A new Thor.
A new Captain America.
Who’s next?
Marvel is announcing major changes for two iconic heroes:
Steve Rogers recently lost the Super Soldier Serum and now has the body of a man in his 90’s. Who will become the next Sentinel of Liberty?
The Odinson will apparently become Unworthy and a woman will wield the hammer and go by the name Thor in a new series in October.
Is history repeating itself?
In the 1990’s Marvel created new characters modeled after classic heroes but with a darker edge:
Rogers was replaced by John Walker (aka U.S. Agent)
Thor was replaced by Eric Masterston (aka Thunderstrike)
Tony Stark was replaced by James Rhodes (aka War Machine)
The icons returned and some of those new heroes lasted…some did not.
The upcoming character changes are results (in part) of the events in Original Sin by Thor writer Jason Aaron. Secrets of the Marvel Universe only known by The Watcher have been revealed: Thor has a sister, Cap was betrayed by Iron Man and Dr. Strange, the spider that bit Peter Parker bit a woman soon be revealed as Silk, Tony played a role in the accident that turned Bruce Banner into the Hulk!
This is just speculation but is a new Iron Man or Spider-Man announcement coming?
Marvel has not revealed who is taking over as Captain America or the mystery woman who will become the Goddess of Thunder. With several Avengers (especially Hulk) angry with Tony Stark, his days as Iron Man may be numbered.
That could mean the Avengers Big Three could be brand new heroes. Don’t forget X-Man and Avenger Wolverine is dying. Marvel is taking out some of their greatest leaders as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Children of the Atom must take on the amped up Red Skull in the AXIS event.
While some fans may love or loathe the upcoming changes we have to remember a little history. Without the 1990’s downfall of Tony Stark we wouldn’t have known Rhodey (now the Iron Patriot.) It’s a classic case of comic book soap opera. We have to see our heroes fall to enjoy the eventual comeback. And if writers, editors and fans are lucky we may have new champions to cheer for.
Stay tuned.
By Editor