Marvel Noise

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2008) — When artist Mike Wieringo passed away, he was in the middle of his latest Marvel Comics book, a What If? story. Mike had completed seven pages of what became a massive 27-page story. With Mike’s passing, Marvel Comics generously provided access to the script and Mike’s art to The Hero Initiative, and Mike’s friends stepped up to finish the story, and pay tribute to Mike. Now, What If…This Was The Fantastic Four?: A Tribute to Mike Wieringo is slated as a massive, 48-page tribute book for June shipping that contains the full story, and additional written tributes to Mike.

The tremendous list of talent participating in the book includes Jeff Parker, Arthur Adams, Paul Renaud, Stuart Immonen, Cully Hamner, Alan Davis, David Williams, Sanford Greene, Humberto Ramos, Skottie Young, Mike Allred, Barry Kitson, and Val Staples. Cover artwork is by Mike Wieringo and Paul Mounts, and The Hero Initiative is publishing the book with the full support of both Marvel Comics, and the family of Mike Wieringo.

This book is listed in Diamond Previews and the Previews Order Form under “Hero Initiative,” so order there! The book retails for $4.99.

“While Mike was always looking forward as an artist, he had a genuine appreciation of the efforts of those that came before him. He knew that, without their hard work and talent, he would not have had a career. He was a great and generous guy and he would have been thrilled to be a part of this book. And I’m honored that I’ve been allowed to be a part of it as well,” said Matt Wieringo, Mike’s brother.

Editor Nate Cosby says of the project, “Mike was (and still IS) one of my favorite artists of all time. He drew the world as he saw it, and combined his vision with the imaginations of others to create some of my favorite comics of all time. It was more than a pleasure to work with him all-too-briefly. This book is a remembrance of what Mike could do with a pencil, and a tribute to him as a man.”

“I’m amazed at the generosity of Marvel, and all the artists who stepped forward to help out on this book,” said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. “It’s a great package, and a fitting tribute to Mike.”

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call 310-909-7809 or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information, visit http://www.marvel.com.

# # #

For more information, please contact:

Arune Singh
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
212-576-4061
asingh@marvel.com

Janine Bielski
The Hero Initiative
310-909-7809
HeroInitiative@aol.com

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 25, 2008) – Last year, The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, enlisted the aid of 100 top-flight Spider-Man artists throughout history to create The Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project , a collection of 100 original Spider-Man covers. Hero is reprising the program with something meaner and greener.

Marvel Comics has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of the new Hulk #1 to Hero. The call has gone out to create a new, Hulk-centric “Ultimate 100,” and dozens of artists are currently putting pen to paper. Artists involved include well-known Hulk vets such as Sal Buscema, Mike Deodato Jr., Ron Garney, Ed McGuinness, Don Perlin, Herb Trimpe, Ron Wilson, and more. In addition, Marvel superstars such as J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Frank Cho, David Finch, Joe Quesada and John Romita Sr. have stepped up to add their own take on ol’ Greenskin.

“It’ll be tough to beat what we saw last year with the Spider-Man books,” said Hero Initiative Board member Brian Pulido. “But folks are really stepping up to the plate already with some amazing Hulk pieces. It’s great to see them as they roll in!”

“After witnessing the overwhelming industry participation and fan response to the Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project, Marvel is excited to be working with the Hero Initiative once again on such a unique and beneficial project. It’s quite inspiring to watch the comic book community come together so selflessly to support those who came before them. And what better way to honor the pioneers of our industry, then by creating one-of-a-kind cover illustrations of one of the most iconic heroes of all time, the Incredible Hulk,” said Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley.

All 100 original Hulk covers will be auctioned at a later date, with proceeds benefiting The Hero Initiative. Plans also call for a book collecting all 100 covers. The first covers received will be on display publicly for the first time at the Orlando MegaCon, taking place March 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. For more information on that event, please visit www.MegaConvention.com

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.
For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 310-909-7809.

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New releases (this week, Thursday is new comic day for a lot of folks) and Pick of the Week start the show off. Following that are comments on Punisher War Journal #13 and Avengers: The Initiative #7. Next, it’s a big ol’ heapin’ helpin’ of SkrullWatch! We’re joined by Pat Loika and time is spent going through Avengers: Disassembled, New Avengers: Breakout, and New Avengers #36 making claims and observations about who is and isn’t a Skrull. Along the way we touch on (in no particular order) the Kree – Skrull War, Wolverine: Origins, Dr. Strange, Young Avengers/Runaways, Young Avengers AND Runaways, She-Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, and Messiah CompleX.

The sound quality of the audio that starts the episode is not the norm for the entire episode.

HERO For The Holidays: http://www.comicspodcasts.com/?page_id=1045
Greg Federico, Beneath The Stars (http://gregfederico.com/)

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Comics On-Sale:

BLACK PANTHER # 32
COVER BY: BILLY TAN
WRITER: REGINALD HUDLIN
PENCILS: FRANCIS PORTELA
“LITTLE GREEN MEN”
Someone get them a road map! The new Fantastic Four have just taken another wrong turn on the dimensional superhighway — and this time, they’ve landed in the middle of a gang-war between machine-gun toting Skrulls! Gangsta-gangsta!
Rated T+ …$2.99
CABLE & DEADPOOL #47
DAREDEVIL # 102
COVER BY: MARKO DJURDJEVIC
WRITER: ED BRUBAKER
PENCILS: MICHAEL LARK
INKS: STEFANO GAUDIANO
Daredevil fights the Enforcers and their new boss Mr. Fear, who’s trying to tear the streets of Hell’s Kitchen apart, while Matt and Foggy fight a battle on another front — the courtroom — to save the life of someone close to them! Continuing the events that began in DAREDEVIL 99 and rocketed us into the landmark 100th issue, by the multiple Eisner-nominated team of Brubaker and Lark!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
FOOLKILLER #2
MAGICIAN APPRENTICE #11
MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN #7
MARVEL ATLAS # 1
COVER BY: STAZ JOHNSON
WRITERS: MICHAEL HOSKIN, STUART VANDAL, ANTHONY FLAMINI, and ERIC J. MOREELS
ART: ELIOT BROWN
Walk through Marvel’s Earth with the first-ever official atlas! In the first half of this indispensable guide, travel through Europe, Asia and the Pacific with digestible in-depth features including: the splendor of Dr. Doom’s Latveria! The wonders of Muir Island! The glory of Silver Sable’s homeland Symkaria! The urban squalor of Madripoor! The underwater marvels of Lemuria! From the shores of Ireland to the ocean’s very depths, it’s all mapped out for you courtesy of handbook legend Eliot R. Brown (PUNISHER ARMORY, IRON MANUAL)!
Rated A …$3.99
MARVEL PREVIEWS #52
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #2
MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL # 1
COVER BY: DAVE WILKINS
WRITER: DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
PENCILS: JEFTE PAOLO
“DATE NIGHT”
Some people come to New York City looking for a knight in shining armor. Or just a warm body who can help you through the lonely hours. Be careful what you look for. Hot crime novelist Duane Swierczynski (“The Blonde”) and Jefte Paolo bring you the story of three women whose lives intersect in strange and deadly ways, two predators who stalk the city streets at night, and one shock ending you won’t see coming. No matter how many bad dates you’ve had.
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN # 41
COVERS BY: JOE QUESADA and MARKO DJURDJEVIC
WRITER: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
PENCILS: JOE QUESADA
INKS: DANNY MIKI
“ONE MORE DAY” Part 3
The most-talked about – and controversial – comic event of the year continues, brought to you by J. Michael Straczynski and Joe Quesada! Brace yourself, Spidey fans, after this, nothing will be the same for Peter Parker!
The stakes have never been higher. At his darkest hours – and he’s had plenty – Peter has always had one shoulder to lean on, one person who’d remind him who he is, who he was, and who he can be. Now he’s about to lose that person. What would he do…what would you do, if you only had “One More Day?”
48 PGS./Rated A …$3.99
SUB-MARINER #6 (CWI)
THE ZOMBIE: SIMON GARTH #1
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #116
WORLD WAR HULK: FRONT LINE #6
X-MEN # 205
COVERS BY: DAVID FINCH and J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
WRITER: MIKE CAREY
PENCILS: CHRIS BACHALO
MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 5 of 13
The X-Men versus the Marauders! A rematch of the unforgettable fight from X-Men #200. But will the battle turn in favor of the X-Men this time? Not if Sinister can help it. Layla and Madrox continue their mission to uncover the truth of mutant extinction, friends become foes to the X-Men at the worst time possible, and whereabouts of the baby are revealed at last.
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS #6

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AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE VOL. 1 – BASIC TRAINING PREMIERE
COVER BY: JIM CHEUNG
WRITER: DAN SLOTT
PENCILS: STEFANO CASELLI
The CIVIL WAR is over and from now on, THIS is the new face of the MARVEL UNIVERSE — THE INITIATIVE! Whose side were you on? Well, if you were pro-registration, then there’s one hell of a price to pay. You’re in the army now. Every last one of you. Fall in with YELLOWJACKET, WAR MACHINE, SHE-HULK, JUSTICE and THE GAUNTLET as they train the heroes of tomorrow for the super-powered conflicts of today! Marvel’s army of super heroes has just become a super hero army! Also featuring THE MIGHTY AVENGERS and a new generation of Marvels. Collecting AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #1-6.
Rated T+ …$19.99

CIVIL WAR SCRIPT BOOK
COVER BY: STEVE MCNIVEN
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: STEVE MCNIVEN
Go behind the lines of the Marvel Comics event starring Spider-Man, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the entirety of the Marvel pantheon. This companion volume reprints the complete scripts to CIVIL WAR #1-7 – plus sketches, deleted scenes and more!
Rated T+ …$17.99

ESSENTIAL X-MEN VOL. 8
COVER BY: MARC SILVESTRI
WRITER: CHRIS CLAREMONT
PENCILS: MARC SILVESTRI and RICK LEONARDI
The X-Men are dead to the world, and evildoers a-plenty are willing to make the hoax a reality! See the debuts of characters and concepts that sculpted the struggles and souls of the mightiest mutants for years to come – including the Reavers, Genosha and the Conover Crusade! The Brood barge in and the Marauders mix it up, topped off with a dose of demons who whip up an awe-inspiring Inferno! Guest-starring Magik and the Goblin Queen! Collecting UNCANNY X-MEN 229-243, ANNUAL 12 & X-FACTOR 36-39.
Rated T+ …$16.99

JACK KIRBY’S GALACTIC BOUNTY HUNTERS
COVER BY: JACK KIRBY
WRITERS: LISA KIRBY and STEVE ROBERTSON
PENCILS: MIKE THIBODEAUX
An All-New series featuring characters and concepts created by Jack “King” Kirby! Meet the Berkleys, your typical suburban California family. But when young Garrett Berkley discovers his parents’ secret — that the science-fiction stories his father writes aren’t fiction at all, but autobiography — he’s blasted into a whole new universe of adventure, mystery and danger. Now, Jack Berkley must put down his pen, reassemble his old team and take up the mantle of being a Galactic Bounty Hunter for one final mission! Collecting JACK KIRBY’S GALACTIC BOUNTY HUNTERS #1-6.
Rated T+ …$24.99

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN VOL. 9 (and variant)
COVER BY: JOHN ROMITA
WRITER: STAN LEE
PENCILS: JOHN ROMITA, JOHN BUSCEMA, and JIM MOONEY
Well tickle my webs and call it time for another offering of the greatest, friendliest, webslingingest super hero of all—the Amazing Spider-Man! The adventures Stan “The Man” and the Jazzy One, John Romita, have in store for you in this ten-spot of tales are enough to make even ol’ J. Jonah Jameson fall in love with Spidey. Well, maybe not, but that means you’ve no competition for a date with the likes of the Prowler in his first appearance; the beautiful Black Widow seen for the first time in her sultry new spy gear; an underworld family in-fight between the Kingpin and the Schemer including Vanessa Fisk’s entrée into Marveldom; and the Chameleon, Electro and the Kangaroo, a poor assemblage that’s always a bridesmaid and never a bride. It’s not just the most colorful array of villains in comics, of course! There’s melodrama aplenty in the fashion that could only befit poor Peter Parker. See how Mr. Luckless himself handles not only the loss of his powers and glowing Gwen’s fear of Spidey, but how he wiggles his way out of revealing his identity right before Gwen, MJ, and the gang’s very eyes! We’ll be waiting, so don’t forget that corsage, most Fearless Front Facer! Collecting THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #78-87.

SPIDER-MAN FAIRY TALES
COVER BY: RICARDO TERCIO
WRITER: C.B. CEBULSKI and MINDY OWENS
PENCILS: RICARDO TERCIO, NIKO HENRICHSON, KEI KOBYASAHI, and NICK DRAGOTTA
In the tradition of X-Men Fairy Tales, Marvel makes its move on melding more modern myths — this time starring everybody’s favorite wall-crawler! Featuring all-new interpretations of Little Red Riding Hood, Anansi the Spider-God, Tsuchigumo the Japanese Spider Spirit and Cinderella. Find out just how fun fairy tales can be… Marvel style! Collecting SPIDER-MAN FAIRY TALES #1-4.
Rated A …$10.99

Captain America By Ed Brubaker Omnibus HC Vol 01 Direct Market Edition, $74.99

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CAPTAIN MARVEL ED MCGUINNESS POSTER