Broken Frontier

It’s official: Marvel Comics’ The New Avengers #1 has sold out! Diamond Distributors confirms a complete sell-through of the entire first-print run of the House of Ideas’ hot new super-hero series.

The New Avengers spins out of Avengers: Disassembled, the cataclysmic ending to the long-running series. The new title relates the events that bring together a new team of Avengers, comprised of some of Marvel’s most popular characters and foundational heroes: Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man, Luke Cage, and more.

Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada is jubilant over the news and has specific praise for those who made it happen. “We at Marvel greatly appreciate every single one of you who bought New Avengers #1, fan and retailer alike, and we hope you agree with us that it was one enjoyable read.”

New Avengers writer Brian Michael Bendis and series editor Tom Brevoort were equally happy at hearing the inaugural issue had sold out. “In a million, billion years I could never have hoped for the amazing week we had with the debut of this book,” said Bendis. “I am so proud to be associated with David Finch, Danny Miki, Frank D’Armata, Tom Brevoort, and Andy Schmidt. They gave this book everything they had. My undying thanks to Joe and Dan for going full blast with this and to the creators who came before us who created these amazing characters in the first place.” Brevoort added, “It’s gratifying to know that so many people are interested in New Avengers and what the future holds for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Here’s a hint: Snikt!”

Retailers are also giving the book high marks. Ed Katschke, Manager of Monarch’s Cards & Comic in Toledo, Ohio, said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the enthusiasm and sales generated by the first issue. “Most fans from my store are really intrigued by Bendis and Finch’s new direction and are looking forward to the new configuration of the Avengers. At this point, I’m selling nearly 3 times my pre-Bendis numbers on the book and after reading the first issue I’m anticipating a strong sell-through on the proceeding issues,” reports Katschke.

Internet comic book message boards have been buzzing over the introduction of the new all-star Avengers team. Fan Terry Anderson of Lexington, Kentucky was excited by the debut. “I really like the artwork here and the story is intriguing,” he posted. “This new direction was a good opening for me to break into with the Avengers. I'm curious how the new team will operate.  And I do like the inclusion of Spidey.  He and Cap both are more about heart than their powers.  I think it is a good nucleus for a team.”

For those who may have missed out on New Avengers #1, Marvel reminds fans that there will be another printing available next week that offers a Joe Quesada variant cover. The cover features the original sketch, now inked and colored, that served as the inspiration for the first printing’s several alternate covers. In addition to the second printing of #1, there is also a special New Avengers #1 Director’s Cut, featuring the original story plus a bevy of extra goodies.

As always, more exciting information on The New Avengers and the Marvel Universe can be found online at Marvel.Com.

NEW AVENGERS #1 DIRECTORS CUT
OCT041747
$3.99
FINAL ORDER CUT OFF 12/9 for on sale 12/29/04
NEW AVENGERS #2
OCT041743
$2.25
FINAL ORDER CUT OFF 12/16 for on sale 1/5/05
NEW AVENGERS #2 HAIRSINE VARIANT
SEP048061
$2.25
FINAL ORDER CUT OFF 12/16 for on sale 1/5/2005
NEW AVENGERS #1 QUESADA COVER
OCT048022
$2.25
ORDER NOW!  AVAILABLE 12/15/04
NEW AVENGERS #1 POSTER SEP041799 AVAILABLE NOW