Marvel Comics News 2/7/12: Spider-Men, "The Avengers" SB Ad; Change.org & More!

- In a week where DC Comics once again stole the news headlines by announcing a prequel series to WATCHMEN, Marvel counters with...a vague teaser for something in June called SPIDER-MEN (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/marvel-spider-men-teaser-120201.html). It is unknown whether this will be an event, a one-shot, or what. Technically, Marvel has two Spider-characters with their own titles; the traditional Spider-Man in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (and AVENGING SPIDER-MAN), and the reformed clone Kaine in SCARLET SPIDER. One supposes VENOM counts, as he has a similar power set, and is Spidey's old supporting cast member Flash Thompson. Could Marvel be seeking to mobilize them in a team book, or a crossover? Perhaps alongside the other Scarlet Spider, who is a clone of a minor character from AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE who was last seen alongside the New Warriors in FEAR ITSELF: YOUTH IN REVOLT? Or will it involve Miles Morales from ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN? June is also the month when Spider-Man officially turns 50 years old, and a month before Sony's latest motion picture starring the character.

- In additional Spider-Man news, Marvel has stepped up promotions for Dan Slott's next epic storyline on AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, titled ENDS OF THE EARTH (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/amazing-spider-man-ends-of-the-earth-120131.html). The gist involves all of the months/years of subplots revolving Dr. Octopus' new Sinister Six lurking in the back pages of the title (as well as in INVINCIBLE IRON MAN and AVENGERS ACADEMY) coming to a head as the team launches an ambitious attempt to take over the world. This not only results in Spidey having to go to space, but designing yet another costume - because it has been a few months since the last alternate costume, and video game developers get anxious for new designs. Interestingly, the costume vaguely resembles an alternate future Spider-Man from the year 2211, who last appeared in FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN (http://marvel.wikia.com/Max_Borne_%28Earth-9500%29). In a Comic Book Resources interview, Slott notes that ENDS OF THE EARTH will be relatively self contained within ASM, although there will be a spare one-shot story in which other superheroes react to Dr. Octopus' space scheme. There will also be a Lizard story called NO TURNING BACK this year, drawn by Giuseppe Camoncoli and will also feature Morbius the Living Vampire (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36811).

- In final Spider-Man news, Sony has released a new trailer for "AMAZING SPIDER-MAN", which hits theaters July 3rd (http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/169505-the-new-trailer-for-the-amazing-spider-man). It is directed by Marc Webb and stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The trailer has some minor quipping and makes no bones about the villain being the Lizard. The film seems to attempt to forge new ground from the Sam Raimi legacy with the Stacy family and playing up the legacy of Peter's biological father, versus his adoptive one, Ben Parker. Peter appears to utilize mechanical web-shooters here, so this is essentially a soft reboot of the series.

- For those who missed SUPERBOWL 46 (yay, GIANTS), Marvel Studios have released an extended version of their ad for May's "THE AVENGERS" online. Unlike the trailer for "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES", none of the heroes or villains require subtitles to be understood (http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/169493-the-extended-super-bowl-spot-for-marvels-the-avengers). Marvel also used this opportunity to offer a free digital movie tie-in comic called MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS PRELUDE: NICK FURY'S BIG DAY (http://www.comixology.com/Marvel-s-The-Avengers-Prelude-Fury-s-Big-Week-1-of-4-/digital-comic/19979). It is an eight issue weekly digital series, but the first issue is free for now. The series is written by Chris Yost and Eric Pearson, with art by Luke Ross. Subsequent issues will be 99 cents; amazing how Marvel is willing to cut a break for mainstream movie audiences, but the weekly grind customers are asked to cough up $3.99 and up for any spare rubbish. At any rate, it should aid in hyping up what may be the summer's hottest film.

- In what could become a public relations disaster depending on where the wind blows, the Jack Kirby creator rights movement has started a petition on CHANGE.ORG to start a petition to urge (guilt) Marvel Studios into offering Kirby's heirs royalties from utilizing characters he co-created in "THE AVENGERS" and their latest slate of films, such as Capt. America, Thor, and the Hulk (http://www.change.org/petitions/marvel-entertainment-give-credit-and-royalties-to-jack-kirby-and-his-family). Creator estates versus corporations over "work for hire" and royalty rights have become legal vogue these days. Neal Adams once shamed DC and Warner brothers to credit Superman's creators as "SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE" launched in the late 1970's, but 2012 is a different environment. The Kirby estate recently lost a lawsuit over copyrights. CHANGE.ORG is credited with aiding in the backlash which caused BANK OF AMERICA to drop debit card fees, and it could become a problem if this petition picks up steam. Morally of course, credit is due to the King, whose creations Marvel still relies heavily on.

- The Power Pack return in FF #15, which is written by Jonathan Hickman and drawn by Nick Dragotta (http://www.comicsbeat.com/2012/02/02/preview-power-pack-returns-in-ff-15/). One variant cover is drawn by June Brigman, who co-created POWER PACK in the 1980's and has apparently been getting Marvel work again now that her work on the newspaper strip BRENDA STARR is over. The only awkward bit is how Marvel has aged, and not aged, certain members of the child team. The interior pages also seem to ignore Julie Power's status in AVENGERS ACADEMY. Given the premise - four siblings gain super powers from alien horses and battle evil alien reptiles - it remains stunning how nobody at Marvel has reasoned that it was tailor made to be a Saturday morning cartoon.