The Initiative News

This post relates to: Nexus of All Realities, The Initiative, Portal, Jocasta, Machine Man, Kev Walker, Fred Van Lente, Marvel Zombies, Jennifer Kale, Morbius, Siege, Aquarian, Marvel Zombies 3

Well, after nearly 2 years on Comicvine, I decided to post a review of an issue.  Why so long?  I have some OCD when it comes to this site.  I see something(or don't see something) that is missing or wrong, and I have to fix it.  I have a notebook in which I keep a list of things I see, that need worked on and try to stick to that.  I hope to do more reviews, maybe set a goal of one per week.  I'm not entirely happy with my first, and welcome any feedback on it.

This post relates to: The Initiative

The Initiative is now an account.  We are now looking for newcomers to the Vine.  This blog is to any members with 15 points and under as well as any people who don't know what exactly your doing.  We will help you rank up in points and posts  If you graduate the cadet with the most points will get their own team account.  Cadets that don't even try to gain points will stay back for another semester.  Semesters are four  months.  The first six people to join will be the student body.  Any members after the six will have to wait for the next semester.  The Comic Vine Initiative is here who wants to join and become a better hero for the Vine's future. My name is Iron and I'm the training instructor. Class Begins ! ! ! 

This post relates to: The Initiative

Should we make an Initiative for Comic Vine.  This account will train newcomers to the Vine on editing pages as well as training them with their powers.  So, Comicvine should we make this Comic Vine Initiative.  I want you guys and girls to vote on it by commenting this blog.  We need to train newcomers so they can rank themselves to numbers like 320, 100, and even number 1 for the Future of Comic Vine.  This blog is just a question if we need it you will be the judge of that Comic Vine so please leave comments. 

This post relates to: Skrulls, Ms. Marvel, Black Panther, Avengers: The Initiative, The Initiative, Secret Invasion, Secret Invasion

Excitement Is Building Around All Secret Invasion Tie-Ins!

Are people still excited over this?  Let me first say that I am still enjoying the series.  I do have to say that it has so far fallen a little short of our, or at least my, expectations.  Yes we've had some reveals so far.  Nothing extremely major besides Spider-Woman and Hank Pym.  I guess those were pretty big ones.  We did have the Skrull ship full of "heroes" but so far they're being shows as simply Skrulls under their alien hypnosis.  I'm still rooting for Mockingbird to be the real Mockingbird.  Bendis did tell us some heroes would be returning from the dead.  We are half way through the series right now.  Maybe the biggest stuff is yet to come.

Here's some upcoming tie-ins to look forward to.
 

The blockbuster comic book event of year continues as fans, retailers and critics agree—Secret Invasion is a smash hit! Secret Invasion has everyone asking “Who do you trust?” and the fate of the Marvel Universe may be in the hands of the intergalactic threat known as the Skrulls. In order to fully understand the Skrulls’ plan and how our heroes are working to stop them at all costs, these tie-ins give you the full scope on just how serious and dangerous the Skrulls really are!  

 

Avengers: The Initiative #16 introduces us to a whole new kind of threat and this one isn’t for humans! That’s right true believers, there is only one band of heroes we can trust and in this issue we get the all star return of every Skrull’s worst nightmare, the SKRULL KILL KREW. Could this be what Earth needs to push back the Skrull Invasion.

 AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #16 (JUN082352)
Written by DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by STEFANO CASELLI
Cover by MARK BROOKS
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC 8/07/08 – On Sale 8/27/08

Skrull Kill Krew?  It's about time they showed up.  Where have they been since their comic was canceled waaaaay back?

Also in Black Panther #40 the scope of the invasion is realized. Can the Skrulls make their way into the impenetrable Wakanda? T’Challa’s home nation has a reputation for holding back invaders, but Earth has never seen this kind of threat before. This very well could be the death blow for Wakanda. Will their forces be able to defeat the all new breed of Super-Skrull?

BLACK PANTHER #40 (JUN082369)
Written by JASON AARON
Penciled by JEFTE PALO
Cover by JASON PEARSON
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC 8/07/08 – On Sale 8/27/08

Carol Danvers has had a pretty tough time during the Secret Invasion and in Ms. Marvel #30 her outlook isn’t getting much better. Just when things couldn’t possibly get any worse, Ms. Marvel finds herself on Riker’s Island with a threat that’s BIGGER then the invasion itself! This does not bode well for anyone in the Marvel U. It’s time to welcome our new Skrull overlords.

MS. MARVEL #30 (JUN082362)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by ADRIANA MELO
Cover by GREG HORN
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC 8/07/08 – On Sale 8/27/08

Half time is over and so far the Skrulls have outmatched our heroes. With the Invasion at large, is there any hope left for Earth? Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Secret Invasion and all tie-ins, as they continue to sell out quickly at Diamond. The Skrulls are here…who do you trust?

My other question is, what do you think of the tie-in/crossover issues?  I'm liking the Fantastic Four/Secret Invasion mini-series.  New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, and Avengers: Initiative seem essential.  It's almost as if more is happening in those issues than in the actual Secret Invasion comic. 
 


 

 

This post relates to: The Initiative, Skrulls, Young Avengers, Runaways, Fantastic Four, Ms. Marvel, New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Secret Invasion

The event of the summer continues.  Is it meeting your expectations?  I'm still recovering from last week's massive hit of Secret Invasion tie-ins. 

Secret Invasion Continues To Infiltrate & Sell Out Quickly!

 
The top-selling event of the year continues to steamroll over the competition as Marvel is proud to announce more Secret Invasion tie-in sell outs! Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #2, Ms Marvel #28, Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers #1, Mighty Avengers #15 and Avengers: The Initiative #14 have all sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level). Marvel currently has no plans to go back to press on these issues which reveal secrets behind the Skrull invasion! How were Hank Pym and Spider-Woman replaced? What can the Human Torch and the Thing do to save the FF? What secret does 3-D Man hold? What do the Skrulls want with Hulking and Xavin? All these answers and more have been revealed—but do you know the truth and who you can trust?

With quick sell outs of virtually all Secret Invasion tie-ins, Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on future issues of Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four, Ms Marvel, Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers, Mighty Avengers and Avengers: The Initiative! There’s no comic event this year like Secret Invasion and as the story continues, the Marvel Universe finds itself altered irrevocably!

 



The Invasion continues in these upcoming tie-ins:


MIGHTY AVENGERS #16 (MAY082304)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by KHOI PHAM
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated A …$2.99
On-Sale—7/16/08





NEW AVENGERS #43 (MAY082305)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by BILLY TAN
Cover by ALEKSI BRICLOT
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—7/1/08, On-Sale—7/23/08





AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #15 (MAY082306)
Written by DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by HARVEY TOLIBAO
Cover by MARK BROOKS
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—7/1/08, On-Sale—7/23/08





SECRET INVASION: FANTASTIC FOUR #3 (of 3) (MAY082309)
Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA
Penciled by BARRY KITSON
Cover by ALAN DAVIS
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—7/1/08, On-Sale—7/23/08





MS. MARVEL #29 (MAY082313)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by ADRIANA MELO
Cover by GREG HORN
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—7/10/08, On-Sale—7/30/08





SECRET INVASION: RUNAWAYS/YOUNG AVENGERS #2 (of 3) (MAY082308)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST
Art by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Cover by MICHAEL RYAN
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—7/24/08, On-Sale—8/13/08

This post relates to: The Initiative

Colossus on a non-X-Team?  What happened between him and Kitty?  Wonder if She-Hulk will try to hook up with him.  She's usually pretty...frisky.  Wonder if this is going to be a serious team or more of a joke. 

The newest Initiative team has been deployed to…..New Jersey! The Last Defenders #1 (of 6), written by the sensational Joe Casey with lush pencils by Jim Muniz, starts us off with seasoned Defender veteran Nighthawk in action taking down some Serpent goons. After scoring a meeting with S.H.I.E.L.D director, Tony Stark, Nighthawk has got his super powered team consisting of his old friend Blazing Skull (who’s just looking to beat baddies up), She Hulk (who wants to get back at Tony Stark) and the former X-Man, Colossus (who has no place left to go). In their first mission, the team takes down the Sons of Serpents while awaking the feared Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl. There’s no telling how they will get themselves out of this one!

“The Last Defenders is the Marvel series I've been waiting my entire career to write,” said Casey. “Every issue is jam-packed with superhero teambook goodness. Jim's art is phenomenal, and industry legend Keith Giffen pitched in with his classic storytelling chops. For me as a writer, this one's really got it all.”

The Last Defenders is rip-roaring adventure and sure to make a Defenders fan out of anyone new and old! How will Nighthawk fare as a team leader? Can he control this team of quarrelsome hotheads? Also, there is trouble brewing in the sea beneath them and in the skies above! Find out who’s planning to make this team work for their paycheck in The Last Defenders #1 (of 6)

THE LAST DEFENDERS #1 (of 6) (JAN082155)
Written by JOE CASEY
Breakdowns by KEITH GIFFEN
Pencils by JIM MUNIZ
Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN & MORRY HOLLOWELL
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—2/21/08, On Sale--3/12/08

This post relates to: Dan Slott, The Initiative, Skrulls

Has anyone listened to Marvel's podcasts?  I'll admit, I only subscribe to a couple podcasts.  My problem is finding the time to actually listen to them.  They just start stacking up on my computer.  It is a cool thing that Marvel is "getting with it" and putting these podcasts together.  Reading interviews is one thing but actually hearing from real people is another.  This Skrull stuff is just going to get crazier and crazier.  The Marvel Universe has to adopt the X-Files catchphrase of "Trust No One."

Who better to speak about State of the Initiative than the Initiative’s number one drill sergeant? In this latest edition of the Mighty Marvel Podcast, Avengers: The Initiative writer Dan Slott discussed thinning the pack of the heroes training at Camp Hammond in the upcoming Avengers: The Initiative story arc entitled “Killed In Action”. Providing hints about who’ll live and who’ll die, Slott also gave an ominous warning about the Skrull-fueled Secret Invasion and the full extent of their infiltration! State of the Initiative Podcast Part 3 is the final installment of the State of the Initiative three part series, hosted by fan-favorite Marvel personality Jeff Suter, and it’s available on Marvel.Com today! To feast your ears on this Mighty Marvel Podcast, download and listen to it right here: http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.1622


Examining the Post-Civil War Initiative’s effect on the Marvel Universe, and giving fans a sneak peek at the upcoming mega Marvel event Secret Invasion, this is the podcast series you can’t afford to miss! The first two thrilling installments of the State of the Initiative Podcast, featuring the sensational writers Brian Reed and Brian Michael Bendis, can be found here: http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.1622


So, True Believers, tune into upcoming Mighty Marvel Podcasts, featuring the Hulk, X-Force, Wolverine, Thunderbolts, and the next chapter of the cosmically charged Annihilation books!


Don’t miss Slott’s next issue of the critically-acclaimed Avengers: The Initiative!


AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #8 (OCT072087)
Written by DAN SLOTT
Pencils & Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
KILLED IN ACTION (Part 1 of 4)
Rated T+ …$2.99
ON-SALE—12/28/07!

 

 

This post relates to: Mighty Avengers, Illuminati, The Initiative, New Avengers

Who would've thought that Skrulls could be cool?  I mean these are the guys that were tricked into thinking they were cows (and then later turned into Skrullburgers, yum).  Then again, when hasn't Bendis surprised us.  I'm really looking forward to this.  Five years in the making?  Sounds good.  I like a well, thought out plot rather than a quick slapped together story.  It seems like there's an actual story here.  No shocking death (besides Elektra, who I'd say is still alive somewhere) to sell the story.  I'm so tired of the "let's kill _________ (insert semi-major character here) so we can show the world how bold we are and then we'll bring them back later in a somewhat clever way."  Don't get me wrong, I know Bendis "killed" Hawkeye and brought him back (I wasn't impressed with that "idea").  I know that Brubaker is doing a great job with the death of Cap.  It's just we don't need the same thing over and over.  Death is so meaningless in comics.  Raise your hand if you believe that Cable's dead.  Comic characters are like the Terminator.  They'll always "be back."

So who's a Skrull?  Stark is a major jerkwad but making him a Skrull is too easy.  Cap being a dead Skrull would be too easy too (plus his body reverted to an old man, not a Skrull).  Dr. Strange seems to be acting a little weird but I don't think he's one.  But he did do that spell to see if everyone (in the New Avengers) was innocent and didn't pick up on the fact that Luke Cage's kid had glowy eyes.  It's also kinda interesting that both Strange and Stark are on opposite sides yet they are both in the Illuminati. 

I just hope they tie up all the dangling stories first.  The Mighty Avengers are still fighting Ultron (and Iron Man is still a hot chick) and there's also the World War Hulk tie stuff where the two groups have basically put aside their differences.  Whatever happened to continuity?

It’s the event over five years in the making and now that the Skrulls’ plans have come to light, it’s time for Secret Invasion: Infiltration to be exposed! All Marvel titles bearing the Secret Invasion: Infiltration banner provide crucial tie-ins to the most anticipated event of 2008—Secret Invasion. If you want to know everything about the machinations of the shape shifting Skrulls, the secret agents hiding in the Marvel Universe and just how the heroes prepare for the most explosive battle of 2008, then you can’t miss an issue of the Infiltration!

In New Avengers: Illuminati #5, by the red-hot creative team of writers Brian Bendis, Brian Reed and artist Jimmy Cheung, the mysterious Illuminati come together to discuss the shocking discovery in New Avengers #31—the Skrull body of Elektra! As this evidence of invasion is presented to the group, they must decide what this means to the future of Earth and who they can trust! By the end of the issue, the Illuminati will never be the same again as a jaw dropping revelation with the team—and readers—stunned. War is declared…but by who?

Then, in Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1, from acclaimed author Dan Slott and a line-up of fan-favorite artists including Salvador Larroca, Clayton Henry, Patrick Scherberger and cover artist Jimmy Cheung, secrets of the Initiative are revealed! As the hidden origins of MVP, Armory, Hardball and more are brought to light, readers will gain insight into the inner workings of Tony Stark’s bold new vision…and into the Skrull invasion? You’ll never guess how it all comes together and just who is responsible for this deception!

This November, the next stage of the Skrull offensive is uncovered in Secret Invasion: Infiltration and there’s no going back for the Marvel Universe! Lives will be shattered as every hero and villain is forced to ask…Who Do You Trust?


Don’t miss the opening salvos in New Avengers: Illuminati #5 and Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1!


NEW AVENGERS: ILLUMINATI #5 (of 5) (SEP072217)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & BRIAN REED
Pencils & Cover by JIM CHEUNG
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—10/18/07, On-Sale-11/7/07


AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE ANNUAL #1 (SEP072183)
Written by DAN SLOTT
Penciled by SALVADOR LARROCA, TOM FEISTER, STEVE UY, PATRICK SCHERBERGER AND CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—10/18/07, On-Sale-11/7/07

This post relates to: Scarlet Spiders, The Initiative, Spider-Man

I've been interested in this concept when it first showed up in The Initiative.  Unfortunately I still haven't read the last issue (or two).  Too many comics (and submissions) to read.  I going to get my hopes up and cross my fingers that this will be something cool.  We get to see one of the "faces" behind one of the Spiders.  It just better not be a let down.  I don't want it to be Paste Pot Pete or someone lame (yes I know he doesn't go by that name anymore).  What does worry me that Spider-Man's appearance is listed as a "pre-One More Day" appearance.  That means this has already "happened."

Peter Parker and the Scarlet Spiders take center stage in Avengers: The Initiative #7, providing the perfect jumping-on point for new readers! From the acclaimed team of writer Dan Slott (She-Hulk) and artist Stefano Caselli comes this tale of the mysterious Scarlet Spiders, top secret agents who wear the Iron Spider armor and fight for Tony Stark’s bold vision known as The Initiative. But by the end of this story, one of their identities will be exposed…and it’s a face that fans will recognize! Plus, Peter Parker makes an important pre-One More Day appearance…but just why does he cross paths with the Initiative?

Critics continue to praise Avengers: The Initiative, as the series continues to impress fans and critics alike. “Definitely worth a read,” said Gabriel Diaz of Comixtreme.com. “Slott is perfectly suited to write theses angst riddled super hero wannabes as they are taken through the motions to becoming someone great.”

“Slott's Avengers: The Initiative may be the latest to arrive to the party, but it also happens to be the best,” gushed IGN.Com’s Richard George.

Just who is behind on of the Scarlet Spiders’ masks? How does Peter Parker’s meeting appearance impact his future? Don’t miss the exciting answers in Avengers: The Initiative #7, as shocking secrets are revealed in this issue perfect for new readers!

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #7 (AUG072210)
Written by DAN SLOTT
Pencils & Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—10/11/07, On-Sale 10/31/07

This post relates to: Charlie Huston, Tomm Coker, Moon Knight, The Initiative, Mike Benson

Aw man, why Mark, why?  He fought the law and law won?  I think that Moon Knight has something up his sleeve.  He wants to kick bad guys' butt and joining the Initiative will grant him a license to do so.  I can't see Stark giving him free reign.  Then again, they did work together before.   I am saddened that Charlie Huston's run is over.  It's been a fun ride even though it almost seems that Moon Knight has become crazier over the twelve issues. 

He’s fought against the system, but now Moon Knight joins The Initiative in the special double-sized Moon Knight #13, by acclaimed novelist Charlie Huston and special guest artist Tomm Coker! After Iron Man makes him an offer he can’t refuse, Marc Spector decides to work with the government and he’ll do whatever it takes to get his registration card. But when he’s forced to undergo a revealing psychiatric evaluation, is there any way that anyone could find Moon Knight to be sane and fit for duty? Meanwhile, those whose lives have been touched during Charlie Huston’s acclaimed first year on Moon Knight evaluate their lives and set themselves down new paths, leading to a fiery conclusion!

“[Huston’s] dialogue and pacing mixes very well with the Moon Knight mythos,” exclaimed Jason Zwiker of PopMatters.com. “He can even wax eloquent on the madness and mayhem and give it a few kicks (right in the ribs, maybe breaking a few in the process) of slapstick.”

Packed with extra pages of story, Moon Knight #13 delves deep into the mind of Moon Knight, setting the stage for incoming writer Mike Benson’s (of HBO’s Entourage and Punisher MAX Annual fame) thrilling new direction for the series! How far will Moon Knight go to gain government clearance to fight crime? Find out in Moon Knight #13!


MOON KNIGHT #13 (JUL072180)
Written by CHARLIE HUSTON
Pencils & Cover by TOMM COKER
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—10/4/07, 10/24/07