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Soliciting Multiversity: Marvel’s Top 10 for January 2021

By | October 28th, 2020
Posted in Columns | % Comments

New year, new comics! But also: more comics tied into the “King in Black” event, including bringing older teams and overlooked characters back into the spotlight. Still, calling out all of those would neglect the other great comics coming for us in January, so we kept those to a minimum and went on to look at what else is on the way.

10. Symbiotic Smackdown

Let’s kick things off with a “King in Black” tie-in, featuring Spider-Gwen (or Ghost-Spider) and her symbiote. Rather than question if they thought of the name “Gwenom” before deciding to give her a symbiote, I’ll just enjoy the design. Symbiote suits rarely end well, especially when a Venom/Carnage-centric event is underway, so a fun fight between Gwen and Carnage should be a good way to keep us entertained as the event goes on.

King in Black: Gwenom vs Carnage #1
Written by Sean McGuire
Illustrated by Flaviano
Cover by Ken Lashley
Variant covers by Ryan Brown and Inhyuk Lee

GWEN STACY ENTERS THE FRAY AGAINST THE KING IN BLACK!
Bonded to a synthetic symbiote from another reality, GHOST-SPIDER, aka Gwen Stacy of Earth-65, is unique among the webslingers of the multiverse!
But when KNULL descends on her adopted home, his gravity well of dark psychic energy will reap unforeseen consequences not only on Gwen, but on her symbiotic suit as well!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

9. Man, the (Spider-)Man was Non-Stop

Why does he fight like he’s running out of time? Fight day and night like he’s running out of time? (I’m sorry, I can’t hear “Non-Stop” without thinking of Hamilton.) Well, this comic is making big promises, and while I’m sure that’s hyperbole, it’s enough to at least get me interested. Spider-Man has certainly run his fair share of gauntlets, so what does Joe Kelly have planned for our web-slinger this time? It suggests a world tour featuring an unending wave of Marvel villains, so if nothing else it’ll be action-packed.

Non-Stop Spider-Man #1
Written by Joe Kelly
Illustrated by CHris Bachalo
Cover by David Finch
Variant covers by Chris Bachalo, Larry Lieber, David Finch, Alex Ross, Skottie Young, Greg Laroque, and Adam Kubert

BUCKLE UP, TIGER!
Get ready for the most action-packed, pulse-pounding, adrenaline-pumping comic OF ALL TIME! As the name implies, once you read page one, panel one, SPIDER-MAN DOES NOT STOP! A mystery at Empire State University thrusts Spider-Man into an adventure that starts in uptown Manhattan and will take him around the world, pitting him against Marvel Universe villains old and new and give you a Spider-Man adventure (and Spider-Man) the likes of which you’ve never seen.
THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, SO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE READING!
40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99

8. In Flight

Of all the “King in Black” tie-ins, this one feels like it’s using the event as an excuse to do something Jason Aaron had planned all along: bring in more Valkyries. Jane Foster is now the Valkyrie, but there have been plenty. Now we’re getting the most iconic Valkyries back, including a “mysterious fourth warrior,” who is pretty clearly Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie from Thor: Ragnarok bring brought into the comic universe. You’ll find no complaints from me on that front.

King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #1
Written by Jason Aaron and Torunn Grønbekk
Illustrated by Nina Vakueva
Cover by Mattia De Iulis
Variant covers by Artgerm, Todd Nauk, Phil Noto, Skottie Young, and Mattia De Iulis

JANE FOSTER RETURNS!
Once there was an entire army of Valkyries, but now Jane Foster is the only one. When the King in Black comes to Midgard, Jane must rebuild the Valkyries to help stop him — starting with Hildegarde, a warrior from Asgard’s own hallowed halls, and X-Man Dani Moonstar, a former Valkyrie herself. But what Jane doesn’t know…is that she never was the only Valkyrie after all. Who is the fourth warrior? Jason Aaron and Torunn Grønbekk team up with artist Nina Vakueva for a story that will rock the foundations of the Marvel Universe!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Continued below

7. Punch It!

If you ever want some enjoyable martial arts comic craziness, “Iron Fist” comics are typically a good choice. This comic promises plenty of excitement, from zombies to some of the top fighters in the Marvel universe. Can it deliver? Larry Hama has an impressive resume, so I have every confidence that this comic will be a lot of fun.

Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon #1
Written by Larry Hama
Illustrated by David Wachter
Cover by Billy Tan
Variant covers by David Aja, Philip Tan, Khary Randolph, and Kim Jacinto

AN IRON FIST EPIC FROM LEGENDARY CREATOR LARRY HAMA!
Someone is killing the ancient dragons that power the HEAVENLY CITIES, and only IRON FIST and the DEADLY WEAPONS can stop them…if they can discover who they are in time! Zombie armies, mystical portals, dragon hearts, some of the Marvel Universe’s deadliest fighters all converge in one action-packed extravaganza, and the fate of all worlds hangs in the balance! LARRY HAMA and DAVID WACHTER are building a story that hits as hard as the Iron Fist itself!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

6. The Inevitable Deadpool Issue

With many Marvel comics, it’s not a question of if Deadpool will have a cameo issue, but when. With Gerry Duggan writing “Savage Avengers,” the only surprise is that it took 17 issues to reach this point. Of course, this is a welcome cameo, considering how good Gerry’s “Deadpool” run was and how well he’s suited for “Savage Avengers.” I can only imagine how Deadpool and Conan will get along, so this will be an entertaining issue for fans of them both.

Sure, it’s another “King in Black” tie-in, but I think we can overlook that for the team-up alone.

Savage Avengers #17
Written by Gerry Duggan
Illustrated by Kev Walker
Cover by Valerio Giangiordano
Variant cover by E.M. Gist

“BLACK SKIES” PART 1!
CONAN rings in the New Year on Ryker’s Island — which he promptly breaks out of with the help of…DEADPOOL. The two warriors fight together against the symbiotes of KNULL, and Conan makes a surprising discovery that may help him overcome KULAN GATH.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

5. An Ultra Ending

After Kyle Higgins brought “Power Rangers” to the modern day, it only makes sense that he’s managed the same with “Ultraman” so well. “The Rise of Ultraman” is two issues in as of my writing this, but it’s been a solid start, leading up to this final issue. The solicit boasts of a big boss for Ultraman to fight (fighting giant monsters is kind of his thing) but also an important decision. It sounds like a solid end to the mini-series.

The Rise of Ultraman #5
Written by Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom
Illustrated by Francesco Manna
Cover by Jorge Molina
Variant cover by Kia Asamiya

With every step comes an earthquake. With every breath comes fire that melts steel. Witness calamity incarnate: BEMULAR!!
But even if ULTRAMAN can slay this dark beast and prevent catastrophe, it will be too late to prevent the birth of a new world — leaving one final decision to be made, that promises to forever change the destiny of humanity.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

4. Ahoy There!

It’s easy to forget that Cyclops was on the Champions, or rather, a time-displaced young version of Cyclops was, and then the older Cyclops regained his memories of that time after the young X-Men returned to the past. (Comics, right?) So it’s good to see he’s still there for his team.

More importantly: the Champions and the Marauders team up. “Marauders” has been another very entertaining comic, even for the ongoing X-titles, so this will be a welcome crossover. How will the Champions fare on the open seas alongside Kate Pryde and her swashbuckling mutant crew? I can’t wait to find out.

Champions #4
Written by Eve L. Ewing
Illustrated by Bob Quinn
Cover by Toni Infante

Guest-Starring CYCLOPS and the MARAUDERS!
Avast, ye! CHAMPIONS ON THE HIGH SEAS! NOVA, IRONHEART, MILES and MS. MARVEL have narrowly escaped C.R.A.D.L.E. for now with the help of their old teammate, but it’s out of the frying pan and into the…ocean..
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

Continued below

3. Martial Arts vs Vampires

Was “Iron Fist” not enough martial arts for one month? Well there’s good news, because Gene Luen Yang’s “Shang-Chi” will provide even more. The “Shang-Chi” comic has been off to a great start, and the solicit sounds like there’s going to be an epic conclusion. Vampires, martial arts, and a destiny to be embraced or rejected – whatever’s in store, it’s going to be good.

Shang-Chi #5
Written by Gene Luen Yang
Illustrated by Dike Ruan and Philip Tan
Cover by Marcus To
Variant covers by Skottie Young and Iban Coello

The grand finale!
SISTER HAMMER launches her final attack on the Western world with her army of vampires!
Will SHANG-CHI and his family be able to stop her?
And will Shang-Chi finally accept the destiny laid out by his father?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

2. The More, The Marvel

Of course “Marvels Snapshots” makes the cut. These one-shots have been consistently great, providing close looks at the Marvel universe through bystanders’ eyes. Now it’s time to see how Captain Marvel is viewed by the Marvel universe, not to mention Ms. Marvel. If you haven’t been following “Marvels Snapshots” so far, there’s no bad place to pick one up, and this one will especially appeal to fans of Ms. and Captain Marvels alike.

Captain Marvel: Marvels Snapshots #1
Written by Mark Wait and Kurt Busiek
Illustrated by Claire Roe
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant covers by Claire Roe and Dave Cockrum

A team of heroes fights a stirring battle for the safety of the planet. A young woman struggles with desperation and despair, trying to cope in the modern world. But that’s only the beginning. Superstar creators MARK WAID (Kingdom Come, Fantastic Four) and CLAIRE ROE (Fearless, Nebula) tell a tale of inspiration within inspiration, as we see how the world’s marvels have inspired others — and how they’ve been inspired themselves. Featuring CAPTAIN MARVEL, MS. MARVEL and a few surprises.
40 PGS./One–Shot/Rated T+ …$4.99

1. A Long, Long Time Ago…

The Jedi were once peacekeepers of the galaxy. At least that’s what we were told, but when we saw them in the prequel trilogy, the Jedi Council spent most of its time sitting in meetings and doing nothing. But what about before then? What about when the Jedi were at their best? That’s what this comic is going to show us, with a series set even before the prequels and featuring Jedi during their “Golden Age.” This is an exciting look at an under-explored era in Star Wars history, one that should work very well as a comic.

Star Wars: The High Republic #1
Written by Cavan Scott
Illustrated by Ario Anindito
Cover by Phil Noto
Variant covers by Ario Anindito, Sway, Ashley Witter, Pascal Blanche, and Gonzalo Kenny

BEFORE THE SKYWALKER SAGA! THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE JEDI!
A new era of STAR WARS storytelling begins. It is centuries before the SKYWALKER SAGA. The JEDI are at their height, protecting the galaxy as REPUBLIC pioneers push out into new territories. As the Frontier prepares for the dedication of majestic STARLIGHT BEACON, PADAWAN KEEVE TRENNIS faces the ultimate choice — will she complete her Jedi Trials or rescue the innocent from disaster? New Jedi! New ships! New evils to fight!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd.

Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.com.


//TAGS | Soliciting Multiversity

Robbie Pleasant

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