If there was an Astonishing Spider-Man book....

[Mister Mets]

Let's say Marvel decides to top DC's "All-Star" franchise, by turning Astonishing X-Men into a franchise of the stories of a-list Marvel licenses by a-list creators, and they're going to do an Astonishing Spider-Man book, by creators on par with Whedon & Cassady, Miller & Lee, and Morrison & Quitely. The basic idea would be a high profile accessible Spider-Man book, which hits the Top 5 every month.

What creators shouild Marvel go after for the book?

My list. The writers.

Mark Millar- He's one of the industry's biggest writers, and his twelve issue arc arc of Marvel Knights Spider-Man featured almost everything to love about Spider-Man, and was pretty much a Spider-Man artist's wet dream. He's written before about how he'd love to do more with the character, because all of the ideas he's come up with for the character while writing his first epic.

Roger Stern- He's almost universally considered the second best Spider-Man writer (after Stan lee of course) so he'd be the perfect writer for an All-Star Spider-Man type book. It would be wise to have it set while Peter Parker's still single, because Stern's not a fan of married Spider-Man. As for whether a book like this would survive when so many "Untold Tales" series have failed with the character, one need only look at the success of All-Star Batman & Robin/ All-Star Superman, Justice, or the Ultimate books. The one difference between it, and an Ultimate book would be that the events depicted could impact the regular books (ie- a new villain introduced for a storyline may come out of prison for a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man arc.)

Jeph Loeb- His writing on Jim Lee's Batman wasn't the strongest, but it was the best-selling book of the month almost every time it came out, and one reason for this was that Loeb knew what fans wanted Jim Lee to draw. His twelve issues of Batman run included Killer Croc, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, the Huntress, Robin, Nightwing, Superman, Harley Wuinn, the Joker, Ra's Al Ghul, the Riddler, and more (which may be one reason why it was more successful than Azarello's Superman run.) His previous Spider-Man work, the Blue mini-series was enjoyable, especially with the variety of situations he placed Spider-Man in.

Dan Slott- He's an excellent writer, who wrote one of the best Spider-Man stories ever with Spider-Man/ Human Torch. A book like this could help his profile, but as a rule he would have to collaborate with an amazing a-list artist for the project to get the profile it deserves.

Steve Ditko- Probably an impossibility, but it would be an astoundingly big deal.

Kevin Smith-
He wrote a great Spider-Man in the first three issues of his Black Cat mini series, but the latter three issues were still not worth the wait. I'd want him to have a lot of lead time on this book, and he better make a hell of a pitch.

Joss Whedon- Because apparantly he wants to follow-up Astonishing X-Men with a Spider-Man run with Bryan Hitch.

The artists.
Bryan Hitch- See above. He's also one of Marvel's best artists, with Ultimates 2 having some of the best art ever done in the comic book form.

Steve Ditko- Don't tell me it wouldn't be an astoundingly big deal.

John Romita Sr- Perhaps the most popular Spider-Man artist ever. This would a great capper to one of the best careers in comics.

Todd Mcfarlane- One of the moist popular Spider-Man artists ever. A one year run on a title like this would help his reputation (and help him turn Spawn into a best-selling book again), and let's face it- he may need the money (he lost two major lawsuits recently, and his three million dollar baseball plummeted in value.) Watch his Spider-Man run outsell Jim Lee's Batman.

John Romita Jr- One of the best Spider-Man artists ever. He's said that he's waiting to return to the title, and I'd love it if he was given the opportunity to draw Spider-Man with his greatest allies, greatest enemies, and lots of new villains (as opposed to four issue arcs with Spider-Man VS new villains.)

David Finch- The man drew an excellent Spider-Man in New Avengers, and a Spider-Man Unlimited issue.

Neal Adams- He's probably the best regarded comic artist alive, who has not worked on Spider-Man. And it would be a great coup for Marvel with the talk that he'll follow Jim Lee on All-Star Batman & Robin.

What do you guys think? Could you see yourselves buying a book like this? Could you see a lot of other people buying a book like this?

One small detail. This book would differ from the new "Sensational Spider-Man" simply because it would have more popular creators, and because it will be independent from the other Spider books (ie- can be set in different eras.) I see Sensational Spider-Man as a book where creators you wouldn't associate with the character are given the opportunity to tell great stories. I also see it as more of a breakout book.

[Ravenheart]

I agree with all the names on your list except Kevin Smith.I've never really been a fan of any of his stuff,and I find him a little over-rated.

[stealthwise]

I'd have Stan Lee co-write an issue with Bendis. Man, that would be one messed up storyline.

[Web_Spinner]

I don't know if I could handle ANOTHER Spider-man monthly, especially with Civil War coming up, lol!!! ;)

The only reason I wouldn't want JRJR on this book is because he should be pencilling Amazing Spider-Man, the flagship title! lol, ;)

Here are my picks, just because they were left off you're list.

Writer:

Ed Brubaker

It would be really cool to see what Brubaker could do with Spider-Man, and his incredible rogues gallery. I think he could write a KICK ASS story with the new Mac Gargan Venom!

Penciler:

Steve McNiven

His work on New Avengers has been Kick ASS!!!!

[jam1]

I don't know if I could handle ANOTHER Spider-man monthly, especially with Civil War coming up, lol!!! ;)

The only reason I wouldn't want JRJR on this book is because he should be pencilling Amazing Spider-Man, the flagship title! lol, ;)

Here are my picks, just because they were left off you're list.

Writer:

Ed Brubaker

It would be really cool to see what Brubaker could do with Spider-Man, and his incredible rogues gallery. I think he could write a KICK ASS story with the new Mac Gargan Venom!

Penciler:

Steve McNiven

His work on New Avengers has been Kick ASS!!!!

I wouldn't want Brubaker because he hates the Spidey marriage (see his Millarworld posts). Totally wrong writer for Spidey.

[Web_Spinner]

damn. Whats with the marriage haters anyway! Lazy writers!

[Young Avenger]

I wouldn't want Brubaker because he hates the Spidey marriage (see his Millarworld posts). Totally wrong writer for Spidey.

That's a shame. I very liked his Spider-Man What If story.

[Iron Syndicate]

This is truly a dream-team, and the likelyhood of this actually happening is very close to zero but just for the hell of it...

Writer:
Neil Gaiman: I cannot begin to imagine the kind of stories Gaiman could come up with using the character, his enemies and his friends, but I can gurantee one thing, it will be amazing, spectacular, sensational and any other adjective you want to throw in there.

Artist
Greg Land: Pheonix Endsong was one of the prettiest books I have ever seen. Ultimate Fantastic Four has the best art in the entire ultimate line (yes, it even beats Hitch's Ultimates). And Land's MJ will make everybody a Spidey fan... guranteed....

[EmmettHULK]

Let's say Marvel decides to top DC's "All-Star" franchise, by turning Astonishing X-Men into a franchise of the stories of a-list Marvel licenses by a-list creators, and they're going to do an Astonishing Spider-Man book, by creators on par with Whedon & Cassady, Miller & Lee, and Morrison & Quitely. The basic idea would be a high profile accessible Spider-Man book, which hits the Top 5 every month.

Mark Millar
Roger Stern
Jeph Loeb[/B]-
Dan Slott-
Steve Ditko-
Kevin Smith-
Joss Whedon-
The artists.
Bryan Hitch-
Steve Ditko
John Romita Sr-
Todd Mcfarlane
[B]John Romita
[B]David Finch

Neal Adams


I think neither Slott nor Smith belong on this list: ( Smith's comic rep is tarnished by his unbelievable tardiness and at this point his name will most likely scare off potential buyers; and Slott is a decent scribe but his books don't sell, I doubt Marvel would risk a huge-profile book event like this thing you mention, on a non-name.

Everyone else you mentioned have either the sales clout or the industry gravitas and leverage to make such a book a huge deal.

[Chinchalinchin]

Alan Moore and Alex Ross.

A man can dream, can't he?

[Mister Mets]

was happy to see so many responses so fast.
Two creators I forgot.

Jae Lee- The Dark Tower is going to be the biggest comics event of 2007, and the man has some free time before that (and perhaps between Dark Tower mini series.)

Brian Michael Bendis- He's Marvel's most popular writer. The only concern of having him on the book is whether it would hurt/ be lessened by Ultimate Spider-Man. If Roger Stern were on the book, Bendis may make a great cowriter (just to make it seem more contemporary.)



Alan Moore and Alex Ross.

A man can dream, can't he?

Alex Ross will be busy for the next two years with Justice. But that would be an insanely awesome team for 2009.


This is truly a dream-team, and the likelyhood of this actually happening is very close to zero but just for the hell of it...

Writer:
Neil Gaiman: I cannot begin to imagine the kind of stories Gaiman could come up with using the character, his enemies and his friends, but I can gurantee one thing, it will be amazing, spectacular, sensational and any other adjective you want to throw in there.

Artist
Greg Land: Pheonix Endsong was one of the prettiest books I have ever seen. Ultimate Fantastic Four has the best art in the entire ultimate line (yes, it even beats Hitch's Ultimates). And Land's MJ will make everybody a Spidey fan... guranteed....

You know what? That would be an awesome team, and I'm kicking myself for not thinking of either of them.




I don't know if I could handle ANOTHER Spider-man monthly, especially with Civil War coming up, lol!!! ;)

The only reason I wouldn't want JRJR on this book is because he should be pencilling Amazing Spider-Man, the flagship title! lol, ;)

Here are my picks, just because they were left off you're list.

Writer:

Ed Brubaker

It would be really cool to see what Brubaker could do with Spider-Man, and his incredible rogues gallery. I think he could write a KICK ASS story with the new Mac Gargan Venom!

Penciler:

Steve McNiven

His work on New Avengers has been Kick ASS!!!!


Brubaker may be a worthy writer, especially if his X-Men run becomes insanely succesful. He may not be "big" enough yet, but I see that changing within months.
The only reason I didn't list McNiven is his upcoming work on Civil War/ Ultimate X-men, but when he's done with that he can launch


I wouldn't want Brubaker because he hates the Spidey marriage (see his Millarworld posts). Totally wrong writer for Spidey.

Since the book's essentially a response to the popularity of the All-Star books, it could just be set in any era (my plan with Stern anyway.)



I think neither Slott nor Smith belong on this list: ( Smith's comic rep is tarnished by his unbelievable tardiness and at this point his name will most likely scare off potential buyers; and Slott is a decent scribe but his books don't sell, I doubt Marvel would risk a huge-profile book event like this thing you mention, on a non-name.

Everyone else you mentioned have either the sales clout or the industry gravitas and leverage to make such a book a huge deal.

I admit that Slott would need a hell of an artist.

[DaniloV]

This is truly a dream-team, and the likelyhood of this actually happening is very close to zero but just for the hell of it...

Writer:
Neil Gaiman: I cannot begin to imagine the kind of stories Gaiman could come up with using the character, his enemies and his friends, but I can gurantee one thing, it will be amazing, spectacular, sensational and any other adjective you want to throw in there.

Artist
Greg Land: Pheonix Endsong was one of the prettiest books I have ever seen. Ultimate Fantastic Four has the best art in the entire ultimate line (yes, it even beats Hitch's Ultimates). And Land's MJ will make everybody a Spidey fan... guranteed....

I agree with you, but if someone of the people who post on the Ultimates boards reads this they are gonna flame your ass off because they label Greg Land as a "tracer", i find his art really suitable for an All Star type marvel project, but i don't think he's a big name...yet. as for my dream team:

Writer: Cristopher Priest

Artist: Jhon Romita Jr. (or Mark Bagley)

I've always had the curiosity to read a Priest-written Spiderman project since he did excelent runs on both Deadpool and Black Phanter a couple of years ago. and i think that Jhon Jr. and Bags are the definitive Spidey artist, since they have kept working on the characters for so long...

[EmmettHULK]

....I admit that Slott would need a hell of an artist.

True, but I was just going by your All-Star analogy.
All-Star books so far have used superstar sellers for both art AND writing...(Lee,Miller,Morrison, Quitely), that's why if Marvel wanted to follow that model, they would probably not use Slott, even if they paired him with a superstar artist on a superstar character (don't forget that even Slott's Human Torch/Spidey bombed)...they will want an iron-clad guarantee that the book will sell... truckloads.

BTW...I like the idea of Alex Ross and Bendis.
Bendis knows his way around Peter, and both creators are currently hotter than hot with top five hits(New Avengers,Justice)
That would be the epitome of All-Star at least in terms of sales...

[Mister Mets]

True, but I was just going by your All-Star analogy.
All-Star books so far have used superstar sellers for both art AND writing...(Lee,Miller,Morrison, Quitely), that's why if Marvel wanted to follow that model, they would probably not use Slott, even if they paired him with a superstar artist on a superstar character (don't forget that even Slott's Human Torch/Spidey bombed)...they will want an iron-clad guarantee that the book will sell... truckloads.

BTW...I like the idea of Alex Ross and Bendis.
Bendis knows his way around Peter, and both creators are currently hotter than hot with top five hits(New Avengers,Justice)
That would be the epitome of All-Star at least in terms of sales...

One thing that's worth noting with Justice is that it's a Top-5 success/ pretty much honorary All-Star title. with an A-List franchise (like Spider-Man), an A-List artist, and a respected writer who isn't really popular. So there is a precedent for an All-Star book where the artist is a lot more popular than the writer. The artist still has to be insanely popular (Ditko, Romita Sr, Mcfarlane, Adams) even more so than anyone else who'd be accepted for the book. And the writer has to be respected (Kreuger had Earth X under his belt, and that's made a few Top 100 lists.)

[Dark Soul # 7]

Well since it would have to be a really a-list book it would have to have big a-list names. The only big a-list writer that I know can write Spider-man well is Mark Millar.
As for artist I would have to say either Mark Bagley or David Finch.

[chicainery]

Speaking of All-Star teams, I would LOVE to see Morrison & Quitely on a Spider-book. Preferably Amazing Spider-man.

[Nick MB]

I could think of various of my favourite writers who I'd like to see tackle Spidey, but not many of them are 'All-Star'. Whedon would certainly be good, and I wouldn't mind seeing more Smith Spider-Man either, although both of those would probably result in mega-lateness.
Quite like seeing Allan Heinberg have a crack if he's free. I'd also be very curious to see a Warren Ellis Spider-story, but I'm not sure it's his sort of gig. Jeph Loeb is definitely a good one. I'm not 100% sure whether I want to see more Millar Spidey, I enjoyed his MKSM a lot, but don't know where he'd go next.
What I'd really love to see is some kind of high profile short-run anthology with some of these names. Rather than keeping it going forever, and ending up just running no-name fillers, do 12 issues of 1-or-2-parters by big names like the above. And get some good artists as well. There you go.

[Mark Thorson]

I wouldn't want Brubaker because he hates the Spidey marriage (see his Millarworld posts). Totally wrong writer for Spidey.

I hate the Spidey marraige too. Bring on Bru!!!!!!!!!

[Dark Soul # 7]

I hate the Spidey marraige too. Bring on Bru!!!!!!!!!Oh really.
What´s so wrong with it?

[Lord_Archive]

Kevin Smith is ok. He does good work when he is deriving from that which has already been set and is readily recognizable. However, he has found out that creating wholly original works are far more difficult - especially when casting people whose love affair has utterly bored and annoyed the general populace long before the release date.

He tends to ramble on about his own work... a lot. If you ever watched the deleted scenes from Dogma, you know that he takes 15 mintues to talk about a 30 second clip that wound up on the cutting room floor. Man, that was annoying.

[DaniloV]

I hate the Spidey marraige too. Bring on Bru!!!!!!!!!

It's been adressed a couple of times, Peter and MJ have taken some time "off" but they always end up together again...i think that by now you should be gotten used to it, it's a part of both characters. wanna read about unmarried PP? go buy Ultimate Spiderman! :D

[Venom]

Where I live there is a title called Astonishing Spider-Man, but it's a comic that reprints three 616 Spidey stories every issue. 2 recent stories that are a year behind America and a classic story from either the 60's, 70's or 80's.

[Dark Soul # 7]

Where I live there is a title called Astonishing Spider-Man, but it's a comic that reprints three 616 Spidey stories every issue. 2 recent stories that are a year behind America and a classic story from either the 60's, 70's or 80's.We have a similair system in Sweden, just skip the story from the 60´s etc.
Summer issues are usually three or four american comics put together.

[Mister Mets]

It may be happening.
http://www.newsarama.com/JoeFridays/JoeFridays43.html

NRAMA: That comment, combined with Jeph Loeb’s comments over the weekend identifying this as – and we’re paraphrasing here – “a substantial run”, kind of suggest we might be talking about an ongoing series, rather than a limited series. Any comment?

JQ: Let me just say that Jeph and Jeff have been watching and are great admirers of what Whedon and Cassaday are doing with Astonishing X-Men.

If they're going to launch a new book, "Astonishing Spider-Man" would be a sensible title because it's easier to promote (look at the success of "All-Star Superman.")

[NathanielEssex]

I think Dan Slott or Mark Waid should write this. They really GET Spider-Man. Slott's Human Torch/Spidey miniseries is evidence of this, and Waid has proven it to me just by the minor appearance in his run on FF.

[Mister Mets]

I think Dan Slott or Mark Waid should write this. They really GET Spider-Man. Slott's Human Torch/Spidey miniseries is evidence of this, and Waid has proven it to me just by the minor appearance in his run on FF.

Waid's DC exclusive, and there are a few problems with Dan Slott.
1. He writes roughly 2 books a month (he said as much in an interview), and he's currently writing She-Hulk, and the Thing.
2. Spider-Man/ Human Torch, while one of (or five of depending on your point of view) the best Spider-Man stories ever, sold badly, which is why I wouldn't put him on a book for already "a-list" (on the level of Whedon, Cassady, Morrison, Quitely, Miller, and Lee) creators, unless the artist was immensely popular (ie- Mcfarlane.)
3. If the Thing fails/ Slott becomes more prolific, I want Slott on Sensational Spider-Man.

[NathanielEssex]

Oh, I wasn't talking about hiring the writers right now. Whenever they are able to do it, let them do it! :D

[Web_Spinner]

I really hope they take over on Sensational! The creative team is supposed to rotate on that title, and Campbell's art would be a great successor to what Medina is doing! Same kind of aesthetic.

A mini would kinda suck because it never feels as 'in continuity' compared to when it is part of a core title's run. And why have a mediocre run on a core title and a fantastic Mini, when the mini story could have been told in a core title??!

And another Monthly would just be TOO much! Remember the 90s?????

[ultimatespyder20]

Are the Astonishing books a part of another universe? Stupid question I know.

:cool:

[Mister Mets]

I really hope they take over on Sensational! The creative team is supposed to rotate on that title, and Campbell's art would be a great successor to what Medina is doing! Same kind of aesthetic.

A mini would kinda suck because it never feels as 'in continuity' compared to when it is part of a core title's run. And why have a mediocre run on a core title and a fantastic Mini, when the mini story could have been told in a core title??!

And another Monthly would just be TOO much! Remember the 90s?????

I'm the type of fan who has no problem with 5 Spider-Man monthlies
AS LONG AS THEY'RE ALL GOOD.

Putting Loeb/ Campbell on Sensational Spider-Man would increase that title's credibility, but it would limit their run (for example, their run couldn't begin until the preceding run ends, and it couldn't last longer than 13 issues if it's going to maintain the title's original putpose) and there is the possibility that the book will not be monthly, which means putting them on Sensational will delay the next run on the title.


Are the Astonishing books a part of another universe? Stupid question I know.

:cool:

No, but Astonishing X-Men (the only Astonishing book so far) is meant to stand on its own (no references to other monthlies), and be very accessible to new readers.

I believe an Astonishing Spider-Man book would be associated with those traits, just by the virtue of its title (and easier to promote.)

[Web_Spinner]

I never read an x-book on a monthly basis before, only picked up the odd issue that looked interesting, about 3-4 times in the last few years when the x-movies were out and my interest was peaked.

Never felt like being a monthly reader.

But Astonishing X-Men is a great book, accessible and a lot of fun!

[lonesomefool]

Well it's probably happening with Loeb and Campbell at the helm.

God, it really is the 90's all over again. I know Marvel needs to make money, but jeez, they are milking their cash cows to hard it isnt even funny. Variant covers, crossovers, events, multiple Spider-Man books, two Punisher books, two Wolverine books, 15 X-books....hmmmmmm

[Mister Mets]

Bump, because there's the possibility that an Astonishing Spider-Man book will compliment the now weekly Amazing Spider-Man.

It seems a good fit in my opinion, with the Astonishing title having slightly more accessible stories and less reliable (in terms of deadlines) creators.

Marvel can't afford to have latenesses on Amazing, given the backlog that'll create, but they could have a lateness on a side project, without any problems.

[Venom]

I'm more and more certain that we'll definitely get an Astonishing Spider-Man series as I can see this'll most definitely fit Loeb and Campbell's style. I can't really see them on "Amazing Spider-Man" because Campbell is one if not probably the slowest artist in the comic industry and especially now that Amazing is going out three times a month.They have about a year or two years worth of stories planned.

[Mister Mets]

Given the crop of artists of the new Amazing Spider-Man, Marvel would have a difficult time providing artists who are more impressive on an Astonishing Spider-Man book. I still think it may happen, but this would become a showcase book for extended runs by less reliable artists.

Which would make the Astonishing franchise a perfect match for DC's All-Star book which has become the go-to book for artists who can't do monthlies.

Note- I don't recall Bianchi ever being late on a project, and as his Astonishing X-Men won't even come out until August 2008, he'll have enough lead time to avoid that problem entirely.

This book would probably become very writer-driven, and I don't think it'll be difficult for Marvel to find writers more popular than the current ones on Amazing Spider-Man.

[spiderman_rj]

the guy writing astonishing x man plus the guys who draws ultimate power,or one of the artist from ultimate fantastic four,i loved his realistic art (i dont mean the same one doing UP).

[Mister Mets]

the guy writing astonishing x man plus the guys who draws ultimate power,or one of the artist from ultimate fantastic four,i loved his realistic art (i dont mean the same one doing UP).
Welcome to the board.

I assume you want Joss Whedon as writer, and either Greg Land, or Pascual Ferry as artist.

You're not the only guy who wants Joss Whedon to write Spider-Man. Bryan Hitch of the Ultimates has long wanted to work with Whedon on Spider-Man, feeling (and I agree) that Whedon's sense of action/ humor is perfect for the character, although I believe Whedon has said that he has told all the Spider-Man type stories he wants to tell in the Buffy books.

It would be harder to find a good artist for the series than a good writer, because of the high-quality and popularity of the future Amazing Spider-Man artists. Talented as he is, Pascual Ferry (in my opinion) falls short of that standard. Greg Land would qualify if he's working with an amazing writer.

[spiderman_rj]

Welcome to the board.

I assume you want Joss Whedon as writer, and either Greg Land, or Pascual Ferry as artist.

You're not the only guy who wants Joss Whedon to write Spider-Man. Bryan Hitch of the Ultimates has long wanted to work with Whedon on Spider-Man, feeling (and I agree) that Whedon's sense of action/ humor is perfect for the character, although I believe Whedon has said that he has told all the Spider-Man type stories he wants to tell in the Buffy books.

It would be harder to find a good artist for the series than a good writer, because of the high-quality and popularity of the future Amazing Spider-Man artists. Talented as he is, Pascual Ferry (in my opinion) falls short of that standard. Greg Land would qualify if he's working with an amazing writer.

thanks for the welcome,

yes to greg land,and no to pascual ferry,the artist i wanted on UFF was one of the first ones,i think he was the second or third to assume the comic,i liked his art. wow i would never known,its immonen.

http://www.coverbrowser.com/covers/ultimate-fantastic-four

[Venom]

Bump. I found an interesting video on the Wizard website containing a recent interview at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con with J. Scott Campbell talking about his upcoming Spider-Man project with Jeph Loeb.

http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/005645950.cfm

I'm more and more convinced that this is going to be an Astonishing X-Men style book. Expect a whole cast of classic Spidey foes popping up. Hell it'd be fantastic if they call it Astonishing Spider-Man. Me and Cyberman seem to be the only two guys on this forum that want this to happen more than anything.

[Venom]

Bump. Recently at the Canadian Fan Expo, C.B. Cebulski revealed that the Jeph Loeb and J. Scott Campbell Spider-Man project will be a mini series and that they've nicknamed it "Astonishing Spider-Man". So it could be 6-12 issues long, just as I thought. It is NOT going to be story arcs in Amazing Spider-Man.

[Mister Mets]

thanks for the welcome,

yes to greg land,and no to pascual ferry,the artist i wanted on UFF was one of the first ones,i think he was the second or third to assume the comic,i liked his art. wow i would never known,its immonen.

http://www.coverbrowser.com/covers/ultimate-fantastic-four
Immomen's drawing Spider-Man in the Ultimate book, so I'm sure that's worth checking out. Incidentally, the first covers were by Bryan Hitch, although the interiors were by Adam Kubert.

That reminds me of a few more creators I wouldn't mind seeing on the book...
Adam Kubert- When his DC exclusive is up.
Andy Kubert- See above.
Grant Morrison- See above. He has written some of the best Superman, Batman and X-Men stories ever, so I'd love to see an omnibus worth of Spider-Man material from the man.
Tim Sale- He can't be DC exclusive forever. Did a great Spider-Man in "Blue"



Bump. Recently at the Canadian Fan Expo, C.B. Cebulski revealed that the Jeph Loeb and J. Scott Campbell Spider-Man project will be a mini series and that they've nicknamed it "Astonishing Spider-Man". So it could be 6-12 issues long, just as I thought. It is NOT going to be story arcs in Amazing Spider-Man.
I obviously think it would be awesome of Marvel to just call it Astonishing Spider-Man. With Amazing Spider-Man coming out three times a month, Marvel has a use for an accessible entry-level book where timeliness isn't as important.

And there are many benefits for Marvel in setting up an "Astonishing" brand.

[Venom]

I obviously think it would be awesome of Marvel to just call it Astonishing Spider-Man. With Amazing Spider-Man coming out three times a month, Marvel has a use for an accessible entry-level book where timeliness isn't as important.

And there are many benefits for Marvel in setting up an "Astonishing" brand.

I agree completely. It would be good to see other comics called this such as Astonishing Fantastic Four, Astonishing Iron Man, Astonishing Hulk etc. I sure hope Marvel chooses "Astonishing" as the final title name for the series when it comes out.

[Johnny Drama]

In my perfect, nirvana-esque dream world I'd love to see either Joss Whedon or Brian K. Vaughan have a 12+ issue run on a Spidey title.

If there's any bloke that can nail the tone of Spider-man it's Whedon. He's a busy man, but I hope Marvel can persuade him to do something with Spidey someday.

BKV is one of the best writers in comics, but he's never had a real crack at Spidey. I recently read his Spider-man/Doctor Octopus: Negative Exposure mini series and its a real underappreciated gem. He'd do wonders on the title, unfortunately BKV has decided to work on only his creator owned material... If only Marvel could twist his arm...

[Mister Mets]

In my perfect, nirvana-esque dream world I'd love to see either Joss Whedon or Brian K. Vaughan have a 12+ issue run on a Spidey title.

If there's any bloke that can nail the tone of Spider-man it's Whedon. He's a busy man, but I hope Marvel can persuade him to do something with Spidey someday.

BKV is one of the best writers in comics, but he's never had a real crack at Spidey. I recently read his Spider-man/Doctor Octopus: Negative Exposure mini series and its a real underappreciated gem. He'd do wonders on the title, unfortunately BKV has decided to work on only his creator owned material... If only Marvel could twist his arm...
I agree with you on both counts, and it saddens me that neither writer is interested as the moment.



I agree completely. It would be good to see other comics called this such as Astonishing Fantastic Four, Astonishing Iron Man, Astonishing Hulk etc. I sure hope Marvel chooses "Astonishing" as the final title name for the series when it comes out.
I think Marvel should be very careful to only use the Astonishing name when appropriate. X-Men & Spider-Man could be regular series, as those are Marvel's biggest franchises, but I don't think the others should be anything but mini-series. A good comparison is DC's All-Star line where there have only been two All-Star books released, and two mini series announced (Wonder Woman, Batgirl.)
The only real Marvel franchises popular enough to justify additional Astonishing titles are the Avengers and Wolverine, but I think the logistics of both would be difficult.

[Mister Mets]

If JMS ever wants to return to Spider-man/ tie up his loose ends, an Astonishing Spider-Man book would be the place to do it. He has demonstrated an ability to write an entirely self-contained run on Amazing Spider-Man (which means he wouldn't be the best writer for that series.)

[rZi]

Joss Whedon- Because apparantly he wants to follow-up Astonishing X-Men with a Spider-Man run with Bryan Hitch.


O M G. I seriously pray this is true, i LOVE whedon, his astonishing x-men run has been my faviroute book over the last decade. I like hitch alot too so this would be incredible for me and both the spider titles.

As for making a spider-book an A-lister book...

Mark Millar and David Finch would work best for me....big names to pull in a big audience.

[Mister Mets]

This is an idea I've discussed for a while, but I think it could still work as a way to create an accessible entry-level Spider-Man title, while keeping Amazing Spider-Man thrice-monthly (or even allowing that to become a biweekly title.) With AMZ's current schedule, it's simply not going to get as many readers as a monthly title would get, even if it'll sell more copies per month. Astonishing would also remain a better title for the creative teams that shouldn't be put on a book like AMZ, which has a completely inflexible schedule.

Marvel would still have to ensure that AMZ is the flagship title, and isn't relegated to a thrice-monthly satellite title, losing the advantages of the new schedule.

If LITG is correct, and Marvel's "Event" titles will cost 4 bucks a month, (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19081) Astonishing Spider-Man with creative teams like Whedon/ Hitch, and Millar/ Romita Jr would make sense as one of those books.

Of course, one small complication is that Astonishing X-Men seems to have lost a bit of its luster during the Ellis/ Bianchi run.

[yadadaimhollaing]

This is an idea I've discussed for a while, but I think it could still work as a way to create an accessible entry-level Spider-Man title, while keeping Amazing Spider-Man thrice-monthly (or even allowing that to become a biweekly title.) With AMZ's current schedule, it's simply not going to get as many readers as a monthly title would get, even if it'll sell more copies per month. Astonishing would also remain a better title for the creative teams that shouldn't be put on a book like AMZ, which has a completely inflexible schedule.

Marvel would still have to ensure that AMZ is the flagship title, and isn't relegated to a thrice-monthly satellite title, losing the advantages of the new schedule.

If LITG is correct, and Marvel's "Event" titles will cost 4 bucks a month, (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19081) Astonishing Spider-Man with creative teams like Whedon/ Hitch, and Millar/ Romita Jr would make sense as one of those books.

Of course, one small complication is that Astonishing X-Men seems to have lost a bit of its luster during the Ellis/ Bianchi run.

probably because they took collosus off the team and replaced him with wait for it,


storm :rolleyes: :eek: :frown: :mad:

also i dont think many people like bianchis art.

[steveg887]

This is an idea I've discussed for a while, but I think it could still work as a way to create an accessible entry-level Spider-Man title, while keeping Amazing Spider-Man thrice-monthly (or even allowing that to become a biweekly title.) With AMZ's current schedule, it's simply not going to get as many readers as a monthly title would get, even if it'll sell more copies per month. Astonishing would also remain a better title for the creative teams that shouldn't be put on a book like AMZ, which has a completely inflexible schedule.

Marvel would still have to ensure that AMZ is the flagship title, and isn't relegated to a thrice-monthly satellite title, losing the advantages of the new schedule.

If LITG is correct, and Marvel's "Event" titles will cost 4 bucks a month, (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19081) Astonishing Spider-Man with creative teams like Whedon/ Hitch, and Millar/ Romita Jr would make sense as one of those books.

Of course, one small complication is that Astonishing X-Men seems to have lost a bit of its luster during the Ellis/ Bianchi run.

I feel like this idea has already been done with Mark Millar's "Marvel Knights Spider-Man."

I think this idea could work (people will always buy Spider-Man comics), but it might be overkill seeing as ASM is published three times a month, along with Ultimate, MA Spider-Man, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, New Avengers, ASM Family, and whatever mini-series (or two) he is starring in that month.

Plus the whole concept of the ASM relaunch was to get in new entry-level readers, anyway. It might be a better idea once ASM goes back to montly, and Astonishing could be there to fill the gap.

[Matt Linton]

There's a little "been there, done that" with this response, but based on the last issue of their Astonishing X-Men run, I'd go with Whedon and Cassaday as my first choice.

[Brother Justin Crowe]

There's a little "been there, done that" with this response, but based on the last issue of their Astonishing X-Men run, I'd go with Whedon and Cassaday as my first choice.

I wouldn't mind that...but Cassaday needs to finish Planetary first. Then we'll talk.

Until then, my nominee is Patrick Zircher or Sean Chen.

[Red Lotus]

This is an idea I've discussed for a while, but I think it could still work as a way to create an accessible entry-level Spider-Man title, while keeping Amazing Spider-Man thrice-monthly (or even allowing that to become a biweekly title.) With AMZ's current schedule, it's simply not going to get as many readers as a monthly title would get, even if it'll sell more copies per month. Astonishing would also remain a better title for the creative teams that shouldn't be put on a book like AMZ, which has a completely inflexible schedule.

Marvel would still have to ensure that AMZ is the flagship title, and isn't relegated to a thrice-monthly satellite title, losing the advantages of the new schedule.

If LITG is correct, and Marvel's "Event" titles will cost 4 bucks a month, (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19081) Astonishing Spider-Man with creative teams like Whedon/ Hitch, and Millar/ Romita Jr would make sense as one of those books.

Of course, one small complication is that Astonishing X-Men seems to have lost a bit of its luster during the Ellis/ Bianchi run.

Ever since Whedon last issue of AXM I wanted him to do a montly Spider-man book. But i dont see how they would do that with out it taking away from ASM sales some what.

[James Conniff]

Joss Whedon- Because apparantly he wants to follow-up Astonishing X-Men with a Spider-Man run with Bryan Hitch.

The artists.
Bryan Hitch- See above. He's also one of Marvel's best artists, with Ultimates 2 having some of the best art ever done in the comic book form.


I'm sold right here: Whedon on Spidey.

And why not have Hitch on as well , just give the guy some lead in time.

[CyberHubbs]

I'm sold right here: Whedon on Spidey.

And why not have Hitch on as well , just give the guy some lead in time.

Whedon would be an interesting choice on ASG, honestly. It's right up his alley.

[James Conniff]

Whedon would be an interesting choice on ASG, honestly. It's right up his alley.

Absolutely. Anyone who watched Buffy, Angel or Firefly, or has had the pleasure of reading Whedon's run on AXM, knows how well the guy can write.

His Banter would be perfect, he can hit huge dramatic and emotional notes. And man oh man can he write a tight fight scene (the first fight between Ord and the X-men, the fights between the Hellfire club in Torn, not to mention the fights between X-men. I wish he had enough time to write Spidey...he would be perfect for the job...maybe he would have time to pen a giant Sized one shot sometime? That ought to give that issue a nice sales bump.

[Jim Thompson]

Whedon would be an interesting choice on ASG, honestly. It's right up his alley.I think he might really excel on the book!

[Matt Linton]

I love Hitch's work, but I've never liked his Spidey.

[Venom]

I love Hitch's work, but I've never liked his Spidey.

Like Hitch's work, like his Spider-Man but I don't like the way he draws Spidey's feet. It looks like he's wearing socks instead of boots.

[Mister Mets]

Given what I've seen of The List, I'd like to add Adam Kubert to the selection of artists Marvel should seek should they push for this type of book. (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=284314)

And it occurred to me that Marvel does have a sort of blueprint for this type of title: Todd Mcfarlane's Spider-Man. That was an accessible and very commercial book, which didn't affect the other titles at the time, which is what you need for this type of title, so it doesn't become a default flagship book, turning Amazing Spider-Man into a thrice-monthly satellite book.

[BrightestDay]

I like the Whedon/Hitch suggestion and I agree that Adam Kubert's work on The List looks amazing.

I'd also be interested in seeing a Geoff Johns/Ethan Van Sciver Spider-Man if they could somehow make that happen, just because right now they're my favorite writer & artist combo and I'm sure they could do it justice.

[James Conniff]

Interesting to see this thread resurrected. After rereading Whedon and Cassady's Astonishing X-men again id like to see them work on this. But the most important part of this still remains Joss Whedon. There are a number of great Spider-man artists for him to work with, but I really would love to see Whedon's take on Spidey.

[Horizon09]

Kubert on The List looks fantastic!

Commerically speaking, I think the best bet would be McFarlane for an artist. Not that the other artists wouldn't bring incredible work and solid numbers. I just think the hype around McFarlane returning to Spidey would guarantee high, high numbers.

[Mister Mets]

I feel like this idea has already been done with Mark Millar's "Marvel Knights Spider-Man."

I think this idea could work (people will always buy Spider-Man comics), but it might be overkill seeing as ASM is published three times a month, along with Ultimate, MA Spider-Man, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, New Avengers, ASM Family, and whatever mini-series (or two) he is starring in that month.

Plus the whole concept of the ASM relaunch was to get in new entry-level readers, anyway. It might be a better idea once ASM goes back to montly, and Astonishing could be there to fill the gap.I will note that I loved Millar's MK Spider-Man run. I would not mind having a monthly book exactly like that.


Kubert on The List looks fantastic!

Commerically speaking, I think the best bet would be McFarlane for an artist. Not that the other artists wouldn't bring incredible work and solid numbers. I just think the hype around McFarlane returning to Spidey would guarantee high, high numbers.
It would sell. But it's very unlikely that McFarlane would be interested.

[John Zaleski]

Kubert on The List looks fantastic!

Commerically speaking, I think the best bet would be McFarlane for an artist. Not that the other artists wouldn't bring incredible work and solid numbers. I just think the hype around McFarlane returning to Spidey would guarantee high, high numbers.

am i the only one who thinks mcfarlanes art is overrated?

[John Zaleski]

I will note that I loved Millar's MK Spider-Man run. I would not mind having a monthly book exactly like that.


It would sell. But it's very unlikely that McFarlane would be interested.

yeah hes busy drawing that comic with the dude who looks liek spider-man :wink:

Edit: called haunt**

[Jim Thompson]

yeah hes busy drawing that comic with the dude who looks liek spider-man :wink:

Edit: called haunt**I read Haunt -- beyond a very passing resemblance to Spider-Man's design, that character is nothing like Spider-Man.

Good book thusfar, too. I recommend it.

[Minerboh]

Mark Millar and Mark Bangley! Mark power...go!
Another suggestion is Josh Whenton and Adam Kubert!

[Kick-Ass]

1. Joss Whedon + John Cassaday
2. Joss Whedon + Steve McNiven
3. Joss Whedon + Marcos Martin

Nobody but Joss Whedon at this point could be worthy of the title "Astonishing." Millar, Straczynski, and Bendis have already told their stories elsewhere, though they are worthy. Most other current Marvel writers like Brubaker, Fraction, Slott, Kelly, Wells, Van Lente, etc. are not good enough at this point, and maybe never will be.

Mark Waid or Brian K Vaughan may be able to, based on their past quality of works. No one else comes to mind as worthy of the title "Astonishing." No one. Especially after the "Perfectness" of "Astonishing" by Whedon and Cassaday.

If Loeb is given the title "Astonishing" I swear it will be the end of the world for 1 day. 1 Sad Day.

As far as artists, I don't think I'd like to see JRJR or Hitch on this. This has to be "Astonishing." JRJR had his runs already, and Hitch is good on other books. Don't know how he would fit on Spidey.

[NickFury90]

^Wait, Brubaker, Fraction, Waid < Whedon? I enjoy Astonishing X-men as much as the next guy(hell I was reading the Omnibus yesterday), but LOL.

[Mister Mets]

yeah hes busy drawing that comic with the dude who looks liek spider-man :wink:

Edit: called haunt**Technically, he's inking it.

I think it's been some time since he actually penciled a new comic.

[Mister Mets]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:cvX9XNG3OC1nMM:http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z266/ocweeklycrew/colbertCalledIt.jpg

Anyway, I ask the question again, now that Marvel is officially creating an "Astonishing" franchise. (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Astonishing-Aaron-Kubert-100216.html)

[John Zaleski]

I read Haunt -- beyond a very passing resemblance to Spider-Man's design, that character is nothing like Spider-Man.

Good book thusfar, too. I recommend it.

which is why i just said looks :wink:

[John Zaleski]

Babump.

I ask the question again, now that Marvel is officially creating an "Astonishing" franchise. (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Astonishing-Aaron-Kubert-100216.html)

Did I hear somewhere thtat Loeb is making a Spidey book?

[PabloD]

Keep it simple: Joss Whedon/John Cassaday.

[Aziz Abbasi]

This will be one Spider-Man book too many, for May we already have a "Peter Parker" title in the solicits

Astonishing is not an adjective to be associated with Spider-Man in my opinion, this will be like a second "Incredible Spider-Man" title, too big for him in the world of superheroes with so many powers & abilities far greater than his

[Jim Thompson]

This will be one Spider-Man book too many, for May we already have a "Peter Parker" title in the solicits

Astonishing is not an adjective to be associated with Spider-Man in my opinion, this will be like a second "Incredible Spider-Man" title, too big for him in the world of superheroes with so many powers & abilities far greater than hisGood thing they streamlined all the titles into ASM, eh? Did away with all those unprofitable satellite titles! :smile:

[Aziz Abbasi]

Good thing they streamlined all the titles into ASM, eh? Did away with all those unprofitable satellite titles! :smile:Yet we still have "Web Of"
I had no idea I would be caught like this, with a false ticket:tongue:

[Mister Mets]

This will be one Spider-Man book too many, for May we already have a "Peter Parker" title in the solicits

Astonishing is not an adjective to be associated with Spider-Man in my opinion, this will be like a second "Incredible Spider-Man" title, too big for him in the world of superheroes with so many powers & abilities far greater than his

Is Ultimate an adjective that's not to be associated with more than one character?

[rZi]

Mark Millar and Marko Djurdjevic (pencils, not his colour cover style) would be pretty epic to be honest

[Jim Thompson]

Mark Millar and Marko Djurdjevic (pencils, not his colour cover style) would be pretty epic to be honestMark Millar on Spider-Man = http://images.zaazu.com/img/vomit-boy02-vomit-puke-sick-smiley-emoticon-000653-large.gif for me.

[Karl Cook]

Peter David writing and Lee Weeks drawing.

Jason Aaron writing and Marcos Martin drawing.

Peter David writing and Marcos Martin drawing.

Jason Aaron writing and Lee Weeks drawing.

Any of the above combinations work for me.