It’s that time of the week again, faithful Fwooshers! Yes, it’s that time of the week where you can read all of the week’s Marvel news….from last week! Yes, from the site that is the master of hindsite (get it? hindsite? Geez, I should get paid to write this kind of…stuff! I am a professional wordticulator!) you can read all of last week’s Marvel press releases in one easy article.
Clicky the Read More…
_*Spider-Girl Ends Series With 100^th Issue Celebration*_
The long-running*/ Spider-Girl/* series has finally reached its end, but
not before going out with a bang in a 100^th issue spectacular. */
Spider-Girl #100/* is a 104-page wrap-up of the adventures of the
original Spider-Man’s daughter in the MC2 Universe.
What will be Spider-Girl’s final fate? Is this destined to be
Spider-Girl’s last story? If Hobgoblin, the Scriers, and Black Tarantula
have anything to say about it, this will be the last anyone sees of
Mayday Parker. But when Spider-Man joins the fray to help his daughter,
can he help stem the tide and defeat this collection of villains?
*/ Spider-Girl #100/* is loaded with tons of features, enough for a
hero’s sendoff. Not only will it feature the death of a hero and the
final fate of Normie Osborn and the Venom Symbiote, but be sure to check
out the special features, including a cover gallery, Spider-Girl’s
rogues gallery, and two classic Spider-Girl stories.
The little-comic-that-could is finally coming to a close so be sure to
pick up the last issue of*/ Spider-Girl/* for the finale to Mayday’s
toughest challenge yet.
SPIDER-GIRL #100 (MAY061947)
Written by TOM DEFALCO
Pencils & Cover by RON FRENZ
104 PGS./All Ages …$3.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
_*Squadron Supreme #5: Mission in the Middle East*_
J. Michael Straczynski and Gary Frank’s re-envisioning of the Squadron
Supreme continues as the US government controlled super-team embarks on
a deadly mission to the Middle East in*/ Squadron Supreme #5/*. But will
the mere presence of the Squadron Supreme cause more problems than it
solves?
In a perfect jumping on point for new readers,*/ Squadron Supreme #5/*
ups the action to the highest degree as the government continues to use
the team on foreign soil. This time, the team is off to the Middle East
to save countless innocent lives, but will their intervention cause
long-term consequences for the region?
Now is the time to join the ranks of the readers of the Supremeverse as
Squadron Supreme and the entire Ultimate Universe will be crossing over
late this year in the pages of*/ Ultimate Power/* by the stellar
creative team of J. Michael Strazynski, Brian Michael Bendis, Jeph Loeb,
and super-star artist Greg Land.
Be sure to pick up*/ Squadron Supreme #5/* because from the looks of
these preview pages, the Squadron just may be the most powerful team
ever assembled in comics. Watch out Ultimate Universe!
SQUADRON SUPREME #5 (MAY061998)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by GARY FRANK
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
_*Civil War #2 Goes Back to Press With New Cover*_
*/ Civil War #2/* has been seen everywhere from television to newspapers
to radio, leading this issue to be one of the most successful comics in
recent history. As a result,*/ Civil War #2/* has sold out at Diamond
and Marvel is rushing back to press with a new cover.
It’s one of the most talked about comics in the medium’s history and
this new cover should do even more to fan the flames. The explosive
ending with Peter Parker revealing his identity to the world in the wake
of Congress passing a Superhuman Registration Act is already being
discussed as one of comics’ defining moments.
Civil War #1 has also been selling like crazy and serving to bring both
new fans and lapsed fans back into comic stores. "On issue #1, we’re
days from hitting the 300K mark and surpassing it," said VP of Sales
David Gabriel. "With the variants, we pretty much have passed it
already, but looking at it as a single cover book – as retailers are
already claiming – it has sold the most copies of any book in many, many
years…Retailers also are claiming that they have seen more new faces
than ever before, come in to purchase the series and all the tie ins."
Don’t miss out on this all-new cover to*/ Civil War #2/* of Spider-Man
unmasking as this second printing is sure to make Marvel’s crossover
even hotter (If that’s even possible!).
Fans be advised that first prints of this hot issue may still be
available at local comic shops.
CIVIL WAR #2 (OF 7) SECOND PRINTING (MAY068054D)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils & Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
_*Civil War Gets More Television and Internet Coverage*_
The editor behind the Spider-Man titles and Spider-Man’s recent
unmasking, Axel Alonso, is appearing live on the G4 channel’s*/ Attack
of the Show/* tonight starting at 7pm Eastern. Tune in to hear Axel’s
thoughts on the decision to out Spider-Man to the public and what the
future holds for the Friendly Neighborhood Wall-Crawler.
For even more Civil War coverage, click on the link below to hear Civil
War editor Tom Brevoort talking in-depth about Marvel’s biggest event
in…well, possibly ever.
*http://multimedia.pensacolanewsjournal.com/podcast/ent_pop.shtml*
<file:///exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://multimedia.pensacolanewsjournal.com/podcast/ent_pop.shtml>
The comics juggernaut known as Civil War is continuing to develop
momentum so don’t miss out on these one-of-kind interviews on one of the
most controversial decisions in comics history: the unmasking of Spider-Man.
_*Ghost Rider Rides Again In New Ongoing Series*_
The Spirit of Vengeance returns in*/ Ghost Rider #1/* as ol’ Flamehead
finds himself the star of his own ongoing series once again. The
original Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, is back and he’s dispensing fiery
vengeance in his wake.
Johnny Blaze made a deal with the devil, and to no surprise, he got
shafted. Now finding himself trapped in Hell, Johnny just may have found
a way out. But what more will he have to sacrifice in order to escape
eternal hellfire?
By*/ Wolverine: Origins/* writer Daniel Way and the team behind the
launch of Ghost Rider’s last ongoing series, Mark Texeira and Javier
Saltares,*/ Ghost Rider/* is sure to be the unholy hit of the summer.
Way, Texeira, and Saltares are also behind the recent and successful
"Origins and Endings" in the pages of*/ Wolverine/* and now this
creative team is looking to bring Johnny Blaze back to his former glory
as the demonic deliverer of vengeance.
The supernatural superhero rides again in*/ Ghost Rider #1/* so be sure
to get your copy quick because this issue is guaranteed to be hotter
than H-E-Double Hockey Sticks!
GHOST RIDER #1 (MAY061973)
Written by DANIEL WAY
Art by MARK TEXEIRA & JAVIER SALTARES
Cover by MARK TEXEIRA
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
GHOST RIDER #1 VARIANT (APR068084)
Written by DANIEL WAY
Art by MARK TEXEIRA & JAVIER SALTARES
Variant Cover by MARK SILVISTRI
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
GHOST RIDER #1 SILVESTRI SKETCH VARIANT (APR068085)
Written by DANIEL WAY
Art by MARK TEXEIRA & JAVIER SALTARES
Variant Sketch Cover by MARK SILVISTRI
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
GHOST RIDER SILVESTRI POSTER (MAY062039)
Art by Marc Silvestri
24"x36"FC…$6.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
_*Civil War Finds Deadpool as a Hero Hunter in/ Cable and Deadpool #30/*_
The Marvel Universe is coming apart at the seams as heroes fight one
another and there’s only one man who can patch up the hole…Deadpool?!
Staying true to his roots, the Merc with a Mouth becomes a Hero Hunter
in*/ Cable and Deadpool #30/*.
*/ Cable and Deadpool #30/* also sees the sees the return of everyone’s
favorite almost-super-team, the Great Lakes Avengers. But what does
Deadpool have in store for these quasi-heroes if they refuse to register?
Then Wade pays a visit to the hero of Hell’s Kitchen and ally of the
fugitive Captain America, the man without fear known as Daredevil. It’s
the showdown of the ninja-trained wearers of red tights that you’ve all
been waiting for.
Plus, what is Cable up to and why is he having a secret meeting with
Captain America? Is the band breaking up? Will Wade be asked to take
Cable down?
Pick up*/ Cable and Deadpool #30/* for the first part of a Civil War
tie-in that just may split the odd couple of Nate and Wade down the middle.
* *
CABLE & DEADPOOL #30 (MAY062000)
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Penciled by STAZ JOHNSON
Cover by ROBERTO CAMPUS
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
_*Eternals #2 and #3 Covers Revealed*_
Neil Gaiman and John Romita Jr.’s*/ Eternals #1/* is set to hit shelves
today so Marvel is releasing Rick Berry’s beautiful painted covers to*/
Eternals #2/* and*/ #3/*. This Jack Kirby creation is ready to take
center stage as New Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman weaves the
Eternals into the fabric of the Marvel Universe.
The covers that were originally solicited for*/ Eternals #2/* and*/ #3/*
in*/ Marvel Previews/* have been switched. In order to better fit the
stories that they will be accompanying, these are the two final covers
for*/ Eternals #2/* (Sersi) and*/ Eternals #3/* (Makkari).
Lone Star Comics had this to say after reading the first issue of
Eternals: "Amazing. That’s all I can say about the new*/ Eternals/*
series. Simply, amazing! This is John Romita Jr.’s best artwork…ever.
Neil Gaiman brings a wonderful mystery to these classic Kirby
characters. I absolutely can’t wait for the first issue to hit stands."
If you want to see Neil Gaiman playing in the real Marvel Universe with
characters created by Jack "The King" Kirby with pencils by the living
legend John Romita Jr.,*/ Eternals/* is the definition of a must-have.
ETERNALS #1 (OF 6) (APR062022)
Written by NEIL GAIMAN
Penciled by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by RICK BERRY
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
On Sale Now
ETERNALS #2 (of 6) (MAY061966)
Written by NEIL GAIMAN
Penciled by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by RICK BERRY
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
ETERNALS #2 (of 6) VARIANT (MAY061967)
Written by NEIL GAIMAN
Penciled by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Variant Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC — 6/22, On Sale — 7/12/2006
_*Howard Chaykin Announced as Blade Artist*_
Fan-favorite artist Howard Chaykin has officially been announced as the
artist on the launch of the upcoming*/ Blade/* series alongside writer
Marc Guggenheim. Chaykin, probably best known for his*/ American Flagg/*
series, is ready to take the vampire-hunter to new heights as he
combines horror with super-heroics.
Marc Guggenheim is thrilled at the chance to be working with Chaykin.
"I’ve been a longtime fan of Howard’s work," says Guggenheim. "His
American Flagg and Blackhawk series were incredible inspirations to me.
He has a dynamic, exciting style that has remained an original voice
that I have yet to see any artist duplicate. That’s a very rare thing in
comics."
When asking for a Blade artist, Guggenheim couldn’t be more pleased to
have Chaykin help him launch this title. "I think Howard’s the perfect
choice for Blade," added Guggenheim. "Let’s be honest, his involvement
brings a level of cache, of class to the project that I don’t. Moreover,
he’s the pitch-perfect choice given what we’re trying to do with this
new*/ Blade/* series, which is to appeal to both fans of horror and
super-hero action alike. Howard’s style is "clean" enough to give it
that classic super-hero look, but he can also pull off the darkness that
a vampire-hunting comic requires."
Joining Guggenheim and Chaykin is newcomer Marko Djurdjevic whose
mind-blowing covers ensure that he won’t be an unknown commodity for long.
The hero that starred in three movies and a television series on the way
is getting his own ongoing series in*/ Blade #1/*. With talent like
Guggenheim, Chaykin, and Djurdjevic taking over the popular mainstream
vampire-hunter, you can bet that*/ Blade/* is going to be one heck of a
rollercoaster ride. Just check out the first issue as it features not
only Dracula, but also your Friendly Neighborhood Wall-Crawler, Spider-Man.
BLADE #1
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Penciled by HOWARD CHAYKIN
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC — 8/31, On Sale — 9/20/2006
_*Joe Quesada Joins Marvel’s Blog Brigade*_
Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, CCO, and the human lightening rod for
controversy Joe Quesada has started his very own blog on Marvel.com,
appropriately titled Cup of Blog. Learn about the daily life of Marvel’s
driving force from what he eats for breakfast to what superhero he would
like to see dead next.
To read Joe’s first blog entry, click here
<http://www.marvel.com/blogs/Joe%20Quesada/entry/>.
Joining the likes of other Marvel.com bloggers like Executive Editor Tom
Brevoort (*/Civil War, New Avengers/*) and the X-bloggers Nick Lowe and
Sean Ryan, Joe Quesada’s Cup of Blog will be your number one destination
for all things JQ. Check back early and often because you never know
when Joe will be unveiling new art or making an earth-shattering
announcement.
Have something to say to Joe, about his blog, comics, or the New York
Mets? Well now you the fan can be heard as Marvel.com provides each and
every fan the opportunity to respond to each of Joe’s blog entries.
Be sure to check back all next week as Joe gives his thoughts and
updates on Marvel’s big creative summit taking place all next week. And
always remember to start your day off right with a Cup of Blog.
*YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN VIOLENT!*
*BRUBAKER AND PHILLIPS RETURN TO CRIMINAL ROOTS IN NEW ICON SERIES.*
This fall award-winning writer Ed Brubaker, whose recent string of hits
on* Daredevil*,* Captain America* and the* X-Men* have made him one of
the hottest writers in comics, will join best-selling* Marvel Zombies*
artist Sean Phillips for* CRIMINAL*, from Marvel’s ICON label.
"For about a year, Sean and I have been trying to find the right project
to tackle next. One day I realized what it had to be: a crime book. A
pure crime book. And it was like being called home," says Brubaker. "The
first book I made a name for myself on was* Scene of the Crime*, a
mystery with Michael Lark and Sean Phillips. And while most of what I’ve
done since has had an element of crime fiction to it, readers have
always asked when I was going to get back to writing crime comics. So I
figured now is that time."
Why crime? "It’s an incredibly crowded comics market and my feeling is,
we really don’t need another superhero comic, even a superhero comic
with a twist. Marvel and DC have that ground more than covered at this
point," Brubaker says. "And recently, watching Warren Ellis have so much
success with* Fell*, and seeing Robert Kirkman grow* Walking Dead* month
after month, I thought, ‘Let’s take a chance and give retailers
something different for their shelves.’ And let’s face it, everyone
loves to read about crime."
To introduce retailers and audiences to the world of* CRIMINAL*,
Brubaker and Phillips felt drastic action was necessary. "When new books
are announced, you get a cover and a few random pages from the first
issue," Brubaker says. "I wanted to do something that actually gave you
an idea of what* CRIMINAL* was all about and how holding each issue in
your hands was going to feel. So I thought, ‘What about a teaser, a
movie trailer on paper?’ Then you’ve got something that not only gives a
sample of the series, but also acts as an ad for it, and is a PDF that
fans can pass around."
As for things you can’t learn from the teaser,* CRIMINAL* will tread the
line between comics like Fell and Sin City and TV series like The
Sopranos, Thief and The Shield. "The main cast of the book, they’re
criminals. But I wanted to do something different with it here. I wanted
to write a book that explored the clichés of the crime genre and turned
them inside out. I wanted to have characters totally unlike the ones
you’re used to seeing in crime stories."
Take the first character we meet: Leo. "He’s not a tough guy," Brubaker
laughs. "Not at all. He just doesn’t want to go to prison. He plays it
smart, and tries to avoid violence. But because of the world he lives
in, that’s not always possible. That kind of character is incredibly
rare in crime fiction, I think, that person concerned with the
consequences of their actions. And because of that, Leo’s story is
ultimately about a man’s struggle with the violence inside himself."
What else can readers look forward to in* CRIMINAL*? Brubaker promises
every kind of crime story under the sun. "One of my intentions with this
series was to create a book that could handle any and every story I
wanted to tell. The cast of the book is a loose knit gang of crooks — a
pickpocket, a hit-man, and a crooked cop, for starters — who each take
center stage at different times. This way I can do a heist story, follow
that with a revenge drama, and then a prison breakout, all while using
the same characters. And as each story unfolds, the mysterious past that
connects these characters is revealed, so readers can watch the puzzle
of their twisted history being put together."
To that end, each issue of* CRIMINAL* will feature a main story
continuing from issue to issue, a self-contained back-up story, and
articles by Brubaker and other writers about crime books, movies and
comics. "I wanted to do something to make the monthly issues really
special, so I’m going to cram them from cover to cover with content.*
CRIMINAL* is going to be well worth the cover price."
As for launching the book from Marvel’s exclusive* ICON* line, Brubaker
could not be more pleased. "It’s no secret how happy I’ve been at
Marvel. Since I’ve come there, my career has exploded. So the fact that
they were generous enough to give me a chance at true creator-ownership
from the biggest publisher in comics is just overwhelming. I intend to
repay this generosity by making sure that* CRIMINAL* is the best damn
comic I’ve ever done."
"If you’re a fan of my past work, or only recently discovered me through
my Marvel comics, and if you dug Sean’s art in* MARVEL ZOMBIES*, I hope
you’ll give us a chance to blow you away with* CRIMINAL*. I’ve been
giving my all to my superhero work, but with a straight crime book, I
have to say, there are places I can go that heroes can’t follow, a few
aces up my sleeve I can hardly wait to put into play. Fall can’t come
quickly enough."
_*Jack Kirby Creation Galactic Bounty Hunters to be Released on Marvel’s
ICON Imprint*_
Jack Kirby was always busy creating new characters and concepts . Now,
Marvel Comics is proud to team up with his daughter Lisa Kirby, and
publish a never before seen project,*/ Jack Kirby’s/**/ Galactic Bounty
Hunters/*.
"The*/ Galactic Bounty Hunters/* characters were created by Jack Kirby
while he was working on*/ Captain Victory/* in the early 1980s," reveals
Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. "Rather than use the characters in*/
Victory/*, though, he pulled them aside, intending to revisit them
later. And from Jack’s notes and concepts, Lisa along with Steve
Robertson, Mike Thibodeaux and Richard French fleshed out the characters
and their story for this project."
Jack’s daughter Lisa is taking her father’s creation and running with it
as she co-writes the series with Steve Robertson with art by Mike
Thibodeaux. */ Jack Kirby’s Galactic Bounty Hunters #1/* is a
double-sized 56-page issue kicking off the six issue mini-series
featuring a new universe of adventure, mystery, and danger.
The King’s creation introduces the Berkleys, a typical suburban
California family; typical until young Garrett Berkley discovers that
his father’s science fiction writings are actually an autobiography. The
revelation kicks off a series of events that forces Jack Berkley to put
down his pen, reassemble his team, and become a Galactic Bounty Hunter
once again.
Pick up a piece of history and pay tribute to one of the men who built
new generation of creators, including Jack\’s daughter Lisa, expand upon
the foundation that the King has left behind.
JACK KIRBY\’S GALACTIC BOUNTY HUNTERS #1 (MAY062015)
Written by LISA KIRBY & STEVE ROBERTSON
Penciled by MIKE THIBODEAUX
Cover by JACK KIRBY
56 PGS./Rated A …$3.99
FOC – 6/29, On Sale — 7/19/2006
_*Civil War Breakout as the 198 revolts in Civil War: X-Men #1*_
*/ Civil War/* has reached Professor Xavier’s Institute for Gifted
Youngsters and the 198 have decided to take up arms against the
Sentinels keeping watch over the remaining mutants in*/ Civil War: X-Men
#1/*.
*/ Civil War: X-Men/* also sees the reunion of the surviving original
X-Men as Cyclops, Iceman, Angel, and Beast try to quell the 198
insurrection.
X-Force fans rejoice as Domino, Caliban, and Shatterstar return to set
the 198 revolt into motion. It’s up to the X-Men to keep the peace but
what happens when Bishop chooses to side with the O*N*E* instead of his
teammates? Will Bishop resort to violence against his friends in order
to do what he thinks is in the best interest of the 198?
The X-Men have been spread thin following the Decimation of most of the
world’s mutants and the tension has finally reached its breaking point
in the pages of*/ Civil War: X-Men #1/*. Witness*/ Civil War/* from the
X-corner of the Marvel Universe as the original X-Men go head-to head
with Bishop (and some surprise cohorts) while the 198 and X-Force are
caught in the middle
CIVIL WAR: X-MEN #1 (of 4) (MAY061962)
Written by DAVID HINE
Penciled by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by JUAN DOE
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC — 6/29, On Sale — 7/19/2006
*To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook*
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Enterprises, Inc., a leading
global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns
a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained
generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are
focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book
publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films,
DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports
the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as
well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services
including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic
book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while
also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s
Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy
design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and
in-house toy lines. For additional information visit
http://www.marvel.com