They’re baaaa-aaaack! Marvel Entertainment, in all its forms, has a huge presence this year leading up to their 80th Anniversary on August 31st, 2019…
Though the comics and collectibles arms of Marvel have traditionally been hugely represented every year, this year sees one of the biggest turnouts ever for both television and, particularly, movies… something which wasn’t guaranteed, what with Disney’s D23 coming next month, itself a likely launching pad for big Marvel Studios announcements. But the House of Ideas are on their way, and today’s Friday Five indicates some of the panels to really keep your eye on next week…
(Marvel Television)
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Hall H; Thursday 7/18, 3:30pm – Originally one of the most intrinsically tied to the MCU of all the Marvel Television titles, AoS has gradually seen some of that stripped away while its own mythology grows. Clark Gregg’s character isn’t even Phil Coulson anymore, though a possible connection continues to be hinted at. While new Marvel series are on the horizon, AoS remains as one of the stalwart original small-screen ventures now that the Netflix shows have been so ruthlessly dispatched. What secrets or surprises may be hinted at by the cast and crew at this panel will no doubt shed light on where we may see the non-Disney+ wing of television go from here.
(Marvel Comics)
Marvel Comics #1000 Revealed
Room 5AB; Friday 7/19, 12:30pm – It promises to be the most physically impressive tome of comic storytelling Marvel has ever produced, and it’s coming soon! First announced earlier this year, the upcoming Marvel Comics #1000 will be an enormous volume featuring the work of 80 different creative teams (!!!), including some of the most popular and beloved writers and artists in the company’s history. (We can’t possibly list them all, but you can see them here; guessing your faves are there!) The This Week In Marvel podcast takes over the panel for a live recording that will finally peel back the curtain on this much-anticipated landmark title.
(Marvel Animation/FOX)
Marvel Animation Celebrates Marvel’s 80th Anniversary
Room 6A; Friday 7/19, 3:30pm – Whether you grew up in the 60’s with the original Spider-Man cartoon, or in the 90’s with the classic X-Men: The Animated Series, or are a fan today of fare like the most excellent Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, the Marvel Animation wing has been a beloved and important part of the company’s history. This panel on Friday promises to be a fantastic gathering of creative talent from across decades of animated favorites, including behind the scenes scoop on classic shows and a run-down of all ten (!) Spider-Man cartoons over the years.
(Marvel Entertainment)
Women of Marvel: 10 Years and 200 Episodes
Room 5AB; Saturday 7/20, 10:00am – Hard to believe it’s been a decade now that the most excellent Women of Marvel podcast has been in business, showcasing the very best talent from women creators in the comics industry, talent behind and in front of the camera, and lifting up the most beloved female characters in Marvel’s storied history. VP of content Sana Amanat and producer Judy Stephens will steer the ship for this 200th podcast (hooray!), sure to be full of celebration (and maybe some surprise guests? We’ll see!)
Marvel Studios
Hall H, Saturday 7/20, 5:15pm – Here we go, kids. Avengers Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home are in our rearview. The only thing we know about this Hall H headliner on Saturday is that Kevin Feige will be there to talk about the future of “the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.” Given that this panel is 90 MINUTES LONG, however, we’re guessing he’s not going to do all of the talking himself, and there’s going to be a LOT to talk about. Expect major announcements. Expect major surprise guests. Expect that at least a few of those “Untitled Marvel” movies from Disney’s upcoming slate will be officially announced. It’s going to be a big one, true believers.
