The Marvel Reporters’ Commentary on the July 2017 Marvel Solicits

On a monthly basis The Marvel Report will be commentating on the new Marvel solicits. This month the Marvel Reporters will be discussing Marvel’s July solicits. Read the full solicits here on Comic Frontline.

Commentators: Kat, Josh, Tatiana, Jeremy , Jay 

Editor: Kat

SECRET EMPIRE #6 & 7 

Josh – The seeds for Secret Empire have been sewn throughout the past year to year-and-a-half. As much as I dislike the idea of Captain America heading up Hydra, it really is something new in the Marvel world and I can’t wait to see how the story plays out with all the moving parts now in play.

Jay – So it sounds like Thor is on Cap’s side? And we finally get the payoff from the vision during Civil War II with Miles killing Captain America. I don’t know what to really think about this. I just don’t have that connection to it. This almost feels like it should have been Civil War II instead of what we had there.

SECRET EMPIRE: BRAVE NEW WORLD #3 & #4 (of 5)

Jay – I hope this book is as enticing as the solicitations. I love the Invaders, so hopefully they really do them justice here. I am not sure though what to think about bringing in more Ultimate Universe stuff with New Tian.

CAPTAIN AMERICA SAM WILSON #24

Kat – If Cassie Lang is in this issue I’m getting it. It’s a big possibility, since Scott is on the cover and Spencer is writing both this title and wrote Ant-Man.

Jay – So he wasn’t Captain America for like what 2 issues? I feel like they did that just to have this return in this issue. Not impressed.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #19

Jay – Now this issue has me intrigued. Steve seems to have sold everyone but Sharon on Hydra. This could be the heart that I have been looking for in this story.

AVENGERS #9

Jay – This seems forced just to give Thor, someone who isn’t as close to Steve as the rest of the team something to do in this crossover event.

SECRET WARRIORS #4

Jay – I wish this book wasn’t born during this event. I haven’t read anything that showed me them coming together as a team yet, and we know it is the first few issues that sells any book, but especially a team book. We need to know who these characters are and where they stand alone and together. So far nothing shows that here.

CHAMPIONS #10

Jay – I hope this story really allows this team to shine as heroes and not just Social Justice Champions

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #30

Kat – I’m not invested in another Doctor Octopus/ Superior story so soon. Sadly it looks like this arc of The Amazing Spider-Man still looks to be lackluster.

Jay – I guess it makes sense that they use Superior Octopus here, but I would have preferred that they worked him into the story before a huge tie-in like this.

DEADPOOL #33 & 34

Jay – I really hope they don’t use Deadpool for the humor. Over the last few years Wade and Steve have really bonded, I hope they use this story to bring that emotion there and really play that up. This could be a big turning point for Deadpool and a chance for real character growth.

THE MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL #7

Jay – I can’t believe Marvel is doing this to their big premiere female hero. The emotional and action story is happening on Earth and they throw Carol into space as a tie-in? Maybe they can use this to better flesh out the team here.

U.S.AVENGERS #8

Jay – I thought we were done with the whole M-Pox story. I like the throwback with Toni to her father.

X-MEN BLUE #7

Kat – I don’t feel like any of the X-titles have to tie into Secret Empire.

Jeremy – Emma Frost is a character I love to hate and her going back to being a villain has me really excited. I think a new Emma Frost led Hellfire Club would be a great antagonist for Jean’s team.

Jay – I was hoping the ResurrXion books would stay out of this but I am intrigued to see what they do with Emma.

X-MEN GOLD #7 & 8

Kat – This actually sounds like a good use for Secret Empire in an X-book. We will see humans and mutants in Kitty’s school, that could bring for some really interesting stories.

Jeremy – X-Men Gold #7: The fact that the X-Men are opening their doors to everyone as a safe haven during this crisis really shows that they are back to their core beliefs. I can’t wait to see how this plays out.

X-Men Gold #8: One of my favorite stories was when the AI in control of the danger room locked down the school and trapped the students. This reminds me of that but on a bigger scale. This could be a great chance for some of the students to step up and really see what it means to be an X-Man.

Jay – This sounds interesting bringing in a new X-Cutioner. I can not wait to see how this plays out.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #1

Kat – We are getting to the point of too many X-Men books again.

Jeremy – This team is loaded with some of my favorite characters. I love the X-Force vibe it has going, and I can’t wait to see what they bring to the table.

Jay – This has me interested. They are saying this book will change mutant kind.

SPIDER-MEN 2 #1

Kat – As much as I really liked the first Spider-Men crossover, and was interested in the cliffhanger back then, I feel like this story is not necessary anymore now that Miles is in the regular Marvel universe. It may be too late to tell this story. Why did Marvel wait so long?

Josh – The first Spider-Men was outstanding. Miles Morales is a superb addition to the Marvel universe and I would even go as far as to say that he’s more interesting than Peter Parker. Now that I have alienated the entire Spider-Man readership base, it’s the perfect time to mention how much I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this story.

Jeremy – Honestly is this even really needed? I loved the first Spider-Men event because it was special and exactly what Miles needed at the time. Now that he’s in the 616 is there even a point in having a 616 Miles? I feel like this will just confuse fans. Personally I feel like this should have come out right before the Ultimate Universe ended. That way fans wouldn’t have to deal with this kind of headache.

Jay – The last 15 issues of this series was supposed to fill us in on who Miles Morales is in the 616. This sequel is like 5 years too late if they plan on touching on it at all. I would rather them use this to explore Miles’ new origin in the 616 and how he and Peter first met in the post-Secret Wars continuity.

DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE AGAIN #1 & 2
Tatiana – I’m always up for whatever Cullen Bunn has in store when it comes to Wade Wilson. And the first version of this was so much fun that I look forward to a second.

MARVEL’S THOR: RAGNAROK PRELUDE #1 (of 4)

Jay – So they are reprinting the Incredible Hulk Adaptation comic adding in some Thor: The Dark World content and selling it as a prequel to Thor” Ragnarok.

THE MIGHTY THOR #21

Kat – I’m excited to see this epic Thor team up!

Jay – This could be very interesting. The first volume of Jane’s The Mighty Thor was all about her keeping her identity from everyone, and not it is the Ultimate Thor keeping his identity a secret. I would like to see how she handles this.

HULK #8

Kat – One of the best Marvel titles right now, that is a pure character driven story.

Tatiana – I’ve loved how slowly Mariko Tamaki has worked her way towards Jen actually turning into the Hulk, but I’m ready for Jen to put her foot on the gas. So far it’s been a breathtaking work of both art and character development.

Jay – Mariko Tamaki has really hot a vein of green gold here. Eight months and counting now this book remains my most anticipated and every issue I have read so far has been in my top 5. This book just really delves deep into Jen Walters on a level we never had the chance to before.

INFAMOUS IRON MAN #10

Tatiana – Doom has made a surprisingly interesting Iron Man thus far, and I can’t wait to see how the storyline with his mother plays out.

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #9

Tatiana – I’ve been enjoying Riri’s story so far, but I keep coming back for Stefano Caselli’s art more than anything, regardless of what the plot is any given week.

ZOMBIES ASSEMBLE #0 (4 OF 4)

Jay – I am not usually a fan of the Marvel Zombies, but this looks like a cool book. The Avengers versus Zombies. This is the translation of the Manga Avengers: Zombies Assemble and it looks really cool.

SPIDER-MAN: MASTER PLAN #1

Kat – Is this a story about Spider-Man watching Hamilton? If it is, I’m totally in!

Jay – Not sure why this is needed. This seems so random.

PETER PARKER: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #2

Jay – It is cool to see Peter back in New York, and interacting with locals again. I hope this book really brings his supporting cast back to the forefront.

EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE #2 & 3

Tatiana – Gwenpool becomes a Venom? Does that make her Gwen-om? I wasn’t a fan of this idea in the first place, but I will go wherever Gwenpool goes. So I’m definitely going to check this one out!

Jay – Ok Gwenpool sounds fun, but Host Rider! Man I can not wait to see that come into play. I wonder what the big lead in will be though from Gwenpool.

VENOM #152

Jay – I like the twist that Venom can’t stay in Eddie. I wonder if it is due to him having Cancer, Ant-Venom, or Toxin.

BEN REILLY: SCARLET SPIDER #5

Kat – Glad to see Ben in his classic suit!

Jay – I am so torn about this book. This may be the one book for Marvel that has me this torn. I am a huge Ben Reilly fan, but I hate him as a villain, and Kaine has really grown on me the last few years so it hurts to see him regress to this.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #9 

Kat – I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS STORY! MJ has an interesting past with the Venom symbiote, mostly being fearful of it. I can see this being a very powerful arc for MJ with her trying to resist the power of Venom.

Jeremy – They say that black never really goes out of style. Let’s hope that’s the case for MJ. The venom symbiote has had a huge impact on the Parker family since the original miniseries. I am beyond excited for its return. I think this could be Conway’s best story arc yet.

Jay – WOW this sounds really good! I hope we get to learn the history of the Symbiote in this universe. I am excited to see MJ with the suit given her history with it.

SPIDER-GWEN #22

Kat – It’s never good to see the word death next to Gwen’s name.

Jay – I have this hard relationship with this book. I want to like it more, because I like Spider-Gwen, but they haven’t really endeared me to her world and supporting cast yet.

SPIDER-MAN #18

Jay – I think the Gang War in NYC plot has been overused lately. I wonder what role Miles will play in it.

SPIDER-MAN 2099 #25

Jay – End of the story arc? End of Miguel in 2017? Is he returning to 2099? Is this the end of the series?

ROYALS #5

Josh – Royals has been the defining Inhumans book of the new generation. Not only does the book function as a launching pad for the Inhumans in the new Marvel world, it also provides a major shakeup to the continuity of the Inhumans. Not only is Marvel’s oldest royal family no more, but the Inhumans are now part of the news.

Tatiana – Royals is off to an interesting start, but I have to continue to find out Medusa’s fate. And – once again – Jonboy Meyers’ art is what I’m here for.

Jay – The mystery here keeps building and it has me along for the ride!

MS. MARVEL #20

Kat – Glad to see Kamala’s brother involved in this upcoming story arc, have I mentioned how much I love this series because G Willow Wilson actually uses Kamala’s supporting characters.

Tatiana – Aamir has been a great supporting character so far, so it will be interesting to see him get a little more spotlight. And Ms. Marvel has consistently been one of my favorite titles, so I’m sure the arc will be great.

Jay – I am glad to see they are returning to the family element of Mr. Marvel.

MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #21

Jay- Come on Devil Girl and Moon Dinosaur! I am SOLD! I love this book and I love opposite counterparts.

IRON FIST #5

Josh – Ed Brisson has channeled his inner Ed Brubaker and delivered a winner in the Iron Fist lineage. Danny continues to search for answers as to how he has lost his inner Chi and the secrets of Liu-Shi continue to make themselves known. It’s been awhile since Iron Fist was on top of his game, Marvel owes many thanks to Ed Brisson for bringing the lore of the Iron Fist back into the limelight.

Jay – Really looking forward to this issue and this fight!. Don’t let me down Marvel!

JESSICA JONES #10

Jay – I know we are on to the mystery of Maria hill and her secrets, but whatever happened to the mystery from the first arc?

PUNISHER #14

Josh – Frank Castle goes to work when a blackout hits New York City. But could there be more sinister motives behind the darkness? Becky Cloonan’s Punisher continues to fire on all cylinders. Each story grows the narrative just a little more and Frank’s fight gets more and more complex. The finest work by the Punisher since Garth Ennis’ run.

LUKE CAGE #3

Tatiana – Beyond excited for Luke’s solo title, and certain that it will be a fun ride in David F. Walker’s capable hands.

AMERICA #5

Josh – Marvel’s dimension-jumping, Hitler-punching, and college-bound hero has been having the time of her life at Sotomayor University. Event after crazy event has prevented America from settling in, but now Ms. Chavez calls upon friends of her to help her conquer some of the problems that continue to plague her as she tries to normalize and stabilize her life.

Tatiana – Kate Bishop and America Chavez reunited at last! This is what I have been dreaming of and waiting for. Loving both solo series so far, and I’m more than excited for a team-up.

BLACK PANTHER AND THE CREW #4

J0sh – Ta-Nehisi Coates finally found his stride with the Black Panther series. After the death of a close friend, Panther, Storm, Misty Knight, and Luke Cage all hit the streets of Harlem to exact revenge and stop the wave of crime sweeping the city. Though they are seeking justice for their friend, will they like what they find as they uncover the intricate web of weaves

BLACK PANTHER #16

Josh – Coates’ main series about T’Challa also continues to grow. The Panther no longer enjoys the protection of the Wakandan gods, but will that stop him from investigating Club Fenris? As ominous as the club sounds, T’Challa must first find a way in before we, the readers, can learn more about the belly of the beast.

MONSTERS UNLEASHED #4

Jay – I loved the mini series and this book just looks all types of awesome.

HAWKEYE #8

Kat – I’m so excited for this story arc. It’s been long over due to get a strong story with Kate’s privileged family/past.

SILVER SURFER #13

Kat – The strongest aspect of this series is Dawn and Norrin’s love story. So glad to see it taking center stage here.

VISION: DIRECTOR’S CUT #2 (of 6)

Jay – I loved this series and anything to add to it is just gravy to me. If you haven’t read this book yet, read it!

THANOS #9

Josh – As Death guides Thane toward the possibility of killing his Father, Thanos must find a way to prevent his extermination. Jeff Lemire has churned out amazing book after amazing book in this series. What will become of Thanos after Thane assumes the power of The Phoenix? Only time and Lemire’s work will answer these questions.

WEAPON X #5 & #6

THE TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #21

Jay – BATCH-H has me really anticipating both titles. Is this a clone? Where did they get the genetic materials? Amadeus & Old Man Logan? Banner & the real Logan? Is Jimmy Hudson Jr. involved? Is this someone knew going under familiar experiments?

ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #22

Jay- Tom Taylor has really brought Laura into the spotlight, and I am looking forward to where this goes. I do wonder how much of a connection if any does this have with the Death of Wolverine as they share some similarities

GENERATION X #4

Jay- I love it when an X-Book focuses on the school and the students so I have high hopes here.

ICEMAN #3

Kat – I am interested in a family issue with Iceman.

Jay – NO! I never wanted a comic theory of mine to happen more than I do for Iceman.

JEAN GREY #4

Jay – I like this countdown to her destiny almost. There is a little mystery, a lot of danger, and Jean actually being proactive. Looking forward to this.

MARVEL UNIVERSE ULTIMATE

SPIDER-MAN VS. THE SINISTER SIX #11

MARVEL UNIVERSE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #20

Jay – A lot of people look over these books because they are either translations of the animated series, or because the animated series themselves are “kiddified” but I enjoy them. I think they are nice fun reads that like the animated series really do embody the essence of the characters.

STAR WARS #33

Jay – It can’t be as awkward as their kiss right?

DARTH VADER #3

Jay – This sounds really good! I love this time period because we know nothing about it now.

STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #9 & 10

Jay – Still not liking the book or the character, can we see her die already?

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE ADAPTATION #4 (of 6)

Jay – Loved the movie, loving the adaptation so far!

STAR WARS: POE DAMERON #17

Jay – I like Poe and never thought I would be this interested in a book I thought was just a mini

BLACK PANTHER: WHO IS BLACK PANTHER NOVEL

Josh – Black Panther has always been an interesting character, but now he’s getting his own book, literally. As outsiders attempt to rob Wakanda of their riches, T’Challa must step into action and face his father’s killer once more. Klaw is back in this new novel based on the works of Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr.