Chip Zdarsky is officially burning down the house. If you thought the Marvel Universe was finally finding its footing after the fall of Doctor Doom, think again. The upcoming release of Avengers: Armageddon #1 feels like a massive shift in the status quo, and Marvel just dropped a preview that confirms Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross is done playing by the rules.
General Ross Plants His Flag
Following the chaotic vacuum left by Doom’s defeat, the Red Hulk has decided Latveria belongs to him. This isn’t a mindless smash-and-grab, either. As Zdarsky pointed out in a recent chat with Marvel.com, we’re dealing with “a Hulk with the tactical ability of a U.S. General and some deep-seated trauma from imprisonment in a foreign country.” Ross has a very specific, likely terrifying, vision for the world’s future, and he’s got the military mind to back up his gamma-irradiated muscles.
The Massive Roster of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
To counter a threat this big, Marvel is pulling out the heavy hitters. The roster for this event is sprawling. You’ve got the staples like Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and Captain America, but the lineup gets more interesting with the inclusion of Wolverine, the Fantastic Four, Namor, Winter Soldier, and David Colton.
Zdarsky seems particularly hyped about the team dynamics. While he’s playing his cards close to his chest regarding the specific inciting incident, he’s having a blast with the personalities involved. He noted, “I always love writing Namor, especially when he’s indignant. But it’s been a treat to write Carol more as I haven’t had much of a chance over the years. Also, I loved him before, but after writing Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon, I’m addicted to Logan’s voice.”
AVENGERS: ARMAGEDDON #1 preview below!
AVENGERS: ARMAGEDDON #1
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by FRANK ALPIZAR & DELIO DIAZ
Cover by DIKE RUAN
On Sale 6/3
A New Era of Chaos
The comparisons to 2004’s Avengers: Disassembled aren’t just marketing fluff. This story is meant to be a fundamental shake-up. When asked about what happens after the dust settles, Zdarsky teased that things are going to be “pretty fractured.” It sounds like the Avengers as we know them might not survive this encounter in one piece.
The creative team of Frank Alpizar and Delio Diaz are handling the visuals, bringing a gritty, explosive energy to this Latverian standoff. Whether the heroes can actually stop a man with the power of a Hulk and the brain of a General remains to be seen.
