This is some sad, sad news. Of all of the All-New Marvel NOW! titles coming down the pipeline, seeing Zeb Wells and Mike Del Mundo on “Elektra” was easily in my top five most anticipated. However, Marvel has announced today that Zeb Wells will be stepping away from the title and Haden Blackman, late of “Batwoman”, will be taking over in his stead. This is disappointing because “Elektra” was clearly a passion project for Wells and was something he was already setting up story points for in his arc of “Savage Wolverine” with Joe Madureira. Having him have to walk away this close to it’s debut just sucks, honestly.
That’s nothing against Blackman, though, and I’m sure he’ll do a fine job with the title, I was just excited to see Wells finally buckle down with an “Elektra” ongoing. At least one good thing has come of this, though: as part of CBR’s Axel-In-Charge column, Axel Alonso shared a look at some of Del Mundo’s concept artwork for the series and it’s every bit as gorgeous as you’d think. Check it out down below.
And here’s what Zeb Wells had to say care of the Axel-In-Charge column at CBR:
Anyone who knows me knows this book has been a dream of mine since I started writing comics ten years ago. Unfortunately, after Steve moved heaven and earth to make the book happen, commitments in television won’t allow me the time to craft it with the care it deserves.
So I had to make the heartbreaking decision to walk away, and Steve and Sana had to make the less-heartbreaking decision to replace me with someone twice as talented: Haden Blackman of “Batwoman” fame.
It’s a surreal feeling to be this excited for a book I wanted to be writing so badly, but I can’t wait to get it at my comics store in April. And I want to thank everyone at Marvel for being understanding about the whole situation. Hopefully, I’ll be back at Marvel soon with a new project when my schedule opens up.
Which is a shame, but alas.
Check out the full Marvel Press Release down below for word from Haden Blackman as he takes over the series.
Marvel Press Release
New York, NY (December 13th, 2013) – Marvel Entertainment is excited to announce the addition of Haden Blackman as series writer for Elektra beginning with an All-New Marvel NOW! #1.
On shelves this April, the perilous and dangerous adventures of Elektra Natchios – simply known by her enigmatic moniker of Elektra – will be orchestrated by critically acclaimed writer Haden Blackman (Batwoman). Previously announced with Zeb Wells writing the series, Haden is prepared to take Elektra down the dangerous paths of the Marvel Universe.
“I’m extremely excited about this series,” says Blackman. “Elektra is a complex character who is still searching for her identity and purpose. My goal is to put Elektra into new situations facing terrifying enemies and hard moral choices she hasn’t encountered before. All the while exploring her evolving motives and personality.”
Series Editor Sana Amanat teases, “Elektra sets off on a treacherous trek through the far corners of the Marvel Universe on a mission of salvation. For the first time in her life she must protect instead of kill—in the hopes of finally expelling the demons that have terrorized her for so long.”
Can Elektra choose a new path and walk away from her previous deadly ways? Or will her past now be on the hunt for her? Look for more information in the April issue of the Marvel Previews Catalog.
Every FIRST ISSUE bearing the All-New Marvel NOW! branding includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices.
Once again, the biggest creators bring you the biggest characters in the biggest stories…and it’s happening NOW!
ELEKTRA #1 strikes this April! For more on Elektra & All-New Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #MarvelNOW.
ELEKTRA #1
Written by HAYDEN BLACKMAN
Art by MIKE DEL MUNDO
Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO
On-Sale This April!
