McDuffie/Pelletier off Fantastic Four?!

[Beast]

According to "All the Rage", Marvel's turning it's attention towards the First Family of Superheros. Apperantly the plan is to get a big name writer and artist on the title in an attempt to boost the property back up the sales charts. So it's sort of a good news/bad news thing depending on whether your more a fan of McDuffie/Pelletier or of the Fantastic Four. Makes one wonder what writer/artist they might be bringing in.
Fantastic Morsel

Here's something I just heard from a stealthy ninja... Around Fantastic Four #550 we should expect a major creative team change. Big things are coming with the Fantastic Four that very well may launch it to being a top seller (#1 or very close). That's what I know. I'll find out some more for you, not to worry.

This Has A "Tripping The Night Fantastic" factor Of Seven Out Of Ten.
http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/index1.htm

[Cayman]

Millar/Hitch?

[Joe Acro]

This isn't good at all. I rather enjoyed the first issue of the run, with Pelletier's art looking better than it currently does in Exiles! With him losing that gig and McDuffie losing Firestorm, what are they going to do now that they don't have this?

[The Foreigner]

Millar/Hitch?

My thoughts as well. Although I'm unsure if any of Millars clues discredit this theory.

Whatever their next project is, though, I won't be buying it monthly.

[Beast]

Millar/Hitch?
Well, their "new book" is starting in September. And FF #550 would line up with September.

[Cayman]

My thoughts as well. Although I'm unsure if any of Millars clues discredit this theory.

Whatever their next project is, though, I won't be buying it monthly.

I doubt it will be possible to do so anyway. :p

[streator]

i haven't picked up a fantastic four title since mk 4 ended but i would probably pick up a millar/hitch ff book when it comes out.

[Cayman]

If they remove the current team from the book, hopefully they'll put them somewhere else. McDuffie's a really good writer, it'd be a shame if he didn't get more work. DC might need him more than Marvel though.

[DoctorDoom]

I hope he stays, I really do...

[Magneto Rocks]

That could explain why he has crammed his run so much.

My feelings are mixed.

I ADORE McDuffie's ideas and his writing, and he seems a stable writer so I'd like him on for some time.

On the other hand, Mark Millar is quite simply my favourite writer in the business. The downside though, is that he tends to not stay on for more than a dozen or so issues which means there's a good chance of someone horrible coming in his wake.

It would be worth it, please GOD let it be so if we have to lose McDuffie. Fantastic Four need a giant push and Millar views them much more highly than most of Marvel's top tier writers as evidenced by their major part in Civil War and that he actually goes so far as to rate them with the X-Men, Avengers and Spidey in terms of a pillar of the Marvel Universe.

McDuffie/Pelettier off is bad.
But Millar/Hitch on would MORE than offset that. Big plans for the FF Can only be a good thing.

[Den]

McDuffie is a great writer. I hate to see him lose a book.

Millar might get it? Gah. Not looking forward to the return of Nazi scientist Reed. If he gets on board I'll definitely pass.

[Magneto Rocks]

This is a case of blaming Millar for what he did not do. JMS wrote Nazi scientist Reed. Millar wrote "Agonized, trying to do the right thing but way too caught up in his experiments to devote proper attention to his family" Reed. I think he carries the science thing a bit too far, but he is very far from a Nazi scientist in the main Civil War book.

Plus Millar wrote strong characterizations for the other FF both in Civil War and in his Wolverine run.

[Jack]

Sooooo... McDuffie is only going to be on Fantastic Four as long as the black characters?

[Den]

This is a case of blaming Millar for what he did not do. JMS wrote Nazi scientist Reed. Millar wrote "Agonized, trying to do the right thing but way too caught up in his experiments to devote proper attention to his family" Reed. I think he carries the science thing a bit too far, but he is very far from a Nazi scientist in the main Civil War book.

Plus Millar wrote strong characterizations for the other FF both in Civil War and in his Wolverine run.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on that one.

[riotgear]

Didn't McDuffie sign an Exclusivity Agreement with Marvel not too long ago, though? This disappoints me. The writing on FF has been the best since Waid was on it.

[Lanowar]

This is a case of blaming Millar for what he did not do. JMS wrote Nazi scientist Reed. Millar wrote "Agonized, trying to do the right thing but way too caught up in his experiments to devote proper attention to his family" Reed. I think he carries the science thing a bit too far, but he is very far from a Nazi scientist in the main Civil War book.

Plus Millar wrote strong characterizations for the other FF both in Civil War and in his Wolverine run.

Well Reed Richards has never been a lovey dovey smells flowers kinda guy he's very cold and analytical man and JMS was only going with what Millar had done with Reed. JMS was trying to give Reed a reason for the things he did while with Millar it seemed more "The pro reg side needs an evil scientist and that should be Reed Richards." I'm not defending JMS it's more there all as bad as each other for letting that happen.

Oh and by the way there's a unwritten law that says online that the second you call someone a "Nazi" or compare them to Hitler, you've lost an argument. Is'nt it JMS written Sue who uses the Nazi reference first? I forget either in Civil War mini or the FF tie-in the N word pops up.

[StoneGold]

Didn't McDuffie sign an Exclusivity Agreement with Marvel not too long ago, though? This disappoints me. The writing on FF has been the best since Waid was on it.

Which doesn't mean that much. "The best since before the guy who was writing it three issues ago."


Honestly, in the three issue McDuffie has written so far, the book has been fun, but safe. It's enjoyable, but not really compelling. While I am loving the book, if I wasn't already reading FF, I don't know that I would feel the need to. Now honestly, that's usually the best Fantastic Four gets. Keep in mind, the last time FF was "compelling," Doom was wearing his ex-lover's skin. And hell, it took Waid a couple issues to get around to that! But if Marvel thinks they can stunt-cast a hit with a new art team, I can't really blame them.

[Brian M.]

If they remove the current team from the book, hopefully they'll put them somewhere else. McDuffie's a really good writer, it'd be a shame if he didn't get more work. DC might need him more than Marvel though.

Ditto, I liked his first issue.

[Crimson]

This is a case of blaming Millar for what he did not do. JMS wrote Nazi scientist Reed. Millar wrote "Agonized, trying to do the right thing but way too caught up in his experiments to devote proper attention to his family" Reed. I think he carries the science thing a bit too far, but he is very far from a Nazi scientist in the main Civil War book.

Plus Millar wrote strong characterizations for the other FF both in Civil War and in his Wolverine run.

Millar never gave any explanation for Reed's behaviour. JMS and McDuffie did that.

Millar had him ignoring his wife and kids, creating a killer cybord and creating a prison camp.

[The Punished]

I have enjoyed Pelletier's work since he was on Hulk. I think the writing on
Fantastic Four has been great lately. It's actually drawn me back to the FF after quite of few years of no being a loyal monthly reader.

[PastePotPete]

Millar on FF? I liked his Ultimate FF so this works for me.

MacDuffie is in no danger. He's kicking butt for both of the big two right now. I'm ready to see him dig his heels in and really make a mark on a character with a nice long run. He's ready for that. It just won't be on Fantastic Four.

[We R. Venom]

Wow, i was 2 seconds away from Buying FF when I leave work. I'm defiantely not getting it now, thanks Marvel.

[yeoman]

Millar never gave any explanation for Reed's behaviour. JMS and McDuffie did that.

Millar had him ignoring his wife and kids, creating a killer cybord and creating a prison camp.

Kids, spot the differences between Millar's version of Reed Richards and Lex Luthor.

If you said "Absolutely none" you get a gold star.

[StoneGold]

Wow, i was 2 seconds away from Buying FF when I leave work. I'm defiantely not getting it now, thanks Marvel.

That's good, don't buy a book based on a unsubstantiated rumor. For that matter, I'm sure that will get McDuffie plenty of more work, boycotting his books because of his potential replacements.

[StoneGold]

Kids, spot the differences between Millar's version of Reed Richards and Lex Luthor.

If you said "Absolutely none" you get a gold star.

When did Millar last write Luthor? Mid-to-late 90s in Superman Adventures? That's reaching pretty far back in the memory long box.

[Kevinroc]

Didn't McDuffie sign an Exclusivity Agreement with Marvel not too long ago, though? This disappoints me. The writing on FF has been the best since Waid was on it.

No, McDuffie is not under an exclusive.

[Magneto Rocks]

Millar never gave any explanation for Reed's behaviour. JMS and McDuffie did that.

Actually no, Millar created the equation theory which McDuffie then elaborated on and explored deeper.

JMS' "explanation" was that Reed suddenly believed the law was the law and you should always follow the law in BLATANT defiance of all characterization that had ever gone before. Better a tidbit of somewhat rushed explanation than a pathetic wild issue which was CLEARLY aimed at trying to show Reed was totally wrong and had an explanation defying his entire history.

Millar had him ignoring his wife and kids, creating a killer cybord and creating a prison camp.

Actually, as I recall Millar had him guilt-stricken by what the cyborg did, fixing it so it would not kill again and then swearing that it would never be done again, had him getting too distracted to take care of his wife and kids and then being left alone, taking care of them again and thus promising his wife a new beginning and recognizing his mistakes, and built a giant prison fore super villains which no-one seems to disapprove of for super-villains. Indeed, I have no idea where your "prison camp" idea seems to come from considering not even the heroes THEMSELVES have a problem with villains being imprisoned somewhere it may actualy be difficult to get out of.

0 out of three.

Well Reed Richards has never been a lovey dovey smells flowers kinda guy he's very cold and analytical man and JMS was only going with what Millar had done with Reed. JMS was trying to give Reed a reason for the things he did while with Millar it seemed more "The pro reg side needs an evil scientist and that should be Reed Richards." I'm not defending JMS it's more there all as bad as each other for letting that happen.

No, Millar had Reed as "I know my reasons, they're these equations but I'm WAAAAY too buys now to try and explain them, I'm too excited about all this science stuff!" JMS decided the explkanation should be the single most negative one he could think of, and spent half the issue in which he explained Reed's "motives" (which were so magnificent as to be retconned two issues later) trying to prove them wrong.

Millar and McDuffie both presented FAR more sympathetic portrayals of Reed, even if Millar's was a little too cold and analytical for my tastes what he did has been RIDICULOUSLY exageratted by the online fanbase.

[Cayman]

When did Millar last write Luthor? Mid-to-late 90s in Superman Adventures? That's reaching pretty far back in the memory long box.

Maybe Superman Red Son? Granted, Elseworld's Luthor but he was pretty cool.

[The Sentry]

I've enjoyed what McDuffie has done, so far; I'd rather he continued.

Millar/Hitch ?
They'd turn FF into an annual book.

Millar/Davis could work.

But, if it ain't broke why fix it ?

[Black Atom]

I was just reading McDuffie's FF and thinking "Man, this is pretty solid. But this book is missing something." Now I realize what it is.

Rape.

[StoneGold]

Maybe Superman Red Son? Granted, Elseworld's Luthor but he was pretty cool.

True, forgot about him. He was pretty badass though. Except there's a pretty huge gap between RS Luthor and Reed. Yes, both ignored their significant others in the course of superscience. The differences being that A: Reed wasn't doing said superscience to prove his superiority over anyone, and B:Reed fell to pieces and got all weepy and took a blaster to the chest to get Sue back. Luthor and Lois, not so much.

[Cayman]

I was just reading McDuffie's FF and thinking "Man, this is pretty solid. But this book is missing something." Now I realize what it is.

Rape.

There's no reason to believe Meltzer's taking over the title. :p

[Kevinroc]

Honestly, in the three issue McDuffie has written so far, the book has been fun, but safe. It's enjoyable, but not really compelling. While I am loving the book, if I wasn't already reading FF, I don't know that I would feel the need to. Now honestly, that's usually the best Fantastic Four gets. Keep in mind, the last time FF was "compelling," Doom was wearing his ex-lover's skin. And hell, it took Waid a couple issues to get around to that! But if Marvel thinks they can stunt-cast a hit with a new art team, I can't really blame them.

I do think it would be a shame if McDuffie's run was only a handful of issues even if he was hired rather suddenly (following JMS' rather hasty departure) and came on board the title with the express knowledge that his run would be limited. I certainly would understand that a Millar/ Hitch run would sell fantastically (pun intended), and I did enjoy Millar's Ultimate Fantastic Four run (which gave us such concepts as the Marvel Zombies).

[Kevinroc]

True, forgot about him. He was pretty badass though. Except there's a pretty huge gap between RS Luthor and Reed. Yes, both ignored their significant others in the course of superscience. The differences being that A: Reed wasn't doing said superscience to prove his superiority over anyone, and B:Reed fell to pieces and got all weepy and took a blaster to the chest to get Sue back. Luthor and Lois, not so much.

If Reed loses a game of chess to Clor, then he would be more like RS Luthor. :p

[CaptainCanada]

I have a hard time seeing the FF fitting any of the clues Millar has given about his project (plus, he's already written UFF, and doesn't he not visit concepts he's done before?).

[StoneGold]

I was just reading McDuffie's FF and thinking "Man, this is pretty solid. But this book is missing something." Now I realize what it is.

Rape.

I'm trying to think... OK, obviously Authority and Wanted were pretty rapetastic, but those were different kinds of books. Has he pulled that chesnut out for any of his mainstream work?


Watch, we're all wrong and it's Stephen King. I mean Robin Furth. Or PAD.

[Black Atom]

There's no reason to believe Meltzer's taking over the title. :p

Maybe they could double-team it.


I'm trying to think... OK, obviously Authority and Wanted were pretty rapetastic, but those were different kinds of books. Has he pulled that chesnut out for any of his mainstream work?

See? He's been saving it all up for Marvel's First Family. Prepare yourself for some HERBIE forced sodomy.

Seriously, though, I like Millar's on certain projects, but his writing is the opposite of everything I tend to expect from the FF. I guess it's too much to hope that Giffen or landed the job.

[StoneGold]

Seriously, though, I like Millar's on certain projects, but his writing is the opposite of everything I tend to expect from the FF. I guess it's too much to hope that Giffen or landed the job.

He did a bang-up job on his solo UFF run, though. Granted, it's a different group dynamic, but he wrote them differently than he has handled the FF when he has guest starred them in stories. And he had Sue make Wolvie go blind by making his optic nerves invisible. That's just cool.

[CyberCoyote]

I'll be bummed if we loose McDuffie, I really like him.

Worse, I despise Millar's take on conventional comics. He's the only thing that could make me quit collecting the FF. Sure hope it's 99.9999% speculation.

[Cayman]

I suppose it could be Loeb. There really aren't that many "big name" writers these days.

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

This sucks.

McDuffie is the type of writer that should be pushed by the company, he should be a superstar already.

He is a solid writer, keeps his deadlines, compelling plots...

[Magneto Rocks]

Of course, "Millar" doesn't necessairly mean Millar/Hitch. It HEAVILY implies it, but doesn't necesarilly mean it. Let's not forget some other big name writers out there-

-I can't see Bendis taking over, he's never shown any particular liking for the FF and he has enough to play with
-Perhaps a big name taken from DC?

We can expect an announcement at an upcoming Con anyway. God-dammit, they should get Waid back the second his exclusive's up! (It's this year or next year though, right?)

[1WEBHEAD]

Man, I'd really hate for McDuffie to leave. His runs so far has been great IMO. If the rumors are true about Millar and Hitch taking over, I'd still pick up the title because I love what Millar did for the UFF and Hitch's art is great. Even though Hitch is terrible with finishing his work on time, you can't rush perfection and his attention to detail is admirable.

I'd still perfer for the current team to stay on though, just because McDuffie and gang are just warming up to what seems like an awesome story.

[Magneto_X]

McDuffie's a really good writer, it'd be a shame if he didn't get more work. DC might need him more than Marvel though.

They should give Black Panther. He's shown he actually *knows* how to write T'Challa.

[Magneto_X]

McDuffie's a really good writer, it'd be a shame if he didn't get more work. DC might need him more than Marvel though.

They should give him Black Panther. He's shown he actually *knows* how to write T'Challa.

[Grimm]

They should give him Black Panther. He's shown he actually *knows* how to write T'Challa.

Got to agree 100% on this.

They shouldn't let McDuffie leave the book so early, I am really disappointed by this. Hopefully, he will return in the not so distant future.

Who are they going to get though? Millar would be great, just not with Hitch I don't wanna have a bi-monthly FF FFS! As much as I love Hitch's work, it would kill the book to have such big delays.

Loeb has had a stint on the FF before, he did a pretty good job. I wouldn't be disappointed to see him on the title.

Brian K. Vaughan, is he not writing for Marvel anymore? Would love to see him on the FF!

Dan Slott would be another possibility for me, although I don't think he is enough of a draw to be honest (in the context of big selling writers).

Peter David would be my personal preference. Although again Imaybe not enough of a draw. I hope I'm wrong though :)

As for pencilling, if Pelletier does go there is only one guy I want on the title. Andrea DiVitto, he is a perfect fit for the FF imho.

[drwho]

This is disappointing if it comes turns out to be true. Really, all they need to do is keep mcduffie and get some big named artist on the book. As for Millar I dont want him on the book because I dont like having to wait for 4 months to get an issue. There are tons of better writers.

[Lanowar]

This is disappointing if it comes turns out to be true. Really, all they need to do is keep mcduffie and get some big named artist on the book. As for Millar I dont want him on the book because I dont like having to wait for 4 months to get an issue. There are tons of better writers.

Not Millar's fault for Ultimates or Civil War that would be Hitch's and Mcniven's (but in his defence he fell ill)

[streator]

this is still a rumor, remember.

thinking about other rumors...

remember the thread about captain america fleeing to canada after civil war and millar writing it?

[kitamu re]

this is still a rumor, remember.

thinking about other rumors...

remember the thread about captain america fleeing to canada after civil war and millar writing it?

Mc duff is going to be on FF for awhile..marvel isn't stupid..I would like to see Mc Duff tackle Blade after FF

[Dooby Doo!]

Damn that sucks! Just when I was picking the book back up again.

[Dusty.]

I want John Romita Jr. as the artist!

I recall a comment from Loeb years ago where he said Fantastic Four was his favorite, so he jumped at the chance to work on the series. He only scripted over Pacheco's plots and pencils, though, so maybe he wants a crack at doing full writing.
If this is true, it's disappointing, because McDuffie was writing a strong FF. It was revealed last month that Pelletier was only doing 6 issues and may do more "if the new artist isn't ready".

[Atom_basher]

i know the torch wielding villagers will be after me for this comment, but i wouldnt mind seeing what Joss Whedon could do

[Atom_basher]

i know the torch wielding villagers will be after me for this comment, but i wouldnt mind seeing what Joss Whedon could do

[Crimson]

Actually no, Millar created the equation theory which McDuffie then elaborated on and explored deeper.

JMS' "explanation" was that Reed suddenly believed the law was the law and you should always follow the law in BLATANT defiance of all characterization that had ever gone before. Better a tidbit of somewhat rushed explanation than a pathetic wild issue which was CLEARLY aimed at trying to show Reed was totally wrong and had an explanation defying his entire history.

Where was that? The only explanation I saw was JMS (which I didn't like) and McDuffies (which I did).


Actually, as I recall Millar had him guilt-stricken by what the cyborg did, fixing it so it would not kill again and then swearing that it would never be done again, had him getting too distracted to take care of his wife and kids and then being left alone, taking care of them again and thus promising his wife a new beginning and recognizing his mistakes, and built a giant prison fore super villains which no-one seems to disapprove of for super-villains. Indeed, I have no idea where your "prison camp" idea seems to come from considering not even the heroes THEMSELVES have a problem with villains being imprisoned somewhere it may actualy be difficult to get out of.

0 out of three.


The big climax was the heroes breaking into said prison camp and breaking out all the heroes.

I'm just saying, I don't know where you get Millar's = Good, JMS = Nazi.

The only good side of Reed I saw in Millar's stuff, was a few sad looks on his face. I'd hardly say it was better then JMS, they both screwed up explaining his motives.

[StoneGold]

Where was that? The only explanation I saw was JMS (which I didn't like) and McDuffies (which I did).



McDuffie's was basically the same as Millar's. He just expanded on it, brought in the Asimov references, but it was in reference to what Millar already set up.

[Crimson]

McDuffie's was basically the same as Millar's. He just expanded on it, brought in the Asimov references, but it was in reference to what Millar already set up.

Do you have an issue number? I think I must of missed of that out somehow. :confused:

[Jake V]

Do you have an issue number? I think I must of missed of that out somehow. :confused:

Civil War #2. The conversation between Reed and Sue early in the book. Pages 6 and 7, if you count the recap page.

[Frank]

Millar is my favorite but I would hate seeing come in for just a little while and leave like he does all the time.

I get the feeling that if McDuffie leaves that it was something that was agreed on from the get-go that he wouldn't stay for long. But i'm almost more sad to see Pelletier go. He was kicking ass on the FF and finally he was doing something that was putting him in the spotlight!

Then again they're just rumours.

[Cayman]

i know the torch wielding villagers will be after me for this comment, but i wouldnt mind seeing what Joss Whedon could do

Me either. I enjoyed their brief appearance in Astonishing X-Men. Lots of fun.

[Magneto_X]

i know the torch wielding villagers will be after me for this comment, but i wouldnt mind seeing what Joss Whedon could do

I'd like to see how he's handle the title but he's incredibly busy at the moment writing Buffy (and Angel soon), Runaways and Astonishing X-men.

[Magneto_X]

i know the torch wielding villagers will be after me for this comment, but i wouldnt mind seeing what Joss Whedon could do

I'd like to see him do it.

Only problem is that he's busy writing Runaways, Astonishing X-men and Buffy at the moment. Plus making the movie "Goners".

[StoneGold]

Civil War #2. The conversation between Reed and Sue early in the book. Pages 6 and 7, if you count the recap page.

Thanks, I'm lazy. Wasn't there a bit with Tony and Reed talking it over as well? Where we first saw Reed's giant Wall o' Calculations. In any case, anything Millar did regarding Reed's motives was quick, down and dirty. But he had the big action book with the cast of thousands. I spoke with McDuffie at WWLA, he said he just took the brief explanation from the main CW book and expanded on it, fleshed it out.

[Zero Hunter]

Hitch should never be put on a monthly book again period. He has shown he just can't/won't get it done in time. He should only do minis and then only with plenty of lead time.

[Eallison]

Kids, spot the differences between Millar's version of Reed Richards and Lex Luthor.

If you said "Absolutely none" you get a gold star.

That's not true -- Reed has hair :)

Take it and run.

[Magneto Rocks]

One wierd thing though, didn't Tom B say that like ten years ago he promised to get McDuffie on FF and now at last he had fulfilled that promise? What, did he forget to add "For six whole issues!" ?

And to say Hitch shouldn't be on a monthly is criminal. ou don't take one of the best artists in the industry and isolate him to the fringes, quality should ALWAYS outweigh the time it takes to put it out. Compare the final art of Civil War #7 to the rushed, sloppy fill-in-galore art of Infinite Crisis #7 and it becomes apparant why Marvel's way works better than DC for example. I would wait a year if it was for Pérez, Hitch or McNiven.


And as said before, Reed had the equations in Civil War 2 first. It's fair to say he rushed the explanation, fair to say he made him too distant but to say his Reed is consistent with that of FF 540 is silly. One is very distracted and excited by science, forgetting his family from time to time, the other is basically a mad scientist who believes the law is the law is the law inconsistent with ALL previous beliefs and does not appear to even realise his children, best friend or brother-in-law exist. According to one his motives are based in equations far too complex for any to understand, according to the other his motives are... well, I'm not really sure to be honest. Millar wrote a far more sympathetic Reed than JMS, if less so than McDuffie, that's basically undeniable.

[CyberCoyote]

One wierd thing though, didn't Tom B say that like ten years ago he promised to get McDuffie on FF and now at last he had fulfilled that promise? What, did he forget to add "For six whole issues!" ?

And to say Hitch shouldn't be on a monthly is criminal.




I like Hitch plenty, but the whole concept of a 'monthly' is, well.. monthly.

Save him for special projects that don't have to come out on any predetermined schedule, annuals that he can work on for a year, etc..

[Joe Acro]

I would wait a year if it was for Pérez, Hitch or McNiven.
I doubt you'd have to wait a year for Pérez.;)

[StoneGold]

I doubt you'd have to wait a year for Pérez.;)

These days? With the illness? You probably would.

[Magneto_X]

These days? With the illness? You probably would.

But he's doing fine with Brave & The Bold.

[StoneGold]

But he's doing fine with Brave & The Bold.

The book is only three issues in. And who knows how many they've got in the can. But his illness has affected his speed.

[Atom_basher]

Me either. I enjoyed their brief appearance in Astonishing X-Men. Lots of fun.

same, i would think Whedon and Cassaday would do a GREAT ff, but it would be tri monthly :(

[RazzleDazzle]

No.

Millar writes the worst Susan Richards. I haven’t seen her so passive, so stereotypical, and so foolish since the early 70s. Millar also writes the worst Reed Richards, he might have Reed’s genius down but the character’s true warmth and soft side was non-existent without Reed becoming weepy and melodramatic.

And I’m not talking about Ultimate FF. I liked his Reed in though his Sue was pretty horrid as well. The theme of the Fantastic Four above all is family, and considering all of his best known works, Millar has utterly no concept of family in this medium.

[Magneto_X]

The book is only three issues in. And who knows how many they've got in the can. But his illness has affected his speed.

What illness does he have?

Perez looked fine at Megacon this year.

Edit: I'll add Mike Carey. His X-men and Ult. FF are fantastic!

[StoneGold]

What illness does he have?

Perez looked fine at Megacon this year.

Edit: I'll add Mike Carey. His X-men and Ult. FF are fantastic!

I can't remember, but it's why he only does one con a year now.

[jackolover]

Cause, my preference would be the return of Waid, Ringo, and Mounts. Although someones suggestion of Jr Jr, would be a good artist, but he needs a new inker, to make Ben Grimm look softer. I would have liked Vince Colletta, if he was still in the business. Nevertheless, Ringos layouts for the FF were magestic, and the only one who has come close is Ramos in CW Wolvy #42-48

If we had to have Mark Millar, I would like Mc Niven to do the Four. That edgy flavor Mc Niven gave to CW, really made characters come alive.

[Magneto Rocks]

Millar writes the worst Susan Richards. I haven?t seen her so passive, so stereotypical, and so foolish since the early 70s. .

...Passive? She was the first person to change sides in the civil war! She nearly took down Wolverine single-handedly in "Enemy of the State"! She saved the Secret Avengers from Clor's blast and walked out on her husband! And stereotypical? In what sense, because I have no idea what stereotype you mean. It certainly can't be the "stay at home, cook and clean" woman type, because he writes among the most badass Susan Richards I have seen.

Cause, my preference would be the return of Waid, Ringo, and Mounts.

You and me both.

What illness does he have?

He got tendonitis when drawing JLA/Avengers, specifically the mega-cover, but other than that I wasn't aware of anything...

[Kevinroc]

Now, I know this is a rumor but perhaps we may have gotten ahead of ourselves.

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/117732018217559.htm


More Fantastic Morsels

I would like to dispel the rumour I relayed last week that Fantastic Four will be having a major creative team change come #550. My sources were good, no doubt about that (and I don’t fault them), but very reliable information was sent my way that there will be no change at #550 and the current and very talented line-up of McDuffie and Pelletier will go on past that issue.

This Has A “Stretching For The Truth Factor” Of Nine Out Of Ten.

[Dusty.]

Now, I know this is a rumor but perhaps we may have gotten ahead of ourselves.

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/117732018217559.htm

Pelletier said he was only on for 6 issues, maybe more if the new art team isn't ready.

http://www.comicbloc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=898&Itemid=57

DZ: You'll be working on Fantastic Four with Dwayne McDuffie beginning in March's issue #544. How long are you on that book?

PP: As far as I know, I'll be on FF for six issues.

DZ: Is that subject to change? How far along are you in that six-issue arc?

PP: I guess it depends on whether the next art team is ready to go or not. I'd love to do more than six issues, but we'll have to see what happens. Right now I'm penciling #545.

[Siddon]

I'm pretty sure they are going to move McDuffie to Black Panther, I can't see Hudlin running BET and writing a comic (though I am pretty sure he's had a ghost writer for the past year) for much longer. They may very well have 2 groups of the Four by the end of the year with Hitch on the Fantastic Four and the other team on Duffie's run.

[Pyro]

Actually no, Millar created the equation theory which McDuffie then elaborated on and explored deeper.

JMS' "explanation" was that Reed suddenly believed the law was the law and you should always follow the law in BLATANT defiance of all characterization that had ever gone before. Better a tidbit of somewhat rushed explanation than a pathetic wild issue which was CLEARLY aimed at trying to show Reed was totally wrong and had an explanation defying his entire history.

Actually, as I recall Millar had him guilt-stricken by what the cyborg did, fixing it so it would not kill again and then swearing that it would never be done again, had him getting too distracted to take care of his wife and kids and then being left alone, taking care of them again and thus promising his wife a new beginning and recognizing his mistakes, and built a giant prison fore super villains which no-one seems to disapprove of for super-villains. Indeed, I have no idea where your "prison camp" idea seems to come from considering not even the heroes THEMSELVES have a problem with villains being imprisoned somewhere it may actualy be difficult to get out of.

No, Millar had Reed as "I know my reasons, they're these equations but I'm WAAAAY too buys now to try and explain them, I'm too excited about all this science stuff!" JMS decided the explkanation should be the single most negative one he could think of, and spent half the issue in which he explained Reed's "motives" (which were so magnificent as to be retconned two issues later) trying to prove them wrong.

Millar and McDuffie both presented FAR more sympathetic portrayals of Reed, even if Millar's was a little too cold and analytical for my tastes what he did has been RIDICULOUSLY exageratted by the online fanbase.

...Passive? She was the first person to change sides in the civil war! She nearly took down Wolverine single-handedly in "Enemy of the State"! She saved the Secret Avengers from Clor's blast and walked out on her husband! And stereotypical? In what sense, because I have no idea what stereotype you mean. It certainly can't be the "stay at home, cook and clean" woman type, because he writes among the most badass Susan Richards I have seen.I have to say, you've made some excellent posts, Magneto Rocks! I agree with the things you have said and I admire how intelligently and politely you wrote them. I also like how you look for reasons to enjoy the comics you read rather than reasons to dislike them. :)

As for the possible replacement of McDuffie and Pelletier, that would be a curious move. I feel they deserve some time to establish the book as their own. They seem to have a good thing going on. However, I can't say I wouldn't buy a Millar/Hitch FF. As long as the FF is in good hands I can't complain.

[Ty19]

I'm pretty sure they are going to move McDuffie to Black Panther, I can't see Hudlin running BET and writing a comic (though I am pretty sure he's had a ghost writer for the past year) for much longer. They may very well have 2 groups of the Four by the end of the year with Hitch on the Fantastic Four and the other team on Duffie's run.

That's exactly what I've been thinking for the past week.

I didn't feel that McDuffie was gonna be kicked off of FF so soon. And I really don't think Hudlin is gonna hang on much longer past these Zombie and/or WWHulk issues...not with all these supposed things happening at BET soon. I think Marvel already got a taste of what Hudlin does in big moments after this botched BP#25 issue. Sales were decent but it was an overall consensus between Hudlin critics and hardcore Hudlin fans that even with all of the hype, that issue bombed creatively. Maybe it's cause of his busy schedule, or maybe it's because of lack of writing skills. Who knows what the deal is.

What I do know is that with all of these crossover events and things, I'm STILL not into BP's book after wanting to like it for a while now.

And if the the baton is passed to McDuffie soon, I don't think there will be any drama. They (Hudlin/McDuffie) are cool and working together at BET on projects, so in the end, I think McDuffie writing 2 books works out well for both Marvel and the fans.

If this happens, I predict BP will attract all of the old readers back to the book and the sales will average in the hi_40,000/lo_50,000 range for a good while until both old and new fans get a good feel for him strictly on BP. And I'm sure the writing won't suck at all.

The only thing that McDuffie needs now is a "PIMP" as good as Hudlin. Personally, I think Hudlin in a previous life was some past version of Trump or Bill Gates or Dolemite or somethin'. Cause as far back as I remember in comics, I don't ever remember a Writer/Salesman/Pimp as good as him.

Edit:
And maybe BP can be put back in editor Tom B's stable again.:cool:

[SUPERECWFAN1]

That's exactly what I've been thinking for the past week.

I didn't feel that McDuffie was gonna be kicked off of FF so soon. And I really don't think Hudlin is gonna hang on much longer past these Zombie and/or WWHulk issues...not with all these supposed things happening at BET soon. I think Marvel already got a taste of what Hudlin does in big moments after this botched BP#25 issue. Sales were decent but it was an overall consensus between Hudlin critics and hardcore Hudlin fans that even with all of the hype, that issue bombed creatively. Maybe it's cause of his busy schedule, or maybe it's because of lack of writing skills. Who knows what the deal is.

What I do know is that with all of these crossover events and things, I'm STILL not into BP's book after wanting to like it for a while now.

And if the the baton is passed to McDuffie soon, I don't think there will be any drama. They (Hudlin/McDuffie) are cool and working together at BET on projects, so in the end, I think McDuffie writing 2 books works out well for both Marvel and the fans.

If this happens, I predict BP will attract all of the old readers back to the book and the sales will average in the hi_40,000/lo_50,000 range for a good while until both old and new fans get a good feel for him strictly on BP. And I'm sure the writing won't suck at all.

The only thing that McDuffie needs now is a "PIMP" as good as Hudlin. Personally, I think Hudlin in a previous life was some past version of Trump or Bill Gates or Dolemite or somethin'. Cause as far back as I remember in comics, I don't ever remember a Writer/Salesman/Pimp as good as him.

Edit:
And maybe BP can be put back in editor Tom B's stable again.:cool:

He was a good pimp to his segment of fans. But if you ask a few posters here his attitude pissed them away from his work . He only managed to keep the title around due to big crossovers and all that Marvel mercifally programmed to try and save the book from cancellation. It would have been at 20,000 if it wasn't for Civil War , WW: Hulk or Marvel Zombies...

McDuffie seems to have a great handle and last I saw his last issue moved 71,000 copies of FF. Thats f'n impressive.