Continuing the Marvel news from New York Comic-Con 2013, Marvel have announced another new series for their All-New Marvel NOW! line-up in 2014, this time featuring the all-star creative team of Superior Spider-Man writer Dan Slott and FF artist Mike Allred: Silver Surfer. Slott talked about the changes he's brought to the character, notably the addition of a female companion for the cosmic herald:
"When you think of the Silver Surfer, you think of the lone sentinel of the skyways. He's always very lonely on that board all by himself. And this is a book about a girl onboard ... a kindred spirit who's an Earth girl. And you're going to find out the universe is more fun when you see it with someone."
Also being released next year will be an Iron Patriot series from writer Ales Kot and artist Garry Brown where the Iron Man character James Rhodes will take centre stage away from Tony Stark. Editor Mark Paniccia said:
"He (Iron Patriot) decides it's time to defend the home front, and this is about the challenges of doing that. He's a character that ... comes across as sort of an Iron Man duplicate, and I think that Ales has a concept ... that's really going to make him feel like his own guy."
We previously revealed Ghost Rider was joining the Thunderbolts team next year but it seems he'll also be getting his own All-New Marvel NOW! series. Ghost Rider by writer Felipe Smith and artist Tradd Moore (of Luther Strode fame) will debut the series in March. In an
interview with Marvel, Smith said about the series:
"Our protagonist is Robbie Reyes, a quiet 18-year-old East Angelino with a short fuse, a passion for electronic music and a nearly unhealthy infatuation with absolutely anything powered by an engine. His vehicle of choice, the automobile, very clearly sets him apart visually. In comparison to his vengeance-seeking predecessors, he's very young and inexperienced in most aspects of life; but as the product of a harsh inner city upbringing, Robbie's street smarts, overall distrust for most people, and clear contempt for his violent surroundings make him the perfect host for a Spirit of Vengeance. Once we get to know him, we also realize that he's a sweet, well-meaning person, something that may not sit well with the Spirit possessing him."
Also announced was a new Elektra series by writer Zeb Wells and artist Mike Del Mundo which Wells describes as Elektra becoming "the Dexter of assassins". Writer Nathan Edmondson and artist Mitch Gerads are producing a new Punisher series where Frank goes west on the trail of the head of a massive crime organisation, while writer Chris Yost and artist Marcus To will relaunch a New Warriors series, the lineup of which includes Justice, Speedball, Sun Girl, Scarlet Spider and Nova.
Rounding out the announcements was Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, during his annual Cup O'Joe panel, revealing MiracleMan's return to print in 2014. Writer Neil Gaiman sent in a video to the con, saying "'MiracleMan' #25 has been sitting in the darkness, nobody's seen it...I love the idea that it's finally going to be seen," calling it the "big incomplete book of my life". Quesada told the excited crowd that Marvel will be printing MiracleMan and Gaiman's end to the story in January.