I’ll be doing an appearance tomorrow, Sunday, on Fanboyradio.com at 7 PM EST, 6 PM Central time.
I’ll be announcing some stuff.
PAD
I’ll be doing an appearance tomorrow, Sunday, on Fanboyradio.com at 7 PM EST, 6 PM Central time.
I’ll be announcing some stuff.
PAD
• 
“I would like to see him take a tired concept and revitalize it. POWER PACK, CLOAK AND DAGGER, STARLORD, for example.”
I appreciate the enthusiasm for such notions. Now allow me to describe what will happen:
“Peter David is writing Power Pack!”
“Hurrah!” say lots of people on the web.
Retailer orders come in placing issue #1 ranked somewhere around #85. By the time issue #1 is hitting the stands, #3 has already dropped out of the top 100.
By the time it’s cancelled with issue #6, internet fans bemoan how quality books don’t sell while the “Peter David’s book’s all get canceled”-sayers get another notch in their belts.
There are certain titles that are going to be consistently revived, netfans will be happy, and they’ll be canceled. They just don’t sustain readership. I’ve been in the business for decades, and I have NEVER seen a marketplace as toxic to second string or new “unaligned” titles as this one.
PAD
Well then, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that the new title is going to feature an established character(s).
^ Make that “established and popular.
Well then, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that the new title is going to feature an established character(s).
^ Make that “established and popular.”
Peter David’s going to write “Wolverine”?
🙂
Didn’t get to hear the radio show, but here are my opinions on the “announcements”:
FALLEN ANGEL – Guys, from my understanding, the series has not been officially cancelled, right? Issues 19 and 20 are still “make or break” and can still be ordered.
So for all those in “mourning”, snap out of it! If you really want to save this book, get some green or the plastic out and order some more copies. Easy to say and hard to do, you say? Not if you really care about the book as much as some of you say you do.
“Spider-Girl” has been saved numerous times. One of the reasons is that it is more accessible to a broader audience than “Fallen Angel”. In the past month, I have given “Spider-Girl” comics to my 7-year old cousins, a friend’s teenage daughter and a woman I am dating who is in her 30s and has always loved Spider-Man and was not ever aware that “Spider-Girl” existed and loved it. (I also enjoy the book and consider Tom DeFalco one of the more talented and nicest guys in comics, so that is extra incentive).
I can’t do that with “Fallen Angel” because of A.)the Mature Content B.)it is hard to follow if you have not been reading it and C.) there is not one character that is remotely likable.
I read it because it IS different and to support PAD, since he obviously has his heart in the series. But I can understand why others do not.
And others obviously do not, because if they did, sales would slowly be creeping upward as word-of-mouth spread. Instead the opposite has happened, which means fewer and fewer people are inclined to follow Lee’s adventures.
Instead of bashing DC if it does get cancelled after #20, why not give them credit for sticking with the book even though it has not sniffed the Top 100 for at least 7 issues? They obviously did care about the book to some extent or they would have pulled the plug far earlier in the run. In fact, it is definite that only DC being such a corporate entity allowed them to continue publishing the book this long. Marvel – and certainly anybody else – would have had to cancel a series that was #168 in sales last I looked -much earlier.
DC has tried supporting books like “Gotham Central”, “Fallen Angel” and others. Sometimes they catch on and sometimes they don’t.
But if this IS it, at least PAD was able to do his big arc (to #18), was able to create hs own world so to speak and have it published, was able to do a project that was unique and one that was obvously dear to him. He got to do it for over a year and a half, as well as a Trade Paperback, as well as write Sachs and Violens again.
If this IS it, can we all take some solace in that?
Peter David’s going to write “Wolverine”?
My head just exploded! LOL
I don’t care where and I don’t care how but I want more Fallen Angel. Even if it was just a series of graphic novels published by some small company like Avatar or something. ANYTHING.
Onto other, more uplifting topics… well, I’d loved Peter to write FF. JMS seems to have a pretty good vision of the characters, I just hope he doesn’t weigh them down needlessly. It feels like too many creators are so busy trying to make their mark on characters they lose sight of the characters themselves. I’m all for change though, just sensible change that seems internally consistent.
But I digress. I would love if it was Dr. Strange. He really deserves his own ongoing. “Strange” has been posting good numbers, so hopefully it’d be a good segway to a new series. The only one I might wish for is Silver Surfer, but he just had a comic book that went nowhere.
Man, when I think about how so many of my favorite characters are homeless and just don’t seem to be the flavor for today’s market…. it gets me decompressed…. I mean… depressed.
Guys, from my understanding, the series has not been officially cancelled, right? Issues 19 and 20 are still “make or break” and can still be ordered.
Actually, no. That’s not the way it reads. It seems that DC has already made it’s decision. I would never mindlessly bash DC. They just seem to have a habit of making bizarre decisions. There has been an upswing in sales after they made any effort at all to promote the book (wow imagine that – promoting a book that isn’t Batman or Superman?!?!?) and then they decide to pull the plug.
It’s irritating. If it hadn’t happened before, I could forgive it more easily. But it did happen. At DC. To PAD.
Supergirl was utterly neglected by DC. You ever remember seeing an ad for Supergirl when her 50th issue came up in Wizard or even one of DC’s own titles? Nope. The most they did was slap some silly company-wide crossover logo on the book and make it so that PAD once again had to slow down his own plotlines to accomodate “Final Dark Laughing Crisis of the Joker” or what-have-you. Blah.
BUT… around time for #75, with the return of Kara they finally give it a bit of publicity and the book shows signs of life. What do they do? Celebrate? Nah, they just cancel it in favor of some Supergirl that lasted for like, 5 seconds only to be replaced by… Kara as Supergirl!
Oh man, how smart it was to bring her back! Huzzah to all the writers who thought of that. If only we’d thought to bring her back before… oh… wait… OOOPS.
Grrrrr.
I don’t mean to be bitter but I like decisions that seem to have some iota of common sense in them.
Your point that other companies might not have supported it is probably true. If it was a normal Marvel universe book, it might not have survived. Which makes me think that Peter really should shop it around to a smaller publisher that will do right by it. I don’t care if it’s just published in black and white with color covers. I think it deserves to live on.
As for the other announcements:
PAD ON HULK UNTIL END OF THE YEAR – Bravo! Five or six issues is entirely too short a time to judge. Although underwhelmed by the first issue of the new arc, that cliffhanger was cool. I see your run picking up steam, and now, even if “Tempest Fugit” tanks, you will have time to say, “OK, you didn’t care for THAT, how’s THIS?” and go in an entirely new direction.
ABOMINATION LIMITED SERIES – Way cool! With what has transpired between the two since you left, this has a myriad of possibilities, especially with your imagination.
PAD’s NEW MARVEL ONGOING – Well, with “Spectacular” ending, I think the time would be right for you to write some witty dialogue for the web-head in a new “Spider-Man” ongoing, complete with #1 issue. THAT would be cool. Spidey isn’t written funny that much anymore in ANY of his books (except “Ultimate”).
You also write strong women. I’ve aways thought you would do a killer “Rogue” series, or “Mystique”. Those characters already have series, but Joe Q is always ready for a “relaunch”, right? What about “Storm”? She’s been rumored for an ongoing for quite a while. Hmmmmm…Now, that would be interesting.
I’ve always said you would do an interesting Batman, and the closest thing to him in the Marvel U. is…”Moon Knight”, which Joe Q has been waiting for the “right pitch” for. Did you find the strike zone with this one, PAD?
Then again, with a movie coming, might you be writing a “Power Man/Luke Cage” series?
those are my guesses/hopes for now, PAD. You’ll obviously tell us soon enough.
JonWes,
Upswing in sales? Really? When did this happen?
Seriously.
As far as “Supergirl”, I really loved the book. But, again, the sales weren’t there. The Return of Kara story was magnificent.
But here, you can blame retailers for missing the boat, since they were conservative in their orders for the first issue of the arc. Once DC saw the orders for #75, they cancelled the book, which, again, had been out of The Top 100 for a bit.
Or maybe PAD could have done that story earlier. It’s always easy to say shoulda/woulda/coulda after the fact.
But the fact is, despite excellent stories, sales were low, and despite low sales near the end of the run, PAD was able to do 80 issues of the book. That is remarkable for any bok in this day and age, more than all the other “Supergirl” book’s runs combined, and more than 20 issues greater than any run of a Marvel book with a female lead until “Spider-Girl”. So again, mourn the loss, but also feel happy for the stories you got. A LOT of books would kill to have an 80-issue run.
As far as the other “Supergirls”. Well, the one that lasted 5 seconds lasted five seconds for a reason, she was a lame (IMO) character in a lame (IMO) Superman story by Steven Seagle that I can’t even remember the plot of right now.
But she didn’t have her own book, did she?
Thankfully, no.
As far as the “new Kara” Supergirl in “Superman/Batman”, I’ve said this a million times:
1.) The book was at or near the top of the charts from issue #1. It’s not like 50,000 Supergirl fans all of a sudden started picking up the book.
2.) I have yet to run into someone who picked up the book BECAUSE of the Kara character. They picked it up because it had Superman and Batman! They picked it up because of Wonder Woman or Darkseid! They picked it up because of Jeph Loeb! They especially picked it up because Michael Turner was drawing it (and therefore hot versions of Kara and Diana).
So comparing the two books is apples and oranges.
From my understanding (and I could be wrong) the orders started improving after #75 once retailers saw the response.
I’m not fond of blaming retailers. Sure, I wish they’d take more of a chance on books – but the truth is some of them don’t have a lot of room for that. I think being annoyed that they seem more responsive with ordering and not as proactive with it won’t help much because with the market being the way it is now I’m not sure they have much choice. At least the retailers I’ve talked to feel that way. Maybe they’re full of it.
To me, DC should have given the book a couple issues at least, especially after having neglected it for so long. It’s amazing the book made it to 80, you’re right. I think that’s more a testament to David’s writing then to DC.
Can anyone think of ONE instance of DC promoting the book after it’s initial launch?
In any case, that’s water long under the bridge. I do enjoy my full run of Supergirl. I don’t think being annoyed at the way it was ended diminishes that.
I think rather then say “Oh well, that’s the way it is… let’s move on” we should say “What’s wrong with this picture? What could DC do to avoid this in the future?”
I don’t think it’s limited to DC either. I would say Marvel is just as bad at times. I find it odd when the latest X-book or Superman or Batman is advertised up the wazoo when there are so many struggling books that deserve a spotlight shone on them. I think, in the end, comic book companies need to take a good, hard look at the way they promote their books.
If we’re not careful, all comic books will be is a series of “big events” and “shocking universe-changing stories” that can be hyped to the nth degree and all wonder, all hope, all spirit, and all humanity will be lost from them. In my mind, that is what too many comic books were in the 90’s.
For a while there, I felt like it was shifting for the better… but now it seems like we might be slipping back into that particularly black chasm in the name of profitablity. In any case, I don’t seem any harm in a few people ringing those bells in a constructive manner on occasion.
>> I have yet to run into someone who picked up the book BECAUSE of the Kara character. They picked it up because it had Superman and Batman! They picked it up because of Wonder Woman or Darkseid! They picked it up because of Jeph Loeb! They especially picked it up because Michael Turner was drawing it (and therefore hot versions of Kara and Diana).
Well, if rumors are true and Loeb and Churchill do a new Supergirl ongoing based on the character that appeared in S/B we’ll see if people are REALLY interested in the character for a long time
Jerome said: As far as the “new Kara” Supergirl in “Superman/Batman”, I’ve said this a million times:
1.) The book was at or near the top of the charts from issue #1. It’s not like 50,000 Supergirl fans all of a sudden started picking up the book.”
Actually, these WERE the readers who DID put that book at or near the top of the charts. While the previous arc initially racked up some hot numbers (due to the book being a new vehicle for DC’s top two franchise characters), it was the combination of incessant mega-hype over the return of Kara and Michael Turner’s overrated reputation that delivered the REAL knockout punch last year.
“2.) I have yet to run into someone who picked up the book BECAUSE of the Kara character.”
Then you simply haven’t been paying much attention. Many readers also hopped right OFF of SUPERMAN/BATMAN as soon as the 9-month Kara tease ordeal was FINALLY OVER, although some may have lingered around afterward to test out the Carlos Pachero story arc (due to the hype over the parade of character cameos that would be appearing). I think the next couple of month’s sales numbers for S/B will probably reflect on the slight drop-off posed by this trend.
“So comparing the two books is apples and oranges.”
Not really. The only difference is STILL that S/B gets way too much publicity (that it simply DOESN’T NEED, due to its already built in tentpole-franchise factor, which automatically draws in the WIZARD zombies), while secondary or new titles almost always get shafted by the inept monkeys at DC Marketing.
dark schneider said: “Well, if rumors are true and Loeb and Churchill do a new Supergirl ongoing based on the character that appeared in S/B we’ll see if people are REALLY interested in the character for a long time.”
It’s not just a rumor. Jeph Loeb’s already flogging the upcoming series, which even won’t start appearing until July (although a Kara “stand-alone” story is being marketed as SUPERMAN/BATMAN #19). Although to be honest, I really don’t know how long Loeb can keep up the ruse that he’ll be going anywhere with his idiot PARODY of the Silver Age Supergirl. Especially since Churchill’s merely a second-rate Liefeld.
KET
Jonathan (the other one) posted: Peter David’s going to write “Wolverine”?
Wouldn’t be the first time. PAD’s written a couple of memorable Wolvie stories over the years, including a run in MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (with Sam Kieth, introducing Cyber and inmmediately following “Weapon X”) and the one-shot “Rahne of Terra.”
Not to throw in a negative comment on Fallen Angel, which I love and is the only comic I buy, but will its 11,000 odd readers buying extra copies really make an extended difference? I know it sounds like an additional 4,000 books need to be sold (that’s less than half current buyers picking up/ordering a second copy), but are you prepared to continually do that? Because if 15,000 is the profit mark, then the book has to sell that on a regular basis to be kept. And unless you’re going to either A) keep buying that second copy into perpetuity, or B) give it to a comic-inclined friend in order to convince them to add the book to their pull list, then the boost in sales is going to be termporary and we’ll be in the same “cancellation is nigh” boat we are now.
As much as I’d like to buy mutliple copies, I can barely justify buying one copy of Fallen Angel. If 4,000 of PAD fans can afford that, I’ll be grateful for more issues. On the other hand, if it’s time, I’d rather PAD had some advance warning, so that he could write a decent “The end…for now” story that doesn’t leave us with a Blake’s 7 ending.
Jerome Maida writes:
“FALLEN ANGEL – Guys, from my understanding, the series has not been officially cancelled, right? Issues 19 and 20 are still “make or break” and can still be ordered.”
Actually, on the webshow, PAD said that DC told him they’re not going to be continuing it past #20, *even though the sales figures for #19 weren’t in yet.* This didn’t make sense to him, and doesn’t make sense to me, either.
Not to sound cheap for not wanting to download a 75 cent copy, but having missed the interview I was wondering if anyone could post any news on the most neglected portion of PAD’s work, the New Frontier stories. I noticed many people mentioned that there was news about it, or that it was mentioned in the program, but don’t give any details. Thanks.
Ket sez Especially since Churchill’s merely a second-rate Liefeld.
I’ve always felt he was a second-rate Arthur Adams, myself.
Saul,
I said: “Guys, from my understanding, the series has not been officialy cancelled, right? Issues 19 and 20 are make or break and can still be ordered.”
You said:
“Actually, on the webshow,PAD sad that DC told him they’re not going to be continuing it past #20, even though the sales figures for #19 weren’t in yet.
This didn’t make sense to him and doesn’t make sense to me either.”
Okay. I didn’t realize that. Well, at least PAD gt to create this unique universe and tell his unique tales therein for over a year and a half. In this market, that is a significant accomplishment.
“Well, at least PAD gt to create this unique universe and tell his unique tales therein for over a year and a half. In this market, that is a significant accomplishment.”
Yeah? Tell that to the “More proof that Peter David’s books don’t sell” brigade.
PAD
Of course, the ‘Fallen Angel’ news just makes part of me more torqued-off towards the “I’ll just get the trade when it comes out…” crowd.
This just nicely illustrates the “No monthly sales, no trade” point that Peter was trying to hammer into some rather thick heads. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if the suits at DC decide it’s “Simply not worth it” to collect the remaining issues, since the monthly sales sheet doesn’t count all the “I’ll wait for the collection” good intentions.
The Over scrutinisation of Hulk seems a shame, I think. We got what we’ve wanted for years- PAD back on Hulk, lets go with the flow, buy it in our droves because it won’t be forever. Of course Iam not saying we shouldn’t critisise, but issue one I feel has been disected which is a shame.
One point about Fallen Angel that I don’t get, most people seem to be commenting as if it’s already gone; surely PAD only commented on poor sales which could lead to cancellation. It’s not beyond redemption yet!
Ian 🙁
Apparently Mark Paniccia will be editing HULK after issue #82. Anyone familiar with him?
Me: “Well,at least PAD got to create this unique universe and tell his unique tales therein for over a year and a half. In this market, that is a significant accomplishment.”
PAD: “Yeah? Tell that to the “More proof that Peter David’s books don’t sell” brigade.”
Well, if any of them are posting here, I already have.
So why is it that they don’t switch FA from being a mature DC title to a regular Vertigo title?
I suspect that one of the reasons Peter is not allowed to take FA to Vertigo is simply office politics. Editors at Vertigo are not going to want to take over the handling of a book that they did not have a hand in developing.
“Posted by Will McCaffrey at January 12, 2005 01:27 AM
Of course, the ‘Fallen Angel’ news just makes part of me more torqued-off towards the “I’ll just get the trade when it comes out…” crowd.
This just nicely illustrates the “No monthly sales, no trade” point that Peter was trying to hammer into some rather thick heads. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if the suits at DC decide it’s “Simply not worth it” to collect the remaining issues, since the monthly sales sheet doesn’t count all the “I’ll wait for the collection” good intentions.”
I think that’s pretty unfair. It isn’t the fault of those of us who often wait for the trade that Marvel and (to a much lesser extent) DC are charging a lot more money for a lot less story. We aren’t all made of money and paying three bucks for, say, some X-book that we can finish in a few minutes and only tells part of a story doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. At least with a trade we get a whole story (unless we’re talking about Jones’ Hulk run 😉 ) and have a chance at getting a discount on Amazon.
Of course even after saying all that…there’s no way I’d wait for a trade to read Fallen Angel because I know dámņ well it has a snowball’s chance in hëll of being collected again (I’m shocked that DC put out the first one). Books like Fallen Angel, She-Hulk, and New Thunderbolts need all the monthly sales they can get because they don’t get free rides like, say, Superman’s comics do due to people buying stories they don’t like because they like the character in them.
“Posted by Chris Grillo at January 12, 2005 05:11 PM
So why is it that they don’t switch FA from being a mature DC title to a regular Vertigo title?”
Because that’d make sense?