Marvel has effectively swapped the writing teams on two of it’s biggest books. Beginning in November, Donny Cates will exit Venom, where he has revolutionised the character with the introduction of Knull and move to The Immortal Hulk, picking up the reins from Al Ewing - who will team with Ram V to craft the next phase of Venom!
Venom will be pencilled in doubtless epic style by Bryan Hitch, whose staggering work on The Ultimates 1 & 2 remains a long standing fan-fave. Meanwhile Ryan Ottley, riding high after his runs on The Amazing Spider-Man and Invincible will pencil The Hulk’s next adventures.
Both books will be previewed in August’s Free Comic Book Day offerings from Marvel and you can check out gallery below to see the first covers and previews from the book's premiere issues. Both comics will released as new number 1’s. Ram V had the following to say on the announcement:
“When my editors at Marvel reached out about taking on Venom alongside Al Ewing and Bryan Hitch, I was not prepared for the kind of creative thrill it has been ever since. This story is going to expand and push the symbiote narrative and lore in even more unexpected and fantastic directions. It is also an utter thrill having the sort of call and response mechanic I’ve had with a writer like Al and an artist of Bryan’s caliber. Fans and new readers, strap in—you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”
Regarding taking the reins over at The Immortal Hulk, Cates said the following:
“Marvel just gave me the keys to the strongest one there is,” Cates said. “Haha... oh boy. You guys are just not ready for this. You’re about to find out what happens when Ryan Ottley and I get angry... and guess what? Well... pretty sure you’re gonna like us a lot when we’re angry.”
Given what these creators have done separately on other books in the past, their work on these titles could usher in a bold new era for their respective characters as well as a change in style - particularly for Venom, with Hitch’s cleaner, more muscular take on the characters. Ottley tends to bring more humour into his art, so seeing him craft the Hulk will be fascinating.
Get down to your local comic book shop on 14th August for a look at Cates and Ottley’s Immortal Hulk in Avengers / Hulk (2021) #1 and pick up Spider-Man / Venom (2021) #1 whilst you’re there for a look at the new creative team on Venom! Take a look at the covers and preview art in our gallery below.
