Screen Writers- good or bad

[Zombienorthstar]

Alot of people have criticised the use of television/Hollywood screenwriters in comics saying that it belittles the industry and stops real talent breaking through. Yet on the overhand the most popular books amongst fans such as Astonishing X-Men and Young Avengers have these kind of writers...Whats the general opinion on this debate?

[dingo]

I don't care where the writers come from on two conditions.

They are the best writers.

They produce books in a timely manner.

[Shellhead]

Alot of people have criticised the use of television/Hollywood screenwriters in comics saying that it belittles the industry and stops real talent breaking through. Yet on the overhand the most popular books amongst fans such as Astonishing X-Men and Young Avengers have these kind of writers...Whats the general opinion on this debate?

I think that it's a necessary evil for Marvel right now, because Quesada is unable to identify quality even when it's right under his nose. So he goes by resume instead... anybody with Hollywood/tv writing credentials looks good to him, despite the significant differences between comics and other mediums.

There are problems, though, because none of these writers are accustomed to sharing characters and setting with other writers, which leads to continuity problems. Editors are afraid to edit their work. They miss deadlines, a lot, because they have other priorities that probably pay more money.

[Kevinroc]

There is no general opinion. Some people enjoy comics like Young Avengers and Astonishing X-Men and others think it belittles the industry.

I'm of the opinion that if they are good, what does it matter? I enjoy Young Avengers and Astonishing X-Men. I don't care for Black Panther.

[Beast]

I think that it's a necessary evil for Marvel right now, because Quesada is unable to identify quality even when it's right under his nose. So he goes by resume instead... anybody with Hollywood/tv writing credentials looks good to him, despite the significant differences between comics and other mediums.

There are problems, though, because none of these writers are accustomed to sharing characters and setting with other writers, which leads to continuity problems. Editors are afraid to edit their work. They miss deadlines, a lot, because they have other priorities that probably pay more money.
Agreed with Shellhead. And then there's the case that for every Joss Whedon, Allan Heinberg, and Damon Lindelof, you're going to get a major stinker like Kevin Smith or Reginald Hudlin.

[kalorama]

Like Dingo, I don't care where they come from as long as they produce good work. And while the point about issues with deadlines is valid, the fact is that the industry has been plagued by blown deadlines for years, even from "native grown" talent. It's a problem that's been growing out of the changing nature of the industry for years, long before the Hollywood invasion.

[Harlock]

If books are good and on time, I don't care if Donald Rumsfeld is writing them. Well, okay, I probably would, but anyway...

What bothers me most about screenwriters and novelists is that the trend may be overlooking hidden talent. I understand why publishers do it. I mean it's a known quantity and a name they can plug and if they are lucky, even bring new comic readers in on. "Hey, our new teen title is being written by the hot teen TV show writer. You've seen his TV show, now read his comic!"

So, I am really torn on this issue. I think anything you can do to bring in new readers (not just new to a series, but new to comics period) should be lauded. I feel bad that it just might be at the expense of the next Claremont or Simonson.

[hshaukat]

I just like good writers. I don't watch "The OC" but I love Young Avengers. Astonishing X-Men is killer, and Ult. Wolvie vs Hulk is interesting, although when was the last time that book came out?

I don't think that the comic industry should turn to Hollywood for writers. If anything, I think Hollywood should turn to comics for better writers. Geoff Johns and Gail Simone both wrote awesome episodes of JLU, and I hear Grant Morrison and BKV are currently writing screenplays for New Line. And how many times have I seen Jeph Loeb's name in TV and Film credits (although he may have started working in the silver screen... I don't know).

I'm more impressed by the people who can writer successfully in several mediums and in several different styles. And if it's all good and engaging, then that's a good writer. And at that point, who cares where he/she made his/her first big splash?

[The Shadow]

Like Dingo, I don't care where they come from as long as they produce good work.
Same here.

[Babylon23]

I agree that a good writer is a good writer regardless of their background. However, I also agree that being a Hollywood writer doesn't necessarily mean you're well-suited for comics.

Most of Marvel's Hollywood writers have left me cold (Heinberg and, to a lesser extent Whedon are the exceptions).

Does anybody know whether the influx of Hollywood writers has actually brought in non-comic readers? I know that books like Astonishing are selling really well, but is this just comic fans, or have Whedon fans started reading comics because of Astonishing.

[Tony Starkz]

I think it's great for the industry as long as the stories are full of quality.Even thought Heniberg's stuff is constantly late,it's worth the wait.Lindelof and Hudlin also come to mind.Can't comment on Whedon or Smith,never read their stuff.

[Cayman]

Some of the best comics of the past few years have been from the screenwriters. So good.

Cay

[Expletive Deleted]

And then there's the case that for every Joss Whedon, Allan Heinberg, and Damon Lindelof, you're going to get a major stinker like Kevin Smith or Reginald Hudlin.And for every Grant Morrison there's a Chuck Austen. Or Claremont/Lobdell, or whichever comparison suits your personal tastes.

Good is good and crap is crap. I could care less how a writer got into the industry as long as he or she can write a comic book that entertains me.

[Agentum]

I know a lot of people is complaining of those tv-show writers that is writing decompressed comics, but i think new things is needed, ín the 80s english writers came and had diffrent takes on the comics and now tv-show writers i trying.
But i realy think they need to like comics to be able to work with it for a longer time, i don't think you can just write some comics on the side and don't like it at all, that would show.

And of course some of them disd some not so good writing, but i guess a lot of the usual comicwriters have too.