Marvel Joins Forces with Wounded Warrior Project for VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT

This spring, a special Marvel Comics storyline will delve into the trials, perseverance, and eventual triumph of wounded veterans aided and informed by one of the leading non-profit organizations dedicated to these wounded service members – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). The upcoming arc of Marvel Comics’ VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT will take readers through a powerful story that sees Flash Thompson abandon the alien suit, which has afforded him the ability to walk, to receive prosthetic legs.  Writer Robbie Thompson consulted with WWP spokesperson and double amputee Dan Nevins to portray an eye-opening look at the everyday struggles and incremental victories that wounded veterans face as depicted through Flash Thompson’s rehabilitation process in the story.

 

“Working with Wounded Warrior Project has been an invaluable part of the process of writing Venom: Space Knight,” says writer Robbie Thompson. “Dan Nevins' insight was inspiring, generous and deeply moving, allowing us to create a more realistic character and story for the book. I'm forever grateful for their ongoing help and guidance."

Venom fights the most dangerous threats to the universe alongside Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, but now host Flash Thompson is about to encounter his greatest personal challenge to date. He’s breaking free from the alien suit that provides him with not only immense power, but the ability to walk, despite the loss of his legs during the war in Iraq. Flash will face major physical and mental adjustments during the rehabilitation process that other veterans and service members like him go through every day in the real world.

“Marvel’s team has put so much time and consideration into the development of the Flash Thompson character as he faces this physical and emotional battle that many combat veterans have faced and are facing right now,” says Dan Nevins, WWP spokesperson, who consulted on the Venom: Space Knight script. “While the story itself is clearly sci-fi/fantasy, this storyline will bring awareness to the very real struggle of the obvious and not-so-obvious challenges in having lost limbs in combat, and to ultimately showcase the fortitude and resilience of the warriors Flash Thompson represents.”

This storyline continues a tradition of Marvel characters facing real-life obstacles and adversity. In collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project,VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT’s Flash Thompson will overcome co-dependency in the cosmos and navigate through his mobility limitations beginning within VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT #3.

Marvel Comics, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is proud to continue the efforts that Disney has been tirelessly contributing towards to recognize and support those who have provided military service. Disney has hired more than 6,500 veterans since the launch of Disney’s Heroes Work Here program, and an additional 10,000 veterans have found jobs with companies who have attended Disney’s Veterans Institute, a one day no-cost program that helps companies build their own veteran hiring initiatives.

Join Flash Thompson as he sets foot on new and foreign ground, the Marvel Universe’s first ever collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project with VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT #3!

AVENGERS STANDOFF: ASSAULT ON PLEASANT HILL ALPHA #1!

The Spring’s blockbuster Avengers crossover begins here! And it’ll take all the Avengers to uncover the secrets behind Pleasant Hill. Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at AVENGERS STANDOFF: ASSAULT ON PLEASANT HILL ALPHA! Written by blockbuster writer Nick Spencer with art by Marvel newcomer Jesus Saiz celebrate the 75^th anniversary of Captain America with a bang as heroes from across the Marvel Universe strap in for an explosive ride! From the outside, Pleasant Hill looks like the perfect small town community. But this gated community has more than its fair share of secrets. Secrets so explosive it will draw estranged allies Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson back together to save a friend in danger and put things right. But when the combined might of two Captain America’s isn’t enough, who do you call? In the face of unspeakable evil, Avengers teams from across the Marvel Universe will assemble like never before! But what’s hidden in Pleasant Hill might even be too much for them to handle…

From the Ashes of Avengers: Standoff Comes THUNDERBOLTS #1

With a flash of lightning, the Thunderbolts have returned! Today, Marvel is pleased to announce THUNDERBOLTS #1 – the new ongoing series from creators Jim Zub and Jon Malin! From the ashes of AVENGERS: STANDOFF, the Winter Soldier assembles the original Thunderbolts – Moonstone, the Fixer, MACH-V, Atlas and a mysterious new character for a dangerous new mission. One that will put them at the forefront and in the crosshairs of the Marvel Universe!

“Doing the right thing is different than being good,” says writer Jim Zub in an speaking with Marvel.com. “We’ve assembled a potent mix of characters to explore with big drama, big action and unexpected twists along the way. The new team is stacked with powerful personalities and a mission that’s going to tear them up and get right to their core. I’m excited about putting them in tough spots and letting the sparks fly.”

The threats no one else is prepared for. The difficult choices no one else can make. The Thunderbolts are ready to answer the call. Witness their formation this Spring in AVENGERS: STANDOFF and follow their adventures when THUNDERBOLTS #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices this May!

POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1 Unites Luke Cage and Danny Rand

The original Heroes for Hire are back on the clock this February! That’s right, Luke Cage and Danny Rand, Marvel’s original bromance are back and they’re coming at you in the highly anticipated POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1! Writer David Walker and artist Sanford Greene team up to bring you a brand new tale of the brawler with unbreakable skin and the kung fu fighter. The years may have caused this titanic twosome to drift apart, but when an old friend comes to them in need, the boys are back! Old friends, new enemies, hired goons, crime lords, weird magic, plenty of power, a flurry of fists and more bromance than you can handle await inside, True Believer!


The preceding was a press release from Marvel Comics

Rebel Jail debuts in Star Wars #16

The blockbuster Vader Down crossover may be over, but the Rebel Alliance is not out of the woods just yet! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at STAR WARS #16 – the first chapter of “Rebel Jail”! Chart topping writer Jason Aaron and incoming artist Leinil Yu bring you the exciting next adventure in the hit series! Following the events of Vader Down, the Rebels travel to a prison base with their high-value detainee Doctor Aphra in tow. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones with eyes on the prison! With the base under siege by mysterious foes, can Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie and the Droids prevent a mass breakout? Be there as the exciting new story arc begins this February in STAR WARS #16!

Miles Morales to join regular Marvel Universe

Welcome to the Marvel Universe Miles Morales, hope you survive the experience! That’s right, he’s here – and the Marvel Universe will never be the same again. Today, Marvel proudly presents your look inside SPIDER-MAN #1 – the highly anticipated new series from blockbuster Miles Morales co-creators Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli! Sure, he’s been doing the super hero thing for a while now, but following the events of Secret Wars, Miles finds himself a full-fledged member of the Marvel  U. Swinging next to Iron Man, Captain America and Thor as a member of the Avengers and patrolling the Big Apple’s rooftops as NYC’s own Spider-Man! But it’s not all fun and games. A lot has transpired in the eight months since Secret Wars and an entire new universe awaits him – friend and foe alike. Plus, his grades are in the toilet. The adventure begins this February in the can’t-miss SPIDER-MAN #1!

Hip-Hop sampler covers dropping at comic shops tomorrow

Marvel’s Hip Hop Variant initiative is a hit! And we’re bringing those can’t-miss mashups back to stores January 6^th with Marvel’s free Hip-Hop Variant Sampler! Fans can’t get enough of Marvel’s homages to the most iconic and well received albums of all time. So we’re bringing them back to your local comic shop once more! The sampler has been promoted everywhere from the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Fuse, MTV, Fortune, VIBE, RevoltTV, MassAppeal, Uproxx, XXL and many more, Marvel’s hip-hop mash-ups are taking the stage for their encore! Promoted to Marvel fans new and old, this free sampler reprints  14 of the most popular Hip-Hop covers!

                                                                                                                                                                 

As a thank you to fans and retailers, Marvel is inviting you to kick off 2016 at your local comic shop. Heavily promoted and hotly anticipated, we’re pleased to bring fans new and old into shops for this free sampler. But don’t wait, it’s sure to fly off the shelves!

Featuring industry legends, rising stars and even some of the creators behind the blockbuster All-New, All-Different Marvel titles – theHip-Hop Variant Sampler features the following 14 covers, reprinted for fans:

·         Invincible Iron Man #1 by Brian Stelfreeze

·         Ms. Marvel #1 by Jenny Frison

·         Doctor Strange #1 by Juan Doe

·         Extraordinary X-Men #1 by Sanford Greene

·         Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 by Jeffrey Veregge

·         All-New, All-Different Avengers #1 by Jim Cheung

·         Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Mike Del Mundo

·         Contest of Champions #1 by Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz

·         Vision #1 by Vanesa Del Rey

·         All-New X-Men #1 by Ed Piskor

·         Web Warriors #1 by Damion Scott

·         All-New Inhumans #1 by Marco D’Alfonso

·         All-New Wolverine #1 by Keron Grant

·         Captain America: Sam Wilson #1 by Mahmud Asrar

Hip-Hop and Marvel unite once more, joining together the exciting world of comics and the sound of a generation. Tomorrow, Marvel is proud to bring these unique mash-ups to a brand new set of fans and customers. Be there tomorrow when Marvel’s first ever Hip-Hop Variant Sampler drops!

Sana Amanat to appear on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers'

Sana Amanat will be joining Seth Meyers to discuss how Marvel reflects “the world outside your window”, what it’s like to help craft the Marvel Universe, and what’s coming up for Marvel Comics.

“Late Night with Seth Meyers” is home to A-list celebrity guests, memorable comedy and topical monologue jokes. It is hosted by Emmy Award-winning writer and one of the 2014 TIME 100, Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, Seth Meyers.   Previously, Meyers served as head writer on “Saturday Night Live” and anchor on the show’s wildly popular “Weekend Update.”

An established comedian, Meyers is known for his perfectly-timed wit and off-the-cuff satire. Meyers' fellow "Saturday Night Live" cast member and friend Fred Armisen serves as music director/drummer for the house band, The 8G Band with Fred Armisen.

From Universal Television and Broadway Video, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” is executive produced by Lorne Michaels (“The TonightShow Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Saturday Night Live”) and produced by Michael Shoemaker (“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “SaturdayNight Live”).

“The War Machines” starts now

Strap in, suit up and hold on, because the second arc of the flagship Marvel title starts here! Today, Marvel is please to present your first look inside INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #6 – the explosive first chapter of “The War Machines”! Blockbuster creators Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato unite to bring you the next chapter in Tony Stark’s life. All is not right within the house of Stark as he uncovers threats from within and threats from without. Now, he must delve into the nooks and crannies of his international organization to discover the truth. And he’s bringing a friend: James “Rhodey” Rhodes – the War Machine! Plus, the first big clues to 2016’s CIVIL WAR II begin here! Don’t miss the kickoff to the exciting new storyline and a perfect jumping on point this February in INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #6!

Martin Hirchak's Fanzine Fantasy

Hey fans,
   I don't do this often, but I'm sharing a post for a friend who is in need of a bit of help to finance production of issue 5 of his fanzine.
   Marty is a great guy. He runs the Fantasticon shows all over Michigan and Ohio, and is truly one of the best people in the business.
   Check out his post below and buy a copy if you can.
 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ! FANZINE FANTASY #5 will be heading to the printer SOON ! I need to raise $ to get this done right. The 1st 100 orders I receive will be signed and #'d 1 -100! This will be the ONLY PRINT RUN of this special advance issue which I am happy to announce will now be converted into a full blown PROZINE ....WEBPRESS STYLE ! ! ! To order this SUPER LIMITED COLLECTORS' ITEM just send check or money order @ $10 each postpaid in the USA to : Martin Hirchak , po box 44678, Detroit, Mi. 48244. The original cover art pictured here will be printed in FULL COLOR for this special issue ! 36 pages, color / B / W and will feature the best of the BEST UNDERGROUND COMIX , 1964 - 1980 ! Don't miss this SUPER unique Fanzine coming in Feb. 2016 ! ! ! A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTED FANZINE FANTASY #1 - #4 ! ! !

Marvel to release 'The Story thus far" variant covers

As All-New, All-Different Marvel continues to capture the imagination of comic fans the world over, prepare for the start of the second arc of your favorite new series with brand new STORY THUS FAR VARIANTS. Coming to the first issue of select second arcs, experience all the big action and can’t-miss moments of the first arc in one striking image! Continuing Marvel’s efforts to promote new ongoing series, STORY THUS FAR VARIANTS offer fans the opportunity to get caught up with new titles and add exciting variant covers to their collection!

“The Story Thus Far Variants are something new we’ve never attempted before,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “Using one piece of artwork to give new fans a quick snapshot of what’s going on and get them ready for the second arc. In an effort to continue promotion of these exciting new titles, we’ll also be using this artwork for online advertising and in comic shops across the country. ”

                                                  

Look for STORY THUS FAR VARIANTS on these upcoming February and March titles:

·         ALL-NEW INHUMANS #5

·         ALL-NEW X-MEN #4

·         AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9

·         CARNAGE #6

·         DEADPOOL #8

·         DOCTOR STRANGE #6

·         EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #8

·         GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #6

·         INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #6

·         SPIDER-MAN 2099 #8

Deadpool and the Mercs for Money #1 - Preview

Deadpool, Deadpool and more Deadpool! That’s right – he may be an Avenger now, but he’s also got his own team of private mercenaries. And they’re all coming at you in DEADPOOL AND THE MERCS FOR MONEY #1 – a brand new limited series coming this February from creators Cullen Bunn and Salva Espin! Deadpool can’t be everywhere at once, so if you’ve got a problem and a pile of cash you’re not overly fond of – the legally-cleared-to-be-called Mercs for Money can help! Deadpool you know. But what about Stingray, Masacre, Solo, Foolkiller, Terror and Slapstick? Time to get acquainted with these miscreant mercenaries! Point them at the problem and watch as it’s shot, stabbed, pulverized and otherwise made bloody! But when the Mercs are hired to retrieve a strange artifact from the Beyond Corporation – they’ll soon find themselves in over their heads and up to their eyeballs in all manner of deadly assassins! Don’t miss the kickoff to the pandemonium this February in DEADPOOL AND THE MERCS FOR MONEY #1!

Ghost Wolf: Born in Snow and Blood - First Look

Listen to the trees. Listen to the rocks, the wind howling in the high peaks. They still whisper the tale of the Ghost Wolf. A story told one thousand times. A tale waiting for you to be enjoyed.

From the prolific mind of El Torres, with the art of awesome artists like Angel Hernández (The Westwood Witches, Star Trek/ Green Lantern, DC Infinity Crisis), Amigo Comics presents the first volume of the Ghost Wolf: Born in Snow and Blood.

This volume reprints the acclaimed miniseries GHOST WOLF published by AMIGO COMICS, filled to the brim with barbaric violence that is sure to please fans of this genre!

One human, one wolf, the vessel for the spirit of vengeance – The Ghost Wolf!  Can you get enough of brutal barbarian action?