN
GIANT-SIZE OLD MAN LOGAN SPECIAL! THE BIGGEST MARVEL STORY OF THE LAST TWO YEARS REACHES IT'S CONCLUSION!
GIANT-SIZE OLD MAN LOGAN SPECIAL! THE BIGGEST MARVEL STORY OF THE LAST TWO YEARS REACHES IT'S CONCLUSION!
For some of you who may have just gotten back into comics, or haven't yet checked out or heard of OLD MAN LOGAN, here's a quick rundown. Post-apocalyptic future, nearly all the Marvel heroes are dead, and Wolverine is now just a man of peace named Logan. See, something REAL bad happened in Wolverine's past (and when you find out what it is, trust me, it's a GREAT twist), and he hasn't been the same since. In fact, he hasn't popped his claws since the event, nearly 50 years in the past. He's aged, he's raised a family, and he's put his past as Wolverine behind him. Enter the Hulk Gang, the inbred offspring of Hulk and She-Hulk, who run the West Coast like an Old West crime family. Logan can't pay up to them, so he takes a beating, and gets some nasty threats. Enter Hawkeye, who is now 80 years old, and blind. And, from there, we're taken on a crazy, cross-country journey (courtesy of the Spider-Buggy, seriously). The Kingpin has killed Magneto, Red Skull is the President, and only hints of how all the heroes died are dropped. Folks, there are good comics, and there are comics you GOTTA read, and Old Man Logan is definitely the latter. It's one of those decade-defining high points that will be long remembered in terms of it's breakneck, over-the-top action, and cliffhanger endings. We HIGHLY recommend giving this one a go.
Click here to check out a preview of GIANT-SIZE OLD MAN LOGAN SPECIAL!
BLACKEST NIGHT CONTINUES THIS WEEK WITH BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN #2! BLACKEST NIGHT SUPERMAN #1 NOW BACK IN STOCK!
The Blackest Night has been one of the best things we've been following this year. I think that's pretty obvious from how much we've been gushing over it all summer long. And, things continue to heat up with each tie-in that hits. We have to say, we're very impressed with how everything has been hitting in high quality ways. I mean, how often is it that you find an event where nearly every tie-in book is dynamite? Well, with Blackest Night, it's been 100% all across the board.
This Wednesday, the follow-up issue to the Blackest Night Superman hits, and with it, comes some big surprises that have spun out of the events of Geoff Johns's Infinite Crisis (available at Third Eye in trade paperback). The first issue (which is also due back in stock this Wednesday) delivered a solid read featuring Earth-2 Superman and Earth-2 Lois Lane as Black Lanterns, terrorizing Smallville. Now, what happens when Psycho Pirate returns as a Black Lantern? This formerly D-List villain played big parts in both Crisis on Infinite Earths, and Infinite Crisis, we're really curious to see how he fits into the grand scheme of things. His unique power of being able to project emotions onto others makes him a perfect, and intriguing fit as a Black Lantern.
So, whether you missed BLACKEST NIGHT SUPERMAN #1, or already got it, and are eagerly awaiting BLACKEST NIGHT SUPERMAN #2, you know this one's going to be a great read. For those of you who didn't originally grab BLACKEST NIGHT SUPERMAN #1, we will have plenty of them back in stock this Wednesday, so now's your chance to catch back up!
Click here to read a preview of BLACKEST NIGHT SUPERMAN #2!
GEOFF JOHNS (BLACKEST NIGHT WRITER) REVAMPS SUPERMAN THIS WEDNESDAY IN THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #1! Even if you're not a Superman fan, check this out! It's going to rule!
Geoff Johns can do no wrong, it seems. The man has single-handledy re-energized nearly all of DC's icons. From his ground-breaking work on Green Lantern which has led up to the critically acclaimed BLACKEST NIGHT to his resurrection of Barry Allen in FLASH REBIRTH to his classic runs on books like JSA, and Teen Titans. He is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best writers working in comics today. We've already seen a little bit of what Johns can bring to the character of Superman with his awesome story arcs in Action Comics (Brainiac, Superman and the Legion of Superheroes, and Last Son), but this limited series by Johns and Gary Frank (artist on Brainiac and Superman & Legion of Superheroes) looks to be the big splash from Mr. Johns on the Big Blue Boyscout.
First off, I've never been a big Superman fan. There were moments I really dug him (Mark Millar's Red Son, Byrne's Man of Steel, Loeb & Sale's Superman for All Seasons, and of course, Quitely and Morrison's All-Star Superman), but he just never really clicked for me. Geoff Johns changed that with his run on Action Comics a couple of years ago. Not only did he capture the awe and depth that a character as classic as Superman deserves, but he even fleshed out much of his supporting cast and villains.
And, this, folks, is why I'm so excited about Superman: Secret Origin. This 6 issue limited series is the DEFINITIVE 21st century origin of Superman, revamped, and modernized for modern comic storytelling. And, holy smoke, after reading a preview, I am so sold. Johns will be exploring not just the origins of Superman, and adding to the lore, but also the origins of Lex Luthor, Metallo, and many of his other villains, not to mention his supporting cast.
If you think you knew the origin of Superman, then you're in for a surprise, because we know that Johns will be bringing a whole new level to this character that will rock the character and his continuity for years to come. Now, I know, some traditionalists may worry he might do something too radical, but we all know that Johns is a master of bringing a modern, cutting edge approach to classic characters without losing the original essence that made them so great in the first place. In other words, he doesn't screw things up. :)
On the other hand, this may be the first Superman comic you've ever picked up, and trust us, you couldn't choose a better one. If you're like me, and never really had an interest in the character, then I'm telling you, give this a shot. If you're already a fan, then we know you've been waiting for this book since it was announced.
Clickhereto check out a preview of SUPERMAN: Secret Origin #1!
SPIDERWOMAN #1 DELIVERS GRITTY, DIRTY SUPER-POWERED SPY MAYHEM THIS WEDNESDAY FROM SUPERSTAR CREATIVE TEAM BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS AND ALEX MALEEV!
Marvel has been doing something pretty cool recently. Certain titles that they want us to get behind, they've been allowing us .PDF previews of the full first issue. I can't stress how great this has been, it's helped us spot the good, the bad, and the ugly of what's coming down the pike. Last week, we told you how much we enjoyed the brand new Vengeance of Moon Knight series, and after hearing from some of you, it sounds like you all did as well. This week, we've got another one we had a nice sneak peek at, with the brand new SPIDERWOMAN ongoing series. Originally, I was kind of torn on this one, because while I do like the character, I wasn't sure how they could approach her to make the story interesting. But, the names attached to the book had me intrigued. First off, BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS is a creator who has risen to the top of the comic book world, only rivaled by DC's Geoff Johns in terms of quality output, and storytelling when it comes to superhero books. And, with the addition of Alex Maleev as the series artist, I was nearly sold. I mean, Bendis and Maleev penned, in my opinion, the greatest Daredevil run ever. So, I was pretty hopeful. I read the first issue, and damn, the book is crucially good.
First off, this one is a very dark, mature spy story. It has more in common with the darker end of the Marvel Universe, and modern noir classics like Ed Brubaker's Sleeper, and Incognito, than you would think. However, Bendis brings his trademark razor sharp dialogue, and knack for putting superheroes in the real world, that makes it a real unique story. Maleev's gritty, dark pencils look better than ever, and are a perfect match to Bendis's storytelling. Best of all, you can tell that this is a character both creators truly love, because the quality shines through so damn bright, it's not even funny.
What's the scoop? Spiderwoman, Jessica Drew, is attempting to reclaim her life, and pick up the pieces of a very dysfunctional past. However, Agent Brand, and S.W.O.R.D (originally debuted in Whedon's Astonishing X-Men) have other plans for her. Basically, she is brought in as a killer. She's given all the technology she needs to hunt down, and exterminate alien, supernatural, and sometimes superhuman life on Earth. In other words, she neutralizes the threats before the big guns in groups like the Avengers know they're threats. She does what no one else will. She's a dysfunctional, superpowered hitwoman working for the protection of Earth, and it's people. However, this means doing things that no hero would, or could ever do.
The book is dark. Seriously, it plunges you right into the underbelly of the Marvel Universe, and keeps you there, drowning you in the lies and secrets told and kept to keep everything else functioning as normal.
Whether you're a big Marvel fan in general, or even if you're a fan of more off-the-beaten-path stuff like Incognito, Sleeper, and the Losers, you should check this one out. We really are excited about. The choppy motion comic they did for it really doesn't do it justice, as this one features original material, and just plain looks better.
Click here for a preview of Spiderwoman #1!
DARK REIGN: THE LIST CHAPTER 3 - X-MEN CONTINUES THE COUNTDOWN TO THE END OF DARK REIGN!
The List has rewarded us two weeks in a row, and with this third installment being penned by rising star writer MATT FRACTION (the man currently behind what we think is one of the best Iron Man runs EVER), we're excited to see where it goes next. If you missed the first two chapters, don't worry, we still have both DARK REIGN THE LIST BOOK 1: AVENGERS, and DARK REIGN THE LIST BOOK 2: DAREDEVIL in stock here at Third Eye for you to catch up on.
Not familiar with what The List is all about? Basically, Norman Osborn, after an attempt on his life by the original Hawkeye (now known as Ronin), has decided to make his big move of incarcerating and/or terminating major Marvel players like the Avengers, Wolverine, Daredevil, and the X-Men. Why is this event a big deal in comparison to other Dark Reign tie-ins? Well, first off, the level of talent featured on these 8 one-shots is incredible. Amazing artists, and amazing writers, make for some fine comics. And, the concept: the countdown to the conclusion of DARK REIGN, is a good one. Dark Reign has been very good, but we are glad to see some resolution on the horizon, and The List is delivering that big time.
This week, we get a look at Norman Osborn and his approach to dealing with the X-Men. This one features fall out from the UTOPIA/Dark X-Men Saga. As if the events of the UTOPIA saga were not enough, what else could Norman do to the X-Men to put them through their paces? And, with the return of Magneto looming on the horizon of the Marvel Universe... will we see that play into things at all?
Written by one of our Third Eye favorites, Matt Fraction, and illustrated by a modern master himself, Alan Davis, this one looks to be a very worthy one-shot that we're excited for. A must read for anyone keeping up with the current events of the Marvel Universe, the X-Men, or the Dark Reign/Dark Avengers saga.
Click here for a preview of DARK REIGN THE LIST CHAPTER 3: X-MEN.
DARK X-MEN: THE CONFESSIONREVEALS EMMA FROST'S SECRET DEALINGS WITH THE CABAL, AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE X-MEN!
The Dark X-Men Saga/Utopia has concluded, but what is happening in the universe-shattering aftermath of DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN EXODUS? Well, the big one, is Emma Frost's secret dealings with the Cabal which began before any of this Dark Reign stuff kicked off, and how they're going to impact the X-Men and her involvement in the team.
If you guys remember last year, we saw Emma taking part in the very first gathering of the shadowy CABAL (the "Evil Illuminati" consisting of Osborn, Dr. Doom, The Hood, Loki, and Namor). Her role was unclear, but we could tell it had something to do with the future of mutants in the Marvel Universe. Now, after the events of UTOPIA (The Dark X-Men Saga), we're set to learn just what Emma's involvement was, and how deep it went. And, just how does this affect the X-Men and their future? Things are about to get very crazy for Marvel's merry mutants, as we get closer to the return of Magneto in Nation X, and the upcoming Necrosha storyline. We have a feeling that both this, and the earlier mentioned DARK REIGN THE LIST X-MEN will be dropping some tidbits of things to come. Plus, who hasn't been curious about what Emma's role in Norman's Cabal really has been all about? And, she's always been one to hold secrets, so we're excited to see where this one goes.
Not to mention it's being written by one of the most underrated X-Writers in the fold, Chris Yost. This man has delivered issue after awesome issue of X-Force and turned that book into a solid fan-favorite. Not to mention, his participation in both Messiah Complex and Messiah War.
Clickhere for a preview of DARK X-MEN: THE CONFESSION one-shot.
DETECTIVE COMICS #857 *BATWOMAN PT 4* CONTINUES RUCKA & JH WILLIAMS III's INCREDIBLE BATWOMAN STORY ARC!
You guys have gotta check this series out. I know, I know, all of the Batman stuff has been rock solid, and it's hard to beat out Batman and Robin as one of the best. But, folks, believe me when I say it, alongside Streets of Gotham, Detective Comics has been one of the best kept secrets of the new Batman relaunch. The artwork in this series is some of the most incredible stuff you'll see. The artist, JH Williams III, has this very unique approach to the storytelling, where it literally switches from gorgeous, dramatic, painted art when Batwoman is in her Batwoman guise to a more subdued, controlled, and softer tone when she's in her secret identity. And, that's just the tip of the iceberg on why we enjoy this series so much.
Lets face it, Greg Rucka writes some great noir-influenced superheroes, and he's really in his element with the Batwoman. The character is pretty new to us, and while we're still very unfamiliar with her, and her origins, this introductory (okay, so she did get some development in 52) arc has really fleshed her out. Personally, I hope Batwoman continues to get creative teams as well-rounded as this, because the character has really been made into something special here.
What's the scoop on the plot? Batwoman, like many of Gotham's masked vigilantes, is trying to fill the void that Bruce Wayne has left. Rucka plays up the dynamic difference between her and Batman, as she even goes as far as using a gun. He builds the character very well, and plays her up as a hardened soldier, instead of as a detective. Not that there's not a detective-noir influence going on here, but it takes a back seat to Batwoman and her methods. The real standout here is the gorgeous artwork, and it's one of the few times, that art pulls me in over story. While the story is very solid, the art really makes it pop, and an enjoyable read. If you want to get caught up on Batwoman, we still have the first issue of the arc in stock, Detective Comics 854, as well as Detective Comics 855, and 856.
Click here to check out a preview of DETECTIVE COMICS #857.
FANTASTIC FOUR #571 DELIVERS THE SECOND CHAPTER OF JONATHAN HICKMAN'S (Secret Warriors) RUN ON THIS SERIES! GREAT STUFF, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
The Fantastic Four are another group of characters that it takes a lot for me to get into. I mean, while I try to read everything that comes through the doors at Third Eye, the new run of FF after MARK MILLAR and BRYAN HITCH left, was not something I had planned on following. But, when they announced Jonathan Hickman as the next writer to give Marvel's original superteam a crack... I had to give it a shot. I mean, Hickman is one of those writers right now who I feel is going to blow up in the next year. He's on the cusp of big things, and is right there with other rising stars like Fraction, and Jason Aaron. From his creator-owned work on stuff like Transhuman and Pax Romana to his refreshing take on the world of Nick Fury with SECRET WARRIORS, Hickman has been consistently on point.
So, I read the first issue, and dude, I was sold. I think I like this even better than Millar's run from last year (which I really enjoyed). In on issue, he covered more bases, and captured what the Fantastic Four should be about more than ANYONE has since the days of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.
Now, what's the scoop? Well, remember back in Civil War, when Reed Richards had mentioned he had 101 Ways To Fix The World, and the Civil War was the result of one of those? This arc is him exploring the other 100. And, it takes the book in the big, bold, over-the-top kind of high concept awesomeness that you'd expect from the Fantastic Four done right. The first issue concludes with Reed entering a chamber with every incarnation of himself from every alternate dimension you could think of. And, the very last page? Three different Reed Richards, all wearing the Infinity Gauntlet. The characterization of the entire team is on-point, and new artist, Dave Eaglesham shows A TON of promise as an artist to watch, cause his pencils on this look fantastic. The approach Hickman takes to the Fantastic Four is kind of a weird, almost Alan Moore-influenced post-modern take on the Silver Age. In other words... this comic is made of awesomeness. If you need chapter 1 (issue 570), we still have it in stock here at Third Eye.
Click here to read a preview of FANTASTIC FOUR #571
IMMORTAL WEAPONS #3 CONTINUES TO DELIVER MORE KUNG FU THAN A SATURDAY AFTERNOON WITH THE SHAW BROTHERS!
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of what Marvel has done with Iron Fist in the last few years. They've taken an extremely underused character, and given him a rich backstory, full of depth and refreshing concepts. And, it's also no secret that we here at Third Eye are connoiseurs of pop culture, and the delicious junk food of martial arts flicks, and hong kong action cinema. This is probably a big part of why we love Immortal Weapons so much. Marvel gives us this limited series, exploring each of the Immortal Weapons, their origins, and their places in the world of Iron Fist. From the way that the characters call out the names of their martial arts moves, to the cinematic fight scenes, this book is a must for anyone who happens to be: a) a fan of Marvel Comics, b) a fan of kung fu movies, c) a fan of old school fighting games like King of Fighters and Street Fighter, or d) all of the above.
We currently have the first two issues still in stock, so if you're interested in hopping aboard, you may want to jump on these quick. The first one is a great issue featuring Fat Cobra, Master of the Sumo Stomp, and the second one is all about the mysterious Bride of Nine Spiders. The third installment, due out this Wednesday, features Dog Brother #1, the Protector of Orphans. And we know it's going to deliver all the high-energy kung fu awesomeness that this limited series has been putting out week after week.
Click here to read more about IMMORTAL WEAPONS #3!
UNDERGROUND #1 FROM IMAGE COMICS DELIVERS A COMIC THAT CHANNELS THE CULT CLASSIC HORROR FLICK "THE DESCENT". AN ALL-NEW APPROACH TO THE TERM "SURVIVAL HORROR"
Remember that awesome horror flick from a few years back about the cave-spelunking (did I spell that right?) group that met a terribly grisly fate deep beneath the Earth? Well, the writer of the graphic novel WHITEOUT (now in theaters), is bringing something very similar to the world of Image Comics. This new series featuring caver Wesley Fischer, and her one-woman mission to stop Stillwater Cave from becoming a tourist trap enters into some seriously creepy territory.
We read a small black and white aschan preview of this a few months ago, and thought it was a pretty solid new addition to the Image canon of titles. A very interesing concept, that delivers some seriously creepy stuff. We're excited to see where the series go, and for those of you who're looking to try something a little out there, with a whole lot of creepy cave-dwelling monsters craving for human flesh.. you oughta give this one a try. One of the big strong points is the characterization of the main character, and we're thinking that's going to help this one stand out as more than just another survival horror comic.
Click here for a preview of UNDERGROUND #1!
NEW AVENGERS #57 - THE HOOD LOSES CONTROL OF HIS EMPIRE, AND ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE!
New Avengers always seems to deliver, and this current story arc featuring the Hood, and the crumbling of his criminal empire has been one of the better reads in recent memory. What can we say? Bendis and the new series artist, Stuart Immonen (who we're really digging) know how to spin a good Avengers yarn. And, with the Hood losing his place as Kingpin of the Underworld, who will be taking his place? And, what role do the (currently) de-powered NEW AVENGERS and DARK AVENGERS play in the mix? Find out this Wednesday!
Click here to read a preview ofNEW AVENGERS #57
TALES FROM WONDERLAND: TWEEDLE-DEE & TWEEDLE-DUM ONE-SHOT EXPLORES MORE OF THE DARK WORLD OF ZENESCOPE'S WONDERLAND!
For all of you who're big fans of Zenescope's WONDERLAND sagas, you're in for another treat of twisted fairy tale awesomeness this Wednesday. This week, the arrival of the third and final of this summer's TALES FROM WONDERLAND one-shots, unveils the story of TWEEDLE-DEE and TWEEDLE-DUM in TALES FROM WONDERLAND: TWEEDLE-DEE AND TWEEDLE-DUM. This one's a story of how the two brothers met the grisly fate you saw in the pages of RETURN TO WONDERLAND.
Click here to read more about the TALES FROM WONDERLAND one-shots.
THIRD EYE GRAPHIC NOVEL SPOTLIGHT FOR THIS WEDNESDAY!
A Blast From the Past
THOR BY DAN JURGENS & JOHN ROMITA JR v.1 TPB - Collecting one of my personal favorite Thor runs, this trade paperback is long overdue. This run was launched directly after the somewhat lackluster Heroes Reborn stuff, and man, did it really light up my young brain. I had never been a big Thor fan, but at that time, I was reading all four of the new series spinning out of Heroes Reborn, under the Heroes Return banner. And, they were all great. The Thor stands out though, because of one reason, and one reason only: John Romita JR draws some BADASS Asgardians. The Destroyer, Sif, Loki, all of them drawn in that high-energy, bigger than life way that Romita JR does so well. This one's a must-read for all you Marvel heads out there!
A Look to the Future
The Goon Volume 9: Calamity Of Conscience - Eric Powell's Goon series has been one of the quirkiest, and most beautifully illustrated comics we've seen in a very long time. It carries the mantle of originality, and weirdness that Dark Horse was built on proudly, and we love it. Anytime a new graphic novel hits collecting some Goon issues, we're stoked, cause these collections make such a nice package. Who is the Goon? The Goon's a criminal mastermind in the disguise of a hired thug. After having been raised by a mobster, and watching his Aunt gunned down in his crossfire, he snaps and kills his criminal mentor. After doing so, he snatches up his mentor's book of contacts, and takes over his empire, insisting that his boss is alive, and letting everyone believe he's just an enforcer. The adventures of the Goon are surreal, and see him running across zombie priests, crazy gypsies, talking Spiders and more. This is a series with a big paranormal bent to it, and is a must if you like some good old fashioned metafictional weirdness.
Something... AWESOME.
One of the BEST X-Men runs in history gets the fantastic Marvel Omnibus treatment this Wednesday with the arrival of the Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday Omnibus. I really can't tell you guys how much I loved this run. Whedon takes everything that is "cool" about the X-Men and distills it into a solid chunk of awesome reading. Not to mention, Cassaday's artwork showcases these characters in the best light possible. This omnibus is a worthy collection of the entire run, including the conclusion in GIANT-SIZE ASTONISHING X-MEN #1, and while if you haven't read the series before, we recommend the regular trade paperbacks (since they're a lot cheaper), if you have read the series, then you know this is one omnibus that deserves it's place on your bookshelf.
hereto check out the preview of 
