New Marvel titles countine to sellout!

Annuals’ Triumphant Return: Ultimates Annual #1 Sells Out

Faster than Quicksilver, Ultimates Annual #1 has sold out at Diamond and critics are loving the return of Annuals to Marvel.

Hilary Goldstein of IGN.com says, “Annuals are finally back and in a big way! Best comic of the week.”

In a stand-alone story that ties into the monthly title, Ultimates Annual #1 features a story of Nick Fury and his (possible) replacement team of Ultimates. Written by monthly scribe Mark Millar with pencils by Steve Dillon, this double-sized issue is busting at the seams with Ultimates action.

“It was important that, although these annuals are stand alone stories, they tie into the events in the monthly Ultimate titles,” said Editor Ralph Macchio. “We wanted our annuals to count. And they do.”

Writer Mark Millar had plenty to say when informed of the book’s sell-out. “Am I happy about this? Of course, but more relieved than anything else because the orders for this were ridiculously high for a four dollar book and-- I swear to God-- my greatest fear was that retailers had ordered too many and would be feeding these things to pets and children for years to come. But we sold out! And that's great. And what's even weirder is that there's a huge re-order activity going on too which is completely bloody brilliant so cheers for that. I really should relax more, but I'm more surprised than anyone when this stuff happens. It's insane!”

Annuals were once a yearly tradition for all Marvel titles and its successful return with Ultimates Annual #1 has fans clamoring for more. And they’ll get their wish, too as Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1 hit stores this week and Ultimate X-Men Annual #1 and Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #1 are set for release over the next few weeks.

"This quick sell-out is a strong sign of continuing sales momentum in the Ultimate line," says David Gabriel, Marvel’s Director of Sales. "We urge retailers to increase orders now on the coming annuals to avoid getting caught short. We are contemplating a quick back to press edition right now depending on the volume of backorders."

Another Ultimate Annual Hit: Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1 Sells Out

A day after it went on sale, Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1 has sold out at Diamond and the response to the return of Marvel Annuals has been incredible.

In a stand-alone story that ties into the monthly title, Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1 finally reveals who will be Spider-Man’s new girlfriend. Written by monthly scribe Brian Michael Bendis with pencils by Mark Brooks, this double-sized issue is sure to have everyone talking about the new woman in Peter Parker’s life.

“Wow. Thanks so much to our loyal readers. Making a big change like this in Peter's life is a scary proposition and I can't thank everyone enough for being so open to it,” says Brian Michael Bendis. “Look forward to all kinds of new story possibilities in the months ahead.”

Bendis also thanked his co-creators for crafting such a memorable issue. “Mark Brooks has been on my “must-have” list for a while now. I think he's an amazing penciler and he destroyed on this comic book. Congratulations to him, award-winning colorist Dave Stewart, and the entire art team.”

Every Ultimate Annual will have immediate ramifications on their monthly counterpart titles, which was the plan all along according to editor Ralph Macchio.

“We intended for the Ultimate Spider-Man—and all the Ultimate Annuals-- to continue the tradition set by their monthly counterparts: Top creators giving the readership solid stories, beautifully illustrated,” says Macchio.

“It’s a tribute to writer Brian Bendis, penciler Mark Brooks and the rest of the team, that this annual has sold out,” adds Macchio. “I’m so gratified Ultimate fans have rallied around this very special once-a-year event. And, of course, we’ll continue to deliver on the monthly Ultimate Spider-Man book everyone enjoys.”

Annuals were once a yearly tradition for all Marvel titles and now it has made its successful return with two Ultimate Annual sellouts in as many weeks. And the Ultimate Annual action doesn’t end there as Ultimate X-Men Annual #1 and Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #1 are all set for release over the next few weeks.

Let the Annual tradition begin!

NYX Sells Out Twice As Series Wraps Up

NYX #6 and the MARVEL MUST HAVES: NYX #1-3 have both sold out at Diamond, making this exceptional series a hit with fans. Thanks to its unique story and the wildly popular X-23, NYX has retained its popularity throughout the tenure of the series.

“With NYX, we tried to add a fresh voice to the X-Men Universe and combine the magic of the New Mutants with today’s sensibilities,” says editor C.B. Cebulski. “Joe, Josh, and Robert were able to do just that and strike a chord with today’s market.”

Much of NYX’s charm is that people are able to identify themselves in the story. The series has enabled many people to make the connection between the world of NYX and the world outside their window.

“NYX is unlike any other book in the mainstream marketplace, bringing an edge and honesty while making you care about a group of kids no one thought they could identify with,” says Cebulski.

Those who have followed the series will not be disappointed with the series conclusion in NYX #7 as Kiden, X-23 and the rest of the kids take on Zebra Daddy and his gang in an all-out brawl.

“We were happy to offer the MARVEL MUST HAVES: NYX #1-3 and NYX 4-5 for anyone who missed out on the hard to find early issues,” adds Marvel’s Director of Sales David Gabriel. To entice new readers we even included some Directors Cut extras in the second Must Have. Both proved quite popular with fans of the series. Now, retailers are advised to order accordingly on NYX #6, the series finale. And don’t forget that X-23 is moving over into New X-Men: Academy X with issue #20.”

The end of this offbeat series is sure to feature ghosts, beastly transformations, and X-23 using her claws to do what she does best…and what she does isn’t very nice. Just ask Zebra Daddy.

Second Wave of House of M Tie-Ins Sell Out

House of M tie-ins continue to lay a foundation of success for Marvel’s biggest crossover event in a decade! Incredible Hulk #84, Spider-Man: House of M #2, New X-Men #16, and Pulse #10 have all sold out at Diamond.

The reaction on these four issues have been just as incredible as the numerous other House of M sellouts and in an effort to leave no fan behind, Marvel is going back to press with Limited Edition Variants of Incredible Hulk #84, Spider-Man: House of M #2, New X-Men #16, and Pulse #10.

“The response to the House of M event from readers and retailers keeps increasing with each new release,” says Marvel’s Director of Sales David Gabriel. “Retailers should place orders on these new printings as soon as possible, as well as increase orders on upcoming issues. Thank you to everyone for continuing to make this event such a success!”

As more and more of the House of M mystery unravels, this event keeps getting hotter and hotter. House of M tie-ins are still selling out quickly, so be sure that this time you’re not left out in the cold and locked out of the House!