Marvel NOW features new #1 issues beginning October 2012Media Release -- The most popular characters. The most acclaimed creators. The most ambitious stories. This is Marvel NOW!.

This Fall, the Marvel Universe heads in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry's top creators join the top Super Heroes-- Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine and more-- to deliver all-new ongoing series, each beginning with issue #1! Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation.

It kicks off in October's Uncanny Avengers #1, from the superstar dream team of Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force, Venom) and John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men, Captain America) and continues with jaw-dropping new Marvel NOW! series nearly every week through February.

"There's never been a better time to check out comics than Marvel NOW!" said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. "This isn't a reboot or a reimagining—Marvel NOW! is all about looking forward, building on our rich history of great stories and delivering new ideas."

In Uncanny Avengers #1, the Avengers and X-Men must join forces to overcome the greatest challenge either team has ever faced, one so devastating that neither can afford to do it alone! Can Captain America's newly assembled team find a way to peacefully co-exist while also dealing with the game-changing repercussions of Avengers VS X-Men?

Then in November, Marvel NOW! expands to all corners of the universe with launches including All-New X-Men #1 by Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers VS. X-Men, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man) and Stuart Immonen (Avengers VS. X-Men #1 Infinite, Fear Itself); Avengers #1 by Jonathan Hickman (Avengers VS X-Men, Fantastic Four) and Jerome Opena (Uncanny X-Force), on-sale in December; and New Avengers #1, by Hickman and Steve Epting (FF, Captain America), on-sale in January 2013.

"We brought fans the biggest comic book event imaginable in Avengers VS. X-Men and now we're taking the Marvel Universe to an exciting new place, beginning with Uncanny Avengers #1," said Tom Brevoort, SVP, Executive Editor, Marvel Entertainment. "If you're a long-time fan, all the stories you've read will give you even more enjoyment of what's happening now—we're not abandoning our past. But if you're a new reader, this is where you're going to learn just why Marvel comics are unlike anything else you've ever read. And no character is left unaffected by Marvel NOW!."

Every comic book bearing the Marvel NOW! branding includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue #1 of Marvel NOW! series features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

"This is the natural next step of the Marvel ReEvolution, as we evolve every facet of Marvel publishing," explained Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer, Marvel Entertainment. "You've seen us craft new digital storytelling formats like Marvel Infinite Comics and bring added value to our comics with Marvel AR. Now our print comics leap into the future with a cinematic new look for our covers, exciting new designs for our biggest characters and stories that will send you on the kind of journey you can only get at Marvel."

This October, "Join The ReEvolution" as Marvel NOW! kicks off with Uncanny Avengers #1, ushering in a new era for comics and the perfect jumping on point for new readers. The biggest creators bring you the biggest characters in the biggest stories…and it's happening NOW!

To commemorate the historic release of Uncanny Avengers #1 on Wednesday, October 10th, participating retailers can host special advance release parties the night before! That's right, you can experience the biggest new series launch of the year on Tuesday, October 9th at select retailers, who'll also have limited edition giveaways exclusive to these events.

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit www.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #MarvelNOW.