Friday, January 10, 2014

01.10.2014 - MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON: Promises to combine martial arts and mysticism, powered by revenge






Marvel Entertainment is excited to announce an all-new on-going series, IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON by the striking talent of writer and artist, Kaare Andrews (Spider-Man: Reign, A+X).

This spring, the fiery fist of vengeance strikes once again! Masterfully orchestrated by writer/artist, Kaare Andrews, Danny Rand once again channels the power of the ancient dragon, Shou-Lao, to become Iron Fist in an all-new series. Kaare explains, “I have two intentions with this project. The first is to tell a bare bones story that does not impede itself with the layers and layers of continuity that Iron Fist has become enriched with. The second, and more important, is to reach into the core of the character and re-explore who Danny Rand is. Reinvention through core exploration.”

In the character’s early history, starting with his first appearance in 1974, Danny was on a path for revenge as he hunted down the man who murdered his father, and Andrews promises to return to how it all began, “The defining aspect of Danny Rand is the loss of a father and a quest for honor and vengeance. Yet, these are themes that haven't been explored again since his origin story back in the 70s. We need to bring Danny back to this state of blind rage and self-destruction. Remember - this is a man who traded immortality for vengeance. And the consequences of that are what I'm most interested in.”

Kaare Andrews is not the only one within the “House of Ideas” who respects and honors the character of Iron Fist. Marvel’s Editor in Chief, Axel Alonso, reminisces, “Iron Fist first appeared in Marvel Premiere #15 May, 1974. That self-contained issue, which tells the origin of Iron Fist, remains one of my favorite comic book stories of all time!”

Alonso continues, "IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON is a project close to my heart for two reasons: the character – being the first – and the creator, writer/artist Kaare Andrews. I consider Kaare to be one of the most gifted storytellers in the medium.  Kaare has crafted a stirring and action-packed tale that cuts the very heart of who Iron Fist is.”

Through Iron Fist’s history, it has been revealed that Danny Rand is the most recent of an ancient linage of Iron Fists and Andrews promises to continue to expand on that eclectic library of characters while still keeping it a great entry point. Andrews says, “For readers who already know Iron Fist, we introduce a couple of new characters and make use of the world already established-- but focus on keeping this story contained and accessible. For new readers, I'm trying to keep his condensed mythology very streamlined and fresh.”

When the mystical city of K'un-Lun comes under siege, the prodigal son, Danny Rand must come home – in more ways than one.  Is Iron Fist prepared for a threat that hearkens back to that horrible day when his father dropped to his death on a Himalayan mountaintop?  Can anything prepare him for the truth that's waiting for him in the rubble that was once the city of K'un-Lun – the place of Iron Fist’s birth?

IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON will also include a code for a free digital copy of the very same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices.

IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON hits comic shops and bookstores this April!  For more on Iron Fist, please visit marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with #ironfist.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

01.08.2014 - Frank Castle Returns – Your First Look at THE PUNISHER #1!







This February, Frank Castle’s one-man-war on crime continues in an all-new THE PUNISHER #1 – from the explosive creative team of Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads! For years, the Punisher has called New York City his home – keeping a watchful eye on the city through the sight of a gun. But when a lead on a major source of drugs, weapons, and more leads Frank out west – he sets his sights on Los Angeles. And the City of Angels isn’t ready for a devil like the Punisher! But not everything is as it appears, and Frank will soon find himself toe-to-toe with a highly trained military strike force known only as the 131! Who are the mysterious 131? And why are they out for the Punisher’s head? Find out when the high-octane new series kicks off this February in THE PUNISHER #1!

THE PUNISHER #1 (DEC130627)
Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON
Art & Cover by MITCH GERADS
Variant Cover by SALVADOR LAROCCA
Animal Variant by CHRIS SAMNEE and Young Variant
by SKOTTIE YOUNG Also Available!
FOC – 1/13/2014, On-Sale – 2/05/2014

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com
01.08.2014 - Deadpool: The Gauntlet #1 On-Sale Today! Marvel’s Next Groundbreaking Infinite Comic Series Begins Today!



Deadpool is many things. Hero, villain, anti-hero, taco lover. Okay, that’s only four things. But today, Deadpool takes on his newest title yet – star of his very own Infinite Comic series in Deadpool: The Gauntlet #1! And this all-new 13-part series will have major changes for Deadpool in 2014 - all leading into April’s cannot miss Wedding of Deadpool in DEADPOOL #27!

Designed specifically for mobile devices, Infinite Comics showcase the storytelling possibilities of a digital canvas while still staying true to the mediums greatest strengths!

Brought to you by Deadpool writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn and superstar artist Reilly Brown comes an all-new 13-part adventure taking the Merc With a Mouth into the unknown! Deadpool has tangled with vampires before, for sure. But is he ready to work for one!? Dracula has a package he needs delivered – and Wade Wilson is the only person capable of transporting it safely.

What is this mysterious package? And why does Dracula need it delivered so badly? The answer may surprise you! Don’t miss the launch of one of the boldest digital comic series of the year!

Available right at your fingertips, Deadpool: The Gauntlet #1 is available on the Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPod Touch® & AndroidTM devices) and online in the Marvel Digital Comics Shop!

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.
For comics anytime, anywhere check out comicstore.marvel.com and www.marvel.com/mobile

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com
01.08.2014 - Secrets of the Marvel Universe Revealed – This is ORIGINAL SIN!




Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone. Today, Marvel is proud to announce ORIGINAL SIN, the eight-part blockbuster comic event of the summer, from critically acclaimed writer Jason Aaron (Amazing X-Men, Thor: God of Thunder) and red-hot artist, Mike Deodato Jr. (Amazing Spider-Man, New Avengers)!

On the moon, the dead body of Uatu, the Watcher is discovered. His home destroyed. Looted of its valuable alien technology. Now, the manhunt is on. And the biggest heroes of the Marvel Universe – Captain America, Iron Man, Wolverine, Black Widow, and more are on the hunt for his murderer.

But no one is ready for the secret knowledge the Watcher held. Secrets that will shake the Marvel Universe and its heroes to their very core!

“This is basically a crime story. A murder mystery. A manhunt. But with the entirety of the Marvel Universe as its backdrop,” said Jason Aaron. We’re taking all the toys out of their packaging for this one. Everyone and everything is in play. For some characters, life will never be the same again. And it’s only a matter of time before more bodies are popping up.”
                                        
What did the Watcher see? And who wanted him dead because of it? With the greatest secrets of the Marvel Universe in the hands of his killer, it’s won’t be long before the shocking truth comes out! And even the greatest heroes of the Marvel Universe are not safe from the skeletons in their closets. All sins come with a price, and this summer – the truth can cost your life! This is…ORIGINAL SIN!

Want to hear more details on ORIGINAL SIN directly from writer Jason Aaron and ask him your own questions directly? Sign up for this afternoons special live chat, beginning at 3 PM EST on Marvel.com!

ORIGINAL SIN #1 also includes a code for a free digital copy of the very same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices.

ORIGINAL SIN #1 arrives in comic shops this April!  For more on ORIGINAL SIN, please visit marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with #originalsin.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

01.07.2014 -Superstars Mark Waid & Mark Bagley SMASH into HULK #1!




Who shot Bruce Banner? That’s the question on everyone’s mind this April when critically acclaimed creators Mark Waid and Mark Bagley smash into the epic, all-new HULK #1 – as part of the All-New Marvel NOW! initiative!

“As our series opens, Banner's at death's door”, says Waid. “…having learned something about himself that cuts him to the quick and calls into question everything he's been doing for what he believes is the public good.  And things don't improve for him from there.”
                         
“You'll see Bruce Banner in a whole new light,” Waid continued.

The victim of a near fatal gunshot wound – Bruce Banner lay inches from death. Did his unknown attacker want the Hulk dead? Or Banner? As Banner clings to life, he’ll realize he’s not quite as indestructible as he once thought. If he survives this, his darkest hour one thing is certain – he won’t ever be the same!

“With a list of enemies as long as the Hulk’s, almost anyone could be behind Banner’s assassination attempt,” says Senior Editor Mark Paniccia. “But the real mysteries are yet to be revealed. Mark Waid has mind-blowing revelations in store for the readers that will have them talking for years.”

“The answers will have Banner going down roads you’d never expect and wait till you see what’s in store for Hulk, continued Paniccia. “And just how does the Stark family play into all of this? Ha! Fans are going to dig!”

How will the Green Goliath solve the mystery of their enigmatic attacker. And the answers will shock Banner to his very core! Don’t miss a single moment of this bombastic new series when HULK #1 smashes its way into comic shops this April!   

HULK #1
Written by MARK WAID
Art by MARK BAGLEY
Cover by JEROME OPENA
Variant Cover by MARK BAGLEY
ON SALE THIS APRIL!

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com 

Monday, January 6, 2014

01.06.2014 - ARCHIE COMICS FIRST LOOK: THE FOX #3, AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #3, ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #247




THE FOX #3
NEW RED CIRCLE SERIES! Emmy Award winning writer/artist Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, HBO's Bored to Death) and Eisner Award winning writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, Thrillbent) continue the saga of the legendary, pulp-style hero The Fox in FREAK MAGNET Part Three: "Hell's Half Acre"! The Fox is stuck in a nightmarish, fantastical land rife with underground dungeons, medieval traps, and enslaved Red Circle heroes! When he finally reaches his ultimate destination, will he encounter heroes or villains or both? Meanwhile, in "The Face of Hate pt2: The Enemy of my Enemy," the Shield's battle against arch-rivals Hachiman and Master Race continues in the icy tundra! But what monster from the depths has these hated rivals all shaking in their boots? And what connection does it have to the FOX and his misadventures in the Diamond Realm?? All will be revealed as the adventure continues! Featuring all-new variant cover art from acclaimed artists Mike Allred and Laura Allred (FF, iZOMBIE)
Fox Plot/Art: Dean Haspiel
Fox Script: Mark Waid
Fox Art: Dean Haspiel, Allen Passalaqua, and John Workman
Shield Script: J.M. DeMatteis
Shield Art: Mike Cavallaro, Terry Austin, and Steve Downer
Cover: Dean Haspiel
Get-FREAKY Variant: Mike Allred and Laura Allred
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 1/8
32-page, full color comic
$2.99 US.




AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #3
NEW ONGOING SERIES! "Escape from Riverdale" Part 3: The zombie apocalypse is in full swing and the surviving members of the gang have taken refuge in the Lodge Mansion  believing themselves safe from the infected roaming the streets of Riverdale! But there's no stopping Archie from sneaking out, risking life and limb to find his missing parents leaving those sequestered behind vulnerable to an enemy within! The zombie mayhem (and body-count) continues to rise in this breakout series, for TEEN+ readers!
Script: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Cover: Francesco Francavilla
Riverdale Yearbook Variant Cover: Tim Seeley
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 1/8
32-page, full color comic
$2.99 US.




ARCHIE #651
"The Archies World Tour Part Two- Bollywood Love!": Part 2 of this star-studded 4-part series, featuring all of your favorite faces from the Archie universe! Raj Patel films the event of the year The Archies on world tour! Joining the tour are Josie and the Pussycats, the Bingoes, and the Madhouse Glads! But Archie is thrown for a loop on the first leg of the tour in India, where he romances Bollywood superstar Amisha Mehta! Archie's going to have some explaining to do to Valerie and Betty and Veronica Features variant cover art by the amazingly talented Fiona Staples (Saga)!
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Jack Morelli, Digikore Studios
Cover: Dan Parent
World Tour Variant Cover: Fiona Staples
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 1/8
48-page, full color comic
$3.99 US.





ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #247
That dreaded time of year is here: the day of Archie's annual physical! Archie is less than thrilled to accompany his father to the doctor's office, but maybe a cute nurse will change his attitude! Find out the diagnosis in "Doctor Dread," the lead story to a hilarious double digest!
Script: Bill Golliher
Art: Fernando Ruiz, Rudy Lapick, Bill Yoshida, and Barry Grossman
Cover: Dan Parent, Bob Smith, Rosario "Tito" Pena
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 1/8
160-page, full color comic
$3.99 US.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

01.05.2014 - DISNEY’S LUCASFILM AND MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT JOIN FORCES TO PUBLISH STAR WARS™ COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS



Jedi, Sith, and the rest of the Star Wars Universe Come to Marvel Comics in 2015

The Walt Disney Company’s Lucasfilm Ltd. and Marvel Entertainment are joining forces to bring new Star Wars adventures to readers across the galaxy, with Marvel granted exclusive rights to create and publish Star Wars comics and graphic novels beginning in 2015.

The agreement marks a homecoming for the Star Wars comic books. Marvel Comics published the first Star Wars comic book, Star Wars #1, in March 1977, which went on to sell more than 1 million copies. Marvel Comics published its Star Wars series for nine years. In 1991, Dark Horse Comics took over the license, publishing fan-favorite titles like Dark Empire and Star Wars: Legacy. Last year, Dark Horse released The Star Wars #1, an adaptation of George Lucas’ original rough-draft screenplay for the film, garnering rave reviews and national media attention and ranking among the top-selling Star Wars comics of all time.

“Dark Horse Comics published exceptional Star Wars comics for over 20 years, and we will always be grateful for their enormous contributions to the mythos, and the terrific partnership that we had,” said Carol Roeder, director of Lucasfilm franchise publishing, Disney Publishing Worldwide.  “In 2015, the cosmic adventures of Luke, Han, Leia and Chewbacca will make the lightspeed jump back to Marvel, to begin a new age of adventures within the Star Wars universe.”

“We here at Marvel could not be more excited to continue the publication of Star Wars comic books and graphic novels,” said Marvel Worldwide Publisher and President, Dan Buckley. “The perennial brand of Star Wars is one of the most iconic in entertainment history and we are honored to have the opportunity to bring our creative talent pool to continue, and expand Star Wars into galaxies far, far away.”

“We’re incredibly excited by this next chapter in the Star Wars saga,” said Andrew B. Sugerman, executive vice president of Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Bringing together the iconic Lucasfilm and Marvel brands to tell new stories will allow us to continue to thrill lovers of the original Star Wars comic books and entertain generations to come.”

Marvel has continued to push comic book publishing forward with innovations and experiments like motion comics and digital-only releases, in addition to its deep, ongoing catalog of monthly series and graphic novels created by some of the industry’s most gifted artists and writers.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks in the United States and/or in other countries of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production.  In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises.   Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks in the United States and/or in other countries of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

About Disney Publishing Worldwide
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines with over 700 million products sold each year. DPW consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints, including Disney Book Group in the U.S. and Disney Libri in Italy. DPW publishes a range of children's magazines globally, as well as Disney kids magazines in the U.S. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, which includes Disney English learning centers in China and a worldwide retail-licensing program. DPW's digital products include bestselling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in Glendale, California, DPW publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.