And so it is, that we’ve come to the end of our solicitation journey for another month. Join me as I look what Marvel has to offer and decide what is worth looking at and talking about, as if I was some kind of expert or something. I’m clearly not.
For Marvel’s full offerings in January, please see yourself to the Resource of Comic Books.
10. The Revolutionary War Kicks Off
If you ask me, I think Marvel is about to pull a huge gamble. Why? Well, because how well do non-conventional event books starring characters many people are unfamiliar with usually do? Not well at all.
But, if you ask me, I think that’s what makes this genius. Sure, I’ve not heard of every character here, and sure, those that I have heard of and am a fan of do admittedly fall into the category of “Fringe” or “Niche” characters. But, with this series, I think Marvel is showing a clear investment in their forgotten line of UK heroes (did you know there used to be a Marvel UK? Because many have forgotten) and they’ve picked an amazing line-up of creators to bring these characters back, at least for this event.
It has a lot of potential, is what I’m saying.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR: ALPHA #1
ANDY LANNING AND ALAN COWSILL (W) • RICH ELSON (A)
Cover by MARK BROOKS
Variant Cover by TBD
Part 1 of “Revolutionary War”
• Marvel UK’s greatest heroes come together for the first time in 20 years to face a threat that could destroy the world.
• Featuring Captain Britain, Pete Wisdom, Death’s Head II, Motormouth and Killpower, the Warheads and a host of British heroes.
32 PGS./ ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$3.99REVOLUTIONARY WAR: DARK ANGEL #1
KIERON GILLEN (W) • DIETRICH SMITH (A)
Cover by MARK BROOKS
Variant Cover by Salvador Larroca
Part 2 of “Revolutionary War”
• When Shevaun Haldane experiences a troubling vision in Darkmoor Castle, she realizes danger may be coming for the heroes of Marvel UK.
• With time running out, Shevaun has no choice but to suit up as Dark Angel once again.
• An adventure that will take fans through the past, present, and future of Marvel UK!
32 PGS./ ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$3.99REVOLUTIONARY WAR: KNIGHTS OF PENDRAGON #1
ROB WILLIAMS (W) • SIMON COLEBY (A)
Cover by MARK BROOKS
Variant Cover by TBD
Part 3 of “Revolutionary War”
• A corporate deep-mining setup unearths an old MYS-TECH base, where magical cloning experiments have been taking place.
• What mysteries or monsters are waiting in Britain’s subterranean bones?
• Featuring fan-favorite Marvel UK characters Dai Thomas, Pete Wisdom, and Union Jack!
32 PGS./ ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$3.99
9. The Avengers Get Bigger-er
The last thing in the world we need is another Avengers title, but when you put Hickman and Spencer and Caselli on a book it’s at least justified for a little. It’s an interesting idea for a tertiary title, one that could develop into quite an adventure and companion book over time. While Hickman is doing his thing over in “Avengers” and “New Avengers,” I’d say it is definitely worth checking out what Spencer and Caselli are cooking up here.
Continued belowAVENGERS WORLD #1
JONATHAN HICKMAN & NICK SPENCER (W)
STEFANO CASELLI (A)
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Wraparound Variant by Arthur Adams
Wraparound Sketch Variant by Arthur Adams
Variant Cover by Milo Manara
Young Variant by Skottie Young
Animal Variant by TBD
Deadpool Variant by TBD
Blank Cover also Available
“TROUBLE MAP”
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have returned from the stars– but on the world they left behind, new threats have emerged, and The Avengers will be tested like never before. In one cataclysmic day, the face of the Marvel Universe will change forever– and the fight for Earth’s future will begin. A globe-spanning epic of empires and armies, and the brave few who stand between them and us.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
8. I Would Like To See This Succeed
The title says it all — I would very much like this title to succeed. I think if Marvel is lacking for anything, its major ongoings starring female characters. It’s clear they want to change that with announced Elektra and She-Hulk books on the way, as well as the return of Captain Marvel, but Black Widow had a starring role in their big blockbuster Avengers film. If anyone deserves her own book right now, it’s her.
Lets hope that they make it worthwhile. And lets hope this is the beginning of change, as I had heard that one time.
BLACK WIDOW #1
NATHAN EDMONDSON (W) • PHIL NOTO (A/C)
Variant Cover by J. Scott Campbell
Sketch variant by J. Scott Campbell
Variant Cover by Milo Manara
Young Variant by Skottie Young
Blank Variant Also Available
“The Finely Woven Thread”
You’ve seen Black Widow as an Avenger and even an Agent of Shield. But on her own time she searches for atonement for her past as a KGB assassin—in ways of which those teams just wouldn’t approve. From the darkest corners of the Marvel Universe, Nathan Edmonson (Who is Jake Ellis?) and Phil Noto (Thunderbolts, X-23) bring you a new ongoing series as gorgeous and mysterious as Nastasha Romanov herself!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
7. ‘Nuff said?
THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #18
JASON AARON (W) • DAS PASTORAS (A)
Cover by ESAD RIBIC
• A tale of Young Thor, in the age of the Vikings. Here be a dragon. ‘Nuff said.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Yeah, OK. ‘Nuff said.
6. Robinson Arrives
We’re all rather big fans of James Robinson ’round these parts, so to see him leave DC was devastating (especially for some). But to see him show up at Marvel, and to be writing a book that is perfectly in his wheelhouse of reinvigorating classic characters? Yeah. Ok. I’ll bite.
ALL-NEW INVADERS #1
JAMES ROBINSON (W) • STEVE PUGH (A)
Cover by MUKESH SINGH
Variant Cover by John Cassaday
Sketch Variant by John Cassaday
Design Variant by TBD
Young Variant by Skottie Young
Blank Variant also Available
“GODS AND SOLDIERS” PART ONE
• Eisner Award winner James Robinson (STARMAN, EARTH 2) returns to MARVEL, uniting with Steve Pugh (ANIMAL MAN, HOTWIRE, GEN-X) to create a unique, modern day take on the INVADERS.
• The KREE EMPIRE intends to conquer the universe using a weapon that will grant them an army of NORSE GODS.
• It falls to four heroes united by their past—CAPTAIN AMERICA, NAMOR, THE ORIGINAL HUMAN TORCH and the WINTER SOLDIER—who must now face the future and wage war against the Kree to save Earth.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
5. The One Trade You Need To Buy
Ok. Honestly. I’ve gushed about this book enough. Really. I have. Promise.
Just… just trust me on this, OK? It’s one of the best modern day runs I’ve ever read. Grab the Thor by Kieron Gillen Ultimate Collection now, buy this in January, and just trust me.
Continued belowJOURNEY INTO MYSTERY BY KIERON GILLEN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION VOL. 1 TPB
Written by KIERON GILLEN & ROB RODI
Penciled by DOUG BRAITHWAITE, PASQUAL FERRY, RICH ELSON, WHILCE PORTACIO & MITCH BREITWEISER
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
Loki has been reborn as a child, but will he be Asgard’s savior? FEAR ITSELF looms, and the Serpent threatens Earth! The mortals’ only hope is that Thor can fulfill an ancient prophecy, but the plan is doomed to fail without help from young Loki. The former Lord of Lies’ only chance of success is to use all the skills of deceit that made him so hated in his past life. But will the reborn godling find redemption — or damn himself further? And in the war’s aftermath, Nightmare is gathering enough energy to rule the world — and the mother lode is inside Loki’s mind. Aided by an undead handmaiden and a demon puppy, Loki will risk everything on a scheme so crazy, it could only have been hatched by a God of Mischief! Collecting JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY (1952) #622-636 and #626.1.
392 PGS./Rated T+ …$34.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-8557-4
4. The Fast End of an Era
Well, it only lasted 16 issues, but Fraction’s plans for the Fantastic Family are done. Is it a shame? Sure. But it makes sense. Fraction has become busier than ever, and it only makes sense that something would fall by the wayside. I’m sad to see that it is my beloved FF family, but hey, I’m about to be stupid excited for Inhumans anyway so what does it matter.
Plus, if those rumors about who is taking over the book next are true, then we’re all in for a treat anyway.
FANTASTIC FOUR #16
MATT FRACTION & KARL KESEL (W) • RAFF IENCO (A)
Cover by MARK BAGLEY
FINAL ISSUE!
The Fantastic Four are… DOOMED! Dr. Doom has taken on the power of Kang and Annihilus and is supreme ruler of the entire world. Good News: this is in the Doomed Universe. Bad News: our universe is next. The only ones in his way are the Fantastic Four and… the Fantastic Four! The Elemental Eight face off against Doom the Annihilating Conqueror with the fate of infinite realities in the balance! Plus the fate of Old John Storm! All in the fiery finish to the most mind-bending F4 adventure ever!40 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
FF #16
MATT FRACTION & LEE ALLRED (W) • MICHAEL ALLRED (A/C)
Variant Cover by Mike Allred
FINAL ISSUE! – “For All We Have And Are”
• The final showdown. The last FF member standing, Scott Lang goes up against Dr. Doom alone — and everyone knows the Ant can’t. The smackdown of the century.
•Plus an extra ten page bonus of F4/FF goodness co-written by Karl Kesel and the Allreds.
40 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
3. The Return of X-Factor
I’ll admit: this is the last thing I wanted. Honestly, it is; I loved Peter David’s X-Factor run, and when it ended I was excited to see him tackle something new.
…But, I mean, come on — as if I’m not excited about this anyway. It’s Peter David writing X-Factor. How do you say no?
ALL-NEW X-FACTOR #1 & 2
PETER DAVID (W) CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO (A)
CoverS by JARED FLETCHER
ISSUE #1 –
Variant Cover by Salvador Larroca
Sketch Variant by Salvador Larroca
Young Variant by Skottie Young
Blank Cover Also Available
ISSUE #2 –
Variant Cover by J. Scott Campbell
“NOT BRAND X” Parts 1 & 2
X-FACTOR IS BACK…LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Serval Industries, one of the world’s most trusted names in electronics and leader in cutting-edge internet and weapons technology, has just unveiled their newest contribution to society…the All-New X-Factor. Led by mutant mistress of magnetism, Polaris, the team uses its corporate backing for the betterment of society. With her half-brother Quicksilver, notorious thief, Gambit, and more by her side, can Polaris trust that her corporate masters really have good intentions?
32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (EACH)
2. Inhumans FINALLY Begins
OH, here it is! Ok. Now we’re talking! I am glad that there is no extended “Inhumanity” mini-series to pick-up (one-shots and tie-ins are fine, including one I’ll mention in a moment), but a whole Inhumans ongoing with Fraction and Joe Mad? Yup. Yup, I’ll take it. Been waiting for this to get solicited, excited to pick it up and plan to write more hyperbolic statements of excitement in the future. Yup, yup, yup.
Continued belowINHUMAN #1
MATT FRACTION (W) • JOE MADUREIRA (A/C)
Variant cover by Humberto Ramos
Variant Cover by J. Scott Campbell
Variant Cover by Milo Manara
Design variant by TBD
Blank Variant Also Available
“After the Fall”
After the fall of the Inhuman City Attilan and the explosion of the Terrigen Bomb, thousands of people across the globe with no connection to the strange super race have transformed into Inhumans! The transformations have given them powers that are dangerous and terrifying, making them targets. With Inhuman king Black Bolt believed dead, is there anyone for these new Inhumans to turn to?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Plus, a Medusa one-shot to kick things off, also penned by Fraction:
INHUMANITY: MEDUSA #1
MATT FRACTION (W) • NICK BRADSHAW (A/C)
INHUMANITY TIE-IN!
• Nick Bradshaw (WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN) joins the master of Inhumanity Matt Fraction for a tale of the Inhuman Queen!
• Medusa’s kingdom is destroyed, her king is dead and her people’s population just increased exponentially. Everything is different—how can she possibly deal with it all?
ONE SHOT 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Things are about to get all Inhuman up in this. I’m kind of stoked.
1. Aaaand the Miracle Man
I’d be lying if I didn’t upfront tell you that Colin wrote about this better than I ever could, and we already mentioned the whole No Credit For Alan Moore Thing, so I’ll just say this:
I’ve been waiting to read the story — the whole story — for a long time. I’m a big fan of Moore’s work, even the stuff he does today with all the weird Cthulhu penis-monster bits, and I’ve wanted a good way to own it. And, yeah, like most people, the only way that I could read this is piracy, because I’m sorry that I don’t want to pay $300 dollars for a complete run. I’ll admit it: I pirated the run. I do own some of it, because when I can find it in a reasonably priced way I’ll happily purchase it! But for the most part? This bad boy was something you could only find on internet torrent sites, and no holier-than-thou anti-piracy speech can change that.
But now? Now we’ll have a way to buy it. And it won’t benefit Moore in any way, no, and I doubt anything here is going to Mick Anglo, Garry Leach, Alan Davis, Paul Neary or Steve Dillon… but I’m still excited to be able to legally and affordably purchase a version of “Miracleman” that doesn’t have to be read on a computer screen or iPad.
Is this a tradewaiter? Possibly. We’ll see what kind of stuff is actually in these over-sized first issues. But still. It’s exciting to know that after years of waiting, Neil Gaiman and Mark Buckingham’s story is getting a chance to be told. That’s worth it, I think.
MIRACLEMAN #1 & 2
THE ORIGINAL WRITER & MICK ANGLO (W)
GARRY LEACH, ALAN DAVIS, PAUL NEARY, STEVE DILLON & MICK ANGLO (A)
ISSUE #1 – COVER BY JOE QUESADA
Variant COVER BY JOHN CASSADAY
Variant COVER BY MARK BUCKINGHAM
Variant COVER BY JEROME OPENA
Variant COVER BY LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Sketch VARIANT BY JOE QUESADA
YOUNG VARIANT BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
CLASSIC VARIANT BY GARRY LEACH
ISSUE #2 – COVER BY ALAN DAVIS
Variant COVER BY ARTHUR ADAMS
Variant COVER BY MIKE PERKINS
Variant COVER BY MIKE MCKONE
Sketch VARIANT BY ALAN DAVIS• KIMOTA! With one magic word, a long-forgotten legend lives again!
• Freelance reporter Michael Moran always knew he was meant for something more — now, a strange series of events leads him to reclaim his destiny!
• Relive the ground-breaking eighties adventures that captured lightning in a bottle — or experience them for the first time — in these digitally restored, fully relettered editions!
• Issue 1 includes material originally presented in WARRIOR #1 and MIRACLEMAN #1, plus the MARVELMAN PRIMER. Issue #2 includes material originally presented in WARRIOR #1-5, plus bonus material.
ISSUE #1 – 64 PGS./Parental Advisory…$5.99
ISSUE #2 – 48 PGS./Parental Advisory…$4.99
