Marvel Expands To The Original Graphic Novel Line With 'Season One' Books

Sure, Marvel is beating rival DC in terms of monthly comic book titles, but they're pretty much mediocre when it comes to creating and publishing original graphic novels, where DC is really really kicking some ass. Just check out the success of DC's most recent OGN: Superman Earth One, which topped the New York Times Bestsellers List for graphic novels for more than 10 weeks.

So in that light, Marvel has decided to push their luck in that department, with their 'Season One' line of books, which will re-tell the origins of their most popular characters starting with X:Men, Daredevil, Fantastic Four and Spider-Man. Some of the titles will be released starting  February 2012.

Check out the covers for the aforementioned titles by Julian Totino:

X-Men Season One by Dennis Hopeless and Jamie McKelvie

Daredevil Season One by Antony Johnston and Wellinton Alves

Spider-Man Season One by Cullen Bunn and Neil Edwards

Fantastic Four Season One by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and David Marquez

Threesome Art - 7/12/2011 - "Pinoy Pride"

Many of great Filipino komik artists have worked for big time companies like Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse who brought us the most memorable graphic novels and comic book series in recent memory.  And featured today are three awesome artworks from the best Filipino artists in today's comic book scene : Carlo Pagulayan, Kajo Baldisimo, and Leinil Francis Yu. 

Let's take a look:

Fantastic Four by Carlo Pagulayan

Carlo Pagulayan is known for his works for Marvel Comics, notably Emma Frost (#7-12) and Planet Hulk. And this image is one of his covers for Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four, which is perfectly painted to life. Love the lighting and the shadows he used to capture the team spirit of the FF, and will make you miss The Human Torch the longer you look at it. 

Good times, good times.

The Avengers by Kajo Baldisimo

I wonder why Kajo isn't doing any Avengers-titled comic book, because this poster he made is one for the money. It has the feel of a Stuart Immonen artwork yet it has his own original imprints on it. Notice the lighting he did here, crisp and clean lines, and the dynamic poses for each character that definitely kicks-ass. Not to mention Ms. Marvel's thingy right in your face. Perfect cheesecake. I would love seeing him work on The New Avengers someday.

Kajo is actually the artist for Trese, an all original Pinoy komik written by Budjette Tan that mixes gun-toting action with mystery based on Filipino folklore, that's nothing short but awesome. Go ahead and check it out @ tresekomix.blogspot.com.

Thor by Leinil Francis Yu

You know this guy I'm sure. He's the artist for some of the best graphic novels that I have read like Superior (with Mark Millar), Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk, and Superman: Birthright (with Mark Waid). He also worked on Marvel's Secret Invasion and some issues of The New Avengers vol. 1, and is doing more for the "House of Ideas" with his Mexican-standoffy Ultimate Avengers vs New Ultimates series.

Leinil's "Pseudo-Dynamic" style is on full force in this Thor commission, and his signature use of lines and unique marker effects creates a very realistic version of the Thunder God. But the best part of this image is the hammer. Take a look at the lighting on that Mjolnir, and tell me that isn't something. Marvelous. 

That's all for now folks, but I'm sure to be back with another edition of the Threesome so stay tuned.