The best to worst Marvel Comics solicits for September 2017

As Secret Empire [finally] ends, Generations, Marvel Legacy, and Venomverse begin in this look at Marvel’s fall comic book offerings highlights.

Number 1

"AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #11RYAN STEGMAN (w)BRIAN LEVEL (a)Cover by RYAN STEGMAN• The Green Goblin returns!• Normie Osborn has been plotting behind the scenes for the past year…now his plans are finally ready.• Will the Spider-Family be prepared for what he has in store for them?32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99"

Commentary: The idea that Norman Osborn’s grandson becomes a Green Goblin has been before in Spider-Girl. However, the Normie Osborn of this universe is not only still very much a kid, but has a creepy obsession with Annie. That gives this Spider-Man and Green Goblin confrontation an added layer which also emphasizes it as a feud between two families. This definitely sounds like a comic worth getting, especially for those already following this series.

Number 2

"PETER PARKER: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #4CHIP ZDARSKY (w) • ADAM KUBERT (a/C)VENOMIZED AUNT MAY VARIANT COVER BY JULIAN TOTINO• A classic villain has reinvented himself, and it does not bode well for Spider-Man!• And what is J. JONAH JAMESON up to NOW?!32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99"

Commentary: The identity of the revamped “classic villain” doesn’t interest me as much as J. Jonah Jameson’s current status. If you haven’t followed the Spider-Man comics, the news channel Jonah worked for fired him after Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy for his collusion with New U. The last time we saw Jonah was him cleaning out his desk in the penultimate issue of Silk. His re-appearance in a Spider-Man comic, however, isn’t a surprise. After all, Jonah is just too good of a character to waste.

Number 3

"RUNAWAYS #1RAINBOW ROWELL (W) • KRIS ANKA (A/C)Variant Cover by RON LIMVariant Cover by KEVIN WADAVariant Cover by TBAYoung Variant Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNGVENOMIZED PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY TBATelevision Variant Cover Also AvailableGET READY TO RUN!The “IT” book of the early 2000s with the original cast is back – Nico! Karolina! Molly! Chase! Old Lace! And, could it be? GERT?! The heart of the Runaways died years ago, but you won’t believe how she returns! Superstar author Rainbow Rowell (Eleanor & Park, Carry On) makes her Marvel debut with fan-favorite artist Kris Anka (ALL-NEW X-MEN, CAPTAIN MARVEL) in the series that will shock you and break your heart!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99"

Commentary: This solicit could also have added, “Before you see the new upcoming hit series on Hulu,” since that’s likely why Marvel is publishing a new Runaways comic. Whatever the reason behind its return, having a Runaways comic book series again is still great. Not to mention, it’s also bringing Gert back (possibly using time travel, I’d imagine), as she, along with Nico and Molly, was one of the better characters. Even so, it’s going to take a lot to live up to Brian K. Vaughn’s original run.

Number 4

"GENERATIONS: SAM WILSON CAPTAIN AMERICA & STEVE ROGERS CAPTAIN AMERICA #1NICK SPENCER (W) • PAUL RENAUD (A/C)Variant Cover by JOHN CASSADAYVariant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA• They were part of the Greatest Generation! And now Sam Wilson finds himself alongside them yet again in a strange yet familiar setting — fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with Captain America and Bucky against a seemingly unstoppable threat to the safety of the world!40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99GENERATIONS: CAPTAIN MARVEL & CAPTAIN MAR-VELL #1MARGARET STOHL (W) • BRENT SCHOONOVER (A)Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMAVariant Cover by OLIVIER COIPELVariant Cover by TERRY DODSON• Carol Danvers, THE MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL, finds herself face-to-face with someone she never thought she’d see again — Mar-Vell of the Kree, THE MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL! But before she can get to the bottom of this impossible reunion, she gets embroiled in combat with someone who wants the Kree destroyed — talk about terrible timing!40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99GENERATIONS: IRON MAN & IRONHEART #1BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • MARCO RUDY (A)COVER BY SKANVariant Cover by OLIVIER COIPELVARIANT COVER BY MARCO RUDYKirby 100th Anniversary Variant Cover by JACK KIRBY • Riri Williams is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Tony Stark…Sorcerer Supreme!• Join Ironheart as she discovers things about the Iron Man legacy that will change her forever.• IRON MAN writer and Riri co-creator Bendis teams up with the award-winning multimedia artist Marco Rudy to give you a beautiful, unique look at the first step into a new era of Iron Man!40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99GENERATIONS: CAPTAIN MARVEL & MS. MARVEL #1G. WILLOW WILSON (W) • PAOLO VILLANELLI (A)COVER BY NELSON BLAKE IIVariant Cover by OLIVIER COIPELVariant Cover by TBA• Ms. Marvel’s falling out with her idol Carol Danvers, a.k.a. the Mighty Captain Marvel, just took a BIZARRE turn!• Kamala suddenly finds herself as an intern at Woman Magazine – Carol’s former place of employment! Between cozying up to her boss, filing back issues, and her usual super-heroing, how will Kamala find time to figure out what got her here in the first place?40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99GENERATIONS: MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN & PETER PARKER SPIDER-MAN #1BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • RAMON PEREZ (A/C)Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPELVariant Cover by TBA• When it comes to problems, Peter Parker’s got it all! Bullies at school, ailing aunt, a doppelganger, crushing responsibility, and –wait, a doppelganger?!• Can’t Peter ever catch a break? And what does all this craziness have to do with Miles Morales?40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99"

Commentary: I’m still not sure what to make of Generations. Based on these solicits, it sounds as if they will be a series of time-travel based team-ups. At the same time, are these comics interconnected? Or are they nothing more than a group of unrelated one-shots with a common premise? If it’s the latter, then Generations seems pointless other than evoking nostalgia. Still, I’m intrigued with how the modern-day incarnations of various superheroes will wind up interacting with their past (or future?) counterparts.

Number 5

"SPIDER-GWEN #24JASON LATOUR (W)ROBBI RODRIGUEZ (A)Cover by KRIS ANKAVENOMIZED VULTURE VARIANTCOVER BY PAOLO SIQUIERA• The aftermath of the PREDATORS storyline leaves Gwen in a VERY different place.• Matt Murdock’s plans all come home to roost, and when you plan like our good friend Murderdock does, you know that ain’t pretty.• WHAT IS THE NEXT EVOLUTIONARY STEP FOR SPIDER-GWEN?!32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99"

Commentary: I believe the answer to the solicit’s last question is “Gwenom.” After all, Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez have teased Spider-Gwen‘s take on Venom for well over a year. Based on recent events in Spider-Gwen, it appears “Gwenom” will finally happen, and it’s about time it did. Latour and Rodriguez could only tease it for so long before their readers started becoming frustrated … if they haven’t already.

Number 6

"X-MEN: BLUE #11CULLEN BUNN (W)Giovanni Valletta (A)Cover by ARTHUR ADAMSROCK-N-ROLL VARIANT COVER by DANIEL ACUNANOW YOU SEE BEAST…• HENRY McCOY is known for a lot of things–his persona as the X-Men BEAST, his massive intellect…and now a penchant for MAGIC.• But where did Hank learn this new-found skill?• And will his teammates still want him around once the secret is out in the open?32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99X-MEN: BLUE #12CULLEN BUNN (W)Douglas Franchin (A)Cover by ARTHUR ADAMS…NOW YOU DON’T!• While HANK continues to struggle with his newfound magical skill, JIMMY HUDSON struggles with a challenge all his own…• Will Jimmy be able to regain his memory with the help of his new friends?• And will he like what he finds if he does?32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99"

Commentary: Just as the original Hank McCoy mutated himself, the time-displaced teenage Hank appears to be following suit. It also appears the cover gives away the answer to where he learned magic. If I’m not mistaken, the woman holding the transformed Teen Hank is Bloodstorm from Mutant X, an alternate version of Storm who became a vampire. This also indicates the “original five” X-Men, plus the Ultimate Comics Wolverine, will be interacting with more characters from Marvel’s multiverse.

Number 7

"SPIDER-MEN II #3 (of 5)BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) • SARA PICHELLI (a/C)Connecting Variant Cover C by JESUS SAIZ• Meeting the Miles Morales who was already in the Marvel Universe sets OUR Miles OFF!• As if he weren’t struggling with interior conflicts that were tougher than the external conflicts, this revelation hits Miles hard.• Luckily, Peter Parker, an expert on personal tragedy and dark spots, is by his side!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99"

Commentary: Is this solicit suggesting the 616 Miles Morales is a criminal? If so, that’s one reason for Peter looking so shocked at the end of the original Spider-Men miniseries. It would also justify why Miles, according to the solicit, becomes so upset when he finds out about this other Miles. Nevertheless, the revelation of this other Miles would’ve had more impact had the Ultimate Universe still existed.

Number 8

"SPIDER-MAN #20BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (w) • OSCAR BAZALDUA (a)Cover by PATICK BROWNVENOMIZED BLACK CAT VARIANT COVER BY MING DOYLE• Miles Morales, you’re under arrest!• If Miles’ parents weren’t already freaking out about their son, they are now!32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99"

Commentary: Speaking of Miles Morales as a possible criminal, this cover is quite powerful and effective in its symbolism. However, I don’t think Miles will be arrested as Spider-Man, as the cover alleges. Rather, he might be arrested while in his civilian identity, a victim of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Strange enough, I can also see Bendis using Miles’ arrest as a means for bringing his parents back together.

Number 9

"AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #32DAN SLOTT (w) • GREG SMALLWOOD (a)Cover by ALEX ROSSVENOMIZED GREEN GOBLIN VARIANT COVER BY FRANCESCO MATTINA• Norman Osborn’s goblin-free battle with Spidey didn’t go the way he had hoped…• Now, Osborn needs to find an edge and get the Goblin back, and neither you nor Spidey are ready for the edge he’s going to find!• Guest artist Greg Smallwood (MOON KNIGHT) joins Dan Slott for this special issue that sets off the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN event of 2018!32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99"

Commentary: Good grief, didn’t we just have a major Spider-Man story involving Norman Osborn? Yet, here we are, having what seems like a done-in-one-issue setting up a whole new story arc centered around Osborn … again. However, given that Osborn holds a more tribal-looking Goblin mask on the cover, perhaps he’ll turn towards ritual magic to regain his lost Goblin powers. Regardless, it still feels too soon bringing the Green Goblin back after “The Osborn Identity.”

Number 10

"SECRET EMPIRE OMEGA #1NICK SPENCER (W) • ANDREA SORRENTINO (A)Cover by MARK BROOKSVariant Cover by MICHAEL CHOVARIANT COVER BY MICHAEL TURNERBLACK AND WHITE VARIANT COVER BY MICHAEL TURNERNO MORE HYDRA VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLESECRET EMPIRE AFTERMATH!• Hydra has fallen, but the world is still not secure! As the heroes of the Marvel Universe stir from the wreckage of the battlefield, the inevitable rebuilding must begin.• However, one question hangs in the air over the proceedings: What redemption can there be for Captain America?40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99"

Commentary: Remember when this event was originally marketed as a nine-part series? Once again, Marvel just can’t seem to have an event without extending it by one more issue. What makes this especially egregious is they’ve done this four times with Secret Empire. First, it was a “zero issue,” then a Free Comic Book Day issue, then an announcement for an issue #10, and now this. At least, this will be the last time we’ll see HydraCap. Thank goodness.

Number 11

"MARVEL LEGACY #1JASON AARON (W) • ESAD RIBIC (A)DOUBLE GATEFOLD COVER BY JOE QUESADAWraparound Variant Cover by MARK BROOKSVariant Cover by ALEX ROSSVariant Cover by GREG LANDTRADING CARD VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHERBLACK AND WHITE VARIANT COVER BY JOE QUESADABLACK AND WHITE VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSSYOUNG VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNGVARIANT COVER BY AMY REEDEREVERYTHING STARTS HERE!It begins at the dawn of the human race, and ends with a child’s prayer! In between, empires fall, mysteries brew, secrets are revealed, quests are undertaken and legends are forged! All leading up to the dramatic return you’ve been waiting for — and one you’ve been dreading!Jason Aaron (MIGHTY THOR) and Esad Ribic (SECRET WARS) usher in a new dawn — one whose rays will touch every corner of the Marvel Universe in the days to come!MARVEL LEGACY: It’s everything you’ve been longing for — and more!64 PGS./ON-SHOT/Rated T+ …$5.99"

Commentary: Let’s just cut to the chase — Marvel Legacy is already a flop. Their variant cover rollout which they claimed would “forever change the comic book industry” was a complete fiasco. Likewise, there doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of enthusiasm for a “Prehistoric Avengers.” It’s painfully obvious Marvel is in reactionary mode towards the success of DC Rebirth. And this new creative direction they’re taking has already damaged them before a single Legacy issue has hit the stand.

Number 12

"Credit: Clayton Crain (Marvel Comics); connecting variant covers for VenomverseVENOMVERSE #1 (OF 5)CULLEN BUNN (W) • IBAN COELLO (A)Cover by NICK BRADSHAWVARIANT COVER BY GUSTAVO DUARTEPOISON VARIANT COVER BY ELIZABETH TORQUECONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY CLAYTON CRAINREMASTERED VARIANT COVER BY TODD MCFARLANEBLACK & WHITE REMASTERED VARAINT COVER BY TODD MCFARLANEVIRGIN ART VARIANT COVER BY NICK BRADSHAWBLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLETHE VENOM EPIC OF THE FALL STARTS HERE!During a routine battle with the villainous Jack O’Lantern, Venom finds himself transported to a far-off world and learns a terrible truth – a deadly new species called the Poisons has emerged from the vastness of space, and to make matters worse, they’re hunting Venoms! Trapped on the planet’s surface with a ragtag band of Venomized heroes, Eddie has no choice but to mount a counteroffensive and hope to find a way home!40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99VENOMVERSE #2 (OF 5)CULLEN BUNN (w) • IBAN COELLO (a)Cover by NICK BRADSHAWPOISON VARIANT COVER BY ELIZABETH TORQUEVARIANT COVER BY FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLACONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY CLAYTON CRAIN• The Poisons’ relentless campaign against the Venoms continues, and Spider-Man is among the first to fall!• VENOM VS. POISON SPIDER-MAN: NO HOLDS BARRED!• Meanwhile, Deadpool’s cooked up an idea of how to stop the Poisons, but it ain’t exactly sane!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99VENOMVERSE #3 (OF 5)CULLEN BUNN (w) • IBAN COELLO (a)Cover by NICK BRADSHAWVARIANT COVER BY GERARDO SANDOVALPOISON VARIANT COVER by ELIZABETH TORQUECONNECTING VARIANT COVER by CLAYTON CRAIN• One by one, the Poisons have consumed the Venomized platoon of Marvel Heroes.• With no other choice, Venom thinks up a longshot plan to stop their endless assault…and it’ll either be a miracle or an absolute bloodbath!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99VENOMVERSE #4 (OF 5)CULLEN BUNN (w) • IBAN COELLO (a)Cover by NICK BRADSHAWVARIANT COVER BY MARK BAGLEYPOISON VARIANT COVER by ELIZABETH TORQUECONNECTING VARIANT COVER by CLAYTON CRAIN• [CLASSIFIED] may be on their side, but the Venoms’ battle against the Poisons is far from over.• Luckily, the Venoms have a plan.• Unluckily, it’s a suicide mission into the heart of Poison territory!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99"

Commentary: Venomverse doesn’t just sound like “Spider-Verse” with Venom instead of Spider-Man — that’s exactly what it is! It’s different versions of Venom gathering together from across the multiverse to fight against a common enemy that’s targeting them. At least “Spider-Verse” could justify its existence since there are legitimately multiple versions and incarnations of Spider-Man. This, however, just feels like an excuse in creating a half-baked story around variant covers.

Number 13

"WEAPON X #8GREG PAK (W) • MARC BORSTEL (A)Cover by SKANVENOMIZED WEAPON H VARIANT COVER BY GREG LAND WHAT IS THE SECRET OF WEAPON H?• Doctor Alba’s macabre experiments for the Weapon X program turned one of America’s Finest into a behemoth imbued with genetics gifts of the Hulk and Wolverine.• Despite countless iterations, only he survived… What made him the perfect vessel for the curse? And how far will Doctor Alba go to recover her success story?32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99"

Commentary: Here’s an even better question: why should we care about a Hulk/Wolverine hybrid? Moreover, is there a legitimate reason for this character to even exist? Bruce Banner has already returned in Secret Empire, and Wolverine is (sort of) back in the form of Old Man Logan. Weapon H just reeks of a gimmicky character who will be all but forgotten within about a decade.

Next: Best to worst DC Comics solicitations for September 2017

Now that we’ve covered Marvel’s best and worst solicits for September 2017, is there another which wasn’t covered that caught your interest? Also, how do you feel about Generations and Venomverse, and are you interested in picking either of those series? As for Marvel Legacy, what’s your opinion of it thus far? Don’t worry, we’ll definitely cover the Legacy issues once the full solicitations for October 2017 become unveiled.