Martinex1: Today we need all of the BitBA lurkers, commentators, visitors, and drifters to join in and help out with the conversation...because I know virtually nothing about the topic today. We need to Chew the Fat about Marvel's New Universe!
In the late 1980's under the guidance of Jim Shooter, Marvel launched a new brand that ostensibly was to focus on "super" characters in the real world. The original premise (and rather than reboot the existing Marvel Universe) was to explore what it would be like to have powers on our very own planet. This of course was originally how Stan Lee charted Marvel in the beginning; and this was a bit of an update on that concept in the '80s.
A number of titles launched (see below) and this is where my knowledge is virtually nil. The New Universe arrived right during a lull in my collecting so it is a gap that I have not filled. The brand existed between 1986 and 1989 with eight titles (the longest ran for 32 issues).
I've managed to pick up some tidbits like Jim Shooter wrote Star Brand before his departure from the company; later it was written and drawn by none other than John Byrne. Mark Gruenwald and Paul Ryan worked on D.P.7. Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz created Kickers Inc. And Archie Goodwin penned a number of titles. Both John Buscema and Mike Zeck contributed covers to Mark Hazzard: MERC.
Take a look at the covers and brief descriptions below. And please share all you know about the New Universe! Recommendations and warnings are all welcome today.
D.P.7 focuses on seven powered individuals on the run from an agency hunting the paranormal.
Justice focuses on a vengeful knight from another dimension who doles out alien justice.
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Kickers Inc. focuses on powered football players who hire out their services.
Mark Hazzard: MERC follows a Vietnam vet who hires out for mercenary work.
Nightmask can enter people's dreams.
Psi-Force are also on the run from the government, but together they can become a psi-hawk!
Star Brand follows the adventures of a teen who receives the mysterious alien brand.
There you have it...now let's get the conversation started! (Somebody please say you have read some of these books)!
