Marvel to introduce new character on Monday?
Marvel plans to introduce this monkey with guns, apparently drawn by Frank Cho, at Marvel.com on Monday. In the announcement, Marvel asks, “Who is One of the Most Exciting New Characters of the Century?” Since this was the art included, I guess they think it’s this guy. Now, I don’t know if this works like “collector’s item first issue!” where if you have to TELL people it’s a collector’s item, then it’s probably not. In any case, if you like Frank Cho or monkeys in a suit and tie, you may want to tune to Marvel.com on Monday and find out who this fella is.
Update: The character is named Hitman Monkey. He’ll debut in a digital title this December and first appear in print in February’s “Deadpool” No. 20.
- Matt Price
Captain America’s got a gun
There was some controversy over the new Captain America’s choice to carry a gun, back in Captain America #34. Some retailers at the time expressed concern about it. Now, Marvel’s released a provocative new promo, one in their series of promos with the title “What Price Victory?” promoting the upcoming Siege storyline.
Norman Osborn is being held at gunpoint by the new Captain America in the image. Osborn has been responsible for a lot of the bad things that have happened to Marvel’s heroes in the past year, as Osborn himself was lionized following his part in stopping the Skrull invasion. Siege looks to be a return to the classic Avengers lineup of Thor, Captain America and Iron Man. But I wonder if New Cap’s use of a gun might play into his stepping aside from the Captain America role, allowing a return of Steve Rogers?
(Of course, in Reborn right now, Steve Rogers isn’t quite ready to take over anything – but we’ll see how that story progresses, as well!)
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
- Matt Price
Marvel Comics reveals Black Widow’s ‘Deadly Origin’
Marvel Comics’ Black Widow began as a Soviet spy, introduced as a foil for Iron Man in 1964’s “Tales of Suspense” No. 52. While her first few appearances saw her as an antagonist to Marvel heroes, she’s since joined with them, even leading the Avengers for a time.
The Black Widow, aka Natalia Romanova or Natasha Romanoff, will be played by Scarlett Johansson in next year’s film “Iron Man 2.” Marvel is doing its best to catch up readers on the character before the film, starting this week with the comic-book series “Black Widow: Deadly Origin.”
Marvel Comics come to iPhone
Marvel Comics are now available for the iPhone, via four different applications: Comixology, iVerse, ScrollMotion and Panelfly applications.
“Consumers in many locales have a choice of comic shops in which to buy their comics so we wanted to offer fans the same variety of digital storefronts to be able to purchase and consume Marvel comics,” said Ira Rubenstein, Executive Vice President, Marvel Digital Media, in a release. “It’s all about giving the consumer the best experience possible and the widest possible choice.”
Selected Marvel Comics will also be available for the PSP, and a selection is available online at Marvel’s Digital Comics Unlimited. Of course, the chief distribution of Marvel Comics remains in print, in direct-market comic-book stores.
- Matt Price
Mighty Avengers #31 preview
Marvel Comics has provided a preview of “Mighty Avengers” 31, which features The Mighty Avengers, Young Avengers, New Avengers and more versus The Unspoken. From Marvel’s news release:
Red hot writers Dan Slott and Christos N. Gage, along with fan-favorite artist Sean Chen, present the epic conclusion of the Avengers battle against the ancient enemy of the Inhumans! Hank Pym, newly named the Scientist Supreme, returns to Earth, but is his genius enough to help his Avengers allies turn the tide, after a lethal toxin turns many of the Avengers into a gang of mindless barbarians?
The issue goes on sale on Nov. 18.
Marvel motion comics finalists named
Aniboom has announced the finalists in its Marvel motion comics contest. The motion comics chosen adapt either a Jeph Loeb-written Wolverine vs. Hulk fight or a Dan Abnett-Andy Lanning “Nova” tale.
The five finalists — from Los Angeles, New York, New Hampshire and Australia — will each receive $2,000 to expand their motion comic into a full-length story. These five, plus one additional “Wildcard” finalist, will compete for the grand prize of $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their work across Marvel’s digital network, according to the release.
The winner will be announced Nov. 16, after a week of voting at aniboom.com.
Click past the cut to see the five finalists’ videos.
- Matt Price
NewsOK Comics Podcast: Incredible Hulk 602, Supergirl 46, Justice League 38
Matt Price and Kyle Roberts provide comic-book reviews for Incredible Hulk 602, Supergirl 46 and Justice League 38 in this week’s NewsOK Comics Podcast. It’s Hulk vs. Wolverine: The Next Generation in “Incredible Hulk” No. 602. The Hunt for Reactron ends in Supergirl 46. And James Robinson (”Starman”) begins his run on “Justice League of America” in issue No. 38.
Daredevil 501 goes to second printing
Writer Andy Diggle (”Losers”) and artist Roberto De La Torre have a sellout on their hands with “Daredevil” No. 501, in which Matt Murdock accepts leadership of the murderous Hand ninjas.
This second printing features De La Torre’s interior artwork on the cover and will go on sale Nov. 25. Individual retail stores may still have first printings available.
- Matt Price
Favreau says he won’t direct Avengers
MTV Splash Page caught up with “Iron Man 2″ director Jon Favreau, who sadly says he won’t be available to direct the “Avengers” motion picture.
“They’ll have to [find a different director], because I’m not going to be available,” he said. “It’s something I’m being the executive producer on, so I’ll definitely have input and a say.”
Favreau adds whoever does direct “Avengers” will have to mix the technological world of “Iron Man” with the mythology-based world of “Thor.”
It’s too bad Favreau won’t do it – he’s been a great choice for “Iron Man” — but I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Marvel finding a director who will do an “Avengers” movie justice.
- Matt Price
Singer may return to X-Men
Empire Online reports that Bryan Singer has met with Fox about possibly returning to the X-Men franchise.
“I’m still looking to possibly returning to the X-Men franchise. I’ve been talking to Fox about it,” said Singer. “I love Hugh Jackman. I love the cast.”
That indicates that Singer may be more likely to return to an “X-Men 4″ with the original film X-Men versus taking the helm of a reboot or an “X-Men First Class” set in the early days of Xavier’s school.
Click past the cut to vote on whether you think Singer should return to the X-Men.
