Are Johns & Smith The Only Creators Under 50 To Prefer The DCU?

[SMARTASS8]

I was reading a Q&A on this site with Craig Kyle & Chris Yost about their X-Force storyline Necrosha(due to a DC fan supplying a link to it) and the following statement was given...

CBR: Andre4000 sent in one of several emails that happened to notice a similar theme between “Necrosha” and another dead superhero event taking place this summer.

With “Blackest Night” going on at DC, you guys are bound to get comparisons between that event and “Necrosha” as both deal with powered individuals rising from the grave. Is that a concern for you guys as you’re writing? Or did you have this planned out so long ago that none of it makes a difference?

CRAIG KYLE: I’m someone who doesn’t care what those guys across the street are doing. I’m not saying that to throw out a “nasty” statement, it’s just that I’m a Marvel boy through-and-through.

I know this is a popular opinion shared by many of today's writers and artists. It dawned on me that Geoff Johns and Kevin Smith seem to be the only 2 creators under 50, that I can think of, who have publically stated they prefer DC to Marvel(I'm talking about the DCU & its characters, not Dan Didio & his company). Considering Marvel still seems to outsell DC by such a large margin, are we at a point where it's going to be rare that comic creators in the future actually prefer the DCU to the Marvel Universe?

[Clockan]

i think its funny that the guy never really answered the question about when they had planned the story
absorb and deflect :P

its easy to make the claim thats you're a marvel boy when your talking about the company thats signing your paycheck

there are many creators at DC who are under 50. like james robinson, gail simone, judd winick, even grant morrison is still 49. but as far as preference i dont think you can really know for sure what company a creator prefers since there is never a guarantee that you'll be staying with the same company for a long period of time.

how would we know if anybody at marvel prefers DC? not like they'll say so publicly while working for marvel.

[aut0matic]

i used to prefer marvel over dc until their "creators under 50" drove me to prefer the dcu

[SMARTASS8]

there are many creators at DC who are under 50. like james robinson, gail simone, judd winick, even grant morrison is still 49. but as far as preference i dont think you can really know for sure what company a creator prefers since there is never a guarantee that you'll be staying with the same company for a long period of time.

how would we know if anybody at marvel prefers DC? not like they'll say so publicly while working for marvel.

Now that you mention it, I'm pretty sure Morrison has stated his preference for the DCU before. Mark Millar also stated that he pretty much only read British comics and DC reprints as a kid. Although, as far as preferring DC, who knows? I know he wants to write the mainstream Superman book. Even though I'm not a huge Millar fan, as long as he left his "poor man's Garth Ennis" style of writing at home, I kind of want to see what he'd do with Superman(although after reading his Civil War & some of his FF, I think I'd probably regret it).

[SMARTASS8]

i used to prefer marvel over dc until their "creators under 50" drove me to prefer the dcu


You and me both! Even though I'm the one who started this thread, preferring a Universe may not necessarily mean a writer's going to deliver better work than a non-fan. Bendis, a man who claims to have grown up a huge Marvel Universe fan, imho proves that. I don't know if he should shoulder all the blame or if his editors contribute to it, but he seems like he'd never read a Marvel Comic before he started writing them.

[Kylun123]

how old is JMS?

[lunchcountersitin]

My first question is, how much does this "preference", where it exists, affect the talent each can get?

I'm sure there's an effect, in the instance that a particular writer or artist might (or might not) want to work on a particular character.

But if a writer's looking for work, will she turn down an assignment because it's in the DCU? I wouldn't myself... a job's a job, to me.

Second question: is it really true that creators under 50 are more likely to prefer the Marvel U over the DCU? And if there is a "preference" gap, how great is it? Is it insignificant, or rather large?

[SMARTASS8]

My first question is, how much does this "preference", where it exists, affect the talent each can get?

I'm sure there's an effect, in the instance that a particular writer or artist might (or might not) want to work on a particular character.

But if a writer's looking for work, will she turn down an assignment because it's in the DCU? I wouldn't myself... a job's a job, to me.

I think it only affects the talent that both companies want. If "Zombies" like Bendis and Dan Slott were shown the door and DC offered them a job, I'm sure they'd take it. I've heard plenty of talent say they weren't fans of a character that they were working on. Either they were team players or realized they didn't have much "power" to make demands for which book they were going to work on.

Second question: is it really true that creators under 50 are more likely to prefer the Marvel U over the DCU? And if there is a "preference" gap, how great is it? Is it insignificant, or rather large?

I'm just going by sales #'s that Marvel's lead over DC is greater than ever before(although I've heard plenty of people doubt the veracity of Diamond's #'s). I've also heard plenty of talent say that they were bigger fans of Marvel(even when they were working for DC). If the fans today become tomorrow's talent, I'm assuming the odds are more likely that they will have grown up Marvel fans.

[aut0matic]

how old is JMS?

i couldn't say, but he looks a great deal over 50

edit: ok, i just wiki'd it. he's 55... sorry jms, for thinking you were a geezer!

[ryerye17]

I hate Marvel.

[protonik]

Isn't Gaiman under 50?

I was a huge DC fan as a kid, then a bigger Marvel fan in my tweens (Claremont & Silvestri was awesome, McFarlane on Amazing as well) thanks to Stern/Buscema on Avengers... Then I was a Valiant fan. DC all the way now, I've gone full circle and gotten back to some of my favourites and sad some aren't still around like Ronnie Raymond. My main problem with Marvel is that so many of my favourite characters have become unrecognizable like Speedball, Quasar, etc.

[Hullababy]

I used to prefer Marvel myself until they started turning my favorite heroes into thugs and suddenly I couldn't recognize my heroes anymore.

[SMARTASS8]

I used to prefer Marvel myself until they started turning my favorite heroes into thugs and suddenly I couldn't recognize my heroes anymore.

I'm one of the minority that hopes Disney does affect Marvel. When they have Clint Barton, one of my favorite characters, spending an entire issue last week dressed like a ninja trying to kill different Dark Avengers when, in the past, he broke up with his wife when she let her rapist die, it depressed me to no end. Considering Bendis is supposedly a lifelong Avengers fan, just what the hell issues was he reading? DC may be darker than it used to be(although they did kill Aquaman's baby son in the 1970's, alluded to the molestation of Barbara Gordon during Killing Joke in the 1980's, and killed Commissioner Gordon's 2nd wife in the 1990's) but the heroes still act like heroes. They may have the occasional orgy according to James Robinson, but they act like heroes.

[the4thpip]

Gail Simone seems to delve a lot deeper into the DCU than she did the MU. She mostly wrote fringe characters at Marvel and has stated in the past that Stan Lee did not create very engaging female characters for her.

Rucka seems to be a bit of a DC boy.

And I guess one would have to ask Palmiotti and Gray which publisher they prefer... But freelancers are unlikely to be very candid about that kind of thing.

[Karl O'Neill]

I have always prefered the DCU!

[Clockan]

whats important is the people who like both. i dont care if you prefer marvel as long as you like DC enough to want to write good stories. geoff johns said once he has a whole notebook with 2 years or something worth of iron man stories he would want to tell (dude should turn that into a steel series). thankfully there are plenty of creators who would want to do both and could do both that each company is safe and should have to worry about preference

[Mr Wesley]

But if a writer's looking for work, will she turn down an assignment because it's in the DCU? I wouldn't myself... a job's a job, to me.
Back in the day, Marvel was the "cool, rebellious" brother to DC's "went to college and married a nice girl" image. I think a lot of creators still want to identify with Marvel more than DC even though that image hasn't been true in decades.

Second question: is it really true that creators under 50 are more likely to prefer the Marvel U over the DCU? And if there is a "preference" gap, how great is it? Is it insignificant, or rather large?
Even if the number of creators who prefer Marvel to DC may be larger, I think the talent level of those exclusively* at DC right now far outstrips those at Marvel.

(*"Exclusive" to mean anyone with an exclusive contract with one publisher or someone who just happens to only have assignments with one publisher.)

[SeritoNiN]

Grant Morrison (49) Judd Winick (39) Gail Simone (35) James Robinson (??) Greg Rucka (39)

[SMARTASS8]

Grant Morrison (49) Judd Winick (39) Gail Simone (35) James Robinson (??) Greg Rucka (39)

Have any of them actually said they prefer the DCU? Dan Slott and Bendis have written for DC, but they have also both said the Marvel Universe is their preference.

[Seven_Ride]

Any writers who grew up fans in the 80s or 90s are from an era where Marvel 50% to 75% of the market.

So if they're anything like regular fans, these writers would tend be more fond of Marvel. But many Marvelites read DC too. And if they are pros at all, their preferences don't necessarily factor into how they write Batman, Spider-Man or whatever.

[SMARTASS8]

Any writers who grew up fans in the 80s or 90s are from an era where Marvel 50% to 75% of the market.

So if they're anything like regular fans, these writers would tend be more fond of Marvel. But many Marvelites read DC too. And if they are pros at all, their preferences don't necessarily factor into how they write Batman, Spider-Man or whatever.

Luckily Geoff Johns went against the grain and was a DC fan first.

[Scott Taylor]

I'd like to point out that the artists are creators as well, and we really should see what they think factors in too before drawing any conclusions.

[Sean Walsh]

CRAIG KYLE: I’m someone who doesn’t care what those guys across the street are doing. I’m not saying that to throw out a “nasty” statement, it’s just that I’m a Marvel boy through-and-through.

That's interesting, as his writing partner Chris Yost (I'm gonna guess he's young too) writes a bunch of DC stuff now too.

[joao_miranda]

Have any of them actually said they prefer the DCU? Dan Slott and Bendis have written for DC, but they have also both said the Marvel Universe is their preference.

Morrison and Robinson did, I think Simone and Rucka too, and I don't know about Winnick.

But you also have Tomasi, Berard, Waid (I think he's less then 50), Sterling Gates and plenty others.

[luci]

Well Craig Kyle SHOULD care cause frankly now a days DC is kicking Marvel's ass when it comes to storytelling and sales are a hell of alot closer then they use to be. So while he maybe a Marvel boy (yeah tough call when they sign your paychecks) he should take notice. I grew up on the xmen, loved them, bought everything, read everything but now a days you couldnt pay me to read any of the x-titles, they are dull and boring. Bishop has been chasing Hope for how long now? Oh look Scott is now in charge of the xmen, its too bad nothing interesting is actually being done with any of that. Too bad Scarlett didnt say "no more crappy stories" instead.

[SMARTASS8]

Morrison and Robinson did, I think Simone and Rucka too, and I don't know about Winnick.

But you also have Tomasi, Berard, Waid (I think he's less then 50), Sterling Gates and plenty others.

I kinda wish Robinson and Waid were Marvel fans. At least Waid isn't doing anything for DC right now with his Boom EIC job and his work on Spidey.

[joao_miranda]

Well Craig Kyle SHOULD care cause frankly now a days DC is kicking Marvel's ass when it comes to storytelling and sales are a hell of alot closer then they use to be. So while he maybe a Marvel boy (yeah tough call when they sign your paychecks) he should take notice. I grew up on the xmen, loved them, bought everything, read everything but now a days you couldnt pay me to read any of the x-titles, they are dull and boring. Bishop has been chasing Hope for how long now? Oh look Scott is now in charge of the xmen, its too bad nothing interesting is actually being done with any of that. Too bad Scarlett didnt say "no more crappy stories" instead.

That's true. DC is very close to Marvel, in sales levels. And if you analise the number of 3,99$ books, the difference is even smaller.

[Pixie_Solanas]

crap like "Necrosha" makes me less and less a "Marvel boy".

[Shellhead]

I used to prefer Marvel myself until they started turning my favorite heroes into thugs and suddenly I couldn't recognize my heroes anymore.

That's an oversimplification. Only some of the Marvel heroes are acting like thugs. Some are acting like incompetent rookies, while others are like angst-ridden teenagers or faceless extras. And there is the whole Ultimate line, which I believe is short for Ultimate A-Holes.

[LostCompany]

Why do i see so many anti-marvel rants on DC boards these days. DC did make Dr. Light into a rapist and turned a once heroic Superboy Prime into a homicidal maniac. Both companies have made some mistakes in recent history. Oh and I dont prefer either, I read what I like and avoid what I dont.

[daveageallen]

mike allred and mike mignola have both said they prefer dc.

[Spiffy]

I know this is a popular opinion shared by many of today's writers and artists. It dawned on me that Geoff Johns and Kevin Smith seem to be the only 2 creators under 50, that I can think of, who have publically stated they prefer DC to Marvel(I'm talking about the DCU & its characters, not Dan Didio & his company).
So the dozens of other under 50s who work for DC consistently (and in many cases exclusively) don't count simply because they haven't made a public statement about the issue?

First of all, I think many of them are just too smart to do so. While they may love certain things about the DCU and maybe even their current bosses, you can never predict the future. A smart creator wouldn't close doors to other future employment by making some offhand comment about "preferring" one or the other.

[Maestro]

Marvel is what the cool kids read. the only cool hero DC has is Batman and he's dead now

[DeadXMan]

Marvel also lets the writers do what they want more or less.

do you really think DC would let Arron have a ninja nun on the lamb, gun toting nurses, a cannibalistic mayor, all in one issue of batman?:wink:

[Damiean Dark]

Marvel is what the cool kids read. the only cool hero DC has is Batman and he's dead now

Batmans popularity is a clear indication of what people want today, more human storylines and characters if DC cottoned on to this 40 years ago and introduced storylines and NEW NON LEGACY characters in line with the revolution in the way comics where written the DC/Marvel sales battle would be far closer then it is today.

As it is Batman is thier biggest seller alongside Lantern and then Superman and only because of his super iconic status.

[SMARTASS8]

First of all, I think many of them are just too smart to do so. While they may love certain things about the DCU and maybe even their current bosses, you can never predict the future. A smart creator wouldn't close doors to other future employment by making some offhand comment about "preferring" one or the other.

Somehow there are those who have made their preferences clear while still maintaining an open door policy at both companies. Saying you prefer one universe over another is not the same as JoeyQ style trash talk where you insult the competition and, indirectly, their talent pool.

[Hulk_Is]

As someone touched on earlier, writers for Marvel are able to do what they want more or less. Which coincides with my theory: :biggrin:

You could always sell a T-Shirt with a "hip-hoppin" Spiderman, Hulk, and Iron Man even, but you just won't/can't/dare do it to DC's Trinity.

Should the "Hip Hoppin' Marvels" seem a bit too much, just use their original images and they'd sell just as well.

I always feel that pretty much sums up why Marvel appeals to more writers and a larger public because of their general versatility. Heck, Disney can't wait to use those characters.

DC characters do feel like they need older writers (but not necessarily of course).

[SMARTASS8]

Marvel is what the cool kids read. the only cool hero DC has is Batman and he's dead now

Thanks for lowering your standards by coming over to the DC side of the forums. Now go back to the Marvel side so you can laugh with the other Zombies about how you really put us in our places.

I really don't understand the immaturity so many Marvel fans exhibit? Are their type just generally attracted to the House that Stan built or does JoeyQ's unprofessional demeanor just rile them all up?

[SMARTASS8]

Marvel also lets the writers do what they want more or less.



Sure, unless the writer wants a hero to smoke a cigarette, stay married, or actually, you know, act like hero.

[Mister Blisterfists]

I'm a DC boy.

I only travel across the street for Kick Ass, Young Avengers, and the Runaways.

none of which are produced on a consistent basis, and therefore, none are likely to sway me to jump ship.

[Hullababy]

Batmans popularity is a clear indication of what people want today, more human storylines and characters if DC cottoned on to this 40 years ago and introduced storylines and NEW NON LEGACY characters in line with the revolution in the way comics where written the DC/Marvel sales battle would be far closer then it is today.

As it is Batman is thier biggest seller alongside Lantern and then Superman and only because of his super iconic status.

If I'd want your "human" stories, I'd not read comic books. Comic books offer a lot of scope which is not possible in the stories based in real worlds. The real immature side is the side which wants "real" superhero stories. In a world where the possibilities are endless, if you want to limit yourself to soap opera that you can experience at so many other places, then you're welcomed to do so.

[SMARTASS8]

Batmans popularity is a clear indication of what people want today, more human storylines and characters if DC cottoned on to this 40 years ago and introduced storylines and NEW NON LEGACY characters in line with the revolution in the way comics where written the DC/Marvel sales battle would be far closer then it is today.

As it is Batman is thier biggest seller alongside Lantern and then Superman and only because of his super iconic status.

Let me get this straight. According to you:

- Batman is what people want BUT Green Lantern sells too(and is also pretty far from the human storylines that you purport makes Batman popular)

* why is it that sci-fi fantasies like Blackest Night and Secret Invasion are huge sellers?

- Superman sells only because of his iconic status

* where does that leave other icons like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and The Flash?

- non legacy characters are the answer

* with multiple Robins, Batgirls, Batwomen, Azraels, and now Batmen, Batman is the king of the legacy characters

There have also been long stretches where Batman was not selling huge numbers until the 60's TV show, the series of movies starting with 1989's, and the Animated Series boosted sales(sort of like what happened with Iron Man).

You act like Marvel's Universe is full of pulp fiction style characters which is why they sell more books. The X-Men have some of the most bizarre and fantasy styled looks and powers(they ever fly around in a spaceship looking plane) and yet they sell big numbers. The Hulk is a giant green monster who travels to alien planets and gives birth to crossbreed babies who reach maturity in days and yet his books sell. Spider-Man makes deals with demons, has clones of himself running around, and used to wear a living costume he got on an alien world and he's Marvel's biggest character. Marvel's claim of being realistic and more grounded is made by employees of the company who are trying to justify working with superheroes(even though they have admitted in the past that they don't like them) and fanboys who will use any ammo they can to bolster their opinions of superiority.

[DeadXMan]

Sure, unless the writer wants a hero to smoke a cigarette, stay married, or actually, you know, act like hero.

a non smoking single life of debauchery or becoming a rapist, a genocidal maniac, a fanboy that kills pregnant women, Fear personified all while pissing on Jack Kirby's grave.

Tough choice.:confused:

[SMARTASS8]

As someone touched on earlier, writers for Marvel are able to do what they want more or less. Which coincides with my theory: :biggrin:

You could always sell a T-Shirt with a "hip-hoppin" Spiderman, Hulk, and Iron Man even, but you just won't/can't/dare do it to DC's Trinity.

Should the "Hip Hoppin' Marvels" seem a bit too much, just use their original images and they'd sell just as well.

I always feel that pretty much sums up why Marvel appeals to more writers and a larger public because of their general versatility. Heck, Disney can't wait to use those characters.

DC characters do feel like they need older writers (but not necessarily of course).


Sure, it's not like there are athletes with Superman shields tattooed on themselves. DC was also smart enough to create symbols that identify their characters without the need to use a character in a pose. I don't care who's more popular in terms of comics sales, I've seen way more Superman, Supergirl, Batman, and Wonder Woman symbols on caps, t-shirts(male & female), jackets, and car detailing than any Marvel character.

[SMARTASS8]

a non smoking single life of debauchery or becoming a rapist, a genocidal maniac, a fanboy that kills pregnant women, Fear personified all while pissing on Jack Kirby's grave.

Tough choice.:confused:

Rapist: do you mean like The Phantom Rider(drugged & raped Mockingbird), Chameleon, or a supposed hero like Hawkeye who slept with a brain damaged, ex-teammate Scarlet Witch suffering from memory loss after he decided he wasn't going to kill her for revenge?

Genocidal Maniac: like Magneto or Thanos

A fanboy that kills pregnant women: how about a "hero" who cuts the faces off of his villains(Moon Knight), a villain who flays his ex-love and wears her skin as a suit(Dr. Doom), a hero who beats his wife in multiple universes, a wheelchair bound "hero" who spends time lusting after his underaged charge who is supposed to be his student, or Spidey who slapped his pregnant wife.

You can take credit for Jack Kirby, Zombie. If his grave is anywhere, it's on your side of the fence.

[Hulk_Is]

Sure, it's not like there are athletes with Superman shields tattooed on themselves. DC was also smart enough to create symbols that identify their characters without the need to use a character in a pose. I don't care who's more popular in terms of comics sales, I've seen way more Superman, Supergirl, Batman, and Wonder Woman symbols on caps, t-shirts(male & female), jackets, and car detailing than any Marvel character.

That's another thing that partially keeps DC's comic side of things from ever catching up to Marvel; it's because the general public has more reverance towards the actual icons - which translates into what writers are truly able to do with some of their comics. For example, people tend to think of Superman as being only a big blue boy scout, Wonder Wonder being Superman-lite, and Batman... well he tends to do well all-around. But point is, DC comics tends to be thought of as being about powerhouse characters with popular icons. Many younger writers don't necessarily wanna be bogged down with that either, because for all intents and purposes, you need to ultimately sell them as the Icons they are, which can tend to chain them so to speak.

[SMARTASS8]

That's another thing that partially keeps DC's comic side of things from ever catching up to Marvel; it's because the general public has more reverance towards the actual icons - which translates into what writers are truly able to do with some of their comics. For example, people tend to think of Superman as being only a big blue boy scout, Wonder Wonder being Superman-lite, and Batman... well he tends to do well all-around. But point is, DC comics tends to be thought of as being about powerhouse characters with popular icons. Many younger writers don't necessarily wanna be bogged down with that either, because for all intents and purposes, you need to ultimately sell them as the Icons they are, which can tend to chain them so to speak.

Spidey is an icon, he made a deal with a demon, his marriage was dissolved, and now his sales are going downhill, You can say the same for Marvel, but JoeyQ is too stubborn to ever admit anything he did was a bad idea.

[SquidSquod]

I hate Marvel.

Then you're old. :cool:

[SquidSquod]

Spidey is an icon, he made a deal with a demon, his marriage was dissolved, and now his sales are going downhill,

What if Peter Parker decides to marry MJ again?

Downhill is just a reason for another uphill stage.

What I can give you is that Marvel doesn't have a single clear roadmap.

[Crimson]

i think its funny that the guy never really answered the question about when they had planned the story
absorb and deflect :P

its easy to make the claim thats you're a marvel boy when your talking about the company thats signing your paycheck

there are many creators at DC who are under 50. like james robinson, gail simone, judd winick, even grant morrison is still 49. but as far as preference i dont think you can really know for sure what company a creator prefers since there is never a guarantee that you'll be staying with the same company for a long period of time.

how would we know if anybody at marvel prefers DC? not like they'll say so publicly while working for marvel.

They had it planned in atleast New X-Men #32 (although that issue was set up months before hand) so thats January 07 or earlier.

Blackest Night's first glimpse to readers appeared in December 2007, but expressed the idea of the dead returning more so then New X-Men #32

Looking at the dates and the slow boils/big reveals I'd say both storylines were probably started at about the same time.

[ryerye17]

Then you're old. :cool:

how dare you. I'm 19. :smile:

[SquidSquod]

Young body, old soul :biggrin:

[luci]

Sure, unless the writer wants a hero to smoke a cigarette, stay married, or actually, you know, act like hero.

Or not want your storyline plans to be derailed because the big editor guy wants to use your character in a crossover event (thor) but you are free to have a character completely go out of character for no logical sense and cannibalize another character (Blob/Wasp).

[Jolly Mon]

What if Peter Parker decides to marry MJ again?
Not with Joey Q in charge.
Downhill is just a reason for another uphill stage.
What the hell does that even mean?
What I can give you is that Marvel doesn't have a single clear roadmap.
And that's a good thing? That they have no idea what they're doing?

[Jolly Mon]

Or not want your storyline plans to be derailed because the big editor guy wants to use your character in a crossover event (thor) but you are free to have a character completely go out of character for no logical sense and cannibalize another character (Blob/Wasp).

Blob ate the Wasp?

[Shellhead]

Blob ate the Wasp?

Ultimate Blob ate Ultimate Wasp. That's just part of what makes them so Ultimate.

[Jolly Mon]

Ultimate Blob ate Ultimate Wasp. That's just part of what makes them so Ultimate.

Wow. Apparently Ultimate doesn't mean what I thought it meant. :eek:

[dodger8804]

I actually prefer the Marvel U, since it's more realistic and the plots are still not as "Cosmic" as the DCU. However, DC has more books that I enjoy. The ratio of marvel to DC books I buy is probably 1:3. But all I'm saying is that I like the Marvel "Univerese" more than DC's.

[dodger8804]

I actually prefer the Marvel U, since it's more realistic and the plots are still not as "Cosmic" as the DCU. However, DC has more books that I enjoy. The ratio of marvel to DC books I buy is probably 1:3. But all I'm saying is that I like the Marvel "Universe" more than DC's.

[Edit] Sorry about the double post. Thought I was editing, but somehow this happend. I wish there was a way to delete posts.

[HotRod_Tim]

As a kid growing up in the 90s, my local grocery store carried half Archie comics, then the other half was split, with a lil more Marvel than DC.

So naturally, I ended up with more Marvel than DC myself, but I've always loved both......until about a year ago. Thats when DC won me over....or is it that Marvel just lost me? I don't even know that answer.

I stopped reading comics for a few years, but when I came back Civil War was just ending and the Initiative was coming. I was hooked with the new Avengers Initiative book, then Secret Invasion came, and before I had time to enjoy it, Dark Reign came...I was too overwhelmed. Stories that feel like their being told...just to be told. Then the next, and the next.

Although, while Marvel was throwing out everything under the sun, I was enjoying all the DC books that were building huge, epic stories. So naturally, I gravitated to the place where good STORIES are being told.......DC!

[haljordan2814.01]

I think that there are probably too many creators(artists and writers) to name under the age of 50 that would prefer DC to Marvel. I read an interview w/ Ethan Van Sciver where he wouldn't even mention his time w/ Marvel because it was so bad.

The DCU is built upon the legacy and histories of it's characters and I think that this appeals more to an older reader than it would a younger one who may feel that they need to go into back issues to get the references and such that they may read in a DC comic. Marvel's titles are pretty much here in the "now".

[Reptisaurus!]

CRAIG KYLE: I’m someone who doesn’t care what those guys across the street are doing. I’m not saying that to throw out a “nasty” statement, it’s just that I’m a Marvel boy through-and-through.

I know this is a popular opinion shared by many of today's writers and artists. It dawned on me that Geoff Johns and Kevin Smith seem to be the only 2 creators under 50, that I can think of, who have publically stated they prefer DC to Marvel

So, assuming you're correct re; Johns and Smith...

Judging from public statements...

We have one creator who prefers the Marvel characters to TWO who prefer the DCU. That's twice as many.

Honestly, I'd think (hope?) that most don't particularly care one way of the other or and don't self-identify with a set of corporate intellectual property.

[SMARTASS8]

So, assuming you're correct re; Johns and Smith...

“I like both, but I definitely prefer the DC Universe. I just gravitate towards the characters more. I don’t know what it is about them. They’re a little bit more colourful. I think that their canvasses are bigger, their stories are bigger.” Geoff Johns

I can't find the quote from Kevin Smith but he basically said that people mistook him for a Marvel Zombie since he put Stan Lee in Mallrats but he's always preferred DC's characters.

Judging from public statements...

We have one creator who prefers the Marvel characters to TWO who prefer the DCU. That's twice as many.

Honestly, I'd think (hope?) that most don't particularly care one way of the other or and don't self-identify with a set of corporate intellectual property.

Well, you must not read many interviews with writers. Most interviews I've read, especially when it's with a new writer, feature the question of whether they prefer Marvel or DC. The answer seems to be, more often than not, either: "I started reading DC but switched over to Marvel when I got older" or I was a Marvel kid growing up".

It doesn't matter if a writer likes DC or Marvel more as long as they produce good stories. Geoff Johns prefers the DCU and, imho, writes great books. Brian Bendis prefers the Marvel Universe and, imho again, sucks when writing Marvel's characters.. It's just fun to know if a writer or artist one likes agrees with their taste in comics.

[Reptisaurus!]

Well, you must not read many interviews with writers.
Most interviews I've read, especially when it's with a new writer, feature the question of whether they prefer Marvel or DC. The answer seems to be, more often than not, either: "I started reading DC but switched over to Marvel when I got older" or I was a Marvel kid growing up".


I read a dozen comic blogs every day, subscribe to and read cover to cover Back Issue, Alter Ego, the Comics Journal (except the boring small print stuff in the back) and flip through Wizard and the CBG every month. I've also written professionally about comics, I write for one of the CBR Blogs, and I'm considered fairly knowledgeable about 'em among folks that do. If you wanna quiz me, quiz me.

So, speaking as someone who's devoted a HUGE portion of my free time to comics and a decent chunk 'o my academic and professional time as well.

Notice how I sound like I know what the hell I'm talking about? Notice how it sounds like I've spent YEARS of my life researching this stuff? That's 'cause I have.

Hell. Quiz me.

You can make vague allusions to all these interviews you read.

Really. Have fun. Knock yourself up.

But what we actually have coming from you - and this is this nasty 'ol journalistic training coming up again - is not proof of DC or Marvel preference among writers in general.

Two quotes does not make an argument.

We have a vague allusion to authority, an argument that reads "Well, I know A LOT because I SAY I know A LOT."

Now, don't think I'm unimpressed by your ability to pretend to know stuff, but you haven't proven anything. You haven't even given any reasons for your speculation besides vague and - quite frankly - at best self aggrandizing and at worst absolutely worthless appeals to some kind of nebulous authority.

So, yeah, forgive me if I don't take you particularly seriously.

But I'm willing to bet I'm not alone in this.

BUT since you asked, here'sMark Millar (http://www.denofgeek.com/comics/88459/the_den_of_geek_interview_mark_millar.html) for the DC side. (Further proof: Does Civil War read like the work of someone who's grown up with and understands the Fantastic Four and Captain America?)


It doesn't matter if a writer likes DC or Marvel more as long as they produce good stories. Geoff Johns prefers the DCU and, imho, writes great books. Brian Bendis prefers the Marvel Universe and, imho again, sucks when writing Marvel's characters.. It's just fun to know if a writer or artist one likes agrees with their taste in comics.


Bendis I dunno... It seems like he prefers crime fiction in general to superhero comics. His first, (and best) work was all a kind of tongue in cheek noir-y realism. He doesn't seem to have much use for the traditional tools of superhero narrative writing. (Although it's possible that he's changed the game so much that his work DEFINES the current tools of superhero comics writing.) So, yeah, if you HAVE to put him on the DC or Marvel side he'll probably say Marvel. But he's not working out of a love of the characters or the universe.

Again, I really HOPE that most writers agree with me and don't have a strong corporate preference. I get the psychological need to define yourself through corporate allegiance... But I'd rather see the writers I like bein' above that kind of thing.

[DeadXMan]

[COLOR="Cyan"]I can't find the quote from Kevin Smith but he basically said that people mistook him for a Marvel Zombie since he put Stan Lee in Mallrats but he's always preferred DC's characters.





It probably didn't putting Joe in Jay and silent bob along with the Daredevil joke,and all the comics at theSercet Stash were Marvel.

[SMARTASS8]

Really. Have fun. Knock yourself up.



I guess all of your "journalistic training" didn't teach you that the phrase is knock yourself out.:rolleyes:

[Darrell D.]

Is it on like Donkey Kong?

[SMARTASS8]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SMARTASS8]

Is it on like Donkey Kong?

Yep!

IT'S GO TIME!!!!!

http://www.siyumhaseinfeld.com/images/chars/mandelbaums2.jpg

[GreatGobo]

If I was a writer/colorist/artist/inker. I would say I love Marvel if I worked for Marvel. If I worked for DC I would say I love DC.

As a reader/buyer. I like Marvel better than DC. A higher percent of my pulls are Marvel vs DC.

[Reptisaurus!]

I guess all of your "journalistic training" didn't teach you that the phrase is knock yourself out.:rolleyes:

Nah, that was on purpose. I stole it fomm Asterios Polyp (http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307377326) and use it every chance I get.

I AM sorry for the bitchy post though. I was in a bad mood and being an asshole for no reason.

[FlyingFox]

i think its funny that the guy never really answered the question about when they had planned the story
absorb and deflect :P

Maybe because its a stupid question? I wonder if Morrison was getting questions like this when he killed Batman.

[the henchman]

regardless of what company writers prefer, i would be willing to bet that most creators would move heaven and earth for a shot at writing batman or superman.

[SMARTASS8]

Nah, that was on purpose. I stole it fomm Asterios Polyp (http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307377326) and use it every chance I get.

I AM sorry for the bitchy post though. I was in a bad mood and being an asshole for no reason.


No harm! I've been there!:biggrin: