Cable and X-Force #1 Marvel Now!

Cable and X-Force #1

By Dennis Hopeless and Salvador Larroca

With the Phoenix Force dispersed, the world has changed. Once hidden in obscurity or hunted like animals, mutants now serve alongside the Avengers. After assuring the survival of Hope, Cable disappeared, thought dead. He has secretly been building a team to run a mission to save the world from a possible cataclysm that Cable has seen in painful premonitions. Alongside Domino, Doctor Nemesis, Colossus and Forge, Cable has rebuilt his team, X-Force. After apparently killing civilians, Cable is confronted by the Avengers but he refuses to give any justification. He just doesn’t have time.

From the time when it took over the New Mutants, X-Force has traditionally been a high-octane balls-to-the-wall comic filled with gritted teeth, explosions and heaving bosoms. It’s a man’s book to end all man books. The new series infuses even more of the Clint Eastwood silent loner type into Cable and ups the ante by placing him in severe pain. One of the most powerful telekinetically skilled mutants ever, Cable formerly used all of his power to keep the Technoorganic virus at bay. Yet after he was healed, his abilities have no focus, hampering his performance and he is plagued by telepathic visions (no idea how that works) of a disastrous future (again!).

With Forge at his side as a kind of cross between James Bond’s Q and the Punisher’s Microchip, Cable has been outfitted with state of the art gear including a weapon/arm that even he calls ridiculous. But that will not be enough. The first issue sees him getting a band together and facing the ire of his former protegee Hope who is furious that he just dropped out of her life with no explanation. On the run from the Avengers (and later the X-Men as well, I wager), Cable’s X-Force is made up of loners with nothing to lose.

Yeah… it’s that kinda book. You can practically hear the metal soundtrack blasting from each page.

The first issue is mainly about Cable and includes his recruitment of Dr. Nemesis (the snarkiest Warren Ellis character that Ellis never created) and Domino who is sometimes Black Widow with a different haircut. I am looking forward to seeing how Colossus is brought in as when we saw him last the normally sensitive farm boy was filled with rage from being manipulated by his sister. When we do see him, I wager he will bear little resemblance to the mutant who served little to no purpose in the X-books. He will be an unstoppable engine of destruction. I’m very excited to see the transformation occur. 

Writer Dennis Hopeless explained that he had been approached by editor Nick Lowe with an (almost) clean slate to build from:

When Nick Lowe asked me to pitch the book, he said X-Force has a history of reinvention. Every time there’s a new X-Force title, it’s miles different from the previous incarnation. Then Nick asked, “What would your version of X-Force be?”

That was a really cool and interesting challenge, especially because right after that, he said, “But make it about Cable,” and hung up the phone. I had to figure out a story that would reinvent X-Force while also taking the book back to its Cable roots.

And let’s not forget the X-Force run these new books are following. Rick Remender and company have been kicking us in the brain every issue on “Uncanny X-Force.”

Given that he had to anchor the book on Cable, Hopeless luckily found a solid approach to a character who was once the new Wolverine and later became just another Wolverine.

When Cable is at his best, he’s the Mad Max of the Marvel Universe; Beat to shit. Tank just above empty. Odds always against him. Whether he likes it or not, he’s going to spend the whole movie driving straight at the enemy.
Mad Max meets Steve McQueen as played by the T2 Terminator: That’s my take on Cable. He doesn’t want to sit and chat. He doesn’t have time to explain the plan to you. He just wants whatever horrible thing he has to do done fast, so he can steal five minutes peace after. The fun part is surrounding him with a supporting cast who absolutely refuse to give him that peace.

This is interesting to me because the Cable/Soldier X series along with the post-Messiah CompleX Cable series were both very good and each surprised me in utilizing a character that bored me to tears. If the first issue is any indication, this is could once more raise Cable to the ranks of popularity and deliver a kick-ass action book.

Much like the fallout from Civil War and Dark Reign, the Marvel Universe is completely reshuffled. The X-Men are both heroes and terrorists, the Avengers are policing the entire planet but not much has changed for Cable, who is once more on a secret mission. This is a great testosterone-fueled book that picks up the reigns from its predecessor with style (thanks to the wonderful art by Larroca).

If this is not your thing, you probably already know. But if you enjoy the action movie type of film, this is a great example of how to get it pitch perfect.

Avengers #1 Marvel Now!

Avengers #1

By Jonathan Hickman, Jerome Opena & Dean White
United to face a threat that none of them could handle alone, the Avengers are the Marvel Universe’ most powerful heroes. This game plan ran into some problems when in-fighting prevented the team from working together and when threats came from within the group itself. One-time Avenger Simon Williams AKA Wonder Mam actively accused the Avengers as being more of source of chaos than one of order. As foes became more organized and deadlier, it became clear that the Avengers needed to completely rethink how they functioned.

They had to be not only better, but bigger… and just in time to meet is most cosmos-staggering nemesis.

The latest issue opens with a montage of events including the return of Hyperion (from the Squadron Supreme), the fall of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, an intergalactic war, the vestiges of an Iron Man armor war and Ex Nihilo playing god of Mars. Crafting bombs that cause the wild generation of vegetable matter, he has every intention of declaring himself a grand creator of the universe, bowing to no one… until the Avengers show up, that is.

Re-imagined and revamped, it’s not just Hickman’s Avengers who are bigger and better but the threats have also been raised to another level. When Brian Michael Bendis took when he arrived, he razed the mansion to the ground and started from scratch. This time around, we are seeing a danger far greater than before that demands the response of the Avengers and in a more organized fashion.

Thor, Hawkeye, Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk and Black Widow (yes, the same team as seen in the motion picture), attempt to stop Ex Nihilo before he even gets started, but get their asses handed to them, and quickly. The action, artwork, plotting and even humor are excellent in this issue. Seeing Iron Man and Captain America cheerfully and loosely talk shop is reminiscent of the old days which are of course shattered when the enemy is met.

Encountering defeat, Ex Nihilo returns a battered Captain America back to Earth in a crippled Quinjet as a warning. Cap turns that action into a call to arms, one that puts Stark and Roger’s plans forward. Assembling a carefully chosen team, Cap prepares for the mother of all cosmic battles (and it’s only issue two!).

Organization is a key strength of Hickman’s who had excelled at an impressive level of details in his runs on SHIELD, Fantastic Four and Secret Warriors. In each of his previous Marvel series, Hickman meticulously planned out his plots and the usage of each character. Bendis leaves behind him a readership who may be split on their opinions regarding his work, but the staggering size of his body of work cannot be denied. He shepherded the Avengers through the most dynamic period of its long history. Hickman will no doubt build upon that and take it to another level.

The complex wheel seen throughout the issue fits with Hickman’s other works and hints at things to come. I have been very happy with where Marvel has taken the Avengers throughout the past seven years or so. The series has set a new standard for superhero team books that is without equal. I have every confidence that Hickman and Opena will take things even further.

If you are a fan of the classic series, the film or the hit animated series, you should check this out. I’m still unclear on how this will play into the sister series New Avengers or if it will match up with Uncanny Avengers, but it will be interesting to see.

Marvel Now! FF#1

FF#1

By Matt Fraction, Mike Allred and Laura Allred

With the main family of the Fantastic Four heading off into unknown territory, Reed Richards makes the decision to build a replacement team… just in case things go wrong (as they often do). Turning first to Scott Lang (Ant Man II), he appeals to the fellow scientist’s brilliant mind and need for some outlet for his grief over his daughter’s death (which I missed, I must have blinked) and lead the new team in his stead.

Lang is a great character who has been kicking around the MU waiting for a purpose for some time now. A former lab assistant-turned crook to help his family, Lang has lots of potential. It’s nice to see that Fraction and the Allreds will be taking the opportunity to flesh out yet another big brain adventurer (personally, I like those guys).

Jaennifer Walters, the green She-Hulk (since we are now resorted to color coding Hulks) is an obvious choice and again I am more than happy to see her getting some attention. One of Marvel’s first high profile superheroines, She-Hulk is a fan favorite and both the John Byrne and Dan Slott-penned series of the past are dear to me. The inclusion of Walters in this book has lots of possibilities and given the flair of Allred and the ingenuity of Fraction, I think we’ll be seeing her put to good use.

The remaining two members of the team are head-scratchers. Queen of the Inhumans Medusa has been bopping around through several crossovers and events with plenty of development, yet that still leaves her presence in the team a mystery. Just why did she leave her entire population? To stop worrying about her husband who’s current status which will apparently be cleared up in Hickman’s New Avengers. Whatever. I still don’t get it.

But that leaves the biggest confusing member, Johny Storm’s girlfriend Darla Deering alias Ms. Thing. I have no idea who she is, why she is in a Thing suit (apparently in issue 2) or… anything. It’s not that a big deal, but it doesn’t help sell the comic book to anyone on the fence. The scene where Johnny tries to ‘tell her about that thing’ (see below)

The big appeal of the book for me is the mixture of humor and humanity along with the pop-tastic art by Allred (whom I have followed since I first picked up Madman). Both of these facets come together to complement the other big attraction, the future foundation. This is a love/hate thing as the kids, mutants and Dragon Man are incredibly entertaining. Reed hopes that Lang will find some kind of happiness in taking care of them all.. and he may be right.

The only drawback (aside from the aforementioned confusion over Ms. Thing and Medusa even being in the book) is that so little happens in the first issue. I signed up for a year long subscription on the appeal of the creative team and possibilities… so both better come through.

Marvel Now! Fantastic Four #1

Fantastic Four #1

By Matt Fraction, Mark Bagley and Mark Farmer

The first family of comics, the Fantastic Four was the first big hit of Marvel Comics. The elastic genius Mister Fantastic, his wife the mistress of an unseen force the Invisible Woman, the eternally youthful and rebellious Human Torch and the monstrous Thing. Like most anyone in my generation I knew of the Fantastic Four through numerous cartoons and the like but really became a fan when I borrowed some issues off my brother (broke into his room) and read the John Byrne run. It blew my mind. I had read his work with Claremont on X-Men, but it seemed that the wheels came off for Byrne on the FF. Since then, I have been endlessly hopeful to see the series live up to its moniker ‘World’s Greatest Comic Magazine.’

There are many readers who are much more well-versed in the legacy of the Fantastic Four than I and are familiar with the fluctuating quality and different directions that the series has undergone. The group has been defined by its family status as well as the outlandish ideas and space opera meets fantasy plots. There have been many high watermarks over the years, but in my opinion the previous run by Jonathan Hickman redefined the comic. As such, I was nervous about a new creative team coming in, even when it is Matt Fraction who has made Iron Man, the Defenders, Hawkeye and more must-read titles.

The Marvel Now Fantastic Four is a fresh start that picks up from where the previous series dropped off. In Hickman’s Fantastic Four, Reed Richards’ father arrived from his journeys through space/time to help guide the family through a particularly tough patch. In the revamped title, there is a mixture of family bonding and holding secrets. Reed Richards has discovered that his genetically altered biology is decaying and he cannot fix the problem. Rather than tell his family about this, he announces a massive family trip into the unknown aboard a massive craft operating as a classroom for the Future Foundation. However, Reed’s son Franklin has dreamed of a nightmarish vision that he has also kept from the others. Leaving the Earth to the protection of a new FF (who will later premier in their own series), the family once more steps into the mysteries of space and time.

In the added AR material, Fraction is brimming with enthusiasm for what should be the coolest, most exciting and innovative comic on the stands. You can see his excitement in every panel as the team exhibits their trademark personalities while also making it feel fresh and new. I have to admit to not being excited by Mark Bagley’s artwork in the past, but pairing him with Mark Farmer brings out the strengths in Bagley’s pencils.

For a first issue, there is not too much to get worked up over, but I am very happy to see that Fraction’s Fantastic Four will be an extension of what has come before. The future looks very promising.

Marvel Now! Indestructible Hulk #1

Indestructible Hulk #1

By Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu

A frustrated gifted scientist, Bruce Banner brain-stormed a new way to harness gamma radiation at the cost of his own humanity. His gamma bomb brought out a dark side of his psyche, an indestructible monster of rage called the Hulk by the military who hunted him. The Hulk has been going through a very hard time creatively. The only really strong period that the Hulk has enjoyed in recent years has been thanks to Greg Pak starting with his ‘Planet Hulk’ story and into the explosive conclusion. Even within that run there were moments when the series lagged or faltered in its search for an identity.

However, the thankfully brief Incredible Hulk series by Jason Aaron and a cadre of guest artists marked a new low for the Hulk. The weird black humor and garishly broad out of character distortions of the Hulk and Banner were not helped by an overly convoluted plot and a wildly different array of art styles.

You’d think that since Hulk is one of Marvel’s most high profile heroes and one that any adult who saw the Avengers or child who owns a pair of Hulk hands can easily identify him he would have a kick ass monthly comic book but in truth it has been a mess. Despite promising preview images and the proven high quality Mark Waid’s scripts, the Marvel Now! relaunch did not fill me with high hopes. Boy was I wrong.

This is finally the great Hulk book that fans have been waiting for.

Finally accepting that he and the Hulk must work together, Bruce Banner approaches Director Maria Hill for a job as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. His logic is simple. The Hulk has traditionally been thought of as a bomb when he could be a cannon instead, aimed at a target defined by S.H.I.E.L.D. The trade off is that Banner could develop new technological marvels for the world while giving his alter ego an outlet for its anger.

It’s so simple that I wonder why this was never thought of before, unless I am missing something. In his trial outing, Hulk faces the Mad Thinker who has constructed a killer robot using discarded Ultron maintenance tools designed to manipulate adamantium. The Mad Thinker believes that any problem is made up of quantifiable data, information that can be processed. That theory proves false when he points a laser capable of slicing the most durable material in existence at the Hulk… and the monster keeps coming.

Mark Waid is known for his gift at grasping characters and clever plots (among many other noteworthy qualities). His version of the Hulk is inspired and smart but also very dynamic. The edgy line work of Leinil Francis Yu adds a suitable amount of character and energy to the series that makes it stand out. The Hulk deserves to have a high profile knock-out comic that readers and critics talk up on line and in the shops. The Indestructible Hulk could very well be that series.

Marvel Now! All-New X-Men #1

All-New X-Men #1

By Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger

Children of the atom… the next stage in evolution… hated and feared by those they have sworn to protect… The X-Men started as a progressive group of teens led by the eccentric psychic Charles Xavier. His mission was to train the teens to use their abilities and overcome the fear of rejection for being different. The goal was one of integration, but over the years the team became a safe haven from the violence of humanity. The school also got blown up… a lot. The team shifted focus several times and when the future of the mutant population became tenuous and Professor Xavier was murdered, team leader Cyclops relocated the survivors to the sovereign nation of Utopia. A militaristic approach grew fanatical when the Phoenix Force was spotted on its way to Earth. Most saw destruction, but Cyclops saw salvation and a new lease on life for mutants everywhere. In the ensuing carnage, Cyclops led a small group of followers against the rest of the super-powered population.

Possessed by the Phoenix Force, Cyclops killed his former mentor Professor X and was defeated. The dispersal of the Phoenix energy jump-started a revival of the mutant gene. Rather than see the error of his ways, Cyclops believes this event to be a justification for his actions. No longer a minority, mutants stand a chance of surviving, if properly focused and led.

Fresh off of a record-breaking run on several Avengers series, writer Brian Michael Bendis will be taking over the X-Men family with a pair of monthly books that will operate in much the same way that his Avengers books did. To start things off, the Beast is mutating further, Cyclops has reinvented himself as a mutant terrorist alongside Emma Frost, Magneto and Magick, recruiting mutants who find themselves confused by their new found abilities. The X-Men must stop him, but given that force has proven to be useless, what can they do?

Beast is inspired by a throwaway statement from Iceman that leads him back in time when he encounters the original X-Men. By bringing them to the present day, he hopes that young Cyclops can talk some sense into his modern-day counterpart. It’s a mad idea, but given the single-mindedness of Cyclops’ actions and the level of destruction that the Avengers/X-Men scrap left, the options are slim. I always like the X-Men when their backs are against the wall, but placing them in such a unique position where they face a future created by one of their own where mutants are tyrants is ingenious. Bringing the X-Men of the past into the mix is even more interesting.

In an interview with Newsarama, Brian Michael Bendis gave some insight into his influences regarding the X-Men and some assurances that he is not about to ‘disassemble’ the X-Men.

Bendis: I’m not blowing up the mansion or anything like that. I came in [Avengers], “I’m gonna blow up the mansion, and go crazy!” and some people really loved that, and some people were like, “Whoa, whoa!” It was tantamount to someone going on the playground and just knocking over your toys. You’re like, “I liked my toys, why are you doing this?” I didn’t see it that way at the time, but in retrospect — I wouldn’t have changed the story or anything, but I was shocked by some of the reaction, and then I went, “Oh, no, I get that. I literally just blew up the house on page three.”

What I am doing here is, I think, as big, but not as destructive. I think it’s additive, I think it’s emotional and dramatic. This idea has been floating through the Marvel retreats for a couple of years. Both [Jeph] Loeb and I would be looking at each other going, “That’s a great idea.” It never stuck to the wall. I literally asked Axel, “Where did that idea start?” It just inspired so many story ideas to me.

Nrama: So the high concept of the original X-Men traveling into the present has been around for a while?

Bendis: Yeah. I’m a big fan of “Days of Future Past.” I think it’s one of the greatest imagination-inspiring storylines — the idea that your future is going to be hell on earth. If the original X-Men saw what was going on at Marvel today, this is worse than “Days of Future Past.”

Fans always say, “Oh, I wish Stan Lee was still in charge, things would be different.” Joe [Quesada] would point out that that’s not true. Stan was changing the Marvel Universe so quickly, much quicker than we do. Tearing up tracks, switching the Avengers, and blowing up the X-Men, and he was the first guy to do this. If Stan Lee was still in charge, you wouldn’t even recognize the Marvel Universe. So that idea inspired, “what would it feel like if characters from the Silver Age saw the Marvel Universe today?” I did a little bit of it in Avengers, in the Kang storyline. It’s obviously inspired a couple ideas in my work.

There’s something about Jean Grey, there’s something about those original five being such idealists, coming here and seeing what those ideals turned into for good or bad, and deciding to fight for them. I couldn’t get it out of my head. Inside that idea is a bunch of different ideas. The idea itself is the headline-grabber, but what people have to look forward to inside the story is much more. It’s a much more emotional story involving all of the X-Men, and that’s what’s going to be coming in future issues.

I was very wary of seeing yet another drastic shift in the X-Men after so many attempts have been made to make sense of this series going all the way back to the Grant Morrison E is for Evolution run. It seems to be a difficult concept for writers to figure out and the massive cast of characters is daunting. However, Bendis seems to be onto something by using the progress already made with Cyclops and having him come full circle as the leader of a Brotherhood of Mutants-style gang.

The art style is very slick and I hope that Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger are here to stay. Along with the lack of focus over the past few years (of admittedly great stories), a regular art team has been sorely missed. I have my fingers crossed that after a very smart and powerful first issue, we are in store for a major revival in the popularity and success of the X-Men.

All-New X-Men and its sister book Uncanny X-Men will be coming out bi-weekly for the foreseeable future, so this could be a great time to be an X-fan.

Who is the Superior Spider-Man?

This January, the Web-Head embraces a new chapter in his life in Superior Spider-Man #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the amazing creative team of writer Dan Slott and artist Ryan Stegman! As part of Marvel NOW!, Superior Spider-Man 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!

Peter Parker has spent a lifetime living up to the responsibilities his powers foisted upon him but his Amazing story finally ends dramatically in the historic Spider-Man #700. NOW! the new Spider-Man has arrived and he is better in every single way. Smarter, stronger…Superior.

“This is still very much the world of Spider-Man. There may be a new Spider-Man here, doing things in a new and different way, but you’re going to see the Spider-cast reacting to this,” said writer Dan Slott in an interview with Marvel.com. “You’re going to see how this Spider-Man will deal with our Spider-Man’s villains. How will he react to this Spider-Man’s supporting cast? That is clearly the world of this book. The world hasn’t changed, just the hero.”

So… a ‘new’ Spider-Man?

As in, not Peter Parker?

Via ComicBook.com:

Potential spoilers beyond this point, though, so don’t blame us if it turns out to be true.

Marvel Now creative teams and covers

Hot on the heels of DC’s New 52, Marvel Comics reinvents their entire lineup with Marvel NOW! A mad mix-up of creative teams that are sure to raise eyebrows and some new situations using some of the most popular characters in comics… Marvel may be about to once again live up to the moniker of the ‘House of Ideas.’

Superior Spider-Man

By Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman

This January, the Web-Head embraces a new chapter in his life in Superior Spider-Man #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the amazing creative team of writer Dan Slott and artist Ryan Stegman! As part of Marvel NOW!, Superior Spider-Man 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!

Peter Parker has spent a lifetime living up to the responsibilities his powers foisted upon him but his Amazing story finally ends dramatically in the historic Spider-Man #700. NOW! the new Spider-Man has arrived and he is better in every single way. Smarter, stronger… superior.

Avengers

By Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena

“What people have seen so far are the biggest and most iconic characters that everyone knows or has some familiarity with,” Hickman continues. “As we reach #7 and #8, the book is populated with new or revised versions of established characters.” There will be about 24 characters on the team in total. “By the time we get to 22 characters on the book, 12 are either female or minority, and we feel like we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do, which is a book that looks like the world.”Hickman says he wants to take the Avengers books in a “completely different direction,” with a much bigger scale, while staying true to the core concepts. “Take something from an A game to an A+ game.”

Captain America

By Rick Remender and John Romita, Jr.

“One of the mandates I have to myself is, I don’t want to touch the World War II stuff,” Remender told iFanboy of his plans for the title’s first major story arc. “I think that that has been done, now, and it’s been done perfectly. To go back and to keep focusing on Cap in World War II at this point, again, would be following too closely to what Ed has already done.  What I’m doing is spending a lot of time in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the 20s and 30s, showing Steve grow up. The first arc is 10 issues, and it’s called ‘Dimension Z.’

“I don’t want to give away too much, but a big portion of it is Cap dealing with Arnim Zola in Dimension Z. I’m trying to take Zola and do with him, what we did with Apocalypse over in Uncanny X-Force. Where we take what’s there, re-imagine it, build a new mythology and really expand Zola, and try and build Zola into a very, very big and important character.

“The other half of it is going to be a lot of flashbacks to a young Steve Rogers growing up in Depression-era Lower East Side, and getting to know his family and his friends, and how this 98-pound weakling became such a tenacious, strong person; focus on the fiber and the integrity of who he is, and really develop that for the first time.”

The Indestructible Hulk

By Mark Waid and Lenil Francis Yu

Mark Waid: Jason [Aaron] wraps things up, elegantly and brilliantly. (I’m forever jealous of the ideas he based his whole run around.) “Indestructible Hulk” #1 picks up a few weeks after the events of “Avengers vs. X-Men.” No one’s seen Banner or the Hulk for a while, and that makes the whole world very nervous.

There’s a very good reason we chose the word “Indestructible,” it’s actually a subtle story point. Without giving too much away, let’s just say that it ties in with Banner’s whole new attitude.

Maria Hill and Bruce Banner are the main players in the series, and their Byzantine relationship is both funny and dark and they’re a blast to write as a quasi-partnership. And Banner will be in a lab again and will have a band of assistants who all have two things in common: they’re all brilliant in their fields, and they have nothing to lose should they suddenly find they’re sharing close quarters with an angry jade behemoth. (via ComicBookResources)

Iron Man

By Kieron Gillen and Greg Land
“When his greatest invention becomes his greatest mistake, Iron Man bursts into action to protect it from destroying the Marvel Universe! From the red-hot team of Kieron Gillen and Greg Land, Iron Man must act fast and build faster in order to stop the lethal techno virus – Extremis – from landing in the hands of the highest bidder! This November in Iron Man #2, Tony’s hunt for the rogue units takes him to the island of New Camelot! A mysterious high-tech brotherhood of mech-knights called The Circle, has put their best up against the Armored Avenger, and Stark’s suit may not be ready for action.”

 

The Uncanny Avengers

By Rick Remender and John Cassaday
“From the ashes of Avengers Vs. X-Men an all-new, all-different Avengers assemble – enter the Uncanny Avengers! From the creative team of Rick Remender and John Cassaday, Captain America and Wolverine begin a quest to create a sanctioned Avengers unit cast from the ranks of the Avengers and the X-Men. This November in UNCANNY AVENGERS #2, The Red Skull makes a move that transforms him into the most powerful man on Earth! And with anti-mutant sentiment at an all-time high, it will be up to Captain America, Wolverine, Havok, Thor, Rogue, and The Scarlet Witch to take down the Skull and his S-Men!”

X-Men

By Brian Bendis and Stuart Immonen
Brian Bendis and Stuart Immonen are set to bring the original X-Men into the present day as permanent members of the current squad, and if Bendis’s teases in our exclusive interview were any indication, it will be nothing short of an event all its own.

Thor: God of Thunder

By Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic
“Someone is murdering the gods of the Marvel Universe and with his own life at stake, Thor must step in to put an end to the mysterious God Butcher! From the blockbuster team of Jason Aaron & Esad Ribic, the Mighty Avenger will not only have to stop this destructive force in his own time, but in the past and future as well! This November in Thor: God Of Thunder #2, the Odinson – with the help of his younger and older self – follow a trail of blood to save these ravaged worlds.

Fantastic Four/FF

Fantastic Four by Matt Fraction and Mark Bagley and FF with Mike Allred
With the Fantastic Four embarking on an epic journey, and an all-new FF ready to take their place – Marvel is proud to unveil superstar artist Mark Bagley’s connecting variant covers to Fantastic Four #1 and FF #1!” said Marvel in a press release. “…Marvel’s First Family redefine what it means to be fantastic. This November in Fantastic Four #1 and FF #1, prepare for action and adventure on a cosmic level!

“An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new teams! This is Fantastic Four and FF NOW!”

Via Newsarama

Meet the Uncanny Avengers

The Avengers has traditionally been an oddball assortment of heroes from various backgrounds. Mutants, time-traveling knights and cowboys as well as aliens, mutants and demi-gods have filled out the roster of the Avengers over the years. More recently even less traditional heroes have been Avengers such as Wolverine, Daredevil, Iron Fist and Storm.

In the wake of Avengers Vs. X-Men, it appears that the two superhero groups are going to become more closely related than ever before. If the promotional image of The Uncanny Avengers is anything to judge by, the times they are a’changin.’ Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force, Fear Agent, Sea of Red and the Punisher) and John Cassiday (Astonishing X-Men, Planetary) are joining forces to create an incredibly eye-catching version of the superhero team, redefining the look and feel of the comic all over again.

via EW:

Remender talked to us about Uncanny Avengers and offered some intriguing teases about the characters who will form the superteam’s initial lineup. “Captain America comes out of Avengers vs. X-Men recognizing that he didn’t do enough to help the mutants. He’s going to fix that.” That leads to the formation of a team focused explicitly on human-mutant relations. And although Uncanny Avengers has its share of heavy hitters — Captain America, Thor, and Wolverine have all starred in multiple movies that collectively grossed one katrillion dollars — Remender sounds even more excited about playing around with the team’s other characters. That’s especially true of Havok, the brother of Cyclops, who will be the team’s leader. “He is put in a very difficult situation,” says Remender. “Havok’s always been the black sheep rock-and-roller of the Summers family. He can’t do that anymore. You’re going to see Havok become one of the biggest players in the Marvel Universe.”

Uncanny Avengers will also feature the mutant Rogue, who Remender describes as “the Wolverine of the team now. Her adoptive step-mother was Mystique, so she was raised to hate the Avengers.” And there will be some interpersonal turmoil around the final member of the team: Scarlet Witch, who recently returned to the Avengers after years of being mostly in the background of the Marvel Universe. “She’s the character responsible for eradicating the mutants in the first place,” says Remender, who describes the Witch’s role in the book as a “redemption arc.”