The series will see different versions of popular characters — namely Black Widow during her Red Room days, the teenage Spider-Man, and the World War II era Captain America — finding themselves transported to a mysterious island, populated by elves, goblins, and more. “Are they dead?,” asks the synopsis. “Are they dreaming? Or have they truly been transported to another fantastical realm? And is there any way for them to return home?”
Andrews stated, “It is a thrill to return to a new Marvel limited series, writing and drawing not just my favorite characters — but my favorite versions of those characters. I just had to come up with a plan to put WWII Captain America, teenaged Spidey and spy school Black Widow into the same adventure.” Art wise, he said he will use different styles to reflect the eras the characters come from.
“Amazing Fantasy” is, of course, a reference to “Amazing Adventures/Adult Fantasy,” the early ’60s anthology series that introduced Spider-Man in its 15th and final issue. The comic was briefly revived in 1996, and then with a second, renumbered run from 2004 to 2006, which introduced (among others) the Anya Corazon incarnation of Spider-Girl; Monica Rappaccini; and Amadeus Cho.
“As a creator,” Andrews said, “sometimes you want to invent new heroes and villains to expand the universe into different places or ideas, but sometimes there is an even greater power in embracing what has come before. In telling fresh and passionate tales with heroes that an audience has already invested a lifetime in. There is a beating heart to these archetypes. And they need to live again!”
The new “Amazing Fantasy” #1 will be released on July 28.