One of the biggest points of speculation right now in the comic book world would have to be about the Marvel NOW posters being released which are being referred to as Marvel NOW 52. Let’s take a quick look at the Marvel Now 52 #1 poster and go over what is known and take a look at what is missing.
Marvel NOW 52
Marvel NOW 52 #1 Poster
The Marvel NOW 52 poster shows the names of superheroes with varying sizes shaped into the number “1” next to the pound sign. It would appear that this is a signifier that there might be more rounds of #1 issues coming out involving these characters. It could also mean that these characters are going to be part of the first major crossover of the Marvel NOW Universe.
The Names on Marvel NOW #1 Poster
When the word “52” came into play due to the Wolverine scratch poster, many fans and sites began to speculate about 52 names being in the #1 poster. That is incorrect. I took the time and counted (multiple times to make sure), and there are only 50 names present.
Marvel NOW 52?
Marvel NOW #1 Poster Sizing
Note that the names are of different sizes on the poster. Since most of the popular characters are larger than lesser-followed characters (Such as the difference in size between Thor and Iron Fist), the easy assumption could be made that the larger names will have a larger place in the Marvel Universe than the smaller ones.
Disturbing Differences
Ant-Man has a movie coming out during Phase 3 of the Marvel movies. Note his name is small on the poster. I would hope he would play a large role in the Marvel Universe in the next few years to get more people ready for his movie. Cable’s name is fairly small. Should we expect that the X-Force team he is leading will not have a large impact? Why doesn’t anyone love Namor?
Some Interesting Characters Missing from Marvel NOW 52 #1 Poster
Guardians of the Galaxy is launching and Rocket Raccoon is the only member of the team featured on the poster. Where are members of the Uncanny X-Force such as Spiral and Puck? Most of the original X-Men portrayed in All New X-Men and team members from the other major X-titles are not named. Red Hulk, She-Hulk, and Red She-Hulk are also missing along with Black Bolt and most of the Fearless Defenders. Magik and Scarlett Witch are major players right now but not named. I could spend all day going through names not on the poster, but you get the point.
What We Know NOW?
Pretty much nothing. All we can make is assumptions off of what we see and what we don’t see. As long as Marvel does not drop the ball (as they have in the past), we should be in for an interesting ride. Then again, this could be a perfect setup for an elaborate Marvel NOW 52 April Fool’s joke or the countdown to the anniversary of the first issue of the Fantastic Four.
