“Empyre” is well underway in May, so we’ve got plenty of tie-ins to look forward to. More than that, we’ve got plenty of ongoings that are picking up intensity or introducing exciting new elements. What can we expect in the very merry month of May from Marvel? Let’s find out.
10. Who Do You Think I Am?
Juggernaut is another character that’s bounced around on the good/evil spectrum more than a few times. Sometimes an enemy of the X-Men, sometimes an ally, always an unstoppable force. (Not counting the time Colossus was also the Juggernaut. That was a thing.) So it’s about time for him to return with his own ongoing series, especially in the wake of Krakoa. What role will Juggernaut have in this brave new X-world? It will be fun to find out.
Juggernaut #1
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Illustrated by Ron Garney
Cover by Geoff Shaw
Variant covers by Nick Bradshaw, Werner Roth, and Skottie YoungREADY OR ‘NAUT, HERE HE COMES!
A mystic gem. A force of overwhelming power. Nothing can stop the Juggernaut. Except himself. Another building falls. Cain Marko is done letting others pick up the pieces of the things he’s destroyed. Renowned X-scribe Fabian Nicieza (X-FORCE, DEADPOOL) and celebrated artist Ron Garney (CAPTAIN AMERICA, DAREDEVIL) team up to take the unstoppable in a new bold new direction!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
9. The Devil You Know
Chip Zdarsky has been on a roll with the “Daredevil” comics of late, bringing a compelling and emotionally-driven story for every character he uses. One arc comes to an end, and another one begins. Daredevil is back in the red suit, but new enemies arise and Matt continues to deal with emotional and philosophical dilemmas. So basically: a new chapter in an already excellent ongoing. You’ll hear no complaints from me.
Dardevil #21
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Marco Checchetto
Cover by Marco ChecchettoBACK IN RED! ”TRUTH/DARE” STARTS HERE!
THE BATTLE MAY BE OVER, but the WAR is far from finished! After the shocking events of DAREDEVIL #20, CHIP ZDARSKY reunites with MARCO CHECCHETTO to begin the next chapter of their definitive DAREDEVIL saga: HELL AND BACK.
For weeks, Hell’s Kitchen has been a lawless neighborhood thanks to the Stromwyn siblings, but as the police are finally able to resume their patrols, they’re quick to find that they aren’t the only ones interested in keeping the Kitchen safe.
Meanwhile, as Matt Murdock continues to struggle with how best to appease his sense of justice after the events of the past several weeks, a familiar enemy takes root in Hell’s Kitchen…
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
8. More Marvelous
“Marvel” is an engaging look at the world of superheroes, backed up by the fantastic artwork of Alex Ross. He’s bringing on a whole team of writers and artists to look at more Marvel characters, including fan-favorites like Rocket Raccoon. Yes, we’re getting more snapshots of Marvel’s finest, and that alone is worthy of a spot on this list. “Marvel” continues to be, well, marvelous.
Marvel #3
Written by Alex Ross, Steve Darnall, Alan Weiss, Bill Sienkiewicz, Scott Gustafson, Ryan Heshka
Illustrated by Alex Ross, Alan Weiss, Bill Sienkiewicz, Scott Gustafson, Ryan Heshka
Cover by Alex RossA quartet of visions of life throughout the Marvel Universe, curated by Alex Ross! Alan Weiss presents a lost tale of Namor the Sub-Mariner! The techno-organic Warlock lives again in a story by Bill Sienkiewicz! Scott Gustafson presents a look into the life of Rocket Raccoon! And the Golden Age Black Widow chooses a mate in a story by Ryan Heshka! All wrapped in an epic ongoing adventure by Alex Ross and Steve Darnall!
40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99
7. Kree vs Krakoa?
Of course the X-Men wouldn’t be left out of an event like “Empyre,” even over on Krakoa. Wait, this takes place in Genosha? And there are mutant zombies? That sounds just insane enough to be brilliant, and it’s not without foreshadowing either. So whatever Jonathan and Tini have in mind for us, I am very eager to see it play out.
Continued belowEmpyre: X-Men #1
Written by Jonathan Hickman and Tini Howard
Illustrated by Matteo Buffagni
Cover by Mike McKone
Variant cover by Esad RibicPlant people from outer space have come to Earth and, wouldn’t you know it, they just happen to be here when millions of mutants rise as undead creatures hungry for human flesh. The X-Men return to Genosha in a tale so crazy, it’s taking the entire writing crew of the X-Men line to tackle it!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
6. The Savage Sword of Venom
While “Savage Avengers” is currently less an Avengers team and more “Conan Meets the Marvel Universe,” that is still perfectly fine by me. Now Conan gets to participate in his first full-fledged Marvel event, and what better way to kick it off than by having him fight aliens? Actually, I think we can make it a little better by adding Venom into the mix. It’s going to be some good bloody fun.
Empyre: Savage Avengers #1
Written by Gerry Duggan
Illustrated by Greg Smallwood
Cover by Greg SmallwoodIn South America, Conan finds himself enslaved – which is typically bad news for those attempting to do the enslaving! But these enslavers come from beyond the stars, and they’ve got a singular and grisly end in store for the Cimmerian – one that only Venom can help him avoid!
40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99
5. J’accuse!
So with “Empyre” approaching, surely Captain Marvel will prove herself an ally of humanity by opposing the- wait, she’s the Supreme Accuser now? This is new and very interesting. Throw in a moral dilemma about doing her duty vs doing what’s right, topped off with Kelly Thompson’s always on point writing, and I see no reason why anyone should miss this issue.
Captain Marvel #18
Written by Kelly Thompson
Illustrated by Cory Smith
Cover by Jorge Molina
Variant cover by Dan MoraCAPTAIN MARVEL IS THE SUPREME ACCUSER!
In the throes of war, Carol finds herself with a bold new role – and a brand-new weapon – the Universal Weapon, in fact. When a Kree soldier bombs a unified city of the Empire, Emperor Hulkling sends his new Accuser to bring down the swift and necessary hammer of justice. But what at first seems like a relatively simple directive will end up challenging Carol on a personal level she had never imagined.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
4. Tony’s Back? Alright
One of the major plot threads of “Tony Stark: Iron Man” was whether or not our protagonist really was Tony Stark, or just a computer simulation of Tony. In the end, he concluded that he wasn’t the real Tony Stark and joined the robot resistance. Now it seems like the actual Tony may or may not be back – whether it’s the old Tony brought back to life in another way or the simulation Tony realizing that we’re all just data in meat suits anyways, it’ll be nice to see him back in action and sticking it to Arno.
Iron Man 2020 #5
Written by Dan Slott and Christos Gage
Illustrated by Pete Woods
Cover by Pete Woods
Variant covers by Mico Suayan, Simone Bianchi, Ron Lim, SuperlogTony Stark is back! But is this the REAL Tony? How is that possible?! Where did that all-new armor come from?! WHAT’S GOING ON?!
There’s no time to explain, human. Just know this: It’s STARK VS. STARK ROUND 2, as Tony takes on Arno…in SPACE!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
3. Pow! Bam! Straight to the Moon.
One of the best things about Jason Aaron’s run on “Avengers” is the different places the comic goes to throughout the Marvel universe. They’ve gone to Hell, to space, and everywhere in-between. Now, a new Moon Knight-centric arc kicks off and everything goes Egyptian. Avengers versus mummies? Yes please. And in the name of the moon, this comic should be great.
Continued belowAvengers #34
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by Javier Garrón
Cover by Matteo ScaleraTHE AGE OF KHONSHU!
An empowered, godlike Moon Knight has just saved the world from fiery ruin. Now an army of mummies and moon priests begins to reshape the world in the image of ancient Egypt. But where does that leave the Avengers? Broken, imprisoned, or on the run in the moonlit streets of New Thebes City.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
2. RIP?
With Krakoa’s resurrection protocols, any mutant can be killed and brought back with very little narrative difficulty. Yet that has the side effect of robbing many scenes of their risk or emotional weight. Is there really a major risk if anyone who dies can come back a few issues later? Gerry Duggan worked around this by putting Kate Pryde’s status on Krakoa in question; if she can’t pass through the gates, can she be revived like the others? It seems we’ll have to find out now, and from the cover and solicit, it sounds as though the answer might be… no.
But then again, this is a comic book, so I’d give it even chances of being a dramatic misdirect. Kate has never been so cool as she’s been in “Marauders,” I’d hate to see that cut short.
Marauders #11
Written by Gerry Duggan
Illustrated by Stefano Caselli
Cover by Russell DautermanTHE QUEEN IS DEAD!
The Marauders…the Hellfire Trading Company…all of Krakoa is reeling from the death of Kate Pryde.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
1. Even More Marvelous
This has a lengthy solicit, but I feel it properly summarizes all the reasons why we should be excited about this comic. It looks at the wide range of the Marvel universe, from the cosmic to the mundane, and focuses on several beloved characters. It’ll also be the debut of two new characters, so I look forward to seeing who will be next to join the comic. Not to mention the creative team they have behind it is fantastic. If “The Marvels” is half as exciting as the solicit makes it sound, it will be a must-read.
The Marvels #1
Written by Kurt Busiek
Illustrated by Yildiray Cinar
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant covers by Carlos Pacheco, Steve Epting, Bill SienkiewiczALL-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.
