By Pierce Lydon

Coming in April 2011, mounting paranoia and anger will force the Marvel Universe to face its biggest foe yet: Fear Itself.

Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada along with VP – Executive Editors Tom Brevoort and Axel Alonso gathered at Midtown Comics on December 21 to address fans about their upcoming plans for 2011. After a week’s worth of teasers and speculation, the trio announced Fear Itself, a brand new mega comics event.

“It's undeniable that there's a certain something in the air right now,” said Quesada. “Tapping into that is what we do at Marvel and it brings out the best in our creators. But it's all through the eyes and stories of our heroes.”

Anchored by a seven-issue limited series, Fear Itself will involve the entire Marvel Universe—but who will be the eight most worthy?

Weaving this web of anguish and trepidation wills a superstar line-up of Marvel creators headlined by writer Matt Fraction and artist Stuart Immonen along with inker Wade Von Grawbadger and colorist Laura Martin on the core series.

“Like the best of all Marvel stuff, it’s something that speaks to the world we live in,” said Fraction of the story. “Everyone is afraid of something right now.”

In addition to the central limited series, Fear Itself will be supplemented by other event-specific limited series and specials as well as ancillary tie-ins in ongoing titles that will exist as their own standalone stories.

The action starts up in March 2011 with a prologue written by Ed Brubaker with art by Scot Eaton. Set during World War II, the story revolves around Captain America and the Invaders doing battle with the Red Skull. Deep in the history of the Marvel Universe, a secret lurks that unlocks the first key to Fear Itself.

“Fear, above all else, is a great motivator,” said Quesada. “There's no shortage of charlatans, tyrants or despots ready to stoke the flames. All they need is a spark.”

Missed the Marvel press conference from Midtown Comics? Fear not, Marvelites! You can watch the full press conference plus the trailer and a special message from writer Matt Fraction below:





We were also be there liveblogging the event, so get the play-by-play!