“Inhuman” was one of the books that was missing from Marvel’s July solicitations, and I suppose now we know part of the reason why: because Joe Mads is out, and the Steg Man is in!
Ryan Stegman (Mr. Stegman if you’re nasty) will be taking over the art duties of “Inhuman” with Charles Soule this July. The new creative team will begin by introducing some brand new Inhuman characters co-created by Stegman, such as Reader (seen on the cover above), who has the power to make whatever he reads come to life. However, this discovery caused the Royal Family to have his eyes removed, and now he has a special Brailled pad that allows him to use his power. He also apparently has a pup sidekick named Foury aka Four Eyes.
The book, which was repurposed from something that Marvel was developing with Matt Fraction, is in a tricky spot. The reaction to “Inhuman” #1 was not particularly kind, though Marvel did its best to make it look otherwise, and Joe Madureira leaving is probably enough for some fans. That, and Stegman was “supposed” to be the ongoing artist for Marvel’s current Wolverine series with Paul Cornell, though we already know that the “Death of Wolverine” book is something that’s happening in a mini (also penned by Soule).
It seems like a bit of musical chairs is being played here, but Stegman is one of Marvel’s best artists, so I think it’s a rather acceptable development. If anything, it probably makes “Inhuman” #4 that much more accessible for people, as it’s a clear jumping on point. Either way, congrats to Mr. Stegman and his new blind character.
