Random Acts of Comicbookery

I have a few weird, random things out in comic book shops this week. First up: Deadpool: Wade Wilson's War #4, the conclusion of my mini-series with Jason Pearson. If you've missed the previous three issues, you could track down copies... or wait until the collected hardcover this December.

Also out: an 8-page Iron Fist and Misty Knight story in I Am An Avenger #1, with art by Jason Latour.

And finally: two one-page origin stories in Origins of Marvel Comics: X-Men #1. I contributed a page on Cable (with art by Dave Wilkinson) and Hope (with art by Jamie McKelvie). It's a great crash course, if you're a little behind on your X-people.

The Blade Himself

Sorry for the quiet around here lately. It's been Deadline City. But I'm pulling my nose out of Word long enough to pass along a cool bit of comics news: I've written a one-shot, X-Men: Curse of the Mutants: Blade #1, that ties into this crazy new X-Men series Victor Gischler is writing. The issue's not out until August, but you can read Vaneta Rogers' story about it over at Newsarama.

Widow Makers

Finally, I can share some cool news I've been sitting on for a while: starting with issue #6 this September, I'll be the new Black Widow writer, along with new artist Manuel Garcia. (For the non-comics nerds out there, Black Widow is the character played by Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man 2.)

Fans of Severance Package will not be surprised that I'm drawn to sexy super-spies. In fact, Molly in Severance was partly inspired by Black Widow; I've been a fan of the character since reading Greg Rucka's and Devin Grayson's run almost 10 years ago.

For more Widow skinny from me and Manuel, check out this Q&A with Dave Richards over at CBR.com, and this piece by Chris Arrant at Newsarama.

The Savage Axe of... Poland?

I love the throwback, giant-sized b&w anthologies Marvel's been kicking out lately (Rampaging Wolverine, The Indomitable Iron Man). I love them even more when I have a chance to contribute something. Next month, I'm proud to say, The Savage Axe of Ares #1 will feature a 2,500-word prose story of mine called "Wojna." You can read a little more about in this Q&A with Jim Beard at Marvel.com, and hear a bit about Gregg Hurwitz's kick ass contribution as well.

It's rare that I have an excuse to sit down and write a short story, so I jumped at the chance. Hope you'll check it out April 7th.

New Marvel mini-series: Wade Wilson's War!

Yesterday, CBR.com leaked word of my first post-Cable project for Marvel: a mini-series featuring that loveable Merc With a Mouth, Deadpool. Mum's the word on the plot for now, but the solicit copy should give you a hint. Two issues ship in June, with the next installments to follow in July and August. Joining me is superstar artist Jason (Body Bags) Pearson. Just wait until you see the insanity this man has conjured up.

DEADPOOL: WADE WILSON'S WAR #1 (of 4)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by JASON PEARSON
“THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK”
You’ve seen Deadpool in countless (and we mean countless) comics before — but never like this. Really. Want answers about Deadpool? Like why does he refuse to remove his weird red-and-black mask? Why does he only answer to the name “Deadpool?” Was he really part of a black bag special ops team that nobody has ever heard of? Were his teammates really given names like “Bulllseye,” “Silver Sable” and “Domino”? What did Wilson know, and when did he know it? A bloody massacre in Sinaloa, Mexico has left hundreds dead and disgraced soldier Wade Wilson has a LOT of explaining to do.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

New Comics Today: Metal!

I have two things on the racks at finer comic shops everywhere: Cable #23, which is the next-to next-to last issue, as well as an 11-page story called "Brainchild" in The Indomintable Iron Man #1. The latter is one of those cool, oversized, all black-and-white anthologies Marvel has been putting out lately, which so far have included Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu and Rampaging Wolverine. This is a thrill, because I'm a huge fan of b&w comics in general, going back to the Warren and Skywald horror mags from the 1970s, and of course, more recent crime comics like Sin City and Torso. For some reason, the Marvel catalog listing only mentions Paul Cornell and Howard Chaykin, but Alex Irvine and I are in there, too! (Honest!) Hope you give it a shot.

Out Today: Cable #22

I've been lax with these reminders lately, but Cable #22, the second installment of the big "Homecoming" arc, hits finer comic shops everywhere today. There are guns. Explosions. Muskets. Stand-offs. And as seen above, cute little badgers from the past. How can you resist, especially with amazing art by Gabriel Guzman?

Also, those of you who missed the Cable/Hope backup stories I did with Steve Dillon will be able to pick them up in a single issue this February.