Days of the New: Wacker Talks "Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day"

[CBR News]

2008 promises to be an interesting year for "Amazing Spider-Man" fans. CBR News spoke with editor Stephen Wacker about what fans can expect from next year's "Brand New Day" batch of stories.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=12559

[Cayman]

So is Jackpot Rick Springfield? :confused:

[cap5]

While OMD is crap it could titled Spider-mans final adventure since it markes a end of a era and 2008 is a start of sometine new with BND
im pretty amped over this new Direction in the Spider-man saga

[Noronha]

Yes i´m the 1st one:

What a load of Crap

[Cayman]

Yes i´m the 1st one:

What a load of Crap

What exactly did you find to be a load of crap in this article?

[Noronha]

What exactly did you find to be a load of crap in this article?

See my answer in the other thread.

[rwsmith]

http://images.comicbookresources.com/previews/marvelcomics/amazingspiderman/brandnewday/ASM555015_col.jpg

Nice!

[Cayman]

See my answer in the other thread.

Not very convincing, I'm afraid.

[Venom]

Brand New Day can't come any sooner. Looking forward to the other announcements about it this week.

[Noronha]

Not very convincing, I'm afraid.

Not me selling the book so,no need to be

[Gene M.]

Killer writing staff, killer art teams. It sounds like we'll be getting a solid mix of progression within the Spidey mythos and a return to some of the core elements that have defined the character for 40+ years. This has the potential to be the best era of Spider-Man stories since Stan.

[drwho]

Can someone tell me what is so brand new about having another Goblin based character?

[Cayman]

Can someone tell me what is so brand new about having another Goblin based character?

He's a brand new one?

[Gene M.]

Can someone tell me what is so brand new about having another Goblin based character?
Could be any number of things. It's not like we know a whole lot about him/her/it.

[Fatguy]

Killer writing staff, killer art teams. It sounds like we'll be getting a solid mix of progression within the Spidey mythos and a return to some of the core elements that have defined the character for 40+ years. This has the potential to be the best era of Spider-Man stories since Stan.

Word.

To your mutha, even.

[Tobias Drake]

Can someone tell me what is so brand new about having another Goblin based character?

It's not brand new, just following theme; after all, everyone knows that the spider's natural enemy is the goblin. It's a scientifically proven fact.

...what? Why is everyone looking at me like that?

[Schmakt]

I actually thought that Wolvy page posted above looked pretty bad. Wolverine's face mostly. The shot of the ethereal Doc Strange looked sweet, however.

That article really didn't do anything to make me consider picking up these new storylines tho. I thought the art was pretty good, but it definitely didn't blow me away. And it felt rehashed... Ok, some random mugger guy is shotting at Spider-Man through a train window... and Spidey webs up another random thug... and, *shock* Peter's having money problems, and he's a free-lance photog. Hmmm... where have I seen that before... :evilsmile

I was intrigued by the "special surprise." In my musings over what that could be, I figured out what would make me care to pick up Spider-Man again...

That special surprise is that Todd McFarlane will be drawing Spider-Man again. I would pick that up in a heartbeat no matter how stupid the stories had previously been. It would also work if Erik Larsen was back on the title. But, really... McFarlane on Spidey = no questions purchase.

[Gamma Burst]

Everything about BND looks great!

[philly]

Everything about BND looks great!


Everything about BND looks stupid, its the clone saga all over again.

[Fatguy]

Everything about BND looks stupid, its the clone saga all over again.

I'm sorry, what?

I couldnt hear you over the giant violin band standing behind you.

[liliaeth]

Come "Brand New Day," there will also be new people and factors in Spider-Man's life. Unfortunately for the Webslinger, some of these new people are supervillains out to make his life miserable. "We all know we can get some attention by doing the 784th Dr. Octopus story, but it was such a safe, obvious way to go that we just shied away from it," Wacker said. "So at the initial summit, all the writers came up with new villains who carried some sort of personal grudge against Spidey and/or Peter. The launch of this behemoth has given us a unique opportunity to debut some new ideas and get a real spotlight on them, so we're taking the ball and running with it."

Why is it that so many writers see the need to create villains with a personal grudge against Spidey?

By now I really want to see villains who are just bad guys and who have nothing whatsoever to do with Spidey, until he gets involved in stopping them. It's the main problem I had with Morlun, the fact that he had no intention other than going after Spidey. I just feel it's less heroic if Spidey has to fight for his own life, than when he has to fight to save the lives of other people.

[liliaeth]

Everything about BND looks stupid, its the clone saga all over again.

Nah, the clone saga wasn't as bad as this looks to be.

So far the only good thing I can see about BND is that at least the art looks good.

[Harlock]

I'm sorry, what?

I couldnt hear you over the giant violin band standing behind you.

Heh, yeah. Perhaps I smell some cheese on the wind as well.

As for me, I am excited. Some fresh new villains. Some fresh new storylines. Some fresh and talented writers and artists. I'll only be missing MJ.

[PretenderNX01]

I actually thought that Wolvy page posted above looked pretty bad. Wolverine's face mostly. The shot of the ethereal Doc Strange looked sweet, however.

Wolverine looks bloated and a bit too cartoony for my taste, and Venture Bros has ruined Doctor Strange for me. :p

It's not like I've picked up a 616 Spidey book in years and this certainly hasn't gotten me excited. Why not de-age Peter to a teenager as well- then they could call it non-Ultimate Spider-Man.

[Noronha]

You guys realize that McKniven,Bachalo and Larroca are going to do 1 arc?
After that their gone!by the looks of it there is no JrJr in 2008.

This is so JoeQ that it´s funny,promote the new creative teams when they won´t be permanent just passing by

[Cayman]

You guys realize that McKniven,Bachalo and Larroca are going to do 1 arc?
After that their gone!by the looks of it there is no JrJr in 2008.

This is so JoeQ that it´s funny,promote the new creative teams when they won´t be permanent just passing by

So, it's still a strong line-up of artists. Far better than the likes of Angel Medina and Ron Garney that made recent Spider-Man books so unpleasant to read.

[Noronha]

So, it's still a strong line-up of artists. Far better than the likes of Angel Medina and Ron Garney that made recent Spider-Man books so unpleasant to read.

And who are they?Besides Jimenez

[Mister Mets]

Wacker also revealed that in addition to the names already announced, there will be several new faces bringing to life "Amazing Spider-Man" in the New Year. "We've got several surprises planned on the art side of things that we're announcing this week," he said. "And a special surprise artist that we'll announce later."
Dan Slott said that in addition to McNiven and JR Jr, he's working with a third artist (whose arc will be published before JR Jr's arc.) I'm guessing that's the guy who'll be announced this week.

The only concern at the moment is that the other artists have to be as good as the five currently announced for the title, although there are a few I'd love to see on the series (Lee Weeks, Jim Cheung, Frank Cho and Sean Phillips are all nice possibilities.)



Everything about BND looks great!
I'm a little wary about the lack of an unambiguously A-list writer (or a fan-favorite like Stern/ Dematteis), and the riskier strategy of focusing on new villains, giving the small things going against the series (experimental schedule, blowback from OMD, delays from OMD.) But I am really looking forward to this, and hoping it's a massive and unambiguous success.

[Pach!]

I love the idea of BND. I will definitely get Amazing Spider-man .

[Mister Mets]

You guys realize that McKniven,Bachalo and Larroca are going to do 1 arc?
After that their gone!by the looks of it there is no JrJr in 2008.

This is so JoeQ that it´s funny,promote the new creative teams when they won´t be permanent just passing by
Did Larroca say he's only doing one arc? The man can draw about 18 issues in an year, so he can handle dual duties on Amazing Spider-Man and an X-Men title. Where did McNiven say he's only doing one arc?

At the same time, Quesada should be doing all he can to promote three issues by the likes of Bachalo and McNiven. While there are benefits to seeing those types of artists doing regular work on Spider-Man, there are also advantages to having them show up a three issue arc (increases the variety of talent drawing Spider-Man, increases the diversity of their work.)


Can someone tell me what is so brand new about having another Goblin based character?
We don't know yet. It could just be an attempt to replicate the Hobgoblin/ Green Goblin mysteries, which wouldn't be that bad.


Why is it that so many writers see the need to create villains with a personal grudge against Spidey?

By now I really want to see villains who are just bad guys and who have nothing whatsoever to do with Spidey, until he gets involved in stopping them. It's the main problem I had with Morlun, the fact that he had no intention other than going after Spidey. I just feel it's less heroic if Spidey has to fight for his own life, than when he has to fight to save the lives of other people.
You could view it as Spider-Man being heroic for continuing to do what he believes to be right despite the way it leads to all these villains having grudges against him.

[Cayman]

And who are they?Besides Jimenez

The artists you mentioned.

Plus Wacker hinted at Barry Kitson among others in his interviews.

[Noronha]

Did Larroca say he's only doing one arc? The man can draw about 18 issues in an year, so he can handle dual duties on Amazing Spider-Man and an X-Men title. Where did McNiven say he's only doing one arc?

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=139280

Specifically



Omega Flyer writes:
I believe I’ve read that JRjr will be making his long awaited return to the Spidey book penciling for Dan Slott at some point, as much as I love JRjr's Spidey, does this mean Steve McNiven is leaving Amazing after his first arc or will he be moving to another writer or just taking a break?


McNiven was only ever going to be around for the first arc because he had an opening before starting another big project coming out later in ’08. So Steve along with Dexter Vines and Morry Hollowell – the new Fantastic Four of art teams…well, Fantastic Four if it were one of those issues where Ben quit the team, leaving just the other three to hang around waiting for Ben to come back. I mean, come on, you think a big orange rock guy is going to find another job as good as the FF one? Yeah, pull the other one. What the hell was I talking about?

Oh, Steve, Dex and Mo are climbed onboard for the first three issues to help give us a strong launch and establish the look of the new book.

As for Johnny Jr…that’d be great, but I think he’s on Kick-Ass now. Besides as much as JRJr may be one of the finest Spidey artists ever…Romita Senior is my real Holy Grail.

Salva and McNiv are onto their next things, but we’re thrilled they were able to help launch the book and draw a complete story.

[Harlock]

I wonder how hard it was growing up with the last name Wacker? Unless, of course, he was Italian. Bachalo is one of my favorite artists currently and I cannot wait to see his work on Spider-Man.

[Noronha]

The artists you mentioned.

Plus Wacker hinted at Barry Kitson among others in his interviews.

They are guest artits not a part of the permanent creative teams.
Honestly i´m just being annoying because i´m home sick,i couldn´t care less about BND since i´m not buying a single issue.
Nevertheless i believe what i´m saying is true

[liliaeth]

You could view it as Spider-Man being heroic for continuing to do what he believes to be right despite the way it leads to all these villains having grudges against him.


But he already has plenty of villains that have grudges against him. These days it's rarer to find a villain who doesn't have a grudge against Spidey, then to find one that does.

[Cayman]

They are guest artits not a part of the permanent creative teams.

What's a permanent creative team these days anyway? Many books are lucky to keep the same artist for a whole arc.

[Venom]

There's a recent article on Newsarama where Steve Wacker says that McNiven and Larroca are on for one arc while Bachelo and Jimenez are staying on. There's also hints about upcoming teams.

Here's the link.

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=139280

[Noronha]

What's a permanent creative team these days anyway? Many books are lucky to keep the same artist for a whole arc.

Well for starters they usually do more than 3 issues.
And yes most are lucky,but this is marvel´s flagship title not some B list character so why are they always puting the other books withj great creative teams and spidey with the B?

[Harlock]

But he already has plenty of villains that have grudges against him. These days it's rarer to find a villain who doesn't have a grudge against Spidey, then to find one that does.

Maybe so. Still, introducing new villains and updating (be it by killing off old villains or retcons of the deaths [or allegiances] of older, but popular villains) Spider-Man's rogues gallery is important. Heck, that's important for any comic book.

[Harlock]

There's a recent article on Newsarama where Steve Wacker says that McNiven and Larroca are on for one arc while Bachelo and Jimenez are staying on. There's also hints about upcoming teams.

Here's the link.

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=139280

Oh man, that's great news. I've loved Bachalo's X-Artistry.

[Noronha]

Maybe so. Still, introducing new villains and updating (be it by killing off old villains or retcons of the deaths [or allegiances] of older, but popular villains) Spider-Man's rogues gallery is important. Heck, that's important for any comic book.

Completly agree,but is there a need to have another goblin like villain?
Green Goblin/Hobgoblin(they aren´t even dead and the 2 are the best villains spidey has)and even Grey Goblin,and this is suppose to be "The house of ideas".

[Mister Mets]

There's a recent article on Newsarama where Steve Wacker says that McNiven and Larroca are on for one arc while Bachelo and Jimenez are staying on. There's also hints about upcoming teams.

Here's the link.

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=139280
Cool. I was going to link to this.

The hints about the Amazing Spider-Man 2008 annual and TPB format were appreciated.

It's confirmed McNiven's only on board for the first month. On the other hand, Bachalo's sticking around, which is cool.

[Cayman]

Well for starters they usually do more than 3 issues.
And yes most are lucky,but this is marvel´s flagship title not some B list character so why are they always puting the other books withj great creative teams and spidey with the B?

They aren't. Out of McNiven, Jimenez, Bachalo, and Larocca, the only one somewhat B-list is Larocca. Definitely a step up from some of the recent artists on the book.

[Harlock]

Completly agree,but is there a need to have another goblin like villain?
Green Goblin/Hobgoblin(they aren´t even dead and the 2 are the best villains spidey has)and even Grey Goblin

There wasn't a "need" to create a second Goblin villain. There wasn't a "need" to create a second symbiote villain. It's all in how it is presented. If the writers can make a believable and enjoyable villain and the artists can give it a a unique visual, it'll be great. If they can't, then we'll see another villain go down the tubes.

[Mister Mets]

But he already has plenty of villains that have grudges against him. These days it's rarer to find a villain who doesn't have a grudge against Spidey, then to find one that does.
It makes sense that all these villains have grudges against Spidey though. He's put a lot of them in jail, and most of them have friends/ associates/ relatives/ etc he's put in jail. The only villains who wouldn't have a grudge against Spider-Man are those who have never lost to him before, have never befriended those who have or don't take it personally when Spider-Man webs them up for the cops. And that's a small percentage of Marvel villains.


Well for starters they usually do more than 3 issues.
And yes most are lucky,but this is marvel´s flagship title not some B list character so why are they always putting the other books withj great creative teams and spidey with the B?
The reason all the A list creative teams aren't only working on A list titles.
1. They can do more exciting work on a B list title, where they have more freedom to shake things up.
2. An A List title is guaranteed to sell okay with a mildly popular creative team. A B-List title often needs an A List team to sell well (and if it sells enough, it may become an A-List title.)
3. What other books have better artists than the guys scheduled for Amazing Spider-Man?

[Noronha]

They aren't. Out of McNiven, Jimenez, Bachalo, and Larocca, the only one somewhat B-list is Larocca. Definitely a step up from some of the recent artists on the book.

Yeah but 2 of them are going to be only 1 month each.
It looks like this is a search for talent contest.
Who the hell are Bob Gale,Zeb Wells and Marc Guggenheim?And Slott isn´t a A-List because the books he´s written are She-Hulk and Avengers:Initiative and they are hardly A-list books.

[Venom]

It is sad that they're only on for one arc, but at least they'll have still left a mark on the title.

[Noronha]

There wasn't a "need" to create a second Goblin villain. There wasn't a "need" to create a second symbiote villain. It's all in how it is presented. If the writers can make a believable and enjoyable villain and the artists can give it a a unique visual, it'll be great. If they can't, then we'll see another villain go down the tubes.

Actually there was a need to creat a new Goblin because there was no one available at the time.
Roger Stern said his editor told him that they needed a new Goblin to fill in for the old,and also as a tribute to Norman.So it made sense.Now?we have 2
And Carnage,please it was the 90´s nothing made much sense.Besides he´s on limbo since the clone saga so he´s hardly a success

[Harlock]

Yeah but 2 of them are going to be only 1 month each.
It looks like this is a search for talent contest.
Who the hell are Bob Gale,Zeb Wells and Marc Guggenheim?And Slott isn´t a A-List because the books he´s written are She-Hulk and Avengers:Initiative and they are hardly A-list books.

Wow. Just wow. You know that Spider-Man/Human Torch mini you go on and on about? Check who wrote it.

[Noronha]

Wow. Just wow. You know that Spider-Man/Human Torch mini you go on and on about? Check who wrote it.

I know who wrote it but does that make him a A-list writer?
I loved the series and like him as a writer but it sold 15.000 copies that´s less than Spider-Girl

[Pach!]

I know who wrote it but does that make him a A-list writer?
I loved the series and like him as a writer but it sold 15.000 copies that´s less than Spider-Girl

Well if he's a good writer it's a good thing he can showcase his abilities in Spider-Man.

[Harlock]

Dan Slott has received a lot of critical acclaim from his writing. He's written a top ten book. She-Hulk was fantastic under him and his style suits Spider-Man a great deal. But, nevermind. You won't care. Why do you care anyway? You're not even buying Spider-Man after you finish supporting OMD, right?

[Noronha]

Well if he's a good writer it's a good thing he can showcase his abilities in Spider-Man.

I didn´t put him in the same group with the others,because Slott is the only one i believe that makes sense having a chance at Amazing Spider-Man.

[Harlock]

Actually there was a need to creat a new Goblin because there was no one available at the time.
Roger Stern said his editor told him that they needed a new Goblin to fill in for the old,and also as a tribute to Norman.So it made sense.Now?we have 2
And Carnage,please it was the 90´s nothing made much sense.Besides he´s on limbo since the clone saga so he´s hardly a success

No, you misunderstood me. There is never a "need" to create a new Spider-Man villain these days. He has tons of people he could fight for years and years. It's just fun. And Carnage is not in limbo, he is currently presumed dead after Sentry ripped him in half and left his ass floating in outer space.

[Noronha]

Dan Slott has received a lot of critical acclaim from his writing. He's written a top ten book. She-Hulk was fantastic under him and his style suits Spider-Man a great deal. But, nevermind. You won't care. Why do you care anyway? You're not even buying Spider-Man after you finish supporting OMD, right?

I´ve stated in a post earlier why i´m doing this:

"Honestly i´m just being annoying because i´m home sick,i couldn´t care less about BND since i´m not buying a single issue.
Nevertheless i believe what i´m saying is true"

It´s not like i´m saying something ridiculous,just my opinion.

[Noronha]

And Carnage is not in limbo, he is currently presumed dead after Sentry ripped him in half and left his ass floating in outer space.

That´s the marvel term for a character that is off the book for a long period of time because they don´t know what to do with him.

Hobgoblin is on an island somewhere,he´s in the limbo .

[Harlock]

I didn´t put him in the same group with the others,because Slott is the only one i believe that makes sense having a chance at Amazing Spider-Man.

Zeb Wells has a great chance too. He has done some great work. He has a handle on the lighthearted and humorous side a Spider-Man book needs, while still delivering on action. Just do a little research and see what some of these people have done. I'm sure you can figure it out from there.

[Harlock]

I´ve stated in a post earlier why i´m doing this:

"Honestly i´m just being annoying because i´m home sick,i couldn´t care less about BND since i´m not buying a single issue.
Nevertheless i believe what i´m saying is true"

Ah, ok, then I'll simply ignore it since you really don't have anything to say. But, I hope you get to feeling better!

[philly]

Nah, the clone saga wasn't as bad as this looks to be.

So far the only good thing I can see about BND is that at least the art looks good.

True but even that is up to debate.

BND= Brand New Disaster.

[Noronha]

Ah, ok, then I'll simply ignore it since you really don't have anything to say. But, I hope you get to feeling better!

Just because i´m not buying doesn´t mean i don´t make sense.
Despite ´me not caring about BND until you saw my post you thought it was worth your time.

And i´m not saying they aren´t talented or haven´t done a good work.
There are A-list writers a b-list.
A-List-writers that by themselves make a huge success out of a relatively unknown series and with their names a capable of attracting new readeship to the book.Bendis/Millar come to mind.

Wells/guggenheim/hale aren´t in this category,i just think that since this the flagship title of the company they should use the best they have not 2nd choices.
Especially after a arc that has the potential to make many fans leave the series.

[Fatguy]

Quoted from Wacker @ Newsarama:


Salva and McNiv are onto their next things, but we’re thrilled they were able to help launch the book and draw a complete story. Bachalo and Jimenez are sticking around and coming up we’ve got even more of Marvel’s best including M*** M*****, B**** K***** and some more surprises. By the end of our first year, it’s going to look like a who’s who of the industry’s best artists.

Its not JUST Jimenez that's sticking around, its also Bachalo (Thankfully!!!).

[bjtrdff]

Such a brutal interview.

'Let me find 5 questions that dont incredibly rip OMD/BND. Nope, sorry'.

This is going to be an amazing success:rolleyes:

[Will.S]

Quoted from Wacker @ Newsarama:

"Bachalo and Jimenez are sticking around and coming up we’ve got even more of Marvel’s best including M*** M*****, B**** K***** and some more surprises. By the end of our first year, it’s going to look like a who’s who of the industry’s best artists."

Its not JUST Jimenez that's sticking around, its also Bachalo (Thankfully!!!).
Mack, Maleev, Kitson? Can't place the "B" person though.

[jam37wcc]

Mack, Maleev, Kitson? Can't place the "B" person though.


How about Mark Millar, and Barry Kitson

[Will.S]

How about Mark Millar, and Barry Kitson
Ah, for some reason I thought it was 4 seperate names.

Good call.

[Fatguy]

How about Mark Millar, and Barry Kitson

I thought Mark Millar at first too, but he's talking just artists at the time so it throws in some doubt.

[Mister Mets]

Quoted from Wacker @ Newsarama:



Its not JUST Jimenez that's sticking around, its also Bachalo (Thankfully!!!).
Please God, let M*** M***** be Mark Millar (not as artist obviously.)


I thought Mark Millar at first too, but he's talking just artists at the time so it throws in some doubt.
But it could also apply to overall talent at Marvel.

I hope.

[Fatguy]

But it could also apply to overall talent at Marvel.

I hope.

True. It would be pretty freaking sweet, I love Millar Spider-Man.

[Kevin D.]

I loved Millar on MKSP. He made me feel for blackcat. Also, I'm excited for BND.

[xarathos]

gonna have to bash, even though I wasn't going to buy it anyway.

These stuff looks incredibly week. 'Look, it's Spidey just as he was before. flying above the Daily Planet. Look, Dr. Strange and Wolverine are there, just like last year.'

For crying out loud, there' snothing here that would peak my interst to begin with. It looks generic, and not even exciting like the days of Larsen and Bagely showing Spidey actually doing something.

Gee, nobody will no will know who Spidey is again. How lame can you get?

[comicum18]

´Wow this was Wacker day (oh that sounds bad:confused: ). He`s got interviews in every major comics sites ( CBR , NEWSARAMA, IGN.COM).

I`m 100% behind BND. I have a felling this one will rock (in my many years reading comics I haven´t been wrong that many times):p

The art on the books is great, Steve Mcniven looks like he was born to draw Spider-man, Phil Jimenez is trully a superstar ( even if it is the one that im not feeling is style on the previews right now), Bachalo was never my favourite artist, but this looks like is best work ever, and Larroca is really the one I´m most surprised until now. His spider-man looks great.

As for the writers:
Slott is a great choice for this book. He is writting one of the best marvel books right now in AVENGERS: THE INICIATIVE which I really love.
Guggenhein`s arc until now, from what I´ve read in the comics sites, looks to be the most exciting.
Gale hasn`t got that many work on comics published, but if you have read the opening arc of Batman`s NO MAN`S LAND you know he his a great writter. That was an awesome story.
Zeb Wells is the wild card , but his work has been getting solid reviews in almost every major sites so I`ll give him a chance.
They are not A list writers, but if you know history neither were STAN "THE MAN" LEE, GERRY CONWAY, ROGER STERN, JM DEMATTEIS OR JMS before writting Spider-man (not saying they were not great), they all became A LIST and had the recognition they deserved after writting SPIDER-MAN.;)

[Shade 20x6]

Okay, there's some odd stuff in here:


When "Brand New Day" begins, a couple of months have passed since the end of "One More Day," but Spider-Man's relationship with the city of New York has not changed.

If BND is erasing Spidey's continuity, why does it matter that this story takes place a couple of months after OMD? Unless the deal is made early in the last OMD issue, and the rest of the issue is spent explaining the "new continuity."


Another unchanged facet of Spider-Man's life come "Brand New Day" is his constant struggle to make ends meet. "After 'Civil War,' teaching isn't really an option anymore, but Pete's always got his job as a freelance photographer to fall back on," Wacker explained. "He's not on the Bugle staff, so freelancing will always be a part of his life in one way or another. When we start the book, Pete is in need of cash. How he gets it will be a major part of our plans throughout the year."

If his unmasking is undone, then why is he still unable to teach? And how can he still be a freelance photographer if the unmasking ISN'T undone?


"We all know we can get some attention by doing the 784th Dr. Octopus story, but it was such a safe, obvious way to go that we just shied away from it," Wacker said. "So at the initial summit, all the writers came up with new villains who carried some sort of personal grudge against Spidey and/or Peter."

So, does that mean that at least one of these villains knows that Spidey is Pete (assuming the unmasking is undone)?

[Tobias Drake]

I have a question for anti- and pro- marriagists.

How many of the pro-marriagists saying "No, I hate it" actually went in with an open mind vs. how many went in looking for things to hate?

How many of the anti-marriagists saying "Look, it's amazing!" actually went in with an open mind vs. how many went in looking for things to boast?

[Cayman]

Maybe M M is Mike Mayhew. I thought Mike McKone at first but he's exclusive at DC these days, I believe.

[Harlock]

How many of the pro-marriagists saying "No, I hate it" actually went in with an open mind vs. how many went in looking for things to hate?

I am pro-marriage and I went in with a pretty open mind, at least I'd like to think so. When I first read the issue, I was steamed. I felt Mephisto was a pretty ham-fisted way to retcon it. I still feel that way. However, it was the amount of close-mindedness and blind hatred shown by so many supposed adult Spider-Man fans that made me take a real step back and decide to give BND a try.

The previews and news and interviews have only made me await this new storyline even more feverishly. I want to know and see and experience what happens. Plus, I know damn well that some or all of OMD will be retconned away or that there will be a kickass storyline that comes along and shows how Peter and MJ can overcome the odds down the road. All in all, I hope my mind is open and in a way, I thank those close-minded, butt-hurt whiners whose rants made me pause so I could examine my own motives.

[Noronha]

I thank those close-minded, butt-hurt whiners whose rants made me pause so I could examine my own motives.

Glad to be included in your victory speech!

[philly]

I am pro-marriage and I went in with a pretty open mind, at least I'd like to think so. When I first read the issue, I was steamed. I felt Mephisto was a pretty ham-fisted way to retcon it. I still feel that way. However, it was the amount of close-mindedness and blind hatred shown by so many supposed adult Spider-Man fans that made me take a real step back and decide to give BND a try.

Who are you kidding, you want to try BND because you want to try it, not because of "the so called close-mindedness and blind hatred shown by so many supposed adult Spider-Man fans". If you are going to make up stories, try to do a better job of it and stop acting like a phony.

[Shade 20x6]

I am pro-marriage and I went in with a pretty open mind, at least I'd like to think so. When I first read the issue, I was steamed. I felt Mephisto was a pretty ham-fisted way to retcon it. I still feel that way. However, it was the amount of close-mindedness and blind hatred shown by so many supposed adult Spider-Man fans that made me take a real step back and decide to give BND a try.

The previews and news and interviews have only made me await this new storyline even more feverishly. I want to know and see and experience what happens. Plus, I know damn well that some or all of OMD will be retconned away or that there will be a kickass storyline that comes along and shows how Peter and MJ can overcome the odds down the road. All in all, I hope my mind is open and in a way, I thank those close-minded, butt-hurt whiners whose rants made me pause so I could examine my own motives.

That doesn't make you any more open-minded at all. In fact, it just makes you more close-minded in the opposite direction.

If you support something you don't like, you're just opening yourself up to more of the same. The phrase "thank you sir, may I have another?" comes to mind. Battered women who come back for more because they "still love him" comes to mind. Not learning from past mistakes and thus, being doomed to repeat them comes to mind.

I, for one, am speaking out with the only thing that truly matters to businesses: my money. OMD is one of the worst-written storylines ever, and is being done just to settle the EIC's personal agenda. Well, I don't agree with it, and I sure as hell am not going to blindly support it, no matter how much I may love the character of Spider-Man.

Besides, this isn't the same Spider-Man I've been supporting for years. This is an oblivious, amnesiac alternate-reality version of that Spider-Man I love(d).

Like I've said before, if you continue to support something you don't like, you're a part of the problem, not the solution.

[Pach!]

I'm all for the dissolution of the marriage. This, the cartoon.. hopefully it will get Spidey on top again.

[Shade 20x6]

I'm all for the dissolution of the marriage. This, the cartoon.. hopefully it will get Spidey on top again.

It won't, because the marriage isn't the problem. Incredibly bad storylines like One More Day and Sins Past are the problem.

[Pach!]

It won't, because the marriage isn't the problem. Incredibly bad storylines like One More Day and Sins Past are the problem.

Well the new stories sound cool. So I will buy!

[bjtrdff]

I cant wait for this new and innovative direction.

Spidey not married and having money problems. Webbing up thugs. Facing down new characters that will be used once and never seen again. And this new goblin character?! CRAZY!! Where do they get this stuff from!?




Yes, it's a golden age for spider-man fans.

[Cayman]

It won't, because the marriage isn't the problem. Incredibly bad storylines like One More Day and Sins Past are the problem.

I disagree, the marriage is a problem. It sticks Spider-Man in a rut and weighs him down with a supporting character that exists mainly to be a fantasy wish-fulfillment girlfriend for lonely readers.

[Shade 20x6]

I disagree, the marriage is a problem. It sticks Spider-Man in a rut and weighs him down with a supporting character that exists mainly to be a fantasy wish-fulfillment girlfriend for lonely readers.

Take off "a fantasy wish-fulfillment girlfriend for lonely readers" and you have Aunt May. Who is still around, and back to her old, useless, naive self in BND.

MJ doesn't hurt the character at all. So, he doesn't flirt with random women anymore. What else does MJ prevent Spider-Man from doing?

"Brand New Day" is actually "Same Old Crap" from three decades ago.

[Tobias Drake]

Or you could have neither and look to other areas of the supporting cast. Flash Thompson has proven a more interesting supporting character in the pages of Friendly than the stable/furniture characters MJ and May have both become.

[Cayman]

Take off "a fantasy wish-fulfillment girlfriend for lonely readers" and you have Aunt May. Who is still around, and back to her old, useless, naive self in BND.

May doesn't drag Spider-Man down like MJ does. Unfortunately MJ has become a supporting character than ends up dominating the main character's book.

[Tobias Drake]

May doesn't drag Spider-Man down like MJ does. Unfortunately MJ has become a supporting character than ends up dominating the main character's book.

Which is proven by this whole controversy to begin with. People aren't arguing against the direction of the Amazing Spider-Man so much as they're arguing against the direction of the Amazing Mary Jane.

[Shade 20x6]

May doesn't drag Spider-Man down like MJ does. Unfortunately MJ has become a supporting character than ends up dominating the main character's book.

I don't see, at all, how MJ "dominate[s] the main character's book."

If she does, that's because bad writers write her that way.

[Shade 20x6]

Which is proven by this whole controversy to begin with. People aren't arguing against the direction of the Amazing Spider-Man so much as they're arguing against the direction of the Amazing Mary Jane.

And making MJ a cheesy superhero who follows Spider-Man around everywhere makes her less dominating...how?

You're all being foolish and incredibly naive if you think BND fixes any of the problems with Spider-Man.

[Noronha]

May doesn't drag Spider-Man down like MJ does. Unfortunately MJ has become a supporting character than ends up dominating the main character's book.

You know why this usually happens?
Because the main character becames boring and uninteresting,and if this happens it´s because the writters really stink.
If the a 2nd character dominates the book she sure isn´t uninteresting and boring that way she could never be in the spotlight.

[Shade 20x6]

Quesada must have quite an issue with women. In a few short years he's made Gwen out to be a whore and MJ out to be someone who would make a deal with the devil (literally).

[Cayman]

You know why this usually happens?
Because the main character becames boring and uninteresting,and if this happens it´s because the writters really stink.
If the a 2nd character dominates the book she sure isn´t uninteresting and boring that way she could never be in the spotlight.

But Spider-Man's not boring or uninteresting, it's just his marriage that is.

Perhaps Marvel should create a mainstream MU Mary Jane book to appeal to the readers who are MJ fans rather than Spider-Man fans.

[Tobias Drake]

You know why this usually happens?
Because the main character becames boring and uninteresting,and if this happens it´s because the writters really stink.
If the a 2nd character dominates the book she sure isn´t uninteresting and boring that way she could never be in the spotlight.

You would be amazed at how easy it is for fans to latch onto a supporting or even minor character. I've been around various mediums before I looked at comics, and seen twoshot villain-of-the-weeks grow into major characters that overshadow even the title character due to increasing fan demand; I've seen minor characters who didn't even have a name be given one by fans and brought back again and again, ultimately developing a supporting role solely because fans love the bit role they originally played. I've seen a villain killed by a blind man flailing wildly develop fan recognition as the most badass, unbeatable force in his respective universe. This happens all the time.

[Shade 20x6]

But Spider-Man's not boring or uninteresting, it's just his marriage that is.

Perhaps Marvel should create a mainstream MU Mary Jane book to appeal to the readers who are MJ fans rather than Spider-Man fans.

Again, what makes a single Spider-Man so much more appealing than a married Spider-Man? What makes MJ such an anchor around Peter's neck? And how does Jackpot following around Spidey like a puppy dog fix anything?

[Cayman]

Quesada must have quite an issue with women. In a few short years he's made Gwen out to be a whore and MJ out to be someone who would make a deal with the devil (literally).

Having had sex doesn't make Gwen a whore and we've yet to see whether MJ makes a deal with the "devil" (not literally, Mephisto is a supernatural entity but not the devil of Christianity). Misogyny seems more evident in your post than any of the actions of the EIC.

[Fatguy]

You're all being foolish and incredibly naive if you think BND fixes any of the problems with Spider-Man.

Why? Have you READ any of the stories past OMD?

You can feel like this wont be what fixes Spider-Man FOR YOU, but really, you're in no place to call anybody foolish just yet. Especially since the opinion on what "fixes" Spider-Man varies so much.

[Shade 20x6]

You would be amazed at how easy it is for fans to latch onto a supporting or even minor character. I've been around various mediums before I looked at comics, and seen twoshot villain-of-the-weeks grow into major characters that overshadow even the title character due to increasing fan demand; I've seen minor characters who didn't even have a name be given one by fans and brought back again and again, ultimately developing a supporting role solely because fans love the bit role they originally played. I've seen a villain killed by a blind man flailing wildly develop fan recognition as the most badass, unbeatable force in his respective universe. This happens all the time.

I'm not pro-marriage nearly as much as I'm against reheashing old storylines that got stale 30 years ago, and wiping out two decades of modern continuity to achieve it.

The fact is, Brand New Day is anything but. Peter is now being stuck in a vacuum and never being allowed to grow up. The only thing that keeps most people going IRL is the sheer, blind hope that everything will eventually be worth it in the end. We already know that's no longer the case with Peter, so why continue the endless cycle of misery?

[Shade 20x6]

Why? Have you READ any of the stories past OMD?

Yes. About 25 years ago.

[Shade 20x6]

Having had sex doesn't make Gwen a whore and we've yet to see whether MJ makes a deal with the "devil" (not literally, Mephisto is a supernatural entity but not the devil of Christianity). Misogyny seems more evident in your post than any of the actions of the EIC.

Cheating on your boyfriend and conceiving illegitimate children is the very definition of being a whore.

Mephisto is the literal devil in the Marvel Universe.

[Tobias Drake]

I'm not pro-marriage nearly as much as I'm against reheashing old storylines that got stale 30 years ago, and wiping out two decades of modern continuity to achieve it.

The fact is, Brand New Day is anything but. Peter is now being stuck in a vacuum and never being allowed to grow up. The only thing that keeps most people going IRL is the sheer, blind hope that everything will eventually be worth it in the end. We already know that's no longer the case with Peter, so why continue the endless cycle of misery?

Um...because not everybody lives vicariously through Peter Parker?

[Fatguy]

Yes. About 25 years ago.

Eh, whatever.

Every one of your posts is SPECULATION presented as fact. Its a little annoying. In the same way that an elephant is a little animal.

A rational man waits to judge a work based on its own merit and not just their own paranoid ideas that they've morphed into fact.

[Pach!]

Cheating on your boyfriend and conceiving illegitimate children is the very definition of being a whore.

Mephisto is the literal devil in the Marvel Universe.

You need to buy a new dictionary. That's not what a whore is.

Anyways, I'm more interested in BND than in what was before it. So I'm happy.

[Kevin D.]

I have a question for anti- and pro- marriagists.

How many of the pro-marriagists saying "No, I hate it" actually went in with an open mind vs. how many went in looking for things to hate?

How many of the anti-marriagists saying "Look, it's amazing!" actually went in with an open mind vs. how many went in looking for things to boast?
I'm pro marriage, but I want to see how a single peter would do today.

[Shade 20x6]

Eh, whatever.

Every one of your posts is SPECULATION presented as fact. Its a little annoying. In the same way that an elephant is a little animal.

A rational man waits to judge a work based on its own merit and not just their own paranoid ideas that they've morphed into fact.

What will your argument be in a few weeks when the speculation turns into fact?

[Shade 20x6]

You need to buy a new dictionary. That's not what a whore is.

Anyways, I'm more interested in BND than in what was before it. So I'm happy.


whore (hôr, hr)
n.
1. A prostitute.
2. A person considered sexually promiscuous.
3. A person considered as having compromised principles for personal gain.

Gwen certainly compromised her principles for personal gain/pleasure. And you could argue that cheating on someone makes you promiscuous as well.

[Shade 20x6]

Um...because not everybody lives vicariously through Peter Parker?

Joe Quesada certainly does. To a frightening degree, even.

[Cayman]

Joe Quesada certainly does. To a frightening degree, even.

Yeah, how so?

[Fatguy]

What will your argument be in a few weeks when the speculation turns into fact?

In a few weeks, if the stories turn out to be crap, I would say they are crap...

[Fatguy]

Yeah, how so?

He divorced his hot redheaded supermodel wife?

[Tobias Drake]

He divorced his hot redheaded supermodel wife?

That's it! Thank you, Fatguy, you've figured it out! Joey Quesada lives vicariously through Peter Parker and always wanted to be divorced from a hot supermodel! Next issue: Peter comes out of the closet and begins dating Flash Thompson.

[Alan2099]

... I no longer have any clue which people here are being sarcastic and which are being serious.

[Tobias Drake]

... I no longer have any clue which people here are being sarcastic and which are being serious.

I'm never serious except when I am. Does that help?

[Harlock]

That doesn't make you any more open-minded at all. In fact, it just makes you more close-minded in the opposite direction.

If you support something you don't like, you're just opening yourself up to more of the same. The phrase "thank you sir, may I have another?" comes to mind. Battered women who come back for more because they "still love him" comes to mind. Not learning from past mistakes and thus, being doomed to repeat them comes to mind.

I, for one, am speaking out with the only thing that truly matters to businesses: my money. OMD is one of the worst-written storylines ever, and is being done just to settle the EIC's personal agenda. Well, I don't agree with it, and I sure as hell am not going to blindly support it, no matter how much I may love the character of Spider-Man.

Besides, this isn't the same Spider-Man I've been supporting for years. This is an oblivious, amnesiac alternate-reality version of that Spider-Man I love(d).

Like I've said before, if you continue to support something you don't like, you're a part of the problem, not the solution.

I'm not supporting something I don't like. I am supporting what I do like; i.e. Spider-Man. Believe it or not, I didn't start reading Spider-Man because he was married. I dislike that the marriage is being ended in this fashion and in general. But I became a Spider-Man fan because of Spider-Man and Peter Parker will remain Spider-Man. Nice straw man, but you'll have to do better to turn facts around. ;)

[Shade 20x6]

Yeah, how so?

Um...maybe because he's trying so hard to change the current Spider-Man back into the Spider-Man he grew up with, even though the vast majority of fans are against the idea?


He divorced his hot redheaded supermodel wife?

Actually, it wouldn't surprise me if one reason Q wants to get rid of MJ so badly is because he lives vicariously through Peter, and knows he would have no shot in hell at the real life equivalent of MJ, so he figures Peter shouldn't have her either.

[Harlock]

Quesada must have quite an issue with women. In a few short years he's made Gwen out to be a whore and MJ out to be someone who would make a deal with the devil (literally).

Actually, JMS was the one who wanted Gwen to have kids.

[Harlock]

Um...maybe because he's trying so hard to change the current Spider-Man back into the Spider-Man he grew up with, even though the vast majority of fans are against the idea?

I think it's a little too soon to make that prediction. Sales will either go up, down or stay the same.

[Cayman]

Um...maybe because he's trying so hard to change the current Spider-Man back into the Spider-Man he grew up with, even though the vast majority of fans are against the idea?

Actually, it wouldn't surprise me if one reason Q wants to get rid of MJ so badly is because he lives vicariously through Peter, and knows he would have no shot in hell at the real life equivalent of MJ, so he figures Peter shouldn't have her either.

Or perhaps he feels like it would be the best thing for the long-term health of the comic book and character, something the Editor In Chief is supposed to do?

[Fatguy]

Actually, it wouldn't surprise me if one reason Q wants to get rid of MJ so badly is because he lives vicariously through Peter, and knows he would have no shot in hell at the real life equivalent of MJ, so he figures Peter shouldn't have her either.

lol you are a silly fellow. Its adorable.

[jeffgamer]

Sales will either go up, down or stay the same.

Now, Harlock, you THOUGHT you were covering all the possible options with that quote, but it turns out, you're wrong. I've been outside this sphere of reality lately, and I'm the only one who apparently remembers the way things were. The entire OMD storyline was, for me, published nine months ago, but someone called in the real-world Mephisto and made a deal to have a different sales outcome be the new reality.

So, in other words, it's possible that sales went up but really went down...or went down but really went up.

Isn't it nice to be able to change reality to suit one's whims? ;-)

[Alan2099]

Now, Harlock, you THOUGHT you were covering all the possible options with that quote, but it turns out, you're wrong. I've been outside this sphere of reality lately, and I'm the only one who apparently remembers the way things were. The entire OMD storyline was, for me, published nine months ago, but someone called in the real-world Mephisto and made a deal to have a different sales outcome be the new reality.
Oh get over it. Vince McMahon had nothing to do with this.

[Harlock]

Now, Harlock, you THOUGHT you were covering all the possible options with that quote, but it turns out, you're wrong. I've been outside this sphere of reality lately, and I'm the only one who apparently remembers the way things were. The entire OMD storyline was, for me, published nine months ago, but someone called in the real-world Mephisto and made a deal to have a different sales outcome be the new reality.

So, in other words, it's possible that sales went up but really went down...or went down but really went up.

Isn't it nice to be able to change reality to suit one's whims? ;-)

I'm not even sure where to begin with that. I am simply talking about sales figures. People keep talking about voting with their dollars and such and so one would think that if the vast majority of fans are against OMD and the direction the book is taking, then sales will go down. I was responding to something Shade twenty X-ty-six said.

If you want to chat about alternate reality (or whatever the hell point you were trying to prove?), the Ultimate Universe forum is pretty near this one.

[Shade 20x6]

I'm not even sure where to begin with that. I am simply talking about sales figures. People keep talking about voting with their dollars and such and so one would think that if the vast majority of fans are against OMD and the direction the book is taking, then sales will go down. I was responding to something Shade twenty X-ty-six said.

If you want to chat about alternate reality (or whatever the hell point you were trying to prove?), the Ultimate Universe forum is pretty near this one.

Props on getting my screen name. :D

I wasn't making a prediction on how sales of BND would be, but rather discussing the online uproar about OMD's seemingly-inevitable conclusion. Quite a few people who are currently grumbling about how they don't like what's going on and won't buy anything post-OMD will cave in and buy it anyway. Honestly, it's those people who bother me the most. They make it hard for the rest of us, who will NOT be buying BND, to get our point across and make sure things get better rather than worse.

If sales for BND and subsequent story drop, Marvel will make changes; POSITIVE changes. But if people can't control their impulsions and/or act like mindless lemmings and buy what they don't really like anyway, we'll get nowhere, and keep having the same ridiculous ideas shoved down our throats again and again and again.


Actually, JMS was the one who wanted Gwen to have kids.

Yeah, but at least they were going to be Pete's kids.

Yes, it's still a bad idea, and JMS doesn't get off the hook from me either. But it was still a better idea than what Q came up with.

[jeffgamer]

I wasn't making a prediction on how sales of BND would be, but rather discussing the online uproar about OMD's seemingly-inevitable conclusion. Quite a few people who are currently grumbling about how they don't like what's going on and won't buy anything post-OMD will cave in and buy it anyway. Honestly, it's those people who bother me the most. They make it hard for the rest of us, who will NOT be buying BND, to get our point across and make sure things get better rather than worse.

If sales for BND and subsequent story drop, Marvel will make changes; POSITIVE changes. But if people can't control their impulsions and/or act like mindless lemmings and buy what they don't really like anyway, we'll get nowhere, and keep having the same ridiculous ideas shoved down our throats again and again and again.

I agree. While there may be some who will cave and buy it, there are a lot of us (myself included) who will absolutely be cancelling the moment the trigger is pulled on the marriage and its associated continuity. If enough people follow through with that, we may be able to replicate the circumstances surrounding the reversal of the Ben-Reilly-Is-The-Real-Spider-Man retcon.

Oh, and to Harlock...I was just making an attempt to be humorous about the idea of retconning sales realities just as they are retconning marital realities. Nothing more than a simply instance of attempted humor. ;-)

[Harlock]

I agree. While there may be some who will cave and buy it, there are a lot of us (myself included) who will absolutely be cancelling the moment the trigger is pulled on the marriage and its associated continuity. If enough people follow through with that, we may be able to replicate the circumstances surrounding the reversal of the Ben-Reilly-Is-The-Real-Spider-Man retcon.

Oh, and to Harlock...I was just making an attempt to be humorous about the idea of retconning sales realities just as they are retconning marital realities. Nothing more than a simply instance of attempted humor. ;-)

Ah, gotcha. Personally, I am really excited to see how MJ and Peter will overcome this. To me, a love story that conquers even the devil is pretty compelling stuff. I hope they never simply retcon the break up as lamely as they retconned the marriage. The mere fact that they are (albeit presumably at this point) keeping MJ around says to me that we may get some awesome story like that in the future. Otherwise, why not just kill her off?

[Web_Spinner]

Just wanted to say that even though I'm bummed that the marriage looks like it will end, the upcoming creative teams look Awesome!!!

McNiven was born to draw spidey and it's a damn shame he won't be around longer, I really hope he comes back soon for another go!

[jeffgamer]

Ah, gotcha. Personally, I am really excited to see how MJ and Peter will overcome this. To me, a love story that conquers even the devil is pretty compelling stuff. I hope they never simply retcon the break up as lamely as they retconned the marriage. The mere fact that they are (albeit presumably at this point) keeping MJ around says to me that we may get some awesome story like that in the future. Otherwise, why not just kill her off?

Why not kill her off entirely? Because she's a fan-favorite for a lot of people, and that would push the envelope too far, even for JQ. And, JQ has said, repeatedly for years, that he wanted to get rid of the marriage without death or divorce, because making Peter a widower or a divorcee would age Peter even further in readers' minds, which is something JQ is against.

No, they won't bring the two of them back into a marriage without a large loss of sales (a la Clone Saga). JQ has worked too hard to erase the marriage that he doesn't like, and is doing so despite widespread fan derision and even the objections of this current writer. Yes, they will absolutely bring MJ back (as...um...Jackpot, apparently) and will allow them to date again in about a year...but they won't bring back the marriage or EVER allow Peter to get married.

Geez..."I want your marriage", says Mephisto. Usually, it's people being compelled to do the devil's work, not the devil being compelled to do the Quesada's work....

[saevurr]

Cangrats to JQ for finally finding away to anual Peter and MJ's marriage. I truely hope he doesn't read his fanmail; that's if he has fans left. While I find if hard to accept, we have no control over what JQ does. I guess I can understand it through a business perspective. His primary focuss is to make his company money as apparently Peter and MJ's storyline original 20-40 year progression isn't selling comics. I think JQ is betting on the new story line bringing in new "younger" readers in essence bringing in "new" money as well as betting that these new readers will over-compensate for the loss of readers.

I don't know what a Brand New Day will bring, but it'll probably be another year at least before anything the new story, if at all, gets resolved.

[saevurr]

Ah, gotcha. Personally, I am really excited to see how MJ and Peter will overcome this. To me, a love story that conquers even the devil is pretty compelling stuff. I hope they never simply retcon the break up as lamely as they retconned the marriage. The mere fact that they are (albeit presumably at this point) keeping MJ around says to me that we may get some awesome story like that in the future. Otherwise, why not just kill her off?

I truely doubt that JQ will bring them back together after he's worked years to find a way to split them up. Killing her off wouldn't solve anything really. If they did kill her off,they couldn't write tormenting story line as good as if she were alive.

[George Berryman]

I'm not even sure where to begin with that. I am simply talking about sales figures. People keep talking about voting with their dollars and such and so one would think that if the vast majority of fans are against OMD and the direction the book is taking, then sales will go down.

That's why Joephisto canceled the other Spider-titles and made ASM go 3 per month. The sales drop won't look near as bad for one title. And he'll dance around in his Mephisto costume and claim victory over the Spider-Marriage.

[Mister Mets]

That's why Joephisto canceled the other Spider-titles and made ASM go 3 per month. The sales drop won't look near as bad for one title. And he'll dance around in his Mephisto costume and claim victory over the Spider-Marriage.
If it's true that ASM coming out 3 times a month is guaranteed or even likely to raise sales, why the hell didn't Quesada do it earlier?

[George Berryman]

If it's true that ASM coming out 3 times a month is guaranteed or even likely to raise sales, why the hell didn't Quesada do it earlier?

Saving it for a rainy day I suppose. I am pretty sure now that he knew he was doing this at least as early as first quarter '05. Hell probably before that.

[Nick MB]

Saving it for a rainy day I suppose. I am pretty sure now that he knew he was doing this at least as early as first quarter '05. Hell probably before that.

I am utterly certain that all the writers would have known a magic retcon was coming from at least as early as the day the unmasking was signed off on. Because it makes the character very limited and hard to use, there's no way you get into that without having a back door. So I've been waiting for this ever since then, whilst wondering how much else they'd retcon in the bargain.

But, I gotta admit, they still managed to surprise me with their ambition.

[lazlo_toth]

I am utterly certain that all the writers would have known a magic retcon was coming from at least as early as the day the unmasking was signed off on. Because it makes the character very limited and hard to use, there's no way you get into that without having a back door. So I've been waiting for this ever since then, whilst wondering how much else they'd retcon in the bargain.

But, I gotta admit, they still managed to surprise me with their ambition.

How is waving a magic wand and making the big nasty problem go away ambitious and not a cheap cop-out?

[ZT4]

Cangrats to JQ for finally finding away to anual Peter and MJ's marriage. I truely hope he doesn't read his fanmail; that's if he has fans left. While I find if hard to accept, we have no control over what JQ does. I guess I can understand it through a business perspective. His primary focuss is to make his company money as apparently Peter and MJ's storyline original 20-40 year progression isn't selling comics. I think JQ is betting on the new story line bringing in new "younger" readers in essence bringing in "new" money as well as betting that these new readers will over-compensate for the loss of readers.

I don't know what a Brand New Day will bring, but it'll probably be another year at least before anything the new story, if at all, gets resolved.

It's a way of probably also testing the foundations of a more upbeat Marvel Universe. Everything from the interviews are that they are returning to the core of the character, that character is meant to be mostly fun when acting as the hero. A fun Spidey certaingly wasnt scarse during the marraige, but he evaporated with "Sins Past" and then "Cival War".

Change always begins with Spider-Man, that's been reflective of much of Marvel's directions. Joe's earliest impact was Ultimate Spidey and JMS on ASM, both successful (and both had single Spideys at the time), there were shades of the older, fun Spidey, but even with his best stuff, the Spider-Totem junk was paving the way for what gradually dovetailed into Marvel's darker direction.