It’s been a while since I’ve thrown the site over to questions, so: Anything you want to ask about?
PAD
234 comments on “What’cha Wanna Know?”
When is the next book in the Darkness Of The Light series coming out?
When will Cowboy Pete do his review of the new series of Doctor Who?
1) No clue. I turned in the second manuscript a full year ago and have yet to get back even a copy edited manuscript.
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2) I’m going to wait until the season ender so I can do an overview.
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PAD
Is there someone we can contact at the publishers to let them know there are people waiting to read it?
Well, yeah, but it would be a politically dumb move for me to give out that information, so…
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PAD
I’ve been waiting anxiously for the next book in that series. I enjoyed the first one, and it got better and better as it went along. I will be very disappointed if we don’t see the next one.
Do you have an end planned for X-Factor? How long do you see yourself writing it? Do you think Marvel would have somebody write this version of X-Factor after you are finished?
I don’t have a conclusion in my own mind because I really enjoy writing the characters and so haven’t come up with any sort of end game for the series. As for whether Marvel would have someone write it after me, well, I suppose that depends if they think there’s a market for it.
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PAD
When will the next Fallen Angel miniseries start?
A few months after I start writing it. I’ve had some other projects turn up on my plate that have taken time away from it, but I plan to write the first issue of the new LS in the next couple of weeks.
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PAD
What are your thoughts on the Red Hulk storyline?
How about a Peter David-penned Star Wars novel?
James sez: What are your thoughts on the Red Hulk storyline?
Let’s kick it up a notch, what, PAD, are your thoughts regarding the Hulk, since the second run you did?
Also are you ever going to do a BID collection that covers the years between the ones covered in the 2 collections?
Pretty sure PAD’s mentioned he doesn’t read the Hulk books, because he’s too close to it.
I wanna pipe up that I’ve been waiting for a Peter David Star Wars novel since, like, the mid-90s. I think the best we got is Skippy the Jedi Droid from Star Wars Tales #1. However, Skippy totally rocks and I’ve mentally accepted that story as canon, so whenever I watch ep. 4 it’s like “Hey, it’s Skippy!”
Awwwwk! Now I’m getting a truly silly mental image of a STAR WARS sequence done to the theme from SKIPPY THE BUSH KANGAROO.
1) I’m glad Jeph finally did the reveal because I think it was starting to become dangerously close to getting past its shelf life. I think it’s also a sign of how skilled a writer he is, because if I did a storyline that went on for several years, I’d probably be hemorrhaging readers. He managed to keep it going.
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2) No plans to do “Star Wars.” I’ve had exactly one brush with dealing with LucasFilms and it was not a happy fun experience. So I don’t really see it happening.
Why would anyone try to smuggle sugar inside teddy bears? Could you really make a profit doing that? (Sorry. That’s been bugging me since 1985.)
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Are there any plans for a return of the Foreigner? I read a couple of stories by other writers in the ’90s, and they weren’t very good. I figure we need you to make him cool again. I know he’s not what people think of as an X-Factor villain, but there’s no reason he can’t be. And if you want, you could bring in Silver Sable, too.
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When does ‘My Fair Super Hero’ take place? (The main story, not the prologues.) I had just begun reading comic-books again when it came out, so I didn’t notice a problem then, but the first issue mentions Wanda going insane and killing people, but the last issue clearly states that the Avengers haven’t broken up, they still have their mansion, and Spider-Man has never been a member.
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Oh God, I really hope you’re not annoyed by questions like this. I sound like a stereotypical nerd fan, don’t I?
1) I’ve actually been kicking around in my head whether to bring the Foreigner back. I have an assassin storyline that I’m developing for X-Factor, but honestly, I didn’t think anyone remembered him, much less had any interest in seeing him return. Now I may really have to consider it.
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2) MFSH is kind of nebulous in terms of continuity.
I remember the Foreigner, and I also remember that neat trick you had him do where’s he’s able to hit Spider-Man by hypnotizing him for just a few seconds at a time.
I would LOVE to see the Foreigner again. And if you can work Silver Sable in there with their little thing…
You have my vote for the return of the Foreigner. He kinda got butchered in continuity, but I really liked the way you wrote him (i.e. “What If… James Bond was a Villain?” 🙂
Count me in for an interest in the Foreigner as well. He was tons of fun way back when you first wrote him.
Between you and Corey, you guys have a clearer grasp on my life than I do.
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PAD
A while back, I realized Princess Entipy in “Sir Apropos of Nothing” and the New Thallon Protectorate in New Frontier had the same initials. So, what’s the deal with “N.T.P.”?
Purely coincidence. The Princess’s name had nothing to do with letters: it was a play on “Princess And the Pea.”
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PAD
hiya PAD, two-fer quickie’s here.
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1) Any chance of wrap-up/resolution to the exploded-head-undead Mysterio from FNSM, maybe in X-Factor somehwere, or are you just going to leave it to the Spidey guys? (Beck came back too recently, with little to no explanation, and with a non-exploded head)
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2) Any chance of a wrap up/resolution to Potato Moon? I quite dug it every time. To be honest, the ending right now is vaguely open ended but not a bad ending at all that kinda works.
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Coheed and Cambria rules!
Yeah, I’ve been wondering about Mysterio, too. But I figured it was up to the current Spider-team, since they’re the ones who contradicted you without explanation.
1) See, here’s the funny thing. The Mysterio storyline was originally supposed to be only two issues. I had convinced Marvel editorial to use Todd Nauck, because I’d loved working with him on “Young Justice,” but he wasn’t on Marvel’s radar. So they indulged me and dropped him in for the two issues. And the pages started coming in from the first issue, and I hadn’t written the second one yet (we were just trying to get ahead on the book and the Mysterio story was being done ahead of time.) So the editor called me and said, “My God, we just got in Todd’s first pages, and he’s ahead of schedule and they look great!” And I said, “Yeah, well, that’s Todd. And he’s going to keep doing that for as long as he’s on the book.”
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And the editor said, “Can you turn this into a three parter so we can had Todd do three issues instead?” I said, “Sure.” And I came up with the notion of bringing in the third Mysterio, the one from Hëll, who was basically supposed to be a foreshadowing of Mephisto’s interest in Spider-Man. Which, of course, no one picked up on because the fans didn’t know about “One More Day,” and then when they did find out, no one made the connection. As for Beck coming back,well, that’s not really a surprise since “Brand New Day” pretty much turned the series into “Anything Can Happen Day.”
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2) Here’s the problem. I went through six, count ’em, six contributors who were supposed to follow up on “Potato Moon.” And one after the other, they either said they didn’t have the time or they didn’t respond at all. So I got kind of fed up. I’m not sure what to do with it at this point.
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PAD
Well, why not just have Ariel and yourself write the ending as you originally planned? I actually think it was a really fun exercise that was going well early on, and I would like to do it again. Maybe you could just set a cutoff (first 50 respondents, or somesuch), and then do them every once in a while so everyone gets a chance.
I’d love to see a wrap-up chapter from you and Ariel also.
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BTW, writing that chapter in “Potato Moon” is what finally convinced me to start my novel. So thanks for that. (Whether the novel turns out to be any good is another matter — my science-fiction setting is already threatening to overwhelm the character-driven piece I’d originally planned, and I’m trying to push it back on course…)
Might be outside your jurisdiction, but regarding OMD, wouldn’t it have been so much simpler and made more sense to just have Spidey call in the favor that JMS had Loki owe him and then have Loki turn it around on him like trickster gods are want to do. It seemed like there was all that build up and then nothing ever came of it.
I just realised.. the Mysterio story was your first after the unmasking. So if One More Day was already planned, then the unmasking was never meant to stick and they were just toying with readers’ emotions from the beginning.
That’s just horrible. I remember how upset I was when I heard about the unmasking. I knew how completely unsuited Spidey is for a public identity and I thought they might be ruining the character forever. I’d already started buying back issues again and I’d been planning to check out some new stuff, but this news came very close to stopping me.
I only did finally decide to buy a Friendly issue because I heard you were writing it and that Deb Whitman would be in it. I only began trying other books gradually after that.
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(Don’t worry. I know you had nothing to do with the unmasking and stuff. You just had to go along with it. And you did a very good job of keeping the feel of Spider-Man going, despite the circumstances. Strazcynski, on the other hand, wrote decent stories that didn’t feel like Spider-Man in any way.)
Do you watch Venture Brothers or The Boondocks? What do you think of them?
Love “Venture Bros.” Watched “Boondocks” and enjoyed it at first, but stopped eventually.
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PAD
“Howling Mad” is one of my favorite books and I sought out “Otherwere” for over a year to read “Moonlight Becomes Her.” I was wondering if there was any progress on it being optioned for a movie. It seems like it would be difficult to translate to the big screen, is this something you’re concerned about?
I bought HOWLING MAD when it first came out after hearing Peter describe it at Shore Leave. I loved it, and have wanted a sequel for years. What is “Otherwere”–is that a sequel?
“Otherwere” is a short story collection about variations on the theme of were-transformations. One of the stories is the novella “Moonlight Becomes Her” which was indeed a sequel to “Howling Mad.”
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PAD
It was optioned for a while. The producers developed a script that they shopped which no one bought because the script wasn’t very good.
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PAD
Did you ever get a chance to read it? I personally think it would make a fantastic movie if it had the right script, but if this go around sucked, I suppose that’s kind of a relief, huh?
Yeah, I remember you telling the tale of Howling Mad In Development Hëll. You do a script, faithful to the story, and they want rewrites. You do rewrites. Haif a dozen drafts later, all that’s left is the title, and you wisely bail. That’s Hollywood for ya. Christopher Moore’s “Practical Demonkeeping” was optioned by Disney some years back, and it never got made either. Probably for similar reasons.
I’ve noted over my fifty-plus years that film industry people have to be rabid fanboys for anything decent to get done in sf and fantasy, and sometimes not even then. Joe Straczynski and Ron Howard are working on adapting the Lensman novels to film, but there’s a slim chance of them making it. First thing will be that someone compares Lensman to Star Wars, just like Pixar’s John Carter of Mars will be compared to Avatar. Just watch.
I would also like to know about the current status of “Fallen Angel.” It’s my favorite book at the moment and has been since the 8th issue of the DC run.
What were your thoughts on “Iron Man 2?” Did you enjoy it? If not, is that why you did not pen the novelization?
Also, do you know if “Howling Mad” is ever going to see a new printing? I’d love to read it.
1) See above on “Fallen Angel.”
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2) I loved “Iron Man 2.” As for why I didn’t do the book: Funny story. I was supposed to. Signed a contract and everything. Then the publisher canceled the contract because Marvel insisted that, out of security concerns, I should come into the office and hand write a transcript of the screenplay and I said no way in hëll. I’ve wanted to get in touch with the guy who actually wound up writing the novelization and ask him if he did indeed go into the office and do it all by hand, but he never responded to my email queries.
PAD sez: Then the publisher canceled the contract because Marvel insisted that, out of security concerns, I should come into the office and hand write a transcript of the screenplay and I said no way in hëll.
Hand-write?!? On Incredible Hulk’s adaptation they let you bring a laptop! What was their excuse as to why you would have had to go very old-school?
Quick Question, will you be attending Dragon Con? Thanks!
That’s the current plan.
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PAD
The video game “City of Heroes” has a feature called the Architect which lets people write their own missions.
In conjunction with this, they have a “Guest Author Program”. Many writers like Scott Kurtz, Bill Willingham, and Mercedes Sheldon have worked with them to put their characters into the game. My question is, if City of Heroes ever approached you, would this prospect interest you? Might be cool to see Fallen Angel or Sachs and Violens in other media, especially if you wrote it. 🙂
Also video game related, howd it make you feel seeing Spidey 2099 get his own section in the new Spidey game? Also will you play it?
I think that’s beyond cool, that Spider 2099 is going to be in the video game. Can’t wait.
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PAD
Depending on the contract and rights involved, sure, it sounds like it could be fun.
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PAD
hi ,what do you think about Turkey (country) ? what do you think about the ateists and richard dawkings? what dou you think about tv series “good guys”? what dou you think about Star trek enterprise tv series?
1) Don’t have any strong feelings about Turkey, although I love their taffy.
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2) I haven’t read any of Dawkins’ work, but he makes people think, and that’s a good thing.
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3) Really like “The Good Guys.” I’m a fan of Whitford’s from “West Wing” and it’s great seeing him in such a new character.
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4) I think “Enterprise” had a ton of potential that was never realized.
In addition to wanting to know when next we’ll see a new issue of Fallen Angel, I’m also curious if there is any news about SoulSearchers and Co. And as long as it it’s free to ask, have you and ComicMix/Jim Starlin discussed doing anything with Dreadstar? I suspect most of the answers may have to do with your Marvel contract, but I’d dearly love to see any of these return soon.
(Do you have any idea how often I bug Evanier about bringing Mighty Magnor back?)
I keep hearing rumblings about Soulsearchers on line, but nothing’s happened with it. And no, I haven’t discussed “Dreadstar” with Jim anytime recently.
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PAD
Any idea when the next New Frontier book comes out and how many more you have in you?
Spring of next year.
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PAD
Any chance at a hint? Title? How tied in to the whole Destiny thing are you? By the way I loved your last ST book, any plans for anything else in the verse?
Any idea when the next New Frontier book comes out and how many more you might write?
How many Madri (Madroxes) does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Four: One to actually change it, and three to decide which kind of bulb they should use.
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PAD
The Marvel app is popular on itunes and DC comics apparently just released their own app (with free samples and at least one day-and-date release, from what I hear). What do you think about this recent trend in digital comics distribution? What do you think if Madrox or X-Factor were released on the Marvel App?
I think that anything that gets people reading, or keeps them reading, comic books is a good thing. And I’d be thrilled if Madrox or X-Factor got that kind of exposure.
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PAD
Thank you for answering my question. And thank you for such a great series. X-Factor is what drew me back into reading comic books. 🙂
Would you ever consider contributing to City of Heroes’ “Guest Author Program”?
I’m not familiar with it.
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PAD
That’s fair. 🙂
Keep up the good work!
I asked first! lol
Hi Peter,
I know its best to go forward without too much looking back but would you ever consider doing an ‘Incredible Hulk Forever’ book (a la what claremont and Simonson are doing on X-Men/X-Factor) and pick up at the point where you left in ’98. Even just a miniseries for fun to show to go into a bit more detail about what you hinted at in Hulk 467.
I would freaking LOVE to do a “Hulk Forever” book.
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PAD
that would be incredible!
I’d buy it without a moment’s hesitation!
Oh, please please please! I don’t think there is anything that anyone could do in comics that would excite me more. Except also give you control of Spider-Man. But HULK FOREVER is an absolute MUST.
Is it even a possibility with current Marvel editorial?
1. Am I mistaken, or is X-Factor the only ongoing book you’re working on right now? Will there be more in the near future?
2. With Spidey 2099 a major player in a much-hyped video game, do you see yourself potentially returning to the character in a new series or mini-series?
3. A Hulk Forever book would be awesome, but it wouldn’t be the same without a bunch of obligatory crossover tie-ins derailing the plot. How would you pull this off?
1. Am I mistaken, or is X-Factor the only ongoing book you’re working on right now? Will there be more in the near future?
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X-Factor and Dark Tower.
2. With Spidey 2099 a major player in a much-hyped video game, do you see yourself potentially returning to the character in a new series or mini-series?
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There’s always potential. If Marvel wanted me to do it, I’d love to.
3. A Hulk Forever book would be awesome, but it wouldn’t be the same without a bunch of obligatory crossover tie-ins derailing the plot. How would you pull this off?
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By not doing it.
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PAD
I’d love if you did a Hulk Forever Book. I always wanted to see where you were going with the story. You had single-handedly kept me reading comics during the 90’s debacle of endless foil covers.
Oh my sweet Lord, I would LOVE a “Hulk Forever” book. I haven’t enjoyed the Hulk since you left the book (apart from the odd issue/appearance), and that would get me right where I live. If anybody at Marvel reads this, PLEASE make this happen!
A “Hulk Forever” or “Spidey 2099 Forever” would be a dream to read!
Why are you so awesome?
It’s a blessing. And a curse.
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PAD
Peter:
How do you feel about the growing trend to revive the pulp genre for a modern audience?
Between Pro Se Productions, Airship 27, DC’s First Wave, and now Moonstone Comics, it seems like readers have a great time ahead of them.
I love the old pulp magazines, and it’s great to see a whole new audience for them.
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PAD
I just saw that a new frontier book is scheduled for early next year… How far do you develop the story line in advance, and who in the publishing world should we yell at for their slow release rate?
It’s no one in the publishing world; it’s the approvals process that’s out of Pocket’s hands.
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PAD
What’s the single best piece of writing advice you’ve gotten that’s gotten you though a tough spot with one of your projects?
Don’t take rejection personally.
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PAD
Where do you see the comics industry in 5 years?
Selling fewer books than they were five years before.
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PAD
This one should blow your mind…
What question do you most want to be asked by someone? (Keep in mind, I’m *not* asking the question, only asking what the question would be. If no one after me asks your answer, that’s just mean.)
Peter David, you’ve just won $100 million dollars! What are you gonna do now?
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PAD
So, what would you do then?
And, in a kind of similar vein, if you and Kathleen ever found yourselves in the “Cash Cab,” who would have final say on the answers?
I’d reopen the Adventurers Club for a private party at Disney World.
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As for “Cash Cab,” it would depend upon who was sitting on the chair nearest the door. That’s the way the game is set up.
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PAD
I could’ve asked that question better. This week, I’ve been staying home to withdraw from an anti-depression prescription I’ve been taking for 25 years. (Doctor’s orders.) I know the person nearest the door gets the final answer. But who would be the one to decide the final answer most often, regardless of if they were in the chair or not?
I love seeing how different your answers to the same questions are from one Q&A thread to the next. Asked in 2003 what you thought the state of the comics industry would be ten years hence, you responded, “What am I, Kreskin?”, but when asked about it five years hence in June 2010, you said, “Selling fewer books than they were five years before.” This means one of or some combination of the following:
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A. Your precognitive powers are getting stronger
B. You think a pessimistic forecast is a surer bet than an optimistic one
C. You’re a five-year-in-advance Kreskin, just not a ten-year-in-advance one.
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Similarly, being asked which question you’d like to be asked in 2006, you replied, “What was Kim Basinger like in bed?”, but now you envision it to be a follow-up to winning the lottery. This means that you got less horny and more greedy within the intervening four years. 🙂
I’d also like to know what the status is on Fallen Angel. And how well the move from a monthly book to an occasional set of miniseries (well, one so far) has gone. I hope it’s proven to be the right decision.
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I’m also interested in reading PAD’s thoughts about the current season of Doctor Who. Myself? I’ve seen 12 of the 13 episodes comprising this season. I liked them. And Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are doing great as the Doctor and Amy.
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Rick
What recent Marvel or DC stuff have you been reading?
The X-Books, the Spidey books, whatever catches my eye from DC.
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PAD
Follow-up; has there been any particular recent ASM story you really liked?
The recent stories with the Vulture.
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PAD
At whom should I yell about stepping up the release schedule on the Hulk Visionaries trades?
I don’t know that yelling does any good. I suppose you look at the credits in the book, see who’s overseeing the editing on it, and write to them.
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PAD
I was playing Star Trek Online for a bit and saw Captain Mackenzie in there. Did you know they were putting him in?
In advance? No. I found out about it after the fact.
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PAD
You’ve done stories/novels for Kolchak and Babylon 5: both of which have strong, though small, fan bases. Are there any other franchises you’d like to write for that are of a similar ilk? (P.S. Thanks for signing my B5 novels at last year’s ComicCon!)
“Pushing Daisies” and “Eli Stone.”
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PAD
Are there any TV or film projects that you’re currently working on? Also, what current TV show would you like to submit a script to?
Most of them, I can’t talk about. I can tell you that I’ve written a second episode for “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” and am going to be doing a third.
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PAD
OOOPs! I should have known that there’s a non-disclosure rule regarding pending TV & Film projects. Sorry. My bad. Thanks for the info on “Ben 10.” I’ll go to IMDB and keep a lookout them.
Hi PAD,
Thank you for giving us this opportunity. I don’t recall in what context but I seem to remember you advising prospective writers to “read”. And not just comic books – read everything! I’m sure you subscribe to this mantra yourself but, given your writing output – seriously – when do you find the time to read? May I ask if you set time aside for both, or do you work at one until you need a break then retire to the other? Cheers.
It’s more like I grab the chance whenever I can. Popular reading time is when I’m working out on the elliptical machine at the gym.
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PAD
Good morning, Mr. David.
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Amazon says you’re a contributor to a collection of holiday-themed Ghostbusters stories from IDW. Is it the Halloween one, which has yet to be solicited on its own, or was your name included by mistake? If you’ve really written an adventure featuring characters from one of my favorite movies, I can’t wait to read it.
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If two questions are permitted, will you be continuing your collaboration with Claudio Sanchez after the current Amory Wars maxi-series concludes?
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Thank you.
It’s the Halloween one, yes. Kathleen and I are writing it together, actually. The title is “What in Samhain is Going on?” As for continuing to work with Claudio, I sure hope so. I’m having a ball working on these projects.
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PAD
Since I can’t tell you that you won $100 million and ask what you’ll do next (nice answer, BTW), here are three related questions (related to each other, not to your mythical winnings):
1) What are your favorite and least favorite costumes from comic books?
2) What are your favorite and least favorite costumes from comic book-based movies?
3) What is your favorite homemade costume you’ve seen a fan wearing? (I’m skipping “least favorite” here due to the plethora of lousy homemade costumes.)
1) Favorite? Spider-Man. Elegant. Classic. Least favorite costume? That’s easy: That dumb-ášš Roman gladiator look they came up with for Aquaman. It was like Namor’s closet exploded. I hated it at the time and was totally ignored.
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2) The Superman costume. More specifically, Chris Reeve in the Superman costume. Least favorite? Halle Berry’s Catwoman costume.
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3) Well, favorite would probably be the girl who was dressed as “Fallen Angel,” for obvious reasons. And there was a girl dressed as Layla Miller down in Uruguay. In terms of characters I haven’t worked on, I remember one Dragon*Con where I saw five girls in the lobby all dressed in Princess Leia slave girl outfits having a pillow fight. All I could think was, My God, I had this dream when I was in my twenties.
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PAD
Will you be getting an iPhone 4? Why or why not?
I have a Garmin phone and am perfectly happy with that. And my wife and daughter,both of whom have iPhones, have made no noises about wanting to upgrade, which is fine by me.
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PAD
Which daughter? Don’t tell me a 7-year-old’s already got an iPhone…
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TWL
Hi Mr David.
1) Did you enjoy writing “The Amazing Spider-Man: As the World Burns” for TSR? Any interesting anecdotes about how it came into being?
2) Would you ever consider using Death’s Head in a book, after his mini resurgence via Cornell’s “Captain Britain,” and Kieron Gillen’s “SWORD?”
3) Did you enjoy the first half of JMS’s run on “Amazing Spider-Man,” up until the resolution of the Ezekiel storyline?
Thanks.
1) Oh God, that was a nightmare. My living room floor was completely covered with index cards. Never again.
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2) No plans for Death’s Head.
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3) I liked most of what Joe did on ASM.
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PAD
Following up on an earlier question…
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I’ve been trying to track down a copy of “Otherwere” for years. Are there any plans for another means of distributing your story from that collection?
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–Daryl
Not currently, although I’d love to see Ace go back to press with the first book and include the novella so we’ve got the whole thing in one package.
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PAD
That would be great, if it were to happen.
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I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to buying a third copy to support the work. And, natch, to get the short.
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I bought it when it first came out, then a couple of years ago, came across a large supply of them in great condition at Half Price Books, and got a second one…just to do so. I know that you don’t get a cut from a purchase on the secondary market like that, but in the event my original copy falls apart, I’ve got a back-up.
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–Daryl
Do you have plans to write again the characters you introduced in Incredible Hulk, like Atalanta & the Pantheon (back in Prince of Power!), Atalanta, the Troyjan or Atalanta ?
Or is there at least a possibility you use Atal.. I mean, them again in the future?
Thank you
Well, if we ever do “Hulk Forever,” you can be sure they’ll show up there.
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PAD
Oh dear, I’m getting all excited for something that might not even happen.
Mr David,
Which comic story are you most proud of writing? Who is your favourite comic writer just now? What character would you love to write?
(and if you get a chance to check out my site…whaddya think of my songs?)
regards
Gary
1) Single story? Probably “Future Imperfect.” Limited series would be “Atlantis Chronicles,” and ongoing would be “Fallen Angel.”
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2) I don’t have one single favorite. I have a few I like: Dan Slott; Marc Guggenheim, Ed Brubaker, Brian Bendis. Neil, of course when he does comics.
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3) I’d love to write “Doc Savage,” but since DC picked him up, that won’t be happening anytime soon.
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PAD
Just a quick question, I’ve been an avid Monet st. croix fan since she came out back in the late 90’s. Now I’m enjoying your run on x-factor….1 problem…..Monet has become a white woman? what happened? continuity error, retcon?
if its the colorist he/she needs to be fired because that chick currently in X-factor with the turquoise eyes is a slap in the face to what she was originally!
other question Monet has a mutant brother and two younger mutant sisters any chance they may make an appearance soon?
Monet has alot of baggage and as A fan I’m well past my due date waiting for things to turn around.
Thanks PD and yeah I rant alot but I will still buy X-factor 😛
1) For some reason the colorist made her pale for a while there. So we’ve been progressively making her skin darker and darker and we’re STILL getting complaints from fans asking why she’s white. I’m starting to think we could make her as dark as Storm and people would be complaining.
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2) No plans to bring her siblings back at the moment.
As someone who’s gotten into X-Factor only since the MadroX limited series, I can honestly say that I hadn’t given a second thought to the idea that Monet was French-white–to me, that’s just how she looks! I just Wikipedia’ed her, and I’m still not clear on exactly how she’s supposed to look!
FYI: Emplate recently appeared in X-Men: Legacy (#s 228-230).
PAD-
Surely, you can’t be serious…
-Rob
I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.
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PAD
Mr. David,
Long time lurker, few time poster.
Is there anything new to report on the Sir Apropos front?
I know you can’t do new novels at the moment, but what about more short stories?
I got to thinking about this because of Michael Stackpole’s “Chain Story” project.
I wish there were. Pocket Books keeps reprinting the first book so they still have rights to the series, and they keep making noises about wanting to do more books, but they’ve been doing that dance for three years now and it doesn’t seem to get any closer.
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Yes, I can do more short stories, and I may well do that.
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PAD
(1) Besides John Maddox, are there any more of Jamie’s distance learning dupes still lurking or has he called them all in?
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(2) Should I be excited about this Mets season yet? They’ve broken my heart so many times before…
1) John’s the only one still running around, at least in present day.
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2) A true Mets fan never gets excited. We have, at most, guarded enthusiasm.
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PAD
1) Thanks for the confirmation and the vague hint at the possibility for more Cortex stories (if I’m reading between the lines correctly).
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2) Ah, yes; I suppose I should have known that. I fear my exile in Pittsburgh has changed me more than I thought. In my defense, just about anything seems exciting compared to the local baseball product.
Of the comics you’ve written for long stretches, like Hulk or X-Factor, what are your favorite stories,charecter ideas, or plot twists by writers who came before or after you?
My favorite of all time on “Hulk” was way back in the original issue #6 where Banner transformed into the Hulk but still had Banner’s head. It was just such a demented visual that it formed the underpinning for the entire concept of the merged Hulk.
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PAD
ah yes – lucky Banner just happened to have made a cast of Hulk’s head that he was able to use as a disguise!
Wow, i would never have seen that as the start of the merge idea – but it’s so clear now!
Thanks 🙂
Sorry if someone’s already asked this but:
What made you want to become a writer? For me, I spent most of my childhood living in my head – living being the word here – that all my ideas kind of spilled over onto paper.
And because it’s been a while since I’ve asked this question, so I’m hoping there’s someone that knows what’s going on…
Does anyone know the fate of Pyro? It’s really bugging me and I was wondering (hoping) if you could get someone to ask around? Maybe?
My dad. He was a working reporter and that instilled the love of writing inme.
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Pyro? I know he was resurrected, but beyond that, I don’t know what plans there are for him, if any.
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PAD
Makes sense, I blame my parents for inspiring my warped sense of humor.
Hmm, no-one really knows what everyone else is doing, do they? Thank you. 🙂
Have you ever read John Vornholt’s Trek novels? Thoughts?
One of ’em, a long time ago. I liked it at the time.
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PAD
How much better was the money in the 90’s boom vs. today? Not specific dollars, but twice as good? about the same?
It was more crinkly back then.
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PAD
If you could do one of the 4-issue Marvel Noir mini-serieses, which character would you most want to do?
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On a scale of 1 to 10, what do you think the likelihood is that you would get to do it?
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Theno
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When is the next book in the Darkness Of The Light series coming out?
When will Cowboy Pete do his review of the new series of Doctor Who?
1) No clue. I turned in the second manuscript a full year ago and have yet to get back even a copy edited manuscript.
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2) I’m going to wait until the season ender so I can do an overview.
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PAD
Is there someone we can contact at the publishers to let them know there are people waiting to read it?
Well, yeah, but it would be a politically dumb move for me to give out that information, so…
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PAD
Try here for contacting the publisher:
Questions@tor.com
I’ve been waiting anxiously for the next book in that series. I enjoyed the first one, and it got better and better as it went along. I will be very disappointed if we don’t see the next one.
Do you have an end planned for X-Factor? How long do you see yourself writing it? Do you think Marvel would have somebody write this version of X-Factor after you are finished?
I don’t have a conclusion in my own mind because I really enjoy writing the characters and so haven’t come up with any sort of end game for the series. As for whether Marvel would have someone write it after me, well, I suppose that depends if they think there’s a market for it.
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PAD
When will the next Fallen Angel miniseries start?
A few months after I start writing it. I’ve had some other projects turn up on my plate that have taken time away from it, but I plan to write the first issue of the new LS in the next couple of weeks.
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PAD
What are your thoughts on the Red Hulk storyline?
How about a Peter David-penned Star Wars novel?
James sez: What are your thoughts on the Red Hulk storyline?
Let’s kick it up a notch, what, PAD, are your thoughts regarding the Hulk, since the second run you did?
Also are you ever going to do a BID collection that covers the years between the ones covered in the 2 collections?
Pretty sure PAD’s mentioned he doesn’t read the Hulk books, because he’s too close to it.
I wanna pipe up that I’ve been waiting for a Peter David Star Wars novel since, like, the mid-90s. I think the best we got is Skippy the Jedi Droid from Star Wars Tales #1. However, Skippy totally rocks and I’ve mentally accepted that story as canon, so whenever I watch ep. 4 it’s like “Hey, it’s Skippy!”
Awwwwk! Now I’m getting a truly silly mental image of a STAR WARS sequence done to the theme from SKIPPY THE BUSH KANGAROO.
1) I’m glad Jeph finally did the reveal because I think it was starting to become dangerously close to getting past its shelf life. I think it’s also a sign of how skilled a writer he is, because if I did a storyline that went on for several years, I’d probably be hemorrhaging readers. He managed to keep it going.
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2) No plans to do “Star Wars.” I’ve had exactly one brush with dealing with LucasFilms and it was not a happy fun experience. So I don’t really see it happening.
Why would anyone try to smuggle sugar inside teddy bears? Could you really make a profit doing that? (Sorry. That’s been bugging me since 1985.)
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Are there any plans for a return of the Foreigner? I read a couple of stories by other writers in the ’90s, and they weren’t very good. I figure we need you to make him cool again. I know he’s not what people think of as an X-Factor villain, but there’s no reason he can’t be. And if you want, you could bring in Silver Sable, too.
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When does ‘My Fair Super Hero’ take place? (The main story, not the prologues.) I had just begun reading comic-books again when it came out, so I didn’t notice a problem then, but the first issue mentions Wanda going insane and killing people, but the last issue clearly states that the Avengers haven’t broken up, they still have their mansion, and Spider-Man has never been a member.
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Oh God, I really hope you’re not annoyed by questions like this. I sound like a stereotypical nerd fan, don’t I?
1) I’ve actually been kicking around in my head whether to bring the Foreigner back. I have an assassin storyline that I’m developing for X-Factor, but honestly, I didn’t think anyone remembered him, much less had any interest in seeing him return. Now I may really have to consider it.
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2) MFSH is kind of nebulous in terms of continuity.
I remember the Foreigner, and I also remember that neat trick you had him do where’s he’s able to hit Spider-Man by hypnotizing him for just a few seconds at a time.
I would LOVE to see the Foreigner again. And if you can work Silver Sable in there with their little thing…
You have my vote for the return of the Foreigner. He kinda got butchered in continuity, but I really liked the way you wrote him (i.e. “What If… James Bond was a Villain?” 🙂
Count me in for an interest in the Foreigner as well. He was tons of fun way back when you first wrote him.
I too would love to see the Foreigner return…
Btw, if anyone wants to read the previous five Q&A threads, they’re at the following:
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1. ANY QUESTIONS? August 26, 2003
.http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/000943.html
2. WHAT’CHA WANNA KNOW? October 21, 2003
.http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/000870.html
3. WHAT’CHA WANNA KNOW? November 26, 2003
.http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/000817.html
4. What’cha wanna know? June 20, 2006
.http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/004131.html
5. Q&A April 14, 2007
.http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/005313.html
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I compiled all the answers into an FAQ grouped by question category, so if anyone wants me to email it to them, just tell me where to send it. (Some of it is outdated, like questions about Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, or “Will you be writing The Dark Tower after the first miniseries?”, but most of it holds up.)
Between you and Corey, you guys have a clearer grasp on my life than I do.
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PAD
A while back, I realized Princess Entipy in “Sir Apropos of Nothing” and the New Thallon Protectorate in New Frontier had the same initials. So, what’s the deal with “N.T.P.”?
Purely coincidence. The Princess’s name had nothing to do with letters: it was a play on “Princess And the Pea.”
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PAD
hiya PAD, two-fer quickie’s here.
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1) Any chance of wrap-up/resolution to the exploded-head-undead Mysterio from FNSM, maybe in X-Factor somehwere, or are you just going to leave it to the Spidey guys? (Beck came back too recently, with little to no explanation, and with a non-exploded head)
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2) Any chance of a wrap up/resolution to Potato Moon? I quite dug it every time. To be honest, the ending right now is vaguely open ended but not a bad ending at all that kinda works.
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Coheed and Cambria rules!
Yeah, I’ve been wondering about Mysterio, too. But I figured it was up to the current Spider-team, since they’re the ones who contradicted you without explanation.
1) See, here’s the funny thing. The Mysterio storyline was originally supposed to be only two issues. I had convinced Marvel editorial to use Todd Nauck, because I’d loved working with him on “Young Justice,” but he wasn’t on Marvel’s radar. So they indulged me and dropped him in for the two issues. And the pages started coming in from the first issue, and I hadn’t written the second one yet (we were just trying to get ahead on the book and the Mysterio story was being done ahead of time.) So the editor called me and said, “My God, we just got in Todd’s first pages, and he’s ahead of schedule and they look great!” And I said, “Yeah, well, that’s Todd. And he’s going to keep doing that for as long as he’s on the book.”
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And the editor said, “Can you turn this into a three parter so we can had Todd do three issues instead?” I said, “Sure.” And I came up with the notion of bringing in the third Mysterio, the one from Hëll, who was basically supposed to be a foreshadowing of Mephisto’s interest in Spider-Man. Which, of course, no one picked up on because the fans didn’t know about “One More Day,” and then when they did find out, no one made the connection. As for Beck coming back,well, that’s not really a surprise since “Brand New Day” pretty much turned the series into “Anything Can Happen Day.”
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2) Here’s the problem. I went through six, count ’em, six contributors who were supposed to follow up on “Potato Moon.” And one after the other, they either said they didn’t have the time or they didn’t respond at all. So I got kind of fed up. I’m not sure what to do with it at this point.
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PAD
Well, why not just have Ariel and yourself write the ending as you originally planned? I actually think it was a really fun exercise that was going well early on, and I would like to do it again. Maybe you could just set a cutoff (first 50 respondents, or somesuch), and then do them every once in a while so everyone gets a chance.
I’d love to see a wrap-up chapter from you and Ariel also.
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BTW, writing that chapter in “Potato Moon” is what finally convinced me to start my novel. So thanks for that. (Whether the novel turns out to be any good is another matter — my science-fiction setting is already threatening to overwhelm the character-driven piece I’d originally planned, and I’m trying to push it back on course…)
Might be outside your jurisdiction, but regarding OMD, wouldn’t it have been so much simpler and made more sense to just have Spidey call in the favor that JMS had Loki owe him and then have Loki turn it around on him like trickster gods are want to do. It seemed like there was all that build up and then nothing ever came of it.
I just realised.. the Mysterio story was your first after the unmasking. So if One More Day was already planned, then the unmasking was never meant to stick and they were just toying with readers’ emotions from the beginning.
That’s just horrible. I remember how upset I was when I heard about the unmasking. I knew how completely unsuited Spidey is for a public identity and I thought they might be ruining the character forever. I’d already started buying back issues again and I’d been planning to check out some new stuff, but this news came very close to stopping me.
I only did finally decide to buy a Friendly issue because I heard you were writing it and that Deb Whitman would be in it. I only began trying other books gradually after that.
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(Don’t worry. I know you had nothing to do with the unmasking and stuff. You just had to go along with it. And you did a very good job of keeping the feel of Spider-Man going, despite the circumstances. Strazcynski, on the other hand, wrote decent stories that didn’t feel like Spider-Man in any way.)
Do you watch Venture Brothers or The Boondocks? What do you think of them?
Love “Venture Bros.” Watched “Boondocks” and enjoyed it at first, but stopped eventually.
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PAD
“Howling Mad” is one of my favorite books and I sought out “Otherwere” for over a year to read “Moonlight Becomes Her.” I was wondering if there was any progress on it being optioned for a movie. It seems like it would be difficult to translate to the big screen, is this something you’re concerned about?
I bought HOWLING MAD when it first came out after hearing Peter describe it at Shore Leave. I loved it, and have wanted a sequel for years. What is “Otherwere”–is that a sequel?
“Otherwere” is a short story collection about variations on the theme of were-transformations. One of the stories is the novella “Moonlight Becomes Her” which was indeed a sequel to “Howling Mad.”
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PAD
It was optioned for a while. The producers developed a script that they shopped which no one bought because the script wasn’t very good.
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PAD
Did you ever get a chance to read it? I personally think it would make a fantastic movie if it had the right script, but if this go around sucked, I suppose that’s kind of a relief, huh?
Yeah, I remember you telling the tale of Howling Mad In Development Hëll. You do a script, faithful to the story, and they want rewrites. You do rewrites. Haif a dozen drafts later, all that’s left is the title, and you wisely bail. That’s Hollywood for ya. Christopher Moore’s “Practical Demonkeeping” was optioned by Disney some years back, and it never got made either. Probably for similar reasons.
I’ve noted over my fifty-plus years that film industry people have to be rabid fanboys for anything decent to get done in sf and fantasy, and sometimes not even then. Joe Straczynski and Ron Howard are working on adapting the Lensman novels to film, but there’s a slim chance of them making it. First thing will be that someone compares Lensman to Star Wars, just like Pixar’s John Carter of Mars will be compared to Avatar. Just watch.
I would also like to know about the current status of “Fallen Angel.” It’s my favorite book at the moment and has been since the 8th issue of the DC run.
What were your thoughts on “Iron Man 2?” Did you enjoy it? If not, is that why you did not pen the novelization?
Also, do you know if “Howling Mad” is ever going to see a new printing? I’d love to read it.
1) See above on “Fallen Angel.”
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2) I loved “Iron Man 2.” As for why I didn’t do the book: Funny story. I was supposed to. Signed a contract and everything. Then the publisher canceled the contract because Marvel insisted that, out of security concerns, I should come into the office and hand write a transcript of the screenplay and I said no way in hëll. I’ve wanted to get in touch with the guy who actually wound up writing the novelization and ask him if he did indeed go into the office and do it all by hand, but he never responded to my email queries.
PAD sez: Then the publisher canceled the contract because Marvel insisted that, out of security concerns, I should come into the office and hand write a transcript of the screenplay and I said no way in hëll.
Hand-write?!? On Incredible Hulk’s adaptation they let you bring a laptop! What was their excuse as to why you would have had to go very old-school?
Quick Question, will you be attending Dragon Con? Thanks!
That’s the current plan.
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PAD
The video game “City of Heroes” has a feature called the Architect which lets people write their own missions.
In conjunction with this, they have a “Guest Author Program”. Many writers like Scott Kurtz, Bill Willingham, and Mercedes Sheldon have worked with them to put their characters into the game. My question is, if City of Heroes ever approached you, would this prospect interest you? Might be cool to see Fallen Angel or Sachs and Violens in other media, especially if you wrote it. 🙂
Also video game related, howd it make you feel seeing Spidey 2099 get his own section in the new Spidey game? Also will you play it?
I think that’s beyond cool, that Spider 2099 is going to be in the video game. Can’t wait.
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PAD
Depending on the contract and rights involved, sure, it sounds like it could be fun.
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PAD
hi ,what do you think about Turkey (country) ? what do you think about the ateists and richard dawkings? what dou you think about tv series “good guys”? what dou you think about Star trek enterprise tv series?
1) Don’t have any strong feelings about Turkey, although I love their taffy.
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2) I haven’t read any of Dawkins’ work, but he makes people think, and that’s a good thing.
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3) Really like “The Good Guys.” I’m a fan of Whitford’s from “West Wing” and it’s great seeing him in such a new character.
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4) I think “Enterprise” had a ton of potential that was never realized.
In addition to wanting to know when next we’ll see a new issue of Fallen Angel, I’m also curious if there is any news about SoulSearchers and Co. And as long as it it’s free to ask, have you and ComicMix/Jim Starlin discussed doing anything with Dreadstar? I suspect most of the answers may have to do with your Marvel contract, but I’d dearly love to see any of these return soon.
(Do you have any idea how often I bug Evanier about bringing Mighty Magnor back?)
I keep hearing rumblings about Soulsearchers on line, but nothing’s happened with it. And no, I haven’t discussed “Dreadstar” with Jim anytime recently.
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PAD
Any idea when the next New Frontier book comes out and how many more you have in you?
Spring of next year.
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PAD
Any chance at a hint? Title? How tied in to the whole Destiny thing are you? By the way I loved your last ST book, any plans for anything else in the verse?
Any idea when the next New Frontier book comes out and how many more you might write?
How many Madri (Madroxes) does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Four: One to actually change it, and three to decide which kind of bulb they should use.
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PAD
The Marvel app is popular on itunes and DC comics apparently just released their own app (with free samples and at least one day-and-date release, from what I hear). What do you think about this recent trend in digital comics distribution? What do you think if Madrox or X-Factor were released on the Marvel App?
I think that anything that gets people reading, or keeps them reading, comic books is a good thing. And I’d be thrilled if Madrox or X-Factor got that kind of exposure.
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PAD
Thank you for answering my question. And thank you for such a great series. X-Factor is what drew me back into reading comic books. 🙂
Would you ever consider contributing to City of Heroes’ “Guest Author Program”?
I’m not familiar with it.
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PAD
That’s fair. 🙂
Keep up the good work!
I asked first! lol
Hi Peter,
I know its best to go forward without too much looking back but would you ever consider doing an ‘Incredible Hulk Forever’ book (a la what claremont and Simonson are doing on X-Men/X-Factor) and pick up at the point where you left in ’98. Even just a miniseries for fun to show to go into a bit more detail about what you hinted at in Hulk 467.
I would freaking LOVE to do a “Hulk Forever” book.
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PAD
that would be incredible!
I’d buy it without a moment’s hesitation!
Oh, please please please! I don’t think there is anything that anyone could do in comics that would excite me more. Except also give you control of Spider-Man. But HULK FOREVER is an absolute MUST.
Is it even a possibility with current Marvel editorial?
1. Am I mistaken, or is X-Factor the only ongoing book you’re working on right now? Will there be more in the near future?
2. With Spidey 2099 a major player in a much-hyped video game, do you see yourself potentially returning to the character in a new series or mini-series?
3. A Hulk Forever book would be awesome, but it wouldn’t be the same without a bunch of obligatory crossover tie-ins derailing the plot. How would you pull this off?
1. Am I mistaken, or is X-Factor the only ongoing book you’re working on right now? Will there be more in the near future?
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X-Factor and Dark Tower.
2. With Spidey 2099 a major player in a much-hyped video game, do you see yourself potentially returning to the character in a new series or mini-series?
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There’s always potential. If Marvel wanted me to do it, I’d love to.
3. A Hulk Forever book would be awesome, but it wouldn’t be the same without a bunch of obligatory crossover tie-ins derailing the plot. How would you pull this off?
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By not doing it.
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PAD
I’d love if you did a Hulk Forever Book. I always wanted to see where you were going with the story. You had single-handedly kept me reading comics during the 90’s debacle of endless foil covers.
Oh my sweet Lord, I would LOVE a “Hulk Forever” book. I haven’t enjoyed the Hulk since you left the book (apart from the odd issue/appearance), and that would get me right where I live. If anybody at Marvel reads this, PLEASE make this happen!
A “Hulk Forever” or “Spidey 2099 Forever” would be a dream to read!
Why are you so awesome?
It’s a blessing. And a curse.
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PAD
Peter:
How do you feel about the growing trend to revive the pulp genre for a modern audience?
Between Pro Se Productions, Airship 27, DC’s First Wave, and now Moonstone Comics, it seems like readers have a great time ahead of them.
I love the old pulp magazines, and it’s great to see a whole new audience for them.
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PAD
I just saw that a new frontier book is scheduled for early next year… How far do you develop the story line in advance, and who in the publishing world should we yell at for their slow release rate?
It’s no one in the publishing world; it’s the approvals process that’s out of Pocket’s hands.
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PAD
What’s the single best piece of writing advice you’ve gotten that’s gotten you though a tough spot with one of your projects?
Don’t take rejection personally.
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PAD
Where do you see the comics industry in 5 years?
Selling fewer books than they were five years before.
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PAD
This one should blow your mind…
What question do you most want to be asked by someone? (Keep in mind, I’m *not* asking the question, only asking what the question would be. If no one after me asks your answer, that’s just mean.)
Peter David, you’ve just won $100 million dollars! What are you gonna do now?
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PAD
So, what would you do then?
And, in a kind of similar vein, if you and Kathleen ever found yourselves in the “Cash Cab,” who would have final say on the answers?
I’d reopen the Adventurers Club for a private party at Disney World.
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As for “Cash Cab,” it would depend upon who was sitting on the chair nearest the door. That’s the way the game is set up.
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PAD
I could’ve asked that question better. This week, I’ve been staying home to withdraw from an anti-depression prescription I’ve been taking for 25 years. (Doctor’s orders.) I know the person nearest the door gets the final answer. But who would be the one to decide the final answer most often, regardless of if they were in the chair or not?
I love seeing how different your answers to the same questions are from one Q&A thread to the next. Asked in 2003 what you thought the state of the comics industry would be ten years hence, you responded, “What am I, Kreskin?”, but when asked about it five years hence in June 2010, you said, “Selling fewer books than they were five years before.” This means one of or some combination of the following:
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A. Your precognitive powers are getting stronger
B. You think a pessimistic forecast is a surer bet than an optimistic one
C. You’re a five-year-in-advance Kreskin, just not a ten-year-in-advance one.
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Similarly, being asked which question you’d like to be asked in 2006, you replied, “What was Kim Basinger like in bed?”, but now you envision it to be a follow-up to winning the lottery. This means that you got less horny and more greedy within the intervening four years. 🙂
I’d also like to know what the status is on Fallen Angel. And how well the move from a monthly book to an occasional set of miniseries (well, one so far) has gone. I hope it’s proven to be the right decision.
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I’m also interested in reading PAD’s thoughts about the current season of Doctor Who. Myself? I’ve seen 12 of the 13 episodes comprising this season. I liked them. And Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are doing great as the Doctor and Amy.
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Rick
What recent Marvel or DC stuff have you been reading?
The X-Books, the Spidey books, whatever catches my eye from DC.
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PAD
Follow-up; has there been any particular recent ASM story you really liked?
The recent stories with the Vulture.
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PAD
At whom should I yell about stepping up the release schedule on the Hulk Visionaries trades?
I don’t know that yelling does any good. I suppose you look at the credits in the book, see who’s overseeing the editing on it, and write to them.
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PAD
I was playing Star Trek Online for a bit and saw Captain Mackenzie in there. Did you know they were putting him in?
In advance? No. I found out about it after the fact.
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PAD
You’ve done stories/novels for Kolchak and Babylon 5: both of which have strong, though small, fan bases. Are there any other franchises you’d like to write for that are of a similar ilk? (P.S. Thanks for signing my B5 novels at last year’s ComicCon!)
“Pushing Daisies” and “Eli Stone.”
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PAD
Are there any TV or film projects that you’re currently working on? Also, what current TV show would you like to submit a script to?
Most of them, I can’t talk about. I can tell you that I’ve written a second episode for “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” and am going to be doing a third.
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PAD
OOOPs! I should have known that there’s a non-disclosure rule regarding pending TV & Film projects. Sorry. My bad. Thanks for the info on “Ben 10.” I’ll go to IMDB and keep a lookout them.
Hi PAD,
Thank you for giving us this opportunity. I don’t recall in what context but I seem to remember you advising prospective writers to “read”. And not just comic books – read everything! I’m sure you subscribe to this mantra yourself but, given your writing output – seriously – when do you find the time to read? May I ask if you set time aside for both, or do you work at one until you need a break then retire to the other? Cheers.
It’s more like I grab the chance whenever I can. Popular reading time is when I’m working out on the elliptical machine at the gym.
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PAD
Good morning, Mr. David.
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Amazon says you’re a contributor to a collection of holiday-themed Ghostbusters stories from IDW. Is it the Halloween one, which has yet to be solicited on its own, or was your name included by mistake? If you’ve really written an adventure featuring characters from one of my favorite movies, I can’t wait to read it.
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If two questions are permitted, will you be continuing your collaboration with Claudio Sanchez after the current Amory Wars maxi-series concludes?
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Thank you.
It’s the Halloween one, yes. Kathleen and I are writing it together, actually. The title is “What in Samhain is Going on?” As for continuing to work with Claudio, I sure hope so. I’m having a ball working on these projects.
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PAD
Since I can’t tell you that you won $100 million and ask what you’ll do next (nice answer, BTW), here are three related questions (related to each other, not to your mythical winnings):
1) What are your favorite and least favorite costumes from comic books?
2) What are your favorite and least favorite costumes from comic book-based movies?
3) What is your favorite homemade costume you’ve seen a fan wearing? (I’m skipping “least favorite” here due to the plethora of lousy homemade costumes.)
1) Favorite? Spider-Man. Elegant. Classic. Least favorite costume? That’s easy: That dumb-ášš Roman gladiator look they came up with for Aquaman. It was like Namor’s closet exploded. I hated it at the time and was totally ignored.
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2) The Superman costume. More specifically, Chris Reeve in the Superman costume. Least favorite? Halle Berry’s Catwoman costume.
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3) Well, favorite would probably be the girl who was dressed as “Fallen Angel,” for obvious reasons. And there was a girl dressed as Layla Miller down in Uruguay. In terms of characters I haven’t worked on, I remember one Dragon*Con where I saw five girls in the lobby all dressed in Princess Leia slave girl outfits having a pillow fight. All I could think was, My God, I had this dream when I was in my twenties.
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PAD
Will you be getting an iPhone 4? Why or why not?
I have a Garmin phone and am perfectly happy with that. And my wife and daughter,both of whom have iPhones, have made no noises about wanting to upgrade, which is fine by me.
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PAD
Which daughter? Don’t tell me a 7-year-old’s already got an iPhone…
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TWL
Hi Mr David.
1) Did you enjoy writing “The Amazing Spider-Man: As the World Burns” for TSR? Any interesting anecdotes about how it came into being?
2) Would you ever consider using Death’s Head in a book, after his mini resurgence via Cornell’s “Captain Britain,” and Kieron Gillen’s “SWORD?”
3) Did you enjoy the first half of JMS’s run on “Amazing Spider-Man,” up until the resolution of the Ezekiel storyline?
Thanks.
1) Oh God, that was a nightmare. My living room floor was completely covered with index cards. Never again.
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2) No plans for Death’s Head.
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3) I liked most of what Joe did on ASM.
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PAD
Following up on an earlier question…
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I’ve been trying to track down a copy of “Otherwere” for years. Are there any plans for another means of distributing your story from that collection?
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–Daryl
Not currently, although I’d love to see Ace go back to press with the first book and include the novella so we’ve got the whole thing in one package.
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PAD
That would be great, if it were to happen.
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I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to buying a third copy to support the work. And, natch, to get the short.
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I bought it when it first came out, then a couple of years ago, came across a large supply of them in great condition at Half Price Books, and got a second one…just to do so. I know that you don’t get a cut from a purchase on the secondary market like that, but in the event my original copy falls apart, I’ve got a back-up.
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–Daryl
Do you have plans to write again the characters you introduced in Incredible Hulk, like Atalanta & the Pantheon (back in Prince of Power!), Atalanta, the Troyjan or Atalanta ?
Or is there at least a possibility you use Atal.. I mean, them again in the future?
Thank you
Well, if we ever do “Hulk Forever,” you can be sure they’ll show up there.
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PAD
Oh dear, I’m getting all excited for something that might not even happen.
Mr David,
Which comic story are you most proud of writing? Who is your favourite comic writer just now? What character would you love to write?
(and if you get a chance to check out my site…whaddya think of my songs?)
regards
Gary
1) Single story? Probably “Future Imperfect.” Limited series would be “Atlantis Chronicles,” and ongoing would be “Fallen Angel.”
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2) I don’t have one single favorite. I have a few I like: Dan Slott; Marc Guggenheim, Ed Brubaker, Brian Bendis. Neil, of course when he does comics.
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3) I’d love to write “Doc Savage,” but since DC picked him up, that won’t be happening anytime soon.
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PAD
Just a quick question, I’ve been an avid Monet st. croix fan since she came out back in the late 90’s. Now I’m enjoying your run on x-factor….1 problem…..Monet has become a white woman? what happened? continuity error, retcon?
if its the colorist he/she needs to be fired because that chick currently in X-factor with the turquoise eyes is a slap in the face to what she was originally!
other question Monet has a mutant brother and two younger mutant sisters any chance they may make an appearance soon?
Monet has alot of baggage and as A fan I’m well past my due date waiting for things to turn around.
Thanks PD and yeah I rant alot but I will still buy X-factor 😛
1) For some reason the colorist made her pale for a while there. So we’ve been progressively making her skin darker and darker and we’re STILL getting complaints from fans asking why she’s white. I’m starting to think we could make her as dark as Storm and people would be complaining.
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2) No plans to bring her siblings back at the moment.
As someone who’s gotten into X-Factor only since the MadroX limited series, I can honestly say that I hadn’t given a second thought to the idea that Monet was French-white–to me, that’s just how she looks! I just Wikipedia’ed her, and I’m still not clear on exactly how she’s supposed to look!
FYI: Emplate recently appeared in X-Men: Legacy (#s 228-230).
PAD-
Surely, you can’t be serious…
-Rob
I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.
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PAD
Mr. David,
Long time lurker, few time poster.
Is there anything new to report on the Sir Apropos front?
I know you can’t do new novels at the moment, but what about more short stories?
I got to thinking about this because of Michael Stackpole’s “Chain Story” project.
I wish there were. Pocket Books keeps reprinting the first book so they still have rights to the series, and they keep making noises about wanting to do more books, but they’ve been doing that dance for three years now and it doesn’t seem to get any closer.
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Yes, I can do more short stories, and I may well do that.
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PAD
(1) Besides John Maddox, are there any more of Jamie’s distance learning dupes still lurking or has he called them all in?
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(2) Should I be excited about this Mets season yet? They’ve broken my heart so many times before…
1) John’s the only one still running around, at least in present day.
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2) A true Mets fan never gets excited. We have, at most, guarded enthusiasm.
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PAD
1) Thanks for the confirmation and the vague hint at the possibility for more Cortex stories (if I’m reading between the lines correctly).
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2) Ah, yes; I suppose I should have known that. I fear my exile in Pittsburgh has changed me more than I thought. In my defense, just about anything seems exciting compared to the local baseball product.
Of the comics you’ve written for long stretches, like Hulk or X-Factor, what are your favorite stories,charecter ideas, or plot twists by writers who came before or after you?
My favorite of all time on “Hulk” was way back in the original issue #6 where Banner transformed into the Hulk but still had Banner’s head. It was just such a demented visual that it formed the underpinning for the entire concept of the merged Hulk.
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PAD
ah yes – lucky Banner just happened to have made a cast of Hulk’s head that he was able to use as a disguise!
Wow, i would never have seen that as the start of the merge idea – but it’s so clear now!
Thanks 🙂
Sorry if someone’s already asked this but:
What made you want to become a writer? For me, I spent most of my childhood living in my head – living being the word here – that all my ideas kind of spilled over onto paper.
And because it’s been a while since I’ve asked this question, so I’m hoping there’s someone that knows what’s going on…
Does anyone know the fate of Pyro? It’s really bugging me and I was wondering (hoping) if you could get someone to ask around? Maybe?
My dad. He was a working reporter and that instilled the love of writing inme.
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Pyro? I know he was resurrected, but beyond that, I don’t know what plans there are for him, if any.
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PAD
Makes sense, I blame my parents for inspiring my warped sense of humor.
Hmm, no-one really knows what everyone else is doing, do they? Thank you. 🙂
Have you ever read John Vornholt’s Trek novels? Thoughts?
One of ’em, a long time ago. I liked it at the time.
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PAD
How much better was the money in the 90’s boom vs. today? Not specific dollars, but twice as good? about the same?
It was more crinkly back then.
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PAD
If you could do one of the 4-issue Marvel Noir mini-serieses, which character would you most want to do?
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On a scale of 1 to 10, what do you think the likelihood is that you would get to do it?
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Theno
Spidey Noir.
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APD