Back in March, we learned that Marvel’s “Thunderbolts,” after nearly 200 issues, would be retitling to be the admittedly more brand-friendly new “Dark Avengers.” It’s a re-brand that calls back to Marvel’s Dark Reign and the “Dark This” or “Dark That” books (Avengers being one of those), and its a move that was foreshadowed in the pages of the last Norman Osborn-centric Avengers story.
Then again, it’s also a really smart move. Marvel’s The Avengers is officially a printing press, with the Avengers brand now being a one billion dollar plus property and a new bevy of readers assumedly looking for a place to go. With a critically acclaimed and much beloved title like “Thunderbolts,” why not just give it a tiny boost in readership when new fans are looking for “Avengers” books to read?
That’s where “Dark Avengers” #175 comes in. Acting as the first issue in a brand new era, #175 the book stars Jeff Parker and Declan Shalvey with a brand new line-up featuring “Dark Scarlet Witch” and “Dark Spider-Man” as well as Trickshot, Ragnarok (the clone of Thor), and Skaar, son of Hulk, all under Luke Cage’s watchful eye. You can sneak a five-page preview right here:
The issue comes out in June. For the full press release from Marvel, please see below.
Marvel Press Release
This June, prepare for an all-new brand of justice as the fan favorite creative team of Jeff Parker and Declan Shalvey bring fans a new line-up of Earth’s Deadliest in Dark Avengers #175! Featuring the Dark Scarlet Witch, Dark Spider-Man, Trickshot, Ragnarok, Skaar and Luke Cage — this new team will take on a mission that only they can tackle! Can Luke Cage keep this team in check or is he in for a world of hurt? Find out in Dark Avengers #175 hitting comic shops, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this June!
DARK AVENGERS #175 (APR120597)
Written by JEFF PARKER
Pencils by DECLAN SHALVEY
Cover by MIKE DEODATO
FOC — 5/14/12, ON SALE — 6/6/12
