A Month In Comics: What's Hot And What's Coming

Part of: Ian's Cornucopia of Comics

Forthcoming Title

A round-up of some of the future comic releases to get excited about.

First up some Marvel titles, and big things are in the works from J. Michael Straczynski at Marvel with three new titles on the horizon:

 

  • Silver Surfer: Requiem teams him with artist Esad Ribic and is due out early next year. From the title, this sounds like a future tale featuring the end of the galactic beach bum. Anticipation factor: 7

  • Bullet Points is an alternate history limited series that follows the repercussions of two deaths during WWII, Peter Parker will become The Hulk, Steve Rodgers Iron Man and Reed Richards the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. Art on this one is by Tommy Lee Edwards. Due later this year. Anticipation factor: 8

  • Ultimate Power will see Straczynski's Squadron Supreme crossover to the Ultimate universe. This will be a nine issue series featuring three writers, Brian Michael Bendis, J.M.S. and Jeph Leob, with each doing three issues. Ultimate FF's Greg Land gets to do the pretty pictures on this one. With the possibility that not all the heroes will return to their respective worlds this could have major repercussions on the regular titles. The first issue is due to ship late this month. Anticipation factor: 9

  • newuniversal is the rebirth of Marvel's less than successful New Universe from the 80's. Obviously hoping for similar success to the Ultimate universe phenomenon Marvel have put two top creators on the book. Warren Ellis is one of the biggest names in comics with the ability to turn his hand to any kind of story. Just check out Fell if you don't believe me (in fact, check it out even if you do.) With the first eight pages of Salvador Larroca's art available at Marvel.com for those who want a sneak peak it's fair to say this one is going to look awesome. Due before the end of the year.
    Anticipation factor: 10

    White Tiger is being written by hot children's fantasy writer Tamara Pierce, who specialises in strong female characters. She's joined by French artist Phil Briones on pencils and David Mack will provide painted covers. Due November. Anticipation factor: 7

    Criminal is Ed Brubaker's new series for Marvel's Icon imprint. Described as a comic that non-comic readers can enjoy this teams Brubaker (Captain America, Daredevil) with the artist he worked with on Sleeper, Sean Philips (Marvel Zombies ) for tales of robbery, murder and more. Due in October. Anticipation factor: 7

    Ultimates Vol's 3 & 4 from Jeph Loeb, have a lot to live up to following in the footsteps of Mark Millar and Brian Hitch. Leob is far more a traditional superhero scribe so this should see some move away from the more overtly political work of Millar but I'm not sure that's a good thing. At least the art from Joe Madureira (3) and Ed McGunness (4) should be good. No dates yet. Anticipation factor: 7

    Wolverine is also going to have his destiny controlled by Jeph Loeb at least for six issues from 50-55. The story arc will see the return of Sabertooth and Loeb has promised to clear up some of the mystery surrounding the two characters relationship. Simone Bianchi will be the artist and both creators may stay on beyond the initial six issues. Issue 50 is due in January. Anticipation factor: 6

    The Mighty Avengers will be a sister title to The New Avengers from the same writer, the prolific Mr Bendis, but with a different team that will be born from the current Civil War series. The only news of who will be in the team has come from series artist Frank Cho, who's hinted that Wonder Man will make a return. The title is expected to debut in early 2007.  Anticipation factor: 8

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    Article Author: Ian Woolstencroft

    Ian Woolstencroft was brought up on a diet of John Wayne movies and Marvel Comics and still has a passion for both. Now as a blogcritic he finally understands what Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben meant when he said ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ …

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    Article comments

    • 1 - moebiusgraphics.com

      Oct 03, 2006 at 10:27 pm

      RE: Frank Miller's BATMAN VERSUS AL-QAEDA

      After finishing 120 pages prior to the premiere of SIN CITY in the spring of 2005, Miller's only completed about ten pages of the book in the past year. And with other, more lucrative movie work ahead of him outside of comics (300, SIN CITY 2, THE SPIRIT), plus STILL not having yet finished the abortion that is ALL-STAR BATMAN, don't count on seeing this comic any time soon.

    • 2 - Ian Woolstencroft

      Oct 04, 2006 at 10:02 am

      I’m not even convinced it will get released even if he does finish it. Have DC confirmed they will publish it? As far as I’m aware there hasn’t been an official announcement from them.

      I take it you’re not a fan of All Star Batman? From a story point of view I think it’s one of the worst things Miller’s done. Still at least Jim Lee’s art looks great. I hadn’t heard the news about The Spirit film so thanks for that. While I’m certainly excited about it, once again I’m not convinced it will happen. Has there been any confirmation from other sources than Miller? He’s certainly the perfect choice though so I’ll keep my figures crossed.

    • 3 - yenrag

      Oct 15, 2006 at 7:57 am

      "Ron Garneys artwork is not up to the task." You're wrong.Instead of making blanket sttements that hurt peoples careers, list reasons that can help them. Its called a critique. Otherwise your review is worthless.
      Best,
      Ron Garney

    • 4 - yenrag

      Oct 15, 2006 at 8:00 am

      "Ron Garneys art isnt up to the standard" Your wrong Ian. It most certainly is. Instead of making blanket statements about someones work that potentially can damage a career, try making constructive comments with reasons attached. Its called a critique, otherwise your review is worthless.
      Best,
      Ron Garney

    • 5 - Ian Woolstencroft

      Oct 15, 2006 at 9:13 am

      Yenrag I see you needed two attempts to get your point across.

      Firstly, telling me I’m wrong just because you don’t agree with me is far more a blanket statement than the one I made. In my opinion, Garney’s art isn’t up to the standard of the other artists I mentioned, that’s not to say it’s bad, just workmanlike. Not everyone can be a superstar artist whose name on a book will help to sell it. For every Jim Lee there are ten Ron Garney’s but every army needs soldiers as well as generals. My point was that in recent years Amazing Spider-Man readers have been spoilt by Marvel, with some of there top talent working on the book.

      If only I had as much power as you seem to credit me with! The first of my regular monthly columns and I’m already damaging someone’s career. And if you were indeed Ron Garney (instead of his number one fanboy) I think your ego is big enough to take my criticism, after all I’m wrong and you are as good as John Romita Jr. and Mike Deodato Jr, at least according to your comment.

    • 6 - Garth

      Oct 19, 2006 at 3:57 pm

      Ian, I saw your comments about Edgar Rice Burroughs and I'm betting like you that anticipation will be high for a Mars series.
      I know this at least anectdotely because I'm seeing a lot of activity on an older Edgar Rice Burroughs book at the auction site. A lot of people appear to have a lot of pint-up emotions about getting their hands on his materials.

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