Marvel has released schedule and cover art info for THE TWELVE, an ambitious 12 issue miniseries by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston that stalled out somewhere after issue #8 in 2008. In order for newcomers to catch up, they’ll be offering a colelction of the first 6 issues, a must have of issues 7 and 8 and then the rest of the series twice monthly starting in February:
The Twelve, one of the most critically-acclaimed comic series in years, makes its dramatic return this January, taking comic shops everywhere by storm once more! Superstar creators J Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston kick the new year off in style as the two conclude their pulse-pounding story of World War IIs super heroes awakened in the modern day and struggle to adapt. Except they’ll have to work fast as a threat hurdles their way that could destroy them all!
“It’s taken a long while, but finally, FINALLY, the balance of The Twelve has been completed and we’re ready to ship it all to our long-suffering fans,” said Tom Brevoort, SVP/Executive Editor. “We appreciate everybody’s patience, and both hope and expect that the conclusion will live up to the wait. And for folks who missed out the first time, we’re making it easy to get back on board no matter how much or how little of the previous 8 issues you may have already read, though the release of the softcover TPB of the first six issues, and a Marvel Must-Have containing #7 & 8. So you’ve got no excuse not to experience one of the best reviewed, best beloved and long-awaited series Marvel has ever produced as it reaches its ultimate climax.”
No fan can miss any of Marvel’s Twelve in 2012, including these releases:
• The Twelve Vol.1 TPB—on-sale in January 2012
• The Twelve: Marvel Must Have #1—on-sale in February 2012
• The Twelve #9—on-sale in February 2012
• The Twelve #10—on-sale in February 2012
• The Twelve #11- March 2012
• The Twelve #12—April 2012
Now, the Twelve must survive the greatest enemy they’ve ever faced—one of their own. But how—and why—has this happened? Don’t miss the return of The Twelve, beginning
in January 2012!
THE TWELVE VOL. 1 TPB (NOV110641) Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by CHRIS WESTON
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
ON SALE JANUARY 2012
“Beloved”?
What was the reason for the delays on this mini?
Another case of JMS not caring about it anymore and moving onto the next project/company?
I remember really liking this series, but I don’t recall why. Looks like a re-read is in order before the next installments come out.
“What was the reason for the delays on this mini?”
Both JMS and Weston got busy with movie work (primarily ‘The Changeling’ for JMS and ‘Book of Eli’ for Weston, I believe). If I recall correctly, JMS got busy first so the scripts were delayed, then Weston got busy so the art had to wait.
Weston also did a solo The Twelve one-shot a while back.
Good news on a great series but seriously don’t ever do that again. I love this book to bits but leaving your readers hanging mid-story SINCE 2008 is as unprofessional as it gets.
According to my records, #8 was the last issue to come out. It went on sale October 8, 2008 (three years ago).
“ambitious”?
Ron, I agree 100% but the Hollywood types (Smith, Heinberg, Whedon etc.) get a free pass when it comes to delays.
Comics is just a side-job to them that they do for kicks, their tv/movie work is their main priority…
“Twice monthly”? Really? That usually is a sign from Marvel that they don’t have faith in the quality of a project being good enough to sustain monthly sales.
Now, I doubt that in this case there’s a lack of quality (the first 8 issues were terrific), so I can only guess that Marvel thinks there won’t be enough interest left after all this time to get people to order it.
Brian – JMS has proven before that he can start out a series with amazing storytelling and universal praise and still manage to let it die with a whimper once he gets bored with/pulled away from the project. Just look at Rising Stars. I definitely won’t be buying any of the series (I was waiting for trades anyway) until I see some reviews of the new books.