Marvel Comics has announced a new initiative called Stormbreakers, which spotlights eight artists from around the world who will be at the forefront of the Marvel Universe over the next two years.Named after Beta Ray Bill's enchanted hammer, Stormbreakers is a new evolution of Marvel's previous Young Guns program, which ran from 2004 to 2019 and celebrated a number of then up-and-coming artists like Steve McNiven, Russell Dauterman and Sara Pichelli.
This year's lineup includes:
- Natacha Bustos (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur)
- Juann Cabal (Guardians of the Galaxy)
- Carmen Carnero (Captain Marvel)
- Joshua Cassara (X-Force)
- Iban Coello (Venom)
- Patrick Gleason (The Amazing Spider-Man)
- Peach Momoko (numerous Marvel covers)
- R.B. Silva (Powers of X)
Clearly, all eight inductees are already very active at Marvel, and the publisher teases that they'll only become more integral to the future of the Marvel U. over the next two years. That seems to be the key difference between the older Young Guns program and Stormbreakers – that Marvel has a specific road map in place for these eight artists over a long period of time.
“This year’s Stormbreakers embody pure talent and creativity that, time and time again, have shown us all there are no limits to what visual storytelling can do. We are continuously blown away by their innovative styles and by the power in how they capture the heart, humor, and humanity of our characters,” said Marvel's Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski in a statement. “These eight artists have proven their unrivaled talent and passion for storytelling, and much like Beta Ray Bill, they are truly worthy of taking up the mantle as one of Marvel’s Stormbreakers, the next generation of elite artists. We can’t wait to show you all what’s next. And to all our Stormbreakers – take up your hammer!”
Marvel also revealed that all 36 previous Young Guns nominees will become honorary members of the Stormbreakers program.
We expect to learn more about Marvel's plans these eight Stormbreakers and the general future of the Marvel U. at NYCC this weekend.The Best Comics of the Decade (2010 – 2019)In other recent comics news, check out IGN's exclusive first look at Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Song of Glory, learn how the fallout of Joker War will reshape the Batman franchise and educate yourself on John Cena's The Suicide Squad character Peacemaker.
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