As big news goes, this was a pretty quiet San Diego Comic-Con.  But Marvel Comics showed up to reveal a new monthly crossover event, showing the annual big Con doesn’t forget the “comic” part of its title.  If you haven’t paid attention to Marvel Comics lately–not the movies or TV series–you may not have noticed the characters from the highly lauded Netflix TV series are taking the lead.  In the next crossover event, announced this weekend at SDCC, “Gang War,” that means former Powerman and Netflix series star Luke Cage–now New York City’s Mayor Luke Cage–is large and in charge.  Spinning out of Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr.’s Amazing Spider-Man monthly, “Gang War” will see a war erupt between the gang lords of the Big Apple.  Villains are fighting villains.  Criminals are fighting criminals.  Diamondback, Hobgoblin, the Owl, Hydra, and more battle with and against each other for NYC supremacy.

According to Marvel’s editors, for Peter Parker, “going on patrol” isn’t enough… and he declares his own war on super-crime.

“It’s General Spidey at the helm, leading a group of heroes that includes fellow Spider-Man Miles Morales, She-Hulk, Daredevil, and Spider-Woman.  Their goal: take down the super-gangs in under 48 hours.  But what does Mayor Luke Cage and the city’s strong anti-vigilante laws have to say about it?  Will Jackpot gamble on getting involved?  And is Shang-Chi a friend or foe?  They better all figure it out before two classic villains make a game-changing return!”

It will all begin in prequel stories under the banner, “Gang War: First Strike.”  Here’s the slate of titles in the crossover:

Take a look at some covers for this multi-title event:

Make your picks and add “Gang War: First Strike” and “Gang War” to your comic shop pull list at Elite Comics or your local comic store now.  It all begins this November.

C.J. Bunce / Editor / borg