Yes, it is and Yup, they tend to do that. Only one of my local LCS actually carried it back when it came out and sold out the first day.
I got the same thing when I asked. my lcs is a fairly large chain place and they still had no idea.
I haven't read it yet, I'm waiting until I get a different print of #1. I got the #2(1st and 2nd print) and the #3 but my #1 is in some awsome guys hands right now waiting on a SS.
I did browse through my 2 and 3 though and the art is just awsome!!!! I can't wait to read it!!!