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Exclusive Preview: The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1

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The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1

(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!

Comic book cover featuring The Muppets characters dressed as various Marvel superheroes, with a colorful background and the text 'The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe!'
A promotional poster for 'The Muppets Take The Marvel Universe', featuring a list of contributors such as writers, artists, and editors with a playful Muppet-themed design.
A colorful cartoon scene featuring Muppet characters in a laboratory setting. A scientist in a lab coat explains the concept of an interdimensional portal while various Muppets, including Kermit and Beaker, listen with curiosity. The background shows scientific equipment and a glowing portal.
A colorful comic panel featuring various Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog and Beaker, discussing a crisis involving a character named Rowlf. The scene is lively, with Beaker expressing excitement and the group strategizing about a superhero to help them. The background depicts a laboratory setting with humorous sound effects.
A comic panel featuring Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, discussing a potential investigation while surrounded by various anthropomorphic animals.
A comic-style scene featuring several characters in a lab setting, including Doctor Honeydew, Beaker, and two scientists, one wearing glasses and a lab coat. They are discussing a scientific endeavor with excitement and humor.
A comic panel featuring anthropomorphic characters including a raccoon with a gun, a pig in a space suit, and other alien-like beings discussing a spaceship alarm and potential alien encounters.
A colorful comic page featuring a vintage Volkswagen van decorated with patterns, music notes floating around. The first panel shows a character with a plaid shirt looking at the van, followed by a Muppet character holding a poster. Subsequent panels depict a lively scene inside the van with various Muppets playing instruments and enjoying music.
A comic book scene set in the Sanctum Sanctorum, featuring two characters: a woman in pajamas sneezing and a man in a mystical outfit discussing a cold remedy. The room is cozy with a lamp, bed, and tea set present.
An illustrated comic panel depicting Avengers gathered in their headquarters. Iron Man addresses the team, which includes Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor, about an emergency involving Doctor Doom. Dialogue balloons convey their discussion about recruiting new members to replace missing heroes.

Black Widow: Black, White & Red Room reveals Natasha and Yelena’s Darkest Secrets and Deadliest Missions

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Marvel’s critically acclaimed Black, White And Blood format returns this December to spotlight two of the most lethal women in the Marvel Universe–along with the diabolical Red Room that forged them—in Black Widow: Black, White & Red Room!

Written and drawn by a powerhouse lineup of creators, the four-issue limited series feature three stories in each issue: one starring Natasha Romanoff, Black Widow; one starring Yelena Belova, White Widow; and one exploring the wider world of the Red Room and the many characters shaped by it.

In Black Widow: Black, White & Red Room #1, acclaimed writer Stephanie Phillips, currently igniting comic stands with her blockbuster new Daredevil run, sends Black Widow on a high-stakes heist alongside artist Giuseppe Camuncoli. Then, Yelena Belova co-creators Devin Grayson and JG Jones reunite to team up White Widow and Daredevil, while Jeremy Whitley and Bradley Clayton reveal the full story of Nadia Van Dyne, A.K.A. the Unstoppable Wasp, and her daring escape from the Red Room. And that’s only the beginning—future issues will feature stories by Peach Momoko, Sam Humphries, and many more!

Check out Ito’s main cover and preorder Black Widow: Black, White & Red Room at your local comic shop today!

Cover art for 'Black Widow: Black, White & Red Room' featuring two female characters, one holding a gun and both with a serious expression, against a red and white background.

With a Surprise Debut, Marvel Reveals New Avengers: Armageddon Covers (Spoilers)

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KIMOTA!

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.

Comic book cover featuring a superhero in a colorful costume, striking a powerful pose against a vibrant background with characters' faces behind him. The title 'Avengers Armageddon' is prominently displayed at the bottom.
Cover of 'Avengers: Armageddon' issue 5 featuring a superhero in a blue costume with a red emblem, hovering above a battlefield scattered with debris and fallen characters.
Comic cover featuring a heroic character in a blue and gold suit, floating in space with a serious expression, surrounded by stars and the title 'Avengers: Armageddon'.

DNX #1 Kicks Off the next X-Event Paying Off the Long Build Up

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DNX #1

THE X-VIRUS UNLEASHED! The X-Men and 3K. Each steered by an original heir of Xavier, each with their own vision for the mutant people. Each at one another’s throats. Cyclops and the Chairman both experienced the future of the Age of Revelation and came home with a renewed mission: The X-Men to prevent that future. 3K to own it. While the X-Men seek out the Fantastic Four to help save one of their own, the White Beast begins his plan to unleash the X-Virus in a major population area! EVOLUTION IS CONTAGIOUS! DNX #1 is the start of the next X-event with Cyclop’s X-Men and the Fantastic Four clashing with the Chairman and 3K.

It’s been a little over a year since 3K’s X-Men were first introduced and a little over two years since this volume of X-Men began. DNX #1 feels like the beginning of the payoff for those who have stuck through the series which has delivered some rather intriguing twists and turns. It’s also the follow of to the “Age of Revelation” storyline that jumped the series ten years into the future where mutants dominate and a virus runs loose. That storyline had Cyclops and the Chairman return to the current time with knowledge of what’s to come. One is determined to prevent it while the other is determined to see it through. It’s yet another alternate timeline type story where someone needs to prevent it from occurring. But, there’s something intriguing about this as in some ways it gets to the roots of the X-Men.

Written by Jed MacKay, the story pits Cyclops’ duty against the Chairman’s vision. One wants to bring about mutant dominance while the other wants to protect mutants as well as humanity. The basic plot feels very much like the classic split of vision between Professor X and Magneto, one wanting peace and coexistence while the other wants militant domination. It’s also a clear shift from the recent Krakoan Age which saw mutants more as nationalists manipulating the world in many ways.

What’s solid about the issue is it feels like a bit of a throwback in some ways. Cyclops’ team really works as a team, each bringing their strengths to help the whole. Quentin Quire’s way of finding 3K’s cloaked ship is particularly cool and shows a use of the team’s mutant powers for more than just blunt force. Once confronting 3K’s X-Men, there’s also more than just the usual bash showing off the experience of the team as well. But that unity of a team and experience is in stark contrast to the Chairman and 3K who are unable to peacefully work together. MacKay keeps things shaky where readers have no idea who they can trust when it comes to the villains.

The inclusion of the Fantastic Four adds to the story as well. Having Beast work with Mr. Fantastic not only keeps the X-Men’s abilities in check (Beast can’t solve his problem) but it also allows for a morality debate about how to proceed. But, as we’ve seen elsewhere, it’s Sue Storm who really steps up showing she’s a badass leader who gets shit done (and makes us want to see MacKay take on the FF more).

The art by Federico Vicentini is pretty solid. With color by David Curiel and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the art is engaging and interesting. The issue’s visuals are able to shift from a debate between two characters to an outright brawl. Where things really stand out with DNX #1‘s art is its ability to deliver the tension and uncertainty during certain scenes. 3K unsure if they’re about to be killed by the Chairman creates a certain paranoia that the art is able to depict perfectly.

DNX #1 is for those truly invested in the current X-Men storyline. It continues a story that began some time ago and is a continuation of the reveals in the “Age of Revelation.” New readers might enjoy it, the team does a good job and making it new reader friendly, but the interesting details might be lost. Overall, not a bad start to an event that has us interested in seeing how it plays out.

Story: Jed MacKay Art: Federico Vicentini
Color: David Curiel Letters: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Avengers: Armageddon #4 Delivers the Moment We All Knew Was Coming

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Avengers: Armageddon #4

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

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Return to the world of Fantastic Four: First Steps for the debut of the Frightful Four in Fantastic Four: First Foes – The Wizard #1

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Even before they stood between Earth and Galactus in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the Fantastic Four introduced in the blockbuster film were already legendary super heroes, idolized by the inhabitants of their world! This last year, Marvel Comics proudly presented some of their thrilling early adventures in special Fantastic Four: First Foes one-shots. Now, the series reaches its epic finale this December in Fantastic Four: First Foes – The Wizard #1 by writer Fabian Nicieza and returning artist Mark Buckingham.

Set within the world of the blockbuster film, Fantastic Four: First Foes has expanded on the history of Marvel Studios’ First Family by revealing their earliest clashes with some of their most notorious adversaries. The last of the one-shots promises to be its most revelatory to date with the introduction of one of the team’s oldest foes, The Wizard, along with his team of sinister Fantastic Four counterparts known as the Frightful Four.

Bentley Wittman is too great a genius to be ignored! He deserves all the accolades given to the Fantastic Four, and he will prove his intellectual superiority by embarrassing them and stealing the globally renowned monument to science — the Baxter Building! And to accomplish that amazing feat, the Wingless Wizard will create…the Frightful Four!

Check out Phil Noto’s cover and preorder Fantastic Four: First Foes – The Wizard #1!

Cover of a comic book featuring the Fantastic Four, showcasing various characters including a woman with blonde hair, a man in a blue costume with flame powers, and a figure in a pink helmet. Scenes depict action with explosions and characters in dynamic poses.

Preview: Spider-Man: Long Way Home #3

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Spider-Man: Long Way Home #3

(W) Jonathan Hickman (A) Adam Kubert

THE BIRTH OF THE PUNISHER! No team, no family, Frank Castle is a man with nothing left to lose. All he has at his disposal are his skills and the weapon that started it all. A weapon that serves as the perfect bait for the monster that took everything from him. And damn anyone that stands in the way of his revenge. Spider-Man may not know why S.H.I.E.L.D. wants the Cosmic Cube, and he certainly doesn’t know what the Hulk wants with it, but he does know that it’s too dangerous to be left in the hands of a man on the edge. The fight for the Cosmic Cube reaches its most brutal point yet!

Cover of Spider-Man: Long Way Home comic issue 3 featuring Spider-Man, The Hulk, and another character engaged in action, with debris flying around them.
Textual content from a comic book page featuring Spider-Man: Long Way Home, detailing characters, writers, artists, and team credits.
Comic panel featuring Spider-Man, who is cautiously observing a situation, indicating it may be a trap.
A comic strip featuring Spider-Man and a masked character in a confrontation. Various panels show action sequences with sound effects like 'THWIP', 'KRAK', 'WHAM', and 'BOOM'. The scene captures intense moments of fighting and dialogue between the characters.
Comic panel featuring the Hulk, Spider-Man, and another character discussing a trap, followed by an explosion.
A comic page depicting the Hulk and Spider-Man in front of a wall filled with weapons. The Hulk is holding a device while Spider-Man looks concerned. A dramatic explosion occurs in the background.

Preview: Civil War: Unmasked #5

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Civil War: Unmasked #5

(W) Christos Gage (A) Edgar Salazar

CAPTAIN AMERICA: UNDERCOVER? As the Civil War heats up, Captain America is forced to hide his iden-tity and go undercover as a security guard at a mall using the alias BRETT HENDRICK. But when disaster strikes, Cap gets a glimpse of the other side of the registration conflict and experiences firsthand what it’s like to live without power in a super-powered world…

Cover of 'Civil War Unmasked #5' featuring Captain America in a dramatic scene, engaged in a confrontation with multiple characters amidst a cityscape backdrop.
Cover of 'Civil War Unmasked Issue #5: The Home Front', featuring a summary of the plot surrounding the Superhuman Registration Act and its impact on superheroes, with credits for writer, artist, and other contributors.
A comic book scene depicting a fierce confrontation between soldiers and Captain America, who is standing defiantly amidst chaos. Background shows soldiers with weapons in a tense setting, conveying themes of bravery and determination.
Comic panel depicting a conversation in the security office of the Galleria Mall in Queens, New York. Two security personnel, one male and one female, engage in light-hearted banter while a third male officer sits at a desk, smiling. The scene captures a casual interaction among colleagues.
A comic book page featuring several characters in a discussion. The scene includes a man in a police uniform holding a clipboard, a woman gesturing while speaking, and other uniformed personnel listening. The setting appears to be an office with computers and a bulletin board.
Comic panel depicting a conversation between security personnel in a store, with a backdrop of surveillance screens showing a potential theft in progress.
A comic book scene showing a confrontation between characters, with Captain America flying through the air and a purple armored villain aiming a weapon, causing chaos in a city setting with pedestrians observing.

Preview: Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #3

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Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #3

(W) Al Ewing, Tom Waltz (A) Zé Carlos

CATACLYSMIC CONTINGENCY! The Defenders have taken a beating on two fronts, emboldening Knull and Hela to personally finish off both strike teams once and for all. The time has come for Plan B — but will this desperate contingency be enough for Team Light and Team Dark to stop the dual horrors of the Queen in Black and the God of Light from turning Planet Earth into yet another battlefield in their cosmic conflict? Light and Dark forces collide (and unite!) in this bombastic grand finale!

Comic book cover featuring two characters in a dynamic battle pose, one with flowing white hair in a futuristic outfit and the other with dark attire and red accents, surrounded by colorful energy effects. Title reads 'Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark'.
Comic book cover featuring the title 'Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark' with a storyline involving characters like Iron Man, Cable, Hela, and Knull. The design includes credits for writers, artists, and editors in a bold, stylized font.
A colorful comic book page depicting a battle scene in low Earth orbit, featuring characters in armor and mythical attire. A central figure, Queen Hela, stands confidently as warriors prepare for combat, with speech bubbles indicating dialogue among the characters.
A dynamic comic book scene featuring a battle between colorful characters with supernatural powers, dramatic expressions, and explosive effects, highlighting dialogue boxes that enhance the narrative.
A vibrant comic panel showing a dramatic confrontation scene with two characters battling using energy blasts. One character, dressed in black, appears to be in distress or anguish, while the other is surrounded by swirling light, asserting their power. The background features dynamic colors and effects emphasizing the intensity of the battle.

Preview: Queen in Black #4

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Queen in Black #4

(W) Al Ewing (A) Paco Medina

VENOM ASCENDING! As the war between Hela and Knull gets personal, Tyr unleashes his final weapon on the beleaguered Avengers! Meanwhile, in the Baxter Building, Reed Richards investigates Codex’s half-symbiote power… with cataclysmic consequences! Will the end of Venom’s golden era coincide with the end of Planet Earth?

Cover of Marvel's 'Queen in Black' issue 4, featuring a dark, menacing character with tentacle-like appendages standing over a wounded figure, both splattered with blood, set against a cosmic background.
Cover page for the comic 'Queen in Black' featuring bold red and black typography, depicting a cosmic battle with references to characters like Knull, Hela, Iron Man, and others involved in a conflict of light and darkness.
A comic book page featuring multiple superheroes in action. The scene takes place in England, with characters discussing their situation while engaging in battle. One character uses a powerful blast, while others are in tactical positions. Dialogue bubbles convey humor and camaraderie among the superheroes.
Comic book page featuring characters Wolverine, Storm, and others discussing reality changes in various locations including Japan, Italy, and Egypt.
A dynamic comic book scene featuring characters in a battle setting, including a figure in a black suit resembling Venom, superheroes using advanced weapons, and dramatic action phrases like 'CHoom!' and 'No!' being depicted. Various characters are engaged in conversation, strategizing amidst the chaos.
A dramatic comic book scene featuring a villain with ice-themed powers confronting multiple characters in battle, while dialogue reveals urgency and tension. Characters express concern and strategize amidst a backdrop of chaos.
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