MARVEL: MORE THAN A SECRET INVASION PRESS CALL, 02.27.08

[MattBrady]

Expressing a desire to remind the world that they’ve got more than just Secret Invasion going on, Marvel today held a call with a handful of the press that resembled one of the publisher’s “Mondo Marvel” panels from the convention circuit, that is a catchall for things not of a secret or “invasiony” nature.

Hosted by Jim McCann, the call’s participants included Executive Editors Tom Brevoort and Axel Alonso, Senior Editor Mark Paniccia, and Editors Bill Rosemann and Nick Lowe.

Highlights from the call included:

The Dark Tower: The Long Road Home home hits next week with another midnight opening at participating stores. “As I understand it” Rosemann said, “It’s filling in the gaps of what happened in one of the books. It’s not an adaptation, but extra, added material which Stephen King fans haven’t seen before.”

Logan by Brian K. Vaughan and Eduardo Risso’s three-issue Logan launches in March.

Alonso reiterated the crux of the upcoming Cable series, calling it a “science fiction spaghetti Western that is, make no mistake, tied thoroughly to X-Men continuity. This is not a satellite book, this is not an alternate reality. There was a war fought in Messiah Complex for the fate of this baby, and the second phase of that war is being fought in the pages of Cable. I think it’s no spoiler to know that there’s another one-armed protagonist out there looking to spoil Cable’s day, and I look for lots of guest stars – Cable’s got lots of friends.”

In talking about the recently-launched X-Force, Alonso said the X-office is “using Messiah Complex as a launch pad for titles that have very specific purposes and mandates – mission statements. We want to avoid redundancy, so you’ll be looking at a rollout of titles which we think, each scratch a different itch but are all of the tapestry of the X-Men universe right now.

“X-Force are a strike team. They do the dirty deeds that need to get done in the post Messiah Complex landscape. We have a couple of specials planned for the next year, so look for X-Force a real staple on the stands.”

Alonso also reiterated that Garth Ennis has begun his final arc on Punisher MAX, adding that the 15 issues following Ennis’ final are already planned out, and he has “three arcs underway. I’m very excited about the talent on the book, and I’m very excited by the cover artist who’s going to be coming on board – Tim Bradstreet will be departing the book with Garth.”

Alonso noted that the series does extremely well in trades, “and again with the talent lineup that we have for the book, I’m very confident we’re going to keep the readers we’ve got and hopefully gain some new ones.”

Nick Lowe then discussed War is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle, adding that he feels it broadens the scope of the MAX titles. Lowe said that the book will “change the way you look at that [World War I] and the way you look at war in general.”

Over to Mark Paniccia, who reiterated that the Hulk is not coming back to The Incredible Hercules. “This is Herc’s book now, that’s it.”

Herc #115 is the final chapter of the arc pitting Hercules against Ares. Paniccia credited the dynamic between Hercules and Amadeus Cho as well as the unique viewpoint on Greek mythology in the Marvel Universe for the book’s ability to have hooked readers. The editor coyly declined to comment on the fate of Cho’s puppy.

Speaking of the Ultimate Universe, Rosemann said that it’s been exciting to see three issues of Ultimates 3 come out in a row. “Everyone’s just loving the crazy, roller-coaster thrill ride of what’s going on, why are these characters acting different, who killed Scarlet Witch, what’s up with Wolverine, and how’s it all connected to what’s come before? So the answers are forthcoming in two more issues that all lead to Ultimatum.

“Also – who is Ultimate Black Panther? One of the things Jeph is great at is creating mysteries that have fans going crazy trying to guess the answer. What’s really fun about Ultimates 3 is that there are so many mysteries going on, and all the answers are coming in the next two issues.”

Moving to Ultimate X-Men, Rosemann reminded those present that writer Robert Kirkman is currently wrapping up his final arc on the series, which will bring together all of this plot threads and finish with a bang. Rosemann declined to name the characters from the cover of #92 specifically, saying only that they were individuals who “looked an awful lot like” Apocalypse and Stryfe.

On the cosmic side, Rosemann noted that both Annihilation: Conquest #5 (which will reveal Ultron’s true intentions, as well as an evolution of Adam Warlock) and Nova #11 (which ties in to Conquest #6 and brings back the New Mutant Warlock) both ship in March.

Tom Brevoort then took center stage for his titles not related to Secret Invasion. The Editor started by discussing Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s Fantastic Four run, calling it “the one and only title that you need to concern yourself with here. It’s the one book that makes all other books irrelevant.”

Brevoort said that Hitch has penciled all the way through issue #562, and is most of the way through the Holiday/Christmas Special. “I know nobody believes it now, but within a few months’ time everyone will be able to see that the book comes out every single month like it’s supposed to.”

Moving to Spider-Man, Brevoort reiterated that Bob Gale’s issues will hit in March with a storyline that will introduce “Freak” who has a connection to an old Spider-Man character. Zeb Wells and Chris Bachalo take the helm of Amazing in April with a story set in April, and then, in May, the series has a single issue by Bob Gale and Barry Kitson, and then for the other two weeks in May see two parts of a three-parter by Dan Slott and Marcos Martin which introduces two new villains – Screwball and Paperdoll. At the end of the last issue in May, Brevoort said, “Something that all of the Spidey readers – the guys that love us right now, and the guys that hate us right now have been asking for.”

McCann then reiterated took a walk through the May solicitations, starting with the X-Men umbrella over the titles, “Divided We Stand” which is supported by two one shots in May. Lowe explained the first one-shot coming in May, and added that there are still some surprises coming in the stories by creators such as Mike Carey, Matt Fraction, Chris Yost, Skottie Young, who will both write and draw his story.

The stories set things up for what’s coming in the summer – “we’ve got the big thing coming in July,” Lowe said. “The big, big, big, big, big.” McCann then pointed out that Uncanny X-Men #500 will ship in July.

Back over to Rosemann, the Editor discussed Guardians of the Galaxy which debuts in May and comes out of Conquest #6. Rosemann lauded the cover to #2 which he called very controversial, only to be interrupted by Brevoort who said, “Bill, you can’t run that cover,” in a rather serious tone. The comment seemed to catch Rosemann off guard, and he then noted that people might not get a chance to see how controversial the cover is.

Look for an interview with Rosemann about the new iteration of the title tomorrow here at Newsarama.

Brevoort took the point in the discussion on Avengers/Invaders (check out a preview here) – the 12 issue crossover by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Steve Sadowski which also begins in May. The Editor pointed out that for Ross, this is the first time he’s operating at the center of a company’s universe rather than off to the side. The series will star both the Mighty and New Avengers, as well as the Invaders from the ‘40s as well as many other guest stars.

Both Lowe and McCann stressed that not everything is what it appears in the first issue of Young X-Men.

Finally, Brevoort said that May’s Invincible Iron Man #1 (preview here) will have “more variant covers than you can shake a stick at” and said that it’s “entry point Iron Man” to give people who are walking out of the film a place to jump on. “It’s a big story – it’s picking up on some of the seeds that Matt [Fraction] has planted in The Order…it’s Iron Man the way you want to see Iron Man – armored up, facing big, technological threats, big sweeping stories, cool exec, heart of steel, millionaire playboy inventor by day, armored avenger by later in the day. It should be pretty good.”

Moving to the Q&A portion…highlights included:

Iron Man in Invincible will be more of the “superhero” Iron Man, and less of the “Director of SHIELD” Iron Man, more in tune with Captain America’s tone.

Paniccia said that Hulk #4 will feature the fight that “everyone’s been waiting for,” and will most likely sell out again. At the end of the issue, Paniccia added, a character that readers will not believe will appear, and se the stage for the fight that even more people have wanted to see.

The Editor also added that May’s King Size Hulk is something to look forward to as well, as Loeb has written three stories that both wave into ongoing Hulk storylines while setting up future arcs. The issue will contain three eight page stories, illustrated respectively by Art Adams, Frank Cho and Herb Trimpe.

[deworde]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Finally, Brevoort said that May’s Invincible Iron Man #1 (preview here) will have “more variant covers than you can shake a stick at” and said that it’s “entry point Iron Man” to give people who are walking out of the film a place to jump on. “It’s a big story – it’s picking up on some of the seeds that Matt [Fraction] has planted in The Order…it’s Iron Man the way you want to see Iron Man – armored up, facing big, technological threats, big sweeping stories, cool exec, heart of steel, millionaire playboy inventor by day, armored avenger by later in the day. It should be pretty good.”

I'm not sure I like this, seems a bit "Back in Black" to me. Not really what the comic should be doing, and solely to promote a movie. Plus Variant Covers.
That said, a good book's a good book. And the words Matt Fraction have become a comforting blanket in these OMD times.

[Laz Green]

The Editor also added that May’s King Size Hulk is something to look forward to as well, as Loeb has written three stories that both wave into ongoing Hulk storylines while setting up future arcs. The issue will contain three eight page stories, illustrated respectively by Art Adams, Frank Cho and Herb Trimpe.

That is a dream come true right there!!! 3 generations of amazing artists!!!

[Tanjint]

so if the spidey titles are not dealing with SI...then there's a spidey:SI mini? if so...where's the solicit?



-T

[Tanjint]

Originally Posted by Laz Green

That is a dream come true right there!!! 3 generations of amazing artists!!!

this is true...but 3 X 8 is 24......king size (meaning 3.99 or 4.99 cover price) should be bigger than 24 pages..oh yeah, they'll give us a reprint..eh....

-T

[ejulp]

"Both Lowe and McCann stressed that not everything is what it appears in the first issue of Young X-Men."

Cyclops as a Skrull taking the place of Scott, while he's vacationing in the Savage Land?
Maybe thats why the New Xmen and the New Mutants (I'm guessing and possible spoiler....
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are acting as the new Brotherhood...one trying to fish out the other?
It looks lame, but its Guggenheim, so I have faith it'll be great.

[Omega Flyer]

Over to Mark Paniccia, who reiterated that the Hulk is not coming back to The Incredible Hercules. “This is Herc’s book now, that’s it.”

As it should be, this book is too awesome to be relegated back to the Hulk.

On the cosmic side, Rosemann noted that both Annihilation: Conquest #5 (which will reveal Ultron’s true intentions, as well as an evolution of Adam Warlock)

Magus?

Back over to Rosemann, the Editor discussed Guardians of the Galaxy which debuts in May and comes out of Conquest #6. Rosemann lauded the cover to #2 which he called very controversial, only to be interrupted by Brevoort who said, “Bill, you can’t run that cover,” in a rather serious tone. The comment seemed to catch Rosemann off guard, and he then noted that people might not get a chance to see how controversial the cover is.

Interesting.

“It’s a big story – it’s picking up on some of the seeds that Matt [Fraction] has planted in The Order…

Come on The Order remaining as his supporting cast!

Paniccia said that Hulk #4 will feature the fight that “everyone’s been waiting for,” and will most likely sell out again. At the end of the issue, Paniccia added, a character that readers will not believe will appear, and se the stage for the fight that even more people have wanted to see.

Hmm, Thor's who immediately came to mind here.

[artjunkie]

I imagine most of the Secret Invasion tie-in issues and minis will run later in the year once the series really gets rolling (afterall, it is an 8-parter). Most will probably ship post-SDCC so that they can be solicited and hype before hand. They’re not going to run all of them at the same time, and that’s smart.

As for variants on the new Iron Man series…I really don’t see a need to bitch about it if you don’t like variant covers. Should be a non-issue for “non-collectors”.

[Omega Flyer]

Originally Posted by Tanjint

so if the spidey titles are not dealing with SI...then there's a spidey:SI mini? if so...where's the solicit?
-T

SI does last at least 8 months and as the mini will probably be 3 or 4 issues, it could be released in the middle or near the end of the storyline.

[theNameless]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

<“Everyone’s just loving the crazy, roller-coaster thrill ride of what’s going on, why are these characters acting different, who killed Scarlet Witch, what’s up with Wolverine, and how’s it all connected to what’s come before? So the answers are forthcoming in two more issues that all lead to Ultimatum.

Now that's just a lie.

[phunengames]

Why not do this at Wondercon?

[Yaw]

Originally Posted by theNameless

Now that's just a lie.

Exaggeration?
Sure.
Lie?
Not so much.

[theNameless]

Originally Posted by Yaw

Exaggeration?
Sure.
Lie?
Not so much.

Selling it doesn't mean people are loving it. One More Day sold pretty well....generally sure the consensus isn't all that positive on that one.

[Sevedris]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Speaking of the Ultimate Universe, Rosemann said that it’s been exciting to see three issues of Ultimates 3 come out in a row. “Everyone’s just loving the crazy, roller-coaster thrill ride of what’s going on, why are these characters acting different, who killed Scarlet Witch, what’s up with Wolverine, and how’s it all connected to what’s come before? So the answers are forthcoming in two more issues that all lead to Ultimatum.

“Also – who is Ultimate Black Panther? One of the things Jeph is great at is creating mysteries that have fans going crazy trying to guess the answer. What’s really fun about Ultimates 3 is that there are so many mysteries going on, and all the answers are coming in the next two issues.”

Did anyone else read that with a hefty dose of incredulity? I've seen nothing but contempt, outrage, and scorn for Ultimates 3. Yes, its sold well at first, because it was Ultimates 3, and everyone actually did love Ultimates 1 & 2. Like theNameless pointed out, OMD sold well too, but it was far, far, far away from a beloved story by its readers.

Is anyone really agonizing over Black Panther? I thought it's been settled he's Captain America since issue one. And yes, there are alot of unanswered questions. But to call them mysteries is a flattering stretch of the imagination. They're simply slaps at the readers' intelligence by denying information. The big thing about Ultimates 3 has always been, "WE'RE NOT TELLING YOU WHAT HAPPENED AFTER ULTIMATES 2!" The first two series had their mysteries gently woven into the story, not the other way around, making the "mysteries" the story itself.

[Yaw]

Originally Posted by theNameless

Selling it doesn't mean people are loving it. One More Day sold pretty well....generally sure the consensus isn't all that positive on that one.

when enough people buy a comic book for there to be a 3rd printing, that says something.

[math]

.”

Nick Lowe then discussed War is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle, adding that he feels it broadens the scope of the MAX titles. Lowe said that the book will “change the way you look at that [World War I] and the way you look at war in general.”


Wow what a statement! You will never look at war the same way again,,wow can we get George W to read this book? With a statement like that this book will indeed change the world! Can we get this released as soon as possible?

ps. will Herb Trimpe get any credit as creator of the Phanthom Eagle ?

[BamaRainbow]

From the article:

"Brevoort took the point in the discussion on Avengers/Invaders (check out a preview here) – the 12 issue crossover by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Steve Sadowski which also begins in May. The Editor pointed out that for Ross, this is the first time he’s operating at the center of a company’s universe rather than off to the side. The series will star both the Mighty and New Avengers, as well as the Invaders from the ‘40s as well as many other guest stars."

Um, has Mr Brevoort not noticed the credits to "Justice Society of America"?

From the current issue (#13, available today, 2/27):
Story by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross.

As "Justice Society" is set firmly in "a company's universe" (probably about as "center" as "Avengers/Invaders" will be, unless Marvel's planning on having "Avengers/Invaders" directly tie in to EVERY OTHER MARVEL BOOK), and it's been there since the title's relaunch, and Alex has been credited as "co-writer" since issue #10, I think Mr Brevoort should add a few qualifiers to his statement.
As I have faith in Ross' ability to handle the "Avengers" who'll be appearing, this will be the first time that I'll actually be picking up the BMB incarnation of the group since the "Disassembled" debacle. I certainly have more faith in Ross' ability to handle the Invaders than anyone since Roy Thomas wrote the group's adventures. (I would be even happier, though, if Ross were doing this "off to the side" so he could pick and choose his own set of Avengers.)

[math]

Originally Posted by phunengames

Why not do this at Wondercon?

Yep you think Marvel is second guessing themselves for not being at Wonder con?

[alaska1125]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

At the end of the last issue in May, Brevoort said, “Something that all of the Spidey readers – the guys that love us right now, and the guys that hate us right now have been asking for.”.

Hmm...I wonder what this means.

[Tanjint]

it means one of the ridiculous amounts of questions created by OMD cluster____ will be sort of answered, surely causing even more questions

-T

[Tanjint]

so is avengers/invaders after or during SI?

-T

[Kent Horton]

Over to Mark Paniccia, who reiterated that the Hulk is not coming back to The Incredible Hercules. “This is Herc’s book now, that’s it.”

I hope they stick to their guns on this.

Back over to Rosemann, the Editor discussed Guardians of the Galaxy which debuts in May and comes out of Conquest #6. Rosemann lauded the cover to #2 which he called very controversial, only to be interrupted by Brevoort who said, “Bill, you can’t run that cover,” in a rather serious tone. The comment seemed to catch Rosemann off guard, and he then noted that people might not get a chance to see how controversial the cover is.

Look for an interview with Rosemann about the new iteration of the title tomorrow here at Newsarama.

Interesting about the cover. This is a title I'm definitely looking forward to.

[cookepuss]

Y'now.... I've never been a fan of Marvel's cosmic stuff. More of a X & Spidey person myself. However, just the thought that my favorite mutant alien would be appearing after a long absence was enough to make me squeal like a teenaged girl on a vibrating chair.



I'll buy Nova for that reason alone. Now, if they eff up Warlock or kill him again.... WAR!!!!

[Mark Cardwell]

Short of the ongoing greatness of Garth Ennis's Max books (and anything Fraction writes is bound to be fun, even when he's just propping up old trademarks), I read this and think, uninterested. And in the case of ULTIMATES 3, I'm thinking, is Rosemann deluded? These'll be in dump-bins for loose change within a year.

[Special K]

Alonso also reiterated that Garth Ennis has begun his final arc on Punisher MAX, adding that the 15 issues following Ennis’ final are already planned out, and he has “three arcs underway. I’m very excited about the talent on the book, and I’m very excited by the cover artist who’s going to be coming on board – Tim Bradstreet will be departing the book with Garth.”

Looks like I'm almost done buying Punisher. Great run though.