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Post by Drake on Dec 17, 2013 20:26:21 GMT -5
Putting this up in advance.
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Post by Drake on Dec 18, 2013 18:33:27 GMT -5
And here goes the Avengers panel. Sorry for it being so late, folks! Life gets in the way!
Anyways, I suppose how we're discussing each series is by throwing up the interviews here. With that being said, here's my Spidey interview.
1. A few months ago you had lost interest in writing the Spider-Man title. Now, with your interest regained, would you mind explaining to us where your inspiration for the title was renewed and how it plays into Darkest Nights and beyond?
Yeah, a few months ago, everything was rough when it came to Spider-Man. Even I was bored with the origin. It was just...bad. I knew that. I still know that. And then, thanks to Star and Jordan, I pushed through the last two issues and found myself with a title needing a new arc, a jumping on point for a new writer and new readers alike. So I came up with Darkest Nights. I'll admit it's changed a lot since my first conception. The next part of Darkest Nights, "Spider War," was originally completely different. I mean, I practically pulled a 180 with it. And for those of you curious as to how Darkest Nights is structured, it goes like this. Darkest Nights is the over all mega-arc title and is also the name of the first half of the story. Spider War is the second half.
Back to the question. My interest was renewed in Spider-Man due to one reason and one reason only: Miles Morales. I discovered him truly, finally, and I now know exactly who he is and how he would act and react in situations. Miles isn't perfect. He's got more issues than Peter when he started as Spider-Man. It's bad...and it's really great! I love Miles! He's the reason I'm loving Spider-Man again.
2. Speaking of Darkest Nights, what kind of surprises do you have in store for us as your final story arc comes closer and closer to a close?
There's a reason I didn't discuss the "beyond" part of the first question, and I'll explain why here. Darkest Nights is not my last arc. Due to the critical success with my fellow writers, you guys, and my own excitement, I've decided to continue writing Spidey.
As for the surprises...well, there's a lot. I've got #9 that just came a little while ago with the Spider vs. Spidey battle and the two heroes' first meeting. #10 features the intro to two huge characters. #11 brings a lot of the plot full circle, at least in terms of [Miles' dad] Jefferson, and kicks off Spider War. I mean, honestly, the arc is full of surprises. I'll leave you guys with one little teaser. Nothing is as it seems. Expect the unexpected. Also, since this isn't my last arc, don't expect a total conclusion of all the plots. Some will carry on into my next arcs.
3. So if this isn't your last arc, how much further to you plan on going?
Two more arcs. I want to tie up some loose ends, including Ben Reilly's connection to Peter and the Spider-Man role in general. Again, with that, it's not what you think.
Also, I really wanted to write the Sinister Six. A new Sinister Six. Spoiler alert, haha. A little late, I know.
4. What kind of characters, concepts and themes do you plan on using as you continue in your Spider-Man saga?
I'll carry over four villains from before and during Darkest Nights. Everything else will stay the same. As for concepts and themes....well, I'll really get down into who Miles is. Something I haven't explored much is Miles as a teenager and (boy)friend. That's coming. If Darkest Nights was an exploration of Miles as a hero and a son (family member in general), then my next arc would be an exploration of Miles as a teen and...well, still a hero. The last arc is all of the above.
5. Would you mind sharing some details about your next story arc?
It still needs to be titled, but it will feature three villains. One carries over from Darkest Nights. One sort of carries over from Avengers. That's more of a plot thing than the actual character. Lastly, one carries over from issue 1. Although admittedly it was just a mentioning. The big bad of this arc is my own creation, a brand new character. BUT, it is a famous Spidey villain. Hell, I'll just tell you. It's a new Doc Ock. Anyone remember my original interview where I mentioned a female Doc Ock? Well, this is her. While I'm at it pseudo-spoiling things, Kraven's daughter will also be another villain. She's looking to Miles for revenge for humiliating and imprisoning her father.
6. Any idea how much longer you plan to be on Spider-Man and how accessible it will be to future writers?
I'll be on Spidey for about another year and a half. It'll be twice-monthly, at least through Darkest Nights, so that'll speed things up.
I plan on leaving the title very accessible for a new writer. I'll leave one or two big villains left for them to play with, but I will get rid of most of my baddies (to an extent) so they won't have that baggage. By that point the status quo will be incredibly different and very open for a new writer to come and play with. I just hope that that writer loves--or will love-- Miles as much as I do.
7. Any insight on fan favorites like Venom, Carnage and Spider-Man 2099?
Funny you should mention that...Venom will be a member of my Sinister Six. That's all I'm saying on that matter. As for Spider-Man 2099...well, I had plans. It just isn't going to work. That'll be a little plot point I'll leave for a different writer. Don't get me wrong, I will use Miguel, especially in my arc following Darkest Nights. He just won't have his own arc. And no, he will never be a Spidey. Not while I'm on the title.
8. Any final thoughts you want to leave us with on Spider-Man?
I don't know...I hope you love Miles. Also, I hope you guys enjoy the rest of my time on the title. I promise, it'll be a lot of fun. Lastly, thank you guys for supporting the title. Even just by reading it, you're helping me out as a writer! And I'll leave you with one last thing. In the great words of Stan Lee...
Excelsior!
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Post by Drake on Dec 18, 2013 18:34:04 GMT -5
Any questions?
And you can expect Spidey 10 around Christmas Day.
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Post by Drake on Dec 19, 2013 12:43:50 GMT -5
1. When will the Avengers return? What will the basic plotline of ‘Broken’ be?
My hope is for Avengers: Broken to launch in a little over six months. It will probably be around the time of the Summer Con. As for the basic plotline? Well, I've mentioned and teased it before. The title says it all. The team is broken down by an unseen enemy. Every one of the heroes has a stake in this arc, and by the end, the team won't be the same as they were going in. Again, I want to emphasize this: the team will be broken. I mean that on two levels. Each character undergoes their own "breaking down" of sorts, and the team also falls apart. If you expected the in-fighting to cease after "Assemble" you're wrong. But it's a natural progression, I promise. None of their fighting is forced. Also, one last thing. The Avengers will consist of the Caps, Iron Man, Hulk, Pym and Wasp in "Broken." It's very much a classic Avengers lineup for a classic-themed Avengers story.
2. At the end of the last arc, it was mentioned that certain villains escaped and we had quite the cliffhanger – the Thunderbolts. What characters can we expect to see in this new arc, both heroes and villains?
I mentioned this in the last question. Six of the eight original Avengers will appear in "Broken." Miles will have a minor appearance for a single scene. The villains....well, I want that to be a surprise. If you want to spoil it for yourself, check out the Master Claims List, but I'd like to ask you not to. Let yourself be surprised by the plot. I promise the major villain of "Broken" won't be who you expect. It's a minor character that I'm making major.
As for the Thunderbolts...well, I do have a plan for them. There was an original plan for SK to take on a Thunderbolts title after "Broken," but that isn't happening. But something is in the works. I haven't even mentioned it to my fellow writers. It's something I want to keep a total secret, at least for now. I can say this: the Thunderbolts will not appear in "Broken." Well...that's not exactly true, haha.
3. Has anything major changed for these characters between Assemble and Broken?
Oh yeah. By the time of "Broken," the Avengers are really a team. Half of them are living in Avengers Mansion, they're all growing close together, and they're deemed heroes by the people. However, despite how great everything's going, the team does have their issues. Tony, as you'll see, has succumbed to alcoholism again after the Kang ordeal. He tries and fails to keep it a secret. Captain America is really beginning to feel the effects of being left alone with nobody he loves in a time he isn't prepared for. As Cap grows closer to the Avengers, he also pushes himself farther away. He doesn't want to love someone the same way again, because he feels like in their line of business that's how you get hurt....really hurt. WW2 lingers over him in a bad way. Not in the "I don't know how to use an IPhone way," but the "I don't really want to lose someone again" way.
Hank's got a secret. Needless to say, that secret is causing issues. Janet's caught in between a rock and a hard place. She loves Hank, but she also loved David Cannon. It causes some conflict within herself, especially as she and Hank grow closer again. Bruce is stuck in the shadows, hiding in Avengers Mansion away from the public eye and the U.S. government. He's happy, but he is cooped up talking to the same five people every day. That doesn't exactly go over well with the guy.
Carol's the only one who has her s*** together completely. The team has been really good for her. She's recovered almost entirely from her husband's death. So, you can imagine how it'll effect her once the team breaks.
4. How will these characters interact with each other? Any differently from Assemble?
Look up for part of an answer. The Avengers are a team, but everyone has issues. Except Carol. But her issues are coming. Kind of.
Some additional info...Cap and Tony are quickly becoming great friends. Hank and Jan are growing closer. Bruce is an outsider. Carol's got a nice little friendship with Jan, and is frenemies with Tony. Also....there's a bit of romance in the air, outside of Hank and Jan. Wait and see just who it's between...but I bet you could guess.
5. What’s your favorite part about writing the Avengers?
Oh my God...I have no idea. It's all so much fun! I guess the two biggest things would be that I get to help build a big part of the All Star-verse and I get to write some of my favorite characters in all literature, bickering, joking and fighting together, I mean, after Avengers hit the world in 2012, who wouldn't want to write these guys? They're awesome! Each of them brings something unique to the table. Cap's got the espionage, war thing going on. Tony's the lovable jerk/tech expert. Hank's this wacky, eccentric scientist. Bruce is this paranoid, depressed Dr. Jekyll character. Janet's a sassy, fun-loving super star. Carol is a bad ass, intelligent...well, bad ass! And all of their egos blow up and meld with each other in such a great way!
Like I mentioned in the beginning of the answer, I love getting to develop this world. I love using continuity we've established and evolving it, growing it into this new, unpredictable beast of a story that I hope you guys enjoy.
6. What can you improve in Broken as opposed to Assemble?
I can improve a lot. For starters, since I'm only using six of the Avengers this time around, I get to spend a little more time focusing on character development. Also, I have only two major villains this time around. Admittedly, I'm doing the team thing again. The Avengers battle a group of bad guys, but this time a lot of the bad guys don't need a lot of development. This arc's really about the Avengers. Last arc was about the origin and the baddies. That's not to say the bad guys aren't important! They are. The main villain has some huge moments, and I think he's a very relatable guy.
Secondly, now I've got more experience writing with a team of characters. I know how they should interact, what they should do, etc. Each of the character's will be characterized much better this time around.
Lastly, I'm not trying to do as much with "Broken." "Assemble" had so much going on, it was hard to juggle everything. "Broken" is different. I have one specific plot in mind. I have one path to take. I truly feel like everything will be better this time around. I hope that excites you guys.
7. Anything you can hint at for Broken? A teaser?
I've already hinted at a lot, but I guess I could give a short teases.
The Ultimates. Cap's past back to haunt him. Consequences for the Avengers' actions. Patriot. The truth comes out (all of it). Jocasta. AIM. The Avengers broken.
While "Assemble" was about the Avengers' future, "Broken" is about their past and how it effects where they are now.
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Post by Drake on Dec 19, 2013 12:44:20 GMT -5
Seriously, do you guys have any questions? You can ask us anything....unless it's a flame "question."
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