The original MAN-THING series was one of my first Marvel Comics series and has remained one of my all-time favorites. Steve Gerber's MAN-THING stories are among the best comic tales ever written, and few artists can match the beauty of Mike Ploog's imagery. MAN-THING captured my imagination and has always occupied a very special place in my heart. One thing that I hope will come out of this new interest in Man-Thing is that those classic experimental issues of MAN-THING will find themselves in an attractive trade paperback compilation.

I'm glad Man-Thing wasn't around to touch me when I heard the announcement of Man-Thing Volume Three, because the news filled me with both excitement and FEAR. The last thing I ever wanted to see was MAN-THING done badly. I couldn't bear to see him mishandled or presented poorly.

My hands trembled as I plunked down my $2.95 and carried my book home to read. I sat down in a quiet corner of my room, and I began. The cover was a good omen. It was very detailed, very striking, cosmic. I opened the book AND I KNEW FROM THE FIRST PAGE--THE FIRST WORD--THAT I WOULD LOVE IT.

"Welcome," it said. The book opened up and invited me in and I went willingly, eagerly inside! By page four my eyes filled with tears as Man-Thing stood basking in the moonlight in a full page spread so eerie and full of detail I could almost smell the marsh. The dripping vines, flying cranes, moss and gnarled tree roots all contribute to the delicate atmosphere that is essential to a successful MAN-THING comic. I have waited decades for this book; and it is going to be worth the wait.

The art by Liam Sharp is simply exquisite. It is neither rushed nor lackluster. It is not stilted or pretentious. It is instead dark and scary, complex and spacey, soft and human, mystical and dreamy. Nothing less would do for MAN-THING. Liam Sharp has met my huge expectations and then some with his beautiful, expressive art and imaginative, abstract layouts.. The illustration of Dr. Strange gazing into the cauldron of the cosmos and emerging from the fire and cosmic energy like some messianic vision is far-out and other-worldly. The full page of Man-Thing seeing into his victims psyche that is drawn like a shattered mirror imploding into the Man-Thing's visage is very surreal and powerful. My mind is appropriately blown and I am thrilled, ecstatic, awed.

J.M. DeMatteis is a writer whom I have been familiar with from excellent runs on AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA and his enigmatic BLOOD series. I was gladdened to hear he would be writing the book and my faith in him seems well founded. He has a firm grasp of Man-Thing as a character, or "non-character" as it were. He is already going full-speed ahead in interesting directions. He's got me hooked--something it usually takes a half dozen books to do. The plot is fairly standard. A threat to the existence of Reality looms on the horizon. It is noticed by Dr. Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme. The Man-Thing shambles forward burning a few fearful people as he goes, for "whatever knows fear burns at the Man-Thing's touch." He is ultimately to encounter the woman that was his wife when he was a man. The woman who betrayed him. The woman that made him Man-Thing. They both still bear the scars from their last meeting. The reunion is to be short, however, because Dr. Strange shows up. There is a threat to the cosmic balance and the secret to salvation lies hidden within Man-Thing. Next issue: "Journey to the Center of The Man-Thing." The plot is well-executed and the script is perfectly paced--quiet and reflective at times and then rapid and energetic.

In short, I am an old MAN-THING fan with extremely high expectations. I intended to judge this book harshly, for there is a mighty legacy for it to live up to, and nothing short of excellence is to be permitted. This new MAN-THING has exceeded my expectations. It's highly recommended!

I sat in the corner. I closed the book. Thirty days. Damn.