Marvel Announces Champions #1 Launch Parties

Marvel's Champions, a brand-new ongoing series and flagship title of Marvel NOW!, is launching this October, and to ensure it and Marvel NOW! get to off to great starts, Marvel Comics is rewarding retails that opt in (by 9/5) to the event with a Champions #1 Party Kit, containing exclusive promotional materials.

Official press release follows:

"The next chapter of the Marvel Universe is about to begin and it all starts with the Champions," says Marvel SVP, Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. "CHAMPIONS #1 sees Marvel's top characters striking out on their own for a thrilling new series and we're helping retailers support this launch in a huge way. In addition to huge incentives, limited edition variants and lithographs – we'll be offering can't miss promotional items for fans including Action Figure standees for each of the team members and Champions pins."

All retailers who opt-in and qualify will receive the following as part of the Champions #1 Party Kit:

Champions #1 Invitational Postcards
Champions #1 Skottie Young Lithographs
Champions #1 Jay Fosgit Gwenpool Party Sketch Variant
Champions #1 Premiere Variant
Champions #1 Pins
Champions #1 Action Figure Standees (Second Standee Sheet Available w/ Issue #2)

But that's not all! Retailers who qualify will also be eligible to order a variety of variant covers to Champions #1 – including the Champions #1 Gwenpool Party Variant. Artist Jay Fosgitt brings Gwenpool face-to-face with the Marvel Universe's newest super team – all as part of a hearty and nutritious breakfast. This one-of-a-kind variant is only available at Marvel's Champions #1 Launch Parties and should not be missed!

Retailers are encouraged to check their Marvel Mailer or Diamond Daily for more information about Champions and Champions Launch Parties.

Eisner Award winning writer Mark Waid and Eisner Award nominated artist Humberto Ramos join forces to bring you a teen team supreme that refuses to adhere to the antiquated ways of old. It's time to be heroes again, and Ms. Marvel, Miles Morales, Nova, Cyclops, Viv Vision and the Totally Awesome Hulk are ready to answer the call. All it takes is six young heroes and you can change the world. They are the Champions – and they're just getting started!

CHAMPIONS #1 (AUG160733)
CHAMPIONS #1 LAUNCH PARTY OPT-IN (AUG160742)
Written by MARK WAID Art & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Party Variant by JAY FOSGITT (AUG160748)
Variant Covers by ALEX ROSS (AUG160734) & SKOTTIE YOUNG (AUG160735)
Champions Variant by MARK BROOKS (AUG160739)
Classic Ghost Rider Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (AUG160737)
Miles & Hulk Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (AUG160736)
Hip-Hop Variant by RAHZZAH (AUG160740)
Captain America 75th Anniversary Variant Also Available (AUG160738)

Don't miss CHAMPIONS #1 when it comes to comic shops on October 5th!