The Official Marvel Team Up Thread

[Anubis]

This is one of the best books Marvel has out right now, and in order to spread the word a bit more, I felt it was time to start an official thread.

So, issue 6 came out last week and we finally get a conclusion to the first arc. And boy was it a good ish. Spidey and X-23 pulled out a upside down Fast Ball Special. Never woulda thought of that. great stuff. Also, I wonder if Sunfire is dead? We see whats left of him after Titanus beat the living s*&t out of him, and he aint looking too pretty. More importantly, it doesn't look like a alternate universe, but a possible future that the Doom/Stark dude is from. He made reference of the Titanus war. Who knows what he meant by that.

I love the way all this isn't just random encounters. That this all contributes to one story with lots of interconnecting plot points. This is one of the top 5 books marvel is putting out right now. And everybody should be reading this.

Oh and Next ish...Moon Knight!!! Now how cool is that? :)

[Sabretooth]

Can't wait for Moon Knight next issue.:D

[Gambit8370]

I'm anxious to see what other team-ups Kirkman has planned.

I'm hoping to see more characters that are not currently appearing in a regular title.

[KingOfDreams]

This is a great comic. I admit that I didn't like the art at first but I read issue #6 and liked it a lot so I bought it. I'm not sure if I'm going to pick up issues 1-5 though. Because I have misgivings about every other title Spider-Man appears in, I forgot just how much I missed the ol' webhead. And since it appears he'll be showing up rather frequently in this book I think I'll become a regular reader. I wonder if this Titanus War thing will become a future epic Marvel crossover arc? Anyway, I really like how well they introduce the different characters each issue and how they seamlessly mesh with the storyline. This could be a very disjointed and confusing book, but it's not. The writer does a good job in this sense. :up:

[Themanofbat]

The book needs more people to buy it. It currently has low numbers . :(

For years, we've been complaining that Marvel needs to put out a book like this, and now that they do, nobody buys it. :mad:

Spread the word..... BUY MTU NOW!!!!, True Believers..... :)

[KAD]

The book needs more people to buy it. It currently has low numbers . :(

For years, we've been complaining that Marvel needs to put out a book like this, and now that they do, nobody buys it. :mad:

Spread the word..... BUY MTU NOW!!!!, True Believers..... :)


I buy it and everyone else should also. Nuff Said

[Spider-Jay420]

It sounds cool. Anyone know when the first arc will be out in tpb? I plan to get onboard next issue with Moon Knight.

[KAD]

It sounds cool. Anyone know when the first arc will be out in tpb? I plan to get onboard next issue with Moon Knight.

You can still pick up the first arc issues.

[SuperFerret]

They're releasing them in arcs? That sucks, part of the appeal of the original MTU was that each issue had a complete story, but I guess I'm asking too much as many of Marvel recent "events" have so many plot holes they aren't complete stories anyway. I'm going to pick up what I can of the Moon Knight issues, hopefully I'll get them all.

[KAD]

They're releasing them in arcs? That sucks, part of the appeal of the original MTU was that each issue had a complete story, but I guess I'm asking too much as many of Marvel recent "events" have so many plot holes they aren't complete stories anyway. I'm going to pick up what I can of the Moon Knight issues, hopefully I'll get them all.


Get the first arc as well.

It's some of the best material Marvel is producing.

Plus the characters are all portrayed correctly.


Spidey mentions his relief when Cap shows.http://www.superherohype.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[fifthfiend]

Because I have misgivings about every other title Spider-Man appears in, I forgot just how much I missed the ol' webhead.

Spider-Man / Human Torch! :mad:

[SuperFerret]

I've never been good at collecting arcs, mainly because I don't buy all the time, especially now that I'm minus a job. Most of my collection has at least one issue of the story missing, That's why I loved MTU and What if..? One issue, one story, no searching. And the longer the arc, the longer I have to search, it took me five years, FIVE YEARS, to get the last four issues of Maximum Carnage.

[KingOfDreams]

Spider-Man / Human Torch! :mad:

I haven't read any of that yet, though it looks kind of hokey.

[Gambit8370]

I have every issue of Marvel Team-Up ever published.

All three volumes. And all the annuals.

:D:up:

I know it sounds like bragging but I'm just curious to see who else can say that?

[DBM]

I have every issue of Marvel Team-Up ever published.

All three volumes. And all the annuals.

:D:up:

I know it sounds like bragging but I'm just curious to see who else can say that?

I'm just a few early issues shy of that. But if you count the Essential volume, then I'm technically there. :D

[Gambit8370]

I'm just a few early issues shy of that. But if you count the Essential volume, then I'm technically there. :D
Damn TPBs.

The originals are way better. Classic ads included.

I gotta get me one of those sets of 250 army soldiers! :D:up:

[DBM]

Damn TPBs.

The originals are way better. Classic ads included.

I gotta get me one of those sets of 250 army soldiers! :D:up:

I agree. I prefer originals.

You can buy those soldiers at Wal-Mart. They're not as cheap as they were in the comics but they're still fun (and they melt real good too). My nephews have tons of them.

[Anubis]

I've never been good at collecting arcs, mainly because I don't buy all the time, especially now that I'm minus a job. Most of my collection has at least one issue of the story missing, That's why I loved MTU and What if..? One issue, one story, no searching. And the longer the arc, the longer I have to search, it took me five years, FIVE YEARS, to get the last four issues of Maximum Carnage.


The thing about MTU is that, all the issues do contribute to one complete story, but for the most part each issue is self contained. It's not like the decompression we are used to. You get a full story for your money. As well as a ton of other little sub plots that will have you coming back for more. The whole Titanus thing seems to be the main story behind this whole thing, so all individual issues contribute to the main plot, but you should still be able to pick up an individual ish and enjoy without knowing whats really going on. Just start with the Moon Knight ish and go from there. Grab the trade when it comes out, and see how it goes. Really, if there is any book your gonna waste some money on, it should be this. This book NEEDS readers. So come on, dig deep guys.

[venom892]

I got #1 and then since I didn't have enough money stopped.But I'm going to pick up the trade and the moon knight issue.

[jaydawg]

I have a feeling The Moon Knight ish is gonna be one of the top sellers of next month.

[venom892]

Hopefully that will get a new moon knight series going.

[superheroeshere]

Amen, brother! I'm buying 3 copies myself. Say, I heard someone above mention the Moon Knight *issues* of MTU. I thought he was only in #6?

[Anubis]

He's gonna be in number 7. Could be more than that, characters tend to carry over between issues. Sunfire got the crap beat out of him for two out of the first six issues.

[RockSP]

This book totally flew under my radar. Maybe I'll do something I've never done before....check out a comic because of an online recommendation. Even though I buy Invincible, Kirkman is just an ok writer IMO...the marvel books I've read from him (couple issues of Cap and MK Knights 2099) weren't good. Still, I'll probably give it a try.

[Themanofbat]

I have every issue of Marvel Team-Up ever published.

All three volumes. And all the annuals.

:D:up:

I know it sounds like bragging but I'm just curious to see who else can say that?

Well, when I decided to collect ALL Spider-Man related material back in the early 1980's, Marvel Team-Up back issues became a "must have", and I bought everything since off the rack.

Once I get my hands on an Amazing Fantasy #15, I'll have every regular Spidey title ever printed.

:)

[KAD]

Well, when I decided to collect ALL Spider-Man related material back in the early 1980's, Marvel Team-Up back issues became a "must have", and I bought everything since off the rack.

Once I get my hands on an Amazing Fantasy #15, I'll have every regular Spidey title ever printed.

:)

I sold an amazing fantasy 15 back in the 90's

[superheroeshere]

Thanks, Anubis!

He's gonna be in number 7. Could be more than that, characters tend to carry over between issues. Sunfire got the crap beat out of him for two out of the first six issues.

[Gambit8370]

Well, when I decided to collect ALL Spider-Man related material back in the early 1980's, Marvel Team-Up back issues became a "must have", and I bought everything since off the rack.

Once I get my hands on an Amazing Fantasy #15, I'll have every regular Spidey title ever printed.

:)
Wow.

Seriously.

I'm impressed. :cool:

[Gambit8370]

You know, this being the "official" MTU thread...

What was your single favorite issue of Marvel Team-Up ever?

Post a cover pic if possible.

I'll think about it and post mine later.

[KAD]

Here are three of my favs
http://www.splashcomics.de/images/specials/40jahre_spider-man/marvel_team-up_vol1_100.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/mtio/TUann5pg33_files/MTUannual5cover.gifhttp://www.samruby.com/MtuB/Large/MTU081.JPG

[KingOfDreams]

I just picked up issues 3-5 today. I already have #6 and they didn't have #1 and #2. I'll have to look for those somewhere else.

[Gambit8370]

Damn, it's so difficult to pick when there are so many great ones.

Ah well, here's 3 of my favorites:

http://www.samruby.com/MtuB/Large/MTU070.JPG

http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU038.JPG

http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU023.JPG

[Anubis]

What ever happened to the living Monolith?

[Anubis]

Thanks, Anubis!


No prob, and welcome to the hype.

[KAD]

What ever happened to the living Monolith?

He started dating the statue of liberty and things went down hill from there.

[Anubis]

Thats why I don't mess with French chicks.....

[KAD]

Thats why I don't mess with French chicks.....


I don't know what happened but I think he's dead.

[Gambit8370]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/68764844702.1.GIF

[Gambit8370]

That cover is a little harsh when you think about it.

[iloveclones]

Kind of a shame when harsh reality intrudes.....

[Gambit8370]

Yeah, guys I'm having flashbacks.

Maybe I should edit the picture out.

[roach]

wow that was the same thing I thought of when I saw it but nah dont edit it.Let that be a reminder of what happened

[KingOfDreams]

http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU038.JPG



I have this one. It's pretty good if I recall.

[KingOfDreams]

Okay, some I'm reading Marvel Team-Up #4, the one with Iron Man and The Hulk on the cover, and Iron Man doesn't even appear in the issue (unless you count the other dimensional Stark) and The Hulk only appears on a couple of pages. What's up with that? Kind of a misleading cover.

[Gambit8370]

I plan on re-reading this one when I get home...

http://www.samruby.com/MtuC/Large/MTU125.JPG

...knowing what I now know and all...:rolleyes:

[Themanofbat]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/68764844702.1.GIF


I'll keep it in case you get a little sensitive about it and erase it.

We should always remember.

[Themanofbat]

What was your single favorite issue of Marvel Team-Up ever?

It's a tough question... since there were a LOT of great stories over the years. But I'd have to say this one.

http://www.samruby.com/MtuB/Large/MTU079.JPG

[Themanofbat]

One of my favorite 4 part stories... Bill Mantlo was a genius in the 70's... :cool:

http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU041.JPG http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU042.JPG
http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU043.JPG http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU044.JPG

[Themanofbat]

Another personal favorite... only because I like muck monsters... :)

http://www.samruby.com/MtuB/Large/MTU068.JPG

[Anubis]

Okay, some I'm reading Marvel Team-Up #4, the one with Iron Man and The Hulk on the cover, and Iron Man doesn't even appear in the issue (unless you count the other dimensional Stark) and The Hulk only appears on a couple of pages. What's up with that? Kind of a misleading cover.


Not really, there was a Iron Man in the book. And theHhulk was in the book as well. But they didn't team up, so, I suppose your right. But look at it this way. Most covers don't have anything to do with whats inside these days, and the characters were, in fact, in the book. But really, despite all that, it was still a pretty good read right? Cause thats all that really matters.

[Anubis]

Were the hell do all these villians go? Cotton Mather, the Dark Rider, The Griffin. You'd think somebody would attempt to update some of em.

[Gambit8370]

The Griffin would be one I'd like to see show up in that Hercules mini.

[Anubis]

Is he an actuall mythological man beast or just some dude with a suit?

[KAD]

Were the hell do all these villians go? Cotton Mather, the Dark Rider, The Griffin. You'd think somebody would attempt to update some of em.


In the case of the Griffen they have.

In the early issues of Namor he became more bestial and Namor had to fight and tame him.

As far as I know he is know Namor's steed.

[Gambit8370]

I remember his as a sort of transmutation.

He was turned even more feral and less human in John Byrne's Namor series, but I can't recall what happened to him.

[Anubis]

In the case of the Griffen they have.

In the early issues of Namor he became more bestial and Namor had to fight and tame him.

As far as I know he is know Namor's steed.


So what, he's a sea horse now? :confused:

[Gambit8370]

I may be wrong on this but I thought he appeared in the breakout sequence in NA #2.

[KingOfDreams]

Since everyone seems to be posting pictures of Marvel Team-Up issues they like, I will too...

http://img1.exs.cx/img1/1169/mtu0268nd.jpg

[KAD]

I may be wrong on this but I thought he appeared in the breakout sequence in NA #2.


Well there's no accounting for Bendis.

You are correct though.

In Namor he became a true beast. Namor would ride him around the city all the time.

He had a true Griifin'e body.

Someone may have found a cure.

[Anubis]

Lava Man looks like the original Molten Man a bit. And where are the wings on Thor's helmet?

[Themanofbat]

Well there's no accounting for Bendis.

You are correct though.

In Namor he became a true beast. Namor would ride him around the city all the time.

He had a true Griifin'e body.

Someone may have found a cure.

Maybe.... that was one of the things I didn't like about Byrne's run on Namor.
The Griffin (as Namor's steed) was left on the Savage Land, and Namor never went back to get him. I didn't really like dangling plot line.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[KAD]

Maybe.... that was one of the things I didn't like about Byrne's run on Namor.
The Griffin (as Namor's steed) was left on the Savage Land, and Namor never went back to get him. I didn't really like dangling plot line.

:mad: :mad: :mad:


I can agree with that but it was a great idea and brought the Griffin back from limbo.

[iloveclones]

I've seen a couple people mention that they plan on picking up the TPB. I think we begin to take those for granted to fill in our collections. Saleswise, there's nothing to indicate that this will be released as a TPB. If you guys really believe in the things you complain about most (continuity, characterization, etc.) you gotta support the titles that do them. And MTU does. Don't wait. Pick it up now and tell Marvel that those things ARE important to you.

[DBM]

I've seen a couple people mention that they plan on picking up the TPB. I think we begin to take those for granted to fill in our collections. Saleswise, there's nothing to indicate that this will be released as a TPB. If you guys really believe in the things you complain about most (continuity, characterization, etc.) you gotta support the titles that do them. And MTU does. Don't wait. Pick it up now and tell Marvel that those things ARE important to you.

MTU is being released as a TPB. I have the newest issue of Previews and it's in there.

[Gambit8370]

MTU is being released as a TPB. I have the newest issue of Previews and it's in there.
"Newest" as in May releases?

Or "newest" as in June releases?

[DBM]

"Newest" as in May releases?

Or "newest" as in June releases?

Newest as in the last one released. I think that's June but I don't remember.

[DBM]

Here

Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785115951/qid=1110472930/sr=2-4/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_4/002-4899283-1011205)

[iloveclones]

So many good ones to choose from. I loved that whole time travel one into the past with the Salem Witch Hunt and into the future with Killraven and Deathlok. The Wraith was a cool villain "team", and Byrne's run was right when I started. Equinox- the villain who can't make up his mind!!!

http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU042.JPG
http://www.samruby.com/MtuA/Large/MTU049.JPG
http://www.samruby.com/MtuB/Large/MTU059.JPG

[iloveclones]

MTU is being released as a TPB. I have the newest issue of Previews and it's in there.

Damn you meddling kids (I'm trying to drum up some business here.) Seriously though, the stories really do lend themselves well to the TPB format, so I'm glad.

[iloveclones]

Someone asked who was in #9, so here's the cover. Looks like a comic that BMB would write:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/iloveclones/MARVTU009_COV.jpg

(Anyone else notice the RAGING incontinuity: DD has a spidey lunchbox, yet a FF thermos. Do they even PAY their editors at Marvel!?!? I'm boycotting.)

[Gambit8370]

Someone asked who was in #9, so here's the cover. Looks like a comic that BMB would write:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/iloveclones/MARVTU009_COV.jpg
Cage: "How's that burger?"
DD: "Good."
Cage: "Good?"
DD: "Good."
Cage: "Really?"
DD: "Really."
Cage: "Hm."

DD: "How's your coffee?"
Cage: "Good."
DD: "Good?"
Cage: "Good."
DD: "Really?"
Cage: "Really."
DD: "Hm."

Cage: "So you're the Kingpin now?"
DD: "Yeah, so?
Cage: "Hm."
DD: "So you like to **** white chicks in the *** now?"
Cage: "Sweet Christmas!"
DD: "Exactly."


(Oh I almost forgot...)

THE END!

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT EXCITING 12 ISSUE STORY ARC WRITTEN BY AWARD WINNING BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS - WRITER OF JUST ABOUT EVERY FRIGGIN MARVEL COMIC ON THE SHELVES THAT YOU MUST BUY EVERY ALTERNATE COVER OF!!! KA-CHING!

[iloveclones]

Cage: "How's that burger?"
DD: "Good."
Cage: "Good?"
DD: "Good."
Cage: "Really?"
DD: "Really."
Cage: "Hm."

DD: "How's your coffee?"
Cage: "Good."
DD: "Good?"
Cage: "Good."
DD: "Really?"
Cage: "Really."
DD: "Hm."

Cage: "So you're the Kingpin now?"
DD: "Yeah, so?
Cage: "Hm."
DD: "So you like to **** white chicks in the *** now?"
Cage: "Sweet Christmas!"
DD: "Exactly."

Not enough incomplete sentences and innapropriate slang:

DD: Dude, I...
Cage: I know, but.....
DD: Sweet Christmas!
Cage: ...............
DD: Don't even thinks of taking me to court for battle cry infringement, ass. You may have unbreakable skin, but juries dig the shades and cane.

[Themanofbat]

(Anyone else notice the RAGING incontinuity: DD has a spidey lunchbox, yet a FF thermos. Do they even PAY their editors at Marvel!?!? I'm boycotting.)

But that's so easily explained....

Matt's got a Spidey AND a FF lunchbox set, and he just got the wrong thermos with the wrong lunchbox...

You should see him wear his Hulk boxers... :D

:)

[DBM]

Anyone else notice the RAGING incontinuity: DD has a spidey lunchbox, yet a FF thermos. Do they even PAY their editors at Marvel!?!? I'm boycotting.)

Could be a subtle blind joke.

[iloveclones]

No Prizes for both of you!!!

[Anubis]

Preview of # 7 if you guys haven't already seen it.

http://www.popcultureshock.com/reviews.php?id=4033

[KingOfDreams]

Looks like another good issue. :up:

[TheCorpulent1]

Is Titanus a monstrously powerful Skrull or is there another race of green people with prune-like chins roaming about?

[Anubis]

Thats what I thought when I saw his chin. Guys either a half breed skrull or Thanos' Brother from another universe or something.

[RockSP]

Okay I just recently bought issues 1 through 6. In 6 Spidey says something about being a fellow Avenger to Cap. But everything else has made it seem this takes place before the New Avengers have formed...what's the deal?

I know he was a reserve back in the day, but still...

[KingOfDreams]

I think it does take place after the Avengers broke up. Not only does Spider-Man refer to himself as an Avenger but Black Widow is working freelance for S.H.I.E.L.D. This was what she was doing in her solo mini, correct? And didn't that take place/come out after the Avengers broke up? Or am I wrong? What "everything else" are you refering too?

[TheCorpulent1]

As far as I know, Black Widow's been working as a spy for SHIELD ever since she quit the Avengers after Onslaught.

[KingOfDreams]

As far as I know, Black Widow's been working as a spy for SHIELD ever since she quit the Avengers after Onslaught.

She quit after Onslaught? Wow. I'm out of the loop.

[TheCorpulent1]

As far as I know. She didn't quit in a big scene, she just sort of faded out of the roster. In fact, she was absent for a while before Onslaught too, but she'd still appear occasionally.

[Anubis]

That comment from Spidey would make sense weather it was before they reformed or after. Because he was an Avenger, a reserve Avenger, but an Avenger none the less.

[DBM]

As far as I know. She didn't quit in a big scene, she just sort of faded out of the roster. In fact, she was absent for a while before Onslaught too, but she'd still appear occasionally.

I could be mixing this up because it's been a while since I read it but I thought Black Widow disbanded the Avengers after Onslaught because she didn't feel she could lead/live up to the standards. Then she went off and hunted down the new Masters of Evil in Thunderbolts.

[TheCorpulent1]

You're probably right. She is on the cover of the first Avengers/Thunderbolts TPB, which I own but have yet to read. I was just going by the fact that she sometimes appeared and sometimes didn't during the Harris/Epting Proctor saga, which took place shortly before Onslaught, and that I didn't hear much of anything from her after Onslaught until she re-emerged in full-on spy mode in Marvel Knights, Daredevil, and her solo series.

Personally, I wish someone would address how she switches gears between being a spy who obviously must kill people and a superhero who leads the Avengers in Cap's absence. Of course, that's probably a non-issue now, since Marvel seems to want as few superheroes actually being superheroes as they can get. She'll probably just stick to being a spy from now on.

[Auntie May]

Review of Marvel Team-Up #7 (and Spider-Girl #85, Amazing Fantasy #7 and Marvel Adventures #2)-Spoilers in reviews

http://www.samruby.com/News/newissues06.htm

I love the Spider-Girl review :D (you will see why..has to do with a puppet)

[KingOfDreams]

So, who's read issue #7 yet? It's a good one. Moon Knight and Spider-Man's interaction is great.

[Zaptoitnow]

Liked it. I'm interested to see how they deal with the giant explosion.

Also, did anyone else notice that the chinese guy looks awake as Ringmaster is walking away? Was he faking or am I mistaken?

[KingOfDreams]

Also, did anyone else notice that the chinese guy looks awake as Ringmaster is walking away? Was he faking or am I mistaken?

Yeah, I noticed that too.

[RockSP]

That comment from Spidey would make sense weather it was before they reformed or after. Because he was an Avenger, a reserve Avenger, but an Avenger none the less.

He hadn't been a reserve for quite some time. Cap had to convince him to join up in the new group. "I'm not really a group guy" or whatever. It was just an out of place comment, IMO.

[Zaptoitnow]

I think its similar to the way that Marvel is trying to force continuity lately. They'll throw in superfluous comments like that that seem out of place, just so they can refer to other books. I appreciate the effort, but it should just flow more naturally.

[The SpiderMan]

This is the "ONLY" book that can even compare to those covers of long ago .... So many books today are crap. This new MTU brings back the glory days ..... If you are not reading, then you do not truly enjoy comics for what they are worth .... This book beats the livind snot out of Amazing and most specifically USM ...

It is truly a shame what most companies are passing off as comics today .... You younger readers don't know what you have missed.

You must pick this book up ....

[iloveclones]

I absolutely love this book. And shame on anyone who has complained about the "state of Marvel" lately and hasn't at least tried this book. Next month will be the true test of this concept to me(rotating the starring roles), because it will be two characters that I don't collect, and don't care about much. I would say that I look forward to this title the most.

[Anubis]

He hadn't been a reserve for quite some time. Cap had to convince him to join up in the new group. "I'm not really a group guy" or whatever. It was just an out of place comment, IMO.


Let me put this whole thing into persective by establishing continuity for you. The first arc of MTU takes place after dissasembled. You know, when all the Avengers, past and present showed up and fought a magical Kree armada? Spidey was there. And not just because he was passing by but because he was an Avenger. Fast forward a few months, and he gets into it with Wolverine over a fat mutant kid. Now this part happenes before New Avengers but after Dissasembled. Ok, skip ahead a few days and we get the FF versus Alternate(possible future) Stark. Now While this is going on, the whole thing in New Avengers was going on also. Or maybe it didn't. Doesn't really matter. Skip ahead a few more days, possibly weeks, (Starks smart, but he would still need time to put that machine of his together.) And we get Cap, Widow, X-23, and Spidey going up against Stark. Which is when the line was said. Now, if the events of New Avengers hadn't happened in the time between Wolvie and Spidey first got into it with tubby the nature boy, then there was plenty of time for it to happen between then and when they fought Stark.

And even then, just 5 or 6 months ago, Spidey was an active Avenger during dissasembled. So, the line works either way.

[Zaptoitnow]

He wasn't an active Avenger at that time, it wasn't an official meeting or anything. Everyone who had ever been an Avenger did show up, but it was due to their own decisions. Just because he was fighting along with a bunch of Avengers does not make him an active Avenger. I agree with your timeline, but that last thing you said was untrue.

[euroq]

New Kirkman interview:
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32548

[Anubis]

He wasn't an active Avenger at that time, it wasn't an official meeting or anything. Everyone who had ever been an Avenger did show up, but it was due to their own decisions. Just because he was fighting along with a bunch of Avengers does not make him an active Avenger. I agree with your timeline, but that last thing you said was untrue.


I disagree with your point of view.

[iloveclones]

85. MARVEL TEAM-UP
Nov 04 Marvel Team-Up #1 - 44,530
Nov 04 Marvel Team-Up #2 - 37,515 (-15.7%)
Dec 04 Marvel Team-Up #3 - 29,085 (-22.5%)
Jan 05 Marvel Team-Up #4 - 27,216 ( -6.4%)
Feb 05 Marvel Team-Up #5 - 28,141 ( +3.4%)
Mar 05 Marvel Team-Up #6 - 24,762 (-12.0%)


If you guys like MTU (and I assume most of the people coming to this thread do), you'd better start talking it up, and getting other people to buy this, because these are cancellation type numbers. Here's an idea: instead of constantly complaining about what Marvel does wrong, how about rewarding them when they do something right. MTU has everything an old time comics fan looks for: continuity, sub-plots, good dialogue, lesser known characters. It's non-support for titles like this that makes Marvel think that all we want are 10 titles with Spidey and Wolverine in them.

[twinkle]

Damn, those numbers suck. :( Maybe Marvel will cancel the series and relaunch it with bigger promotion like they did with Runaways and will do with She Hulk.

[iloveclones]

Damn, those numbers suck. :( Maybe Marvel will cancel the series and relaunch it with bigger promotion like they did with Runaways and will do with She Hulk.

If they cancel it, odds are they'll change the format to MTU starring Wolverine. Don't wait for Marvel to come up with a miracle plan to sell it. Do it yourself. Tell your comic reading friends what a good read it is.

[Sabretooth]

Those numbers PISS ME OFF! And it's because of people who are too afraid to drop a bad book ''because it's they're favorite character'' WTF would you buy something you don't like? God dammit,The ONE time a really great book comes,and people are ignoring it,because they're too busy having a wet dream over House of M.:rolleyes:

[StreetWarrior]

I can't wait until MARVEL TEAMUP #8: THE PUNISHER AND BLADE!

It's gonna rock HARDCORE!

[Gambit8370]

Goddamnit! :mad:

They better NOT cancel this book!

Someone show me one f***ing AD for Marvel Team-Up.

Just one.

Bastards.

[iloveclones]

Hey! It's nice to see you again, Gambit, but could you at least give Marvel credit for MAKING THE GODDAMN BOOK. I mean jeez, don't the fans get ANY of the blame.

[Martinelli]

*cough*Deadpool*cough*

I'm glad he's back around in Cable/Deadpool but I'd love to see the merc pop up in MTU

[KAD]

All I can say is we need ideas to build a following in MTU.

Perhaps a site where readers can pledge to support MTU

[Roughneck]

MARVEL TEAM UP

Do not cancell this book. This is one of your best books out there and the reason it is doing poorly in sales is because you guys dont advertize for it. You use up your advertizing budget telling us about the Ultimate books that we have known about for years of pusing the next big thing from Bendis. Then you are all baffled when MTU sells poorly. There is only so much that I can do by word of mouth alone. You folks need to step up and advertize some of your best books. Let us know that they are out there.

Thanks for your time

I just sent that to Marvel.

[iloveclones]

I'm with you KAD. Just tell me where to go. I'd hate to see this series die for so many reasons, not the least of which is that IT'S FUN. I think this whole "Marvel doesn't advertise it" is just an excuse. Get off your tail and tell people how good it is and stop blaming Marvel for everything. Advertising didn't get me to buy Runaways, Elijya did. Advertising didn't get me to buy JSA, Corpulent did. Marvel did it's part by putting together this book. Now it's you turn to create buzz.

[DBM]

From All the Rage (http://silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/index1.htm)

Thunderstruck

According to a post made by Robert Kirkman (http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?p=48025&highlight=#48025), Scott Kolins is leaving Marvel Team-Up to work with Michael Oeming on his Thor project. Paco Medina will be doing the art for MTU #11-13.

This Has A “Like Thunder And Lightning” Factor of Eight Out of Ten

[Anubis]

a look at Paco's art.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/SUICIDE_SQUAD_5_inks.jpg
Gotta love Deadshot

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/venom10.jpg

[iloveclones]

From All the Rage (http://silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/index1.htm)

That's a shame. Kolins is becoming one of my favorite current artists.

Here's a pic of some of Paco Medina's stuff:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/magazine/0914/t1_cover0914.jpg

[iloveclones]

Ooops. Beat me to the punch, Anubis. It takes me to long to type! One good thing, I'll definately buy Thor!

[Anubis]

I think he'll do okay.

[iloveclones]

Oh, that wasn't a comment on Medina. I like his stuff too. I just really like Kolins.

[TheCorpulent1]

SWEEEEEEET!!! Kolins on Thor with Oeming gives me quite a geekgasm. Medina's also a great artist, if a little cartoonish. Looking forward to both projects.

[Themanofbat]

Well, I got issue #9 today, because I have the luxury of living in Canada... ;)

It was quite surprising to see SleepWalker in the book

:)

[Themanofbat]

And the writing in this issue was far superior to the somewhat disappointing Blade/Punisher team-up.

:)

[TheCorpulent1]

That Blade/Punisher issue was really boring. There are very few writers who can make an entire issue of 2 guys on a rooftop compelling, and apparently Kirkman isn't one of them. :(

[stiltman]

Just got the latest issue today. All I have to say is: Greatest. Comic. EVER!!! Next to Falcon Limited Series Issue #2, natch.

Well, ok, that's not all. For those who haven't bothered to pick this book up yet, your loss. The current issue features the greatest villain ever in the history of comics, or even in the history of humans too. Don't know what you crazy kids are waiting for, but if there was ever a time to buy a comic, any comic, the time is now!!

Ok, that's all I have to say for real this time.

[Themanofbat]

I can't believe that nobody talked about the conclusion to this latest arc.
Oh, iloveclones, how you've disappointed me... :(

The writing on this book has been pure brilliance. And the fact that Marvel has announced they will continue with the title for another year despite really disappointing sales figures is a positive sign that they have faith in Kirkman to revitalize continuity which has been sorely lacking in the Marvel Universe for the last 10 years.

Buy this book NOW!!!

:)

[CaptainStacy]

Seriously. When it first came out, i was only planning to buy it when Spider-Man was featured, but it impressed me so much, i continued with it, and love it.

Sorry to see Kollins go, but Medina's stuff looks like it will fit in nicely.

Yeah, that Thor mini Kolins is working on sounds sweet! He says there will be an entire issue dedicated soley to a Thor/Hercules throw down.

[iloveclones]

Oh, iloveclones, how you've disappointed me... :(


:D

I'm pretty sure I talked about it somewhere. I must've forgotten about this thread. I'll try not to let you down again, TMOB.

If it puts me in your good graces again, though: I was in my local comic book shop, and a teenage kid was in with his mother (how unusual is that?!?). They had been out of the country for a while, and the kid wanted to get back into comics, so the store owner was making a few recommendations. So I immediately jumped in with MTU.(Don't worry, Elijya, someone had already mentioned Runaways :) ) Told him it was a great way to get introduced to a wide array of characters, AND it's one of the best written out there.

[KAD]

Seriously. When it first came out, i was only planning to buy it when Spider-Man was featured, but it impressed me so much, i continued with it, and love it.

Sorry to see Kollins go, but Medina's stuff looks like it will fit in nicely.

Yeah, that Thor mini Kolins is working on sounds sweet! He says there will be an entire issue dedicated soley to a Thor/Hercules throw down.


I agree I was thinking of dropping after Kollins but I saw the preview of Medina's first isuue and I must say I'm impressed.

[Themanofbat]

:D

I'm pretty sure I talked about it somewhere. I must've forgotten about this thread. I'll try not to let you down again, TMOB.

If it puts me in your good graces again, though: I was in my local comic book shop, and a teenage kid was in with his mother (how unusual is that?!?). They had been out of the country for a while, and the kid wanted to get back into comics, so the store owner was making a few recommendations. So I immediately jumped in with MTU.(Don't worry, Elijya, someone had already mentioned Runaways :) ) Told him it was a great way to get introduced to a wide array of characters, AND it's one of the best written out there.

;)

So did he buy it???

:confused:

:)

[iloveclones]

;)

So did he buy it???

:confused:

:)

Sadly, I'll never know. I'm a master of the soft sell, but I hate pressuring people......Except all of you.........BUY MTU!!!!!!!!!! (although if you're coming here, you probably already are.)

[Themanofbat]

Sadly, I'll never know. I'm a master of the soft sell, but I hate pressuring people......Except all of you.........BUY MTU!!!!!!!!!! (although if you're coming here, you probably already are.)

I've been promoting it as well to some locals at my shop, but I'll never know if it's been working. :(

See my latest MTU diatribe in the August 3rd Diamond List thread...

Well Im not :(


Well, you should. Issue #11 starts a new story (from sub-plots commencing since the begining (when's the last time you saw THAT in a comic)). And it really needs the sales boost.

I suppose I should get Walking Dead and Invincible in trade soon. I did enjoy the 50 cent issue #0 for Invincible. And I hear Walking Dead's really his best book:o

I was fortunate enough to pick up Invincible #1 off the rack on a whim. I was looking around for a new title to get into, and while I had great reservation about it being an "Image" book, it looked interesting and I took a chance... thinking it would last 6 to 12 issues tops. I had picked up FireBreather at the same time (it only lasted 4 issues).

I glanced at Walking Dead #1 at the store as well, but put it back. :(

I tried out MTU for three issues, and found it alright. Some of those newer previews Ive seen look better, so I might check it out again, with #14 at least.

But I get the feeling that this is gonna get cancelled at #25 or whenever Kirkman leaves:(

The art is either hit-or-miss with a lot of people, but the storytelling is the powerpunch of this book. If you enjoyed classic Marvel stroytelling ala the 60's & 70's, this book has that feel to it (similarly to Invincible). That's why most of us "old guys" (myself, iloveclones, Capt.Stacy, anyone within a few years of 40, etc...) absolutely love this book.

People have been complaining for a while now about Marvel's lack of continuity, and here is Marvel's first "serious" attempt at recapturing the ol' glory, and the sales numbers for this book are in the low 20 000's, which is really disappointing to myself, and may put all the "continuity complaining" on the back burner because obviously, due to poor sales, people don't care.

But I care. That's why I promote this book.

Captain Stacy cares. That's why he promotes this book.
iloveclones cares. That's why his sig screamed Buy MTU Now!!!.

So please buy the book. Tell yoda to buy this book. Get everyone to buy this book.

If Marvel can find its way back to its glorious writing ways and maintain its rich continuity, you won't be disappointed.

:)

And I've a feeling Kirkman will be on for a while. Bendis brought him in to help tighten the reigns on the Marvel Universe, and they've obviously given the book an extra year of new life despite poor sales. Maybe they'll let Slott write it whenver Kirkman goes (as long as sales improve).

Cheers... :)

[iloveclones]

An impeccable posting despite this:

anyone within a few years of 40

Seriously though. I get so tired of people being passionate against something. It's great to see when people are passionate about something. And you're absolutely right about the continuity thing. I said the same thing a while back: people have absolutely no right to complain about something like that when they let a book like this, which seems to take care to get it right, languish in the low 20s.

By the way, when I mentioned MTU, the store owner immediately jumped in and said, "OH, yeah, I should've mentioned that one." and then really went to town selling it. Hopefully that wasn't the only case where we does that.

[Elijya]

:D

I'm pretty sure I talked about it somewhere. I must've forgotten about this thread. I'll try not to let you down again, TMOB.

If it puts me in your good graces again, though: I was in my local comic book shop, and a teenage kid was in with his mother (how unusual is that?!?). They had been out of the country for a while, and the kid wanted to get back into comics, so the store owner was making a few recommendations. So I immediately jumped in with MTU.(Don't worry, Elijya, someone had already mentioned Runaways :) ) Told him it was a great way to get introduced to a wide array of characters, AND it's one of the best written out there.

http://www.genesismetro.com/static/images/mr_burns.png excellent

[iloveclones]

What did you guys think of the new art? I would've preferred they keep the same artist until the Tittannus story finishes, but what are you going to do?


Just thought I'd post these as a way to jump-start people talking this title up.


108. MARVEL TEAM-UP
Nov 04 Marvel Team-Up #1 - 44,530
Nov 04 Marvel Team-Up #2 - 37,515 (-15.7%)
Dec 04 Marvel Team-Up #3 - 29,085 (-22.5%)
Jan 05 Marvel Team-Up #4 - 27,216 ( -6.4%)
Feb 05 Marvel Team-Up #5 - 28,141 ( +3.4%)
Mar 05 Marvel Team-Up #6 - 24,762 (-12.0%)
Apr 05 Marvel Team-Up #7 - 24,800 ( +0.2%)
May 05 Marvel Team-Up #8 - 24,270 ( -2.1%)
Jun 05 Marvel Team-Up #9 - 23,530 ( -3.0%)
6 mnth (-19.1%)


The decline has slowed to reasonable amounts, although sales are still a
little too erratic to really describe this one as stable.

And just to give you an idea of what does better (that shouldn't, IMO)

Jun 05 Strange #6 (of 6) - 35,842
Jun 05 Spider-Man: Breakout #3 (of 5) - 32,596
Jun 05 Toxin #3 (of 6) - 29,249
Jun 05 Ororo: Before the Storm #1 (of 4) - 26,372

And to show you where things end up:


Jun 05 District X #14 - 18,798 ( -3.4%)
Axed with this issue

Jun 05 Gambit #12 - 18,852 ( -4.1%)
Axed with this issue.

Jun 05 Rogue #12 - 20,290 ( -5.4%)
Axed with this issue.

So get on the horn, and tell the guys at your store how great this title is.

[Sabretooth]

****ing Toxin and Strange did better?ARRRRRGH!:mad:

And the new art's okay.Though I hope Kolins comes back after Blood Oath

[euroq]

Strange was good. :) Breakout was good until issue #4. :(

[iloveclones]

Strange was good. :) Breakout was good until issue #4. :(

Ha! That's funny. We're exactly switched. I thought Strange started off good, but I struggled throught the rest of it. And I didn't care much for Breakout at first, but I've sort of gotten into it.

I sort of just picked ones that I knew might rile people up. Honestly, I thought it would be the Ororo one.

[Czar Colossus]

I'd like to see Spidey team-up with heroes that don't ordinarily get enough exposure like Colossus or Sub-Mariner. Better yet I think it would be great to see a team-up with Marvels top muscle guys Hulk, Thing, Colossus, & Thor (when he returns) just to see a well done slugfest (or perhaps a barroom brawl) with some villianous muscle; maybe throw in Wonderman, Hercules, and Sub-Mariner for good measure! :cool:

[Sabretooth]

I honestly wish they'd stop using Spidey and Wolverine so much.I want some more random team ups,dangit!:mad:

[U.S War Machine]

Black Panther & Spiderman thats a pretty good one.

[euroq]

I honestly wish they'd stop using Spidey and Wolverine so much.I want some more random team ups,dangit!:mad:

I like it this way. To be honest, I'm not sure if I'd buy this regularly if the Spidey appearances stopped.

[ShadowBoxing]

I love how Sleepwalker has been making really random appearances

[Sabretooth]

I like it this way. To be honest, I'm not sure if I'd buy this regularly if the Spidey appearances stopped.
I understood they had to put them in the first arc for sales,but I want something new.The only upcoming Spidey team up I'm looking forward to is the one with Invincible :up:

[Zaptoitnow]

I'll probably kill myself if this book ends...

[Sabretooth]

I'll probably kill myself if this book ends...
If Marvel promoted it more,we wouldn't have to worry about it getting canned :(

People should go around and like,spread the word on this book :o

[Gambit8370]

I'll probably kill myself if this book ends...
Don't even joke that way...

:mad:

about the book ending I mean.

;)

[Anubis]

I really like this issue. I loved the whole Armpit thing. And I enjoyed the art.

[Zaptoitnow]

A book that Gambit supports.. It just seems weird... lol

[Gambit8370]

Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 was my favorite title when I was a kid. MTU was the first Marvel title that I obsessed over until I went back and bought every single friggin issue.

Oh, I was SO PISSED OFF when they cancelled it and replaced it with Web Of Spider-Man! :mad:

It's a damn shame the internet wasn't around in 1985. You should have heard me b***h about that frickin decision!

And then, they brought it back in '97 and it got canned again! :mad:

Hopefully, the third times a charm.

As well it should be.

Kirkman has brought back super-hero action to super-hero comic books!

Kolins draws the characters in the classic sense like they are supposed to be drawn instead of some twisted abstract interpretation of the way that he would have drawn them if he was given the task to redesign the character!

It's Marvel Comics the way they were always meant to be! :D:up:

[Zaptoitnow]

Kolins draws the characters in the classic sense like they are supposed to be drawn instead of some twisted abstract interpretation of the way that he would have drawn them if he was given the task to redesign the character!



I couldn't agree with this more. We don't get enough of people jsut drawing the charecters we love wihtout them trying to mangle it into their own creation. Just give us our damn charecters the way we love 'em.

[Themanofbat]

:D

I'm pretty sure I talked about it somewhere. I must've forgotten about this thread. I'll try not to let you down again, TMOB.

<sigh> :(

Anyway, issue #11 came out last week, and I must admit, it was terrific seeing all the interaction between all the characters. Nova & Spidey, Carole & Jennifer... heck, even the armpit joke was great and it was nice to see everyone talk like seasoned veterans that have interacted with one another before.

Top notch writing. People NEED to start buying this book.

And the Hulk being taken down so easily.... Yikes!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

And I love the art. I know it's not liked by some, but it really suits the book well.

Can't wait for the next issue.
I hope we can start talking about this book again... it really needs the promotion.

Cheers... :)

[Invincible]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=19

[Themanofbat]

I like this quote....

""Marvel Team-Up" is a book about fun. If you like to read comics with a smile on your face, hopefully you'll get that from "Marvel Team-Up." It's not meant to be a comedy book, but there's plenty of that stuff. Also, it's not what you'd expect from a team-up book. There's much more to it than hero A meeting hero B and fighting villain C-- mainly, they have coffee in-between the fights. You could do worse than giving it a shot."

:)

[euroq]

And the Hulk being taken down so easily.... Yikes!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:


I didn't like that. :o It was an easy (read lazy) way to show how big and bad this new menace is.

[Themanofbat]

I didn't like that. :o It was an easy (read lazy) way to show how big and bad this new menace is.

I know what you mean... but I bet it made the other heroes crap a Twinkie. :D ;)

:)

[Themanofbat]

Dag Nabbit!!!! :mad:

I need to keep this on the first page so that clones can see it.

:(

[iloveclones]

Thanks, TMOB. I'm busy at the moment at another thread trying to get SpideyInATree to pick up MTU. If it's the link you want me to see, for some reason, I don't seem to be able to open it. I'll try later.

[Themanofbat]

Thanks, TMOB. I'm busy at the moment at another thread trying to get SpideyInATree to pick up MTU. If it's the link you want me to see, for some reason, I don't seem to be able to open it. I'll try later.

No, it's not the links that I want to see, it's the lack of your input whenever an issue of MTU comes out (and the lack of ANY input for that matter). Both times when issues #10 & 11 came out, you could hear the crickets in here. :(

:D

I'm pretty sure I talked about it somewhere. I must've forgotten about this thread. I'll try not to let you down again, TMOB.

:(

[iloveclones]

Oh, I see what you mean now. I like to talk about this title in other threads. I feel like when I come here, I'm sorta preachin' to the choir, you know?

It's coming out today (I think). I'm hauling around concrete from my house (and suffering at the gas pump), but I promise I'll come here by tomorrow with a little MTU chatter.

[iloveclones]

I'll see what I can do to turn that :( into a :)

[iloveclones]

Ooops, my bad. MTU is next week.

But on the good side, I've bumped this thread up 4 times in the last couple of hours (5 if you count yours!)

I'll come back today or tomorrow and make sure that my 2000th post is about MTU!

[Themanofbat]

So what does everyone think of the Skrull origin?

[Themanofbat]

Come on people... talk about this book! Damnit!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

:(

[Anubis]

I don't know what to say. It seems we only like to talk about stuff we don't like. The Official Cap thread is a dead zone too. :(

[KAD]

One of my favorite books at the moment a stellar example of what a Superhero book should be.:up:

[Anubis]

Yeah, MTU is the shiznit.

[Invincible]

more people should buy it !!!

[Invincible]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0508/31/mtuc.jpg
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0508/31/mtu1.jpg
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0508/31/mtu2.jpg
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0508/31/mtu3.jpg http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0508/31/mtu4.jpg

[Gambit8370]

Yeah, MTU is the shiznit.
Godblessya.

[Anubis]

Thanks, I think I snorted out a marble or something.

[Zaptoitnow]

So what does everyone think of the Skrull origin?
I'm almost at a loss. I think that most of us probably knew he was at least drawn to look like a Skrull, but when the fact that he was one was revealed, it didn't really seem like it was his race that was important, as much as it is his specific story that matters. I'm still happy with the whole thing, and I have a feeling we are in for a curveball yet.

[KingOfDreams]

I didn't like the last MTU issue but this one looks cool. Overall, I'm not a fan of Medina's art, though. I wish Kolins would come back. Medina tends to make people's noses and lips way too big.

[iloveclones]

So what does everyone think of the Skrull origin?

Boy, now I'm really glad I didn't write this yesterday, because I was gonna say "Are we SURE he's a Skrull?" (I'm on vacation, working at home, where I've been having painfully slow dial-up speed, so I haven't looked at any previews until Invincible was kind enough to link this. :up: ) I figured his looks were some kind of a trick.

I like his origin. I like that the Skrulls have cast-offs from their own Super-Soldier program. In fact, his story mirrors Steve Rogers a little in that they were both "runts." I think it really introduces an aspect that other comics(>cough< FF >cough<) can use down the line.

I'm kind of excited. Titannus might be the first really good villain coming out of Marvel in a while.

So does anybody else think that they would REALLY destroy Tokyo? How do you think they are going to undo THAT one?

[iloveclones]

^2000th post....yay^

[Invincible]

so I haven't looked at any previews until Invincible was kind enough to link this. :up: )
No Problem :up:

[Zaptoitnow]

I'm not sure he actually destroyed Tokyo, but maybe he just took out a chunk. I know what it says, but maybe it's not meant ot be taken literally. But then again, there has been a hint of time travel in this story, and I can't wait to see the Titanius War or the resolution of that kid's story, Paul or something.

[iloveclones]

I bought Marvel Team Up. :o

Hey, TMOB. Just wanted to post this for you from another thread. In the immortal words of Janine, the receptionist from Ghostbusters:

"We Got One!!!!"

By the way, did you get your MTU#12 yet? I got the idea that you get it a little later than the rest of us. He uses a great storytelling device where the pictures he uses don't match with his story (because he's lying). I admit, I was a little confused by the preview because I didn't know that this was what he was doing. But the whole iss(except for a few pages at the end) is basically the story of Titannus. I don't have them all in one place, but now I want to go back and read through all the little bits and pieces of him from the previous issues.

[Anubis]

Heres some pics from up coming issues of MTU. By way of Comic Book Resources.com http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=19

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/MARVTU014002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/mtu13_19.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/mtu15_04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/teamupcoverroughs.jpg

[Invincible]

Heres some pics from up coming issues of MTU. By way of Comic Book Resources.com http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=19

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/MARVTU014002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/mtu13_19.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/mtu15_04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/AnubisGOD/Marvel/teamupcoverroughs.jpg

Good Stuff :up: :up:

[SpideyInATree]

I just got into Marvel Team Up this past week with issue # 12. Had to buy # 11 to kind of realize what was going on in # 12, but it's all good. Both interesting issues and I'm glad I picked them up. It was cool to see Nova. And I liked the ongoing armpit jokes with Spidey. "Did she armpit you?" "See, nobody likes the armpit!" "From now on I'm using a web harness". Heh.

Titannus was a dirty liar! I liked how the captions didn't match the panels. At first I was like, "What the hell?" and then quickly realized that he's just being a filthy liar. :o

Got me hooked into another book. But it's a good replacement for my recently dropped Black Panther. :O

[TheCorpulent1]

So, is Medina the new regular penciler for MTU?

[iloveclones]

Yeah. He started with issue #11. I really liked Kolins on the book. I'll have to get my Kolins-fix on the new Thor mini coming out.


Hey SIAT, here's a link to the MTU listing in the Carnegie Library system and some info on the availability of the 1st TPB. It only has 1-6, but there are some pretty funny moments in there.


http://iiisy1.einetwork.net:2620/search/a?a
Author Kirkman, Robert.
Title Marvel team-up. [Vol. 1], The golden child / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Scott Kolins

LOCATION CALL # STATUS
Brookline (CLP) - Teen Graphic Novels Teen Graphic Novel AVAILABLE
Hazelwood (CLP) - Teen Graphic Novel Teen Graphic Novel AVAILABLE
Hill District (CLP) - Teen Graphic Novels Teen Graphic Novel AVAILABLE

[SpideyInATree]

Hey SIAT, here's a link to the MTU listing in the Carnegie Library system and some info on the availability of the 1st TPB. It only has 1-6, but there are some pretty funny moments in there.

Coolness. I'll probably just end up buying the trade to be honest, or purchase the back issues. I'm looking forward to that Invincible/Spider-Man team up in a few issues. That should be interesting. :o

[Themanofbat]

Well, issue #13 came out, and it was a pleasant read as usual.

How many of you ol'timers liked the "see issue six" asterix.... :)

It seemed a little odd that someone as powerful as Titannus was taken out in 3 issues, but somehow, I doubt we'll see the last of him. And with all this dimension hopping going on, I can see the link as to how Invincible and Spidey are going to team up next issue. :up:

Anyway, as always, I love this comic. Old school Marvel.

Thoughts anyone?

[iloveclones]

Great twist at the end. It seems like Titannus might not have been lying (at least not from HIS perspective.) It's great that they have a new and decent villain. Here's hoping he makes an appearance in some other titles (Fantastic Four would be awesome.)

I love how Spidey gets no respect in this title. (Nick Fury: I've read his file, and I still say (he's) 16) :D

I really love the approach to this title. All of the MTUs of the past that I really liked were ones where the stories were linked (The time travel story to Salem; the Wraith story; Equinox/Super Skrull) I hope Marvel sees the value of having a title like this, even if sales are poor. It's a great way to expose new readers to other characters ( if you can get them to read it in the first place, that is)

[KAD]

At the top of my list every month


By the way the Thor mini is on issue #2

Kollins rules

[SpideyInATree]

Awesome wrap up. Though I really wish that I had the rest of the series so I could understand why there is an alternate Tony Stark in SHIELD custody. Though his story sounded freakin' cool as hell.

And I was cracking up when Wolverine, Spidey, and Fury were going to Stark's holding cell.

Wolverine: I still felt the pain, kid.

Spidey: Kid? How old do you think I am?!

Wolverine: Seventeen.

Fury: Sixteen.

HAHAHA!! :up:

And the twist with Titannus was pretty awesome too. Apparently he WAS telling the truth but it was truth he was force fed. Interesting. And by the last page indication we may hear more from Titannus.

[Gambit8370]

I'm a little disappointed about the way that Kirkman is straying from the actual TEAM-UP format that was the staple of the original series.

Big group team ups are fine, I guess, but I miss the one-on-one interaction that allows you to focus on a pair of characters.

MARVEL TEAM-UP is still a great book though, don't get me wrong. But the Titannus War arc had too many characters that did not lend anything of merit to the actual story.

[Themanofbat]

I'm a little disappointed about the way that Kirkman is straying from the actual TEAM-UP format that was the staple of the original series.

Big group team ups are fine, I guess, but I miss the one-on-one interaction that allows you to focus on a pair of characters.

MARVEL TEAM-UP is still a great book though, don't get me wrong. But the Titannus War arc had too many characters that did not lend anything of merit to the actual story.

Well, after this recent 3 parter, I'm sure we'll get a few one-on-one issues.

But I do agree that there were people involved that had minimal involvement in the fight. Did Ms.Marvel do anything other than armpit the She-Hulk all over the place? :confused:

I still loved it though. It's nice to see that Marvel's heroes have developed a certain "comfortableness" among one another.

:)

[iloveclones]

I'm a little disappointed about the way that Kirkman is straying from the actual TEAM-UP format that was the staple of the original series.

Big group team ups are fine, I guess, but I miss the one-on-one interaction that allows you to focus on a pair of characters.

MARVEL TEAM-UP is still a great book though, don't get me wrong. But the Titannus War arc had too many characters that did not lend anything of merit to the actual story.

I agree with you Gambit, that there were too many in this story, but I think it was done more too illustrate what a threat Titannus is. ( I guess the Hulk wasn't firepower enough) Hopefully, it will be the exception and not the rule.

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but I would love to see Nova again.

[Gambit8370]

Well, after this 3 parter, I'm sure we'll get a few one-on-one issues.

:)
Yeah, well, the "League Of Losers" arc coming up scares me.

[Themanofbat]

Yeah, well, the "League Of Losers" arc coming up scares me.

I edited my response. Elaborate some more.... :D :D :D

:)

[Themanofbat]

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but I would love to see Nova again.

While I loved his original comic from the late 70's, I haven't been much of a Nova fan since then. And it doesn't help that he's a cocky bastard in Spider-Girl. :mad:

I don't think he has enough "have his own book" power.

But he's cool enough to read in Marvel Team-Up.

:)

[Gambit8370]

I edited my response. Elaborate some more.... :D :D :D

:)

THIS:
Anybody seen the solicit for Marvel Teamup 15 in December?

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/previews/mtu3-15.jpg

First off kickass cover by Phil Hester, always a pleasure to see that guy do something.

Secondly I was just wondering is this that "League of Losers" storyline that Kirkman talked about as his big second storyarc in MTU? I mean it certainly seems like it.

I recognize Dagger, Darkhawk, X-23, Speedball, Gravity, Sleepwalker, and Arana...but that last guy with the green face, metal hand and trenchcoat doesn't look too familiar.

But man do i need to start pickin up this title.

[Themanofbat]

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/previews/mtu3-15.jpg

I agree.

Truth be told, other than Speedball & SleepWalker, the others bore me to death, and held no interest of mine when they all debuted in the 90's (except for that Gravity fellow, Arana ... & X-23 :rolleyes: )

And even the two that I liked, I liked on a minimal surface anyway.

However, what I've come to expect from Kirkman, other than a good story, is his ability to tell a funny story. And when you get a group of losers together like that, it could have some "gems" for moments.

:)

[Gambit8370]

Yeah but I want a good old fashioned team-up. Like:

Hawkeye & Ghost Rider

or

Wolverine & Sasquatch

or

Speedball & Frog Man

or

Captain America & Vanguard

or

Red Ronin & It, the Living Colossus



You know?

The group thing just doesn't do it like a good ole fashioned one-on-one.

[iloveclones]

I know a lot of dislike for this story probably stems from Arana, X-23, and Gravity. And I have to make at least a half-hearted attempt at defending them. A bit.

I don't read Arana, but I buy it for my friend's 11 yr old daughter (soon to be 12 I'm constantly reminded) I don't particularly care for it, but it's the one title that she feels like she's been "in on it" since the beginning. I know to us, it seems like cashing in on another character, but if it works, I'm not against it.

As far as X-23 (another re-hash), and Gravity go: I bought both minis, and really enjoyed them. I know people get off on calling them Wolverine-, Spider-Man-, or Invincible-lite. I think that's just being kinda snooty. I just know that the stories were entertaining.

And if none of that convinces you: The story is along the lines of someone from the future comes back and recruits all of these "unknowns" because all the established heroes are killed. So, at least you know in Marvel's future, these characters will be insignificant too!

[iloveclones]

Hawkeye & Ghost Rider


I like that one a lot (depending on which GR)

[Themanofbat]

I'd love to see some kind of duo with either WereWolf by Night, Ghost Rider & the Man-Thing...

....drawn by Mike Ploog. :cool:

:)

[Themanofbat]

I like that one a lot (depending on which GR)

It's gotta be Johnny Blaze. :cool:

There is no other Ghost Rider. :mad:

:(

[Themanofbat]

And if none of that convinces you: The story is along the lines of someone from the future comes back and recruits all of these "unknowns" because all the established heroes are killed. So, at least you know in Marvel's future, these characters will be insignificant too!

What a surprise... :D :D :D

:)

[Gambit8370]

I like that one a lot (depending on which GR)
Clint & Johnny both have roots in the travelling carnival circuit.

It'd be an easy write.

[iloveclones]

Clint & Johnny both have roots in the travelling carnival circuit.

It'd be an easy write.

I never thought of that connection. Good idea!

[Gambit8370]

And the story could lead into a Nightcrawler & Werewolf By Night issue.

[iloveclones]

Dammit! Now I want to see those stories!

[FrogMan]

And hey, SuperPro is supposed to be in that upcoming arc in 15-18. Can't go wrong with that.

[euroq]

http://www.comicon.com/pulse/images_05a/1insm1.jpg
http://www.comicon.com/pulse/images_05a/1insm2.jpg
http://www.comicon.com/pulse/images_05a/1insm3.jpg

[SpideyInATree]

Awesome preview. :up:

I'm actually pretty pumped for this one. Looks like it's going to be pretty good.

[Invincible]

http://www.comicon.com/pulse/images_05a/1insm1.jpg
http://www.comicon.com/pulse/images_05a/1insm2.jpg
http://www.comicon.com/pulse/images_05a/1insm3.jpg
Cool Preview, Can't Wait to read this issue

[Invincible]

Newsarama has 6 page preview but euroq posted 3 pages so here
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Nov_previews/MTU14_cvr.jpg
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Nov_previews/MTU14_1.jpg
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Nov_previews/MTU14_2.jpg
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Nov_previews/MTU14_3.jpg

[Invincible]

they better fix the cover because it Cory Walker pencils and not Paco Medina

[iloveclones]

And here's the link if anyone wants it (ok, a cheap way to bump up the thread)


Marvel Team-Up #14
http://www.buzzscope.com/reviews.php?id=5039

[Invincible]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=19

[iloveclones]

Things haven't gotten any better since the last time I posted these numbers. Here's hoping the fans of Darkhawk, Terror Inc, Superpro, etc, can push these up a little. When you see people talking about those characters, make sure to let them know what's going on in MTU. 11 more issues to get those numbers going in the opposite direction.

103. MARVEL TEAM-UP
Nov 04 Marvel Team-Up #1 - 44,530
Nov 04 Marvel Team-Up #2 - 37,515 (-15.7%)
Dec 04 Marvel Team-Up #3 - 29,085 (-22.5%)
Jan 05 Marvel Team-Up #4 - 27,216 ( -6.4%)
Feb 05 Marvel Team-Up #5 - 28,141 ( +3.4%)
Mar 05 Marvel Team-Up #6 - 24,762 (-12.0%)
Apr 05 Marvel Team-Up #7 - 24,800 ( +0.2%)
May 05 Marvel Team-Up #8 - 24,270 ( -2.1%)
Jun 05 Marvel Team-Up #9 - 23,530 ( -3.0%)
Jul 05 Marvel Team-Up #10 - 22,549 ( -4.2%)
Aug 05 Marvel Team-Up #11 - 22,150 ( -1.8%)

[Themanofbat]

Feb 05 Marvel Team-Up #5 - 28,141 ( +3.4%)
Mar 05 Marvel Team-Up #6 - 24,762 (-12.0%)

It boggles my mind how almost 3500 people decided against picking up the final chapter to this story.

:confused:

:(

[iloveclones]

I got Spideyinatree on board. Somehow I hoped the numbers would go up by 1. :eek:

[Dread]

The fact of the matter is that in terms of comic sales, most titles rarely gain any readers; they either average at about the same reader levels or decline. There are aberrations, like crossovers, guest appearences, etc. But even those are not as reliable anymore. If you want to boost a book's numbers, having a guest-appearence by Spider-Man, Wolverine, Punisher, Venom or Ghost Rider just doesn't give that kind of boost anymore. Not that that fact's stopped some of these figures from appearing a lot of places...

Sales can also be a double-edged sword. Those sales figures are based by how many stores order a set number of copies, not how many issues are actually being bought. If a store sells many issues of MTU, they'll order lots. If they sell fewer issues, they'll order fewer. The downside of ordering fewer issues, though, is that a fan who might have picked up the book to "give it a shot" may not see it if the store only orders, say, 12 copies because that is about how many issues they sell of it a month. It's a delicate balance.

And while it's noble to try to get posters on SHH to read it, these efforts are futile if you look at the numbers. If you want to "save" a book from the chopping block you need to increase those sales numbers not by the dozen or even hundred, but by thousands. No single fan or group of fans can accomplish that, unless you got something ridiculous like getting 100 fans to buy a dozen issues just to support it or something, which'd NEVER happen.

With that out of the way, I like MTU and I'll still be getting issues until the end. The Invincible/Spider-Man crossover may be the QUIETEST inter-company crossover I have ever seen, with nary the same kind of "buzz" that I recall for crossovers of the past, even mundane stuff like GEN 13/FANTASTIC FOUR or WILDCATS/X-MEN, or even newer stuff like SUPERMAN/WITCHBLADE. And while this is a good story for fans of both (I DID read the first TPB of INVINCIBLE a while back and liked what I read) characters, I haven't the foggiest idea what Marvel thinks they are doing busineswise, promoting a competitor's book. INVINCIBLE is an IMAGE book, even if it's writer, Kirkman, also works for Marvel on said MTU. INVINCIBLE actually OUTSELLS several Marvel titles. Why would they be boosting it? I can understand wanting to support a fan-fave little book, but not on a title whose own sales are floundering. Are they counting for some of those INVINCIBLE readers to boost sales for a month? I doubt that's happening, and it if did it wouldn't last beyond the next issue. I mean, has this ploy EVER worked? And when? SPIDER-GIRL didn't see the kind of bounce Marvel wanted with their LAST MAN STANDING event, and it's been around much longer.

Frankly, the only market that is reliable in the real world for boosting sales and fan-awareness of a poor selling monthly series are the digest markets. How about they start selling MTU as digests BEFORE they can it, considering that digests have saved a few titles they had already canned, like RUNAWAYS and SENTINAL. Duh.

[Spider-Jay420]

I got Spideyinatree on board. Somehow I hoped the numbers would go up by 1. :eek:
And Spider-Jay420. they should've gone up by 2. :)

[iloveclones]

Frankly, the only market that is reliable in the real world for boosting sales and fan-awareness of a poor selling monthly series are the digest markets. How about they start selling MTU as digests BEFORE they can it, considering that digests have saved a few titles they had already canned, like RUNAWAYS and SENTINAL. Duh.

But, keep in mind, with all the good word of mouth of titles like Runaways and Spidergirl, both of which have been "helped" by digests, that they're sales aren't exactly going gangbusters, either. For the most part, Marvel only keeps them around because they have loyal buyers and they probably think they have "younger audience" appeal.

Aug 05 Runaways #7 - 27,063
Aug 05 Marvel Team-Up #11 - 22,150
Aug 05 Spider-Girl #89 - 18,538

And you're probably right, that trying to create buzz is the ultimate uphill battle. But I'd much rather waste my time doing that than sniping at every little thing that Marvel and its writers do. If I have to go out, I'd rather go out as Don Quixote than the comic book guy on the Simpsons.

[Dread]

But, keep in mind, with all the good word of mouth of titles like Runaways and Spidergirl, both of which have been "helped" by digests, that they're sales aren't exactly going gangbusters, either. For the most part, Marvel only keeps them around because they have loyal buyers and they probably think they have "younger audience" appeal.
RUNAWAYS (vol.2) #1 actually sold in the TOP 60 that month, which isn't so bad. Granted, it's slipped considerably since, but was just stating it. The notion that Marvel will keep a title that sells poorly these days very long is a shakey one and everytime I hear it, I get nervous. They're not DC, who has VERTIGO comics that mostly sell like garbage. They don't do art for art's sake. They're all about business. Which is odd that sometimes their business sense is hardly as accurate as a Spider-Sense.

And they're relaunching SENTINAL, which to my knowledge sold worse than SPIDER-GIRL did. Of course all those fan campaigns have made it a sacred cow, at least until they feel the fans will quit it and they can kill the title, or encourage the writer to "wrap it up" without attracting undue attention. Remember, in this day and age they can switch gears and suddenly resolict anything as a Mini or Maxi series if they are putting the silencer on it.

As for "youth appeal", note that those books have also not sold well, hence why comics based on TV cartoons rarely sell well.

And you're probably right, that trying to create buzz is the ultimate uphill battle. But I'd much rather waste my time doing that than sniping at every little thing that Marvel and its writers do. If I have to go out, I'd rather go out as Don Quixote than the comic book guy on the Simpsons.
Yeah, I got that sense about you. I actually didn't mean that in a nasty, insulting way. Just seemed like that kind of poster. The irony is that it's the Comic Book Guys that garner the most attention. In not just comics but in the real world, negativity always garners more attention, more reaction, more following and more of a response than positive stuff. Hence, why the world can be a very sorry place.

[iloveclones]

I actually didn't mean that in a nasty, insulting way.

Nah, I knew that. :) Just using you post as a jumping off point.

[SpideyInATree]

I got Spideyinatree on board. Somehow I hoped the numbers would go up by 1. :eek:

Yeah, and I got a guy at the comic shop last week to get Marvel Team Up too.

I don't really understand comic sales too much. But I'd rather see Marvel Team Up kept around than one of the million of X-Men titles that flood the stands every damn week. :o

[Themanofbat]

Issue #14 came out today, and it was pretty sweet... :cool:

:)

[Anubis]

Don't get my f**king comics until monday. Did it rock harder than I could ever have dreamed?

[SpideyInATree]

I've just flipped through it so far but I can say just by the looks of it that it's going to be a pretty fun read.

[Elijya]

And while it's noble to try to get posters on SHH to read it, these efforts are futile if you look at the numbers. If you want to "save" a book from the chopping block you need to increase those sales numbers not by the dozen or even hundred, but by thousands. No single fan or group of fans can accomplish that, unless you got something ridiculous like getting 100 fans to buy a dozen issues just to support it or something, which'd NEVER happen.
I've heard and debated this point before, being the principal pusher for Runaways last year. This argumant is equivalent to saying that no election is ever decided by one vote, so why bother going to the polls on november 2nd? it's a defeatest point of view, and is completely ignorant of the notion that one person can make a difference

so, through my pushing, I got maybe 50 people to pick up Runaways. Not statistically significant by itself, no. But I realize that I was part of the initial 100 or so people that were pushing at the same time because we loved that book, and we each got 50 people to read it. That IS significant. And how many of those people in turn got others to check it out? I DID make a difference for that book, and I'm pretty proud of it

And while it's noble to try to get posters on SHH to read it, these efforts are futile if you look at the numbers. If you want to "save" a book from the chopping block you need to increase those sales numbers not by the dozen or even hundred, but by thousands. No single fan or group of fans can accomplish that, unless you got something ridiculous like getting 100 fans to buy a dozen issues just to support it or something, which'd NEVER happen.

With that out of the way, I like MTU and I'll still be getting issues until the end. The Invincible/Spider-Man crossover may be the QUIETEST inter-company crossover I have ever seen, with nary the same kind of "buzz" that I recall for crossovers of the past, even mundane stuff like GEN 13/FANTASTIC FOUR or WILDCATS/X-MEN, or even newer stuff like SUPERMAN/WITCHBLADE. And while this is a good story for fans of both (I DID read the first TPB of INVINCIBLE a while back and liked what I read) characters, I haven't the foggiest idea what Marvel thinks they are doing busineswise, promoting a competitor's book. INVINCIBLE is an IMAGE book, even if it's writer, Kirkman, also works for Marvel on said MTU. INVINCIBLE actually OUTSELLS several Marvel titles. Why would they be boosting it? I can understand wanting to support a fan-fave little book, but not on a title whose own sales are floundering. Are they counting for some of those INVINCIBLE readers to boost sales for a month? I doubt that's happening, and it if did it wouldn't last beyond the next issue. I mean, has this ploy EVER worked? And when? SPIDER-GIRL didn't see the kind of bounce Marvel wanted with their LAST MAN STANDING event, and it's been around much longer.
Duh.
At a guess, it was a favor to Robert Kirkman, a talented writer with a growing following. By supporting him and enabling him to do certain things the way he wants, and supporting his book, marvel has further fostered his loyalty to them. They're ensured he'll continue to work on things for them and bring much more revenue in the long run

on a similar note, when Neil Gaimen wanted to end Sandman, DC let him (this was in the days before Vertigo titles coming to a close was the norm). Rather than simply saying "we own the book, you're free to leave" and continuing it (and it very well would have failed out of his hands), they respected Gaimen's wishes. Consequently, Gaimen was encouraged to return to the title several more times, and actually cracked the New York Times Bestsller List when he did Sandman: Endless Nights.

Respecting creators and giving them freedoms is beneficial in the long run on every level. They'll reciprocate.\, and so will the fans who buy their stuff.

[Dread]

Pasting my take on the latest issue of MTU, which was heads and shoulders above HOM:
MARVEL TEAM-UP #14: In perhaps the quitest inter-company crossover in years, IMAGE's Invincible crosses over with Marvel's Spider-Man, who has gotten to meet over the years Gen 13, Superman, Batman, cameo in Savage Dragon and I maybe forgot a few. Since Kirkman, the current writer of MTU, is the writer and creator of INVINCIBLE, no one can say that the character is not acting accurate. I've read little of Invincible, save the first TPB (which had the first 5-6 issues), and in a way I wish I hadn't read this issue, as it provides full details on what has happened in his book that will make any attempt to now read those stories in TPB's or HC's moot because I see them coming now. Like reading the first volume of RUNAWAYS if you know who betrays the team and how it ends. It's still fun, but there is literally no humanly way you can appreciate it the same as if you didn't know. Still, I saw this coming and I still bought the issue, because I like Kirkman and MTU. So it is my own darned fault. It is a standard story that manages to make sense when it pretains to INVINCIBLE and count as continuity, something most crossovers lack. Invincible happens to be sent into the Marvel Universe by his latest dimensional-warper foe and happens to wind up in the middle of a Spider-Man vs. Dr. Octopus brawl. Despite it all, Invincible can't shake off the aroma of "Mary Sue" here; in the span of an issue he gets to see Spidey unmasked, meet his family and the New Avengers, beat a Spidey A-lister and share a heart-to-heart with him. But as INVINCIBLE is in his own seperate series it is forgiveable. What is also pleasant is that Spider-Man is written as a FORMER teenage superhero who is NOW AN ADULT, rather than a man-child. Invincible is the teenager and Spider-Man the grown up, no matter if they are trading quips or what not. I've seen longtime Spider-writers unable to cope with this simple factiod. Anyway, despite INVINCIBLE TPB's being utterly spoiled for me now, it was fun, cute little tale that took my mind off the stresses and "universe shattering shocks, omgod!!11" of other books, and that is why MTU is cool. And I'm looking more foward to the next arc of MTU, which seems to star non-A-listers like Speedball, Sleepwalker, Terror, Gravity, and Darkhawk, than I am about Decimation or Infinite Crisis right now. Easily. There were some fun digs and jokes about New Avengers, such as them never facing cosmic threats and that Luke Cage doesn't look like a superhero when he's dressed like a bum.

Despite the fact that this was a fun story for fans, I don't see why Marvel is promoting a series for IMAGE. They even provide a footnote to clue you into current issues of INVINCIBLE, which is something Marvel doesn't even do FOR THEIR OWN GOD DAMNED BOOKS ANYMORE! Sometimes I am convinced that not only is having half a brain allowed in the Marvel editorial department, but that it is a requirement. Why is Marvel promoting a book from Image and not some of their own struggling titles, like COLOSSUS or RUNAWAYS or hell, MTU itself? No, all of their energy went to HOWLING COMMANDOES for Halloween. Pathetic.

And now for a reply.

I've heard and debated this point before, being the principal pusher for Runaways last year. This argumant is equivalent to saying that no election is ever decided by one vote, so why bother going to the polls on november 2nd? it's a defeatest point of view, and is completely ignorant of the notion that one person can make a difference
You do realize that while this is a "defeatist agruement", it is a realistic one, as most young voters and more than 50% of all registered voters fail to vote for this very reason. You have to look at realistic results to actions.

so, through my pushing, I got maybe 50 people to pick up Runaways. Not statistically significant by itself, no. But I realize that I was part of the initial 100 or so people that were pushing at the same time because we loved that book, and we each got 50 people to read it. That IS significant. And how many of those people in turn got others to check it out? I DID make a difference for that book, and I'm pretty proud of it
Which is fine. But personal pride doesn't help the book any. 50 people won't save RUNAWAYS when its time is due. And as much as I love it, I can't see it lasting another 12 issues unless the numbers improve, remain stable, or Marvel simply justifies the losses as "the digests sell well", which may only last so long.

At a guess, it was a favor to Robert Kirkman, a talented writer with a growing following. By supporting him and enabling him to do certain things the way he wants, and supporting his book, marvel has further fostered his loyalty to them. They're ensured he'll continue to work on things for them and bring much more revenue in the long run

on a similar note, when Neil Gaimen wanted to end Sandman, DC let him (this was in the days before Vertigo titles coming to a close was the norm). Rather than simply saying "we own the book, you're free to leave" and continuing it (and it very well would have failed out of his hands), they respected Gaimen's wishes. Consequently, Gaimen was encouraged to return to the title several more times, and actually cracked the New York Times Bestsller List when he did Sandman: Endless Nights.

Respecting creators and giving them freedoms is beneficial in the long run on every level. They'll reciprocate.\, and so will the fans who buy their stuff.
This would work if only Marvel did it for their own struggling books. Did COLOSSUS, RUNAWAYS or, hell, MTU get one half the focus that HOWLING COMMANDOES got for Halloween? It seemed odd that Marvel would bend over backwards for a comic from Image while letting many of their own struggling titles fail.

[Elijya]

lemme guess -you don't vote?

[Dread]

lemme guess -you don't vote?
Quite the contrary, I have been voting religiously since I turned 18. I simply am aware that for folks in my age group (late teens to early 20's) in 2005, that is very rare.

I vote before too many people fought and died throughout history to give me this right, and it would be a dishonor not to do it.

[SpideyInATree]

Just finished up ish # 14 about twenty minutes ago. It was definitely a fun read like I thought it would and interesting to see the Invincible character quickly interact with the New Avengers.

Though as I finished the book I pretty much wanted to scoop up the Invincible series and the trades to catch up on it. So, if Marvel has accomplished anything it's helping Robert Kirkman sell his Invincible title. Which, when you really think about it, is a really cool thing for Marvel to do. Now all they need to do is remove the rest of their heads from their asses and start promoting their own books that have a good following on them. :o

[iloveclones]

I thought that this was one of the best cross-overs I've seen in comics. Usually they seem completely out of continuity, and this one didn't. In fact, it feels like it fits into both continuities (which it wouldn't if Marvel weren't "advertising" for Invincible).

[iloveclones]

Posting this here might be like preaching to the choir, but not much MTU news right now, and I was wondering what you guys thought of this:

MTU has always held a warm spot for me, mainly because it was the first title that I had a subscription to when I was a kid. The only character I really knew anything about was Spidey, and this title introduced me to the wider Marvel Universe. (which from Marvel's point of view, is exactly the point of a title like that). Other than the current title being such an enjoyable read, this is one of the reasons that I push the title so much. I think it's a great way to introduce new readers (if they exist) to different characters. And I think this is the reason that Marvel is willing to stick with it a little, despite the low sales.

So this is my idea: Does this title translate to a cartoon? I think it does. Being that Marvel is mainly a liscensing company, it can only benefit them to give more exposure to its other characters, especially new ones like Runaways, Gravity, etc.

Your thoughts here:

[Themanofbat]

MTU has always held a warm spot for me, mainly because it was the first title that I had a subscription to when I was a kid. The only character I really knew anything about was Spidey, and this title introduced me to the wider Marvel Universe. (which from Marvel's point of view, is exactly the point of a title like that). Other than the current title being such an enjoyable read, this is one of the reasons that I push the title so much. I think it's a great way to introduce new readers (if they exist) to different characters. And I think this is the reason that Marvel is willing to stick with it a little, despite the low sales.

That's a nice thought, but I don't know if it's working in this day & age where you hear people are only picking up the issues with Spidey in it, or Wolverine in it, etc....

:(

[Themanofbat]

So this is my idea: Does this title translate to a cartoon? I think it does. Being that Marvel is mainly a liscensing company, it can only benefit them to give more exposure to its other characters, especially new ones like Runaways, Gravity, etc.

Your thoughts here:

That's a good idea, but I'm not sure if that's the main reason for giving this book a chance despite low sales.

Remember, Kirkman is one of those Terrific Ten writers they keep going on about, so they might be giving him a chance. And he's delivering the goods, especially to the fans that have been clamoring for a tighter knit Universe.

Unforunately, it's falling on deaf ears.

I can't see the book lasting longer than 25 issues unless something drastic changes.

Let's hope all the 90's DarkHawk fans come out of the woodwork for this next arc.

:(

[iloveclones]

Hey, TMOB, I need some more positivity from you. You're bringing me down man.... ;)

Don't despair. Spider-girl has lasted a lot longer than anyone thought it would. TPBs saved Runaways.

And me, I believe that they should drop it if it doesn't sell. If it's quality (which I think it is), it will find its place.

-ilovezen

[Themanofbat]

Hey, TMOB, I need some more positivity from you. You're bringing me down man.... ;)


Yeah, sorry.... the wife's been away for a week, and I'm getting cabin-fever. :(

Don't despair. Spider-girl has lasted a lot longer than anyone thought it would. TPBs saved Runaways.


That's true, but until I see MTU Digests.... well, let's hope we see MTU Digests. :)

And me, I believe that they should drop it if it doesn't sell. If it's quality (which I think it is), it will find its place.

-ilovezen

It has found its place. It's a terrific comic to the old school buyers who are still buying good quality comics. And we're enjoying it. Unfortunately, we are in the minority, because most people can't recognize good comics even if they fell from the sky.

:(

But hey... stranger things have happened.

Maybe if there's a small outcry (similar to Spider-Girl), maybe Marvel will keep making the book. Spider-Man Unlimited has always sold in the very low 20 000's, yet they keep making that book as well..

Long live MTU. :cool:

:)

[SpideyInATree]

Marvel Team Up as a cartoon would be sexy. :o

I'd watch it. And it would be a good idea to suck in newer readers as well. A kid sees some superhero with Spider-Man he's never seen before and ends up liking the other hero more...well, he's gonna start asking questions about it. It'd help but I doubt Marvel would ever do anything like that. Maybe you should propose it to them, ILC. :up:

[iloveclones]

Maybe you should propose it to them, ILC. :up:

'clones is going Hollywood!! (You can tell because I'm referring to myself in the third person.:O )

[iloveclones]

Big week for MTU fans. Get the new story, tell all your friends who are fans of Darkhawk and Speedball to pick it up, and once they're hooked, get them to buy the 2 TPBs, because we know how important those suckers are in keeping titles alive!

Diamond list for December 7th:
Marvel Team-up #15 $2.99
Marvel Team-up Vol 2 Master Of The Ring Tp $17.99

[SpideyInATree]

I just purchased Marvel Team Up Vol. 1: The Golden Child over the weekend.

I totally forgot about that image of Wolvie webbed up by Spidey! :)

I haven't got a chance to read it, but I flipped through it and there are things in there that help make a WHOLE LOTTA sense in the present storyline. :up:

[iloveclones]

You're gonna love it SIAT!

[Dread]

I read some issues of MTU back when I was a kid and bought back-issues too, where Spidey would team up with other characters I was interested in, like Moon Knight or an annual with Alpha Flight or so on. Spider-Man was my favorite character so I can understand where iloveclones comes from.

Marvel's pushing for sales for their TPB's and digests, and will do ANYTHING to appease that market. Anything. There is NO ADVANTAGE to getting monthly comics anymore save the fact that they finish stories about 2-4 months before the trade comes out. Marvel has done nothing to address this fact, and relies on nostalia to keep the fans buying the monthlies. How ironic that monthlies are key to the sales of comics, yet Marvel and the current market are doing everything possible to undo it. One wonders if it is inevitable that enough fans develop an 8th of a brain and go, "Hey, if I just wait for the trade, it is cheaper and no ads" and then the sales would plummet and the entire industry would find itself in a hole of its own making.

But enough on that. MTU sells abysmally. Marvel is doing nothing more to save it or boost its sales. Their philosophy to getting a book to sell is selling a trade, relaunching with #1, adding a NEW to the title (NEW MTU #1! Omigod, it'll sell, Joe Q, it'll sell!), or going about their "helpless toddler routine" and not doing anything. So, yeah, we have to hope the trades sell well or there is enough of a fan outcry that it attaints "sacred cow" status like SPIDER-GIRL (which I don't read, and never will).

As for a cartoon series, a la' JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED of sorts, I don't know. The Marvel cartoons hit their apex in the mid 90's and ever since have been downhill. Unlike JLU there is no "strong animated history" to carry over the old fans with the new. Marvel's strongest cartoon since was X-MEN EVOLUTION, a fan-favorite show (ratings wise) that they are allowing to be ignored and omitted because of pride.

Kirkman is a decent writer from what I have seen, someone willing to not drag his stories through the mire of eternal darkness like some writers and is more than willing to embrace all the facets of the universe, instead of either omitting them, bungling them, or attempting to change that universe to fit his needs. I can't imagine someone else on MTU who would do as well for what the title requires. Sure, I like Vaughan, but Kirkman is better at action, and MTU needs specific action. Arcs are fine and in fact Kirkman is experimenting with arcs for MTU, something no incarnation had much of before. But in the end, we buy it to see two heroes team up and hit something, and he delievers there, too. Basically, MTU is Marvel's version of THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD.

Another old series I'd like to see return is MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS. That was a great launching point for a lot of talent for Marvel and considering how eagerly both companies are competing for it, it mays serve Marvel well to have a more official "try out" book for stars waiting to be noticed, but in stories not as rigid as ones made for SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED or X-MEN UNLIMITED. All the title would have to do is avoid what happened to the last; becoming an unofficial Wolverine title. Plus, at 8-10 pages a month for some stories, writers should be challenged to not drag out a story for too many issues; in the age of decompression-overkill, a lesson in being concise could do WONDERS for both old and new writers.

[SpideyInATree]

I read through the Vol. 1 TPB and I thought that I was seeing things but I saw freakin' CARDIAC!!! YES!!! Cardiac!!!!! :eek:

It's about time someone brought that character out of limbo!

[KingOfDreams]

Cardiac rules :up:

[iloveclones]

I thought I'd bump this up so people could discuss the current issue. I, unfortunately, cannot. When I got home, I found that I accidentally put Ultimates in my pile rather than MTU (which is on my pull list in the store, boy are they going to be pissed.) The worst part is that I have a sub to Ultimates so I'll be owning 2 of those. If they seel out of MTU, I'm going to have to go all Titannus on someone.

[Themanofbat]

I thought I'd bump this up so people could discuss the current issue. I, unfortunately, cannot. When I got home, I found that I accidentally put Ultimates in my pile rather than MTU (which is on my pull list in the store, boy are they going to be pissed.) The worst part is that I have a sub to Ultimates so I'll be owning 2 of those. If they seel out of MTU, I'm going to have to go all Titannus on someone.

A Titannus Clone???

:)

[SpideyInATree]

So far it's an awesome start to a very interesting story. I about creamed in my pants when I saw Kirkman actually used continuity for the story. Excelsior certainly didn't last too long. :o

[iloveclones]

So far it's an awesome start to a very interesting story. I about creamed in my pants when I saw Kirkman actually used continuity for the story. Excelsior certainly didn't last too long. :o

That's one of the things I've been saying since the beginning: that if you're a person who complains that Marvel doesn't do continuity anymore, MTU is the proof that they can. Sorry about your trousers.

[Dread]

Pasting my take on the issue from another topic. I'll be nice and add spoiler tags:
MARVEL TEAM-UP #15: After Kirkman's last "buy INVINCIBLE" advertising issue, we start the next real arc of MTU, which is "League of Losers". It depicts the assembled "league" on the cover, although in reality only less than half actually show up in this issue. The story solicts left us with a premise of various C and D-Listers forced to save the day after all the other heroes are killed, and that's exactly what happens. Now, before I continue on this great issue (yes, it was great; far better in one issue than HOM was in its entirity and making me wonder if Marvel is banking on the wrong horse for "events" than Bendis or Millar), I will say that as of the first issue and so on, this story has continuity problems that take some of the "oomph" from the story. Firstly, the fact that MARVEL TEAM-UP, even in past incarnations, has never been a real "big event" style book where anything that happens in it is really supposed to MATTER much to the outside books, save for the introductions of some characters (such as Arcade). It was basically a stress-free Spider-Man adventure book, much as MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE was like that, only with The Thing. And therefore, while seeing many Marvel A-Listers "die" on panel from the main villian's machinations, as well as it is written, feels a bit empty. You KNOW it really isn't going to last, that MTU exists on the fringes of the MU regardless of sales as it always has, and pretty much everything that happens here will have little effect on other titles. Secondly, the story promises to have Dagger take part in it, which is a bit of a hassle since she's in a coma over at RUNAWAYS (which, YES, does get a mention here). On the other hand, this will clearly be a time-travel story, which Kirkman has dabbled on in MTU before, and those always cause hassles. And as MTU is supposed to be Marvel's "fun book" alongside THE THING and so on, maybe nitpicking it to death is unearned. Especially since, as it sells in the 90's of the Top 100 (which is worse than the just-cancelled NIGHTCRAWLER was selling), this could be its last arc and it needs all the help it can get. The rest is all positive, though. The issue gets to an explosive start and NEVER slows down when time-travelling warrior Chronok and his future-tech savvy armada blow into the MU with a bang, starting out on an explosive attack on Stark Tower, home of the New Avengers, seemingly erradicating Cap, Iron Man, and Sentry (the latter seems hard to believe, even with resumably "future bombs"). People who whine about "slow starts" and "decompression" really have nothing to complain about, as the hits keep coming like a high octane action movie. In short sucession, we're told that the Avengers, the Fan Four, DD, Hulk, and the X-Men are all being killed by this squadron (with a fun nod to the fluctuating rosters of X-books). Spider-Man is seemingly blasted and killed on-panel, which is the second time Spider-Man is seemingly killed in a comic this week; bad month to be him. Apparently, Chronok and his armada has come from the future to enslave the past, and is armed with not only weapons from the far future, but seemingly all knowledge of that era's heroes, thus making them easy to slaughter (although they're not really resorting to using any "weaknesses" or so on, just blasting stuff with bit laser canons and bombs). Of course, the point of the story is that there are some Marvel heroes, who either because of their low or "rookie" status, didn't make the records of Chronok's forces, and thus go a little ignored, even if they're caught in the midst of the combat. For instance, Gravity tags alongside a MELTING Luke Cage, whose death is rather gruesome. Speedball is the only surviving member of the New Warriors (Nova showed up a few times in MTU already), sporting a GREAT new costume by Medina (if he didn't design it, he at least made it look great). While in LA, Chris Powel/Darkhawk sees Chronok's televised demands and rushes to his EXCELSIOR HQ, only to see that they're all dead aside for Ricochet, who quickly bites it, too. Darkhawk escapes and Chronok's men note how "most of those kids" weren't on their list and there have been quite a few heroes who weren't in their date-files, who they write off because they "must not have been noteworthy". A minor quibble, the icing on the RUNAWAYS homage cake would have been a footnote of what issue Excelsior debuted in and urging us to check out RUNAWAYS or their upcoming mini for more; I mean, Kirkman went through that much trouble for INVINCIBLE, why not some poorer selling Marvel books? Maybe Vaughan could have put in some word on MTU, called it a trade-off? Oh, well, lost oppurtunities. Kirkman gets in some laughs amidst the chaos with his X-commentary and having Cage's "my skin is UNBREAKABLE!" line horribly backfire (okay, dark humor there). It's a set-up issue, but such an exciting one that it serves as a lesson on how to do set-up issues that are still fast paced and explosive! I hate to wait a month for the next issue, just as it should be. True, Chronok seems a bit flat right now in both design and temperment, but he's at least ruthless, and if Millar could get away with that for Gorgon, and JMS with Morlun, then I'll give Kirkman a pass right now. Like Titannus, he's sure to have an origin eventually. But, bring on the D-Listers! I can't wait to see the chapters on Terror, Inc and Sleepwalker. Oh, and Medina's art seems to fit better here than Kolins did, he turns in some of his best work with a variety of heroes.

[Elijya]

yup, loving this new arc :up:

[SpideyInATree]

Sorry about your trousers.

Yeah. Nothing a quick wash can fix. I'm gonna have to watch myself next issue in case there are anymore cool continuity moments. :o

[Dread]

yup, loving this new arc :up:
Me too.

How about a speculation game? One of Chronok's men mentioned an "Asian woman who turned out to be a robot". Any ideas? I wonder if it is anyone from LIVEWIRES. Never read it, but it was the first idea off the top of my head.

True, this may have just been a minor detail, but hell, if we can debate details from high profile storyarc books that usually disappoint, why not a small adventure book that doesn't?

Oh, and Darkhawk's got to be REALLY bugging out now. Over at RUNAWAYS he was going on mini-psychotic breakdowns because of the "stuff he'd seen over the years". I don't imagine seeing EXCELSIOR getting slaughtered before his eyes will make him Mr. Personality this mission.

[CaptainStacy]

Just read it and loved it! Have to admit; when i read the premise a few months back, i was unimpressed, but Kirkman definitely pulled me in from the get go with the actual debut.

Minor nitpicks; Chronok is ok, but his soldier's outfits look almost exactly like the original Wonder Man costume Simon Williams wore back in the day...and i cant help but think that Kang would have been a more logical antagonist for this story.

All in all though, a very good start.