So a writer who shall go nameless (because, y’know, why afford him or her the publicity) announced on a radio program that my run on HULK will absolutely end after the current six issues to make way for a “new creative team.”
I’ve spoken with Tom Brevoort because this was news to me. Tom had previously been contacted by other netfolks and had been judicious in his answers because it was news to him as well and he wanted to do just what I was doing: Check with his higher ups to see if it was true.
Long story short: Absolutely nothing has changed from what I told you months ago. I’m on the series for six issues. We’re going to see what the numbers are like. We’re going to see how all parties feel about my staying on board after that.
I can tell you this: Both Marvel and I are looking for a clear signal from the fans. If the numbers are there, that’s one signal. If they’re not, that’s another. So in large measure, it remains up to you.
PAD
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Mind you I did not personally listen to the Radio interview, from what I’ve read it seemed like maybe he was talking about Jones run coming to an end and Marvel not having found a perminent replacement. I mean it was something along the lines of “the books of Hulk, Thor, and F4 are without writers and I will be taking over on one of the three” correct me if I am wroung but I think he was just trying to keep fans geussing as to what his next project was and not ripping on PAD or anything.
I agree with Andrew about Madrox. Thats what we need to hear about. They should really just consider launching a new X-Factor series with the same creative team. Like X-Factor Investigations or something like that. Its got three former members that team up. Sounds like X-Factor to me. I be the X alone would up sales.
Hate to add fuel to the fire, but within the last week I read an interview with Bryan Hitch (I can’t remember the website, it was the only time I’ve been there) and Hitch was mentioning how he can’t wait to get started on the Hulk and pump up the visuals to give it the grand scale it deserves. (A pretty-close paraphrase here)
The interview also touched on his ultimates work, and the fan’s message board/response to the interview was full of people assuming Hitch meant he’d be working on an Ultimate Hulk series, but Hitch never once specified it was going to be the Ultimate Hulk.
I don’t think it mentioned a time frame for when this work is supposed to start, but doesn’t he usually work with Millar?
Wouldn’t the summer put Hitch far enough into his Ultimates run that he could/would start lining up other work?
If Bryan Hitch and Mark Millar did have top-secret future plans to do a Hulk run, would marvel’s editor-in-chief reveal that to you and/or Tom Brevoort when asked?
It just seems like this upcoming arc of yours is leaving too many things up in the air.
Do they have someone lined up as a fill-in to give you some lead-time if you become permanent writer again?
Are they planning on putting the book on hiatus to give whom-ever the new writer will be, some lead-time?
Do they have someone in mind to do some issues if it’s decided that you will not be the ongoing writer?
There must be some answers to these questions since your first issue is only a month away.
I’ve nothing against either Millar or Hitch, but I hope YOU are the ongoing, regular writer of the Hulk for the foreseeable future. (about the next 12 years or so, anyway.)
PAD,
I have read every consecutive Hulk issue from #182 to the last issue (and quite a few before that). My deep affection for the character comes mainly from your run on the title and I can’t wait to read the new issues.
However, I also think a Millar-Hitch run would be interesting (and a sales bonanza … no offense). Hopefully, if a project does exist, they’d make it a Marvel Knights 12-parter like they did with Spider-Man, thereby keeping you on the main title.
BTW, what’s the publishing schedule for New Frontier?
Also, Hard Knocks … what the heck was that steaming pile of crap? If the FCC needs to come down on anything, it’s Hulk stories like that.
just a question: would you consider writing some Alpha Flight? the series is lagging, even with it’s strong fanbase. perhaps if a big name icon wrote an issue or two, it might get some outsiders to notice it, and finally get some air time. It’s been over 10 months, and not a word in any of the other comics. Oh, and if Bruce ever goes up north, please give a call to Alpha Flight.
Tis the season for triumphant returns to old haunts, apparently.
It’s funny how “He’s ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ack!” can have both positive and negative connotations simultaneously.
Vive le PAD!