Marvel News & Views 9.19.03
Posted by Jim Trabold on 09.19.2003
Hurricane Isabel is faring better than Tsunami at the moment...
Welcome again Marvel fans. It’s the Friday report. A good amount of different news from different fronts.
NYX #1
Professor Charles Xavier can't educate and provide a welcome home for every young mutant in the world. His gift of creating hope from despair doesn't reach everyone who needs it, and that simple premise serves as the basis of NYX, the long awaited and controversial new MARVEL PSR+ ongoing series debuting October 10th, 2003.
Written by the Marvel Editor-in-Chief himself - Joe Quesada, and illustrated by exclusive Marvel creator and rising superstar Joshua Middleton, this new street-level X-Men series introduces a pack of New York City gutterpunks, a group of young mutants that have to rely on themselves for everything from food to shelter to love. Kids who instead of preparing for Magneto's next big assault in the Danger Room, must learn to survive in the cold, harsh, and dangerous world of the city that never sleeps - begging for change in Washington Square Park and finding a warm place to sleep in the Port Authority bus station.
But while the cast of NYX will be the mutants who fall through the cracks of Xavier's dream, it won't be without its ties to the core X-MEN universe. By December's NYX #3, readers will be introduced to a new character that is related to one of the most prominent mutants characters of all time. A very close blood relative to a current X-Man, and the Marvel Universe will never be the same...
Here are a couple comments from Comics Buyer's Guide review of NYX #1:
"...the art attitude and atmosphere is convincing. Art, story, characters: It looks as if Marvel has solid - if out of left field - hit on its hands."
"The long-awaited return of Middleton to a regular comic-book gig high-lights this interesting title. Character development is the key..."
NYX #1 (AUG031497), the 32-page debut issue of a new ongoing series, goes on sale October 10th with a cover price of $2.99 and a MARVEL PSR+ rating. Retailers are reminded its Final Order Cut-off (FOC) date is Thursday, September 18th. Readers, ask your retailer to reserve you a copy before the order cut-off date.
[note: As befitting a "Marvel PSR+" title, this preview contains mature themes and imagery.]
This is most likely one of the most anticipated series in some time. I know many still don’t like JQ as an editor but him as a writer/artist has always been good. This series should do quite well with the first issue. I know many will also start asking who the relative of the X-Men will be. I have a feeling it will be someone with the last name GUTHRIE. Of course that is a guess. We’re talking anyone with an X here. Hell it could be a Summers, Grey or even Colossus' long lost son. Who knows but we’ll find out.
JLA/AVENGERS BREAKS 200k!
Marvel Comics is both proud and encouraged to announce that unprecedenteddemand has led to the production of over 200,000 copies of JLA/AVENGERS #1 for shipment to the direct market. The George Pérez-Kurt Busiek created mega-event 20 years in the making - which initially went on sale 9/4 - has exceeded all sales expectations for this co-publishing initiative by Marvel and DC Comics. Thanks to the strong support and show of faith by comic bookretailers and readers, JLA/AVENGERS #1 has joined the ranks of a small group of modern classics that have captured the imagination of our fans andcontinue to propel the business forward.
"I knew JLA/AVENGERS was going to do well," said writer Kurt Busiek, "but to have it do THIS well is just amazing. I'm delighted retailers had so much faith in the project, and I'm delighted readers bought 'em all up and sent the retailers back for more. And the reaction we're getting on the series is terrific - it seems like people thought it was well worth the wait, and I'm
very glad to have been a part of it."
The Interest in this special once-in-a-lifetime event is also another strong indicator of a growing overall sales phenomenon that began this past spring.
"Since May, from Wolverine #1 to July's Spectacular Spider-Man #1 to August's 1602 & Supreme Power #1, sales of all our big launches have surpassed our already high expectations," said Marvel Marketing Communications Manager Michael Doran. "And that trend continued into September with JLA/AVENGERS #1 and ULTIMATE SIX #1. We're also seeing very positive growth in our other top titles like Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate X-Men and New X-Men, and we expect the trend to continue into the fall then straight into the holiday season and into next year. So to the fans and retailers fueling this remarkable run, Marvel would like to say thank you."
"This is great news for everyone in our industry," added Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada, "...from readers and creators to retailers and publishers. And the even better news is projects like JLA/AVENGERS won't be just the occasional random spike we've seen on the sales charts over thelast few years. Marvel has been working tirelessly to raise the bar for theindustry and today we can finally see the seeds of those labors bearing fruit. It seems like almost every month the sales ceiling on top-sellingtitles is being raised and with ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR and MARC SILVESTRI's return to the X-MEN upcoming, we're sure to see more of the same. I fully expect that in the near future the 300K mark is just around the corner."
AVENGERS/JLA #2 goes on sale October 22nd from DC Comics. JLA/AVENGERS #3goes on sale from Marvel on 11/26 and retailers are reminded its Final OrderCut-off (FOC) date is 10/30. The four-issue prestige format limited seriesconcludes in December with AVENGERS/JLA #4, published by DC.
Know why the sales are so high? Because this is one series the fans have asked for long time. We’re talking about both Marvel and DC fans. This is one of those limited series that is for both groups. I am not surprised the sales are so good. This is one of the best written and drawn limited series and has two groups that both sides know well. The JLA with guys like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Avengers with Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and others. This limited series is a MUST READ for both groups of fans.
Sean McKeever
Critical darling, commercial whipping boy. Marvel's SENTINEL series written by Sean McKeever has received accolades from the critics as one of the best new series to come from Marvel, but sells for crap. Newsarama chatted with McKeever about the book, his plans, and his hopes for the series' survival
You know I wonder why sales are down with this series. Especially with it being one of the best-written TSUNAMI titles. With a great writer at the helm here as well. Sentinel should be doing better then it is doing. Fans should try this series out while they can. If your too late, this series won’t be around to read at all. I would love to see this one stay around and I know that fans would like it if they try it out. So give it a try.
PUNISHER #34
Well, maybe not the entire Marvel Universe, but he could break its backbone beginning in October's PUNISHER #33 when Marvel's big-guns Spider-Man, Daredevil and Wolverine get together to share their personal Punisher horror stories and decide to form a posse to bring Frank Castle's killing spree to an end once and for all.
Later featuring an appearance by the HULK (but whose side is he on??), what follows is the 5-part story arc, "CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES", Garth Ennis' final tour de force, Marvel Universe-blowout story arc before the writer launches the Mature Readers, PUNISHER MAX ongoing series in January 2004.
PUNISHER #33 [AUG03154], a 32-page issue written by Ennis, penciled by John McCrea and featuring a cover by Tim Bradstreet goes on sale October 10th with a cover price of $2.99. Retailers are reminded its Final Order Cut-off (FOC) date is Thursday, 9/18.
PUNISHER #34 [AUG031547], part 2 of "CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES" goes on sale10/22 and its Final Order Cut-off is 10/02. Readers, ask your local comicbook retailer to reserve you copies.
You know what gets me with this series and this idea: I honestly like Frank but he won these fights way too easy in some ways. Yes I know that most writers write that way with their guy winning the fight but these fights were a little stupid. I’m serious. There’s ways Frank could defeat each of these guys but not the way he did. Now these three team up. Who’s wagering Frank wins? This fight Frank should not win. These three should take him down easy. Together they should not be beat easy. So lets hope it goes right.
RUNAWAYS
Along with SENTINEL, Marvel's RUNAWAYS has gotten the sweet and sour treatment from the market. The series about six kids who're the children of super villains has seen some sweet reviews since issue #1, but sales are somewhat sour. We caught up with writer Brian K. Vaughan to talk about the series
You know Vaughan may be in the top five of Marvel writers. I won’t go through a list here. Honestly he’s one of the best and his Runaways series is damn good. I don’t understand why it’s not selling like it should. I know fans like this guy's work so it’s hard to understand why those fans don’t get this series or if they do don’t tell their friends to get it as well. This series should not go down with many others. I hope fans get it soon.
Peter Bagge
Alternative comix guru Peter Bagge is working on another mainstream project, a Hulk comic for Marvel called The INCORRIGABLE HULK. Like last year’s Spidey comic, The MEGALOMANIACAL SPIDER-MAN, it will be created solely by Bagge with a "what if" type plot. If you’re looking for a little Hulk that’s not so deep and serious, this special is just what the comic doctor ordered
You know these little What If books like this one and MEGALOMANIACAL SPIDER-MAN are just fun. It’s not one of those books that many fans can get into. I know not all the fans love the serious feel of Hulk right now though. I have said before I would like a different writer and artist brought in. I just think Hulk needs a change. I don’t know many fans that like the series now so change it.
Mark Millar
Prolific writer Mark Millar recently discussed his plans for next year in a Q&A session at his official Millarworld Web site. The scribe talked about wrapping up ULTIMATES, a PUNISHER mini, BATTLE OF THE PLANETS, and Marvel video games.
You know I prefer the main Marvel titles over the Ultimate ones. I don’t say that too often but I just prefer the 616 universe. But Millar does a nice job with ULTIMATES. I’m not saying the other Ultimate titles aren’t that good but just saying he’s got some good plans and knows what he’s doing. Yes the others do too but Millar I think is a great writer. I think Ultimates does well thanks to him and the Punisher limited series will do well with him at the helm.
MIDTOWN & MARVEL
NYC: Midtown Comics Sponsors Marvel at NEW YORK IS BOOK COUNTRY on Sunday,September 21, 2003.
Creators representing Marvel Comics will be on hand at Sunday's free street fair portion of this weekend's annual non-profit literary festival, NEW YORKI S BOOK COUNTRY, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. They'll be there signing books at the booth sponsored by New York City retailer MIDTOWN COMICS[www.midtowncomics.com]. The MIDTOWN/MARVEL booth (#4 -5) will be located on the graphic novel block on 49th Street and 5th Ave.
"NEW YORK IS BOOK COUNTRY is one of the most exciting events of the year in the publishing industry and we're thrilled to be part of it," said Gerry Gladston, President of Midtown Comics. "Comic books are very much in vogueat the moment, but Midtown and our customers have known all along that comics deserve a place of honor alongside books. We expect to meet thousands of potential new customers at the book fair, many of whom will be delighted at seeing comic books perhaps for the first time in years."
David Gabriel, Manager of Sales Administration for Marvel Publishing added,"Thanks to Midtown not only will we have some of our top Marvel comics and graphic novel creators on hand that day, but I am also thrilled that we will have Judith O'Brien, the author of our first Young Adult novel, Mary Jane. Mary Jane has proven so successful at bringing in brand new audiences forMarvel - particularly young woman - that I'm positive we are going to seemore of the same in the coming year."
Marvel creators scheduled to appear on Sunday, 9/21 include:
· Best-selling romance author Judith O'Brien, writer of Marvel Young Adult prose novel MARY JANE: 11-12pm
· Marvel's Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada & artist Adam Kubert of ORIGIN andULTIMATE X-MEN: 12-2pm
· Writer Peter David (CAPTAIN MARVEL): 2-3pm
· Artist John Cassaday (CAPTAIN AMERICA): 3-4pm
New York is Book Country (NYIBC) is a non-profit organization that promotes the joy of reading and writing, and celebrates books by bringing together schools, authors, libraries, cultural organizations, publishers andbookstores in a network of city wide events and programs. To learn more aboutthe festival and this year's events, check out their website at www.nyisbookcountry.org.
This is yet another cool move by Marvel. I am glad they are pumping up these book signings. I know many more fans would go to book signings if they knew about them early enough. I think these autograph signings lately have been good for Marvel. Hey it’s always good publicity for a company when you have people signing titles and having your backing behind it. It gets fans more interested in your company so good move Marvel.
ULTIMATE FF #1
While Marvel’s December solicitations are a few days away from being released, bits ‘n pieces are making their way out at Dimaond's website, specifically, what will be December’s most likely #1 ordered title, Ultimate Fantastic Four #1 from Marvel.
The solicitation copy for the issue reads: "The Ultimate Universe at long last gets the fourth corner of its foundation as the World’s Greatest Comic Magazine finally last makes its long-awaited Ultimate debut! Witness the birth of The Four - Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Susan Storm & Ben Grimm – superhero icons for the new century! High school genius Reed Richards invites his friends to join him on the journey of a lifetime - and the Ultimate Universe will never be the same! It’s a series about science, high adventure, and above all else, family, set in the most dynamic and unpredictable Universe in the comic book world!"
The cover artist, and designer for the FF's look in the series is Bryan Hitch.
Again, not a big fan of the Ultimate titles but this looks like it will be a great series. Good to see Marvel pushing the series. The FF are Marvel's premiere title. They have always been that way. Remember it was Fantastic Four that was the first title. Stan and Jack started the Marvel Universe back up with it. So now with Ultimate having it’s own version it will be interesting to see what happens. I hope it does well but I still prefer 616.
Iron Man
John Jackson Miller really knows about guys in metal suits. He first made headlines as one of the first writers to have a pitch accepted for Marvel's New Epic line with his take on CRIMSON DYNAMO. Now he's taking the reigns as the regular writer of IRON MAN, with Jorge Lucas on the art and Joe Jusko on covers. Spinning out of his own detailed knowledge of Iron Man continuity and current affairs, Miller first story, "The Best Defense" has a lot in common with today's headlines.
Pretty cool to see one writer do two characters that have the same type of basic powers and the like. Also both are connected. Remember Crimson Dynamo is an Iron Man armored foe. Hell I know IM has a few of them but this one now has his own title. This one also has a title written by the same writer. I think we could see future crossovers if it’s the same universe. Let’s just hope it’s done that way.
ULTIMATE 6 #2 DELAYED
According to Diamond, Marvel Comics has confirmed that the second issue of Ultimate Six has been delayed. The issue was supposed to go on-sale Sept. 24, but will now have an on-sale date of Oct. 1.
Marvel apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this delay. Retailers with further questions about this announcement should contact their Diamond Customer Service Representative.
Here we go again with late books. Personally I hate late titles. It's never good for sales and never good for the book. It's also not good for the readers. They have to wait longer for a book that should be out and the next edition on the way. I know it happens but it's never good for the title involved or the fans who buy the title. I just hope this don't happen to often with this book. I know fans want to read it.
You know I hate hurricanes. Damn rain and wind. At least we didn't get hit too hard where I am and I hope everyone out there is ok as well. Not a bad issue and I have no clue what special feature I'll be doing this weekend yet. So reporting live from the Marvel Universe this is Jim Trabold. Have a great weekend.
STAY CURRENT