Marvel is releasing 12 retro-style variant covers for the upcoming 'Cosmic Invasion' arcade game, featuring characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Venom, to coincide with the game's launch in early 2024, highlighting a galactic storyline where Earth's heroes unite against the Annihilation Wave.
Marvel and DC are releasing a groundbreaking crossover comic, 'Deadpool/Batman' #1, featuring variant covers by top artists and interior stories with popular characters, set for release on September 17, marking a rare collaboration between the two comic giants.
Influential artist Whilce Portacio returns to Iron Man with a series of variant covers for the new run by Spencer Ackerman and Julius Ohta, starting with 'Iron Man' #3. The series features Tony Stark rebuilding his armor after it is corrupted by Roxxon, with Portacio's covers highlighting the destruction and reconstruction of Stark's iconic suits. Portacio's work, known for its dynamic depiction of Iron Man's technology, will be featured on issues #3-5, with colors by Alex Sinclair.
Marvel's new comic series "X-Force" #1, written by Geoffrey Thorne and illustrated by Marcus To, features variant covers showcasing the elite mutant strike team led by Forge. The team, assembled for off-the-books missions crucial to the fate of the Marvel Universe, includes characters like Betsy Braddock, Rachel Summers, Surge, Sage, and Tank. The debut issue, set in the X-Men's From the Ashes era, will also feature a special foil cover and A-List guest stars, starting with Deadpool. Fans can preorder the comic, which goes on sale on 7/31, and access it digitally through the Marvel Unlimited app.
Marvel Comics is celebrating the upcoming 'X-Men '97' animated series with a new line of variant covers featuring action figures from Hasbro's Marvel Legends X-Men ’97 6-inch scale line. The variant covers will spotlight five mutant icons - Cyclops, Wolverine, Rogue, Magneto, and Goblin Queen - and will run on select X-Men issues throughout March. Fans can preorder these comics at local comic shops and redeem digital copies using the Marvel Unlimited app.
Phil Boyle, owner of Coliseum Of Comics, criticizes Marvel and DC for causing hardships for retailers and pricing issues in the comic industry. He argues that the focus on variant covers, convoluted events, and constant reboots has alienated long-time fans and failed to attract new readers. Boyle suggests implementing a radical pricing model, reducing the number of covers, and improving the quality of storytelling and artwork. He also calls for better discounts and shipping options to support brick-and-mortar comic book stores. Other industry professionals have mixed opinions on Boyle's criticisms.
Marvel Comics has revealed new variant covers for Ultimate Spider-Man #1, featuring an older Peter Parker who is married to Mary Jane Watson. The covers, by Elizabeth Torque and Ryan Stegman, showcase the Parker family and highlight the unique direction of this Spider-Man story. Written by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Marco Checchetto, Ultimate Spider-Man explores Peter Parker's life as a husband and father while balancing his superhero duties. The series is set to launch in January 2024 as the first ongoing series in Marvel's new Ultimate Universe.