Marvel News & Views

Archive

First… there Iain.
Then… there was Maillaro.
This, though, is the age of Hatton.

And he’s gonna crack the internet in half!

Now since we have a new writer – since we have a new layout – it might be best for me to explain what the purpose of this column is.

The internet is a big place, and it can be hard to find all of the news in one place. The purpose of Marvel News & Views is to be your one stop shopping for all news from Marvel, with opinions by myself, James Hatton, my cohort in crime, Danielle O’Brien, and occasionally other staff members here at Comic Nexus.

So stop looking for all of your news, now you know where to find it.

So, let’s get on with the news, shall we?

HAVE YOU BEEN ASTONISHED FOR THE LAST YEAR?
Provided by Comic Book Resources

“Astonishing X-Men quickly established itself as the premiere X-book—and issue #12 reminds readers why!” says X-Office Senior Editor Mike Marts. “This final issue of Whedon & Cassaday’s first year has big-screen action, twists and turns, and an ending that will leave fans dying for #13, due out early next year! “

Now the art, first off looks amazing – relating to the Sentinel rising from the ashes of the sentient Danger Room of course. It shows Genosha seemingly going kaboom again. That poor place.

My concern is the above quote, which states quite readily that Astonishing is now on hiatus until the first quarter of 2006. Let’s just hope that there is a good reason for it, because if it’s just the lateness that has already plagued this title then I’ll be grumpy. There is also the possibility that this relates to House of M in some way, given the recent spoilers.

YU AT MARVEL… NO, NOT YOU! YU!
ULTIMATE HULK vs. WOLVERINE – ‘Nuff Said.
Provided by Comic Book Resources

“Yu’s first scheduled project at Marvel will be on “Ultimate Hulk vs. Ultimate Wolverine” with an as yet unnamed writer. “I also hope I can do a Millar, Bendis or Ellis story, but I’ll leave it up to Joe and his crew in deciding which move is next,” said Yu. “I’d also like to take another shot at the X-books as I felt that the only good X-Men book that I did was the Annual. That was too little, too late. I felt I didn’t do Chris Claremont’s plots justice on my run on the X-men. “

For those who don’t know Yu, he has done work on Wolverine, X-Men, Uncanny, and Superman: Birthright. His style is quite solid, and along with Marvel’s recently acquired artists, it is starting to look a lot like the 90’s, isn’t it?

We also get the knowledge that we’ll be getting an Ult. Hulk vs. Wolvie. Fun, and a good answer to the MARVEL.COM poll that asked what people would want for their next title. The votes were near tied between both of those heroes. Depending on the writer, it could be fun.

WHA THE HUH IS WHA HUH?
WHAT IF? STRIKES BACK!
Provided by Newsarama

“So, what happened to Wha… Huh?? “There were some technical problems with the book with the lettering and stuff,” artist Jim Mahfood told Newsarama. “It got caught up in some red tape at Marvel. I dunno, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to talk about it or whatever. But the rumors of DC being upset about it or certain stories delaying it aren’t true. Bottom line is, I’m just happy that it’s finally coming out. It will be worth the wait.” “

Ok, so that’s some backtalking, but I guess if it WAS some legal issues related to DC or whomever, I am sure that they couldn’t talk about it. I’m just happy it’s coming out. Wha..Huh? has historically been a fun place to read books that are laden with inside jokes about what’s going on at Marvel, not to mention the Unporkable Spider-Ham!

Also…

” Wha… Huh? is currently scheduled to be in stores on August 31. Newsarama has also learned that there will be a What If? 2005 event in December. No word on whether or not the publisher will be brave enough to try Wha…Huh? #2. “

What If? was always a favorite book of mine. Occasionally it felt a little forced, but it really is just a place where writers can take their ideas or silly fanboy questions. I enjoyed the last set, and I’m sure that I’ll enjoy this up and coming one.

TWICE THE POWER! STILL PRETTY SUPREME!
Provided by Newsarama

Sometimes, you will see that I don’t put little quotes in italics. Why? No need. The link up there goes to the previews of not one, but TWO Supreme Power mini-series for September.

Hyperion’s series is seemingly about the rest of the Supreme Power team coming after him, and if I have a dream, it’s that they finally start to work together.

Nighthawk is about the dark crusader’s first huge villain. Now, think about it.. Nighthawk is supposed to be a mock-up of the Bat, so his villain is obviously going to be…..

Supreme Power: Nighthawk #3 cover

..you figure it out.

THE SHORT FORM

EXILES #68 – After breaking down the original premise, we’re now left in the multi-verse nexus trying to get Mimic better. The next story seems to relate to House of M and Beak, and then from there I pray this book finds its footing again. The stories haven’t been bad, per se, but having done away with Winick’s original idea, Bedard needs to get a hook back in the book.

HOUSE OF M #5 – Easily the best of the series so far, and that’s not saying an exceptional amount. I’ve enjoyed House of M, but it’s a bad example of what people have said about Bendis for years. What’s gone on in the first four issues, could easily have been covered in two. Let’s hope, hmm?

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #22 – If I had to pick my favorite Marvel this week, it was easily this story. Teased for the longest time to be a story about Ultimate meeting 616, the world turns out to be a zombie wasteland. I dig zombies, and the art is pretty damn good too.

X-MEN #174 – Milligan is finally telling a story that you can tell he wants to tell. I’m not saying he didn’t want to tell the stories he’s done so far, but the characters he’s left with just don’t seem like his. As each issue goes by, he takes more of the story as his own.

THE CLOSING

I know that there wasn’t a hell of a lot of news, but in time you and I will get to know each other. We’ll share our lives when it comes to the world of Marvel, and we will combine in the bond of geekdom.

For now though, we say g’bye, salud, adios. Thanks for reading and tell me what you think.