Marvel Comics plans to release a pair of Empyre #0 one-shots for the Avengers and Fantastic Four that will add an extra layer to the publisher's big 2020 event. The Empyre #0: Fantastic Four issue by writer Dan Slott (Fantastic Four, Tony Stark: Iron Man) and artist R.B. Silva (Powers of X), Marvel's First Family will meet a long-hidden member of the Elders of the Universe.
Profiteer is revealed as an Elder of the Universe, a powerful race of cosmic beings. Their members include the Collector, Grandmaster and Ego the Living Planet, who have all appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"Empyre starts with a bang - the Avengers and the Fantastic Four meeting a threat from two sides, with two different strategies - and these #0 issues will let set readers up to see how they got there,” Al Ewing said in a statement. “As the Avengers meet with old friends, and the Fantastic Four run into some brand new ones, both teams face some stark choices and a test of their character as a team. It's the best way to get inside the heads of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four before the main action begins."
Marvel has introduced new Elders of the Universe over the last several years, with Grandmaster's daughter, Voyager, and Challenger making their debuts in the Avengers weekly event series, "No Surrender." The story arc revealed Challenger was the first Grandmaster, but lost his name to En Dwi Gast during one of their many games. As for Voyager, Grandmaster planted her in the Avengers as a spy, until she switched sides to team up with Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
EMPYRE #0: FANTASTIC FOUR
- Written by DAN SLOTT
- Art by R.B. SILVA
- Cover by JIM CHEUNG