I was sad to see Marvel’s Ultimate line of comic books perish in last summer’s “Secret Wars” but the fact that Miles made it on one of Reed Richards life boats gave me hope for the future. That hope is now realized as Miles Morales, The Ultimate Spider-Man, gets his own ongoing series in “Spider-Man” #1. Sure, I know he’s been kicking around for a few months in the not-so-post “Secret Wars” Avengers book by Mark Waid & Adam Kubert but I’ve missed Miles as the star. Check out the preview pages of the upcoming issue below the Marvel’s official words on the comic:

Miles Morales Comes to the Marvel Universe in SPIDER-MAN #1!

New York, NY—January 11^th, 2016 — Welcome to the Marvel Universe Miles Morales, hope you survive the experience! That’s right, he’s here – and the Marvel Universe will never be the same again. Today, Marvel proudly presents your look inside SPIDER-MAN #1 – the highly anticipated new series from blockbuster Miles Morales co-creators Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli! Sure, he’s been doing the super hero thing for a while now, but following the events of Secret Wars, Miles finds himself a full-fledged member of the Marvel  U. Swinging next to Iron Man, Captain America and Thor as a member of the Avengers and patrolling the Big Apple’s rooftops as NYC’s own Spider-Man! But it’s not all fun and games. A lot has transpired in the eight months since Secret Wars and an entire new universe awaits him – friend and foe alike. Plus, his grades are in the toilet. The adventure begins this February in the can’t-miss SPIDER-MAN #1!

SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art & Cover by SARA PICHELLI
Hip-Hop Variant by ADI GRANOV
Variant Covers by MICHAEL CHO, SKOTTIE YOUNG, and MARK BAGLEY
Blank Variant Also Available
FOC – 1/11/16, On-Sale – 2/03/16

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

The geek world has been waiting with baited breath over the last few months ever since it was announced that Spider-Man would finally be making appearances in the MCU. Now that Sony and Marvel have decided to play nice, the two studios joined together in searching for the right actor to portray the web slinger in both the MCU and upcoming Sony films. Speculation ran rampant, but today the studios formally announced who will be portraying the character going forward.

Tom Holland, a 19 year-old actor from the UK will be playing the part of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the new film which opens in theaters July 28, 2017. Holland is mainly known for his role in the TV mini series “Wolf Hall”, but American audiences might recognize him from his work in “The Impossible” and also a brief cameo as a voiceover in “Locke.” 

Looks like he could easily pull off Peter Parker in high school.

Keeping in line with Marvel’s habit of utilizing lesser-known filmmakers, Sony has chosen Jon Watts — whose film “Cop Car” debuted at the Sundance Film Festival — to direct.

No word yet whether or not Holland will actually make his movie debut in “Captain America: Civil War”, but it is expected Spider-Man will at least briefly show up since he plays such a critical role in the story.

Source: Marvel.com

“Spider-Gwen” #1 — Most Wanted, Part 1 (7 out of 10) — Marvel Comics; Written by Jason Latour (“Wolverine and the X-Men”); Drawn by Robbi Rodriguez (“FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics”); Colors by Rico Renzi (“Sundowners”); Lettering by Clayton Cowles (all the comics); In Stores 2/25/2015.

Sometimes fans create a movement so strong that The Man (or in this case Marvel Comics) has no choice but to follow through with the demands. When Dan Slott came up with the idea of an alternate version of Spider-Man, one where Gwen Stacey was bitten by the radioactive spider, and when Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez brought this Spider-Gwen to life, it wasn’t intended to go further than the Spider-Verse story arc. However, as editor Nick Lowe writes in the last page of “Spider-Gwen” #1, “But most of all, you, the fans… sent this team and character into the stratosphere… this series is launching in a huge way and should be around for a long time to come.”

If you were one of the many to pick a copy of “Edge of Spider-Verse” #2 (a fifth printing will be available 3/25/2015), then the transition into “Spider-Gwen” will be a flawless one. For those of you who didn’t catch the debut of Spider-Gwen, you’ll survive the issue.

“Spider-Gwen” #1 begins with Gwen Stacy trying to find her place in the world after recently returning from fighting a war for the fate of all reality (i.e. Spider-Verse), while acknowledging the lingering fog of problems from the devastating events that took place in EOSV #2. In classic Marvel fashion, the first page of the issue recaps what took place in Spider-Gwen’s debut appearance. The synopsis is sufficient to enjoy the issue, however there are holes that are left for the reader to infer while consuming the story.

Albeit redundant to reiterate, key to understanding this first issue, is to remember that the story takes place in an alternate Marvel reality than that of the classic Peter Parker Spider-Man of popular culture. This is a reality where Ben Grimm is a street cop and not The Thing. It’s a reality where Frank Castle is a captain on the police force and not a raving mad Punisher (or is he…). The list of altered characters goes on and on.

Writer Jason Latour is quickly becoming one of the best young-hero story tellers in the Marvel bull pen. His work on “Wolverine and the X-Men” has him well-prepared to tell the drama-rich arc that is unfolding between Gwen Stacy and her (ex)band mates in The Mary Janes. This is a great throwback to the Stan Lee classic “Amazing Spider-Man” series. Like the early Spidey issues, “Spider-Gwen” has equal parts action and crime fighting to young-adult drama.

The Robbi Rodriguez / Rico Renzi art team has been proven successful in the pages of DC’s ” FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics,” and the art in “Spider-Gwen” feels as unified as if it were a single artists shouldering the whole work. The characters in the comic have an animated look not so different from that of “Amazing Spider-Man” artist Humberto Ramos.

As the creative team is playing in an alternate reality of the Marvel Universe, this has afforded them to explore different takes on classic characters. Their version of The Vulture — Spider-Gwen’s big villain for this first issue — is as equally fun as he is frightening. Though the character design that has resonated the most with fans is without a doubt the Spider-Woman costume (she can’t be known as Spider-Gwen to the public; secret identity much?).

Gwen’s spider costume is the same as was used in EOSV #2. Perhaps the popularity of this new character is directly linked to the costume. Editor Nick Lowe writes in the back of the issue, “You [the fans] drew your own fan art versions of her costume… you constructed your own Spider-Gwen costumes and cosplayed them…” A quick Google search will take you to the many posts all over Tumblr proving Lowe right.

“Spider-Gwen” #1 earns a 7 out of 10. The story is fluid and strong. The art is fun and as animated as the characters. The biggest problem with this first issue are the lingering effects from “Edge of Spider-Verse” #2, which jars a reader who is blind to the Spider-Verse story. Couple this issue with Spider-Gwen’s debut and you’ve got a solid 10.

Click to read a PDF preview of “Spider-Gwen” #1.

Trent Hunsaker is a podcaster and popculturalist. Podcasting for Kevin Smith’s SModcast Internet Radio and the A Part of Him Podcast Network, he also operates Death Ray Comics, sweats, and reads comics – but mostly just sweats.

Checks date. Okay, not April’s Fools.

Sony and Marvel/Disney announced a deal late Monday night that would bring the next ‘Spider-Man’ movie to Marvel Studios. A release date has been set for July 28, 2017, but Spidey will also appear in another Marvel film – such as with “Avengers” characters like Iron Man, Thor and Captain America.

But who will be the new Spider-Man? Tobey Maguire played Peter Parker from the first trilogy (‘Spider-Man’ in 2002, ‘Spider-Man 2’ in 2004 and ‘Spider-Man 3’ in 2007), and The Wrap reporter Linda Ge confirmed Andrew Garfield, who rebooted the series with ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ in 2012, is no longer doing the role.

So c’mon Marvel. Make Mine Miles. That is, Miles Morales.

Brian Michael Bendis introduced the character in the “Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Spider-Man” series in 2011. Teenager, Miles Morales was given superhuman abilities from an accidental spider bite. Initially averse to his newfound talents, he changes his mind after witnessing Spider-Man’s death and knowing he could’ve helped; with some coaxing from his best friend, he takes over the late hero’s identity, sporting the costume and fighting crime all over New York.

Now, moving to MM would allow them to have a new version of the origin that wouldn’t retread Parker’s again. The fact that there have already been so many Spider-Man movies means that as far as the audience is concerned, there already is an established Peter Parker (or two). This means that there’s already a great history in place to jump off from, even if it isn’t (and shouldn’t be) recognized as part of MCU continuity.

The perfect way to do this would be to make the first MCU Spider-Man film an origin story for Morales. Peter Parker can be mentioned and discussed, and since the audience is so familiar with his exploits and origins, his history can be be treated with a light touch in the MCU films. Referenced, but not elaborated on. Sort of like the first Hulk film.

Personally, I like the idea that MCU Peter Parker has been operating for years as a low-profile vigilante who mostly solved street crime in New York. Until Moralas’ debut, MCU Spider-Man is just a urban myth that was only discussed in trashy tabloids like the Daily Bugle.

Or how about this, Peter Parker dies heroically during the Infinity War after becoming a crucial part of the MCU. Large public funeral. Later, Miles Morales emerges and eventually earns the acceptance of Peter’s friends and family. Basically taking the Ultimate storyline and merging it with the MCU.

I’m pretty sure that we are light years away from any of this happening. I read a quote from Sony’s Doug Belgrad’s that indicates that it won’t be Miles Morales: “Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker’s story into the future.”

While this doesn’t necessarily prove that it’s gonna be Peter Parker behind the mask, it would seem to indicate as much.
 So Miles Morales may be out, but that doesn’t mean Childish Gambino A.K.A. Donald Glover still couldn’t get cast as Peter Parker. I actually think he has the perfect boyish manner to be Spiderman. Even if he is a thirty something now. The real deciding factor will be whether the relatively unknown Miles Morales name can make as much money as the Peter Parker name, which everybody knows.

It’s going to be really jarring seeing a really well done Spider-Man in the MCU films, only to see him go back to being a trainwreck in whatever Sony produces. All we need now is for the Fantastic Four film to bomb. Hard.

-Dagobot



Get at me on twitter: @markdago


Like me on THE Facebook: facebook.com/markdagoraps

Download my latest EP for free: markdago.bandcamp.com


Listen to MY podcast http: http://poppundits.libsyn.com

Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and Sony are teaming up for the next iteration of Spider-Man. This includes an appearance in an upcoming film, and a solo film in 2017. Sony will retain creative control of the character, but will be working closely with Kevin Feige, AKA the God of the MCU. The part of Peter Parker and Spider-Man will be recast. No word on if the solo film will be an origin film. My guess is no.

Ghostbusters has gotten as close to green lit as it has ever been. Paul Feig is set to direct, Katie Dippold is writing the screenplay, and Ivan Reitman is producing. Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones are currently under contract negotiations to star in the film. All of this could change very quickly and dramatically, as any Ghostbusters fan following the sequels timeline back through the 1990’s. 

We also know that five days ago, Amy Pascal stepped down as co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Part of her agreement included her becoming a producer for the “Ghostbusters” film, as well as the future of the Spider-Man films.

During the Sony email leaks that helped lead to Amy Pascal stepping down, we found out about a lot of exciting stuff in the works from Sony. Many had assumed these plans would be changed now that they were out in the open. We all assumed these leaks would be a window into an awesome alternate universe we would never see again but, that hasn’t been the case.

The all female Ghostbusters cast leak has proven to be the direction the studio is going with. At least currently. The talks of Spider-Man coming to the MCU while Sony retains creative control over the solo films has also come true. Both of these things have involved Pascal’s emails, and both series she now has a heavy hand in. 

Found in the December email leaks, Channing Tatum had emailed Amy Pascal discussing a Ghostbusters film starring himself and Chris Pratt. My prediction, I think the Chris Pratt and Channing Tatum Ghostbusters flick may still be in the works as a spin-off film.

Here’s hoping that email leak follows suit of the others. There are obviously a lot of cogs to line up for it to happen, but how great would it be?

The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally come. In an announcement made today, Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios will be working together on the future of Spider-Man. According to the new deal, Spider-Man will appear in an undisclosed upcoming Marvel movie, making the web slinger an official part of the MCU.

Sony will still own the screen rights to the character and will be producing the next installment in Peter Parker’s on screen story in summer of 2017 via collaboration by Kevin Feige of Marvel and Amy Pascal who has overseen the Spider-Man franchise on Sony’s behalf for the last 13 years. Feige said of the deal, “I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie, Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years.”

In addition, Bob Iger of Disney said in a statement, “Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, beloved around the world. We’re thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building.”

Today’s announcement also included talks of MCU characters appearing in future Spidey flicks finally bringing the two universes completely together. I’m glad someone over there finally got their head out of their spinnerets. 

Thwip! Thwip!

This week on Saturday Morning Cartoon we’re leaving the hallowed halls of the 80s and 90s for the distant future of 2008 when Marvel Studios gave us the short lived-

“The Spectacular Spider-Man” episode 1.1, “Survival of the Fittest” (8 out of 10); Starring Josh Keaton, Dee Bradley Baker, Lacey Chabert, John DiMaggio, Robert Englund, Deborah Strang, and Alan Rachins; Written by Greg Weisman; Based on characters created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko; Directed by Victor Cook.

This incarnation of Spider-Man skirts the origin story, alluding to the spider bite happening during a school field trip to the laboratory of Dr. Connors last year, and gets right into the action. Peter has spent the summer honing his skills and is now returning as a Junior to Midtown High.

When Peter thwarts a jewel heist by Flint Marko he unknowingly confirms his existence to an unknown entity who sends The Enforcers to deal with him. In the meantime Peter returns home for his last night of summer before returning to school in the morning.

Meanwhile Aunt May talks with a friend about the financial hardships she is facing since the death of Uncle Ben and a beak-nosed man confronts an Oscorp scientist about stolen magnetic flight technology.

Peter makes his way to school feeling rejuvenated with his new spider abilities and confident that this year things will be different. He approaches a girl but she rejects his advances resulting in Flash pushing him around and stealing his lunch, so much for things being different.

While Peter may not be very well liked at school, he is becoming increasingly popular with The Enforcers and the anonymous voice who gives orders in no uncertain terms to kill Spider-Man. Later at school, Peter is offered an internship with Dr. Connors, he accepts, thinking this will be the solution to he and Aunt May’s money problems. He goes to visit the Osborne’s when The Vulture appears swooping away with Norman into the sky. Peter sends Harry to call the police and makes chase.

Peter soon finds he may have bitten off more than he can chew when he finds himself between The Vulture and The Enforcers.

In a single episode “Spectacular Spider-Man” is able to introduce viewers to many of the core characters, set the stage for Peter’s every day woes in addition to his super problems. We’re introduced to two sets of villains, Gwen Stacey, Harry and Norman Osborne, Eddie Brock, Dr. Connors, and J. Jonah Jameson. The storytelling is tight, the pacing is fluid, and the Peter maintains his signature sense of humor with some pretty decent jokes.

I’m familiar with every “Spider-Man” animated series going back to the sixties and to my mind “Spectacular” is the undiscovered and underappreciated gem of the lot. Critics and those close to the source material seemed to agree, but the masses didn’t show and the series was ultimately cancelled after 26 episodes had been produced, out of the planned 65. The final blow came with the announcement of “Ultimate Spider-Man” in 2012.

Season three of “Spectacular Spider-Man” would have seen the introduction of Carnage, and while I have quite enjoyed “Ultimate” so far, I can’t help but wonder where this series could have gone if it had been given the chance. 

Spinning out of the web that is ‘Spider-Verse’ comes Gwen Stacy AKA Spider-Gwen. Spider-Gwen was first announced with an image back in June of this year. She had her first appearance in the pages of “Edge of Spider-Verse #2”. The book was an overnight success and Marvel isn’t one to ignore fan reactions. They’re ready and willing to give every hungry fan more of the reality where Gwen Stacy, not Peter Parker, was bit by a radioactive Spider. If that’s the case though, any current reader of “The Amazing Spider-Man” series by Dan Slott will want to know if Silk exists in the Spider-Gwen universe too. To find out, comic book fans will need to read up starting February 2015.

MARVEL PROUDLY ANNOUNCES SPIDER-GWEN!

New Series Focuses on Gwen Stacy who was Bitten by the Radioactive Spider Instead of Peter Parker

 

New York, NY—October 17th, 2014 — Revealed at Marvel’s New York Comic Con “Spider-Man” Panel, Marvel Comics is excited to announce the latest addition to the Spider-Man mythos – Spider-Gwen! The new on-going series will focus on Gwen Stacy, who, in an alternate universe, was the one bitten by the radioactive spider giving her spider-powers!

 

After a sell-out introductory issue that’s part of the events of the current Spider-Man storyline, “Spider-Verse“, the new series, written by Jason Latour (Edge of Spider-Verse, Wolverine and the X-Men), artist Robbi Rodriguez (Edge of Spider-Verse, All-New X-Men), and colorist Rico Renzi spotlights Marvel’s latest cult-favorite hero as she introduces readers to a whole new world where she is the one true spider-hero!

 

Speaking with Marvel.com, Latour confesses that the drum-playing, rebellious Gwen Stacy, aka Spider-Gwen, has a long road ahead of her to prove she’s not the costumed menace the NYPD has painted her as– especially since her father is the NYPD Captain tasked with bringing her down. “[Spider-Gwen’s] journey is going to pull her father along into its wake. He knows her secret, and it’s a truth that threatens to make his world into a very dangerous lie.”

Latour also teased villains for Spider-Gwen and her father through the series, “We’ll absolutely see an ‘evil’ Matt Murdock (a.k.a. Daredevil), and the Kingpin. I’m a huge old school Daredevil fan, so I get this real sick thrill out of twisting him around and making him the villain. There’s also a new twist a character you’d immediately identify as a villain, who we’re re-casting as a more complex threat to Gwen and Captain Stacy—a character coming at her from within the system…”

“It’s a rare character that gets the public outcry that Spider-Gwen got,” says Senior Editor Nick Lowe. “From the sell-out of Gwen’s first appearance to the groundswell on Twitter we’re excited to bring more Spider-Gwen into the world with the creators who started it all!”

 

Marvel Comics’ Spider-Gwen swings into comic book retailers in February 2015.

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Image: Marvel Entertainment

Similar to the “Batman and Robin” title last year that changed hands between Batman’s friends and foes after the death of yet another Robin, Spider-Man will fill in where Wolverine is not after the events of Marvel’s “Death of Wolverine”. It appears Marvel is really going through with killing off a fan favorite character but not all changes are permanent. Peter Parker himself was recently restored to his body after “dying”. Peter Parker’s Amazing Spider-Man became Doctor Octopus’ Superior Spider-Man for well over a year. 

With Wolverine’s duties as headmaster and professor over at the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning needing a fill-in with his inevitable death, it would appear the ol’ canuckle head has faith in his fellow Avengers Spider-Man to be his replacement. Peter did teach for a number of years so the job should be easy for him right? Then again, why would anyone make a comic book about Peter Parker and make life easy on the web-slinger? Check out Marvel’s official word below and then some amazing preview art they’ve provided for us all to cheer for.

Meet the Jean Grey School’s Newest Member in SPIDER-MAN & THE X-MEN #1 This December!

This December, meet the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning’s newest faculty member…Peter Parker?! That’s right, it doesn’t take an X-Gene to sculpt young minds from the hallowed halls of the JGS, and ol’ webhead is joining the payroll this December in SPIDER-MAN & THE X-MEN #1! Rising star creators Elliott Kalan and Marco Failla settle Peter Parker into his role as the JGS’s newest Guidance Counselor. Keeping young mutants on the right path might be a reward unto itself, but Spidey has other plans.

 

“He’s there because Wolverine asked him to do it, though being a teacher isn’t the extent of the mission” says writer Elliot Kalan in an interview with Marvel.com. “Before Wolverine dies, he had a suspicion that something was amiss at the school and that one of the students wasn’t what they seemed. Only he didn’t know which student. It’s Spidey’s job to find the truth – though he can’t help but hope to also have a positive influence on the lives of the students.”

 

Only the denizen of the Jean Grey School aren’t exactly down with their newest employee. Especially when he leads a group of the younger students into a confrontation with Sauron and Stegron, the Dinosaur Man! Time for the Wallcrawler to show his stuff as a hero and as a teacher. Be there when Spider-Man shepherds the next generation of mutants as they struggle to survive high school and a villain team-up 65 million years in the making when SPIDER-MAN & THE X-MEN #1 swings into comic shops and onto digital devices this December!

For more info on Spider-Man & the X-Men, read the full interview with Elliot Kalan tomorrow on Marvel.com.

Image Courtesy of Marvel Entertainment

Image Courtesy of Marvel Entertainment

SPIDER-MAN & THE X-MEN #1
Written by: Elliot Kalan
Art by: Marco Failla
Cover Art by: Nick Bradshaw
Variant Cover by: Bengal
On-Sale in December!

In celebration of the release of the 2015 edition today, the Guinness World Record has announced that Bob Bretall of Mission Viejo, California has the largest collection of comic books on earth. “The Guinness World Record 2015 Edition” can be found wherever wonderful books are sold and inside comic book fans can envy Mr. Bretall’s collection. It would be hard to envy where to store 94,268 comic books though, as you can see from the picture below. Bob Bretall is a private collector and claims that his collection is larger by hundreds of books more since the official verification was performed by Guinness.

His all time favorite character Spider-Man

Bob Bretall is 52 and started his collection with “The Amazing Spider-Man #88” when he was eight years old. Bretall tells Guinness that he has read 95% of his collection and he encourages everyone to read. He also says that his collection is more of a collection for a fan than it is one for inventory in a shop or stored with the pristine care of a more serious collector. When asked what his most valuable comic book was Bob declined to answer saying:

“I do not like to emphasize the monetary aspects of collecting comics. Too many stories about comics collecting focus on how many dollars everything is worth instead of the great stories and characters. I do not do it for the money and I don’t try to rationalize it as an investment and I’m not into it to make money. “

To some collectors Bob’s take on collecting comics might come as a shock. To those other collectors just like Bob though, who are passionate about the storytelling in comic books, amassing a stack of books for the stories or to share with friends and loved ones is what comic book collecting is all about.

When asked by Guinness what his favorite comic book and comic book character were, Bob said he wouldn’t want to part with a single issue, most especially his first comic book with his all time favorite character Spider-Man. As for his favorite book, it’s a testament to the maturity of the comic book industry and how long time readers taste have matured with it that Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples “Saga” is his favorite book of the moment. If you’d like to know what a favorites list looks like for the Guinness record holder for the largest collection of comic books is you can visit his site at comicspectrum.com.

Let us know how big your collection of comics is and what kind of books are in it in the comments below or on Twitter @BigShinyRobot and @MarkAvo.

Image Courtesy of Guinness World Records