Marvel Comics recently made the announcement that it would be returning to its 2099 universe with a big event that would be involving futuristic versions of more of our beloved characters. We all know Spiderman 2099 would be making a triumphant return in this new event, but people have been eagerly awaiting who else would be joining the futuristic web-slinger. Marvel has made several announcements along with two covers depicting The Punisher and Conan The Barbarian in all their 2099 glory.
Even though I’m a huge Punisher fan, the idea of Conan the Barbarian jumping around the future Nueva York with what seems to be a lightsaber of some sort is just too awesome to pass up. Conan was recently cursed to live beyond his lifespan in the recent Savage Avengers arc, which will explain how he manages to keep kicking butt 80 years in the future. Penned by Savage Avengers writer Gerry Duggan and illustrated by Roge Antonio, this setting will definitely take Conan out of his comfort zone in November.
Speaking of The Punisher, Marvel also dropped this cover for The Punisher 2099 #1. But this version isn’t looking like it’s going to be the same Punisher that fans of the previous 2099 run are familiar with. From writers Lonnie Nadler and Zac Thompson (no relation) and artist Matt Horak, it seems like a new vigilante might have picked up Frank Castle’s blood-soaked ball and continued his work as The Punisher. This new masked Punisher seems ready and able to deal with his own brand of justice and push back against the corruption in the city. Readers of the older run of the 2099 series will remember the Punisher mantle being picked up by Jacob Gallows, but as depicted in the 2016 Contest of Champions arc, Gallows has died ironically at the hands of Frank Castle. But these are comic books and we all know death is just a minor inconvenience to most of our heroes.
Other comics in this new 2099 universe have been announced, as Venom and Dr. Doom are getting their own series in this new arc. The new 2099 arc launches on November 2019 and will pick up with Spider-Man, The Punisher, and Conan The Barbarian.
