Marvel Comics is looking backward to move forward. During the “Marvel: Next Big Thing” panel at the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Marvel Comics revealed the details of Marvel Legacy, the fall 2017 publishing initiative that promises to return Marvel to its roots.
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Marvel Legacy will see new storylines kick off across the Marvel Comics publishing line, with each intended to be a jumping on point for new readers. The publisher did not reveal specific creative teams for these stories but did hint that creative shakeups are in the works.
This new era for the Marvel Universe will begin in Marvel Legacy #1, a 50-page one-shot issue written by Jason Aaron (The Mighty Thor, Doctor Strange) with art by Esad Ribic (Secret Wars, Thor: God of Thunder) and featuring a four-panel fold-out cover by Marvel’s chief creative officer, Joe Quesada, which can be seen below. Marvel Legacy #1 will introduce new plots and mysteries that will set the stage for the next chapter of the Marvel universe saga, including the return of a popular Marvel character.
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“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,” says Quesada. “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.”
However, Marvel Comics attempting to return to its glory days does not mean that the new characters who have been spotlighted during the Marvel NOW! era will simply disappear. Marvel Comics is promising new stories for a variety of characters both new and old, including 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 others.
To represent the Marvel Legacy shift, Marvel’s long-running series will revert to their legacy numbering, restoring the original issue count that goes all the way back to each series’ debut. These titles will be designated with special trade dress, but Marvel says these issues, despite the high numbering, will still be great entry points for new readers.
Marvel Comics will also re-institute some other elements from their history, including corner box art, the Foom fan magazine, and the Marvel Value Stamp.
Some of these changes have already begun taking place. While Venom #6 released just this week, the next issue of the series will revert to the character’s legacy numbering at Venom #150. Corner box art is already being featured on the X-Men’s ResurrXion series covers, including X-Men Gold and X-Men Blue.
Marvel Comics says more details on Marvel Legacy will be revealed in the coming months leading into the fall 2017 launch.
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