Last week I talked about the fantastic run Chip Zdarsky’s had on Daredevil over the past few years (you can see what I’m talking about here). Well, with the release of the first issue of the new mini-series Devil’s Reign, Zdarsky is taking things to the next level.
There’s a lot of talk about the Kingpin these days, partially because of his potential appearance in the Hawkeye Disney+ series, but it’s also because in current Marvel Comics, Wilson Fisk is the Mayor of New York City. But the world of NYC isn’t enough, and in Devil’s Reign we see that Fisk is looking to make a run to become President of the United States of America. But before, he’s looking to take down some of the biggest heroes in the world – the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and many more. Fisk has his own army of supervillains to do battle with the heroes, but all of this is really setting up Fisk desire for even more power as the potential POTUS. You don’t need to have been following the recent Daredevil run, though you’ll certainly have a greater appreciation for what Zdarsky and artist Marco Checchetto are doing in Devil’s Reign #1 if you’re coming in with the backstory. Either way, if you love your big events street level, this is a series you’ll want to dive into.
Holiday Gift Guide Suggestions
There have been many great Marvel collections that have come out over the past twelve months, some that I wasn’t able to get do in this column, so if you’re looking to pick up some solid collections for the Marvel Zombie or comic reader in your life, here are a few classic suggestions to consider.
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2: All the new Mighty Marvel Masterworks line are smaller-sized collections that are portably and packed with classic stories. This is some pretty solid reading as Spider-Man: No Way Home is what we’re all thinking about.
Collects Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #11-19, Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) #1. The stories that built the Marvel Universe, from the brilliant minds of legendary creators – now available in an accessible new format the whole family can enjoy! Peter Parker has not been Spider-Man for very long, but the threats this newly minted hero must face are mounting quickly! Experience the debuts of Mysterio, Kraven the Hunter, the Scorpion – and most dastardly of all, the Green Goblin! And as if that weren’t enough, the eight-armed Doctor Octopus has returned, determined to unmask Spidey! Plus: Witness the wall-crawler’s first meetings with Daredevil and the Hulk, and the continuing development of his love/hate friendship with the Human Torch! But when Doc Ock recruits five villainous allies to join him in the Sinister Six, Spider-Man will face the battle of his life!
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor Volume 1 – The Vengeance of Loki: Want to find out how Stan Lee and Jack Kirby brought Norse mythology into Marvel Comics. Here’s where you start:
Collects Material from Journey into Mystery (1952) #83-100. While vacationing in Norway, Dr. Donald Blake happened upon a hidden cave. Inside, he found a strange, gnarled cane. Upon hitting the cane on a rock, the hobbled doctor was struck by a sudden bolt of lightning — and found himself transformed into the mighty Thor, God of Thunder and champion of Asgard! Now journey across the Rainbow Bridge to eternal Asgard and meet Odin, Heimdall, Balder and Thor’s evil adopted brother, Loki! Thrill to the formative adventures that put Thor on the heroic map of Midgard! And learn the mythological origins of the Norse pantheon in the fan-favorite “Tales of Asgard” backup features!
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers Volume 1 – The Coming of the Avengers: The final book I’ll feature from this series includes stories that really had an incredible affect on not only the storytelling of the past, but on how the world now makes movies. The roots of the MCU and the Infinity Saga is found in this title.
Collects Avengers (1963) #1-10. Gathering together to face the evil Loki, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Ant-Man and the Wasp join forces to become Marvel’s most powerful team of heroes! And when Captain America returned from the frozen depths to battle alongside them, the Avengers truly took form! In this collection of the earliest adventures of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, meet Kang the Conqueror, Wonder Man, the Space Phantom and Baron Zemo – and witness the debut of the Masters of Evil! But when a furious Hulk quits the Avengers and teams with the savage Sub-Mariner, will the green giant smash his former comrades? Let the cry ring out: Avengers Assemble!
