Has Marvel Really Lost Its Way?
Why not start this newsletter with a slightly controversial topic? While DC is celebrating hit after hit, with the success of the Absolute line, the return of Vertigo Comics, and the rollout of the Next Level Initiative, the House of Ideas is fighting month after month to hold on to its spot at the top. After a decade of unprecedented success, Marvel is clearly in need of reinvention.
The announcement last week that Stephen Wacker will take over as editor-in-chief from CB Cebulski (also known as Akira Yoshida; look it up, you won’t regret it) came as a surprise, but it’s a change that feels long overdue.
That’s why, as I sat down to write this newsletter, it was the Marvel books that caught my eye: the ones that remind you what this publisher can do when it really leans into creativity and invention.
If you really want to get back to your roots, to your prime, why not return to the source, to the best of the best?
Gwenpool Omnibus
Gwenpool probably isn’t the first character you’d expect to represent Marvel’s prime, but hear me out. This series debuted when Marvel was in full experimentation mode, right after Hickman’s Avengers saga. Gwenpool, who seemed like a gimmick at first, quickly became a standout. Her book is pure, chaotic fun and captures the playful spirit you’d hope for in an all-ages Marvel comic. If you loved Ryan North’s Squirrel Girl, this series is the perfect companion. It’s a ton of fun that never loses steam, and it proves that Marvel is always good for a surprise.
Don’t forget: this Omni also includes the first appearance of Jeff the Land Shark, our most committed and truly outstanding co-worker!
Ghost Rider: Danny Ketch Omnibus Vol. 3
Ghost Rider is a character almost everyone has some connection to, maybe through the fun-but-mediocre Nicolas Cage movies or simply the badass look of a flaming skeleton in leather on a motorcycle. That was my only link for years, until I finally dove into the comics. After a deep dive on Marvel Unlimited, I can say this Omni is a must-read.
The Danny Ketch era is Ghost Rider at his boldest and weirdest, over the top in the best way. And if you want the perfect mood, do yourself a favor and throw on Mick Gordon’s Doom soundtracks while you read. You won’t regret it. Rip and tear all the way.
The Marvel Art Of Mike Zeck
Alex Maleev, Russell Dauterman, David Mack, and Michael Allred are just a few of the legendary artists featured in Clover Press’s impressive The Marvel Art of... series. Now, with its tenth volume, we turn to another Marvel legend: Mike Zeck, the iconic artist behind Kraven’s Last Hunt. Zeck’s work didn’t just help define Spider-Man; it changed the superhero genre itself. That story simply wouldn’t have worked with anyone else at the helm. And that’s only one highlight: his work on Secret Wars might be even more influential. Zeck’s line work is beautiful, and seeing it collected in this format is astounding. It’s hard to believe in this day and age, but Marvel used to be the place that not only drew in the best talent but kept them, too.
Before I Go:
With the release of the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, a trailer so bland that, if you told me it was made by AI, I’d believe you, it feels like Marvel needs a fresh start more than ever. The books I’m highlighting here come from all over Marvel’s history, but they all have one thing in common: they scream for Marvel to let creators run wild again.
You can check out everything on F.O.C. below. We won’t change the prices until Friday (but that’s our Secret Wars, and God, I hope the trailer for that looks better).
