Chip Zdarsky Is Exclusive To Marvel

Marvel Entertainment has announced that writer Chip Zdarsky will continue to bring his distinctive storytelling and ideas to Marvel in an exclusive agreement.

One of the most versatile creators in the comic industry, Zdarsky made his mark at Marvel with his series debut of Howard The Duck, featuring art by Joe Quinones. The series found sales acclaim debuting as the seventh best-selling comic in March 2015, and critical acclaim thanks to Zdarsky’s ability to create a unique new world filled with memorable and fan-favorite guest stars. Last February, Zdarsky began helming Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man with Adam Kubert, his take on the timeless character – quirky but also full of heart – propelling the series to a chart-topping debut as the best-selling comic book of June.

In 2017, a sketch from Zdarsky on the back of Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man inspired 20 “How To Draw” variant covers, each one featuring advice on how to draw some of Marvel’s most recognizable characters – all infused with Zdarsky’s trademark creativity and humor. Zdarsky continues to display his talents as the current writer of Marvel 2-In-One, where his emotional and skillfully told stories about Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm have led Vulture to claim that “history will show that the book stood on its own as a funny and empathic story about legacy, grief, and (this being Zdarsky) zingers.”

Zdarsky’s resume at Marvel includes Star-Lord as well as featured stories in books such as The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Civil War II: Choosing Sides, and Not Brand Ecch. This June, Zdarsky will continue to share new stories of classic Marvel characters, teaming up with Mike Allred for Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #1 and Declan Shalvey for Marvel 2-In-1 Annual #1. Take a first look at both covers featuring Allred’s work on Peter Parker and Zdarsky’s own handiwork on Marvel 2-In-One!

“I’m thrilled to be with Marvel,” Zdarsky shared. “This deal means I get to do whatever I want with whatever characters I want and nobody can stop me, which is great. I feel reinvigorated, like someone slapped a new #1 on me and, honestly? I couldn’t be happier.”

“What more can be said about Chip Zdarsky that he hasn't already said about himself?” added editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski. “But seriously, in the time he's been at Marvel, Chip's shown us all the most amazing range of skills as a writer, from his biting humor on Howard the Duck, to the way he approaches Marvel continuity in original ways in Peter Parker, to the heart and humanity he brings to Marvel 2-in-One. We're proud to have him as part of the Marvel family and to let him do whatever he wants with whatever characters he wants. Maybe.”