With Marvel Comics’ summer event ‘Fear Itself’ now on issue #5, there’s only two more issues in the epic mini-series to go. However, Marvel revealed today writer Matt Fraction isn’t done torturing their heroes just yet. This November, Marvel will release three special ‘Fear Itself’ issues that seem to show the aftermath of Earth’s battle with the Asgardian villain, the Serpent.

The three special ‘Fear Itself’ issues are numbered 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 and center around Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor respectively. I expect we’ll see Steve Rogers dealing with the death of Bucky Barnes in his issue. As for the other two, one can only guess. We last saw Iron Man making a deal with Odin for the use of his workshop. Maybe this issue will show what Iron Man offered in the bargain. As for Thor… The cover to ‘The Mighty Thor’ #8 shows a new God of Thunder so speculation is that Thor will not survive the climactic battle of ‘Fear Itself’.

Marvel also revealed yesterday that the next major event will be titled ‘Shattered Heroes’. Not much is known about the storyline except that it deals with Marvel’s heroes trying to return to normal after the turmoil of ‘Fear Itself’. Marvel SVP Executive Editor Tom Brevoort had this to say about the event:

“The war is over, and the warriors return home, carrying with them scars of battle, both physical and mental. Now the cost will be tallied, the casualties buried and mourned, the rubble swept up and carted away. But the damage to our heroes isn’t easily repaired, the wounds not easily healed. Decisions are made and lives are changed—can shattered heroes find renewed courage to go on?”

Today, Marvel released the first teaser image for ‘Shattered Heroes’. It doesn’t give us much but most notably, Thor is missing from the team. The other things that can be discerned from the image is that the bearded Hulk looks more like the Maestro than himself. And who is the shadowy outline lurking behind Iron Man?

‘Shattered Heroes’ begins in October. There’s no word yet on the creative team but I expect that Fraction will have a hand in it. He seems to revel in testing the mettle of Marvel’s heroes.

‘FEAR ITSELF’ #7.1
- Captain America
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by BUTCH GUICE
The Marvel Universe holds a wake for Bucky Barnes. Fear Itself forever altered the life of Captain America. See how!
32 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99

‘FEAR ITSELF’ #7.2
- Iron Man
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Tony Stark squares off against Odin! And before it’s all over, Tony’s darkest secret is leaked to the world!
32 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99

‘FEAR ITSELF’ #7.3
- Thor
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by ADAM KUBERT
Variant Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Odin decides the final fate of Asgard…and it will never be the same. The heroes of the Nine Worlds bid farewell to one of their own.
32 PGS./One-Shot/Rated T+ …$3.99