Who is your favorite current Marvel writer and why?

[Jaykob]

This thread only pertains to writers currently working on Marvel comics.

My personal favorite is Greg Pak. Out of all the stories to come out of Marvel comics in the past few years, I think Planet Hulk was the best. It had all the elements of a great epic adventure. Greg Pak took the Hulk character literally and figuratively to places he had never gone before. I'm always impressed with his ability to pace a story in such a way that the audience (at least me) never gets bored while the story is still allowed to unfold naturally without a sense of rushing.

Runners up would be:

Warren Ellis - gotta love the satirical edge he brings to comics.
Charlie Huston - Moon Knight is awesome.

[CaptainCanada]

Ed Brubaker - mainly for Captain America, which is hands-down the finest comic currently being published. But he also writes Daredevil, Uncanny X-Men, and Iron Fist, all quality titles.

Runner-up: Brian Reed, for Ms. Marvel, one of most purely fun titles out there, and his co-writing of New Avengers: Illuminati.

Pak's Hulk work is quite impressive (and this is coming from someone who's not much of a Hulk fan), but Phoenix: Warsong was unspeakably awful, so I have to hold that against him.

[jsf]

Faves:

Ed Brubaker: the guy just knows how to tell stories. Unbelievably good characterization, with really gripping plots. Honestly, a top notch writer.

Warren Ellis: Nextwave was classic, and T-bolts has been unbelievably good. A really well-rounded storyteller.

Honorable Mentions:

Christos Gage: the things I've read by him (Union Jack and the Civil War tie-in) have been really enjoyable. I think if he were on a high profile book he'd shine.

Jeff Parker: Agents of Atlas was tremendously entertaining. Honestly, put this guy on an X-men title or Avengers book, asap.

Fabien Niceza: classic storytelling sensibilities that really entertain. Underrated given the hype over a lot of writers.

Greg Pak: His brief Warlock series was surprisingly good, while his run on Hulk has been epic in scope. Definitely a cut above.

Peter David: Really like his work, but have seen him get into spats with readers on various message boards. Sorta took the shine off, to tell the truth.

Mike Carey: Someone I'm listing because his run on Hellblazer was about the best that book's ever seen. His work on X-men, though, has felt a bit flat to me. His Werewolf by Night one-shot, however, was great. I see his name on a book, I at least give it a flip-through. That's more than most.

Read 'em 'cos they write books I like:

Bendis: I'm buyin' New and Mighty Avengers because I love the team and always have. But I have to say, sometimes I wish someone else was on them. Bendis' stuff is good, but often feels self-indulgent. Great dialogue, but really decompressed plots (it took three issues to get through ONE fight with ninjas in NA, and the same with Shultron in MA ... ugh ... really really bad). I'm actually on the fence about these books now, 'cos so much else is getting ready to come out that I think I want to check out, and it feels like so little is happening in these two titles. Stupid "writing for trades" approach.

[MAK15]

Bendis at the moment. I just love his avengers titles so much.

[Dagger]

Pak-Planet Hulk, and WWH have been beyond amazing so far, and while Phoenix Warsong was a waste of paper, it still doesn't diminish his work on the Hulk, and Adam Warlock(awesome mini).

Giffen-Annihilation, and the Silver Surfer mini were some of the best books last year, and with him doing Star-Lord for A:Conquest, it is only making me more excited.

A&L-Seriously, Nova is one of the best new books to come out of Marvel in the last couple of years. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us!

Kyle and Yost-New X-Men has quickly become my favorite X-title, and they are the main reason's why. They pack so much action in 32 pages, it's great!

Cebulski-Loners is AWESOME!!! Nuff Said!

Vaughan-Between his stellar run on Runaways, and the Dr. Strange mini, he's just a phenomenal writer!

Reed-He has transformed Ms. Marvel into a must read book for me every month!

PAD-His X-Factor is awesome, and I can't wait to see what he can do with Shulkie!

[Big Red Spider]

Peter David--No question about it

[Omega Alpha]

Ed Brubaker: Cap. America, Daredevil, Criminal and Iron Fist. Nuff' said

Warren Ellis: The satyrical and somewhat anarchic feel he gives to his comics never fails to impress. Loved Nextwave and love his Thunderbolts.

Mike Carey: X-men is the best X-book after Morrison, and he managed to make the most unconventional team in the history of the X-men one of the best. And his work on UFF is amazing too. And Crossing Midnight is good stuff as well.

[Jaykob]

I noticed a lot of people so far have said Brubaker. I would have included him as well for his work on Captain America, but his run on UXM has been so unbelievably bad, I had no choice but to exclude him.

Also Javier Grillo-Marxuach on Super-Skrull was awesome. I wish he wrote more comics.

[Faded]

Currently, its down to my top 3 favorite Marvel books' authors: C.B. Cebulski, Peter David, and Mike Carey.

Loners is currently number one for me, but I've had a lot more exposure to PAD's work so I'm going with him. I think Cebulski's brings the superb character moments, paces perfectly, and some of the best narration I've read in forever; Carey has the best sight for direction, he takes all the right risks, and produces some excellent dialogue; and PAD has the intrigue, humor, and emotional beats that I really love.

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

Peter David, just cuz he is taking over She-hulk!

[Chiasm]

J Michael Straczynski for his work on Supreme Power. When it actually publishes this is my favorite Marvel book. Like his characterization of Spiderman even if his created villians are pretty blah. And since everything else is so good I'll give a pass on Sins Past and The Other.

Garth Ennis for his work on Punisher. Best written Punisher ever.

Ed Brubaker for his stellar work Captain America but not his work on Uncanny X-men which is blech blech blech.

[beetheb]

3-way Tie for #1: Greg Pak, Peter David and Brian Bendis.
Pak- Because he's the best up and coming talent at Marvel
David- Because he's the most consistent talent at Marvel.
Bendis- Because he's the most important writer at Marvel. (at least right now)

Honorable Mentions: Ed Brubaker, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Mark Millar, Mike Carey and Christos Gage.

[reddog]

slott brubaker and abnett because they understand the characters they are writing and have great pacing. They also do not have to resort to shock tactics like killing off character like that jagoff BMB.

[KOSLOX]

Brian Bendis: Basically, got me back into marvel comics with Alias. Plus I've loved Avengers since Dis-Assembled (Blasphemy, I know.)

Ed Brubaker: Has just consistently hits it out of the park. Cap and Iron Fist are excellent, and although The Shiar arc was a little long IMO, it still had some pretty cool ideas and was a nice break from typical X-Men.

[reddog]

oh yeah i know brubaker killed cap but that has resulted in great story telling.

[KOSLOX]

oh yeah i know brubaker killed cap but that has resulted in great story telling.

Definitely, I think the fact that a dead Captain America has this many people interested is a testament to both the writer and the character.

[Wild Card13]

For me, it's a three-way tie:

Ed Brubaker: He's probably the best writer in Marvel's stable right now. The guy writes half of the MU a month, and unlike when Bendis did it he's far more consistent. Strong characterization, intricate and interesting plots, new and innovative ideas...it's all there. He needs to work on his team dynamics a little more, but post-Shiar UXM is looking better. If only he'd just stop being so retcon-happy now...

Warren Ellis: He has a strong mean streak that I like, and he knows how to make dark good rather than dark for dark's sake. Nextwave will live on as one of the funniest and most original books out there, and Thunderbolts has been incredible. I hope Marvel keeps him around.

Mike Carey: This is a man with vision. He knows how to tell a good story and he's doing it with the most unconventional X-team in the franchise's history. He's not afraid of change, either. He's definitely more of a plot writer than character writer, but I'm enjoying X-Men too much to really care.

***HONORABLE MENTION***

Brian K. Vaughan: This is the guy that I think is truly the best writer Marvel has had in recent years. He's only just left them, so he doesn't count, but I had to include him. Were he still doing something for Marvel, he'd have topped my list. Dr. Strange: The Oath was a great read, and Runaways has always been one of my favorite books, and easily Marvel's most original. I hope we see him at Marvel more in the future.

[Arsh]

From best to third best...

Garth Ennis for his work on Punisher. Absolutely brilliant.

Ed Brubaker for his work on Criminal. Damn fine noir.

Matt Fraction for his work on Punisher War Journal. I like his stories... quite good. Some problems here and there, but solid.

I don't really read all that many superhero comics... but of the ones I do, I love those the best.

[Will.S]

1) Brian Bendis: All his Avengers stuff has been great. Even if they're not that great they always maintain an interesting vibe to them.

2) Ed Brubaker: Cap, Daredevil, Iron Fist, Uncanny X-Men, Criminal. Staggeringly good output on each title, the guy is a machine.

3) Matt Fraction: Punisher War Journal and Iron Fist are crazy yet fun titles.

4) Greg Pak: His Hulk has a little of everything and yet he hits the ball out of the park in every possible facet of the character. WWH is coming along swimmingly as well, just don't let him near the X-Men.

5) David Hine: Son of M and Inhumans two for two so far.

[Faded]

***HONORABLE MENTION***

Brian K. Vaughan: This is the guy that I think is truly the best writer Marvel has had in recent years. He's only just left them, so he doesn't count, but I had to include him. Were he still doing something for Marvel, he'd have topped my list. Dr. Strange: The Oath was a great read, and Runaways has always been one of my favorite books, and easily Marvel's most original. I hope we see him at Marvel more in the future.

Totallay. Runaways was flawless.

Except when he killed Gert, it just never recovered for me, sadsadsad. :(

[mac48hoser]

JMS is my favorite comic writer period. I will read anything he writes, the guy just must use a pen that was carved from the bones of my future corpse. I can't explain it but everything he touches that I get my hands on looks like gold to me. Looking forward to the new Thor in July.

[Jaykob]

wow, no Huston fans apparently. Moon Knight is so underrated

[The Shadow]

Ed Brubaker - mainly for Captain America, which is hands-down the finest comic currently being published. But he also writes Daredevil, Uncanny X-Men, and Iron Fist, all quality titles.

Perfectly said.

Bru brought Bucky back in a plausible way that adhered to continuity. I HATED the idea... but DAMN if he didn't write probably one of the best resurrection stories ever! Not to mention the best Cap since Waid in the late 90's.

[Toku King]

Peter Davis. He made Spiderman awesome again!

[1WEBHEAD]

I can't choose between Brubaker or PAD.

Honorable mentions are PAK, Carey, and McDuffie.

[KOSLOX]

wow, no Huston fans apparently. Moon Knight is so underrated


Whoa whoa... I love Huston I've read every one of his novels and Moon Knight, however, I just listed my top 2 if I'd have gone for top 5 then he'd definitely be on the list. My only problem with his marvel stuff is that he hasn't really stretched into anything else aside from Ultimates Annual #2.

[Omega Alpha]

My only problem with his marvel stuff is that he hasn't really stretched into anything else aside from Ultimates Annual #2.

Same here, specially considering that the Ultimates Annual was bad. But Moon Knight is great.

[killerbass]

Ed Brubaker
Brian Michael Bendis
Dan Slott
Jeff Parker
J. Michael Straczynski
Christos Gage
Fabian Niceiza


I am really enjoying nearly everything all of the above guys are writing. I can't believe how great Parker's stuff has become. I hope Gage gets a regular gig at Marvel. I hope JMS kicks ass on Thor. And finally, I hope that Fabian gets more work at Marvel -- his stuff is really underrated.

As for Brubaker, Bendis and Slott -- just keep doing whatever it is that you are doing!

When did I become such a fanboy?!

--Tom

[KOSLOX]

When did I become such a fanboy?!

--Tom


Umm.. I'm going to guess around December 2005.

[cable guy]

Three way tie for me

Fabian Niceiza - May be my favorite of all time, and writing my favorite character right now... Cable.

Mike Carey - What he has done for the X-Men is beyond words.

Ed Brubaker - Probably the best creator in comics, period.

[Greg Anderson]

Peter David: His X-Factor is beyond amazing and reading his other work and his book on writing comics have made me even more passionate as a reader and a writer. I've yet to be let down by any of his writing. Some may not be as fun or entertaining, but still solid writing.

Mike Carey: His Hellblazer was awesome and just pure plain fun, so imagine my excitement when I heard he was going to be writing X-Men. I've noticed though that he's more of an action guy and uses characters through plots in order to establish them, but for some reason, he does it so damn well. Books nowadays hardly have awesome reckless action but Carey's X-Men does and at the same time makes you care for the characters.

David Hine: I don't recall ever not liking his work. As a reader, Hine's works are a must read. And his Silent War and Spawn are just fun solid writing. His District X was awesome and I love his What If? X-Men story. Augh, I just love everything this guy writes and his writing and friendliness and time on message boards just pushes me to write more and more passionately. :o

Dwayne McDuffie: Okay, I hate that I'm not reading his Fantastic Four, I should be punished. But McDuffie NEEDS an honorable mention from me. Everything I've read of his is very simply fun, entertaining, and solid as shiznit. I can't wait fot his JLA and I hope Marvel give him more book, gosh darnit! :mad: Give him Blade!!!! I want to see McDuffie write Blade!!!

[Mister Mets]

Probably Brubaker, because of how much I've enjoyed Captain America, Daredevil and Iron Fist. I haven't read Criminal yet, but have the feeling I'll enjoy the hell out of those books.

I think Millar's up there too, but we're in a dry period right now with him (although I honestly think Ultimates 2 is the best Marvel comic since Daredevil: Born Again.)

[Rahul]

Brian Bendis- The man's work go me into comics.

Marc Guggenheim- Writes antiheroes very well.

Dan Slott- Humour and quirky writing which is good in small doses. His minis were probably the best things he wrote , IMO. Let him get serious(he's doing that), and I'll shift him near Bendis!


Matt Fraction- Writes great humour (and Sensational Spider-Man annual 1) in PWJ.

Ed Brubaker- Like his Iron Fist and DD. Dont read Cap as I dont read his solo adventures(even if he's dead), but its a well written series.

JMS- Writes a great Spidey.

Peter David- See above.

[ThunderKat]

Fraction's Punisher has been alotta fun, his taken frank castle where his never been before. Carey's X-Men is lovely too, a great read, its funny i see him alot at my LCS.

Fraction & Brubaker for making Iron Fist the most fun and smiling by the end of each issue-tastic! Bendis' exciting New Avengers well minus #31...

man i hope, fingers crossed Straczynski does Thor justice like jurgens 1st 25 issues...

[Deadpooligan]

Fabian Nicieza knows how to mix up a book with hilarious and serious undertones (and a natch straight man and funny man comedy duo), but has plenty of experience writing a variety of characters and X-crossovers since '91. I don't think the guy gets enough credit as a veteran writer.

Brian Michael Bendis just for having the cojones to go against the grain and muse himself with fan outcry. His Avengers work is fantastic, and he can almost instantly raise B-List characters to shining levels (Luke Cage, Spider-Woman). Also the fact that he's stayed on Ultimate Spider-Man since its inception is a pretty impressive writing feat.

[rZi]

J Michael Straczynski for his work on ASM during civil war and now back in black, it's really superb.

Greg Pak on all things hulk

[djben10]

Brian Bendis has to be my writer because i love the new avengers, and i love what he has done with them. The plot twists he has thrown in are crazy right now

[Dark Ben]

1. Ed Brubaker
It took him 2 issue of Daredevil to convince to buy it egulary (never done before) same with captain america, as well as for Uncanny X-Men and Iron Fist this man is pure Genious I don't know how he does it (I can't hate him even if he killed Corsair) but I'm a fan

2. Peter David
Always loved him and his X-factor is brilliant I bought the two first HC and I'm buying it monthly I may buy his She-Hulk

3. Dan Slott
I've just began to read seriously the initiative as I did with GLA but he's really good

Honorable mention :
Brian M. Bendis Everyone knows that I don't read seriously his series but I have to admit that he is really good since even if I dislike I found it good

[brundlefly]

In descending order:

Ed Brubaker (Captain America, Daredevil, Criminal, Iron Fist)
Fabian Nicieza (Cable & Deadpool, Pre-Civil War Thunderbolts, Zemo: Born Better)
Warren Ellis (Nextwave, Post-Civil War Thunderbolts)
Mike Carey (X-Men)
Keith Giffen (Annihilation)
Peter David (X-Factor, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man)
Christos Gage (Union Jack)
Jeff Parker (Agents of Atlas)
Greg Pak (World War Hulk)
Garth Ennis (MAX Punisher)
David Hine (Son of M, Silent War)

[Steven F.]

Christos Gage is my favorite current Marvel writer. I just think he is a breath of fresh air on everything he is writing.

I am also big fans of other "newcommers" to Marvel, Brian Reed, Marc Guggenheim, and Matt Fraction.

[Monty_Cristo]

Robert Kirkman because he's giving 100% on a title that not enough people are reading!