T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS to Return


An old property is set to get a bit of a resurrection later this year and some general details are starting to surface.

The official press release from IDW:

IDW Publishing announced to a full house at this year’s New York Comic Con that they’ve acquired the rights to publish the exploits of the legendary band of super-powered heroes, the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS!

First published in 1965, the fan-favorite team has seen their exploits published by Tower, JC, Deluxe, and DC Comics and been written and drawn by a virtual who’s-who of comic industry titans. The diverse cast of Agents have seen their share of adventures over the years -including DC’s well-received run most recently – but IDW is excited at the opportunity to put their stamp on the legendary team.

The man who got the ball rolling, Michael Uslan, shared his thoughts:

I’m thrilled that IDW will be bringing its extraordinary talents and craft to producing everything from beautiful omnibus volumes to bold and cutting-edge new comic book titles based on T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents. IDW will be presenting the works of comic book super-stars, including T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents creator, Wally Wood (DaredevilMAD, EC horror and science fiction comics, All-Star ComicsPower Girl) along with the legendary Steve Ditko (Spider-ManDr. Strange); Gil Kane (Green LanternThe Atom); Mike Sekowsky (Justice League); Reed Crandall (Blackhawk); Dave Cockrum (X-Men); George Perez (Wonder WomanNew Teen Titans); Murphy Anderson (HawkmanThe Spectre); Paul Gulacy (Master of Kung Fu); Jerry Ordway (ShazamJustice Society); Ron Lim (WarlockSilver Surfer), Keith Giffen(Legion of Super-HeroesLobo); Dan Adkins (CreepyDr. Strange), and many others.

IDW‘s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall, had this to add:

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents always had a great premise in addition to the list of esteemed creators who worked on the comics-people whose day job was being government-employed superheroes,” said IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall, “That premise offers a resonant jumping-off point for some exciting new stories that will add to the great comics already left behind by both Tower and DC’s recent run.

Greg Goldstein, IDW‘s President and C.O.O. chimed in with:

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents is a classic, beloved property,” added Greg Goldstein, IDW’s President and C.O.O.. “Its original stories featured some of the best superhero art of the silver age and it was well ahead of its time in many areas of storytelling. As an example, it was the first mainstream comic book to feature the ‘permanent’ death of a major character.

The press release went on to highlight:

In addition to the rights to reprint classic T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents comics as well as create all-new series around the property, IDW also now controls the rights to fellow Tower Comics titles Undersea Agent andFight the Enemy, too.

David M. Matthews, Managing Director of Radiant Assets (owner of the property) offered this statement:

We are very excited that T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents has found a new home at IDW.  Their history of high-quality publications coupled with top-notch creative teams perfectly compliments our desire to expand not only the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agent franchise, but Undersea Agent and Fight the Enemy, as well.  We join them with great optimism about bringing this storied team’s past, present and future to a whole new generation of readers, who will join the longtime legion of fans already anxious for the continuation of the team’s legendary exploits.”

Despite the lack of specific plans, old school fans are you excited?  Is this a property that needs to come back or should it just stay lost in the pages of comic book history?  Sound off with your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

SOURCE: IDW