"CLAREMONTH" BEGINS WITH MEKANIX #1!

[Eric J. Moreels]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX1t.jpg" align=left alt="MekaniX #1 preview"></a>Marvel Comics' Marketing Communications Manager Bill Rosemann recently sent out a three-page preview of the upcoming debut issue of MekaniX by writer Chris Claremont and artists Juan Bobillo and Marcelo Sosa.

"Writer Chris Claremont has contributed many characters to the world of the X-Men, and - if pressed - he just might admit that one of his favorites is Kitty Pryde," said Rosemann. "But what has the phasing mutant been up to lately? Would you believe she's been tending bar at the University of Chicago? Now, hot off her appearance in X-Men Unlimited #38, Kitty returns in the pages of MekaniX, a new six-issue miniseries by the team of Claremont and artists Juan Bobillo and Marcelo Sosa."

"Kitty has always been the innocent window through which we saw the consequences of racism that the X-Men faced," stated editor Andrew Lis. "Here, she opens that window on a very human level, showing us not other galaxies, but the everyday prejudices that we all face."

"If you check out the following interior pages, you'll see that she's not the only familiar face making a comeback!" added Rosemann. "Yes, that cute girl with the dyed blond hair is the former New Mutant named Karma! All the fun kicks off on October 9th under a cover by fashion designer Celia Calle!"

Click a thumbnail below to view the full-sized preview page in a new browser window.

<table border=0 align=center><tr><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX001008_400.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX001008_400t.jpg" alt="MekaniX #1 Page 8 preview"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX001009_400.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX001009_400t.jpg" alt="MekaniX #1 Page 9 preview"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX001010_400.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/MEKX001010_400t.jpg" alt="MekaniX #1 Page 10 preview"></a></td></tr></table>

Pre-order MekaniX #1 online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=339&cat=MEKANIX+)

[stormwatch]

Well, thats some interesting pics. Hmmm, and Karma is back too, neat.

And Belles of Hell? :LOL:

Although that bartender seems neat. I wonder what he is saying. Well, besides hitting on Karma. ;)

But those are some neat preview pages.

[Wicked_Incite]

Is that Kitty I see getting drunk?!?! Oh my oh my. And is Karma hitting on her in that last panel? That was mildly unexpected...

[dredweezul]

Oh Come on! it's Claremont! of course it's expected! he has said over and over that this series is about Kitty growing up and trying her broken wings...all things are to be expected!

[xmanson2.0]

Wow...looks very good...it's been a long wait....

[Steven Paul]

It all looks very nice. Though the cover takes some to get used too.

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by stormwatch
Well, thats some interesting pics. Hmmm, and Karma is back too, neat.

And Belles of Hell? :LOL:

Although that bartender seems neat. I wonder what he is saying. Well, besides hitting on Karma. ;)

But those are some neat preview pages.

Dear Storm:

The bartender hitting on Shan?? (Actually, he owns the place.) But no really, that is so much to laugh! :) :) :)

Oops I forgot, no copy yet. Ah well.

Giddy with amusement ...

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by outlawstaar
Is that Kitty I see getting drunk?!?! Oh my oh my. And is Karma hitting on her in that last panel? That was mildly unexpected...

Dear Outlaw:

Wrong. So so so wrong. :)

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[Benjamin Ong]

Great to see page 8 in full colour, as we've seen the B&W earlier on.

The preview pages look different from the usual X-Men style and I like 'em.

Whether this becomes an ongoing depends on us, x-fans. But I've a feeling with the announcement of another slimming down of the X-line, I doubt this will be made a monthly. Besides, the preorder figure isn't that x-citing. Nevertheless, this limited series promises Chris at his best, without any editorial influences and all. At least try out the first issue, guys.

[ArchangelX]

I cannot wait for this series! Kitty is one of my favorite characters, and I'm very pleased to see some old faces come back. I don't know too much about this minini-series, so what's it about? And who else will make a cameo? Can Chris comment?

[xmanson2.0]

If it doesn't turn into a monthly, maybe at least more minis...

[dredweezul]

I'm just so happy to see Kitty back!!!!!!! I'm delirious with excitement!!!! Kitty looks a bit tired, poor lass! tending bar can be a lot of work. There really is a Santa, first the two Unlimited, then X-treme #19 and last but certainly not least MeKaniX #1!!!!!

Maybe, if there is a benevolent God, it will get the go-light for a series....*dredz crosses all of her fingers and toes*

WEEEEEE!!!! ....yup...Im excited !

[Judius]

I gotta say the artworks alot better than I expected. I like the coloring too, it really sets the tone of the series and brings it more toward the "real world".

The covers are also bueatiful


must...buy...this...

[stormwatch]

Originally posted by Chris Claremont


Dear Storm:

The bartender hitting on Shan?? (Actually, he owns the place.) But no really, that is so much to laugh! :) :) :)

Oops I forgot, no copy yet. Ah well.

Giddy with amusement ...

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

Well, it also seemed as if Shan was checking the owner/bartender out as well. *shrugs*

Oh boy, I think CC's a wee bit hyper about this. ;) Not like that's always a bad thing :blush:

Are you even going to be getting sleep? or just rocking back and forth happily anticipating MechaniX #1 coming out next week ;) :p

And I'm guessing you already have the issue in your hands. :smirk:

So, I'm guessing the tension, for everyone, is going to get a little bit crazy, by the time this issue comes out. *counts on fingers*6 days (well 5 after sleep) till it comes out. I'm very, very curious of this. The art looks interesting, too bad there is no dialogue to go with it. But I like Shan's mannerisms.

SW~Jake

[Dragon]

AH yes finally Kitty is back.

:bows down to the the great CC, thank you thank you for bring Kitty back. I will buy many issues, because you brought Kitty back finally.

[TwinklesRox]

YES!!! I can't wait!!! Kitty's back!!! And Kitty's boss seems really cool, and I don't even know what he said! :D

:kitty:

[ferretnaura]

I had the chance to read the preview copy to #1 at the SD comic con this August. Let's just say, its not what you'll be expecting, but you'll be satisfied nonetheless. CC has opened up a new chapter to Kitty with this series (Yes, there are still a lot of old chapters to tell and finish), but a good start with this issue.

Who knows.. if it sells well (in the top Diamond 40), CC may get his chance to finish some of those chapters (Neo, missing 6 months, what happened with Kitty and Wolverine).. I'm hoping so.. I'm ordering multiple copies.

I'm just happy to see Kitty all over the dang place these days (after a year+ absence)... Go gettem Chris.

[Hellion]

I am soooo excited about this mini! Plus Karma's back! I perfer her with the pink or natural hair, but I will take blond. Thanks Chris. One day all the New Mutants shall be set free from comic limbo.

[Bamfette]

looks pretty cool, i like the art :) definalty will be picking this up...

[Wicked_Incite]

Originally posted by Chris Claremont


Dear Outlaw:

Wrong. So so so wrong. :)

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

Well crap. Another fanboy fantasy washed down the drain...

:LOL:

[Karmapoliced]

Looks awesome! I've been waiting three years for this! I really really really really hope this becomes an ongoing series!!! Next Wednesday is not getting here soon enough! :p

:kitty:

[Wolverine]

cool I might pick this up. And it was X-men Unlimited 36, not 38

[Eric J. Moreels]

Actually Wolvie, Kitty was in #38 as well as #36.

And Chris, if it's still a possibility what is the criterion that the mini must meet to ensure that you get an ongoing title?

[Karmapoliced]

And how can I make certain that criteria is met. ;) ;)

[salvador]

All is really interesting, can't wait to see again Kitty and Karma. I hope after this miniseries, the two girls will join X-Treme!

[roguestorm]

wow this issue looks great. finally we get to see what shadow cats been up to.

[salvador]

Ahhh! Again! How can I put a link in my signs?

[dredweezul]

Yes Chris *bats her eyes prettily* how many crates of an issue do we need to buy? I NEEEED my monthly Kitty dose :D Who do we sweet talk? I am so thrilled that we get to see Kitty in print again.

*virtual hugs to Chris for coming up with the story in the first place* :D

Annika

[LoganBane]

Chris,
you've made me a happy guy.

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by X-Fan
Actually Wolvie, Kitty was in #38 as well as #36.

And Chris, if it's still a possibility what is the criterion that the mini must meet to ensure that you get an ongoing title?

Dear Eric:

I suppose the key criterion for any book being approved at Marvel is that Bill Jemas wants it to happen. That said, pretty much anything becomes possible.

Absent that, sales in the top 5 wouldn't hurt. Or rising sales with every issue. But the fact is that, given the respectable (but not stellar) numbers of MekaniX #1 and the fact that most of the series will be ordered before the first issue goes on sale -- given the fact that Marvel doesn't do re-orders -- given the fact that there's no incentive for retailers to increase orders on the back-end of a mini-series because then they'll be left with readers who possess incomplete sets and what reader wants that (especially when there's a reasonable expectation of a trade compilation in the future) -- it would take a moderately major miracle.

However, there is a possibility we might be able to do a second miniseries, depending again on reader response to the first. So, support helps. Enthusiasm helps. Sales help.

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[Karmapoliced]

*becomes as enthusiastic as a human being can get, and then some*

Just tell me who I need to kill. :devil:

[darkelf63]

I thought that Kitty was the Bartender, she's behind the bar throwing up the bottles..Black leather and is that a dragon tatoo (??) the art looks good, Kitty certainly seesm less the "little" sister of the X-men now..

The art looks pretty good and it's nice to my Xian again... all in al I think this was worth the wait. Going to get it as soon as I can.

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by dredweezul
Yes Chris *bats her eyes prettily* how many crates of an issue do we need to buy? I NEEEED my monthly Kitty dose :D Who do we sweet talk? I am so thrilled that we get to see Kitty in print again.

*virtual hugs to Chris for coming up with the story in the first place* :D

Annika

Dear Annika:

As many crates as you like, as you can afford, as you can browbeat your local purveyor of comic books into ordering.

I'm just as thrilled, in large measure because I've been trying to get a Kitty series off the ground since the last century (last millennium?) :) But mainly because I've been working on "MekaniX" for over a year and because I'm proud of the talent and effort that's gone into it. I think the art is top-notch and the firts issue is only a taste of what's to come. Bobilla and Sosa get better every issue and they were great to start with! I also think this ranks among some of my best work.

The frustration for me is, after creating this neat scenario, and hooking up with a pair of stellar artists, seeing the whole enterprise come to an end after only 6 issues. That's why my own fingers are crossed that we can persuade Marvel to change their minds and greenlight some more.

So-- anything you readers can do on that front will be greatly appreciated.

Oh and one last thing -- I hope the actual story lives up to all this anticipation. Otherwise -- ! :(

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[Karmapoliced]

Is there a way we can start some kind of petition? Didn't that work for Cable back when Weinberg was on?

[Dazzler]

looks fantastic, that is some wonderfully human art.... :)

i love the last panel with Kitty and Xi'an sharing a moment, and even more i love the panel where Kitty notices Shan standing there....how many times has that happened to me? lots!

i'm so excited about this series, and i have to admit it's 99% because of Karma. she's been one of the coolest characters i've ever seen since i first saw her in the New Mutants Graphic Novel (never saw in her in MTU 100....that came later...). I was always disappointed with her in the New mutants, because she had such a COOL power (please i hope she doesnt just become another telepathic mutant...that possession is something fierce...) but never used it, and her siblings dragging her down, character development wise.
the one tihng im not too excited about, is that im pretty sure Chris is going to completely avoid Karma's suspected lesbianism, or write it off completely, one of the two. which will really be a huge disappointment. that was the most exciting thing to be done to her in a while. it gave her a massive amount of character potential, in some part because she isnt that well known as a popular character to "lose" out on popularity BECAUSE of it.
X-Force 75 gave her a bit of backbone after being dragged down by her little siblings, and also freed her up out of the wishy washy funk she'd been in for, well, just about ever.
i remember reading something by Chris saying that Karma's sexuality was her own private business....i dont know how to take that...its never been an issue with any of the other X-Men...

--Dazz

[tyran80]

sooo....

Kitty's blonde now?

At any rate, looks cool, the inside art definitely beats the cover. And Kitty and Karma, while not two of my favorites, are still pretty neat to have return.

[dredweezul]

Nope...Kitty is the dark haired one...Karma has the blonde locks

[BJR]

The art reminds me of Adam Pollina who used to be the artist on X-Force. Very happy to see Karma again!

[Andy James]

mmm looks very nice indeed. didnt know wht to expect with the interiors since the cover art wasnt to my tastes but this is some cool stuff :)

[Dragon]

:bows to Chris, we're not worthy, we're not worthy

Oh i'm so happy to see Kitty back, i really do hope this series goes great and i hope it explains evental where Kitty's been and what happened to her. Ether way i'm glad Kitty is back, she looks great and so does Karma, but why she a blonde now i don't get that. Oh well, still looks great.

[doctorx]

Question: Were Shadowcat and Karma really chummy back in the New Mutants era? Not to sound picky, but they seem overjoyed to see each other when really i don't think they even know each other that much. Maybe associates at the most? i don't know...

I'm VERY glad to see Karma...but why is she blond? I agree with Dazzler..she was the most interesting new mutant imo, but it was dissapointing to see her leave both times and have her always worry about her siblings. And she was really really overshadowed by the other new mutants her second time around. I hope she can stay

Shadowcat looks nice, but it doesn't look like Shadowcat. No biggie though. The cover looks nice also

[Benjamin Ong]

Originally posted by Chris Claremont


However, there is a possibility we might be able to do a second miniseries, depending again on reader response to the first. So, support helps. Enthusiasm helps. Sales help.

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

Deadpool had two miniseries, and it got an ongoing before sales dropped to a level that Marvel had to relaunch it as Agent X (okay, it was also because of the alleged Rob Liefeld factor that caused the name change). Citizen V got a second mini but it doesn't look like it's getting an ongoing soon, with the impending Thunderbolts revamp. Nightside was supposed to get a second shot but looks like it isn't gonna happen now.

I understand that good sales mean there's hope for a character or miniseries, Chris. But I really feel that the title that really needs saving now is X-Treme X-Men! At least you have an ongoing series at the moment, Chris. I understand the need for a MekaniX limited series and also the Storm GN (or has it been changed to a miniseries format now?) but X-Treme still has very loyal fans and readers, but sales seem to be dropping every month. What'll we and Marvel do to ensure that X-Treme becomes the third core X-Men title that it deserves? Will the X-Pose two-parter and the new direction help? Only time will tell.

[Shadowbrat]

Evrybody go tell evryone you know to go buy this book!

Your neighbours, classmates, co-workers, family etc...

promote this book like crazy on evry message board you visit.

and if all else fails... hold your breath till you turn bule :sick:

Lets help make Mekanix a winner!

:kitty:

[Ken Kneisel]

CC-

Is the bit about "punks who spew hate online" intended as a gentle stab at some of us on here, or am I just reading too much into things? ;)

The artwork looks great BTW, very "Top Cow", and the writing's nice and spartan. I might just have to pick this one up! ;)

[Ruth]

Originally posted by doctorx
Question: Were Shadowcat and Karma really chummy back in the New Mutants era? Not to sound picky, but they seem overjoyed to see each other when really i don't think they even know each other that much. Maybe associates at the most? i don't know...


Shadowcat looks nice, but it doesn't look like Shadowcat. No biggie though. The cover looks nice also
No. HArdly spoke two words with each other, as KArma left (was forced to leave) the new Mutnats very quickly (unless of course, there´s a retcon coming up).
But I suppose, if you´re more or less alone in a new situation, you´re bound to be thrilled when ANY old familiar face shows up.

[Ken Kneisel]

Originally posted by Ruth
But I suppose, if you´re more or less alone in a new situation, you´re bound to be thrilled when ANY old familiar face shows up.

That's how I interpreted it as well.

[AquaSage]

Originally posted by Chris Claremont


Dear Outlaw:

Wrong. So so so wrong. :)

Cordially,
Chris Claremont
To me it seems more like that she is comenting on her hair, wasnt it short when anyone saw her last, not to mention styles different?

[NicholasRogue]

I'm definitely picking this series up! Kitty looks awesome and I've missed her tremendously, hopefully this mini will become a series, and if not I want Kitty in X-Treme badly!!!

[roguestorm]

i can't help but get this comic it has kitty and well karma i hope to see some action happen bettween two.

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by Ken Kneisel
CC-

Is the bit about &quot;punks who spew hate online&quot; intended as a gentle stab at some of us on here, or am I just reading too much into things? ;)

The artwork looks great BTW, very &quot;Top Cow&quot;, and the writing's nice and spartan. I might just have to pick this one up! ;)

Dear Ken:

It may be true that even paranoids have enemies but I have to say in all honesty the people represented by the "Purity" web-site have about as much in common with the posters on this web-site as ... well, the SS. If you want to know who I'm aiming at, check out the back-up story in last year's X-treme Annual.

This isn't a story about people who get bent out of shape over the use of the term bourgeois, or how many words (good, bad or indifferent) I may put in a story. This is a story about people who, in blind and absolute commitment to their cause, think nothing of killing other people. Indeed, may not even consider their targets "people" at all. It's a story that grew directly out of the events of last September, as did Gen-13, and which has turned into one of the most personal and passionate series I've written.

Which leaves me very intrigued to see how readers respond.

One last thing -- meaning no disrespect to anyone at Top Cow, I think Juan and Marcello's work is far better than that: clear, concise, evocative, everything a writer (and reader) should want in a story, plus the virtue of looking different from much of what we see on the stands these days. It has a distinctly European flavor that, to my eyes, kicks butt big-time. And they get better with every issue.

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[roguestorm]

i'm loving the cover oh i can't wait i hope my comic store has mekanix god i'm begging pkllllllllllllllleeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssse :kitty:

[Ken Kneisel]

Originally posted by Chris Claremont
Dear Ken:

It may be true that even paranoids have enemies but I have to say in all honesty the people represented by the &quot;Purity&quot; web-site have about as much in common with the posters on this web-site as ... well, the SS.

Oh I know. I was only teasing. ;)

Originally posted by Chris Claremont
If you want to know who I'm aiming at, check out the back-up story in last year's X-treme Annual.

I think I will, if I can still find it. That AND X-Men Unlimited #36. I passed on them both the first go round but this preview has got me genuinely interested, so they might be just the thing to tide me over till Wednesday.

Originally posted by Chris Claremont
This isn't a story about people who get bent out of shape over the use of the term bourgeois, or how many words (good, bad or indifferent) I may put in a story. This is a story about people who, in blind and absolute commitment to their cause, think nothing of killing other people. Indeed, may not even consider their targets &quot;people&quot; at all. It's a story that grew directly out of the events of last September, as did Gen-13, and which has turned into one of the most personal and passionate series I've written.

Which leaves me very intrigued to see how readers respond.

Then we're even, since I'm just as intrigued to see it myself. After only just reading the first four pages, I already think I like where this is going. The "personal" part already shows in spades, and I'm sure the "passionate" bit will reveal itself once I've read the entire thing.

I like that it's not the X-Men outing themselves at press conferences or dealing with mutant wannabes and conquerors from outer space, but Kitty, off on her own and alone in the big bad world, having to deal with the real world repurcussions of all these big dramatic events.

I mean MAN! It must be a frightening time to be a mutant right now! They're no longer just feared and hated. Now they're worshipped, reviled, envied and emulated, obsessed-over and yet still persecuted. I can't wait to see how Kitty deals with all that, and homework to boot! ;)

(And here I thought it was just gonna be the mutant Coyote Ugly! ;))

Originally posted by Chris Claremont
One last thing -- meaning no disrespect to anyone at Top Cow, I think Juan and Marcello's work is far better than that: clear, concise, evocative, everything a writer (and reader) should want in a story, plus the virtue of looking different from much of what we see on the stands these days. It has a distinctly European flavor that, to my eyes, kicks butt big-time. And they get better with every issue.

I definitely agree. It's gorgeous stuff. Along with cover artist Celia Calle, this is really going to be a very unique experience.

I guess I should have been a little more clear when I mentioned Top Cow. What I meant by that was that it looks slick, sexy and very marketable. I definitely meant it as a compliment. ;)

Thanks for the reply!

[dredweezul]

I am loving the art! it was kind of hard to tell when it was just pencil and ink, what the finished deal would look like, but I am impressed! VERY NICE! I hope to see a lot of work by these artists in the future.

[dawn]

Mr. claremont is there any truth to the rumor mekanix could become an ongoing. I really feel there has been a void since she departed the team for greener pastures.

[Shadowbrat]

Originally posted by dawn
Mr. claremont is there any truth to the rumor mekanix could become an ongoing. I really feel there has been a void since she departed the team for greener pastures.

There is a summation of what needs to be done for Mekanix to become ongoing on page two or three of this thread.

[Coriakin]

Originally posted by Ruth
But I suppose, if you´re more or less alone in a new situation, you´re bound to be thrilled when ANY old familiar face shows up.

How very true. Not too long ago, I got a new job and it was another "all alone with no one I know" scenario again for me. Imagine my surprise when one of my officemates was an old school-mate, one who I hardly spoke to back in school, yet the first time we met again it was like we'd known each other for so long. Now she's one of my closest friends. :)


Originally posted by Chris Claremont
One last thing -- meaning no disrespect to anyone at Top Cow, I think Juan and Marcello's work is far better than that: clear, concise, evocative, everything a writer (and reader) should want in a story, plus the virtue of looking different from much of what we see on the stands these days. It has a distinctly European flavor that, to my eyes, kicks butt big-time. And they get better with every issue.

LOL, I think your stories and characters bring out the best in every artist you've worked with--Dave Cockrum, John Bryne, Terry Austin, Paul Smith, Bob Wiacek, John Romita Jr., Dan Green, Steve Leialoha, Rick Leonardi, Bob McLeod, Bill Sienkiewicz, Jackson Guice, Art Adams, Barry Windsor-Smith, Alan Davis, Marc Silvestri, Jim Lee, Carlos Pacheco, Salvador Larroca...and the list keeps growing. :cool:

[salvadorbravo]

Hi,

Karma is back! I don´t belive it! Thank you Mr Claremont.
I was expecting to see her again in the future Claremont- Sienkiewicz New Mutants history, I hope some day that book be in my hands.

Any comeback else in the Mr Claremont´s books?

Did someone hear anything?

Thanks everybody!