Is it that time already? It seems like just a month ago we were going over the latest solicits from Marvel. Now is a time of metaphorical rebirth, because like the month before, there’s a whole lot of new #1 issues coming up. So many, in fact, that we could probably make a top ten list consist of nothing but new runs… but that would be boring, so let’s take a look at all there is to offer
10. Trapped Like a Squirrel
The ever-amazing adventures of the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl continues. Yes, it’s just the next part of the escape room arc, but it’s still got the great supporting cast and all the hilarity we’ve come to expect from this comic in a clever story arc that takes heroes out of the usual world of violence and into a closed-circle puzzle.
Honestly, if this comic is ever not on the list, you can probably assume that I’m in trouble and signaling for help.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #33
Written by Ryan North
Illustrated by Erica Henderson• Trapped in a deadly room from which the only escape is DEATH, Squirrel Girl and Kraven must try to figure out a way to survive!
• But who is pulling the strings? WHY does someone want them dead? And even if they CAN escape, what guarantee do they have that their troubles aren’t just beginning?
• NONE! They have NO guarantees, which is too bad for them but great for YOU, the reader! And it’s especially great for you, the reader who is presumably interested in stories of SUPER HERO CONFLICT and SUPER-POWERED FIGHTS!!!
• All that PLUS Brain Drain, Koi Boi, Chipmunk Hunk AND MORE await you in an issue so astounding, so filled with adventure, that we could ONLY call it “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Issue 33”!
• 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
9. Crisis on Infinite Reeds
Forget the Citadel of Ricks, because Reed Richards did it first, and it was a great story arc. Rather than let such a great idea remain in the past, Chip Zdarsky is bringing it back, and putting Doom against all the Reeds – Reeds that have no problem killing or otherwise neutralizing him. This is a promising story, calling back to Secret Wars and the “FF” story arc from even before then.
Marvel 2-in-One Annual #1
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Declan Shalvey
Cover by Chip Zdarsky
Variant Cover by Pyeong Jun Park• THE THING AND THE INFAMOUS IRON MAN – UNRAVELING THE SECRETS OF SECRET WARS!
• There is but one place in the Multiverse where VICTOR VON DOOM holds no sway. A spot where even DOOM can be judged and tamed. A place that houses…THE COUNCIL OF REEDS. Can Doom escape with his life in order to save BEN & JOHNNY?
• 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
8. Good Job, Tiger
While May’s solicit promised the biggest issue of “Spider-Man” yet, this one is making a different promise, one of emotion and lasting impacts. Dan Slott has been writing “The Amazing Spider-Man” for ten years – an insanely long run for any single writer. And while hsi run has had some ups and downs along the way, it’s time to see how it all comes to a close.
Before another writer picks it up wit issue #802 the following month, of course.
Amazing Spider-Man #801
Written by Dan Slott
Illustrated by Marcos Martin
Cover by Alex Ross
Young Guns Variant Cover by Russell Dauterman• After ten years, Dan Slott’s final issue of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN is here, and he isn’t pulling any punches. Joined by one of the best illustrators in the biz, Marcos Martin, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #801 is one of the most emotional, heartfelt tales not only in Dan’s run, but in all of Mighty Marveldom itself, and is one Marvel fans around the world won’t want to miss.
• 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
7. Marvel Slumber Party
50 issues, now that’s a nice milestone! I mean, sure, the issue number is 31, but that’s because there was the whole “Secret Wars” thing after the first 19, so it still counts. They’re bringing a big slew of writers and artists on board, promising a tale of friendship, saving the day while maintaining a secret identity, and a big surprise. What could it be? I don’t know, so let’s find out.
Continued belowMs. Marvel #31
Written by G. Willow Wilson, Saladin Ahmed, Rainbow Rowell, and more
Illustrated by Nico Leon & more
Cover by Valerio Schiti
Variant Cover by Stephanie Hans• Celebrating 50 issues of Kamala Khan!
• That’s right – we’ve published 50 issues of MS. MARVEL, and we’re celebrating—SLUMBER PARTY STYLE!
• KAMALA is having a sleepover with her best friends NAKIA, ZOE, and MIKE…but when calamity strikes in Jersey City, how can MS. MARVEL save the day without bailing on her friends?
• And speaking of friends, top creators SALADIN AHMED, RAINBOW ROWELL, and MORE are joining the party with series regulars G. WILLOW WILSON and NICO LEON to bring you this historic tale!
• PLUS: a special surprise that’ll rock Kamala’s world! Don’t miss this landmark issue!
• 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
6. Bells Are Ringing
Is there anything quite like a superhero wedding? Nine times out of ten it gets interrupted by villains, or one of them turns out to be a clone, or it gets annulled when one leads the forces of evil on a rampage through New York (that happens with surprising frequency). But on those rare occasions when they stick, they’re certainly memorable.
So now we have Kitty and Colossus, tying the knot. To say their relationship has encountered some difficulties along the way would be an understatement, but we’ll see if the wedding goes through, and following that, how long it lasts for.
Probably longer than her engagement to Star Lord, at least. Comics are like that.
X-Men Gold #30
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Illustrated by David Marquez
Cover by Phil Noto
Variant Covers by Tyler Kirkham and J. Scott Campbell• OVERSIZED WEDDING ISSUE!
• ‘TIL DEATH DO US Part 6
• Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today for the ultimate union!
• After a lifetime of will-they-or-won’t-they, new boyfriends and ex-girlfriends, KITTY and COLOSSUS are finally walking down the aisle together…
• GUEST STARS GALORE IN THIS VERY SPECIAL MOMENT IN X-MEN HISTORY!
• 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
5. What’s the Buzz
Yes, it’s time to start building up the hype for the next Marvel movie, starring, well, Ant-Man and The Wasp. In this case we get Nadia Pym, rather than the movie’s Hope van Dyne/Pym, but they’ll still make an interesting combination. Besides, I’m a fan of Scott Lang’s adventures, and things always get fun when characters get subatomic.
Ant-Man & The Wasp #1
Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Javier Garron
Cover by David Nakayama
Variant Covers by Nick Bradshaw and Bryan Hitch• A NEW SERIES FROM MARK WAID & JAVIER GARRON!
• Wasp was just trying to help Ant-Man get home to Earth to see his daughter…but a little problem got in the way. Very little. Subatomic, in fact, as Scott Lang was lost in the vast spaces between atoms! Now, Nadia is his only hope of rescue…if only he would listen long enough for her to save them! From master storyteller Mark Waid (CAPTAIN AMERICA, CHAMPIONS) and Marvel Young Gun artist Javier Garrón (SECRET WARRIORS, STAR-LORD) comes a story of a big journey getting smaller all the time!
• 32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (EACH)
4. Back to the Pool
No sooner does one “Deadpool” run end than another begins. Two, in fact, but it’s the new Skottie Young run that we’re looking at now. Skottie is great at the insane and hilarious, so he’ll be a fine writer for Deadpool, and Nic Klein’s art should suit it well. I look forward to seeing what kind of hijinks will ensue with this team behind the wheel.
Continued belowDeadpool #1
Written by Skottie Young
Illustrated by Nic Klein
Variant Covers by Mike Deodato, Rob Liefeld, Skottie Young, and Jerome Opena• MERCIN’ FOR A LIVING!
• Skottie Young and Nic Klein bring you the craziest tales of the Regeneratin’ Degenerate yet! It’s been a while since Deadpool’s had to merc to make ends meet, but things are tough all over. While Deadpool tries to get his humble mercenary-for-hire business back off the ground, a catastrophic threat so unfathomably huge, so mind-breakingly cataclysmic it defies description, is heading toward Earth, and there’s only ONE PERSON WHO CAN STOP IT!!!
• Oh no, wait…it’s not Wade, is it? Oh, %$@#. It’s Wade.
• 40 PGS./Parental Advisory …$4.99
3. Lightning Strikes Twice
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’ll read anything Jason Aaron writes. With Jane Foster’s time as Thor done, Odinson is back, and he’s getting a lot of new hammers. I don’t know if it will have the same emotional impact as we’ve come to expect from these last few issues, but I am fairly certain it’s still going to be witty and awesome.
Plus, more Thori, one of the best dogs of Marvel.
Thor #1
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by Mike Del Mundo and Christian Ward
Cover by Mike Del Mundo
Variant Covers by Esad Ribic, Christian Ward, James Harren, Kaare Andrews, Jack Kirby, and Russell Dauterman• JASON AARON & MIKE DEL MUNDO TAKE THE PRINCE OF ASGARD IN A WHOLE NEW DIRECTION!
• Thor Odinson has regained his mantle – and with it, a wild new world of trouble on his mighty hands! The artifacts of Asgard have been scattered across the earth, and to reclaim them, Thor will have to face some ugly truths. Like the production cost of hundreds of new hammers! And the Thunder God is going to need every last one of them if he’s going to stop the unstoppable Juggernaut. Jason Aaron takes the Prince of Asgard in a whole new direction with YOUNG GUN artist Mike Del Mundo joining him at the helm! And don’t miss the latest chapter of the King Thor saga with acclaimed BLACK BOLT artist Christian Ward, as the Thor of the far future encounters an old friend who’s undergone some startling changes.
• 56 PGS./Rated T+ …$5.99
2. Strange IIIN SPAAAACE
Is there anything else I can say about this? It’s Doctor Strange, except in space. Using space magic in space. If that doesn’t sell you on it, I don’t know what will. Combining the science fiction aspects of Marvel’s cosmic universe with the mysticism of Doctor Strange sounds like a great combination, albeit one I’m fairly certain was born when the staff of Marvel started playing “Starfinder” one night. (Or maybe “Spelljammer,” if they’re old school like that.)
Doctor Strange #1
Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Jesús Saiz
Variant covers by Gabriele Dell’otto and Chris Bachalo• NEW SPELLS, ALLIES & ENEMIES IN THIS NEW SERIES FROM MARK WAID & JESUS SAIZ!
• SORCERER SUPREME…OF THE GALAXY!
• The Eye of Agamotto is closed! Doctor Stephen Strange has lost his connection to the Earth’s arcane power, and he can’t wait to recover while nightmares press against the seams of our reality. Tony Stark offers a 21st-century solution: When astral travel fails, try astronautical travel. Enter Doctor Strange: Space-Explorer Supreme! New spells, allies and enemies – new and old – await Strange beyond the stars, along with corners and secrets of the Marvel Universe seen here for the first time! Space is endless, but time is short. After years of threats, Stephen’s bill for magic use is coming due – who will come to collect?!
• 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
1. Marvelous Milaje
After the success of the “Black Panther” movie, the Dora Milaje are now a household term. So what better time than now to integrate them more into the Marvel universe? They’re going to team up with the rest of Marvel’s heroes, or at least Spider-Man, and that opens up so much new story potential that I cannot wait to see it explored. Poor Spidey might have trouble keeping up.
Wakanda Forever: Amazing Spider-Man #1
Written by Nnedi Okorafor
Illustrated by Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque
Cover by Tarry Dodson• PART ONE OF A THREE-PART STORY THAT SEES THE DORA MILAJE TEAM UP WITH THE MARVEL U!
• The blockbuster Black Panther film has everyone talking about Wakanda’s best warriors, the fierce Dora Milaje! Now witness the Dora outside of Wakanda – and in Spider-Man’s world! When the Dora catch wind of a Wakandan threat causing trouble in New York, they’ll leap into action – with or without their king. Don’t miss Okoye, Ayo and Aneka on a globe-trotting mission to protect the realm at any cost. WAKANDA FOREVER starts here!
• 40 PGS./ one-shot /Rated T …$4.99
Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.com.
