April? A new month of comics? At this point, time no longer has meaning while weeks and months serve no more purpose than to divide the days between new comic releases. Still, there’s plenty more coming at us from Marvel, so let’s still see what they’ve got in store for us in the future!
10. Long Live the Symbiote
With “King in Black” over, what’s next for Eddie Brock? Of course, this is assuming he lives through the event. If not, what’s next for the Venom symbiote? Landmark issues like #200 and post-event issues are typically important for determining the future of the characters, so it stands to reason that this will bring a new change in direction for Venom. What exactly does Donny Cates have in mind? We’ll have to wait and see.
Venom #200
Written by Donny Cates
Illustrated by Ryan Stegman & More
Cover by Ryan Stegman
Variant covers by Jock, Simone Bianchi, Rob Liefeld, Ryan Stegman, J. Scott Campbell, Mark Bagley, Art Adams, Patrick Gleason, Stephanie Hans, Jeffrey Veregge, Humberto Ramos, Nic Klein, and Mr. Garcin.• The Final Chapter in the Book of VENOM by Donny Cates & Ryan Stegman!
• This is it, Venomaniacs! The landmark 200th issue starring the most sinister symbiote in the Marvel Universe arrives – and after this, NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME! From Donny Cates, Ryan Stegman, and a who’s who of artists from the issues that tore Eddie Brock’s life asunder and brought the KING IN BLACK to Earth, comes the first chapter of the rest of Venom’s life. But in Knull’s wake, what even remains of the Lethal Protector?
• 96 PGS./Rated T+ …$9.99
9. Here We Go Again
Clones. Nothing makes Spider-Man fans more worried than word of a clone-based storyline (except for maybe “One More Day,” or anything involving sins of the past). In fact, one piece of advice Peter Parker gave Miles Morales back in “Spider-Men” was to watch out for getting cloned. Well, it looks like he didn’t quite get to heed that advice, with an oversized issue filled with Miles Morales clones. Now, while I absolutely trust Saladin Ahmed to avoid making the same mistakes as the original Clone Saga did, I’m very curious to see how he has Miles handle his own set of clones. Will we get a Miles version of Ben Reilly? Will we have to go through countless issues of characters wondering which one is the original and which is the clone? There’s only one way to find out.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #25
Written by Saladin Ahmed
Illustrated by Carmen Carnero
Cover by Taurin Clarke
Variant covers by Sara Pichelli, Dan Hipp, Mark Bagley, Rob Liefeld, and Jeffrey Veregge• THE CLONE SAGA – MILES MORALES-STYLE!
• We finally see the full extent of what the Assessor did when he kidnapped Miles back in #7.
• This oversized anniversary issue lets the clones loose in Brooklyn and messes with Miles life even more than Peter Parker’s Clone Saga messed HIS life up.
• 48 PGS./Rated T …$4.99
8. They Ride!
“King in Black” has given us a Valkyrie-centric tie-in that brings back classic Valkyries… and one that may or may not be based on Tessa Thompson. Now we get to see them in action without worrying about the tie-ins, including backstories and possibly new plots from Loki. Of course, I’ve often said that I’ll read anything written by Jason Aaron, so this will be no exception.
Continued belowThe Mighty Valkyries #1
Written by Jason Aaron and Torunn Grønbekk
Illustrated by Mattia De Iulis
Cover by Mattia De Iulis
Variant covers by Rossel Dauterman, Todd Nauck, Mahmud Asrar, and Skottie Young• JANE FOSTER GETS A FRESH START – AND ALLIES BOTH NEW AND OLD!
• Jane Foster believed she was the only Valkyrie left – but the fight against Knull, the King in Black, proved her wrong. Now the Valkyries must redefine their roles in a changing world – and Asgard’s not going to make it easy. When Loki comes to Jane with rumors of a beast stalking the souls of Midgard, she leaps into action – but she’s not the only one after the strange wolf’s hide. She’ll need backup…but her ancient coworker has other priorities. Years ago, the warrior made a promise to a woman she loved. And now, it’s time to follow through. Get the real story behind the Marvel Universe’s newest star – and don’t miss the start of an all-new epic adventure from powerhouses Jason Aaron, Torunn Grønbekk and Mattia de Iulis!
• 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
7. Marvel Magic
Kelly Thompson’s run on “Captain Marvel” has taken the character on quite the journey, from a sealed-off nuclear wasteland to a post-apocalyptic future. Now we get to see how she handles magic. Captain Marvel’s roots are set more towards the cosmic side of Marvel than the mystic, so her magical experience is more limited (give or take that time she and Doctor Strange switched bodies for a bit) – this means it will be interesting new territory to see her in and struggle with. Let’s see what happens when Captain Marvel goes magical.
Captain Marvel #28
Written by Kelly Thompson
Illustrated by Jacopo Camagni
Cover by Marco Checchetto
Variant cover by Belén Ortega• TOIL & TROUBLE!
• Carol Danvers is a born soldier. Give her a field of battle and an enemy to punch, and she’s unstoppable. But the Captain’s Achilles’ heel is about to break. The mystic arts are Carol’s one true weakness, and – haunted by her failure to stop the villain Ove – she’s on a mission to correct that weakness…at any cost. A brand-new arc kicks off with artist Jacopo Camagni’s supernatural talents!
• 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
6. Less Bulk for the Hulk
How much can we praise “Immortal Hulk?” Not nearly enough, because it keeps finding new ways to be gripping. We’ve seen Hulk as an unstoppable, unkillable force… but now we’re seeing him as his strength fails him. This is a new position for him to be in, no longer empowered by rage and capable of crushing worlds, and whatever Al Ewing has planned, I can’t wait to see it.
Immortal Hulk #45
Written by Al Ewing
Illustrated by Joe Bennett
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant cover by Joe Bennett• The Hulk is at his lowest point.
• His strength is gone. His friends cannot reach him. Gamma itself has turned against him. What hope is there now?
• What hope is left… for THE WEAKEST THERE IS?
• 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
5. A(x)men.
Who doesn’t love Nightcrawler? That was a rhetorical question, because while I’m sure there are some people out there who don’t, he’s undoubtedly one of the more beloved X-Men. Now it’s time for him to find a new niche on Krakoa, as hinted at a while back when he mused on religion and faith in the new mutant homeland. Will we see him as a spiritual leader, or will a new calling await him? I look forward to seeing what’s in store.
Way of X #1
Written by Si Spurrier
Illustrated by Bob Quinn
Cover by Guiseppe Camuncoli
Variant covers by Terry Dodson, Referico Vicentini, Tom Mullet, and Skottie Young• THE WAY TO THE FUTURE OF X!
• Mutantkind has built a new Eden… but there are serpents in this garden. Some mutants struggle to fit in. Some mutants turn to violence and death. And the children whisper
• of the Patchwork Man, singing in their hearts…Only one mutant senses the looming shadows.
• Snared by questions of death, law and love, only NIGHTCRAWLER can fight for the soul of Krakoa. Only he – and the curious crew he assembles – can help mutants defeat their inner-darkness and find a new way to live. The WAY OF X.
• SI SPURRIER (X-MEN LEGACY) and BOB QUINN (CAPTAIN AMERICA) push the frontiers of Krakoa in this unmissable entry into the bold new REIGN OF X.
• 48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
4. The Woman Without Fear
Chip Zdarsky’s “Daredevil” run has been nothing short of fantastic, featuring an engaging story and excellent artwork. With Matt Murdock’s Daredevil behind bars, Elektra is taking his place to defend Hell’s Kitchen – but what kind of Daredevil will she be? Will she try to carry on Matt’s rule against killing, or will she take a more aggressive approach? And what will the other heroes in New York think of this change? It will undoubtedly be exciting to find out.
Continued belowDaredevil #29
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Marco Checchetto
Cover by Marco Checchetto• THE TRUTH IS FINALLY OUT: ELEKTRA IS DAREDEVIL!
• Having taken up the cowl and the club in Matt Murdock’s absence, Elektra, the deadliest assassin in the Marvel Universe, has a long road ahead as she works to protect the legacy of The Man Without Fear!
• OLD FOES! NEW FACES! LOST LOVES! After the past six months, just imagine what secrets superstar creators Chip Zdarsky & Marcho Checchetto have up their sleeves!
• 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
3. Marvelous Madams
Have I mentioned before how much I like comics that showcase representation both within the comic book universe and the creative teams? Because I really do. Now it’s time for the ladies to get an issue for themselves, featuring a plethora of talented writers focusing on some of the best gals in the Marvel universe. This also features a debut or two, so I look forward to seeing what the new talent can bring.
Women of Marvel #1
Written by Natasha Alterici, Sophie Campbell, Nadia Shammas, Elsa Sjunneson, Anne Toole, and more
Illustrated by Eleonora Carlini, Joanna Estep, Skylar Patridge, Kei Zama, and more
Cover by Sara Pichelli
Variant covers by Maria Wolf, Peach Momoko, and Amanda Conner• WHO RUN THE WORLD? YOU ALREADY KNOW. CELEBRATE THE WOMEN OF MARVEL WITH AN EXTRAVAGANZA OF EXTRAORDINARY TALENT!
• The future is female! Get in on the ground floor with this amazing assembly of writers and artists from all over entertainment. Comics legend Louise Simonson kicks things off with a must-read introduction! Nadia Shammas punches the glass ceiling with the Jade Giantess! Elsa Sjunneson grits her way to the front line with Captain Peggy Carter! Sophie Campbell goes feral with a bone-grinding Marrow story! Video game-and-comics writer Anne Toole makes her Marvel debut in a blaze of glory! Natasha Alterici of Heathen fame charges sword-first into the Marvel Universe! With astonishing art from new and established artists Kei Zama (Transformers, DEATH’S HEAD), Eleonora Carlini (Power Rangers, Batgirl), Skylar Patridge (Resonant, Relics of Youth), Joanna Estep (Fantastic Four, Fraggle Rock) and more, you’re sure to come away powered up and ready to slay – in high heels and boots alike.
• 56 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$5.99
2. Wakanda Forever
What can I say about Ta-Nehisi Coates’s run on “Black Panther?” When the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda was first introduced, I was confused but intrigued. The story then went on to be infinitely engaging, exciting, meaningful, and important for the characters involved. Now it comes to an end, bringing T’Challa back to Wakanda. And what a journey it’s been.
Black Panther #25
Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Illustrated by Daniel Acuña and Brian Stelfreeze
Cover by Daniel Acuña
Variant covers by Brian Stelfreeze, Sam Spratt, Natacha Bustos, Juann Cabal, Carmen Carnero, Joshua Cassara, Iban Coello, Patrick Gleason, Peach Momoko, and RB Silva• THE FINAL ISSUE OF TA-NEHISI COATES’ LANDMARK RUN!
• It’s the end of an era for the Black Panther as renowned writer Ta-Nehisi Coates concludes his Wakandan epic! Over five years, Coates has taken the Black Panther to hell and back and expanded Wakanda into the distant stars. Now, in his final issue, he brings T’Challa full circle, back to the home he left behind…and the crown he has never fully accepted. This is the story of a king who sought to be a hero, a hero who was reduced to a slave, a slave who advanced into legend…and the man who has struggled to hold up an empire in his bare hands. The journey will conclude, but the legend remains. Don’t miss the close of a historic epoch in comic history, including an epilogue drawn by Brian Stelfreeze!
• 56 PGS./Rated T …$5.99
1. Simply Marvelous
There is a lot to take in from this solicitation, so go ahead and read through it, then check back here. I’ll wait. (Well, I won’t have to, because I’ve already written this, but I’ll include some spaces to signify waiting.)
Continued below
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Awesome, right? A tribute to Marvel’s sprawling history, covering each aspect of its universe, and bringing in an array of beloved characters. In fact, we even have new characters to look forward to as well. Even putting that aside, just look at that Alex Ross cover! That alone makes it worth the cover price in my eyes.
The Marvels #1
Written by Kurt Busiek
Illustrated by Yildiray Cinar
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant covers by Carlos Pacheco, Steve Epting, and Bill Sienkiewicz• PAST & PRESENT Combine in an All-New Ongoing Series!
• Kurt Busiek (MARVELS, Astro City) is back, with the biggest, wildest, most sprawling series ever to hit the Marvel Universe, telling stories that span the decades and range from cosmic adventure to intense human drama, from the street-level to the cosmic, starring literally anyone from Marvel’s very first heroes to the superstars of tomorrow. This first issue includes an invasion from orbit, a picnic in Prospect Park, super hero sightseeing in Manhattan, the All-Winners Squad in 1947, Reed Richards during his time in military intelligence, cosmic beings beyond space and time— and that’s only for starters. Featuring Captain America, Spider-Man, the Punisher, the Human Torch, Storm, the Black Cat, the Golden Age Vision, Aero, Iron Man and Thor, and introducing two brand-new characters, all beautifully drawn by Yildiray Cinar (X-MEN, Legion of Super-Heroes, IRON MAN) in the opening act of a thriller that’ll take us across the Marvel Universe…and beyond. Plus: Who (or what) is KSHOOM? It all starts here. And it goes…everywhere.
• 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.com.
