Marvel NOW! Sampler

This week at your comic shop, get yourself a copy of the new Marvel NOW! (not a reboot) initiative preview.

The sampler contains a few pages of Fantastic Four #1, FF #1, Iron Man #1, All New X-Men #1 (which I’m most intrigued by as it has the original ’60s team meeting their hardened modern selves), Captain America #1 (which I’m the least excited by as it has Cap travel to Dimension Z, whatever that is), Indestructible Hulk #1 (Mark Waid! Leinil Francis Yu! Phil Coulson!), Thor: God of Thunder #1, Deadpool #1, a black and white preview of X-Men: Legacy #1, a wordless preview of Avengers Assemble, and Red She-Hulk #1.

It’s definitely worth grabbing as it’s a good showcase of what’s coming up  from Marvel.

October 13, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

More Marvel Anime

I’m halfway through watching Marvel’s first foray into anime territory with series devoted to Blade, X-Men, and Wolverine. So far, their Iron Man series is rather good, so I’m looking forward to their latest venture. Official details below.

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF IRON MAN ANIME IN

IRON MAN: RISE OF TECHNOVORE

Marvel Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan (SPEJ) announced today the return of iconic Super Hero, Iron Man, to the beloved world of anime in an all-new feature-length film, IRON MAN: RISE OF TECHNOVORE.  Produced by Madhouse and currently in production in Japan, the film is slated for release on DVD in the spring of 2013.

Directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki (Shigurui, TEXHNOLYZE) with story by Brandon Auman (The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Iron Man: Armored Adventures), the film explores a confrontation between Iron Man and the villainous Ezekiel Stane, who develops new bio-technology that seemingly outclasses the Iron Man armor.  After Stane unleashes a terrorist attack and sets Tony up to take the fall, Iron Man must evade S.H.I.E.L.D.’s man hunt and find a way to clear his name.

Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb to reveal more information surrounding Iron Man: Rise of Technovore at New York Comic Con during the Marvel TV Presents Panel on Saturday, October 13 at 4:15pm in Room 1E13.

“Marvel is excited to present an all-new Iron Man adventure featuring the high-tech adrenaline he is known for, in the beautifully rendered anime style of our friends at Madhouse,” said Producer Megan Thomas Bradner. “We’ll get to see familiar Marvel Super Heroes such as War Machine, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye and The Punisher, rendered in anime style for the first time. It’s a can’t miss for any Marvel fan.”

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/marvelanimatedseries and http://www.marvel.com.

October 10, 2012
Categories: Movies, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Avengers Commentary

The American release this week of The Avengers DVD/Blu-Ray means they get something who we in Australia, and other countries who got an earlier release, didn’t get – a Joss Whedon commentary. Thankfully, there’s a rundown of all the tidbits from the director here.

September 29, 2012
Categories: Movies . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Professor X’s Farewell

Marvel have doen their usual thing and spoiled a huge plot point in an upcoming storyline to a mass media outlet. All the details below. It seems rather daring that Marvel would show the actual pages in question too, but here’s an interesting chat with writer Brian Michael Bendis about the ish.

Professor Xavier Makes The Ultimate Sacrifice in Avengers VS. X-Men #11, On-Sale Now!

In the move that shocked and saddened comic book fans worldwide, beloved super hero Professor Charles Xavier meets his demise today in Avengers VS. X-Men #11. In the penultimate chapter of the biggest comic book story in 2012, superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel rally the forces of the Marvel Universe against the final two members of the seemingly all-powerful Phoenix Five—Cyclops and Emma Frost. But as this epic battle rages, Cyclops makes a decision that not only takes the life of the man who formed the X-Men and raised him like a son, but that also may damn both the Avengers and the X-Men!

“When we first crafted Avengers VS. X-Men, we didn’t set out to kill any characters but as the story progressed it became obvious that this had to be the last stand of Charles Xavier”, said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “He’s one of my favorite characters and while like all fans I’m sad to see him perish, both Brian and Olivier deliver a powerful, dramatic conclusion to his story. Rest assured his death will reverberate across the Marvel Universe, leading into major launches like Uncanny Avengers and All-New X-Men this fall.”

Then, on October 3rd, the dramatic conclusion to the series arrives in Avengers VS X-Men #12, as the remaining Marvel super heroes launch their final assault on the Phoenix Five and the force that threatens to consume all of reality. Once this battle ends, nothing with be the same for the Avengers, the X-Men or anyone else in the Marvel Universe.

Plus, Join the Marvel ReEvolution as Marvel brings fans even more value to their comics reading experience. Every issue of Avengers VS. X-Men comes packaged with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app and with exclusive, behind the scenes extras via the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma.

Don’t forget to get your copy of Avengers VS. X-Men #11, the comic everyone’s talking about, on sale now in comic shops everywhere, on the Marvel Comics app, and the all-new Marvel Comics Webstore!

For more on Avengers VS. X-Men, please visit http://avx.marvel.com

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #11 (JUL120528)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

ON SALE NOW

 

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #12 (JUL120535)

Written by JASON AARON

Penciled by ADAM KUBERT

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

ON SALE – 10/3/12

 

September 13, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Daredevil: End of Days #1 Preview

This mini-series that looks at the final days of blind lawyer/superhero Daredevil has been in the works for ages now and it’s almost upon us, and with a star studded roster of creative talent to boot! Text-free preview of next month’s debut issue below.

Your First Look At DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #1

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Daredevil: End of Days #1, from the creative tour de force of Brian Michael Bendis, David Mack, Klaus Janson, Bill Sienkiewicz and Alex Maleev! When Matt Murdock’s greatest secret remains a mystery – there is only one man who can uncover it, investigative reporter Ben Urich! Witness the end of the Man Without Fear this October inDaredevil: End Of Days #1!

DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #1 (AUG120637)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & DAVID MACK

Art by KLAUS JANSON, DAVID MACK, ALEX MALEEV & BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Cover by ALEX MALEEV

FOC – 9/17/12, ON-SALE 10/10/12

 

 

September 10, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Avengers #30 Preview

 

A brief, text-free preview of next month’s Avengers issue below.

Your First Look at AVENGERS #30 – An AVENGERS VS. X-MEN Tie-In!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Avengers #30!  With Cyclops and Emma Frost more powerful than ever, it’s looking more and more like the end of the world for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! But amidst all the chaos and battling, can the budding romance of Hawkeye and Spider-Woman survive the strain? The creative team of superstar writer Brian Bendis and legendary artist Walter Simonson bring you high-stakes action and drama this September in Avengers #30, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop.

AVENGERS #30 (JUL120545)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils by WALTER SIMONSON

Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

FOC – 8/27/2012, On Sale – 9/19/2012

 

 

August 28, 2012
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Indestructible Hulk in November

As part of Marvel’s relaunch of sorts, one of comics’ best writers is teaming with one of its best artists. I’m excited.

The Future of HULK Is Marvel NOW!

Superstars Mark Waid & Leinil Yu Take The Reins Of Marvel’s Most Incredible Avenger!

This November, prepare for an all-new definition of incredible as Indestructible Hulk #1 kicks off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of Eisner Award Winning writer Mark Waid & superstar artist Leinil Yu! As part of Marvel NOW!, Indestructible Hulk  joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Through his entire history, the Hulk has always been an indomitable force, more weapon than man. His alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, is one of the most intelligent men on the planet. NOW! combined, they have become the strongest, smartest weapon alive – INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!

“Banner’s a changed man. No more stooping under the weight of “woe is me,” no longer bespectacled, no longer a fashion victim in purple,” explained Mark Waid in an interview with Marvel.com. “For decades, Banner’s felt like he’s no more than the Hulk’s helpless puppet. Now Banner’s USING Hulk to his own mysterious ends”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Indestructible Hulk, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on the Jade Giant.

“Mark and Leinil’s spin on the Hulk mythos will have fans — new and old – exclaiming, ‘Why didn’t I think of that!?'” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso.  “It’s the brute force of the Hulk and the brainpower of Bruce Banner, together at last — but not the way you think. And with S.H.I.E.L.D. in the wings, readers can expect a globe-hopping adventure with an unlimited special effects budget.”

Each issue of Indestructible Hulk includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Indestructible Hulk features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new piles of rubble! This is Hulk NOW!

This November, Mark Waid and Leinil Yu redefine destruction in Indestructible Hulk #1!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #1

Written by MARK WAID

Art & Cover by LEINIL YU

ON SALE THIS NOVEMBER!

August 9, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Future of Iron Man

A new suit of armour, a new creative team, and a new direction for the suave genius Tony Stark. Details below.

The Future of IRON MAN Is Marvel NOW!

Superstars Kieron Gillen And Greg Land Take The Reins Of Marvel’s Armored Avenger!

This November, Tony Stark soars to new heights in Iron Man #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the chart topping creative team of writer Kieron Gillen and artist Greg Land! As part of Marvel NOW!, Iron Man joins a line of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Technical visionary. Unparalleled engineer. Avenger. Iron Man has done it all, from combating the greatest threats facing the Marvel Universe to dealing with his own inner demons. Now, when his greatest invention becomes his greatest mistake, Iron Man must act fact…and build faster! The lethal techno virus Extremis is out in the wild and for grabs to the highest bidder! It’s up to Tony Stark to contain it and that means creating a new suit of armor!

“Kieron and Greg are about to take Iron Man on a journey unlike anything he’s ever experienced,” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso. “This creative team took the X-Men to the next level, and with Iron Man they’re taking everything you know and love about the character and putting a spin on it that will have readers buzzing. Wait until you see what the new suit — I mean, suits — of armor can do!”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Iron Man, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will see a side of Tony Stark, never seen before.

The story will focus on him questioning things about himself and trying to find out exactly how the universe ticks, what’s this all about and why he does this anyway,” explained Kieron Gillen in an interview with Marvel.com. “There will be a lot of changes in the armor throughout the series; in the first five issues there will be a different armor every issue.

Each issue of Iron Man includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Iron Man features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new armor! This is Iron Man NOW!

This November, Kieron Gillen and Greg Land redefine what it means to be invincible in Iron Man #1! 

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

IRON MAN #1

Written by KIERON GILLEN

Pencils and Cover by GREG LAND

FOC – 10/15/2012, On Sale – 11/7/2012

 

August 7, 2012
Categories: Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

FF #21 Preview

Below is a text-free preview of August’s issue of FF, the monthly series focused on the Fantastic Four. I love the layouts, and Black Bolt’s expression on the last page. Keeping it family focused, here’s a look at writer Jonathan Hickman’s infographic from his stint on the series.

Your First Look at FF #21!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at FF #21, brought to you by the superstar creative team of writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Nick Dragotta! In a stunning move that surprises everyone, Black Bolt makes the decision to return with his Inhumans back to Earth! What are his motives behind this decision? What will it mean for Marvel’s First Family, and for the Inhumans? Find out this August, in FF #21, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop.

FF #21 (JUN120658)

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Penciled by NICK DRAGOTTA

Cover by MIKE CHOI

FOC – 7/30/2012, On Sale – 8/22/2012

July 31, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #14 Preview

Text-free preview pages below of the Ultimates Universe version of The Avengers.

The Ultimates Are Back in Action in ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #14!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Ultimate Comics Ultimates #14 – a Divided We Fall tie-in! With America still in turmoil from the City’s attack, someone is mysteriously working behind the scenes to keep it that way – but who? Can even the newly reunited team of Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor discover the identity of their foe and hold together the country at the same time? The red-hot creative team of writer Sam Humphries, and artist Billy Tan & Timothy Green II bring you the answers inUltimate Comics Ultimates #14, assembling in comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shopthis August.

ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #14 (JUN120635)

Written by SAM HUMPHRIES

Penciled by BILLY TAN & TIMOTHY GREEN II

Cover by MICHAEL KOMARCK

FOC – 7/30/2012, On Sale – 8/22/2012

 

July 29, 2012
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Daredevil #17 Preview

How could I not share this? Mike Allred, he of the kooky and unmistakable visual style, is drawing August’s issue of the award winning Daredevil monthly series, with weird villain Stilt-Man included for no extra charge. A few pages below.

Eisner Winning Artist Mike Allred Makes His Return To Marvel in DAREDEVIL #17

“It’s the issue Mike Allred was born to draw” – Marvel Senior Editor, Stephen Wacker

Prepare for non-stop action as not one, not two, but THREE, Eisner Award winning creators present your first look at Daredevil #17! Courtesy of Mark Waid and special guest artist Michael Allred & colorist Laura Allred, this pulse-pounding adventure pits the Man Without Fear against an old foe…Stilt-Man! Can Daredevil make it out of this grudge match in one piece? Find out inDaredevil #17, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this August.

DAREDEVIL #17 (JUN120656)

Written by MARK WAID

Pencils and Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED

Colors by LAURA ALLRED

On Sale – 8/15/2012

 

July 25, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Uncanny Avengers #1 Cover

So, you may have heard that Marvel are pulling a DC and doing a relaunch, but before you roll your eyes, this ones looks less set to tick off loyal readers as it’s not a line-wide reboot. More details on the new creative teams, titles and looks for characters here.

Marvel NOW! First Look At The Cover To UNCANNY AVENGERS #1!

This October, dive headfirst into Marvel NOW! as the superstar dream team of Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force, Venom) and John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men, Captain America) deliver high stakes action inUNCANNY AVENGERS #1 – sporting a jaw-dropping cover by Cassaday! No fan can miss the blockbuster debut of an all-new Avengers team featuring members from all across the Marvel Universe…a team uniting Avenger and X-Man alike! But following the devastating events of Avengers VS X-Men, can Captain America pull together a team that can get along for its first mission? Plus, Uncanny Avengers #1 is the first title to sport the all-new Marvel NOW! cover design!

“We’re no longer going to be locked into where our logos are placed, which has traditionally been the top third of our covers, and we’re going to start to look at our covers with an eye towards strong design and commerciality above all else, explained Marvel Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada.  “What’s going to attract the reader’s eye, what’s going to make them want to buy that particular title? That’s the first question our artists and editors are going to ask themselves.”

Also! Every new issue with the Marvel NOW! branding comes packaged with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app.

And that’s not all because readers will be able to take the Marvel NOW! experience even further by unlocking access to exclusive behind the scenes extras utilizing special augmented reality technology with the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma. This is exciting bonus content that you cannot access anywhere else!

Have you joined the Marvel ReEvolution? Join the conversation on Twitter with #MarvelNOW!

For more on MarvelNOW!, please visit NOW.Marvel.com!

UNCANNY AVENGERS #1

Written by RICK REMENDER

Art & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

ON SALE THIS OCTOBER!

July 7, 2012
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

X-Treme X-Men #1 Cover

Yes, this is just an excuse to show some Salvador Larroca art.

Salvador Larroca Covers X-TREME X-MEN #1!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at superstar artist Salvador Larroca’s variant cover to X-Treme X-Men #1, an all-new ongoing series spinning directly out of the pages of Astonishing X-Men! Follow the team of Captain Howlett, Emmeline Frost, Kid Nightcrawler, and Dazzler as they embark on an epic journey saving the multiverse! But with one of the X-Men lost between dimensions and no guaranteed way home, will the adventure be over before it begins? New York Times Best Selling author Greg Pak and red-hot artist Stephen Segovia bring you the answers in X-Treme X-Men #1, coming to comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app and the Marvel Digital Comics Shop this July.

X-TREME X-MEN #1 (MAY120705)

X-TREME X-MEN #1 LARROCA VARIANT (MAY120706)

Written by GREG PAK

Penciled by STEPHEN SEGOVIA

Cover by JULIAN TEDESCO

Variant Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA

FOC – 7/2/2012, On Sale – 7/25/2012

June 26, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Spider-Men #3 Preview

Text-free preview below of July’s ish of this daring Spidey x-over.

Your First Look at SPIDER-MEN #3!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Spider-Men #3, as the blockbuster creative team of best-selling writer Brian Bendis and red hot artist Sara Pichelli bring you the next chapter in the ultimate Spider-Man event of the year! Now that Peter Parker and Miles Morales have met, can they both work together to defeat their foes – or will they require the help of Nick Fury and his Ultimates?

Fans and critics agree, Spider-Men is a hit!

“With well-judged pace and tone, it’s everything a Spider-Man fan could want.”  – ComicBookResources.com

“A fine comic book that is spilling with the same charm that we get from Ultimate Comics Spider-Man each and every month.”  – IGN.com

“…there isn’t a single panel that feels static.” – AintItCoolNews.com

“A purely enjoyable comic book, and three cheers if that continues through to the end.” – Comicsbeat.com

The most amazing team-up of the summer continues in Spider-Men #3, slinging into comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics appand the Marvel Digital Comics Shop this July.

SPIDER-MEN #3 (MAY120671)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Penciled by SARA PICHELLI

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

Variant Covers by SARA PICHELLI & TERRY DODSON

FOC – 6/18/2012, On Sale – 7/11/2012

 

June 17, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

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