Andy Lanning News

This post relates to: Paul Pelletier, Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians Of The Galaxy

Marvel has given us a preview for issue #4.  I've mentioned before how I wasn't the biggest fan of the Annihilation stories.  I'm not sure why.  I love space stories and dug most of the characters.  Something was just off for me.  I don't think it really had anything to do with the actual story.  Guess I just wasn't in an epic space sci-fi mood when they came out.  I bought all the issues and tie-ins but still haven't read them all.  I kept getting them in the hope that someday I'd go back and finish the story.  We'll see.

I am enjoying Guardians of the Galaxy.  I really liked the original team.  Even though this team is as different from that one as you can get, I'm digging them.  It's not your standard team.  They don't really like each other.  It's not a bunch of people holding each others' hands.  They're good at what they do and have sort of been forced together.  Now with the threat of Skrull infiltrations, things are going to get even more interesting.

In stores on 8/20/08

Guardians of the Galaxy 4

SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!

When their HQ is sabotaged, the universe’s scrappiest squad of butt-kickers must ask themselves: “Who do you trust?” Is there a Skrull amongst the Guardians? Maybe the recently returned and revamped Adam Warlock? Or Star-Lord, who now hides behind a mask? And a talking raccoon and a telepathic dog? C’mon, people, you just know they’re evil infiltrators! So jump onboard, Secret Invasion maniacs, and find out why ComicPants.com says: "(Writers DnA are on fire right now, and this team is brilliant."

Review

I'll start off by saying I liked this issue.  I liked issues 1 and 2 but still haven't read issue 3.  When I got this early copy, I thought I'd read it right away because of the Skrulls Secret Invasion tie-in. 

I may have missed exactly where the GotG are stationed but I thought the Skrulls just wanted to take over Earth.  I was wondering what their angle would be to infiltrate this team.  I do understand that it could be of value and help prevent any future attacks if they managed to take Earth. 

What this issue does do well is plant a lot of seeds.  Think about all the different members.  They are all perfect contenders for being replaced by a Skrull.  They have all gone through recent changes.  Imagine if they were all Skrulls and just didn't know it.  I'm still not 100% sold on this title.  This issue has sparked my interest a little more.  I will be moving up a little higher in my stack of comics to read.  I do think issue 5 will have more bang to it.  It may not be fair to this issue, but because of that, I'm giving it a 3.5 out of 5.

This post relates to: Paul Pelletier, Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Guardians Of The Galaxy

I wasn't too thrilled with some of the Annihilation stories.  Not exactly sure why.  Of course I had to pick up this series.  I like the way it's starting out.  I like that these aren't the typical buddy-teammates that we've seen too many times.  I am especially interested in the certain person they discovered last issue.  Will he play a role in this team?  If so, then I am definitely hooked.  So here's your chance to see what you might be missing.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Legacy Redefines Marvel’s Cosmic Universe!

 
Due to overwhelming demand for the sold-out Guardians of the Galaxy #1 and #2, Marvel is going back to the press with a special one-shot collecting the first two critically acclaimed issues!  Guardians of the Galaxy: Legacy Must-Have introduces Star-Lord and a new rag-tag team of sci-fi heroes determined to protect the cosmos and save the universe!  From the acclaimed team of writers, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, featuring a brand new incredibly stunning cover from fan-favorite interior artist, Paul Pelletier – the  Guardians of the Galaxy are unleashed in an out of this world book that has become one of 2008’s most popular new series!

The critics have spoken and they love Guardians of the Galaxy!

“The book is fast paced, yet packed with insight and personal interludes, tempered by glorious visual fireworks, making this seem like an under publicized big screen gem set to runaway with more box office receipts than the production studio thought it was worth…This is a summer comic at its very best.” – Doug Zawisza of ComicBookResources.com

“Guardians of the Galaxy further proves there's plenty of life in the Marvel Universe out among the stars. With a rip-roaringly good cast, trippy visuals… this series has all but cemented its place in my pull list permanently.” – Jesse Schedeen of IGN.com

“Guardians of the Galaxy is a space adventure that is fun and engaging, and definitely worth your three bucks.” – Steven M. Bari of ComicsBulletin.com

“Guardians of the Galaxy is, a tremendous, action-packed extravaganza that pulsates with entertainment and style.” – Nick Budd of ComicPants.com

“We've got highfalutin space action, and an anthropomorphic raccoon stealing the show… It also helps that this was one of those damn fun comics that you always love to run across.” – Humphrey Lee of AintItCoolNews.com

“DnA have the chops to pull off big action oriented sci-fi comic goodness like they have done on Annihilation Conquest and the Nova monthly. The art team is fantastic and should provide beautiful imagery for the duration.” – Robert Tocapina of ComicAddiction.com

Who are these members of this motley crew of extraterrestrial protectors? And how did they band together? This is your chance to find out and catch up on these sold out issues in Guardians of the Galaxy: Legacy Must-Have!

 
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: LEGACY MUST-HAVE (MAY088163)
Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING
Penciled and Cover by PAUL PELLETIER
Rated T+…$3.99
FOC—7/10/08, On-Sale—7/30/08

This post relates to: Paul Pelletier, Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Guardians Of The Galaxy

Issue 1 left with a "holy crap" cliffhanger.  A figure frozen in ice with, what appears to be, Captain America's shield.  Is this Marvel's way to bring Cap back from the dead?  Please don't tell me you think that's even possible.  It was an interesting twist.  I did like the issue more than the recent Annihilation stuff.

So who is frozen in the ice?  It's not that hard to figure out who.  I'm a little bummed that I've pretty much had who I thought confirmed already.  It will be cool.  I'm happy.  But it does make sense.  As for "how," that's what we'll have to wait and see.  I would say also if you do know, don't post it and reveal it to those that don't.  Not yet.

Guardians of The Galaxy #2 Brings Back…

As the newly formed Guardians of the Galaxy embark on a deadly mission, their only hope for success may rest with the return of a beloved Marvel hero…but just WHO? And why do they have Captain America’s shield?

Find out this Wednesday in Guardians of The Galaxy #2!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #2
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by PAUL PELLETIER
Cover by CLINT LANGLEY
Rated T+ …$2.99
ON-SALE 6/18/08!

This post relates to: Nova, Warlock, Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett

I was a little surprised and pleased to see Warlock again.  It feels like it's been a while.  I do have to say that I sort of want Conquest to end.  I want to see where Nova will go next.  I love a good space adventure but there's just been something that's felt a little off for me.

Selffriends, everyone’s favorite New Mutant Warlock has returned in the pages of Nova! But the comeback may be short-lived as Warlock, his protégé Tyro, and a transmode virus-infected Nova must face an enraged Technarch adult in Nova #12. And with the Phalanx-delivered virus ravaging his body, can Nova survive to lead this strange calvary into the double-sized Annihilation: Conquest #6?

Month after month, Nova has reviewers like Ain’t It Cool News raving, “The series that knocked my socks off with each and every issue this year was Nova…and more than any other series, has me chomping at the bit for the next issue.”

Warlock has never looked so good thanks to the pencils of Paul Pelletier, inker Rick Magyar, and colorist Guru eFX. And writers Andy Lanning & Dan Abnett have crafted a story more than worthy of the former cult fave.

With the events of this issue leading directly into the conclusion of Annihilation: Conquest, plus the return of this beloved New Mutant, you do not want to miss Nova #12!


NOVA #12 (FEB082250)
Written by ANDY LANNING & DAN ABNETT
Penciled by PAUL PELLETIER
Cover by ALEX MALEEV
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC – 3/20, On-Sale – 4/9/2008

This post relates to: Ultron, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning

Will the bad guy win?

It’s a rag-tag band of the universe’s bravest sci-fi heroes against the seemingly unstoppable Ultron in a battle so big it needed a double-sized issue to show it all! Annihilation: Conquest #6 (of 6), from the acclaimed writing team of DnA (Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning) and the fan-favorite art duo of Tom Raney & Wellinton Alves, presents the battle that will determine the fate of both the Kree Empire and Earth! Wrapped in a stunning cover by rising star artist Aleksi Briclot, this is the issue that reveals the fates of Nova, Adam Warlock, Quasar, Star-Lord and all the heroes caught in the climactic cosmic conflict!

“Do you like evil robots, green-skinned assassins, warrior sorcerers, human rockets and talking raccoons? Then have we got the comic for you!” said editor Bill Rosemann. “DnA weave all the seemingly-unconnected threads together in this issue as all our major players collide on the burning streets of Hala! All this, plus the seeds are planted for the upcoming new Guardians of the Galaxy!”

Who will survive? Who will fall? And what is the price of victory? Discover the jaw-dropping answers in Annihilation: Conquest #6, concluding the epic that IGN.com crowns, “one of the best event books of the year.”



ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST #6 (of 6) (JAN082137)
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by TOM RANEY & WELLINTON ALVES
Inked by SCOTT HANNA
Colored by FRANK D’ARMATA
Cover by ALEKSI BRICLOT
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/9/08

This post relates to: Nova, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning

Yes!  Nova is back on Earth.  Don't get me wrong.  I love a good space adventure as much as anyone but I'd rather see him mixing things up with the Earthbound heroes.  Why not have him come fight in the Secret Invasion?  You have to admit it was nice seeing him stand up to Iron Man. 

The repercussions of Annihilation: Conquest reveal a look into the Human Rocket's past, and even his future, in the extra-sized Nova Annual #1!

Following the events of Nova #10, Richard Rider has pushed himself to his very limits. After the Phalanx infected the last centurion with their insidious transmode virus, Nova fought to free himself from the control of the tyrannical techno-organic species, but has not yet been able to expel the invader from his system. On the verge of finally reaching the Phalanx’s homeworld, and possibly securing the help that could halt the Conquest, Nova discovers his war against the Phalanx may already be lost!

In their review of Nova #10, Comixtreme.com declared Nova "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!" and said "(writers) Abnett/Lanning brilliantly set up the upcoming Nova Annual #1, putting the hero in dire straits and making the Annual a must-read, to cover an important chapter in Nova's battle against the Phalanx virus."

Written by the red-hot writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, along with the eye-melting art of Dynamo 5’s Mahmud S. Asrar (who makes his Marvel debut here), Klebs and Wellinton Alves, Nova Annual #1 is an integral chapter in the continuing story not only of the Human Rocket, but of the entire Annihilation: Conquest event. Find out why Nova made many critics’ “Books of the Year” lists in this great jumping-on point!


NOVA ANNUAL #1 (DEC072209)
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by MAHMUD S. ASRAR, KLEBS & WELLINTON ALVES
Cover by NIC KLEIN
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC - 1/24, On-Sale 2/13/2008

Oh, wait.  A "look into [his] past."  Hmmm...

 

 

This post relates to: Ultron, Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Phyla, Starlord

All I can say is it was about time that Adam Warlock showed his face.

In Annihilation: Conquest #1, not only did the fan-favorite cosmic hero Adam Warlock return, but the true villain behind the invasion of the Kree Empire was revealed… the Avengers’ infamous robotic arch-nemesis, Ultron! Marvel’s epic sci-fi series continues in Annihilation: Conquest #2 (of 6) as the acclaimed creative team of writers Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning and penciler Tom Raney continue to deliver shocking twists and amazing visuals! Can the desperate team of Quasar, Moondragon, and the newly revived Adam Warlock unlock the secrets of the High Evolutionary? Did Ronan’s motley crew survive their fiery fate in issue #1? And, hey…issue #2 brings Star-Lord and his crazy squad into the action!

Critics and fans alike continue to rave about the cosmic event. “What stands out most about the story put forth in this title is the writing,” Nick Budd of Comicpants.com stated. “[All the Conquest tie-ins] have all had some of the best writing that I’ve seen lately in comics. That seems like a bold statement, and it is, but it’s the god’s honest truth... Annihilation: Conquest surprises the heck out of you with great reveals and superb action."

Brian Warmoth of Wizarduniverse.com com agrees: “{Annihilation: Conquest is} a can’t-miss…the cosmic big guns are all getting cocked right now…the action and artwork are great, and there’s always a payoff. I have yet to be let down with an Annihilation title, and this one doesn’t look to be jostling the bar anytime soon.”

Jesse Schedeen of IGN.com raves: “Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning managed to weave a story that‘s accessible to new readers without alienating the fans who have been following this story since August…Much like with the original Annihilation, the toll of the war is felt in every panel. Despite the fact that we're reading about godlike characters who kick around asteroids like soccer balls, the battles play out in a very brutal and guerrilla-like fashion.”

Big Tom Casual of NewSeedComics.blogspot.com weighs in with: “Annihilation: Conquest is another fully realized, beautifully produced space opera that is showing all the signs of being just as good as the original.”

So if you were shocked by issue one, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! More action, answers and even more mysteries arrive in Annihilation: Conquest #2!

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST #2 (of 6) (OCT072084)
Written by ANDY LANNING & DAN ABNETT
Penciled by TOM RANEY
Cover by ALEKSI BRICLOT
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—11/15/07, On-Sale—12/05/07

This post relates to: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Nova, Adi Granov

I like sci-fi and all but I think I'd much rather have Nova back on Earth.  Think I'm getting a littel burnt out on all this Annihilation stuff.

He’s gone helmet-to-helmet with Iron Man, been burnt to a crisp, replaced by a Kree and turned evil. Yes, the last member of the Nova Corps has been put through the ringer, but as an all-new storyline begins in Nova #8, Richard Rider (a.k.a. Nova) may face his greatest challenge yet! The acclaimed writing team of Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (Annihilation: Conquest) are joined by special guest artist Wellinton Alves (Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake: The First Death), who joins the critically acclaimed series for this important three-part arc. When Nova escaped the clutches of the Phalanx in issue #7, he thought he was one step closer to ending their malevolent march through Annihilation: Conquest. Instead, the Human Rocket now finds himself at what just may be the edge of the universe!

“Who are Xarth’s Mightiest heroes? What is Cosmo? And where in the heck did Wellinton Alves come from?” asked editor Bill Rosemann. “All of us love stories that shock us – that have us wondering what could possibly be coming next – and reviewer after reviewer are applauding the rollercoaster that Dan and Andy are taking them on. And I have a feeling that readers are going to enjoy the extra shot of awesomeness that Wellinton is bringing to the show. Best of all, even if you’ve never read a single issue of Nova before this, issue #8 hits the ground running with everything you need to know to enjoy the action.”

If he survives the next three issues in one piece, Nova’s going to find himself with new allies, new villains…and a creepy complication that promises to bedevil him for months to come! Don’t miss your chance to jump onboard the epic sci-fi adventure that Aint It Cool News calls “without a doubt, the best Marvel ongoing series of the year.”


NOVA #8 (SEP072218)
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by WELLINTON ALVES
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—10/25/07, On-Sale—11/14/07

This post relates to: Phyla, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Tom Raney, Moondragon

I liked Annihilation when it first started.  Lately it's sorta...fizzled for me.  I lost the enthusiasm I had in the beginning.  I can't even keep track of how many different series there's been.  Now here comes another one.  But be prepared to have your jaw "drop on the floor."  If they're going to hype it up like that, they better be able to deliver.  And who is that on the cover to issue 3?

After the shocking discovery in Annihilation: Conquest—Quasar #4, the prophesized savior of the universe stands revealed…but the universe still has no idea who’s truly behind the Conquest!

As Annihilation: Conquest #1 (of 6) opens, the new Quasar and the former Avenger known as Moondragon believe they’ve found a way to turn the tide in the war against the techno-organic threat of the Phalanx. But just who—or what—is the so-called liberator and will it choose to oppose an enemy who’s slaughtered all in its way? And just when you think that you’ve seen it all, the last-page shocker – brought to you by Nova writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning and red-hot penciler Tom Raney -- will have every Marvel fan’s jaw on the floor! The true mastermind behind Conquest is revealed…and you’ll never guess who’s been pulling the strings! Top it off with stunning covers by Aleski Briclot, and this limited series has more sci-fi thrills than you can shake a Skrull at!

“If you’ve read the Prologue and have been following Nova, Quasar, Wraith and Star-Lord, know that the action, drama and mysteries are only going to rocket even higher when Conquest #1 hits. But if you’ve been waiting for Conquest itself, everything’s been planned for your arrival,” said series editor Bill Rosemann. “Dan and Andy know that, like the cover says, this will be the first issue for many readers, so all the players and all the stakes will be clearly arranged for your discovery. If you’ve poked around online, you’ve no doubt heard the buzz about the craziness that’s been going down – now it’s your chance to see what cards the creators still have hidden up their sleeves. Robots, dragons and raccoons…oh my!”

It’s all been leading up to these pulse-pounding revelations and the battle you never expected to see! Alliances are formed, sinister plans set into motion and a final stand begins against a seemingly unstoppable foe in Annihilation: Conquest #1!

Don’t forget to check out the brand new Annihilation Podcast at Marvel.Com, featuring Abnett and Lanning dishing exclusive details about this year’s most anticipated—and acclaimed—cosmic event! You can find it at " />http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.1652


ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST #1 (of 6) (SEP072181)
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by TOM RANEY
Cover by ALEKSI BRICLOT
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—10/18/07, On-Sale—11/7/07

This post relates to: Nova, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning

Here's a preview for issue #5.

Marvel is proud to announce that NOVA #4, written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (ANNIHILATION: NOVA) and drawn by Sean Chen (IRON MAN), has sold out at Diamond (though copies may still be available at the retail level). This sell-out marks the fourth straight time that Nova has rocketed out of stores immediately—and things are only getting more intense! Nova #4’s stunning conclusion found Richard Rider, the last remaining member of the Nova Corps, seemingly dead at the hands of Phalanx.

“We can't believe we've sold out 4 issues in a row, that's fantastic. It just goes to show how many loyal fans of the Human Rocket there are out there.” said Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. “We hope the twists and surprises are still keeping everyone entertained, and judging from the ending of issue #4 you can bet there are some real shocks on the way as Nova finds himself--or should that be herself ?--involved in Annihilation: Conquest!”

“Four for four? Who would have thunk it?” added editor Bill Rosemann. “Actually, with the amazing Annihilation launching pad, the Initiative tie-in issues, the strong reviews and word of mouth, maybe we should have seen this coming. A tip of the Nova helmet to the amazing work of writers Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, penciler Sean Chen, inker Scott Hanna, colorist Guru eFX, letterer Cory Petit, cover artist Adi Granov and new team mate artist Brian Denham. Whether you’re reading the entire Annihilation: Conquest story or not, we appreciate every reader that’s joining the wild ride. On second thought, why aren’t you reading the entire Annihilation: Conquest story? Come on, people! It’s got knights and gunslingers and raccoons!”

Jesse Shedeen of IGN.com calls Nova #4 a “must read,” saying that it’s “easily the best issue of the series so far…This same creative team helped cement the original Nova mini-series as Annihilation's best tie-in, and they seemed poised already to do the same with this arc.”

With Marvel’s break-out hit NOVA continuing to garner support from critics and fans alike (not to mention four straight sell-outs), Marvel is advising retailer’s to check their orders for upcoming issues of this hit series. Is Ko-Rel the new Nova…and the galaxy’s last hope? And is Richard Rider truly dead? Find out more in Marvel’s newest hit series, NOVA!

Please note that Marvel has no plans to go back to press on NOVA #4 at this time.


NOVA #5 (JUN072139)
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by SEAN CHEN & BRIAN DENHAM
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—7/19/07, On-Sale—8/8/07