The traditional Cup o Joe panel with Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada has wrapped, so let's look at the highlights.
Given the nature of the Cup O Joe panels, information flies fast and furious, so
on with the bullet points:
In regards to a reaction to the news that Adam and Andy Kubert, who had been Marvel mainstays for the past 15+ years had signed exclusive contracts with DC, Quesada said that Marvel is very happy fro the brothers, and understood their desire to try something different, adding that theyll most likely be back someday.
In regards to the Kuberts workloads, Andy will complete the first five issue Ultimate Iron Man miniseries, while Adam is drawing an upcoming issue of Incredible Hulk, as well as Daredevil: Target #2 (not a misprint).
Richard Morgan and Sean Phillips will team for the new Black Widow project, with inks by Bill Seinkiewcz. The first issue is slated for a September release. Regarding the first issue cover image, Quesada commented that, in this series, DD gets his nads shot off!
The Dan Slott-penned She-Hulk series begins in October.
The backup Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius stories that appeared in issues of Power Pack will be collected shortly, with a new story added in.
Jessica Jones & Luck Cages baby is born in Pulse #11, at which time readers will learn if its a boy or a girl.
The Book of Doom, a six-issue miniseries which tells the origin of Dr. Doom, by Ed Brubaker, Pablo Raimondi and Mark Farmer kicks off in October.
The Dan Slott written Thing miniseries kicks off in November. Slott, who was in the audience, said that the story is big fun and action, suggesting that it will be in the same vibe as his recent Spider-Man/Human Torch miniseries.
Drax the Destroyer will run for four issues. Editor Andy Schmidt said that theyre not throwing out the characters past continuity, but they are looking to make Drax cool. Keith Giffen writes, with Mitch Breitweiser on art.
Runaways #9-#12 features Cloak and Dagger.
An announcement as to Neil Gaimans next Marvel project should be made around Chicago. According to Quesada, it will be set in the Marvel Universe, and will have ties to House of M, adding that it will most likely be a single character story, rather than a team book.
There will be creator team and character shakeups on the X-titles following House of M.
An announcement about the new Daredevil creative team will be made soon, meanwhile, Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev are already talking about their next project together.
Bryan Singers Ultimate X-Men arc should be a December or January launch. Quesada confirmed that the director of X-Men and X2 is still on board to write the arc despite his move from the movie franchise to Superman.
Asked about newsstand distribution and Marvels upcoming deal with 7-11, Publisher Dan Buckley said that Marvel will be moving from 5,000 outlets to 25,000 outlets (assumed to be newsstands in general) soon, under a new distribution deal.
In regards to 70s characters, Quesada said in response that Marvel will be publishing an interesting team book in early 2006, and that some 70s characters will shortly be seen in interesting situations.
The Sentry limited series by Paul Jenkins is slated for debut near the end of the year.
Following his New Avengers and Ultimate Secret stings, Steve McNiven will launch a major new project in 2006.
In regards to developing new talent and how Marvel is bringing new creators into the fold, Quesada called on ex-Marvel editor CB Cebulski, who pointed out that in 2004, approximately 35 new writers who had never written for Marvel before told stories via the companys titles. That is a trend Marvel plans to continue throughout 2005 and beyond.
) and I'm interested in seeing what will happen to her and the baby. She's one of the best new Marvel characters in years.
