Marvel Adventures Not Gone After All

That image comes from Marvel’s report that contrary to fans concerns (including my own), the Marvel Adventures line isn’t dead yet. They’re just rebooting the numbering. Why? Because they’re idiots Marvel.

“The Marvel Adventures line has been a runaway success for over 5 years now,” said Marvel’s Senior Vice President of Sales David Gabriel. “We’re extremely proud of not only the longevity of the line and the strength of the brand, but also of the quality of all the series. These are the perfect starting point for the youngest of readers. You’re going to see all the biggest Marvel heroes-Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and more-appearing in SUPER HEROES. Along with Spider-Man, these books are a fresh new start for the Marvel Adventures line-but with the same unparalleled all ages storytelling you’ve experienced!”

I thought we just had a reboot? I don’t think many kids care what number the comic is. (I know I didn’t when I was in the target audience, just as long as the story was in order. I’m still mostly like that today.) Although Tobin has added continuity to Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man, and recently rebooted Marvel Adventures: Super Heroes to be something closer to the canceled “MA: Avengers” series (but sadly not a continuation of same), they’re still pretty much “done-in-one” stories.

According to the post, writer Paul Tobin will continue writing both titles, Matteo Lolli as the artist on MA: Spidey (hopefully Chat will also be around, and we’ll learn why Gwen thinks she’s dating Peter without bringing clones or insanity into it), but Roman Cliquet (never heard of him) will take over the art chores on MA: Super Heroes, with the first new issue focusing on Iron Man. (Hmmm, I think there’s a movie with some Marvel hero coming out around this time. Which one was it?) While the solicits at the bottom of the page say the comics will be at Marvel’s $3.99 price point (which would be a stupid idea for a kids’ title!), the article claims they will be at $2.99. I suppose we’ll find out for certain once the comics hit Previews.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled that Marvel isn’t dropping the line, and I’ve loved Tobin’s work on MA, especially Spider-Man. I just don’t see the point in the renumbering. And there’s one more issue.

Compare the cover to the most recent MA: Spidey…

…with the upcoming #1.

Notice anything different? If you didn’t say “the Marvel Adventures title is now small enough to miss”, you don’t share my concern. Seeing the big “MA” banner made it easier for parents (who have even payed attention to the current content of the mainline) to find something their kids could read. At least they still have the “Marvel Kids” logo up there (score 1 for Marvel, since DC dropped Johnny DC Jr. from the covers of their kids-targeted comics), but unless you have someone like me in your family, it’s going to be hard to know what’s safe for the kiddies to read if you don’t know to look for that. (Seriously, I’m Mr. Low Self-Esteem most of the time, but I can help my cousins find good stuff for their kids from the comic shelf to the toy shelf without talking them to death about the detail issues with the new Optimus Prime. It’s the only service I provide my family at this point. 🙂 (Or should that be 😦 ))

I know there are “mature” readers who don’t like to read “kiddie crap” because to them maturity=boobs, blood, and bad language, but they’re still under the delusion that reading “mature” titles will somehow convince that guy sitting across from you on the subway that you’re reading quality literature. (Note: You’re wrong, stupid, and blocking yourselves from fun stories. Remember fun? Of course not, you’d rather be angry and angsty because you think the “real world” is pure evil or some garbage and everything should match the “real world”. Because goodness knows, I see aliens in spandex flying around punching each other all the time.) Who cares? These titles are supposed to be targeting kids (and those of us who are kids at heart) who don’t care about that stuff, and just want something fun to read. Why not make it easier to find?

Well, at least they’re still making the MA titles, and there are other kid-targeted comics, like Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers or Super Hero Squad. And they’re still a lot more fun that the regular titles. Plus, Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man has been reported to be selling better than the numerous “mainline” stories and minis, so more money for Marvel. Marvel does like money, right? I’m starting to wonder. Help us, Walt Disney. You’re our only hope!