Marvel Launching “Season One” Graphic Novels

To celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, Marvel is going back to its roots.

Marvel will launch a series of hardcover graphic novels called Season One, starting next year.

The hardcover books star a new, young generation of today’s comic creators bringing a modern voice and sensibility to tales of classic Marvel heroes and teams.

“We’re hoping to introduce folks who have never read any of these characters to these characters in this format, and also provide an interesting and illuminating story for people who have read a lot of Fantastic Four and Daredevil,” says Tom Brevoort, Marvel’s senior vice president and executive editor.

“If you want to dip your toe in the water and find out the essence of what Marvel is all about, here is a nice place for you to start in big, sizable, meaty chunks.”

The first wave of four graphic novels will include:

•Fantastic Four: Season One by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Stephen King’s The Stand, Glee) and David Marquez (Secret Warriors), due out in February;

•X-Men: Season One by Dennis Hopeless (Legion Of Monsters) and Jamie McKelvie (Phonogram), on sale in March;

•Daredevil: Season One by Antony Johnston (Daredevil) and Wellinton Alves (Nova), in April;

•Spider-Man: Season One by Cullen Bunn (Fear Itself: The Deep, Sixth Gun) and Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four), arriving in May.

Brevoort says a second wave will debut soon afterward “that will get deeper into other characters, as well.”