TONIGHT’S VERY SPECIAL GUEST STARS – THE MARI/EL UNIVERSE! To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of THE MUPPET SHOW…we bring you a crossover no one saw coming! Join EISNER-winning writer and one of the world’s greatest Muppet fans CHIP ZDARSKY along with a cadre of Marvelously talented creators as they unleash The Muppets’ trademark chaos on the MARVEL UNIVERSE. ROWLF THE DOG kidnapped by MOJO? KERMIT THE FROG, MISS PIGGY, FOZZIE BEAR, SPIDER-MAN, BLACK PANTHER and EMMA FROST to the rescue? DR. BUNSEN HONEYDEW and BEAKER experimenting with GAMMA RAYS and PYM PARTICLES? What could go wrong? Find out in this epic tale told in the MIGHTY MARVEL MUPPET MANNER! The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 is a hell of a lot of fun that leaves us wanting more.
Growing up I appreciated the Muppets but wasn’t a die-hard fan. There were some aspects that I enjoyed and some I found irritating and outright cheesy. But, that’s the Muppets, right? The loveable bizarre characters have been around for 50 years and enjoyed by generations. Most importantly, they’ve delivered laughs and allowed individuals to escape the grind of life. The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 continues that while having the Muppets join some of Marvel’s characters to take on Mojo along with a series of shorts, and it works really well.
With the main story by Chip Zdarsky and Pete Woods the Muppets need the help of Marvel’s heroes to find Rowlf who has been dognapped by Mojo. When you think about it, it’s the perfect setup and concept and actually makes sense. With the story there’s a solid blend of action and humor, mixing the seriousness of Marvel’s heroes with the insanity of the Muppets. Zdarsky and Woods nail the concept with a balance that can be enjoyed by a wide range of individuals. It’s hard to not appreciate Fozzy Bear and Spider-Man going back and forth or Gonzo admitting that Deadpool was too crazy. And all of it weirdly just works, not feeling forced at all and a hell of a lot of fun. Woods’ art feels like it’s a nice in-between of what you’d expect in a Muppet comic and a superhero comic from Marvel, making the characters blend nicely and not feel out of place. The story delivers some solid laughs and moments and at the same time picks on and needles superhero tropes (the story involves the multiverse).
The rest of the comic is a series of shorts from writers Mackenzie Cadenhead, Ashley Allen, Chef Paul Carmichael, Kyle Starks, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and Adam F. Goldberg and art by David Baldeon, Paco Medina, Mike Henderson, Athila Fabbio, and E.J. Su. All of these nail the assignment, each delivering good punchlines and most importantly will put a smile on the face of readers. Each story matches up Muppets with Marvel heroes in what feels like a series of skits you’d see on the Muppet show. And it leaves us wanting more. Animal + Wolverine = the ultimate team up. Each story has a little bit of a different style in the art and some go for heartfelt tales while others deliver laugh out loud moments.
The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 is fun, a lot of fun. Not only could it get me to laugh a lot but it also delivered that childlike escape where I can just sit and not care about what’s going on around me. It’s a perfect mix of Muppets and Marvel and shows off a love of both. Most importantly, it left me wanting more. While this is a one-shot, hopefully it’s not a one and done and we can see more team-ups in the future.
Story: Chip Zdarsky, Mackenzie Cadenhead, Ashley Allen, Chef Paul Carmichael, Kyle Starks, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam F. Goldberg Art: Pete Woods, David Baldeon, Paco Medina, Mike Henderson, Athila Fabbio, E.J. Su Color: Yen Nitro, Mike Atiyeh Letters: Joe Caramagna Story: 8.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Earlier this week, a legendary comic book super hero was reborn in the Marvel Universe: MIRACLEMAN! David Colton, the former Captain America introduced in Chip Zdarsky’s Captain America run, inherited Miracleman’s legacy and extraordinary power amidst the team’s epic showdown with Red Hulk in Avengers: Armageddon #4. When the dust settles from this cataclysmic battle, a new era for Marvel’s heroes begins and Miracleman will be at the center of it as the final member of a bold new Avengers lineup debuting in Avengers #1 by Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto, on sale November 4. Today, fans can check out the final main cover for Avengers #1, now featuring Miracleman alongside the team, plus a slew of previously classified variant covers spotlighting the iconic character.
The newly revealed covers include True Believers Blind Bag Exclusive Covers, including a brand-new piece by definitive Miracleman artist Alan Davis. Also unveiled are stunning covers by Artgerm, Skottie Young, Jim Cheung, and Julian Totino Tedesco, as well as the complete Kaare Andrews Wraparound Cover, now featuring Miracleman.
Also revealed is Mark Spears’ Display Box Exclusive Variant Cover, available only in Avengers #1 True Believers Display Boxes. Each True Believers Display Box contains 20 copies of the issue, including one copy of the Spears variant cover in a special polybag and 19 True Believers Blind Bags.
In the aftermath of Armageddon, the world has turned its back on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes—but it may need them now more than ever as the devil has come to collect his due! When a demonic invasion erupts on Earth, CAPTAIN MARVEL, SPIDER-MAN, DAREDEVIL, WOLVERINE, LUKE CAGE and MIRACLEMAN assemble to save a world that no longer trusts them. But the unpredictable David Colton may not be able to be trusted with his godlike new abilities. And when gods cry war…the world may pay the price.
Avengers #1 True Believers Blind Bags will only contain exclusive variant covers not available for regular ordering. The main cover and regular open-to-order variant covers cannot be found in True Believers Blind Bags. See below for a list of the exclusive blind bag variant covers. In addition to those listed, fans can once again look forward to super rare exclusive covers by surprise contributors, including hand-drawn, one-of-a-kind sketch covers.
EACH BLIND BAG CONTAINS ONE OF THESE AVENGERS #1 VARIANT COVERS:
COLOR BLOCK BLUE WRAPAROUND VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA
COLOR BLOCK WHITE WRAPAROUND VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA
FOIL VARIANT COVER BY CLAYTON CRAIN
VARIANT COVER BY ADI GRANOV
VARIANT COVER BY ALEX MALEEV
VARIANT COVER BY ALAN DAVIS
VARIANT COVER BY PEACH MOMOKO
VARIANT COVER BY SIMONE BIANCHI
VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ARTGERM
MARVEL STUDIOS AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY VARIANT COVER
BLANK VARIANT COVER
OR ONE OF SEVERAL RARE, HAND-DRAWN SKETCH COVERS BY SURPRISE CONTRIBUTORS!
Preorder Avengers #1 at your local comic shop today and see the outcome of David Colton’s transformation in Avengers: Armageddon #5, on sale October 21!
(W) Adam F. Goldberg, Ashley Allen, Chip Zdarsky, Kyle Starks, MacKenzie Cadenhead, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Chef Paul Carmichael (A) Pete Woods, Áthila Fabbio, David Baldeón, Paco Medina, Mike Henderson, EJ. Su (C) Yen Nitro, Mike Atiyeh (L) Joe Caramagna (CA) Nick Bradshaw (VCA) Alex Ross, Humberto Ramos, Matteo Lolli, Skottie Young, Todd Nauck, Ron Lim
TONIGHT’S VERY SPECIAL GUEST STARS — THE MARVEL UNIVERSE!
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of THE MUPPET SHOW… we bring you a crossover no one saw coming! Join EISNER-winning writer and one of the world”s greatest Muppet fans CHIP ZDARSKY along with a cadre of Marvelously talented creators as they unleash The Muppets’ trademark chaos on the MARVEL UNIVERSE. ROWLF THE DOG kidnapped by MOJO? KERMIT THE FROG, MISS PIGGY, FOZZIE BEAR, SPIDER-MAN, BLACK PANTHER and EMMA FROST to the rescue? DR. BUNSEN HONEYDEW and BEAKER experimenting with GAMMA RAYS and PYM PARTICLES? What could go wrong? Find out in this epic tale told in the MIGHTY MARVEL MUPPET MANNER!
On stands now, Avengers: Armageddon #4, the penultimate issue of the five-issue event series by Chip Zdarsky, Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar that ushers in the next era of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, delivered a game-changing revelation: the source of the Origin Box that gave David Colton his mysterious—and unparalleled—powers was none other than MIRACLEMAN.
A pioneer of modern super hero storytelling, Miracleman remains one of the medium’s most revolutionary characters. Now, the character returns in the Marvel Universe as his awesome power finds a new champion in David Colton, the 21st-century Captain America introduced in the opening arc of Chip Zdarsky’s acclaimed Captain America run.
Colton’s transformation couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. Avengers: Armageddon is reenergizing the Marvel Universe—and comic shops with sold-out printings—as the Avengers face a battle that will forever change how the world sees them as protectors. Now, David Colton assumes the mantle of Miracleman, who once deconstructed the very idea of what it means to be a super hero, to help usher in this new age. But as Colton embraces his new power and brings it to the forefront of the fight, will there be an Earth left standing to avenge?
Check out Michael Cho’s newly revealed SPOILER VARIANT COVER and pick up Avengers: Armageddon #4 at your local comic shop today. Plus, get a first look at the final cover by Dike Ruan for Avengers: Armageddon #5, now featuring David Colton as Miracleman, alongside a previously classified variant cover by John Romita Jr. Stay tuned later this week to learn more about Miracleman’s future in the Marvel Universe.
A KEY MOMENT IN IIIIARVEL HISTORY AS A NEW CHARACTER TAKES THE STAGE… The Marvel Universe changes forever right here and right now! The Avengers are torn apart as a shocking character makes their debut, setting the stage for November’s Avengers #1! While the moments of Avengers: Armageddon #4 are expected, it’s still a big moment for the Marvel Universe and sure to be an issue snag by collectors.
WARNING, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
Avengers: Armageddon as a whole has been an interesting event whose goal is to clearly shake up the status quo of the Avengers as well as the greater Marvel Universe. Like events before it, it swings big with underlying themes and grand concepts. Written by Chip Zdarsky the series began with Red Hulk wanting to bring democracy to nations through force, It was an interesting flipside to the recent “One World Under Doom,” which saw the world give up a lot to a “benevolent” dictator. But, where that series had one focus, Avengers: Armageddon pivoted quickly instead turning to David Colton, the Captain America who took on the role after 9/11.
Colton was introduced in Zdarsky’s run on Captain America and has become a rather intriguing character overall. At first, he had a jingoistic aspect to him, like many did, after the terrorist attack of 2001. But, as the series progressed and in the subsequent Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon, we saw the character evolve into a soldier questioning his service and government, seeing through the propaganda and patriotism. During Weapons of Armageddon, Colton came across a box from the Ultimate Universe that grants powers to individuals (long story to explain that one). Colton was transformed with powers and abilities similar to Superman and Hyperion. With the Red Hulk threatening numerous nations, the Avengers assembled, against the United Nation’s wishes and attempted to save the day with Colton joining the Avengers and delivering the upper hand.
Avengers: Armageddon has been focusing on what Colton has been doing after the battle with the Red Hulk. With so much power, he’s decided to take his actions further attempting to bring peace to the world by attacking nuclear sites and removing weapons of destruction from the hands of numerous nations. Basically, he’s gone Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Avengers: Armageddon #4 focuses on the next phase with just one more issue to go as the Red Hulk has his revenge and with the help of Russian forces, presses an attack on the Avengers and America as a whole.
But all of this is to set up what happens after Avengers: Armageddon in Avengers #1 and it promises to be a hell of a shift for the Marvel Universe.
WARNING BIG SPOILERS
Zdarsky has had Colton focused on atomic weapons, delivering a tease that has spanned a few issues and leading to Avengers: Armageddon #4‘s big moment, the reveal of Colton as Miracleman. Yes, the character in limbo is back and has joined the Marvel Universe proper. It’s something we all knew was coming, it was just a question of when and how.
This big moment is sure to bring with it either excitement or a lot of criticism as the character itself has had a weird, winding, rocky, history and it’s clear whatever comes next for the Avengers and Marvel Universe will be shaped by this debut.
It’s a moment though that delivers and Zdarky’s introduction is well done with a nice build through the issue that really feels special. There’s some excitement underneath with great pacing and a lot of climactic moments that really build until the final reveal.
The art by Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar is fantastic. The issue is one that swings big for massive moments, multiple, and each actually delivers while not relying on packed chaotic spreads. Instead, the story has only a few heroes confronting Red Hulk and his Russian allies, keeping it focused and the art does a great job of doing that deliver a battle that feels like a real struggle and full of chaos. Diaz and Alpizar are joined by Jesus Aburtov on color and lettering by Cory Petit and it all pops, looking great. But, where the comic really stands out is the apex of the battle with Red Hulk as a massive explosion seemingly kills multiple characters in dramatic fashion. Stop and look at what happens to the Winter Soldier, it’s brutal in its depiction.
But, that moment quickly shifts as Colton fights for his life and his true identity is revealed. It’s that moment in the film where the boxer is knocked down and given that pep talk in their head to quickly pop up for one more round. The art team nails it without overdoing the moment.
END OF BIG SPOILERS
Avengers: Armageddon #4 is an issue that is likely to become a controversial one with folks either loving what it does or absolutely hating where it’s taking everything. Either way, it’s hard to argue the comic doesn’t deliver a cinematic and epic story and moments that are full of surprises. The event as a whole has been interesting and with this issue it has delivered on its promise to shake up the Avengers for what comes next.
Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Delio Diaz, Frank Alpizar Color: Jesus Aburtov Letters: Cory Petit Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Valerio Schiti (Recap) Ben Harvey (C) Romulo Fajardo Jr. (L) Joe Caramagna (CA) Valerio Schiti, Romulo Fajardo Jr. (VCA) Alex Ross, Nicoletta Baldari, Skan, Aka
SIEGE OF THE RED SKULL! A giant battle breaks out as Mephisto’s volatile ally, Red Skull, and his army of vengeful spirits fight the free souls of the underworld. Can Captain America rally the dead and form his own army in time to topple Mephisto’s restless hordes?
Attend the Baltimore Comic-Con this September 25-27, 2026 at the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center. Baltimore Comic-Con has announced Jeremy Bastian, Sean Forney, Cully Hamner, Joëlle Jones, Tom King, and Chip Zdarsky as comics guests of the 2026 event. You can purchase tickets online now!
Jeremy Bastian is the creator and illustrator of Cursed Pirate Girl from BOOM! Studios and Archaia Comics. He is renowned for his delicate detail, whimsical characters, and strange creatures, all drawn at the actual print size with a very small brush! Cursed Pirate Girl beckons to the 19th century in both subject and style. He has also contributed to Guild: Tink from Dark Horse Comics, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard from BOOM! Studios/Archaia Comics, Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream from Locust Moon Press, and Under the Moons of Mars: New Adventures on Barsoom from Simon and Schuster. His Cursed Pirate Girl Annual was released by BOOM! Studios.
Sean Forney is an illustrator currently working on covers and art for Counterpoint Comics, Rocketship, Coffin Comics, Dynamite, Image, Orange Cone, Aspen, and Castle Thunder Comics, along with his own series, Scarlet Huntress. Published cover titles: Commander Tomorrow (Rocketship), Thundercats (Dynamite), Chutzpah (Castle Thunder Comics), Lady Death (Coffin), Vanish (Image), Vampirella/Red Sonja (Dynamite), Vampirella Strikes (Dynamite), Fathom: The Core (Aspen), Spicy Pulp Comics (Virus/Heavy Metal), Bloodstrike (Image), and TMNT (IDW). Cover and interiors: Counterpoint, Rocketship, Bear Claw Studios, Devil’s Due/1First, and Zenescope. Commercial artwork includes Upper Deck, Cut the Rope (Titan Publishing), Lego, Inc., My Adventures with Spider-Man (Marvel/Identity Direct), and Spin Master’s Bakugan toy line. The newest issues of Scarlet Huntress Meets Mothman and Scarlet Huntress Meets Wendigo are both out now.
Cully Hamner has drawn many things for many publishers, but he’s probably best known for co-creating Jaime Reyes (DC Comics’ current Blue Beetle, recently adapted into a Warner Bros. feature film); his creator-owned comic Red (also adapted as a pair of hit Bruce Willis films); and a list of credits at DC about as long as your leg — most recently as cover artist on numerous titles across the Batman and Superman lines, as well as the new Blue Beetle: Graduation Day, and interiors on books like Detective Comics, Superman Red & Blue, and Blue and Gold. At Marvel, he’s provided a ton of covers for the Spider-Man titles, Black Panther vs. Deadpool, War of the Realms, Yondu, M.O.D.O.K., Planet of the Apes, Aliens, and the Joe Fixit series. Also coming up are covers for BOOM! Studios, AWA, Tiny Onion, Mad Cave, and many other publishers. His next major projects are Ruby Actual with Greg Rucka at Image Comics and as regular cover artist on DC’s new JSA series by Jeff Lemire and Diego Olortegui.
Joëlle Jones is an Eisner-nominated artist currently living and working in the Pacific Northwest.
Since attending PNCA in Portland, OR, Jones has contributed to a wide range of mainstream and indie projects, with credits at Marvel, DC, IDW, BOOM! Studios, Vertigo, Oni Press, The New York Times, and fashion designer Prada. Notable titles include her creator-owned series Lady Killer, as well as Wonder Girl, Batman, Catwoman, Supergirl: Being Super, and Helheim.
She is also a founding member of the creator-owned publisher DSTLRY, with several projects in the works there.
Tom King is the New York Times-bestselling author and multiple Eisner Award-winning writer of comic book projects including Batman, Mister Miracle, Strange Adventures, The Human Target, The Vision, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the latter which serves a source material for the DC Studios film Supergirl released on June 26, 2026. He recently served as co-creator of the HBO series Lanterns, released in August 2026. Currently, King is writing Wonder Woman at DC Comics, The Archie Movie for Universal Studios, and showrunning the much-anticipated Mister Miracle animated series. Prior to his writing career, King served overseas in the Iraq and Afghan theaters of war as a counterterrorism officer in the CIA. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife and three children.
Chip Zdarsky is the current writer of Captain America for Marvel Comics despite being Canadian. For Image Comics, he’s the writer of Newburn and the writer/illustrator of the award-winning Public Domain.
His previous work includes Daredevil, Batman, and Spider-Man: Life Story for Marvel, and he’s the illustrator of Image Comics’ Sex Criminals, an Eisner-winning series and NYT Bestseller despite all the penis jokes.
This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Arthur Adams (Longshot), Joel Adams (Ms. Mystic), Zeea Adams (Deadman), Rafael Albuquerque (Absolute Green Arrow), Jiba Molei Anderson (The Horsemen, courtesy of Advent Comics), Rodney Barnes (Killedelphia, courtesy of Advent Comics), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), Brett Bean (D’Orc), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Carolyn Belefski (Curls), Russ Braun (The Boys), Brett Breeding (Superman), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jeffrey Burandt (Gonad the Ballbarian), Greg Burnham (Tuskegee Heirs, courtesy of Advent Comics), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Eric Canete (Absolute Superman), Joe Carabeo (The Legettes), Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Sean Chen (Iron Man), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Chris Claremont (Uncanny X-Men), Taurin Clarke (Star Wars: Jedi Knights), Becky Cloonan (War), Michael W. Conrad (In Bloom), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Denys Cowan (The Question), Olivia Cuartero-Briggs (The College Try), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Mike Decarlo (The Simpsons), Vito Delsante (Stray), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Olivia Dufault (Prima Apparata, courtesy of Ignition Press), Scott Dunbier (DC Silver Age Covers and Stories Artist’s Edition), Steve Englehart (Captain America), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Victor Farro (Invincible Universe: Battle Beast), Sean Forney (Scarlet Huntress Meets Mothman), Trish Forstner (Feral), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), David Gerrold (Star Trek), Chris Giarrusso (Mini Marvels), Randy Green (Witchblade), Che Grayson (Absolute Catwoman), Kevin Grevioux (I, Frankenstein, courtesy of Advent Comics), Gene Ha (Mae), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle), Scott Hanna (Amazing Spider-Man), N. Steven Harris (Aztek: The Ultimate Man, courtesy of Advent Comics), Tony Harris (The Whistling Skull), Dean Haspiel (Chest Face), Glenn Hauman (They Keep Killing Glenn), Jeremy Haun (The Beauty, courtesy of Ignition Press), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Marc Hempel (Sandman), Sean Damian Hill (Bishop: War College, courtesy of Advent Comics), Jamal Igle (Superman), Joseph P. Illidge (The Shadow Cabinet, courtesy of Advent Comics), Rebecca Isaacs (Prima Apparata, courtesy of Ignition Press), Dave Johnson (100 Bullets), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Infernal Hulk), Klaus Janson (Daredevil), JG Jones (Wanted), Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer), Dan Jurgens (Action Comics), Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance), Tom King (Wonder Woman), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Creees Lee (Sorcerer Supreme), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Jim Lee (Batman: H2SH), Rick Leonardi (Spider-Man 2099), Jesse Lonergan (DROME), Tula Lotay (Bloodland), Nate Lovett (Commander Tomorrow), Andy MacDonald (Rogue Planet), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Anthony Marques (Superman Unlimited), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Shawn Martinbrough (Red Hood: The Hill), Alitha E. Martinez (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, courtesy of Advent Press), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Jose Marzen Jr. (Y: The Last Man), Bill McKay (Kim the Delusional), Mike McKone (Teen Titans), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Fantastic Four), Pop Mhan (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Joshua Middleton (Aquaman), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Drew Moss (Thundercats), Trevor Mueller (Bat Pat), Sarah Myer (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Tom Nguyen (Batman), Phil Noto (Fantastic Four: First Foes), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man), Jerome Opena (Uncanny X-Force), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (The Punisher), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Dan Parsons (Star Wars), Margeaux Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Pornsak Pichetshote (Absolute Green Arrow), Stephen Platt (Moon Knight), Eric Powell (The Goon), Andy Price (My Little Pony), Joe Pruett (Savage Sword of Conan), Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), James Robinson (Starman), Tone Rodriguez (Feral, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Stephane Roux (Void Rivals), Andy Runton (Owly), Ethan Sacks (Old Man Hawkeye), Stuart Sayger (Red Sonja), Joe Schmalke (We Don’t Kill Spiders), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Don Simpson (Megaton Man), Matt Slay (Patchwork Ends), Matthew Dow Smith (DC’s Misfits of Magic), Scott Snyder (Friday and Sunday only, DC K.O.), John K. Snyder III (Suicide Squad), Mark Sparacio (Liberty Girl Deluxe), Cat Staggs (David Dastmachian’s Through), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Charles Stewart III (Storm: Lifedream, courtesy of Advent Comics), Karl Story (Batman & Robin), Brandon Thomas (Legend Has It, courtesy of Advent Comics), Martha Thomases (Dakota North), Frank Tieri (Absolute Batman: Ark-M), Peter J. Tomasi (The Rocketfellers), Billy Tucci (Shi), Jonathan Uribe (Spawn, courtesy of Comics and Collectibles R Us), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and the Big Hero Six), Wade Von Grawbadger (Justice League), Dave Wachter (Godzilla), Steve Walker (Pay the Devil), Dan Watters (Mad Science Division, courtesy of Ignition Press), Lee Weeks (Batman/Catwoman Special), Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker), Bob Wiacek (All-New Wolverine, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Keith Williams (Web of Spider-Man), Ron Wilson (Marvel Two-In-One), Chuck Wojtkiewicz (Justice League, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Rich Woodall (Sgt. Werewolf), John Workman (Wild Things), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who), Thom Zahler (Long Distance), and Chip Zdarsky (Captain America).
Avengers: Armageddon, the five-issue event series by writer Chip Zdarsky and artists Frank Alpizar and Delio Diaz, is now underway. In addition to igniting an all-new era of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers #1 by Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto this November, the event sets the stage for a radically transformed Marvel Universe, with fallout extending into titles like the recently announced Maximum X-Men and various ongoing titles and upcoming limited series.
There will a pre-Armageddon and a post-Armageddon Marvel Universe as the Avengers’ epic battle with Red Hulk in Latveria changes the way Marvel’s heroes are viewed forever! Read on for a glimpse to what awaits following this explosive global conflict, including an all-new arc of Captain America and issues of Amazing Spider-Man, and Black Panther/Namor: Doomed.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #17
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY Art by TON LIMA Cover by VALERIO SCHITI On Sale 11/11
ON THE RUN!
In the aftermath of Armageddon, Captain America goes on the run with Vic, the child clone of Doctor Doom. The U.N.-backed S.H.I.E.L.D. has demanded Vic be turned over, pitting Cap against Nick Fury. Meanwhile, one of Cap’s oldest enemies returns!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1003
Written by JOE KELLY Art by PATRICK GLEASON Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. On Sale 11/11
ARMAGEDDON’S BACKLASH!
Spider-Man races to stop a deadly assassin, while a staunch enemy turned ally of the wall-crawler returns to his old tricks! But tensions are high in the aftermath of Armageddon as Mayor Cage’s office and Spidey’s new favorite buds, Damage Control, try to keep a lid on an NYC ready to boil over.
BLACK PANTHER/NAMOR: DOOMED #3 (OF 5)
Written by ETHAN S. PARKER & GRIFFIN SHERIDAN Art by STEFANO NESI Cover by DAVE JOHNSON On Sale 11/18
DOOM: ALLY OR ENEMY?
Egos and masterminds collide as the enemy triumvirate of Black Panther, Namor and Doom must unite! But what happens when a greater enemy still targets all three for the one thing they share? Will they be able to set their own priorities aside and conquer the Kingkiller — or is this the beginning of the end for the monarchs of the Marvel Universe?!
Stay tuned to learn more about Armageddon’s impact in the months ahead.
The initial battle against the Red Hulk and his forces has ended with the heroes standing victorious. Ross has been snatched by Russian forces while Colton holds the power of a god. What happens after the battle? When an unstable new power takes center stage…the Avengers – and the world – will need all the help they can get! Avengers: Armageddon #3 shifts to the next phase of this Avengers changing event.
Avengers: Armageddon #3 has been an interesting event so far. It began as almost a companion piece to the recent “One World Under Doom,” and now is focused on the bigger question which is “what’s the role of superheroes?” This isn’t a new debate, it’s one that has cropped up a few times in storylines and previous events, but it feels a little different than before.
Written by Chip Zdarsky, Avengers: Armageddon #3 has teases that it’s what has been building for some time. There’s discussions about Civil War and the registration act that launched that schism between heroes. Here, it’s more about how far superheroes should go to bring about peace.
Colton, with a power set that feels a bit familiar, has gone on the offensive and has decided to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Yes, it’s part of the plot of Superman IV, but unlike that film, the issue debates if this is the right action. Some feel it’s the role of heroes to step in only when things escalate. Let the people have their weapons but only act when they’re used. Others feel things should be much more proactive and the threat should be removed. It’s a surface level debate but an interesting one to see where individual characters come down in the debate.
Where things also get interesting is the shift in stance of the non-superheroes of the Marvel Universe. It’s clear that leaders around the world are getting tired of superheroes escalating things. There’s a major revelation about one organization and its focus going forward. One that’ll be intriguing to see how it shakes out in this series and beyond.
The art by Ario Anindito is solid. There’s a mix of action, destruction, and debate, and it all works together to really help tell the story as to where things are. Some of the more “calm” moments of Colton after his actions add a lot without words and gives the reader a better idea of the grand scope of things. Jesus Aburtov‘s colors pop and look great on the page and the lettering by Cory Petit nails down the emotions of the moments.
While Avengers: Armageddon #3 doesn’t go full in on the debate in the pro and con of superheroes, it does give a tease as to where things are going and where the characters will shake out when the dust settles. While it picks up concepts we’ve seen before, it feels like the natural progression of all of that as opposed to a retread. It’s an interesting event so far that will have major ramifications for not just the Avengers but the Marvel Universe as a whole.
Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Ario Anindito Color: Jesus Aburtov Letterer: Cory Petit Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Earth’s Mightiest Survivors Assemble! This November, superstar creators Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto reunite after their Eisner-nominated run of Daredevil for a bold new run of Avengers. Fans can get their first look at a lettered preview from Avengers #1, alongside a fresh lineup of variant covers!
Spinning directly out of Avengers: Armageddon, the five-issue limited series by Zdarsky, Delio Diaz, and Frank Alpizar that launched in June, the new ongoing series thrusts Earth’s Mightiest Heroes into a dramatically transformed Marvel Universe. Following their cataclysmic battle against Red Hulk, the Avengers have been disbanded, but Earth still needs to be avenged! A radical lineup of heroes— CAPTAIN MARVEL, SPIDER-MAN, DAREDEVIL, WOLVERINE, LUKE CAGE, and a powerhouse new hero—assemble to protect a broken world that has more reason than ever not to trust them. Once again, the Avengers take center stage in Marvel Comics storytelling, and it all starts here!
See the team come together in a never-before-seen lettered preview, which will also be featured in the back of select new Marvel releases hitting stands over the next few weeks. And this is just the beginning—readers can look forward to additional first looks at Marvel’s biggest launches in the back of upcoming titles.
Avengers #1 will be the latest Marvel Comics launch to feature True Believers Blind Bags, special sealed bags that contain exclusive variant covers not available for regular ordering, including rare, one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn sketch covers from surprise contributors. Two new Avengers #1 variant covers have been unveiled, including a striking new cover by Adi Granov and a special Marvel Studios variant cover celebrating the release of Avengers: Doomsday. Both are exclusive to True Believers Blind Bags.
AVENGERS #1 TRUE BELIEVERS BLIND BAGS will only contain exclusive variant covers not available for regular ordering. The main cover and regular open-to-order variant covers cannot be found in True Believers Blind Bags. See below for a list of the exclusive blind bag variant covers. In addition to those listed, fans can once again look forward to super rare exclusive covers by surprise contributors, including hand-drawn, one-of-a-kind sketch covers.
EACH BLIND BAG CONTAINS ONE OF THESE AVENGERS #1 VARIANT COVERS:
COLOR BLOCK BLUE WRAPAROUND VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA
COLOR BLOCK WHITE WRAPAROUND VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA
FOIL VARIANT COVER BY CLAYTON CRAIN
VARIANT COVER BY ADI GRANOV
VARIANT COVER BY ALEX MALEEV
VARIANT COVER BY ALAN DAVIS
VARIANT COVER BY PEACH MOMOKO
VARIANT COVER BY SIMONE BIANCHI
VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ARTGERM
MARVEL STUDIOS AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY VARIANT COVER
BLANK VARIANT COVER
OR ONE OF SEVERAL RARE, HAND-DRAWN SKETCH COVERS BY SURPRISE CONTRIBUTORS!
