It seems like every other post, these days is about superheroes. With Superheroes being the ‘big thing’ at the movies these days, superhero comics are enjoying an influx of new readers. So that means, amongst others, that Iron Man and Punisher will be getting new comic series.
It’s not hugely surprising that Marvel is announcing new series right now. Quite apart from the boost they’re getting from their cinematic universe, Marvel’s ‘Secret Wars’ event has massively shaken up the status quo, with titles being cancelled and started all across the board. Iron Man and Punisher- two of Marvel’s cash cow franchises’- getting new series isn’t the biggest bit of news in the announcements.
What’s interesting is the creative talent behind them. The most exciting bit is Brian Michael Bendis’ involvement as he has hinted that he may be writing a new Iron Man title along with the current one. Apparently, it will be called ‘International Iron Man’. As Bendis is the mastermind behind such little-known titles as THE ENTIRE ULTIMATE MARVEL UNIVERSE, his involvement is hugely exciting.
Meanwhile, the new Punisher title will see Becky Cloonan and Steve Dillon team up to bring us new adventures involving Marvel’s favorite grim and gritty mass murderer. As Cloonan is currently co-writing ‘Gotham Academy’ for DC, one can only imagine how weird it’ll be, jumping from that, too… you know, gun toting vigilantes.
Meanwhile, ‘I can’t believe it’s not Superman’ Hyperion will be getting his own title (while the rest of Squadron Supreme apparently won’t). The talent behind this one will be Chuck Wending and Nik Virella.
And the fourth title is called ‘X-Men: Worst X-Man ever.’ We can only speculate what it’s about, but Max Bemis and Michael Walsh will be the team behind it.
With Iron Man and Punisher and the others lining up, it’s going to be a busy time to be a Marvel reader.