Marvel Planning Big Things for 'Avengers VS X-Men' Launch Parties

Marvel wants to see huge numbers from this year's big comic book event, Avengers VS X-Men, and they're making sure comic book stores across the country are fully equipped when launch parties go down on April 3rd. Read on for what you might receive if you attend one (or what you might want to order if you happen to own a store).

"The Avengers and X-Men have learned that the all-powerful embodiment of both death and rebirth known as the Phoenix Force is on a crash course for Earth…and it needs a new host to unleash its immeasurable power. But what is the shocking decision tied to the Phoenix’s return that will pit the Avengers against the X-Men? And when good friends become bitter enemies, what does this mean for the future of the Marvel Universe?"

Fans will be able to pick up Avengers VS X-Men #1 the day before the issue goes on sale. In addition, stores will recieve the following for promotional purposes and giveaways:  

Avengers VS X-Men Program, a free comic previewing the upcoming event
Avengers VS X-Men Postcards
Avengers VS X-Men Customizable Flyer
Avengers VS X-Men Customizable Press Release
Avengers VS X-Men Backlist Sales
Avengers VS X-Men mini posters
Avengers VS X-Men promo items
Avengers VS X-Men #1 Advance Screening Copy, delivered to retailers in late March 2012
Avengers VS X-Men Party Lithographs
Mass media promotion around the launch of AvX and the associated parties
Promotion of parties to Marvel fan base via Marvel.com, Twitter and Facebook
An additional discount on the Road to Avengers VS X-Men Trade Paperback

In addition, stores will be able to choose their allegiance, and will recieve items to display or give away based on the team they've chosen.

David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice-President of Sales, had this to say on the promotion:

"We’ve never had a bigger story than Avengers VS X-Men and we’re backing retailers with the biggest incentives you’ve ever seen through the Avengers VS X-Men Launch Parties. “Whether it’s advertising, promotional material or limited edition variant covers, every one of our valued retailer partners will be able to get the word out to both their regular customers and new fans about this comic event and the exciting Avengers VS X-Men Launch Parties. Some stores will choose to side with the Avengers and some will side with the X-Men, but I can guarantee one thing—Marvel will make sure all of them have everything they need to make Avengers VS X-Men #1 their top selling comic of the year."

Launch parties will go down on Tuesday, April 3rd at 8pm, local time.