What writer do you most want to join the Braintrust.?

[DeadXMan]

Kelly, waid, Stern, Pad or other?

[Mister Mets]

I thought deadxman's poll was a bit too limited, given the choices available.

The reasons for the options.

Tom Beland: He's done four excellent Spider-Man stories in the best, and really wants to explore Spider-Man's supporting cast.

Ed Brubaker: One of Marvel's most popular writers. Doing fantastic work with Captain America, and Daredevil (with a lot of Spider-Man foes in the latter.) And he loves Spider-Man. Iron Fist showed that he could work with co-writers.

Peter David: Fan-favorite Spider-Man writer. A comics veteran more popular than ever after being in the industry for 20+ years.

JM Dematteis: One of the major contenders for Best Spider-Man writer since Stan Lee.

Matt Fraction: "To Have and to Hold" is one of the best regarded Spider-Man stories of the last few years. Iron Fist showed that he could work with co-writers.

Joe Kelly: Wrote two great Spider-Man stories in the nineties. Is doing work on ASM in the future.

Paul Jenkins: Supplemented the other Spider-Man writers fairly well with his fan-favorite run on Peter Parker Spider-Man.

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa: Consistently outsold Peter David's FNSM.

Gail Simone: Writes superheroes with a sense of humor very well.

Roger Stern: The major contender for best Spider-Man writer since Stan Lee. He didn't feel comfortable writing a married Spider-Man, but seems willing to join the Brain Trust now that things have changed.

Mark Waid: Writing a three-parter in the future. Worked with other writers on 52 (with Steve Wacker). Has written a decent Spider-Man in the past.

Other: Because you may think Mike Carey, Jeph Loeb or Jeff Parker are the ideal candidates for the position.

[Red Lotus]

I went with other. Just because i want Joss Whedon and Mike Carey to write Spider-man.

[Mister Mets]

I had to go with Brubaker. The guy's almost certain to write a great Spider-Man run some time in the future. He's done a few writing collaborations with Rucka & Iron Fist. And he's done amazing work with Spider-Man villains (Black Tarantula, Kingpin, Hammerhead, the Enforcers, Tombstone) in his Daredevil run.

Don't get me wrong. I'd love to see many of these guys join the Brain Trust (especially Matt Fraction, Tom Beland and Roger Stern) but if there can only be one, I'll choose Brubaker as the guy who can turn Dan Slott into the second best Brain Trust writer.

[Matt Linton]

I voted for Fraction. He's easily my favorite new writer, and based on Casanova and Iron Fist, he could definitely bring something new to the Brain Trust.

[ZT4]

Stern: He'd actually write an MJ that wouldnt sleep or dick around with sleezeballs and Pete's best friend when not his surrogate wife, plus you can actually relate to Spidey and Peter at the same time under him.

Ed Brubaker: Crossover with Daredevil would be welcome, I'd like it if he tried a Cap/Falcon kind of pairing for those two for a prolonged period of time, and really give Spidey a modern flavour to a silver age concept.

[Congo Jack]

Very close between Roger Stern and Joe Kelly for me, though I eventually opted for Kelly - his DEADPOOL and X-MEN were two of the best books of the '90s. I'd also love Joss Whedon and John Cassaday to be given a couple of years in advance to do a Spider-Man arc.

[Venom]

It'd have to be Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction for me. But seeing as I can only choose one I'd have to go with Ed Brubaker as I'm loving his Captain America run.

[Mister Mets]

I'm a bit surprised at how well Fraction is doing.

Stern: He'd actually write an MJ that wouldnt sleep or dick around with sleezeballs and Pete's best friend when not his surrogate wife, plus you can actually relate to Spidey and Peter at the same time under him.

Ed Brubaker: Crossover with Daredevil would be welcome, I'd like it if he tried a Cap/Falcon kind of pairing for those two for a prolonged perio
d of time, and really give Spidey a modern flavour to a silver age concept.So which of the two would be your top choice?

It's worth noting that with Amazing Spider-Man's rigid schedule, an extended tie-in with another title (such as a Captain America/ Falcon partnership) is going to be difficult. Roger Stern has also said numerous times that he thinks Mary Jane works best as Peter Parker's ex-girlfriend.

[Union Jack]

I went with Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa because i felt the Spider-Man he was writing before BND would fit in best with what they're trying to do with the book now, and the old-school feel to ASM.

[ZT4]

Yeah, well, an Eiser nominated writer like Fraction is OBVIOUSLY going to prevail Mets. :rolleyes:

Roger Stern has also said numerous times that he thinks Mary Jane works best as Peter Parker's ex-girlfriend.

Which, in MJ's case, is just the same as being in her usual role as Peter's best friend and anchor. Stern said MJ would have had Betty's "matchmaking" role, how many ex-girlfriends seriously play that role in real life?

It's worth noting that with Amazing Spider-Man's rigid schedule, an extended tie-in with another title (such as a Captain America/ Falcon partnership) is going to be difficult.

What in the heck are you babbling about? It wouldnt tie into any title but ASM.

[Congo Jack]

What in the heck are you babbling about? It wouldnt tie into any title but ASM.
You mentioned a crossover with Daredevil.

[mikekerr3]

Peter David he could write a single issue that would fix many continity glitches and make it fun at the same time. Would not read it but he would be a great addition to the group.

[brundlefly]

Stern and DeMatteis are my two favorite Spidey writers, so I'd go with either of them (or Stern, if I had to choose between them). Would also be very interested in seeing Ed Brubaker get a chance to write Spidey.

[sonofagun]

I voted other, my fav stories are still by David Michelinie , imagine, a guy that could tell great stories about a married Spider-Man

[Mister Mets]

One note. The poll only includes the writers I believe would be interested in joining the Amazing Spider-Man brain trust for a prolonged period of time. If Joss Whedon, BKV, Geoff Johns, Mark Millar or Grant Morrison were interested, Marvel would sign them up in a heartbeat, but that is most likely not going to happen.

Yeah, well, an Eiser nominated writer like Fraction is OBVIOUSLY going to prevail Mets. :rolleyes:

I never got the impression that Eisners are seen as a big deal, even on comics message boards. I'm pretty sure more people here know the winner of the last Oscar for Best Actor than the winner of the last Eisner for Best Artist.

This isn't to take away from Fraction's accomplishment in getting an Eisner nomination for best single issue, but I doubt this made him the clear front-runner, especially against some fairly strong competition.

Stern and Dematteis are widely considered the best Spider-Man writers since Stan Lee. PAD and Sacosa were fan-favorites during their runs on the satellite books. Brubaker is actually an Eisner-winner (and current nominee) for best writer. Joe Kelly has his fans from his 90s X-Men run. As a result, it was impressive that Fraction was topping the poll. And it was by no means obvious from the beginning.

[oldschool]

One note. The poll only includes the writers I believe would be interested in joining the Amazing Spider-Man brain trust for a prolonged period of time. If Joss Whedon, BKV, Geoff Johns, Mark Millar or Grant Morrison were interested, Marvel would sign them up in a heartbeat, but that is most likely not going to happen.



I never got the impression that Eisners are seen as a big deal, even on comics message boards. I'm pretty sure more people here know the winner of the last Oscar for Best Actor than the winner of the last Eisner for Best Artist.

This isn't to take away from Fraction's accomplishment in getting an Eisner nomination for best single issue, but I doubt this made him the clear front-runner, especially against some fairly strong competition.

Stern and Dematteis are widely considered the best Spider-Man writers since Stan Lee. PAD and Sacosa were fan-favorites during their runs on the satellite books. Brubaker is actually an Eisner-winner (and current nominee) for best writer. Joe Kelly has his fans from his 90s X-Men run. As a result, it was impressive that Fraction was topping the poll. And it was by no means obvious from the beginning.


No argument from me about Stern being 2nd only to "The Man" but DeMatteis widely considered to be #2 or #3? I like his stuff a lot but I would have to put Peter David's 1980's run on Spectacular above DeMatteis'. I might (MIGHT) even put Micheline's run on ASM ahead of him. I am not saying he is not in the Top 5 but I thought his run was a bit below those others (part of the reason I feel that way might have to do with my personal lukewarm feelings towards Sal Buscema' s art which of course DeMatteis has nothing to do with, but still.....)

[Matt Linton]

I think much of DeMatteis' acclaim comes from Kraven's Last Hunt (and deservedly so). I'd say the same in respect to PAD with The Death of Jean DeWolff. Those two stories, respectively, put both of them ahead of most other Spider-Man writers (in my opinion).

[yadadaimhollaing]

I love brubaker but after reading daredevil, captain america, sleeper, and criminal that he's done I don't know how a super hero story would work out. All that other stuff is all so similar and it if he wrote spiderman I don't know if he could do a different style.

[Pheonix-NoRelation]

So many good choices. I went with PAD though. I loved his FNSM.

[Matt Linton]

I love brubaker but after reading daredevil, captain america, sleeper, and criminal that he's done I don't know how a super hero story would work out. All that other stuff is all so similar and it if he wrote spiderman I don't know if he could do a different style.

He's a co-writer on Immortal Iron Fist, which is pretty super hero-y (though I think that's mostly Fraction). I also think a straight street level crime take on Spider-Man could work pretty well.

[TomBelandofTSSTG]

DeMatteis is one of the great Spidey writers. Yeah, he gave us Kraven's Last Hunt, but he also gave us one wickedly fucked-up Harry Osborne that was addicting to read.

And I loved Sal's work on that run. He's so under-appreciated.

[TomBelandofTSSTG]

I can't believe I'm the only person who voted for me. No more gifts at the CBR pollsters party in December. NO MORE!!!

[ZT4]

DeMatteis is one of the great Spidey writers. Yeah, he gave us Kraven's Last Hunt, but he also gave us one wickedly fucked-up Harry Osborne that was addicting to read.

And threw in some ace friction between Harry and Mark Raxton that's not been topped since for The Molten Man

"Funeral Arragngements" is probably my favourate 1990s Aunt May story besides "The Gift".

[Leocomix]

I voted Fraction just because I think the Spider-Man franchise needs new blood. Yet, my second choice was Waid, who hasn't been a regular Spidey writer but has a great feel for 60s characters. I could have gone with Stern, De Matteis, David who are proven Spidey writers but that would not feel right for aBrand New day to have past writers.

[CSG]

I voted for other as well. We need some Stan Lee, 'nuff said.

OK, become serious. Joss Whedon can be a great addition to the braintrust, except for his usual delay for comics. But if they are rolling the writer, I'm sure it's a no problem.

Mark Millar's arc in Marvel Knight is good too, although not for a long time, but he can be a great addition to the braintrust.

[Mister Mets]

No argument from me about Stern being 2nd only to "The Man" but DeMatteis widely considered to be #2 or #3? I like his stuff a lot but I would have to put Peter David's 1980's run on Spectacular above DeMatteis'. I might (MIGHT) even put Micheline's run on ASM ahead of him. I am not saying he is not in the Top 5 but I thought his run was a bit below those others (part of the reason I feel that way might have to do with my personal lukewarm feelings towards Sal Buscema' s art which of course DeMatteis has nothing to do with, but still.....)Dematteis wrote one ridiculously beloved Spider-Man story. His Harry Osborn saga in Spectacular Spider-Man was awesome, and possibly the best Spider-Man mega-arc. He also wrote what was likely the highlight of the Clone Saga: the death of Aunt May.

It just seems to me that there's a lot of consensus that the top three Spider-Man writers are Stan Lee, Roger Stern and JM Dematteis. There's really no consensus whatsoever as to who comes next.

And threw in some ace friction between Harry and Mark Raxton that's not been topped since for The Molten Man

"Funeral Arragngements" is probably my favourate 1990s Aunt May story besides "The Gift".
It was really good.

[ZT4]

Tom DeFalco is number three on my list, DeMatties just below that

[Alan2099]

Tom DeFalco is number three on my list, DeMatties just below that

It ain't offten that we agree, but I'm with you on this one.

[Mister Mets]

It ain't offten that we agree, but I'm with you on this one.This I'm curious about. What would Defalco add to the brain trust?

[Jim Thompson]

First off, I think the whole "Brain-trust" concept is flawed at best when it comes to art.

Having said that, I'd jettison everyone but Slott, and add Stern, David and Dematteis.

[Dr. Chaos]

****!

Accidentally vote for Gail Simone...forgive me, Uncle Roger. :frown:

[Mister Mets]

First off, I think the whole "Brain-trust" concept is flawed at best when it comes to art.

Having said that, I'd jettison everyone but Slott, and add Stern, David and Dematteis.Most TV shows and many excellent movies have multiple writers, and it works out fine for those.

[Mister Mets]

****!

Accidentally vote for Gail Simone...forgive me, Uncle Roger. :frown:The results have been edited.

[Jim Thompson]

A lot of TV shows and great movies have multiple writers, and it works out fine for those.I'd need an example. My thought is there are shows that are really good that have a host of writers, but there always seems to be one person at the helm making sure the work stays on target. The West Wing seems a good example of that. House is another.

I don't get the sense ASM has that sort of leadership right now.

[cpahl2000]

I voted for Peter David. I think after his excellent FDSM´s run he still has a lot to give for Spidey. He is a great writer and could be an good addition.

[Don't pee in the (Dead)pool]

I voted for Peter David. I think after his excellent FDSM´s run he still has a lot to give for Spidey. He is a great writer and could be an good addition.

I love Peter David's comics and novels, he's my favourite writer, period. Now, if only I could convince him to write Deadpool...:smile:

[Mister Mets]

I love Peter David's comics and novels, he's my favourite writer, period. Now, if only I could convince him to write Deadpool...:smile:He'd be a solid choice for the book. It should match his sense of humor, and penchant for darker storylines (the guy's first major comic book story was the Death of Jean De Wolfe after all.)

[bentleyml]

What made Peter David my choice was the fact he is good at mixing humor and drama into the same story, which to me is the prefect mix for Spider-Man.

[Don't pee in the (Dead)pool]

He'd be a solid choice for the book. It should match his sense of humor, and penchant for darker storylines (the guy's first major comic book story was the Death of Jean De Wolfe after all.)

That's my favourite Spidey storyline and the one that made me follow Peter David's writing career. He tends to get over-looked alongside Bendis, Brubaker, Carey, Fraction et al but for me PAD is Marvel's most consistent writer and X-Factor is Exhibit A.

[Mister Mets]

That's my favourite Spidey storyline and the one that made me follow Peter David's writing career. He tends to get over-looked alongside Bendis, Brubaker, Carey, Fraction et al but for me PAD is Marvel's most consistent writer and X-Factor is Exhibit A.For me, consistency is Peter David's greatest problem. Though maybe sticking him in a group with other writers could help there.

FNSM is an example of a run of his that had some lows (the Mexican wrestlers, future Hobgoblin) and some bright spots (the Vulture three-parter and final Jonah issue.)

[Don't pee in the (Dead)pool]

For me, consistency is Peter David's greatest problem. Though maybe sticking him in a group with other writers could help there.

FNSM is an example of a run of his that had some lows (the Mexican wrestlers, future Hobgoblin) and some bright spots (the Vulture three-parter and final Jonah issue.)

I don't think PAD works well as a group member, his Messiah Complex contribution, whilst good, felt forced to fit around all the bigger name X titles and IMO it showed.
The FNSM run was hit and miss I'll grant you, but the Civil War issues (particularly the showdown with JJJ!) were just masterclasses in characterisation... nearly up there with Peter's work on the highly under-rated Spider-Man 2099 series (bring back Miggy!).
However, for me, PAD's best work has been his writing of Layla Miller.Peter took a Brian Bendis deus ex machina and fleshed her out, made me and a lot of other people actually give a damn about her. Layla Miller knows stuff, Peter David knows a lot more stuff and I can't wait to read it.

[yadadaimhollaing]

I forget who's basically the lead of the braintrust

[Mister Mets]

I forget who's basically the lead of the braintrust
Dan Slott. He wrote the Free Comics Day prologue, the first BND story, the story in which MJ returned/ Peter got fired from the Bugle and the upcoming New Ways to Die (the only six parter announced in the first year of the tri-monthly Amazing Spider-Man).

[yadadaimhollaing]

Dan Slott. He wrote the Free Comics Day prologue, the first BND story, the story in which MJ returned/ Peter got fired from the Bugle and the upcoming New Ways to Die (the only six parter announced in the first year of the tri-monthly Amazing Spider-Man).

i remember his arcs but wasnt totally sure he was the head of the braintrust. thanks for reminding me.

[Mister Mets]

i remember his arcs but wasnt totally sure he was the head of the braintrust. thanks for reminding me.
I don't believe that "architect" or "head of the braintrust" are official titles, but that's pretty much what he is right now. Though it's worth noting that the other braintrust guys have also written significant stories. Guggenheim introduced Jackpot and Menace. Wells wrote the first appearance of a few New Avengers in BND. Gale introduced Crowne, and had Hollister run for mayor.

[AbdulAziz]

Tom Beland: Not No.1 in my list, but he should be
Peter David: One of the best, go in Mr. David
JM Dematteis: I read Kraven's last hunt and some more stuff, great read. You have my vote Jon
Paul Jenkins: One of my all times favorite, he's No.1
Roger Stern: One of my all times favorite as well, he's an equal for Paul Jenkins

[Mister Mets]

I don't think PAD works well as a group member, his Messiah Complex contribution, whilst good, felt forced to fit around all the bigger name X titles and IMO it showed.
The FNSM run was hit and miss I'll grant you, but the Civil War issues (particularly the showdown with JJJ!) were just masterclasses in characterisation... nearly up there with Peter's work on the highly under-rated Spider-Man 2099 series (bring back Miggy!).
However, for me, PAD's best work has been his writing of Layla Miller.Peter took a Brian Bendis deus ex machina and fleshed her out, made me and a lot of other people actually give a damn about her. Layla Miller knows stuff, Peter David knows a lot more stuff and I can't wait to read it.Peter David seems to often take it upon himself to fix problems with other books (IE- tying up "The Other" in FNSM, fixing continuity errors in a Captain Marvel development) so you may be on to something, in suggesting that he works best when given as much autonomy as possible.