Over the years, Marvel Comics has delved into countless possible futures, whether it's the desolate "Days of Future Past" or the adventures of Peter Parker and Mary Jane's daughter, Spider-Girl.
They're almost always fun to delve into - some, like Old Man Logan, have even inspired what we've seen in theaters - and Marvel Comics recently revealed plans for Avengers: Twilight, a bold and thought-provoking new limited series which is set to arrive in comic book stores next January.
Announced at Marvel's "Next Big Thing Panel" during last month's New York Comic Con, the superstar creative team of Chip Zdarsky and Daniel Acuña will welcome readers to the world of tomorrow where the age of heroes is over but the future still needs to be avenged.
"In a gleaming new world of prosperity, Captain America is no more," reads the official description. "But Steve Rogers still exists, floating through an America where freedom is an illusion, where the Avengers are strangers and his friends are long dead. But is the Dream? How do you assemble Avengers in a world that doesn’t want them?"
It sounds pretty intriguing, right?
In recent weeks, we've been treated to a first look at an older Ms. Marvel and a Thor who looks downright terrifying. However, one hero who won't make it to this Kingdom Come-like future is Spider-Man.
Newly released preview pages show scenes from the present day (or very near future) with Earth's Mightiest Heroes arriving on the scene of a battle where Spidey has somehow been impaled through his chest. Captain America watches on as Peter Parker dies and it appears the moment is one that haunts the older Steve Rogers if what we see next is any indication.
Given his history with Spider-Man, we're a little surprised Zdarsky didn't have bigger plans for him in this story. Then again, it's always possible this unseen battle is what leads to the status of The Avengers changing so dramatically.
"My goal with anything is to create a story that is both new reader friendly and also welcomes in older readers who will enjoy the references sprinkled throughout," the writer told retailers earlier this month. "I think if you have a base knowledge of Marvel superheroes, there’s really something for you here."
"And getting a chance to do something that’s self-contained in six issues with one consistent artist throughout is my favorite kind of project because those are types of books you can sell forever."
Check out this new Avengers: Twilight preview below.
AVENGERS: TWILIGHT #1 (OF 6)
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by DANIEL ACUÑA
Cover A by ALEX ROSS
Lightning Bolt Variant Cover by FRANK MILLER
On Sale 1/10