New Avengers: Letters Home (New Military-Only Special)

[JonBidinger]

I found this in the local paper here on post, found an online copy to show here. Looks interesting, interesting mix of characters. Reportedly it is showing up here early, and I hope to get a few copies. Will put up a full plot synopsis when I get my hands on it.

Marvel, AAFES Offer New Military-Only Comic
By American Forces Press Service
Dec 7, 2006 - 2:47:49 AM

Just in time for the holiday season, Marvel Comics' "The New Avengers" and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service have teamed up to bring troops stationed around the world another free, military-exclusive comic book.

"The New Avengers: Letters Home" is scheduled to arrive in U.S. exchanges around Dec. 20 and overseas, including the 53 BX/PX facilities throughout operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, shortly thereafter. It's the fourth installment of the military-only comic book series.

"Due to their limited availability, collectors have historically shown great interest in these special AAFES/Marvel Comics editions," Army Col. Max Baker, AAFES chief of staff, said. "If the past is any indicator, 'The New Avenger: Letters Home' issue should go quickly."

Available exclusively at AAFES stores, the newest issue once again features Marvel's superhero Captain America, who, because his regular supporting cast is away for the holidays, is joined by Silver Surfer, Ghost Rider and special guest, The Punisher. When Hydra takes over a military communications satellite, the superheroes spring into action to ensure troops' e-mail messages to loved ones make their way home.

Because of the highly collectible nature and the anticipated demand for the 36-page comic, AAFES officials advise that "The New Avengers: Letters Home" is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

[rwe1138]

Boy, that's an... unusual assemblage. Did they draw the featured characters out of a hat, or what? I can't even remember ever seeing the Surfer and Ghost Rider together. Maybe in one of the Infinity (blank) books, but that's it. Or Frank & the Surfer, for that matter. Interesting. Anyone know the creative team? The cover looks like Carlos Pacheco.

[a-spidey]

That's really an interesting line-up :). the punisher, silver surfer, cap, ghost rider as Avengers ? Wonder what they write home...

[Omega Alpha]

That's really an interesting line-up :). the punisher, silver surfer, cap, ghost rider as Avengers ? Wonder what they write home...

The interesting about this line-up is that, if you have The Silver Surfer, why do you need the other three?

[Pwood]

The interesting about this line-up is that, if you have The Silver Surfer, why do you need the other three?

So that the boys overseas have more than one character to read about.

[a-spidey]

So that the boys overseas have more than one character to read about.

and i guess cap america is a must, but the other an interesting choice for sure.

But i have no idea about former avengers line ups.

[DDM]

Punisher, Ghost Rider, & the Silver Surfer have never been Avengers. What about the classic line-up? The Avengers would never allow the Punisher to join the group under any circumstance.

[Mariah]

Punisher, Ghost Rider, & the Silver Surfer have never been Avengers. What about the classic line-up? The Avengers would never allow the Punisher to join the group under any circumstance.

They let Wolverine joy, so they pretty much has an open door policy.

[jmc247]

Punisher, Ghost Rider, & the Silver Surfer have never been Avengers. What about the classic line-up? The Avengers would never allow the Punisher to join the group under any circumstance.

They allowed Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch join, both mutant terrorists. And, they even ignored their bouts with mental illness.

[DDM]

They allowed Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch join, both mutant terrorists. And, they even ignored their bouts with mental illness.

The Punisher is a vigilante.

Stan Lee wanted the Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver to join the Avengers because they were never real villains (they served Magneto out of obligation & fear) & they remained popular characters.

You can't compare the Scarlet Witch to the Punisher.

[DDM]

They let Wolverine joy, so they pretty much has an open door policy.

The New Avengers has no rules; Wolverine is in the book as a marketing gimmick at this point. In the former, classic line-up, Wolverine would never be an Avenger either.

[RichStanz]

I know this sounds like I'm blowing everybody else off, but seriously who cares who is on the roster?

Maybe these are characters that the men and women in the military would like to read about (ever see the Silver Surfer argument in the Hunt for Red October?)

I'm going to assume that none of us are in Iraq right now, so as easy as we have it right now, are we really going to be spending all our free time bitching about the moral innaccuracies of letting Cap and Punisher team-up? Are we really going to bitch that a comic made for the troops who rarely get a monthly cheap, disposal form of entertainment like comics, isn't following our strict contonuity.

Don't like it, don't read it - Are you even going to get your hands on a copy?

Personally, I think this is a nice gesture.

[garin]

Rich is exactly right, these characters were chosen for their appeal to people in the armed forces. Arguing about the continuity implications is ridiculous.

[mattbib]

You can't compare the Scarlet Witch to the Punisher.

That's right. The Punisher only kills bad guys.

[The Shadow]

DDM is like old faithful... just give it time he will negativly post about the roster, gimmicks, Bendis and Wolverine.

The Avengers would never allow the Punisher to join the group under any circumstance.

You answered your own post and explained it!

The New Avengers has no rules; In the former, classic line-up, Wolverine would never be an Avenger either.

Glad you cleared that up for us! ;)