FNSM

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

I wasn’t aware that Steve Wacker was going to announce on Newsarama that my run on FNSM was going to be coming to an end until my e-mail box lit up.

The fact is, I’ve known about it for months. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been writing some of the stories they way I have. I never intended, for instance, to combine the Uncle Ben storyline with the Sandman story. But Marvel’s new plans for the series meant that I had to do some fast shuffling and compression, so I took a deep breath, squished the two of them together so that I wouldn’t leave the Ben story thread dangling, and did my best. But the upcoming resolution to the Miss Arrow story and the following issue’s smackdown with Jonah Jameson are all at the ideal length, so ultimately I’m happier with those endeavors.

And all I can tell you is that no, I don’t have any holes in my schedule because I’ve picked up several new projects–both of which I’m very excited about–to pick up the slack which I’m hoping will be announced shortly. As for Spider-Man, as Steve kind of hinted, the other shoe hasn’t dropped yet.

PAD

62 comments on “FNSM”

  1. Well, I, for one, will miss you tremendously on FNSM. Your writing was what originally brought me to be a Spider-Fan lo these many years ago. And it was your writing that made me decide to pony up the additional monthly money for this book. Not sure if I’ll stay, but I’ll certainly be reading every last one of your FNSM issues. It’s been a great ride so far.

  2. I usually like to come hom e from the bar, read your blog, and feel good. But news like this (pardon) sucks. WHY do I even start reading a title your on, because once it gets REAL good–the powers that be take you off.
    Thank God For Fallen Angel….unless your leaving that title too?

  3. I’m particularly sorry since, although I could easily be wrong, it appeared the original intent of the book and a number of your storylines got topedoed by the multiple event tie-ins and the major slams of Peter revealing his identity and becoming a fugitive. It certainly appeared that FNS-M was the book that dealt more with the non-MJ&May supporting cast, and such a radical change(s) to Spidey’s status pretty much tossed that out the window.

  4. it appeared the original intent of the book and a number of your storylines got topedoed by the multiple event tie-ins

    Felt that way to me too.

    In any event, I’m glad to hear PAD’s got other stuff cooking. I hope Todd Nauck does too.

    Not sure what “the other shoe hasn’t dropped yet” refers to, though…

  5. Dang it. These people sure make being a Spider-Man fan tough, since you’re about the only one in recent memory who has written Spidey in a way I consistently enjoy.

    Heck, you were the first comic book writer I ever took particular notice of, all because of your original run on Spider-Man. (well…Mike Grell was kinda first, but it was his art on Warlord that got me because I drew a lot at the time – the fact that he was also the writer was a bonus)

    Glad to hear you’ve got new projects as I love most all your work, but I sure hope there’s more Spider-Man in your future.

  6. Uh, popular author, seems to be doing well on that strip, so what reason could they possibly have for getting him off it? Other than corporate idiocy? Sales? Do they think someone else could do better? That’ll be the day.

  7. FNSM is one of the few Marvel books I still grab (along with X-Factor, see a trend?) so I was EXTREMELY nervous after reading the Newsarama piece. Can’t wait to hear about the new projects…but…

    “several new projects — both of which I’m very excited about” ??

  8. Peter: Could we get just a teeny bit more info on this “other shoe”? Does that mean a shoe with you and Spidey in it? Does it mean that there’s more bad news to come with Spidey (you leaving F’N being bad news to me)? Does it mean there’s something completely unrelated to you coming up with Spidey?

    I’m sorry to hear you’re leaving F’N. While I did feel the book got a little convoluted with the whole “evil Ben/Chameleon” storyline, I’m always happy to see your take on the characters. I’ve actually favorably mentioned F’N several times on the blog I’m writing about Spider-Man.

    I look forward to your future projects, of course.

    Eric

  9. Apparently this news has caused all hëll to break loose, because I now cannot seem to access the Newsarama website. 🙂

  11. Just a hunch of mine, but I think that Peter will be the new writer for Amazing Spider-Man after JMS leaves the title.

  12. The lack of some bits makes me think my speculation that “new editor comes on, decides he knows best and kicks everyone there off.” He’ll fit in well at nu marvel.

  13. Well, that just figures.

    Ever since I walked out of that movie theater in 2000, I lamented the fact that there wasn’t a Spider-Man book as enjoyable as the movie I’d just seen.

    All that was changed with F’N Spider-Man. Finally…an enjoyable, readable Spider-Man series again. The first since the late, lamented Untold Tales of Spider-Man

    Then I read the Newsarama piece today.

    Hopefully, the “other shoe” is a move to one of the other titles…even a regular gig on the Marvel Adventures Spidey book. Otherwise…looks like I’ll be Spidey-less again.

    At any rate, a few months early, let me say, “Thanks for the ride. It’s been fun.”

  14. Peter, did you quit the book, or get fired?

    And btw, until when does your exclusivity contract with Marvel hold? Are those several new projects you mentioned Marvel, or are they novels, like that new original series you mentioned earlier?)

  15. People are still saying “Nu Marvel”? Jeez, I thought that was cliched and old 6 years ago.

    I noticed there was a Captain Marvel announcement with no creative team attached…

  16. PAD is going back to Marvel Adventures Spidey (for at least issue #29, according to July Solicts) which is great, because I picked up the handy-dandy digest of his original run on the book, and I thought it was spectacular. The Fing-Fang Foom issue was amazing, and the bit where Spidey and Liz Allen try to pin on each other who actually woke up the pìššëd øff dinosaur was a definite highlight. Whoo, more Marvel Adventures, and I’m glad PAD’s run on FNSM will have a ending, at least, so it’ll fit into 3 or 4 handy trade paperbacks. (Just read the first 2 a few weeks ago, dug the Future-Goblin, it was just weird as hëll.)

  17. >I think that Peter will be the new writer for Amazing Spider-Man after JMS leaves the title.

    That would indeed fall under the non-idiot reason to pull him off FNSM.

  18. “But Marvel’s new plans for the series …”

    Does that mean Marvel’s plans didn’t include you and they told you your services would no longer be needed on FNSM or was it a case of you not liking the plans and choosing to leave the book on your own?

  19. “But Marvel’s new plans for the series …”

    Does that mean Marvel’s plans didn’t include you and they told you your services would no longer be needed on FNSM or was it a case of you not liking the plans and choosing to leave the book on your own?

  20. I’ll put good money on PAD taking over she hulk after Dan Slott. Brevoort’s taking over the title – Brevoort (like all sensible people) is a PAD fan. This would be great!!!

    Jamie Beamish Irl

  21. Aw man…I picked the book up starting with the Sandman arc partly because of “Back in Black” and partly because you were writing it (I know I’m gonna get quality stories from guys like you and JMS, which is why I’ve been reading FNSM and AMS but not the other two books). So I get to the party late and then I find it’s about to wrap up. Crap. 🙁

  22. Rob,

    While I, too, am a big fan of PAD’s FNSM & JMS’s ASM, the other continuity book (Sensational Spider-Man) is really outstanding. While on this writer’s forum I give due consideration for the consistent quality of the work (World War Hulk was amazing, BTW), you should give the other SM title a shot. It’s been some of the best storytelling around. Peter Parker’s identity reveal aside, this has been a good couple of years for the Spider-Man franchise.

    AD

  23. Rob,

    While I, too, am a big fan of PAD’s FNSM & JMS’s ASM, the other continuity book (Sensational Spider-Man) is really outstanding. While on this writer’s forum I give due consideration for the consistent quality of the work (World War Hulk was amazing, BTW), you should give the other SM title a shot. It’s been some of the best storytelling around. Peter Parker’s identity reveal aside, this has been a good couple of years for the Spider-Man franchise.

    AD

  25. “The lack of some bits makes me think my speculation that “new editor comes on, decides he knows best and kicks everyone there off.” He’ll fit in well at nu marvel.”

    No, that’s not the case. There have been decisions made about the three books that came from above Steve.

    And guys, please don’t ask me to comment beyond what I’ve already said in regards to future plans for the books. Okay, correction, you can ask. But I really am not at liberty to say.

    PAD

  26. 1 Hi, i’m Fabio
    a great fan and a redator of some
    italian
    web
    site, so i thought that i could join the 2 things
    May i made a small interwiew by mail to you
    about their work?
    for me it will be an honour
    greetings
    fabio

  27. FNSM has not been a “must read” for me. I would pick it up each month thinking “if I don’t enjoy this issue, I’ll drop the title”. But I did enjoy each issue and did come back. I made you prove you were worth my $2.99 each month, and you did easily. So, I’ll probably leave this series with you. I’m glad you have new projects we can follow you to.

  28. FNSM has not been a “must read” for me. I would pick it up each month thinking “if I don’t enjoy this issue, I’ll drop the title”. But I did enjoy each issue and did come back. I made you prove you were worth my $2.99 each month, and you did easily. So, I’ll probably leave this series with you. I’m glad you have new projects we can follow you to.

  30. If he’s going to ASM I’ll be happy – but if not – I’m confused.

    It seems that only with the latest Ms. Arrow storyline that PAD’s been able to cut loose and go in a direction he wants and that isn’t confined by all the tie-ins. I was just starting to get really pumped about this book.

    I read the last 6 or so months at once and was looking forward to more.

    Ugh!

  31. The good news: Marvel’s decision will save me some money since I won’t keep reading the book if PAD is no longer writing it. (Of course, the actual savings may vary depending on what PAD does next.)

    The bad news: While I liked JMS at the start, my interest waned some on Amazing. I still get it, but was planning to drop it after the Civil War (before I heard JMS was going off). So PAD was the only Spidey book I am reading. Now it won’t be any. (No offense to any current or future writers, but I don’t have the time or money to stick around for turnovers like this.)

    I understand PAD cannot comment on the particulars. But I doubt I will be around for the “big event” Joe at Marvel keeps talking about for Spidey. If PAD was not the right person to be on the book, then things are very strange indeed.

    Out of left field comment: The way things are going, you would almost think they were going to make Peter Parker the new Captain America. (Not a prediction, just a random option that occurred to me.)

    Iowa Jim

  32. One other obvious comment: The way Marvel via Steve Wacker broke this news was rather insulting to PAD and his fans. I give Wacker the benefit of the doubt that it was not his intent, but come on, for PAD to learn about this via email from his fans is a major mistake. Joe Q better be a cup full of apologies next week.

    It is the corporate world. While I don’t like some of the things happening at Marvel (like turning Tony Stark into a total jerk, at least in some books), I am glad they are trying to keep things interesting. But that drama should be reserved for in the comics themselves, not in the lives of those who are writing the books.

    Just my thoughts.

    Iowa Jim

  33. Please let the other projects that you are excited about include an ongoing run on Amazing Spider-Man. If this does become a reality, I’ll finally have faith and enthusiasm about the handling of my favorite character for the first time in too many years.

    Good luck on whatever you end up taking on.

  34. I am sorry to see you go on FNSM. And just in case anyone hasn’t read the Cup of er Joe.. Fridays that Wacker is Back in, it is a clean sweep on all 3 titles, so it seems the last issues of Peter and Roberto are right before One More Day. Personal preference, I did like Roberto’s writing style so I wasn’t picking Sensational up.

    Frankly, part of me is hoping that I don’t like the new creative teams because I’d like to stay with the number of books I currently read. Unlike with Birds of Prey and Teen Titans(where Gail and Geoff are leaving but now I’m staying with both because Sean McKeever is writing them)

    I will be moving to Thor with JMS and wherever PAD ends up for at least a look (if its a character I really like I’m totally screwed. Who I am kidding PAD has made me like characters I had no interest in.. I’m screwed)

    Until later
    John

  36. Good news. PAD’s run was molested from the start by event after event. It’s resulted in nothing short of an abominable run. Here’s hoping he can move on to something more akin to X-Factor.

  37. This is one of the reasons I left comic reading/collecting. As far as I’m concerned, a writer and an artist should stay on a book for as long as they want (barring huge declining sales), writers especially. These rotating casts of creative teams really bother me. Once my favorite books began getting dropped or a favorite artist couldn’t complete more then 3 out of 6 books, or writers kept coming and going—I decided it wasn’t really worth it anymore. How many Issue #1s of a single book do we really need? How many books of the same character do we really need?

    With so much effort on making the writers and artists superstars, more so then the comic charaters themselves, comes the effect of Higher Ups switching and changing creative teams to bring up sales here, make more money there.

    Except for some notable exceptions, I’ve always been one who instead of picking up 100 books in a crossover event would just stop reading the dámņ thing. As PAD’s pointed out, people keep buying these things even when they gripe about them. Not me, though, so there must be others out there.

    Obviously, I can’t change the comic industy myself. But I have saved a lot of dough. Still and all, even though I haven’t bought a book in quite some time, it still angers me when I read another sweeping change or rotating creative teams. And it makes me appreciate PAD and Nauck’s run on Young Justice so much more, or any team that sticks with a book more then a year or two.

    That’s just the way I see, I guess.

  39. 11 Hi, i’m Fabio
    a great fan and a redator of some
    italian
    web
    site, so i thought that i could join the 2 things
    May i made a small interwiew by mail to you
    about their work?
    for me it will be an honour
    greetings
    fabio

    I just wanted to draw attention to this clearly awesome comment that was posted that breezed by us all. Hey, Fabio, do you have any new romance novel covers comming out? Gotta collect ’em all!

  40. Dear Mr. David, I’m sorry to hear this. I can’t imagine FNSM will be worth reading without you. If you can answer this, I’m very curious, by how much were your planned storylines affected by “Events” like “The Other” and “Civil War” and whatever else?

  41. While I am, of course, disappointed since I really do enjoy FNSM and do feel PAD “gets” the character and his supporting cast moreso than most others, I do feel many on this board are overreacting again.
    From the very beginning, many of PAD’s fans complained about this book. From the very beginning, they complained about the TITLE possible causing fans to think it was a “kid’s book” (heaven forfend a Spider-Man comic should be for kids, but I digress).
    Then, fans complained that the title was immediately involved in a crossover, “The Other”. Many claimed this would cause them not to pick up the book at all, which I find insane. While “The Other” was not ideally executed, it did have the potential for new ideas, which PAD iis now proving with his “Miss Arrow” storyline. But before even reading a page of the crossover, many fans blasted it and said they would not pick up the book even after the crossover was over.
    This makes NO sense. It is a knee-jerk reaction from jaded fans. As PAD himself stated, for all the clamor for his return to the Hulk comic and as much as people said they loathed Bruce Jones’ run, sales saw no significant increase when he returned. So Marvel decided to do a short crossover and put some promotional muscle behind the 3 Spidey books, and kept it limited to the Spidey books and they are blasted by fans for it. Even though the crossover was a sales success and gained readers for all 3 books. Since then, we has the girl/woman who felt Spider-Man was stalking her all her life; a nifty wrestling story, the 2211 characters/alternate Uncle Ben story and the Mysterio story. We’ve also had cool stories with Sandman and the Vulture, cool moments with Flash and Betty, the Miss Arrow mystery, some cool cameos and even the return of Deb Whitman.
    Yet even in the midst of all this cool stuff, some fans still couldn’t let go of bìŧçhìņg about “The Other” and when they stopped it was only because they started bìŧçhìņg about how unfair the Civil War/Unmasking thing had adversely affected his ability to tell stories, even though he repeatedly stated it opened up new story possibilities – like Mysterio attacking the school, Deb Whitman’s book, and moments with Betty and Flash.
    Now, this announcement is made and even though PAD says he is happy about his upcoming projects and even though he is still on a top-selling X-book, is crafting “Dark Tower”, one of Marvel’s most significant projects of the last decade and has also been given miniseries as diverse as “Wonder Man” and a “1602” spinoff, all some her can do is talk about how stupid Marvel is.
    If PAD is excited, why can’t everyone else be excited for him. If there were never changes of creative teams, Stan Lee would still be writing “Amazing Spider-Man”.

  42. Iowa Jim wrote: “It is the corporate world.”

    And that’s a big part of what’s wrong with the corporate world. Not speaking specifically about PAD’s case, but when staff get treated like disposable chips, you’d better not expect much loyalty in return. Much ado is made about productivity levels not being what they could be. Well, as a long-time Japanese friend – who’s spent years working both there and in North America – put it, “You can’t expect employees to give 110% when they’re busy constantly updating their resumes.”

  43. Okay, I’ll bite. What the hëll is “Nu Marvel”? I’ve never heard of the term, not six years ago, and not recently, until this board.

  44. Before we jump on Steve Wacker, lets cut him some slack. He’s filling in for JQ on the Friday stint, so he’s not as experienced as JQ on whats ok to release and what isn’t. (His previous experience was with Didio “Oh, there’s a multiverse again, and thats Barry Allen on that mystery poster. Oops..jk.. but I digress).

    I’m sure in hindsight, Steve feels bad about not giving a heads up to the writers/artists involved and learned from it.

    I’m hoping the news is PAD taking over Amazing Spider-man. That would be a promotion. I hope he’s not doing the Captain Marvel book, but it would let him get back to doing some Rick Jones stories.

  45. You make some decent points, Jerome.

    While not one of those who didn’t pick up FNSM at all because of “The Other,” I will most certainly cop to not picking it up until after “The Other” was done. Simply put, I found the other two books unenjoyable. So, while I was thrilled PAD was returning to Spider-Man, I didn’t see any point in picking the book up until after the launching crossover was done…there wasn’t much point in inentionally reading only 1/3 of a story, nor was there much point in reading the whole story if I already knew I didn’t care for the work of those providing the majority of what I’d be reading.

    Sure, I’m naturally excited that there are other PAD projects waiting in the wings. But, at the same time, I’m also disappointed that – by all appearances – there won’t be a Spider-Man book around that I enjoy any longer.

    But, hey…it’s happened before. I’m sure it won’t be the last time, either.

  46. Luigi: “Nu Marvel” is a term applied to the company under the leadership of Joe Quesada and Bill Jemas. It’s a disparaging term, if I remember correctly. I don’t remember exactly what the deal with it was, but there you go.

  48. PAD,

    I’m going to miss you writing Spider-Man but look forward to whatever new comics you take on. I have a quick question for you – have you read the CSI issues that had the murder of the comics pro (I forget who) and, from what I read, it said that real life pros like JMS and yourself were suspects? If so, would you recommend it? It sounds good (what is it called? CSI: From the Gutters or something like that?)

    At any rate – just wanted to know what you thought about it.

    Garrett

  49. It’s a shame to hear that you’re moving out of the Friendly Neighborhood. I always liked that you weren’t afraid to use (in my opinion anyway) recent Spidey story blunders (such as JJJ ever believing that his son John is Spider-Man, and Kevin Smith introducing a new Mysterio even though Danny Beckhart was already running around in the fishbowl) and make pretty good stories out of them. Plus its great to see some familiar faces such as Flash Thompson, Betty Brant and Deb Whitman in a Spider-Man comic again. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the Arrow (or should I say Ero?) storyline turns out (issue 20 was great by the way) and although your time with FNSM will be ending, I certainly hope that you’re not done writing Spider-Man stories.

  50. PAD,

    I’m not sure I understand why Marvel is being secretive about such things. Is it because they don’t want to announce anything until all the detials have been worked out? Or are they waiting for a convention or something to make a big announcement? If its the latter case, does it really make a difference in terms of sales?

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