COMICS: Axel Alonso Talks AVENGERS ASSEMBLE; Reveals New Art

Talking to Comic Book Resources in their regular "Axel-In-Charge" feature, Marvel Comics E-i-C Axel Alonso was quizzed on how the big screen debut of characters like Captain America, Thor, Iron Man and the rest of The Avengers has affected their comic book counterparts and what exactly the company has in store for new and existing readers alike in time for the release of the movie this April. Here's what he had to say about both than and the new series, Avengers Assemble.

"A few years ago, very few people knew who Captain America was -- and he's one of the easiest superheroes to understand at a glance: the red-white-and-blue costume, the shield! [Laughs]. "Captain America: The First Avenger" changed that. Going into 2012, Joe Public knows exactly who Steve Rogers is, what makes him tick. Ditto for Iron Man and Thor. That's a big development. And after "Marvel Studios' The Avengers," I'm willing to bet you'd have to live under a rock not to know who Thor, Cap and Iron Man are. For that matter, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Nick Fury."

"AvX" is just one of the ways we're taking advantage of the spotlight "Marvel Studios' The Avengers" is shining on "Earth's Mightiest Heroes." This will be apparent in Bendis and Bagley's new ongoing, "Avengers Assemble," and in the stories that come out of "AvX." Also, I'm very excited about upcoming "Avengers" Civil War" novelization by Stuart Moore. When people see the spread for it at the bookstore, it'll have a different impact. Many of them will have seen the movie so it'll be so much easier to communicate with them. Saw the movie and want more? Here you go."

"Avengers Assemble" was designed to be an easy jumping-on point for anyone whose seen the Marvel Studios films. I mean, the roster is Cap, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Hawkeye and Black Widow. Bendis and Mark Bagley bring a pedigree to the series that means we're taking it seriously. It does count. I was on a phone conference with Brian and [SVP - Publishing] Tom [Brevoort] just yesterday about a storyline that will be setting up something huge for the future. Huge."