See? This is what they do. They put a great team on a book and slap a #1 on it and all of a sudden I’ve got this book in my hold.

I don’t even need to ask my local store to put it in there, because I’m sure they’ll read this and go, “Yup. Bryan’ll want that.”

New York. NY—August 9, 2012— This November, Marvel’s First Family embarks on a adventure unlike any before in Fantastic Four #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of Eisner Award Winning writer Matt Fraction and legendary artist Mark Bagley! As part of Marvel NOW!, Fantastic Four joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and veteran readers alike!

Four adults. Two kids. One FantastiCar. NOW! Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben – along with Franklin and Valeria – begin their epic journey through all of infinite time and space!

“Matt and Mark are taking the world’s greatest family of science-adventurers on a road trip through every conceivable corner of the Marvel Universe,” said Axel Alonoso, Editor In Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “It’s a long and winding road, filled with friends and foes, both old and new, and challenges unlike anything they’ve ever faced. What doesn’t break the Richards family will only make it stronger.”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Fantastic Four, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on Marvel’s First Family.

“The Fantastic Four is the cornerstone of the Marvel Universe. It’s an honor and privilege to carry on playing in such a fertile field. Some of Marvel’s brightest and best did some of their most amazing work with the Richards family and I’m thrilled to get my crack at Marvel’s first family,” explained Fraction. “We’re going to new places, seeing new things, and having all new adventures — aside from Reed, Sue, and the rest, EVERYTHING else will be brand new.”

Each issue of Fantastic Four features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new adventures! This is the Fantastic Four NOW!

This November, Matt Fraction and Mark Bagley redefine what it means to be fantastic in Fantastic Four #1!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.comand join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW

Because we needed a new Deadpool book!

This one is written by Brian Posehn, though.

Here’s the official Marvel press release:

New York. NY—August 9, 2012— This November, Wade Wilson gets into a whole world of trouble like you’ve never seen before in Deadpool #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of writers & comedians Brian Posehn (The Sara Silverman Program), Gerry Duggan (Attack of the Show!, Infinite Horizon) and superstar artist Tony Moore (The Walking Dead)! As part of Marvel NOW!, Deadpool joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and veteran readers alike!

Washington, D.C. is in turmoil when dead former U.S. Presidents – from George Washington to Gerald Ford – are resurrected and the heroes of the Marvel Universe can’t be the ones to stop them! There’s only one other person that has the reputation, skills, and plausible deniability to handle these com-monsters in chief…NOW! is the time for Deadpool! In Wade We Trust!

“Brian, Gerry & Tony are cooking up the most insane Deadpool story ever published,” said Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “Heroes will be ingested, chimichangas will be digested, dead presidents will be resurrected as the Merc with the Mouth collides with a who’s who of Marvel Universe heroes, the world’s unluckiest S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, and the most downright nasty zombies Tony Moore has ever drawn.”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Deadpool, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on the Merc with a Mouth.

“Deadpool is the scumbag we need. You don’t want to see the Avengers take on these cherished pillars of American history. It becomes a little more palatable when it’s Deadpool,” explained Duggan in an interview with Marvel.com. “He’s there strictly because SHIELD is giving him a pillowcase with a dollar sign on it filled with money.”

“All your favorite presidents fighting Deadpool, what’s not to like?” Posehn added.

Each issue of Deadpool features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new chimichangas! This is Deadpool NOW!

This November, Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan, & Tony Moore bring new meaning to the name “Merc with a Mouth” in Deadpool #1!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW

This is a fascinating take on the character… The Hulk as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. as written by Mark Waid? That sounds like a recipe for success.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Marvel is trying to match the ease of bringing new readers in that DC brought to comics with the new 52, but it seems like they’re doing their best to make every announcement and team a homerun. Except for the Greg Land news.

This book sounds like a winner, just like the new Thor book.

Here’s their press release for more detail:

New York. NY—August 8, 2012— This November, prepare for an all-new definition of incredible as Indestructible Hulk #1 kicks off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of Eisner Award Winning writer Mark Waid & superstar artist Leinil Yu! As part of Marvel NOW!, Indestructible Hulk joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Through his entire history, the Hulk has always been an indomitable force, more weapon than man. His alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, is one of the most intelligent men on the planet. NOW! combined, they have become the strongest, smartest weapon alive – INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!

“Banner’s a changed man. No more stooping under the weight of “woe is me,” no longer bespectacled, no longer a fashion victim in purple,” explained Mark Waid in an interview with Marvel.com. “For decades, Banner’s felt like he’s no more than the Hulk’s helpless puppet. Now Banner’s USING Hulk to his own mysterious ends”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Indestructible Hulk, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on the Jade Giant.

“Mark and Leinil’s spin on the Hulk mythos will have fans — new and old – exclaiming, ‘Why didn’t I think of that!?'” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso. “It’s the brute force of the Hulk and the brainpower of Bruce Banner, together at last — but not the way you think. And with S.H.I.E.L.D. in the wings, readers can expect a globe-hopping adventure with an unlimited special effects budget.”

Each issue of Indestructible Hulk includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Indestructible Hulk features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new piles of rubble! This is Hulk NOW!

This November, Mark Waid and Leinil Yu redefine destruction in Indestructible Hulk #1!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

Marvel’s Wolverine Anime is now available on DVD, and the twelve episodes are jam-packed with fast-paced action sequences and incredible animation.

The Wolverine Anime focuses on everyone’s favorite mutant with an adamantium skeleton, and the series never fails to remind us that Logan is virtually indestructible.  Bullet holes?  What bullet holes?  Sword slash?  Never happened.

The story of the anime is based on the comics plotline that began in 1979 and included three titles: X-Man, Uncanny X-Men, and Wolverine.  Wolverine’s love Mariko Yashida is taken away by her father and forced into betrothal with his business associate Hideko.  Wolverine valiantly attempts to save her, even jumping in midair as a hail of bullets tear apart his flesh.  But, as I mentioned, such injuries are mere scratches to the clawed one, though even he couldn’t defy the coordinated assault.

So as one would expect, Wolverine wanders around Tokyo with a chip on his shoulder.  He’s never been the happiest of characters, but he’s forced to cross swords with his former girlfriend’s father and endures a murder attempt from her fiancé, all the while wearing a cool red leather jacket.  His fists are constantly clenched, adamantium claws ready to snikt snikt at the least provocation.

During his journey, he comes across an unexpected ally that’s a mix between Trinity of the Matrix and a Tron character.  She has her own agenda, desiring to avenge the death of her mother and destroy Mariko’s father.  And an appearance by enemy Omega Red further complicates matters.

I loved the episodes.  The battles with samurai swords were epic, and I could tell that a lot of hard work went into this series.  I’ve read a lot of criticism about the series, but honestly, I don’t understand it.

Director Hiroshi Aoyama encourages the skeptical to watch:  “Logan in my show is not exactly the same Logan you see in the original comics. However, the storyline and characters are based on an existing comic. The younger Logan battles his enemies and problems in both Tokyo and Madripoor. He fights off all enemies that stand in his way. Even if you find Logan’s look “too different,” give it a try. Logan is still the Logan you know. Wolverine’s got the Wolverine spirit. Watching him evolve across the series will be very fun. His healing factor and adamantium skeleton are just awesome!”

I love the X-Men and particularly Wolverine, but I’m not a hardcore comic book fan.  So perhaps I didn’t watch it with the same critical eye as others.  I just thought it was pure fun.  And if you like anime and sword fights and Wolverine, maybe this is for you.  But if you’re going to watch it and analyze every frame because Wolverine’s hair doesn’t look like it does in the comic books, then this may not be up your alley.

Also included are three featurettes: The Marvel Anime Universe: Wolverine Reborn, providing insights into the process for creating the series.

The Ferocious Anti-Hero: Wolverine Defined explores the hero’s character

 Wolverine Meets X-Men contains an interview with the creators of the Marvel anime Wolverine and X-Men.

Comic Book Movie is reporting that during a Walt Disney investors conference call it was announced that Joss Whedon would be returning to write and direct “The Avengers 2.” The chairman and chief executive of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, also said that Whedon is involved in a live action TV show that will be on ABC set in the Marvel movie universe!

It seems as though we are building towards Thanos in the Avengers 2, here is the mid credits sequence from the Avengers that gave us our first look at the big purple baddie!

Thor is a favorite character of mine and I’ll give any new book he’s in a shot. Add Jason Aaron to the mix and you’ve got something that’s probably going to be great.

Throw Thor against a villain named the God Butcher? You, sir, have my interest.

Here’s Marvel’s press release on the matter:

New York. NY—August 7, 2012— This November, the all-powerful Thor embarks on a journey that hurtles him through space and time in Thor: God Of Thunder #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of writer Jason Aaron and artist Esad Ribic! As part of Marvel NOW!, Thor: God Of Thunder joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Throughout the ages, the gods of the Marvel Universe have been vanishing, their mortal worshippers left in chaos. NOW! the Mighty Thor follows a trail of blood that threatens to consume his past, present and future selves. The only hope for these ravaged worlds lies with the God of Thunder unraveling the gruesome mystery of the God Butcher!

“Jason and Esad have created a Thor story for the ages, and a villain unlike anything our hero has ever faced,” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso. “Combine Jason’s trademark storytelling with Esad’s majestic visuals and the result is a story of breathtaking scale that is sure to thrill a new generation of readers. This is going to be a book to watch.”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Thor: God of Thunder, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on the Son of Odin.

“Thor, by definition, demands stories of a grand scale,” explained Jason Aaron in an interview with Marvel.com. “This story spans millennia – from the Viking Age to the far flung future. And it takes us all across the Marvel Universe as well. From Earth to the far corners of space, and from all new otherworldly cities of gods to an Asgard like we’ve never seen before, we definitely cover a lot of ground in our initial arc.”

Each issue of Thor: God Of Thunder includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Thor: God Of Thunder features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new weapons! This is Thor NOW!

This November, Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic redefine what it means to be worthy in Thor: God Of Thunder #1!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

*Retailers should keep an eye on the Marvel Mailer and Diamond daily for special announcements concerning Marvel NOW!

THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #1
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by ESAD RIBIC
ON SALE THIS NOVEMBER!

It’s a well known fact that studios other than Marvel have rights to make movies with Marvel characters and can continue to retain those rights as long as they’re in production on a new film within a certain timeframe.

This is why you’ll never see Sony not in the midst of making a new Spider-Man, or Fox lapsing on an X-men (or mutant related) film.

Fox also owns Daredevil, which is under a similar contract.

Variety is reporting that Fox has until October 10th to begin shooting a new Daredevil film or they lose the character. They’ve been working on a script for a while now, but they haven’t even formally signed director Joe Carnahan to the deal. Getting a director negotiated, signed, and through pre-production by October 10 seems to be a stretch.

But Marvel is willing to play ball and give them extra time…

…as long as they hand back rights to Silver Surfer and Galactus.

With those two characters back in Marvel’s hands, there’s only one place I want to see the Avengers movies heading, and that’s into the realm of Galactus, the devourer of Worlds. What better way to test the Avengers?

Carnahan’s Daredevil is said be a gritty, 70s style street crime film, which I’m also happy to see.

Basically, Daredevil being in development hell for the last few years may be the single greatest thing that’s happened to Marvel Movies since the Avengers….

It is being widely reported that Christopher Eccleston, the tenth Doctor, has been added to the cast of Thor: The Dark World as its villain.

Or a villain, anyway.

He’s playing Malekith the Accursed, a Dark Elf.

Walt Simonson (one of my favorite artist/writers on Thor) did some very cool things with his creation during his tenure. At one point, Malekith took control of the casket that was the object of power in the first Thor film and covered the Earth in a deadly frost.

The reason I say a villain, is because in the comics, Malekith struck a deal with Surtur on behalf of Loki. We know that Loki is in this film and speculation has run high that Surtur might be a part of this film. The one piece of art other than the logo I’ve seen for the film seemed to imply a lava setting… And Surtur is a giant fire monster…

In any case, I’m happy to see Christopher Eccleston do more genre work. I adored his work on Doctor Who and, as a giant Thor nerd, I’m very happy to see him cast. Malekith is a crazy character, unbalanced perhaps, and I’m sure Eccleston’s take will be incredible.

The boys from The Big Movie Mouth-Off (including our very own Jerk-Bot, Jeff Vice) have been busy reviewing movies all summer and giving all kinds of passes for advanced screenings.

We have a collection of their superhero movie reviews from the summer movie season.

Be sure to hit them up on Facebook. And you can listen to the podcast (featuring myself, Clang! Boom! Steam!, and Jeff and Jimmy) by subscribing to the Big Shiny Robot! podcast feed!

First up: The Avengers!

Then, The Amazing Spider-Man:

And finally: The Dark Knight Rises:

Mike Allred, superstar artist from Madman, X-Statix, the Atomics, iZombie, and about a hundred other great books is back at Marvel with Daredevil #17, written by Mark Waid.

Mike Allred is one of my favorite artists, his stuff is so clean and fun, but his sequentials can be incredibly dynamic and full of punch. His work on X-Force/X-Statix was some of my favorite comics storytelling ever and I’m glad to see him on this run of Daredevil.

“It’s the issue Mike Allred was born to draw” – Marvel Senior Editor, Stephen Wacker

Prepare for non-stop action as not one, not two, but THREE, Eisner Award winning creators present your first look at Daredevil #17! Courtesy of Mark Waid and special guest artist Michael Allred & colorist Laura Allred, this pulse-pounding adventure pits the Man Without Fear against an old foe…Stilt-Man! Can Daredevil make it out of this grudge match in one piece? Find out in Daredevil #17, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this August.

DAREDEVIL #17 (JUN120656)
Written by MARK WAID
Pencils and Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED
Colors by LAURA ALLRED
On Sale – 8/15/2012