Thank for the response, Tom. Though, I did later change my views following Stephanie Phillips commentary on her TikTok and I will give Age of Revelation a change. It is a short story arc. I am looking forward this October 2025. Jean Grey is in Binary and that is at least good thing. Even if she is only a supporting character. Thank you, for your work.
I appreciate the answer about the imperial one shots coming about, interesting stuff!
About my She Hulk question, if it’s whatever the reader prefers, isn’t that just my third option, a catch all reference? You can probably tell I’m just wanting some mentions of the last run’s supporting cast haha
My dad used to travel a lot in Europe in the 1970s, and although I ended up personally collecting the French "Strange" and "Special Strange" issues and anthologies, dad added both English and Hebrew editions of "Sabraman", German Incredible Hulks, Greek Man Wolfs and other such goodies. I understand. Joyful things to have.
I even saw a vintage store in Athens that had Greek Marvel/DC editions from the 80s for sale...but I settled for the 'newstand' editions to buy for myself (and send a few to Tom). I could not justify spending top dollar (euros!) on Greek back issues ha ha..!
Speaking of full frontal (nudity implied or whatever), it reminds me of the video Tom posted the other week of the Marvel guys visiting the FF set. Watching it, I realized that I had never heard Tom speak. OTOH, the only video of Tom I ever saw was the one from 20-odd years ago of Tom belly dancing on the conference room table. IIRC, it didn’t involve Tom speaking. OTOH, I also can’t recall the context…
Anyway:
Coincidentally with the reader question thing about when it’s decided not to extend a min-series, my question is: Given the ten issue do or die thing, at what point of dealer orders is it decided to cancel with issue 10? That is, how many issues’ orders are in before the decision made?
And speaking of early cancellation, as some might know, Joe Casey explained how Weapon X-Men got cancelled. Given the circumstances (essentially not sales related), any possibility of the book being resuscitated?
Just wanted to say that I love the Phoenix series. This is what I’ve wanted for Jean for a long time. Jean as Phoenix, whole and in control, having adventures in the cosmos. This is what should have been done with Jean after Morrison’s run, imho.
So sad to see Stephanie leaving the series, I think she has done a fantastic job with the character. But I hope the series will continue with a new writer.
Some kind of trippy, time and space spanning adventure in 2004, with the cosmic space heating up, would have been so exciting. A friendlier environment for a series like that than now. Maybe with Ron Marz or Dan Abnett on it. Oh what might have been.
If they are relaunching, they need a better writer and artist, maybe Lukas Werneck again or another artist who a good artwork like Lukas. If Lukas gets reconsidered, he should be doing the actual comic. He did love the work he did for the Giant-Size X-Men, and it was amazing.
We still don't know who will be writing Phoenix Issue. Stephanie Phillips said on her TikTok that Phoenix isn't canceled. That remains unanswered. I am optimistic that after AOR we may get another Jean Grey storyline.
I am glad you come at it from the lens of wanting writers to have passion for a project, rather than looking for a quick buck (no judgement on my part if so). I just remember people back two decades now would say Mark Waid wasn't really a Fantastic Four fan and Grant Morrison had only read maybe 30 issues of X-Men and nothing more. But that doesn't preclude them from caring about a project either.
As for last weeks discourse, me personally, I always prefer Jean Grey doing X-Men stuff, so the premise of Phoenix hasn't resonated with me like it has with some on the whole. But it's cool other people enjoy it. I did not ever think there would be that much discourse on a blog about her.
I think reaction to Phoenix is proof positive that different fans want different things, Tom’s said similar things I think. Cant satisfy everyone at once. I’m a big fan of more down to earth (well as down to earth as an x men comic can be) Jean, but its clear that the cosmic story being told has a big share of fans as well
Yeah, you can't please everyone. Although, I think like Tom said, when a character you like has gone through periods of being dead for a long time, fans might just be willing to sit down and read what's given to them. The space people should know there's more mileage on Earth.
I do wonder why couldn't they make it a team up issue with Jean Grey and Binary. It wouldn't upset Jean Grey fans or Carol fans. I think that approach would keep everyone happy. I wonder if X-Office runs the Avenger office as well. Why couldn't the Avenger office run their own Carol issues? X-Office have theirs and Avengers got their own.
I agree; Carol is not even a mutant, yet she’s in the X-Men lineup. Yes, it’s a 10-year future 'what if' scenario and not for the long haul. Giving her the Phoenix, as Jean did with Adani, is much like when Echo was used as a Phoenix host—just another piece of recycled material. Brevoort and Stephanie are no different from previous editors and writers. My final two cents: a team-up of Jean and Carol would have been a better option. Based on his response, which is as follows: 'And given that Jean Grey fans have gone decades with Jean being dead and out of the books, I take their unhappiness with a grain of salt. Which is to say, I appreciate that you love the character. But my responsibility extends to all of the characters, not just anyone.' Regarding your concern, it seems that he is benching her for the entirety of the Age of Revelation and Binary Run. Jean Grey can still be in the story along with the other X-Men, but there’s no reason for her to be benched or relegated to a supporting character. This is my final two cents.
Bro, she is an Avengers not an X-Men. Why X-Offices decided to run Carol Danvers storyline instead of those who run Avengers run it confuses me. Doesn't X-Offices handled all things mutant related storylines?
There is a disconnect between the fans and the current staff on the characters they should all focus on. I missed the Krakoa Age. This current run have Scott Summers and Jean Grey separated, and don't even have intimate moments like we see in the tree House in Central Park. I am open for reading Stephanie Binary issue, but not sure how Tom will run X-Men stories following AOR, we don't even have a successor Stephanie Phillips for Phoenix Issue yet. Maybe the writer new writer will be announced on October.
I think given her power set (both Claremont and Byrne have stated it was tough finding challenges to Phoenix that did not make the rest of the team redundant) - I think it is a genius move to have Jean in space fighting aliens, cosmic menaces, etc. I can see her at home with a space set of heroes (Phoenix and the Guardians) fighting Firelord, Skrulls, Elders of the Universe, etc.
Tom Brevoort addressed Manny's question, alright. Although he still did not address the others' questions, such as who is going to write the Phoenix issue, assuming it gets rereleased after Binary and Age of Revelation conclude, since Stephanie Philip said it was not canceled, according to her TikTok. I think 3 and 4 people asked that question.
Someone else will bring it up. I don't ask for spoilers that just too much. But since Stephanie did say that Phoenix isn't canceling then who is the new writer for Phoenix? I presume it is after AOR.
I'm not asking for spoilers either, nor did the people who asked the question who is writing the Phoenix issue after Age of Revelation and Binary conclude. That's the question I am asking and what the others are asking, not Luke, I am your father spoiler
Gotta say, I love that NEW WARRIORS #74 cover! But as much as I love it as an IMAGE, I have to wonder how well it works as a COVER. There's really nothing in the upper third/left side of the cover to attract attention— or even define which comic this is— if/when it's shelved in most comic stors— which flies in the face of "accepted cover theory." Still, it does evoke those striking and memorable Infantino/Cardy AQUAMAN covers from the 60s. And, like you said, you likely only got away with it because the book was already canceled.
But this brings up another thing I think about from time to time: how differently do you approach covers today than you did, say, 20 years ago? It seems to me a good portion of modern sales are generated through Preview orders (or whatever remains after the Diamond disaster is sorted out) making a striking IMAGE that's shown with the solicit much more important than worrying about that upper/left side of the cover.
The best answer, of course, is "do both!" But are you more open to "experimental" covers now than you used to be, given the changing market?
Hi Tom, I'm bringing up my question from last week again. So, what are your feelings about the Krakoa era, and also your feelings about how characters like Kurt, Kitty, Hank, Lorna, and Xavier behaved so out of character throughout the run. Is that why, in the current run, books like UXM and EXM are essentially heroic?
Happy you received and are enjoying the books Tom!!
(I was so pumped to see them still being published in Greece - major nostalgia from my youth).
Fun Fact: Camelot 3000 was one of the only DC books I remember being reprinted in Greece back the day - in color - great edition. I read most of it in Greek and years later managed to read the entire series (and its conclusion) in a trade (the original English version).
Marvel was the main reprints/publishers (and seems to still be - could not find any DC books this summer): got to read Thomas/Buscema era Avengers, Ross Andru Spider-Man, Shang Chi (Zeck era), and a few more in Greece back in the day.
Hi Tom! In regards to your comment 'relatively few people are looking for signatures from editors', I mean at this point you're a legend in the industry so I would absolutely love to get your signature on a few books at a con. Hopefully you can make it to some of the Galaxy Cons! Those tend to be the ones we of the smaller market cities hit up regionally.
In regard to Moon Knight and Rocket Raccoon, they definitely were part of the team that started in groups and met met up towards the end for Original Sin, and I'm fairly certain they met during that excursion. Loved that series btw: Jason & Deo?! Amazing work.
Good call. Original Sin #4, June 18th 2014, Rocket Raccoon arrives with Moon Knight and Gamora (after they'd hitched a lift with him) at the top of Page 20 (as numbered on Marvel Unlimited).
Speaking of pilots, with the recent passing of Hulk Hogan, people,have been again discussing the pilot he did in 1984 called Goldie and the Bears , where he is one of three former football players who go to work for a private detective whose father once owned said football team. You can understand why it didn’t last but it is interesting to see Julius Carrey (of Sho Nuff and Brisco County fame) as one of the players. It’s on YouTube for those interested.
I think it wouldn't be a logical leap to say that two of the best X-Men stories ever revolve around the character and make her the heart of said stories. You're bound to get fans that way.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I love Jean, but I definitely have a soft spot for characters like Jean Grey and Susan Richards who began as the sole girls (literally Marvel Girl and Invisible Girl) on their team, but evolved into fully fleshed out characters with immense power and depth to their personalities and decisions.
if you’re interested, you could check out the X-Men red run, from 2018ish where she was the leader and star, I think it has some pretty great example examples of the traits that I love about Jean
Jean Grey is among the X-Men with the most depth (along with Storm and some others). Jean’s stories deal with big themes and emotions (sacrifice, death, rebirth, transcendence, identity, destiny). She has close connections with many characters being lover to Scott and Logan, sisterhood with Storm, like a daughter to Xavier, etc.
Mother figure to Cable, Nate, Rachel, Stryfe, and Hope. Maddie is her clone.
The Phoenix pulls from religious and mythological themes. Jean’s lore is deep and complex. Even all the retcons contribute to this.
Psychic powers are fun and cool. Her personality where she is typically compassionate and empathic but has a fiery temper and can be brutal when fighting injustice is cool too.
I'll rephrase my question from last week for clarity, in hopes it might get answered this time. Why should I, as a fan of Phoenix and Jean Grey, pre-order Binary? Sell the book to me, tell me why I should be going out of my way to buy Binary, when Jean Grey is not the leading character in the book. Excite me for your comics, make me want to buy them.
I think this falls under spoiler territory regardless. He can't answer by confirming the presence of a character in the book, and pivoting to something else like "Well maybe you'll like a Carol Danvers story" isn't likely to satisfy anyone.
My advice: don't buy it and move on. That's what I'm doing. There's 15 or 16 other Revelation titles to enjoy. Not everything will satisfy fans of a character all the time.
Watching all the discussion (not just here but online in general) about binary since its announcement has been super interesting to me, as a big fan of both Jean and Carol.
Your points are fair, though it is part of editorial's job to sell a product to an audience, so I am curious how could this book be sold to fans of Jean Grey. What if I don't like a Carol Denvers story and refuse to spend money on it? I've not been buying any of the other FtA titles, and now that Phoenix ends at #15 and it's event tie-in is about Carol, not Jean, the money I've been spending on this book can easily be used for something else, certainly not comicbooks. I doubt I am the only such case, as we can see that Jean Grey fans are a passionate bunch. I believe my question can be answered without spoilers, since these books are up for pre-order months in advance, which means that ideally for the company I would already have this book on pre-order as a customer.
I don't know what can be said beyond "maybe you'll find you like it" or "it might surprise you."
I tend to think people's comic tastes are more diverse than they realize ( I never expected to like black and white newspaper strip comics and drop a chunk of change to get a complete edition, but here I am) but when it comes to capes, people are pretty set with what they like and what they don't like. I like X-Men, I don't like Spider-Man. I like Hulk, I don't like Punisher. And so on. So unless you happen to like Claremont's old Binary work or Kelly Thompson, maybe it won't be for you and that's OK. Yeah it sucks she's the only one to not be in a book but maybe things will be different for the next event.
Exactly my point. Nothing more can be said to sell this book to a large chunk of the audience, that followed the book this spins out of. Which, in my opinion, is bad business.
I do agree that comic taste is dynamic and we find ourselves drawn to things we would have never expected. But with cape comics I believe it has always been about characters first and foremost. And oftentimes you imprint on these characters quite early on, and it just sticks with you. I can't say I'm liking the attitude of "the fans of this character endured a decade of her absence", because if a phrase akin to this was said about anyone else - Cyclops, Emma frost (the fans of these characters have endured decades of being villanized by the plot...etc) - it would not slide easily. Frankly I'm almost certain that the supposed decades of her absence are the reason for her fandom's very passionate and vocal response. But it is clear that she is not a priority character in any way, and will probably go down a much darker road going forward if this is the attitude editorial has towards her. A shame, bc those same fans kept thr Phoenix book afloat for quite a while, even if they were vocal about not liking it.
I think I would see it as a writer having a particular idea, rather than the office trying to push the character out. But fair enough, you make a good point about why fans are so passionate. It's not like I'm not disappointed that the character has been excluded from the event.
I’m a huge Jean Grey fan. While I appreciate Tom Brevoort addressing my concern, I wasn’t satisfied with his explanation about shifting focus to other characters and moving away from her storyline. Isn’t Carol Danvers primarily an Avenger? Why not align her with that team instead of having the X-Office handle the Avengers lineup?
To put this in perspective, X-Men characters play significant roles throughout the AOR event, yet Jean is sidelined as a supporting figure in the Binary issue, which centers on Carol’s arc. As Stephanie Phillips noted, it’s ultimately Carol’s story. I’m not sure how this satisfies Jean Grey fans, especially when her Cosmic Queen persona is diminished to a secondary role. When I commented to Tom earlier, I was voicing the perspective of many fans like me. I’m curious—do other Jean Grey enthusiasts feel her presence in the AOR event has been drastically reduced?
One lingering question they haven’t addressed: Who will replace Stephanie Phillips as writer on Phoenix after AOR? She mentioned on TikTok that the series isn’t canceled, so I’m confused about whether we’ll see any ongoing Jean Grey-focused issues at all. Tom, if you’re reading this, please know I’m not seeking spoilers—I’m just deeply passionate about Jean’s long-term direction in the Marvel universe.
@KyleKatarn, You are not the only one. My brother Patrick plans not to invest in Binary because of the lack of Jean Grey storyline as the main character. Carol Danvers is the main arc. Jean Grey is reduced to support role for Carol. I believe there are more Jean Grey who are not going to invest in Binary. A Jean Grey fan page put a poll out and majority of Jean Grey fans on FB don't plan to buy it. https://images2.imgbox.com/f2/3a/Jb7JFHXz_o.jpg
Stephanie Phillips has stated it is a what if short story that takes 10 years into the future. I think it I repeated this multiple times. I figure Jean Grey fans are divided on this. I am with Tom that if AOR isn't your cup of tea, you shouldn't invest in it. My brother Patrick Cabahug, plans not to invest his time on the issue, but I am open because Jean Grey is in Binary. He is upset that Jean Grey is downgraded into a supporting character of Carol Danvers, and that the Binary issue isn't a Jean Grey story.
I said I might, depending on whether I have the time, also depending on if people reshared the meme I did, but based on the lack of reshare on X, I'll probably not do it. So far, I've got one love remark from you. No retweet on X by you and the other die-hard Jean Grey fans on X, like Jean Grey Red, Jean Grey Daily, and others. I probably will not due it since it has not gained traction
Same here, I already addressed my concerns and posted my criticism. I'm practically done, and if other Jean fans have concerns, they can post them themselves. I don't want to end up repeating my criticism and concerns since I already mentioned them here.
Thank for the response, Tom. Though, I did later change my views following Stephanie Phillips commentary on her TikTok and I will give Age of Revelation a change. It is a short story arc. I am looking forward this October 2025. Jean Grey is in Binary and that is at least good thing. Even if she is only a supporting character. Thank you, for your work.
I appreciate the answer about the imperial one shots coming about, interesting stuff!
About my She Hulk question, if it’s whatever the reader prefers, isn’t that just my third option, a catch all reference? You can probably tell I’m just wanting some mentions of the last run’s supporting cast haha
"just say no to full frontal orgy invitations"
But what's an orgy without full frontal?
My dad used to travel a lot in Europe in the 1970s, and although I ended up personally collecting the French "Strange" and "Special Strange" issues and anthologies, dad added both English and Hebrew editions of "Sabraman", German Incredible Hulks, Greek Man Wolfs and other such goodies. I understand. Joyful things to have.
I even saw a vintage store in Athens that had Greek Marvel/DC editions from the 80s for sale...but I settled for the 'newstand' editions to buy for myself (and send a few to Tom). I could not justify spending top dollar (euros!) on Greek back issues ha ha..!
For a while I also collected Asterix the Gaul - the first book - in different languages from Catalan to Latin (Asterix Gallus, natch).
Speaking of full frontal (nudity implied or whatever), it reminds me of the video Tom posted the other week of the Marvel guys visiting the FF set. Watching it, I realized that I had never heard Tom speak. OTOH, the only video of Tom I ever saw was the one from 20-odd years ago of Tom belly dancing on the conference room table. IIRC, it didn’t involve Tom speaking. OTOH, I also can’t recall the context…
Anyway:
Coincidentally with the reader question thing about when it’s decided not to extend a min-series, my question is: Given the ten issue do or die thing, at what point of dealer orders is it decided to cancel with issue 10? That is, how many issues’ orders are in before the decision made?
And speaking of early cancellation, as some might know, Joe Casey explained how Weapon X-Men got cancelled. Given the circumstances (essentially not sales related), any possibility of the book being resuscitated?
Just wanted to say that I love the Phoenix series. This is what I’ve wanted for Jean for a long time. Jean as Phoenix, whole and in control, having adventures in the cosmos. This is what should have been done with Jean after Morrison’s run, imho.
So sad to see Stephanie leaving the series, I think she has done a fantastic job with the character. But I hope the series will continue with a new writer.
Some kind of trippy, time and space spanning adventure in 2004, with the cosmic space heating up, would have been so exciting. A friendlier environment for a series like that than now. Maybe with Ron Marz or Dan Abnett on it. Oh what might have been.
Ron Marz did some work on Witchblade. I love his work on Sara Pezzini. It would awesome to see how he would write Jean Grey.
If they are relaunching, they need a better writer and artist, maybe Lukas Werneck again or another artist who a good artwork like Lukas. If Lukas gets reconsidered, he should be doing the actual comic. He did love the work he did for the Giant-Size X-Men, and it was amazing.
We still don't know who will be writing Phoenix Issue. Stephanie Phillips said on her TikTok that Phoenix isn't canceled. That remains unanswered. I am optimistic that after AOR we may get another Jean Grey storyline.
I am glad you come at it from the lens of wanting writers to have passion for a project, rather than looking for a quick buck (no judgement on my part if so). I just remember people back two decades now would say Mark Waid wasn't really a Fantastic Four fan and Grant Morrison had only read maybe 30 issues of X-Men and nothing more. But that doesn't preclude them from caring about a project either.
As for last weeks discourse, me personally, I always prefer Jean Grey doing X-Men stuff, so the premise of Phoenix hasn't resonated with me like it has with some on the whole. But it's cool other people enjoy it. I did not ever think there would be that much discourse on a blog about her.
Jean Grey has a huge fan following, Venus. I run a FB with 4 other Jean Grey fans and that page has over 36K likes.
"we"
Actually 36k followers and 25k likes. That you, myself, and 4 other people
I think reaction to Phoenix is proof positive that different fans want different things, Tom’s said similar things I think. Cant satisfy everyone at once. I’m a big fan of more down to earth (well as down to earth as an x men comic can be) Jean, but its clear that the cosmic story being told has a big share of fans as well
Yeah, you can't please everyone. Although, I think like Tom said, when a character you like has gone through periods of being dead for a long time, fans might just be willing to sit down and read what's given to them. The space people should know there's more mileage on Earth.
I do wonder why couldn't they make it a team up issue with Jean Grey and Binary. It wouldn't upset Jean Grey fans or Carol fans. I think that approach would keep everyone happy. I wonder if X-Office runs the Avenger office as well. Why couldn't the Avenger office run their own Carol issues? X-Office have theirs and Avengers got their own.
I agree; Carol is not even a mutant, yet she’s in the X-Men lineup. Yes, it’s a 10-year future 'what if' scenario and not for the long haul. Giving her the Phoenix, as Jean did with Adani, is much like when Echo was used as a Phoenix host—just another piece of recycled material. Brevoort and Stephanie are no different from previous editors and writers. My final two cents: a team-up of Jean and Carol would have been a better option. Based on his response, which is as follows: 'And given that Jean Grey fans have gone decades with Jean being dead and out of the books, I take their unhappiness with a grain of salt. Which is to say, I appreciate that you love the character. But my responsibility extends to all of the characters, not just anyone.' Regarding your concern, it seems that he is benching her for the entirety of the Age of Revelation and Binary Run. Jean Grey can still be in the story along with the other X-Men, but there’s no reason for her to be benched or relegated to a supporting character. This is my final two cents.
Bro, she is an Avengers not an X-Men. Why X-Offices decided to run Carol Danvers storyline instead of those who run Avengers run it confuses me. Doesn't X-Offices handled all things mutant related storylines?
My point exactly not a mutant and not an X-Men
There is a disconnect between the fans and the current staff on the characters they should all focus on. I missed the Krakoa Age. This current run have Scott Summers and Jean Grey separated, and don't even have intimate moments like we see in the tree House in Central Park. I am open for reading Stephanie Binary issue, but not sure how Tom will run X-Men stories following AOR, we don't even have a successor Stephanie Phillips for Phoenix Issue yet. Maybe the writer new writer will be announced on October.
I think given her power set (both Claremont and Byrne have stated it was tough finding challenges to Phoenix that did not make the rest of the team redundant) - I think it is a genius move to have Jean in space fighting aliens, cosmic menaces, etc. I can see her at home with a space set of heroes (Phoenix and the Guardians) fighting Firelord, Skrulls, Elders of the Universe, etc.
Tom Brevoort addressed Manny's question, alright. Although he still did not address the others' questions, such as who is going to write the Phoenix issue, assuming it gets rereleased after Binary and Age of Revelation conclude, since Stephanie Philip said it was not canceled, according to her TikTok. I think 3 and 4 people asked that question.
Someone else will bring it up. I don't ask for spoilers that just too much. But since Stephanie did say that Phoenix isn't canceling then who is the new writer for Phoenix? I presume it is after AOR.
I'm not asking for spoilers either, nor did the people who asked the question who is writing the Phoenix issue after Age of Revelation and Binary conclude. That's the question I am asking and what the others are asking, not Luke, I am your father spoiler
Whoever the new creative team is, I’m sure Tom and company want a splashier announcement for them than in his newsletter.
I believe it will be announcement in October. Stephanie mentioned some unofficial announcement on Oct.
Gotta say, I love that NEW WARRIORS #74 cover! But as much as I love it as an IMAGE, I have to wonder how well it works as a COVER. There's really nothing in the upper third/left side of the cover to attract attention— or even define which comic this is— if/when it's shelved in most comic stors— which flies in the face of "accepted cover theory." Still, it does evoke those striking and memorable Infantino/Cardy AQUAMAN covers from the 60s. And, like you said, you likely only got away with it because the book was already canceled.
But this brings up another thing I think about from time to time: how differently do you approach covers today than you did, say, 20 years ago? It seems to me a good portion of modern sales are generated through Preview orders (or whatever remains after the Diamond disaster is sorted out) making a striking IMAGE that's shown with the solicit much more important than worrying about that upper/left side of the cover.
The best answer, of course, is "do both!" But are you more open to "experimental" covers now than you used to be, given the changing market?
Hi Tom, I'm bringing up my question from last week again. So, what are your feelings about the Krakoa era, and also your feelings about how characters like Kurt, Kitty, Hank, Lorna, and Xavier behaved so out of character throughout the run. Is that why, in the current run, books like UXM and EXM are essentially heroic?
Happy you received and are enjoying the books Tom!!
(I was so pumped to see them still being published in Greece - major nostalgia from my youth).
Fun Fact: Camelot 3000 was one of the only DC books I remember being reprinted in Greece back the day - in color - great edition. I read most of it in Greek and years later managed to read the entire series (and its conclusion) in a trade (the original English version).
Marvel was the main reprints/publishers (and seems to still be - could not find any DC books this summer): got to read Thomas/Buscema era Avengers, Ross Andru Spider-Man, Shang Chi (Zeck era), and a few more in Greece back in the day.
Hi Tom! In regards to your comment 'relatively few people are looking for signatures from editors', I mean at this point you're a legend in the industry so I would absolutely love to get your signature on a few books at a con. Hopefully you can make it to some of the Galaxy Cons! Those tend to be the ones we of the smaller market cities hit up regionally.
In regard to Moon Knight and Rocket Raccoon, they definitely were part of the team that started in groups and met met up towards the end for Original Sin, and I'm fairly certain they met during that excursion. Loved that series btw: Jason & Deo?! Amazing work.
Good call. Original Sin #4, June 18th 2014, Rocket Raccoon arrives with Moon Knight and Gamora (after they'd hitched a lift with him) at the top of Page 20 (as numbered on Marvel Unlimited).
Speaking of pilots, with the recent passing of Hulk Hogan, people,have been again discussing the pilot he did in 1984 called Goldie and the Bears , where he is one of three former football players who go to work for a private detective whose father once owned said football team. You can understand why it didn’t last but it is interesting to see Julius Carrey (of Sho Nuff and Brisco County fame) as one of the players. It’s on YouTube for those interested.
Reading each week that Jean Grey has such a passionate fan base makes me ask why? I’m not trying to troll.
It’s similar to Venom for me…what’s the appeal?
Any thoughts would be great.
I think it wouldn't be a logical leap to say that two of the best X-Men stories ever revolve around the character and make her the heart of said stories. You're bound to get fans that way.
Can you explain? I'm curious. You peek my interest.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I love Jean, but I definitely have a soft spot for characters like Jean Grey and Susan Richards who began as the sole girls (literally Marvel Girl and Invisible Girl) on their team, but evolved into fully fleshed out characters with immense power and depth to their personalities and decisions.
if you’re interested, you could check out the X-Men red run, from 2018ish where she was the leader and star, I think it has some pretty great example examples of the traits that I love about Jean
Susan Richards and Jean Grey are the OG Marvel gals.
Jean Grey is among the X-Men with the most depth (along with Storm and some others). Jean’s stories deal with big themes and emotions (sacrifice, death, rebirth, transcendence, identity, destiny). She has close connections with many characters being lover to Scott and Logan, sisterhood with Storm, like a daughter to Xavier, etc.
Mother figure to Cable, Nate, Rachel, Stryfe, and Hope. Maddie is her clone.
The Phoenix pulls from religious and mythological themes. Jean’s lore is deep and complex. Even all the retcons contribute to this.
Psychic powers are fun and cool. Her personality where she is typically compassionate and empathic but has a fiery temper and can be brutal when fighting injustice is cool too.
That’s why a lot of fans like Jean.
How many Jean Grey fans do we have on this Substack?
I'll rephrase my question from last week for clarity, in hopes it might get answered this time. Why should I, as a fan of Phoenix and Jean Grey, pre-order Binary? Sell the book to me, tell me why I should be going out of my way to buy Binary, when Jean Grey is not the leading character in the book. Excite me for your comics, make me want to buy them.
I think this falls under spoiler territory regardless. He can't answer by confirming the presence of a character in the book, and pivoting to something else like "Well maybe you'll like a Carol Danvers story" isn't likely to satisfy anyone.
My advice: don't buy it and move on. That's what I'm doing. There's 15 or 16 other Revelation titles to enjoy. Not everything will satisfy fans of a character all the time.
Watching all the discussion (not just here but online in general) about binary since its announcement has been super interesting to me, as a big fan of both Jean and Carol.
I would have been more excited if it was a Jean Grey & Carol Danvers team-up issue but it isn't. I'll read it because Jean Grey is in the issue.
Your points are fair, though it is part of editorial's job to sell a product to an audience, so I am curious how could this book be sold to fans of Jean Grey. What if I don't like a Carol Denvers story and refuse to spend money on it? I've not been buying any of the other FtA titles, and now that Phoenix ends at #15 and it's event tie-in is about Carol, not Jean, the money I've been spending on this book can easily be used for something else, certainly not comicbooks. I doubt I am the only such case, as we can see that Jean Grey fans are a passionate bunch. I believe my question can be answered without spoilers, since these books are up for pre-order months in advance, which means that ideally for the company I would already have this book on pre-order as a customer.
I don't know what can be said beyond "maybe you'll find you like it" or "it might surprise you."
I tend to think people's comic tastes are more diverse than they realize ( I never expected to like black and white newspaper strip comics and drop a chunk of change to get a complete edition, but here I am) but when it comes to capes, people are pretty set with what they like and what they don't like. I like X-Men, I don't like Spider-Man. I like Hulk, I don't like Punisher. And so on. So unless you happen to like Claremont's old Binary work or Kelly Thompson, maybe it won't be for you and that's OK. Yeah it sucks she's the only one to not be in a book but maybe things will be different for the next event.
Exactly my point. Nothing more can be said to sell this book to a large chunk of the audience, that followed the book this spins out of. Which, in my opinion, is bad business.
I do agree that comic taste is dynamic and we find ourselves drawn to things we would have never expected. But with cape comics I believe it has always been about characters first and foremost. And oftentimes you imprint on these characters quite early on, and it just sticks with you. I can't say I'm liking the attitude of "the fans of this character endured a decade of her absence", because if a phrase akin to this was said about anyone else - Cyclops, Emma frost (the fans of these characters have endured decades of being villanized by the plot...etc) - it would not slide easily. Frankly I'm almost certain that the supposed decades of her absence are the reason for her fandom's very passionate and vocal response. But it is clear that she is not a priority character in any way, and will probably go down a much darker road going forward if this is the attitude editorial has towards her. A shame, bc those same fans kept thr Phoenix book afloat for quite a while, even if they were vocal about not liking it.
I think I would see it as a writer having a particular idea, rather than the office trying to push the character out. But fair enough, you make a good point about why fans are so passionate. It's not like I'm not disappointed that the character has been excluded from the event.
I’m a huge Jean Grey fan. While I appreciate Tom Brevoort addressing my concern, I wasn’t satisfied with his explanation about shifting focus to other characters and moving away from her storyline. Isn’t Carol Danvers primarily an Avenger? Why not align her with that team instead of having the X-Office handle the Avengers lineup?
To put this in perspective, X-Men characters play significant roles throughout the AOR event, yet Jean is sidelined as a supporting figure in the Binary issue, which centers on Carol’s arc. As Stephanie Phillips noted, it’s ultimately Carol’s story. I’m not sure how this satisfies Jean Grey fans, especially when her Cosmic Queen persona is diminished to a secondary role. When I commented to Tom earlier, I was voicing the perspective of many fans like me. I’m curious—do other Jean Grey enthusiasts feel her presence in the AOR event has been drastically reduced?
One lingering question they haven’t addressed: Who will replace Stephanie Phillips as writer on Phoenix after AOR? She mentioned on TikTok that the series isn’t canceled, so I’m confused about whether we’ll see any ongoing Jean Grey-focused issues at all. Tom, if you’re reading this, please know I’m not seeking spoilers—I’m just deeply passionate about Jean’s long-term direction in the Marvel universe.
@KyleKatarn, You are not the only one. My brother Patrick plans not to invest in Binary because of the lack of Jean Grey storyline as the main character. Carol Danvers is the main arc. Jean Grey is reduced to support role for Carol. I believe there are more Jean Grey who are not going to invest in Binary. A Jean Grey fan page put a poll out and majority of Jean Grey fans on FB don't plan to buy it. https://images2.imgbox.com/f2/3a/Jb7JFHXz_o.jpg
Stephanie Phillips has stated it is a what if short story that takes 10 years into the future. I think it I repeated this multiple times. I figure Jean Grey fans are divided on this. I am with Tom that if AOR isn't your cup of tea, you shouldn't invest in it. My brother Patrick Cabahug, plans not to invest his time on the issue, but I am open because Jean Grey is in Binary. He is upset that Jean Grey is downgraded into a supporting character of Carol Danvers, and that the Binary issue isn't a Jean Grey story.
I might start on trend on X No Jean No Buy during the Age of Revelation and Binary Run.
You do that but I plan to read it and buy it. It's just a miniseries nothing to be so worried about.
I said I might, depending on whether I have the time, also depending on if people reshared the meme I did, but based on the lack of reshare on X, I'll probably not do it. So far, I've got one love remark from you. No retweet on X by you and the other die-hard Jean Grey fans on X, like Jean Grey Red, Jean Grey Daily, and others. I probably will not due it since it has not gained traction
Same here, I already addressed my concerns and posted my criticism. I'm practically done, and if other Jean fans have concerns, they can post them themselves. I don't want to end up repeating my criticism and concerns since I already mentioned them here.
Also, is it me or do covers seem much less detailed nowadays? How come that is?