| Type | Entertainment |
|---|---|
| Predecessor(s) | CB Comics |
| Founded | August 15, 1989 |
| Founder(s) | Carlos Pontón, Jesús Barrero |
| Headquarters | Cuernavaca, Mexico |
| Area served | Latin America |
| Products | Comics, Television |
| Divisions | Ultra Comics, Marvelo Studios |
Marvelo Comics is a bilingual comic book company based in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Primarily known for material featuring characters formerly published by US-based company Marvel, Marvelo has garnered a reputation as being the most well known Mexican comic book company outside of Mexico. "Crossovers" have occurred with characters from the Venezuelan Etcetera Entertainment, the Victorian Omega Level Entertainment, and the ANZC-based American Comics.
History[]
Foundation[]
Sometime in late 1988, former voice actor turned businessman Carlos Pontón acquired the rights to several Marvel Comics characters. He then approached voice actor and close friend Jesús Barrero to create a company to publish remakes of classic Marvel tales for the Mexican market. Barerro was initially hesitant toward the idea, but eventually came around to the idea - and so, on the 15th of August in 1989, CB Comics was born, with Barrero as Editor in Chief and Pontón as publisher. Initially, the company published redrawn, re-translated versions of classics from the Bronze, Silver, and Golden Ages, using homegrown talent. Then they learned that there was new competition in town.
The Distinguished Competition[]
Founded in 1992, Etcetera Comics (then called "New DC") opened its Mexican branch the following year. Though they had cordial relationships with each other, the old Marvel-DC rivalry was re-sparked, with CB Venezuela soon open for business. Etcetera, in addition to publishing remakes of old stories, also published a few new ones. This inspired CB Comics to make some new stories of their own, most which were only moderately successful. In 1995, Pontón and Barrero caught wind of Etc's latest project, Multiversity, a 12-issue event designed to bring the DC universe into the post-Doomsday era and lead into a relaunch of their titles. Not wanting to be outdone by their friendly rival, but realizing that making their own 12-issue event in less than a year would be nigh impossible, the two men commissioned a five-part event to lead into CB's own relaunch, and take Marvels characters beyond Doomsday. The book was written under the working title of Marvel 1983, by the time a proper name was needed, they simply shortened it to Marvel '83, which would see its final issue published on CB's fifth anniversary.
Marvelo[]
The months leading up to Marvel '83's release saw several changes to the company. Barrero, wanting to focus on his voice acting career, announced that he would be stepping down as Editor in Chief. CB then opened up branches in Chile, Columbia, and Argentina, expanding their consumer base. Finally, it was decided that with the relaunch of the Marvel Universe, and the departure of their original Editor in Chief, a new name was needed. From that day forward, CB Comics would be known as Marvelo Comics.
Success Gained[]
Marvel '83 proved to be a huge success, becoming Marvelo's highest selling title to date. The title saw the various hero and villains of the Marvel Universe forced to battle it out by the Star God. After defeating the Star God, several heroes received visions of Doomsday, which was to happen in a week's time. Powerless to stop it, they instead decided to ensure the survival of their loved ones and themselves. When the bombs drop, the heroes bid farewell to the old age. The title was well received, though the ending proved a bit controversial. Nevertheless, Marvel '83 cemented Marvelo's status as Mexico's premier comic book publisher and put them on the map in Latin America's comic book industry. In addition, Fett Comics, a label for comics based on movies and television, launched its first comic, Star Wars. Starting with an adaptation of A New Hope, this long running series brought a new audience to a galaxy far, far away.
A New Millenium[]
The 2000's saw several hits produced by Marvelo, including Captain Marvel/Marvel Duel and The New Avengers, but that was all overshadowed by quite possibly the biggest blunder in the history of Marvelo: The New Blood event. Intended to debut a more proactive team of heroes, the event was criticized for its overly dark and violent tone, with unfeeling heroes who'd rather murder random criminals than actually do heroics. The event bombed, the comic was regulated to non-canon status, and trhe writer retired in shame.
Ultra Comics[]
In 2007, Bringas had the idea to create a new universe, one where superheroes grew to prominence after Doomsday. He brought up the idea with Pontón, Estevez, and Roberto Mendoza, who decided to use pre-existing characters for this new universe. Pontón came up with a new imprint to publish this new universe: Ultra Comics. The first title published under the banner was Ultra Spider-Man #1, and the first event followed in 2009, Project Avengers. Sadly, on December 19, 2009, Edith Díaz, wife of Carlos Pontón, passed away. Carlos Pontón announced that, due to this recent tragedy, he would be stepping down as publisher and focusing on the business side of things.
Modern Day[]
On December 7th, 2012, Marvelo opened Marvelo Studios, an animation studio based in Mexico City. They also began producing titles based on Disney characters. On the 17th of October 2018, Marvelo announced their latest event: Dark Phoenix Reborn, a ten-issue series that will see the return of Jean Grey in the main universe.
Marvelo Comics[]
List of Titles[]
Marvelo maintains the Multiverse mechanics of its predecessor with the two main universes being Earth-616 and Earth-983.
Earth-616: The main Earth of Marvelo Comics. Doomsday shook up the superhero community, but they've been through a lot. Takes place about a few months after Doomsday.
- The Amazing Spider-Man: Peter Parker, Aunt May, and Mary Jane were on vacation when Doomsday occurred. This is good, as the world could always use a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
- Ant Man and Wasp/Giant Man and Wasp: Hank and Janet survived Doomsday thanks to being in the Microverse when the bombs fell across the world. Now, Hank and Janet continue their crimefighting career as part of the New Avengers.
- Black Panther: Wakanda managed to survive Doomsday relatively intact. Now T'Challa must lead his people during these troubling times.
- Black Widow: Natasha Romanoff returns to the old Motherland to find the whereabouts of her ex-husband Alexei Shoskatov, the Red Guardian. Her journey across Europe leads her to discover that the Soviet Union is now active in the Far East under new leadership.
- Captain America: Steve Rogers, Captain America, the most famous World War II veteran, and a man who spent a significant portion of the century frozen. After 1983, he can now add Doomsday survivor to the list. America may be dead, but its ideals live on.
- Captain Marvel/Marvel Duel/Marvel Dual (Note: Marvelo does not own the Captain Marvel trademark in Venezuela or Chile):With Mar-Vell of Kree dead, a new Captain Marvel is needed. Carol Danvers - AKA Ms. Marvel - and Monica Rambeau compete to see who will inherit the mantle. In 2005, Carol won after three real life years, taking the title once held by her lover. Rambeau had to settle for just Ms. Marvel, but the two still work together to face cosmic supervillains.
- Daredevil: Matt Murdock was away from New York when Doomsday hit. Now the Man Without Fear must survive in the Republic of Ithaca.
- The Defenders: A group of smaller time heroes band together to take on Marvelo's more obscure foes.
- Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme was battling Dormammu when Doomsday struck. Moving to Tibet, Strange decides to use his powers to help the superhero community, before reemerging in 2001.
- Fantastic Four: Off the planet when Doomsday hit, The Thing, Mr. Fantastic, The Human Torch, and Invisible Woman return to Earth to find it in ruins. Unfortunately for them, Dr. Doom has taken advantage of the event to expand Latveria's territory.
- Hawkeye: The world's great marksman was on a trip with Mockingbird when the bombs fell upon New York. Now, Clint and Bobbi move from place to place protecting the vulnerable and weak from opportunistic criminals as well as continuing their duties as Avengers.
- The Incredible Hulks: Bruce Banner survived Doomsday as the Hulk. Unfortunately, his wife Betty Ross's fate remains uncertain. Teaming up with his cousin Jennifer Walters, Banner wanders the former United States, looking for his wife.
- Iron Man: Billionaire playboy Tony Stark was visiting his Hawaiian home when Doomsday hit, as far as anyone knows. With his friends and loved ones by his side, Iron Man fights the good fight.
- The Mighty Thor: The Norse God of thunder himself, Thor Odinson was in Asgard on that fateful day. Now he protects the world from above, hoping to find Jane Foster.
- Micronauts: Based on the original comics and toyline, Micronauts follows the adventures of a group of freedom fighters inside the Microverse, a sub-atomic universe once ruled by the tyrannical Baron Karza.
- The New Avengers: Despite the name, most of these "New" Avengers, Ant Man, the Wasp, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk and Iron Man, were veterans of the old group. The new recruits are Spider-Man and Nova (Javier Barerro).
- The New Guardians of the Galaxy: Star Lord brings together Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Moondragon, and Adam Warlock, to create a new team of cosmic champions.
- New Mutants: A team of mutants serving Magneto, these anti-heroes fight for mutant salvation, by any means necessary.
- Nova: Richard Rider leaves Earth to become Nova Prime. As such, Mexican native Javier Barrero is given the suit.
- Nova Centurions: Richard Rider has become the leader of the Nova Corps. Now he must lead them to victory over several cosmic threats.
- The Punisher: Frank Castle's war on crime has gone international with the destruction of New York City. From the slums of Mexico City and Rio de Janiero to the lawless wastelands of rural America and Europe, the Punisher dispenses his brand on justice on crooks preying on the poor and impoverished who lost almost everything from the nuclear exchange between America and the Soviet Union.
- Uncanny X-Men: Surviving Doomsday, Charles Xavier sets up a new Institute in New Zealand, taking the surviving X-Men - Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Shadowcat, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Storm - with him. With Magneto setting up a new country in Africa and Mystique's Brotherhood of Mutants on the loose, the X-Men have a lot on their plate.
- X-Nation: A window into Albion, a mutant friendly nation in Africa established after Doomsday.
Earth-983: The Ultra Marvelo Universe, were the superhero community didn't really take off until after Doomsday. Most superheroes in the Ultra Marvelo continuity reside in or near Mexico City with the destruction of New York and many are the descendants of American refugees who survived from being evaporated by the bombs or ravenous criminals. Earth-983 stories are published under the Ultra Comics label.
- Masked Rider: Launched in 2012 and based on the 1971 Japanese tokusatsu series Kamen Rider, Masked Rider follows a young university student and motorbike racer named Takeshi Hongo, who is captured and transformed into a cyborg by the terrorist organization SHOCKER, only to escape before he can be brainwashed. As the grasshopper themed Masked Rider, Hongo wages a one man war on SHOCKER.
- Ultra Avengers: SWORD, formed from the remnants of SHIELD, has decided that Earth's Mightiest Heroes are needed now more than ever in a post-nuclear world. So the Ultra Comics versions of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, Ant-Man and the Wasp assemble to protect the world from all kinds of threats from mad geniuses to cosmic predators.
- Ultra Black Panther: Recently crowned King of Wakanda, T'Challa takes on another mantle as Africa's premiere superhero.
- Ultra Commandos: A team of SHIELD agents with lots of firepower. These are the men you don't usually see in tights.
- Ultra Defenders: Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, decides to put together his own super-team: She-Hulk, War Machine, Hawkeye, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Black Widow, and Valkyrie.
- Ultra Fantastic Four: Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm are given superpowers during a teleportation experiment gone wrong. The four of them band together to battle dangerous villains like Dr. Doom and the Mole Man.
- Ultra Guardians of the Galaxy: Dashing space pirate Peter Quill, alias Star Lord, teams up with fellow outlaws Groot, Rocket Raccoon, Gamora, Drax, and Nebula in this new interpretation of the classic cosmic super-team.
- Ultra Spider-Man: Peter Parker, his parents having died in Doomsday, grew up in the Pequeña América district of Mexico City with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. He was just your average everyday dork, until one day he was bitten by a genetically engineered spider. He quickly became Spider-Man, a local celebrity who gained fame on TV and in the media, until his uncle was killed by a mugger he could have stopped. Learning that "With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility" ("Con Un Gran Poder Viene Una Gran Responsabilidad"), Spider-Man swings into action as Mexico's latest hero.
- Ultra Spider-Woman: Given powers in an attempt by Oscorp to make their own superhero, Jessica Drew becomes Spider-Woman, a female version of the famous webslinger.
- Ultra X-Men: Charles Xavier, founder of the Institute of Higher Learning in Ecatepec de Morelos, gathers together a team of mutants: Cyclops, Iceman, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Beast, and Pyro, to protect a world that hates and fears them.
- X-Force: A team of mutants opposed to the X-Men: Magneto, Scarlet Witch, Toad, Colossus, and Quicksilver try to stop the X-Men at all costs.
Fett Comics: Comics based on licensed properties from film. The label name comes from Boba Fett, a bounty hunter from the Star Wars franchise.
- Star Wars: A series telling the exploits of Luke Skywalker, as he takes on the Galactic Empire.
- Star Wars: Rebellion: A "lower deck" series showing other members of the Rebel Alliance in the Star Wars universe.
- Star Wars: Jedi Academy: Luke Skywalker decides that he won't be the last of the old Jedi, but the first of the new Jedi.
- Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi: A collaborative project between Omega Level and Adventure Galaxy, this story tells the origins of the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic.
- Star Wars: Fall of the Republic: Another collaborative project between Omega Level and Adventure Galaxy, chronicling the downfall of the Galactic Republic from the Battle of Alderaan to the Jedi Purge.
- James Bond: The high-stakes, world-hopping adventures of 007.
- El Santo: The Silver Masked Man: A story based on the life and legends of Mexican Luchador El Santo.
- Disney's All-Stars: An anthology of stories starring famous Disney characters.
Event Comics: These big events shattered the status quo when they were released. These comics involved one of the two main earths:
- Marvel '83: Released in 1996, this comic provided many firsts for Marvelo. It was the first comic to take place after Doomsday, the first event comic in Latin America, beating Etcetera's "Multiversity" by a few months, and the first comic released after the name change. Spanning five issues, this series explained where the heroes were during Doomsday, and more importantly, how they survived.
- New Blood: A new, "proactive" breed of heroes (inspired by The Punisher in real life) decides that it's their time to shine. Released in 2004, this ten-issue event proved to be a critical and commercial bomb.
- Project Avengers: Released in 2009, this is the comic that birthed the Ultra Comics label. The main seven-issue series focused on the foundation of the Ultra Avengers, and several one-shot tie-ins told their origins in this universe.
- Dark Phoenix Reborn: It's been five years since the death of Jean Grey, but when she shows up fine in Canberra, the X-Men investigate... Only to find out that an old enemy came with her. First issue due to be released in November 2018.
Marvelo Studios[]
| Former type | Corporation |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | CB Producions (Argentina) |
| Founded | December 9, 2010 |
| Entrepreneur | Carlos Pontón, Juan Bringas |
| Headquarters | Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Mexico, Argentina |
| Area served | Latin America |
| Product | Television |
| Divisions | MS Mexico, MS Argentina, Fett Entertainment |
Marvelo Studios is a film and television production company. Founded in 2010, its main purpose is to produce animated or live-action adaptations of Marvelo Comics' characters and stories, and foreign productions of Marvel Comics characters.
MS Mexico[]
Marvelo Studios' main branch. Founded in 2010.
Productions[]
- Spider-Man (2010-2011)
- Defenders (2011)
- Fantastic Four (2011-2015)
- The Avengers (2014-2015)
- Cosmic Avengers (2015-2019)
Dubs[]
- Toei's Spider-Man (1978-1979)
- The Punisher (2010-2013)
- New Warriors (2013)
MS Argentina[]
A smaller branch, founded as CB Productions to acquire the rights to Prometheus Animation's various Marvelo adaptations.
Acquired Shows and Movies[]
- Captain America (2000)
- The Incredible Hulk (2000-2005)
- Avengers Assemble (2002)
- Avengers 2: Ultron Revolution (2004)
- Avengers 3: The Kree-Skrull War (2006)
- Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2006-2013)
New Productions[]
- X Revolution (2017-2023)
- Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme (2022-ongoing)
Fett Entertainment[]
A television imprint of Fett Comics, this branch of Marvelo Studios develops animated series on the company's non-Marvel Universe properties such as Star Wars and James Bond. Founded in 2017.
Productions[]
- Star Wars: Guardians of the Force (2017-present)
- Disney's All-Stars (2019-present)
- The Daring Adventures of James Bond (2020-present)
- The Masked Rider: Kamen Rider in Brazil (2023-present)
Marvelo Universes[]
- S.H.I.E.L.D.: Known as the Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage and Law-Enforcement Division in the main universe and the Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate in the Ultra Universe, SHIELD was an espionage agency that often dealt with paranormal activity and superhuman threats to security. Following Doomsday, SHIELD was effectively destroyed, though many surviving members went on to found successor organizations.
- S.A.F.E.: The Special Agency for Emergencies is a successor organization to SHIELD, and is a division of the League of Nations dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats. Lead by former SHIELD head Nick Fury, many members of the former agency have been employed by SAFE.
- S.W.O.R.D.: The Strategic World Organization for Rescue and Defense is essentially the Ultra Comics equivalent of SAFE. An agency of the South American Confederation, SWORD was also formed from members of SHIELD.
- HYDRA: A terrorist organization with ties to the Nazis, the exactly origins of Hydra vary depending on which universe you're reading. One aspect that remains constant is that several other terrorist groups began of branches of Hydra, proving their slogan "Cut off one head, two more shall take its place."
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