The official announcement has been made: Marvel Comics’ rights now belong to the infamous Roxxon Energy Corporation.
This includes the rights to the metafictional iteration of Marvel Comics within the Marvel Universe itself. Similar to its real-world counterpart, this fictional Marvel Comics narrates the exploits of iconic superheroes like Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and, of course, Thor.
The revelation initially surfaced in the pages of 2023’s Immortal Thor #4. Now, Marvel, the actual company, has disclosed the details of how and when Roxxon’s ownership of the fictional Marvel Comics will start making an impact.
The commencement is set for April with the release of Roxxon Presents: Thor #1, a creation of writer Al Ewing and artist Greg Land.
This comic introduces Roxxon’s revamped version of Thor, named Chad Hammer. Hammer, a pro-AI advocate, doubles as The Roxxin’ Thor—a champion of big business and the integrity of shareholder value.
Roxxon Presents: Thor #1 is intricately connected to Immortal Thor #9, which is scheduled for April as well. Both written by Ewing and art by Ibraim Roberson, these issues will delve deeper into Roxxon’s specific focus on Thor.
This strategic emphasis is driven by the fact that Roxxon is now under the control of Thor’s old adversary, Dario Agger, who has aligned forces with the perennial nemesis of Thor, the Enchantress.
All these developments are leading up to what Marvel is promoting as the “Roxxon Age of Marvel Comics.” This anticipated event is set to kick off in May, as revealed through promotional art by Nick Bradshaw.
The promotional material is showcased alongside the covers of Immortal Thor #9 by Alex Ross and Roxxon Presents: Thor #1 by Greg Land.
Al Ewing, the writer behind these comics, delivered a tongue-in-cheek statement about Roxxon’s hostile takeover of Marvel Comics. “Roxxon’s hostile takeover of Marvel Comics is the worst thing to happen to the industry in decades—just what comic books needed!” Ewing humorously remarked. He went on to express a mix of horror and excitement, acknowledging the alterations made by the so-called Roxxon Entertainment Standards Committee. Despite the changes, Ewing playfully described the result as “a rollicking good time for the whole family,” concluding with a jesting plea: “May God forgive Roxxon, for I never shall! Make Mine Roxxon!”
Fans can look forward to Immortal Thor #9 hitting the shelves on April 3, followed by the release of Roxxon Presents: Thor #1 on April 18.
