Marvel kicks off Warhammer 40K book with motion trailer

Marvel opens up a whole new universe of action for comics fans in style, with a pretty cool trailer showcasing the Warhammer 40k hero Marneus Calgar.

In the far future…

If you’re familiar with Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40k tabletop game, then you probably already know that it’s got an established history in the comics medium. Published by Titan Comics for years however, the property has never really been a force on the stands. Though that might be about to change, since Marvel Comics has picked up the license.

The first book to take advantage will be Warhammer 40K: Marneus Calgar. It’s a comic mini-series that will tell the origin story of one of that universe’s greatest heroes.

And as you can see, Marvel is pulling few punches with it.

The Space Marine hero, Marneus Calgar, heads to war next month in a brand-new series! WARHAMMER 40,000: MARNEUS CALGAR #1, the first product of the exciting collaboration between Marvel Comics and Games Workshop, will tell the untold origin of the legendary chapter master including his upbringing on the world of Nova Thulium, his bloody campaigns in the Black Crusades, and the unfolding mystery of the Black Altar, a deadly threat from his past that threatens the entire Ultramar system.

Marvel Comics press release

Pretty bloody for a Marvel comic! I have to say I’m kind of impressed. I was expecting the publisher to definitely tone down the violence that WH40K is known for, but apparently not. Good to see.

The new series is hitting stands courtesy of writer Kieron Gillen and artist Jacen Burrows. That’s a pretty good team, and one that 40K fans should be happy to see. Marvel seems to be taking this one seriously.

“Give us two pages. It’s the full heavy-metal power that 40k needs to look like.  You’ll see there’s no other sci-fi comic, by Marvel or anyone else that feels like this. This is my love song to a hell on earth, and the guitars are Spinal-Tap-ian in their desire to go to 11,” Gillen told Newsarama in a recent interview. “Jacen’s work is something I’ve always loved – the architect’s eye for structure (and destruction). The way his approach grounds the fantasy, and executes the most horribly complicated stuff. Jacen seems as happy as I am. He said there’s a spread in issue 1, which he thinks is the best thing he’s ever drawn, and I have to agree.”

Kieron Gillen

Warhammer 40K: Marneus Calgar #1 hits stands on October 16th.