What have I learned this year? Part one!
2008-11-19 16:43:29
Hey, folks, Amazing Spider-Man assistant “editor,” perennial letters page punching bag and solid utility soccer player Tom Brennan here, and what a year it’s been. A stripper won an Oscar, we learned our favorite English butler was really a Skrull and America made history in electing the first Delawarean to the Vice Presidency. But the biggest deal for me was being part of inarguably the most talked-about era of Spider-Man books. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a message board warrior who wants our heads, you can’t deny that this year’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN has broken some new ground and shaken the comic-sphere. (Comicsverse? Comicland? Whatever…)
I’ve been privileged to be a part of such a huge effort working with six of the best comic book scribes-a-scribbling today and an army of the best and most diverse artists in the biz. As a fly on the Spider’s wall, I’ve learned a ton and now would like to impart that wisdom on you, the reader. Why? Because I’m only allowed to be unchained from my desk for 32 minutes a day and I’ve gotta do something to pass the time while Wacker and Brevoort go on a six-and a half hour long “Lunch Meeting.”
Lesson the First: Trust the veterans of the comic world, for they know what they are doing. Case in point: This week we’re putting the finishing touches on AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #580, by Roger Stern and Lee Weeks. Back when I was but a humble unemployed goon and the Braintrust got to planning this series, they wanted to make sure we had a few issues “in the drawer” to slot in in-case our schedule required a couple issues to breathe in between stories. A page would be left free to make sure that story reflected on the recent subplots and keep a uniformed continuity. “Fill in the Blank” is one such story and we’re lucky enough to have Roger & Lee, two masters of the craft and two incredibly nice guys to boot.
The first time I spoke with Roger Stern, he and his wife both answered the phone at the same time. When I said my name, Roger greeted me with: “Oh, honey, it’s Tom Brennan! The kid Steve keeps making fun of in the letter column.” When a guy whose work you admire and whose name you’ve known since you were 13-years-old is excited to hear from *you*, you can’t help but realize how unique your circumstances are. Rog has written a story that fits in seamlessly with our vision of the Spidey books. The Blank, a character he introduced in WEST COAST AVENGERS, is the kind of cooky crook we’ve had Spider-Man face this year—new guys with new powers to give Spidey a challenge he hasn’t faced before. The story starts with a chase scene that sets the pace and keeps you flipping those pages all the way through. I think I speak for more than myself when I say there’s a distinct honor in having your name on a Roger Stern Spider-Man story.
Lee Weeks was one of the first creators I called in my Marvel tenure, and one of the first pieces of art I received was the beautiful shot of Captain Marvel’s grave in last year’s CAPTAIN MARVEL #1. Lee is one of the most interesting human beings to speak to on the phone. After you settle all matters of business, you can’t help but find yourself drawn into some of the most fascinating conversations about art, science, religion and current events. Lee doesn’t just see this as a job—he agonizes over every single page, taking great pains to make sure every panel matters and every element he uses is additive to the writer’s story. His first page of ASM 580 (included here) was originally simply a chase on foot down a city street—Lee’s take, as you’ll see, takes the tension and ratchets up a bit. (I wanted to say ‘turns it on its side’ but that’s a pun too far). For those of us in the business of setting deadlines, the thorough effort can be a bit nerve-wracking, and I can think of a few conversations where voices were raised. But that’ll happen when you work with a friend and I’m proud to count Lee as one of mine.
So if you’re hankering for some classic Spidey by two guys who know—quite simply— “how it’s done,” check out Amazing Spider-Man 580, on-sale next month. It’s pure, A-level fun.
And check back here for more of my lessons from the calendar year 2008. Next time, I find out what Harry Osborn was up to in “Europe” for all those years, as well as where the Marvel Bathroom *really* is…
TO BE CONTINUED!
Lee Weeks' art is great.
Posted by zakandkatrina on 2008-11-19 21:21:34
Roger Stern Returns! It's great seeing guys like him and David Michelinie working at Marvel again. Those pages by Lee Weeks look every bit as good as anything else I've seen in Spider-Man! Maybe his finest work yet. Would love to see Mike Zeck again.
Posted by Dusty. on 2008-11-20 01:36:34
Alfred's a Skrull?
Posted by sickboy_ukuk on 2008-11-20 06:47:17
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About this blog: Freshly spun news and previews from the office of the Amazing Spider-Man
About the author: Editor "Simperin" Steve Wacker and assistant editor "Typin" Tom Brennan take time out from bringing you Amazing Spider-Man thrice monthly and indulge your need to know everything now!!!
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