It was a sustained volley this week as Marvel Comics announced a slew of creators who had signed exclusive contracts with the House of Ideas. Ranging from experienced and popular professionals to up-and-comers, it was probably a busy week in the contract department. Here's who signed:

Michael Lark
The renowned Harvey and Eisner-nominated Michael Lark's past projects have included DC/Vertigo books Scene of the Crime, Batman: Nine Lives, Terminal City, Superman: War of the Worlds, and the critically acclaimed Gotham Central. He, one supposes, is happy as a lark.

“I can't tell you how excited I am to be working with Marvel,” he said in a press release. “The work I'm doing so far is some of the most fun and exciting work I've done in years.”

Aaron Lopresti
Fan-favorite penciller Aaron Lopresti has also signed a three-year exclusive contract with Marvel, having worked previously on such projects as What The?!, Amazing Spider-Man and Captain Marvel. Currently, he's providing the art on Excalibur.

Frank D'Armata
Hard-working colorist Frankie D'Armata, nicknamed "The Man of 1,000 Colors," has scored an exclusive three-year contract. He has worked with many comic book luminaries on popular titles: Ultimate Nightmare with Ellis and Harsine; The New Avengers with Bendis and Finch; and, of course, the new Captain America with Epting and Brubaker. Word has it he'll be working on a new Bendis book for the company.

Tom Raney
Another great penciller, Tom Raney, is also on board with a two-year exclusive contract. Raney is currently working on a What If?! X-Men 5^th week book with X-Daddy Chris Claremont, to be followed by a few issues of Uncanny X-Men, also with Claremont.

Mark Brooks
Artist Mark Brooks Brooks has established himself with recent work including Amazing Fantasy, Marvel Age Spider-Man, and Cable and Deadpool, which allowed him to work with one of his favorite creators, legendary writer Fabian Nicieza.

Morry Hollowell
The critically acclaimed Marvel Knights 4 has already shown the work of colorist Morry Hollowell, a Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art graduate whose first professional work was on CrossGen's Meridian.

Congrats to all on their new contracts.

Congrats to all three greats!