Marvel’s Avengers line is simply staggering in size at this point. I really don’t know how someone could afford to buy more than one “line” at this point with the X-Men, Hulk, Spider-Man, and Avengers all supporting their own world of titles. Too much! But man, there is a lot of good stuff coming out in June, take a look!
My comments (in italics) follow Marvel’s solicits. As always, the full solicits are available at Newsarama. If you’d like to read my opinion on comics I’ve actually read, check out my blog where I guarantee at least one new review per day.
MARVELMAN CLASSIC PRIMER #1
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Cover by JOE QUESADA
Variant by MICK ANGLO
MARVELMAN COMES TO MARVEL! Who is the mysterious Marvelman? The answer to that question is one of the most mysterious in comics lore. Created in 1954 by writer/artist Mick Anglo, the character enjoyed a long run in the British comics market as one of its most powerful heroes. A few decades later, the character was revived with a dark, moody, deconstructionist bent, and produced one of the most important works of comic art in the medium’s history. But now, miracle of miracles, Marvel has stepped up to the plate to deliver on the promise of Anglo’s incredible characters. The MARVELMAN PRIMER will help readers unfamiliar with that character get up to speed on the past, present and future of Marvelman stories. We’ll check in with Mick Anglo, Neil Gaiman and others who contributed to this character’s history over the years. It was the news that swept the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con and the Marvelman Primer explains why! Featuring six all-new pinups of key Marvelman characters by superstar artists Mike Perkins, Doug Braithwaite, Miguel Angel Sepulveda, Jae Lee, Khoi Pham and Ben Oliver!
32 PGS./One-Shot/Rated A …$3.99
No Alan Moore material yet! Is there really a demand for this classic stuff or does everyone just want to read the insane modern stuff. Especially since Marvelman still hasn’t shown up in the Marvel U anyway.
NAMORA #1
Written by JEFF PARKER
Penciled by SARA PICHELLI
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
Cover by RAMONA FRADON
The powerful agent of ATLAS and Atlantean Princess known as Namora finds a missing colony of her aquatic people in the
Barents Sea, and goes to bring them back to the new home of Oceana. But the Atlanteans are unwilling to leave and now Namora is also compelled to stay…and serve THE KRAKEN! Don’t miss an aquatic adventure like only critically-acclaimed writer Jeff Parker (AGENTS OF ATLAS, THUNDERBOLTS, FALL OF THE HULKS) can tell it!
32 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99
This looks great. Jeff Parker can do no wrong with the Agents of Atlas characters and Namora is such a fun, impulsive powerhouse, this is guaranteed to be good. My only concern is where this will get reprinted? In an Atlas trade? Or will there be a “Women of Marvel” trade that collects all these one-shots?
HERALDS #1-5 (of 5)
Written by KATHRYN IMMONEN
Penciled by TONCI ZONJIC
Covers by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
Issue #1 Variant by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
The WOMEN OF MARVEL event continues with the blockbuster of the summer, a fast-paced five-issue weekly series by Kathryn Immonen and Tonci Zonjic!
Powerful forces are converging on Earth and the women of the Marvel Universe are at the center of it! Years ago, a herald of Galactus sacrificed her life for the universe. Little did anyone realize, a shred of that spirit lived on…and now she’s back for vengeance on those who abandoned her. The most powerful super heroines of the Marvel Universe must put aside their differences to stop this threat before the Earth is destroyed. Emma Frost, She-Hulk, Agent Abigail Brand, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Monica Rambeau, Sue Storm…these mighty women will be put to the test as never before, as cities are destroyed, families are torn apart, and a cosmic resurrection changes the heroes’ lives forever!
32 PGS.(each)/Rated A …$2.99 (each)
2.99 is fantastic, so I’ll pick up the first issue for certain. This looks like a dream team for my 5 year old daughter. She’s going to want to know why Namora and Tigra aren’t on the team though! Interesting that the book seems to be built around the return of the Frankie Raye Nova.
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #892
Written by DAVE LAPHAM
Penciled by SHAWN CRYSTAL
Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
“SOUL MATES”
What happens when a group of evil frat boys get their hands on the soul of one very angry and very powerful half demonic sorceress named Satana? And what happens when the only person that desperate sorceress can find to help her on such short notice is our lovable and slightly deranged Deadpool? Well, telling you would be telling, but if you listen real hard you might hear the distant chimes of…wedding bells!? Be there for the event of the season as Deadpool and Satana team up to descend into the Mighty Marvel underworld.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
Again, another team-up I never would have expected. These Deadpool Team-Ups are ok, but nothing world-changing. Factor in David Lapham writing though, and I’m going to pick up this one.
DEADPOOL: WADE WILSON’S WAR #1 (of 4)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by JASON PEARSON
“THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK”
You’ve seen Deadpool in countless (and we mean countless) comics before — but never like this. Really. Want answers about Deadpool? Like why does he refuse to remove his weird red-and-black mask? Why does he only answer to the name “Deadpool?” Was he really part of a black bag special ops team that nobody has ever heard of? Were his teammates really given names like “Bulllseye,” “Silver Sable” and “Domino”? What did Wilson know, and when did he know it? A bloody massacre in Sinaloa, Mexico has left hundreds dead and disgraced soldier Wade Wilson has a LOT of explaining to do.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99
Huh, Merc with a Mouth is cancelled, but this new book starts up. It makes sense to do another Deadpool origin title, with the character enjoying this level of popularity, I bet the trade will be a consistent seller. I might try the first issue but at 3.99, this is trade if anything, for me.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS: BLACK CAT #1 (of 4)
Written by JEN VAN METER
Penciled by JAVIER PULIDO
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
Variant Cover by J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
A GRIM HUNT TIE-IN
The Cat is B(l)ack in her own series and it’s international intrigue at its sexiest by Jen Van Meter (Hopeless Savages, JSA) and Javier Pulido (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN). As Spider-Man is stalked during the Grim Hunt, the world’s slyest, smartest and sneakiest jewel thief’s latest heist puts the Black Cat face-to-face with the family that has been terrorizing Spider-Man’s dreams and threatening those closest to him!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Neat! I always like super-ladies getting their own book, and Javier Pulido is a solid artist. Jen Van Meter has written some great stuff (JSA Classified) and some so-so stuff (current JSA All-Stars backup). I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt and I’ll plan on picking up this trade. Take Spidey’s name off that title though, can’t Black Cat sell her own book?
SPIDER-HAM 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1
Written by TOM DEFALCO & TOM PEYER
Penciled by JACOB CHABOT, AGNES GARBOWSKA & ADAM DEKRAKER
Cover by JOE JUSKO
THE TIME FOR NOT WAITING IS OVER – THE ORIGINAL SPIDER-PIG TURNS 25!
When J. Jonah Jackal, Mary Crane and Pete’s beloved Aunt May are kidnapped on his 25th birthday, Spider-Ham must battle Doctor Octopuss and the Swinester Six! Six-to-one odds? Don’t get your tail in a bunch — when the slop’s on, this pig throws down — and Tom DeFalco & Jacob Chabot (X-BABIES) are there to bring it to you.Then, take a look into the many possible fates of Spider-Ham as the Assistant Watcher answer the questions you never really thought about in MARVEL: WHY NOT? – a six page Spider-Ham Extravaganza by Tom Peyer (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and Agnes Garbowska (GIRL COMICS). Finally, in the not too distant future, Swiney-Girl, the daughter of Spider-Ham, returns to face down “Crayfin’s Last Bunt!” by Tom D. and Adam DeKraker (MARVEL ZOMBIES: EVIL EVOLUTION)
48 PGS./One-Shot/All Ages …$3.99
Wow. Talk about being targeted at a certain audience…
AVENGERS #2
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Variant by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Special Variant by TBA
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
The Avengers have assembled and the villainous Kang has revealed that they must travel to the future to save their own children from destroying the universe! Yes, the entire universe. But it will take one more Avenger to make the trip complete. Who is the newest hero to join the ranks of the Avengers true? And why is the once-great hero Wonder Man hell-bent on stopping the Avengers at every turn? Backup feature: Another brand new oral history of the Avengers chapter by Bendis!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Oh no! Wonder Man, say it isn’t so! I sure hope Wondy hasn’t turned bad for real, he’s one of my favorite characters (even if he never does anything anymore). I’m also curious why Spider-Man and Wolverine are on both of Bendis’ Avengers teams. And look at that, 3.99. This means I’m dropping a lower-tier book to pay for this one.
AVENGERS ACADEMY #1
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Pencils & Cover by MIKE MCKONE
Variant Cover by MIKE MCKONE
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
A BRAND NEW ONGOING AVENGERS TITLE BEGINS HERE!
Determined to keep the tradition alive, founding Avenger Hank Pym leads a core team of veteran heroes in creating a place where the next generation of Earth’s Mightiest can be trained by the greatest of those who preceded them. An institution where everyone who has ever been an Avenger can share their skill, knowledge and experience. The future is in their hands…and in the hands of the six young superhumans chosen to make up the inaugural class. But who are they? And what dark secret will turn their world–and potentially the entire Marvel Universe–upside down by the end of the issue? If you think this is just another teen hero book…the last page shocker will prove you wrong! Writer Christos Gage (AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE) and superstar artist Mike McKone (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) unite to bring you a bold new era of greatness!
40 PGS./Rated A …$3.99
Surely this is 3.99 for the first issue only. I’m a huge fan of Gage’s writing and I love McKone’s artwork. Factor in Hank Pym, one of my favorite Avengers, and I have no choice on this one. I’m in for the floppies.
NEW AVENGERS #1
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Variant Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Heroic Age Blank Variant also available
Find out who the New Avengers are, where they call home (gotta see it to believe it!), which Dark Avenger has joined their ranks, and just who the interdimensional demonic threat to our existence is! These heroes have gathered to take on the threats too dark, too dangerous, and too bizarre for any other team of heroes. The New Avengers are back!! And Bendis & Immonen are back with the Siege & Secret Invasion colorista Laura Martin!! You didn’t really think Marvel was going to cancel their number one ongoing title did you? Heck no!! Backup feature: Another brand new oral history of the Avengers chapter by Bendis!
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99
I must say that Bendis and Stuart Immonen work well together. This book should be pretty solid and I’ll probably stick with the floppies. I hate that 3.99 price tag! As for a Dark Avenger joining up, is it too soon for Ares to make a comeback? If so, I’ll go with the obvious choice in Marvel Boy. Factor in Secret Avengers clocking in at 3.99 and that is three corps Avengers books at 3.99. Marvel clearly wants folks to decide which branch of the universe they can afford to follow.
AVENGERS PRIME #1 (of 5)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by ALAN DAVIS
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
They were friends, brothers and teammates through all of Marvel’s greatest adventures, but recent events turned them into the bitterest of enemies. In the wake of the Siege of Asgard Thor, Iron Man and Steve Rogers are brought together on the same side once more, but these great heroes can’t truly trust each other yet. They better start soon because something only the Big Three can handle is tearing their world apart. This all-new, grand and dangerous adventure will catapult our heroes into the explosive Heroic Age and will unite comics legend Alan Davis with Avengers scribe Brian Bendis for the very first time.
40 PGS./Bi-Monthly/Rated T+ …$3.99
Uch. A 3.99, bi-monthly limited series that will probably feature prominently into Bendis’ shaping of the Avengers franchise. I really want to buy this in trade, but we’ll see if I can hold out. Probably not, with Alan Davis drawing it.
BLACK WIDOW #3
Written by Marjorie Liu
Art & Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
Black Widow vs. Elektra!
Whoever’s pulling the strings in this attempt on Natasha’s life has got some impressive connections…enough that it’s even got Wolverine rattled! When Elektra and other familiar faces are crawling out of the woodwork to chase Marvel’s top super-spy, where will Natasha be able to turn?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
Can’t wait for the trade on this. Marjorie Liu has had an interesting voice on the Dark Wolverine book and Daniel Acuna has a great style. Has BW fought Elektra before? Nothing is coming to mind, but man, this matchup makes a lot of sense. What a great cover.
DARKSTAR AND THE WINTER GUARD #1 (of 3)
Written by DAVID GALLAHER
Penciled by STEVE ELLIS
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
THE WINTER GUARD IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! The Harvey Award-winning team of David Gallaher and Steve Ellis reunite to bring you the harrowing adventures of Russia’s elite strikeforce! Atlantean warlord Krang has brutally invaded the coast of Russia and only the Winter Guard has what it take to stop his diabolical plan…but their actions just might have dire consequences for Russia and the rest of the world. Guest-starring the Agents of Atlas!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
How in the world is this getting a limited series? I mean, I like the Winter Guard as much as the next guy, but really? I’ll buy the eventual trade that collects this with the recent one-shot.
HERCULES: TWILIGHT OF A GOD #1 (of 4)
Written by BOB LAYTON
Art & Cover by RON LIM & BOB LAYTON
THE PRINCE OF POWER IS BACK WITH ONE, FINAL ADVENTURE AS ONLY BOB LAYTON CAN TELL IT! Hercules has been the champion of the Andromeda galaxy for over 75 years! But when an attempt to save the capitol city of Port Anteris goes awry, the Lion of Olympus is left incapacitated and needing to be looked after by his Olympic offspring. However, with a sinister plot brewing against his son’s government and the threat of Galactus looming, Hercules—even in his brain-addled state— is the galaxy’s only hope! VERILY, ‘TIS THE MIGHTIEST HERO EVER, IN A SPECTACULAR TALE SET IN THE FAR FLUNG FUTURE, THAT THOU SHAN’T WANT TO MISS! The long awaited follow-up to Bob Layton’s classic Hercules run!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Awesome! Layton and Lim are a great team, so I’ll grab this the moment the trade is solicited. I don’t see how Layton could top Hercules in a drinking contest with Galactus, but I’m willing to give it a try!
HEROIC AGE: PRINCE OF POWER #2 (of 4)
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by REILLY BROWN
Cover by KHOI PAM
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
THE PANTHEON IS BACK! The Hulk’s one-time allies, one-time enemies have returned, once again led by the renegade demigod Vali Halfling, and their new mission is a hostile takeover of the Olympus Group! And where is the Greek’s champion, Amadeus Cho, the new Prince of Power? In the post-Siege ruins of Asgard locked in a knock-down drag-out with THE MIGHTY THOR! Why has Hercules’ oldest ally chosen to oppose the quest of Hercules’ former sidekick? Learn the answer here, which will change forever the world of Marvel myth in the Heroic Age, but be forewarned: Lots of smashing is involved! The New York Times bestselling authors of the INCREDIBLE HERCULES have done it again!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Oh man, I loved the Pantheon. I can’t imagine anyone but Peter David writing them, but I know that Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente will do them justice. This looks like they could be good or evil this time. Bring on the trade!
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1
Written by JIM MCCANN
Penciled by DAVID LOPEZ
Cover by PAUL RENAUD
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
A BRAND NEW ONGOING HEROIC AGE TITLE BEGINS HERE!
Hawkeye, the world’s greatest marksman is back—and reunited with the world’s most dangerous super-spy, Mockingbird—in an all-new ongoing series! The deadly duo defied every obstacle to make their way back to each other and put together the all new WCA team—but now the one thing that divided them years before has returned to haunt them: the Phantom Rider! This ancient enemy is out to destroy all our heroes hold dear, and is teaming with Clint Barton’s arch-nemesis, the obsessed assassin Crossfire, to do it! Writer Jim McCann and penciler David Lopez, the team behind the acclaimed New Avengers: The Reunion, reunite to aim the spotlight and crosshairs on Marvel’s terrorist-targeting tandem, delivering a monthly dose of classic threats, new enemies, shocking allies, unexpected twists and dysfunctional dynamics in the Mighty Marvel Manner!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
I’m actually going to shell out the big (3.99) bucks for this monthly series because I need to show my support for Hawkeye back in his old duds and for anyone trying to give a shout out to the West Coast Avengers. Jim McCann has promised Crossfire and Phantom Rider in the first arc. I am hard-wired to support this classic-Avengers-y looking title.
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #27
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Special Variant by TBA
The Eisner-award winning Iron Man is back, riding high on the biggest movie of the summer! But when an enhanced armor terror attack puts Tokyo and her citizens on the brink, it’s the invincible…Detroit Steel to the rescue? Halfway around the world, Tony Stark has his hands full when Pepper goes under the knife, and we welcome back a familiar face as Stark Resilient makes its first new hire. Meanwhile, the insidious Hammer girls keep making moves in the destructive game they’re playing. Will the new Stark survive the trip to the launch pad, let alone ever get off the ground? Not looking great.
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99
Ooh, a new armored hero named Detroit Steel? A long-time creative team delivering big action? Hammer girls implying new super-villains working for Justin Hammer? Bring it on! That cover is tremendous too, just awesome seeing the armored duo in action.
THE RAWHIDE KID #1 (of 4)
Written by RON ZIMMERMAN
Penciled by HOWARD CHAYKIN
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
“TOMBSTONE BLUES”
The best-dressed gunslinger the Wild West ever knew is back in the saddle again — and this time, he’s riding with a posse! That’s right, pardners, it’s a brand new rip-roaring adventure of the Rawhide Kid! When Wyatt and Morgan Earp are taken hostage by Cristo Pike and his pack of pistoleros, Rawhide has no choice but to put together a posse of the greatest western heroes in the Marvel Universe — to rescue the Earp brothers and bring Pike to justice. Enter: Kid Colt, Doc Holliday, Annie Oakley, Billy the Kid, Red Wolf and the most overrated gun in the West: The Two-Gun Kid! We guarantee the Wild West can’t get any wilder.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99
Ron Zimmerman returns to comics! We can all breathe a sigh of relief! Heh. I never warmed up to his last round of Rawhide Kid comics (slap leather!), so I’m not sure I’m interested in this. Scratch that, with Chaykin on art, this will be a pass for me, but maybe you’ll dig it.
YOUNG ALLIES #1
Written by SEAN MCKEEVER
Penciled by DAVID BALDEON
Cover by DAVID LAFUENTE
THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE!
The patriotic girl without a world in need of a home. The insecure newbie striving to be a better super hero. The illegal immigrant with a tortured past and a dream. The disillusioned Midwesterner desperate for direction. The veteran team player given a second lease on life. Five heroes against tyranny in all its forms. Five students pushing to make the grade. Five friends together on the road to adulthood. They are NOMAD, ARA—A, TORO, GRAVITY and FIRESTAR–the YOUNG ALLIES! But even their combined might may not be enough to take on the team of teen terrors known as the BASTARDS OF EVIL!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
In another time, I would buy this series for certain. Proven writer, promising artist, interesting line-up of Marvel heroes, it is right up my alley. But at 3.99 and competing with a flood of Avengers titles, I’m afraid this will be trade at best for me. I really like the idea of the gals outnumbering the guys, and the power sets involved are great, so I hope this makes it.
THE THANOS IMPERATIVE #1 (of 6)
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
Cover by ALEKSI BRICLOT
THE NEXT HUGE MARVEL COSMIC EVENT IS HERE!
The dangerous and mysterious fissure known as The Fault has opened, and the dark forces of a rival universe where there is no death are pouring through to claim ours! Nova, The Silver Surfer, Quasar, Gladiator and more of the greatest cosmic champions of the Marvel Universal line up to stop them, but it could be more than even they can handle. Luckily, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon and some of the galaxy’s underdog, never-say-die heroes have a plan. It’s a crazy plan. It’s called…Thanos!
Welcome to the end of everything, brought to you by acclaimed writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning and superstar artist Miguel Sepulveda (THUNDERBOLTS)! So grab your blaster and find out why critics like Ain’t It Cool News raves “(Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning) succeed in producing the most entertaining super hero comic books on the stands today.”
48 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99
So it looks like this book may have killed Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova, huh? Or are those titles only on hiatus? Either way, I’ll follow DnA wherever they lead the Marvel cosmic heroes. They have been spot-on-perfect since they took over, I’m confident they can handle Thanos, too. I’m also glad to see it looks like the Silver Surfer is back involved in things.
THOR #611
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
All new creative team! The perfect jumping-on point! A bold new era for THOR begins under writer Matt Fraction and artist Pasqual Ferry! In the wake of SIEGE, Asgard must take its proper place as the Golden Realm, most glorious of the nine worlds of myth. But that means Thor’s home isn’t just a beacon…it’s a target! And what happens to the Asgardians and the denizens of all nine worlds — including Earth! — when a dark, destructive force from another reality comes on the warpath?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
A crackerjack creative team and a possible jump to 3.99. I’m going to decide between trade and floppy based on the solicits for issue 612. If it is 2.99, I’m in for the floppies. That redesign looks awesome, a great mix of Coipel and Kirby. And hearing how myth-based Fraction’s Thor will be, I guarantee this will be great.
Lots of good trades this month too. Agents of Atlas: Marvel Boy, Weapon X vol 2, Spider-Man: The Black Cat, Criminal vol 5, Nova, Mighty Avengers and the first Vengeance of Moon Knight. Lots of good stuff getting collected!
