Marvel’s War of the Realms crossover has begun, and already some major characters have fallen to Malekith’s armies.
Warning: this article contains spoilers for War of the Realms #1!
Having completed his conquest of the other nine realms of the World Tree, the Dark Elf Malekith has turned his attention toward Midgard and his pesky superheroes. But as the invasion of Earth begins, Malekith kicks off the festivities by targeting Thor and his family for murder.
\r\nThe goal with Wonder Comics is to shine a light on DC\u0027s teen heroes, both new and existing. Bendis himself will be joining with Superman artist Patrick Gleason for a new volume of Young Justice, one which finally brings together Superboy, Robin, Wonder Girl and Impulse on the same team again. That series will debut in early January, to be followed by Naomi (by Bendis, David Walker and Jamal Campbell), Wonder Twins (by Mark Russel and Stephen Byrne) and Dial H (by Sam Humphries and Joe Quinones).\r\n
\r\nWe\u0027d be excited for any of these books individually. But taken as a whole, it\u0027s clear that DC is giving its younger heroes the big push they deserve this year.”,”height”:674,”width”:1199,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/wonder-comics-1546900038489.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/wonder-comics-1546900038489_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”02″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Cyclops & Wolverine\u0027s X-Men\r\n\r\nThe recently relaunched Uncanny X-Men is still in the midst of the weekly, 10-part epic called \u0022X-Men Disassembled.\u0022\u00a0Disassembled will set the stage for a new crossover event called \u0022Age of X-Man.\u0022 Sort of a spiritual sequel to 1995\u0027s \u0022Age of Apocalypse,\u0022 this crossover introduces an alternate reality where Nate Grey reigns over a utopia and most of the X-Men have become his servants. Expect several new miniseries to debut starting in February, including The Marvelous X-Men and Nextgen.\r\n
\r\nBut if anything, we\u0027re even more interested in the future of Uncanny X-Men in February and beyond The series will shift focus as Wolverine and a newly resurrected Cyclops have to rally what few X-Men remain in order to defend the world from bigger and deadlier threats. Last time these two iconic heroes were on a team together, things didn\u0027t end so well. We can\u0027t wait to see how this uncomfortable reunion plays out.”,”height”:620,”width”:1103,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/uncanny-x-men-1546900038487.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/uncanny-x-men-1546900038487_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”03″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
A Transformers Relaunch\r\n\r\nIDW capped off more than a decade\u0027s worth of Transformers comics last year with Transformers: Unicron. For a while, it wasn\u0027t even clear there would still be a Transformers franchise when the dust finally settled.\r\n
\r\nThankfully, there is, and IDW is using this opportunity to give Transformers fans a fresh start. Their first post-Unicron series is simply titled Transformers and flashes back all the way to the golden age of Cybertron. This new biweekly series will debut in March and will be written by Brian Ruckley and drawn by Angel Hernandez.”,”height”:621,”width”:1106,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/transformers-relaunch-1546900038486.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/transformers-relaunch-1546900038486_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”04″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Buffy Goes BOOM!\r\n\r\nThe bad news is that Dark Horse Comics recently lost the rights to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise, bringing an end to a sequel saga that had been running in one form or another since 2007. The good news is that the flow of new Buffy comics won\u0027t be slowing in 2019. The franchise has simply followed the example of Firefly and made a new home at BOOM! Studios.\r\n
\r\nRather than continue exploring the aftermath of the original TV series, Boom\u0027s Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic will effectively reboot the saga when it debuts in January. Writer Jordie Bellaire and artist Dan Mora are taking Buffy, Willow, Xander and the rest of the gang and shifting them from the \u002790s to the present day. It\u0027s an interesting approach, and one that could allow this creative team to leave a huge mark on the franchise.”,”height”:580,”width”:1030,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/buffy-at-boom-studios-1546900038473.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/buffy-at-boom-studios-1546900038473_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”05″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Doomsday Clock Finale\r\n\r\nWith Doomsday Clock, Geoff Johns and Gary Frank have done what many would have thought impossible. They\u0027ve crafted a direct sequel to Watchmen that actually honors and even enhances the source material. Barring any further, unforeseen delays, Doomsday Clock should be wrapping up in mid-late 2019. We\u0027re eagerly awaiting the final showdown between Superman and Doctor Manhattan, as the Man of Steel tries to prove once and for all that hope is stronger than despair.\r\n
\r\nDoomsday Clock #12 promises to be one of the most significant releases of the year. It\u0027s poised to wrap up a story Johns has been weaving for years. It also promises to open the door for all sorts of new storylines, characters and teams. Once Doomsday Clock ends, we\u0027re hoping to see characters like the classic Justice Society and Legion of Super heroes finally make their return.”,”height”:675,”width”:1199,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/doomsday-clock-1546900038477.png”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/doomsday-clock-1546900038477_{size}.png”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”06″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Epic Marvel Relaunches\r\n\r\nSeveral long-running Marvel books are due to be relaunched in early 2019, and each one of them has our attention. In January, Kelly Thompson and Carmen Carnero will take the helm of the new volume of Captain Marvel and Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw will debut a new, much bigger incarnation of the Guardians of the Galaxy. In February, Chip Zdarsky and Marco Chechetto will kick off a new era for Daredevil. And in March, Saladin Ahmed and Minkyu Jung will join forces for The Magnificent Ms. Marvel.\r\n
\r\nIn every one of these cases, it\u0027s the strong creative teams as much as the characters themselves that have us excited for the future of Marvel Comics.”,”height”:720,”width”:1279,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/marvel-relaunches-1546900038482.jpeg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/marvel-relaunches-1546900038482_{size}.jpeg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”07″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
More DC Books From Bendis\r\n\r\nOver the years, Brian Bendis has built a reputation for being one of the most prolific writers in comics. That hasn\u0027t changed one bit since his shift to DC. Recently the writer took to Instagram to reveal a number of art snippets and tease upcoming projects. It\u0027s hard to know exactly what to make of these teasers, but it appears that Bendis will be diving into the world of Batman Beyond and tackling the Legion of Super Heroes at some point in 2019.\r\n
\r\nHow he has the time to pursue these new projects on top of his work on Superman, Wonder Comics and Jinxworld we\u0027ll never know. But we\u0027re not complaining.”,”height”:576,”width”:1024,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/legion-of-super-heroes-1546900038479.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/legion-of-super-heroes-1546900038479_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”08″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Revisiting The Magicians\r\n\r\nWhether you prefer the Syfy TV series or author Lev Grossman\u0027s original novels, The Magicians is one of the best adult-oriented fantasy sagas in recent memory. And now that saga is making its way to the comic book realm in July in the form of The Magicians: Alice\u0027s Story.\r\n
\r\nThis original graphic novel from writer Lilah Sturges and artist Pius Bak is designed as a companion to the books. As the title suggests, it tells Alice\u0027s side of the story, offering a completely different perspective on the events of the first book. If you\u0027ve ever wondered how Alice dealt with the punishing Brakebills curriculum, grappled with first love and with the tragedy of losing a brother and how she felt during that chaotic, transformative first trip to Fillory, this graphic novel should cover all the bases.”,”height”:580,”width”:1030,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/magicians-alices-story-1546900038480.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/magicians-alices-story-1546900038480_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:”09″,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
DC\u0027s Secret History\r\n\r\nOne of DC\u0027s first big announcements of 2018 involved the reveal of The Other History of the DC Universe, a miniseries from 12 Years a Slave screenwriter John Ridley. This miniseries explores the history of the DCU from a very different perspective, exploring how characters like Black Lightning, Katana and Renee Montoya have overcome bigotry and hatred in their rise to become heroes.\r\n
\r\nIt appears that 2019 is when we\u0027ll finally get to read that story Unfortunately, DC recently canceled the first issue and delayed the series\u0027 planned January start date. Hopefully we won\u0027t have to wait too long for it to be re-solicited.”,”height”:1080,”width”:1920,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/other-history-dcu-1546900038484.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/other-history-dcu-1546900038484_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:10,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Criminal\u0027s Return\r\n\r\nThere are few creative teams in comics as dependable as writer Ed Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips. No matter what new project they tackle, they can always be counted upon to deliver stylish crime noir that doesn\u0027t look or read like anything else on the stands. What has us even more excited for their next collaboration, however, is that it involves a return to what may be their most enduring creation of all, Criminal.\r\n
\r\nCriminal is returning in January as an ongoing monthly series. The new volume will continue to build on some of the characters and situations introduced in previous Criminal comics, but the goal is to remain as new reader-friendly as possible. Regardless of your familiarity with the franchise, this is one Image title to keep on your radar in 2019.”,”height”:327,”width”:582,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/criminal-1546900038475.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/criminal-1546900038475_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:11,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Snyder\u0027s Justice League Event\r\n\r\nOne of the great things about Scott Snyder\u0027s Justice League run is that every storyline feels like a true event comic in terms of scale and drama. But if you\u0027re waiting for Snyder to truly tackle his next big DC epic, you shouldn\u0027t have much longer. As far back as Comic-Con last summer, Snyder has been teasing a major Justice League event, one that pays off on loose ends from Dark Nights: Metal and the current Justice League comics. Don\u0027t be surprised if that event kicks off sometime this summer, once current heavy-hitters like Heroes in Crisis and Doomsday Clock wrap up.”,”height”:1103,”width”:1961,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/justice-league-event-1546900038479.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/justice-league-event-1546900038479_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:12,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
The Female Furies\r\n\r\nTom King and Mitch Gerads\u0027 Mister Miracle was one of our absolute favorite comics of 2018, making its conclusion in issue #12 a very bittersweet experience. But DC may have a new comic on the way able to fill that void. Cecil Castellucci and Adriana Melo are teaming up for a new miniseries called Female Furies, one that puts the spotlight on Big Barda and her deadly New God brethren.\r\n
\r\nThe creative team may be different, but we\u0027re still down for a book that aims to put a more personal spin on Fourth World favorites. And given how much we enjoyed Castellucci\u0027s work on Shade, The Changing Girl, there\u0027s no way we\u0027re missing out on this one.”,”height”:1546,”width”:2750,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/female-furies-1546900038478.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/female-furies-1546900038478_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:13,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
They Called Us Enemy\r\n\r\nGeorge Takei may be a happy-go-lucky nerd icon, but he\u0027s also a man who\u0027s confronted the very worst life in America has to offer. This graphic novel from Top Shelf Comix is a memoir of Takei\u0027s childhood spent in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Together with writers\u00a0Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker, Takei explores the profound struggles he faced and how it shaped his view of what it means to be American. It promises to be a powerful read. And sadly, one that\u0027s all too relevant in 2019.”,”height”:291,”width”:517,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/they-called-us-enemy-1546900038485.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/they-called-us-enemy-1546900038485_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:14,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
The Three Jokers Revealed\r\n\r\nIn their final Justice League story, The Darkseid War, writer Geoff Johns and artist Jason Fabok dropped one of the biggest Batman bombshells ever with the reveal that there are three different versions of Joker active in the DC Universe. But even as we approach the third anniversary of that twist, we have yet to see any DC book pick up on that major loose end. That should finally change this year as Johns and Fabok reunite for Batman: Three Jokers.\r\n
\r\nThis prestige format miniseries brings together Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd and Barbara Gordon as they attempt to finally get to the bottom of this mystery and discover if there truly is more than one Joker. The series will be published under DC\u0027s mature readers-focused Black Label imprint, but it\u0027s still one that promises to have a profound impact on the Batman line as a whole.”,”height”:721,”width”:1280,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/three-jokers-1546900038485.png”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/three-jokers-1546900038485_{size}.png”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:15,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Monstress & Saga Return\r\n\r\nMonth in and month out, Monstress and Saga rank among the very best books Image Comics is putting out. Unfortunately, both series went on hiatus in mid-2018 and have been conspicuously absent ever since. Fortunately, both titles are set to resume in 2019.\r\n
\r\nMonstress #19 will hit stores in January. Unfortunately, there\u0027ll be a longer wait in store Saga #55. When issue #54 hit stores in July 2018 and blasted readers with a stunning cliffhanger, writer Brian K. Vaughan revealed the book would be going on break for \u0022at least a year.\u0022 So don\u0027t expect that issue until the latter half of 2019.”,”height”:721,”width”:1280,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/monstress-1546900038483.png”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/monstress-1546900038483_{size}.png”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:16,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Conan at Marvel\r\n\r\nConan of Cimmeria may have made his home at Dark Horse Comics for the past 15 years, but the time has come for him to finally return to Marvel. Marvel has already celebrated a new year by kicking off Conan the Barbarian, as writer Jason Aaron and artist Mahmud Asrar explore the life and death of this iconic pulp hero.\r\n
\r\nThat\u0027s only the beginning of Marvel\u0027s plans for Conan, however. A second ongoing series called Savage Sword of Conan will feature various creative teams trying their hand at the character, while Age of Conan: Belit will take a closer look at Conan\u0027s most famous and tragic lover. But perhaps most intriguing of all are the signs that Conan\u0027s mythology is being integrated into the Marvel Universe. Look for a Conan\/Avengers team-up in the weekly Avengers: No Road Home comic this March.”,”height”:720,”width”:1280,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/conan-at-marvel-1546900038474.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/conan-at-marvel-1546900038474_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:17,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Batman\u0027s Birthday Bash\r\n\r\n2018 marked the 80th anniversary of Superman\u0027s first appearance. In 2019, it\u0027s Batman\u0027s turn. The Dark Knight is turning 80 this year even as Detective Comics reaches its 1000th issue. To celebrate these dual milestones, DC is pulling out all the stops for Detective Comics #1000. This massively oversized issue will feature new stories from an all-star creative lineup, including\u00a0Peter Tomasi, Doug Mahnke, Geoff Johns, Brian Michael Bendis, Paul Dini, Christopher Priest, Denny O\u2019Neil, Neal Adams, Kelley Jones, Dustin Nguyen and Alex Maleev.\r\n
\r\nThis issue is also notable for introducing the Arkham Knight into DC Comics continuity. We\u0027ll find out just how closely this new villain resembles his video game counterpart when Detective Comics #1000 hits stores in March.”,”height”:2255,”width”:4010,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/detective-comics-1000-1546900038476.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/detective-comics-1000-1546900038476_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:18,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
Discovering a New World\r\n\r\nDavid Jesus Vignolli\u0027s New World is easily among the most intriguing new graphic novels slated for release in 2019. This book takes a fantastical look at America\u0027s early history, one in which an American Indian, an African musician and a Portuguese sailor are brought together by a supernatural force. Vignolli is drawing from his own complicated family tree for this book, which should bring an added personal touch to a larger-than-life conflict. Look for New World to hit stores in August.”,”height”:579,”width”:1030,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/new-world-1546900598581.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/new-world-1546900598581_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:19,”albumTotalCount”:20},{“caption”:”
War of the Realms\r\n\r\nLike every year, Marvel has an epic crossover event planned to coincide with the summer movie season. But even if you suffer from a bad case of event fatigue, War of the Realms is worth getting excited for. This new miniseries chronicles the massive conflict writer Jason Aaron has been building toward since he began his Thor run way back in 2012. Malekith and his armies have consumed the Ten Realms, and only Thor and the Avengers stand a chance of saving Midgard.\r\n
\r\nWhere else will you get to see Captain America riding a pegasus and Daredevil wielding the all-seeing power of Heimdall? This event promises to be crazy good fun. More importantly, it\u0027s a reunion of one of the best creative teams in the business, as Aaron again joins forces with artist Russell Dauterman.”,”height”:700,”width”:1243,”url”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/war-of-the-realms-1546900038488.jpg”,”styleUrl”:”https:\/\/assets1.ignimgs.com\/2019\/01\/07\/war-of-the-realms-1546900038488_{size}.jpg”,”credit”:””,”objectRelationName”:””,”objectRelationUrl”:””,”albumName”:”IGN\u0027s 19 Most Anticipated Comics of 2019″,”relativePosition”:20,”albumTotalCount”:20}]’
data-ads-disabled=’false’
data-ad-frequency=’3′
data-image-size=’1280w’>
While the god of thunder escapes Malekith’s wrath for now, his father isn’t so lucky. The lonely, grieving Odin is the first to fall as Dark Elf assassins kill him in the abandoned halls of Asgard.
Art by Russell Dauterman. (Image Credit: Marvel Comics)
Fortunately, Thor’s mother Freyja is spared by the timely intervention of Spider-Man. And when Laufey and his Frost Giants arrive to finish the job, Loki cuts off his father’s oversized hand in defense of his family. Unfortunately, because Loki literally stabbed Freyja in the back when last they met (he had his reasons), no one is particularly thrilled to see the god of mischief in New York City.
To prove his loyalty to his family and to Asgard, Loki allows himself to be captured and eaten by Laufey.
Art by Russell Dauterman. (Image Credit: Marvel Comics)
That’s two major Asgardians down in just the first chapter of this six-issue crossover. Though at this point it’s probably a good idea to take any of Loki’s deaths with a grain of salt. Who’s to say being eaten alive isn’t part of some larger plan?
How many more gods will fall before Malekith’s armies are stopped? We’ll find out as War of the realms continues to unfold between now and the end of June.
Jesse is a mild-mannered writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.