For over fifteen years I have collected comic books. Going out of my way to make sure that I had both the money and means to get them. Times have changed so much. Story lines like Secret Wars, Inferno and Acts of Vengeance come to mind. I was never to heavy into DC Comics. But I always had a soft spot for Captain Marvel.

Seeing the Comic industry changed over the years. Artist from Marvel leaving to create an independent company for the guys that do the creating. The summer Image Comics was born was one of the best of my teenage life. The Death of Superman. Batman’s back being snapped by Bane. And Hal Jordan becoming Parallax. Nothing could beat those moments. Even the birth and sudden death of Cross Gen Comics. Which was some of the best stuff to ever hit print. I’m so glad I had a chance to be a part of that. Not something to be missed.

Slowly as I became older. Comic seem to get away from me. There was never enough money or enough time. I was lost within a world that I once called my own. Now as I write this, I feel the familiar call of youth. Beckoning me to visit the old comic store. See what’s going on. I ignore it. But old loves have a way of returning. With the same fire it once held.  This is what Marvel is doing. Rekindling the fire of these awesome heroes. join me as I venture once more into the world first crafted by Stan Lee. Now in the hands of men that have made themselves icons as he has. Come with me as Marvel usher’s in “The Heroic Age”.

The follow is an excerpt from Marvel.com. Prepare yourselves. This is going to be one Amazing ride.

Marvel Comics is proud to announce The Heroic Age, the dawn of an exciting new era of heroism in the Marvel Universe! Beginning in May 2010 with the release of AVENGERS #1, The Heroic Age ushers in a brighter Marvel Universe and a bold new era for the world’s greatest super heroes as they emerge from darkness with a renewed sense of hope and optimism, leading to the formation of all new teams with new members…and brand new characters! Titles branded with the Heroic Age banner offer a perfect jumping on point for readers new and old alike, as the top comic book creators in the world deliver a Marvel Universe like you’ve never seen before!

Over the past few years, the Marvel Universe and its citizens have found themselves living in a dark age of despair. Beginning with the disbanding of the Avengers, the heroes of the Marvel Universe have been caught in a demoralizing downward spiral that has included the genocide of the mutant population, a divisive civil war between heroes, the assassination of Captain America, a worldwide subversive alien infiltration and invasion, and the media-fueled and publicly-supported ascension of the Green Goblin’s civilian identity, Norman Osborn, to power and control of the United States. Now, the heroes have united once again, stronger than ever and are prepared to face the dangers that lie ahead.

“Our heroes have experienced some of their greatest trials and tribulations recently, but now there’s going to be a renewed hope among their ranks,” said Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer & Editor-in-Chief Marvel Entertainment LLC. “As our heroes emerge from the darkness, the Marvel Universe is going to be a more optimistic place than we’ve seen in a quite awhile. But that doesn’t mean we’re making things easy for our characters!”

From the tone of the storylines, to the stunning new artistic look, The Heroic Age ushers in a dramatic new vision of the Marvel Universe. Marvel’s most elite characters will be at the center of The Heroic Age, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers and more!

David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales & Circulation, Marvel Entertainment LLC. added “We’ve been working out the details of THE HEROIC AGE for about a year now. The plan is to give old and new fans alike the perfect place to jump into the Marvel Universe without feeling like they’ve missed out on anything that’s come before. If there’s a Heroic Age banner on one of the books, we’re serious when we say ‘the Marvel Universe Starts Here!”

A new Age of Heroes dawns this May as THE HEROIC AGE begins and changes the face of comics as you know them! Join Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman, John Romita Jr, and more of the industry’s hottest creators as they bring a bold new era for the world’s greatest super heroes, with a stunning new look for the Marvel Universe!