So I think this is going to be a long one, given the number of questions that came in this week and the number of things I set up to talk about beforehand.
Your comments here on behind the scenes kind of remind me of some pro wrestling fans, especially after the industry made its preplanned nature front facing, and how some really obsesses on that behind the scenes stuff. Or the ones in the crowd at a magic act who mutter or declare how its being done, or even just that they know how. Friend, you can learn that stuff, and it can increase your appreciation of it. But speaking as a wrestling fan who's met some of his personal greats and had candid words with them, and a magic fan that does know how many bits of magic work... well, since you mentioned it
When I'm offered a slice of the cake, I eat it. If it tastes off, I might look into the kitchen or make inquires about the recipe... but if it's good cake, I eat it. I don't react to cake by taking samples of the crumb and going CSI on it, running my hands through it to critique the texture. Even a good food critic doesn't do that.
They at least try their slice of cake and see if it gives them a reason for complaint (or kudos!.) to the baker.
Great newsletter, as always, Tom -- and very exciting (albeit mysterious) news about that Buckley Initiative. On the Captain Marvel front, I happen to be doing a retrospective on the revamp of Carol Danvers for io9, where I'm talking to the creators involved. Any chance you'd be willing to let me pose a couple of questions about that initial push from yourself and Brian to make Carol Captain Marvel?
Sure, but you should send me a request for that at my Marvel e-mail address, tbrevoort@marvel.com so that it can be set up through Marvel's promo department.
Absolutely, and thank you! I'll send a note over to you via email from ZRabiroff at gmail dot com, so we can go through the right channels for it. Much appreciated.
I don't mean to drag the Ms. Marvel controversy out in this space, but I feel compelled to say this about it: I buy comics through DCBS out of necessity, so I have to buy everything in advance. The absurd turnaround on her "death" and rebirth meant that I was being asked to buy "CLASSIFIED #1 by TBA," before any details were revealed, which I obviously did not do. And then, once it was too late for me to get it, Marvel announced that it's the new Ms. Marvel comic, which I absolutely would have purchased. So, not only does her "death" seem more cynical than any comics death I can think of, the manner of its execution cost you my business. Against my will, even. This will be the first Ms. Marvel series I don't buy since Kamala's introduction. This has been an extremely disappointing experience.
Great article this week Tom! Excited about your news, the new series announcements, and everything you hinted at!
Was wondering your thoughts on licensed comics - there seems to be a resurgence recently (The Kirkman Transformers shared universe, the new Conan series, the fox properties at Marvel, etc) - I find there is a rich history in comics of toy/movie licensed material that could have been fluff but was elevated in comics form (as a child of the 80s I find that Gi Joe is better than it has any right to be under Larry Hama).
Any favourite licensed books? Or properties you think would be fun in comic book form (Indiana jones?)?
I am happy that Marvel will be reprinting ROM and the MICRONAUTS series.
"...there were sudden concerns about any character who was going to so prominently carry the Marvel name in that way."
Were the concerns centered around making the new CM female? Monica Rambeau was one of better holders of that title, I thought, and given Carol's historic ties to Mar-Vell, she seems like a natural successor.
Another fun Sunday read! Thank you! You mention how cover concepts for that seven years in development project have changed as the marketplace has shifted. I was curious how today’s covers are different than other eras? (I’m loving those Alex Ross covers for the current F.F. run!)
Also, I know the Star Wars comics have been a big success. Has there been consideration of a line of books set in the MCU continuity? I’ve always thought the five years directly after the Thanos snap could be a rich area for stories. But I could also see not wanting to compete with your own line of books or confuse readers (something Star Wars doesn’t have to worry about.)
Has Marvel ever packaged any runs or arcs in an Absolute-style edition? I know there are some hardcover deluxe versions of certain arcs, but nothing quite like the oversized Absolute versions that DC has done. At least none that I can think of. Any reason why Marvel hasn’t done something similar? Any runs or arcs you think would fit that kind of format? Civil War, Marvels, and House of M came to my mind.
It's a passing reference, but why do you call playing fast and loose with the set-up a “Roy Thomas violation”? Was he particularly keen that people didn't do that, or famous for doing that himself?
I have a pretty good suspicion about what's coming based on past conversations and the specific wording you used so, obviously, CONGRATS! I'm pumped to see what you have on tap and will have more to say once things are made public.
Comics’ page counts have moved way up and down. 64 pages, down to 17, now around 22. 17-pagers had fewer subplots and less action, but each page became more consequential. Do you think there’s some Aristotelian length that makes for the best monthly comics story? Or can good people tell good stories regardless of page length?
Been thinking a lot about this as Dan Slott mentioned that a couple new ongoings he’s doing will be 22 pages a month. I wonder if Marvel might be testing the waters of going back to that higher page counts at a slightly higher price.
Looks like the reason 2001's "Incredible Hulk" #26 came inside a polybag was because it also included a CD that allowed you to sign in into something called "MARVELONLINE.NET", according to this eBay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/275630642729
Since you brought him up-- whatever happened to Gravity? I really enjoyed that character back in the mid 2000s. Especially his debut miniseries. It had a lot of classic Spider-Man vibes. Can we get a check-in with him? Is he alive and well somewhere in the 616? Any future plans? (Apologies if he's already in a series I'm unaware of.)
Thanks as always for the detailed answers! I look forward to watching that deep dive into Secret Empire. I'm curious if you could point me/us to the best place to read your answers on Fantastic Four and/or Inhumans, as most of what I can find is from places that have a more critical or even suspicious approach to the "company line."
On that note, can you shed any light on what precisely happened with the 2020 New Warriors title? I'd always assumed that the superhero names teased in the promos were intentionally a little tone deaf, and that part of the story (ala Heinburg/Cheung Young Avengers) would be the heroes stepping out of the conception of what the adults wanted and carving their own. It seems some of the ideas may have been used in Children of the Atom, but I could be entirely wrong, on any or all points.
Also, Supreme Power was a very important gateway comic for me, so thanks helping bring that to life. It always felt to me like a popcorn version of Watchmen, which I mean entirely as a compliment (I've re-read the series many times). Can you share what things Marvel had to avoid to not piss of DC? I've always felt the very clear alternate superman but treated "realistically" was one of the best parts of that story.
Finally, not a question, but surely a Hey Jude moment has been the decision to kill of Ultimate Peter Parker and replace him with Miles Morales. I don't remember what the state of the Ultimate line was at the time in terms of how risky it might have been, but I think there's a case to be made that Miles Morales is the most successful new Marvel character of the 21st century.
EDIT: Sorry, one last question. What's with the Nick Lowe "hate"? I can't imagine you actually being so publicly rude to a colleague if it weren't tongue firmly in cheek, but I also feel like I came to late to the newsletter to follow what is probably at this point an inside joke?
Your comments here on behind the scenes kind of remind me of some pro wrestling fans, especially after the industry made its preplanned nature front facing, and how some really obsesses on that behind the scenes stuff. Or the ones in the crowd at a magic act who mutter or declare how its being done, or even just that they know how. Friend, you can learn that stuff, and it can increase your appreciation of it. But speaking as a wrestling fan who's met some of his personal greats and had candid words with them, and a magic fan that does know how many bits of magic work... well, since you mentioned it
When I'm offered a slice of the cake, I eat it. If it tastes off, I might look into the kitchen or make inquires about the recipe... but if it's good cake, I eat it. I don't react to cake by taking samples of the crumb and going CSI on it, running my hands through it to critique the texture. Even a good food critic doesn't do that.
They at least try their slice of cake and see if it gives them a reason for complaint (or kudos!.) to the baker.
I thoroughly enjoy these, Tom! The process stuff is an extra treat this round.
Great newsletter, as always, Tom -- and very exciting (albeit mysterious) news about that Buckley Initiative. On the Captain Marvel front, I happen to be doing a retrospective on the revamp of Carol Danvers for io9, where I'm talking to the creators involved. Any chance you'd be willing to let me pose a couple of questions about that initial push from yourself and Brian to make Carol Captain Marvel?
Sure, but you should send me a request for that at my Marvel e-mail address, tbrevoort@marvel.com so that it can be set up through Marvel's promo department.
Absolutely, and thank you! I'll send a note over to you via email from ZRabiroff at gmail dot com, so we can go through the right channels for it. Much appreciated.
I don't mean to drag the Ms. Marvel controversy out in this space, but I feel compelled to say this about it: I buy comics through DCBS out of necessity, so I have to buy everything in advance. The absurd turnaround on her "death" and rebirth meant that I was being asked to buy "CLASSIFIED #1 by TBA," before any details were revealed, which I obviously did not do. And then, once it was too late for me to get it, Marvel announced that it's the new Ms. Marvel comic, which I absolutely would have purchased. So, not only does her "death" seem more cynical than any comics death I can think of, the manner of its execution cost you my business. Against my will, even. This will be the first Ms. Marvel series I don't buy since Kamala's introduction. This has been an extremely disappointing experience.
Great article this week Tom! Excited about your news, the new series announcements, and everything you hinted at!
Was wondering your thoughts on licensed comics - there seems to be a resurgence recently (The Kirkman Transformers shared universe, the new Conan series, the fox properties at Marvel, etc) - I find there is a rich history in comics of toy/movie licensed material that could have been fluff but was elevated in comics form (as a child of the 80s I find that Gi Joe is better than it has any right to be under Larry Hama).
Any favourite licensed books? Or properties you think would be fun in comic book form (Indiana jones?)?
I am happy that Marvel will be reprinting ROM and the MICRONAUTS series.
Some excellent hints as to secret upcoming things . . . . I really hope you'll explicitly mention in a future newsletter what these were referring to!
"...there were sudden concerns about any character who was going to so prominently carry the Marvel name in that way."
Were the concerns centered around making the new CM female? Monica Rambeau was one of better holders of that title, I thought, and given Carol's historic ties to Mar-Vell, she seems like a natural successor.
Another fun Sunday read! Thank you! You mention how cover concepts for that seven years in development project have changed as the marketplace has shifted. I was curious how today’s covers are different than other eras? (I’m loving those Alex Ross covers for the current F.F. run!)
Also, I know the Star Wars comics have been a big success. Has there been consideration of a line of books set in the MCU continuity? I’ve always thought the five years directly after the Thanos snap could be a rich area for stories. But I could also see not wanting to compete with your own line of books or confuse readers (something Star Wars doesn’t have to worry about.)
Mr. Brevoort,
Has Marvel ever packaged any runs or arcs in an Absolute-style edition? I know there are some hardcover deluxe versions of certain arcs, but nothing quite like the oversized Absolute versions that DC has done. At least none that I can think of. Any reason why Marvel hasn’t done something similar? Any runs or arcs you think would fit that kind of format? Civil War, Marvels, and House of M came to my mind.
It's a passing reference, but why do you call playing fast and loose with the set-up a “Roy Thomas violation”? Was he particularly keen that people didn't do that, or famous for doing that himself?
I have a pretty good suspicion about what's coming based on past conversations and the specific wording you used so, obviously, CONGRATS! I'm pumped to see what you have on tap and will have more to say once things are made public.
I, too, am really glad that Marvel is finally promoting Staff Sergeant America to Captain America. It's about time.
Comics’ page counts have moved way up and down. 64 pages, down to 17, now around 22. 17-pagers had fewer subplots and less action, but each page became more consequential. Do you think there’s some Aristotelian length that makes for the best monthly comics story? Or can good people tell good stories regardless of page length?
Been thinking a lot about this as Dan Slott mentioned that a couple new ongoings he’s doing will be 22 pages a month. I wonder if Marvel might be testing the waters of going back to that higher page counts at a slightly higher price.
Looks like the reason 2001's "Incredible Hulk" #26 came inside a polybag was because it also included a CD that allowed you to sign in into something called "MARVELONLINE.NET", according to this eBay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/275630642729
Since you brought him up-- whatever happened to Gravity? I really enjoyed that character back in the mid 2000s. Especially his debut miniseries. It had a lot of classic Spider-Man vibes. Can we get a check-in with him? Is he alive and well somewhere in the 616? Any future plans? (Apologies if he's already in a series I'm unaware of.)
He was last seen in Young Avengers almost 10 years ago. So he's definitely still alive somewhere.
Thanks as always for the detailed answers! I look forward to watching that deep dive into Secret Empire. I'm curious if you could point me/us to the best place to read your answers on Fantastic Four and/or Inhumans, as most of what I can find is from places that have a more critical or even suspicious approach to the "company line."
On that note, can you shed any light on what precisely happened with the 2020 New Warriors title? I'd always assumed that the superhero names teased in the promos were intentionally a little tone deaf, and that part of the story (ala Heinburg/Cheung Young Avengers) would be the heroes stepping out of the conception of what the adults wanted and carving their own. It seems some of the ideas may have been used in Children of the Atom, but I could be entirely wrong, on any or all points.
Also, Supreme Power was a very important gateway comic for me, so thanks helping bring that to life. It always felt to me like a popcorn version of Watchmen, which I mean entirely as a compliment (I've re-read the series many times). Can you share what things Marvel had to avoid to not piss of DC? I've always felt the very clear alternate superman but treated "realistically" was one of the best parts of that story.
Finally, not a question, but surely a Hey Jude moment has been the decision to kill of Ultimate Peter Parker and replace him with Miles Morales. I don't remember what the state of the Ultimate line was at the time in terms of how risky it might have been, but I think there's a case to be made that Miles Morales is the most successful new Marvel character of the 21st century.
EDIT: Sorry, one last question. What's with the Nick Lowe "hate"? I can't imagine you actually being so publicly rude to a colleague if it weren't tongue firmly in cheek, but I also feel like I came to late to the newsletter to follow what is probably at this point an inside joke?
That was great. I stood around like a loon after work, not going home.