Got "Annihilation" Questions? Ask Editor Andy Schmidt!

[Andy Schmidt]

I duno whether anyone has asked yet and don`t know if it even effects anything within Annihilation: Conquest but...

With Ronan becoming the emperor of the kree (i believe that is how everything ended up for the kree) will his old comrades of starforce be allowed to return from exile and maybe even rise to high positions under ronan`s rule. Will we see Korath again? Will shatterax ever be seen? Shatterax looked so cool he must come back. He just has to.

This is a question for Bill Rosemann, the new editor on ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST. I simply can't accurately answer it. But I do know that Ronan plays into CONQUEST, a great deal.

[Andy Schmidt]

I don't want to come off as augmentative here but this makes no sense to me - specifically that there were no plans for a Quasar series until the Wendell/Quasar fans made themselves heard. Wendell/Quasar fans begin to get excited that the character will be rejuvenated and given a second chance but instead Phyla is foisted on us in the title role with the Q-bands.

Seriously, who is a fan of Phyla? Are there any even out there? This is a character created in one of the most contrived manners imaginable, even for comics, as an anomaly of a cloned son with a joke of a name. Plus in the Peter David CM series she just came off as whiney, annoying and un-heroic in any way shape or form. I liked the CM series but there was nothing redeeming about Phyla in it and I was just waiting for her inevitable demise since she seemed like such a one-dimensional, throw-away character. If she were a character in a movie, Phyla would be played by Paris Hilton and be dead by the second act.

Yet now Wendell/Quasar fans are supposed to embrace her because she is carrying on the name and title? Sorry but this isn’t the Quasar we signed on for. This is the socks or underwear as a gift for Christmas version. At least if it was an interesting character like Peter Quill or Gamora in the title role I could get behind a new Quasar. Or even a completely new character assuming the role of Quasar like Kyle Rayner did as Green Lantern, which readers could grow to have an affinity for without the baggage Phyla carries.

Again it is not my intention to be argumentative or ungrateful because I appreciate the time you take to converse on this board with the readers and I loved the Annihilation storyline and tie-ins (outside of Wendell dying of course). But Phyla as Quasar, with the equally annoying strap-hanger of Moon Dragon in tow, is a bitter pill for Wendell/Quasar fans to swallow. This is just about the worst development outside of Cammie getting the bands we could be faced with.

But what are we supposed to do to get Wendell back in the title role? Do we support the Phyla book? If we do and the book is a success where is the impetus for Marvel to bring back Wendell? If we don’t support the book then does Quasar as a character again slide into the background and lost to obscurity? It seems like a catch 22 that fans of Wendell/Quasar can’t win.

Personally I don’t believe I can support the book because Phyla just doesn’t interest me, especially with Moon Dragon hanging around. MD has annoyed me for years be it with the Avengers, in Wendell’s original series or as part of the Infinity Watch. Instead I will keep tabs on the character and if/when Wendell returns, or the bands pass on to a character more interesting, you will then have my full support.

At this time I just have no interest in lending my support to a title character I dislike and who has not been written in the past in any way that would lay credence to her deserving a book of her own, a prominent place in the Marvel universe, the Q-bands or the readership of die-hard fans of Wendell as Quasar. Now if you will excuse me I have to cross socks and underwear off of my Christmas list and ask Santa instead for a tragic cosmic accident or another annihilation wave to befall the anomalous cloned wonder and her follicle-challenged gal pal.

See my earlier post. Support the Phyla book if it interests you. The only message you need to send is that you would support the Wendell book. They are not exclusive. It's not one or the other. If Phyla does well, that might be a whole different audience, and if Wendell can support a book, then that's all Marvel needs to here.

Remove Phyla from the equation. Would you support a Wendell as Quasar book? Yes. Then that's all you need to say. You don't have to dislike or like the Phyla book. If it interests you, then check it out. If it doesn't, then don't.

It makes little difference in terms of Wendell's future.

[Andy Schmidt]

Hey Andy,
I have rested and been able to calm down a bit from the Wendell news of the previous month. I hope things are going well over in the X-universe.

And thank you for stopping by and responding to our rantings I know it must be taxing.

That being said (since you are here) I need to say that your last comment to the Wendell/Quasar fans makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Others have replied their concerns and I have to agree with them. Buy the new book and make the Phyla/Quasar book sell well and the longer we wait for Wendell's return. Don't buy the book and not only have we lost Wendell but then we face loosing the name Quasar or worst yet tarnishing the name were people that did not know who Wendell is now associate it with Phyla.

We are in a pickle...I know this isn't your boat anymore but the decision was yours.

Which brings me to my other point. Your statement "I don't recall saying (or anyone else from Marvel either) that a Wendell series wouldn't sell or was "dead." I know I never said it." But yet you choose to kill him off...not just kill him off but replace him as though the only reason the series didn't sell before is because Wendell was attached to the bands...in all honesty the only reason the series lasted as long is because Wendell was attached to it. He made the book not the name or powers.

Yes we asked for a new Quasar book but we did not ask for Replacement Quasar. If you read the comments form the the Wendell fans on these boards alone (which number over 100 to my surprise and excitement) there first choice is Wendell before anything else. You planted other options so people start thinking "damn if Wendell is not going to have the bands then I have no choice and will at least try this new series out plus there is this amazing new writer and awesome penciller." We are traveling in murky water... very murky. We want Wendell back but we are also sci-fi cosmic fans and want great stories from the remainder of Marvel.

So what can a Wendell fan do to bring him back. The way I see it right now there is absolutely nothing we can do except rant. We don't see what you see. we have no idea what Marvel is planning. All we now is what is in front of us today and what is here doesn't bode well.

Answer me this Andy...Is there any place for Wendell in the Marvel cosmos today? I mean seriously we have Captain Mar-vel back from the dead (time displaced) we have Phyla with the Quantum Bands... heack we even have the original Marvel Boy back. There is a FF book coming wich will have Epoch and presenting the new Protector of the Universe. I am very afraid of that book. Epoch and Wendell are family. Wendell was there at the birth of Epoch saved her from death. And nurtured her for months until she could go off on her own. And now Wendell is dead. I hope there is at least something in that FF book with Epoch that shows how much Wendell means to her.

As a Wendell fan the best thing to do is let him go. It is clear (From what we see in front of us today) to me at least that Marvel does not want him in the cosmos. And all my bellyaching is just that ... bitching for the sake of bitching. I just want read adventures with Wendell...just tell me it's not going to happen in the forseeable future don't drag us along with comments of "So, I don't think you should be so down. Things are looking pretty bright for you where I'm sitting" cause seriously all your doing is adding to the hysteria that is the Death of Wendell.

on another note... Will you be in Charlotte NC convention in June? I am thinking of attending ;)

I probably won't attend the Charlotte con because I'm afraid Wendell fans will decapitate me. No, just kidding. But I probably won't be there, I'm sorry to say.

Like I've been saying tonight. Remove Phyla from the equation. You want Wendell back? Then let it be known. That does not mean that Phyla has to be killed off or taken out of commision. Sure, she'd lose the Quasar name and the bands, but there are ways around that.

I like Phyla. I'd read her book. I like Wendell. I'd read his book. Right now, things would have to change to get there, but that's easy to do.

Just focus on Wendell. Organize a write in campaign or some such thing if you want. But focus on Wendell, not on Phyla. Honestly, she is irrelevent to your goal.

[Andy Schmidt]

A question regarding Annihilus's spawn in the end of the series. Is that a new bad guy or does it somehow have the memories of it's father?

Who knows!?

[Andy Schmidt]

Hi Andy:
I get the feeling that Galactus is being diminished almost immediately after his re-powering. The line: "Thanks to the dark titan, my hunger burns brighter than ever. I require more sustenance than before" does not seem to bode well for the character.

Will issue 2 of heralds show Galactus redeeming himself in battle against T&A?

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to answer our questions,
Richard

Galactus is hungry. That's all that means. What we've done is starved him for about a year. And the hungrier Galactus gets, the more dangerous he gets.

He's just as powerful as ever. T&A are dealt with in issue 2. I won't say that Galactus does it (the book is called "Heralds" of Galactus after all. They are the focus, not the big G himself. But Galactus is back on top. He's bad ass.

[Andy Schmidt]

I'm looking foward to Conquest, and plan to buy them all.

I like the cover of Starlord, please try to keep Rocket Racoon as realistic as a mutant racoon can be. He's looking cool on the cover though, just like he came right out of an episode of Lost in Space.

I have some criticisms I'd like to voice though, art is a big concern to me and I would like to voice some concerns that I had about the last series in hopes that you might consider them to make Conquest even better. Please don't hire ultra stylistic cartoonists like Titus again. Or art seen in the Annihilation Prologue and the recent Heralds of Galactus, it looks amaturish ... like my avatar which I drew.

Otherwise, I liked everyhthing else you published and don't change a thing. Your cosmic comics are my number 1 priority on my pull list now.

Thanks for the note, Brainfloat. We were trying to get a lot of different flavors on those books and we got mixed reactions, but I do think the diversity led to the event's success in some part. Bill Rosemann is making the art choices on the new launch, but I'll pass the note along. His tastes are different from mine--which I think is a really good thing.

I think you'll be pleased with what's to come!

[Andy Schmidt]

Look Andy is an Editor for a comic book company and he is going to do what he feels needs to be done to sell a book. He is not going to purposefully let a book sink just because a handfull of fans don't like the direction it's going in.

I like Andy but this is his business. If getting as many people to buy a book is by telling them there is a slight chance that what they want is going to be there that is what he will say. He is not lying by any means but at the same time Marvel keeps making money. I want Wendell earlier than later. And there might already be plans set in motion for this to happen. We the fans don't know and can only go on what is currently in print.

I don't agree with Andy that in buying a Phyla/Quasar book wll promote Wendell coming back. I am most certain that the book will sell really well without my support. But Why as a consumer would I buy something that I don't agree with...for the chance that Wendell will show up... I am sorry I did that with Annhilation and was sorely disappointed (with what happend to Wendell the rest was fantastic!). So in other words I won't buy a a Tootsie Roll Pop if all I want is the Tootsie Roll...offer me the Tootsie Roll without the Candy outside and my money is yours...

I am hungry now... later :D


Two things:
1. It does me NO GOOD to lie to you. Any of you. Ever. you guys asked my opinion and I have given it. Doesn't mean I'm right. But it's my opinion. It's been my experience that after 4 to 6 issues of an ongoing, we have to try a dn do something to spike sales. On a Quasar book featuring not-Wendell as the lead, the easiest way to spike the book is bring Wendell back. It's that simple.

2. I agree with your approach. If you don't want Phyla as Quasar, then don't buy the book. I also don't think that means Wendell won't come back. I totally see them as two different subjects.

[Andy Schmidt]

Actually, I would say that things are looking pretty bright for Nova fans...not so bright for us Quasar fans in that we're put in a lose-lose situation. Support the book, no Wendell; don't support the book, no Wendell.

I completely agree that Nova was a better lead for Annihilation. I just wish Wendell wouldn't have had to be sacrificed for this particular story. As to a Quasar series being "dead," I was simply keying in on something you said in an earlier reply...



So I guess the impression that I get is that Wendell was killed for story reasons, but also because a series with him as the lead was considered dead by Marvel.

The current situation is analagous to repeatedly saying you want chocolate and being given pistachio...not that there's anything wrong with pistachio...it's just not what you wanted. According to the intro blurb used in the Quasar series, this is the high-concept for Quasar...

Wendell Vaughn. . . The first Earth man ever appointed Protector of the Universe. Bonded to the energy-transforming Quantum-Bands that are both weapons and symbols of his station, he fights an ongoing battle to defend all life in the universe from cosmic evil!

Phyla changes everything about that high concept except the Quantum-Bands. Kinda sad, too, since Wendell's 30th Anniversary is coming up in January of 2008. I hope we Wendell fans have a reason to celebrate. Lord knows we've been waiting years and years.

I over simplified in that post. I'm not going to keep going over this as I'm getting tired, but I don't think Quasar as a book is dead. Wendell is dead, but it's comics so that's not a problem.

[Andy Schmidt]

I have said before that I like Phyla. I liked her since she appeared in the CM books and was very excited when she and Moondragon appeared in Annihilation...then issue number 6 happened. You see I believe she is a strong enough character with a legendary father and a brother who has just passed away (as far as we know) she didn't need to take Quasar's name to make her interesting. If a phyla mini or series came out I would pick it up in a heart beat. But not at the expense of my hero Wendell.

Why Andy thought (Yes he has stated that it was his idea from the beginning) there was a need for this to happen I am not sure. If I take being a Wendell fan out of the equation Annihilation was a great read throughout. But Phyla needs to stand on her own. She has the Nega Bands her dad has the Nega bands ... that right there could have some interesting ramifications. Giving her the Quantum Bands and the name Quasar is too much. No need for it.

Annihilation was not Wendell/Quasar's story true... but neither was it a bunch of others who came out only looking better and with a stronger fan base.

How about it Andy... is it too late to give Phyla a name more befitting her character? Quasar is not the name of a station that was Wendell's name for himself. I think "Marvel Girl" would work but it is already taken by Jean Grey... You know if you want to get down to it the perfect name for her would be "Legacy" For her brother ... for her father ... and now Wendell.

You want to make a Quasar book it should be Wendell. You want to make a book with Phyla I think Legacy with be a great fit.

I would say it is too late for this. The Phyla book has been in the works for over a year and has been announced with that title. Sorry about that.

Also, to your inherent question: I didn't feel a "need" to kill Wendell or replace Quasar with Phyla. I thought it was a natural fit for Phyla once the Wendell's death decision was made. I like the quantum bands and the protector of the universe station. I didn't want to see everything about Wendell and Quasar go away. And Phyla seemed like a good choice and logical one to take up the reigns.

Time may prove me wrong, but that's what I thought.

[danteipp]

Andy, thanks for taking the time tonight to answer some questions, we really appreciate it. Your replies are encouraging for us Wendell/Quasar fans and I guess the biggest question, or at least the one you can answer right now since "When will Wendell return?" would be No. 1 on our list, is what specific address and contact name should we send written letters and/or envelopes stuffed with cash to? Thanks again.

[Andy Schmidt]

sorry pmpknface but this is in response to Andy's own statements... This is a thread to voice opinoin and ask Andy Questions. Just because this effects a lot of people and they have something to say is by no means a reason to shut things down. If this would have happened to Silver Surfer or any other bigger named character don't you think there would be even more of this?

Andy...I mean no disrespect we are just voicing our opinions I hope it comes out as such ...this is very sensitive subject to a lot of people and I for hope you understand we appreciate you being here and with such a volitile subject strong opinions will be said and we expect nothing less then your honest responses to them.

I understand. I hope you understand as well, that I am human. I do take some things personally. I have had my feelings hurt by people on this thread and I have been insulted and I have been called unprofessional.

I have also had some really AWESOME exchanges with you guys and I have enjoyed greatly your constant interest in ANNIHILATION and at times, in me. Your well-sishes for my wife and I when news went out that we're having a baby were incredibly touching.

She's doing fine, by the way. She looks beautiful on the couch next to me with that big ole' bump in her belly.

[Andy Schmidt]

Here's my thought:

I think honestly, if we all are invested in Wendell returning in any fashion, then we need to be vocal to the point of ad nauseum (if we aren't already ;) ) about how we are going to order the living crud out of the Quasar/Phylla series.

But only because we want Wendell back.

Send hand written letters to Bill Rosemann and Joe Quesada. Not emails. Hand written. Be passionate and articulate of why. And for the love of God be understanding when you write them. No hate. At all. And in case this didn't stick out at ya.....tell everybody who might care to do the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's a win/win. We want Quasar back. "Quasar" sells well. Phylla can go somewhere else and continue to tell her stories and Marvel just might get onboard with us about Wendell's return. There is a big market out there right now for a good Wendell story. It's time to let Marvel know about this while the iron is hot.

Now if we can just get those addresses from someone "in the know"...that'd be superb.

I'll be at WWLA and I'll tell them in person. ;)

YES! That's EXACTLY the way to go!

I will be at WWLA and you can tell ME!

[Andy Schmidt]

And why not...heck they killed Super Skrull at the end of his mini last year and he came back in Annihilation 2 or 3 can't remember...they killed Thanos off in Annihilation #4 and he is back in #6 in some form anyway...

Anything can happen in comics right Andy?? ...see what I did there...I kept it focused to the thread :D

Look Wendell has died and come back more times in 1 year (real time) then any other character I know... heck he's even done it in the span of one book.

Yep, anything can happen, Aniscape. Any. Thing.

[Andy Schmidt]

Gettin' off the Quasar train for a minute . . .

Andy, did the decision to launch CONQUEST affect the plot or the structure of the HERALDS mini-series at all?

No. Actually, one thing changed it on me. It was originally supposed to be Silver Surfer and Stardust in the first one and Firelord and Terrax in the second one but Gab painted the cover with the characters in a different order.

I wanted to kick myself in the head. I was laughing really hard and checked the email I sent to him and sure enough, I got 'em wrong on my email!

So I switched the order fo the stories to fit the covers.

That was the only change, though.

CONQUEST is really a pretty seperate thing. IT'll be awesome though.

[Andy Schmidt]

Gettin' off the Quasar train for a minute . . .

Andy, did the decision to launch CONQUEST affect the plot or the structure of the HERALDS mini-series at all?

No. Actually, one thing changed it on me. It was originally supposed to be Silver Surfer and Stardust in the first one and Firelord and Terrax in the second one but Gab painted the cover with the characters in a different order.

I wanted to kick myself in the head. I was laughing really hard and checked the email I sent to him and sure enough, I got 'em wrong on my email!

So I switched the order fo the stories to fit the covers.

That was the only change, though.

CONQUEST is really a pretty seperate thing. IT'll be awesome though.

[Andy Schmidt]

Andy, thanks for taking the time tonight to answer some questions, we really appreciate it. Your replies are encouraging for us Wendell/Quasar fans and I guess the biggest question, or at least the one you can answer right now since "When will Wendell return?" would be No. 1 on our list, is what specific address and contact name should we send written letters and/or envelopes stuffed with cash to? Thanks again.

Ha hah. Good question. Send letters to Marvel Comics. The address is printed in every Marvel Comic in that little teeny tiny writing with the legal mumbo jumbo (called the indicia). Send them to Bill Rosemann and the head of sales, the editor in chief, and the publisher. That's probably the best folks to hit with the most influence.

And I'll say it again. If the letters are upbeat and positive about Wendell, then that's perfect. But we tend to dig our heals in a bit if people are bashing the stuff we're currently doing. It's a natural reaction. I dig my heals in when folks criticize my work because I'm invested in it. I care about it, and so I toughen up. So you REALLY just want to be positive about Wendell and not negative about anything.

[Expletive Deleted]

No. Actually, one thing changed it on me. It was originally supposed to be Silver Surfer and Stardust in the first one and Firelord and Terrax in the second one but Gab painted the cover with the characters in a different order.

I wanted to kick myself in the head. I was laughing really hard and checked the email I sent to him and sure enough, I got 'em wrong on my email!

So I switched the order fo the stories to fit the covers.Ha!

That is awesome.

[danteipp]

Ha hah. Good question. Send letters to Marvel Comics. The address is printed in every Marvel Comic in that little teeny tiny writing with the legal mumbo jumbo (called the indicia). Send them to Bill Rosemann and the head of sales, the editor in chief, and the publisher. That's probably the best folks to hit with the most influence.

And I'll say it again. If the letters are upbeat and positive about Wendell, then that's perfect. But we tend to dig our heals in a bit if people are bashing the stuff we're currently doing. It's a natural reaction. I dig my heals in when folks criticize my work because I'm invested in it. I care about it, and so I toughen up. So you REALLY just want to be positive about Wendell and not negative about anything.

Thanks Andy, the first round of letters will go out shortly. I can definitely be positive about Wendell, Annihilation, Marvel's current direction regarding the cosmic characters/universe in general and even Phyla - but nothing can get me to embrace Moondragon. :evilsmile

[BooCoo]

These sound like great ideas, everyone...I was a little hesitant to reply any more on the Quasar topic, since it seemed kind of a moot point right now. I know in the past many of my favorite characters have been 'unvamped' or deleted...I'd begun to think I had the bad fate of picking the wrong characters to like! (and I think Cap fans are burning cars about now) But these suggestions as far as writing letters seem to make sense.

Andy, don't let some of the overenthusiastic/snarky people get under your skin too much. Sometimes on the 'net' its hard to convey the context of what people say. And unfortunately it seems to be 'hip' and 'cool' to rip people. Although Annihilation wasn't my cup of tea, I can appreciate the dedication and effort it takes to put out a quality mag. It's true, you can't please everyone! It's good that there's some hope for Quasophiles everywhere...its always my opinion that comic characters are like clothing styles. If you wait long enough they come back. :D

And Aniscape, I have it on good authority that SOMEONE is gonna get you with a tranquilizer dart. ;)

[Satyrquaze]

Ha hah. Good question. Send letters to Marvel Comics. The address is printed in every Marvel Comic in that little teeny tiny writing with the legal mumbo jumbo (called the indicia). Send them to Bill Rosemann and the head of sales, the editor in chief, and the publisher. That's probably the best folks to hit with the most influence.

And I'll say it again. If the letters are upbeat and positive about Wendell, then that's perfect. But we tend to dig our heals in a bit if people are bashing the stuff we're currently doing. It's a natural reaction. I dig my heals in when folks criticize my work because I'm invested in it. I care about it, and so I toughen up. So you REALLY just want to be positive about Wendell and not negative about anything.

Thanks Andy,

As usual, you are a class-act.
So, you're saying I shouldn't bash Quesada as I ask him to bring Wendell bacK? :D

I just want to go on record saying that I'd be happy if Phyla and Wendell could at least have some "screen time" together, maybe have a conversation. I mean, she's trying to carry on his legacy and she's never even met the guy.
I say this because I recently read the issue of CM where Genis talks to his Dad for a bit in an alternate universe.

[mdg1]

Hey Andy... any little tidbits you can spill about Wraith before Bill shows up?

(Like, for example, if he's human, or Galadorian, or Microversian...)

[40yearoldnovafan]

Andy:

This has been the best event/limited series I have seen from any of the companies in forever. I waited with baited breath for each issue, and I bought two copies and have ordered the hard cover. I LOVED IT!!!

But on to another topic, one very important. When I wrote you at your Marvel email, you responded to me twice. You told me about this Annihilation forum and said you answer fan emails here. When you responded to my emails, my wife was excited. She thought it was cool and great that someone involved in the comic world responded to her husband and to other fans.

And even though you have moved over to X-men you are still responding to us. I thought your last response already came a little after Annihilation #7 arrived. I think all readers of Annihilation should applaud you for this dedication. Some fans may not have liked that some of their heroes died, but no one can deny you have been there like no other. Thank you sir.

Jimmy
40YONF
Federal Law Enforcement Officer

[Rick Summers]

It's true, you can't please everyone! It's good that there's some hope for Quasophiles everywhere

Quasophiles! I like that!
Hey everyone, I'm a Quasophile! :D

Well I will definitely sit down and write some letters soon and of course continue to whine here like a dog in heat till we get our way LOL.

And I don't care what anyone else says...Andy Schmidt, you da man!!! Keep up the good work!

[Andy Schmidt]

Hey Andy... any little tidbits you can spill about Wraith before Bill shows up?

(Like, for example, if he's human, or Galadorian, or Microversian...)

I could....

...But I won't. :)

[Mr. Bowflex]

I understand. I hope you understand as well, that I am human. I do take some things personally. I have had my feelings hurt by people on this thread and I have been insulted and I have been called unprofessional.

I have also had some really AWESOME exchanges with you guys and I have enjoyed greatly your constant interest in ANNIHILATION and at times, in me. Your well-sishes for my wife and I when news went out that we're having a baby were incredibly touching.

She's doing fine, by the way. She looks beautiful on the couch next to me with that big ole' bump in her belly.

Hi Andy,

First, I have to say that I apologize for anything that I may have written that might have offended you. After reading the above post I looked back at some of my previous postings and found one that could be considered offensive:


If that's the case then why pose this question:

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=3494611&postcount=1

If you ask me then that's a f'd up thing to do. You knew there were passionate fans of Quasar on these boards. The hope that Wendell would appear (in part based on things you wrote - like above) motivated a lot of the fans and have them spend money on the series.

I tell myself he's just some comic character, but sheet.

It's never my intention to go out and pick fights. So, again, sorry if you were offended. As a kid I never wrote in to the letter columns. Now, as an adult, it is a real treat to chat and talk with some of the people and creators behind these books. We (including myself) need to remember that it should be a fun time.

Anyways, I have to say that all of the announcements concerning Annihilation: Conquest are pretty spectacular and I am very close to again buying everything: the prologue, all the mini's (yes, even Phyla/Quasar), and the main series.

My questions are:
1) What part did you play in the creation of the sequel or was it totally your successor's doing?
If you do have any insight:
2) When did the decision come that there was going to be sequel?
3) Was D and A the first choice to write it? 3a) What about Giffen?
4) Is Phyla pregnant (despite her orientation)? (This is with regards to the cover of the prologue)

Thanks again and I am still waiting for the return of Wendell/Quasar!


EDITS: grammar and spelling corrections

[Andy Schmidt]

Hey, guys,

I just popped on tonight to see how folks were responding to my posts from last night. It looks like my messages are taken in the spirit that they were given.

Thanks for all your kind notes.

Andy

[tricksterpup]

Hey Andy, I just wanted to say good work on the entire series. I think Editors do not get the thanks and the appreciation for the time and effort they place in a series and event. So thank you. Also to say, from many of the books I have read, I have not been disappointed by a comic under your guidance.

As for the Quasar debate, I will wait and see. I am looking forward to a new Thanos series with Pip the Troll as Thanos. ;)

Keep up the good work and hopefully we shall see you at convention time.

[Leunames]

Well I admit that I wasn't really a fan of quasar before, nor was I that much a fan of phyla, but interestingly enough I will be looking out for the new series with her in it. I think there is a lot of potential in the character. I remember reading somewhere that the phyla series is akin to her going to westpoint and being the top student there (being her family legacy and such), but then being placed in a real situation and not knowing what to do, as everything you learn in class goes out the window. This can actually be compelling, depending on how it's treated, because when it comes down to it, Phyla as a character has to live up to two legacies now, create her own identity, learn how to be a hero, and have the trait of being a lesbian on top of all of it. I think that's a real interesting mix and for what it's worth I'm willing to try it and see how it goes.

That being said I'm very much looking forward to the second heralds of galactus, and of course the new annihilation!

Question for Andy:

Was the decision for Galactus to employ two heralds premeditated, or it was conceived for the purposes of the issue?

Actually another question:

Will there be a greater marketing focus for conquest? I don't mean to knock another work by marvel or some such, but with civil war going on annihilation took a really undeserved backseat in terms of marketing. I read one issue of civil war and i decided not to continue it...i read annihilation #1, went back and got the minis, and obviously i'm really pleased with annihilation. some people get so caught up in what's pushed, that they miss the quality. I would have missed annihilation all together if i hadn't read a small blurb about it somewhere, whereas civil war was in my face all the time whenever i went into the comic store....

[mdg1]

I could....

...But I won't. :)

:p :D

Where did I put the number for those ninjas....

[Andy Schmidt]

Hi Andy,

First, I have to say that I apologize for anything that I may have written that might have offended you. After reading the above post I looked back at some of my previous postings and found one that could be considered offensive:



It's never my intention to go out and pick fights. So, again, sorry if you were offended. As a kid I never wrote in to the letter columns. Now, as an adult, it is a real treat to chat and talk with some of the people and creators behind these books. We (including myself) need to remember that it should be a fun time.

Anyways, I have to say that all of the announcements concerning Annihilation: Conquest are pretty spectacular and I am very close to again buying everything: the prologue, all the mini's (yes, even Phyla/Quasar), and the main series.

My questions are:
1) What part did you play in the creation of the sequel or was it totally your successor's doing?
If you do have any insight:
2) When did the decision come that there was going to be sequel?
3) Was D and A the first choice to write it? 3a) What about Giffen?
4) Is Phyla pregnant (despite her orientation)? (This is with regards to the cover of the prologue)

Thanks again and I am still waiting for the return of Wendell/Quasar!


EDITS: grammar and spelling corrections

First, no worries about any previous posts. Sometimes stuff gets under my skin but it usually does roll off pretty quickly. I'd rather everyone be able to get stuff off their chests anyway. I do appreciate the sentiment.

I pulled together an overall outline and story direction before Bill arrived. I ran it by Dan and Andy and they improved it greatly. Then Bill came on board and wanted to change some things and we worked on it together with Tom Brevoort still overseeing everything and Dan and Andy in the loop. A lot of what I had initially proposed is still there. But it's in the structure. Once Bill was actually in the house, I really stepped back. IT's all Bill's show and I hope he feels that what I did on the sequel was helpful and I wasn't getting in his way.

2. As I recall, the sequel decision was made around the time issue 2 of the main series was hitting the stands. Which means almost all the scripts were done by that point. But we had been building the whole thing with the option of doing more in mind.

3. Yep, Dan and Andy were the first choice to pioneer the sequel. They did a great job with the Nova limited and Keith and I always knew we'd do the first one and then switch things up for the sequel if there was one. Keith was on board and very supportive of the decision. Really, we all worked hard on the first one and this seemed fair.

4. Unless Bill made a change I didn't know about, no, Phyla is not pregnant. She's just a healthy girl.

Hope that answers all your questions.

[Andy Schmidt]

Well I admit that I wasn't really a fan of quasar before, nor was I that much a fan of phyla, but interestingly enough I will be looking out for the new series with her in it. I think there is a lot of potential in the character. I remember reading somewhere that the phyla series is akin to her going to westpoint and being the top student there (being her family legacy and such), but then being placed in a real situation and not knowing what to do, as everything you learn in class goes out the window. This can actually be compelling, depending on how it's treated, because when it comes down to it, Phyla as a character has to live up to two legacies now, create her own identity, learn how to be a hero, and have the trait of being a lesbian on top of all of it. I think that's a real interesting mix and for what it's worth I'm willing to try it and see how it goes.

That being said I'm very much looking forward to the second heralds of galactus, and of course the new annihilation!

Question for Andy:

Was the decision for Galactus to employ two heralds premeditated, or it was conceived for the purposes of the issue?

Actually another question:

Will there be a greater marketing focus for conquest? I don't mean to knock another work by marvel or some such, but with civil war going on annihilation took a really undeserved backseat in terms of marketing. I read one issue of civil war and i decided not to continue it...i read annihilation #1, went back and got the minis, and obviously i'm really pleased with annihilation. some people get so caught up in what's pushed, that they miss the quality. I would have missed annihilation all together if i hadn't read a small blurb about it somewhere, whereas civil war was in my face all the time whenever i went into the comic store....

1. Actually, I wanted to cull th heralds. There are now only four former heralds left. One representing each of the four elements. And that's it--no others. As for Galactus having two active heralds, that was my call. It just seemed kind of cool since G was getting hungrier. And I like them both. Keith really dug the idea and so did Tom Brevoort, so we went with it.

2. I think CONQUEST is being pushed pretty well. The fact of the matter is CIVIL WAR sold like gang-busters. ANNIHILATION performed very well, but I don't know how much the ANNIHILATION audience is liekly to grow. Theres a lot of stuff to push right now, so I'm sure CONQUEST will get some attention, but we've also got to promote all the INITIATIVE books, some up-coming X-MEN stories and books, and a bunch of other things.

All in all, I think the marketing was prety fair on ANNIHILATION--CIVIL WAR wound up bigger than any of us could have possible predicted.

[Andy Schmidt]

:p :D

Where did I put the number for those ninjas....

Ninjas? I HATE ninjas!

[mdg1]

Ninjas? I HATE ninjas!

They still love you. :)

Stardust = air? Odd correspondence, but I guess it works.

[Cthulhudrew]

1. Actually, I wanted to cull th heralds. There are now only four former heralds left. One representing each of the four elements. And that's it--no others. As for Galactus having two active heralds, that was my call. It just seemed kind of cool since G was getting hungrier. And I like them both. Keith really dug the idea and so did Tom Brevoort, so we went with it.

AHA! I knew it!! (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=4105901&postcount=21)

[TheGreatest]

As for Galactus having two active heralds, that was my call. It just seemed kind of cool since G was getting hungrier. And I like them both. Keith really dug the idea and so did Tom Brevoort, so we went with it.

Didn't Firelord and Air-Walker serve Galactus simultaneously at one point?

[nova64]

Didn't Firelord and Air-Walker serve Galactus simultaneously at one point?

Yeah, I think you're right. If I remember right, it was at the end of the Heralds War in the Silver Surfer series by Ron Marz.

Doug

[Cthulhudrew]

Yeah, I think you're right. If I remember right, it was at the end of the Heralds War in the Silver Surfer series by Ron Marz.

Yeah- and Morg was his "secret" herald at the time as well (he'd revived Morg after the others thought him dead), though he was almost immediately caught by Tyrant and held captive for eternity.

[Vinnie Maphia]

Andy,

Do you have any info on the "beings of great power" were in panel 3 of the Stardust tale in Heralds? Living Tribunal and Eternity are obvious, and one appears to be Master Order. But what about the two others?

Good book, btw.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Hi,

I just picked up the HC for Annihilation Book 1 today.
I know very little about the concept at all, as I have no interest in crossovers, and have rarely seen marvel make good use of their cosmic characters.
(However the cover and the Scott Kollins art were gorgeous, and I was cashed up so I thought 'what the hell').
If I do find myself enjoying the series (here's hoping), how many more hardcovers will there be to collect the whole storyline, and how reguarly will they becoming out?

Thanks in advance,
Ben.

[nova64]

Hi,

I just picked up the HC for Annihilation Book 1 today.
I know very little about the concept at all, as I have no interest in crossovers, and have rarely seen marvel make good use of their cosmic characters.
(However the cover and the Scott Kollins art were gorgeous, and I was cashed up so I thought 'what the hell').
If I do find myself enjoying the series (here's hoping), how many more hardcovers will there be to collect the whole storyline, and how reguarly will they becoming out?

Thanks in advance,
Ben.

There will be three hardcovers total. Book 2 covers the Super Skrull, Ronan and Silver Surfer minis. Book 3 has the 6 issue Annihilation series, the two Heralds specials and the Nova Corps Files handbook. Well worth buying! Amazon has them for $20 each.

Doug

[Brother Zag]

Gettin' off the Quasar train for a minute . . .

Andy, did the decision to launch CONQUEST affect the plot or the structure of the HERALDS mini-series at all?

Sing it like Ozzy: "I'm going off the rails on this Quasar Train!"

...or at least off the topic.

[Andy Schmidt]

Andy,

Do you have any info on the "beings of great power" were in panel 3 of the Stardust tale in Heralds? Living Tribunal and Eternity are obvious, and one appears to be Master Order. But what about the two others?

Good book, btw.

No, they were supposed to be kind of mysterious and insistinct. The Marvel Universe has a hundred origin stories, and this is the one that Stardust's people used to tell.

[Andy Schmidt]

Hi,

I just picked up the HC for Annihilation Book 1 today.
I know very little about the concept at all, as I have no interest in crossovers, and have rarely seen marvel make good use of their cosmic characters.
(However the cover and the Scott Kollins art were gorgeous, and I was cashed up so I thought 'what the hell').
If I do find myself enjoying the series (here's hoping), how many more hardcovers will there be to collect the whole storyline, and how reguarly will they becoming out?

Thanks in advance,
Ben.

Ben, sorry I took so long to answer you back. First, thanks for checking out the first hardcover. Much appreciated. Secondly, to answer your question, there are three hard covers total and the next one is on sale next month, I believe. The third will follow shortly after that. I don't have exact dates, but they do come out pretty quickly. I hope you like it enough to keep reading!

[The Deadpool]

Ben, sorry I took so long to answer you back. First, thanks for checking out the first hardcover. Much appreciated. Secondly, to answer your question, there are three hard covers total and the next one is on sale next month, I believe. The third will follow shortly after that. I don't have exact dates, but they do come out pretty quickly. I hope you like it enough to keep reading!

Amazon says May 2nd and July 4th...

Btw, said it once, I'll say it again: A mini series depicting the early years of the universe and the details of the Proemial Gods rise and fall would be AWESOME... Preferably by Giffen or Gaiman...

[Expletive Deleted]

Andy,

Now that the last chapter is out, I want to say thanks again. It's been awesome to have you here over the last year.

And if I may sneak in a few last questions . . .

SPOILERS!

Where do the Cosmic Consonance Crew fit into the MU's cosmology? After reading A:HoG:FL/SS (ha!), I get the impression that their purpose overlaps with that of Galactus, but he's not actually one of them. That they're cosmic beings spawned by the Universe to work out the details of creation, but not on the fundamental level of, say, Galactus and the Big Four (Eternity, Infinity, Oblivion, and Death).

Are the Watchers meant to be the descendants of the suspiciously large-headed member of said group, Antiphon?

What's the deal with Brio of Life? She's the only character in Galactus's story not to get mentioned again. Are we supposed to infer that she's dead, or is it a dangling thread?

Is there any chance Keith will be following up on any of these cosmic shenanigans at a later date?

Thanks yet again,

-ED

[The Deadpool]

I get the feeling that, like the Chaos Mites were created to be Diableri's eyes and ears, so were the Watchers created by Antiphon for similar purposes.

I see the Proemial Gods as Marvel's version of the Endless: Beings created by the universe sort of out of nescessity. A void kind of filling itself.

WHY Antiphon was in the Kyln would be an interesting question as well...

[wallred]

Ha hah. Good question. Send letters to Marvel Comics. The address is printed in every Marvel Comic in that little teeny tiny writing with the legal mumbo jumbo (called the indicia). Send them to Bill Rosemann and the head of sales, the editor in chief, and the publisher. That's probably the best folks to hit with the most influence.

And I'll say it again. If the letters are upbeat and positive about Wendell, then that's perfect. But we tend to dig our heals in a bit if people are bashing the stuff we're currently doing. It's a natural reaction. I dig my heals in when folks criticize my work because I'm invested in it. I care about it, and so I toughen up. So you REALLY just want to be positive about Wendell and not negative about anything.

I'm getting ready to send off my letter, but I wanted to double-check my info...

c/o Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
417 5th. Avenue
New York, NY 10016

These are the people you suggested...

Bill Rosemann (Editor)
??? (Head of Sales)
Joe Quesada (Editor-in-Chief)
Dan Buckley (Publisher)

Who is the head of sales?
Thanks.

[nova64]

Who is the head of sales?
Thanks.

Hey, Will!!

David Gabriel is the VP of Sales.

Good luck with the campaign!

Doug

[Andy Schmidt]

Hey guys,

For those of you who have stuck around, this is going to be my last round of posts. My final issue of ANNIHILATION hit stores last week and Bill's first issue hits this month with NOVA #1! Be sure to pick it up--I know I will!

Thank you to everyone who's stopped by to aske questions and play in the sandbox with us. I've personally had a blast getting to know you all and have been energized a great deal by your enthusiam--even when it caused us to argue.

Thanks for being such awesome fans of Marvel Comics and these characters. On behalf of all the creators, thanks for reading.

Let's do it again some time...

And now to your questions...

[Andy Schmidt]

Amazon says May 2nd and July 4th...

Btw, said it once, I'll say it again: A mini series depicting the early years of the universe and the details of the Proemial Gods rise and fall would be AWESOME... Preferably by Giffen or Gaiman...

Not my territory anymore, but I'll pass the word on...

[Andy Schmidt]

Andy,

Now that the last chapter is out, I want to say thanks again. It's been awesome to have you here over the last year.

And if I may sneak in a few last questions . . .

SPOILERS!

Where do the Cosmic Consonance Crew fit into the MU's cosmology? After reading A:HoG:FL/SS (ha!), I get the impression that their purpose overlaps with that of Galactus, but he's not actually one of them. That they're cosmic beings spawned by the Universe to work out the details of creation, but not on the fundamental level of, say, Galactus and the Big Four (Eternity, Infinity, Oblivion, and Death).

Are the Watchers meant to be the descendants of the suspiciously large-headed member of said group, Antiphon?

What's the deal with Brio of Life? She's the only character in Galactus's story not to get mentioned again. Are we supposed to infer that she's dead, or is it a dangling thread?

Is there any chance Keith will be following up on any of these cosmic shenanigans at a later date?

Thanks yet again,

-ED

Keith is writing one of the limited series in ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST, so check it out.

Those characters I imagine Keith will pick up on again at a later date. At least, I hope he does.

I think Brio was an oversight, but you never know.

That was more of an homage to the Watchers than anything else.

[Andy Schmidt]

Thanks guys! If you're ever at the conventions, please stop by and introduce yourselves!

And I hope you love CONQUEST as much as I loved ANNIHILATION!

Thanks again.

Andy

[TCJohnson]

I've enjoyed your posts, Andy...really hope you can do this with other projects you work on.

[Nova3333]

Hey guys,

For those of you who have stuck around, this is going to be my last round of posts. My final issue of ANNIHILATION hit stores last week and Bill's first issue hits this month with NOVA #1! Be sure to pick it up--I know I will!

Thank you to everyone who's stopped by to aske questions and play in the sandbox with us. I've personally had a blast getting to know you all and have been energized a great deal by your enthusiam--even when it caused us to argue.

Thanks for being such awesome fans of Marvel Comics and these characters. On behalf of all the creators, thanks for reading.

Let's do it again some time...


And now to your questions...


I've enjoyed your posts over the last year or so. and despite the times when you lead us all down the garden path with plot hints for Annihilation, it's been a pleasure reading Annihilation. Have yet to read the two Herald issues to complete the saga but am eagerly awaiting Nova 1 and Conquest so I'm sure Bill will carry on the torch you lit re-igniting the Marvel Cosmic-verse. Cheers. Darren. From the UK.

[wallred]

Hey, Will!!

David Gabriel is the VP of Sales.

Good luck with the campaign!

Doug

Thanks, I wasn't sure if he was who Andy meant.

[40yearoldnovafan]

Annihilation was the greatest. And as the editor, you were top notch.

Jimmy

[pmpknface]

Finally got Annihilation: Heralds #2 on Monday and it was the 1st book I read in the stack.

WoW! The Firelord story was good but the Silver Surfer story was friggin' AMAZING! THAT is what the Surfer should be all about! And the cosmic backstory was killer!

I hope this ties in somehow with his appearrances in the FF right now. Marvel cosmic has been so tight recently so I'm sure it does.

Can't wait for the next ANNIHILATION SERIES!!! :D

[hugh45]

About the Air-Walker:
Ever since he 1st appear in FF, his power has been greatly diminished. Are
we ever going to see the Air-Walker at his original power levels again, since
FF?

[Expletive Deleted]

Seeing as how he was blown to cosmic smithereens in his last appearance . . .

[Cthulhudrew]

Yes, but we didn't see a body, did we? ;)

[pmpknface]

Yes, but we didn't see a body, did we? ;)
I'll have to check, but didn't he blow up?

[The Deadpool]

Not my territory anymore, but I'll pass the word on...

If I could beg them personally, I would.

And yeah, I'll definetely say hi if I see you at a con. My girlfriend is still trying to get her big break in comics (she works at Peter Gross' studio) so we go to Chicago and New York every year (considering adding San Diego down the line)... I ever see you around, I'll drop by. Promise I won't bug you...

Much...

;)

[The Deadpool]

Btw, on the subject of when the hardcovers come out... Amazon still says May 2nd, but my LCS just got Book 2 today...

[JoeCool]

Andy,

I got to wonder if a guy like you with vision ever gets pissed at your employer for their ridiculous way of doing business.

Though I admit to being a critic of ANnihilation, I always stated it was a breathe of much needed fresh air in the Marvel Universe. I loved the way you portrayed the power of our cosmic characters and gave them new directions.

So how does it feel, after revamping the surfer, to see such a pathetic scene as the BLACK FREAKING PANTHER riding his board in outer space and putting the surfer in some UFC chokehold??!!

This is a guy who can destroy a planet. Who has absolute control over his board. He could of willed the BP off of his board and shrugged him off with the Cosmic power like NOTHING.

YOu build a character up, get the fans in a frenzy only to see morons tear him down.

The marvel way.

-Joe

[drwho]

Any or if any editor happens to still answer on this board. Do you all find it easier to be an editor with the 6 issue arcs that marvel has heavily used during the 2000 years? Rather then multiple stories you all may have to only deal with two a year. Do you have any thoughts on the practice of these oversized arcs?

[40yearoldnovafan]

Andy,

So how does it feel, after revamping the surfer, to see such a pathetic scene as the BLACK FREAKING PANTHER riding his board in outer space and putting the surfer in some UFC chokehold??!!

This is a guy who can destroy a planet. Who has absolute control over his board. He could of willed the BP off of his board and shrugged him off with the Cosmic power like NOTHING.

YOu build a character up, get the fans in a frenzy only to see morons tear him down.

The marvel way.

-Joe

That Black Panther choke hold was the worst thing I've seen. He threatened to tear the Surfer's arm off. Are you kidding me!?! I guess he'll put the same move on Superman next. My goodness, if the Panther was in Annihilation he would have easily defeated Annihilus with that hold.

Where's the freaking editor?

[Euks]

I totally agree with the BP comments. I think it's pretty ridiculous how they take a character like SS and put him in FF just to show how bad ass Black Panther is. From what I hear, it gets worse in the next issue (where BP puts his "Galactus contingency" plan into action).

I really hate how they build these characters up to respectable levels in Annihilation and then just have that all ruined by one or two issues of Fantastic Four.

[Hatut Zeraze]

Every time I hear someone talk about what is going on with Black Panther, I just get sad.

Christopher Priest knew how to show T'Challa as amazingly formidable without being ridiculous. Apparently that is a lost art.

[Expletive Deleted]

That Black Panther choke hold was the worst thing I've seen. He threatened to tear the Surfer's arm off. Are you kidding me!?!This argument has spread to another board?

Son of a . . .

[Lombardo!]

i know everyone keeps talking about the BP-versus-Surfer thing, but I dunno...personally when reading that issue, I felt while the Surfer was talking big, he also was very much restrained. which i think is very much IN character for the Surfer. Sure, he coulda wiped the Blacktastic Four (which, on a tangent, i think look awesome in the black tights) off the face of the universe, but that'd make him a hypocrite of every villain he comes across with his "you dont have the right to kill but Galactus does because he's Galactus but you're not Galactus so you don't have the right to kill" speech.

either that, or the Surfer was so shocked by such an obscene attack that he fell powerless to the stupidity of it all.

[Cthulhudrew]

Andy-

Don't know if you're still checking in on this board/thread or not, but if so, congratulations on your move to freelancing! Hope it all works out for you, and thank you for your part in many of the Marvel titles I've enjoyed reading over the past several years.

Good luck!

[Sean Walsh]

Andy-

Don't know if you're still checking in on this board/thread or not, but if so, congratulations on your move to freelancing! Hope it all works out for you, and thank you for your part in many of the Marvel titles I've enjoyed reading over the past several years.

Good luck!

I second this motion. :)

[Matt Adler]

I'll third it, and repeat what I wrote before I realized his Marvel address was closed...

Congrats on the baby Andy, and good luck with fatherhood. You've done a lot of great stuff at Marvel, and I'm sure we'll see more from you in the future.

By the way (if Andy is still reading here), will you be at Wizardworld Philly next week? If so, I'd like to wish you bon voyage in person!

[Mastahh!]

Hi

Mr.Andy first of all i want to thank you and all the crew for the whole thing it was really COOL!!
if you can still answer plz tell me....is THANOS now death?? i mean is he COMPLETY accepted by her? no fakes no nothing?
i mean....so many years of waiting finaly he got what he wanted??
?
and sorry of some1 has asked you before the same q but after reading 134 post i got really tired...

if this q has been answered plz some1 do tell it to me

Thanks...

[Lord Altruist]

I just wanted to let Mr. Schmidt know that Annihilation: Book 1 was one of the most enjoyable comic book (or are they exclusively called graphic novels these days?) reading experiences that I've had in a long time. Word about the series (and Planet Hulk) got me itching to return after 8 years and I'm glad that I have.

I do have one question/observation. It seems to me--from looking at the current creative direction of Marvel--that there has been a push to expand back to the eclecticism that the Marvel Universe offered in days of yore--beyond just Spider-Man, X-Men, and the Avengers (who I love, of course). It seems to me that you guys have made cosmic-adventure "cool" again. Was this a conscious effort on the Marvel staff's part or was it more of a "the stars were aligned..." type of situation? Thanks.

ps. I'm only 29, though I'm sure I'm coming off like some guy who hasn't read comics since Stan and Jack broke up...

[EnDwiGast]

I totally agree with the BP comments. I think it's pretty ridiculous how they take a character like SS and put him in FF just to show how bad ass Black Panther is. From what I hear, it gets worse in the next issue (where BP puts his "Galactus contingency" plan into action).

I really hate how they build these characters up to respectable levels in Annihilation and then just have that all ruined by one or two issues of Fantastic Four.


Thats standard operating procedure for anyone BP comes up against now. Gives some folks a hard on, but most people are just left rolling their eyes. Black Panther is a formidable hero -- no doubt about that -- but they're taking it beyond the realm of credibility too often these days.

[EnDwiGast]

Andy Schmidt and crew, thank you for continuing to make Nova one of the best launches of a new ongoing I've ever read. Thank you for introducing us to Wraith and for giving us the Starlord mini series. I'm counting down to Annihilation: Conquest.

This is a long thread so forgive me if its been asked and answered, but is there any long range plan to weave the Shi'ar into the rest of marvel's intergalactic tapestry?

[Ohitsme]

1. Now that Spirit is dead will you be using any other Marvel UK Characters?

2. Will you use Ultimus or any other Starforce members that were missing in the first Annihilation series?

3. The new Phalanx have a strong resemblance to Phaedra from Deaths Head, was this an accident?

4. Will you show Wendell in the White Room? The White Room is a pocket dimension within the Eonverse where the souls of all Protectors of the Universe who die are sent.

5. Who is guiding Phyla through the Quantum Bands? I am betting that it is Epoch.

6. Are there any plans to use the White Raven, Xenith or the Star Masters?

Keep up the good work guys.

[Expletive Deleted]

As awesome as answers to those questions would be, this thread is pretty much defunct. Andy has left Marvel and the new editor doesn't come around this forum.

Sorry.

[The Deadpool]

Yeah, it'd be nice if he still swung by and just shot the breeze about the event like the rest of us though...

Oh well. Probably busy with new job and family though.