If there's a Spider-Man Relaunch.........

[Mister Mets]

There's a strong possibility that sometime soon, there will come a story which completely alters Spider-Man's status quo, making his identity a secret once again, and maybe even making him single again. This change may coincide with a high-profile relaunch of the Spider-Man books, which may involve all the books being relaunched with New #1s, and/ or new creative teams.

The questions...
1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? Should all the books begin with New #1s? Should some? Should none?
2. What status quo would you like to see in the books (Should Spider-Man's identity be a secret? Should he married? Should he and MJ have a kid?)
3. What creators would you like to see on the books?
4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have? (ie- If you want Amazing Spider-Man & Web of Spider-Man as the new Spider-Man books, how should the books be different?)

I'll post some of my answers soon, but I'm looking forward to what you guys have to say.

[Spider-Man]

First things first: JMS must be kicked to the proverbial curb, along with his mystical mumbo jumbo bullshit.

After that, I'd be happy with Peter David writing two core Spidey titles...

Spidey

[Mister Mets]

Here's what I'd to. Sometimes around Amazing Spider-Man #550 (which gives the current creators a little more than an year to play around with Spider-Man: Unmasked, and tie up all their loose ends) I'd do a major crossover which spans the three titles (this is based on ideas I've seen online). Something bad happens to Spider-Man's loved ones as a result of Spider-Man's identity being public. Spider-Man goes to Doctor Strange to make the world forget that Spider-Man is Peter Parker (the same way the world forgot about the Sentry in the Sentry mini series.) Strange refuses, but Loki (probably getting a revamp in the upcoming Thor relaunch by the top Spider-Man writer) who owes Spider-Man a favor offers to change the world so Spider-Man's identity was never revealed. Almost everyone who knows Spider-Man's identity has forgotten it. This includes Norman Osborn, who remains in charge of Oscorp, with no one aware of his other life (hell, he could've forgotten that he's the Green Goblin.) This also includes Mary Jane Watson, who never knew that Peter Parker was Spider-Man, and never married him. They may've still dated a bit, and they could do so in the future. I'd use the mini series to show Peter's reactions to the new world, as he makes some major decisions. What should he tell Aunt May? etc. The crossover ends with him getting the memories of the experiences of the Peter Parker in this world (with subtle changes in stories like Kraven's Last Hunt, the first Venom tales, and Down With the Dead Men.)

I'd follow this with a relaunch of the major Spider-Man books (as this is a bigger deal than the event which led to the first relaunch seven years ago) and instruct writers to reference the older continuity a lot less. The book follows single Peter Parker, a high school Physics teacher, who moonlights as both a Daily Bugle photographer and the vigilante/ reserve Avenger Spider-Man.
As for creative teams, and plots.

Amazing Spider-Man
Writer- Mark Millar
Artist- Mark Bagley
Amazing Spider-Man would be the flagship title, which establishes the status quo for the books. If Spider-Man gets a new girlfriend/ breaks up with his old one, it usually happens here. I doubt these two guys would want to be on the books for longer than an year, but they would provide for an excellent high profile relaunch.
Possible early plot: Venom, thanks to the alien symbiote remembers the world as it once was, and use his abilities to make Norman Osborn remember, to restore them as the two villains who know Spider-Man's identity. Norman Osborn would pretend to gain amnesia again, and become a far more "behind-the-scenes" villain, at least for the first year.
As for who I'd have to follow the two Marks: Brian K Vaughan, Ed Brubaker (provided he can handle the workload) and Gail Simone would make great writers, while Mike Wieringo, David Finch, Jim Cheung, Frank Cho, Terry Dodson, or Chriscross would be the artists i'd go for.

Spectacular Spider-Man
Writer- Dan Slott
Artist- John Romita Jr
Every issue of this book would be self-contained. This is the book that would deal with the ramifications of events in other books (ie- crossovers) something Slott's done often in She-Hulk. Some issues will be funny, some will be tragic. Some will feature new villains, classic villains, rarely used B-level villains, and villains from other franchises. It's meant to compliment the shortages of the other Spider-Man books. This should also give John Romita Jr an opporunity to do the best work of his career.
Because of the done in one aspects of this title fill-in work may be common, but it should always be good, and by respected creators (ie- Paul Jenkins, Sean McKeever, Ed Brubaker)
If Dan Slott wants to write a longer story he'll have to do a seperate mini series, or swap with the Amazing Spider-Man writer for a few months.

Astonishing Spider-Man
Writer- Jeph Loeb
Artist- J Scott Campbell
I'd use this book to establish an Astonishing franchise, to surpass DC's All-Star franchise, getting A-list creators doing what they want on an accessible book, free from the continuity of the other books (this would be the book for late writers).
When Loeb/ Campbell are done, I'd try to get Michael Chabon or Joss Whedon to write this book, with Bryan Hitch, John Cassady, or Joe Mad on art.

[Cody H]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.

[Pheonix-NoRelation]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.

What he said. :D

[Chris S.]

I'd prefer to not see much of a relaunch at all. It would have to be handled well, but the original numbering system should be under the new like they did near the end of the first relaunch.

For the questions I like Cody H.'s idea. However, I wouldn't have as many core titles. I would only have three(ASM, Spectacular, and Sensational (or maybe Web of wouldn't matter)). Four just seems too much, and lately it seems they are unable to even carry more then two.

Just a question though: What books did Bagley draw in 616? I know he did, just can't place them.

[Pheonix-NoRelation]

I'd prefer to not see much of a relaunch at all. It would have to be handled well, but the original numbering system should be under the new like they did near the end of the first relaunch.

For the questions I like Cody H.'s idea. However, I wouldn't have as many core titles. I would only have three(ASM, Spectacular, and Sensational (or maybe Web of wouldn't matter)). Four just seems too much, and lately it seems they are unable to even carry more then two.

Just a question though: What books did Bagley draw in 616? I know he did, just can't place them.

Yeah, I'd prefer no relaunch, but if there was, I'd go with Cody H.'s. According to wikipedia, Bagely drew New Warriors from 1990-92, Amazing Spider-Man from 1991-96, and Thunderbolts from 1997-2001.

[Gamma Burst]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.

That's it!

[md62]

If there is a Spider-man relaunch....

to quote my avatar - I say thee nay!!

[Mark (nonick)]

I agree with the poster who said NO renumbering ASM now or ever.

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: Joss Whedon or Dan Slott
Penciller: John Romita Jr.

Amazing should be the showcase Spider-Man book, with the most "heart" to it. Most continuity heavy of the titles, with that unique mix of humor, action, drama that Spider-Man embodies.


Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man:
Writer: PAD
Penciller: Ron Garney

Accent the action and humor, easing off a little on the drama. This book should be a great jumping-on book for new 616 readers. Stories happen within continuity, but revolve around smaller contained stories (3 issues tops). Heavy supporting cast here, Peter's life as Spider-Man.


Web of Spider-Man
Writer/Artist: Revolving All-Stars

I think the point of this book should not be sales, but prestige. Showcasing whatever the teams want to showcase. His entire past is open territory (I'd lay off future stuff though). I still think this would be IN canon, so not violate anything established. Writers could explore different POV from past events or do in-between stories, or do current stuff. Get Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Mark Waid, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Alex Maleeve, Steve Dillon, Marc Texiera, Joe Kubert.

[Mister Mets]

Thanks for the responses guys. Keep em coming, and see if you can get some realistic creative teams to top those on any other franchise (especially the Superman, X-Men, and Batman books).

Yeah, I'd prefer no relaunch, but if there was, I'd go with Cody H.'s. According to wikipedia, Bagely drew New Warriors from 1990-92, Amazing Spider-Man from 1991-96, and Thunderbolts from 1997-2001.

Bagley's also drawn a few issues of the Fantastic Four (Vol 3 51-54), the Spider-Man/ Batman crossover, An Avengers mini series w/ Beast & Wonder Man, some Captain America back-up stories, and the first 5 issues of the Pulse.
His runs have been pretty long (50+ issues on Amazing Spider-Man, 50 issues of Thunderbolts, and 110 issues of Ultimate Spider-Man) but after his record-breaking Ultimate Spider-Man run, I don't think he wants to be on Amazing Spider-Man for more than 12 issues.

The main reason I'd do an Amazing Spider-Man relaunch (and I suspect Marvel would) is that it would boost sales of the book (Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Mark Millar/ Mark Bagley should be the best-selling book the month it comes out) and drive home the point that these books are in a new and hopefully better world. It would certainly return to the original numbering, probably around Issue 600.

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

3. What creators would you like to see on the books?

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Penciler: Mark Bagley

Spectacular Spider-Man:
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler: Scott Kollins

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Writer: Peter David
Penciler: Ron Garney

Web Of Spider-Man:
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Ron Frenz

4. What books would you like to see, and what identity would you like each book to have?

Amazing: Still the flagship title with most of the major happenings.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Whatever Peter David desides he wants to do, I'm cool with that.

Spectacular Spider-Man: Lots of interaction with the supporting cast. Less superheroics and more focus on Pete, MJ, Aunt May, and the gang.

Web Of Spider-Man: Mostly removed from the other titles, focusing a little more on one-shot type stories, and filled with Slott's signature humor. Kind of like Spider-Man/Human Torch except ongoing.

I think you may have too many Spider-Man books, especially given the lack of A-list creators on the titles, which would probably lead to additional Spider-Man books/ mini series by those creators.

One thing to note: Dan Slott does not want to be pegged as a quirky humor guy, which is why he's happy to do a very dark Civil War tie-in. He's said in interviews that he'd begin a Spider-Man run with something vicious, for instance- the brutal murder of Debra Whitman. He's the guy who wrote a mini series in which the Joker prison-raped a guy just to prove he wasn't just a "funny animals" guy.

I agree with the poster who said NO renumbering ASM now or ever.

Amazing Spider-Man:
Writer: Joss Whedon or Dan Slott
Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Amazing should be the showcase Spider-Man book, with the most "heart" to it. Most continuity heavy of the titles, with that unique mix of humor, action, drama that Spider-Man embodies.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man:
Writer: PAD
Penciller: Ron Garney
Accent the action and humor, easing off a little on the drama. This book should be a great jumping-on book for new 616 readers. Stories happen within continuity, but revolve around smaller contained stories (3 issues tops). Heavy supporting cast here, Peter's life as Spider-Man.

Web of Spider-Man
Writer/Artist: Revolving All-Stars

I think the point of this book should not be sales, but prestige. Showcasing whatever the teams want to showcase. His entire past is open terriory (I'd lay off future stuff though). I still think this would be IN canon, so not violate anything established. Writers could explore different POV from past events or do in-between stories, or do current stuff. Get Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Mark Waid, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Alex Maleeve, Steve Dillon, Marc Texiera, Joe Kubert.

Your Web of Spider-Man artists are a great list, but there are flaws with the writers. Waid is DC exclusive, Garth Ennis hates superheroes, Neil Gaiman's taking a big break from Marvel, and Alan Moore has vowed not to work with the company.

I think Amazing Spider-Man should be less continuiity-heavy, as it seems like the most high profile book, and should be pretty accessible.

I haven't been that impressed by Peter David's recent Spider-Man work, and the majority of Garney's Amazing Spider-Man. They strike me as too inconsistent for the titles, which I want a ridiculously high standard for. On the other hand, since you're the second guy to recommend that team of FNSM, they obviously have their fans.

[Cody H]

I think you may have too many Spider-Man books, especially given the lack of A-list creators on the titles, which would probably lead to additional Spider-Man books/ mini series by those creators.

In all honesty, I came up with Spectacular and Web Of and then realized I didn't want to drop Friendly Neighborhood. And if I could somehow get these creative teams on Spider-Man titles, I probably wouldn't think it'd be too many Spidey comics.

One thing to note: Dan Slott does not want to be pegged as a quirky humor guy, which is why he's happy to do a very dark Civil War tie-in. He's said in interviews that he'd begin a Spider-Man run with something vicious, for instance- the brutal murder of Debra Whitman. He's the guy who wrote a mini series in which the Joker prison-raped a guy just to prove he wasn't just a "funny animals" guy.

Well then he'd have no place on my Spider-Man title godammit!!! No, just kidding. I'd trust Slott to take a Spider-Man title any direction he'd see fit. From what I've heard about She-Hulk, he's diversely talented enough to pull many different styles off.

[Billy Parker]

Gee guys, isn't Ultimate Spider-Man the relaunch?

[saintsaucey]

Any one know what book Jeph Loeb is going to be writing. is it going to be an incontinuety ongoing or something completely out there. Jeph did an ijnterview with Wizard where he talked about a (as of yet) un named spidey comic. The art looked fab.

[Dark Soul # 7]

1. How would you like such a relaunch to be done? I believe Amazing Spider-Man should now and forever continue with it's original numbering. Other titles may relaunch with new number ones but Amazing should remain original.

2. What status quo would you like to see in the books? I'd like to see all books following the same status quo, ideally a married Spider-Man (to MJ) with secret I.D. and a well represented supporting cast.

I'm with you to this point but I'd prefere these creators on the books. Oh and I think he should be a teacher.

Amazing Spider-man
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Mark Bagley or John Romita Jr.
This is as always the main book with the classic Spidey tales that has most of the major events and that beutiful mix of drama, action and humor that got us all into Spider-man.

Spectacular Spider-man
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Tom Grummet
This book contains more lighthearted and humerous stories that Slott is known. High on the superhero adventure scale but lower on the real drama scale. With a touch of seriousness of course.

Web of Spider-man
Writer & Artist: Rotating
One-shots with all kinds of adventures and misadventures in this one. I can be about the stuff Peter does between the big storylines or it could be about a day in the life of Shocker or it could be about some guy interviewing various normal people on the street about Spider-man. Spidey can be in the foreground or the background or act as a gueststar, it doesn't really matter as long as he's at least mentioned in the story. It can be a sad story, a humorous story, an actionpacked story, a dramatic story etc. The sky and Spider-man's participation in the story is the limit.