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Tag: Comics News

  • Marvel Comics Reveals New Comics For Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson

    Marvel Comics Reveals New Comics For Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson

    Marvel Comics has a long history of mantles and legacy characters. In 2014, former Falcon Sam Wilson joined this tradition after taking up the title of Captain America for a then-decommissioned Steve Rogers. The move was a big deal for fans and creators alike, but as is often the case with comics, it wasn’t permanent. Steve Rogers eventually returned to his iconic role, and Sam Wilson’s future was left in a state of limbo. Now, however, Marvel has announced that it will allow both character to maintain the identity moving forward.

    Two new comics, Captain America: Symbol of Truth and Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, will follow the adventures of both men as they navigate what it means to be a hero in modern times. Symbol of Truth will arrive first, in May, and will be written by Tochi Onyebuchi with art from R.B. Silva. The series is set to center around Wilson as the “public-facing” Captain America, or “the one people think of as holding that title.” The story will see the air-born Cap trying to untangle America’s messy, and sometimes shady, foreign policy.

    Onyebuchi confirmed the plot is based heavily on action thrillers, with Sam finding himself in the middle of a government conspiracy. Highlighting the “truth” aspect of the title, he continues:

    We’ve seen Sam Wilson deal with the legacy of Captain America and race in very inward terms with regards to America: What does it mean for America to accept a Black Captain America? One of the things I’m teasing in my book is, what does it mean for the rest of the world to accept a Black Captain America? That’s another part of the equation. If Captain America is in many ways a mimesis of America, with all the good and bad pathologies, what does that mean for the way in which America interacts with the rest of the world?

    Tochi Onyebuchi

    Meanwhile, Sentinel of Liberty hits shelves in June. That comic, written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing with art by Carmen Carnero, will focus on Rogers and his quest to figure out who he really is. While Sam acts as the main event, Steve will take time to determine how he fits into the world and the impact of his legacy. Lanzing explains:

    In our book, he is going to be really looking at what it means to be Steve Rogers. We’ll see what it means when he finds a threat that truly needs his version of Captain America, and what he has to step up to become that. What does Captain America mean to Steve beyond being the leader of the Avengers and answering to the government? Since he feels he’s handed that off. So what is Steve building? What is he organizing? What do his friends need from him specifically? What does Bucky need from him?

    Jackson Lanzing

    The new books will be preceded by Captain America #0, co-written by Kelly, Lanzing, and Onyebuchi with art from Mattia De Lulis.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • A New Hero Takes on the Iron Fist Mantle in February

    A New Hero Takes on the Iron Fist Mantle in February

    On Thursday, Marvel revealed a teaser for Iron Fist showing Danny Rand giving up the Iron Fist costume. The teaser simply said, “Iron Fist No More. February 2022.” Today, the comic book giant has announced writer Alyssa Wong and artist Michael YG will debut a new Iron Fist this February. Wong, of course, is coming off the critically-acclaimed Doctor Aphra, while YG will make his Marvel Comics debut with Iron Fist.

    The new series consists of five issues and sees the legendary mantle of Iron Fist get passed on to a new hero in a “revolutionary transformation.” Per Marvel, fans can expect an epic hero’s journey in true Marvel fashion as this new, mysterious Iron Fist unlocks “long-hidden secrets behind the history of his ancient powers.” He’ll also be forced to confront a threat only he is able to defeat.

    After giving up his power to save the world earlier this year in IRON FIST: HEART OF THE DRAGON, Danny Rand believes he’s seen the last of the Iron Fist. But when demons begin to attack cities around the world, a new hero appears, hands blazing with the Chi of Shou-Lao the Undying! Who is this new Iron Fist? And does his power really come from the Dragon of K’un-Lun… Or from something far more sinister? Fans will have to wait until the first issue to discover his identity but they can see him now on the stunning cover for IRON FIST #1 showcasing a brand-new costume design by superstar artist Jim Cheung!

    The first issue of Iron Fist #1 will hit shelves on Feb. 16, 2022. It’s written by Alyssa Wong with art by Michael YG. It also features a cover by Jim Cheung.

    Source: Marvel

  • ‘Hawkeye’ Artist On Marvel Studios Poster Homage: “Start paying”

    ‘Hawkeye’ Artist On Marvel Studios Poster Homage: “Start paying”

    One of the more unfortunate realities surrounding the billion-dollar franchise that is the MCU is the startling truth that a lot of the people who create the comics that serve as the MCU’s foundation rarely receive worthwhile compensation from the powers that adapt their work.

    Famed Hawkeye artist David Aja is joining a growing list of creators who have expressed frustration over this issue that seemingly continues to be unrectified behind the scenes. Last night, a brand new poster for the Hawkeye series was revealed, paying homage to one of the iconic posters Aja drew for his seminal Hawkeye run with Matt Fraction. Aja had this to say about Marvel Studios’ recreation of his work:

    David Aja‘s artwork on his run with Matt Fraction is arguably the most important selling point of that run. From his distinct minimalist covers to the inventive visual storytelling methods he brought to the table, there’s no doubt that the book wouldn’t be the classic it is without his touch.

    Winter Soldier creator Ed Brubaker recently made waves over complaints he made regarding the issue in light of Marvel Studios building a very lucrative franchise based on his work. The check Marvel Studios allegedly gave Brubaker for adapting the Winter Soldier story was a lot lower than the royalties he received for his 1-second cameo in the movie. Howver, according to Brubaker, Marvel has since reached out to him, likely due to the high publicity of his comments, with the hopes of amending the issue.

    The issue is a highly complicated one, given how all the work-for-hire contracts that a lot of these creators signed were drafted at a time when comic adaptations weren’t the world’s hottest commodity. Still, in an era where the studios are making billions off these people’s work, reasonable compensation should not be an issue. We hope Aja and more creators get compensated for their contributions to the MCU.

  • Marvel and DC Faces Controversy as Creators Speak Out on Lack of Compensation

    Marvel and DC Faces Controversy as Creators Speak Out on Lack of Compensation

    Marvel and DC films have been quite a success for the companies involved. Yet, the harsh reality unveils that it hasn’t been too kind for the creators of the characters, we’re seeing on the silver screen. In a very revealing piece by The Guardian, we get insight into how comic creators are facing the harsh restrictions set by frugal companies and their refusal to compensate their creators.

    We get quite a few examples of how contractual wordings are quite the slippery slope. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons created the iconic Watchmen series that became the basis for a popular HBO series. They had a contractual share on merchandise profits, but they simply retitled it “promotional items” and refused to pay out the comic creators.

     

    Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons – Tommy Girard

     

    An anonymous Marvel creator had the following to say after his character’s appearance in the popular film franchise:

    I’ve been offered a [special character contract] that was really, really terrible, but it was that or nothing. And then instead of honouring it, they send a thank you note and are like, ‘Here’s some money we don’t owe you!’ and it’s five grand. And you’re like, ‘The movie made a billion dollars.

    It’s just a small glimpse into how contractual obligations are misconstrued. Harley Quinn’s Jimmy Palmiotti also recommended to lawyer up when you work with a comic book company. They also get a ticket to the premiere alongside the check, but there is no obligation to do so. The reason this practice is the norm is due to how comic creators work for the companies. Marvel seems to be quite infamous for its tight contracts and frugal approach. It’s not too surprising given the rumors surrounding their CEO Isaac Perlmutter.

    Still, it’s terrible to read how these creators of our childhood classics are being treated to this day and, hopefully, this is the necessary wake-up call to make due. If you’re interested in reading the full article on the controversy, you can check it out here.

    Source: The Guardian