For the novice fans: How far in advance are the story decisions made b4 they get 2 us

[Make Mine Mar-Vell]

Sorry couldn't fit the "?" in the thread title, but I would hope you know what I mean.

I mean how far away is it already decided ( a character turn, etc., a storyline etc) before we hear about it via leaks/previews etc? Do u understand what I mean?

Is it such a system they can or can't change midstream based upon reader response (pissed off staff) etc?

(Tell me if I am not being clear.)

Thank you

[chrisgiff]

well Marvel does their retreats with the big guns (bendis, brubaker, fraction, aaron, etc) every so often and i believe they pitch plot ideas for the next year.

that being said, i'm sure things are constantly changing up until they are published. i would imagine that they do have a rough outline for about a year's worth of stories though.

[Make Mine Mar-Vell]

well Marvel does their retreats with the big guns (bendis, brubaker, fraction, aaron, etc) every so often and i believe they pitch plot ideas for the next year.

that being said, i'm sure things are constantly changing up until they are published. i would imagine that they do have a rough outline for about a year's worth of stories though.

Thank you Chris.

However, that's still a lot of grey area...like when does this happen? Is it like they rent a motel for a weekend or go to a diner etc? Is there ways to change plans? How does the fan make their voice heard?

I often wonder about this, is it like a chalkboard outline following one big overarc and say you have 'character X' and you can do what you want (meaning the writers) but he's got to be where you left him when you started etc.?

If so, who makes that original outline?

I'm fairly sure they don't read their mail. lol

Am I making any sense?

[the new sensation]

Well, from what a friend "in the know" [his words] told me back in 99, most comics are plotted out a year in advance. There are apparently 2 separate drafts; the first is a general overview of what happens over the next year [12 issues] then a second draft has a month by month breakdown of how it all pans out, like book chapters. Most writers co-plot their books with others to maintain continuity [you wouldnt notice, lately] re guest appearances.

[chrisgiff]

Thank you Chris.

However, that's still a lot of grey area...like when does this happen? Is it like they rent a motel for a weekend or go to a diner etc? Is there ways to change plans? How does the fan make their voice heard?

I often wonder about this, is it like a chalkboard outline following one big overarc and say you have 'character X' and you can do what you want (meaning the writers) but he's got to be where you left him when you started etc.?

If so, who makes that original outline?

I'm fairly sure they don't read their mail. lol

Am I making any sense?

i am pretty sure they are like weekend long retreats. i'm sure you can find interviews where some of the writers talk about it. i know they bounce ideas off of one another and some ideas actually get thrown out if they conflict with something someone else wants to do. pretty sure only the big name writers are in on this stuff.

as far as the comics that don't affect the entire universe, like the poster above me said, i think the writers usually have to present at least a couple of story arcs before they get the gig. some guys will even have a rough outline of the entire series. i know Garth Ennis already has the ending of The Boys outlined and i think Robert Kirkman said he has ideas for the next 100 issues of the Walking Dead and issue 76 (?) just came out...


i've always wondered if the writers and publishers take fan reaction into account also. i mean, series obviously get canceled due to poor sales, but i wonder if there are ever instances where writers get a couple of issues to "rectify" the problems and see if readers come back before they axe a book.