For some time now, many Marvel Comics readers have been imploring the publisher to go back to the original numbering of their classic titles rather than constantly bombarding comic shops with new #1 issues every time a new story arc started. Well, not only has the House of Ideas been listening, but they’re going the extra mile.
During their Next Big Thing panel at C2E2, Marvel shed some light on ‘Generations’, which is scheduled to be released later this year. Rather than having one cohesive storyline like ‘Civil War II’ or ‘Age of Ultron’, this highly-anticipated event of big, epic stories featuring the company’s most popular mantles utilized by multiple heroes over the years and the best talent they have to offer including Alex Ross will be a 10-issue maxi-series consisting of a series of one-shots starring various versions of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and more. But it seems that this is only the prelude to something much bigger as Marvel Legacy kicks off in the fall. In a press release issued shortly after the panel, Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada summed up what they’re shooting for with this all-new approach:
“The Marvel Legacy initiative is a celebration of everything that makes Marvel the best in fiction and it’s a signifier of a new era for Marvel Comics. It’s a loving look at the heart of Marvel as we embrace our roots and move enthusiastically forward with all the Marvel characters you know and love starring in the biggest, boldest, best Marvel stories. All of which kicks off with the giant MARVEL LEGACY special.”
The special that Quesada speaks of is an oversized one-shot special written by Jason Aaron with art by Esad Ribic and a 4-panel fold-out cover by the COO himself (as seen above). And we’re told that the Earth-shattering return of a beloved Marvel mainstay will break the Internet once this book hits the shelves of your local comic shop. (There’s already speculation that it may have something to do with the Fantastic Four, but that can neither be confirmed or denied right now.) From there, Marvel Legacy will spread out across the Marvel Universe by showcasing epic storylines hearkening back to the glory days of Marvel starring Odinson, Squirrel Girl, Spider-Man, the Avengers, America Chavez, Iron Man, Moon Knight, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Luke Cage, the X-Men, Captain America, Ms. Marvel, Deadpool, the Champions, Wolverine, Ironheart, Hulk, The Punisher, and so many more!
Finally, on top of reverting long-running Marvel Universe titles to their classic legacy numbering under this new initiative and the massive one-shot that will act as a clean entry point for every series in this new era of Marvel Comics, the titles under the Legacy banner will also see the returns of the Marvel Value Stamp, the classic fan magazine FOOM, and the iconic Cover Corner Box Art. Basically, Marvel appears to be honoring the past and embracing the future.
To many True Believers, Marvel Legacy is sure to be some very welcome news. But how do you feel about the upcoming initiative from the House of Ideas? Let us know what you think about this insanely epic news coming out of the Windy City in the comments below.
Despite being a “professional writer”, Ben likes run-on sentences far too much. For more of his attempts at being funny and the occasional insightful thought, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
