I mean, honestly, I can’t remember the last time I’d been this excited about Batman books, at least up until Morrison’s run started. And, while as much as I dug it, I was still a little lost during RIP, it was something fresh, and felt like it was really building towards something cool. And, RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE seems to be that. But, the thing that’s got me really excited is the direction we’re going to see things going when Bruce Wayne does eventually return. I mean, there’s been a little bit of news dropped about it at San Diego, but all I can do is guess based upon the things Morrison has said in interviews… and from what I can gather, it’s gonna be great.

Anyways, RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #4 continues the uber-rad retro sci fi time-travel awesomeness that’s been keeping us hooked month after month. The end of issue #3 showed a very promising hint for this one, with Jonah Hex taking up a bounty on the Caped Crusader. And, now, I can’t wait to see what goes down as we get to see The Dark Knight riding through the Old West era of the DCU.

For those of you who’re not already reading RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, this series is a perfect spot to come into the world of Batman in the DCU right now. The plot? Basically, for a few years, Grant Morrison has been pretty much re-building the world of Batman and his mythos as we know it. Much like Neal Adams and Dennis O’Neal took the Caped Crusader from the campy Adam West stories into a much darker direction, Morrison has injected a fresh, mystery and weird science feel into the world of Batman, playing up how the Dark Knight IS  the World’s Greatest Detective. The penultimate moment of Morrison’s reinvention of the Batman mythos is RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE.

See, during the events of BATMAN RIP, and FINAL CRISIS, something happened that gave EVERYBODY, including most of the DCU, the impression that Bruce Wayne was toast. Gone. Ka-put. But, as Morrison has told the tale so well in his incredible BATMAN AND ROBIN series, hints and clues have led us AND the characters closest to Wayne to believe that he’s not dead, but is in fact, missing in time. And, that leads us to the RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, where each issue of this 6-issue limited series is dropping the Dark Knight into a different period of time, giving us a Bat-Pirate, a Bat-Cowboy, and more. And, then there’s this little subplot of how if Wayne does manage to return, well, some bad mojo is gonna go down.

Sound awesome? It totally is. Now, a lot of you are probably already hooked on the series, like us, and want to go back further to get some more meat on Morrion’s run. And, while Morrison technically began his run with the Resurrection of Ra’s Al Ghul, here’s the rundown of trade paperbacks we recommend checking out to follow the last couple years of Batman stories:

Start with: BATMAN AND SON TPB – The first official arc in Morrison’s run, this is where the character of Damian is first introduced, as well as many storyline concepts that’re still being explored in Morrison’s run.

BATMAN: THE BLACK GLOVE TPB - The second part of the “Batman Gets Killed” trilogy, BLACK GLOVE, of course, delves deep into the mysterious BLACK GLOVE, who has proven to be much more of a major player in things than we had originally guessed. It also gives us a very interesting glimpse at a future where Damian has taken on his father’s role as Batman.

BATMAN: RIP TPB – This is it. The complete physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological deconstruction of The Dark Knight. Mysterious new foes, and familiar classics alike return to strip Wayne of everything that makes him who he is. This one finishes out Morrison’s “Batman Gets Killed” trilogy, and leads pretty flawlessly into where things are now.

Additionally, you might want to check out:

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL HC - This collects the mini-series that follows immediately after RIP, and shows us how Dick Grayson (Nightwing) ends up taking on the mantle of the Bat.

BATMAN AND ROBIN HC – AWESOME series. Probably the best Batman book I’ve read in a long time (not counting RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE). This collects the first six issues of Grant Morrisson’s BATMAN AND ROBIN, where Grayson and Damian are.. well, Batman and Robin. And, it’s the perfect build-up to all the cool stuff going on now in the series. We also have this entire run in the single issues (1-13), if you’d prefer to grab the singles.

Now, if you’d rather just jump straight into Morrison’s mad and amazing Batman world.. then, we recommend snagging BATMAN: RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1-3, and getting caught up to this week’s issue #4. We’ve got all issues in stock at Third Eye, and folks, we really can’t recommend this one enough. It is simply kick-ass. For a quick prelude to the series, grab BATMAN AND ROBIN #10-#12, also in stock now, which serves as an official prologue to the storyline.

Click here to read more about BATMAN: RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE at the official Wikipedia for it.

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: SECRET AVENGERS #3 – ED BRUBAKER and MIKE DEODATO continue to deliver one of the most kick-ass, and innovative team superhero books on the stands! Espionage, weird science, visceral pulp violence and many nods to classic Marvel lore make this one a must-read! NOT READING SECRET AVENGERS? We’ve still got copies of issues 1 and 2 in stock to catch you up!

I gotta tell you guys, SECRET AVENGERS has been one of my favorite books. There’s just something that’s so fresh, and so unique about what Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato are doing with this one that makes each and every issue one of the best things I’ve read.

As part of the launch of new AVENGERS books with Marvel’s new Heroic Age, SECRET AVENGERS serves as kind of the “down and dirty” Avengers team. The covert ops team that does all the dirty work, and cleans up the messes that the public should not know about. Brubaker brings a great sense of modern day storytelling meets Jim Steranko and Steve Ditko craziness that has been keeping us hooked hardcore.

Part of SECRET AVENGERS big appeal is the unique roster of the team. Steve Rogers is heading the team up under the guise of his new position as the director of world security, essentially, the new leader of SHIELD. He’s handpicked individuals who can have unique skillsets so that this team can tackle any job. So, that’s where Nova comes in as the space guy, Moon Knight as the hardened killer set out for redemption but willing to do what needs to be done, Black Widow as the espionage expert, Valkyrie for her magic badassery, the Beast for his science know-how, War Machine for the heavy firepower, and I’m still not quite sure where the Irredeemable Ant-Man fits, but I guess every team needs a jerk, right?

Anyways, the current storyline kicked off with a bang as we’ve already seen some major stuff go down in the first two issues. First, it looks like Nick Fury’s up to no good. Secondly, Nova’s been possessed by one of the three Serpent Crowns (a sentient, organic “crown”), and now, with the Secret Avengers, on Mars. Yes, MARS, people, how awesome is that? But, with the Avengers on Mars, they’ve discovered that Nova’s using the serpent crown to have people dig beneath Mars’s surface for … something, that we’re not quite sure of yet.

This series kicks a ton of ass, and it’s awesome that Brubaker has done something that we haven’t seen done in a long time: he’s taken the Avengers out of New York, and into the wilds of space. Plus, the mystery aspect has got us guessing, and we’re totally in love with the return of classic Marvel institutions like the Roxxon Corp.

Add all this to the fact that Mike Deodato is dishing out some really great artwork, brings a very cool, eerie sci-fi vibe that compliments Brubaker’s writing. The whole atmosphere of Mars reminds me a lot of the first ALIEN movie, a cold, dark place, where you have no clue what’s lurking in the midst.

Anyways, if you can’t already tell, I’m pumped for issue #3. It hits this Wednesday. If you haven’t yet checked out the first two issues, we’ve got limited quantities of both issues #1 and #2 in stock to get you caught up.

Click here for a preview of SECRET AVENGERS #3 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: AMERICAN VAMPIRE #5 – If you’re not reading this series, you need to pick up issue #1 and find out why we’re calling this one the “WALKING DEAD” of VAMPIRES. One of the best new books we’ve seen!

American Vampire has quickly become one of my favorite reads. I think that between this and SWEET TOOTH, we’ve got two really strong contestants for the “Next Best Vertigo Book.” You know what I’m talking about. The crown right now is worn by Jason Aaron’s incredible SCALPED, but there’s always that one series that’s going on in the background, building upon itself, and working towards being the next killer Vertigo book that everyone is hooked on. First it was Sandman, then Preacher, then Transmetropolitan, then Y The Last Man, then Fables (which is still rocking hard, make no mistake), and now SCALPED. But, as both AMERICAN VAMPIRE and SWEET TOOTH develop their stories, these two are really gonna be going neck and neck to fill that spot.

Anyways, I’m rambling. American Vampire’s good. Like, REALLY good. Like, classic in the making good. Now, when this first started off, I think a lot of people, myself included, were intrigued primarily by the fact that this was the “first” REAL comic writing of STEPHEN KING. But, after five issues, I gotta be honest, while King’s part is fantastic, it’s Scott Snyder’s story that has me really intrigued and hooked. See, American Vampire bounces between the past, telling the story of the first vampire to exist in America, old West outlaw Skinner Sweet, and then the “present” which is the 1920s Hollywood Babylon, as we follow the story of Pearl, a young actress who’s ripped to shreds by vampires, and then brought back to her senses… and into her new life as a bloodsucker by outlaw Skinner Sweet.

The series is very cool, very good plotting, and some great character development that makes the characters practically jump off of the page. The concept itself is pretty awesome too… basically, the vampire infection affects people from different regions differently, and as we’re shown from Skinner, he and Pearl do not have the same kinds of defects that the European vampires do. In other words, they can handle the sun better, amongst other things.

All in all, I highly recommend this one, guys. There’s already been some very cool plot twists, and I REALLY don’t want to spoil anything going on in the current arc, so just trust me.. pick up issue #1, and we think you’ll be impressed. All I can say is that Skinner Sweet is becoming one of the most interesting freaking characters in comics right now.

Wanna get caught up? We’ve got issues #1-4  all in stock now, so snag ‘em this Wednesday and find out why this series is so much fun.

Click here to read more about AMERICAN VAMPIRE #5


THIRD EYE MUST BUY: GREEN LANTERN DOUBLE-DOSE: GREEN LANTERN #56 – Hector Hammond vs. Larfleeze? YES! GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50 – CYBORG-SUPERMAN RETURNS!

Dude, I gotta tell ya… Green Lantern is even better in the post-BLACKEST NIGHT DCU. Geoff Johns is telling some really cool stories that are fleshing out all the little cool tidbits he’d only hinted at before, and with the book giving us some focus on the “New Guardians”, like Atrocitus, Larfleeze, St. Walker, ect ect… it’s not just mainted it’s must-read status, but it’s even gone higher up in our stack of books we look forward to.

Anyways, in the BRIGHTEST DAY realm of GREEN LANTERN (which began with issue #53), we’ve been seeing some really rad stuff going on. It looks like issue #56 is giving some of the spotlight to one of our personal favorites: Larfleeze, the Orange Lantern, aka He Who Says MINE! See, Hector Hammond, the old school GL baddie with the giant noggin’ has become fascinated with the mystery of the White Lantern, and now he’s set his sights on one being: Larfleeze! PLUS, we get to see just what happened to the Parallax entity during BLACKEST NIGHT.

Folks, if there’s one DC book you gotta be reading, it’s Geoff Johns’s run on GL. The book is fantastic, and with Doug Mahnke still handling the art, looks sharp as hell. If you fell off after BLACKEST NIGHT, or are a new reader digging BRIGHTEST DAY and want a fresh jumping in spot, we recommend scooping up issues #53-#55 and getting caught up. This series is still one of the best books on the stands.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50

Now, take everything I said about Green Lantern, and just repeat it for Green Lantern Corps, ’cause this book has been getting pretty freakin’ rad itself. In the aftermath of BLACKEST NIGHT, the position of the GREEN LANTERN CORPS and their purpose in the grand scheme of things has gotten VERY interesting. And, this issue especially is one I’m looking forward to, why you might ask?

‘Cause it’s the return of CYBORG SUPERMAN! Yes, this character was made extremely cool during the events of the SINESTRO CORPS WAR (highly recommended, available in trade paperback here at Third Eye). And, now, that he’s back, we’re extremely curious to see what has spurred his return, and what he’s after. Not to mention, we’re going to see more on Ganthet’s secret deal with Atrocitus, and why it may just spell out the end of the GREEN LANTERN CORPS.

Just like GREEN LANTERN, this one has also continued to get better, and better each and every month. Looking to jump on? We’d recommend picking up with issue #47, which is the first issue carrying the BRIGHTEST DAY banner.

THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL: TIMEBOMB #1 – JONAH HEX writers JIMMY PALMIOTTI and JUSTIN GRAY (the guy who make the Hex comic so kick-ass!) deliver the latest and greatest from RADICAL PUBLISHING – WORLD WAR II SCI-FI AWESOMENESS!

Okay, I’m pumped for this one. First off, it’s the cult favorite writing team of the killer JONAH HEX ongoing series (as well as JONAH HEX NO WAY BACK graphic novel from last June), Palmiotti and Gray. And, trust me, these guys are both fantastic at writing true blue grindhouse awesomeness in comic book form. Now, pair them up with one of my long-time favorite artists, Paul Gulacy, and that’s a recipe for a killer comic. Add in Radical’s fantastic production values, and track record for good reads, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

Time Bomb begins beneath the streets of modern day Berlin, where archeologists accidentally activate the Omega Bomb, Hitler’s ultimate doomsday weapon designed to wipe out the human race. Now, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and equipment, a group of specialists must travel one day back through time to stop the bomb from ever going off. However, these folks quickly discover that rather than going back as intended, they’ve been sent back into the heart of Germany, in the midst of World War II. Now, it’s up to them to save the human race on a ticking clock before the bomb is even set.

This one, judging from the previews I’ve seen captures that perfect blend of grindhouse violence, break-neck action, and tongue-in-cheek humor that Palmiotti and Gray are so good at pulling off. Time Bomb is a three-issue limited series, and it kicks off this Wednesday. Give it a go. We think you’ll dig it!

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: X-MEN SECOND COMING AFTERMATH: UNCANNY X-MEN #526 *THE FIVE LIGHTS CHAPTER ONE* – Picking up immediately after the conclusion of SECOND COMING… are the mutants back?

So SECOND COMING ended with a BANG, and we were completely blown away with how well that whole storyline played out. What a great job of getting us pumped about the X-MEN again, I gotta say. And now, in the aftermath of SECOND COMING, well, it looks like Hope is using the Phoenix force to reignite the spark in humanity that kicks off the birth of many mutants, as well as the manifestation of the mutant gene that may have laid latent in many characters.

Now, kicking off in UNCANNY X-MEN, we’re getting to see a very cool direction for the X-Men begin as Cyclops, Emma Frost, and, others attempt to find out just what the hell is going on with all these new mutants.

I don’t want to drop any spoilers, ’cause after reading the advance on this one, it is a pretty cool issue, and there’s some neat little twists here. All I can say is that Matt Fraction and While Portacio are on point here, and I’m excited to see where things’ll be going with UNCANNY in the wake of SECOND COMING. If you’re looking for the follow-up to SECOND COMING, then this is most definitely the book to read.

Click here for a preview of UNCANNY X-MEN #526 *FIVE LIGHTS CHAPTER ONE*

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: WONDER WOMAN #601 KICKS OFF J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI’S RUN ON WONDER WOMAN! EVEN IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN A BIG WW FAN… READ THIS COMIC! IT’S GONNA KICK ASS!

Dude, I am so pumped to see Straczynski handling not just one big high-profile DC book (Superman), but TWO, with him starting his run on WONDER WOMAN this Wednesday. Now, I know it’s no secret that Wonder Woman has had a hard time of really catching a break. For a character with as much potential as her (I mean, she’s the friggin’ embodiment of Warrior Princess, here, folks), there’s been a lot of missteps with her series. And, while there’s been some real shining moments of awesomeness, they’ve been admittedly few and far between.

But, that’s all the past now, ’cause after reading Wonder Woman #600, and Straczynski’s prologue to his highly anticipated run on Wonder Woman, I’m convinced.. this book is gonna rock HARD.

This new Wonder Woman arc is a perfect jumping on point if you’ve never read Wonder Woman, or if it’s been a long time since then. The storyline that’ll be dominant in Straczynski’s run shows us a young Diana Prince in a new, unfamiliar (yet with touches of familiarity) costume, seeking an oracle and referencing a dead mother recently brought back. So far, we’ve been given a lot of mystery, but here’s what we do know from reading the interviews with JMS about his upcoming run. This is a “new” version of WONDER WOMAN, who’s come to be as a result of someone screwing with the timeline, who’s out to figure out what is going on with things, and investigate the ruins of a recently destroyed Paradise Island.

Admittedly, DC has played their cards close to the vest on this one, not giving us a lot of info on what the overall arc is going to be about, other than re-inventing WONDER WOMAN for the 21st century, but we’re eager to read this one and find out.

And, whether you love or hate the new costume, you gotta admit: it definitely makes sense in terms of something that’s combat ready.

THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL: PILOT SEASON STELLAR – ROBERT KIRKMAN (WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, HAUNT) BRINGS US ANOTHER KILLER PILOT SEASON ONE-SHOT!

Robert Kirkman’s PILOT SEASON one-shots have been really freakin’ good this year. Not familiar with the PILOT SEASON concept? Basically, Kirkman drops a killer one-shot story introducing a new character. And, then once all of the PILOT SEASON one-shots have been released, we’ll be able to vote as fans to see which one we want to see stick around.

ANYWAYS, if you missed the one before this, STEALTH, we recommend snagging a copy. A really kick-ass one-shot about a guy who finds out his dad (who’s been developing Alzheimer’s) is a superhero.. and has to prevent him from going out, and flying into oncoming traffic.

The story of Stellar is that she’s one of five genetically-enhanced super-humans created by the government. For Stellar, the process used on her has made her toxic to other humans driving four volunteers insane. Banished from Earth, Stellar roams the cosmos trying to use her powers for good, haunted by the fact that she can never return home — and all too aware that her fellow super-humans are out there, eager to strike at any moment. As with most of Kirkman’s stuff, we know that he’s going to apply a kick-ass twist on this concept, and of course, deliver big-time on the characterization and storyline, like he does with pretty much everything. Definitely recommend checking this one out this Wednesday.

THE RISING #0 – RADICAL COMICS DELIVERS A FUTURE CYBERPUNK SPARTACUS TALE FOR JUST $1.00!
WRITTEN BY THE CREATOR OF HBO’S BAND OF BROTHERS SERIES and PIXAR ILLUSTRATOR J.P TARGETE
ESCAPE FROM NY meets SPARTACUS

Radical puts out some seriously kick-ass comics, and one of the things that ALWAYS stands out to me with their books is the incredible artwork. And, this time, they’ve REALLY delivered, bringing aboard one of the guys from PIXAR… that’s a pretty big deal. Add in the fact that this new series is gonna be penned by the creator of HBO’S BAND OF BROTHERS series, and it looks like we’re in store for some good reading.

THE RISING is described as a futuristic cyberpunk kinda Spartacus tale. Here’s the skinny on this one: It’s not resistance, it’s a revolution. After years of war, economic chaos, and mankind, itself, teetering on the verge of thermonuclear extinction, an alien force decides we’re ripe for an invasion. When a deadly virus is released, this militaristic empire massacres the world’s defense forces and most of the human population. The survivors are forced into slavery, and are helpless as they watch this new enemy plunder the remaining natural resources of Earth. But, then Jarret Jakes, chosen to fight and die as a gladiator, escapes from New York City to lead a ragged band of guerrilla warriors in hopes of inspiring our now downtrodden world to rise up against their alien oppressors.

So, lots of violence, crazy aliens, and awesome artwork.

What’s not to love? AND, it’s only $1 for this first issue!

GREEN ARROW #2 *BRIGHTEST DAY* – FOLLOWING UP ON THE SMASH HIT FIRST ISSUE, THE GREEN ARROW IS OFFICIALLY AWESOME AGAIN! READ THIS BOOK!
Miss issue #1? We still have copies of #1 in stock to get you caught up!

The new GREEN ARROW series is KICK ASS. They have seriously brought the Emerald Archer back to his former glory, and this is probably the best I’ve seen GREEN ARROW since KEVIN SMITH’S run began with QUIVER, and of course, my favorite GA story: LONGBOW HUNTERS.

DC has taken Ollie back to his grittier, no-nonsense roots, and pushed him further than he’s ever been pushed before. I mean, c’mon, he put a friggin’ arrow smack dab in the middle of Prometheus’s skull? How awesome is that? And now, he’s living in a massive forest that’s been given life in Star City as a result of the White Rings.

Green Arrow’s taken up residence, and he’s determined to end the rampant corruption surrounding the forest. But first, he’s gotta clean up his own backyard, and deal with the forces running his former company, Queen Industries, into the ground.

And, in this issue, Hal Jordan makes a special guest-appearance, and if you know the history of GA and GL, then these two are one hell of a team.

The new Green Arrow book rocks, and we highly recommend giving it a look if you’re a DC fan.

We’ve still got limited quantities of the first prints of issue #1 in stock, with second prints on the way this Wednesday, so catch up with issue #1 and hop onto issue #2. You’ll really dig it, we guarantee!

WARREN ELLIS’S HOTWIRE RETURNS IN HOTWIRE: DEEP CUT #1 – THIS FUTURE SCI-FI NOIR MEETS GHOSTBUSTERS is KILLER!
Miss the first series? Check out the trade paperback now back in stock this week at Third Eye!

Everyone’s favorite Detective Exorcist, Alice Hotwire, is back this Wednesday in a new limited series from RADICAL, HOTWIRE: DEEP CUT. Warren Ellis really made this one a must-read last year, and coupled with Steve Pugh’s incredible artwork, we can definitely say that HOTWIRE was a sequel-worthy series.

This new series, kicking off after the events of HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD (available this week at Third Eye in trade paperback), we see that the city’s only supernatural investigator is taking some much needed R&R. But, when a BLUE LIGHT from her colored past appears in front of her door, it kicks off a series of events that lead Hotwire across the city attempting to stop the results of a secret government project from turning the city into another living nightmare.

If you’re unfamiliar with the HOTWIRE series, it’s basically the tales of a sci-fi future, with a heavy cyberpunky feel, where ghosts and hauntings and all that jazz have been accepted as scientific fact. And, Detective Alice Hotwire, is the only one who can save the world from “ectoplasmic catastrophe” that’s caused by a security failure at a Maximum Security Necropolis. Basically, all the harmless blue light ghosts become evil, and Alice, who’s not appreciated by her fellow officers at all, must handle this one all by herself.

The series is really good stuff, kind of a cyberpunky Ghostbusters, and if you missed it the first time around, we recommend grabbing the HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD trade paperback and getting caught up for this new series.

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: GEOFF JOHNS’S FLASH #4 CONTINUES ONE OF THE BEST NEW DCU BOOKS WE’RE READING!
Superhero CSI Awesomeness!

Dude, if you’re a DC fan, and not reading GEOFF JOHNS’S new ongoing FLASH series, you seriously need to remedy that. It’s one of the best DC books coming out, heck, it’s one of the best SUPERHERO books coming out. This series is just plain awesome. The artwork, the writing, everything about it screams must-read.

Johns manages to tell one hell of a good story with this new FLASH series, and issue #1 is the perfect jumping on point for anyone who’s new to comics, new to the Flash, or heck, is just plain looking to hop onto a new book without a lot of baggage. I mean, he’s able to effortlessly introduce the Barry Allen Flash to readers who are not familiar with him in a few pages, while at the same time setting up a kick-ass story.

And, now, the current arc continues as the original Captain Boomerang, one of the many resurrected in the aftermath of BLACKEST NIGHT, returns. And, he returns to…. save Barry Allen’s life? Well, see, Barry Allen’s being hunted down by the Renegades, a group of 25th century Flash Rogues (think future versions of Heatwave, Captain Cold, Mirror Master, ect)… but they’re the law, and they’re out to bring Barry in for a murder he did not commit.

Folks, this book is too good to be missing out on. If you’re not reading the new FLASH series, snag up issues 1-3 this Wednesday, and give it a go. It’s a quick (but in a good way), fun read, that delivers one of the best superhero books on the stands.

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: WALKING DEAD writer ROBERT KIRKMAN and COMICS LEGEND TODD MCFARLANE CONTINUE TO DELIVER THE GOODS WITH HAUNT #8 THIS WEEK!

8 issues in, and HAUNT is still getting me excited. Robert Kirkman, the incredible talent behind series like THE WALKING DEAD & INVINCIBLE, is doing a fantastic freaking job of building a brand new series.. and guess who he’s doing it with? Todd McFarlane. The legendary creator of SPAWN. Kirkman’s killer writing balanced out with McFarlane’s artwork, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a book.

What is HAUNT? Haunt is the story of Daniel Kilgore, a Catholic priest, who is haunted by the ghost of his estranged brother Kurt, a murdered secret agent. Basically, Daniel’s a bastard, and Kurt’s not so bad of a guy. Kurt gets killed overseas refusing to do some dirty work, and comes back just in time to “haunt” his brother’s body, possessing him and turning him into the entity known as HAUNT, before he gets wiped out for being a loose end. From there, we get thrown into great storyline that’s still getting more and more compelling where we see conspiracies forming at every corner, and where the two brothers learn more about their situation.

Haunt is a violent book. No doubt about that, it’s bloody as hell, and that’s part of the fun. It kind of strikes that chord with you. You know, the inner 13-year old that goes WICKED when you see someone gettin’ their head cut off. But, Robert Kirkman, who’s known for his writing chops, is the guy writing this one, so it’s also got a damn good storyline that keeps you coming back, along with the solid character development and pacing of the storyline.

One of the best things about HAUNT, for me, is the “cool” factor of a new vigilante/superhero character. Like, usually when people do a new superhero-type character.. it sucks. It’s true. You know, normally, it just doesn’t stick, but with HAUNT, which obviously does borrow heavily from McFarlane’s stuff with Venom in Spider-man and with Spawn, Kirkman does a damn good job of making this character interesting and compelling. Just little things, like how Haunt uses his powers (they’re ectoplasm based) is interesting.

The dynamic of having two guys in one body also makes for an interesting read, and helps add some moments of humor to the book at times.

If you’re not reading HAUNT, we definitely recommend it. The first trade paperback collecting issues #1-5 is only $9.99, and we’ve got issues #6, and 7 in stock to get you caught up to where the series is now.

And, then this week, with issue #8, it looks like the events of the series thus far have taken a greater toll on him than even Daniel himself realizes.

Cannot wait to read this one this week, folks!

STAFF PICKS

Steve -AVENGERS #3- Killer read. John Romita JR draws the best fight scenes around.

Trish – WALKING DEAD #75 = Are you surprised? This issue especially BLEW MY MIND!!!

Torma -NEW AVENGERS #2 = Really good read, and loving all the killer Doctor Voodoo stuff!

Matt – ALAN MOORE’S NEONOMICON #1= Pure Alan Moore awesome. Moore+Cthulhu? Total win. ]]> http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/07/26/this-weeks-highlights-third-eye-for-wednesday-72810/feed/ 0 http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/07/25/whats-new-third-eye-for-wednesday-72810/ http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/07/25/whats-new-third-eye-for-wednesday-72810/#comments Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:09:41 +0000 thirdeye http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/?p=484 WHAT’S NEW @ THIRD EYE FOR WEDNESDAY 7/28/10

Hey gang! Here’s a full listing of new releases arriving at Third Eye this Wednesday! See something you just absolutely gotta have? Shoot us an email at thirdeyecomics@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to set it aside for you!

• 28 DAYS LATER #13
• 7 PSYCHOPATHS #3
• ABE SAPIEN ABYSSAL PLAIN #2
• ACTION COMICS #891 *THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL – ORANGE LANTERN LEX LUTHOR SAGA CONTINUES!*
• ALICE IN WONDERLAND CAMPFIRE GN
• ALIEN PIG FARM 3000 TP
• AMAZING SPIDERMAN BY J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI ULTIMATE COLL TP v.4
• AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS BLACK CAT #2
• AMERICAN VAMPIRE #5 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• AMERICAN VAMPIRE #5 VARIANT
• AMORY WARS KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH 3 #3
• ANGEL #35
• ANGEL #35 VARIANT
• ANITA BLAKE CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED CHARMER #3
• AQUA LEUNG GN v.1
• ARCHIE PUREHEART THE POWERFUL TP v.1
• ARMY OF DARKNESS LEAGUE OF LIGHT TP v.1
• ARTIFACTS #1
• ASPEN SPLASH 2010 SWIMSUIT SPECTACULAR
• AUTHORITY LOST YEAR #11
• ALIEN VS PREDATOR THREE WORLD WAR #5
• AZRAEL #10
• AZRAEL DEATHS DARK KNIGHT TP
• BATMAN REBORN SERIES 1 ACTION FIGURES
• BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #4 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #4 VARIANT
• BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #19
• BATMAN WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER TP
• BATMAN WIDENING GYRE #6
• BATMAN WIDENING GYRE #6
• BEN TEN ALIEN FORCE DOOM DIMENSION GN v.2
• BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM #18
• BUZZARD #2
• CAPTAIN AMERICA 1940S NEWSPAPER STRIP #2
• CEREBUS GUIDE TO SELF PUBLISHING EXPANDED EDITION
• CHRISTOPHER REEVE AS SUPERMAN STATUE
• COMPLETE JON SABLE FREELANCE OMNIBUS TP v.1
• DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #891
• DETECTIVE COMICS #867
• DISNEYS HERO SQUAD #7
• DO ANDROIDS DREAM DUST TO DUST #3
• DR WHO MAGAZINE #423
• DRINK & DRAW HC v.2
• DRIVER FOR THE DEAD #1
• ESSENTIAL CLASSIC X-MEN TP v.2 NEW PTG
• FANTASTIC FOUR #581
• FEAR AGENT #28 OUT OF STEP
• FIRST WAVE #3
• FIRST WAVE #3 VARIANT
• FLASH #4 *BRIGHTEST DAY – THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• FLASH #4 VARIANT
• FOUR EYES TP v.1 FORGED IN FLAMES *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• FRANKEN-CASTLE #19 *FRANKEN-CASTLE vs. DARK WOLVERINE CROSSOVER PT 2*
• FRANKENSTEIN CAMPFIRE GN
• FREDDY KRUEGER BUST BANK
• GEORGE SPROTT HC
• GI JOE HEARTS AND MINDS #3
• GI JOE HEARTS AND MINDS #3 VARIANT
• GLAMOURPUSS #14
• GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #14
• GREEN ARROW #2 *BRIGHTEST DAY*
• GREEN HORNET STRIKES #2
• GREEN LANTERN #56 *BRIGHTEST DAY – THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• GREEN LANTERN #56 VARIANT
• GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50 *BRIGHTEST DAY*
• GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50 VARIANT
• HARRY HOUDINI CAMPFIRE GN
• HAUNT #8 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• HOTWIRE DEEP CUT #1 *THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL*
• HULK FALL OF THE HULKS TP RED HULK
• INCORRUPTIBLE #8
• INCORRUPTIBLE #8 VARIANT
• IRON MAN EXTREMIS DIRECTORS CUT #6
• JACK OF FABLES #46
• JAMES PATTERSONS WITCH & WIZARD #3
• JSA VS KOBRA TP
• JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #299
• JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #6 *BRIGHTEST DAY*
• JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #6 VARIANT
• JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #47 *BRIGHTEST DAY – JLA/JSA CROSSOVER PT 3*
• JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #47 VARIANT
• JUXTAPOZ VOL 17 #8
• KEVIN SMITH’S KATO #3
• LIFE WITH ARCHIE MARRIED LIFE #1
• MADAME XANADU #25
• MARVEL SELECT ABOMINATION ACTION FIGURE
• MARVEL VAMPIRES POSTER BOOK
• MARVELS PROJECT HC BIRTH OF SUPER HEROES
• MINDFIELD #2
• MARVEL MASTERWORKS MIGHTY THOR TP v.1
• MOBY DICK CAMPFIRE GN
• MUPPET SHOW #8
• MYSPACE DARK HORSE PRESENTS v.5
• NICK FURY SHIELD ID AND BADGE SET
• NORTHLANDERS #30
• OUTSIDERS #31
• PENNY FOR YOUR SOUL #2
• PETER PARKER #5
• PHANTOM GHOST WHO WALKS #11
• PILOT SEASON STELLAR #1 *ROBERT KIRKMAN AWESOMENESS, THIRD EYE MUST BUY!*
• PREVIEWS #263 AUGUST 2010
• PUNISHERMAX #9
• RASL #8
• ROBINSON CRUSOE CAMPFIRE GN
• SAYONARA ZETSUBO SENSEI GN v.7
• SCOURGE #0
• SECRET AVENGERS #3 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• SECRET AVENGERS #3 DEODATO VARIANT
• SECRET WARRIORS PREMIERE HC v.3 WAKE BEAST
• SENSE & SENSIBILITY #3
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS SGT ROCK TP v.3
• SHRAPNEL HUBRIS #2
• SIEGE BATTLEFIELD PREMIERE HC
• SINBAD #11
• SPAWN #198
• SPIDER-MAN #4
• STAR TREK BURDEN OF KNOWLEDGE #2
• STAR TREK DS9 FOOL’S GOLD TP
• STAR TREK MCCOY #4
• STAR TREK MOVIE ADAPTATION #5
• STAR WARS INSIDER #119
• STAR WARS INVASION RESCUES #3
• STARGATE VALA MAL DORAN #2
• SUPERMAN WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW TP
• TANK GIRL TP SKIDMARKS
• TAROT WITCH O/T BLACK ROSE #63
• TEEN TITANS #85
• TEZUKA BLACK JACK TP v.12
• THE RISING #0
• THOR #612
• THOR MIGHTY AVENGER #2
• THUNDA KING OF CONGO ARCHIVES HC v.1
• TICK EDLUND EPIC #3
• TICK EDLUND EPIC #4
• TIME BOMB #1 *THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL*
• TORCHWOOD #1
• TREASURE ISLAND CAMPFIRE GN
• ULTIMATE COMICS MYSTERY #1
• ULTIMATE COMICS MYSTERY #1 VILLAIN VARIANT
• UNCANNY X-MEN #526 *BRAND NEW STORY ARC, THE AFTERMATH OF SECOND COMING!*
• UNKNOWN SOLDIER #22
• USAGI YOJIMBO #130
• USAGI YOJIMBO TP v.24 RETURN OF BLACK SOUL
• VAMPIRE TALES TP v.1 GN
• WARLORD #16
• WARLORD OF IO TP v.1
• WILDCATS #25
• WIZARD MAGAZINE #229
• WIZARDS OF MICKEY #7
• WOLVERINE ORIGINS #50
• WOLVERINE WEAPON X #15
• WOMEN OF MARVEL CELEBRATING SEVEN DECADES HB TP
• WONDER WOMAN #601 *J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI’S ARC BEGINS!*
• WONDER WOMAN #601 VARIANT
• WORLD WAR HULKS SPIDER-MAN VS THOR #2
• WORLD WAR HULKS WOLVERINE VS CAPTAIN AMERICA #2
• X-CAMPUS #2
• X-FACTOR FOREVER #5
• X-MEN DARK PHOENIX SAGA HC
• X-MEN FOREVER 2 #4
• X-MEN LEGACY #238
• X-MEN MUTANT GENESIS PREMIERE HC
• X-MEN POWERLESS TP
• X-MEN WE ARE THE X-MEN TP
• YOURS TRULY JACK THE RIPPER #2
• YOURS TRULY JACK THE RIPPER #2
• ZATANNA #1 2ND PRINT

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Honestly, I was one of many that didn’t really dig the new direction that ONE MORE DAY brought one. And, while I really did enjoy ONE MORE DAY, Brand New Day just didn’t do it for me. Now, that’s changed for me over the course of the last year, or so. While there’d been some brief moments of awesomeness like the NEW WAYS TO DIE, and AMERICAN SON, it wasn’t really until we got to the GAUNTLET that I got interested in Spider-man again. And, even then, the Gauntlet was kind of up and down until we got to GRIM HUNT. Grim Hunt kicked my ass, the storyline that ended just this past week, with AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #637, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. GRIM HUNT, still in stock here at Third Eye, ran through Amazing Spider-man #634-#637, and was basically the saga of KRAVEN THE HUNTER’S return, as his family systematically kills off any and all Spider-related characters to use their blood to resurrect the classic Spidey Rogue.  You can read more about GRIM HUNT by clickinghere.

Now, kicking off this week, comes the Spider-man storyline that myself, and many, many others have been waiting for: One Moment in Time. This is the direct sequel to ONE MORE DAY, and is basically the end point to what ONE MORE DAY started. In other words, Quesada and Marvel are making right some of the mistakes they made with ONE MORE DAY. After a strong start with the events of the GAUNTLET, and GRIM HUNT, ONE MOMENT IN TIME serves as the ground zero re-focusing of the Spider-man title, and basically the perfect spot for many of you who haven’t read the book in a while to jump back on.

What is O.M.I.T? One Moment in Time is a four part storyline being written by Marvel EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Quesada which is supposed to answer many of the questions that ONE MORE DAY left readers scratching their heads over. It’s also supposed to be a re-focusing of the book, and be the start of a fully revitalized AMAZING SPIDER-MAN title. And, after the kick-ass GRIM HUNT storyline, I really think they’re on the right track.

But, before we can really talk about what OMIT is, we should get into WHAT happened in ONE MORE DAY, and why it’s being followed up with this huge storyline.

One More Day was a story-arc that took place shortly after CIVIL WAR, where Spider-man’s identity had become public knowledge, and the Kingpin, deciding to strike at one of his two biggest enemies: Daredevil and Spider-man, chooses Spider-man, and has a sniper shoot Aunt May. Parker loses it, and finds himself drawn into an agonizing downward spiral, until he’s met by Mephisto, and literally makes a deal with the Devil to save AUNT MAY’s life. The deal was to sacrifice what Mephisto considered one of the world’s most purest loves: the love between Peter Parker and Mary Jane, and by doing so, reality shifted, so that Mary Jane and Peter Parker never wed, and by that same token, the world forgot their marriage, and everything that was part of it (including Parker’s unmasking alongside Iron Man during CIVIL WAR) was forgotten.

Now, as you could probably guess: a lot of fans, including myself, hated the outcome of this. However, the storyline WAS good, it’s just the end result is a bitter pill to swallow. I’m not even a hardcore continuity guy, but, I digress.

Anyways, after three years of storylines that have existed in this changed history, we are seeing the “secret history” revealed in ONE MOMENT IN TIME. Basically, this one is going to take us back in the past, and show us what happened that caused Spider-man and MJ not to get married, as they had originally did in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #21. And, from what we’ve heard, this is only 25% of the storyline.. there is supposed to be A LOT more happening to this one than Marvel lets on. Marvel is being tight-lipped on this one, and did not send out advance preview copies like they normally do for us to read before the book comes out. That only means one thing: expect something big to come of this issue.

Now personally, I feel that ONE MOMENT IN TIME is going to deal with the secrets behind why PETER PARKER and MJ didn’t get married, but it’s also going to deal with the whole ONE MORE DAY saga in general, and may even be the storyline that comes full circle with Peter Parker going back on his deal with Mephisto to alter the course of things again.

Click here to read a preview of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #638 *ONE MOMENT IN TIME CHAPTER ONE*

THIRD EYE MUST BUY WALKING DEAD VOLUME 12 LIFE AMONG THEM TRADE PAPERBACK ARRIVES THIS WEDNESDAY TO GIVE YOU YOUR NEXT FIX OF WALKING DEAD AWESOMENESS!
Want to Hop Onto the Monthly Series? Pick up with issues #73, #74 and #75 this Wednesday!
Not reading WALKING DEAD Yet? Pick Up Volume 1 This Wednesday For Only $9.99 and Find Out Why This is So Good!

YES! A new WALKING DEAD trade paperback. And, even though we follow this series here in the singles at THIRD EYE… we still go back and find ourselves re-reading the last arc in trade, ’cause the series is just so freakin’ good.

After many months of waiting, you guys can get your next delicious fix of what is one of THE best comic book series on the market. And, by far, one of, if not the best tales of survival horror you’ll ever read.

We’ll have plenty of copies in stock, but this one always surprises us with how quickly it goes, so if you need a copy of WALKING DEAD VOL. 12 held for you this week, please e-mail me, and let me know so we can make sure you’ve got one set aside for you.

This one collects issues #67-72, and picks up where Vol. 11 left, with Rick and the Crew heading to Washington, D.C. For those of you who’ve been waiting for a great opportunity to jump onto the singles, if you snag up WALKING DEAD VOL. 12 this Wednesday, you can get caught up with issues #73, #74, and the newest one, #75, as we’re well-stocked on each.

Not reading WALKING DEAD? Folks, you gotta try it. This has remained one of our TOP 5 favorite comics here for nearly 5 years. It’s that good. And, it’s showing no signs of slowing down either. What’s it about? Well, simply put: it’s a survival horror story. What happens when the zombie movie ends, and the world is a wasteland. But, what makes the series so great is how the writer, ROBERT KIRKMAN, develops his characters strongly, and builds up the story and plot to the point that when a character dies, it punches you in the gut.

We cannot recommend WALKING DEAD enough, folks. Trust us on this one. If you do buy it, and don’t like it… we’ll give you your money back, that’s how much we believe EVERYONE should be reading WALKING DEAD.

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: TRUE BLOOD #1 – TRUE BLOOD GETS IT’S OWN ONGOING COMIC BOOK SERIES WRITTEN BY HBO SERIES CREATOR, ALAN BALL! ALL NEW STORIES SET IN THE WORLD OF TRUE BLOOD!

You know, 5 years ago, I would’ve told you that licensed properties don’t normally work as comics. Of course, that was 5 years ago, and since then we’ve seen a TON of great comics come out that are not just good extensions of the licensed property they’re tied into, but plain good comics. Of course, the big one that sticks out is BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 8, SERENITY, and the DARK TOWER series, but, there’s been scores of others, like FREDDY VS JASON VS ASH, and 28 DAYS LATER.

Now, HBO is finally getting in on the act, as the world of their hit TV show, TRUE BLOOD, is being brought to the world of comics. And, how do we know this is gonna rule? Well, the fact that the actual series writer, ALAN BALL, is helming this one gives us a WHOLE LOTTA faith in it.

Anyways, this new ongoing series is set to explore the world of TRUE BLOOD, and is set in the actual continuity of the TV show. This means that these are actual expanded univeres-style stories that weave in and out of the events of the TV show. This is not just an adaptation of the show. It’s new stories, and it’s gonna be awesome.

Click here for a preview of TRUE BLOOD #1

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: AVENGERS #3 – APOCALYPSE HAS RETURNED FROM THE FUTURE, AND WITH HIM, HIS FOUR HORSEMEN: WOLVERINE as DEATH, HULK as WAR, SPIDER-MAN as PESTILENCE, and SCARLET WITCH as FAMINE! If you’re not reading Brian Michael Bendis and John Romita JR’s AVENGERS, you’re missing out! Snag issues #1 and #2 this week and hop aboard!

I swear, Bendis is making the Cliffhanger ending his trademark on the new AVENGERS book. Both issues #1 and #2 ended with last pages that left us not just wanting but demanding to know what the hell is going to happen next. And, that my friends, is a testament to how much fun we’re having with the new AVENGERS series. This is probably one of the Top 5 superhero books on the stands, and delivers on all accounts: incredible artwork courtesy of JOHN ROMITA JR (KICK-ASS), fantastic storytelling from BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (SIEGE), and a just plain awesome sense of bigger-than-life Marvel magic in each and every issue.

So, you’ve already heard me raving about this one for two issues, so I won’t bore you with my gushing about how much I love the book. No, in fact, I’ll get straight to the point and tell you why you need to be reading this one.

- The possible return of MAESTRO HULK? Yes, the Hulk from FUTURE IMPERFECT (the storyline where the Hulk goes crazy and kills the Marvel superheroes, wearing their weapons and armor like a serial killer wearing people’s faces) shows up at the end of the first issue, and leaves us hanging on what his place is.

- Every single alternate Marvel future is crushing down on the present, and we’re seeing glimpses as well as the possibilities of characters from fan-favorite storylines like AGE OF APOCALYPSE, DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, and AVENGERS FOREVER, amongst others, showing up in the current Marvel U.

-Issue #2 ends with a killer surprise: Apocalypse, from the future, arrives with his 4 Horsemen… Wolverine as Death, Hulk as War, Spider-man as Pestilence, and Scarlet Witch as Famine. How can you not love that?

-It’s the big guns of the Marvel Universe. You want to see Thor shooting lightning from his hammer, and beating the hell out of bad guys with it? This is the book. Wanna see IRON MAN dishing out some Marvel vs. Capcom-esque repulsor ray beatdowns? This is the book. Wolverine slicing and dicing his way through a future version of himself? This is the book.

-And, above all else, it’s just a damn good read, with fantastic artwork.

See, AVENGERS serves as kind of the flagship MARVEL UNIVERSE book. Basically, anything important that happens in the Marvel Universe, is going to be spinning out of events in this book, or due to events in this book. It’s taken the concept of distilling the AVENGERS team down to it’s heaviest hitters, and giving us as readers bigger-than-life smashmouth storytelling like we haven’t seen in quite some time. If you want a tight, superhero team book with a very epic feel and sense to it, then AVENGERS is where it’s at.

So, what’s the current storyline running through AVENGERS, and how did this book come about? Okay, so after the conclusion of the SIEGE story arc (available now at Third Eye in hardcover), all of the currently running Avengers books were ended. As part of the new HEROIC AGE direction of the Marvel Universe, a few new AVENGERS titles were launched, with THE AVENGERS being the flagship of the bunch. It’s a much more swashbuckling, heroes fighting villains approach, and so far we’re loving it. The current story arc is the fresh, jumping on point for new readers, and is basically focused on setting up the team, the tone of the book, and also, telling a story of how the timestream has been corrupted, and all the alternate Marvel histories we’ve come to know and love, are at risk for bleeding into the current time period. So, basically, DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, OLD MAN LOGAN, any alternate future, could possibly find it’s way into the current timestream. And, this is a bad, bad thing for the heroes of the Marvel Universe.

The series is currently two issues in, so it’s still fresh enough where you can get caught up. We’ve also got limited quantities of both issues #1 and issue #2 in stock here at Third Eye to get you caught up.

Click here to read a preview of THE AVENGERS #3 *HEROIC AGE*

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: BRIGHTEST DAY #6 – WHAT PRICE MUST THE CHOSEN RESURRECTED PAY FOR THEIR SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE? GEOFF JOHNS’S MUST-READ DC COMIC OF THE SUMMER CONTINUES!

Man, BRIGHTEST DAY has been keeping me on the hook. The series definitely has a rhythm to it, and issue #5 was a WHOPPER of an awesome read.

BRIGHTEST DAY, if you’re not yet familiar with it, is basically the sequel to BLACKEST NIGHT. It’s following in the wake of GEOFF JOHNS’S epic DC event of last year, and it’s been delivering BIG-TIME. The fact that GEOFF JOHNS is helming this one definitely has a lot to do with that, and then, the fact that they’ve managed to keep a nice team of artists to keep the book looking good, also helps. The series is essentially DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH, and is the perfect ground zero spot for those of you who’ve been wanting to get into the DCU to jump on, while at the same time it provides a very satisfying follow-up to the BLACKEST NIGHT storyline.

In the previous issue, we finally got to see things really kick into high gear for AQUAMAN, as the issue centered on the King of Atlantis, and his return. The real show-stealer though was the bombshell that dropped regarding Mera’s origins. She really became a cool character during BLACKEST NIGHT, and this one delivered some very cool insight into what her deal is.

And, now, going into issue #6, it looks like we’re going to continue to learn what the price is that these chosen resurrected few must pay for their second lease on life.

If you’re not reading BRIGHTEST DAY, man, you gotta check this out. We’ve got limited quantities of all the issues so far in stock, so come by, and give it a shot. You’ll love the series.

Click here to check out our brand new BRIGHTEST DAY CHECKLIST PT 2

Click here to check out the first BRIGHTEST DAY CHECKLIST

Click here to read more about BRIGHTEST DAY #7

THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL: CBGB #1 – STORIES INSPIRED BY THE LEGENDARY PUNK CLUB! THIS ONE SOUNDS TOO RAD. HOW MANY OF OUR FAVORITE BANDS ARE GONNA MAKE IT INTO THIS ONE? A BUNCH, WE’RE THINKING. :)
Featuring talented comic all-stars like KIERON GILLEN (PHONOGRAM), Rob G (TEENAGERS FROM MARS, THE COURIERS) and OTHER UPLIFTING GORMANDIZERS.

This is one that I’ve been excited about ever since I first read about it a few months ago. The publishers of critically-acclaimed series like IRREDEEMABLE and INCORRUPTIBLE are going to be touching the nostalgia buttons for a lot of us, and delivering a killer new series featuring stories set in CBGBs at different periods of the club’s life.

CBGB’s, for those of you who may not be familiar with it, is simply put, one of the most important venues for music in American history. This is the place that really gave birth to countless genres of music that’re still being played today, and it served as one of the first places to take the band down from the arena and barricades, and put them right there in the face of the crowds. Something that has become common now, which is still great. CBGB’s cultural importance is huge, and I think for anyone who grew up loving underground music, be it hardcore, punk, hip hop, metal, indie rock, or whatever, can appreciate CBGB’s place in history. I was lucky enough to get road trip up to CBs when I was a teenager, and see some of my favorite bands play that sweaty, stinky club.

Anyways, now you know why I’m excited. This one will be featuring all-star creators like JAIME HERNANDEZ (LOVE AND ROCKETS), KIERON GILLEN (PHONOGRAM) and many other uplifting gormandizers. We can’t wait to see the stories that weave in and out of the club, and what bands will be showing up amongst these stories.

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: ALAN MOORE DOES CTHULHU! ALAN MOORE’S NEONOMICON #1 ARRIVES THIS WEDNESDAY, BEGINNING THE NEW SERIES WITH CROSSED ARTIST JACEN BURROWS, FROM AVATAR PRESS, PUBLISHERS OF CROSSED! IN OTHER WORDS: THIS ONE’S GONNA BE SICK!

We know you guys are just as excited about this one as we are! I mean, it’s ALAN MOORE, the freakin’ comics legend, the man behind everything from WATCHMEN and THE KILLING JOKE to LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN and V FOR VENDETTA. That’s a big enough deal on it’s own. But, he’s paired up with the incredible JACEN BURROWS, who we all have come to known from books like CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD and of course, CROSSED. And, then add to all of this that it’s being published by AVATAR PRESS, who have proven that they have no problem crossing the line with horrific books, throw in the fact that it’s featuring HP LOVECRAFT’s CTHULHU mythos and well, there you go, a recipe for an awesome comic.

We first got a taste of this one last year with a quick preview book, but now, the first issue is finally here, and we cannot wait to read it.

The story begins many years after the events of the graphic novella, THE COURTYARD (available now at THIRD EYE), in a world where two young and cocky FBI agents are investigating strange — and familiar murders. See, they think they’ve seen the worst monsters in America, busting serial killers and the like for years. But, when they get to the maximum security asylum where one Aldo Sax speaks in strange tongues, Agents Brears and Lamper may be beginning to suspect that they’re about to see something so much worse than what they’ve seen before. But, they cannot even begin to imagine the creeping insanity that has already begun to pull them under.

Yes, folks, it’s ALAN MOORE doing HP LOVECRAFT’s CTHULHU MYTHOS… and we cannot wait.

This is most definitely a THIRD EYE MUST BUY.

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: NEW AVENGERS #2 – THE SLEEPER HIT OF THE NEW HEROIC AGE LINE-UP, BENDIS’S CHARACTER-DRIVEN AVENGERS BOOK TURNED OUT TO BE ONE OF OUR FAVORITES!

I wasn’t expecting the new NEW AVENGERS book to become one of my favorite new titles. I mean, with the awesomeness of both SECRET AVENGERS and THE AVENGERS, I really had a hard time seeing how they could fit another AVENGERS book into the mix.

But, man, was I proven wrong. Bendis’s NEW AVENGERS definitely fits it’s own niche perfectly, and shows that there’s plenty of room for a third must-read AVENGERS title. The first issue of this series kicked off a perfect jumping on point, as it continued to carry on the spirit and feel of the original NEW AVENGERS title. It picks up on some plot points that were raised in AVENGERS #1, but still stands alone as a solid read. The thing that really makes this one stand up as a good read is that it’s the book with all of Bendis’s favorite characters, and because of that, the character interaction, and development is so strong, I swear, you’d feel like you knew these people in person. You can definitely tell that this one is going to be the book with the character-driven angle, and the sharp, entertaining dialogue that Bendis is known for.

The first story arc is centering around Daimon Hellstorm, and the recently depowered Dr. Strange becoming possessed by a demonic entity. But, it’s the character development, and the way the characters play off of each other that has really got us hooked. Plus, Immonen and Bendis work perfect together, and Immonen’s art is looking the best we’ve seen on this new incarnation of the NEW AVENGERS.

If you’re following the other two AVENGERS books, and liking what you’re reading, but haven’t yet tried NEW AVENGERS, we highly recommend giving this one a shot. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how awesome this one is. We do still have limited quantities of issue #1 in stock to get you caught up to this week’s issue #2.

Click here for a preview of NEW AVENGERS #2 *HEROIC AGE*

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: BATMAN BEYOND #2 – THE RETURN OF BATMAN BEYOND IS A SMASH HIT, AND THE END OF ISSUE #1 LEFT US ON A HUGE CLIFFHANGER!

It looks like I wasn’t the only one who was super-impressed by last month’s BATMAN BEYOND #1. This new limited series got off to a fantastic start last month, and totally delivered everything that we were all wanting when we heard DC was going to be returning to the continuity of the BATMAN BEYOND world.

Killer artwork, killer story, they hooked us good with a plot where an infamous and very classic Batman villain was revealed as the man behind some seriously bad mojo. See, many of Batman’s old, classic Rogues are being killed off one by one by this mystery man, and well, when you find out who it is, you’ll have the same reaction we did!

The first issue of this captured EVERYTHING that we loved about the killer TV show. The way that it is able to blend old school and new school, past and future, is awesome, and getting to see the future fates of characters like Mad Hatter, or to find out that Two-Face could still be out on the prowl, made the book even radder. But, we also get to see some of Terry McGinnis’s own, already established Rogues Gallery, when characters like Spellbinder show up.

All in all, if you’re a BATMAN BEYOND fan, you need to be reading this book. It just plain kicks ass. We still have very limited quantities of the first printing of issue #1 in stock, and there’ll be second prints arriving soon as well. Snag a copy of issue #1 this week, and get caught up to this week’s issue #2


GI JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO #156 – IDW and LARRY HAMA pick up where the classic Marvel GI JOE series left off with this week’s GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #156!

Anyone who grew up in the ’80s, or is even remotely a GI JOE fan has gotta be pumped to check this one out this week. IDW is bringing back the classic ’80s Marvel GI JOE comic, with all-new stories, set years after the GI JOE organization has disbanded. The series is picking up with the original numbering of the old series, which in our opinion, is pretty freakin’ rad.

Add to this that LARRY HAMA, the man responsible not only for penning the classic Marvel GI JOE comic, but also for all those nifty little bio-cards on the back of your Joe figures packages, is going to be writing this one. The story centers around COBRA, who’ve now made a legitimate name for themselves in the vein of privatized militia groups like BLACKWATER, winning the bid to provide internal security for a terrorist-beleaguered USA. First order of business for COBRA? Put out a secret assassination order on the disbanded military strike force, GI JOE. But, it looks like Snake-Eyes may try to get the band back  together before he goes quietly into the night.

Just for the sheer nostalgia, this one looks awesome. But, with Larry Hama writing, and the concept already sounding cool, I’m thinking this one’s gonna turn out to be a good read.

LADY DEADPOOL #1 ONE-SHOT GIVES LADY DEADPOOL THE SPOTLIGHT!

The fan-favorite of the DEADPOOL CORPS gets her own one-shot to have some of the spotlight this month, with this week’s LADY DEADPOOL one-shot. Agile, armed, and a howling lunatic, this reclusive contract killer is robbed of the one thing she adores: Cable TV.

It’s a Deadpool book, so you know it’s gonna be ridiculous, and over-the-top, but I gotta admit, out of all the DEADPOOL stuff that’s hit in the last year or so, Lady Deadpool is probably the coolest. This one looks like it should be worth picking up, for some good laughs, and of course, a load of ultraviolence.

Click here for a preview of LADY DEADPOOL #1

DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES #3 HITS THIS WEEK, AND CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF OUR FAVORITE NEW SERIES! THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE DCU UNFOLDS IN THIS 10-ISSUE MAXISERIES!

Man, I am really digging this DCU Legacies series. The writing on it is fantastic, and the high profile artists they’ve been roping in for each and every issue has really kept me on the hook. This week, we’re going to see the evolution of the DCU continue as the Silver Age of Super Heroes dawns with the appearance of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and many more in the wake of the disappearance of the Golden Age heroes from active duty. And, all the while, many humans without powers, rise to the Earth’s defense as well, like the Challengers of the Unknown and the Sea Devils.

Why’s this series so good? Well, it’s a cool concept, first off. Basically, each two-issue mini-arc is telling a bigger story of how the DCU got to where it is today. So, the first two issues start with the mysterymen, and then evolve into the Golden Age era of super-heroes like the JUSTICE SOCIETY. And, now, we’re going into the Silver Age. Basically, it’s making sense of the last 60 some years of DCU continuity for present day DC, and I think we can all agree that this story needs to be told.

Now, the fact that it’s a darn good read only helps matters. And, when you throw in artists like JG JONES, ANDY KUBERT, JOE KUBERT, and DAVE GIBBONS… I mean, that’s a recipe for some good reading.

If you missed issue #1 and #2, don’t worry, we’ve still got copies in stock to get you caught up.

THUNDERBOLTS #146 – ARE YOU READING THUNDERBOLTS? THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST FREAKIN’ NEW DIRECTIONS WE’VE SEEN IN THE “HEROIC AGE”! CATCH UP WITH ISSUE #144 (first chapter of the new arc) and #145, AND GRAB THIS WEEK’S #146!
Imagine a MARVEL COMICS equivalent to the SUICIDE SQUAD with the likes of JUGGERNAUT, CROSSBONES, MAN-THING and MORE ON THE TEAM!

Out of all the new HEROIC AGE stuff that’s started, or been kind of “rebooted” with the HEROIC AGE, the THUNDERBOLTS is probably the one that’s surprised me the most. And, by that I mean, I REALLY REALLY am digging this one.

The first issue of the series kicks things off with an interesting premise: Luke Cage is being put in charge of making sure that the Thunderbolts program (which is to essentially rehabilitate supervillains) never goes off the rails again like it did when Osborn is in power. The team he’s given is half of what makes this book so intriguing: JUGGERNAUT, MAN-THING, MOONSTONE, CROSSBONES, GHOST, and more. The first issue ended with a huge cliffhanger as Baron Zemo returns, asking his TBolts to rejoin him, and then in #145, we saw that dealt with quickly, showing a good test for the new team’s loyalty. Now, going into issue #146, Luke Cage has to lead the Thunderbolts deep below the Earth, into some seriously creepy territory… and a cavern full of impure Terrigen crystals.

The feel, and tone of this book is great, and fresh as hell. Issue #144 serves as an excellent jumping on point, and Parker not only managed to follow up his cliffhanger ending perfectly in #145, he kept the momentum going, and that’s why we’re so pumped about this week’s #146.

Folks, if you’re looking for a good read in the realm of the HEROIC AGE stuff that’s a little bit below the radar when compared to the big guns like AVENGERS, and SECRET AVENGERS, we highly recommend giving THUNDERBOLTS a try. It’s got potential to develop into one of the best sleeper hits of the year. We’ve still got very limited quantities of issues #144, and #145, which are the first two issues of the new direction of the series to get you caught up.

Click here for a preview of THUNDERBOLTS #146


TIME-MASTERS: VANISHING POINT #1 *RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE TIE-IN* – The Search for Batman Starts Here! HAL JORDAN, SUPERMAN, BOOSTER GOLD, AND RIP HUNTER INVESTIGATE THE DARK KNIGHT’S DISAPPEARANCE!

Tying into the events of GRANT MORRISON’S RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE limited series, this limited series, TIME-MASTERS: VANISHING POINT, explores the involvement of Rip Hunter, and his high-powered band of Time Masters as they travel throughout history in search of the World’s Greatest Detective.

Basically, here’s the deal, Vanishing point – where time ends – is tearing itself apart, and one of the keys to keeping reality from being torn asunder is finding exactly where Bruce Wayne is in the timestream. This is what we first saw referenced in RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1. So, Rip Hunter, Time Traveler Extraordinaire, has put together a group of Time Masters consisting of GREEN LANTERN, SUPERMAN, and BOOSTER GOLD, to help him find where BATMAN went at the end of FINAL CRISIS.

This one’s a great companion piece to what’s happening in RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, and we recommend giving it a look this Wednesday here at Third Eye!

“FALL OF THE NEW MUTANTS” BEGINS THIS WEDNESDAY IN NEW MUTANTS #15,SPINNING OUT OF THE AFTERMATH OF “SECOND COMING”

Spinning out of the events of X-MEN: SECOND COMING, “FALL OF THE NEW MUTANTS” begins in the pages of NEW MUTANTS #15, and this storyline sounds pretty freakin’ kickass.

Basically, in the aftermath of SECOND COMING, the New Mutants who’re left standing are licking their wounds on a forced R&R trip. While they try and put themselves back together, there are others who’re looking to take them apart. See, that strange and secretive military group we met in NEW MUTANTS #9 has an agenda involving Illyana Rasputin, and it’s not a good one.

So far, it’s looking like all the X-Books are going to be pretty sharp coming out of SECOND COMING, and NEW MUTANTS is no exception.

Click here for a preview of NEW MUTANTS #15 *FALL OF THE NEW MUTANTS PT 1*

DARK WOLVERINE #88 *DARK WOLVERINE/FRANKENCASTLE CROSSOVER PT 1* KICKS OFF THE REMATCH OF THE YEAR AS DAKEN GOES HEAD TO HEAD WITH FRANKENCASTLE!

Okay, we gotta tell you guys, we have been BIG fans of what’s been going on with the whole FRANKENCASTLE thing. It’s so ridiculous, but so awesome, that we just can’t help but love it. And, if you haven’t read it, we really recommend giving it a try. I know, I know, it sounds completely off-the-wall, but that’s the beauty. It’s just ridiculous, fun, and bigger than life.

Now, for those of you who don’t know: about a year ago Daken, Dark Wolverine, hacked and slashed THE PUNISHER into many many pieces, leaving him lying dead in the sewers, where his body was retrieved by Morlocks, and the Marvel Monsters of yesteryear, like the Living Mummy, Morbius the Living Vampire, Werewolf By Night, and others. Now, nearly a year later, as Daken, reeling from his father’s betrayal, heads to Japan in search of Muramasa, the legendary mystic swordsmith, Frankencastle is gonna get his revenge. See, Daken comes face to face with the monstrous Franken-Castle, and it looks like things are gonna get bloody, and awesome with this one.

This issue kicks off the first in a four part story arc that will be crossing back and forth between DARK WOLVERINE and FRANKENCASTLE, so DARK WOLVERINE 88 is PT 1, FRANKENCASTLE 19 is PT 2, DARK WOLVERINE 89 is PT 3 and FRANKENCASTLE 20 is PT 4.

Click here for a preview of DARK WOLVERINE #88 *FRANKENCASTLE VS. DARK WOLVERINE CROSSOVER PT 1*

STAFF PICKS

Steve -STUFF OF LEGEND: THE JUNGLE #1- The STUFF OF LEGEND crew delivered big, and this crazy good TOY STORY meets SAVING PRIVATE RYAN yarn is keeping us totally hooked. Highly recommended.

Trish – SUPERMAN #701 *GROUNDED PT 1*= I am not a Superman fan at all, but this first issue of the Straczynski run blew me away. Some really heartfelt storytelling. I think this one’s gonna be a classic.

Torma -THANOS IMPERATIVE #2= A TRAIN MADE OF BONES AND DEMONS AND GALACTUS’S HEAD! How can you not love this series? Pick up issue #1 and you’ll totally see why I can’t stop raving about this one.

Matt – ASTONISHING SPIDER-MAN/WOLVERINE #2= The second issue of this one was even better than the first. I know Aaron’s pretty much slotted to be the go-to Wolverine guy with the new series kicking off, but they should let this guy write Spider-man too. He’s too good! ]]> http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/07/19/this-weeks-highlights-third-eye-for-wednesday-72110/feed/ 0 http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/07/18/whats-new-third-eye-comics-for-wednesday-72110/ http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/07/18/whats-new-third-eye-comics-for-wednesday-72110/#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:29:16 +0000 thirdeye http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/?p=473 WHAT’S NEW @ THIRD EYE FOR WEDNESDAY 7/21/10

Hey gang! Here’s a full listing of new releases arriving at Third Eye this Wednesday! See something you just absolutely gotta have? Shoot us an email at thirdeyecomics@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to set it aside for you!

• AGE OF HEROES #3 *HEROIC AGE*
• AIR #23
• ALAN MOORE’S NEONOMICON #1 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY – ALAN MOORE+AVATAR PRESS, THE PUBLISHERS OF CROSSED+CTHULHU MADNESS? HELL YES!”
• ALTER EGO #95
• AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #638 *ONE MOMENT IN TIME – THE RETURN OF MARY JANE BEGINS HERE! – THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #638 QUESADA VARIANT
• AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #638 QUESADA SKETCH VARIANT
• AMAZING SPIER-MAN BY JMS ULTIMATE COLLECTION TP BOOK 4
• AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS AMERICAN SON #3
• AMERICAN VAMPIRE #2 2ND PRINT
• ARCHIE #611
• ARMY OF DARKNESS ASH SAVES OBAMA TPB
• ATLAS #3
• AVENGERS #3 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY!!!!*
• AVENGERS #3 JOHN ROMITA JR VARIANT
• AVENGERS SEARCH FOR SHE-HULK PREMIERE HC
• AZRAEL #10
• BACK ISSUE #42
• BATMAN BEYOND #2 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM #14
• BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #206
• BIRDS OF PREY #3 *BRIGHTEST DAY*
• BLACK WIDOW #4 *HEROIC AGE*
• BLACKEST NIGHT RISE OF THE BLACK LANTERNS HC
• BLACKEST NIGHT TALES OF THE CORPS HC
• BRAM STOKER’S DEATH SHIP #3
• BRIGHTEST DAY #6 *BRIGHTEST DAY*
• BRIGHTEST DAY #6 VARIANT
• BULLET TO THE HEAD #2
• CAPTAIN AMERICA PREMIERE HC TWO AMERICAS
• CBGB #1 *THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL*
• CHARMED #1
• CLASSIC RED SONJA REMASTERED #2
• COMPLETE ALICE IN WONDERLAND HC
• COWBOY NINJA VIKING #7
• DARK AVENGERS TP v.2 MOLECULE MAN
• DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER JOURNEY BEGINS #3
• DARK WOLVERINE #88 *DARK WOLVERINE vs. FRANKENCASTLE CROSSOVER PT 1*
• DARKSTALKERS NIGHT WARRIORS #3
• DARKWING DUCK #2
• DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES #3
• DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES #3 VARIANT
• DEADPOOL #25
• DEADPOOL MERC WITH A MOUTH #13
• DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #11
• DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 39
• DOCTOR WHO ONGOING #13
• DODGEM LOGIC MAGAZINE #3
• DONALD DUCK AND FRIENDS #356
• DRACULA #4
• DV8 GODS AND MONSTERS #4
• DYNAMO 5 SINS OF THE FATHER #2
• ESSENTIAL DEFENDERS TP v.5
• EXPENDABLES TP
• FADE TO BLACK #5
• FANTASTIC FOUR BY JONATHAN HICKMAN TP v.1
• FARSCAPE ONGOING #9
• FEARLESS DAWN #4
• FEVER DREAM #4
• FINAL CRISIS ROGUES REVENGE TP
• FINDING NEMO LOSING DORY #1
• FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST TP v.23
• FUTURAMA COMICS #50
• GARTH ENNIS BATTLEFIELDS #8
• GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #156
• GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #156 VARIANT
• GI JOE COBRA II #6
• GI JOE COBRA II #6 VARIANT
• GOD OF WAR #3
• GREEN LANTERN RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS TP
• GRIMM FAIRY TALES PRESENTS NEVERLAND #4
• GRIMM FAIRY TALES SWIM SUIT SPECIAL 2010
• GRIMM FAIRY TALES #49
• GROO HOGS OF HORDER TP
• HELLBLAZER #269
• HER-OES #4
• HEROIC AGE PRINCE OF POWER #3
• HULK PLANET HULK PRELUDE TP NEW PRINTING
• INCREDIBLES #11
• IRON MAN EXTREMIS DIRECTORS CUT #5
• JANET EVANOVICH TROUBLEMAKER HC BOOK 01
• JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #162
• JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #41 *BRIGHTEST DAY* JLA/JSA CROSSOVER PT 2
• JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #41 75TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT
• KEKKAISHI GN v.22
• KEVIN SMITH’S GREEN HORNET #6
• KEVIN SMITH’S GREEN HORNET #6 VARIANT
• KEVIN SMITH’S GREEN HORNET #6 ROSS VIRGIN VARIANT
• KILLING THE COBRA CHINATOWN TROLLOP #3
• LADY DEADPOOL #1 *THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL*
• LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #3
• LOCKE & KEY CROWN OF SHADOWS #6
• MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #5
• MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #5 SUYDAM CVR
• MARVELMAN CLASSIC PRIMER #1
• MARVELMAN CLASSIC PRIMER #1 ANGLO VARIANT
• MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #8
• META 4 #2
• MGM DRIVE IN THEATER #1 IT TERROR FROM BEYOND STAR
• MODERN WARFARE 2 GHOST #6
• MONDO URBANO GN
• MUPPET SNOW WHITE #3
• MY LITTLE CTHULHU VINYL FIGURE
• NEW AVENGERS #2 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• NEW AVENGERS #2 IMMONEN VARIANT
• NEW AVENGERS TP v.12 POWERLOSS
• NEW MUTANTS #15 *NEW CREATIVE TEAM, NEW DIRECTION, GREAT JUMPING ON POINT POST-SECOND COMING!*
• NEW MUTANT #15 ADAMS VARIANT
• OVERSTREET COMIC BOOK PRICE GUIDE VOL 40
• PALE HORSE #2
• POWER GIRL #14
• PUG GN
• RASL POCKET EDITION TP v.1
• REALM OF KINGS HC *THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL*
• RED MASS FOR MARS #4
• RESURRECTION VOL 2 #13
• ROLLING THUNDER ART OF DAVE DORMAN HC
• SAM KIETH SKETCHBOOKS VOL 2
• SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY ILLUSTRATED #2
• SCOOBY DOO #158
• SCOTT PILGRIM GN v.6 *ON SALE 7/19/10 @ 12AM!*
• SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 40
• SHADOWHAWK #3
• SIEGE EMBEDDED PREMIERE HC
• SIEGE X-MEN PREMIERE HC
• SIMPSONS COMICS #168
• SIMPSONS DUFF ENERGY DRINKS!
• SPIKE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW #2
• SPIKE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW #2 VARIANT
• SPIRIT #4
• STAR WARS ADVENTURES TP vol 4 WILL OF DARTH VADER
• STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS IBUKI #3
• SUPER HERO SQUAD MAGAZINE
• SUPER PRO KO GN v.1
• SUPERGIRL #54
• SUPERMAN/BATMAN #74
• SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL #4 2ND PRINT
• THUNDERBOLTS #146 *HEROIC AGE*
• TIME LINCOLN FISTS OF THE FUHRER #1
• TIME MASTERS VANISHING POINT #1 *RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE TIE-IN*
• TIME MASTERS VANISHING POINT #1 VARIANT
• TINY TITANS #30
• TRANSFORMERS NEFARIOUS #5
• TRUE BLOOD #1 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY!*
• TRUE BLOOD #1 VARIANT 1:10
• TRUE BLOOD #1 VARIANT 1:25
• ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #5
• ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #3
• VAGABOND VIZBIG ED GN v.8
• WALKING DEAD #75 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• WALKING DEAD #75 VARIANT
• WALKING DEAD TP v.12 LIFE AMONG THEM *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*
• WE KILL MONSTERS TP
• WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #10
• WEEKLY WOLD NEWS TP v.1
• WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY ONE FOOT GRAVE #1
• WORLD OF WARCRAFT TP v.2
• WWE HEROES #5
• X-FACTOR #207 *NEW STORY ARC!*
• X-MEN PHOENIX FORCE HANDBOOK
• YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE AUDIO GN
• ZATANNA #3
• ZATANNA #3 VARIANT
• ZERO KILLER TP

The Third Eye Subscription Service!

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SECRET AVENGERS #2 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY* – THE SECOND ISSUE OF THE KILLER NEW SHADOW-OPS AVENGERS BOOK HITS THIS WEEK! MISSED #1? NO SWEAT, WE’VE STILL GOT LIMITED QUANTITIES IN STOCK TO CATCH YOU UP!

THE SECRET AVENGERS… GO TO MARS!?
Well, this week, after the cliffhanger ending of issue #1, we get to see just what the hell Nick Fury is up to, and if he really has indeed flipped his lid and completely gone rogue, as that’s how it really looked at the very end of SECRET AVENGERS #1. On top of all that, there is one simple cool factor about this week’s issue of SECRET AVENGERS: they’re on freakin’ Mars! It looks like the insidious Roxxon corporation has set up shop on Mars, and Rogers and his strike force are set to find out just what the link is between Roxxon’s digs on mars and the mysterious shadow group they’ve encountered on Earth.

But, it’s MARS! And, that means that we’re probably going to see some true blue over-the-top Marvel madness taking place, as Brubaker manages to blend genres effortlessly, fusing pulpy sci-fi awesomeness with Marvel super-hero action.

WHAT IS SECRET AVENGERS? Secret Avengers is one of the four new ongoing AVENGERS books that are carrying the Heroic Age banner. The team is a group of unlikely candidates brought together by Steve Rogers to be his shadow ops roster that handles the kind of missions that the regular AVENGERS team cannot get their hands dirty with. One of the big intents of the team is to covertly clean up many of the messes left behind by the Osborn administration. The unique roster of the team has been chosen so that Rogers can carry out surgical strikes in any given circumstance.

The book itself is surrounded in espionage plots, and carries a heavy Steranko influence, and all the crazy Kirby-esque technology of yesteryear brought into the modern day.

After reading the first issue, the book has a fresh and unique feel that makes it stand out amongst many other superhero team books on the stands these days.

The SECRET AVENGERS line-up is:
BEAST
WAR MACHINE
VALKYRIE
MOON KNIGHT
STEVE ROGERS
NOVA
BLACK WIDOW
SHARON CARTER
IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN

If you missed issue #1 of SECRET AVENGERS, we’ve still got limited quantities of the 1st prints in stock, so snag a copy this week and grab issue #2 to get you caught up. This book comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and we think that if you’re a Marvel fan, or an Avengers fan, you won’t be disappointed.

Click here for a preview of SECRET AVENGERS #2

BATMAN BEYOND #1*THIRD EYE MUST BUY* – TERRY MCGINNIS RETURNS IN THIS NEW 6 ISSUE LIMITED SERIES ON WEDNESDAY!

Who doesn’t LOVE the Batman Beyond series? This short-lived animated series did some of the best Elseworlds-style storytelling we’d ever seen, and when DC first brought back the character in BATMAN #700 and SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL #4, we were pretty stoked to see his return. But, now, this Wednesday, we’re going to get the real deal, with an official BATMAN BEYOND mini-series kicking off this Wednesday!

This series, being written by Adam Beechen, who you might recognize as the writer of the always fun and awesome BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD cartoons, is taking things into a much darker direction for McGinnis and the world of BATMAN BEYOND. Terry McGinnis, the Batman of the future, and an elderly Bruce Wayne are the sworn protectors of Neo-Gotham. Now, someone is targeting the Dark Knight’s old foes, and the new Batman has to take on a case that’s digging deep into the roots of Bruce Wayne’s past, and puts McGinnis in grave danger.

This one is a perfect fresh start, and the official return for the Batman Beyond franchise, and from what DC says, if it does well enough, we might even see a Batman Beyond ongoing series… how freakin’ cool is that?

Not familiar with BATMAN BEYOND? You can click here to read the official Wikipedia entry on the series, and get the full rundown on it!

Click here to read more about BATMAN BEYOND #1

DEATH OF DRACULA #1 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY* ONE-SHOT KICKS OFF EVENTS THAT WILL BE AFFECTING THE MARVEL UNIVERSE IN BIG WAYS FOR 2010! DO NOT MISS THIS ONE, NOT ONLY DOES IT LOOK GREAT, BUT IT WILL BE A KEY POINT FOR UPCOMING MARVEL STORYLINES!

When Marvel first announced plans to center their next big storylines around the “Marvel Vampires”, I was a little reluctant about how it was going to be. But, the more that I’ve read, and the more that I saw, I found myself becoming more and more enamored with the idea of a big badass storyline that kind of brings a cohesive element to the scattered vampire mythos that run through the Marvel Universe.

And, then.. I read the preview Marvel released for the one-shot that kicks off everything, DEATH OF DRACULA #1, and I was sold. The artwork is freakin’ sublime, and the story reads well, but at it’s core: it simply looks cool. That’s all there is to it.

In addition, I’ve always been a sucker for the Marvel Dracula stories that’ve drifted in and out of comics, ranging from the old school Gene Colan TOMB OF DRACULA awesomeness to his more recent appearances in other books. I just thought the idea of this immense, mythical character having a role and place in the Marvel Universe was pretty rad.

But, at it’s core, it all comes back to one thing: this is going to be cool. And, with the DEATH OF DRACULA one-shot, you’re getting a chance to not only jump in with a very killer read, but also you’re getting what is going to be a KEY point for Marvel Universe events coming down the line in 2010. We already can see what’s going to be happening with the upcoming X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MUTANTS storyline (which looks SICK!), and there was a brief mention of the DEATH OF DRACULA in AVENGERS #2… but this one is where you can get in at the ground zero of some really cool storylines kicking off.

So, what’s the concept of this whole Marvel Universe vs. the Vampires storyline? Well, first, before we go on, put your hate of TWILIGHT aside, because these are NOT those kinds of vampires. In fact, one of the most interesting things about this upcoming storyline is how the Marvel Universe has so many different KINDS of vampires. Marvel has been going on record since the buzz on this one began talking about how this is a book you should NOT miss when it hits. And, folks, I agree with them, after reading the book, it does a fantastic job of setting up for what’s to come. There’s also the fact that this one is probably going to go out of print very fast, so you’re gonna want to get a copy before they sell out. And, while you know we always do a great job of keeping what you need in stock here at Third Eye, sometimes a book really hits like lightning in a bottle.

Anyways, the Death of Dracula, according to Victor Gischler (writer) and Axel Alonso (editor), is not the end, but the beginning. This one-shot explains and organizes the immense scattering of vampires throughout the Marvel universe for use in upcoming storylines. I mean, there’s Atlantean vampires, there’s traditional supernatural vampires, there’s the science-based vampires like Morbius.. where do they all fit? Well, that’s what this one-shot does. Basically, it begins with Dracula’s son, Xarsus, brutally killing his father, and going through a bloody, ultra-violent storyline of deception, and a whole lotta dead vampires, to become Lord of the Vampires and unify the entire Marvel Vampire-verse. And of course, this leads into things like the vampires mobilizing and going after characters like the X-Men, or other corners of the Marvel Universe.

Story and art-wise, the book is top notch, with IGNITION CITY artist Giuseppe Cammuncoli giving Dracula a new look, and really playing up the Vlad the Impaler-esque appearance. There’s a real sense of hierarchy given to the world of the vampires here, and between the Atlantis vampires, the Nosferatu, ect… they’ve really done a great job of making everything a lot more cohesive, modern, and hip.

Where is this headed? As part of the Heroic Age, we’re going to see the now unified vampire nation going to war with the Marvel Universe, and their first stop is with the X-Men, and that’s what leads into the whole Curse of the Mutants storyline that’ll be following X-MEN SECOND COMING!

Click here to read the preview of DEATH OF DRACULA #1 ONE-SHOT

TURF #2 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY*, the NEXT BIG BREAKOUT HIT from IMAGE COMICS continues this WEDNESDAY! PROHIBITION-ERA GANGSTERS! VAMPIRES! SPACE ALIENS! RAYGUNS AND SHOTGUN SHELLS! WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

IMAGE continues to impress us with their commitment to putting out high quality, creator-owned books. What started with books like INVINCIBLE and WALKING DEAD and then continued with series like CHEW and COWBOY NINJA VIKING is continuing to push ahead in series like TURF. We couldn’t be more stoked about this one, to be perfectly honest, after really digging on the first issue. While the first issue was pretty wordy, we’ve seen some advance pages of issue #2, and it’s much more getting into the action now that the initial set up of the world of TURF has been done.

What is TURF? Okay, ever wonder what New York City in 1929 would be like if you mixed prohibition-era gangsters and vampires? And, then lets just say that these two feuding gangs had a spaceship dropped into the middle of them. Taking place in the winter of 1929, UK television personality Jonathan Ross (he’s kinda like their Jon Stewart over there), delivers a well-told tale of a New York City that’s populated with a broad cast of characters; ranging from a newspaper writer looking to break out from her society column to the vampire family who have a more exotic thirst than some cheap whisky’ll satisfy. Mafia dons, speakeasies playing jazz, nasty characters on the take, and a corrupt system that preys on the weak.

Oh, and there’s a spaceship too, which makes this whole thing so crazy that it works perfectly. Ross proves himself to be a fantastic storyteller in the first issue, and the world of TURF is fully realized by Tommy Lee Edwards, dark and gritty. At first glance, it looks wordy, but it never interferes with the artwork or the flow of the story. It’s a little more labor-intensive to read, but hey, that’s a nice change of pace in the modern state of decompressed storytelling. Ross really does a fantastic job of making you hear the narrative in your head as the story develops, and the characters shape up into a very charismatic cast by the end of the first issue.

Plus… it’s vampires fighting gangsters… with alien technology thrown into the mix. How can you NOT love this? :)

Miss issue #1? Don’t worry, we’ve still got some in stock to get you caught up!

Click here for a preview of TURF #2

BRIGHTEST DAY DELIVERS BIG THIS WEEK!
GREEN LANTERN #55 *BRIGHTEST DAY* THIRD EYE MUST BUY – GEOFF JOHNS CONTINUES TO MAKE GREEN LANTERN A TOP OF THE STACK MUST-READ THIS WEEK WITH GL #55!

If you jumped off of GREEN LANTERN when BLACKEST NIGHT ended, you are seriously missing out on one of the best superhero comic books on the stands. The stories have gotten EVEN BETTER since the finale of BLACKEST NIGHT, and we’re so stoked on the directions that one of our favorite writers, GEOFF JOHNS, continues to take these characters. In addition, the fact that Johns has been on the book for 55 issues IN A ROW! is a testament in and of itself to the consistency and quality of this series.

In the aftermath of BLACKEST NIGHT, we’ve seen some very interesting happenings going on in the pages of GREEN LANTERN, with clandestine meetings between Atrocitus and Guy Gardner, as well as tensions building between the “New Guardians”, and especially between Sinestro and Hal.

In last month’s GREEN LANTERN #54, we saw the cult-favorite Red Lantern kitty, Dex-Starr get his due with Johns hitting some perfect comedic timing, and a new character designed from Doug Mahnke. Balance this out with some total badassery being performed by Atrocitus, and some more cool Larfleeze stuff, and #54 did a great job of expanding upon the exploits of the “New Guardians.”

Now, this month, it looks like the role of Atrocitus in the book continues to increase (and hopefully some more Dex-Starr too!), as it looks like Atrocitus is going to be toe-to-toe with the Main Man himself, LOBO.

And, is that Hector Hammond we see joining the new Guardians? At least that’s what DC is hinting at.

As per usual, folks, GREEN LANTERN #55 is a must-read, and comes highly recommended. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better superhero book on the stands, as this one stands head and shoulders with all the top books we’re reading right now.

Click here to read more about GREEN LANTERN #55 *BRIGHTEST DAY*

Click here for the BRIGHTEST DAY Checklist – We’ll be posting the Checklist Part 2 soon, which covers the next few months

FLASH #3 *BRIGHTEST DAY* THIRD EYE MUST BUY – GEOFF JOHNS’S NEXT BREAKOUT HIT SERIES CONTINUES AS THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE HAS NEVER BEEN COOLER THAN HE IS NOW!

Geoff Johns is the man that does not sleep, he’s been knocking it out of the park month after month with multiple great series, and one of his biggest recent hits has been the new ongoing FLASH series with the recently returned Barry Allen.

Over the course of the last two issues, Johns has effortlessly re-introduced the character of the Flash to readers without letting it slow his story down. He’s gotten a lot of us (including myself) who were bigger Wally fans than we were Barry fans into the character of Barry, and he’s done it while managing to tell a compelling, and exciting story. Half of the appeal of the new Flash book is the “quick” way it reads. Not quick in the traditional sense, like, man that was a fast read, but just in terms of how smooth, and fun it is, that you’re through an issue before you know it. And, trust me, it’s not a drawback, ’cause you know exactly what I’m talking about. When you’re REALLY enjoying a book, and in thick with it, it goes by way too quick.

Combine the excellent job Johns is doing on the writing chores of the Flash with Francis Manapul’s amazing artwork, and you get one hell of a great book. The energy in it practically crackles, and jumps off the page, and the artwork brings the world of Flash and his rogues to life.

The overall feel of the book is very SUPERHERO CSI, playing up Barry’s background as a police scientist, and mixing it with his role as the Flash, and as a whole, this makes for a very compelling read. The first story arc has centered around the Death of the Dastardly Rogues storyline, and with the first two issues, already feels like it’s going to be a very big storyline. The first story arc has the Rogues from the future, who’re.. in a strange twist, law enforcement, coming back to the past to get Barry on a murder charge that he’ll commit in the future. It’s an interesting idea, but it works surprisingly well.

All in all, the new Flash series has been a top notch read, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon. It’s a great mix of true blue Geoff Johns DC Comics awesomeness with a cool mystery/crime-solving angle like something you might see in Detective Comics.

If you’ve missed the first two issues, don’t worry, ’cause we still have copies of issue #1 and issue #2 in stock to get you caught up!

Click here for a preview of THE FLASH #3 *BRIGHTEST DAY*

Click here for the official Third Eye BRIGHTEST DAY checklist, the Checklist Pt 2 will be coming soon!

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46 *BRIGHTEST DAY* – THE JLA/JSA CROSSOVER BEGINS HERE!

Brightest Day has really brought new life to a lot of things, no pun intended, and one of those things has been the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA. While the book began to get pretty rad when Robinson first brought in his new line-up, it’s definitely had a hard time finding it’s niche until recently. Now, with the BRIGHTEST DAY kicking things into full swing, JLA is rockin’.

Beginning this Wednesday, there’s going to be an all-new 5-part JLA/JSA crossover between the two titles. There’s a long tradition of JLA/JSA crossovers, and we can’t think of one we didn’t enjoy at least to some degree. But, this newest one looks like it could be one of the better times that the JLA and JSA have crossed paths.

So, what’s the scoop? Well, the return of one hero has caused the release of the powerful Starheart that empowers Green Lantern Alan Scott. Now, this chaotic force has been unleashed on Earth, causing magic to go wild, and bringing about all sorts of new metahumans. And, because of this, the Justice League and the Justice Society must combine efforts to battle the dark power wielded by one of their own.

Click here for a preview of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46


WARREN ELLIS’S CAPTAIN SWING & the ELECTRIC PIRATES of CINDERY ISLAND #2 ARRIVES DELIVERING UP SOME MORE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED STEAMPUNK JACK THE RIPPER MADNESS!

AWESOME! The second issue of Ellis’s killer new AVATAR (publishers of CROSSED, IGNITION CITY, ect) series CAPTAIN SWING hits this week, and we could not be more pumped. The first issue of this series hooked us with it’s fantastica approach to the era of Jack the Ripper, and we’ve been waiting ever since for the second issue to arrive.

What is CAPTAIN SWING & the ELECTRIC PIRATES OF CINDERY ISLAND? The story starts out with two competing police forces, one that would become the police that people know in the UK, and the other, the Bow Street Runners, made up of former thief-takers and overseen by the magistrates. The former are a bit of a joke, it’s officers not given weapons, and the standards are low. The latter are armed, professional, and possibly, VERY CORRUPT! The first issue shows the conflict between these two as it all comes to center around a mysterious individual by the name of Captain Swing, who one of the Bow Street Runners has been tasked with capturing, and the other police force happen to encounter, thinking he’s Jack the Ripper.

Of course, Swing’s got some crazy electric-based weapons and a flying boat, so the police don’t really stand a chance.

The book is freakin’ awesome, and the artwork of Raulo Caceres (cover artist for DOKTOR SLEEPLESS) brings a level of detail to the world of 1830 London that helps immerse you into the story perfectly.

Of course, the star of the show here is the intense, steampunky trappings of the story, and we freakin’ can’t get enough of it. The first issue set us up, and now we’re getting the second, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.

If you missed issue #1 of CAPTAIN SWING, don’t worry, we’ve got limited quantities in stock to get you caught up.

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 - MATT FRACTION & SALVADOR LAROCCA RE-INTRODUCE THE MANDARIN BACK INTO THE IRON MAN UNIVERSE, SETTING UP FOR WHAT WILL BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST IRON MAN STORIES EVER!

So many good reads this week! I’m totally stoked about this Annual issue for INVINCIBLE IRON MAN. I mean, nevermind the fact that it’s getting me a double-dose of some of the best superhero comic goodness on the stands this month, but, it’s a killer one-shot story that ties into the current run of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN, and sets up for the highly anticipated Iron Man/Mandarin showdown that we’ve all been waiting for Fraction/Larocca to deliver.

So, what’s the scoop? Well, taking place in between the last issue of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #27, and the upcoming issue #28, this one-shot story by Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca is basically their re-introduction of the Mandarin to us, and in what his role is in their run on INVINCIBLE IRON MAN. In other words, this is where we first see the Fraction/Larocca twist on Mandarin appearing, and the lead-up to the big Mandarin vs. Iron Man throwdown. We’re supposed to be getting an insight into his origin, as well as the origins of the alien weapon of unimaginable power that he wears upon each finger. And, this, this is where he begins his quest to kill Tony Stark, his most hated enemy.

You guys have already heard me gushing about how great INVINCIBLE IRON MAN has been for 27 issues, but I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it again..if you’re NOT reading INVINCIBLE IRON MAN, then do yourself a favor, and pick up with issue #25, still in stock here at Third Eye. This is a perfect jumping on spot, and puts you onto the current story arc without having to catch up on the past 20-some issues.

Click here to read a preview of INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1

WONDER WOMAN #600 *THIRD EYE MUST BUY* – J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI BEGINS HIS RUN ON WONDER WOMAN THIS WEDNESDAY! PLUS, GEOFF JOHNS, GAIL SIMONE, GEORGE PEREZ, JOE MADUREIRA & PHIL JIMINEZ ALL COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE IN THIS LANDMARK ISSUE!

For such a classic, and iconic character, it’s been a very long time since we’ve seen a really killer must-read WW storyline.. but, that changes now, as critically acclaimed writer, J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI begins his highly anticipated run on DC’s favorite Amazon.

You guys remember JMS, right? He’s the guy that totally blew us away last week with the kick-off to his new SUPERMAN run, and he’s the dude who helped practically re-invent THOR in the recent THOR run, made the Squadron Supreme relevant again in SUPREME POWER, and completely changed how we view superhero comics with RISING STARS. In other words, J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI is kind of a big deal.

And, just like he’s got plans to do big things with Superman, he’s got plans to do big things with Wonder Woman. Beginning this week in the landmark 600th issue of WW, J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI kicks off his brand new WONDER WOMAN run with the official prelude to it beginning here!

In addition to that tidbit of awesomeness, we’ve also got high profile creators like Geoff Johns, Phil Jiminez, George Perez, Gail Simone, Joe Madureira, and more coming aboard to help Straczynski get this party started right.

Highly recommended, this one is a must-buy!

Click here to read more about WONDER WOMAN #600

ATTENTION SCOTT PILGRIM FANS! BACK IN PRINT: LOST AT SEA by SCOTT PILGRIM creator BRYAN LEE O’MALLEY!

Okay, back in print, and we couldn’t be more happier, we’ve got the release of SCOTT PILGRIM creator, BRYAN LEE O’MALLEY’S incredible LOST AT SEA. This one originally came out in 2003, and many of you who’re hooked on SCOTT PILGRIM, probably have not yet read it, ’cause it’s been in and out of print like crazy over the last few years.

Anyways, the scoop on LOST AT SEA is that it focuses on the coming-of-age story of shy 18-year old Raleigh who thinks she has no soul – cause a cat stole it from her – and who is now on a road trip across the United States with some kids from her school she barely knows. And, on the road trip, we see her visting her boyfriend in California back home to Vancouver with her friends Stephanie, Dave and Ian, some kids from her high school that she hardly knows and met in Cali when she accidentally missed her train. During the trip she thinks a lot about her boyfriend Stillman, who she met on the internet, and her belief that she has no friends because she has no soul, for her mother sold it to the devil (who gave it to a cat) when she was fourteen, in the summer her parents got divorced and her best friend moved away to Ottawa.

Lost at Sea is an INCREDIBLE bittersweet comedy/romance that delivers big time, and if you’re a fan of SCOTT PILGRIM, you’ll love it. The book is honest, and real, which is a strength in O’Malley’s writing. It walks a fine line between bizarre, silly and fun and sad, touching and insightful.

The blurb on the back cover of the book sums it up best: If you’ve ever been eighteen, or confused, or both, maybe you should read this book.

That’s pretty much all I can say about Lost at Sea.

It’s good, READ IT!

ACTION COMICS #890 *BLACKEST NIGHT AFTERMATH!* - SAY HELLO TO ORANGE LANTERN LEX LUTHOR! NEW STORY ARC, NEW DIRECTION, FOCUSING SOLELY ON LEX LUTHOR and his NEWFOUND ORANGE POWER RING!

Here’s another one that I’m very stoked to get my hands on this week and read. ACTION COMICS #890, debuts a brand new direction, and a brand new story arc that focuses solely on LEX LUTHOR, and of course, the recent plot development of him being an Orange Lantern.

See, during BLACKEST NIGHT, a lot of crazy, wild stuff happened, and one of those things was deputy Lanterns being sought out. And, of course, who else would the Orange Ring look to then the one, and only Lex Luthor? Now, DC is kicking off a run on ACTION COMICS that deals with the aftermath of Luthor’s dance with the Orange Power Ring, his connections to Larfleeze, and what he plans to do in the midst of all this BRIGHTEST DAY craziness. And of course, they’ve brought in the highly underrated and awesome Paul Cornell to handle the writing chores on this one, alongside the also highly underrated, yet extremely talented Pete Woods. Both of these guys have done cult favorite series for years, and we feel that this could be their big break, as they’re both VERY talented, but have not found their way onto a character this big before.

Me, personally? I’m just plain pumped because the things I’ve heard about where they’re going with this, and the fact that we get an entire comic devoted to that evil nogoodnik, Luthor, and his newfound Avarice Corps relation, is just plain awesome.

Click here to read a preview of ACTION COMICS #890 *NEW ARC, NEW JUMPING ON POINT, ORANGE LANTERN LUTHOR!!*

WORLD WAR Z writer MAX BROOKS continues to impress us this week with GI JOE: HEARTS AND MINDS #2!

I’m sure a lot of you guys are already familiar with the incredible zombie survival horror epics, WORLD WAR Z and the ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE, as we know they’ve really developed a huge fanbase over the last few years. And, if you’ve read those then you obviously already know that Max Brooks is one hell of a talented writer.

Well, Brooks totally blew us away last month with GI JOE HEARTS AND MINDS #1, his new limited series that delivers two stories per issue getting into the hearts, and character of those GI JOE characters we all remember so fondly.

In fact, the way that this one reads, it’s almost as if you took the whole old school concept of those little biography cards you’d clip out of the back of your Joes, and applied a dark, mature twist, and that’s what HEARTS AND MINDS kind of feels like.

In the first issue, he took us inside the heads of Major Bludd, showing us a man who watched as his father and his father’s father became obsolete to the world, laid off from their jobs, and living in poverty.. and vowing to never let that happen to him, which explains why he lives the mercenary life he does now. We also got inside the head of Spirit, and learned how his extra-sensory abilities do more harm in his life than good.

This week, it looks like Brooks will be exploring one of our favorite Cobra troops, FIREFLY, and the always awesome Doc from the GI Joe side of things.

Click here to read an article USA TODAY did on Brooks’s awesome trip into the world of GI JOE!

DEADPOOL WADE WILSONS WAR #2 – The Merc With A Mouth’s History Continues to Unravel in the BEST Deadpool book we’ve read in a while! Deadpool’s TRUE ORIGINS are revealed in this limited series!

There’s A LOTTA Deadpool out there these days, trust us, we know. But, guys, you gotta trust us when we tell you that Deadpool: Wade Wilson’s War is THE best Deadpool book we’ve read since the current ongoing series first started. The fact that the very talented Duane Swierczynski (Immortal Iron Fist, and a slew of killer crime novels), and the equally talented Jason Pearson are the creative team on this should speak volumes. These guys are good, simply put.

But, best of all, this is a return to focus, as this limited series is taking us deep into the roots of Deadpool’s origins, and showing us stuff we’ve never ever known about the Merc with a Mouth. Was it the clandestine military experiment that aimed to turn ordinary soldiers into super-heroes that made ‘Pool who he is? Was Wade Wilson a brave super-soldier fighting America’s secret wars, or just some pissed-off hick looking for payback?

Plus, we get to see all sorts of neat connections between Deadpool and characters like Domino, Bullseye, Silver Sable, and more.

If you missed issue #1, don’t worry, ’cause we still have limited quantities of the first issue still available to get you caught up.

Click here for a preview of DEADPOOL WADE WILSONS WAR #2

ABE SAPIEN: ABYSSAL PLAIN #1 – everyone’s favorite BPRD-sponsored FISH MAN returns this Wednesday!

It’s always a reason to celebrate when we get more Hellboy/BPRD-centric goodness from Mike Mignola and co., and this week, one of our favorites gets a return to form with the ABE SAPIEN: THE ABYSSAL PLAIN two-issue limited series.

This two-issue limited series shows us Abe on one of his first BPRD operations, leading a naval crew to recover an ancient relic from a sunken Soviet U-boat. What they uncover is a paranormal crime scene, with a tanker full of dead men and secrets that should’ve remained buried deep beneath the sea.

Click here for a preview of ABE SABIE THE ABYSSAL PLAIN #1

ROB ZOMBIE’S WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BARON VON SHOCK #2 and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BARON VON SHOCK #1 BACK IN STOCK THIS WEDNESDAY!

Rob Zombie’s new comic series, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BARON VON SHOCK is a pretty big hit, and with the second issue arriving this Wednesday, we’ll have more of the first issue back in stock as well for those of you who may have missed it!

The scoop on WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BARON VON SHOCK is this: you got this washed up, former Horror movie icon, who has fallen on hard times, and now amidst the Hollywood babylon, and is now trying to crawl his way back into some kind of realm of respectability. He goes from famed horror TV personality to a washed-up hasben, who’s vices, drugs and women, have done a serious piece of work on his life.

Of course, the comic has that trademark Rob Zombie flavor that’s predominant in his music, movies, and more, so if you’re a Zombie fan, you’ll love this one. Just remember this one is a bit more rooted in reality than some of his past work.

We’ll have plenty of issue #1 back in stock to get you caught up, so you can jump on with this week’s issue #2

STAFF PICKS

Steve -  AVENGERS #2 – Huge ending with a cliffhanger surprise on the last two pages that’s so big I still can’t drop spoilers on it. Highly recommended, one of the best Marvel books on the stands.

Trish – BEASTS OF BURDEN Hardcover= My favorite series of 2009 gets a SWEET SWEET hardcover collection!

Torma – BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #3 = The ending to this one is almost as big as the ending to Avengers… AWESOME read all the way through, and I cannot wait for Wild West Batman next month!

Matt – AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #635 *GRIM HUNT PT 2* = Two weeks in a row and Spider-man is my pick of the week, that should tell you something! Grim Hunt OWNS seriously. ]]> http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/06/28/this-weeks-highlights-third-eye-comics-for-wednesday-63010/feed/ 0 http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/06/21/this-weeks-highlights-third-eye-for-wednesday-62310/ http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/2010/06/21/this-weeks-highlights-third-eye-for-wednesday-62310/#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:57:44 +0000 thirdeye http://thirdeyecomics.com/main/?p=438 THIRD EYE MUST BUY: AVENGERS #2! BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & JOHN ROMITA JR. FOLLOW UP THE FIRST KILLER ISSUE OF THIS WITH ONE OF THE BEST DAMN CLIFFHANGERS I’VE SEEN IN A COMIC IN A LONG TIME!
THIS ISSUE DELIVERS BIG!

The first issue of the flagship AVENGERS book blew us away. It was a non-stop, action-packed smash-em up superhero comic in the truest sense. Channeling the energy of ’80s-style Marvel, and fusing it with the sensibilities and craft of today’s storytelling and artwork, it delivered one of the best first issues to an ongoing series that I’ve read in a long time. It was an easy, solid jumping on point for anyone who hasn’t been keeping up with the current crop of Marvel books, but at the same time, it delivered a satisfying read for those of us who’ve been staying up to date on SIEGE and whatnot.

Now, I just got done reading the advance copy of AVENGERS #2. Holy crap. I can already tell this one is going to be making a strong run for Pick of the Week, and I haven’t even got to read anything else yet. The issue is from start to finish, jam-packed with not only some killer fights and action, but also some VERY cool looks into all the different alternate futures we’ve seen before. And, trust me, if you read #1, then you know that the appearance of The Maestro (the evil Hulk from the future where he kills half of the Marvel universe) is just the beginning. There is a surprise appearance at the end of this book that you guys are not going to see coming at all, and I cannot wait to hear everybody’s response to it.

What’s the plot behind the current AVENGERS run? Well, this book, is essentially THE flagship book of the Heroic Age, meaning that this is where a lot of your big stuff that has ramifications on the entire Marvel universe will be happening. It’s the Avengers team that has all the big guns, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, not to mention Hawkeye, Spider-man, and Wolverine. The first story arc is a HUGE one, with a team of younger Avengers, coming back from the future with Kang and Immortus thrown into the mix. Apparently something SERIOUSLY bad is going on with the time-stream, and the Marvel Universe is in danger of several of the alternate futures we’ve all come to know in the past (Days of Future Past, Age of Apocalypse, Future Imperfect, ect.. to name a few) are dangerously close to coming true and erupting into the present day Marvel Universe. The first issue ended with a HUGE cliffhanger as we saw the appearance of the Maestro Hulk from Future Imperfect, the storyline where the Hulk grows older, and more powerful, and kills nearly the entire Marvel pantheon of superheroes. This week, tidbits are dropped.. and things get even MORE interesting.

Folks, between Bendis’s fantastic characterization, and breakneck action-fueled story pacing, this one does not disappoint. Add in John Romita JR’s INCREDIBLE artwork that is just made for big and bad superhero fights, and you’ve got yourself a real winner here.

What is the Heroic Age, and what’s the deal with the AVENGERS? This summer, Marvel kinda did a “fresh start” approach to their universe. In the aftermath of the incredible SIEGE limited series (all four issues still in stock for those of you who may need to catch up), they’ve decided to move their entire universe in a whole new direction, and that brings us to the HEROIC AGE. The Heroic Age kind of takes its cues from the strong, self-contained and critically acclaimed series like INVINCIBLE IRON MAN by MATT FRACTION, CAPTAIN AMERICA by ED BRUBAKER, and THOR by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI. Basically, it’s taking the characters in a more swashbuckling, adventure-fueled direction, and moving away from the inner turmoil they’ve dealt with between one another for the last decade due to the events of CIVIL WAR.

In that regard, the Heroic Age is a perfect jumping in spot for both new and old Marvel fans alike. Whether it’s been years since you’ve read a Marvel book, or if you’ve been keeping up with the titles for a while, they’ve really set things up perfectly for you to jump onto some great titles without being totally lost.

As for THE AVENGERS, it’s the flagship book of the Heroic Age, and serves as the central point to most of the major things that’re happening within the Marvel Universe. On top of all that, it’s just a great read, and we can’t recommend it enough. This is the heavy-weight team, with members like THOR, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and IRON MAN all playing major integral roles.

Anyhow, folks, make sure you check out AVENGERS #2 this week, and if you passed on #1, I’m telling you, pick it up and give it a shot! This book rocks hard!

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #3 DELIVERS THE THIRD THRILLING INSTALLMENT IN THE BIGGEST BATMAN STORY IN DECADES! GRANT MORRISON CONTINUES TO IMPRESS!

Grant Morrison has really been doing a great job with this RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE story. He’s totally taking the awe and wonder of Silver Age Batman stories and making them work in the modern day, and we freakin’ love it. I haven’t been this into Batman in a long time. Ever since Morrison began his run, I’ve just been completely hooked on everything he’s done with the character, and I feel that he’s really taking the book in some bold, and exciting new directions.

In the first two issues of RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, we’ve seen some really rad things happening, as well as been handed the pieces to a very intricate puzzle that Morrison is putting together here. Now, after reading BATMAN #700 from week before last, I’ve gotta say.. I feel like I have a better handle on how the time-travel fits into all of this. In BATMAN #700, we were shown the scientist who it looks like made this possible, and we were handed even more clues as to just how BATMAN has found himself shot thousands of years into the past, and is now jumping through the timestream. Combine that with the consistent presence of a Joker-like character in the first two issues of the series, as well as the subtle clues referenced on the covers, and we can’t help but wonder that the Clown Prince of Crime’s return in BATMAN AND ROBIN #12 doesn’t have A LOT more to do with the RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE than we’re thinking.

Anyways, this week, we’re moving ahead to the third issue, and this is one of the ones I’ve been looking forward to the most. The Bat-pirate issue! I mean, no matter how deep we wanna get when talking about RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE (and it’s easy to get deep considering what a rich, and enthralling story Morrison’s weaved with the character over the last few years), at it’s core.. it’s just plain cool to see Batman as a pirate, or Batman as a caveman, and so on and so on. And, the Bat-Pirate thing looks to be the coolest one yet.

In BATMAN: RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #3, we see the Dark Knight thrown onto the high seas in an era of thievery and piracy. From the looks of the preview pages, it looks like Bruce Wayne is regaining more of his memory, right as he’s thrown at the feet of Blackbeard. I can’t wait to see how this era of Gotham’s history connects to things, as that has been a big part of the fun, watching as various characters from the Batman mythos have had their pasts weaved in and out of the storyline, showing an almost lineage of Gotham City. This has been an added bonus to an already good story, but still, I love stuff like that.

All in all, RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE has been one of the most killer things we’ve read in a while. The impending doom feeling that surrounds the series, where Superman and company are basically following Wayne through time, because for some unknown reason, if he reaches the present.. everything will come spinning out of control, has made the series an even more killer read.

When you add in the fantastic artists Morrison has chosen to work with on this one, you’ve got yourself one heck of a read.

If you’re a Batman or DCU fan at all, you gotta be reading RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, no doubt about it, the book rocks.

Click here for a preview of BATMAN: RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #3

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: SUPERMAN #700 – J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI’S (THOR, SUPREME POWER, RISING STARS) HIGHLY ANTICIPATED STORY ARC FOR THE MAN OF STEEL BEGINS HERE! DO NOT MISS THIS ISSUE!

J. Michael Straczynski is gonna make Superman one of the Top 5 books here at Third Eye. I’m predicting the future here, but, everything I’ve read in interviews with JMS about his upcoming run on the book, coupled along with everything I’ve seen from the preview art has me convinced: Superman is going to be one of the biggest must-reads we’re going to see this Summer. Flat out, I think we’re going to see the Man of Steel rising to the top once again.

And, folks, this is coming from a guy up until a few years ago with Morrison’s ALL-STAR SUPERMAN and GEOFF JOHNS’S ACTION COMICS run, was never a big Superman fan. But, I am looking forward to Straczynski’s Superman stuff with a lot of anticipation. Why? ‘Cause Stracynzski gets it. He knows how to write a good book, and he’s proven that time and time again with critically-acclaimed projects like his run on THOR (again, another series I’d never been huge on until JMS got me into it), his creator-owned work on RISING STARS (the comic that the HEROES tv show took strong influences from in terms of treating superheroes as real flesh and blood people), and his cutting-edge re-imagining of the Squadron Supreme in SUPREME POWER. The man just has a great track record, and we haven’t seen him put out a stinker yet.

But, more so than any of that, I’m pumped because from what JMS has said in interviews, this is the comic he’s been waiting to write. He’s wanted to write Superman for years, and years, and the fact that he’s taking his cues from ALAN MOORE and his approach to the Man of Steel in stories like WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW? and FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING, well, hell, I’m sold.

The concept behind STRACZYNSKI’S upcoming run? Well, to quote JMS he’s going to be telling a story that brings the Man of Steel back to his roots and “will have the whole talking about him in a way that we haven’t seen in a long time.” From what I’ve been able to gather from the various interviews, and concepts JMS has been talking about, is that the first storyline Straczynski is doing is titled Grounded, and in the aftermath of WAR OF THE SUPERMEN, shows us a Superman that is having trouble continuing his battle for Truth, Justice, and the American Way.. so, he decides to get back in touch with humanity, and walk across the country.. and that is where the story is said to start.

Now, knowing Stracyznski’s writing style, we know that the guy does very well when handling sweeping, grandiose stories that involve the morality of the characters involved. And, folks, this is the perfect match for a character like Superman. I’ve always said that there is a good Superman story out there for everybody, and the thing that always makes for a good Superman story is how the writer plays up the desperate balance and conflict that Superman has with trying to balance his god-like abilities with the sensibilities of humanity as a whole.

Anyways, beginning this week in SUPERMAN #700, a very special landmark issue that is jam-packed with awesomeness celebrating 700 issues of the Man of Steel, we get to see the start of J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI’S Superman story. Three big stories intertwine here in Superman #700, and culminate in the start of JMS’s highly anticipated run on the series.

Make sure to snag yourself a copy this Wednesday, highly recommended by us here at Third Eye!

THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL: STEPHEN KING’S AMERICAN VAMPIRE #4 CONTINUES TO DELIVER US ONE OF THE BEST DAMN NEW VERTIGO SERIES WE’RE READING! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, THIS BOOK DOES FOR VAMPIRES WHAT WALKING DEAD DID FOR ZOMBIES!  AND YES, STEPHEN KING IS ACTUALLY WRITING IT!

Dude, this book is fantastic. One of the best freakin’ series we’re reading right now, and it just continues to get cooler, and cooler with each subsequent issue. I was expecting a lot from the first issue, but I had no idea this series would quickly climb it’s way into the same spot that books like THE BOYS, INVINCIBLE IRON MAN and WALKING DEAD have for more.. you know, the I GOTTA READ THIS FIRST! spot. But, American Vampire has most definitely done that.

What’s it about? Well, at it’s core, AMERICAN VAMPIRE kind of gives you the sense that there’s a big, sweeping story underneath the introductory plot. Basically, the general hook here is that people from different regions of the world all handle the infection of vampirism differently. And, one of the series’s main characters, Skinner Sweet, an old West outlaw, was the FIRST AMERICAN Vampire. In other words, he was bitten, and turned, and when the European vamps who did it thought they had killed him using methods that would work on them, they were wrong. Because it took more than being buried underwater or burnt by the sun to kill an American Vampire. The story bounces between the present (1920s Hollywood Babylon awesomeness) and the past (the Old West), and in the present, we see one of the other main characters, Pearl, a young Hollywood wannabe starlet in search of her big break, who runs afoul of some powerful Hollywood bigwigs that happen to be vampires. And, they tear her to pieces, but it’s Skinner who shows up, and basically explains to her what she is now, and who did this to her. It’s actually pretty cool, and one of my favorite moments is the List he leaves her of the weaknesses that those vampires have, and the ones that her and Skinner do not.

The writing on it is fantastic, and series co-writer and creator Scott Snyder does a fantastic job of creating strong characters set against the backdrop of 1920s Hollywood. Meanwhile, Stephen King handles the flashbacks to the Old West that reveal more and more of not just Skinner’s origins, but also the vampires worldwide, and this is 100% legitimately written by King, so you can rest assured it’s not just his name on the cover. Both writers do a terrific job of melding their two stories together, and making one of the BEST vampire comics you could wanna read right now. If you’re a fan of TRUE BLOOD, or you dig the more hard-hitting vampire stuff like cult classic flick, NEAR DARK, then you should definitely be reading this book. Heck, if you just enjoy good comics with good characterization, and plotting, you oughta be reading this one.

We’ve currently got the first three issues all well-stocked to get you caught up, so you can hop on and get caught up to issue #4.

Click here to read a preview of AMERICAN VAMPIRE #4

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: GREEN ARROW #1 *BRIGHTEST DAY* - WITH DARKER DAYS AHEAD, THE GREEN ARROW DEBUTS A BRAND NEW ONGOING SERIES! AND IT’S PRETTY KILLER!

Dude, the preview pages of the new GREEN ARROW series look freakin’ sweet. I’m really impressed by this one. In the aftermath of CRY FOR JUSTICE and the RISE AND FALL OF THE GREEN ARROW, things are taking a new direction for Oliver Queen. A dark, gritty Green Arrow who has no qualms with putting an arrow or two into a bad guy seems to be that new diection, and we love it. In my opinion, stories like THE LONGBOW HUNTERS and the like were some of the best Green Arrow stories I’d ever read, and to see them returning to that style, is pretty awesome.

The killer creative team has been tight-lipped about what’s in store, and what’s to come for the Emerald Archer, but just take a look at the preview pages, and those say more than enough. The artwork on this one looks INCREDIBLE, and I can’t wait to get to read the whole thing this Wednesday. Definitely one of the more highly anticipated BRIGHTEST DAY books for me.

Click here for a preview of GREEN ARROW #1 *BRIGHTEST DAY*

THIRD EYE MUST BUY: BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM MADNESS GRAPHIC NOVEL ARRIVES THIS WEDNESDAY DELIVERING THE MOST TERRIFYING, TWISTED BATMAN STORY SINCE ARKHAM ASYLUM: A SERIOUS HOUSE ON SERIOUS EARTH.
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!
SPEND 24 HOURS IN ARKHAM ASYLUM!

Man, there’s a lot of good stuff coming out this week! I’ve been pumped about this one since I first saw the solicits for it back in March. I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t love a good journey into the mouth of madness story? But, seriously, this new graphic novel hitting this week looks to be the next big Batman story, with a killer concept, and some incredible artwork. It’s hard to think that they could ever surpass the nightmarish visions of ARKHAM ASYLUM A SERIOUS HOUSE ON SERIOUS EARTH, but, looking at some preview pages of ARKHAM ASYLUM: MADNESS.. I think they might.

DC’s been cryptic about the full plot of the graphic novel, but what we do know is that it’s Sam Kieth taking us into a 24 hour stay at ARKHAM ASYLUM, and from what we’ve seen and what we’ve been told, it’s the most nightmarish depiction of Gotham City’s beloved nuthouse that anyone has ever seen. Just looking at the depiction of the imprisoned Joker on the cover seems to clue us in on that fact.

And, maybe, it’s better that way, ’cause it means that we’re going to be taken on one hell of a surprising, nightmarish journey into the depths of Arkham Asylum. Just judging from the pages I’ve seen, and what I’ve heard… this one is gonna rock hard. Highly recommended, and most definitely a THIRD EYE MUST BUY.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #635 *GRIM HUNT CHAPTER TWO*- THE BEST SPIDEY STORYLINE IN AGES CONTINUES AS THE KRAVEN FAMILY SYSTEMATICALLY HUNTS DOWN ANY CHARACTER REMOTELY RESEMBLING A SPIDER!

Last week’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634 was one of the best issues of Spider-man I’ve read in a long time, probably since the GAUNTLET first began. With the GRIM HUNT storyline kicking into full swing, I really think Marvel is on the right track with this storyline, and that we’ve got some really good stuff to look forward to with where the book is heading. There’s been a lot of build up to this point, and now that it’s finally kicked off, it looks like the payoff is definitely going to be worth it.

See, we’ve seen the Kravinoffs showing up throughout the Gauntlet storyline, but they never played a central role. Just enough of a role for us to know that something big was brewing, something was on the horizon. And now, many issues later, we’re seeing the payoff begin.

The plot of this one is simple: the Kravinoff family basically wants to honor their father’s legacy, and well, try to resurrect him from the dead. They’re convinced that to do this they need to systematically hunt down and kill every freakin’ Spider-related character they can get their hands on. And, it starts with them killing the (admittedly obscure) Mattie Franklin, you know the 616 Spider-girl from the late ’90s. And, it was a grim, bloody, and creepy death that befell Mattie, that’s for sure.

We also saw in the first chapter of this one that Ezekiel has re-appeared, the character that first introduced the idea of a “Spider”-totem where many characters in the Marvel Universe draw their power from. So, GRIM HUNT automatically gets props from me for drawing on some ideas that Straczynski laid out in his incredible run on the character.

Now, I read the advance of GRIM HUNT PT 2 which ships this week in the form of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #635, and all I can say is WOW. There’s a pretty whacked out moment in this one, but I don’t wanna ruin it, so I’ll just leave it at that.

Anyways, click here to check out a preview of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #635 *GRIM HUNT PT 2*

If you missed last week’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634, don’t fret, ’cause we still have copies in stock for you to get caught up with!

IDW TAKES US BACK TO JURASSIC PARK THIS WEDNESDAY IN JURASSIC PARK: REDEMPTION! THIS LOOKS TOO FREAKIN’ COOL!

There’s one simple draw to this one, folks: We love Dinosaurs. Seriously though, the new IDW series that’s taking us back to Jurassic Park is something I’m very much looking forward to. I was listening to a podcast that the writer, Bob Schreck, did about the book, and what he has planned sounds super freakin’ cool, and when you combine that with some of the most incredible art on a book like this that I’ve seen, you’ve got yourself something cool.

The plot is that 13 years after the original Jurassic Park movie, Tim and Lex Murphy have returned to oversee the re-opening of Jurassic Park, due to the overwhelming demand of the public.

In this series, Jurassic Park is no secret; too many tourists have been eaten, a T-Rex ran through the streets of Manhattan, and there’s been some unidentified flying lizards spotted above the islands of Costa Rica.

We quickly see Tim Murphy being conned into cloning more dinosaurs, and his sister, Lex, begging the United Nations to continue keeping the islands off limits. The two siblings are at each other’s throats on this one, and that’s part of what makes the book cool.

Plus, it’s got LOTS of giant dinosaurs. :)

All in all, an exciting franchise to see get the comic treatment, and it looks like we’re gonna get some quality stories outta this one.

LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #2 HITS WEDNESDAY! The new LEGION series is AWESOME! MISSED THE FIRST ONE? NO WORRIES, WE’VE STILL GOT ISSUE #1s in STOCK TO CATCH YOU UP! LEGION MAESTRO PAUL LEVITZ HAS A HIT ON HIS HANDS!

Man, I am really happy about the new LEGION OF SUPERHEROES series. I’ve never ever been a huge LEGION fan up until the last few years, and this new ongoing LEGION series is the perfect book for someone like me who really started to grow fond of the Legion through storylines like Brad Meltzer’s LIGHTNING SAGA and Geoff Johns’s Action Comics arc, SUPERMAN AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES. However, the book also is an enormous hit amongst longtime Legion fans as well, from what I’m hearing, and definitely is delivering the best Legion of Superheroes series in a long-time, just from seeing the first issue.

I think a big part of this is the fact that Paul Levitz is back on the book as writer, and c’mon, this is the guy who defined the Legion for many people. He knows the characters better than anybody. If you combine that with the fact that this series picks up on plot-threads laid out by Geoff Johns in other storylines, and well, there ya, you got yourself a great read.

The first issue of LEGION shows us that the Legion are allowed to stay on Earth, which has become very xenophobic if they accept the super-powered leader of the xenophobic movement into their ranks. This might sound familiar to those of you who read Johns’s incredible SUPERMAN and the LEGION OF SUPERHEROES arc, ’cause it’s pulling many plots and ideas from that. Meanwhile, we’ve got some crazy science stuff happening on Titan, the homeworld of Saturn Girl, and it results in the awakening of something on the long dead planet of Oa.. something that is headed straight for the very xenophobic nut that’s been given a fresh Legion ring.

The first issue was fantastic, and each page crackled with an energy and speed that really pulled you into the characters. Levitz does a great job of making the team accessible for new and old fans alike, and I really dug it. The first issue begins with a cosmic disaster of Crisis-like proportions, and from there, we can only imagine where things are going to be headed next.

If you missed LEGION #1, don’t sweat it, ’cause we’ve still got limited quantities of #1 on the shelves to get you caught up.

One of the best new DC books to kick off this summer!

Click here to read more about LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #2

THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL: SEA BEAR & GRIZZLY SHARK #1 ONE-SHOT FROM WALKING DEAD/INVINCIBLE writer ROBERT KIRKMAN and INVINCIBLE ARTIST RYAN OTTLEY- A RIDICULOUSLY FUN AND BIZARRE ONE-SHOT YARN!

Nevermind the impressive pair of names attached to this one-shot, just the sheer concept and title of this alone deserve notice be taken on this one. I mean, it’s a shark that roams the forest, devouring man, and a grizzly bear that plunges in and out of the seas to, uh, also eat people.

Seriously though, this one is pure awesome fun, and we cannot wait to get a chance to sit down and read the whole thing.

The concept? It’s bear vs. shark, the age old question of who would win. Is it going to be the Grizzly Shark? Is it going to be the Sea Bear? Pick your side.

Brimming with senseless violence and gore, and hey, it even teaches you some interesting facts about sharks and bears too.. like, you know they can smell blood for a hundred miles, and things like that. Or, how to survive a bear attack while fishing off the coast of a small Caribbean island.

But, the real question is how the hell did these two get so mixed up? Well, that’s where Robert Kirkman comes in, providing the very unique origin of both Sea-Bear, AND Grizzly Shark.

So, what’s not to love? A bear in the ocean. A shark that stalks the forests. And, killer artwork by Ryan Ottley of INVINCIBLE fame, and an origin story written by the one and only Robert Kirkman?

This one most definitely gets the THIRD EYE CERTIFIED COOL stamp.

Click here for some preview pages of SEA BEAR and GRIZZLY SHARK #1

JOKER’S ASYLUM CONTINUES THIS WEEK WITH KILLER CROC!

We’ve been loving these twisted little one-shots DC’s been doing this month where the Joker narrates a tale about some of Batman’s craziest rogues. It started off with the Riddler, then continued with two excellent one shots focusing on Harley Quinn and The Mad Hatter, and now it’s moving onto Killer Croc, and dude, the art on this one looks SIIIIIIIICK.

For those of you keeping track, here’s what’s out already for the Joker’s Asylum one-shots:

JOKER’S ASYLUM THE RIDDLER
JOKER’S ASYLUM MAD HATTER
JOKER’S ASYLUM HARLEY QUINN

We’ve currently got all three of the previous ones in stock to get you caught up to the Killer Croc one hitting this week. We’ve also got plenty of the trade paperback, JOKER’S ASYLUM, which collects all of last year’s JOKER’S ASYLUM one-shots.

FRINGE: TALES FROM THE FRINGE #1 KICKS OFF A NEW 6-ISSUE MINI-SERIES SET IN THE WORLD OF THE FRINGE TV SERIES!

Okay, no doubt, we are big time fans of the TV series FRINGE here at Third Eye. It’s like X-Files for the 21st Century, and we can’t get enough. And, obviously, the folks at Wildstorm and DC Comics can’t get enough either, as they’re kicking off a new 6-issue limited series exploring the world of Fringe and it’s characters. In this first issue, we’re shown some very interesting things that are in fact a major part of the continuity of the Fringe television show.

Click here to read more about FRINGE TALES FROM THE FRINGE #1

X-MEN SECOND COMING AWESOMENESS CONTINUES THIS WEEK WITH X-MEN LEGACY #237 *X-MEN SECOND COMING CHAPTER 12*

Probably the best X-Men storyline we’ve read in over ten years, you guys have heard us gushing on and on about how much we’re digging this storyline, and that hasn’t changed, so we’ll save you the long and short of it.

Basically, if you haven’t read X-Men in a long time, and you’re looking for a good story to bring you in, you have gotta check out SECOND COMING. This series rocks. HARD.

After the events of last week’s SECOND COMING installment in NEW MUTANTS, we’re brought up to the current state where X-FORCE is cutting their way through a dangerous future in an attempt to cut off Bastion’s armies at the source. But, they need to hurry the hell up ’cause X-Men are dropping left and right!

Wanna know more about X-MEN SECOND COMING? Click here for a brief synopsis of the crossover and a full checklist of all it’s chapters.

STAFF PICKS

Steve -  CROSSED FAMILY VALUES #2 – Man, this series really embodies what a horror comic should be. The writing on it’s sharp, but they manage to shock and awe the sensibilities of the reader every time. It’s a perfect balance of good writing, and cheap thrills.

Trish – WALKING DEAD #73= The current arc Kirkman is doing right now is one of the best in the series since the Governor visited the prison.

Torma – NEW AVENGERS #1 = Dr. Strange getting possessed. The Son of Satan. And, a kick-ass return of focus to the characters that Brian Michael Bendis writes super well. First issue of this rocked.

Matt – AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634 *GRIM HUNT PT 1* = This one didn’t just feel like another issue of Spider-man, it felt big, and important, which is cool cause that’s what Spidey needs right now. More killer story arcs that bring the suspense and excitement to the book.