Marvel Comics' "Next Big Thing" panel took place at Comic-Con on Saturday evening, and it was filled to the brim with announcements, first looks, and teases about the future of the Marvel Universe. However, there were two particularly significant reveals in regards to what this year holds in store for Avengers and Iron Man.
Writer Jason Aaron will unite his work on Avengers, Avengers Forever, and Avengers of 1,000,000 BC into one incredible epic in Avengers Assemble. Aaron will kick off the saga with superstar artist Bryan Hitch in November's Avengers Assemble: Alpha one-shot before crossing over between issues of Avengers and Avengers Forever.
From throughout time and the far corners of the Multiverse, the Mightiest Heroes of All the Earths are assembling as never before for a battle beyond all imagining. A war that will take us from the prehistoric beginnings of an Earth under assault by the greatest villains who’ve ever lived to the watchtower that stands at the dark heart of the all and the always, where an army of unprecedented evil now rises. The biggest Avengers saga in Marvel history begins this year.
"Four years of Avengers stories. Threads from really every major series I've worked on throughout my last decade and a half at Marvel, from Ghost Rider to Thor. It all leads to this," Aaron says. "The biggest Avengers story I could possibly imagine. Featuring a cavalcade of characters from across creation."
"I'm so deeply thrilled and honored that it all kicks off with an oversized Alpha issue that's being drawn by the legendary Bryan Hitch, who I'm getting to work with here for the very first time," he continues. "Avengers Assemble. Say the words like a prayer. It's the only thing that can save you."
November will also see an oversized celebration for the Golden Avenger’s 650th issue in Iron Man #25! It’s Iron Man Day in New York City, but not everyone is ready to celebrate the ongoing legacy of Tony Stark...least of all him. But a sudden crisis will once again test Tony’s heroism and challenge his commitment to the role he has assumed for himself. Must there be an Iron Man?
Christopher Cantwell concludes his thought-provoking and powerful run as writer, as illustrated by Angel Unzueta. There will also be tales from Murewa Ayodele and Dotun Akande, Kurt Busiek and Ben Dewey, and a special glimpse of what’s coming up next for the Armored Avenger.
Check out Hitch and Alex Ross' covers below: