Gearing up for Marvel’s big “Infinity” event, it has been announced that Leinil Yu will be joining Jonathan Hickman with “Avengers” #18. Both “Avengers” and “New Avengers” will be tying into the mega event, with the goal to apparently show what an Avengers Universe looks like, and “Avengers” will find Cap and the Avengers joining the Council of Worlds as they deal with the return of the Skrull Empire.
Of course, the sticking point here is in Tom Brevoort’s quote from the press release:
“Moreso than any other tie-ins, Jonathan’s issues of Avengers and New Avengers are an integral core part of the Infinity story–absolutely essential to the reading experience,” explained Executive Editor, Tom Brevoort, Marvel Entertainment. “So these issues that Leinil is drawing are key to everything.”
It’s par for course, really; Marvel launches an event, Marvel has a billion tie-in issues and everybody’s wallet gets uncomfortable for a few months. However, I think it has been some time since Marvel has admitted that you have to buy the tie-ins. Usually there’s some kind of line about how reading it will help, but it’s not essential — this time, it’s “absolutely essential.” Bah-humbug, the collective fan community says (before ultimately shelling out the money for the issues anyway).
Tie-ins are always pretty aggravating, but a book should be able to stand on its own. Failure to do so cheapens the experience of an event, and given that events are little more than your average summer blockbuster at this point (something created to waste an hour or two on popcorn munching and cool explosions) it’s a little disappointing to see the facade dropped finally. The facade was all we had!
Ah well. At least we all know Hickman is a stellar writer and Leinil Yu is a fan-fucking-tastic artist. That and, realistically, you were probably already buying “Avengers” anyway if you’re interested in “Infinity.”
For the full press release from Marvel, please see below.
Marvel Press Release
This August, superstar writer Jonathan Hickman is joined by fan-favorite artist Leinil Yu to show fans what an “Avengers Universe” looks like in Avengers #18! Tying into the blockbuster event of the summer, Infinity, Avengers #18 shows fans what new threats lie beyond the edges of the Marvel Universe!
A powerful and destructive race is on a collision course with Earth and the only thing in their path is the Avengers! But even Earth’s Mightiest Heroes realize the one hope of defeating this dire threat is to unite every great hero across the cosmos…because only with a united “Avengers Universe” is there any chance of survival! But in order to do so, Captain America and the Avengers must join the Council of Worlds as they declare war on their cosmic invaders. And when the key to their success lies within the rebirth of the Skrull Empire, there’s no telling what may happen next!
“Moreso than any other tie-ins, Jonathan’s issues of Avengers and New Avengers are an integral core part of the Infinity story–absolutely essential to the reading experience,” explained Executive Editor, Tom Brevoort, Marvel Entertainment. “So these issues that Leinil is drawing are key to everything.”
Every issue of Avengers includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Infinity features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.
This August, the intensity of Infinity is turned up a notch as Hickman and Yu throw the first blows in Avengers #18!
Join the conversation on Twitter with hash tag #MarvelINFINITY, and don’t forget to follow us at @Marvel!
For more on Marvel’s Infinity, please visit www.marvel.com..
AVENGERS #18
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art & Cover by LEINIL YU
ON SALE AUGUST 2013!
