Marvel Rivals has been doing exceptionally well, and seems to be adapting comic storylines as recent as last year. Did they consult with you and other editors or writers at all during development?
I think you might have forgotten to answer my question? I only say that because it’s posted in the newsletter but with no answer and no blue line, so it seems like you *were* going to answer it…
As someone who was pretty critical of Emma Frosts depiction and role in Exceptional X-Men, I do want to say that Eve has somewhat lifted my worries. Though Emma was a such an important character in the Krakoa era, I do enjoy that Emma is in a much quieter role, one in which I hope will allow her to continue to grow as a character.
However, I do have one question. In Exceptional X-Men #1, I think we saw a glimpse into Emma’s headspace (the messy room, etc). Are we going to get a chance to perhaps get back to that and explore what Emma has been dealing with since the fall of Krakoa?
Any chance we could get an “Oops… All Paul!” series of variant covers across the Marvel line? I love the idea of leaning into just how fired up certain corners of the internet are over this guy’s mere existence.
Something I’ve always been curious about: recap pages. I’m a fan. I read every book you guys publish and the recaps really help me not only keep things straight week to week, but they help me return to older stories and get immediate context.
But a handful of titles over the years have eschewed their inclusion. IMMORTAL HULK was an example of this and as much as I liked that series, it made keeping up with it month to month, especially with the complex lore, more difficult for me.
How is it determined what books do and don’t need to include a recap page?
Also, who writes these? The writer? Editor? Some, like Zdarsky’s, read in the writer’s voice while others take a more indexical approach. Thanks Tom!
How much of the creative process do you get to decide? do you just listen to pitches from writers or do you go to a particular writer who you like the tone of and say, for example, "I want a story about X character doing X thing where eventually X happens". thanks for your time.
Bella is remarkably spot on in her observation that the Phoenix solo (and multiple other solo books in the x-line) do not get the same amount of promotion as others. You could simply admit that, instead of making up narratives, as these promotional pushes are visible to all of us in the audience. Phoenix, for NINE solicited issues, has not been part of any single crossover or event, which are usually used to promote books by exposing them to the readership of the other book, part of the crossover. It is the only book that is completely divorced from the rest of the x-line, hell, it is completely removed from the entirety of Marvel's comicbook output right now. Despite it being a part of a larger Thanos narrative, this narrative is NOT being advertised as a crossover or anything of the sort. Not only has the treatment of the Phoenix book by editorial been disappointing, but I never expected it to go as low as gaslighting fans who point out what is clear to see!
From the beginning, they've always said Phoenix would be a cosmic book, not an X-Book (even if it comes from the X-Office) and I, for one, am picking it up because of this; a fresh positioning on a classic character.
And to my eyes, I see a lot more Phoenix promotion than Scarlet Witch, so I imagine your perception is colored by the groups in which you run. Before you accuse others about making up narratives, you should really consider how your own affects your perceptions.
And Phoenix was also advertised as being used as a launchpad for other Marvel cosmic projects, which, 9 issues in, we are still yet to see. I absolutely agree that it is a fresh positioning with great potential, but it is not being supported by editorial in any meaningful way. I know a lot of people don't like crossovers and huge events, but it is undeniable that they improve a book's performance and introduce it to a new audience. It has also recently been made clear that Marvel's editorial is putting event tie-in branding on books that do not actually tie into said event. Weapon X-men's writer recently admitted this as his book's launch issue is being advertised as a tie-in to One World Under Doom, when it is not! So this once again proves that Phoenix is not on the radar when it comes to these obvious marketing stunts.
Phoenix is getting a lot of crossovers with other cosmic heroes appearing in the book, as well as the most famous villain of any current X-Men books being in it. I am also pretty sure Tom mentioned that there would be an X-Men/Phoenix link-up this year.
I have been reading Marvel Comics since I was seven years old, I am now 59. I have all the Xmen stored in boxes and I some other notable runs. I am still sad I sold my early FF issues, including the first Silver Surfer appearances, to pay my children’s school fees. If online groups are to be believed than British Marvel lovers remain passionate and committed. We love the American culture in the comics but we feel,poorly served by how Captain Britain has been treated. In a previous answer Tom you gave me the business case and the transactional answer that he’s a mid range character and his books don’t sell. But can’t the emotional contract we have with him and his strange and amazing history be honoured? Put a great writer and a great artist on his strip as this would bring him to life and tap into his mythology. So come on - honour those British fans with something for us! Also Tom have you read the wonderful Black Knight strip that appeared in the Hulk Weekly in the 80’s and can we have a beautiful reprint please? Can we also have a omnibus of Alan Davis’ ‘Clan Destine’? And maybe he could add an original ending!
"Both issues of CAPTAIN JOHNER & THE ALIENS were released at the same time 30 years ago today. And no, I don’t know why Valiant chose to do it this way either."
It almost makes sense. If it's not a property you're familiar with, a double-sized issue may have too high a price point, and likewise, you may forget about a second issue that comes out a month later. By having both issues on the stands at the same time, you can try one, and if you like it, pick up the other right away.
Two radically different questions, so I’m posting two comments…
First, for anyone who knows: I, like a lot of others, am besides myself over the LA fires. I want to help financially (the only way I can help) but have no idea where to send whatever.
I have a personal philosophy of not enriching sub-1%ers unless I must. So I have no interest in a general fund. I want to target the cohort who are, pardon the expressions, shit out of luck without a pot to piss in. I know there’s a comics creator in that category. That’s to whom I’d want to target any donations. Suggestions? TIA.
Steven T Seagal (writer on X-men, House of Secrets, Sandman Mystery theatre and more) and his family lost everything and they need help if you or anyone has the means and is inclined to do so.
Here are two links for orgs with boots on the ground. The red cross link eventually takes you to a drop down menu that lets you choose “California Wildfires”.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief also gives you a drop down choice between “California Wildfires” and “Hurricane Relief”.
X-Men Question! Was Marrow's last name ever revealed in canon? Her profile on https://www.marvel.com/characters/marrow lists her as "Sarah Knuckey", but I cannot find the comic or Handbook in which that name was used.
The other question of the week: Are comics fans’ interest in art limited to comics art or is their interest in comics art part of a much broader interest in art?
In my case, much more broad though still of similar genre. I started getting comic characters drawn by artists at local conventions, branched out to those same artists drawing me just mermaids (Marine Biology major), and now along with those I collect higher end original art by Boris Vallejo, Donato Giancola, Vargas, Olivia, Omar Rayyan, Tran Nguyen, Tom Fleming, Gustafson, etc. Many of whom I meet at DragonCon and IX (Illuxcon). Highly recommend both of those shows if you are an art lover.
I also have a nice page of Paul's color art from Deathlok. There is no color art available from Deathlok #1 as all of that art was never returned to either of us. Very upsetting. A LOT pdf artists found themselves in Richard Case's shoes...and many of them did what he did...favor large character shots focusing on whatever THEY were interested in instead of the story. And yes...it was very frustrating to have ti essentially rewrite the plot in captions to make the story that wasn't being told make sense. Ahhh, the nineties.
I finally got my hands on the marvel anatomy book and loved flipping through its pages but Jean being established as Phoenix and having always been Phoenix according to you has me wondering about the main changes to her physical body as a cosmic entity. I think we've had some mention of her not needing sustenance then in her fight with Gorr her blood is golden but what are the main changes to her constitution ?
My friend told me about Daniel Warren Johnson doing a story for Wolverine. Looking forward to that.. it's a match made in heaven.
How far ahead have you planned so far for the X-Men?
That would be great.
Marvel Rivals has been doing exceptionally well, and seems to be adapting comic storylines as recent as last year. Did they consult with you and other editors or writers at all during development?
Marvel Rivals has an Infinity tie-in comics, so one has to assume some degree of communication.
there was also a variant program recently and they’re coming out this month
I think you might have forgotten to answer my question? I only say that because it’s posted in the newsletter but with no answer and no blue line, so it seems like you *were* going to answer it…
Superman is picky about who he dates...
As long as they have the correct initials. 😀
As someone who was pretty critical of Emma Frosts depiction and role in Exceptional X-Men, I do want to say that Eve has somewhat lifted my worries. Though Emma was a such an important character in the Krakoa era, I do enjoy that Emma is in a much quieter role, one in which I hope will allow her to continue to grow as a character.
However, I do have one question. In Exceptional X-Men #1, I think we saw a glimpse into Emma’s headspace (the messy room, etc). Are we going to get a chance to perhaps get back to that and explore what Emma has been dealing with since the fall of Krakoa?
“Clearly the bar on any sort of job qualifications has been lowered a great deal these past couple of years, Carlos.”
On that note… Nick Lowe for President?
Any chance we could get an “Oops… All Paul!” series of variant covers across the Marvel line? I love the idea of leaning into just how fired up certain corners of the internet are over this guy’s mere existence.
Something I’ve always been curious about: recap pages. I’m a fan. I read every book you guys publish and the recaps really help me not only keep things straight week to week, but they help me return to older stories and get immediate context.
But a handful of titles over the years have eschewed their inclusion. IMMORTAL HULK was an example of this and as much as I liked that series, it made keeping up with it month to month, especially with the complex lore, more difficult for me.
How is it determined what books do and don’t need to include a recap page?
Also, who writes these? The writer? Editor? Some, like Zdarsky’s, read in the writer’s voice while others take a more indexical approach. Thanks Tom!
Also, some of us Spider-Fans have a sense of humor. I think...
Though, I must admit, even I, a self-proclaimed Spidey junkie, find myself doubting that sometimes.
How much of the creative process do you get to decide? do you just listen to pitches from writers or do you go to a particular writer who you like the tone of and say, for example, "I want a story about X character doing X thing where eventually X happens". thanks for your time.
Bella is remarkably spot on in her observation that the Phoenix solo (and multiple other solo books in the x-line) do not get the same amount of promotion as others. You could simply admit that, instead of making up narratives, as these promotional pushes are visible to all of us in the audience. Phoenix, for NINE solicited issues, has not been part of any single crossover or event, which are usually used to promote books by exposing them to the readership of the other book, part of the crossover. It is the only book that is completely divorced from the rest of the x-line, hell, it is completely removed from the entirety of Marvel's comicbook output right now. Despite it being a part of a larger Thanos narrative, this narrative is NOT being advertised as a crossover or anything of the sort. Not only has the treatment of the Phoenix book by editorial been disappointing, but I never expected it to go as low as gaslighting fans who point out what is clear to see!
the only crossovers have been between uncanny and adjectiveless so far
the upcoming x-manhunt crossover only features one solo tie-in out of the 7 or something solos we have right now there's no need to single out Phoenix
Phoenix's writer has already teased Spider-Gwen and Phoenix crossing over if that makes you feel better
From the beginning, they've always said Phoenix would be a cosmic book, not an X-Book (even if it comes from the X-Office) and I, for one, am picking it up because of this; a fresh positioning on a classic character.
And to my eyes, I see a lot more Phoenix promotion than Scarlet Witch, so I imagine your perception is colored by the groups in which you run. Before you accuse others about making up narratives, you should really consider how your own affects your perceptions.
And Phoenix was also advertised as being used as a launchpad for other Marvel cosmic projects, which, 9 issues in, we are still yet to see. I absolutely agree that it is a fresh positioning with great potential, but it is not being supported by editorial in any meaningful way. I know a lot of people don't like crossovers and huge events, but it is undeniable that they improve a book's performance and introduce it to a new audience. It has also recently been made clear that Marvel's editorial is putting event tie-in branding on books that do not actually tie into said event. Weapon X-men's writer recently admitted this as his book's launch issue is being advertised as a tie-in to One World Under Doom, when it is not! So this once again proves that Phoenix is not on the radar when it comes to these obvious marketing stunts.
Calm down
Phoenix is getting a lot of crossovers with other cosmic heroes appearing in the book, as well as the most famous villain of any current X-Men books being in it. I am also pretty sure Tom mentioned that there would be an X-Men/Phoenix link-up this year.
Dear Tom,
Here I go again.
I have been reading Marvel Comics since I was seven years old, I am now 59. I have all the Xmen stored in boxes and I some other notable runs. I am still sad I sold my early FF issues, including the first Silver Surfer appearances, to pay my children’s school fees. If online groups are to be believed than British Marvel lovers remain passionate and committed. We love the American culture in the comics but we feel,poorly served by how Captain Britain has been treated. In a previous answer Tom you gave me the business case and the transactional answer that he’s a mid range character and his books don’t sell. But can’t the emotional contract we have with him and his strange and amazing history be honoured? Put a great writer and a great artist on his strip as this would bring him to life and tap into his mythology. So come on - honour those British fans with something for us! Also Tom have you read the wonderful Black Knight strip that appeared in the Hulk Weekly in the 80’s and can we have a beautiful reprint please? Can we also have a omnibus of Alan Davis’ ‘Clan Destine’? And maybe he could add an original ending!
Thanks for the weekly joy,
David Brazier
"Both issues of CAPTAIN JOHNER & THE ALIENS were released at the same time 30 years ago today. And no, I don’t know why Valiant chose to do it this way either."
It almost makes sense. If it's not a property you're familiar with, a double-sized issue may have too high a price point, and likewise, you may forget about a second issue that comes out a month later. By having both issues on the stands at the same time, you can try one, and if you like it, pick up the other right away.
Two radically different questions, so I’m posting two comments…
First, for anyone who knows: I, like a lot of others, am besides myself over the LA fires. I want to help financially (the only way I can help) but have no idea where to send whatever.
I have a personal philosophy of not enriching sub-1%ers unless I must. So I have no interest in a general fund. I want to target the cohort who are, pardon the expressions, shit out of luck without a pot to piss in. I know there’s a comics creator in that category. That’s to whom I’d want to target any donations. Suggestions? TIA.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-liesel-steve-and-kids-rebuild-after-devastating-fire
Steven T Seagal (writer on X-men, House of Secrets, Sandman Mystery theatre and more) and his family lost everything and they need help if you or anyone has the means and is inclined to do so.
Not looking for single cases but organizations actually getting stuff done *and* need the money.
But thanks.
Here are two links for orgs with boots on the ground. The red cross link eventually takes you to a drop down menu that lets you choose “California Wildfires”.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief also gives you a drop down choice between “California Wildfires” and “Hurricane Relief”.
https://www.redcross.org/donate/to/donation-to5.html/?alloy_redirect=eyJ2IjoxLCJhZCI6IjU5Mjc5MToxOjB8Miw1ODcyNTg6MDowfDIifQ%3D%3D
https://advance.umcmission.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx
TY
X-Men Question! Was Marrow's last name ever revealed in canon? Her profile on https://www.marvel.com/characters/marrow lists her as "Sarah Knuckey", but I cannot find the comic or Handbook in which that name was used.
The other question of the week: Are comics fans’ interest in art limited to comics art or is their interest in comics art part of a much broader interest in art?
In my case, much more broad though still of similar genre. I started getting comic characters drawn by artists at local conventions, branched out to those same artists drawing me just mermaids (Marine Biology major), and now along with those I collect higher end original art by Boris Vallejo, Donato Giancola, Vargas, Olivia, Omar Rayyan, Tran Nguyen, Tom Fleming, Gustafson, etc. Many of whom I meet at DragonCon and IX (Illuxcon). Highly recommend both of those shows if you are an art lover.
I also have a nice page of Paul's color art from Deathlok. There is no color art available from Deathlok #1 as all of that art was never returned to either of us. Very upsetting. A LOT pdf artists found themselves in Richard Case's shoes...and many of them did what he did...favor large character shots focusing on whatever THEY were interested in instead of the story. And yes...it was very frustrating to have ti essentially rewrite the plot in captions to make the story that wasn't being told make sense. Ahhh, the nineties.
I finally got my hands on the marvel anatomy book and loved flipping through its pages but Jean being established as Phoenix and having always been Phoenix according to you has me wondering about the main changes to her physical body as a cosmic entity. I think we've had some mention of her not needing sustenance then in her fight with Gorr her blood is golden but what are the main changes to her constitution ?