Here are your offerings from Image this week.  As a special note, while browsing retailer sites we found the Image release list differs from what retailers are saying is hitting stores this week.  So who is right, Image or retailers?  Guess we will know this Wednesday.

IMAGE:

• Elephantmen #24, $3.50
• Fallout Toy Works #4 (of 5), $3.99
• Jack’s Knack: Book Three of The Blue Forest Series HC, $12.99
• Orc Stain #3, $2.99
• Savage Dragon #158, $3.50
• The Walking Dead #71, $2.99

RETAILERS:

• Cyberforce Hunter Killer #5 (of 5)(Cover A Kenneth Rocafort), $2.99
• Cyberforce Hunter Killer #5 (of 5)(Cover B David Finch), $2.99
• Cyberforce Hunter Killer #5 (of 5)(Kenneth Rocafort Sketch Cover), AR
• Elephantmen #24, $3.50
• Jersey Gods #11, $3.50
• Kabuki Volume 1 Circle Of Blood TP (New Printing), $19.99
• Savage Dragon #158, $3.50

Check out what Image has in store for us this week!

Choker #1 by Ben McCool and Ben Templesmith

I just started following Ben Templesmith; this hit the stores at just the right time.  Ben McCool also had a hand in the Justice League Unlimited series.  For those that have never checked out a Marvel Unlimited comic, you really should do yourself a favor and check out the Unlimited version of your favorite Marvel book.

In Choker, the two Ben’s join up to create a dark police drama comic.  Choker will follow the likes of Johnny Jackson on his road to bust a notorious drug dealer.  Knowing that this is coming from Image Comics, you can bet there will be adult themes, demonic forces at work, and a story that keeps you craving more by the end of each craven, twisted and hilarious issue.

This has all the beginnings to be a great comic series.  Throw this onto your stack of books this week at checkout and enjoy a new series.  You never know, this might just make your monthly pull list of short stories.  I know it is making mine!

Chris’ Picks:
Choker #1
Having started to follow Ben Templesmith, I am excited for this comic.  The comic follows a private detective who is looking to nail a drug dealer.  The artwork should be phenomenal and the writing top notch.  I am very excited for this new comic!

Haunt #5
I am a big McFarlane fan.  I have enjoyed him since Spawn #1.  Haunt follows more death and suspense in the usual McFarlane way.  This issues is “supposed” to end a story arc that has been running for four issues.  Really stoked for this one.

Rob’s Picks:
Since Chris stole my Choker pick, here’s where I”m landing this week:

Known for his covers, Jock takes his special techniques to inside art, complementing Jamie Delano’s return to the famous supernatural detective, John Constantine, in Hellblazer: Pandemonium. I don’t think I can wait all the way to Wednesday to check this one out.

Giving in to my inner child is tons of fun, and this week, I may check out what many folks are raving about: The Muppet Show Comic Book #2. Of course, my ACTUAL children will want to give this one a read, and I’ll probably pick up #1 while I’m at the shop, if they have it.

Tyler’s Picks:

This week is all about the sublime delineations of Frank Quietly and increasingly complex archetype adjustments by Grant Morrison.

Batman and Robin #8 might only have a Quietly cover, but new penciler Cameron Stewart is doing his best to keep the book looking good. With Damien down for the count and Dick Grayson finding out just how difficult it is wearing Bruce’s cowl and following his primal desires, this book has become the go-to spot for the ongoing evolution in the new Batman mythos. And seeing as Morrison is the bastard who killed Bruce Wayne, its only fitting we get excited to see what crawls out of the long lost Lazarus Pit beneath London town.

Staying true to form, my softcover graphic novel pick of the week is All-Star Superman Vol. 2. Instead of alienating both fans and casual readers like Frank Miller did with All Star Batman and Robin, Morrison actually deepens the Superman lore and gives it a fresh universal appeal. With a tapestry of subtle quests, Superman is faced with his own impending death and sets out to accomplish 12 significant tasks, ranging from creating life to fixing the Sun’s heart. Morrison and Quietly deliver on a massive level with thoughtful and brilliant storytelling. If you missed these in issue form, now is the time to pick up both volumes.

Mike’s Pick:

I know the Punisher has been done to death, but Jason Aaron’s take on the birth of the MAX universe version of the Kingpin is as fresh and entertaining as the Frankencastle pulp tale that Rick Remender is telling in the 616 universe.  Steve Dillon’s heavy and deliberate line work, that worked so well on Ennis’ Preacher run, is in full effect here.  All the violence and sex that the MAX line allows is fully exploited here by Aaron in telling a witty and intelligent tale of a possible origin of one of the criminal legends of the Marvel U.  Do not miss Punisher MAX #4.

Here are your Image comics for February 10, 2010.