If there's a Spider-Man Relaunch.........

[Mister Mets]

There's a strong possibility that sometime soon, there will come a story which completely alters Spider-Man's status quo, making his identity a secret once again, and maybe even making him single again. This change may coincide with a high-profile relaunch of the Spider-Man books, which may involve all the books being relaunched with New #1s, and/ or new creative teams.

The questions...
1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? Should all the books begin with New #1s? Should some? Should none?
2. What status quo would you like to see in the books (Should Spider-Man's identity be a secret? Should he married? Should he and MJ have a kid?)
3. What creators would you like to see on the books?
4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have? (ie- If you want Amazing Spider-Man & Web of Spider-Man as the new Spider-Man books, how should the books be different?)

I'll post some of my answers soon, but I'm looking forward to what you guys have to say.

[Spider-Man]

First things first: JMS must be kicked to the proverbial curb, along with his mystical mumbo jumbo bullshit.

After that, I'd be happy with Peter David writing two core Spidey titles...

Spidey

[Mister Mets]

Here's what I'd to. Sometimes around Amazing Spider-Man #550 (which gives the current creators a little more than an year to play around with Spider-Man: Unmasked, and tie up all their loose ends) I'd do a major crossover which spans the three titles (this is based on ideas I've seen online). Something bad happens to Spider-Man's loved ones as a result of Spider-Man's identity being public. Spider-Man goes to Doctor Strange to make the world forget that Spider-Man is Peter Parker (the same way the world forgot about the Sentry in the Sentry mini series.) Strange refuses, but Loki (probably getting a revamp in the upcoming Thor relaunch by the top Spider-Man writer) who owes Spider-Man a favor offers to change the world so Spider-Man's identity was never revealed. Almost everyone who knows Spider-Man's identity has forgotten it. This includes Norman Osborn, who remains in charge of Oscorp, with no one aware of his other life (hell, he could've forgotten that he's the Green Goblin.) This also includes Mary Jane Watson, who never knew that Peter Parker was Spider-Man, and never married him. They may've still dated a bit, and they could do so in the future. I'd use the mini series to show Peter's reactions to the new world, as he makes some major decisions. What should he tell Aunt May? etc. The crossover ends with him getting the memories of the experiences of the Peter Parker in this world (with subtle changes in stories like Kraven's Last Hunt, the first Venom tales, and Down With the Dead Men.)

I'd follow this with a relaunch of the major Spider-Man books (as this is a bigger deal than the event which led to the first relaunch seven years ago) and instruct writers to reference the older continuity a lot less. The book follows single Peter Parker, a high school Physics teacher, who moonlights as both a Daily Bugle photographer and the vigilante/ reserve Avenger Spider-Man.
As for creative teams, and plots.

Amazing Spider-Man
Writer- Mark Millar
Artist- Mark Bagley
Amazing Spider-Man would be the flagship title, which establishes the status quo for the books. If Spider-Man gets a new girlfriend/ breaks up with his old one, it usually happens here. I doubt these two guys would want to be on the books for longer than an year, but they would provide for an excellent high profile relaunch.
Possible early plot: Venom, thanks to the alien symbiote remembers the world as it once was, and use his abilities to make Norman Osborn remember, to restore them as the two villains who know Spider-Man's identity. Norman Osborn would pretend to gain amnesia again, and become a far more "behind-the-scenes" villain, at least for the first year.
As for who I'd have to follow the two Marks: Brian K Vaughan, Ed Brubaker (provided he can handle the workload) and Gail Simone would make great writers, while Mike Wieringo, David Finch, Jim Cheung, Frank Cho, Terry Dodson, or Chriscross would be the artists i'd go for.

Spectacular Spider-Man
Writer- Dan Slott
Artist- John Romita Jr
Every issue of this book would be self-contained. This is the book that would deal with the ramifications of events in other books (ie- crossovers) something Slott's done often in She-Hulk. Some issues will be funny, some will be tragic. Some will feature new villains, classic villains, rarely used B-level villains, and villains from other franchises. It's meant to compliment the shortages of the other Spider-Man books. This should also give John Romita Jr an opporunity to do the best work of his career.
Because of the done in one aspects of this title fill-in work may be common, but it should always be good, and by respected creators (ie- Paul Jenkins, Sean McKeever, Ed Brubaker)
If Dan Slott wants to write a longer story he'll have to do a seperate mini series, or swap with the Amazing Spider-Man writer for a few months.

Astonishing Spider-Man
Writer- Jeph Loeb
Artist- J Scott Campbell
I'd use this book to establish an Astonishing franchise, to surpass DC's All-Star franchise, getting A-list creators doing what they want on an accessible book, free from the continuity of the other books (this would be the book for late writers).
When Loeb/ Campbell are done, I'd try to get Michael Chabon or Joss Whedon to write this book, with Bryan Hitch, John Cassady, or Joe Mad on art.

[Cody H]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.

[Pheonix-NoRelation]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.

What he said. :D

[Chris S.]

I'd prefer to not see much of a relaunch at all. It would have to be handled well, but the original numbering system should be under the new like they did near the end of the first relaunch.

For the questions I like Cody H.'s idea. However, I wouldn't have as many core titles. I would only have three(ASM, Spectacular, and Sensational (or maybe Web of wouldn't matter)). Four just seems too much, and lately it seems they are unable to even carry more then two.

Just a question though: What books did Bagley draw in 616? I know he did, just can't place them.

[Pheonix-NoRelation]

I'd prefer to not see much of a relaunch at all. It would have to be handled well, but the original numbering system should be under the new like they did near the end of the first relaunch.

For the questions I like Cody H.'s idea. However, I wouldn't have as many core titles. I would only have three(ASM, Spectacular, and Sensational (or maybe Web of wouldn't matter)). Four just seems too much, and lately it seems they are unable to even carry more then two.

Just a question though: What books did Bagley draw in 616? I know he did, just can't place them.

Yeah, I'd prefer no relaunch, but if there was, I'd go with Cody H.'s. According to wikipedia, Bagely drew New Warriors from 1990-92, Amazing Spider-Man from 1991-96, and Thunderbolts from 1997-2001.

[Gamma Burst]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.

That's it!

[md62]

If there is a Spider-man relaunch....

to quote my avatar - I say thee nay!!

[Mark (nonick)]

I agree with the poster who said NO renumbering ASM now or ever.

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: Joss Whedon or Dan Slott
Penciller: John Romita Jr.

Amazing should be the showcase Spider-Man book, with the most "heart" to it. Most continuity heavy of the titles, with that unique mix of humor, action, drama that Spider-Man embodies.


Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man:
Writer: PAD
Penciller: Ron Garney

Accent the action and humor, easing off a little on the drama. This book should be a great jumping-on book for new 616 readers. Stories happen within continuity, but revolve around smaller contained stories (3 issues tops). Heavy supporting cast here, Peter's life as Spider-Man.


Web of Spider-Man
Writer/Artist: Revolving All-Stars

I think the point of this book should not be sales, but prestige. Showcasing whatever the teams want to showcase. His entire past is open territory (I'd lay off future stuff though). I still think this would be IN canon, so not violate anything established. Writers could explore different POV from past events or do in-between stories, or do current stuff. Get Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Mark Waid, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Alex Maleeve, Steve Dillon, Marc Texiera, Joe Kubert.

[Mister Mets]

Thanks for the responses guys. Keep em coming, and see if you can get some realistic creative teams to top those on any other franchise (especially the Superman, X-Men, and Batman books).


Yeah, I'd prefer no relaunch, but if there was, I'd go with Cody H.'s. According to wikipedia, Bagely drew New Warriors from 1990-92, Amazing Spider-Man from 1991-96, and Thunderbolts from 1997-2001.
Bagley's also drawn a few issues of the Fantastic Four (Vol 3 51-54), the Spider-Man/ Batman crossover, An Avengers mini series w/ Beast & Wonder Man, some Captain America back-up stories, and the first 5 issues of the Pulse.
His runs have been pretty long (50+ issues on Amazing Spider-Man, 50 issues of Thunderbolts, and 110 issues of Ultimate Spider-Man) but after his record-breaking Ultimate Spider-Man run, I don't think he wants to be on Amazing Spider-Man for more than 12 issues.

The main reason I'd do an Amazing Spider-Man relaunch (and I suspect Marvel would) is that it would boost sales of the book (Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Mark Millar/ Mark Bagley should be the best-selling book the month it comes out) and drive home the point that these books are in a new and hopefully better world. It would certainly return to the original numbering, probably around Issue 600.





1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.
I think you may have too many Spider-Man books, especially given the lack of A-list creators on the titles, which would probably lead to additional Spider-Man books/ mini series by those creators.

One thing to note: Dan Slott does not want to be pegged as a quirky humor guy, which is why he's happy to do a very dark Civil War tie-in. He's said in interviews that he'd begin a Spider-Man run with something vicious, for instance- the brutal murder of Debra Whitman. He's the guy who wrote a mini series in which the Joker prison-raped a guy just to prove he wasn't just a "funny animals" guy.




I agree with the poster who said NO renumbering ASM now or ever.

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: Joss Whedon or Dan Slott
Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Amazing should be the showcase Spider-Man book, with the most "heart" to it. Most continuity heavy of the titles, with that unique mix of humor, action, drama that Spider-Man embodies.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man:
Writer: PAD
Penciller: Ron Garney
Accent the action and humor, easing off a little on the drama. This book should be a great jumping-on book for new 616 readers. Stories happen within continuity, but revolve around smaller contained stories (3 issues tops). Heavy supporting cast here, Peter's life as Spider-Man.

Web of Spider-Man
Writer/Artist: Revolving All-Stars

I think the point of this book should not be sales, but prestige. Showcasing whatever the teams want to showcase. His entire past is open terriory (I'd lay off future stuff though). I still think this would be IN canon, so not violate anything established. Writers could explore different POV from past events or do in-between stories, or do current stuff. Get Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Mark Waid, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Alex Maleeve, Steve Dillon, Marc Texiera, Joe Kubert.
Your Web of Spider-Man artists are a great list, but there are flaws with the writers. Waid is DC exclusive, Garth Ennis hates superheroes, Neil Gaiman's taking a big break from Marvel, and Alan Moore has vowed not to work with the company.

I think Amazing Spider-Man should be less continuiity-heavy, as it seems like the most high profile book, and should be pretty accessible.

I haven't been that impressed by Peter David's recent Spider-Man work, and the majority of Garney's Amazing Spider-Man. They strike me as too inconsistent for the titles, which I want a ridiculously high standard for. On the other hand, since you're the second guy to recommend that team of FNSM, they obviously have their fans.

[Cody H]

I think you may have too many Spider-Man books, especially given the lack of A-list creators on the titles, which would probably lead to additional Spider-Man books/ mini series by those creators.In all honesty, I came up with Spectacular and Web Of and then realized I didn't want to drop Friendly Neighborhood. And if I could somehow get these creative teams on Spider-Man titles, I probably wouldn't think it'd be too many Spidey comics.
One thing to note: Dan Slott does not want to be pegged as a quirky humor guy, which is why he's happy to do a very dark Civil War tie-in. He's said in interviews that he'd begin a Spider-Man run with something vicious, for instance- the brutal murder of Debra Whitman. He's the guy who wrote a mini series in which the Joker prison-raped a guy just to prove he wasn't just a "funny animals" guy.Well then he'd have no place on my Spider-Man title godammit!!! No, just kidding. I'd trust Slott to take a Spider-Man title any direction he'd see fit. From what I've heard about She-Hulk, he's diversely talented enough to pull many different styles off.

[Billy Parker]

Gee guys, isn't Ultimate Spider-Man the relaunch?

[saintsaucey]

Any one know what book Jeph Loeb is going to be writing. is it going to be an incontinuety ongoing or something completely out there. Jeph did an ijnterview with Wizard where he talked about a (as of yet) un named spidey comic. The art looked fab.

[Dark Soul # 7]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.I'm with you to this point but I'd prefere these creators on the books. Oh and I think he should be a teacher.

Amazing Spider-man
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Mark Bagley or John Romita Jr.
This is as always the main book with the classic Spidey tales that has most of the major events and that beutiful mix of drama, action and humor that got us all into Spider-man.

Spectacular Spider-man
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Tom Grummet
This book contains more lighthearted and humerous stories that Slott is known. High on the superhero adventure scale but lower on the real drama scale. With a touch of seriousness of course.

Web of Spider-man
Writer & Artist: Rotating
One-shots with all kinds of adventures and misadventures in this one. I can be about the stuff Peter does between the big storylines or it could be about a day in the life of Shocker or it could be about some guy interviewing various normal people on the street about Spider-man. Spidey can be in the foreground or the background or act as a gueststar, it doesn't really matter as long as he's at least mentioned in the story. It can be a sad story, a humorous story, an actionpacked story, a dramatic story etc. The sky and Spider-man's participation in the story is the limit.

[Deadpooligan]

The questions...
1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? Should all the books begin with New #1s? Should some? Should none?
2. What status quo would you like to see in the books (Should Spider-Man's identity be a secret? Should he married? Should he and MJ have a kid?)
3. What creators would you like to see on the books?
4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have? (ie- If you want Amazing Spider-Man & Web of Spider-Man as the new Spider-Man books, how should the books be different?)

1. Keep 'em going with the same digits. The only real top sellers are Amazing and Friendly Neighborhood right now. If Marvel was going to cut back, it'd definitely be Spectacular. Lose Spectacular, launch Web of Spidey from #1.

2. Have Amazing focus the Avengers, FN focus on his life and how being Spider-Man influences it, and Web have the ever classic fighting and witty banter.

3. I think everyone's had good suggestions so far, but Amazing really needs change. Kirkman is a good choice. David on F. Neighborhood is perfect, Spectacular is merely an extra title that will probably be dropped.

4. Web of Spider-Man with Dan Slott. 'nuff said. (also, see #2)

[Xanrn]

In your opinion Amazing needs change.

I on the other hand like all 3 books the way they are.

Amazing should continue to focus on Spiderman working with the Avengers(not always as a Team, just teaming up with 1 or 2 teammates at a time).

Sensational should be the darker of the 3, street level stuff, with team ups with Daredevil and Moon Knight etc.

Freindly should be the comic comic...

None should revert to Number 1. I hate that crap.

Especially as Friendly is only 12 and Sensational 30.

Also I love mystic mumbo jumbo.

[Red Lotus]

The one thing I hope doesn't happen is that use a 1 to try to start over with a younger Spider-man. With the way Joe keeps talking about young new readers seeing Spider-man as old, I just hope he doesn't get the idea in his head that hey we made Iron Man a teen once lets do the same with Spider-man.

[Alan2099]

The one thing I hope doesn't happen is that use a 1 to try to start over with a younger Spider-man. With the way Joe keeps talking about young new readers seeing Spider-man as old, I just hope he doesn't get the idea in his head that hey we made Iron Man a teen once lets do the same with Spider-man.
The big difference there is Spider-man spent a good run of his comics as a teen.

[becominAfanAgain]

I Like CODY H Idea, but I would only launch Three core book.

Amazing Spider-Man:

Web Of Spider-man:

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man:

These would be my main titles.


Gee guys, isn't Ultimate Spider-Man the relaunch?
That what I though!! It was created to give the younger readers a hipper younger Spider-man while we keep our original guy. And I don't really dislike the mystic stuff it just needs to be full in (completed).

[Nick MB]

I think more than two Spidey titles is when the line becomes unwieldy and confusing. Amazing Spidey and one backup title is more or less all we really need, especially if the character will have a regular gig in New Avengers.

Creators: I think if we're gonna have a relaunch, let's have new blood somewhere. Bringing back our favourite creators from the past is boring. Personally, I'd have two titles, I'd let PAD stay on one because he's just getting started and FNSM looks like it'll be good, and I'd have someone new on the other. Dan Slott would be a good choice, but if PAD is doing the wacky supervillain scifi stuff in FNSM, this would definitely be the place for Slott to bring back the kind of story-telling he was working in Arkham Asylum, more adult and intense.

[Mister Mets]

Gee guys, isn't Ultimate Spider-Man the relaunch?
The release/ success of the Ultimates did not prevent Marvel from releasing New Avengers.


In all honesty, I came up with Spectacular and Web Of and then realized I didn't want to drop Friendly Neighborhood. And if I could somehow get these creative teams on Spider-Man titles, I probably wouldn't think it'd be too many Spidey comics.Well then he'd have no place on my Spider-Man title godammit!!! No, just kidding. I'd trust Slott to take a Spider-Man title any direction he'd see fit. From what I've heard about She-Hulk, he's diversely talented enough to pull many different styles off.
Slott's diversely talented, but he may not want the book to always have one direction. I doubt you'lll be tremendously disappointed if we have a shocking murder mystery for one story, a tearjerker the next, a laugh riot next, and an epic action tale after that, with all 4 stories being consistently enjoyable (albeit in different ways.)



I'm with you to this point but I'd prefere these creators on the books. Oh and I think he should be a teacher.

Amazing Spider-man
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Mark Bagley or John Romita Jr.
This is as always the main book with the classic Spidey tales that has most of the major events and that beutiful mix of drama, action and humor that got us all into Spider-man.

Spectacular Spider-man
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Tom Grummet
This book contains more lighthearted and humerous stories that Slott is known. High on the superhero adventure scale but lower on the real drama scale. With a touch of seriousness of course.

Web of Spider-man
Writer & Artist: Rotating
One-shots with all kinds of adventures and misadventures in this one. I can be about the stuff Peter does between the big storylines or it could be about a day in the life of Shocker or it could be about some guy interviewing various normal people on the street about Spider-man. Spidey can be in the foreground or the background or act as a gueststar, it doesn't really matter as long as he's at least mentioned in the story. It can be a sad story, a humorous story, an actionpacked story, a dramatic story etc. The sky and Spider-man's participation in the story is the limit.
Kirkman usually tops the "Who do you want to work on Spider-Man?" polls, so I understand that he's popular. However Marvel Team Up was a flop, and it was exactly the type of book Kirkman wanted it to be. He's currently an uneven writer, and I'd want to wait a few years until he gets more consistently better, so his Spider-Man would be his best stuff.

Anthology books just don't sell as well as books with solid creative teams regardless of quality (see Webspinners/ Tangled Web) so I'd recommend that Web of Spider-Man have a consistent creative team. There could be a lot of fill-in work (even up to 4 out of 12 issues an year- assuming it's as good as the other titles) but the title needs some consistency to be successful.

[Venom]

How could you want over 530 issues of Amazing Spider-Man history relaunched at number 1? Sorry no! Amazing Spider-Man's history and numbering should never be tampered with. Marvel learnt that the hard way 7 years ago.
What makes it any different if it relaunches just because of Civil War and the alleged break up or death of Mary Jane? Jack all! You should all be proud of the amount of issues Amazing Spider-Man has, I certainly am. Look at Batman and Superman. they're both in the 600's and they've never had the need to relaunch.

The way to keep a title fresh is to have a new writer and artist every few years, not renumbering a title just for the sake of it. Do we really want to start all the way at the bottom number again? I sure don't.

I want J. Michael Straczynski to write exactly 100 issues which he is quite close to achieving then leave and make way for a new writer and artist to succeed him and Ron Garney. Preferably Mark Millar and Mark Bagley.

[I Have A Blue Guitar]

Three guys I would like to see on a core Spiderman title:

J.M. DeMatteis

Mark Bagley

Dan Slott

If Mark Bagley ever came back to Amazing Spiderman, that would bring a tear to my eye. No one draws a better Spiderman than him. No one.

[Mister Mets]

1. Keep 'em going with the same digits. The only real top sellers are Amazing and Friendly Neighborhood right now. If Marvel was going to cut back, it'd definitely be Spectacular. Lose Spectacular, launch Web of Spidey from #1.

2. Have Amazing focus the Avengers, FN focus on his life and how being Spider-Man influences it, and Web have the ever classic fighting and witty banter.

3. I think everyone's had good suggestions so far, but Amazing really needs change. Kirkman is a good choice. David on F. Neighborhood is perfect, Spectacular is merely an extra title that will probably be dropped.

4. Web of Spider-Man with Dan Slott. 'nuff said. (also, see #2)
Spectacular Spider-Man is currently not a Spider-Man title. I think you're referring to Sensational Spider-Man (which indicates that the book does not have enough "buzz" or a solid identity of its own.) As of August 2006 Sensational Spider-Man is actually outselling Friendly Neighborhood, and both aren't in the Top 40. http://www.cbgxtra.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1737

Amazing Spider-Man remains a top-seller (thanks in a large part to the Civil War tie-in.)


The one thing I hope doesn't happen is that use a 1 to try to start over with a younger Spider-man. With the way Joe keeps talking about young new readers seeing Spider-man as old, I just hope he doesn't get the idea in his head that hey we made Iron Man a teen once lets do the same with Spider-man.

I'm not advocating a teen Spider-Man (that's what we have Ultimate Spider-Man for.) I am advocating a single Spider-Man in his mid to late twenties, which seems to be the character in the movie ads (and that's not what we have Ultimate Spider-Man for.)


I think more than two Spidey titles is when the line becomes unwieldy and confusing. Amazing Spidey and one backup title is more or less all we really need, especially if the character will have a regular gig in New Avengers.

Creators: I think if we're gonna have a relaunch, let's have new blood somewhere. Bringing back our favourite creators from the past is boring. Personally, I'd have two titles, I'd let PAD stay on one because he's just getting started and FNSM looks like it'll be good, and I'd have someone new on the other. Dan Slott would be a good choice, but if PAD is doing the wacky supervillain scifi stuff in FNSM, this would definitely be the place for Slott to bring back the kind of story-telling he was working in Arkham Asylum, more adult and intense.
PAD's had 12 issues on FNSM to get good, so I don't think it's too early to boot him off the book.

[Mister Mets]

In your opinion Amazing needs change.

I on the other hand like all 3 books the way they are.

Amazing should continue to focus on Spiderman working with the Avengers(not always as a Team, just teaming up with 1 or 2 teammates at a time).

Sensational should be the darker of the 3, street level stuff, with team ups with Daredevil and Moon Knight etc.

Freindly should be the comic comic...

None should revert to Number 1. I hate that crap.

Especially as Friendly is only 12 and Sensational 30.

Also I love mystic mumbo jumbo.

I like the mystic mumbo jumbo too, although I would like that storyline to reach some type of a conclusion. JMS is a weird writer. I don't think he's ever topped his first nine issues on the title, and I started losing interest in the title around 500 (declining sales indicated that readers agreed with me.) On the other hand, the man knows how to maintain buzz on the title (Sins Past, the new Avengers tie-in, The Other crossover, the Civil War tie-in) and his Civil War issues are amongst his best on the title since Romita Jr. Keeping him on the title would ensure decent stories/ sales/ buzz, but I think there are better writers out there. He does have a lot of other work coming from Marvel (Thor, Squadron Supreme, Silver Surfer) so i wouldn't feel bad booting him from Spider-Man, making sure to give him 12 issues to go out on a high note, and tie up all loose ends.

I think the Spider-Man books are currently good (Amazing Spider-Man included) but I am disappointed that despite Spider-Man being the best character in comics, the Batman, Superman, and X-Men franchises seem more exciting. I think Marvel should step up the effort and have the Spider-Man titles top those, and be the best they can, rather than just "good." When new readers have easy access to Lee/ Ditko, Lee/ Romita, the death of Gwen Stacy, Roger Stern's Amazing Spider-Man, Kraven's Last Hunt, Mcfarlane's Venom stories, and Millar's run, yYou need stories that are reguarly (or regularly surpass) the best of Spider-Man.

Reverting to Number 1 does have some advantages (I've yet to hear of anyone who dropped a title because it reverted to number 1 again.)

[Nick MB]

PAD's had 12 issues on FNSM to get good, so I don't think it's too early to boot him off the book.

To be fair, after the Other trainwreck, I think he's been pretty good. The only serious misfire he's had was the Hobgoblin 2211 3-parter and even that, I'm very curious to see what he's got planned for the alternate Uncle Ben...

I'm loving the Mysterio arc so much, and his next arc idea sounds so much fun, that I'm willing to give him time.

[alextron]

First things first: JMS must be kicked to the proverbial curb, along with his mystical mumbo jumbo bullshit.

After that, I'd be happy with Peter David writing two core Spidey titles...

Spidey

I think JMS should of gone all the way and had Spidey wear a cape and take over as sorcer supreme. If your going to go bad like 'sins past' go all the way.

[Deadpooligan]

Spectacular Spider-Man is currently not a Spider-Man title. I think you're referring to Sensational Spider-Man (which indicates that the book does not have enough "buzz" or a solid identity of its own.) As of August 2006 Sensational Spider-Man is actually outselling Friendly Neighborhood, and both aren't in the Top 40. http://www.cbgxtra.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1737

Right, thanks for that Cyberman, my mistake.

*ahem* I figured more people would have enjoyed FN Spidey over Sensational due to it's "classic" writing. Amazing delves into too much melodrama and Sensational is just... well, I'm not even sure it's canonical anymore to tell you the truth. Didn't they just have Venom on the cover of an issue a few months ago?

[alextron]

I was wondering when this conversation would come up.

[Sean Whitmore]

Sensational is just... well, I'm not even sure it's canonical anymore to tell you the truth. Didn't they just have Venom on the cover of an issue a few months ago?


What about Sensational would suggest to you that it's not canon?

And I don't recall Venom showing up on any SSM cover. Could you be thinking of the cover for Beyond, perhaps?


SEAN

[Golon9977]

Since Sensation is being brought up, what was the point of changing its title? How how did they manage to slip it through Marvel without slapping a #1 on it?

[Chris S.]

What about Sensational would suggest to you that it's not canon?
Yea, I have heard people say the same thing about the title when it was MK. I don't really get where people got this idea.

Since Sensation is being brought up, what was the point of changing its title? How how did they manage to slip it through Marvel without slapping a #1 on it?
I agree about the first issue thing. It surprised me that they just started it at 23. I am glad though.

[Sean Whitmore]

Since Sensation is being brought up, what was the point of changing its title? How how did they manage to slip it through Marvel without slapping a #1 on it?


I figure it was just a matter of protecting the Sensational trademark, since the "Marvel Knights" line has become largely irrelevant anyway.


SEAN

[RDWoody21]

I'd like it if they just dropped it down to two Spider-Man titles and kept him in the Avengers. Three stories a month is enough for our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man...I mean, we don't want him to be Wolverine do we.

[aepuk]

I wouldn't want Amazing to revert to Number 1. I think pulling all the spider titles for three months and announcing a re-launch before hand would build the required anticipation. Spidey would still be in avengers and maybe put him in a couple of climbing titles like Cap to push these on and fill the void.

I have said before that Sensational is one of my favourite names for a title and i do kinda like Friendly Neighbourhood as a name. But for me I'd want Sensational and Peter Parker: Spider-Man as the titles. Peter parker should have more of a focus on the supporting cast and and peters life with spidey as a background (A bit gotham central/batman esq)

I really like Ed Brubaker for Peter Parker and Brian Michael Bendis on Amazing as writers and give a young buck a chance with sensational.

Jim Cheung on Amazing Michael Lark on Peter Parker and Sean Phillips on sensational ( love that marvel zombies hard cover)

I've said before all we need is a creative team of writers that push the character and don't let our boy stagnate. Peter needs to be stretched more so than spiderman does. A good six issue run of solid writing that doesn't give us any supernatural stuff but moves the character forward will revitalise the books

[Mister Mets]

*ahem* I figured more people would have enjoyed FN Spidey over Sensational due to it's "classic" writing. Amazing delves into too much melodrama and Sensational is just... well, I'm not even sure it's canonical anymore to tell you the truth. Didn't they just have Venom on the cover of an issue a few months ago?

There's an important lesson here, for anyone wanting a book's cancellation. Those books may have more fans than the books you like. Yet another difficulty for the actual editors.



To be fair, after the Other trainwreck, I think he's been pretty good. The only serious misfire he's had was the Hobgoblin 2211 3-parter and even that, I'm very curious to see what he's got planned for the alternate Uncle Ben...

I'm loving the Mysterio arc so much, and his next arc idea sounds so much fun, that I'm willing to give him time.
The weird thing is that I enjoyed his Other issues (especially the first 3 parts) more than I did the stories he did on his own (especially the Mexican wrestler two-parter.)


Since Sensation is being brought up, what was the point of changing its title? How how did they manage to slip it through Marvel without slapping a #1 on it?
Several factors.
Quesada decided the Marvel Knights franchise should be used more sparingly.
A new #1 might distract people from the follow-up to "The Other" and the Civil War prologues.
The creative team might not have been considered big enough to launch a new #1 (Jenkins/ Ramos, Millar/ Dodson, and David/ Wieringo were considered big enough.)

[scottv]

I don't think that I would really mind either way... if there were a relaunch or not. I think that as long as it is good writing then I will be fine with the series!

[Venom]

I really like Ed Brubaker for Peter Parker and Brian Michael Bendis on Amazing as writers and give a young buck a chance with sensational.

In a "Wizard" magazine interview a while back, Brian Michael Bendis said that he's been offered to succeed J.Michael Straczynski as writer on "The Amazing Spider-Man" quite a few times. He always turned them down because he thinks that he'd always be criticised and have his work compared to "Ultimate Spider-Man" saying that his Amazing run won't be good enough. He also said that he'd feel restricted on a 616 Spider-Man title because with "Ultimate Spider-Man" he has all the freedom he can have with writing stories.

[Chris S.]

He also said that he'd feel restricted on a 616 Spider-Man title because with "Ultimate Spider-Man" he has all the freedom he can have with writing stories.
I think that is just a cop-out. Yes there is a ton of back-story to work with, but he is a comic writer. As a chosen profession this has to be expected. A good writer should be able to work around it. Oh well I would prefer to not see him on ASM anyway.

[Sean Whitmore]

He always turned them down because he thinks that he'd always be criticised and have his work compared to "Ultimate Spider-Man" saying that his Amazing run won't be good enough.


Can't fault the man for being 100% right.

How many times after New Avengers came out did people whine about Bendis writing Ultimate Spider-Man in the book?


SEAN

[Deadpooligan]

What about Sensational would suggest to you that it's not canon?

And I don't recall Venom showing up on any SSM cover. Could you be thinking of the cover for Beyond, perhaps?

SEAN

No, no, it was not Beyond. I think the cover I'm thinking of is before Spider-Man had the Iron Spidey suit. It's inside this big drooling, gaping mouth with teeth and a long tongue. It looks just like Venom.

As for it not being canon? I thought the whole Marvel Knights imprint, of which Sensational was renamed, wasn't canonical. I sort of get the feeling now I'm horribly mistaken.

[Cody H]

No, no, it was not Beyond. I think the cover I'm thinking of is before Spider-Man had the Iron Spidey suit. It's inside this big drooling, gaping mouth with teeth and a long tongue. It looks just like VenomJust to clarify once and for all, is this the cover?

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/cghouse/Beyond.jpg

[Deadpooligan]

Just to clarify once and for all, is this the cover?

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/cghouse/Beyond.jpg

NO.

T'was this one:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0604/12/sensational25cth.jpg

[Sean Whitmore]

T'was this one:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0604/12/sensational25cth.jpg


Ahhh, gotcha. Them choppers actually belong to the Lizard.


SEAN

[Deadpooligan]

Ahhh, gotcha. Them choppers actually belong to the Lizard.


SEAN

Oh. I guess that explains the lack of green drool... heh heh.

*smacks forehead*Argh! So stupid! How could I not have notticed it before??

Wasn't the Lizard a serious case of villain limbo prior to this?

[Sean Whitmore]

Wasn't the Lizard a serious case of villain limbo prior to this?


The last time I remember him before that was in a Paul Jenkins Spectacular issue. I don't remember much about the story except for the fact that I disliked it immensely, as I did most of Jenkins' 'Spec tales.


SEAN

[Mister Mets]

In a "Wizard" magazine interview a while back, Brian Michael Bendis said that he's been offered to succeed J.Michael Straczynski as writer on "The Amazing Spider-Man" quite a few times. He always turned them down because he thinks that he'd always be criticised and have his work compared to "Ultimate Spider-Man" saying that his Amazing run won't be good enough. He also said that he'd feel restricted on a 616 Spider-Man title because with "Ultimate Spider-Man" he has all the freedom he can have with writing stories.
I find this a little suspicious, as I don't see how JMS would be cool with Marvel mentioning on Wizard that he's their #2 guy on Amazing Spider-Man (which he would be if Bendis was offered the job a few times.)


I think that is just a cop-out. Yes there is a ton of back-story to work with, but he is a comic writer. As a chosen profession this has to be expected. A good writer should be able to work around it. Oh well I would prefer to not see him on ASM anyway.
Why should Bendis be blamed for deciding he's not the right guy for a book? It's far better than him taking a high-profile book (which would make him more money than say- Alias) that he knows he's not the best guy for. I don't see anything wrong with a comic writer preferring books that aren't continuity heavy, just as I don't see how there's anything wrong with a comic writer preferring books that are continuity heavy.
Granted JMS's Amazing Spider-Man has relied on previous continuity far less than Bendis's Marvel 616 books (Daredevil, New Avengers.)


The last time I remember him before that was in a Paul Jenkins Spectacular issue. I don't remember much about the story except for the fact that I disliked it immensely, as I did most of Jenkins' 'Spec tales.

SEAN
I'm a huge Lizard fan, and consider Paul Jenkins one of my favorite Spider-Man writers, but I really hated his Lizard story (unlike most of his Spec tales.) A detailed summary can be found here.
http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/reviews/spiderman_spectacular_v2/013.html

He's not in a villain limbo anymore with a cameo in Millar's Marvel Knights, his role in the Sensational storyline, and the upcoming X-Men: First Class #2 appearance. It is kinda sad that other Spider-Man villains (Venom, Kraven, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus) have had better stories than the Lizard's best, although I hope that changes with future writers.

[Cardiac]

I would sincerely hope Spiderman doesn't undergo another relaunch. Spiderman's identity should always be public knowledge now. I know that won't happen,but they need to at least play with the idea for the next two or three years. Marvel already stopped the Heroes Reborn relaunch, so I doubt another one would be met with much enthusiasm, especially if other titles didn't relaunch alongside Spiderman.

[Mister Mets]

I would sincerely hope Spiderman doesn't undergo another relaunch. Spiderman's identity should always be public knowledge now. I know that won't happen,but they need to at least play with the idea for the next two or three years. Marvel already stopped the Heroes Reborn relaunch, so I doubt another one would be met with much enthusiasm, especially if other titles didn't relaunch alongside Spiderman.

"Unmasked" has potential for years of great Spider-Man stories, but there will eventually come a time when that potential is exhausted, and I'm pretty sure Marvel is aware of that.

The relaunch I propose wouldn't be something like Heroes Reborn, which essentially replaced major franchises with retellings of earlier stories for an year, effectively wiping away all previous creative contributions. Another big mistake it has was placing too much focus on the artists, as opposed to the writers.

I think the ideal relaunch would be more like the Heroes Return relaunches which followed Heroes Reborn. They were different (more back-to-basics) from the books which preceded Heroes Reborn (no more Teen Iron Man, an A-list Avengers), and featured great writers (Busiek, Waid, Lobdell, Jurgens) and artists (Davis, Perez, Kubert, Romita Jr, Chen.)

[Lorendiac]

The questions...
1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? Should all the books begin with New #1s? Should some? Should none?

The ones that will continue to slavishly respect the old continuity should keep the old numbering. The ones that will break free of the chains of the old continuity should start with new #1s, since they really are "starting over" instead of just giving us more of "the same old, same old, with a new paint job."


2. What status quo would you like to see in the books (Should Spider-Man's identity be a secret? Should he married? Should he and MJ have a kid?)

Status Quo? I would like to see the beautiful absence of any single, universal, set-in-stone-and-writers-are-bound-to-slavishly-obey-it Status Quo. As I have said in other threads, I would like to see a writer have the choice A) to continue an old title with its established continuity, or B) to launch a new title with whatever internal continuity he sees fit to create for it!

To answer the other questions you asked there:

Yes, in all of the books his identity should be a secret.

Yes, in at least 4 monthly titles (regular series or miniseries), at any given time, he should be married.

And No, in at least 4 other monthly titles (regular series or miniseres), at any given time, he should be a bachelor.

No, in books where he is not married, he would have no business having a kid.

But in books where he is married, I think his having a kid would be unwise but I could learn to tolerate it in one or two books ("Amazing Spider-Man," for instance) as long as other writers of Married Spidey titles had the freedom to have him childless in their own little continuities!


3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Aside from me, you mean? Let's face it, if you ask any fan who's an aspiring writer, "Who should write a book about your favorite character for the next couple of years?" then in his heart, his first answer is "Me!" Likewise if he's an aspiring artist and you ask him who should draw that book for the next couple of years! :)

Let's assume that you don't want me to nominate myself. In that case --

On the Single Spidey titles, I suppose I'd like to see the following writers get runs (in some cases, they've gotten runs before):
Marv Wolfman, Gerard Jones, Roger Stern, Mark Waid, Chris Claremont, and maybe even Steve Englehart if he swears a solemn oath to never even mention his oh-so-precious creation, Mantis! :)

On the Married Spidey titles, I'll take my chances on:
James Robinson, D.G. Chichester, Doug Moench (giving him a chance to rehabilitate himself in my eyes, if he wants it), John Francis Moore (whatever happened to him, anyway?), and Peter David is welcome to stick around if he wants to!

As to artists: I don't know. Surprise me! Take someone who's never drawn a Spidey story before and show me how good he is when he tries his hand at it! :)


4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have? (ie- If you want Amazing Spider-Man & Web of Spider-Man as the new Spider-Man books, how should the books be different?)

My basic attitude is: Each book should be as different as its own writer wants it to be. Let them surprise me! If Mark Waid wants his Spidey to be a college student dating Gwen Stacy (who never died), go for it! If James Robinson wants his Spider-Man to be brooding over existentialist philosophy or something while he and his faithful wife MJ constantly face financial crisis, go for it!