Marvel Noise

I had no interest in Dark Reign’s beginning, yet the tail end of the status quo’s existence is dragging me back to the Marvel Universe full force. Dark Reign – The List: Avengers kicks off a series of eight one-shot/special issues that entail what seems to be Norman Osborn’s full-force (if not final) siege upon the world of Marvel Heroes. As Osborn sees it, it is time to bring some real change to the world and take full control of the way things function – mainly the freedoms of the world’s largest super-powered individuals who constantly threaten his presence at the top.

This book did what all event-focused books should: take existing characters that we all know at the core and study them from another angle while exploring their reactions, attitudes and character under unusual and even extreme circumstances. Bendis does this by simply focusing on two different sides of the Norman Osborn argument: kill him or bring him to justice? The idea creates an interesting divide within the Avengers team, and it also allows reflects upon what makes the characters of Captain America, Spider-man and Clint Barton who they are. Ultimately, this question is what moves the plot of the issue and places a specific character in an interesting position which will surely see farther exploration in the core Avengers book (New Avengers).

The artwork within this issue is also very well produced – the tag team of Djurdjevic, Morales and Gracia work well in their collaboration implanting a tone of desperation and almost futility. Djurdjevic also captures the sequential feel quite nicely, which is shocking for the amount of cover work he produces.

All and all, this was well worth the read and adds to my growing curiosity of the current Marvel Comics landscape. Yet, to place a warning to potential consumers, this book is not oversized for the 3.99 price tag. It may feel heavy when picked off the spinner rack, but don’t let the dual eight-page previews of Dark Reign – The List: Daredevil & Dark Reign – The List: X-Men fool you. But, I will not linger on that complaint – I still bought it holding that knowledge after all. But yes, Dark Reign: The List – Avengers is a nice example of a good event-centric comic book; it packs interesting looks at favorite characters, gorgeous artwork and a cliff-hanger that leaves the reader curious for more.

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Marko Djurdjevic
Inks: Mark Morales
Colors: Marte Gracia

Marvel is proud to unveil rising star Marko Djurdjevic’s (Thor) variant cover to The Eternals #1! Written by the fan favorite writing duo of Charlie & Daniel Knauf (Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and sensational artist Daniel Acuña, this brand new ongoing series finds the Eternals now based in San Francisco and fighting for their very survival against their own kind following Neil Gaimain’s acclaimed series! Once worshipped by humanity, these god-like beings must find a way to unite before an evil force eradicates their kind… and the Earth!

ETERNALS #1 (APR082266)
Written by CHARLES KNAUF & DANIEL KNAUF
Art & 50/50 Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA
50/50 Variant cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—5/15/08, On-Sale—6/4/08

Thor #7 and #8 have both sold out at Diamond and Marvel is going back to press on a Must-Have collecting both scorching-hot issues in Thor: Search For Odin Must-Have.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski is joined by special guest artist Marko Djurdjevic (Daredevil) for a two-part story collected in Thor: Search For Odin Must-Have which finds Thor searching for his father Odin. Hoping to restore Odin to his former life as Thor has already done for many Asgardians, the Thunder God may be in for the fight of his recently restored life as he finds his father locked in a battle that neither of their combined efforts can hope to win.

Thor’s return to the Marvel Universe continues to wow critics and fans alike as the Thunder God’s new ongoing series has been hotter than lightning.

Jesse Schedeen of IGN.com’s review of Thor #8 called it “another terrific issue in what is quickly developing into one of Marvel’s best series.”

Adam Chapman of Comixtreme.com said “JMS delivers a powerful script, and Djurdjevic captures it brilliantly with his artwork. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”

Thor: Search For Odin Must-Have is the latest example of why Thor is one of the hottest characters at Marvel right now so don’t miss your chance to pick up this marvelous must-have.

THOR: SEARCH FOR ODIN MUST-HAVE (MAR088240)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+…$3.99
FOC – 5/15, On-Sale – 6/4/2008

Marvel is proud to unveil three new variants covers to this May’s hotly anticipated Invincible Iron Man #1! From legendary Iron Man artist Bob Layton (Iron Man: Legacy Of Doom), plus rising star artists Billy Tan (Uncanny X-Men) and Marko Djurdjevic (Thor), come three stunning new covers to the new series from red-hot writer Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, Punisher War Journal, upcoming Uncanny X-Men) and acclaimed artist Salvador Larroca (Amazing Spider-Man, Uncanny X-Men)! These covers join the powerful 50/50 covers from Larroca and Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada!

A perfect jumping-on point for new readers and for old fans alike, this all-new Iron Man series pits the Armored Avenger against a man who just may be his greatest enemy! Featuring all your favorite Iron Man characters, from Pepper Potts to James Rhodes, Invincible Iron Man #1 begin an all-new, action-packed, status-quo shattering ongoing series that you can’t afford to miss!

Retailers, please note that Invincible Iron Man is also previewed in the upcoming Iron Man/Hulk Sampler, an unprecedented, free 32 page special that previews all the major upcoming Iron Man and Hulk releases. This sampler is perfect for distribution at movie theaters, Free Comic Book Day, and any other promotional efforts, providing a perfect introduction into the world of the stars of this summers two most anticipated blockbuster films!

THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 (MAR082185)
THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 TAN VARIANT, LAYTON VARIANT, DJURDJEVIC VARIANT (MAR082186)
THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 MOVIE VARIANT (MAR082187)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
50/50 Cover by JOE QUESADA
Variant by BILLY TAN
Variant by BOB LAYTON
Variant by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—4/17/08, On-Sale—5/7/08

IRON MAN/HULK SAMPLER (FEB088110)
Written by JIM MCCANN
Rated All Ages…FREE!
On-Sale—4/23/08

Divided, The X-Men Will…Fall?

As Cyclops and Emma Frost try to save Angel — and the entire city of San Francisco — from something unexplainable, Wolverine, Colossus and Nightcrawler must face Russia’s deadly Red Room! Uncanny X-Men #497, from Eisner-winning scribe Ed Brubaker (Captain America, Daredevil, Criminal) and rising star artist Michael Choi, continues the acclaimed story of a world without X-Men, with the former superheroes attempting to move on after the events of Messiah CompleX. An ­X-Men: Divided We Stand tie-in, this issue continues the red-hot storyline that has fans and critics alike buzzing!

Steven M. Bari of ComicsBulletin.Com gushed, “Salivate over Mike Choi’s art. His work isn’t just perfect anatomically and thematically. It’s sexy!”

“Ed Brubaker is obviously having a lot of fun with his latest Uncanny X-Men arc. I’m glad to say I am too,” said Jesse Schedeen of IGN.Com.

Retailers, check the Marvel Mailer for special ordering instructions regarding the Uncanny X-Men #497 Djurdjevic Variant by rising star artist Marko Djurdjevic (Thor)!

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all X-Men titles, as the Divided We Stand tie-ins continue to sell out at Diamond and generate buzz. As Wolverine, Colossus and Nightcrawler’s road trip takes a turn for the worse…can mutantkind survive without the X-Men? Find out in Uncanny X-Men #497!

UNCANNY X-MEN #497 (FEB082261)
UNCANNY X-MEN #497 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT (JAN088351)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by MICHAEL CHOI
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—4/3/08, On-Sale—4/23/08

Marvel is pleased to announce that Thor #6 has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level), marking yet another sell out for the series that continues to top the sales charts! The superstar creative team of writer JMS (The Twelve) and Olivier Coipel (House Of M) continue Thor’s quest to restore Asgard — and this issue marks the Thunder God’s most surprising decision yet! The fallout — literally — from this issue will change Thor’s life forever and set him on a path from which there is no return! And just how do Asgardian gods react to regular life in Oklahoma?

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Thor, as the series continues to sell-out with each issue and garner acclaim from all corners, with Jason Sacks of ComicsBulletin.Com gushing, “JMS’s re-invention of Thor has been a success.”

If you’ve missed out on the first six critically-acclaimed, sold-out issues of Thor — and haven’t been able to find any of those sold out multiple printings — then don’t miss Thor By J. Michael Straczynski Vol.1 Premiere HC! Collecting Thor #1-6, now’s your chance to learn just how and why Thor returned!

Marvel currently has no plans to go back to press on Thor #6.

THOR BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI VOL. 1 PREMIERE HC (JAN082208)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL
Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Rated T+ …$19.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale—4/16/08

THOR #7 (DEC072216)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
50/50 Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL & MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+…$2.99
On-Sale—3/19/08

THOR BY COIPEL & DJURDJEVIC POSTER (DEC072283)
24×36 Color Poster…$7.99
IN STORES NOW!

Marko Djurdjevic Joins Thor In Battle As Odin Returns!

Acclaimed cover artist Mark Djurdjevic joins the thunderous hit series Thor as special guest artist for a two-issue arc that promises to turn the God of Thunder’s world on its head! Writer JMS (The Twelve) has brought Asgard to Earth, transformed Loki into a woman and pitted Thor against Iron Man… so what could JSM have planned for Thor’s father, Odin? Has he been found? And more importantly… should he be found?

As a special bonus, Djurdjevic and regular series artist Olivier Coipel have teamed-up to create a special variant cover for this issue—and you need to see the results of this superstar jam to believe it! This stunning image is also available as the Thor By Coipel & Djurdjevic Poster!

Thor’s world has been rocked by the machinations of others, but will the return of his father set him on a path of no return? And what of Loki’s machinations with the deadly Dr. Doom? If you haven’t checked out one of 2007’s most critically-acclaimed new series, then don’t miss Thor #7, kicking off a series of events that promise to shatter the status quo!

THOR #7 (DEC072216)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
50/50 Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL & MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—2/28/08, On-Sale—3/19/08

THOR BY COIPEL & DJURDJEVIC POSTER (DEC072283)
24×36 Color Poster…$7.99
IN STORES NOW!

An International Incident Shakes The Thunderbolts

In the wake of the Civil War and the nationwide adoption of the Superhero Registration act, heroes and villains alike are now working for the government. Enter the Thunderbolts – a fearful super-villain team forced to be the good guys. However, Radioactive Man, a citizen of China, and the Swordsman, who hails from Germany, are not American citizens. In a mind-blowing one shot, Thunderbolts: International Incident, the team is tasked with following the sadistic scientist Arnim Zola after an attack in Atlanta. The mission, however, involves going into a foreign country; something not in the Thunderbolts’ contract. Radioactive Man and Swordsman will be faced with strenuous decisions. What do you do when a mission goes against the best interests of your home country? To whom does your allegiance truly belong?

Wrapped in a stunning cover by Marko Djurdjevic, Thunderbolts: International Incident is penned by the amazing Christos Gage (mastermind behind Thunderbolts: Breaking Point and House of M: Avengers) and is combined with the sensational art of Ben Oliver (Ultimate X-Men).

Will Radioactive Man and Swordsman stand up for their team, their country, or will they go rogue? This fantastic one shot is perfect for readers new and old; this is the Thunderbolts special that can’t be missed!

THUNDERBOLTS: INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT (DEC072208)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Art by BEN OLIVER
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC – 2/7, On-Sale 2/27/2008