Jeph Loeb is a busy man. Between his duty as Co-Executive Producer and writer for "Heroes," one of television's hottest shows, and scripting an array of comics for Marvel, finding time to chat is a rare luxury. Luckily, I caught the master storyteller in between "Heroes" sessions and got a bit of info on Wolverine, Ultimates, Onslaught Reborn and more!
Agent M: “Heroes” is pretty damn successful. How’re you feeling about the show, the attention and the success? Jeph Loeb: Uh... Is there a wrong answer to this question? It feels awesome, dude!!! Seriously, everybody who works on the show--from Tim Kring who created it and orchestrates the magic, to the greatest writing staff working in one hour TV to the wonderful cast and crew--I know it sounds impossible, but we're having fun and we're making, evidently some good television. And we get paid! It's Christmas every day! And I'm Jewish! AM: And when you’re not pushing superheroics into the mainstream, you’re writing comics. Your first big Marvel book is in--Onslaught Reborn. Was there any trepidation on your part, coming back to Marvel with such a high-profile title as your first book? Loeb: Will I sound like a jerk if I say this is what I was brought to Marvel to do? Yeah, I will? What if say that's what Bendis told me to say. Oh, not so bad? Good! AM: From what I understand, not only are you telling this big, bombastic story in the book, you’re also setting things up to play throughout the Marvel Universe, correct? Loeb: There's spillover. When Joe Quesada and our editor John Barber first talked about doing Onslaught Reborn we agreed that it couldn't be a big "What If?" It had to leave a ripple in the the regular Marvel Universe. My goal is to have fun doing that along the way. And a lot of that has to do with the energy Rob Liefeld is putting into every page. We're having a blast! AM: And as big as Onslaught Reborn is, your next project is even bigger: Wolverine. How’s that coming along? Loeb: Sorry to sound like a skipping CD, but GREAT! I'm working with an artist who some people know--but when we get done, EVERYBODY is gonna LOVE Simone Bianchi. Hes just so MASSIVELY talented and his artwork is beautiful to take in. He's got some Neal Adams, some Frank Frazetta all mixed together with his own unique bold style. The story is a kick in the pants knock-down-drag-out battle between Wolverine and Sabretooth and features some surprise guests who Simone drew the @#$% out of! Uh...can I say that online? AM: What can fans expect in your first issue? Loeb: The first punch between these two psychos! And then it just doesn't stop from there! It's a big ol' SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER--the kind of thing I love to do-- nd at the end of the story their releationship will have changed AND you'll have a better sense of why these two guys have been trying to kill each other for so many years and have never been able to do it! AM: And in the bigger picture, I understand you’re really shaking things up. Can you elaborate at all? Loeb: I think you're asking in terms of Wolverine. We just waned to answer, once and for all, who these characters are to each other. Brothers? Fathers and Sons? Clones? Sisters??? Let's find out, dammit! Wait, can say that online? AM: With the bigger picture in mind, do you have any updates on Ultimates, Ultimate Wolverine or your Spidey project with J. Scott Campbell? Loeb: They're ALL coming. Folks at Marvel have seen AMAZING artwork from all four guys and we're trying to get enough in the can that we don't have shipping delays. It might take longer than most folks would like but we want to get things out there on time. At leat, that's the plan! AM: 2007 looks pretty packed for you between the previously-mentioned projects and, one would assume, more “Heroes.” Are there any new projects percolating in your mind? Loeb: SLEEP! Yes, I so want to put my face into a pillow and wake up in 2008! I'm having a blast though on all my projects and it's what makes it all worthwhile. And I'm very grateful to the fans who have supported me and been patient while we get all this great stuff together. I go to the comic book store every Wednesday and I will always think of myself as a fan first and a creator second--and if I can get other fans excited about what I'm doing...well that's a smile!
Five from the Fans: Five questions pulled straight from the Marvel.com message boards.
Is Franklin going to get his powers back for good? -phoenixfrc Loeb: Read Onslaught Reborn and wait and see!
In the recent Wizard interview, it was said: "That's kind of what we've lost a little bit of with Logan. Because he became so popular, some of the edge got taken away from him. He's far more unpredictable in the Ultimate Universe." My question: Will this "edge" be maintained throughout the series, perhaps with Wolverine engaging in some ethically questionable activities (i.e.: seducing Jean and allowing Scott to fall in Ult. X-Men), or will the cahracter be wussified by romance and a soft heart? - dasNdanger Loeb: Have you been reading Wolverine, bub? Last I saw, he jammed two claws through a guys eyeballs just 'cause he didn't like him! And if a throwdown for six issues with Sabretooth gets your blood going--check out Wolverine #50!
How would Onslaught fare against the juggernauts of the cosmos such as galactus or Mephisto? - OnslaughtKILLS Loeb: Let's find out how or IF Onslaught survives Onslaught Reborn - and then we'll see!
Are we going to see any new ramifications of Wolvie getting his full memory back? -phoenixfrc Loeb: They are both good and bad. Getting your memories back can be hugely rewarding--but it can also open doors that were MEANT to stay closed. And when you check out Wolverine #50-#55 titled "Evolution" you'll see the benefit and the nightmare of it all!
How likely is it that X-Man/Nate Grey is going to be brought back to life in the Onslaught Reborn story? He was pretty important in the original story. And if Onslaught came back after Wanda's words, it woudl be a good tie-in to X-Man returning. - kmlx Loeb: I keep asking--do people WANT to see Nate Grey alive and kicking in the Marvel Universe? Now that I'm back at Marvel, should I play with the boy who was never supposed to live? The original "IN A UNIVERSE HE NEVER MADE!!!" Lemme know!
Until my cover’s blown… Agent M -Your Spy inside the House of Ideas
Mainstream Does anybody know: Does this take place in earth 616? The MAIN universe? It confuses me if it does...what with all the civil war stuff and all
Posted by cecil1knight on 2006-12-12 22:24:22
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About this blog: An inside look at Marvel Comics, from the creators to the editors to the behind the scenes magic that brings it all together.
About the author: Agent M is the fly on the wall, the man behind the curtain, your spy inside the House of Ideas. Stay tuned and all will be revealed.
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