Marvel SEASON ONE Graphic Novels Introduce Readers to Icons

Marvel Debuts SEASON ONE Graphic Novels CREDIT: View full size image

Marvel's latest initiative aimed at attracting new readers is a series of original graphic novels titled "Season One," as reported Tuesday by USA Today.

"Season One" will be new stories that have "bits and pieces of old and formative origin stuff in and around them, as well," as Marvel senior vice president of publishing Tom Brevoort is quoted in the article. It's not a new universe like the Ultimate line, but will, according to USA Today, "focus on tales that define the characters and their relationships with each other."

The first wave will consist of four books out in spring 2012: Fantastic Four: Season One by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and David Marquez, out in February; X-Men: Season One by Dennis Hopeless and Jamie McKelvie, March; Daredevil: Season One by Antony Johnston and Wellinton Alves, April; and Spider-Man: Season One by Cullen Bunn and Neil Edwards in May.

The exact format of the books, including page count, is yet to be revealed. Marvel hasn't published original graphic novels in recent years — instead choosing to release single issues first as traditional periodical, and bound collections later — but in the '80s published several books in their "Marvel Graphic Novel" line, including works like the acclaimed X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.

Last year, DC launched the original graphic novel series Superman: Earth One, re-telling the origin of the iconic character. A sequel is currently planned.

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