Ten years ago a new Marvel superhero Humberto Lopez (better known as Reptil) simultaneously debuted in the pages of Avengers: The Initiative as well as on the The Super Hero Squad cartoon. Reptil eventually moved on to become a major cast member in the Avengers Academy book from writer Christos Gage. In the last few years however, Reptil has somewhat absent in the Marvel Universe. That changes this summer.
Today Marvel announced a new Reptil 4-issue limited series from writer Terry Blas and artist Enid Balám along with inker Victor Olazaba and colorist Carlos Lopez. Blas is a writer/cartoonist of acclaimed comics featuring Latinx heroes such as Hotel Dare so this seems right up his alley. Balám seems to be all over the comic news today after earlier being announced as the artist for ExtraOrdinary from Titan Comics.
Take a look at the cover for the first issue by Paco Medina, as well as a preview of Balám’s interior art and the full text of the announcement for the series below. Look for Reptil #1 to arrive in stores on May 26.
REPTIL #1 (of 4)
Written by TERRY BLAS
Art by ENID BALÁM
Cover by PACO MEDINA
Inks by VICTOR OLAZABA
Colors by CARLOS LOPEZ
On Sale 5/26
This May, one of Marvel’s most promising young heroes claws his way to the top in a new series! Reptil, known to fans from books like AVENGERS ACADEMY and AVENGERS ARENA, will be starring in his first ever solo series. Written by rising stars Terry Blas (Hotel Dare, Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom) and Enid Balám (Omni), REPTIL will present the exciting future that Reptil has in the Marvel Universe and further explore this hero’s secret past!
In the wake of Kamala’s Law and his Grandfather’s worsening health, Humberto Lopez, AKA Reptil, has taken a step back from crime-fighting to refocus on his family. Perhaps it’s a sign that he should give up on becoming a hero and finally come to terms with his parents’ mysterious disappearance…or perhaps not! When a mysterious figure ambushes Humberto, what unravels will shake the core of everything Humberto thought he knew about his past and will either change the course of his future—or end it forever.
“I’m so excited to be making my Marvel debut with such a fun and complex young character,” Blas said. “He’s Mexican-American, like me, and I’m delighted to bring a story with more of that representation to Marvel. Also, he can turn into dinosaurs and isn’t that every kid’s dream?”
“This comic book series presents us with a great adventure that I know will personally resonate amongst the Latin American community,” Balám said. “Yes, heroes are born from all over the world and Marvel’s teams are doing their part to celebrate their amazing stories. Join us in this adventure!”
Awesome powers, a mysterious backstory, and a fascinating adversary… Reptil has all it takes to be Marvel’s next biggest hero! Don’t miss his leap into greatness when REPTIL #1 hits stands in May!
