The King in Black rages on, with tie-in events happening throughout Marvel Comics. But since we already looked at some of those last month, that’s not our priority right now. What else awaits us in February? Let’s take a look and see.
10. Hello Again
When Gwenpool first entered the Marvel Universe, she unintentionally wound up working for M.O.D.O.K., who killed her best friend before she launched him into space. I guess it’s time for round two, since she’s gunning for M.O.D.O.K. in the third issue of his mini-series. Now, Gwenpool has been written pretty inconsistently from comic to comic, ranging from her endearing “Unbelievable” run to “Deadpool, but a girl,” so calling her an “unhinged mercenary” is concerning, but I have faith they’ll do right by her when she appears in this comic.
M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games #3 (of 4)
Written by Jordan Blum & Patton Oswalt
Illustrated by Scott Hepburn
Cover by Cully Hamner
Variant cover by David LafuenteM.O.D.O.K.’s visions of a life he never had are getting stronger. What is the lie, and what is the truth? And will M.O.D.O.K. be driven even more insane as he tears his mind apart in the pursuit of those memories?! Either way, with a recent hit put out against him and the unhinged mercenary known as GWENPOOL on his tail, M.O.D.O.K. has got to act fast to untangle the mystery within his head before Gwenpool finds a way to splatter his brains across the floor!
9. Take a Stab at the King
Okay, we have one “King in Black” tie-in this time, when we return to S.W.O.R.D. and its ongoing battle against alien threats. There’s a lot going on in this solicit, including mutant business and a space-spanning adventure, so it sounds engaging enough no matter what events get tied into it. Plus, Manifold needs more love.
S.W.O.R.D. #3
Written by Al Ewing
Illustrated by Valerio Schiti
Cover by Valerio Schiti
Variant cover by Takeshi Miyazawa• TAKE A TRIP WITH THE EVERYWHERE MAN!
• The Void-God has overtaken the Earth. Top-level mutants have been assimilated. Protocol V is in effect. But space is a big place… and a lot of things happen there at once. Walk a mile in the Manifold’s shoes, as S.W.O.R.D.’s Quintician takes a multi-artist journey across the universe and back… and comes face to face with S.W.O.R.D.’s deadliest enemy.
8. Hope Springs Eternals?
“Eternals” #2 has been pushed back a little from its intended release date, but that’s fine, because that gives us a good reason to include it in the February list. This solicit promises us both an epic battle, but also a quest for revenge and a mysterious murder of an immortal. Besides that, Kieron Gillen has consistently proven himself to be an amazing writer, so there’s no reason to not look forward to this.
Eternals #2
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Esad Ribić
Cover by Esad Ribić
Variant covers by Phil Jimenez, Jamie McKelvie, Todd Nauck, and Esad Ribić• THANOS VS. IKARIS!
• In the heart of a city driven mad by time!
• Eternals live eternally. One is dead. They handle it well.
• No, they don’t. They handle it badly. Eternal revenge is a dish best served forever.
7. No More Heresy
Speaking of Kieron Gillen, he’ll be wrapping up the “Warhammer 40,000” mini-series this month as well. This story of Marneus Calgar closes with a battle that brings his story full-circle and the promise of the exact kind of deadly conflict we’ve come to expect from the “Warhammer” universe. If you’ve read my review of issue #1, you’ll know the mini-series was off to a great start, so I look forward to seeing how it all ends.
Continued belowWarhammer 40,000: Marneus Calgar #5 (of 5)
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Jacen Burrows
Cover by James Stokoe
Variant covers by Games Workshop• CALGAR’S ULTIMATE TEST!
• MARNEUS CALGAR’S deadly gambit brings him back to the moon where it all began…and an enemy who has been in hiding for centuries!
• To quell the threat of this darkest power, Calgar will show no mercy.
• There.
• Is.
• Only.
• WAR.
6. Stranger Space
Do you like the magic side of the Marvel Universe? How about the cosmic stuff? Well, this issue will have them both, with a trip to space and close encounters with Rocket and Groot. We already know that Skottie Young has a solid command of those characters from his own time writing them, so I can’t wait to see how they mesh with the cast of “Strange Academy.”
Strange Academy #8
Written by Skottie Young
Illustrated by Humberto Ramos
Cover by Humberto Ramons
Variant cover by Humberto Ramos• Students of Strange Academy go on a perfectly normal field trip… to space… uncovering a magical artifact… with Rocket and Groot.
• Yep, perfectly normal.
• Meanwhile, WHAT IS THE RING OF DREAD?!
5. Running… Back?
I’ll be honest, I was worried about “Runaways” for a moment there; with all the comics going on “indefinite hiatus,” I wasn’t sure if we’d be getting any more of them. But they’re back, and I’m very thankful for that. Rainbow Rowell has been trying different things with the team, now after a less than successful attempt at being part of an actual superhero team… some of them are going back to school? Not everyone, of course, but at least the younger members, including Gib, apparently. And of course, since Molly is still a mutant, she has a place in Krakoa – will she take it?
Runaways #33
Written by Rainbow Rowell
Illustrated by Andres Genolet
Cover by Kris Anka• The Runaways are back! Not even a global pandemic, a seemingly endless contentious election and a possible Tik Tok shutdown can stop Gert, Chase, Victor, Molly, Nico, Karolina and Gib.
• And a new challenge beckons as they explore one of the most terrifying Marvel Universe locations ever– HIGH SCHOOL!
• It goes better for some than others.
• For those who don’t think High School is an authentic Marvel Universe location, you may be interested that the X-MEN come calling for the Runaways’ own Molly Hayes.
4. Everyone Loves Giant Robots
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, but bear with me here. Sure, it’s probably not canon. Yes, most of the Avengers have powers that would probably be more effective without being in a giant robot. And yes, by all means it just exists to sell toys.
But if I may make a counter-point: giant robots.
Look, I just love giant robots, and I will make no apologies for that. They have cool designs, they make for great fight scenes, and they’re just plain fun. So put the Avengers in giant robots, especially if the mechas all have unique and interesting designs, and it’ll be worthy of a spot on this list at least once.
Avengers Mech Strike #1 (of 5)
Written by Jed MacKay
Illustrated by Carlos Magno
Cover by Kei zama
Variant covers by EJ Su and Jarold Sng• EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES!
• The Avengers are confronted with an unstoppable new menace, one that is seemingly impervious to their every strength! But the Avengers aren’t so easily beaten, and when new threats arise, powerful new tools must be brought to bear! Join the Avengers as they battle a brand-new enemy…and begin a deadly game of chess with a shadowy mastermind!
3. Just Keeps Getting Better
I can honestly say that “Immortal Hulk” has kept getting bigger, crazier, and better with every issue. Now this issue promises lots of interesting plot points impacting multiple members of the cast, and something that can even threaten the immortal Hulk. If you haven’t been reading this comic, you need to start now.
Also, I don’t think I’ll ever stop being impressed by Alex Ross’ covers.
Continued belowImmortal Hulk #44
Written by Al Ewing
Illustrated by Joe Bennett
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant cover by Joe Bennett• In New York, the U-Foes are hunting a weakened Hulk – with the one thing that can kill him for good.
• In New Mexico, the new Sasquatch faces something even weirder than he is.
• Something very strange is happening to Jacqueline McGee.
• And far above the world, HENRY PETER GYRICH watches…
2. Celebrate Black Comics
“Marvel’s Voices” is a great way to showcase comic artists, writers, and characters of color, and there’s no better time to celebrate Black heroes than Black History Month. These are some great characters, with fantastic writers and artists behind them. Representation matters, both in comics and behind the pens that make them happen, so I highly recommend showing “Marvel’s Voices” your support.
Marvel’s Voices: Legacy #1
Written by Ho Che Anderson, Danny Lore, Nnedi Okorafor, Tochi Onyebuchi, Stephanie Williams, and more
Illustrated by Sean Hill, Valentine De Landro, Ken Lashley, and more
Cover by Taurin Clarke
Variant covers by Ernanda Souza, Netacha Bustos, Edge, and Ken Lashley• CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN MIGHTY MARVEL STYLE!
• Black Panther. Storm. Blade. Falcon. Ironheart. Luke Cage. Spectrum. And so many more. Marvel’s incredible legacy of Black heroes gets the star treatment in this action-packed special! New and established creators take on their favorite heroes in a dizzying array of stories designed to inspire and uplift! The Marvel’s Voices program is your #1 stop for “the world outside your window” – don’t sleep on this one!
1. X-Men of Future Past
It’s probably safe to say that a lot of us have nostalgia for the 90’s X-Men. I’m sure I’m not the only one who grew up watching the cartoon, and those classic outfits are iconic. So now we’re taking a step back in time, to before Krakoa, before Schism, before so many of the X-events that either shifted the status quo or returned it to normal, to the days of the Xavier Academy and weekly Sentinel attacks. With Fabian Nicieza writing the story and Brett Booth bringing the classic designs back, this is going to be a fun nostalgic romp with an all-new story.
X-Men Legends #1
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Illustrated by Brett Booth
Cover by Brett Booth
Variant covers by Iban Coello, Leinil Francis Yu, Russell Dauterman, John Tyler Christopher, and Pat Gleason• ALL-NEW TALES STARRING YOUR FAVORITE X-MEN, SPANNING CLASSIC ERAS!
• Break out the yellows and blues, fire up the Danger Room and snap on your pouches as legendary X-writers return to classic eras of the mutant super heroes in ALL-NEW, in-continuity stories set during their fan-favorite runs! Fabian Nicieza kicks off the series with a special saga of CYCLOPS and HAVOK, as the SHI’AR return to Earth in search of the FORSAKEN ONE! But what secret will the Summers brothers uncover, and how will its revelation change what you thought you knew about the X-Men?
• Get ready for a story decades in the making! And come back each month as we dive deeper to expand the X-MEN mythos!
• Welcome back, legends: Hope you survive the experience.
Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.com.
