All-New, All-Different: A Look at the New Marvel Universe

When the dust settles following the end of Secret Wars, Marvel Comics will re-launch their entire publishing line.  Earlier this week, Marvel officially announced 45 titles launching this October with creative teams and taglines for each series accompanying cover art for each new #1 issue.

All-New, All-Different Marvel Promo Image

Much like DC’s New 52 re-launch and the “DC You” re-launch that I’ve chronicled the last four weeks, the “All-New, All Different Marvel” initiative looks to create a clean jumping-on point for new and returning readers to Marvel books.

The second All-New, All-Different Marvel promotional image

As predominantly a DC reader, this is a great opportunity for me to begin a journey into the Marvel Universe.  Let’s take a look at some of the books launching this October.

Invincible Iron Man #1 - “Upgrade.”

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: David Marquez

The premier Marvel writer for the last 15 or so years will give us his take on the premier character of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).  It’s clear that the company wants to elevate the status of Ol’ Shellhead to headliner of their comic line.  Take a look at his placement in the teaser images above.

The Totally Awesome Hulk #1- “Who is the Hulk?”

Written by Greg Pak and drawn by Frank Cho.  As the tagline states, this Hulk is not Bruce Banner.  So, who is?

Doctor Strange #1- “Some surgery requires a scalpel – some, an axe.”

Written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Chris Bachalo.  When Benedict Cumberbatch was announced to play The Sorcerer Supreme in an upcoming film, it was only a matter of time before a new solo series was announced.  I’d say the character is in good hands with writer Jason Aaron.

Star-Lord #1- “Feels like the first time. Feels like the very first time.”

Writer: Sam Humphries, Artist: Javier Garron

Foreigner lyrics in the tagline.  He’s Star-Lord, man.  Can’t go wrong?

Daredevil #1- “The devil’s apprentice”

Writer: Charles Soule Artist: Ron Garney

Never mind the fact that Daredevil’s Netflix series is a critical and financial success, The Man Without Fear is one of Marvel’s most enduring characters, so it’s only natural that he would receive a new series.  The tagline suggests that Daredevil will receive a sidekick.  Even though the writer is denying it (or simply playing coy), he sure looks a lot like Gambit…

All-New Hawkeye #1- “Hawkeye vs. Hawkeye”

Written by Jeff Lemire and drawn by Ramon Perez.  Lemire just launched the last volume of All-New Hawkeye back in March and the series never really got a chance to get off the ground.  It appears that Kate Bishop seems to be in the lead role and will be taking on the older Clint Barton from the “Old Man Logan” universe.

Guardians of the Galaxy #1- “The raccoon’s in charge.”

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist Valerio Schiti

If the series can capture the fun and exuberance of the film in this volume a little better than it did in the last volume, it will remain on my reading list.  Also, Star-Lord is now Star-Lady?  With Peter Quill on his own adventures, most signs point to Kitty Pryde (who guest starred heavily in the last volume of GoTG) taking on the role.  If that’s the case, I can guarantee I’ll keep reading as Kitty is my favorite X-Person of all time, and one of my favorite Marvel characters in general.

All-New X-Men- “On a mission to make their own future”

Writer: Dennis Hopeless, Artist: Mark Bagley

The youthful versions of Cyclops, Beast, Iceman, and Angel (we’ll get to young Jean Grey later on) are joined by X-23, who is the new Wolverine.  I’m glad to see the time displaced X-Men remaining in the contemporary Marvel Universe.  Having new Wolverine on board (and continuing her relationship with Angel?) is a good bonus.

Amazing Spider-Man #1- “Your friendly neighborhood just got bigger.”

Writer: Dan Slott, Artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli (this teaser is done by Alex Ross)

Dan Slott remains on the title to continue spinning the web (get it!?) he started way back in 2008.  With Peter Parker going global and Parker Industries becoming a technology powerhouse, we’re going to see an interesting take on this character.  “Philanthropist Spidey” has a certain ring to it.  The new costume doesn’t look bad, either.

Sam Wilson, Captain America #1- “Who do you stand with?”

Writer: Nick Spencer, Artist: Daniel Acuña

I have to say that I was disheartened to see that Steve Rogers won’t be picking the shield back up this fall.  At least not yet.  I haven’t particularly liked Falcon-Cap, but I do plan on reading #1.  The tagline evokes memories of Civil War.  Perhaps this story will work as a prep for next year’s Captain America: Civil War film.

The Vision #1- “A bold new Vision for the Marvel Universe.”

Writer: Tom King, Artist: Gabriel H. Walta

The breakout character of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Vision will star in his own solo series this fall.  I like Tom King’s writing and I truly hope this series is a success.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1- “Keeps your friends close and your enemies closer.”

ABC’s hit television series influenced the launch of this series, there’s no doubt.  The cover features Agent Coulson, but one has to wonder if the rest of the gang from the show will star as well.  (Keeping my fingers crossed for Skye.)

All-New Wolverine #1- “Best there is at what she does”

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: David Lopez

As previously mentioned, X-23 will be taking over the role of Wolverine.  With the real deal still dead (I guess, whatever), the void has to be filled.  I’ve always liked X-23 as a character.  More so than the real Wolverine, anyway.

Extraordinary X-Men #1- “Still hated. Still feared. Still standing.”

Writer: Jeff Lemire, Artist: Humberto Ramos

Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Iceman, Magik, Jean Grey (the time displaced version, not the dead one), and… Old Man Logan.  I’m actually pretty excited to read this book.  In Lemire I trust.  Let’s keep the old Wolverine-young Jean pervy stuff to a minimum, eh Jeff? 

Silk #1- “The Sinister Silk”

Writer: Robbie Thompson, Artist: Stacey Lee

Silk is the most interesting character introduced in the Marvel Universe since…  I don’t even know.  The tagline teases a turn to the dark side for Cindy Moon.

Ant-Man #1- “Once a criminal…?”

Written by Nick Spencer and drawn by Ramon Rosanas.  Another MCU-influenced book and another book teasing a villainous turn.  Marvel has always had some anti-heroes in their books.  I’m willing to bet Ant-Man will be more in that vein than an out-and-out bad guy.

Uncanny Inhumans #1- “The silence is broken.”

Written by Charles Soule and drawn by Steve McNiven.  There’s two simple reasons why I’m even going to try to read this book:  the creative team and Beast.  Steve McNiven’s art is amazing and I love the character of Hank McCoy.  I really hope this book is good.

Old Man Logan #1- “Older. Wiser. Sharper.”

Writer: Jeff Lemire, Artist: Andrea Sorrentino

The original Old Man Logan story is fantastic.  Having Old Man Logan in the present day Marvel Universe?  I don’t know.  Jeff Lemire is writing this and the character’s other appearance in Extraordinary X-Men, so at least his characterization will be consistent.

Spider-Man #1- “Welcome to the Marvel Universe, Miles Morales. Hope you survive the experience!”

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: Sara Pichelli

Marvel’s now defunct Ultimate Universe was designed as a retelling of the origins of Marvel’s characters.  When that universe’s Peter Parker died, he was replaced as Spider-Man by Miles Morales.  I tried reading the first series starring the new hero, but it just did not hook me in anyway.  Now that the Ultimate Universe is gone thanks to Secret Wars, Miles finds his home in the main Marvel Universe.  I’ll give it a shot, but my Spider-Man is red and blue.  No offense, Miles.

All-New All-Different Avengers #1- “Earth’s mightiest most dedicated heroes.”

Writer: Mark Waid, Artist: Adam Kubert, Cover Art: Alex Ross

An Avengers book I actually want to read.  A diverse team.  A brilliant writer and an excellent artist.  The flagship book of the new Marvel Universe looks perfect on paper.  Which is good, because that’s what comic books are printed on.

Looking forward to October!

Thanks for reading!

-Josh

Sources: Comic Book Resources; Wikipedia; marvel.com

All characters, and images in this blog are owned and trademarked by Marvel Comics, a division of The Walt Disney Corporation.