A-FORCE... To Be Reckoned With... Appreciation/Celebration!!

[Heroine Addict]

From ComicBookResources' AXEL-IN-CHARGE: Inside "All-New, All-Different Marvel," From "Spider-Man" to "A-Force"...

... That same day came the announcement of a new "A-Force" #1, written by G. Willow Wilson and drawn by an artist to be named. That was one of the most popular "Secret Wars"-related announcements -- was it always the plan for "A-Force" to stick around afterwards?

Alonso: Oh yeah, absolutely. In fact, that was the question: Do we wait until after "Secret Wars" to launch, or use the event as a platform to introduce the team and concept to fans? We opted for the latter because we had a story. This "A-Force" "Secret Wars" story sets up the team and its mission statement moving forward. It's both a self-contained and an essential prelude to the ongoing series. ...

... food for thought... and a positive development, as far as I'm concerned, IF... the hook is quality, giving them purpose... and an intriguing, sensible reason for being.

[Starleafgirl]

Did October not become Fall?

And Please someone change Nico's Outfit, I dont care about Dazzler so that doesnt matter even if it is hideous.

Obviously, all months of October are in Fall, but not all months of Fall are October. That's the difference. If you just say "Fall" it means you don't know in which month it's going to debut, exactly.

[Heroine Addict]

Some of those matchups are poetic, indeed. Spider-Gwen vs. Green Goblin? Elektra on a collision course with Bullseye?

But Phoenix vs. Sabertooth, when Magneto is right there? Bah!

There is precedent though, for Jean & Victor... they had a bit of "thing" when it came to battle, throughout the 90's, often seeking each other out for a healthy throwdown:

... course, he usually ended up being her whipping boy. But I like to think that secretly, they mutually enjoyed that aspect of their "game". That it was something they BOTH expected, and - whether they realized it or not - WANTED! (Maybe even... needed?)

Why is Jean the only one getting pummeled on that cover? She doesn't get to do anything in the actual book at least she could do something cool on a cover.

Well, if any of them is going to get pummeled, is better that it's one of the X-girls, isnt it ?...

Marvel doesn't own the movie rights to Jean, that's why she's getting pummeled.

Well, there is that, OR... they could be paying homage to something like this:

... just sayin'.

[Heroine Addict]

So what are your thoughts on the new ongoing?
I'm happy the series is returning, but the artistic side worries me a bit. The cover doesn't look as good as Molina's art and some of the design choices are awful (Dazzler and Nico, mostly). ...

AGH! God damn it, Dazzler's back in that stupid punk costume again! I was hoping they'd kill that stupid redesign for good.

The heck is Nico wearing? A muumuu?...

I don't see Susan anywhere.... Ok.

They gave Nico's stupid arm back and Dazzler is in her worst getup.

BOOOOOOO!

I will still get the book, but my hype is deflating. ...

I HATE DAZZLERS NEW COSTUME THAT BENDIS GAVE HER. ... read #1 of A-Force... Crystal was in it. ...

... Yes, Dazzler looks terrible; but my god, Nico, no style.

Well, I for one am looking forward to this book. I enjoyed the first issue a lot.

God, Marvel, the people have spoken - get Dazzler out of that stupid costume and into something more up to date and iconic! Boost your sales! The character is great but that costume is an eyesore! Damn dude, she could at least be wearing her AoX get-up.

One of the best things about the current mini is Jorge Molina. His art is amazing and he makes all the characters look amazing. This artist isn't quite the same caliber and hopefully wont be the one on the new series.
Likewise, hopefully Dazzler wont be in that mess of a look for long either.

I'm looking forward to the book as this will be the only Avengers book I'm getting so far...but I do hope there will be some changes before it gets here...

The disembodied heads make me think that this might be some sort of Mission Impossible type team, where there is (could be) a core team that is augmented by other specialists from time to time.

I REALLY hope this comes true!

... Dazzler changes it up a LOT. It makes no sense for her to still be wearing her DIY PUNKRAGE outfit because she got her sweet revenge and she's let go of the anger she was holding onto. She should be wearing something that reflects her new attitude.

... The punk phase is done now that she has dealt with Mystique.

Marvel is banking a lot on this series, even though only one issue has come out. But with G. Willow Wilson writing and female characters on the rise, why not go for broke? ...

I feel like seeing classic characters looking iconic and having fun adventures while doing so, helped.

... she (Invisible Woman) deserves to be in this book. ...

... Regarding A-force, though, Marvel really can't win, can they?

Fans: "We want more female characters!"
Marvel: "Ok, here's an all female Avengers book."
Fans: "But I don't like this costume!" "It doesn't have my favorite character!" "I would have preferred a different writer/artist!"

My gods. It must be exhausting to look for things to be upset about all day. I, for one, am looking forward to this book. Ms. Wilson has done well so far and I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do with a team book. I'm also happy to see more strong female characters getting promotion--whether they are my favorites or not. :-P

Nico and Dazzler look really bad. Nico has some great costumes, so I don't get why pick that lame one. Dazzler should go back to the Age of X look (or anything but this one). ...
Also, I really hope Molina is back...

I like the concept, but... the name, (maybe) they should have tried:
New Liberators...

Or something...

PLEASE tell me that's Wasp above Wolverita.

Yes, Marvel, confirm JANET Van Dyne'll be alive & well in the NuMU - PLEASE!

Trading off classic Dazzler for the modern piece of poo is...

... EXTREMELY disappointing!

"Punk" Dazzler is a really awful design. Trying to restrict Dazzler to different genres of music doesn't make much sense. Get here a genre-neutral design and stick with it. No more reinventions.

This is what gets me... even though Wilson is staying... not bringing in Molina or an artist of similar caliber will definitely hurt the book. While the artist who did the released image isn't bad...they are not that great... Hopefully this is just a promo image and not the actual artist.

... either way, it does imply that Arcadia probably never actually existed outside of Battleworld, which is a little sad.

Also, like a lot here it seems, I was actually hoping for a bit of a reset with Dazzler and Nico after Secret Wars, and am actually sad to see the old versions back. Not even necessarily a complete blank slate, but if they retain some of their Battleworld experiences, i would have hoped that it would lead Dazzler in particular to get over her current issues and such.

... Is that Lorna in the top right area?

A slight update of Age of X Dazzler would have been (BE) the best way to go, IMO:

It has both the attitude Marvel was going for with the new "punk" look and elements of classic iterations without being as over the top as the new design.

On those last 2 quotes, A SUPER-enthusiastic... DOUBLE-DITTO!!

Whew!... That about sums up my own thoughts, all from the first 12 pages of ComicBookResource's, Marvel Forums': Marvel's "A-Force" Survives "Secret Wars," Lands New Ongoing Series.

Yeah, it pretty much covers my divergent & ever vacillating mixed/conflicted feelings quite well. But unfortunately, addressing my initial misgivings more than anything, it seems. However, everything A-Force is still a net positive - for me - and I remain more optimistic than not, about its premise & potential.

... I love Carol, but she just feels so redundant on this team. ...
... I feel Captain Marvel was only included because she didn't make the cut for the main team, which is a shame, but doesn't make her the best pick for this particular team :/

... Captain Marvel has been stepping up in so many ways and she's really established herself as a pillar of the Marvel Universe. I think her leading a team of female heroes just makes too much sense at this point. ...

I believe Carol's upcoming big screen MCU debut both dictates & necessitates her becoming like the female version of Spider-Man, Iron Man, and/or Wolverine. In that she achieve an almost "mascot"-like status, therefore being required to appear EVERYWHERE... ALL the time... and AS MUCH as possible!

[a moment closer]

I just had to comment on Nico's dress on the new #1 cover. It's a traditional Chinese design but yeah, very boring. The thing with Nico though is she is always changing her outfit so I have no worries about that 'mumu' as some are calling it being her only outfit. Hell, we may not even see it in the interior art. I also want to stick up for Captain Marvel. She finally has a set hair style, short and military appropriate. She also brings that military expertise to the team. She's an Avenger, why not have her on an Avengers team made up of woman? Really, this book is going to be awesome and like most Avenger books I'm sure the roster will be changing at some point and guest/cameo appearances will be aplenty.

[Hypestyle]

how big will the team be after secret wars?

[JaggedFel]

I just had to comment on Nico's dress on the new #1 cover. It's a traditional Chinese design but yeah, very boring. The thing with Nico though is she is always changing her outfit so I have no worries about that 'mumu' as some are calling it being her only outfit. Hell, we may not even see it in the interior art. I also want to stick up for Captain Marvel. She finally has a set hair style, short and military appropriate. She also brings that military expertise to the team. She's an Avenger, why not have her on an Avengers team made up of woman? Really, this book is going to be awesome and like most Avenger books I'm sure the roster will be changing at some point and guest/cameo appearances will be aplenty.

Well that is a problem Nico is Japanese not Chinese. And doesnt fit her style.

Her and Dazzler need help.

[Raye]

It does have the mandarin collar, but it's much looser fitting than your usual Chinese dress, which are normally fairly tight. I don't have a HUGE problem with her wearing a Chinese style dress, I own one and I am not Chinese. But... yeah, it is a little odd. Nico's normally got a perky goth look going on, which is one of the things I like about her. I like characters that aren't white bread average types of people, and while the goth look is a bit high maintenance (and expensive) for me to have ever really gotten into beyond wearing a l fair bit of black, I have always enjoyed the aesthetic (and music) so I like having a goth character kicking around.

[tetragene]

Even though they seemed to indicate early on the series would continue, I'm glad there's official confirmation now.

But Jesus Christ -- why do they still have Dazzler looking a hot ass mess? After people were excited she was back to long blonde hair & a silver costume? That "punk" look made no sense to begin with for a pop/rock singer & woman in her 30's (who's been through all kinds of hell beforehand) to f*ck up her hair & clothes because she was raging like a stupid teenager... but now that her "revenge" plot has been hastily wrapped up... what's the excuse for it? I just can't with two-tone hair, ripped clothing & an all-black color scheme for a character named "DAZZLER"

Nico looks a mess too

[Songbird/Diamondback]

I'm still gonna get A-Force, but my hype has really been deflated. I wished it stayed in its own dimension where it could be a guest spot for all female heroes. But now the book looks like "Issue for Female Thor" then "Issue for Spider-Gwen" then "Issue for Squirrel Girl" then "Issue for whatever flavor of the month"

I'm just...not as thrilled anymore.

[Heroine Addict]

how big will the team be after secret wars?

Well, right now, according to this:

... it looks like the "core" team will increase +1, to 6. There'll be the "Secret Wars" 5: She-Hulk, Medusa, Dazzler, Sister Grimm, & Singularity, with the addition of - not surprisingly - Captain Marvel, as they seem to have FINALLY chosen their Wonder Woman, and quite predictably... it's Carol Danvers.

But that promo for the new ongoing also suggests the possibility of a revolving door for recurring guest stars, dependent on the storyline at hand, and I suspect A LOT of fans - like myself - are hoping that holds true. I still want the excitement & anticipation the "ANYBODY & EVERYBODY CAN SHOW UP"... element brings to the table, and think it's an important & essential selling point for this series. Speaking of the pic, I've been having a lil' trouble recognizing ALL of the floating heads, and thought maybe we could compile a list here (based on consensus of the majority) of who we think is who.

Starting with the easiest bunch, clockwise from the mid & then to the lower right: (She<Meh.) Thor, (Mohawk<Yuck!) Storm, Spider-Gwen, Scarlet Witch, (K.K.<Yay!) Ms. Marvel, Rogue, & I guess, what's supposed to be... Black Widow? (Crystal did come to mind too, but alas, I believe it's meant to be Natasha... DARN!)

On the opposite side, over to the mid & then lower left, only counterclockwise this time: Firestar, Hellcat, Valkyrie, and then... I'm not sure, Psylocke maybe? IDK, Silk?... Molly Hayes of the Runaways (code name Bruiser, or Princess Poweful?), I'm pretty sure... Elektra? - I guess (Yikes!), X-23 as She-Wolvie, what I'm praying is JANET Van Dyne/Wasp?!... and the now not so instantly identifiable - for me - Monica Rambeau/Spectrum?

In the upper corners, from left to right, we have: Tigra? - I think, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew<Cool!), Misty Knight, Jubilee, & God help us (and I mean THAT affectionately... for the most part anyway)... Squirrel Girl!

Lastly, on to the trickiest part, the group of 6 obscured by the "A-Force" logo... leading to varying degrees of visibility, and even further difficulty naming them without doubt: the first one to the left, is almost certainly Sif... the green-haired, green-masked/skinned(<?) lady between the "A" & the "F", has got to be Gamora... the other beauty with green hair, peeking over the "C" on the far right - I'm again PRAYING - is Polaris?... the blonde on the right, below the "R", hard to tell - Invisible Woman? Emma Frost? Magik? REAL tough choice & call amongst these 3, but I'm goin' with "Team Sue"... the one in the middle, above the "O", is even harder to figure out - young Jean Grey?, from the time-tossed O5; it would help (just a lil') assuage my sadness at not seeing adult Jean/Phoenix transferred from SW's Battleworld (YET! - I'm not givin' up!)... and the one to the left, almost completely covered by the BIG, friggin' "A" - I just have no idea really... ... ... ... ... Kitty Pryde?!

So, how'd I do?! Let's hear some more fan opinions!

[Ravin' Ray]

... and the one to the left, almost completely covered by the BIG, friggin' "A" - I just have no idea really... ... ... ... ... Kitty Pryde?!

So, how'd I do?! Let's hear some more fan opinions!

I just used Photoshop to check the color of her hair, it is a very unsaturated magenta (almost gray), with almost equal amounts of red and blue with less green (NERD!), so with that info, I'm guessing it could by Psylocke.

[Heroine Addict]

Dang, Ravin' Ray, after further scrutinization... I was thinkin'/hopin' it might be... SONGBIRD! That still possible you think, with the colors you mentioned, and... analyzed so carefully, lol? But if it is indeed Psylocke (and not Melissa or Kitty), then who's the seemingly Asian character left of Dazzler, above Molly & below Valkyrie?

[Drakeon]

Everyone seems obsesaed with who will cameo in the book. But remember they always had the main cast as the focus. So these cameo appearences will never satisfy everyone. Either get the series for the main cast or dont. No one should expect anything of value in the cameos.

Unless its Stan Lee ;-)

[Songbird/Diamondback]

Everyone seems obsesaed with who will cameo in the book. But remember they always had the main cast as the focus. So these cameo appearences will never satisfy everyone. Either get the series for the main cast or dont. No one should expect anything of value in the cameos.

Unless its Stan Lee ;-)

Let's be honest, nobody really cares about Medusa and Carol Danvers in this cast.