New Warriors Dot Com

Happy Birthday to Bill Mantlo!

In 1981, he co-created Cloak and Dagger, and went on to write many of their adventures in the ’80s.

Bill wrote many other comics for Marvel throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including Incredible Hulk, Spectacular Spider-Man, and a celebrated run of Rom the Spaceknight. He also co-created Rocket Raccoon. In the late ’80s, he began transitioning out of comics and became a public defender for the Legal Aid Society non-profit organization. In the early ’90s, he was left comatose from a hit and run incident. He regained consciousness but the accident left him with severe brain damage. In 2014, Marvel Studios arranged to cover Bill’s in-home care expenses through a compensation package for Rocket Raccoon, who starred in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies.

Need I say it? Corey Blake of New Warriors Continuity Conundrum with his incredible calendar remembered the above.

I am going to share something I previously shared on my other site, The Comic Relief Podcast.

If you don’t know about Bill Mantlo, let me share this:

On July 17, 1992, Mantlo was struck by a car while rollerblading. The driver of the car fled the scene and was never identified. Mantlo suffered severe head trauma. His activities of daily living are severely curtailed and he resides in a healthcare facility where he receives full-time care.

Mantlo’s brother describes the injury; “Bill is, and has been, trapped in a world of confusion and despair since his accident. The cognitive deficits he suffered have left him unable to reason or understand his situation, and he struggles daily to maintain any control over his own mind. For someone with his intellect and imagination, this was the absolute worst type of injury that could ever have happened to him.”

In 2007, Yurkovich released the benefit book Mantlo: A Life in Comics, with all proceeds from the book donated to Mantlo’s brother and caregiver, Michael Mantlo, to help toward the costs of maintaining Mantlo’s care. In addition, on December 6, 2007, the Portland, Oregon, comic-book shop Floating World Comics sponsored “Spacenight: A Tribute to Bill Mantlo”, an art show consisting almost entirely of various artists’ interpretations of Rom, to help raise funds for Mantlo’s care. Throughout December 2010, Floating World Comics sponsored “Spacenite2”, also featuring artists’ interpretations of Rom, with all proceeds going to Mantlo’s care and an art auction at the end of December 2010.

In 2014, Mantlo was granted a private preview screening by Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Pictures of the critically acclaimed and successful Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Guardians of the Galaxy, which prominently features his creation, Rocket Raccoon, as a principal character. According to his brother, Michael Mantlo, Bill was pleased with the adaptation (which credits him by name as the character’s co-creator) and considered the occasion a happy day for himself and his family.

Cards, letters and drawings can be sent to Bill Mantlo:

Bill Mantlo
329 Beach 59st #920756
Arverne, NY 11692

Address updated based on this recent post from Bill’s daughter!

In 2011, the new Nova debuted in a story in Point One issue 1 by Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines, Morry Hollowell, and Albert Deschesne! He later joined the most recent iteration of the New Warriors.

Happy 12th Birthday, Sam Alexander!

Information remembered by the incredible Corey of New Warriors Continuity Conundrum.

You can read about the Sam Alexander Nova profile here on the site (though, it probably needs some updating!) Where would I go to check for updates? Well, none other than Corey’s page for Sam Alexander Nova! Sam Alexander went on to have his own Nova series, which I have a Synopsis for on the site: Volume 6, Volume 7, and then he teamed up with Rich (the original Nova) in the all too short lived, Volume 8.

Special thanks, as always, to Corey of New Warriors Continuity Conundrum for always having this stuff handy!

Steve co-created Speedball, plotting and drawing his first solo series.

While he gained a reputation for creepy and weird tales for Atlas Comics in the 1950s, he is mostly known for changing comics with his foundational Marvel Comics co-creations, the Amazing Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, in the 1960s. His clean yet off-balance artwork established the awkward world of Peter Parker, as well as the weird, mystical world of Stephen Strange. He also created the Question and relaunched Blue Beetle for Charlton Comics, and created or co-created the Creeper, Shade the Changing Man, and the duo Hawk and Dove for DC Comics, as well as his own Mr. A.

You can check out all of the information and list of appearances for Speedball on Corey’s website!

I have a Speedball profile (similar to the old Marvel Universe Handbook) here on the site. You can also read a synopsis of each issue of Speedball here on the site.

Corey, from New Warriors Continuity Conumdrum once again with his incredible calendar deserves all the credit for knowing this!

Happy Birthday to June Brigman!

June co-created Power Pack, including future New Warrior Alex Power. She drew their adventures for the first year and a half of the beloved team book.

June Brigman has contributed to Uncanny X-Men, Star Wars and Barbie. In the 1990s, she was the artist for a Supergirl mini-series and began a 15-year run on the comic strip Brenda Starr, Reporter. Since 2016, she has been the artist for Mary Worth. She has found time for occasional returns to comic books with Captain Ginger from Ahoy Comics and new Power Pack projects at Marvel, including the 2019 one-shot Power Pack: Grow Up and the new mini-series Power Pack: Into the Storm, scheduled to begin January 2024.

The incredible Corey of New Warriors Continuity Conundrum, reminded us that Night Thrasher premiered on this day, all the way back in 1989!

You can read about Night Thrasher here on the site on his profile page. On top of the being a part of the New Warriors, he had a 4 issue mini series and an ongoing series – Night Thrasher (V1) mini series and Night Thrasher (V2) have synopsis of the issues.

Want to make sure you have all the issues Night Thrasher appears in? Corey has you covered on his site with his Night Thrasher profile!

Corey and his Cool Calendar (CCC?) also happens to know the birthdays of folks who have a hand – one way or another – with something to do with New Warriors! In this case, Louise Simonson (whose done a lot of great things, actually!) – but New Warriors specifically, Alex Power, of Power Pack would eventually become a member of the New Warriors!

Not too long ago I shared some art by Todd Nauck doing some Power Pack art!

And Marvel announced a new Power Pack mini called Into the Storm!

Namorita has been confirmed for the next wave from Marvel Legends, along side Justice, in the same line. It’s remarkable to get one – but two? – New Warriors in the same line? It’s like Marvel knows I don’t have any money! And they want to release both together!

Now, if you’re wondering what Namorita this is, this is the version of Namorita that appeared in New Warriors Volume 3 originally.

It’s also the same costume we see her in at the very end, final page of New Warriors Volume 5.

They did seem to hint at that a “classic Namorita” would eventually be on the way and to “hang on tight.”

Justice also apparently got some changes to him. He looks incredible.

By now you should know – if it’s the “birthday” of a character’s appearance, none other than Corey from New Warriors Continuity Conundrum is behind letting the world (and thus, me) know!

So that’s right – this was from Corey from New Warriors Continuity Conundrum once again!

Today in 1994, Chamber debuted in Generation X issue 1 by Scott Lobdell, Chris Bachalo, Mark Buckingham, Steve Buccellato, and Richard Starkings! Using the name Decibel, he would later join an iteration of the New Warriors.

Happy 29th Birthday, Jono Starsmore!

Though Chamber debuted as a member of Generation X, he would be one of the many mutants who would go on to lose his power. (A fairly bold move by Marvel, as I felt like Chamber was very well liked and a very unique character). Because he was depowered, he would eventually join the New Warriors in New Warriors Volume 4 (along with a mess of other depowered mutants, which was the overall theme of New Warriors Volume 4).

In New Warriors volume 4, he took on the name Decibel.

Want to know more about Chamber/Decibel? Find out where he’s appeared? You will want to check out the Chamber/Decible profile on New Warriors Continuity Conundrum!

Funny enough, I just posted about the Power Pack images Todd Nauck drew! And a new Power Pack has been announced entitled Into the Storm.

From Marvel.com –

The Pack is back—and so are their legendary co-creators! In honor of the group’s 40th anniversary, co-creators Louise Simonson and June Brigman return with an all-new Power Pack saga this January: POWER PACK: INTO THE STORM!
 
This five-issue retro series takes readers back to Simonson and Brigman’s original run, a beloved era when Power Pack were Marvel’s A-List team of kid super heroes! Although they were mere children, their powers made them brave beyond their years and the threats they faced were far from childish!

This new series will capture that same spirit, as the group faces a cosmic threat tied to one of their fiercest foes. Up against factions of the Snark, the Brood, and more, it’s a mission with enormous stakes that threatens the very stability of the cosmos. Luckily, Power Pack never fights alone! Fondly remembered for their exciting team-ups with Marvel’s most legendary heroes, the series will also feature Power Pack’s most loyal companion, Franklin Richards, as well as their frequent allies, the Uncanny X-Men!
 
Alex, Julie, Jack, and Katie Power are super hero siblings determined to do their part to protect the world despite their young age. The problem is that their parents don’t want them to have powers—and can’t find out that they do! But when their friend Franklin Richards has a premonition of a galactic threat hurtling their way, the Power siblings will have to decide what kind of heroes they want to be—and what they’re willing to give up along the way!

“It’s funny how easy it is to slip back into Power Pack!” Simonson shared. “This story explores the looming question: Should Power Pack tell their parents about their powers? I loved hinting at Franklin’s nascent abilities, one blocked by his parents, but too powerful for even them to contain completely.”

“Loved introducing a couple of Snark princesses—good and tragic—and delving a bit deeper into Snark culture,” she continued. “And I loved writing Alex, Julie, Jack, and Katie one more time. The X-Man Storm, who shares this adventure, also added to the fun. And, of course, June Brigman’s art is evocative and lovely.”

“I always love playing with the kids,” Brigman added. “I hope everyone enjoys reading this great story as much as I loved drawing it!”

Do I really have to tell you that it was Corey from New Warriors Continuity Conundrum who remembered this? Do I? Have you not already picked up on the awesome that Corey is? And whatever amazing calendar he has to track this? Well, listen – yes, it was Corey from New Warriors Continuity Conundrum who remembered this!

Today in 2005, Debrii debuted in New Warriors vol. 3 issue 4 by Zeb Wells, Skottie Young, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, and Randy Gentile!

Happy 18th Birthday, Deborah Fields!

Debrii would “join” the New Warriors in New Warriors Volume 3. She would go on to actually make a few short appearance post the six issue limited series that Volume 3 was. I also have a profile on Debrii here on the site, but Corey is wonderful at keeping all of her appearances up to date (as well as anyone who has been a New Warriors) – check out his profile on Debrii!