There is much discussion over on newsarama.com about Joe Q’s announcing ten writers at Marvel as being “the Terrific Ten,” slated to get all manner of additional support and push to carry them to “the next level.” And some fans are voicing indignation that I’m not on the list (Priest’s name is also mentioned repeatedly.)
Never fear. I tell you this in the strictest confidence. In fact, this is so secret that ONLY YOU are seeing it. Yes, you. Through groundbreaking technology, this post is being made with a special firewall so that only you, (your name goes here), is actually reading this posting. Everyone else is seeing a photograph of my youngest daughter, Caroline, playing with a puppy. In fact, if you’re at work right now, it’d be best if you said, “Awwwwww…” just to cover your tracks in case someone is listening.
The reason I am not part of the Terrific Ten is because I’ve been assigned to a different group: The Subtle Seven. (We were originally going to be the Secret Six, but that’s trademarked DC, plus we picked up one extra guy when the Terrific Ten was cutback from the Excellent Eleven due to budget constraints.)
The Subtle Seven is a group of seven writers whose job is to keep a low profile. Stay off the radar. Make the other guys–who are good, I’ll grant you–look even better by not distracting from them.
You may ask, okay, but the Terrific Ten get publicity. What’s the Subtle Seven getting out of it?
Cookies.
Each week, we each get a shipment of two dozen chocolate chip cookies. Joe bakes them himself. Comes in a designer tin with little pictures of Marvel characters on it. It’s really nice.
Unfortunately, the non-disclosure agreement I’ve signed precludes me from telling you the other members of the Seven. I mean, how subtle would it be if you KNEW who was on the list? Besides, if I told you, I’d have to–you know–kill you. Which I’d hate to do, and I’d probably wind up tossing my cookies…which would be kind of a shame ’cause Joe works so hard to bake them.
So…the Subtle Seven. Watch for us, whoever the hëll we are. And for God’s sake, keep it under your hat.
Say it with me: “Awwwwww…”
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