As we keep marching through the year, what will await us from Marvel in March? “King in Black” comes to an end, but plenty of new mini-series begin or continue. There’s also plenty of anniversary celebrations this time around, including a personal favorite or two. So let’s take a look and see what’s ahead.
10. Not the Honeymoon Anyone Expected
Well, there’s at least a little “King in Black” crossing over left to do. This one I had to include because it features one of my favorite comic book couples. Yes, “Empyre” was very Hulkling-centric, but now we get to see him and Wiccan working together as a married couple… and also fighting against Knull. Hopefully we’ll be getting more comics about the cosmic power couple in the months to come.
King in Black: Wiccan and Hulkling #1
Written by Tini Howard
Illustrated by Luciano Vecchio
Cover by Jim Cheung
Variant covers by Russell Dauterman and Peach Momoko• NO TIME TO CELEBRATE!
• Wiccan and Hulkling are freshly off the marriage altar and overdue for a proper celebration. So when the Shi’ar invite them for an all-expenses paid vacation at their glitziest beach resort, you know Wiccan’s already got their bags packed. But they’ll have to hold the champagne — because Knull and his symbiote army are expanding across the galaxy! Tini Howard and Luciano Vecchio give everyone’s favorite Young Avengers a honeymoon to die for!
• 40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99
9. An Ultra Continuation
Did you think it was all going to end with “Rise of Ultraman?” Nope, it’s not over yet! Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom are picking things up right where it left off, continuing to give the classic tokusatsu show a modern comic book update. Even for readers unfamiliar with the original Ultraman show or its many sequels, the comic provides some entertaining giant hero versus kaiju action.
The Trials of Ultraman #1
Written by Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom
Illustrated by Francesco Manna
Cover by Arthur Adams
Variant covers by Arthur Adams, Francesco Manna, Peach Momoko, Kia Asamiya, and Matthew Frank• Ultraman narrowly averted a catastrophe decades in the making. The world was saved – but, also, forever changed.
• Now…come the consequences.
• Much of the populace regard their defenders with suspicion. Enemies hide in plain sight, and even those closest to Shin Hayata don’t necessarily have faith in the Giant of Light. But at last, a long-thought-lost comrade has mysteriously returned!
• That’s a good thing…right?
• The RISE is over. The training wheels are off, and the stakes have never been higher. THE TRIALS OF ULTRAMAN begin here!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
© TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS
8. Whose Body is it Anyways?
So “X of Swords” left “Excalibur” in a bit of a rough patch. Betsy Braddock was shattered and Apocalypse left to live in another world with his wife, leaving the team down a few members. But surely this isn’t it for Captain Britain, right? Well, clearly not, and it looks like her old body is related to this. It’s clearly not going to be a simple matter (said body is currently occupied by its original owner, after all), but I’m curious how Tini Howard will hand this.
Excalibur #19
Written by Tini Howard
Illustrated by Marcus To
Cover by Mahmud Asrar
Variant covers byPOISONED BY HER OWN VENOM!
• She didn’t mean anything by it…but what’s a girl without a body supposed to do?
• 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
7. The King is Dead
So… “King in Black.” It is certainly an event comic. Regardless of your thoughts about Venom, symbiotes, Knull, and the event as a whole, this is where it comes to an end. How will this impact the “Venom” comics and its related characters? We’ll have to wait and see.
Continued belowKing in Black #5
Written by Donny Cates
Illustrated by Ryan Stegman
Cover by Ryan Stegman
Variant covers by Leinil Francis Yu, Ian Bederman, Ryan Stegman, Skottie Young, Dave Rapoza, and Brett BoothWHAT’S A GOD TO A NONBELIEVER?
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$5.99
6. Make America Chavez Comics Again
America Chavez is a character with a lot of potential and fans eager to see more from her. Now we’re getting that from Kalinda Vazquez. The solicit mentions facing “parts of herself she’s been running from,” which suggests this will be a look at the character, her insecurities, and her past. Those kinds of mini-series are always fun for character growth, and I look forward to seeing what Kalinda Vazquez has in store for America.
America Chavez: Made in the USA #1
Written by Kalinda Vazquez
Illustrated by Carlos Gómez
Cover by Sara Pichelli
Variant covers by Stephanie Hans, Junggeun Yoon, Elizabeth TorqueWHO IS AMERICA?
• America Chavez is incredible – her origins, her strength, her dimension-shattering star portals! But when the foundation of everything she believes is shaken, America will stand up and face the parts of herself she’s been running from. From writer Kalinda Vazquez (Marvel’s Runaways) and artist Carlos Gomez (Amazing Mary Jane) comes an explosive, brand-new story all about what made America Chavez who she is – and what she’ll do to protect the ones she loves.
• 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
5. In Space, No One Can Hear You Read
Alien, the classic sci-fi horror film, is coming to Marvel. Now, this isn’t the first time the Xenomorphs have taken comic book form – far from it! I think we all remember that time Batman went up against them. But this is a comic continuation focusing on how characters react after their encounters with the Xenomorphs. What does Phillip Kennedy Johnson have planned? How will Salvador Larroca bring the iconic aliens to life? It should be exciting to see.
Alien #1
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Illustrated by Salvador Larroca
Cover by InHyuk Lee
Variant covers by InHyuk Lee, Steve McNiven, Ron Lim, Peach Momoko, Salvador Larroca, Todd Nauck, David Finch, Patrick Gleason, and Skottie YoungTHE ICONIC CINEMATIC TERROR MAKES ITS MARVEL DEBUT!
• Gabriel Cruz gave his life to Weyland-Yutani–In the case of an alien attack he barely survived, almost literally! Recently retired, Cruz is trying to patch things up with his abandoned son with the help of his friend, a Bishop-model android, but his re-entry into civilian life is not going smoothly…and his encounters with the deadly Xenomorph are far from over. Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Salvador Larroca team up to tell an all-new tale of the titan of horror and science fiction that has scared audiences for decades. No one is safe. No one is innocent. And no one can hear you scream.
• 40 PGS./Parental Advisory …$4.99
© 2021 20th Century Studios.
4. No Puns Here, Just Look at That Cover!
Sometimes, a comic just sounds like it will be good fun. In this case, we have Peach Momoko blending X-Men with Japanese mythology – and look at that cover! If that’s any indication, this is going to be a visually stunning take on the X-Men, featuring plenty of demons to fight. I’m all for this and can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Demon Days: X-Men #1
Written by Peach Momoko
Illustrated by Peach Momoko
Cover by Peach Momoko
Variant covers by Mark Brooks, Leinil Francis Yu, J. Scott Campbell, Peach Momoko, Artgerm, and GurihiruFrom STORMBREAKER PEACH MOMOKO comes a Marvel story unlike any you’ve ever seen before! A wandering swordswoman with a psychic blade arrives at village that’s being targeted by demons. One demon is black and white with a terrifying red tongue and another may be the strongest demon there is! In the stunning kick-off issue of this prestige quarterly story, you’ll see a revolutionary reimagination of the Marvel Universe that could only come from Peach Momoko. Ready your katana and enter a mysterious world of demons, monsters, mutants, and magic! Book ONE of FIVE of the DEMON DAYS saga!
• 40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99
3. Bill is Back
It always baffles me when people on the internet complain about certain characters being able to wield Mjolnir. Yes, there’s a Frog Thor, but even putting that aside, one of the most famous hammer-swingers is a horse-faced alien named “Bill.” And I freaking love him. Even if the Beta Ray Bill comic starts as another “King in Black” tie-in, it’ll launch the return of a fan-favorite substitute Thor. Also: there’s a Fin Fang Foom to fight.
Continued belowBeta Ray Bill #1
Written by Daniel Warren Johnson
Illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson
Cover by Daniel Warren Johnson
Variant covers by Iban Coello, Todd Nauck, Ryan Stegman, Chase Conley, Walter SimonsonFROM THE PAGES OF DONNY CATES’ THOR AND SPINNING OUT OF THE EVENTS OF KING IN BLACK!
• The second-most famous wielder of Mjolnir. The right-hand man to the god of Thunder. And now, a warrior without his best weapon. Beta Ray Bill is tired of playing second fiddle to Thor – and with Bill’s famous hammer, Stormbreaker, recently destroyed at the new All-Father’s hands, tensions are higher than ever. The Korbinite must strike out in search of a new weapon…and a new destiny. Assuming he can first defeat a Knullified Fin Fang Foom! Writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Murder Falcon) and colorist Mike Spicer take Beta Ray Bill on a journey beyond the shadow of a god! Plus: This oversize first issue contains an exclusive conversation between Johnson and Beta Ray Bill’s creator, the legendary Walter Simonson!
• 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
2. O Captain, My Captain
80 years of Captain America means there are plenty of amazing stories of him fighting nazis, saving the day, and being a shining example of ideals to strive for. Marvel is celebrating by breathing new life into classic stories, and they’ve brought in a ton of artists to do it. This special brings us some of the best stories from Joe Simon, Stan Lee, and Jack Kirby, illustrated by some of Marvel’s best, so it’s bound to be great for new and old fans of the Captain alike.
Captain America Anniversary Tribute #1
Written by Joe Simon, Stan Lee, and Jack Kirby
Illustrated by John Cassaday, Merguerite Sauvage, David Lapham, Peach Momoko, Declan Slahvey, Pere Pérez, Salvador Larroca, Juan Cabal, Carmen Carnero, Leinil Francis Yu, Valerio Schiti, Carlos Pacehco, InHyuk Lee, R.B. Silva, Kei Zama, Sara Pichelli, Jesús Saiz, Kim Jacinto, Adam Kubert, Federico Vicentini, Joshua Cassara, Mahmud Asrar, Jim Cheung, Terry Dodson, Joe Bennett, Alex Ross, Steve Epting, Adam Hughes, Stephanie Hans, Javier Garrón, Alitha E. Martinez, Elena Casagrande, Paco MEdina, Daniel Acuña, Chris Samnee, Butch GUice, Rachael Stott, Pepe Larraz, Greg Smallwood, Greg Land, Iban Coello, Ray-Anthony Height, Natacha Bustos, Mark Bagley, and Patrick Gleason
Cover by Steve McNiven
Variant cover by Mark BrooksCaptain America celebrates 80 years of battling tyranny this month! And what better way to celebrate than by having a cadre of Marvel’s best artists redraw and modernize Captain America’s origin and the debut of the Red Skull from CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1 as well as Cap’s return in the Marvel Age from AVENGERS #4! The legendary stories that changed the course of comic book history are presented in an all-new way for the current generation of Marvel fans!
• 48 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T …$5.99
1. Happy Birthday, Deadpool!
Not only that, we have Deadpool celebrating his anniversary as well! For this issue, Marvel is bringing together multiple writers and artists, including those responsible for some of the best “Deadpool” runs. These are creators who have helped make Deadpool the hit character that he is, so each of these stories is bound to be entertaining to the very end. So let’s celebrate Deadpool’s 30th in style!
Deadpool Nerdy 30 #1
Written by Rob Liefeld, Fabian Nicieza, Skottie Young, Gail Simon, Kelly Thompson, Gerry Duggan, Brian Posehn, and more
Illustrated by Rob Liefeld, Patch Zircher, Kevin Libranda, Aaron Conley, and more
Cover by Ed McGuinness
Variant covers by Mike Hawthorne and Rob LiefeldHE’S THE MERC WITH THE MOUTH! (FULL OF BIRTHDAY CAKE!)
• Deadpool’s turning 30! And to help celebrate, we’ve assembled some of his classic storytellers to tell tales of Wade Wilson birthdays past, present and future! A first birthday with time-traveling assassins! A sweet sixteen party that would make Molly Ringwald weep! A 100th birthday that could only be celebrated in grand Deadpool style! Blow out the candles! Pin the cybernetic arm on the Cable! And open this present, just for you!
• 48 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Parental Advisory …$5.99
Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.com.
