Soliciting Multiversity now turns its all-seeing eye to our picks for the ten best and most interesting releases from Marvel’s March 2015 solicitations, and o what a mighty month we have here, although a strangely collection heavy one for this reader. Gone are the David Awards, however, retired after a one month run as I followed Matt’s illustrious work up on the column.
Take a look at my picks below, and please share your favorite releases and thoughts in the comments.
10. A New Team, A New Chapter
While I’m sure everyone can agree that the Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey section of the series has been the highlight so far, I have to say, I love that Marvel’s rotating teams on the regular on “Moon Knight”. I’m sure part of that is by design and part by necessity, but giving each creative team five or six issues to do their thing and get out is a fun way to tell a story and a great fit for the fractured mind of Marc Spector.
I have no experience with Ackins, but from what I’ve seen of his work it looks great, and pairing him with Bunn could be very interesting. I’m intrigued.
MOON KNIGHT #13
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Penciled by RON ACKINS
COVER BY DECLAN SHALVEY & JORDIE BELLAIRENEW CREATIVE TEAM!
CULLEN BUNN (DEADPOOL KILLOGY) and RON ACKINS (UNCANNY X-MEN SPECIAL) join JORDIE BELLAIRE on MOON KNIGHT! After the shocking events of MOON KNIGHT #12, Marc Spector is left picking up the pieces of what’s left of his life. Don’t miss this new exciting chapter of MOON KNIGHT!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
9. Wait, This Collection is HOW MUCH?!
First, peruse the solicit.
MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS: BATTLEWORLD BOX SET SLIPCASE
Get the complete legacy of Marvel’s SECRET WARS saga in this action-packed, eleven-volume box set! Featuring the original heroes-vs.-villains showdown on the Beyonder’s Battleworld, the big B’s journey to Earth and the line-wide crossover that ensued, Nick Fury’s highly hush-hush Secret War, and more! All the tie-ins, follow-ups and alternate takes — including a Spidey-centric look at the first Secret Wars, the wildest Thing adventure of all time, and a rematch of good and evil as a very different group get whisked to Battleworld! Plus: an entire volume full of all the special features we could find, as well as a poster showcasing Alex Ross’ sublime version of the iconic cover to SECRET WARS #1! This is one box set that goes above and Beyonder! Includes MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS: TO BATTLEWORLD AND BACK PREMIERE HC, MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS PREMIERE HC, THING: BATTLEWORLD PREMIERE HC, SECRET WARS II VOL. 1 PREMIERE HC, SECRET WARS II VOL. 2 PREMIERE HC, SECRET WARS II VOL. 3 PREMIERE HC, SECRET WARS II VOL. 4 PREMIERE HC, MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS AFTERMATH PREMIERE HC, SECRET WAR PREMIERE HC, BEYOND THE SECRET WARS PREMIERE HC, MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS: BEHIND THE SCENES PREMIERE HC; POSTER.
Rated T+ …$500.00
Yeah, that’s a hell of a lot of things in the collection, and the slipcase sure is pretty, but $500?!?! Are you out of your mind, Marvel?! I’m genuinely curious as to how many retailers will order something like this if only because the cost. I have a bit of nostalgia in my heart for the original “Secret Wars”, but there is no way in hell I’d buy this collection for $500. Would any of you? I am genuinely curious, but I feel like Marvel is batty for thinking that this might sell well.
8. The Most Unexpected Reprints of the Month go to…
Co-winner #1!
Continued belowWEIRDWORLD TPB
Written by DOUG MOENCH
Penciled by MIKE PLOOG, PAT BRODERICK & JOHN BUSCEMA
Cover by DAVE COCKRUMWelcome to Weirdworld, a land of legend and lore! Meet Tyndall, a lost elf on a dangerous quest — to the heart of evil and beyond! One that will unite him with the beautiful Velanna, and forge an alliance for the ages. Together with grumpy dwarf Mud-Butt, these warriors of the shadow realm will brave the City of Seven Dark Delights, face the fallen god Darklens and meet the Dragonmaster of Klarn. But will they ever find their way home? From the mind of Doug Moench, and brought to life with incredible artwork by such talents as Mike Ploog and John Buscema, comes a far-out fantasy masterpiece in the mighty Marvel manner! Collecting material from MARVEL PREMIERE #38, MARVEL SUPER ACTION (1976) #1, MARVEL FANFARE (1982) #24-26, MARVEL SUPER SPECIAL #11-13, and EPIC ILLUSTRATED #9 and #11-13.
312 PGS./Rated T+ …$34.99
And co-winner #2!
SKULL THE SLAYER TPB
Written by MARV WOLFMAN, STEVE ENGLEHART & BILL MANTLO
Penciled by STEVE GAN, SAL BUSCEMA & ERNIE CHAN
Cover by GIL KANEIt’s Lost meets The Land That Time Forgot when an airplane and all its passengers are transported to a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs, primitives and aliens! But for one man, this journey into prehistory is a chance to seize his destiny — and become the hero he always wanted to be! In our world, Vietnam veteran Jim Scully is a wanted man, accused of his own brother’s murder. But in this wild new land, he becomes — Skull the Slayer! With fellow passengers to protect, dinosaurs to hunt and alien mysteries to uncover, Skull finds himself on a voyage through the ages — courtesy of the mysterious Time Tower! Prepare for an epic tale of life and death, culminating in a titanic team-up with the Fantastic Four’s Thing and Mr. Fantastic! Collecting SKULL THE SLAYER #1-8 and MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #35-36.
192 PGS./Rated T …$24.99
If it was any other time, these would seem really oddly placed in March’s solicits, but with Secret Wars coming and Weirdworld being part of its Battleworld, I have to imagine at least the former is being reprinted because – against all odds – it’s connected to Hickman and Marvel’s plans for next year’s event, and probably both of them. Either way, these are surprising reprints from some talented creators that look really, really weird. There has to be a reason why they’re being reprinted, though.
7. Another Unexpected Reprinting That’s Welcomed with Open Arms
Now this is something I’ve always wanted to read.
SKRULLS MUST DIE! — THE COMPLETE SKRULL KILL KREW TPB
Written by GRANT MORRISON, MARK MILLAR, DAN SLOTT, CHRISTOS GAGE & ADAM FELBER
Penciled by STEVE YEOWELL, STEFANO CASELLI, HARVEY TOLIBAO, STEVE KURTH, PAULO SIQUEIRA & MARK ROBINSON
Cover by MARK BROOKSRemember those Skrulls that Reed Richards brainwashed into living out their lives as cows? Good thing nobody ever slaughtered those cattle for beef, right? Uh-oh. When Skrull meat enters the food chain, the maddest cow disease of all gives an unlucky few shape-changing powers, a fatal illness — and a thirst for vengeance. They may be dying, but they ain’t going down alone! From the minds of Grant Morrison and Mark Millar, the Skrull Kill Krew wages violent warfare on all pointy-eared, green aliens hiding on Earth! And when the Skrulls launch their Secret Invasion, the Krew’s bloody mission becomes more important than ever — but what happens when one of them starts to sympathize with their victims? Collecting SKRULL KILL KREW (1995) #1-5, AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #16-19, SKRULL KILL KREW (2009) #1-5 and material from DARK REIGN: NEW NATION #1.
352 PGS./Rated T+ …$34.99
While I’ve read the “Avengers: The Initiative” stuff from “Secret Invasion” (which was a lot of fun), I’ve always wanted to read the Morrison, Millar and Yeowell mini, which looked like a hell of a lot of fun. And this is a great value, relative to usual Marvel collections, as it gives you 15 comics for $34.99. That’s a lot of reading for not that much money.
As with a lot of things on this list, though, I have to imagine this is somehow related to Battleworld. There’s no real obvious reason for reprinting these books save for preparing people for what’s next, and if that means more of the Kill Krew, I’m in.
6. A Book I’ve Always Wanted to Read is Collected in Full
I’ve always heard really good things about “Damage Control”, the comic from Dwayne McDuffie and an array of talented artists like Kyle Baker and Salva Espin that shows who cleans up the mess after the heroes and villains destroy it in their battles. Now, I’ll have an opportunity to read it, as Marvel’s collecting it all (17 issues!) in a collection of relatively good value.
I’ve always loved the concept, as it just seemed like a really funny and logical spin on the traditional superhero comic idea – what happens to a city after it’s destroyed? – and I’ve heard nothing but great things about it. I’m all in on this sweet puppy, I must say.
Continued belowDAMAGE CONTROL: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION TPB
Written by DWAYNE MCDUFFIE
Penciled by ERNIE COLON, KYLE BAKER & SALVA ESPINGalactus ate your apartment building? Call Damage Control. The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier crashed on your car? Call Damage Control. Aliens destroyed Manhattan…again? Call DAMAGE CONTROL! Meet the Marvel Universe’s No. 1 clean-up crew, the guys and gals with the bulldog badge who work tirelessly to put New York back together after every super-hero battle — from giant robots, to the devastation wreaked by the Acts of Vengeance, to the coming of the cosmic clean-freak Edifice Rex! Not disastrous enough? How about their biggest challenges to date: Dr. Doom’s unpaid bill and the aftermath of World War Hulk! Collecting DAMAGE CONTROL (1989A) #1-4, DAMAGE CONTROL (1989B) #1-4, DAMAGE CONTROL (1991) #1-4, WWH AFTERSMASH: DAMAGE CONTROL #1-3, and material from MARVEL AGE ANNUAL #4 and MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (1988) #19.
376 PGS./Rated T+ …$34.99
Bonus points if Damage Control somehow plays a part in Battleworld. If anyone could capitalize on a Secret Wars event, it would be Damage Control. Cross your fingers, everyone!
5. The Comic You Have to Buy If You’ve Never Read It
The 1990’s are often lamented for being a really crappy time in comics, and sometimes that’s fair. There were a lot bad comics in the 90’s.
But there were a lot of good ones too, and as far as superhero comics go, Peter David’s work on “Hulk” was amongst the very best. And the best of all of that was “Future Imperfect”, a two-issue mini-series David did with George Perez that finds the modern era Hulk being sent to the future to save the world from a monster named Maestro, who was a much older, much stronger and much more ruthless version of himself. Back in David’s run, the Hulk was both strong and smart, and he was a very fascinating character because of it. Maestro was the corruption of everything David worked towards in his run, and between David’s brilliant ideas and expansive ideas of the future and Perez’s wonderfully detailed art, this is an underrated classic.
PLUS, this collection works in the incredible “Hulk: The End” one-shot that finds David returning to the character with Dale Keown on art, as the Hulk and Banner walks the Earth long after humanity’s time has ended, with only each other left to torment one another. It’s a heartbreaking and brilliant story, and it’s a fitting coda to the Future Imperfect story even if it isn’t really a part of it. You should really buy this.
HULK: FUTURE IMPERFECT TPB (NEW PRINTING)
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by GEORGE PEREZ & DALE KEOWN
Cover by DALE KEOWNThe Hulk has seen the future…and it is murder. Beloved Hulk writer Peter David brings readers two classic dystopian tales of earth-shaking impact. Both stories find the Hulk at the end of the Earth — and at the end of his rope! In “Future Imperfect,” the Hulk is the last super power in a post-apocalyptic Earth, ruling with an iron fist as the wicked Maestro. But summoned from the past by a small band of rebels is perhaps the only being who can stand against him! And in “The End,” the green-skinned titan walks alone through a wasted and barren land — and must confront the one who is easily his ultimate nemesis! These two tales of the end times surely rank among the classics in Marvel history! Collecting HULK: FUTURE IMPERFECT #1-2 and INCREDIBLE HULK: THE END.
160 PGS./Rated T+ …$19.99
4. The Collection of the Month is Here
While not as good as its predecessor, “Annihilation: Conquest”, I am happy to confirm, still pretty much rules. This Omnibus collects all of that event and the surrounding minis that worked with it into one I’m sure to be lovely bundle, and it’s well worth a purchase if you were a fan of the series or have never read it.
It is worth nothing that this is effectively the first appearance of the modern Guardians of the Galaxy team as well, so if any Omnibus might end up being worth a pretty penny in the future, one that collects Rocket and Groot’s first time together as BFF’s would do it. Also, that Star Lord mini is the cat’s pajamas anyways, so, you know, buy it for that reason.
Continued belowANNIHILATION: CONQUEST OMNIBUS HC
Written by DAN ABNETT, ANDY LANNING, KEITH GIFFEN, CHRISTOS GAGE & JAVIER GRILLO-MARXUACH
Penciled by SEAN CHEN, BRIAN DENHAM, WELLINTON ALVES, PAUL PELLETIER, MIKE PERKINS, TIMOTHY GREEN II, MIKE LILLY, KYLE HOTZ & TOM RANEY
Cover by ALEKSI BRICLOTIn the aftermath of the Annihilation War, a devastated galaxy struggles to rebuild. The Nova Corps is destroyed, leaving only Richard Rider. Who will rise to guard the galaxy from the threat of Ultron? When the Kree homeworld is invaded by the techno-organic Phalanx, Star-Lord must lead a ragtag team into battle behind enemy lines with a lineup that includes Mantis, Bug, Groot and Rocket Raccoon! Meanwhile, the new Quasar seeks a mysterious savior — and Nova and Gamora are taken over by the Phalanx! Who is the haunted loner called Wraith? Can the New Mutants’ Warlock free Nova? And what are Ultron and the Phalanx really after? Collecting NOVA (2007) #1-12 and ANNUAL #1, ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST PROLOGUE #1, ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST — STAR-LORD #1-4, ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST — QUASAR #1-4, ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST — WRAITH #1-4, ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST #1-6 and ANNIHILATION SAGA.
872 PGS./Rated T+ …$125.00 ISBN: 978-0-7851-9270-1
3. Princess Leia gets her well deserved close up
Lost in all of the hoopla about millions of copies selling is one simple, promising fact: these Star Wars books have a pretty good chance at being good. The Princess Leia book is no different, as it finds writer Mark Waid and art team The Dodson’s partnering to deliver a story that should give Leia the spotlight she very well deserves.
Not only that, but the story sounds very worthwhile, as it’s about Leia coming of age as a leader in the wake of the destruction of Alderaan. It’s a story that hasn’t been told before, I don’t believe, but it’s certainly one I’m interested in reading, especially with this duo involved. Let’s do this, team.
PRINCESS LEIA #1-2 (of 5)
Written by MARK WAID
Penciled by TERRY DODSON
ISSUE #1 – Teaser Variant COVER by JOHN CASSADAY
CONNECTING VARIANT COVER C BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
SKETCH VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
VARIANT COVER BY MARK BROOKS
YOUNG VARIANT BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
ACTION FIGURE VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
VARIANT COVER BY BILL SIENKIEWICZ
MOVIE VARIANT COVER
BLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
ISSUE #2 – VARIANT COVER BY TBAWhen Princess Leia Organa was captured by the Empire as a Rebel spy, she never betrayed her convictions, even in the face of the complete destruction of her home world, Alderaan. When her rescue came, she grabbed a blaster and joined the fight, escaping back to the Rebel Alliance and helping strike the biggest blow against the Empire—the destruction of the Death Star. But in the aftermath of that victory, the question remains…what is a princess without a world? Writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, S.H.I.E.L.D.) and artist Terry Dodson (Avengers & X-Men: Axis, Uncanny X-Men) bring us a story of Leia’s quest to help her people and find her place in the galaxy.
32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T …$3.99 (EACH)
2. I can’t believe it’s real, but I also can’t pass it up
The year is 2014, and in a few months, Chip Zdarsky will be writing a “Howard the Duck” ongoing series.
The year is 2014, and in a few months, Chip Zdarsky will be writing a “Howard the Duck” ongoing series.
The year is 2014, and in a few months, Chip Zdarsky will be writing a “Howard the Duck” ongoing series.
I needed to say that a few times, as I wasn’t sure if I would wake up or the world would end if I mentioned it enough. But it is real, and it’s Zdarsky, it’s Quinones (who is awesome), and it has covers from people like Paul Pope (!!), Skottie Young and Sara Pichelli. The solicit doesn’t really tell us anything except a) it’s probably going to be hilarious, b) it’s going to be very self aware, c) it’s going to be weird, and d) it’s going to be very Zdarsky. I mean, you can see his hands all over this thing, from the cover to the solicit, and I don’t mean that in a sexy way. I don’t think I do at least. I don’t even know what’s happening anymore. All I know is apparently Chip Zdarsky is writing a comic teaming an anthropomorphic duck with Black Cat and facing them off against aliens. Take my money.
Continued belowHOWARD THE DUCK #1
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Penciled by JOE QUINONES
Variant cover by CHIP ZDARSKY
Variant cover by PAUL POPE
YOUNG VARIANT BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
VARIANT COVER BY SARA PICHELLI
Variant COVER BY VAL MAYERIK
Movie Variant cover also available
BLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLEHOT off the pages of the … the post-credits scene at the … the end of a … popular movie … HOWARD THE DUCK is back! Join him as he takes on the weird cases that only a talking duck can crack as the Marvel Universe’s resident private investigator! • Let Sex Criminals’ CHIP ZDARSKY (a writer known mostly as an artist) and JOE QUINONES (an artist known mostly as a lover) guide you through his new world as he takes on THE BLACK CAT and MYSTERIOUS FORCES FROM OUTER SPACE! WAUGH!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
1. This is the Way to Follow Up on a Legendary Team
Following up on Matt Fraction, Dave Aja and Annie Wu’s run is going to be tough sledding for anyone, but I think Lemire and Perez can hang. The solicit makes it sound a lot more straightforward of an adventure series than what we saw from the last team, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing if that’s the case. Lemire and Perez need to imbue the book with their personalities, and I think they are very, very capable of doing that. This book has a metric ton of potential, and I’m excited to see how it pans out. If I was a betting man, I’d say it will be a huge success, and you’ll certainly not want to miss it.
ALL-NEW HAWKEYE #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Penciled by RAMON PEREZ
YOUNG VARIANT BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
WOMEN OF MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY AFUA RICHARDSON
VARIANT COVER BY JEFF LEMIRE
BLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLETHE AVENGING ARCHERS ARE BACK! Hawkeye returns in an all-new series featuring superstar writer Jeff Lemire in his Marvel debut and Eisner Award-winning artist Ramon Perez, as they bring you a fresh new look into the life of everyone’s favorite Avenger. With Kate Bishop, his trusted ward and protégé back at his side (not titles she would use), Team Hawkeye is thrown into an all new adventure spanning two generations of avenging archers. Past and present lives collide as Kate and Clint face a threat that will challenge everything they know about what it means to be Hawkeye. But no one puts Hawkeye in a corner. Hawkeye and Hawkeye take aim March 2015!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
That’s it for my look at Marvel’s March solicits. Take a look at Comic Book Resources for the full list, and please, share your favorite releases in the comments.
