Last weekend at C2E2, Marvel announced that after legacy heroes are honored in the summer’s Generations, the publisher will begin a new initiative. Marvel Legacy will feature popular characters in new storylines, return long-running titles to original numbering, and reintroduce popular elements to their comics.
The adventures begin in Marvel Legacy #1, a 50-page one-shot written by Jason Aaron (Doctor Strange) with art by Esad Ribic (Gamora). According to them, it will “set the stage for the next chapter of the Marvel Universe with hope, heroism, heart and the Earth-shattering return of a beloved Marvel mainstay.”
Legacy will be followed by new and continuing series for the Avengers, Captain America, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Deadpool, America Chavez, X-Men, Luke Cage, Iron Man, Hulk, and the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Titles that will return to original numbering will be denoted with special trade dress and cover treatments. Marvel will bring back the Marvel Value Stamp, FOOM – the ’70s fan magazine, and corner box art on the covers. It can also serve as a jumping on point for new readers.
The special will have a four-panel foldout cover by none other than Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada. “The Marvel Legacy initiative is a celebration of everything that makes Marvel the best in fiction, and it’s a signifier of a new era for Marvel Comics,” Quesada said in a statement. “It’s a loving look at the heart of Marvel as we embrace our roots and move enthusiastically forward with all the Marvel characters you know and love starring in the biggest, boldest, best Marvel stories. All of which kicks off with the giant Marvel Legacy special.”