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The Voice of Reason
2006-11-07 08:52:07

CIVIL WAR: YA&R #3

This is not at all what I'd intended to write about today, but life has a way of making a shambles of best-laid plans. The big story of the day is clearly about an editor who's leaving one comic company to go work at another comic company--and the online fan response has been, how shall I say this?--perhaps psychotically over the top.

I think it's the nature of fans to try to turn every situation into white-hats-versus-black-hats. There's a confusion between the characters and the creators: a guy whose work you like wears a white hat, a guy whose work you don't like wears a black hat.

Frankly, I'm appalled at some of the things that are being posted about this situation, and this editor. Derogatory, insulting, know-nothing posts that really all translate back to one simple idea: "I'm afraid I won't be able to have the comic book I want when I want it." I lived this firsthand a few weeks back, when we announced that CIVIL WAR #4 was going to be delayed. There were something like a dozen pages of posts, all rallying support for the beleaguered retailers, and all those new readers who'd come into reading comics with CIVIL WAR and who would now be hopelessly lost forever because the book would now be late. And all of those posts really said the same thing as well: "I'm afraid I won't be able to have the comic book I want when I want it."

Guys, enough. This isn't about you. It's about a professional making a choice about their career path, and what they want to do with their time and their life and their energy. And don't worry--all of the projects that are left behind will be fine. Every company has systems in place for when this kind of thing happens, as it inevitably must. It's not like our titles stopped coming out when one of our former editors went over to DC. Give the guy a break--he's a human being, after all, same as you.

And I promise, the next time one of you decides to change jobs, I won't blow my top and start posting about you. Deal?

Today is Wednesday, though, so on a more pleasant note, it's time to call our Release of the Week. And this week, Im making the call for CIVIL WAR: YOUNG AVENGERS & RUNAWAYS #3. It's a tough thing for any creative team to step into the shoes of creators like Brian K Vaughan or Allan Heinberg, creators who are so strongly associated with the series they write. But I think that Zeb Wells has done an outstanding job of marrying the sensibilities of these two series, an incredibly difficult task, made more so by the need to incorporate the elements of CIVIL WAR. And I love the work that Stefano Caselli's been doing on the art (and have his next project all lined up and waiting for him!)

Sure, I know that some have felt that there are too many characters in the book--but that's what happens when you pair up two teams with seven or so members apiece. No avoiding it. But I think the cool moments of interaction between the members of the two groups more than makes up for it--and Zeb and Stefano have come up with some very interesting beats for these last two issues, including a high-velocity fight sequence that forms the backbone of this latest issue. So give it a look, and if you like what you see--hey, you could do worse! (The Jim Cheung cover is practically worth the cove price alone--and for those who haven't been paying that much attention, it fits together with the other three covers to form a single panoramic image of the two teams.)

More later.

Tom B

Oh come on
As one of the people crying foul over the Civil War delays, I have to say, I resent the implication that it's about getting the comic I want when I want it. It's not. If it were about getting the comic I wanted when I wanted it, it would be a comic I enjoy more than Civil War. To reduce those arguments to being about instant gratification does a disservice.

Posted by Snowspinner on 2006-09-27 20:16:02

You're Right
Mr. Brevoort-

This will be my first time posting on Marvel.com and one of the few posts I ever make on-line about comic books. However, I felt that your comments regarding the on-line fan reaction to the editorial change announced today, as well as the on-line fan community in general, warranted a response. The internet offers the opportunity for comic book fans (a fan community not as large as other entertainment fields) to not only connect with each other but even to communicate with those professionals who produce what we all enjoy so much. But as a perusal of many message boards shows, too often discussions quickly turn negative and personal; your mention of today's postings are one example. It is yet more unfortunate since the editor in question maintained a weekly dialogue with fans regarding one of his books.

In short, I simply want to say thank you for saying precisely what needed to be said.

Posted by writingbum on 2006-09-27 20:46:58

Thanks Tom - all the crazies on the 'boards' often forget that they're talking about PEOPLE. I know the internet is a great thing and it gives people a voice, but sometimes you just wish we could take that voice back off a few of them, just a lil bit, just for a lil while... It sucks all the fun out of being a fanboy.

I was quite surprised that Wacker left DC with '52' going so well, but leave on a high I guess. And it's a great win for Marvel. He's kept that book on a remarkable schedule at a very high standard. His skills will be a great addition to the Marvel staple.

Posted by NewChad on 2006-09-28 04:30:32

ugh
The internet sure made me head hurt yesterday. And I've seen this stuff a dozen times over.

Putting the humanoids aside, Tom, it's interesting in light of what you said about editors a week or two ago. I don't think I could imagine there being this much hoopla over a "so-called mere editor" jumping fifteen years ago, even when there was that many more people reading and buying comics.

I think the internet has made the fan base in general all a lot more aware about editors and the role they play. And it's lessened the divide between editor and fan, maybe even a bit too much.

Posted by MattDiCarlo on 2006-09-28 08:52:26

It's "entertainment"
We have a mentality that Marvel and DC are competitors in the same way that Ohio State and Michigan are competitors. That one must completely align with a company and pledge all allegiance to that company. If you are a DC man you must always be a DC man, etc... Honestly, that wouldn't be a good system for creativity and it wouldn't be the best thing for the companies either. I am sure that Mike and Steve are both excited and re-energized by taking their new jobs, and I am sure that both of them are getting financially compensated for their time and energies even better. That is a good thing!

Oh and Snowspin, you sure do act really concerned over a book that you don't like very much.

Posted by bigdaddyhub2 on 2006-09-28 09:55:07

Makes sense, but...
...you might note that not every comics fan has the corporate and professional seasoning to be sanguine about this stuff. You've got your kids, your college students, your 20-somethings working hourly or in their first jobs. They may be doing something they're passionate about and haven't had to make those big career decisions themselves yet. I've been there, and it still always feels like a big deal when a colleague moves on...it takes a minute to regain your balance every time it happens, to remind yourself that your own business will survive.

So, while the Internet shouldn't break in half over stuff like this, I can understand why people don't understand...

Posted by kkadet on 2006-09-28 10:32:08

Bitchin'
People who bitched about the Civil War delays and Stephen Wacker are fools. Get a life! Has the net made fanboys more whiny or were they always like that?

Nuff said

Posted by eamonmcgrane on 2006-09-28 12:27:07

Ugh
Wow. I just read through the Newsarama boards after reading this blog. Utterly ridiculous. Stephen Wacker got crucified over there, and I'm sitting here scratching my head trying to figure out why. It's really difficult not to get extremely pissed at all the idiots who think they wield power through a message board. What in the world? When did we fans get the right to whine and complain about anything we want? When did we get the right to verbally assault and smear and defame anyone or anything? I must have missed that.

Posted by PercussionMasta on 2006-09-28 12:39:42

Fair enough...
...but consider just this one item: As creative talents in a public forum, you should at least concede that editors occupy a grey area that allows for at least some commentary on their business and creative decisions to fall comfortably into the realm of "acceptable public discourse."

obviously, when it gets personal in any way ("Stephen Wacker's an ugly jerk with no brain! I hate his kids!") it's over the line. And for the record, I totally think anyone who WOULD call him "unprofessional" for leaving before finishing 52 is a moron.

BUT (and I'm playing devil's advocate a bit here) expressing an opinion about a public, creative person's professional decision isn't THAT shocking a concept. it'd be like bitching about a writer moving from one TV show to another, or a coach moving from one baseball team to another.

Posted by AlertNerd on 2006-09-28 16:36:22

Nutters
There are so many nutters on those boards. It's only a job move!!

Posted by eamonmcgrane on 2006-09-28 16:53:36

RE
I think next time people start crying about something being delayed, you should delay it longer :)

Posted by curseofmiroku on 2006-09-30 18:42:17

Boards Blech!
I agree message boards are out of control, Kevin Smith touched on the subject in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" (movie poop shoot.com anyone?) I enjoy comics from many companies so I don't have any allegence (ok I skew on the side of Marvel). I don't read 52 and I don't know if I will read anything that the man edits, however I wish him all the luck and hope the jackals will leave him be. And I hope I get the comic I want when I want it.

Posted by venture-x on 2006-10-04 17:43:14

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Posted by on 2006-10-14 19:14:35

totally off the subject at hand
I've been drawing, and doodling since i was in diapers and now i'm out of high school i tried college and contimplted art schools. i really don't know what i'm doing and i dont care what i do i just want to put my talents into use that will fill my pockeys and support a family....if i had one. atleats support my self.
i'm just asking if anyone one has a bit of advice i'm all ears.
just please dont screw around with me
i need answers not smart *%$!*@@ comments.

Posted by trboterror on 2007-07-10 16:42:08

sorry
a little tenced by todays events in my life didn't know the "booty" word is seen as offensive

Posted by trboterror on 2007-07-10 16:44:23

dude!!
look now it hates me

Posted by trboterror on 2007-07-10 16:45:19

Array

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About this blog:
Ramblings and musings from the mind of Tom Brevoort. "It won’t be clean. It won’t be fun. It mostly won’t be coherent."

About the author:
Tom Brevoort is Executive Editor for Marvel Comics, and oversees such titles as New Avengers, Civil War, and Fantastic Four.


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