There is a lot to look forward to in April. We have not one, but two events with tie-ins galore, not to mention a plethora of “Black Widow” related comics in preparation for the upcoming film. This is the first time in a while that an “Honorable Mention” list would be just as long as the top ten, so let’s see what comics made the cut.
10. The X-over Ends 4 Now
And so, the X-Men/Fantastic Four crossover comes to an end. What will Franklin Richards do? How will this impact the teams’ relationships? We, of course, have no way of knowing, but the event sounded like a fun one from the start, and the conclusion sounds like an epic finish. So let’s see how it all ends, and how this will impact the future of the two series.
X-Men/Fantastic Four #4
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Terry Dodson
Cover by Terry Dodson
Variant covers by Meghan Hetrick and Chris EliopoulosThe exciting finale! On an island of doom, the X–Men and Fantastic Four fight to save the future! Lines will be drawn in the sand and enemies will be made, upending the Marvel Universe!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
9. Up to the Task
Taskmaster is a fun character. He’s a great mercenary, and his ability to remember any moves he’s seen makes for some great action. Yet he also has a good character backstory and has built up strong relationships/rivalries with no small amount of Marvel characters. Now he’s getting a mini-series, and I look forward to seeing what Jed Mackay has in store for him.
Taskmaster #1
Written by Jed Mackay
Illustrated by Alessandro Vitti
Cover by Valerio Giangiordano
Variant covers by Nick Bradshaw and Mike HendersonTASKMASTER HAS MURDERED MARIA HILL!
Or at least that’s what the whole world thinks. Now the greatest spies in the business are hunting him down and won’t stop until Taskmaster is dead or clears his own name! Follow JED MACKAY (BLACK CAT) and ALESSANDRO VITTI (SECRET WARRIORS) on a globe–spanning adventure that will send ripples through every corner of the Marvel Universe’s espionage community!
32 PGS ./Rated T+ …$3.99
8. Pack in Action
The various members of the Power Pack have had a surprising amount of action as of late. Between cameos in “Runaways.” leading roles on “Future Foundation,” and that one time they were the Punisher Pack, we’re seeing a resurgence of Marvel’s once-youngest heroes. Now they’re back for the “Outlawed” event, and best of all, written by Ryan North. How could anyone miss this?
Power Pack #1
Written by Ryan North
Illustrated by Nico Leon
Cover by Ryan Stegman
Variant cover by Eduard PetrovichPower Pack is back! Katie, Julie, Jack and Alex Power have been super-heroing since they were learning to tie their own shoes. It’s been ages since they fought side by side as a family, but a special occasion — and an old grudge — is about to put the gang back together. There’s just one teeny tiny hiccup: a brand–new law restricting underage super heroes! But surely, if the fate of all New York City is at stake, the powers that be will make an exception? Keep your fingers crossed as the Power siblings fight for their right to save the world!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
7. Brains…
“Marvel Zombies,” much like zombies themselves, is a franchise that just won’t stay dead. Now it’s back from the graves again, with a new series with all the familiar zombie madness. In fact, we’re getting two “Marvel Zombie” comics this month, so those who love seeing their heroes as undead will be happy for all the new mayhem this brings.
Continued belowMarvel Zombies: Resurrection #1
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Illustrated by Leonard Kirk
Cover by Inhyuk Lee
Variant covers by Logan Lubera, Peach Momoko, Rian Gonzales, Stephanie Hans, Greg Land, Patch ZircherTHE MARVEL ZOMBIES RISE AGAIN!
When the corpse of Galactus reaches planet Earth carrying a cannibalistic virus, Spider–Man and a ragtag group of heroes struggle to save survivors and uncover the truth!
56 PGS./Parental Advisory …$5.99
6. I, Spy
Black Widow is getting plenty of new comics as well, in no small part to build hype for the upcoming movie. Even the new “Taskmaster” comic is likely due to his role in the film. Kelly Thompson is writing the “Black Widow” comic, and I cannot wait to see what she brings to the comic. The fact that it’s set in my side of the country is a nice touch as well, but no matter what coast you’re on, it’ll be a comic to check out.
Black Widow #1
Written by Kelly Thompson
Illustrated by Elena Casagrande
Cover by Adam Hughes
Variant covers by Travis Charest, Gerald Parel, J. Scott Campbell, and NetEase GamesKELLY THOMPSON. BLACK WIDOW. ‘NUFF SAID!
Best-selling, Eisner–nominated writer Kelly Thompson (CAPTAIN MARVEL, STAR) and rising star artist Elena Casagrande (Catwoman) launch a new BLACK WIDOW series that changes everything! Natasha Romanoff has been a spy almost as long as she’s been alive. And she’s never stopped running, whether she was working for the good guys…or the bad. But Natasha’s world is about to be upended. Beyond San Francisco’s Golden Gate lies a mystery that only the Marvel Universe’s greatest spy can solve. Don’t miss the heartbreaking thrill ride of 2020!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
5. We’ll Keep on Fighting ’Til the End
The “Outlawed” event is causing ripples for all the young heroes, from the Power Pack to the New Warriors. Naturally, that means the Champions are involved. Even though the “Champions” ongoing is over, the team is still active. How will the teen heroes act when teen heroism is outlawed? Between this and all the individual stories tying in to the comic event, it should be quite the story for anyone who loves these young characters. While I am hoping we’ll get to see the extended team in action as well, focusing on the core members is good too.
Champions #1
Written by Eve L. Ewing
Illustrated by Simone Di Meo
Cover by Toni Infante
Variant covers by Pasqual Ferry and Simone Di MeoTHE CHAMPIONS RETURN IN TROUBLED TIMES!
A law is passed that goes against everything Ms. Marvel, Nova and Spider–Man founded the Champions for…But the world still needs heroes, even if the world doesn’t want them right now.
After Ms. Marvel makes an unexpected and emotional announcement that her team won’t go down without a fight, a group of teen vigilantes gathers to plan their next move. But the C.R.A.D.L.E. task force is hot on their trail, and there’s a spy in their midst…
Eve L. Ewing (IRONHEART, OUTLAWED) and Simone Di Meo (IMMORTAL HULK: THE BEST DEFENSE and VENOM: ACTS OF EVIL) team up for a dramatic new era of Champions that will define Marvel’s teen heroes for years to come!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
4. Truly Fantastic
Another event kicking off this month is “Empyre,” which draws in all the big teams. In addition to the Avengers, the Fantastic Four will be involved to no small extent. So what happens when the main four are up in space? We get substitute members! And who better than Spider-Man and Wolverine? Yes, the Fantastic Four have had plenty of members rotating in and out over the years, but it’s always fun to see who becomes a part of the team and how they bounce off each other.
Fantastic Four #21
Written by Dan Slott
Illustrated by Sean Izaakse
Cover by Nick Bradshaw
Variant covers by Patch Zircher & TBAEMPYRE TIE–IN!
With the Fantastic Four neck–deep in the menace in space, who can Powerhouse and Brainstorm call upon to deal with the crisis down on Earth? Only Spider–Man and Wolverine, of course!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
3. The Children Shall Inherit
Things with the X-titles are not slowing down any time soon. In fact, things are only getting more interesting. “Children of the Atom” introduces several characters with a mix of familiar mutant powers, but certainly not in any combinations we’d expect. Are these the chimera mutants from “Powers of X?” Probably. But that doesn’t make it any less exciting!
Continued belowChildren of the Atom #1
Written by Vita Ayala
Illustrated by Bernard Chang
Cover by R.B. Silva
Variant covers by Jim Lee, Todd Nauck, Bernard Chang, and Tom MullerWHEN DID THE X–MEN GET SIDEKICKS?!
Now! Don’t miss the debut of the greatest teenage super hero team of all time! They’ve learned from the best, now they’re ready to be put to the test! But who the heck are these kids, and where do they come from? Guest-starring the X–Men!
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
2. King of Two Worlds
Let’s talk about Hulkling. Way back in “Young Avengers,” we learned about his true parentage and destiny as son of Kree and Skrull. Then, years later, he got a space sword. Then nothing happened for a time. But finally it’s all coming to fruition in “Empyre.” So let’s catch up with Hulkling, see what the heck he’s doing, and get a little look at his character’s mindscape in this new event.
Also, that is a fantastic cover.
Lords of Empyre: Emperor Hulkling #1
Written by Chip Zdarsky & Anthony Oliveira
Illustrated by Manuel Garcia
Cover by Pat Gleason
Variant covers by Luciano Vecchio, Jen Bartel, and Jeff DekalDESTINY FULFILLED!
The child of the Kree hero Mar-Vell and Skrull Princess Anelle, Dorrek VIII — known on Earth as “Teddy” — has spent years evading the clutches of both bloodthirsty empires. But now fate has caught up to him. The Kree and Skrull worlds are aligned — and only a man born of both can lead them. But what has led Hulkling to abandon Earth and the Avengers he’s fought beside? And what will become of his fiancé, the hero Wiccan? Star writers Chip Zdarsky and Anthony Oliveira team up with artist Manual Garcia for a can’t-miss one-shot!
40 pages/ONE–SHOT/ Rated T+ …$4.99
1. The Empyre Strikes
And so it begins. The “Empyre” event kicks off, with both the Avengers and Fantastic Four working together to stop the full forces of the Kree and Skrull. Why is Hulkling leading this invasion? How will it be repelled? We shall see, because cosmic events are always epic. With all the comics connecting to the event this month (I could probably fill the top ten list with “Empyre” tie-ins alone) it’s got a lot going for it.
Empyre #1
Written by Al Ewing & Dan Slott
Illustrated by Valerio Schiti
Cover by Jim Cheung
Variant covers by Alexander Lozano, Michael Cho, Tony Daniel, David Finch, and Jim CheungThe Kree and the Skrulls have united under a new emperor – and their war fleet is on a collision course for our world.
On the moon, the Avengers are ready to strike with the full power of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Approaching from outer space, the Fantastic Four are seeking a diplomatic solution.
If the two teams can’t work together to save the day, things can only get worse…
56 pGs./Rated T+…$5.99
Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.com.
