U.S. News: The return of Not Brand Echh!

Published cover will be slightly different in layout.

In the 1960s, Marvel's Not Brand Echh was one of my favourite comics. Issue 4 (the first one I had) is almost read to destruction because I read it so often as a kid. The comic only lasted for 13 issues so you may not have heard of it but basically it was a satirical humour comic, and the target of satire was Marvel's own characters (and also those of its competitors). In later issues it widened its scope to parody other stuff too, and was similar to the early issues of EC's Mad comic in many ways.  

Now, as part of the company's new Marvel Legacy revamp, Marvel are reviving several old comics, and Not Brand Echh will be back with issue No.14 at the end of this year. (I believe it's only for a one-off at present.) 

If you haven't heard of Marvel Legacy, it's an initiative to bring in new and lapsed readers, with the majority of Marvel's comics reverting to the old numbering they had before the numerous relaunches over the years. (The relaunch numbering will be included in the calculations.) More importantly, each 'Legacy' comic will be a jumping on point for new readers. There's a new trade dress for the titles too, with finally a return to a consistent design and a vignette of each character in the corner box.

Just window dressing, or will Marvel Legacy prove to be the shot in the arm the company needs? (And how will Panini reflect it when they catch up with these comics next year?) Time will tell. 

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